A27548	----	A dreadful account of a most terrible earthquake which lately happened in Italy wherein thirty seven great cities and towns were totally destroy'd, and one hundred and twenty thousand of men, women, and children perished, 8c. : in a letter / from the consul of Messina's secretary. W. B. 1693 Approx. 5 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 1 1-bit group-IV TIFF page image. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2009-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A27548 Wing B207B ESTC R38565 17762428 ocm 17762428 106601 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A27548) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 106601) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1626:39) A dreadful account of a most terrible earthquake which lately happened in Italy wherein thirty seven great cities and towns were totally destroy'd, and one hundred and twenty thousand of men, women, and children perished, 8c. : in a letter / from the consul of Messina's secretary. W. B. 1 broadside. Printed by W. Downing ..., London : 1693. Signed at end: W.B. Reproduction of original in the Harvard University Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Earthquakes -- Italy. Natural disasters -- Italy. Italy -- History -- 17th century. 2008-07 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2008-09 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-10 John Pas Sampled and proofread 2008-10 John Pas Text and markup reviewed and edited 2009-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A Dreadful Account of a most Terrible Earthquake , Which lately happened in ITALY , Wherein Thirty Seven great Cities and Towns were totally Destroy'd , and One Hundred and Twenty Thousand of Men , Women , and Children Perished , &c. In a Letter from the Consul of Messina's Secretary . Loving Brother , THE Subject of my present Writing carries that Horrour and Amazement , as puts a Trembling into the very Hand that guides the Pen : The sad Relation I have to make you , perhaps hath not hitherto been equalled in any Records or History of the World , and I hope never will , the Calamity indeed being unexpressable . 'T is true , we have had very melancholy Narratives of the late Dismal Earthquakes in Jamaica ; but , alass , that Visitation has been infinitely Inferior to the much severer Hand of Heaven felt amongst us in this Part of the World. As to the Earthquakes that gave you some small Fright in England and Flanders , those were so inconsiderable , as to be scarce Shadows , little more than a Name . For Instance , at a City call'd Cattana about 60 Miles from Rome , and not far from the Mount Aetna , on the first Instant there happened an Earthquake so Violent , that not one House has been left standing in the whole City , but , together with the Churches and Covents of Fryers and Nuns , all levelled to the Ground , and buried in one Heap of Rubbish , in which near 20 Thousand People perished , there remaining not above 1500 Souls alive , and those not all intirely Escaping , for above one third of the Number were either miserably Torn and Mangled , or otherwise Hurt and Damaged . The City Seragusa Angusta has participated in the like bitter Vial of God's Judgment , being in like manner intirely and utterly Destroyed , with an equal Fatality and Destruction of the miserable Inhabitants , having only Five Hundred and odd People saved out of above 22000. A great many other Town and Villages have proportionably groaned under the same destroying Vengeance : Nay , the very Rocks throughout the whole Island have been all Torn in sunder , and such dismal Marks are left behind , that the whole Face of the Country is little less than one continued Chaos and Confusion . In fine , it is altogether so hideous a Scene , that no Words can express nor Pen describe it . To sum up our general Misery and Desolation , the greatest part of those Remains of us , that God in his particular Mercy has been pleased to Spare , are forced to lie abroad out of the Towns and Cities ( as no longer capable to shelter them ) in Hutts and Booths somewhat like your Bartholomew Fair. But in all these deplorable Objects before our Eyes , and the still frightful Remembrance behind us , we have Reason to bless God that the least Portion of this Misery fell to our Share in this City Messina , compared with the more hideous Ruines and suffering Neighbours round about us ; for we had that particular Providence to have only about 40 Houses intirely destroyed , and about 30 People Killed , though indeed we have scarce a House in the whole Town that has not in some Measure been Shattered and Torn . After the Violence of our Consternation was so far abated , as to give us leave to examine and compute the universal Loss , we have had a List of 37 Cities and Towns which have been wholly Ruined by this Earthquake , and above 120000 People perish'd ; besides several Thousands al Languishing , Maimed and Cripples . But to quit so deplorable a Theme , and Return Thanks to Heaven for my own Preservation , Il shall conclude , by telling you , that God willing , I shall be very speedily with you , this whole Island being now so ruined a Place , that I shall esteem my self Happy in my Deliverance from so Dismal and Desolate a Wilderness , &c. Messina , Jan. 20. 1692 / 3. In Italy . Your ever Loving Brother W. B. POSTSCIPT . THis abovesaid Account was sent in a Letter , from the Secretary to Mr. Thomas Chamberlin , Consul for Their Majesties of Great Britain at Messina . And if any Person desires any further Satisfaction , let him Repair to the Printer of this Relation , in whose Hands is the Original Letter . London , Printed by W. Downing in Great St. Bartholomew-Close , 1693. 
A26310	----	A new journal of Italy containing what is most remarkable of the antiquities of Rome, Savoy and Naples : with observations made upon the strength, beauty and scituation [sic] of some other towns and forts in by William Acton. Acton, William. 1691 Approx. 95 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 43 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2006-06 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A26310 Wing A452A ESTC R28076 10390242 ocm 10390242 44934 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A26310) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 44934) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1372:4) A new journal of Italy containing what is most remarkable of the antiquities of Rome, Savoy and Naples : with observations made upon the strength, beauty and scituation [sic] of some other towns and forts in by William Acton. Acton, William. [5], 78 p. Printed for R. Baldwin, London : 1691. Reproduction of original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Italy -- Description and travel. Italy -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800. Italy -- Antiquities. 2006-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-02 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-03 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2006-03 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion A New JOURNAL OF ITALY , Containing What is Most Remarkable OF THE ANTIQUITIES OF ROME , SAVOY AND NAPLES . WITH OBSERVATIONS Made upon the Strength , Beauty , and Scituation of some other Towns and Forts in Italy , and the Distance from Place to Place ; Together with the best Painting , Carving , and Limning , and some other both Natural and Artificial Curiosities taken notice of , By William Acton . LONDON , Printed for R. Baldwin , near the Oxford Arms in Warwick-Lane . 1691. TO My Worthy and Most Respected Friend and Master EDWARD HARVEY , OF Comb Nevil in the County of Surry , Esquire . Worthy Sir , AS I had the honour to wait up-you in your Travels to Rome , so I had the oppotunity of making some Remarks in our way thither , and from thence to Naples ; where the Antiquities are not less curious than what you saw in Rome it self ; which I here humbly present you with a review of in a piece of prospective : Which , though it be done by an ill hand , yet it may help to Commemorate to you most of the Remarkable Things you took notice of when you was there . I had not room in this small Tract to mention any thing of Politicks , or Constitution of Governments in any of these Princes Courts or Republicks that we passed through , having no design at present but to point out to you the way you Travelled , and the Distance from Place to Place , with Observations made of the Antiquities of Rome , Naples , and other Places ; together with the Strength , Beauty and Scituation of some other Towns and Forts in Italy ; the best Painting , Carving , and Limning , and some other both Natural and Artificial Curiosities , which you your self took such particular Notice of , that they cannot but remain still fresh in your Memory : However I have made bold to present you with this Poor Assistance , which may serve instead of a Lame Antiquary , if peradventure you should meet with any private Inducement , or Obligation of Publick Trust , to carry you again into those Parts . Sir , you will meet with neither Polishing nor Trimming in it , but the same Plain Dress it had on when you saw it first , which I humbly beg of you to take a review of , and to give me the Assistance of your Memory whereinsoever you shall find me deficient ; And in so doing you will add to your Former Obligations a Remarkable Favour never to to be forgot by , Sir , Your Most Sincere , and Most Faithful Servant , W. A. A New JOVRNAL FROM GENEVE TO ROME And from thence to NAPLES . SIR , You may well remember when you left England and went to Paris in France , there to carry on that Noble Education you Commenced at home , you entred your self in one of the best Academies , and there continued near Two Years and an Half ; from whence , after a more than ordinary Improvement in the Liberal Arts and Sciences , and other the Studies and Exercises of that Place ; your Genius led you to make a farther Progress in your Travels ; And then you left Paris , and set forward by the way of Lyons for Geneve , where after you had passed some time you resolved to go for Italy ; so that taking your leave of Geneve , you came to a little Town called Remille in Savoy , seven Leagues from Geneve , where we lay the first night ; within three Leagues of this Town lies the Lake of Ansi and Town so called . The 18 th . we came to Chambery , five leagues from Romillie ; it is the Principal Town in Savoy , and where the Duke of Savoy formerly kept his Court , where we staid Dinner , and the same night lay at Montmillian , two leagues from Chambery , where we took notice of the Fortress or Castle of Montmillian , It is partly built upon , and partly hewed out of a Rock , esteemed the strongest that belongs to the Duke of Savoy . Lewis the 13 th , King of France , lay 13 months before it , in which time ( from three Batteries , whereof one was on the further side of the River Isere , the other two on this side ) he shot into the Fort above Ten Thousand Cannon Bullets , and sprang Two Mines , all which not answering his Expectations , and finding himself unable to take it , although he had taken the Town that joyns to the Fort , concludes a Peace and raises the Seige . From Montmillian we came to St. Michel , thirteen leagues all along upon the River Isere , or rather Arche , because it only bears the name of Isere near to Montmillian , where we lay the 29 th . The Thirtieth we came to dinner to Breamant , five Leagues more , and from thence to Landbourg , where we lay that night , being two leagues from Bramont , still upon the River Are. Oct. 1. we hired Mules to carry us up the Alps by the way of Mount Senis , and came to Ramasse being one league , from thence to the great Cross two leagues more , which is the highest part of the Mountain that you go over , from whence we came to Bossoline to dinner , which is about 12 miles more , from thence to Villiane eight miles , where we lay that night . And the 2d ▪ of Oct. we came to Turin , being about ten or twelve miles from Villiane . At Turin we saw the Duke and Dutchess of Savoy , and the Princess his Sister , that shoots flying so well ; we took a view of the Dukes Lodgings , and the fine Gallery of Pictures , the black marble Chappel that had been so many years a building , and not finished when we saw it , is one of the finest things in Turin ; we saw the Church where they say is kept the winding Sheet of our Saviour Christ , besides several other fine Churches : Especially that of St. Francis , in which there is a most noble Altar . One of the seven days we stayed here , I hapned , in my ramble about the Town to go into a Church , where I heard a great deal of good singing by Eunuchs , and very good musick ; which being ended , I found by the Peoples gazing and staring , earnestly to one part of the Church , that there was something more to come , which was as follows ; from a corner of the Church , out of some Chappel , or Vestry , there came a great many people with great wax lights in their hands , after them followed one of the religious men of that place , with a great silver Cross , then followed all the rest of the religious men singing , after them came four Trumpets sounding , then the Image of the V. Mary followed , being carried upon a frame by four lusty Fellows , like Porters , in blue Frocks : The figure was about the bigness of an ordinary woman , carved out of wood , and very richly dressed , painted and curled ; wearing uppermost a long Robe of Cloth of Silver , with a Crown on her head ; in her arms she carried a little Image , well carved and finely dressed , like a little boy , which represented the Saviour , holding between his hands a pair of Beads ; as this Image passed through the middle alley of the Church , all the people that could come near it touched it with their Beads , and those that could not come near , by reason of the press , handed their Beads from one to another that they might touch her Garment , from whence undoubtedly they did believe , proceeded great Virtue : After they came out of the Church it was carried in Procession through part of the City , the Trumpets sounding before , and all people meeting it , or going with it , by kneeling , bowing and crossing themselves , paid an adoration to it ; to my great Astonishment . About five miles from Turin there is a house of the Duke of Savoys , called the Venere , very curious for Painting , Pictures and Waterworks ; in the Gardens there is several sort of Fowl , worth taking notice of . About a mile from Turin , upon the side of a Hill , there is a fine Convent of Capusin Friers ; and a fine house called the Valentine , about half a mile from Turin , upon the River Po : It was built by Madam Royall , the Duke of Savoys Mother , and Sister to Lewis XIII . King of France . The new Fortifications that the Duke is making about Turin , being all of Brick , consisting only of Bastions and Curtains , are worth your observation . The 9 th . of Oct. we left Turin , and went to Villeneufe , a little Garrison of Fourscore men , ten miles from Turin , where we dined . The Garrison observing us to be ten or twelve Horsemen in company , would not let above two at a time come into the Town . From this town we went to Aste ten miles more , it being the last town that way belonging to the Duke of Savoy , in Piedmont ; it is indifferently well fortified , and hath four Regiments of Souldiers in it . From Aste we came the 11 th ▪ of Oct. to Alexandria , a great Garrison of the King of Spain in Milonoise , twenty miles from Aste , from whence the same night we arrived at Voltaggio , two and twenty miles more , where we were forced by tempestuous weather , of Rain , Wind , Thunder and Hail ; which did considerable damage in those parts , to stay till the 13 th , and then set out for Genoua , where we arrived that night , being twenty miles from Voltaggio . In Genoua we saw a great many Churches , very rich , and their structures very noble , being most of them within side crusted with Marble , and Marble Pillars ; we saw several Noblemens Pallaces , but in particular , that of Seignior Dalbi , where amongst other fine things , there is a Looking-glass valued at sixty thousand Crowns ; we saw the Doge , and his Pallace , with the Armory , and what else was most considerable . Tuesday the 16 th . we went from Genoua by Sea , in Barks , small Vessels so called , that row with four Oars ; and lay the first night at a place on the Sea shore called Ceste , being thirty miles . The 17 th . we took our Barks again , and went by Sea to Lerish , thirty Miles more , where we lay the next day , the weather being bad at Sea we quitted our Vessels , and hired Horses ; and the first night lay at Santa Pietra , twenty Miles , and thence to Luca sixteen Miles , where we lay Friday the 19 th . and saw several fine Churches , in particular , that of St. Frediano , where we saw the Coffin that Richard the Third , King of England was buried in as he went a Pilgrim to Rome . In St. Augustins Church they shewed us a place , where a fellow having lost all his money at Cards , and afterwards having play'd away all the Cloaths he had from his back , in a great rage began to curse and to swear , and taking up a Stone , in that mad fit threw it against the Image of the Virgin Mary , from whence immediately the blood gushed out , upon which the ground opened and swallowed him up alive . This story they report to you for a great truth . In another Church they pretend to shew you the first Cross or Crucifix that ever was made after the Crucifixion of our Saviour , and tell you the Story thus , that Nicodemus having undertaken the business , and shaping his work in figure like to a man , had finished the Crucifix save only the Head , which so puzzled him , that he was not able to go forward with it : In the mean time , being wearied with contriving that part of it , but without success , fell asleep , and after some time being awakened from sleep , he found a Head by him sent from Heaven , which he fixed to the rest of his work , and so finished the Crucifix ▪ It is all beset with Pearls , Diamonds , and other Precious Stones , wonderful rich : We saw the Armory , where they say is Arms sufficient for twenty five thousand men . The fortifications of the Town , which is very strong , consists of eleven Bastions , a Lorillion or ear-fashion , with Half-moons upon the Curtins : there is planted upon every Bastion sixteen pieces of Cannon . The 20th of October we went from Luca to Pisa , ten miles , where we dined : We saw there the Dome or Cathedral Church , of which the four great doors are all of Copper , containing the History of the four Evangelists , represented by Figures ; hard by this Church , we saw in a kind of Tower , or such like place , where all the Children are baptized , and where there is the finest Echo that ever was heard , and in it a Pulpit of Marble that came from Armenia , so finely carved that the value of it is inestimable . Hard by this you see the Leaning Tower , so built , to the admiration of all that see it , for it hangs over so much , that one would think it must needs sall , and yet it is believed to stand as strong as if it had been built upright ; so great was the Ingenuity of the Architect . Near the great Church are the Cloysters to be seen , where upon the walls is painted the History of the Bible : And in the middle of the Cloysters , upon the right and left hand , there are two little square Courts , all of holy Earth , they say brought from Jerusalem , wherein if you interr a body , all shall consume to the Bones in four and twenty hours time . From Pisa the same day we went to Leghorne , where the only thing worth taking notice of is the Mould , where the Shipping rides safe : The Town is fortified with Bastions and large Ditches . We went out of curiosity and saw the Jews Synagogue in the time of their Devotions . Tuesday the 23d of October we went from Leghorne and came again to Pisa , where we dined , and after dinner went and saw the Physick-garden of the Great Duke of Florence , in which there is a Gallery furnished with abundance of Curiosities ; whereof one that I took notice of was the Scull of a Man or Woman , with a great piece of Coral growing to it ; and also a small Anchor with several pieces of Coral naturally fixed to it ; both which things were so found in the Sea. We went the same night to la Scala , a great Inn so called , where we lay , being thirty six miles from Leghorne , and half way between Pisa and Florence . The next day being the 24th of October , we arriv'd at Florence , 20 miles from la Scala , where we saw the Chappel of St. Laurence , esteemed the finest of the whole World , for the inside of it is all Precious Stones , and the Arms of every City belonging to the Great Duke are all of Precious stone inlaid , round about the Chappel ; within side there is likewise the Statues of all the great Dukes cut out in marble . First Francis , then Cosmus the I. and Ferdinandus I. Cosmus II. Ferdinandus II. and Cosmus at present , Third of the name , and Sixth great Duke . From this Chappel we went to the Dome or Cathedral Church , with the Tower by it , whereof all the outside is finely wrought with Marble of divers Colours ; we saw the great Dukes Pallace and Gardens , in which there is a great many fine Waterworks : The finest thing in Florence is the Gallery of rich Cabinets , and the Chamber where there is all sort of curious Arms ; there is a long barrel of a Gun all of massy Gold , and several other great curiosities ; we saw the Dukes Armory , the wild Beasts , and some fine houses out of Town , where there is fine Painting and Waterworks , chiefly in that of the great Dukes , called Pratilin , six Miles from Florence , we saw besides abundance of fine Churches . November the First we went from Florence to Pongebouce 22 miles where we lay . The next day we came to Dinner to Siena , 16 miles : It is a Town belonging to the Great Duke , almost as big as Florence , where we saw the Great Church , whereof the Pavement is the finest in Christendom ; and the Library with its Pavement , deserves to be taken notice of : From hence we went to Torriniere 18 miles where we lay . The next day , being the 3 d of November , we lay at Aquapendente 29 miles , from whence we came , and dined , the next day being Sunday at Montefiatsco , Fifteen miles , where in a little old Church , under ground , we saw the Tomb of a German Bishop , who , they say , killed himself with drinking to excess the Wine of that place : The story runs thus , That the Bishop travelling with his retinue to Rome , sent one of his Servants before upon the Road to find out the best Wine , with a strict Command to write EST upon the Sign , where the Wine was best ; which accordingly he did , and at the first place where he found the Wine to be good writ EST , which , when the Bishop saw , concluding the Wine to be very good he stopped , and with all his Company went in and remained there till he had had his fill of the Wine ; then he went forward , his Servant the Purveyor , being still before to find out the next place of good Wine , which appeared to the Bishop before he had travelled much farther , by a double assurance of EST , EST , which the Servant had marked upon the Sign ; There the Bishop stayed longer than he had done at the first place of EST , finding the Wine to be much better . But at length , in hopes to gratifie his Appetite with a more delicious Wine than what he had met with , goes forward on his Journey to Rome , his Servant going still before with the same Command of providing still the best Wine with the Old Signal of EST ; But before he had travelled far he comes to this fatal place of Montefiasco , where the Wine was so much better than any he had yet met with in his way to Rome , that he thought it deserved the triple signal of EST , EST , EST , which accordingly was put upon the Sign . The Bishop being not far behind , soon arrived at this Inchanted Castle of Bacchus , where espying the Signal , immediately made an halt , and with all his Company entred the place , where he found the entertainment so sweet , and the Wine so bewitching , that he was not able to leave the place till his life had left him , and then was carried out dead to his Grave , which was hard by in the Vault of a little Church , with a large Stone upon it , and this Epitaph or Inscription writ by the Purvoyer his man , in honour of his Master . Est , Est , Est , propter est , Herus meus mortuus est . From this place we went to Viterbo , eight miles more , where we lay ; it is a very pretty town , and in most of the streets thereof there is fine Fountains . From hence we went the next day to Capreole , twelve miles more , where there is a fine house of the Duke of Parma , but going to ruine , here we dined and after Dinner went to Monte Rossa , ten miles , where we lay ; from whence the next day being Tuesday the 6th . of November , we came to Rome , two and twenty miles more . The Eighth of November we took our Jonrney for Naples , and came the first night to Veletre , twenty miles from Rome , where we saw the fine Pallace and Garden of Cardinal Ginetto . From thence the next day we went to Piperno thirty miles . The next day being Saturday ▪ the 10th . of November we came to Fundi , which is the better half way betwixt Rome and Naples . From this place we came the next day , being Sunday , to Mola : Where in a great Orange Garden we saw the Tomb and Grotto of Cicero , that famous Orator . Hard by Mola lies Caeta , where there is to be seen a Rock , which they say cleft asunder at the time of the Crucifixion of our blessed Saviour . From Mola we came to St. Agothas ; and from thence on Monday night , the 12th instant , we arrived at Naples , which is some 32 miles from St. Agothas , where we saw several fine Churches ; but in that of St. Claires there is four fine Pillars , which they do assert were brought from the Temple of Solomon at Jerusalem . At another Church we saw the Busto's , or pieces of Statues , being the remainder of two Idols called by the names of Castor and Pollux , they were formerly entire , and worshipped as Gods by the Heathenish people , but St. Paul passing by that way as he was carried a prisoner to Rome , it is said that these Idols fell down and broke to pieces , and in their fall the Devil was perceived to go from them ; who whilst they were whole , served them for a voice , and did usually speak to those that worshipped them . The Heads of these Idols they say some certain Prince has in keeping , for a great curiosity . From hence we went to the Charter-house , a Convent of Religious men ; the building is very fine , seated upon a high hill , near the City , close to the Castle of St. Elmo , from whence you have the best sight of Naples , and a prospect of the Mediterranean Sea , which is believed to be the best in Europe . Upon Wednesday we hired Horses and rid out of Town , passing through the Grotto of Pausilinus , which Lassel in his Voyage of Italy makes mention of . It is near a mile in length , cut , or rather bored through a great Rocky hill , by the Emperour Lucullus . It is now used as a great high way leading into Naples ; wherein two Coaches or Carts may meet and pass by each other easily , though the passage for near three parts of the way be very dark , without any light at all , except the light of a small Lamp that hangs in a little Chappel dedicated to the Virgin Mary , in the middle of the passage , upon the right hand , going into the City . And because there may be danger in meeting and running against one another in the dark , part of the way , when you hear any noise of Horse or Coach , or the like , which you may easily do at a great distance , ( for the least thing in that Concavity makes a great noise ) then you use these words , speaking out aloud , ( a la Montagna , & a la Marina ) which signifies , Which way are you to go , either to that side which is next the Mountain , or to that next the Sea ? by which one avoids the disasters that might happen by meeting in the dark . From this Grotto , or high way , we came to the place called Grotto delcane , or the Dogs Grotto : It is a little place concaved or hollowed in the side of a little hill , hard by a Lake , or great pond of water ; in which place a man may stand upright , and go three or four steps in length and breadth ; here we had a Dog brought us , by a man that lives hard by , and that makes it his business for gain to shew the experiment to strangers ; he takes his Dog , and holds down his head within a Foot of the ground , for higher it is believed the Sulphurous Vapours do not mount , as one may observe by a kind of green colour that stains the sides of the place , about a foot high from the Surface of the ground , and not higher ; and before you can count a hundred , if you count not too fast , the Dog begins to stagger and reel , ( the man then letting him loose ) he soon falls down , and struggling for life , dies away immediately ; then the man speedily takes him out , and washing him a little in the water of the Lake hard by , he presently recovers ; we tryed , for our better satisfaction , the experiment upon one of our own Dogs , and kept him in the said Grotto it may be half a minute , or some such small matter of time longer than the first Dog , but too long to recover him , for all our washing , and whatever else we could do , could not bring him to life again . About a mile from this venemous Grotto is the burning Mountains called by the name of Sulpha terra , the principal matter that burns is Brimstone , mixed with other Minerals : We were as near the burning part of it as we durst go , for the smoke and fire was sometimes ready to choak us . But which was most to be admired , was to see fire and smoke come furiously out , if you thrust but a stick into that levelled part of the Mountain on which we walked , the hilly part thereof being blown up and consumed with burning some time before . From hence we went to Puzzeolo , a little Town near the Sea-side , where we saw the Academy or School of Virgil : and by this the Temple of Neptune : but there is nothing remaining of either but old Walls , and the ruins thereof . From hence we took a Boat and went by Sea to see the Sybillas Grotto , but by the way they gave us an account of a Mountain we saw hard by , called Monta Nova , that about 134 years ago there was a curious Plain where the Mountain now stands , and in it a little Town , whereof the people were grown to that excess of debauchery and looseness of life , that in one nights time they were all covered with this Mountain , which they believe to be the Judgment of God upon the wickedness of the place . Others there are that say this Mountain was by the violent disorder of combustible matter burning under ground , blown up from Sulpha terra before mentioned , and carried to that place where it now stands , which is two miles or thereabouts . Within half a mile of this Mountain you see the Grotto of Sybilla , and the Lake Avernus , or Lake of Hell ; at the farther side of which is the Temple of Apollo . About half a mile from the Grotto Sybilla are the Hot Baths : and very near to this place we saw the Tomb of Agripina , the mother of Nero ; by which stands the Ruins of the Temple of Venus and Diana : And from hence you may see that place where Nero caused his Mother to be opened , whereof nothing remains but the ruins , like unto a Rock in the Sea , some fourscore or a hundred paces from the shore . We had not gone far from the Sea-side , but going over a little Hill we came into the ruins of what had been formerly a very fine street , in which was kept the Saturdays Market of that great and antient Town called by the name of Baiae : Near the end of which street , in a Vault or Cave there are several hollows or niches in the Walls , where formerly in Urues they used to keep the Ashes of the dead . Hard by this place you see the Elysian Fields , and the Dead Sea , where Charon the Ferry-man used to ply ; and where formerly Nero's Army lay imbarqued . And not far from hence we saw what some call Piscina mirabilis , which undoubtedly had been built for some great end . It is a very lofty building under ground , supported by forty huge Pillars of Stone , or thereabouts ; the plaistering of the Walls laid on about as thick as a Crown-piece , of so excellent a composition , ( whereof they say whites of Eggs , which I refer to the Reader , was part of the Compound ) is so very hard , that the Rock it self cannot be harder . Here it is they say Nero kept fresh water for the use of his Navy , that lay then in the Dead Sea. From this place we went and saw the Cento Camarelle , or little rooms , very strangely contrived to keep Slaves and Prisoners in . From hence we took our Boat again , and returned to Puzzeolo , where one may see the beginning of a Bridge , carried on at least a mile or two into the Sea ; it is reported to be the unadvised enterprise of the Emperour Caligula , who thought to have made it over an arm of the Sea three or four miles long . The same night we returned to Naples , and the next day being Thursday , we saw the Sepulchres of Virgil , and of Sanazzaro . Upon Friday we took Horses and went to the burning Mountain of Vesuvio , some seven miles from Naples Eastward . The Heart or Substance of the Mountain is consumed by constant burnings , and frequent Eruptions ; so that it may be more properly called the Shell of a Mountain , whose Substance is lost ▪ or not unlike unto a Cup , whose brim or brink , being near half a mile in circumference , one may in any place lean over , and look down into the Concavity thereof , which is very deep , and at the bottom perceive very well a young Hill growing up , or rather forced up by some Combustible Matter underneath : This little Hill or Heap , which swells from the bottom , grows every year bigger and bigger , and yet one may perceive it smoak constantly , which 't is believed it would not do if it did not burn . All the way up and down this Mountain , you cannot avoid going up to the Knees in Ashes . There is a Bed or Channel that lies dry from the top of the Mountain down to the Sea-side , which , they say , was made by a burning liquid matter , which the Mountain spued up so fast , and with that violence , that it forced its way there , and like an impetuous River run burning down a great way into the Sea , whereof nothing remains now but that Bed or Channel , which has ever since continued dry : four or five miles round ▪ this Mountain you see a hard rocky Cinder , which in Eruptions are thrown so far at least , up and down the Country to the great damage of the Inhabitants . In the year 1631. was the last great Eruption , in which they say there was no less than two thousand people killed and hurt . Upon Saturday we took a view of Naples again , and the next morning left that place , in order to our return again to Rome , where we arrived the 22 d of November , but took Frescata in our way , which is about 12 miles from Rome , where we saw the Palace of Monte Dragone , and Aldobrandina , in these we saw many fine Waterworks , among which the most considerable was that of the Organs . The Cascade or fall of Water was so great and so violent , that in the very fall it brought wind enough with it to fill the Organ Pipes , which were very artificially placed in a little House close to the Cascade for that purpose , and a Wheel which the Water turned round , having stops so conveniently placed on it as to touch the Keys in going about , which caused it to play any tune as they should think fit who had the ordering of it , and as loud almost as you hear in any Church ; we saw likewise the Figure of a Centaur with his Horn , which by the help of the water he wound very loud ; there was likewise a Satyr playing upon Pipes , and the chirping and singing of Birds very delightful , and all performed by the help of the Water ; but which was more astonishing than all this , was the great Grotto , or great Waterwork in form of a Grotto , placed directly against the back part of the House : The coming forth of the Water is like unto Thunder , and then falls to the ground like Hail , Rain and Mist ; Before we took our leaves of this place , we saw a fine Room , in which were several Figures , playing upon divers Instruments , representing the Muses , and underneath it was the Wind Treasury , which we discovered by their opening to us two or three holes about two Inches diameter made in the Floor of the said Room , from whence the wind proceeded with so much strength , as to bear up a Ball of Copper or Brass hovering very high over the hole . Thursday the 29 th of November being returned to Rome , we went and saw St. Peter's Church and the Pope's Lodgings , where we took notice of three or four Rooms finely painted by Michael Angelo ; the Gallery , Gardens , and Water-works are worth taking notice of . Upon Saturday the 1 st of December we went to the Villa Burghese , belonging to a Prince that bears the same name , where we saw abundance of fine Statues , whereof the Gladiator and Apollo taking hold of Daphne are most worth remark : These two last Figures being one intire piece of White Marble , representing Apollo's pursuit of Daphne to ravish her , when she changes into a Tree , was done by Seignior Bernin ; the Painting is very good ; the fine Gardens and the variety of Waterworks is worth seeing : There is a Sea-Horse-Head , and an Elephants Head worth taking notice of . Sunday , the 20 of December , we went to St. Paul's Church , about a mile and an half out of Rome , where we saw the Crucifix , that , they say , spoke to St. Briget . Munday we saw Prince Pamphilio his Palace , one of the Popes Nephews , about a mile out of Town . Tuesday we went from St. Peter's Church to the Inquisition , whose building we saw , but they would not permit us to go into the Prisons : From hence we went to the Church of St. Onestrio , where the body of Torquatus Tassus the Italian Poet lies Interred ; we saw his Study , some of his own Manuscript , the Cup he usually drunk out of , and the Room he died in , in which there is now a fine Library . From this place we went to the Queen of Swedens Palace , where there is most excellent pieces of Painting done by the best hands , as Titio , Bonoretta , Carraggio and others . From thence we went to Farnesi's Palace , where we saw that Incomparable Masterpiece that was brought from Rhodes , consisting of Seven Figures , to wit , a Bull , a Dog , Three Men and Two Women ; all these Seven Figures as big as the Life , are cut out of one intire piece of Marble , and do all naturally joyn in some part or other . The Figures do represent the History of Licus , King of Thebes , who took to Wife Anthiops , Daughter of Nycteus , King of Ethiopia , whom Jupiter defiled , putting on the form of a Satyr , whereupon Licus put her away and married Dirce , who perswaded the King to keep Antiope close Prisoner , lest she should return into his favour again , which accordingly was done ; but Jupiter , out of compassion , soon released her , and then she fled into the Mountains , where she was delivered to two Sons , Amphion and Zetus , who after they came to understand the injury done to their Mother by Licus and Dirce , they took Dirce and by the Hair of the Head tyed her to the Horns of a mad Bull , from which cruelty , after she had suffered a long time , by the clemency of the Gods she was delivered ; but Licus they killed : Whereupon Appolonius and Lauriscus , two of the most famous Sculptures of that age , willing to transmit this Tragical Story to posterity , made this piece , as it is likewise reported by Pliny in his 36 th Book and Chap. 5. which afterwards amongst other Antiquities was brought from Rhodes to Rome by Assinios Pollion , most famous in the time of Augustus , and kept in the Baths of Antonius , Pius , Caracallus , the Emperour , under Mount Aventin , and in the reign of Pope Paul the Third , named Farnese , was found in the Ruins of those Baths , and by him put into order , and placed where you now see it . Over against this in a Little Palace of Seignior Pighinis , there is two of the finest Statues of Marble that is to be seen in Rome , the one is Meleagre , or as some say Adonis , the other is a Venus . Wednesday we saw the Palace of Montalto , where there are a great many fine Statues and curious Waterworks , in a most spacious and fine Garden . From hence we went to Ludovisio's great Garden , where in one Apartment we saw a Bed of inestimable value ; it was all beset with Precious Stones , and by this Bed , in a large Box , we saw a petrified man. Thursday we saw the Palace of Cardinal Spada , and the Hospital where all the Pilgrims that come to Rome are entertained for three days . Saturdry we saw Prince Pallastrino's Palace , and upon Sunday we went to Santa Croce in Jerusalem , one of the seven Churches , where they pretend to have a great many Relicks , as the Sponge that they offered to our Saviour when he was upon the Cross , some of the Thorns that he was Crowned with , one of the Nails that fastned him to the Cross , and many other reliques . Afterwards we went to the Church of St. John Latteran , which is esteemed the finest in Rome , next to St. Peters , and where they pretend to have the most reliques ; hard by this is the Church of St. John in fonte , where Infidels and others that turn to the Church of Rome are baptized . Monday the 10th . we saw Cardinal Ghisi's Pallace , where there is a most admirable collection of Pictures , and the richest Portiers or Door hangings that are in Rome , there was a very rich bed of wh te Sattin , painted they say , with the Juice of Flowers , so curiously that it took up five years time to do it in : Tuesday , we saw the Effigies of the King of France on Horseback , cut out of one intire piece of pure white marble , by Cavalier Beruin ; it was not then quite finished , yet it seemed to challenge the finest thing of that nature that ever was made : It was to be sent into France , so soon as it should be finished . Wednesday , we saw the Cupola of St. Peters , and went into the Ball which is near seven Foot Diameter , and will hold ten or twelve men at a time completely . The Church of St. Peter with the portico and thickness of the walls is one Thousand and Fifty eight Palmes in Length . The breadth of the Church in that part that makes the Cross is six hundred and seventy Palmes . From the Pavement to the twelve Apostles is two hundred and twelve Palmes high . The Cupola is one hundred and ninety Palms diameter , and six hundred and fifty two from the Pavement to the Cross , that is fixed upon the top of the Cupola . The Lanthorn of the Cupola , and the great Altar in the middle of the Cross of the Church do measure alike , in height one hundred twenty six Palms and a half . The Thursday following , we went and saw the little Pallace of Cardinal Ghisi , where there is a very pretty Armory , and many natural Curiosities , amongst the rest the Cockatrices were worth remark : His fine Garden , and those many Artifices by water , from which it is almost impossible to avoid being wet , unless the Gardiner be your Friend , were all very well worth our sight . Friday the 14th . we were introduced by the French Ambassador , and admitted to the honour of kissing the Popes toe . Saturday , we saw the Prince Burgese's Pallace which is esteemed the finest in Rome . Sunday , we went to the Church of St. Sebastian about three miles out of Rome ▪ it is one of the seven Churches , and where they tell you our Saviour met St. Paul , and conversed with him , and left his Foot-steps for a mark thereof , if you can believe as the Church of Rome believes ; This rencounter of our Saviour with St. Paul was when he made his escape from Rome ; besides the Footsteps of our Saviour , they show you under the Church , where in the times of Persecution they used to hide the Christians , and bury those that they found dead , and where the bodies of St. Peter and St. Paul are reported to be first interred . Monday 17th . we began with the new Church of St. Nichola Tolentino , which is well adorned with good Painting and a fine Altar . From hence we went to Porta Salaire , or Collina , through which Hannibal and Bremus King of the Galls entered , when they came to Rome ; a little within this Gate you see the place where they used to inter the Vestal Nymphs . We went forward and came to Porta Pia , so called , from Pius Quartus Pope of Rome , in whose time it was built , the workmanship was Michael Angelo Boneretta's , the pretty Sabines that were ravished by the Romans , came in at this Gate . From this Gate we went to the Temple of Sta. Agnese , it is about a mile beyond the Walls of the City , where there is a great many fine Marble Pillars very antique , and Candlesticks taken from the Temple of Bacchus , but the four Porphery Pillars that bore up the great Altar are most worth remark . Near to this you see the place they call Roma Subterranea , you go under ground and are conducted into several narrow passages on the right and left hand , you may see several niches and concavities in which were Skulls , and other Bones of Saints and Martyrs which in the times of Persecution fled thither and died there , and were buried , as our Author reported . Near to this place is the Church of St. Constanza , heretofore the Temple of Bacchus , in which you may see that Porphery Sepulcher either of Bacchus , or of Constanza , as is believed ; it may challenge the whole world for a Curiosity . From hence we went to the Church of St. Victoire , where you may see the fine Statue of St. Terraise , made by Cavalier Beruin , near to this is that of St. Susanna , where the Painting is not much amiss . From hence you may see the Tower or Church of St. Bernard , their Garden was heretofore a Theatre , opposite to which are the Baths of the Emperour Dioclesian , by which you may take notice of eight great Marble Pillars which bore up the Ruines of a most noble arched Fabrick now partly converted to a Church . Not far from hence there is a little Church called Pudantiene , where you may see that lovely Chappel of Cajeton , and in it admire that incomparable Altar-piece , which represents the birth of our Saviour and the three Kings coming to worship him , made by Petrus Oliverus Romanus ; the Mosaick work is worth taking notice of , besides the fine Statutes . Hard by this little Church you may take notice of the Bath of Agripina , the Mother of Nero , now in the Ruins . From hence we went and saw the pretty Church of St. Martin , upon Mount Esquelyn , built upon the ruined Baths of Titus Vespasius : At the end of this Church was the Tower of Nero , upon which he sat playing on a Harp whilst the City of Rome was all in a flame of Fire . From hence we went to the Church of St. Peter in Vincoli , where there is a very fine Statue of Moses ; and they say the last thing that was done by Michael Angelo . I should have told you that it was between Porta Salaire and Porta Pia , about three miles from Rome , where Nero the Emperour killed himself , to prevent a most shameful death that was prepared for him . Tuesday we went about three miles out of Rome to a place called the Three Fountains , where there is three little Churches , one of them called St. Athanasius , another St. Bernard ; where they say lies abundance of the Saints bones : and the third is called the Three Fountains , where they report St. Paul was beheaded ; and at the cutting of it off , they say the Head gave three leaps , at each of which there broke out immediately a Fountain of Water : And which was more wonderful , that the Water of each Fountain should have a different taste from the other ; the first to taste like Wine , the second like Milk , and the third something near the taste of common Water ; but I found no difference in them but that they all tasted like other waters , but it may be it was because there was wanting in me a Romish Faith. You may likewise see the Marble Pillar , to which he was bound , as they say , when he was executed . In returning to Rome we saw St. Pauls Church again , and the Crucifix that they say spoke to St. Brigid , where in the Sacristie there are very fine Pictures done by Lanfranck . In the wall of the City you may see the fine Piramid , or , as some say , the Sepulchre of Caius Cestius ; others say it is the Sepulchre of Remus . It was finished in 330 days , which was but a very short time for so great a work . Thursday after dinner we saw the Pallace of Prince Justiniano , where there is fine Statues and Painting . Then we went and saw the Popes gardens at Monte Cavallo . Friday , near the Church of St. Sebastian , which is some three or four miles out of Rome , we saw the Ruins of the Pretorial Camp , or the place of Guard to the Emperour Dioclesian : Near to this you may see the little Heathenish Temple , that was erected in derision of Hannibal , for being forced to retreat without taking Rome . You see also not far from hence the Circle of Caracallo from whence was taken the oblique that now stands in the middle of the Piazza Navona ; from this place we went to the Fountain of the Nymph Aegeria , which they say was built 800 years before our Saviours time : Returning to Rome again , we went through the Porto Lattin , just by which we saw a little Chappel , where they say St. John the Evangelist was put to death , by being put into a Cauldron of boyling Oyl . I should have taken notice of Capo di Bove , at the beginning of this days Journey , it lying in the way , the remains of it is a great Tower partly demolished , where the Sepulchre of Matella wife to rich Crassus , daughter to Q. Metalla , surnamed Cretico , taken for having subdued the Cretes , now remains . Saturday , we went to Campidoglio , where you may see erected the Trophies of the Emperour Trajan when he returned to Rome , victorious over the Transilvanians . In the middle Court you see the copper Horse , vulgarly called the Horse of Constantine the Emperour : In the Court called Conservatori , you may take notice of the Head of the Emperour Domitian , the Head and an Arm of the Emperour Commodus , the Tomb of Mamea the Mother of Alexander Severus , with many other figures very ancient . The Apartments above Stairs are full of old Statues and fine Painting , the Idol of Hercules , and the figure of a Wolf , with Romulus and Remus hanging at the Dugs of it , are very antique and worth remark , they are of Copper . From hence we went to Mount Capitolin , hard by which you may see three fine Pillars that remain of the Temple of Jupiter ; on the top of which Pillars you may take notice of a Stone with fine old carving on it , of those things which do denote the use and intent of the structure ; for by the Bullocks Head and Horns dressed with Flowers , the Ax , the Sacrificers Knife , and Bason to receive the Blood , and other things of this nature , one may easily believe the report , that it is the remains of the Temple of Jupiter , where they used to Sacrifice to that Deity . Near to this you see the Temple of Concord : And not far from hence that fine ancient Pillar , upon which was set the Statue of Domitian the Emperour ; a little farther we saw the Dungeon where the Romans formerly used to imprison the most notorious Malefactors , amongst the rest St. Peter and St. Paul are said to have been kept here ; they shewed us a Pillar to which their Chains were fastned , and close by it a little Fountain wherein , they say , the Goaler and his Family were baptized after they were converted to the Christian Faith. In this place stands now a little Church dedicated to St. Joseph , it is at the foot of that great descent of Marble Steps where the Romans used formerly to throw down the Criminals that were condemned to die : By this you may see the Triumphal Arch of the Emperour Septimus Severus , erected against his return from the Conquest of the Partheans , near to this is the Church of St. Martin , where you may see his stately Sepulchre in a Vault , and his fine Image of Marble upon the great Altar ; they likewise pretend to shew you where his Body was found . A little way from hence is the Church of St. Francis , and in it that noble Sepulchre , erected to his memory by Pope Innocent the tenth , and another incomparable piece of Petrus Oliverus , which represents the entry of Pope Gregory the 11 th into Rome when he came from Avignion : Behind this Church formerly stood the Temple of the Sun and Moon ; and near to this you see the Ruins of the Temple of Peace , built by Titus Vespasius the Emperour ; over against this Temple are the Gardens of Farnese , in which there is a fine ancient Statue of Agripina : This place was heretofore the Palace of Caesar , begun by Augustus Caesar upon Mount Palatin . Wednesday , the 2 d of January , we passed by the Church of St. Maria Maggiore , which stands upon Mount Esquilino , and came to the little Church of St. Bibian , where you may see her fine Statue , made by Cavalier Bernin ; there is good Painting in Fresco , done by Dietio Cortone ; they shew you a little Pillar of Porphery , to which they say St. Bibian was tied when she was martyrized . Near to Porta Palestina is the Temple of Bacchus , built by Augustus Caesar , to the honour of his two Nephews , Cajus and Lisius ; it is now vulgarly called Galusia . From hence we went and saw Sancta Croce , which is one of the Seven Churches , the Pillars thereof were taken out of the Temple of Venus and Cupidon , which Temple was ruined by the Emperour Constantine ; behind the great Altar is the story of St. Helena , mother of Constantine , seaching for the Cross of our Saviour , done in Fresco by Perusino the Master of Raphael Vrbin . From hence we went to the Temple of the Emperour Claudins , now called St. Stephens Church ; it is built round , and supported by abundance of fine Pillars ; the History of the persecutions of the Christians by the heathenish Emperours , from the time of our Saviour to Constantine the first Christian Emperour , is painted round the Church . Saturday we went again to the Campadoglio , where in a little Court going up Stairs , one may take notice of four several pieces Carved in Stone , which represent the coming of Marc. Aurel. in triumph to Rome . Above Stairs take notice of the great Hall painted in Fresco by Joseph Darpin ; in the next Room is the Statue of Anthonio Columne ; and in the next to this the Head of Junius Brutus that overcame the Tarquins , the Head of Mithridate an eminent Captain against the Romans . In another room we saw the Head of Fabritius a brave Soldier against the Pirots , and the Head of Simon that betrayed Troy. In another Room we saw a fine Statue of a Cybilla ; and in the other Apartments we saw a fine old Statue of a Magician , and the Statue of Marios the great Roman Consul , and the Nurse of Nero the Emperour , a fine figure . Near to the Triumphal Arch of Septimus Severus there remains three Pillars of the Temple that Romulus built to Jupiter , occasioned by a Vow Romulus had made when his Army was routed by the Sabins , that if he should be able to rally his Army , and defeat the Enemy , he would build a Temple and dedicate it to Jupiter , which accordingly was done , and his Vow performed . Not far from hence is the Temple of Anthonin and Faustin , now called the Church of St. Laurence , where there is a fine Altar-piece , done by Pietro Cortono : Hard by this is the Temple of Romulus and Remus , now the Church of St. Come and Damian . And not far from hence we saw the Triumphal Arch of Titus Vespasian , erected upon the taking of Rome : Not far from this you may see the Triumphal Arch of Constantine , by some called that of Trajans , because most of the best Figures carved in Stone , and what else is there most worth your notice was brought from the Triumphal Arch of Trajan , to whose honour it was built after he had subdued the Tyrant Maxanae : Near to this you may see the Ruins of the Amphitheatre , where St. Igneas , a Disciple of St. Peters , in the raign of Trajan , was devoured by Lyons . We went afterwards a little farther , and saw the nine Vaults where the water for the use of the Amphitheatre , as also for the Baths of Titus Vespasian was preserved ; some say they were first made to keep water in for the use of Nero's Gardens . From hence we went to the little Triumphal Arch of Septimus Severus in Forobauno , erected by the Merchants and Goldsmiths , upon Stones where one may see carved the Ax , the head of the Victim , and several other things that were made use of in their Sacrifices to the Heathenish Gods. Hard by this stands an Antick-piece of square Building , which has on every side a great Door built Arch-fashion , and twelve Niches , formerly , they say , there was fourteen such Buildings which divided the City of Rome into so many parts , to each of which there was a Governour ▪ They say moreover , that in the reign of Augustus Caesar they used to celebrate the Feasts of Competallini in those places . First instituted by Servius Tullius , in honour of their Domestick Deities . Near to the Rotonda , which is not far from hence , there remains Eleven Fine Pillars of Marble of the Temple of Mars , built by Marc. Aurel. after he had obtained the victory against the Moravies ; heretofore it was called Marcoman . From hence we went to the Palace of Fierevante , where by the way we saw the Statue of Antonia , Grandmother to Agrippina ; and in the Palace Garden there is a Fine Figure of Esculapius , the Sepulchre of Augustus , and the Vault where all his Family lye interred , heretofore called the Mausol . Monday we went and took a view of Trajans Colomn , esteemed one of the finest pieces of Antiquity the World affords ; all the most memorable and most noble exploits of his Life are lively represented by incomparable Carving , quite round the Pillar , from the top to the pedestal ; the Model of which has been lately taken by the French King. From hence we went to Mont. Avantin , where we saw the Church and Convent of St. Dominick's Order , it was heretofore the Temple of Juno ; there is one thing remarkable in it , a round Marble Stone , which they say the Devil threw at St. Dominico when he was at prayers . Near to this is the Church of St. Alexis , heretofore the Temple of Diana . From hence we went to the Isle of Tiber , which lies between the Bridge of Four Heads , and the other Bridge called — where the Church of St. Bartholomew now stands , it was heretofore the Temple of Aesculapius , the God of Physick . We went from hence to the Church of St. Cicile , where we saw the fine Statue of Marble , made in the same manner , lying as when her Body was found : Near to this there is another Church , where in a little Chappel you may see a fine Altar-piece , painted by Hanibal Carasco , and a fine Antick Tomb. From hence we went to the Church of St. Chrysogorio , which is built upon the Ruins of an Hospital that Augustus Caesar had made for the use of his maim'd Soldiers . Near to this there is another Church called Sancta Translaverie , heretofore an Hospital for the use before-mentioned . From hence we went to the place where St. Peter was martyrized , where there is now a Church called by his name ; there is in it a fine piece of Painting of the transfiguration , done by Raphael Vrbin : This place was heretofore called the Ganicul● . Tuesday following we went to St. Peters Church , and observed the four Statues of Copper , which support St. Peter's Chair ; in which Chair the Popes are usually seated when the solemnity of Coronation passes on them ; the two outward figures represent St. Ambrose and St. Augustin , and the two inward St. Cyril and St. Chrysostome ; on the Right Hand of the Altar you see that incomparable fine Statue of Marble made by Gulielmus Dellaporta ; we went afterwards underneath the Church into the Vaults where we saw Otto the eleventh Emperour of Germany as he was there intomb'd , with the Sepulchre of Carola Queen of Jerusalem , Cypre , and Armenia ; from hence we went into the Pope's Armory , where they say are Arms sufficient for 65000 Men. We afterwards went to the Chappel , where we saw that excellent piece of Painting , which represents the Day of Judgment , done by Michael Angelo , who amongst other things that he had figured to be in Hell , puts in a Cardinal in his Pontificalibus , which was drawn so near to the life , that whoever saw it knew it to be the very picture of such a Cardinal , an eminent Man then living in Rome , who they report came to see the Painting before it was finished , and hastily rushing in at the door , over which Michael Angelo hapned to be then at work upon a Ladder , chanced to throw him down , which to be revenged of , he paints the Cardinal in Hell , whereupon the Cardinal complians to the Pope , who was then Leo X. of the great indignity done him by Michael Angelo , who had placed him amongst the Devils in Hell ; to which the Pope returned this Answer , That he indeed was heartily sorry for it , and could have wished that he had placed him in Purgatory , for there he could have fetched him out ; but being once in Hell , there was no redemption . So that the Cardinal remains there to this day . Friday , we went to the Baths of Anthonio Caracallo , Son to Septimus Severus , from whence were taken all the Pillars that are now in St. Paul's Church , and the Bull of Farnese before mentioned , together with the two great Marble Vessels that stand in the Piazza Farnese ; these Baths , they say , had 1500 Rooms in them . In going to these Baths , between Mont. Palatin and Mont. Aventin , we saw the Circle where the pretty Sibins were ravished . From hence we went to the Church of St. Laurence , being one of the Seven where there is abundance of fine Marble Pillars with other Stones finely Carved , relating to Sacrifices ; from whence one may conclude that it had formerly been some Heathenish Temple : Upon the right and left hand going into the Church , you may see two Ancient Tombs of Marble . We afterwards saw the Castle of St. Angelo , were the Popes Triple Crown is kept , in which there is planted a great many Brass Guns , whereof 't is believed the major part was made of the Brass taken from the Pantheon , and one of them made out of the Brass Nails only that were imployed in the Brazen Work of that Temple , so vast was the quantity of Brass found there . From hence we went to the Pallace of Medicis , where we saw these principal Statues , ( viz. ) the Rotatore , being a Country Fellow that discovered the Conspiracy of Cataline against the Republick of Rome . A Venus made by Cleomenes the Son of Appolodorus of Athens , which heretofore they say was an Idol worshipped in the Rotonda . The Statue of Marsias , who was flaid alive for presuming to understand Musick as well as Apollo . The Wrestlers in one intire piece of Marble . Then in the Garden you see two great Vessels of Marble , taken out of the Baths of Dioclesian the Emperor , and fourteen fine ancient Statues , representing the Sons and Daughters of Niobe , that were all put to death by order of Latona , Jupiters Concubine , according to the fiction of the Poets . From hence we went again to St. Peter's Church , where we saw the head of the Spear that , they say , pierced our Saviours Side , and a piece of the Cross , with a Handkerchief that , they say , St. Veronnica gave him to wipe the Sweat from his Face , when he was going to Mount Calvar loaded with the Cross ; whereon is to be seen plainly the print of a Face which , they say , affixed it self so to the Handkercief as soon as our Saviour had made use of it . Monday the 21 th of January we left Rome in order to go to Venice , and lay the first night at Rigneava twenty three miles from Rome , the next night we lay at Ternit , twenty eight miles , and upon Wednesday we arrived at Foligne thirty miles more ; from whence on Thursday wecame to Valcemare twenty eight miles , and the next day to Lauretta thirty two miles , where we saw the Holy House , now so called , it being formerly ( they told us ) the proper Mansion House , or Habitation of the Virgin Mary in Nazareth , when the Angel Gabriel saluted her with the joyful news of her Conception of our Saviour Christ . It was first miraculously brought from Nazareth into Dalmatia , and from thence by the Angels carried over the Gulf of Venice , and set down in Italy , where it now remains to the great astonishment of all that see it , if they believe the report : All that you see of this Holy House is no more than four Walls very unartificially built , of an ordinary sort of Stone , much like unto our Brick , which four Walls compose the four sides of a little ground Room , almost square , which they call the Holy House ; but some time since they have built over it a very fine Church , and have very richly cased and adorned this Irregular Room with pure fine Marble , curiously wrought and carved , much more to be admired than the Holy House it self . In the Holy House there is a Wooden Dish , which , they told us , the Virgin Mary did use to eat or drink in ; and the Image of a Woman carved in Wood , with a Child in her Arms , which they take to be the Effigies of the Virgin Mary , with our Saviour : They shewed us likewise an old Red Pet●icoat , supposed likewise to be what the Virgin Mary , in her life-time , did wear , because it was found upon the Image : There are several rich Lamps , whereof ten are of pure Gold ; and a very rich Cloath of Gold and Silver , beset with Diamonds and other Precious Stones , for a Covering to the Image . From hence they conducted us to the Treasury of the Order of this Holy House , which without doubt is the richest in Christendom , for that innumerable quantity of Precious Stones , as Diamonds , Pearls , Rubies , &c. too many to be particularly mentioned , that they have there amassed together , likewise Vessels of Gold and Silver in abundance : There is also one fine piece of Painting , done by Hannibal Caratio ; after this they shewed us the Apothecaries Shop , whereof the Pots were all Painted by Raphael Vrbin . From Lauretta we went on Saturday the 26 th of January to Ancona fifteen miles , where the most remarkable thing is the Triumphal Arch of Trojan upon the Mould , and St. Augustin's Church , where there is some good painting , done by Pomerancia . It is a great Town well fortified , with Cannon planted as well against the Sea , as against the Land. From hence we went twenty miles upon the Adriatick Sea shore , and lay at Senegaglia , a Town fortified almost in a square ; heretofore it did belong to the Duke of Vrbin , but now it is in the possession of the Pope . The next day we went twenty miles more to Dinner at Pesaro , within five miles of this place we went through a Town called Fano , where there is a Triumphal Arch erected to the honour of Caesar , when he returned victorious over the French. From Pesaro we went 25 miles more , and lay at Rimini , still all along upon the Adriatick Sea side . It is a great Town , but very much ruined by an Earthquake , that two years before shook down a Spacious Market-place , with the greatest part of the Buildings about it , which were very sumptuous ; and the best part of the Town was thereby destroyed , to the terrible amazement of all the Inhabitants , whereof the greatest part made their escape when they first perceived the Earth to tremble , and the Streets begin to rock , and by the violence of the concussion ready to meet and touch a top , though some more careful than prudent , to save their goods , were buried with them in the ruine of their Houses ; the greatest part of which still lies in heaps . The Chappel of St. Anthony , which Lassel in his Voyage of Italy doth say , proved miraculously the real presence in the Sacrament , was likewise without any difference shaken down with the rest ; so that the historical painting , which should have informed us concerning the Miracle , fell with the Chappel Walls . Near to this there is a large Stone fixed , where they say Caesar made a Speech to his Army . From Rimini , upon Tuesday the 29 th . we came to Ravenna , 35 miles , where we spent the morning to see the Town , and first went to the fine Convent of Sancta Vitalle , where we saw the Chappel of Galla Placidia , the Daughter of Theodosius the Great , and Sister to Arcadia and Honorius , Wife of Constantius , and Mother to Valentinianus the Third , all Emperours . Her great Marble Tomb is placed at the upper end of the Chappel ▪ And the two great Tombs of Honorius and Valentinianus on each side of the Chappel ; the two Tombs fixed in the Walls going out of the Chappel ; it is believed do acknowledge Arcadius , and the Nurse of Valentinianus , for their being there erected : After we had seen this , we went to the Church , where in going in , we took notice of a Marble Stone in the wall , whereon were several very Antique Figures , curiously engraven , representing a Bull led to the Sacrifice , with the Heathenish Priests attending : There is likewise the Tomb of Justinian the Emperour , and over against that John the Ninth , Archbishop of Ravenna lies : Under one of the Altars you see the Tomb of St. Vitalle : Near the Church Door , and in several places of the Town , several old Sepulchres are remaining : From hence we went to the Church of St. Maria Maggiore , where there is abundance of fine ancient Marble Pillars , and the Chappel of St. Orcicero , who after he was beheaded , they say , carryed his Head from the place of Execution , two hundred paces : We went from this Church to the Rotonda , one of the greatest pieces of Curiosity in all Italy ; it was designed by Amalasunta , only Daughter to Theodoric , King of the Goths , for a Tomb for her Father , and in the Year 526 , was accordingly built ; a little before his death he caused a Pope and two famous Councellors to be put to death : The building is round , but the Curiosity is in the Roof , which is one intire Stone , near four foot thick , and thirty five foot over , or in the Diameter that covers the whole Building , being concav'd like unto a Buckle ; it is to the the admiration of all that see it questioned , how such a Stone could be got out of a Quarry , brought thither , and placed as it is . The Vass that this King was put in , is of Porphyry , and was placed upon the top of this great Stone in the middle , having round about the sides twelve Statues , representing the Twelve Apostles ; but at the siege of Ravenna , it was shot down , and is now to be seen in the Convent of the Zocollanties , fixed in a Wall , conveyed thither by some of the Town in the Year of our Lord 1564. We went next to the Church of the Polonaries , supported by four and twenty fine Marble Pillars very Antique ; and in the Piazza or Market-place , there are two more , whereon the Statues of St. Vitelle and St. Apollinare , Protectors of the City , do now stand . Wednesday , the 30 th . of January , we left Ravenna , and went to Fienza , 20. miles , here it is they make the fine Earhen Ware ; the next day we came to Bologne , where we saw a great many fine Churches and Convents , to wit , that of St. John in the Mount , in which there is very good painting , especially one piece made for St. Cicilia by Raphael Vrbin , and another fine piece done by Hannibal Caratio . In the Convent of St. Dominico , there is behind the great Altar , a fine piece , done by Machael Angelo : The Tomb of St. Dominic is very fine ; in the Quire you see the History of the Old and New Testament , Carved in Wood , very curiously done by Franck. Damiano , a Lay Brother , and a Lamp of Silver , sent to them from the Indians about thirty years ago ; they shewed us St. Dominic's Chamber for a great Curiosity . From hence we went and saw the Silk Mills , which was well worth our trouble , and one or two Pallaces , and then we went to the fine Gallary of Aldovandino . Monday , the 4 th . of February , we went from Bologne to Modene 20 miles , where within four miles of that Town , near to the Great Road , is scituated a strong place called Vrbin the Eighths Fort ; it is a square , fortified with Ravelins and Demilunes , the best regular Fortification that I had then seen in Italy : The Town of Modene is inconsiderable , the Fortifications of it are old and decayed , but the Citadal may be taken notice of : We saw the Duke and his Pallace , in which there is nothing more remarkable than the Collection of Pictures . Tuesday we went from Modene , and lay eighteen miles off at a little Town , called Cento , and from thence to Ferrara eighteen miles , where coming into Town you may take notice of a Fort , which seem'd to me to be a Pentagone very well fortified ; in the Town is the Castello , surrounded with deep Ditches of Water ; here the Popes Legate recides : They shewed us a fine Colomn not finished ▪ whereon is to be placed the Statue of the Pope , that at present stands hard by the Domo , which is a very old Church . The Benedictins is a fine Monastery , where we saw the Tomb of Arioste the great Poet , and Author of Orlands Furioso . Over against the Domo , you may take notice of two Statues , representing two Brothers , one a Duke the other a Marquess , of the House of Este ; one of them delighted much in sporting and playing tricks , and had a House built for that purpose , but now out of use . It became afterwards a Proverb , when any one would be playing the Fool , to say , ( il Fratello del Duca è morto ) which is as much as to say ( leave off Fooling . ) Thursday following we went to Dinner to Ravigo , the first Town in that Road that belongs to the Venetians , 22 miles from Ferrara , where we passed the River Poe , and the White Channel ; after Dinner we went 15 miles more , to a Town called Mont Selevie ; not far from hence we passed the River Adige ; and a Friday morning we came to Padoue , ten miles , from whence the same day we took Bark , and arrived at Venice the eighth day of February , where we staid three weeks to see the Town ; and the most remarkable thing there is , the Arsenal , in which there is Arms for four hundred thousand men ; there is a very great store of Cannon and other instruments of War : Their Ports do abound in Gallies , Galliots , and Men of War : We went into the Bucentore , a certain Vessel that the Doge or Duke of Venice goes in when he performs the Matrimonial Ceremony betwixt Himself and the Sea , by throwing in a Gold Ring : We saw the private Armory , and the Treasury , which indeed is not to be admired after having seen the Treasure of Lauretta : We went afterwards to the Doge's Pallace and the Councel Chamber , where there is good Painting ; the Piazza or Place of St. Mark , is very well worth ones particular notice , as also St. Mark 's Church , where you see the four fine Horses of Brass , brought from Constantinople , and the two great Pillars of Marble near the Water-side : The Bas-relief , upon the side of a little Building joyning to the Steeple of St. Mark 's Church is very well worth the taking notice of ; then we went up to the top of the Steeple , from whence we had a fair prospect over all Venice , which , I believe , contains more buildings than Rome ; but that which is chiefly to be admired , is its Scituation and Building in the Sea , so that one may go by Water and by Land almost through every Street of this vast City . There is two Canals or Ports , by which the biggest Ships may go in and out ; the one is called Porto Lydo , the other Malomoca : After we had gone round the City by Sea , and viewed it after that manner , we took our leaves of it , and went again to Padoue , where we arrived the first of March ; we saw the Schools of Physick , Divinity and Law , &c. called the Bo , and the Tomb of Antinor , Founder of Padoue , who lived fifteen hundred years before our Saviour Christ , upon Earth , it is erected at the Corner of a Street ; then we went to the Church of St. Anthony , where we saw the fine Tomb of Alexander Contarini , General of the Venetians , and the Tomb of St. Anthony , which is adorned with several fine Marble Figures , representing the Miracles wrought by him in his life-time and about twenty seven great Silver Lamps . In the Quoire of the same Church there is about twelve pieces of Cast Brass , so curiously wrought with all sorts of Figures , and other things necessary to the design , that it gives you an Historical Account of several passages in the Old Testament , and so much to the Life , that I cannot forbear to make mention of one , which is the Story of Sampson and the Philistins , when he destroyed so many of them by carcying away the Pillars of the House , and letting the House fall wherein they were ; it is so artificially done , that you will hardly believe your eyes , but take the whole Fabrick to be effectually falling down . In the Cloysters to the same Church , there is a little Black Marble Stone that covers the Bowels of the Old Duke of Norfolk , Father to the supposed Mad Duke that we saw confined at Padoue : Right before this Church stands the Statue of Gatta Mela , General of the Venetians , in Brass . From hence we went to the Church of St. Justin , where we saw the Tomb of St. Luke , much like unto an old wooden Chest , inchased with Iron ; the Tomb of S. Matthias , over against it on the other side of the Church , and under the great Altar , the Tomb of St. Justin ; at the upper end of the Quire there is a fine piece of Painting , done by Paul Veronese . To this Church belongs a Convent , esteemed the finest in Italy . Near to the Pallace of the Great Captain , we saw the great Hall , called Pallagio di Regione , and that remarkable Stone in it , called Lapis opprobrii , whereon if any one comes and claps down his Breech , three times together , he shall never be troubled , whilst he lives , for debt , but then he is for ever after defamed , and himself and Family more ruined in their Reputation and Honour , than if they had died in Prison for Debt . We went from hence to the place where they Anatomize and Dissect the Bodys of Men and Women , which is so conveniently built , that although it is much less than an ordinary Chamber , yet there is room enough with Seats for two or three hundred Spectators . Sunday , the 3 d. day of March , we went from Padoue to Vicenze 18 miles , where about a mile out of Town we saw a pretty Pallace , called the Rotonda ; it is a very fine Prospect and belongs to the Marquess Martio Capra ; we also saw the Garden and Labyrinth of Conte Valinerana , the Amphitheatre and Triumphal Arch of Poladio , with what else was considerable . Tuesday the 5 th we went thirty miles more , and came to Dinner at Verona , where the finest Tombs , and the richest that ever I saw of Marble , are there erected to the honour of the Family of the Scaligeres , who were formerly Masters of this Town ; then we went to the Amphitheatre , which is much like to that in Rome , but a more intire thing within , for the Spectators Seats or Places which are the Circular Degrees or Steps within side remain all whole , the outside is much more ruined than that in Rome . From hence we went to Conte Juste's Garden , where you have a prospect of the whole Town ; I took notice of the Pine Trees in the Garden , which are the finest I ever saw . From this Garden we went to St. George's Church , where we saw two pieces of Painting , very much esteemed , done by Paul Veroncse : It is thought that this Town is the biggest ( except Venice ) that belongs to the Venetians ; its scituation is upon the River Adige . Wednesday , the 6 th . we left this place and went to Mamoue 24 miles , the Duke thereof and Dutchess his Wife , are both of the Family of Gonzaga : We saw the Town and the Dukes Pallace , but nothing worth remark in either ▪ for about forty years ago it was plundered by the Germans , yet something remains in the Closet of Natural Curiosities worth taking notice of , to wit , two or three Children Mummies , one of them like to a Satyr , the other two very Monstrous , there being but two Bodys , but to each Body Members for two Children ; one of these Children was a Male , the other a Female very discernable : There was likewise a Man Mummy , he being about 360 years ago , a very Tyrannick Governour of this place , was killed , and thus preserved for a detestable spectacle to after Ages . Of several Cockatrices I had seen in our Travels , the biggest was in this place . The little Hall painted by Gulio Romano of the Trojan History is worth taking notice of . The Town of Mantoue is well fortified by Nature as well as by Art. Ver●●a , the place I made mention of before this , is likewise strongly fortied with thick Walls and deep Ditches . About five miles from Mantoue , in the road to Brescia , there is a fine Palace , belonging to this Duke , called La Fontalla . The same day being the seventh , we arrived at Brescia 40 miles , riding all the way through a very delightful Country . The Town of Brescia is strong , having good Walls and Ditches . The Castle that stands upon a little Hill has a great many good Cannon in it , and commands the Town . About 160 years ago the French were Masters of it , who with the assistance of some forces from Bologn made a strong sally upon the Town , plundering , and putting all to the Sword ; ever since which time they have remained in Peace . The Town-House was one of the finest buildings in all these parts , but by an accident burnt the remains of it is worth one's regard . The ninth we went from hence to Bergamo 30 miles , where we lay that night , the next morning , being Sunday the 10 th we went into the Town , which is scituated on a Hill , and well fortified : This is one of the finest prospects of Italy , we saw the Domo , and in it the Sepulchre of Bartholomew Collione , late Patron of the Town ; there are four fine pieces kept lockt up , some call it Painting , but others affirm it to be all but Wood Inlaid , which makes the Pieces the more Curious . After Dinner , the same day , we went to Le Fournaise 16 miles , where we lay that night ; it is but a Village , and lies upon the River Adda . The next day we rode 14 miles upon the same River-side , and came to Millan the 14 th of March ; and first of all we went to St. Paul's Church , and to that of St. Ceis● , in both which there is good Pai●ting , cheifly in this last , where in the 〈◊〉 there is a fine piece done by R●phael Vrbin . In the Church of St. 〈◊〉 they shew you a Brazen Serpent , whereof the Head and Tail , they tell you was part of that Serpent that Moses caused the Children of Israel to set up for a remedy against the plague of biting Serpents : The Body of St. Ambrose lies under the Great Altar . In the Garden of this Convent they shew you a Chappel , where they say St. Augustin was converted to the Christian Faith , and another Chappel , where they say he was Baptized . From hence we went to the Convent of St. Victoir , where there is very good painting : These two last mentioned are esteemed the finest Convents in Italy ; then we went to the Church of St. Eustorgian , where they pretend to shew the Tomb of the Three Kings that came to worship our Saviour in Bethlehem , and the Sepulchre of St. Peter , who they say was martyrized in a Wood betwixt Millan and Pavie . Then we went to the Church of St. Laurence , built after the model of St. Sophie in Constantinople ; it was formerly the Palace of Maximilian the Emperour , there remains sixteen of the old Pillars next the street , which I looked upon to be the greatest piece of Antiquity of the whole Town ; and in the Church there is nothing but the Tomb of Placidia , Daughter to Honorius the Emperour that is worth your notice ▪ The Domo or Cathedral Church is the finest Fabrick in Millan , and if one had a month to spend there , one might see it every day , and yet find something to please ones Curiosity , that one had not seen , or atleast taken notice of before , notwithstanding it is not finished , nor do I believe ever will be . There is about six hundred Marble Pillars belonging to the Church , and each Pillar they say cost at least One Thousand Crowns ; all the Walls of the Church are likewise of Marble : In a little Chappel , under ground , we saw the body of St. Charles covered with Crystal , very transparent , lying in his Robes , the same he wore when he was Archbishop of that place , his Face , which looked black and rottenish , had no covering , but lies always exposed to view ; the Crystal Case preserving it from Cobwebs , dust and other filth . From the top of the Church we took a view of the Town , which is near as big as London within the Walls ; we saw the great Hospital , the Lazaretto or Pesthouse , both well worth taking notice of . In the Cabinet of Settali , one of their their Canons there is a great many curiosities both Natural and Artificial ; what I most admired was three large Unicorns Horns , which I never saw in any place before , nor till then did I believe there could be any such thing in nature , but the Master of the Cabinet was strongly of the opinion that they did belong to , and were taken from Fish , and that there was never any such Beast seen to have such a Horn , but that it was a vulgar error ; each Horn was about six foot long , twisting regularly from the root upwards , but falling from the Twist gradually as it drew up to the spear or point , which was very sharp : The lower part or root of the Horn being about ten or twelve inches circumference , which declining gradually till it comes to a spear a top , renders it a very strong and formidable weapon . The Horn is all very white ; the whole Cabinet is full of curious things , yet I think that Cabinet we saw at Lyons in France does far excel it . From hence we went to the Castle , it is a very regular Exagon , with half moons ; it is esteemed one of the compleatest pieces of fortification in all Italy , and of great strength , upon every one of the Bastions is planted twelve pieces of Cannon ; there is a Garrison in it of about 500 Soldiers with their Wives and Children ▪ After we had seen the Castle , we went to a Palace of the Countess of Smione , about a mile and a half out of Millan , where amongst other remarkable things , you may take notice of the Echo , which was the best I ever heard . There is a very strong wall round Millan , which is said to be ten miles ; the Library there is worth seeing . From this place we came the 13 th to a little Village called Buffe●●lo 20 miles , it lies upon Navillio , a small River , and from thence the 14 th to Vercelle 20 miles more : Then we came to the River Tissino 4 miles , and so to Novarra 6 miles ; this is the strongest place upon the Frontiers of Savoy that belongs to the Milaneses : From hence we came to Vercelli 10 miles ; this place belongs to the Duke of Savoy , and is the first place of strength , near the Frontiers of the Milaneses ; One side of the Town is regularly fortified with Bastions and Half Moons , hardly finished ; on the North part of the Town the fortifications are irregular , there being a great deal of the old walls still remaining , however the Town is very strong . The 15 th we came to Dinner to Ciliana or Sian 17 miles ; and from thence to Chivas 10 miles , where we lay that night at the Posthouse , from whence the next day , being Saturday the 16 th . of March , we came to Turin 12 miles . The next day , Sunday , we went to Pignerol 16 miles ; it is a strong Town , which the French King about 45 years ago took from the Doke of Savoy . The Cittadel wherein Monsieur Fouket , thatgreat Minister is confined , is a very strong place , and like to be much stronger if they continue to carry on the work of their fortifications . The Town it self is likewise very well fortified , where at the Gate going in they obliged us to leave our Arms , and to take a Soldier to wait upon us to the Governour for leave to see the Town and Cittadel , which was soon granted us . This place has a very great awe upon the Duke of Savoy , the French being able by means thereof at their pleasure to make an inroad upon that Dukedom . From Pignerol we came to Villiane the Monday following 12 miles , and a bad way over the Mountains ; near to this Town we passed betwixt two small Lakes , called by the Name of the Town ▪ From this place we went eight miles farther , and came to Busolino , the next day to Novalese six miles , which is the foot of the Mountains on the side of Piedmont . From Novaleze , in the ascent of the Alpes , we came to la Ferier two long miles , from thence to the great Cross two more , which is the least half to the top of Mount Senis ; from the great Cross we went five miles upon a Plain , which brought us to the Ra●asse ( that is ) the place where we took Sledges , on which we slid all upon Snow from the top of the Mountain to the foot towards France in so little time , that I forbear here to mention , which which was two miles more , and that brought us to Lanebourg , from Lanebourg to Bremont two leagues , where we lay on Tuesday night ; from thence we went to St. Michell five leagues , and so to la Chambre four leagues , all upon the River Arch. Thursday we came to Maltaverne six leagues , and then to Montmillian two leagues , and so to Chambrey two great leagues more . On Friday we came to Remile five leagues , where we lay ▪ From thence we came on Saturday the 23 th . of March , new stile , to Geneve seven leagues , where after we had rested our selves for some time , we returned for France by the way of way of Lyons ●nd then taking another road different ●●om what we travelled before , in some short time arrived at Paris , where we stay'd about a month , and then set forward for England , to which place we returned after four years travl in France , Italy , Swisserland , and through some of the Spanish Territories ; but then stay'd not long before a voyage into France was again proposed , with which you was pleased to comply , and so passed the following Winter at Mompellier , going another way through France , than the way you had gone before ▪ from whence the next Summer , by another road we returned again to Paris , where I was compelled to leave you . And the same time humbly take leave to Conclude this short and rude Journal of your Travels in Italy . FINIS . 
A62177	----	Advice given to the Republick of Venice how they ought to govern themselves both at home and abroad, to have perpetual dominion / first written in Italian by that great politician and lover of his countrey, Father Paul the Venetian, author of the Council of Trent ; translated into English by Dr. Aglionby ; dedicated to His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Opinione come debba governarsi internamente ed esternamente la Repubblica di Venezia. English. 1693 Approx. 128 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 71 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2007-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A62177 Wing S693 ESTC R22760 12490645 ocm 12490645 62365 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A62177) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 62365) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 290:20) Advice given to the Republick of Venice how they ought to govern themselves both at home and abroad, to have perpetual dominion / first written in Italian by that great politician and lover of his countrey, Father Paul the Venetian, author of the Council of Trent ; translated into English by Dr. Aglionby ; dedicated to His Excellency the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Opinione come debba governarsi internamente ed esternamente la Repubblica di Venezia. English. Sarpi, Paolo, 1552-1623. Aglionby, William, d. 1705. [22], 119 p. Printed for Christopher Nobbes ..., London : 1693. Translation of: Opinione come debba governarsi internamente ed esternamente la Repubblica di Venezia; falsely attributed to Paolo Sarpi. Cf. Bianchi-Giovini, A. Biografia di Paolo Sarpi. Reproduction of original in Bodleian Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Italy -- History -- 1559-1789. Venice (Italy) -- Politics and government -- 1508-1797. Venice (Italy) -- History -- 1508-1797. 2006-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-02 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-04 Andrew Kuster Sampled and proofread 2006-04 Andrew Kuster Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion ADVICE Given to the Republick of VENICE . How they ought to Govern themselves both at home and abroad , to have perpetual Dominion . First Written in Italian by that Great Politician and Lover of his Countrey , Father PAVL the Venetian , Author of the Council of Trent . Translated into English by Dr. AGLIONBY . Dedicated to his Excellency the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland . LONDON , Printed for Christopher Nobbes , at the Sign of the Olive-Tree , in the Inner-Walk above stairs in the New Exchange , 1693. TO HIS EXCELLENCY HENRY , Viscount Sydney , Lord Lieutenant of Ireland , Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber to Their Majesties , and one of Their Majesties most Honourable Privy-Council . My Lord , THough your design'd Favours to me might justly claim this offer of my Respects in a Dedication , yet I must own , That it is not only Gratitude that requires me to make this return , but it is my Choice and Judgment that prompts me to take the Liberty of putting this Piece under ▪ your Protection . And indeed , if I regard either the Greatness of your Family , or your own Personal Endowments , where could I have found a more Illustrious Name , or a more generally own'd Desert . The Sydneys have fill'd our English History , and adorn'd our Nation ; Great in Employments both at Home and Abroad , but more Glorious in asserting constantly their Country's true Interest : And your Lordship has not been wanting to follow such Honourable Examples , first , by a steddy adherence to all the measures that could be entred into by a wise man in times full of dark designs ; and then ( as soon as your Countries Good requir'd it ) by boldly laying aside all dubious Counsels , to appear in Arms with our Great and Glorious Deliverer , His Present Majesty . Amongst the Thanks we owe to all those who have done the like , I think no one can more justly be extoll'd by this , or recommended to the esteem and admiration of the next Age , than your Lordship . In your Negotiation in Holland , during the close Intrigues of the latter end of King Charles his Reign , you strove to keep both him and us happy and quiet , by promoting the true Interest of both : But when the Ferment of our Affairs forc'd you to more sensible demonstrations of your thoughts , you Nobly chose rather to appear an ill Courtier , than be thought an ill Man to your Country . The Protestant Interest carried it with you , while the Roman Faction thought their designs as secure as they were deeply laid . 'T is rare to find such Conduct and Courage in a Publick Minister : But what could be expected less from one ready to venture his Life in the Field at the Head of our Nation abroad , against that unquiet Monarch who was then invading all the Liberty Mankind had left . Heaven , My Lord , has at last bless'd these constant endeavours for England's Prosperity , and we see you in the Councils and Privacy of a Prince born for our Felicity . The Great Queen of this Monarchy , who so lov'd her People , and understood their Interest , had a Sydney for her Favourite , and such a man as she admir'd living , and lamented dead ; and our King , who has begun with restoring this Nation to its true Interest , and will , no question , advance its Glory to the highest pitch , has your Lordship in his Councils and Arms , Guarded by you in the day , he sleeps often under your care in the Night , safe in your Loyalty , and pleas'd in your attendance . To whom then could I more properly offer these Arcanums of a Wise Government , than to one who must be a good Judge of all Writings of that kind ; and therefore with repeated Offers of my humble Respects , and readiness to obey your Lordship's Commands , I take leave , and am , My Lord , Your Lordship 's Most Humble and most Devoted Obedient Servant , W. Aglionby . THE PREFACE . THat Padre Paulo Sarpi , of the Order of the Servites , is the Author of this Treatise , there needs no other proof than the reading of it ; for whoever is acquainted either with his style , or his manner of thinking , must of necessity acknowledge , that they are both here . And indeed we may say , that this is not only a true representation of the Government of the Venetian Republick , but that the Author also ( like great Painters , who in all their Works give us their own Genius with the mixture of the Representation ) has likewise drawn the truest Picture of himself . He was one of the greatest men of his Age , of vast Natural Parts , to which he had added all the acquir'd ones that great Study and much Conversation with Men could give him : It was he who defended the Republick in the dispute they had with Pope Paul the 5th ; which he did so solidly , and yet so modestly , that his Subject never carried him either to Invectives or Railleries , unbeseeming the Gravity of the Matter , nor the Dignity of the Persons whose Cause he managed ; that Quarrel being accommodated by the interposition of the Kings of France and Spain , in which the Republick had all the advantage possible : The Senate , very sensible of the Obligation they had to P. Paulo , made him Consultor of State , and added an Honourable Pension for his Life , giving him at the same time Order to view all their secret Records , where all their Papers and Instruments of State were laid up ; all which he reduc'd into such a new order , as that they might be recurr'd to with the greatest ease imaginable upon all occasions . The Esteem they made of his Abilities was so great , that they never had any important debate in which either by publick order , or by the private application of some of their Senators , they did not take his advice ; which most commonly was assented to afterwards . Towards the latter end of his Life , the Inquisitors of State seeing that they could not hope long for the continuation of those Oracles , resolv'd , that once for all he should impart them his thoughts upon the whole Constitution of their Government , and withal , add his Opinion touching their Future Conduct both within and without ; and that is this Piece with which I now present the Publick . As it was made for the perusal of those only who were the participants of all the Arcanums of the Empire , it is writ with less regard to the Publick Censure , to which he suppos'd it would never be subject . All other Writers of Politicks may in one thing be justly suspected , which is , that when they write with a design of publishing their Works to Mankind , they must have a regard to many considerations both of the times they write in , and Opinions that are then receiv'd by the People , as also to the Establish'd Forms both of Government and Religion ; besides that Self-love too will not let them forget their own Glory , for the sake of which they often swerve from the true Rules of writing ; but here all these considerations ceas'd ; the Work is directed to those whose Interest it was to conceal it : And for the Author himself , it may be said , it was rather his Legacy than any desire of shewing his Abilities , which by other Pieces of his were already sufficiently publish'd to the World. But what an Idea must we have of that Man whom a Venetian Senate not only admitted to their Debates , but consulted upon the whole Frame of their Government ; a Senate , I say , justly deserving the Titles of Wise and Great ; who have maintain'd their State for 1200 years , with little alteration ; who have been a Bulwark to the Christian World against the most potent Invader that ever was ; who at the same time have struggled with all the Christian Princes united , and headed , even by Popes , whose spiritual power alone has been able to subvert greater Empires : This Senate , or at least the wisest of them , the Inquisitors of State , who have the whole Executive Power in their hands , cannot let this Subject of theirs leave the World without having from him a Scheme of their present Affairs , and a prospect of the Occurrences to come : Nothing certainly can give us a greater Idea of Padre Paulo , nor shew us how great Abilities in the most retired and concealed Subjects , will break out in all wise Governments , and cannot long be conceal'd . As to the work it self , I shall say little , it being improper to forestall the Reader 's Judgment by mine ; but I think I may venture to give him some cautions against a surprise , from some bold Maxims and arbitrary Positions which he will meet with , and perhaps not expect from one of our Author's Profession , nor in the Methods of a Government which carries the specious and popular Title of Liberty in the Head of it . As to the Author , tho he were a religious man , and a very strict observer of that Life ; yet being above ordinary methods , and having a Mind elevated beyond his sphere , he thought , that not only he might , but that he ought to go to the Extent of his Capacity , when he was to advise those whom God Almighty had invested with Soveraign Power . This makes him lay down that great Maxim , That all is just that contributes to the preservation of the Government ; and in a natural deduction from this , advise in some cases not to stand upon common proceedings . I remember the Author of his Life says , That he had adapted most of the Aphorisms of Hippocrates , about the Diseases and Cure of the Body natural , to those of the Body politick ; and if so , he could not forget that of , Extremis Morbis extrema Remedia , which alone would warrant all uncommon proceedings . Most people have an Idea of Commonwealths , not unlike that which Poets and young people have of the Golden Age , where they fancy , that without either labour , solicitude , or chagrin , people past their time in the Innocent Pleasures of Love and Musick , and other soft Delights ; so the World imagines , that a Popular Government is all sweetness and liberty , precarious , and depending upon their Votes , free from oppression and slavery , and constant to known methods : but all this is a very wrong Conception ; they are invested with Soveraign Power , and must and do use it for their own preservation , as absolutely as any Soveraign Prince in the World ; and whoever shall seriously consider the Machine of this Venetian State , must own , that neither the Governors themselves , nor the people governed by them , have any such Excellent and Inviting Prerogatives , as can justly give them a Superiority to the Government of a wise Prince , and well dispos'd People in a limited Monarchy . But I have said enough of this ; the Reader will best judge , whether the reading of this Book will enamour him of a Republican Government or not . I have no more to say , but that this is a very faithful Translation from an Original Manuscript communicated to me in Italy , where it begins to creep abroad ; and if we had in England the conveniency of Workmen that could Print Italian correctly , I would have publish'd both the Original and my Translation together . The words of Quarantie and Avogadore , may puzzle some people ; but they will easily understand , that the first is a kind of Bench of Judges deligated out of the Body of the lesser Nobility , for the Trial of Civil and some Criminal Causes ; and the other is the Name of a great Magistrate in Venice , who among oth●r Priviledges , has that of carrying the Sentences of the Council of Ten before the great Council . THE OPINION OF Padre Paolo , Most Illustrious and Excellent Lords , the Inquisitors of State , I Write by Obedience to your Lordship's Commands , without Reflection upon my own small Abilities , because the Chief Consideration of a Subject ought to be to obey his Prince . Your Excellencies have commanded me to deliver my Opinion , how the Venetian Republick ought to regulate it self , to hope for a perpetual Duration . To obtain a true Notion of this , it will be necessary to distinguish , and first to regulate the Government of the City , in which will be comprehended the manner of keeping the Nobles and the Citizens to their Duty ; then look abroad to the rest of your Dominions : and lastly give some Form to the dealing with Foreign Princes . To begin with the First , I might in short put you in mind of the Saying of St. Bernardino of Siena , to the Doge Moro , who said , That the Republick should continue so long as they should keep to the Rule of doing Exact Justice ; but to come nearer to the matter , and the Condition of these Times , we must reduce under that Head of Justice , all that contributes to the Service of the State ; and , to speak yet more succinctly , we will lay it down as a Maxim , That all is just which is any ways necessary for the maintaining of the Government . In the particular Government of the City , 't is an excellent Custom to lay the Impositions as well upon the Nobility , as the rest of the Citizens . First , Because the Burden is less when it is general : And , Secondly , Because 't is just when 't is without Partiality . There is no doubt but it lessens something of the Splendor of the Nobility to see them tax'd particularly , since in many Governments the Nobility and Gentry , though they are Subjects , and not part of the Government , do nevertheless enjoy a Freedom from Taxes , and contribute more with their Sword than Purse , towards the Publick Charge : But since the Ancient Simplicity of our Ancestors has patiently submitted to this Yoak ; and because the Priviledges of the Sword are dangerous in a Commonwealth , I think 't is advisable not to innovate in this Point , because such a change would give too much offence to the rest of your People , and too much Haughtiness to your own Nobility . 'T is true , that when the Taxes are upon the Lands , so as to be unavoidable , it would be convenient to give the Nobility all the advantage of time for payment , and at last , if they are insolvent , it will not be amiss to neglect the rigorous Exaction of the Law , that so the Nobility be not ruin'd , because Extreams are always dangerous , and the Republick may suffer as much from having too many poor Noblemen , as from having too many rich ones ; besides the Envy and Jealousie that must be in the hearts of those who shall find themselves naked , and their Equals cloathed with their Garments , and that only for not having been able to pay an Imposition laid upon them by other Peoples Contrivance . There are some , who not making a right Judgment of things , do inveigh extreamly against a Custom of this Republick , which is the having so many Offices and Places of so small Revenue , that those who enjoy them are almost necessitated to be corrupt ; and so after they have been Judges and Governours , forc'd to come under the lash of the Law , or to justifie their Integrity , if they can : This seems a notorious Abuse , and carries with it some appearance . But however , I should never advise to make these Imployments better , because there results from this another greater advantage to the State , which is to keep the small Nobility under ; for they may be compar'd to the Adder , which cannot exert its Poyson when 't is numm'd with Cold : And if these Nobles , who are by inclination discontented , should once arrive but to a Mediocrity in Fortune , they would presently contest with the great ones , and by strength of their Numbers play some ill Trick to the Government : whereas now they are kept to their Duty , not only by Poverty , which clips the Wings of Ambition , but also by being subject to the Censure of the great ones , for having misbehav'd themselves in their Governments . Indead I could think it prudent to proceed against them something coldly , unless they are guilty of very great Enormities , such as scandalize the generality of your Subjects ; for then 't is necessary to shew a publick resentment : But otherwise I would have them handled gently , it being a kind of punishment to lye open to a Prosecution : And indeed I would never have any Nobleman , though never so guilty , be condemned to a Publick Infamous Death , because the Damage that results from thence upon the whole Order of the Nobility , when they are seen to pass through the Hands of an Hangman , is greater than the Good of a Publick Example can avail . Neither on the other side would I have these Noblemen , thus guilty , to walk the Streets , and be seen in publick , because then your Subjects would conceive a sinister Opinion of your Justice ; but they should be kept in Prison , or , if it be necessary , be privately dispatch'd . If these Criminals fly from Justice , then you may use the utmost severity in your banishing of them ; because then it appears , that if nothing more be done , nothing more was feasible ; and let the same Rigour be observ'd in keeping them out : for since they are , as it were , gangreen'd Members cut off from the Body , it will not be expedient to unite them again to it with deformity of the whole . Here I foresee I shall be censur'd by some , as a bad Pilot , who endeavouring to shun Scylla , runs upon Carybdis ; that is , while I aim at keeping the small Nobility under , I forget the danger may arise from the Great , and the Rich of that Order . I see the Objection , but do not value it ; and my Reason is , the long Observation I have made of the Nature of this City , by the strength of which I dare boldly affirm , that the Republick of Venice will never come to its end by that which has ruin'd all other Republicks , to wit , when the power has been reduc'd first into a few hands , and then their Authority devolv'd upon one who has erected a Monarchy . The strange Emulation that reigns here among the great ones , even among those of the same Family ; nay , that is between Brothers themselves , does secure the Government from this danger ; and if by a Supposition , almost impossible , all the Brothers of one Family had the power given them of making a Dictator , I am confident they would never agree to chuse one among themselves , but would rather chuse to be a part of the Government , divided among a Thousand Gentlemen , than to be Princes of the Blood , and Subjects . The Great Governments , called Governments of Expence , and so contriv'd on purpose by our prudent Ancestors , to give an occasion to those who are too rich to lessen their Riches ; ought to be dispos'd of according to the Intention of their first Institution : That is to say , not to those who have no means to sustain such a Burden , and must be forc'd by consequence to compass them per fas & nefas ; and if they are Honest , must do it foolishly , because they are not wicked enough to do it knavishly , and so either acquire the Hatred of those they govern , or be laugh'd at , and contemned by them . This is a Point of great Importance ; and he who goes through such an Imployment meanly , and without Expence , demerits extreamly of his Countrey , because he renders the Person that represents the State contemptible ; and all Rebellions of Subjects have had their first Original Rise from the Contempt of the Prince ▪ The Contests that happen between Nobleman and Nobleman of equal Fortunes , and are follow'd by Attempts upon one another , may be conniv'd at when they are reconcil'd ; but if the thing be between a Nobleman of the Better sort , and one of the Lesser , let it be chastis'd with some appearance of Severity at least , for fear the Humours of the small Nobility should be stirr'd ; But if one of these shall attack a Nobleman of the First Rate , let him be punish'd with a heavy hand , lest the Party injur'd , being potent in Friends , go about to do himself Justice , to the great detriment of the Publick Authority : But if a Nobleman do commit an Enormity towards a Subject , first let there be all the endeavour possible used to justifie him ; and if that cannot be , let the punishment be with more Noise than Harm ; But if a Subject insults a Nobleman , let the Revenge be sharp and publick , that the Subjects may not accustom themselves to lay hands upon the Nobility , but rather think them Venerable and Sacred . In Civil Judicatures it would be requisite to act without Passion , to take away that ill Opinion that Men have of the Partiality of Justice , in favour of the Great . This Belief must be destroyed ; for a Subject that once thinks himself prejudg'd by the Quality of his Adversary , will never be capable of seeing whether his Cause has been decided according to the merit of it or no : Therefore there can never be too much diligence used in the Administration of Civil Judicatures , which are one of the greatest Foundations of Government ; for when a Subject can say to himself , That he shall have Justice , if his Case deserves it , he submits to a great many other Grievances without repining : And on the contrary , though after an unjust Sentence , he should be indulg'd in some Criminal Matter , he will never have a Love for the Government , because the Injury receiv'd , will stick in his Memory , and the Indulgence will vanish out of it . The Quarrels between the Plebeians may be judged according to the common course of Justice , which may there appear in its Natural Being , there arising no Politick Grounds to disturb the Course of it ; nay , rather their little Animosities are to be fomented , as Cato us'd to do in his Family ; and for this Reason , wise Antiquity permitted the Encounters and Battles that are still practis'd in this City , between several Parties of the People ; But all Assemblies of numerous Bodies are to be avoided as the Plague , because nothing can sooner overturn the Commonwealth , than the Facility the People may meet with in getting together to confer or debate about their Grievances ; Nay , this thing is so dangerous , that it is to be detested and abhorr'd , even in the Nobility , because that there being in all Bodies some ill Humours , if they are not united , either they do not work at all , or do not work ill ; But if they once are in a Mass , and take their course one way , they not only are hard to cure , but often prove mortal to the Body . Let there be a careful watch upon all Seditious Discourses , nay , upon all Speculative ones that seem any way to censure the Government ; and set before your Eyes the Example of Heresies , which have never so much wasted the Church as when they have had their Beginnings from Curiosity and Jests . Let the City Arsenal be kept up , though there be not present occasion for it , because things that depend upon Time , must be anticipated by time . Let the Masters and Tradesmen of the place be kept satisfied , and upon any Fault committed , let the Punishment be Paternal ; that is , with seeming Rigour , but not such as to make them run away ; for , if possible , they are to believe the Fable of the Mouse , who thought its hole to be all the World. Let the Publick Secretaries , and all other Officers that must be inform'd of the Publick Concerns , be chosen with care , as like to be faithful and diligent ; but when once admitted , though they should prove otherwise , let them be born withal , because there is need of but a few to do well : But every single Officer can do hurt ; and it 's much easier to defend ones self from a Potent Foreign Enemy , than from an ill-meaning Servant . Let the Manufactures which are peculiar to Venice , be preserv'd ; and to that end let them not be loaded with many Impositions , because that Profit and Gain which has made Men venture through a Thousand Difficulties , to discover New Worlds , will still carry the Merchant , if he cannot have it at home , to seek it abroad , though he go to the Antipodes for it . Preserve the Artists therefore , remembring that most Arts are a kind of Phantastick Being . The Marriages between Noblemen and Women of the City , may be tolerated , if the Women are very rich ; because it often happens that the Industry of many Years of the Plebeians , serves only to enrich the House of a Nobleman ; and it is a gentle Imperceptible sort of Usurpation ; 't is true , 't is something abating of the Lustre of the Noble Families ; but that is only in abstract and in general , but in reality it advantages the Nobility ; and there need be no fear that the Children be degenerate and base , because nothing so debases a Nobleman as Poverty : Besides , there results from this another great advantage , which is , to make the Plebeians concern'd by Affection for the Nobility , and bound to study their advantage by a much sweeter tye than that of Obedience . Let the Considerable Honours of the Commonwealth be disposed of to those who may naturally pretend to them , for having gone through the many Employments , which are steps to the highest Dignities , making always an allowance for extraordinary Merit , in which the State can never be too prodigal : For otherwise to prefer those who cannot reckon themselves among the Lawful Pretenders , gives just Offence to the others his Equals , and likewise strengthens the pretensions of the unworthy , who not seeing any thing in that Fortunate Man that exceeds their ordinary Talent , cannot imagine why he should be preferr'd , and they excluded from the like Dignities . The Subject on the other hand is hardly brought to pay Excessive Reverence where they never us'd to give but ordinary Respect ; and from this argues , That the Dignity it self is not of so much value , since it is bestowed upon so inconsiderable a Person . And because it is in the Nature of all sublunary things to have a mixture of Imperfection , I must own , that the Republick of Venice has likewise its Defects ; and the Chief one is , That the Body of the Nobility is too numerous to be Aristocratical ; therefore it will always be expedient to contrive , by all Arts imaginable , that the Great Council do delegate the greatest Authority that may be to the Senate and the Council of Ten : But this must be done by secret imperceptible ways , such as shall not be discover'd till after 't is done , because when they have once for all parted with their power , it will be a happy settlement of the deliberating part , and if the same can be composed in the Judiciary and distributive Power , it may be hop'd , that the Constitution of the State will be more vigorous : It cannot be denied but the Great Council does relish very much of the Mobile , and by consequent , subject to impetuous Deliberations , not always weigh'd in the Ballance of Prudence and Experience . And truly I admire , that wise Antiquity did not gain this Point , it being easie for them to take advantage of the simplicity of their times ; or at least to have prolong'd the time of the great Magistratures further than from Year to Year , at the end of which they now must have a new Confirmation from the Senate ; For this being design'd to prevent the falling into the Tyranny of the great ones , does unawares run the State into that of the meaner sort , so much the more odious by how much 't is more numerous and unexperienc'd ; We should see more vigorous Resolutions in the Senators , if they were not continually obliged to court the Favour of the Piazza . The Office of Avogadore is to be disposed of with extream Circumspection , and that to Persons of Eminency , such as have no need of fawning upon the Multitude of the Great Council , and then the Senate and Council of Ten might make some steps beyond their Natural Authority , which would be born with patience , and Time would give them Prescription : Whereas , if an Avogadore , to make himself Popular , shall carry these Deliberations to the Great Councils Censure , immediately out of Jealousie they are annull'd , though never so expedient . Therefore if that Office of Avogadore cannot be placed in the hands of one who inclines more to the Patritian than to the Popular side , it would be well to give it to one of mean Spirit , and a quiet Temper ; or if it be disposed of to an unquiet bold man , let him be one who lies under some infamous imputation of Corruption , or other Enormity , to the end that the first may not be able , nor the latter dare to affront , and try it with the Grandees of the State ; Otherwise an Avogadore of Parts , Integrity and Malignity , may easily set fire to the Four Corners of the Commonwealth . For the same Reasons it will always be well to lessen the Authority of the Quaranties , they being naturally popular . They were constituted numerous , to prevent the Venality of Justice ; but on the other hand they are subject to gather peccant Humours , and afford too much nourishment to a Feverish Temper : They may be born with in the administration of Civil Justice , but in Criminals their power should be lessen'd , which may be done by the Council of Ten 's taking to their Cognizance all Criminal Cases that they can any ways draw to them , and by leaving off the Custom of deligating the Power of the Senate and Signoria to these Quaranties , as is now practis'd but too often . If these Quaranties were quite taken away , it would be better for the Government , but then it would be as necessary to provide some other way for so many necessitous and idle persons . It were well to use all means to take from them the Authority of judging Noblemen in Criminal Cases ; for so by degrees they will lose many of the Priviledges affected to the Nobility , as also I could wish they were totally excluded from the Senate ; But that is more to be wish'd than hop'd for . As for the People , let them always be provided for by plenty of things for sustenance , and as cheap as may be : For the Nature of the Rabble is so malicious , that even when scarcity of Provisions comes from the failing of the Crops , they nevertheless impute it to the Malice or Negligence of the Great ones : So there is no way to make them hold their peace , but to stop their Mouths . Employ as many of the People as may be in the Service of the Publick , that so drawing their Livelyhood from the Government , they may have affection for it , and the Numbers of the Necessitous will thereby be lessen'd : for if Hunger and Want can make strong Towns yield , it will likewise incite Men to venture their Lives in desperate Attempts , rather than linger in misery . Yet still I would not advise to take any into Office that had not first gain'd wherewithal to subsist in a mediocrity ; for else it will be but giving him a kind of leave to cheat , to the great damage of the Publick . As for the Married Women of the City , let there be care taken to keep them honest ; and to have them so , they must be kept retir'd , remembring , that the Beginnings of all Corruption in that kind are slight , and proceed from a Look or a Salute . Let one Modern Abuse be reform'd , which is , that the Noblemen do take upon them to force the People to make Agreements , Payments , or Marriages , and not dare to have recourse to the Publick Authority , upon which this is an Usurpation : If this be not remedied , 't is enough to cause another Sicilian Vespers : Besides , that it is likely to set all the Nobility together by the Ears , while each will maintain his own Friends and Dependants . In all Occurrences where the Publick Faith is engaged , let it be inviolably kept , without minding any present advantage that might accrew by the breaking of it ; for that is but momentaneous : whereas the Benefit of keeping Faith is eternal ; and a Prince that breaks his Word , must invent a new Religion to make himself be believed another time , seeing the Oaths he made in the Religion he professes have not been able to bind him . Let the Nobles forbear all Trading ; for a State that will have Merchants , must not have their Governours exercise that Profession , because the Merchants will always be afraid of being Brow-beaten in Bargains , and over-aw'd in their Dealings . The Spaniards , who have so little kindness for the Venetian Government , have not a more odious Name than to call it , A Republick of Merchants . By an Ancient Law , a Nobleman tax'd with Trading , cannot enter into a Turnament , as not being fit Company for Cavaliers . Merchandise may in a short time either extreamly enrich , or totally ruine a Family , both which are dangerous for the Commonwealth . Besides , a Merchant is of a necessity in some measure a Foreigner , while his Trade and Interest lies abroad , and a Nobleman ought to have no Interest nor Affection but at home . If Politicians have taught , that it is not safe for a great City to have too sumptuous Palaces and Villas in its Territory , lest the fear of losing of them should incline them to yield the very City to a potent Enemy : What shall we say of those Nobles , who , being engag'd in Trade , may have many Thousands of Crowns in an Enemies Country ? In the beginnings of a Commonwealth , Merchandising was necessary to get out of Poverty , and now 't is dangerous , as being the Fomenter of too much Luxury . The Genoueses who have continued the Trading of their Nobility , have but small Respect shew'd them by other Princes , and are more valued one by one than altogether . Let superfluous Pomps be forbidden , though if they were only followed by the Rich , it would be of use to the Government , because it would bleed those who are too sanguine ; but by reason of the Emulation which is between those of the same Degree , the permitting of them would prove ruinous to many Families , who could neither avoid them , nor go through with them : And whoever by a Punctilio of Honour is brought to the necessity of doing more than he is able , must use , to compass it , such means as he ought not to employ . Before a Law be made and promulgated , let it be well thought on and debated : but being once made , let it be observed , and the non-observance of it punished ; because whoever suffers Disobedience in small matters , teaches it in greater : And that Nobleman who thinks to distinguish himself by slighting of the Laws , offends both his Country and himself by such an Example , more than by any dissoluteness he could be guilty of , because he directly strikes at the Publick Authority ; and besides , such a Custom once taking Root in a Commonwealth , and being an inveterate Abuse among the Nobility , it is not to be reform'd with less than the loss of the Lives of half the Body . If there be an occasion of coming to some Resolution that may be thought unpleasing to the generality , particularly in point of Justice , let it be given out , That it was carried by a thin Majority , that at least they who were against it , may please themselves in thinking they had many of their Opinion . Let the Secrets of the Government be kept inviolably , and do not forget that Ancient Record of the Venetian Circumspection , which was , That when the general Carmagnuola was condemned , the Resolution ( though taken by Three Hundred and Fifteen Senators ) never took Air for Eight Months together before the Execution ; which is a thing that the most absolute Princes could not have met with in the Fidelity of Three or Four State-Ministers , though bound by excessive Rewards to Secresy . And what a wonderful thing was the deposition of the Doge Foscari , conceal'd by his own Brother ? Certainly one cannot without Tears observe , that in our Times so great a Quality which seem'd to be proper to the Venetian Commonwealth , is something altered by the inconsideration of the young Nobility , who , not out of Disloyalty , but too much Freedom , do let things slip from them which ought to be conceal'd . I think every Venetian Nobleman ought to teach his Children the use of Secresie with their Catechism ; but the better way were to forbid all talking of Public Concerns out of the place where they are properly to be deliberated on , and much less among those who are partakers of the Secret. Let the Honours and Dignities of the Commonwealth be dispensed regularly , and by degrees , avoiding all sudden Flights , because they are dangerous : To see a Cloud enlighten'd of a sudden , is most commonly a sign of a Thunderbolt to come out of it ; and he that from a private man leaps in an instant to the Port of a Prince , has something of the Player . Honours given by degrees keep the young Nobility from attaining them before they are ripe for them ; and we may observe , that as in Physick a man moderately Learned , but well Experienc'd , is safer for the health of the Body Natural ; So in the Government of the Commonwealth , a man often employed , though , perhaps of less acuteness , succeeds best . All Matters of Benefices are very properly under the Cognizance of the Great Council , but it would be as proper to take away all Appeals to the Quaranties , and place them in the Senate , because it often happens , that these Causes are to be decided according to reason of State ; and those Quarantia Judges put little value upon those Politick Reasons : And besides , it seems a great incongruity , that a Sentence , where the Person of the Doge , and the whole Signoria , both intervene , should afterwards be lyable to the Censure of Forty Persons of lesser value . I believe if it were observed to chastise rigorously , but secretly all those Lawyers and their Clients , who carry these Appeals to the Quarantias , the use of them would be less frequent , and in time they would be forborn , as if they were forbidden . If it should fall out , that any of your Subjects should procure a Decree in the Rota , or Court of Rome , you must rigorously command from him a Renunciation ab Impetratis , else all beneficiary Causes will be devolv'd to Rome , where they are look'd upon as Sacred , and so a fourth part of all Civil Causes would be lost for your own Courts : Auditors of the Rota are to be with the Commonwealth , like Bishops in partibus Infidelium , a thing of Title , but without Subjects . Let the Bishops of the Venetian State be always praecogniz'd in the Consistory by a Venetian Cardinal , without the Circumstance of creating him Special Procurator ; but as Protector , which he really ought to be as other Cardinals brag they are so , for other States . For the Court of Rome , to avoid these procurations to Venetian Cardinals , would perhaps desist making any of that Nation , that so they might oblige the State to have recourse to Strangers , which in time would also prejudice the pretence of being treated as Crown'd Heads . If the preconisation be made otherwise , let the State seize the Temporalities of the Bishoprick , and stop all Pensions laid upon it : 'T is true , that if the Cardinal Nipote should make the Preconisation , and enjoy at the same time the priviledge of a Venetian Nobleman , it could not well be rejected . If it should ever happen that there should be a Pope , I won't say a Venetian , for that would be of more danger than advantage to the Government , but a Foreigner well inclin'd to the Venetian Republick , then would be the time to obtain once for all the Grant of the Tenths upon the Clergy , as once it was got under Clement the Sixth , whose Bull is unfortunately lost ; for 't is troublesome to get it renew'd every Five Year or Seven Year ; and it would be a Point gain'd which still would more and more equal the Republick with Crown'd Heads ; as also if in the Titles given by the Pope to the Doge , there could be gain'd the Superlative , as Carissimo or Dilectissimo , as is usual to Crown'd Heads , it would be a new lustre to the Republick , which for want of these things , and also because that never any Venetian Nuncio was promoted to be Cardinal , is look'd upon at Rome as a kind of Third Power between Crown'd Heads and the Ducal State. If , I say , all this could be gain'd by the State from a Pope , there might be some return made , by making a Law , That Church-men in Criminals should not be judged by any Tribunal but the Council of Ten , or Delegates from that Council . And now I am speaking of that Council , I cannot but inculcate , That all means possible should be used to hinder an Avogadore from daring to carry the Decrees of the Council of Ten to be re-view'd or censur'd by any other Council : but rather , if there ought to be any Change made in them , let it be by the same Power that made them ; otherwise the Consequence will be a constant annihilation of their Decrees , and a manifest depression of the great Nobility , with an Exaltation of the lesser . Touching the Authority of this Council , I have this more to say , That I could wish , that the Delegations of its Power were less frequent , with great regard to the Dignity of the Persons , as well as to the Splendor of the Government , which is always more reverenced when it is least communicated , like the Sun-beams , which in that glorious Body are of Gold , but communicated to the Moon , are but of Silver . Indeed our Ancestors would have deserved well of us , if they had lengthened the time of this Magistracy : but because that which was not done in those Old Times , can hardly be hop'd in these Modern ones , the only Remedy would be to obtain a Continuation of the same persons for another year , under pretext of avoiding so many various Elections in so short a time as must be made by a Scrutiny in the Pregadi : 'T is true , that would exempt the persons continued from the Governments of Expence ; but as long as that Exemption did not extend beyond a year , there would be little Inconvenience in it : And if it be objected , That this would too much strengthen the Authority of the great ones , I answer , That it lasting but a few months , could not be of ill Consequence : and on the other side , those hands are , as it were , tied up , which ought to be at liberty to do Justice , while every week they may be canvass'd and teas'd by a Party of mean Persons , both for the Conditions of their Mind and Fortune : I have often admired how the Council of Ten ( having already all the Criminal Power , and a good part of the Judiciary in Civil Causes , as well as in State-Affairs ) have suffered themselves to be thus fetter'd , it seeming to me almost impossible that the Inferiour sort should at the time of this Modification have so far prevail'd over the middling Nobility , as to make them forget , that it is much better obeying a few Great Ones , than a Multitude of Inferiours . The Prudence of the Great Ones must be awak'd , to take all secret advantage to repair these past Omissions by means not easily penetrated . Let Vertue be esteem'd where-ever it is ; and if it be Eminent in one who is not Noble , let it find a Regard ; for he has made himself Noble ; and all Hereditary Nobility has had its beginning from some personal Eminency . And thus much for the First Head. The Second Head , which is concerning the Government of your Subjects , may be divided into those who confine upon the Sea , and in your Islands , and those of Terra Firma . As to the first , there needs not much Speculation ; for they confining only upon the Turk , and there being among them but few Persons of Note or Riches , there remains nothing but to shew your selves just by giving them good Rulers ; and there you ought to be very careful : for if they have Justice and Plenty , they will never think of changing their Masters : Those few of Istria and Dalmatia , that confine upon the Emperour , have not in themselves any Qualities to waken your Jealousie , and are besides well affectioned to the Government of the Republick . For your Greek Subjects of the Island of Candia , and the other Islands of the Levant , there is no doubt but there is some greater regard to be had of them , first , because that the Greek Faith is never to be trusted ; and perhaps they would not much stick at submitting to the Turk , having the Example of all the rest of their Nation before their Eyes : These therefore must be watch'd with more attention , lest , like Wild Beasts , as they are , they should find an occasion to use their Teeth and Claws ; the surest way is to keep good Garrisons to awe them , and not use them to Arms or Musters , in hopes of being assisted by them in an Extremity : for they will always shew ill Inclinations proportionably to the Strength they shall be Masters of , they being of the Nature of the Gally-Slaves , who , if they were well us'd , would return the kindness , by seizing the Gally , and carry it and its Commander to Algiers : Wine and Bastonadoes ought to be their Share , and keep Good Nature for a better occasion . As for the Gentlemen of those Collonies , you must be very watchful of them ; for besides the Natural Ferocity of the Climate , they have the Character of Noblemen , which raises their Spirits , as the frequent Rebellions of Candia do sufficiently evidence . The use of Colonies was advantageous to the Roman Commonwealth , because they preserv'd even in Asia and Africa , Roman Inclinations , and with them a kindness for their Country . If the Gentlemen of these Colonies do tyrannize over the Villages of their Dominion , the best way is not to seem to see it , that there may be no kindness between them and their Subjects ; but if they offend in any thing else , 't will be well to chastise them severely , that they may not brag of any Priviledges more than others : It will not be amiss likewise to dispute all their Pretensions to any particular Jurisdiction ; and if at any time their Nobility or Title be disputed , it will do well to sell them the Confirmation of it at as dear a Rate as possible : and , in a word , remember that all the Good that can come from thence is already obtain'd , which was 〈◊〉 the Venetian Dominion ; and for the future there is nothing but Mischief to be expected from them . As for the Subjects of Terra Firma , there is required a more abstruse way of governing , by distinguishing those who by an ancient Inclination are well affected to the Republick , as those of Brescia , Crema , and Bergamo , and also those of Vicenza ; for to them there ought to be suitable returns of kindness made upon occasion to the others , who only have a kindness of Obedience , such as are the Veroneses , Padouans and Trevigians , it will be good to make shew of great Justice towards them , but not let slip any occasion of keeping them low : It is good to wink at the Fewds and Enmities that happen among them , for from these two benefits arise to the Commonwealth , to wit , Private Discord among themselves , and good Confiscations to the Publick . Let all Extortions and Oppressions committed by the Gentry upon the People , be severely punished , that the People may be affectionate to the Government , as being particularly protected by it : In all occasions of Taxes and Impositions , suffer not any Remonstrances , remembring how in 1606. there had like to have been a League between the Brescian and Veroneze , in order to obtain an Abolition of Imposts , and with what boldness the Brescian Embassadours made their Complaints in the Senate : It was a very previous Disposition to a Rebellion ; Therefore it will be fit to let them know , That if the State think good to lay a Tax , there is no way of avoiding it . Those who in the Councils of these Towns , are of a resolute Nature , and somewhat refractory to the Orders of the State , you must either ruin or oblige , even at the Publick Charge : For a small Leven is enough to ferment a great Mass of Bread. The Brescians have a Priviledge which you must infringe upon all fit opportunities , which is , That no Estates of Brescians can be bought but by Brescians themselves : For if the Venetians could extend themselves in that most fertile Country , in a few years it would be as it is now with the Padouans , who have scarce a Third of their own Country left them . In the Case of a Rich Heiress , it will be well to endeavour , by all fair means , to marry her with some of the Venetian Nobility , to enrich them , and impoverish the others . Let their Governours be chosen among those of the highest Spirits of the Venetian Nobility , that they may in them venerate the Prince : for every man naturally gives more Credit to his Eyes than to his Ears . Observe however this Caution in Taxing , That you do not thereby hinder Plenty : For though men may be perswaded to part with Superfluities , yet not with what is necessary for Life . As for Employments , if there be room , omit not to give them to the Natives , but still in places remote from their own Dwelling , and keep them there as long as may be , that they may lose their Interest at home . If there be Heads of Factions among them , they must be Exterminated any way ; but if you have them in Prison , 't is better to use Poyson than the Hangman , because the advantage will be the same , and the odium less . You must have an Account of the Taxes that their Neighbours the Milaneses undergo , and still let those of the Venetian Subjects be something lighter in comparison ; and moreover let them be free from quartering of Souldiers , which is in it self the heaviest of all Tyrannical Oppressions . Let the great Crimes be still brought before the Council of Ten , that the Veneration for the Power at distance may be greater , and likewise because the Ministers of Justice will be less subject to be corrupted , when the Criminals are in the Prisons of the State. Let the Process against them be tedious , that so the slowness of proceedings may be some part of punishment : But for the Banditi , if they dare to appear in the State , let them be Extermined with all Industry ; for there cannot be a greater Demonstration of Contempt in the Subject , and Weakness of the Prince , than for a Condemned Man to dare to come into the Dominions out of which he has been banished , as if one should frequent another man's House in spight of his Teeth . The Bishopricks and other Church-Preferments may be conferr'd upon the Natives , first , to avoid the Imputation of too much Avarice in the Venetian Nobility , if they should take all Preferments to themselves . Secondly , In order to debase the Spirits of the Natives , and turn them off from Arms to an idle Life : Besides , it will be a kind of a Shadow of Liberty , to make them bear their Subjection the better . But as much as it may be convenient to let them attain the Degree of Bishops , so much would it be dangerous to let them arrive to that of Cardinal ; for then they will be sure to abhor the Quality of Subjects , since those who wear that Purple have usurp'd the Precedency even over Princes . Let every City have the making of their own Gentry by their Common-Council ; for that will make it so much the meaner ; but still let them be bound to have the Confirmation from the Senate . Let all those Families who apply themselves to the Service of Foreign Princes , be upon all occasions slighted , and not at all countenanced by the Government , intimating to them by that silent notice , That he deserves little of his own Prince who seeks Employment with a Foreign one : And if any of these who have serv'd abroad , should be so bold , as to contend with a Venetian Nobleman , if it be at Venice , let the Punishment be severe , if he be in the wrong ; but if it is in his own Country , let it be gentle , that the Opinion of the Publick Justice may be advantageously insinuated to the People ; and likewise , that the Noble Venetians themselves may avoid Contests , where they are not more immediately protected . Let the Citadels of the Chief Cities be well provided , as much against a Foreign Enemy , as to chastise a Rebellion at home , nothing so much inclining to offend , as the hopes of Impunity : and it may indeed be said , That if Men were certain of a punishment to follow , they would never offend at all ; but a Prince that is sufficiently provided , is sufficiently safe . Remember , that as it is very hard to find either a Wife or a Monk , that one time or another have not repented the loss of their Natural Liberty , so the same may be said of Subjects , who fancy that they have parted with more of that they were born to than was necessary for their well-being . And let this suffice for the Second Head. Coming now to those several Princes with whom the Venetian Republick may have Concerns , we will begin with the Pope , as being the first in Dignity , if not in Power . And here we must have a Two-fold Consideration , he being to be look'd upon as a Spiritual and as a Temporal Prince . There has been some Advertisements given already about his Spiritual Power : We will add here what was then omitted : First , We must admire the wonderful State of that Monarchy , which from a mean and persecuted Condition , for the Series of many years , in which the very Exercise of Religion was punished with Death , is arriv'd to so much Greatness , that all Regal Dignities of the same Communion , pay Homage to this Spiritual Monarch , by the kissing of his Feet . God Almighty has been pleased this way to shew the Reward of Christian Religion , by raising to the Supreamest Greatness the Institutors and Ministers of it ; but the Piety of Christian Princes has very much tributed to it ; and the first was Constantine : This Emperor not only embrac'd the Christian Faith , but enrich'd the Church extreamly , and since his time several other Emperors and Kings have , as it were , vied with one another , who should give most : But that which is most inscrutable is , how with their Riches they came to give away also their Jurisdiction and Power . For six hundred years after the coming of Christ the Popes were always confirmed by the Emperors , or in their steads , by the Exarcks of Ravenna ; and in the very Patent of Confirmation there was always written these Words , Regnante Tali Domino Nostro . In the year 518. the Emperor Justinus sent from Constantinople his Embassadors to Pope Hormisda , to confirm the Authority of the Apostolical Sea , and to announce Peace to the Church . In 684. Constantine the Second gave to Benedictus the Second a Concession , by which , for the future , the Election of Popes should be made by the Clergy and People of Rome , and should not need the Confirmation of the Emperour , nor of the Exarck , not reflecting , that the holiness of those times might come to change it self into an Interest of State. Bonifacius the Third obtained of the Emperour Phocas , that all other Christian Churches might be obedient to the Roman . After this , in the year 708. Justinus the Second was the first that submitted to kiss the Pope's Feet ; and that Pope's Name was Constantine : But Adrian the first having received great Favours from Charles the first , King of France , did in a Council of One Hundred and Fifty Three Bishops , confer upon him the Authority of chusing the Popes , which was about the year 773. a Priviledge which his Son Lewis the Pious knew not how to keep , but parted with it for the imaginary Title of Pi●us ; to which might be added that of Simple . Howsoever scandalous the Emperours were in their Lives , the Popes did use to bear with them , referring to God Almighty the punishment of them : But in the year 713. Philip , Emperour of Constantinople , being fallen into Heresy , was Excommunicated by Pope Constantine , and had the Reward due for all the Honours and Priviledges given by his Predecessors to the Popes . This was the very first time that the Imperial Power was forc'd to stoop to the Papal ; and yet at the same time the Church of Milan claim'd an Independency from the Roman , and maintain'd it for above Two Hundred Years , being countenanc'd by the Emperours , who often came into Italy , and in their absence hy the Exarcks of Ravenna , till at last in the year 1057. it yielded up the Contest to Pope Stephen the Ninth . In the year 1143. Celestin the Second was the first Pope chosen by Cardinals in Exclusion to the People . I have made this Narration , that it may appear by what Degrees this Spiritual Monarchy has increased ; and in it , the Goodness of Christian Princes is not more to be admired than the Dexterity of the Popes , in not omitting any occasion to gain ground . At present the Emperour is chosen by a Pontifical Bull , where the Power of Election is committed to the Three Ecclesiastical , and Four Secular Electors , with an Obligation nevertheless in the Emperour chosen , to receive his Confirmation and Coronation from the Pope ; so that the Subject is at last become Prince over his own Prince , not without some reflection of Weakness upon Otho the Fourth , Emperour of Germany , who in the year 994. agreed with Pope Gregory to settle the Election in this manner , for the Honour ( as he thought ) of the German Nation , but with great Diminution of the Imperial Dignity . To this Grandeur of the Papacy , if we add that of having subjected to its power all the other Bishops of Christendom , and obtain'd to be own'd the first of all the Patriarchs , who long contested its Primacy . I say , so high a Power ought to make all other well-govern'd States very wary in their proceedings with it , and to have a careful Eye upon all those occasions wherein the pontifical Authority may be still enlarged , because 't is observed , that all Courtesies and Favours of Princes are in that Court turn'd to Debts and Claims in the space of a few years ; and to obtain the possession , they do not spare for Exorcisms and Anathema's . There is one Custom , or rather Abuse introduc'd in that Court , which deserves great consideration from Princes , which is the power the Pope has assum'd of deposing Princes and Soveraigns , and giving their Kingdoms and States to others , under pretext of ill Government . The Prodigal Son in the Gospel did not lose his Right to his portion , though he was resolv'd to dissipate and consume it viciously , because that Title which we receive from Nature can never be lost in our whole Life . The Kings of Navar were fain to go Vagabonds about the World for the sake of a Bit of Parchment which Pope Julius the Second put out against them , whereby King John the Second lost his Kingdom , which was given to Ferdinand● of Arragon ; and had not providence brought them to the Crown of France , there would have been no mention in the World of the Kings of Navar . From this Liberty of taking away Kingdoms , the Popes assume that of Erecting them Pope Paul the Fourth made Ireland a Kingdom , and Pius the Fifth Erected Tuscany into a great Dutchy . Queen Elizabeth of England , was deposed by Paul the Third , and according to the usual custom , her Kingdom given to Philip the Second of Spain , who was to execute the Papal Sentence ; but he met with the Winds and Seas , and the English Ships , which quite defeated his Armada . In France , by a priviledge of the Gallican Church , they admit of no Bulls that contain Deprivation of Kings , but keep to the Right of Succession : and indeed to depose an actual King , and give away his Kingdom , is not only to destroy a suppos'd Delinquent , but to punish an Innocent Successour , and likewise to prejudice the Right of Election in those who have it . On the other hand England has often thought fit to make it self Tributary to the See of Rome by the Peter-Pence , the first time under Pope Leo the Fourth , and more remarkably under King John , in 1214. to avoid the Invasion from France ; but Henry the Eighth delivered himself once for all , and not only refused the Tribute , but made himself amends by seizing the Church-Lands . The fresh Example of Paul the Fifth towards this Republick is never to be forgot , who charitably would have govern'd another bodies House , under pretext that the Master did not understand how to do it himself : And the constancy of the Venetian Republick will have given fair warning to the Court of Rome , how they undertake such Quarrels , since they were forced to come to an agreement with very little satisfaction or Honour on their side , having been obliged tacitely to give up their claim ; for to demand peremptorily , and then relinquish the Demand , is a sign it was not well founded in Justice ; and the Absolution refus'd , was proof enough , that the Excommunication was void in it self : So that the advantage that has accrew'd to the Venetian Government from the Contest , has been much greater than the damage sustain'd in it . If ever for the future , which I scarce believe , there should happen an occasion of an Interdict from the Court of Rome to the Republick , I should advise presently to post up in Rome an Appellation to the future Council , which is a cruel blow to them : For first , it insinuates the Superiority of the Council over the Pope ; and secondly , it revives the memory of Councils , and lets them see they are not things quite forgot all the World over . If there be care taken to examine well all Bulls that come from Rome , and the Observation of what has been hitherto practis'd , be strictly continued , it may be hop'd , that the Republick shall not undergo any greater Subjection than other Princes , but rather shall have some Liberty above them , particularly more than the Spaniards , who find their account in complying with the Tyranny of Rome , because they receive at the same time great Favours from it , and are proud of maintaining its Authority . To say truth , the Popes hitherto have shew'd little kindness to the Republick , and except the Priviledges granted by Alexander the Third , which serve more to register to the World the Action of the Republick , in restoring and protecting him , than for any thing else : For the Doge might of himself without the Papal Concession , have assum'd those other little Ornaments of the Ombrella , the Standard and the Sword : So that bating the Concessions of the Decimes upon the Clergy , and the Nominations to the Bishopricks ▪ this Country of ours feels but slender Effects of the Pontifical Kindness , which may be an advantage upon all Occurrences of Interest of State to stick the closer to that , because there needs no Complements where every one desires but his own . In considering the Secular Power of the Pope , we will do it upon Five Heads , which may serve to examine all other Princes Interests with the Republick . First , If it be advantageous to the Republick to have the Church grow greater . Secondly , What Title , Inclination or Facility the Popes may have to acquire any part of the State of the Republick . Thirdly , What Inclination , Title or Facility the Republick may have to acquire any part of the State of the Church . Fourthly , If the Church may unite with the Republick , to acquire the State of any other Princes . Fifthly , If the Church can unite with other Princes , to hinder the progress of the Arme of the Republick . To begin with the First , we will answer with a General Rule , which is , That it never is advantageous to a Prince , who desires to remain free and powerful , to let another grow great , except it be to lessen a Third , who is greater than them both ; and if he that is thus agrandiz'd be a Neighbour , his advancement is so much more to be feared : These Alterations indeed may not be so dangerous to a little Prince , who does not fear depending upon a great one , to avoid being molested by one who is already too strong for him . But to come closer to the Case of the Republick , we will say , That if the Church could make it self Master of any part of the King of Spain's Dominions in Italy , where he is the greatest Prince , they might hope for the consent of the Republick , which is the Second Great Italian Potentate , because by that means the Republick might become the First ; and however , the strength of the Church will always give less jealousie to the Republick , than the Spanish Power in Italy ; for the Nature of the Pontifical Principality is Elective and Temporary , and the Aims and Designs of that Court vary according to the Genius of the several Popes ; and sometimes it is subject to long Vacancies : whereas the Monarchy of Spain is successive , and , as one may say , Eternal , and govern'd by standing lasting Maxims . But if the Church be to grow great by the Spoils of any other Italian Prince , it would be the Interest of the Republick to oppose it , because the Damage thence resulting is evident , and the Advantage dangerous . It ought to be well consider'd , how the State of the Church is increased in this last Century . The custom that was in the Church before , to give Infeodations upon slight Acknowledgments , had brought that power to be more of show than real strength ; but Julius the Second , succeeding Alexander the Sixth , made Borgia , Duke of Volentine , Nephew to Alexander , who had seiz'd upon all those Infeodations in Romania , refund them to the Church , and added to them the conquest of Bologna , and got also from the Republick the Cities of Cervia , Rimini , Ravenna , Faenza , Imola , and others , to which , under Clement the Eighth , was added the whole Dutchy of Ferrara , and lately that of Vrbin : So that these Acquisitions alone would make up a great Principality : and the Church seems to want nothing towards the making of it the most considerable power of Italy , than the addition of Parma and Piacenza , and some little Independent Castles in the Territories about Rome : Besides , it can never more be lessen'd by Infeodations , that being quite left off by that Court : So that to let the Church grow any greater in Italy , generally speaking , cannot be for the Interest of the Venetian Republick . To the Second Point , What Title , Inclination or Facility the Church may have to acquire any portion of the State of the Republick , we shall say , That since the Court makes profession of the Extreamest Justice , and that likewise they are loth to begin the Example of Princes usurping upon one another , I think they can hardly set up any Title but upon the Polesine of Rovigo , which they say was formerly annex'd to the Dutchy of Ferrara ; and in the times that the Dispute was between the Dukes of Ferrara and the Republick , the Popes always shewed themselves smart Defenders of the Dukes : Of Four Interdicts published by the Church against the Venetians , Two of them were for this very cause , the first in the year 1305. the Second in the year 1483. under Sixtus the Fourth , at which time indeed the Republick had taken the whole Dutchy of Ferrara , by the Instigation of the Pope himself ; but he being Friends with the Duke , commanded them to restore what they had taken , which they refusing to do , he fulminated his Excommunication and Interdict ; but a Peace following , the Republick kept by agreement the Polesine of Rovigo : The Third Interdict was in 1505. under Julius the Second , because the Republick had several Cities of Romania in their possessions , and the last of all was now lately under Paul the Fifth : So that if the Popes shewed such a concern for the thing when it was only belonging to the Dukes of Ferrara , much more would they do it now when the profit would be their own : So that we may believe that as to this they do own a Title , and have likewise inclination enough to regain this bit of Territory that is lopp'd off from them . We are therefore to consider what Facility they have to do it ; and I do not believe that ever of themselves they will kindle the fire , but make advantage of one ready kindled by some other , as it happened under Julius the Second : Nay , if they reflect upon the great Rule of preserving the Liberty of Italy , they will not for so small a matter enter into a League against the Republick ; for it is of greater concern to them not to break the Ballance of Dominion in Italy , lest the Tramontani should take advantage of it , and subdue all . But this very Reason was strong in Pope Julius the Second's time , and yet was without Effect in a Mind bent all upon particular Interest ; wherefore I conclude , that we are not to expect greater Temper in the Modern Popes , but ought to rest satisfied , that if a powerful Foreign Prince should promise them the acquisition of the State of the Republick , they would embrace the motion without delay . To the Third Question , I say , That the Republick might have just Reason to make themselves amends for the Country they lost in Romagna , it not being a thing they had usurp'd from the Church , but a voluntary Dedition of those Cities who were tyranniz'd over by little Tyrants , that had taken occasion from the Negligence of Popes to make themselves Masters of those places : They were yielded up by the Republick , to take off Julius the Second , who was the great Fomentour of the Fire which was kindled against the Venetians in the League of Cambray , where the Forces of all the Princes of Christendom were united against them ; and without doubt , upon good circumstances the Republick might justifie the re-taking of these Towns ; and I believe there is Inclination enough to do it , all Princes being willing to extend their Territories ; but the point is the Facility of doing it , which I think altogether remote ; for all other Italian Princes , if not out of conscience , yet out of Ostentation of Religion , would be backward to fall upon the Church ; and except it should happen that some one of them should grow too powerful for all the others united , and so be able to right himself , I think the State of the Church need not fear being lessen'd . To the Fourth Question , I answer in the Negative , and do not believe that the Church would joyn with the Republick , to acquire the State of any other Prince , except it were such a one as the Church had a pretence upon , and then they would keep all , which would not please the Republick : Besides , we ought to reflect upon the Genius of the Popedom , which being Elective , most commonly the Popes have no other aim than to keep all quiet , and preserve the general Respect of Princes towards them , that in that decrepit Age they may make their Families , their thoughts being far from enlarging a Dominion which they expect to leave every day ; and in the mean time , all the ready Money , which else they might lay up , would go upon projects of a very uncertain Event : And 't is a wonderful thing that Julius the Second , being of a very mean Birth , should have had so great a Sence of the Publick Interest of the Church , as to forego all his private concerns , and take the Empty Praises of his Courtiers in payment for the loss of such real advantages as he might have made to his Family . The last Query depends , in a great measure , upon the others . I do not think it would be easie to concert the Union of the Pope with other Princes , in order to attack the Republick , because it will never be advantageous to the Church to increase the power of that other Prince ; neither will it look like the Justice they profess , to take to themselves alone the Spoils , except it be upon a Country on which they have a pretence : 'T is true , that in those noysie Excommunications where they deprive Princes of their Dominions , and give them to others that can take them , there might be some danger ; but they are seldom practiz'd but in an Attempt made by a Prince upon the Church , which is never to be feared from the Piety and Moderation of the Republick . There is no doubt but the Church would enter into a League to hinder any progress of the Republick , particularly against any Dependant of theirs ; and also in case the Republick attack'd some small Prince , the Popes , to affect the protection of the weak , would declare ; but if the Republick had to do with a strong Prince , the Church would look on , for fear of greatning too much that Prince , the rather , because the Republick can lay claim to none of those Old ticklish Titles which some other Princes might set a-foot against the Church . And so much for the Pope . Now let us come to the Emperour : The Republick must never forget that Maxim which is common to all Princes bordering upon the Empire , which is , That it is not convenient for them to see the Emperour made more powerful , lest he renew those antiquated Titles he has to most Dominions near him , and particularly in Italy . The power of the Roman Commonwealth , which extended almost over all the known World , being at last usurp'd by Julius Caesar , and from him deriv'd to a long Series of succeeding Emperours , might give the German Emperour a pretext to reckon with all the Princes of Europe , if he were strong enough ; and perhaps many who wear Crowns , would be reduc'd to Beggary ; therefore 't is best to keep him in his cold Country of Germany , where mens Spirits are benumm'd , and less undertaking . The Republick has Reason to distrust him upon many Heads ; as Emperour he has pretences upon the Dutchy of Frioul , and the Marca Trevisana , besides the Cities of Trevisa , Padoua , Vicenza and Verona : As Arch-Duke , he pretends to Istria : As King of Hungary , to Zara , and the neighbouring Country : So that his Titles and Neighbourhood are considerably dangerous ; all these Countries are besides of greater Antiquity than the City of Venice it self : So that their being subject to a Metropolis of a younger standing , gives some suspicion of the Lawfulness of their Subjection . All these pretences were renewed in the League of Cambray ; Therefore I think , without hesitation , I may pronounce , That it is the Interest of the Republick that the Emperour should be kept low , both for General and Particular Reasons . From these Reflections we may also conclude , that the Emperour to these Titles does not want Inclination to acquire a part of the Territories of the Republick ; particularly it being yet a complaint of that Prince , of the little Respect show'd him by the Republick , when taking advantage of his Distractions , they Erected the Fortress of Palma Nuova just under his Nose . There remains therefore to see what Facility he might find in such an Attempt . In the present State of his Affairs , while the Faction of the Protestants is so strong in Germany , I cannot think that he can quarrel with the Republick , which is as powerful in Money as he is in Men : For in length of time 't is certain , that he who has Money may have Men , and they who have many Men must consume much Money : 'T is true , he being so near a Borderer upon the Republick , it may give him the more confidence , because a lesser Number will be necessary to make the Invasion ; but if the Enterprize be not in the Name of the whole Empire , in which case the whole German Nation would be a party , I believe , with the help of his own Patrimonial Dominions , he will not do any great matter , the rather , because many great Heretical Princes and Cities of Germany have the same Interest to keep him low : So that as he might perhaps be pretty smart upon an Invasion or Incursion , at length of time he would prove as weak to hold out a War : And indeed this was the true cause of Erecting the Fortress of Palma Nuova , to obviate a sudden Incursion of his Forces , and provide a Retreat for the Country-people ; so to gain time , which is always as advantageous to the Republick , as dangerous to such an Enemy , who if he have not some body to furnish him with Money , will get but little ground , tho his Army be numerous , as it was in the time of Maximilian . Now whether the Republick has any Title , Inclination or Facility to acquire any part of the Emperour's Territories ? I answer , That without doubt the Republick has pretences upon Goritia and Gradisca , which formerly belong'd to the Family of the Frangipani , and for a little while was under the Government of the Republick : There are likewise some Castles in Istria , and upon the Coast which the Republick claims ; and for an Inclination to acquire these , we need not doubt but the Republick has it , it being either the Vertue or Vice of Princes never to be without it : But still the great consideration lies in the Facility of doing it ; for it there be that , 't is above half the Title ; and if that is wanting , 't is Imprudence to own any part of a pretence that must remain without Execution . I believe by Sea it would prove easie to take Trieste , and some other places , but it would be as hard to maintain them ; and to go further into the Land , would need great preparatives on the side of the Republick : whereas on the Emperour's side , the Defence would be easie , he having a command of Men : So that except in an open War , there is no thinking of any strong Attempt that way , and then it were not amiss to put a good strength to it , that at the end of the War , which always must one time or another be succeeded by Peace , some of the Country might remain by Treaty in the Venetians Hands , for the charges of the War ; for to begin a War only for the acquisition of these places , would not be a Deliberation befitting the Wisdom and Gravity of the Venetian Senate : It would be better to watch the occasion of some Extremity or Pinch of an Emperour , which often happens , and buy these places ; but then be aware that if it be not a Patrimonial Estate , the consent of the Dyet is necessary to the purchase , to cut off all claims in time to come . 'T is as hard , that the Emperour should unite with the Republick , to acquire the State of any other Prince in Italy , because , first , for Spain , they are the same Family with the Emperour ; Against the Church he will declare as little , professing a great Zeal for it , and calling himself , The Churches Advocate ; Modena , Mantoua and Mirandola are Fiefs of the Empire ; Savoy and Florence are remote from him , and to come at them he must overcome greater Princes that are between him and them : so that this Union would prove difficult . If the Emperour should fall out with some of these Dukes , his Vassals , and depose them , it might happen that if Spain were busie elsewhere , and the Emperour loth to take the trouble of chastising them himself alone , he might then unite with the Republick , upon condition to have the best part of the Spoil ; but if the Emperour should , as formerly , come to a great Rupture with the Church , and employ heartily his power in the Quarrel ▪ 't is not impossible but he might be willing to engage the Republick by a promise of some part of the conquest . I think in any other way 't is not probable to make any advantage of the Imperial Assistance . The last Question is , Whether he can unite with others against the Republick ? And of this there is no doubt : For if Maximilian , tho infinitely oblig'd to the Republick , made no difficulty to unite in a League with Lewis the Twelfth of France , his Competitor and Enemy , whom , for Injuries received , he had declared a Rebel to the Sacred Empire ( tho Lewis laugh'd at that Imaginary Jurisdiction ) : I say , if he could submit to joyn with so suspected a power , much less would the Emperour now scruple the uniting either with Spain or the Pope , or any other Princes of Italy , not only for to acquire Territory , but even for bare Money , if it were offer'd him . With France I believe the Union would not be so easie as it was then , because now the Emperour , being partial for Spain , if their Interest did not concur , they would hinder him from being drawn away by any hopes or promises : But this will appear better when we come to treat of Spain : For if Spain will have a League against the Republick , the Emperour will never stand out . Now let us come to France : 'T is not above Fifty years ago that the Republick thought themselves oblig'd not only to desire , but to procure the Greatness of France , because being under the phrensie of a Civil War , it threatned little less than the dissolution of that Monarchy : The Succession of Henry the Fourth to the Crown , who had his Title from Nature , and the Possession from his Sword , reviv'd it , and at last gave it such vigour , that from deserving Compassion , it came to move Envy ; and if a fatal blow of a mean hand had not cut off that Prince's Life , and Designs , there would have been requisite great Dexterity , or great Force to defend the Republick from them . The Count de Fuentes , Governour of Milan , us'd to brag , that he had such Musick as should make those dance who had no mind to 't : Henry the Fourth might have said so with much more reason , and he us'd to affirm , That at the pass things were , the Neutrality of the Republick was a Coyn that would no longer be current . If he had given career to his no ill-founded Designs , half a World would not have suffic'd him ; but we must not be frighted if we see the Raging Sea swell in Billows , and look as if it would swallow up the Earth , since a little Sand stops all its Fury . Death has a Scythe that most commonly cuts off all the Noblest Lives : If Henry the Third of France , had brought the Siege of Paris to an end ; if Philip the Second had not had the Winds and Seas against him , England would have been in Chains , and Paris would have been a Village . In conclusion , the Fatality of Humane Affairs is such , that most great undertakings are disappointed by unexpected causes . At present the constitution of France is such , that there is little danger from them ; for during the Minority of their King , they will have enough to do not to lose ground , there being so many Jealousies and Factions a-foot : 'T is true , that the common people have open'd their Eyes , and begin to be weary of spending their blood for the ambition of the great ones ; and amongst these , the chiefest are old , and at their ease , so that they will think chiefly of keeping themselves in those Posts they enjoy . The Duke of Maine , who is Head of the Catholick Party , is very ancient and very rich ; wherefore if in the time of the great troubles , he either could not or would not aspire to make himself King , when even he had all but the Name of it , 't is not to be imagined he thinks of it now ; and if he will be content with the State of a Subject , he is as great as he can be . The Duke of Mercaeur , who in his Wife 's right pretended to Erect Britany into a Kingdom , is at last dead in Hungary ; the Duke of Epernon is more studious of good Husbandry than Soldiery ; the Duke of Montpensier has always been true to the Royal Family ; the Capricios of the Marchioness of Aumale , will hardly have any Followers ; and it will be well if she can clear her self of the late King's Death : On the other side , the Prince of Conde , the first Prince of the Blood , is young , and of a mild Nature ; he has besides before his Eyes the Example of his Father , Grandfather , and Great Grandfather , who all perish'd unfortunately in civil Broils , and has in his own person experimented the Spanish Parsimony , in his Retreat from Court to Brussels : So that if he desires a greater Fortune , he may compass it in France , from the hands of the Queen her self , who is so ill a Politician , as to try to put out Fire with pouring Oyl upon it . The Hugonots are weary ; the Duke of Bovillon , their Head , well pleased with his present Fortune ; and if he have a mind to be a Hugonot out of Perswasion , and not Faction , there is no body will hinder him ; but most of these great men have Religion only for a pretext , as 't is reported likewise of the Duke de Lesdiguieres , which if it be true , they will never be quiet till the King be of Age ; and by consequence , there will be little protection to be hop'd for from that Kingdom . Our Speculation therefore may more certainly conclude , that the Greatness of France is at a stand , and cannot in the space of some years make any progress , and till it come to an Excess not to be thought on for these fifty years , it can give no Jealousie to the Republick . As to the Title , Inclination and Facility that France may have to acquire any part of the Republick's Dominions ; I say , we need not doubt of their Inclination , because Princes are like Wolves to one another , always ready for prey . As for Title , they can set up none till they have conquer'd the Dutchy of Milan ; and Facility they have as little , because they cannot come at the Republick's Territories , without first passing over those of other Princes , which they will never consent to , lest they prove the first conquest themselves : Whereupon I conclude , that for a long time the power of France can give no jealousie to the Republick . And on the other side , the Republick can have no pretences , as things stand , upon any part of the French Territories , as long as they are totally Excluded from Italy ; and if there be no Title , there is less Inclination and Facility . The Union of France with the Republick , to acquire the State of any other Prince , will always be easie when France is in a condition to mind such acquisitions ; the past Examples prove that sufficiently ; but they do sufficiently bear Testimony likewise of the danger of such Union : Now that the French are totally excluded Italy , they would agree to very large conditions with the Republick , and allow them a great share of the Kingdom of Naples and Dutchy of Milan ; but they would no sooner have made the acquisition of their share , but they would begin to cast their Eyes upon that of the Republick , and enter into a League against them with some other Prince , just as it happened in the time of Lewis the Twelfth , when to gain Cremona , he was the first that consented to the League of Cambray , deceiving all the while the Venetian Embassador at Court , and affirming ( even with Oaths ) , That he would never conclude any thing to the prejudice of the Republick , tho he had sign'd the League above six weeks before the War began , which he exercised likewise in a most barbarous manner , hanging up the Noble Venetians that were Governours of the Towns he took . I believe France , to get footing in Italy , would engage with any other Prince against the Republick , except with the Spaniard ; and if that should happen , it would be necessary to stir up the Factions of that Kingdom , and bring upon them some powerful Neighbour , such as England : The Friendship of Savoy would likewise be useful , to hinder the Passes of the Mountains , and make some diversion in Provence and Dauphine , if there could be any relying upon this present Duke ; but he is a Proteus , that turns himself into many forms , and with his Capricio's and Humours , would soon empty the Treasures of S. Marc : But these are things so remote , that they may be left to the prudence of those who shall live in those times ; for according to the Times there must be alteration of Councils . And so much for France . Now let us turn to Spain , A Family that from low beginnings , is come by Marriages to the possession of Twelve Kingdoms , and several Dukedoms in Europe , besides what it has in the Indies , does certainly evidence a great Favour of Fortune , joyn'd with great application and industry : So that if it be not stopp'd by Fatality , may bid fair for an Universal Empire : If Charles the Fifth had had as much prudence in his youth as he had in his old Age , he would not have separated the Empire from Spain , but would have made his Son Philip have been chosen King of the Romans , instead of his Brother Ferdinand : He understood his Errour , and repented of it at last , trying to perswade Ferdinand to a Renunciation ; but he shew'd as much prudence in keeping what he had got so wonderfully into his Hands , as Charles would have shew'd folly in going to deprive him of it by Force . Charles was not less unhappy in the other Act of Moderation he shew'd , when he renounc'd all his Kingdoms to his Son , and retired to a private Life ; For to one who on the Anniversary Day of that Famous Action , congratulated King Philip for his Felicity , he answered , That Day was likewise the Anniversary of his Father's Repentance : So that Actions of Moderation in Princes , are but like that Insect called the Ephemera , which lives and dies the same day . The Greatness of Spain is therefore to be suspected ; it has Two Wild Beasts that follow it always close , one on one side , and the other on the other , which is the Turk by Sea , and France by Land ; and besides that it has that Issue of Holland , as witty Boccalini calls it , which will sufficiently purge it of all its ill Humours ; and it must be own'd , that all the Spanish Sagacity has not hindered them from following the Fable of the Dog , who forsook the Substance for the Shadow : For , for Forty years together , France was sufficiently taken up with their own Intestine Broils , during which time Spain might with great advantage have made a Truce with Holland ; and having likewise humbled the Turk , by the Battle of Lepanto , they might have applied their whole Force to Italy , which had no Defence but its own Natives , and not of them above half : So that in all probability they could have met with no considerable opposition . One might say , That it was an Effect of King Philip's Moderation , if he had not shew'd as great an Ambition of Dominion as possible , in endeavouring first to unite France to Spain by conquest , then to have his Daughter chosen Queen , and lastly , seiz'd upon as many Towns as he could ; Therefore we may give the Italians Joy , that half an Age of so much danger passed without the least loss of their Liberty . Now by reason of the French King's Minority , the Jealousies against Spain are a-foot again , but , I think , not with so much ground ; For if not France , at least England , would raise their old Enemies , the Dutch particularly , if the Italians should help with Money : So that if Italy can but resist the first brunt , it may hope for all sort of Relief ; for France has Forces , and they would soon have a will to succour Italy against Spain : Neither do I believe , that Spain would hazard the Truce with Holland , it having been compass'd with such Difficulties , even to the loss of much of their Honour and Fast . 'T is enough , that to all other Christian Princes , except the Emperour , the Greatness of Spain is of ill Consequence ; And therefore to be opposed by all secret means first , and if need be , at last openly , and without a Mask . If Spain has any Title , Inclination or Facility to acquire part of the Republick's Dominions , there will be little Difficulty to answer : Their Title would be upon Brescia , Crema , and Bergamo , ancient Members of the Dutchy of Milan : And these Three Cities are so considerable , that with their Territory , they would perhaps make up as rich a Dutchy as any in Lombardy , except Milan : So that we need not doubt , but the Spaniard looks upon these Cities with an Amorous Eye , and with great Desire to enjoy them ; there remains only the Facility of doing it , which is always the most important of the Three Points : Upon this Subject we must distinguish whether they will make the Attempt by themselves , or in Conjunction with others : If alone , and that the Republick have any Great Prince , either Italian , or Foreigner on their side , they will meet with little Facility in their Designs , because the Republick's Money , joyn'd to the Forces of another Prince , can give check to almost any great Power , and particularly to that of Spain , whose States and Possessions are large , but disunited ; and they cannot but be afraid , that while they are busied in Lombardy , others would try to attack them in a more sensible part : If Spain should therefore unite with any other Prince , provided the Republick had France on their side , they would not much hurt it , because the Inundation of the French into Lombardy , uses to be both powerful and sudden , provided they be called in by an Italian Prince of some Figure ; and by that means the Spaniard being attack'd on Two sides , would go near to lose his Dutchy of Milan . But if we consider the Republick united only with some Italian Prince , and the French to stand Spectator , as might happen in the Minority of a French King , particularly if the Spaniard had the Pope and Emperour of his side , I doubt the Republick would be hard set ; for that other Prince in League with them , cannot be of any great Force ; the most useful would be Savoy ; but besides , that he would be bought very dear , he would be always wavering , if the Spaniards tempted him strongly : The Richest would be Florence ; but his Territories not joyning upon those of the Republick , there is little good to be expected from his assistance . Lastly , If Spain will fall upon the Republick alone , and the Republick be likewise alone , I say , That as to the State of Terra Firma , it would go near to be lost ; but by Sea the Republick would make a stout Resistance . But if it be ask'd , whether the Republick have either Title , Inclination or Facility to acquire any part of the Spanish Dominions in Italy ? I answer , the Title would be upon Cremona in Lombardy , and upon Travi , and other Ports of La Puglia , in the Kingdom of Naples , the Republick having been in Possession of all these places before ever Spain had footing in Italy : So that there wants nothing but Facility ; and there is but one Case that I know in which the Republick might hope to get Possession again ; and that is , in case the Republick were in League with France , and the Emperour busied by the Protestants of Germany , then some of these Expectations might be fulfilled , but still with the same Jealousie , that your Friends should at last joyn with your Enemies to fall upon the Republick , as it happened in the League of Cambray . And this answers the other Question , to wit , Whether Spain can unite with any other Power against the Republick ? 'T is very true , that I can hardly believe , that the Spaniards would , without any precedent broil , attempt a League with France against the Republick , because the Damage of one City's remaining in the French Hands , would be greater to them than the profit of taking all the Republick has in Terra Firma would amount to . Whether the Spaniard may unite with the Republick , to acquire conjoyntly in Italy ; I say , That if it be against an Italian Prince , they will not , because it is not their Interest that the Republick should be greater , and already almost all the lesser Princes are Dependants of that Monarchy : and as for the Pope , they would certainly help him , rather than joyn against him , being us'd to make a great shew of their protecting the Church : The only case that would make them bear patiently any new Acquisitions of the Republick , would be , if France should make any progress in Italy . After all , amidst so many well-grounded suspicions , it must be confessed , that the Neighbourhood of Spain has prov'd of less disturbance to the Republick , than that of any other Prince who had those Countries before them ; for the Dukes of Milan were perpetually either quarrelling , or , finding themselves too weak , were inciting of other Powers under-hand against the Republick . There may be an Union likewise of the Republick and Spain by Sea , against the Turk , and by Land against the Grisons , or any other Hereticks . And this is enough for Spain . Now by reason of Vicinity , we will speak of the other Italian Princes : It would be the Interest of the Republick to see them greater , if it could be done at the Expence of Spain , and by their Spoils , as also by getting from the Church : But both those Cases are next to impossible , if first the World be not turn'd topsy turvy , which can never be , but by a League with France ; and then if any part of the Spaniards Dominions could be shar'd amongst them , it would not injure the Republick at all : but for any of these Princes to grow great by spoiling one another , I should not like it ; for the advantage would be inconsiderable , and in the mean time the fire would be kindled in Italy , the property of which is to go not where you would have it , but often where you are most afraid of it . Whether any of these Princes have Title , Inclination or Facility to acquire from the Republick , the consideration will be short , because Facility will be wanting . Mantoua has some pretences upon Valesa and Peschiera ; Modena upon the Town of Este , from whence the Family comes : But all these little Princes united without the Pope and Spain , could hardly give a disturbance to the Republick , because the Two powerfullest of them , to wit , Savoy and Florence , are not immediate Borderers . Whether the Republick have either Title , Inclination or Facility to acquire from them in the State they now are in ; I answer , That the House of Este not having Ferrara , the Republick has no Title to either Modena or Reggio : There would indeed be a good Inclination against Mantoua , because he lies , as it were , in the Bowels of the Republick ; but there would be but an ill Title , except the Republick should bear the Charges of his Education , while they were his Guardians ; and then the Facility would be small ; for no sooner would the Republick have begun the Dance , but others would come in , and perhaps it would not end as it begun . Of the other Princes I have little to say , the Republick having had no disputes with them ; for the Genoueses , who formerly set the Republick so hard , have done as the Horse in the Fable , lost their own Liberty , in hopes of being victorious of their Enemies , and are by that means out of power to hurt the Republick . As for Leagues these Princes will be ready to make them either with or against the Republick , because their Fortune , as Princes , being but small , they will let slip no occasion of mending it , either by acquisition of new Territory , or by receiving Subsidies and Pensions . Florence only would hardly be mov'd by that last motive , because he is not needy , being at this time perhaps the Richest Prince in ready Money that is in Christendom ; and his Riches always increase , because the Princes of that Family do yet retain their Ancestors Inclination to Merchandize , and that enriches the Prince without damage to the Subject . The Dominions of the great Duke are considerable , as well because they are placed as it were in the Navel of Italy , with a fertile Territory , all united together , as also because the States of other Princes are , as it were , a Wall and Defence to it ; and it is besides , to be valued by the Communication it has with the Sea by Leghorn , and some other Maritime Fortresses : So that if one were to reckon upon any Italian Prince , I know none that deserves so well , as being exempted from the temptation of being bought , and having yet some of that punctual mercantile Faith. If the Republick will have a League with any of the other Italian Princes , there will be no difficulty in it , provided they pay them ; but withal , one must not forget the witty Reflection of Boccalini , when the Italian Princes are willing to be taught manners out of the Galateo , provided that it may not look like ill breeding in them , to eat with both Jaws as fast as they can . With Poland the Republick can have no other Concern than that of defending Christendom , and by some diversion from that Crown , bear the more easily the weight of the Ottoman Power : Therefore it would be well for the Republick to have that King and Kingdom grow more powerful . As for any thing else , the great distance that is between that State and the Republick , takes away all matter of any further Consideration . The same thing may be said of the Moscovite . England being the greatest of those powers that are separated from the Church of Rome , is a Kingdom of great strength , particularly since the Union of Scotland ; and the Kings of England have nothing left to desire as to Territory : All that Island is now under the Dominion of one sole Monarch , and has the Sea for a Wall : So that if England be not disunited within it self , there is no power to overcome it : We see the Example in the Invasion of Philip the Second of Spain ( and yet then the Union was not so great as might have been ) who lost his mighty Armada that he had been so long preparing at such vast Expences . Queen Elizabeth , who has shew'd the World how far a Woman's ability can go in Government , did likewise enlarge her Dominions by Navigations to the Indies , and wounded Spain in that tender part ; She likewise had some Ports of the Low-Countries consign'd to her , so that she seem'd to be hardly contain'd in that separate World of hers . The Island is fertile and delicious , producing all necessaries for Life , and though the Natives go abroad and buy the Products of other Countries , it is more as Superfluities , and out of Luxury , than want , and amongst the rest , they have a Trade for Grapes called Currans , which they buy in the Dominions of the Republick . Henry the Eighth , who was the King that Apostatiz'd from the Church of Rome , did use to concern himself in the Affairs of Italy , and several times the Popes have had good Protection from the ancient Kings of that Country , who were most devoted to the See of Rome ; to say truth , Religion has had a great Loss , and the Court of Rome a greater , I cannot well say , whether out of the great Lust of Henry the Eighth , or the little consideration of Clement the Seventh , at present that King will not hear of Rome , and has but small Curiosity for the Affairs of Italy . If this King could grow greater , it would be advantageous to the Republick , because it might obtain his Alliance , and by that means a greater respect from other Crown'd Heads ; but however , even without this consideration , 't is a Power to be courted , because the Nation having an ancient Antipathy to France , and a modern one to Spain , it cannot but have a good inclination for the Republick . 'T is true that the present King is more enclin'd to Wars with his Pen , than with his Sword , having a mighty Love for Disputes , and valuing himself upon the Character of a Notable Divine ; so much has the Quarrel with Rome influenc'd that Country , that even their Princes study Controversie ; but however I should not think the Republick ought to mind any of those Circumstances , because where there is strength , there is always hopes of making use of it , that depending only upon raising of Passions . The best means would be ( besides the continuation of those Offices already introduc'd of mutual Embassies ) strictly to command the Governours in the Levant to shew all good usage to the English Merchants , and particularly observe punctually all Treaties and Engagements with them , because there is no Nation that puts a greater value upon their Word than the English do , and the Kings of that Island have not yet learnt the modern Policy that gives them leave to break their Faith in order to reigning more absolutely . With the Seven United Provinces 't will be good to cultivate Friendship , and to encrease it by a mutual defensive League , particularly at this time , that the Truce is but newly concluded with Spain ; for it will be a Curb upon the Spaniard , if he should attempt any thing against the Republick , for fear his old Wounds should be set a bleeding again , they being but just bound up , and not healed . 'T is feasable likewise to procure something more of Trade with the Hollanders , because they are extremely ingenious , and addicted that way ; and moreover , since both the Republicks stand in awe of the same Power , it will not be difficult to unite their inclinations ; and they have made on their side a sufficient Advance , by sending an Embassy to the Republick , which though of Complement , yet it has shew'd great esteem and inclination to an Union . Besides the Advantage of a solid diversion of the Forces of Spain , there is another Essential consideration , which is , That from them might be had a considerable Body of well disciplin'd Soldiers , and that with admirable celerity , besides several Regiments that might be rais'd in a Country so well us'd to War , if there were occasion , and all the inconveniencies of Transportation are not to be valued ; for the Republick will always have a greater scarcity of good Soldiers , than of good Money . With the Princes of Germany of a different Religion , there can hardly be any Concerns , if there is no room for Quarrels . As the World stands now , if it be not well , they should grow greater , at least 't is not amiss , they are already great enough , because they are a Check upon the Emperour , who else would be a most formidable Potentate to all Princes , but more particularly to the Italians , and more to the Republick , than to the rest of Italy ; but now by their means his Power is not only balanced , but almost quite oppressed to the common benefit of other Princes . With these Princes it will be easie for the Republick to have an Engagement : First , because they know that the Republick is not a blind Adorer of the Interests of the Court of Rome : And , Secondly , because they see the Jealousies that are between the Republick and the Emperour , from whence they conclude , that there is no danger of a League between them and the Emperour , and by consequence , they have not the Republick for a suspected Power ; and upon all Occurrences , it will do well to shew an Inclination to Friendship with them , first , because they may make a potent diversion ; and , secondly , because their Country being a Nursery of Soldiers , the Republick upon occasion may make Levies there ; and it is a point of high importance for the Republick to be certain of their Levies ; for in a time of need they can hope but for small help from the Italian Militia . I have not yet said any thing of the Duke of Bavaria ; and he is not to be omitted , being so much a dependant of the Emperour , from whom he has received the Electoral Dignity , upon the Exclusion of the Elector Palatin : This Prince has had the boldness to contest the Precedency with the Republick at the Council of Trent ; and therefore no good Correspondency can be between him and the Republick . It would not be amiss to see him lessen'd ; for 't is always to be wish'd , that he who has no good Intentions , should have as little power to offend as may be . The Order of Malta , who are Pyrating Princes , is likewise to be minded ; and their growth in Power can be of no use to the Republick : They do nothing but waken the Ottoman Power , when 't is almost lull'd asleep ; and therefore are dangerous : Their Friendship , in time of open War with the Turk , will be easily had , upon the Hopes of a good Booty . It remains for us now to speak of the greatest Prince of this known World , formidable to all other Princes , I mean the Turk ; but we cannot speak of him by the Rules we have laid down for the others ; for with him all Arts and Policies are vain : He makes no League with any , neither has he any Residing Embassadors in any Court , scorning to descend to inform himself of other Princes Intrigues : He owns his Greatness , and relies upon it , like the Elephant , who by reason of his great strength , is never observed to use Cunning : Perhaps it may be an Arcanum of the Alchoran , to hinder his Subjects from contracting the Manners and Customs of other Nations , and bringing them home at their return : Perhaps likewise that he is unwilling their Wits should be 〈◊〉 in Politicks : His is an Empire built upon the Ruin of all other Empires , founded in force , and scorning Titles and Claims of Justice . If he can acquire a Country , he has always Right to it ; and when he has conquer'd it , he assumes all the power to himself , suffering no Usurpations where he himself usurps all : His Ministers make open profession of Ignorance , which is propagated industriously amongst his people , who are sufficiently learned , if they know how to obey : They are told openly of their Slavery , and it is expected they learn the Obligations of it : not but that they will dispute with Christians for their Emperour , and alledge , That he succeeds to all the Rights of Constantine , whose City he has conquered . In his Religion the Prince is loose , and the Mufti , which is the High Priest , tied up , who must speak complacently to the Ends of the Government , and in conformity to the Will of him that rules , or pay his disobedience with his Life . In this Monarchy all the Qualities of the Mind , both speculative and practick , are despised and suspected , which made one of their Emperours send back the Musicians sent him by Francis the First , lest with their Harmony they should have molified the Iron Temper of those fierce Natures : They value strength of Body , and the Arts of War , in which none are sooner preferr'd than those who shew the greatest Fierceness and Inhumanity in their dispositions : They are intent upon conquering the rest of the World , and in order to it they have infinite Numbers of Men , and infinite Treasure : His yearly Revenue exceeds Twenty Millions of Crowns ; he inherits the Estates of all his Subjects , whose Children can lay claim to nothing but their Father's Horse and Arms. In the midst of all these Riches his thirst of Gold still increases : so that often his Fury is laid with the Charms of that Metal : Out of that has been said , 'T is evident that his Greatness must be the Ruine of all other Powers , and that it would be an unspeakable Felicity to see him lessen'd ; but the hopes of that are so remote , that they are next to impossible . As for any Title upon the Territories of the Republick , he can have none ; Inclination and Facility he has but too much , designing the Ruine of all Christendom ; and considering the Disunion of Christians , more intent upon Jealousies at home than upon an Union against a Foreign Invader , his Design is not above his Force : He fears nothing but an Union of Christendom against him ; and that he may not be negligent in providing against it , that cunning and wicked Mahomet has left him a Prophecy to keep him awake , by which , the Ruine of his Empire is to come from such an Union : The Turks never mention it but with Cries and Groans ; and the Government strives to avoid it by being invincible , not considering , that if the Prophecy be true , 't is unavoidable . As for the Republick , he is a terrible Neighbour to them , always encroaching , and setting no bounds to his pretences , till he has swallowed all . The Republick , on the other side , cannot want a Title against him ; for what he has taken from them , would make up a great Principality : Cyprus , Negrepont , Modon , Coron , Caramania , all the Archipelago , Bossina , Scutari , Albania , part of the very Imperial City of Constantinople , and in short , half his Empire in Europe has been at several times extorted from the Republick : but to get any of this back is the difficulty ; and 't will be well if he is content with what he has , and that we can save what remains . The only good thing the Republick can hope for , is , that the Turk will not enter into League with any other against the Republick , because he scorns all Leagues : 'T is true , that in the time of Lodovico Sforza , Duke of Milan , he was by him drawn to invade the Republick , and before that , by the Visconti , Dukes of Milan , likewise with promise to busie the Venetians in Italy , by a War on his side : 'T is said also , That Lewis the Twelfth strove to draw him into the League of Cambray : But all these are rather Subornations than Leagues , and spurring of a Horse that 's free enough of his own Nature . He would easily unite with the Republick , to conquer other Princes ; but then the Republick must reckon , that he would take all to himself , he not understanding any Accounts of dividing : So that it would only be a madness , and by ones own Expence of Blood and Treasure , promote his Tyrannical Empire . The Turk has often offered Succours to the Republick in their Wars with others ; but our wise Ancestors always disliked such a Protector , but were glad he did not take the opportunity of their Troubles to fall upon them . There is no other Politicks to be used with this Empire , than to profess Friendship , and reckon upon sudden Enmity ; and therefore be always provided , that the weakness of the State may not be an Invitation to him to use his Natural Rapacity ; for the Peace will be always the longer , when the readiness for War shall be visible . In case of a Rupture , one should try to make a diversion by the King of Persia , the Moscovite and the Pole : but that will be a long uncertain business , and of slow benefit ; to corrupt the Ministers of the Port in open War , will be a very hard thing , they will rather suffer a temptation in time of Peace , and by that means one may penetrate their Designs , and retard their Deliberations , provided the person gain'd be of the Divan , and particularly the Grand Vizier , if possible ; but they often take Bribes , and deceive one ; besides , their being subject to continual Changes , and those very sudden , according to the Emperour 's Capricio , and the Calumnies of their Competitors , the Friendship of the Queen Mother , and of the Wife of the Grand Signior , as also of the Mufti , may help : But if the Prince himself be of a resolute Nature , their Offices will be but weak : And all violent sudden Resolutions of War made by the Emperour himself , are always welcome to the Janizaries , who are the Soul of that Empire : So that , as I said at first , I must conclude , That Prudence and Politicks can be of little use against Rage and Fury , and a Nation that depends not upon Reason , but upon Might . I can say nothing then but what the Angel said to Gideon , Comfortare & esto Robustus ; and with this good Omen that comes from Heaven , and which I offer with a most affectionate Mind , I take leave , having accomplish'd the Task was imposed upon me , if not according to the full Extent of my Duty , at least in proportion to my weak Forces , and small Talent . FINIS . 
A62183	----	The opinion of Padre Paolo of the Order of the Servites, consultor of state given to the Lords the Inquisitors of state, in what manner the republick of Venice ought to govern themselves both at home and abroad, to have perpetual dominion. Opinione come debba governarsi internamente ed esternamente la Repubblica di Venezia. English. 1689 Approx. 119 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 71 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A62183 Wing S699 ESTC R9325 12384210 ocm 12384210 60804 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A62183) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 60804) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 227:4) The opinion of Padre Paolo of the Order of the Servites, consultor of state given to the Lords the Inquisitors of state, in what manner the republick of Venice ought to govern themselves both at home and abroad, to have perpetual dominion. Opinione come debba governarsi internamente ed esternamente la Repubblica di Venezia. English. Sarpi, Paolo, 1552-1623. Aglionby, William, d. 1705. [25], 119 p. Printed for R. Bentley ..., London : 1689. Translation of: Opinione come debba governarsi internamente ed esternamente la Repubblica di Venezia. Wrongly attributed to P. Scarpi. Cf. NUC pre-1956; Bianchi-Giovini, A.H. Biografia di Frà Paolo Sarpi. Epistle dedicatory signed: W. Aglionby. "Deliver'd by publick order in the year 1615" Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Italy -- History -- 1559-1789. Venice (Italy) -- History -- 1508-1797. Venice (Italy) -- Politics and government -- 1508-1797. 2004-11 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-12 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2005-01 John Latta Sampled and proofread 2005-01 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Licensed , July 20th . 1689. J. FRASER . THE OPINION OF Padre Paolo , OF THE Order of the Servites , Consultor of STATE , GIVEN To the Lords the Inquisitors of STATE . In what manner the Republick of VENICE Ought to govern themselves both at home and abroad , to have perpetual Dominion . Deliver'd by Publick Order , in the Year 1615. LONDON : Printed for R. Bentley , in Russel-Street in Covent-Garden . 1689. TO THE Right Honourable HENRY , Viscount Sydney , Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber to His Majesty , Collonel of the Royal Regiment of Foot-Guards , and one of His Majesties Most Honourable Privy-Council . My Lord , THough your design'd Favours to me might justly claim this offer of my Respects in a Dedication , yet I must own , That it is on of the next Age , than your Lordship . In your Negotiation in Holland , during the close Intrigues of the latter end of King Charles his Reign , you strove to keep both him and us happy and quiet , by promoting the true Interest of both : But when the Ferment of our Affairs forc'd you to more sensible demonstrations of your thoughts , you Nobly chose rather to appear an ill Courtier , than be thought an ill Man to your Country . The Protestant Interest carried it with you , while the Roman Faction thought their designs as secure as they were deeply laid . 'T is rare to find such Conduct and Courage in a Publick Minister : But what could be expected less from one ready to venture his Life in the Field at the Head of our Nation abroad , against that unquiet Monarch who was then invading all the Liberty Mankind had left . Heaven , My Lord , has at last bless'd these constant endeavours for England's Prosperity , and we see you in the Councils and Privacy of a Prince born for our Felicity . The Great Queen of this Monarchy , who so lov'd her People , and understood their Interest , had a Sydney for her Favourite , and such a man as she admir'd living , and lamented dead ; and our King , who has begun with restoring this Nation to its true Interest , and will , no question , advance its Glory to the highest pitch , has your Lordship in his Councils and Arms , Guarded by you in the day , he sleeps often under your care in the Night , safe in your Loyalty , and pleas'd in your attendance . To whom then could I more properly offer these Arcanums of a Wise Government , than to one who must be a good Judge of all Writings of that kind ; and therefore with repeated Offers of my humble Respects , and readiness to obey your Lordship's Commands , I take leave , and am , My Lord , Your Lordship 's Most Humble and most Devoted Obedient Servant , W. Aglionby . THE PREFACE . THat Padre Paulo Sarpi , of the Order of the Servites , is the Author of this Treatise , there needs no other proof than the reading of it ; for whoever is acquainted either with his style , or his manner of thinking , must of necessity acknowledge , that they are both here . And indeed we may say , that this is not only a true representation of the Government of the Venetian Republick , but that the Author also ( like great Painters , who in all their Works give us their own Genius with the mixture of the Representation ) has likewise drawn the truest Picture of himself . He was one of the greatest men of his Age , of vast Natural Parts , to which he had added all the acquir'd ones that great Study and much Conversation with Men could give him : It was he who defended the Republick in the dispute they had with Pope Paul the 5th ; which he did so solidly , and yet so modestly , that his Subject never carried him either to Invectives or Railleries , unbeseeming the Gravity of the Matter , nor the Dignity of the Persons whose Cause he managed ; that Quarrel being accommodated by the interposition of the Kings of France and Spain , in which the Republick had all the advantage possible : The Senate , very sensible of the Obligation they had to P. Paulo ; made him Consultor of State , and added an Honourable Pension for his Life , giving him at the same time Order to view all their secret Records , where all their Papers and Instruments of State were laid up ; all which he reduc'd into such a new order , as that they might be recurr'd to with the greatest ease imaginable upon all occasions . The Esteem they made of his Abilities was so great , that they never had any important debate in which either by publick order , or by the private application of some of their Senators , they did not take his advice ; which most commonly was assented to afterwards . Towards the latter end of his Life , the Inquisitors of State seeing that they could not hope long for the continuation of those Oracles , resolv'd , that once for all he should impart them his thoughts upon the whole Constitution of their Government , and withal , add his Opinion touching their Future Conduct both within and without ; and that is this Piece with which I now present the Publick . As it was made for the perusal of those only who were the participants of all the Arcanums of the Empire ; it is writ with less regard to the Publick Censure , to which he suppos'd it would never be subject . All other Writers of Politicks may in one thing be justly suspected , which is , that when they write with a design of publishing their Works to Mankind , they must have a regard to many considerations both of the times they write in , and Opinions that are then receiv'd by the People , as also to the Establish'd Forms both of Government and Religion ; besides that Self-love too will not let them forget their own Glory , for the sake of which they often swerve from the true Rules of writing ; but here all these considerations ceas'd ; the Work is directed to those whose Interest it was to conceal it : And for the Author himself , it may be said , it was rather his Legacy than any desire of shewing his Abilities , which by other Pieces of his were already sufficiently publish'd to the World. But what an Idea must we have of that Man whom a Venetian Senate not only admitted to their Debates , but consulted upon the whole Frame of their Government ; a Senate , I say , justly deserving the Titles of Wise and Great ; who have maintain'd their State for 1200 years , with little alteration ; who have been a Bulwark to the Christian World against the most potent Invader that ever was ; who at the same time have struggled with all the Christian Princes united , and headed , even by Popes , whose spiritual power alone has been able to subvert greater Empires : This Senate , or at least the wisest of them , the Inquisitors of State , who have the whole Executive Power in their hands , cannot let this Subject of theirs leave the World without having from him a Scheme of their present Affairs , and a prospect of the Occurrences to come : Nothing certainly can give us a greater Idea of Padre Paulo , nor shew us how great Abilities in the most retired and concealed Subjects , will break out in all wise Governments , and cannot long be conceal'd . As to the work it self , I shall say little , it being improper to forestall the Reader 's Judgment by mine ; but I think I may venture to give him some cautions against a surprise , from some bold Maxims and arbitrary Positions which he will meet with , and perhaps not expect from one of our Author's Profession , nor in the Methods of a Government which carries the specious and popular Title of Liberty in the Head of it . As to the Author , tho he were a religious man , and a very strict observer of that Life ; yet being above ordinary methods , and having a Mind elevated beyond his sphere , he thought , that not only he might , but that he ought to go to the Extent of his Capacity , when he was to advise those whom God Almighty had invested with Soveraign Power . I his makes him lay down that great Maxim , That all is just that contributes to the preservation of the Government ; and in a natural deduction from this , advise in some cases not to stand upon common proceedings . I remember the Author of his Life says , That he had adapted most of the Aphorisms of Hippocrates , about the Diseases and Cure of the Body natural , to those of the Body politick ; and if so , he could not forget that of , Extremis Morbis extrema Remedia , which alone would warrant all uncommon proceedings . Most people have an Idea of Commonwealths , not unlike that which Poets and young people have of the Golden Age , where they fancy , that without either labour , solicitude , or chagrin , people past their time in the Innocent Pleasures of Love and Musick , and other soft Delights ; so the World imagines , that a Popular Government is all sweetness and liberty , precarious , and depending upon their Votes , free from oppression and slavery , and constant to known methods : but all this is a very wrong Conception ; they are invested with Soveraign Power , and must and do use it for their own preservation , as absolutely as any Soveraign Prince in the World ; and whoever shall seriously consider the Machine of this Venetian State , must own , that neither the Governors themselves , nor the people governed by them , have any such Excellent and Inviting Prerogatives , as can justly give them a Superiority to the Government of a wise Prince , and well dispos'd People in a limited Monarchy . But I have said enough of this ; the Reader will best judge , whether the reading of this Book will enamour him of a Republican Government or not . I have no more to say , but that this is a very faithful Translation from an Original Manuscript communicated to me in Italy , where it begins to creep abroad ; and if we had in England the conveniency of Workmen that could Print Italian correctly , I would have publish'd both the Original and my Translation together . The words of Quarantie and Avogadore , may puzzle some people ; but they will easily understand , that the first is a kind of Bench of Judges deligated out of the Body of the lesser Nobility , for the Trial of Civil and some Criminal Causes ; and the other is the Name of a great Magistrate in Venice , who among other Priviledges , has that of carrying the Sentences of the Council of Ten before the great Council . THE OPINION OF Padre Paolo , Most Illustrious and Excellent Lords , the Inquisitors of State , I Write by Obedience to your Lordship's Commands , without Reflection upon my own small Abilities , because the Chief Consideration of a Subject ought to be to obey his Prince . Your Excellencies have commanded me to deliver my Opinion , how the Venetian Republick ought to regulate it self , to hope for a perpetual Duration . To obtain a true Notion of this , it will be necessary to distinguish , and first to regulate the Government of the City , in which will be comprehended the manner of keeping the Nobles and the Citizens to their Duty ; then look abroad to the rest of your Dominions : and lastly give some Form to the dealing with Foreign Princes . To begin with the First , I might in short put you in mind of the Saying of St. Bernardino of Siena , to the Doge M●ro , who said , That the Republick should continue so long as they should keep to the Rule of doing Exact Justice ; but to come nearer to the matter , and the Condition of these Times , we must reduce under that Head of Justice , all that contributes to the Service of the State ; and , to speak yet more succinctly , we will lay it down as a Maxim , That all is just which is any ways necessary for the maintaining of the Government . In the particular Government of the City , 't is an excellent Custom to lay the Impositions as well upon the Nobility , as the rest of the Citizens . First , Because the Burden is less when it is general : And , Secondly , Because 't is just when 't is without Partiality . There is no doubt but it lessens something of the Splendor of the Nobility to see them tax'd particularly , since in many Governments the Nobility and Gentry , though they are Subjects , and not part of the Government , do nevertheless enjoy a Freedom from Taxes , and contribute more with their Sword than Purse , towards the Publick Charge : But since the Ancient Simplicity of our Ancestors has patiently submitted to this Yoak ; and because the Priviledges of the Sword are dangerous in a Commonwealth , I think 't is advisable not to innovate in this Point , because such a change would give too much offence to the rest of your People , and too much Haughtiness to your own Nobility . 'T is true , that when the Taxes are upon the Lands , so as to be unavoidable , it would be convenient to give the Nobility all the advantage of time for payment , and at last , if they are insolvent , it will not be amiss to neglect the rigorous Exaction of the Law , that so the Nobility be not ruin'd , because Extreams are always dangerous , and the Republick may suffer as much from having too many poor Noblemen , as from having too many rich ones ; besides the Envy and Jealousie that must be in the hearts of those who shall find themselves naked , and their Equals cloathed with their Garments , and that only for not having been able to pay an Imposition laid upon them by other Peoples Contrivance . There are some , who not making a right Judgment of things , do inveigh extreamly against a Custom of this Republick , which is the having so many Offices and Places of so small Revenue , that those who enjoy them are almost necessitated to be corrupt ; and so after they have been Judges and Governours , forc'd to come under the lash of the Law , or to justifie their Integrity , if they can : This seems a notorious Abuse , and carries with it some appearance . But however , I should never advise to make these Imployments better , because there results from this another greater advantage to the State , which is to keep the small Nobility under ; for they may be compar'd to the Adder , which cannot exert its Poyson when 't is numm'd with Cold : And if these Nobles , who are by inclination discontented , should once arrive but to a Mediocrity in Fortune , they would presently contest with the great ones , and by strength of their Numbers play some ill Trick to the Government : whereas now they are kept to their Duty , not only by Poverty , which clips the Wings of Ambition , but also by being subject to the Censure of the great ones , for having misbehav'd themselves in their Governments . Indead I could think it prudent to proceed against them something coldly , unless they are guilty of very great Enormities , such as scandalize the generality of your Subjects ; for then 't is necessary to shew a publick resentment : But otherwise I would have them handled gently , it being a kind of punishment to lye open to a Prosecution : And indeed I would never have any Nobleman , though never so guilty , be condemned to a Publick Infamous Death , because the Damage that results from thence upon the whole Order of the Nobility , when they are seen to pass through the Hands of an Hangman , is greater than the Good of a Publick Example can avail . Neither on the other side would I have these Noblemen , thus guilty , to walk the Streets , and be seen in publick , because then your Subjects would conceive a sinister Opinion of your Justice ; but they should be kept in Prison , or , if it be necessary , be privately dispatch'd . If these Criminals fly from Justice , then you may use the utmost severity in your banishing of them ; because then it appears , that if nothing more be done , nothing more was feasible ; and let the same Rigour be observ'd in keeping them out : for since they are , as it were , gangreen'd Members cut off from the Body , it will not be expedient to unite them again to it with deformity of the whole . Here I foresee I shall be censur'd by some , as a bad Pilot , who endeavouring to shun Scylla , runs upon Carybdis ; that is , while I aim at keeping the small Nobility under , I forget the danger may arise from the Great , and the Rich of that Order . I see the Objection , but do not value it ; and my Reason is , the long Observation I have made of the Nature of this City , by the strength of which I dare boldly affirm , that the Republick of Venice will never come to its end by that which has ruin'd all other Republicks , to wit , when the power has been reduc'd first into a few hands , and then their Authority devolv'd upon one who has erected a Monarchy . The strange Emulation that reigns here among the great ones , even among those of the same Family ; nay , that is between Brothers themselves , does secure the Government from this danger ; and if by a Supposition , almost impossible , all the Brothers of one Family had the power given them of making a Dictator , I am confident they would never agree to chuse one among themselves , but would rather chuse to be a part of the Government , divided among a Thousand Gentlemen , than to be Princes of the Blood , and Subjects . The Great Governments , called Governments of Expence , and so contriv'd on purpose by our prudent Ancestors , to give an occasion to those who are too rich to lessen their Riches ; ought to be dispos'd of according to the Intention of their first Institution : That is to say , not to those who have no means to sustain such a Burden , and must be forc'd by consequence to compass them per fas & nefas ; and if they are Honest , must do it foolishly , because they are not wicked enough to do it knavishly , and so either acquire the Hatred of those they govern , or be laugh'd at , and contemned by them . This is a Point of great Importance ; and he who goes through such an Imployment meanly , and without Expence , demerits extreamly of his Countrey , because he renders the Person that represents the State contemptible ; and all Rebellions of Subjects have had their first Original Rise from the Contempt of the Prince . The Contests that happen between Nobleman and Nobleman of equal Fortunes , and are follow'd by Attempts upon one another , may be conniv'd at when they are reconcil'd ; but if the thing be between a Nobleman of the Better sort , and one of the Lesser , let it be chastis'd with some appearance of Severity at least , for fear the Humours of the small Nobility should be stirr'd ; But if one of these shall attack a Nobleman of the First Rate , let him be punish'd with a heavy hand , lest the Party injur'd , being potent in Friends , go about to do himself Justice , to the great detriment of the Publick Authority : But if a Nobleman do commit an Enormity towards a Subject , first let there be all the endeavour possible used to justifie him ; and if that cannot be , let the punishment be with more Noise than Harm ; But if a Subject insults a Nobleman , let the Revenge be sharp and publick , that the Subjects may not accustom themselves to lay hands upon the Nobility , but rather think them Venerable and Sacred . In Civil Judicatures it would be requisite to act without Passion , to take away that ill Opinion that Men have of the Partiality of Justice , in favour of the Great . This Belief must be destroyed ; for a Subject that once thinks himself prejudg'd by the Quality of his Adversary , will never be capable of seeing whether his Cause has been decided according to the merit of it or no : Therefore there can never be too much diligence used in the Administration of Civil Judicatures , which are one of the greatest Foundations of Government ; for when a Subject can say to himself , That he shall have Justice , if his Case deserves it , he submits to a great many other Grievances without repining : And on the contrary , though after an unjust Sentence , he should be indulg'd in some Criminal Matter , he will never have a Love for the Government , because the Injury receiv'd , will stick in his Memory , and the Indulgence will vanish out of it . The Quarrels between the Plebeians may be judged according to the common course of Justice , which may there appear in its Natural Being , there arising no Politick Grounds to disturb the Course of it ; nay , rather their little Animosities are to be fomented , as Cato us'd to do in his Family ; and for this Reason , wise Antiquity permitted the Encounters and Battles that are still practis'd in this City , between several Parties of the People ; But all Assemblies of numerous Bodies are to be avoided as the Plague , because nothing can sooner overturn the Commonwealth , than the Facility the People may meet with in getting together to confer or debate about their Grievances ; Nay , this thing is so dangerous , that it is to be detested and abhorr'd , even in the Nobility , because that there being in all Bodies some ill Humours , if they are not united , either they do not work at all , or do not work ill ; But if they once are in a Mass , and take their course one way , they not only are hard to cure , but often prove mortal to the Body . Let there be a careful watch upon all Seditious Discourses , nay , upon all Speculative ones that seem any way to censure the Government ; and set before your Eyes the Example of Heresies , which have never so much wasted the Church as when they have had their Beginnings from Curiosity and Jests . Let the City Arsenal be kept up , though there be not present occasion for it , because things that depend upon Time , must be anticipated by time . Let the Masters and Tradesmen of the place be kept satisfied , and upon any Fault committed , let the Punishment be Paternal ; that is , with seeming Rigour , but not such as to make them run away ; for , if possible , they are to believe the Fable of the Mouse , who thought its hole to be all the World. Let the Publick Secretaries , and all other Officers that must be inform'd of the Publick Concerns , be chosen with care , as like to be faithful and diligent ; but when once admitted , though they should prove otherwise , let them be born withal , because there is need of but a few to do well : But every single Officer can do hurt ; and it 's much easier to defend ones self from a Potent Foreign Enemy , than from an ill-meaning Servant . Let the Manufactures which are peculiar to Venice , be preserv'd ; and to that end let them not be loaded with many Impositions , because that Profit and Gain which has made Men venture through a Thousand Difficulties , to discover New Worlds , will still carry the Merchant , if he cannot have it at home , to seek it abroad , though he go to the Antipodes for it . Preserve the Artists therefore , remembring that most Arts are a kind of Phantastick Being . The Marriages between Noblemen and Women of the City , may be tolerated , if the Women are very rich ; because it often happens that the Industry of many Years of the Plebeians , serves only to enrich the House of a Nobleman ; and it is a gentle Imperceptible sort of Usurpation ; 't is true , 't is something abating of the Lustre of the Noble Families ; but that is only in abstract and in general , but in reality it advantages the Nobility ; and there need be no fear that the Children be degenerate and base , because nothing so debases a Nobleman as Poverty : Besides , there results from this another great advantage , which is , to make the Plebeians concern'd by Affection for the Nobility , and bound to study their advantage by a much sweeter tye than that of Obedience . Let the Considerable Honours of the Commonwealth be disposed of to those who may naturally pretend to them , for having gone through the many Employments , which are steps to the highest Dignities , making always an allowance for extraordinary Merit , in which the State can never be too prodigal : For otherwise to prefer those who cannot reckon themselves among the Lawful Pretenders , gives just Offence to the others his Equals , and likewise strengthens the pretensions of the unworthy , who not seeing any thing in that Fortunate Man that exceeds their ordinary Talent , cannot imagine why he should be preferr'd , and they excluded from the like Dignities . The Subject on the other hand is hardly brought to pay Excessive Reverence where they never us'd to give but ordinary Respect ; and from this argues , That the Dignity it self is not of so much value , since it is bestowed upon so inconsiderable a Person . And because it is in the Nature of all sublunary things to have a mixture of Imperfection , I must own , that the Republick of Venice has likewise its Defects ; and the Chief one is , That the Body of the Nobility is too numerous to be Aristocratical ; therefore it will always be expedient to contrive , by all Arts imaginable , that the Great Council do delegate the greatest Authority that may be to the Senate and the Council of Ten : But this must be done by secret imperceptible ways , such as shall not be discover'd till after 't is done , because when they have once for all parted with their power , it will be a happy settlement of the deliberating part , and if the same can be composed in the Judiciary and distributive Power , it may be hop'd , that the Constitution of the State will be more vigorous : It cannot be denied but the Great Council does relish very much of the Mobile , and by consequent , subject to impetuous Deliberations , not always weigh'd in the Ballance of Prudence and Experience . And truly I admire , that wise Antiquity did not gain this Point , it being easie for them to take advantage of the simplicity of their times ; or at least to have prolong'd the time of the great Magistratures further than from Year to Year , at the end of which they now must have a new Confirmation from the Senate ; For this being design'd to prevent the falling into the Tyranny of the great ones , does unawares run the State into that of the meaner sort , so much the more odious by how much 't is more numerous and unexperienc'd ; We should see more vigorous Resolutions in the Senators , if they were not continually obliged to court the Favour of the Piazza . The Office of Avogadore is to be disposed of with extream Circumspection , and that to Persons of Eminency , such as have no need of fawning upon the Multitude of the Great Council , and then the Senate and Council of Ten might make some steps beyond their Natural Authority , which would be born with patience , and Time would give them Prescription : Whereas , if an Avogadore , to make himself Popular , shall carry these Deliberations to the Great Councils Censure , immediately out of Jealousie they are annull'd , though never so expedient . Therefore if that Office of Avogadore cannot be placed in the hands of one who inclines more to the Patritian than to the Popular side , it would be well to give it to one of mean Spirit , and a quiet Temper ; or if it be disposed of to an unquiet bold man , let him be one who lies under some infamous imputation of Corruption , or other Enormity , to the end that the first may not be able , nor the latter dare to affront , and try it with the Grandees of the State ; Otherwise an Avogadore of Parts , Integrity and Malignity , may easily set fire to the Four Corners of the Commonwealth . For the same Reasons it will always be well to lessen the Authority of the Quaranties , they being naturally popular . They were constituted numerous , to prevent the Venality of Justice ; but on the other hand they are subject to gather peccant Humours , and afford too much nourishment to a Feverish Temper : They may be born with in the administration of Civil Justice , but in Criminals their power should be lessen'd , which may be done by the Council of Ten 's taking to their Cognizance all Criminal Cases that they can any ways draw to them , and by leaving off the Custom of deligating the Power of the Senate and Signoria to these Quaranties , as is now practis'd but too often . If these Quaranties were quite taken away , it would be better for the Government , but then it would be as necessary to provide some other way for so many necessitous and idle persons . It were well to use all means to take from them the Authority of judging Noblemen in Criminal Cases ; for so by degrees they will lose many of the Priviledges affected to the Nobility , as also I could wish they were totally excluded from the Senate ; But that is more to be wish'd than hop'd for . As for the People , let them always be provided for by plenty of things for sustenance , and as cheap as may be : For the Nature of the Rabble is so malicious , that even when scarcity of Provisions comes from the failing of the Crops , they nevertheless impute it to the Malice or Negligence of the Great ones : So there is no way to make them hold their peace , but to stop their Mouths . Employ as many of the People as may be in the Service of the Publick , that so drawing their Livelyhood from the Government , they may have affection for it , and the Numbers of the Necessitous will thereby be lessen'd : for if Hunger and Want can make strong Towns yield , it will likewise incite Men to venture their Lives in desperate Attempts , rather than linger in misery . Yet still I would not advise to take any into Office that had not first gain'd wherewithal to subsist in a mediocrity ; for else it will be but giving him a kind of leave to cheat , to the great damage of the Publick . As for the Married Women of the City , let there be care taken to keep them honest ; and to have them so , they must be kept retir'd , remembring , that the Beginnings of all Corruption in that kind are slight , and proceed from a Look or a Salute . Let one Modern Abuse be reform'd , which is , that the Noblemen do take upon them to force the People to make Agreements , Payments , or Marriages , and not dare to have recourse to the Publick Authority , upon which this is an Usurpation : If this be not remedied , 't is enough to cause another Sicilian Vespers : Besides , that it is likely to set all the Nobility together by the Ears , while each will maintain his own Friends and Dependants . In all Occurrences where the Publick Faith is engaged , let it be inviolably kept , without minding any present advantage that might accrew by the breaking of it ; for that is but momentaneous : whereas the Benefit of keeping Faith is eternal ; and a Prince that breaks his Word , must invent a new Religion to make himself be believed another time , seeing the Oaths he made in the Religion he professes have not been able to bind him . Let the Nobles forbear all Trading ; for a State that will have Merchants , must not have their . Governours exercise that Profession , because the Merchants will always be afraid of being Brow-beaten in Bargains , and over-aw'd in their Dealings . The Spaniards , who have so little kindness for the Venetian Government , have not a more odious Name than to call it , A Republick of Merchants . By an Ancient Law , a Nobleman tax'd with Trading , cannot enter into a Turnament , as not being fit Company for Cavaliers . Merchandise may in a short time either extreamly enrich , or totally ruine a Family , both which are dangerous for the Commonwealth . Besides , a Merchant is of a necessity in some measure a Foreigner , while his Trade and Interest lies abroad , and a Nobleman ought to have no Interest nor Affection but at home . If Politicians have taught , that it is not safe for a great City to have too sumptuous Palaces and Villas in its Territory , lest the fear of losing of them should incline them to yield the very City to a potent Enemy : What shall we say of those Nobles , who , being engag'd in Trade , may have many Thousands of Crowns in an Enemies Country ? In the beginnings of a Commonwealth , Merchandising was necessary to get out of Poverty , and now 't is dangerous , as being the Fomenter of too much Luxury . The Genoueses who have continued the Trading of their Nobility , have but small Respect shew'd them by other Princes , and are more valued one by one than altogether . Let superfluous Pomps be forbidden , though if they were only followed by the Rich , it would be of use to the Government , because it would bleed those who are too sanguine ; but by reason of the Emulation which is between those of the same Degree , the permitting of them would prove ruinous to many Families , who could neither avoid them , nor go through with them : And whoever by a Punctilio of Honour is brought to the necessity of doing more than he is able , must use , to compass it , such means as he ought not to employ . Before a Law be made and promulgated , let it be well thought on and debated : but being once made , let it be observed , and the non-observance of it punished ; because whoever suffers Disobedience in small matters , teaches it in greater : And that Nobleman who thinks to distinguish himself by slighting of the Laws , offends both his Country and himself by such ▪ an Example , more than by any dissoluteness he could be guilty of , because he directly strikes at the Publick Authority ; and besides , such a Custom once taking Root in a Commonwealth , and being an inveterate Abuse among the Nobility , it is not to be reform'd with less than the loss of the Lives of half the Body . If there be an occasion of coming to some Resolution that may be thought unpleasing to the generality , particularly in point of Justice , let it be given out , That it was carried by a thin Majority , that at least they who were against it , may please themselves in thinking they had many of their Opinion . Let the Secrets of the Government be kept inviolably , and do not forget that Ancient Record of the Venetian Circumspection , which was , That when the general Carmagnuola was condemned , the Resolution ( though taken by Three Hundred and Fifteen Senators ) never took Air for Eight Months together before the Execution ; which is a thing that the most absolute Princes could not have met with in the Fidelity of Three or Four State-Ministers , though bound by excessive Rewards to Secresy . And what a wonderful thing was the deposition of the Doge Foscari , conceal'd by his own Brother ? Certainly one cannot without Tears observe , that in our Times so great a Quality which seem'd to be proper to the Venetian Commonwealth , is something altered by the inconsideration of the young Nobility , who , not out of Disloyalty , but too much Freedom , do let things slip from them which ought to be conceal'd . I think every Venetian Nobleman ought to teach his Children the use of Secresie with their Catechism ; but the better way were to forbid all talking of Publick Concerns out of the place where they are properly to be deliberated on , and much less among those who are partakers of the Secret. Let the Honours and Dignities of the Commonwealth be dispensed regularly , and by degrees , avoiding all sudden Flights , because they are dangerous : To see a Cloud enlighten'd of a sudden , is most commonly a sign of a Thunderbolt to come out of it ; and he that from a private man leaps in an instant to the Port of a Prince , has something of the Player . Honours given by degrees keep the young Nobility from attaining them before they are ripe for them ; and we may observe , that as in Physick a man moderately Learned , but well Experienc'd , is safer for the health of the Body Natural ; So in the Government of the Commonwealth , a man often employed , though , perhaps of less acuteness , succeeds best . All Matters of Benefices are very properly under the Cognizance of the Great Council , but it would be as proper to take away all Appeals to the Quaranties , and place them in the Senate , because it often happens , that these Causes are to be decided according to reason of State ; and those Quarantia Judges put little value upon those Politick Reasons : And besides , it seems a great incongruity , that a Sentence , where the Person of the Doge , and the whole Signoria , both intervene , should afterwards be lyable to the Censure of Forty Persons of lesser value . I believe if it were observed to chastise rigorously , but secretly all those Lawyers and their Clients , who carry these Appeals to the Quarantias , the use of them would be less frequent , and in time they would be forborn , as if they were forbidden . If it should fall out , that any of your Subjects should procure a Decree in the Rota , or Court of Rome , you must rigorously command from him a Renunciation ab Impetratis , else all beneficiary Causes will be devolv'd to Rome , where they are look'd upon as Sacred , and so a fourth part of all Civil Causes would be lost for your own Courts : Auditors of the Rota are to be with the Commonwealth , like Bishops in partibus Infidelium , a thing of Title , but without Subjects . Let the Bishops of the Venetian State be always praecogniz'd in the Consistory by a Venetian Cardinal , without the Circumstance of creating him Special Procurator ; but as Protector , which he really ought to be as other Cardinals brag they are so , for other States . For the Court of Rome , to avoid these procurations to Venetian Cardinals , would perhaps desist making any of that Nation , that so they might oblige the State to have recourse to Strangers , which in time would also prejudice the pretence of being treated as Crown'd Heads . If the preconisation be made otherwise , let the State seize the Temporalities of the Bishoprick , and stop all Pensions laid upon it : 'T is true , that if the Cardinal Nipote should make the Preconisation , and enjoy at the same time the priviledge of a Venetian Nobleman , it could not well be rejected . If it should ever happen that there should be a Pope , I won't say a Venetian , for that would be of more danger than advantage to the Government , but a Foreigner well inclin'd to the Venetian Republick , then would be the time to obtain once for all the Grant of the Tenths upon the Clergy , as once it was got under Clement the Sixth , whose Bull is unfortunately lost ; for 't is troublesome to get it renew'd every Five Year or Seven Year ; and it would be a Point gain'd which still would more and more equal the Republick with Crown'd Heads ; as also if in the Titles given by the Pope to the Doge , there could be gain'd the Superlative , as Carissimo or Dilectissimo , as is usual to Crown'd Heads , it would be a new lustre to the Republick , which for want of these things , and also because that never any Venetian Nuncio was promoted to be Cardinal , is look'd upon at Rome as a kind of Third Power between Crown'd Heads and the Ducal State. If , I say , all this could be gain'd by the State from a Pope , there might be some return made , by making a Law , That Church-men in Criminals should not be judged by any Tribunal but the Council of Ten , or Delegates from that Council . And now I am speaking of that Council , I cannot but inculcate , That all means possible should be used to hinder an Avogadore from daring to carry the Decrees of the Council of Ten to be re-view'd or censur'd by any other Council : but rather , if there ought to be any Change made in them , let it be by the same Power that made them ; otherwise the Consequence will be a constant annihilation of their Decrees , and a manifest depression of the great Nobility , with an Exaltation of the lesser . Touching the Authority of this Council , I have this more to say , That I could wish , that the Delegations of its Power were less frequent , with great regard to the Dignity of the Persons , as well as to the Splendor of the Government , which is always more reverenced when it is least communicated , like the Sun-beams , which in that glorious Body are of Gold , but communicated to the Moon , are but of Silver . Indeed our Ancestors would have deserved well of us , if they had lengthened the time of this Magistracy : but because that which was not done in those Old Times , can hardly be hop'd for in these Modern ones , the only Remedy would be to obtain a Continuation of the same persons for another year , under pretext of avoiding so many various Elections in so short a time as must be made by a Scrutiny in the Pregadi : 'T is true , that would exempt the persons continued from the Governments of Expence ; but as long as that Exemption did not extend beyond a year , there would be little Inconvenience in it : And if it be objected , That this would too much strengthen the Authority of the great ones , I answer , That it lasting but a few months , could not be of ill Consequence : and on the other side , those hands are , as it were , tied up , which ought to be at liberty to do Justice , while every week they may be canvass'd and teas'd by a Party of mean Persons , both for the Conditions of their Mind and Fortune : I have often admired how the Council of Ten ( having already all the Criminal Power , and a good part of the Judiciary in Civil Causes , as well as in State-Affairs ) have suffered themselves to be thus fetter'd , it seeming to me almost impossible that the Inferiour sort should at the time of this Modification have so far prevail'd over the middling Nobility , as to make them forget , that it is much better obeying a few Great Ones , than a Multitude of Inferiours . The Prudence of the Great Ones must be awak'd , to take all secret advantage to repair these past Omissions by means not easily penetrated . Let Vertue be esteem'd where-ever it is ; and if it be Eminent in one who is not Noble , let it find a Regard ; for he has made himself Noble ; and all Hereditary Nobility has had its beginning from some personal Eminency . And thus much for the First Head. The Second Head , which is concerning the Government of your Subjects , may be divided into those who confine upon the Sea , and in your Islands , and those of Terra Firma . As to the first , there needs not much Speculation ; for they confining only upon the Turk , and there being among them but few Persons of Note or Riches , there remains nothing but to shew your selves just by giving them good Rulers ; and there you ought to be very careful : for if they have Justice and Plenty , they will never think of changing their Masters : Those few of Istria and Dalmatia , that confine upon the Emperour , have not in themselves any Qualities to waken your Jealousie , and are besides well affectioned to the Government of the Republick . For your Greek Subjects of the Island of Candia , and the other Islands of the Levant , there is no doubt but there is some greater regard to be had of them , first , because that the Greek Faith is never to be trusted ; and perhaps they would not much stick at submitting to the Turk , having the Example of all the rest of their Nation before their Eyes : These therefore must be watch'd with more attention , lest , like Wild Beasts , as they are , they should find an occasion to use their Teeth and Claws ; the surest way is to keep good Garrisons to awe them , and not use them to Arms or Musters , in hopes of being assisted by them in an Extremity : for they will always shew ill Inclinations proportionably to the Strength they shall be Masters of , they being of the Nature of the Gally-Slaves , who , if they were well us'd , would return the kindness , by seizing the Gally , and carry it and its Commander to Algiers : Wine and Bastonadoes ought to be their Share , and keep Good Nature for a better occasion . As for the Gentlemen of those Collonies , you must be very watchful of them ; for besides the Natural Ferocity of the Climate , they have the Character of Noblemen , which raises their Spirits , as the frequent Rebellions of Candia do sufficiently evidence . The use of Colonies was advantageous to the Roman Commonwealth , because they preserv'd even in Asia and Africa , Roman Inclinations , and with them a kindness for their Country . If the Gentlemen of these Colonies do tyrannize over the Villages of their Dominion , the best way is not to seem to see it , that there may be no kindness between them and their Subjects ; but if they offend in any thing else , 't will be well to chastise them severely , that they may not brag of any Priviledges more than others : It will not be amiss likewise to dispute all their Pretensions to any particular Jurisdiction ; and if at any time their Nobility or Title be disputed , it will do well to sell them the Confirmation of it at as dear a Rate as possible : and , in a word , remember that all the Good that can come from them , is already obtain'd , which was to fix the Venetian Dominion ; and for the future there is nothing but Mischief to be expected from them . As for the Subjects of Terra Firma , there is required a more abstruse way of governing , by distinguishing those who by an ancient Inclination are well affected to the Republick , as those of Brescia , Crema , and Bergamo , and also those of Vicenza ; for to them there ought to be suitable returns of kindness made upon occasion to the others , who only have a kindness of Obedience , such as are the Veroneses , Padouans and Trevigians , it will be good to make shew of great Justice towards them , but not let slip any occasion of keeping them low : It is good to wink at the Fewds and Enmities that happen among them , for from these two benefits arise to the Commonwealth , to wit , Private Discord among themselves , and good Confiscations to the Publick . Let all Extortions and Oppressions committed by the Gentry upon the People , be severely punished , that the People may be affectionate to the Government , as being particularly protected by it : In all occasions of Taxes and Impositions , suffer not any Remonstrances , remembring how in 1606. there had like to have been a League between the Brescian and Veroneze , in order to obtain an Abolition of Imposts , and with what boldness the Brescian Embassadours made their Complaints in the Senate : It was a very previous Disposition to a Rebellion ; Therefore it will be fit to let them know , That if the State think good to lay a Tax , there is no way of avoiding it . Those who in the Councils of these Towns , are of a resolute Nature , and somewhat refractory to the Orders of the State , you must either ruin or oblige , even at the Publick Charge : For a small Leven is enough to ferment a great Mass of Bread. The Brescians have a Priviledge which you must infringe upon all fit opportunities , which is , That no Estates of Brescians can be bought but by Brescians themselves : For if the Venetians could extend themselves in that most fertile Country , in a few years it would be as it is now with the Padouans , who have scarce a Third of their own Country left them . In the Case of a Rich Heiress , it will be well to endeavour , by all fair means , to marry her with some of the Venetian Nobility , to enrich them , and impoverish the others . Let their Governours be chosen among those of the highest Spirits of the Venetian . Nobility , that they may in them venerate the Prince : for every man naturally gives more Credit to his Eyes than to his Ears . Observe however this Caution in Taxing , That you do not thereby hinder Plenty : For though men may be perswaded to part with Superfluities , yet not with what is necessary for Life . As for Employments , if there be room , omit not to give them to the Natives , but still in places remote from their own Dwelling , and keep them there as long as may be , that they may lose their Interest at home . If there be Heads of Factions among them , they must be Exterminated any way ; but if you have them in Prison , 't is better to use Poyson than the Hangman , because the advantage will be the same , and the odium less . You must have an Account of the Taxes that their Neighbours the Milaneses undergo , and still let those of the Venetian Subjects be something lighter in comparison ; and moreover let them be free from quartering of Souldiers , which is in it self the heaviest of all Tyrannical Oppressions . Let the great Crimes be still brought before the Council of Ten , that the Veneration for the Power at distance may be greater , and likewise because the Ministers of Justice will be less subject to be corrupted , when the Criminals are in the Prisons of the State. Let the Process against them be tedious , that so the slowness of proceedings may be some part of punishment : But for the Banditi , if they dare to appear in the State , let them be Extermined with all Industry ; for there cannot be a greater Demonstration of Contempt in the Subject , and Weakness of the Prince , than for a Condemned Man to dare to come into the Dominions out of which he has been banished , as if one should frequent another man's House in spight of his Teeth . The Bishopricks and other Church-Preferments may be conferr'd upon the Natives , first , to avoid the Imputation of too much Avarice in the Venetian Nobility , if they should take all Preferments to themselves . Secondly , In order to debase the Spirits of the Natives , and turn them off from Arms to an idle Life : Besides , it will be a kind of a Shadow of Liberty , to make them bear their Subjection the better . But as much as it may be convenient to let them attain the Degree of Bishops , so much would it be dangerous to let them arrive to that of Cardinal ; for then they will be sure to abhor the Quality of Subjects , since those who wear that Purple have usurp'd the Precedency even over Princes . Let every City have the making of their own Gentry by their Common-Council ; for that will make it so much the meaner ; but still let them be bound to have the Confirmation from the Senate . Let all those Families who apply themselves to the Service of Foreign Princes , be upon all occasions slighted , and not at all countenanced by the Government , intimating to them by that silent notice , That he deserves little of his own Prince who seeks Employment with a Foreign one : And if any of these who have serv'd abroad , should be so bold , as to contend with a Venetian Nobleman , if it be at Venice , let the Punishment be severe , if he be in the wrong ; but if it is in his own Country , let it be gentle , that the Opinion of the Publick Justice may be advantageously insinuated to the People ; and likewise , that the Noble Venetians themselves may avoid Contests , where they are not more immediately protected . Let the Citadels of the Chief Cities be well provided , as much against a Foreign Enemy , as to chastise a Rebellion at home , nothing so much inclining to offend , as the hopes of Impunity : and it may indeed be said , That if Men were certain of a punishment to follow , they would never offend at all ; but a Prince that is sufficiently provided , is sufficiently safe . Remember , that as it is very hard to find either a Wife or a Monk , that one time or another have not repented the loss of their Natural Liberty , so the same may be said of Subjects , who fancy that they have parted with more of that they were born to than was necessary for their well-being . And let this suffice for the Second Head. Coming now to those several Princes with whom the Venetian Republick may have Concerns , we will begin with the Pope , as being the first in Dignity , if not in Power . And here we must have a Twofold Consideration , he being to be look'd upon as a Spiritual and as a Temporal Prince . There has been some Advertisements given already about his Spiritual Power : We will add here what was then omitted : First , We must admire the wonderful State of that Monarchy , which from a mean and persecuted Condition , for the Series of many years , in which the very Exercise of Religion was punished with Death , is arriv'd to so much Greatness , that all Regal Dignities of the same Communion , pay Homage to this Spiritual Monarch , by the kissing of his Feet . God Almighty has been pleased this way to shew the Reward of Christian Religion , by raising to the Supreamest Greatness the Institutors and Ministers of it ; but the Piety of Christian Princes has very much contributed to it ; and the first was Constantine : This Emperor not only embrac'd the Christian Faith , but enrich'd the Church extreamly , and since his time several other Emperors and Kings have , as it were , vied with one another , who should give most : But that which is most inscrutable is , how with their Riches they came to give away also their Jurisdiction and Power . For six hundred years after the coming of Christ the Popes were always confirmed by the Emperors , or in their steads , by the Exarcks of Ravenna ; and in the very Patent of Confirmation there was always written these Words , Regnante Tali Domino Nostro . In the year 518. the Emperor Justinus sent from Constantinople his Embassadors to Pope Hormisda , to confirm the Authority of the Apostolical Sea , and to announce Peace to the Church . In 684. Constantine the Second gave to Benedictus the Second a Concession , by which , for the future , the Election of Popes should be made by the Clergy and People of Rome , and should not need the Confirmation of the Emperour , nor of the Exarck , not reflecting , that the holiness of those times might come to change it self into an Interest of State. Bonifacius the Third obtained of the Emperour Phocas , that all other Christian Churches might be obedient to the Roman . After this , in the year 708. Justinus the Second was the first that submitted to kiss the Pope's Feet ; and that Pope's Name was Constantine : But Adrian the first having received great Favours from Charles the first , King of France , did in a Council of One Hundred and Fifty Three Bishops , confer upon him the Authority of chusing the Popes , which was about the year 773. a Priviledge which his Son Lewis the Pious knew not how to keep , but parted with it for the imaginary Title of Pious ; to which might be added that of Simple . Howsoever scandalous the Emperours were in their Lives , the Popes did use to bear with them , referring to God Almighty the punishment of them : But in the year 713. Philip , Emperour of Constantinople , being fallen into Heresy , was Excommunicated by Pope Constantine , and had the Reward due for all the Honours and Priviledges given by his Predecessors to the Popes . This was the very first time that the Imperial Power was forc'd to stoop to the Papal ; and yet at the same time the Church of Milan claim'd an Independency from the Roman , and maintain'd it for above Two Hundred Years , being countenanc'd by the Emperours , who often came into Italy , and in their absence hy the Exarcks of Ravenna , till at last in the year 1057. it yielded up the Contest to Pope Stephen the Ninth . In the year 1143. Celestin the Second was the first Pope chosen by Cardinals in Exclusion to the People . I have made this Narration , that it may appear by what Degrees this Spiritual Monarchy has increased ; and in it , the Goodness of Christian Princes is not more to be admired than the Dexterity of the Popes , in not omitting any occasion to gain ground . At present the Emperour is chosen by a Pontifical Bull , where the Power of Election is committed to the Three Ecclesiastical , and Four Secular Electors , with an Obligation nevertheless in the Emperour chosen , to receive his Confirmation and Coronation from the Pope ; so that the Subject is at last become Prince over his own Prince , not without some reflection of Weakness upon Otho the Fourth , Emperour of Germany , who in the year 994. agreed with Pope Gregory to settle the Election in this manner , for the Honour ( as he thought ) of the German Nation , but with great Diminution of the Imperial Dignity . To this Grandeur of the Papacy , if we add that of having subjected to its power all the other Bishops of Christendom , and obtain'd to be own'd the first of all the Patriarchs , who long contested its Primacy . I say , so high a Power ought to make all other well-govern'd States very wary in their proceedings with it , and to have a careful Eye upon all those occasions wherein the pontifical Authority may be still enlarged , because 't is observed , that all Courtesies and Favours of Princes are in that Court turn'd to Debts and Claims in the space of a few years ; and to obtain the possession , they do not spare for Exorcisms and Anathema's . There is one Custom , or rather Abuse introduc'd in that Court , which deserves great consideration from Princes , which is the power the Pope has assum'd of deposing Princes and Soveraigns , and giving their Kingdoms and States to others , under pretext of ill Government . The Prodigal Son in the Gospel did not lose his Right to his portion , though he was resolv'd to dissipate and consume it viciously , because that Title which we receive from Nature can never be lost in our whole Life . The Kings of Navar were sain to go Vagabonds about the World for the sake of a Bit of Parchment which Pope Julius the Second put out against them , whereby King John the Second lost his Kingdom , which was given to Ferdinand of Arragon ; and had not providence brought them to the Crown of France , there would have been no mention in the World of the Kings of Navar . From this Liberty of taking away Kingdoms , the Popes assume that of Erecting them . Pope Paul the Fourth made Ireland a Kingdom , and Pius the Fifth Erected Tuscany into a great Dutchy . Queen Elizabeth of England , was deposed by Paul the Third , and according to the usual custom , her Kingdom given to Philip the Second of Spain , who was to execute the Papal Sentence ; but he met with the Winds and Seas , and the English Ships , which quite defeated his Armada . In France , by a priviledge of the Gallican Church , they admit of no Bulls that contain Deprivation of Kings , but keep to the Right of Succession : and indeed to depose an actual King , and give away his Kingdom , is not only to destroy a suppos'd Delinquent , but to punish an Innocent Successour , and likewise to prejudice the Right of Election in those who have it . On the other hand England has often thought fit to make it self Tributary to the See of Rome by the Peter-Pence , the first time under Pope Leo the Fourth , and more remarkably under King John , in 1214. to avoid the Invasion from France ; but Henry the Eighth delivered himself once for all , and not only refused the Tribute , but made himself amends by seizing the Church-Lands . The fresh Example of Paul the Fifth towards this Republick is never to be forgot , who charitably would have govern'd another bodies House , under pretext that the Master did not understand how to do it himself : And the constancy of the Venetian Republick will have given fair . warning to the Court of Rome , how they undertake such Quarrels , since they were forced to come to an agreement with very little satisfaction or Honour on their side , having been obliged tacitely to give up their claim ; for to demand peremptorily , and then relinquish the Demand , is a sign it was not well founded in Justice ; and the Absolution resus'd , was proof enough , that the Excommunication was void in it self : So that the advantage that has accrew'd to the Venetian Government from the Contest , has been much greater than the damage sustain'd in it . If ever for the future . which I scarce believe , there should happen an occasion of an Interdict from the Court of Rome to the Republick , I should advise presently to post up in Rome an Appellation to the future Council , which is a cruel blow to them : For first , it insinuates the Superiority of the Council over the Pope ; and secondly , it revives the memory of Councils , and lets them see they are not things quite forgot all the World over . If there be care taken to examine well all Bulls that come from Rome , and the Observation of what has been hitherto practis'd , be strictly continued , it may be hop'd , that the Republick shall not undergo any greater Subjection than other Princes , but rather shall have some Liberty above them , particularly more than the Spaniards , who find their account in complying with the Tyranny of Rome , because they receive at the same time great Favours from it , and are proud of maintaining its Authority . To say truth , the Popes hitherto have shew'd little kindness to the Republick , and except the Priviledges granted by Alexander the Third , which serve more to register to the World the Action of the Republick , in restoring and protecting him , than for any thing else : For the Doge might of himself without the Papal Concession , have assum'd those other little Ornaments of the Ombrella , the Standard and the Sword : So that bating the Concessions of the Decimes upon the Clergy , and the Nominations to the Bishopricks , this Country of ours feels but slender Effects of the Pontifical Kindness , which may be an advantage upon all Occurrences of Interest of State to stick the closer to that , because there needs no Complements where every one desires . but his own . In considering the Secular Power of the Pope , we will do it upon Five Heads , which may serve to examine all other Princes Interests with the Republick . First , If it be advantageous to the Republick to have the Church grow greater . Secondly , What Title , Inclination or Facility the Popes may have to acquire any part of the State of the Republick . Thirdly , What Inclination , Title or Facility the Republick may have to acquire any part of the State of the Church . Fourthly , If the Church may unite with the Republick , to acquire the State of any other Princes . Fifthly , If the Church can unite with other Princes , to hinder the progress of the Arme of the Republick . To begin with the First , we will answer with a General Rule , which is , That it never is advantageous to a Prince , who desires to remain free and powerful , to let another grow great , except it be to lessen a Third , who is greater than them both ; and if he that is thus agrandiz'd be a Neighbour , his advancement is so much more to be feared : These Alterations indeed may not be so dangerous to a little Prince , who does not fear depending upon a great one , to avoid being molested by one who is already too strong for him . But to come closer to the Case of the Republick , we will say , That if the Church could make it self Master of any part of the King of Spain's Dominions in Italy , where he is the greatest Prince , they might hope for the consent of the Republick , which is the Second Great Italian Potentate , because by that means the Republick might become the First ; and however , the strength of the Church will always give less jealousie to the Republick , than the Spanish Power in Italy ; for the Nature of the Pontifical Principality is Elective and Temporary , and the Aims and Designs of that Court vary according to the Genius of the several Popes ; and sometimes it is subject to long Vacancies : whereas the Monarchy of Spain is successive , and , as one may say , Eternal , and govern'd by standing lasting Maxims . But if the Church be to grow great by the Spoils of any other Italian Prince , it would be the Interest of the Republick to oppose it , because the Damage thence resulting is evident , and the Advantage dangerous . It ought to be well consider'd , how the State of the Church is increased in this last Century . The custom that was in the Church before , to give Infeodations upon slight Acknowledgments , had brought that power to be more of show than real strength ; but Julius the Second , succeeding Alexander the Sixth , made Borgia , Duke of Volentine , Nephew to Alexander , who had seiz'd upon all those Infeodations in Romania , refund them to the Church , and added to them the conquest of Bologna , and got also from the Republick the Cities of Cervia , Rimini , Ravenna , Faenza , Imola , and others , to which , under Clement the Eighth , was added the whole Dutchy of Ferrara , and lately that of Urbin : So that these . Acquisitions alone would make up a great Principality : and the Church seems to want nothing towards the making of it the most considerable power of Italy , than the addition of Parma and Piacenza , and some little Independent Castles in the Territories about Rome : Besides , it can never more be lessen'd by Infeodations , that being quite left off by that Court : So that to let the Church grow any greater in Italy , generally speaking , cannot be for the Interest of the Venetian Republick . To the Second Point , What Title , Inclination or Facility the Church may have to acquire any portion of the State of the Republick , we shall say , That since the Court makes profession of the Extreamest Justice , and that likewise they are loth to begin the Example of Princes usurping ▪ upon one another , I think they can hardly set up any Title but upon the Polesine of Rovigo , which they say was formerly annex'd to the Dutchy of Ferrara ; and in the times that the Dispute was between the Dukes of Ferrara and the Republick , the Popes always shewed themselves smart Defenders of the Dukes : Of Four Interdicts published by the Church against the Venetians , Two of them were for this very cause , the first in the year 1305. the Second in the year 1483. under Sixtus the Fourth , at which time indeed the Republick had taken the whole Dutchy of Ferrara , by the Instigation of the Pope himself ; but he being Friends with the Duke , commanded them to restore what they had taken , which they refusing to do , he sulminated his Excommunication and Interdict ; but a Peace following , the Republick kept by agreement the Polesine of Rovigo : The Third Interdict was in 1505. under Julius the Second , because the Republick had several Cities of Romania in their possessions , and the last of all was now lately under Paul the Fifth : So that if the Popes shewed such a concern for the thing when it was only belonging to the Dukes of Ferrara , much more would they do it now when the profit would be their own : So that we may believe that as to this they do own a Title , and have likewise inclination enough to regain this bit of Territory that is lopp'd off from them . We are therefore to consider what Facility they have to do it ; and I do not believe that ever of themselves they will kindle the fire , but make advantage of one ready kindled by some other , as it happened under Julius the Second : Nay , if they reflect upon the great Rule of preserving the Liberty of Italy , they will not for so small a matter enter into a League against the Republick ; for it is of greater concern to them not to break the Ballance of Dominion in Italy , lest the Tramontani should take advantage of it , and subdue all . But this very Reason was strong in Pope Julius the Second's time , and yet was without Effect in a Mind bent all upon particular Interest ; wherefore I conclude , that we are not to expect greater Temper in the Modern Popes , but ought to rest satisfied , that if a powerful Foreign Prince should promise them the acquisition of the State of the Republick , they would embrace the motion without delay . To the Third Question , I say , That the Republick might have just Reason to make themselves amends for the Country they lost in Romagna , it not being a thing they had usurp'd from the Church , but a voluntary Dedition of those Cities who were tyranniz'd over by little Tyrants , that had taken occasion from the Negligence of Popes to make themselves Masters of those places : They were yielded up by the Republick , to take off Julius the Second , who was the great Fomentour of the Fire which was kindled against the Venetians in the League of Cambray , where the Forces of all the Princes of Christendom were united against them ; and without doubt , upon good circumstances the Republick might justifie the re-taking of these Towns ; and I believe there is Inclination enough to do it , all Princes being willing to extend their Territories ; but the point is the Facility of doing it , which I think altogether remote ; for all other Italian Princes , if not out of conscience , yet out of Ostentation of Religion , would be backward to fall upon the Church ; and except it should happen that some one of them should grow too powerful for all the others united , and so be able to right himself , I think the State of the Church need not fear being lessen'd . To the Fourth Question , I answer in the Negative , and do not believe that the Church would joyn with the Republick , to acquire the State of any other Prince , except it were such a one as the Church had a pretence upon , and then they would keep all , which would not please the Republick : Besides , we ought to reflect upon the Genius of the Popedom , which being Elective , most commonly the Popes have no other aim than to keep all quiet , and preserve the general Respect of Princes towards them , that in that decrepit Age they may make their Families , their thoughts being far from enlarging a Dominion which they expect to leave every day ; and in the mean time , all the ready Money , which else they might lay up , would go upon projects of a very uncertain Event : And 't is a wonderful thing that Julius the Second , being of a very mean Birth , should have had so great a Sence of the Publick Interest of the Church , as to forego all his private concerns , and take the Empty Praises of his Courtiers in payment for the loss of such real advantages as he might have made to his Family . The last Query depends , in a great measure , upon the others . I do not think it would be easie to concert the Union of the Pope with other Princes , in order to attack the Republick , because it will never be advantageous to the Church to increase the power of that other Prince , neither will it look like the Justice they profess , to take to themselves alone the Spoils , except it be upon a Country on which they have a pretence : 'T is true , that in those noysie Excommunications where they deprive Princes of their Dominions , and give them to others that can take them , there might be some danger ; but they are seldom practiz'd but in an Attempt made by a Prince upon the Church , which is never to be feared from the Piety and Moderation of the Republick . There is no doubt but the Church would enter into a League to hinder any progress of the Republick , particularly against any Dependant of theirs ; and also in case the Republick attack'd some small Prince , the Popes , to affect the protection of the weak , would declare ; but if the Republick had to do with a strong Prince , the Church would look on , for fear of greatning too much that Prince , the rather , because the Republick can lay claim to none of those Old ticklish Titles which some other Princes might set a-foot against the Church . And so much for the Pope . Now let us come to the Emperour : The Republick must never forget that Maxim which is common to all Princes bordering upon the Empire , which is , That it is not convenient for them to see the Emperour made more powerful , lest he renew those antiquated Titles he has to most Dominions near him , and particularly in Italy . The power of the Roman Commonwealth , which extended almost over all the known World , being at last usurp'd by Julius Caesar , and from him deriv'd to a long Series of succeeding Emperours , might give the German Emperour a pretext to reckon with all the Princes of Europe , if he were strong enough ; and perhaps many who wear Crowns , would be reduc'd to Beggary ; therefore 't is best to keep him in his cold Country of Germany , where mens Spirits are benumm'd , and less undertaking . The Republick has Reason to distrust him upon many Heads ; as Emperour he has pretences upon the Dutchy of Frioul , and the Marca Trevisana , besides the Cities of Trevisa , Padoua , Vicenza and Verona : As Arch-Duke , he pretends to Istria : As King of Hungary , to Zara , and the neighbouring Country : So that his Titles and Neighbourhood are considerably dangerous ; all these Countries are besides of greater Antiquity than the City of Venice it self : So that their being subject to a Metropolis of a younger standing , gives some suspicion of the Lawfulness of their Subjection . All these pretences were renewed in the League of Cambray ; Therefore I think , without hesitation , I may pronounce , That it is the Interest of the Republick that the Emperour should be kept low , both for General and Particular Reasons . From these Reflections we may also conclude , that the Emperour to these Titles does not want Inclination to acquire a part of the Territories of the Republick ; particularly it being yet a complaint of that Prince , of the little Respect show'd him by the Republick , when taking advantage of his Distractions , they Erected the Fortress of Palma Nuova just under his Nose . There remains therefore to see what Facility he might find in such an Attempt . In the present State of his Affairs , while the Faction of the Protestants is so strong in Germany , I cannot think that he can quarrel with the Republick , which is as powerful in Money as he is in Men : For in length of time 't is certain , that he who has Money may have Men , and they who have many Men must consume much Money : 'T is true , he being so near a Borderer upon the Republick , it may give him the more confidence , because a lesser Number will be necessary to make the Invasion ; but if the Enterprize be not in the Name of the whole Empire , in which case the whole German Nation would be a party , I believe , with the help of his own Patrimonial Dominions , he will not do any great matter , the rather , because many great Heretical Princes and Cities of Germany have the same Interest to keep him low : So that as he might perhaps be pretty smart upon an Invasion or Incursion , at length of time he would prove as weak to hold out a War : And indeed this was the true cause of Erecting the Fortress of Palma Nuova , to obviate a sudden Incursion of his Forces , and provide a Retreat for the Country people ; so to gain time , which is always as advantageous to the Republick , as dangerous to such an Enemy , who if he have not some body to furnish him with Money , will get but little ground , tho his Army be numerous , as it was in the time of Maximilian . Now whether the Republick has any Title , Inclination or Facility to acquire any part of the Emperour's Territories ? I answer , That without doubt the Republick has pretences upon Goritia and Gradisca , which formerly belong'd to the Family of the Frangipani , and for a little while was under the Government of the Republick : There are likewise some Castles in Istria , and upon the Coast which the Republick claims ; and for an Inclination to acquire these , we need not doubt but the Republick has it , it being either the Vertue or Vice of Princes never to be without it : But still the great consideration lies in the Facility of doing it ; for if there be that , 't is above half the Title ; and if that is wanting , 't is Imprudence to own any part of a pretence that must remain without Execution . I believe by Sea it would prove easie to take Trieste , and some other places , but it would be as hard to maintain them ; and to go further into the Land , would need great preparatives on the side of the Republick : whereas on the Emperour's side , the Defence would be easie , he having a command of Men : So that except in an open War , there is no thinking of any strong Attempt that way , and then it were not amiss to put a good strength to it , that at the end of the War , which always must one time or another be succeeded by Peace , some of the Country might remain by Treaty in the Venetians Hands , for the charges of the War ; for to begin a War only for the acquisition : of these places , would not be a Deliberation besitting the Wisdom and Gravity of the Venetian Senate : It would be better to watch the occasion of some Extremity or Pinch of an Emperour , which often happens , and buy these places ; but then be aware that if it be not a Patrimonial Estate , the consent of the Dyet is necessary to the purchase , to cut off all claims in time to come . 'T is as hard , that the Emperour should unite with the Republick , to acquire the State of any other Prince in Italy , because , first , for Spain , they are the same Family with the Emperour ; Against the Church he will declare as little , professing a great Zeal for it , and calling himself , The Churches Advocate ; Modena , Mantoua and Mirandola are Fiefs of the Empire ; Savoy and Florence are remote from him , and to come at them he must overcome greater Princes that are between him and them : so that this Union would prove difficult . If the Emperour should fall out with some of these Dukes , his Vassals , and depose them , it might happen that if Spain were busie elsewhere , and the Emperour loth to take the trouble of chastising them himself alone , he might then unite with the Republick , upon condition to have the best part of the Spoil ; but if the Emperour should , as formerly , come to a great Rupture with the Church , and employ heartily his power in the Quarrel , 't is not impossible but he might be willing to engage the Republick by a promise of some part of the conquest . I think in any other way 't is not probable to make any advantage of the Imperial Assistance . The last Question is , Whether he can unite with others against the Republick ? And of this there is no doubt : For if Maximilian , tho infinitely oblig'd to the Republick , made no difficulty to unite in a League with Lewis the Twelfth of France , his Competitor and Enemy , whom , for Injuries received , he had declared a Rebel to the Sacred Empire ( tho Lewis laugh'd at that Imaginary Jurisdiction ) : I say , if he could submit to joyn with so suspected a power , much less would the Emperour now scruple the uniting either with Spain or the Pope , or any other Princes of Italy , not only for to acquire Territory , but even for bare Money , if it were offer'd him . With France I believe the Union would not be so easie as it was then , because now the Emperour , being partial for Spain , if their Interest did not concur , they would hinder him from being drawn away by any hopes or promises : But this will appear better when we come to treat of Spain : For if Spain will have a League against the Republick , the Emperour will never stand out . Now let us come to France : 'T is not above Fifty years ago that the Republick thought themselves oblig'd not only to desire , but to procure the Greatness of France , because being under the phrensie of a Civil War , it threatned little less than the dissolution of that Monarchy : The Succession of Henry the Fourth to the Crown , who had his Title from Nature , and the Possession from his Sword , reviv'd it , and at last gave it such vigour , that from deserving Compassion , it came to move Envy ; and if a fatal blow of a mean hand had not cut off that Prince's Life , and Designs , there would have been requisite great Dexterity , or great Force to defend the Republick from them . The Count de Fuentes , Governour of Milan , us'd to brag , that he had such Musick as should make those dance who had no mind to 't : Henry the Fourth might have said so with much more reason , and he us'd to affirm , That at the pass things were , the Neutrality of the Republick was a Coyn that would no longer be current . If he had given career to his no ill-founded Designs , half a World would not have suffic'd him ; but we must not be frighted if we see the Raging Sea swell in Billows , and look as if it would swallow up the Earth , since a little Sand stops all its Fury . Death has a Scythe that most commonly cuts off all the Noblest Lives : If Henry the Third of France , had brought the Siege of Paris to an end ; if Philip the Second had not had the Winds and Seas against him , England would have been in Chains , and Paris would have been a Village . In conclusion , the Fatality of Humane Affairs is such , that most great undertakings are disappointed by unexpected causes . At present the constitution of France is such , that there is little danger from them ; for during the Minority of their King , they will have enough to do not to lose ground , there being so many Jealousies and Factions afoot : 'T is true , that the common people have open'd their Eyes , and begin to be weary of spending their blood for the ambition of the great ones ; and amongst these , the chiefest are old , and at their ease , so that they will think chiefly of keeping themselves in those Posts they enjoy . The Duke of Maine , who is Head of the Catholick Party , is very ancient and very rich ; wherefore if in the time of the great troubles , he either could not or would not aspire to make himself King , when even he had all but the Name of it , 't is not to be imagined he thinks of it now ; and if he will be content with the State of a Subject , he is as great as he can be . The Duke of Mercoeur , who in his Wife 's right pretended to Erect Britany into a Kingdom , is at last dead in Hungary ; the Duke of Epernon is more studious of good Husbandry than Soldiery ; the Duke of Montpensier has always been true to the Royal Family ; the Capricios of the Marchioness of Aumale , will hardly have any Followers ; and it will be well if she can clear her self of the late King's Death : On the other side , the Prince of Conde , the first Prince of the Blood , is young , and of a mild Nature ; he has besides before his Eyes the Example of his Father , Grandfather , and Great Grandfather , who all perish'd unfortunately in civil Broils , and has in his own person experimented the Spanish Parsimony , in his Retreat from Court to Brussels : So that if he desires a greater Fortune , he may compass it in France , from the hands of the Queen her self , who is so ill a Politician , as to try to put out Fire with pouring Oyl upon it . The Hugonots are weary ; the Duke of Bovillon , their Head , well pleased with his present Fortune ; and if he have a mind to be a Hugonot out of Perswasion , and not Faction , there is no body will hinder him ; but most of these great men have Religion only for a pretext , as 't is reported likewise of the Duke de Lesdiguieres , which if it be true , they will never be quiet till the King be of Age ; and by consequence , there will be little protection to be hop'd for from that Kingdom . Our Speculation therefore may more certainly conclude , that the Greatness of France is at a stand , and cannot in the space of some years make any progress , and till it come to an Excess not to be thought on for these fifty years , it can give no Jealousie to the Republick . As to the Title , Inclination and Facility that France may have to acquire any part of the Republick's Dominions ; I say , we need not doubt of their Inclination , because Princes are like Wolves to one another , always ready for prey . As for Title , they can set up none till they have conquer'd the Dutchy of Milan ; and Facility they have as little , because they cannot come at the Republick's Territories , without first passing over those of other Princes , which they will never consent to , lest they prove the first conquest themselves : Whereupon I conclude , that for a long time the power of France can give no jealousie to the Republick . And on the other side , the Republick can have no pretences , as things stand , upon any part of the French Territories , as long as they are totally Excluded from Italy ; and if there be no Title , there is less Inclination and Facility . The Union of France with the Republick , to acquire the State of any other Prince , will always be easie when France is in a condition to mind such acquisitions ; the past Examples prove that sufficiently ; but they do sufficiently bear Testimony likewise of the danger of such Union : Now that the French are totally excluded Italy , they would agree to very large conditions with the Republick , and allow them a great share of the Kingdom of Naples and Dutchy of Milan ; but they would no sooner have made the acquisition of their share , but they would begin to cast their Eyes upon that of the Republick , and enter into a League against them with some other Prince , just as it happened in the time of Lewis the Twelfth , when to gain Cremona , he was the first that consented to the League of Cambray , deceiving all the while the Venetian Embassador at Court , and affirming ( even with Oaths ) , That he would never conclude any thing to the prejudice of the Republick , tho he had sign'd the League above six weeks before the War began , which he exercised likewise in a most barbarous manner , hanging up the Noble Venetians that were Governours of the Towns he took . I believe France , to get footing in Italy , would engage with any other Prince against the Republick , except with the Spaniard ; and if that should happen , it would be necessary to stir up the Factions of that Kingdom , and bring upon them some powerful Neighbour , such as England : The Friendship of Savoy would likewise be useful , to hinder the Passes of the Mountains , and make some diversion in Provence and Dauphine , if there could be any relying upon this present Duke ; but he is a Proteus , that turns himself into many forms , and with his Capricio's and Humours , would soon empty the Treasures of S. Marc : But these are things so remote , that they may be left to the prudence of those who shall live in those times ; for according to the Times there must be alteration of Councils . And so much for France . Now let us turn to Spain , A Family that from low beginnings , is come by Marriages to the possession of Twelve Kingdoms , and several Dukedoms in Europe , besides what it has in the Indies , does certainly evidence a great Favour of Fortune , joyn'd with great application and industry : So that if it be not stopp'd by Fatality , may bid fair for an Universal Empire : If Charles the Fifth had had as much prudence in his youth as he had in his old Age , he would not have separated the Empire from Spain , but would have made his Son Philip have been chosen King of the Romans , instead of his Brother Ferdinand : He understood his Errour , and repented of it at last , trying to perswade Ferdinand to a Renunciation ; but he shew'd as much prudence in keeping what he had got so wonderfully into his Hands , as Charles would have shew'd folly in going to deprive him of it by Force . Charles was not less unhappy in the other Act of Moderation he shew'd , when he renounc'd all his Kingdoms to his Son , and retired to a private Life ; For to one who on the Anniversary Day of that Famous Action , congratulated King Philip for his Felicity , he answered , That Day was likewise the Anniversary of his Father's Repentance : So that Actions of Moderation in Princes , are but like that Insect called the Ephemera , which lives and dies the same day . The Greatness of Spain is therefore to be suspected ; it has Two Wild Beasts that follow it always close , one on one side , and the other on the other , which is the Tark by Sea , and France by Land ; and besides that it has that Issue of Holland , as witty Boccalini calls it , which will sufficiently purge it of all its ill Humours ; and it must be own'd , that all the Spanish Sagacity has not hindered them from following the Fable of the Dog , who forsook the Substance for the Shadow : For , for Forty years together , France was sufficiently taken up with their own ▪ Intestine Broils , during which time Spain might with great advantage have made a Truce with Holland ; and having likewise humbled the Turk , by the Battle of Lepanto , they might have applied their whole Force to Italy , which had no Defence but its own Natives , and not of them above half : So that in all probability they could have met with no considerable opposition . One might say , That it was an Effect of King Philip's Moderation , if he had not shew'd as great an Ambition of Dominion as possible , in endeavouring first to unite France to Spain by conquest , then to have his Daughter chosen Queen , and lastly , seiz'd upon as many Towns as he could ; Therefore we may give the Italians Joy , that half an Age of so much danger passed without the least loss of their Liberty . Now by reason of the French King's Minority , the Jealousies against Spain are a-foot again , but , I think , not with so much ground ; For if not France , at least England , would raise their old Enemies , the Dutch particularly , if the Italians should help with Money : So that if Italy can but resist the first brunt , it may hope for all sort of Relief ; for France has Forces , and they would soon have a will to succour Italy against Spain : Neither do I believe , that Spain would hazard the Truce with Holland , it having been compass'd with such Difficulties , even to the loss of much of their Honour and Fast. 'T is enough , that to all other Christian Princes , except the Emperour , the Greatness of Spain is of ill Consequence ; And therefore to be opposed by all secret means first , and if need be , at last openly , and without a Mask . If Spain has any Title , Inclination or Facility to acquire part of the Republick's Dominions , there will be little Difficulty to answer : Their Title would be upon Brescia , Crema , and Bergamo , ancient Members of the Dutchy of Milan : And these Three Cities are so considerable , that with their Territory , they would perhaps make up as rich a Dutchy as any in Lombardy , except Milan : So that we need not doubt , but the Spaniard looks upon these Cities with an Amorous Eye , and with great Desire to enjoy them ; there remains only the Facility of doing it , which is always the most important of the Three Points : Upon this Subject we must distinguish whether they will make the Attempt by themselves , or in Conjunction with others : If alone , and that the Republick have any Great Prince , either Italian , or Foreigner on their side , they will meet with little Facility in their Designs , because the Republick's Money , joyn'd to the Forces of another Prince , can give check to almost any great Power , and particularly to that of Spain , whose States and Possessions are large , but disunited ; and they cannot but be afraid , that while they are busied in Lombardy , others would try to attack them in a more sensible part : If Spain should therefore unite with any other Prince , provided the Republick had France on their side , they would not much hurt it , because the Inundation of the French into Lombardy , uses to be both powerful and sudden , provided they be called in by an Italian Prince of some Figure ; and by that means the Spaniard being attack'd on Two sides , would go near to lose his Dutchy of Milan . But if we consider the Republick united only with some Italian Prince , and the French to stand Spectator , as might happen in the Minority of a French King , particularly if the Spaniard had the Pope and Emperour of his side , I doubt the Republick would be hard set ; for that other Prince in League with them , cannot be of any great Force ; the most useful would be Savoy ; but besides , that he would be bought very dear , he would be always wavering , if the Spaniards tempted him strongly : The Richest would be Florence ; but his Territories not joyning upon those of the Republick , there is little good to be expected from his assistance . Lastly , If Spain will fall upon the Republick alone , and the Republick be likewise alone , I say , That as to the State of Terra Firma , it would go near to be lost ; but by Sea the Republick would make a stout Resistance . But if it be ask'd , whether the Republick have either Title , Inclination or Facility to acquire any part of the Spanish Dominions in Italy ? I answer , the Title would be upon Cremona in Lombardy , and upon Travi , and other Ports of La Puglia , in the Kingdom of Naples , the Republick having been in Possession of all these places before ever Spain had footing in Italy : So that there wants nothing but Facility ; and there is but one Case that I know in which the Republick might hope to get Possession again ; and that is , in case the Republick were in League with France , and the Emperour busied by the Protestants of Germany , then some of these Expectations might be fulfilled , but still with the same Jealousie , that your Friends should at last joyn with your Enemies to fall upon the Republick , as it happened in the League of Cambray . And this answers the other Question , to wit , Whether Spain can unite with any other Power against the Republick ? 'T is very true , that I can hardly believe , that the Spaniards would , without any precedent broil , attempt a League with France against the Republick , because the Damage of one City's remaining in the French Hands , would be greater to them than the profit of taking all the Republick has in Terra Firma would amount to . Whether the Spaniard may unite with the Republick , to acquire conjoyntly in Italy ; I say , That if it be against an Italian Prince , they will not , because it is not their Interest that the Republick should be greater , and already almost all the lesser Princes are Dependants of that Monarchy : and as for the Pope , they would certainly help him , rather than joyn against him , being us'd to make a great shew of their protecting the Church : The only case that would make them bear patiently any new Acquisitions of the Republick , would be , if France should make any progress in Italy . After all , amidst so many well-grounded suspicions , it must be confessed , that the Neighbourhood of Spain has prov'd of less disturbance to the Republick , than that of any other Prince who had those Countries before them ; for the Dukes of Milan were perpetually either quarrelling , or , finding themselves too weak , were inciting of other Powers under-hand against the Republick . There may be an Union likewise of the Republick and Spain by Sea , against the Turk , and by Land against the Grisons , or any other Hereticks . And this is enough for Spain . Now by reason of Vicinity , we will speak of the other Italian Princes : It would be the Interest of the Republick to see them greater , if it could be done at the Expence of Spain , and by their Spoils , as also by getting from the Church : But both those Cases are next to impossible , if first the World be not turn'd topsy turvy , which can never be , but by a League with France ; and then if any part of the Spaniards Dominions could be shar'd amongst them , it would not injure the Republick at all : but for any of these Princes to grow great by spoiling one another , I should not like it ; for the advantage would be inconsiderable , and in the mean time the fire would be kindled in Italy , the property of which is to go not where you would have it , but often where you are most afraid of it . Whether any of these Princes have Title , Inclination or Facility to acquire from the Republick , the consideration will be short , because Facility will be wanting . Mantoua has some pretences upon Valesa and Peschiera ; Modena upon the Town of Este , from whence the Family comes : But all these little Princes united without the Pope and Spain , could hardly give a disturbance to the Republick , because the Two powerfullest of them , to wit , Savoy and Florence , are not immediate Borderers . Whether the Republick have either Title , Inclination or Facility to acquire from them in the State they now are in ; I answer , That the House of Este not having Ferrara , the Republick has no Title to either Modena or Reggio : There would indeed be a good Inclination against Mantoua , because he lies , as it were , in the Bowels of the Republick ; but there would be but an ill Title , except the Republick should bear the Charges of his Education , while they were his Guardians ; and then the Facility would be small ; for no sooner would the Republick have begun the Dance , but others would come in , and perhaps it would not end as it begun . Of the other Princes I have little to say , the Republick having had no disputes with them ; for the Genoueses , who formerly set the Republick so hard , have done as the Horse in the Fable , lost their own Liberty , in hopes of being victorious of their Enemies , and are by that means out of power to hurt the Republick . As for Leagues these Princes will be ready to make them either with or against the Republick , because their Fortune , as Princes , being but small , they will let slip no occasion of mending it , either by acquisition of new Territory , or by receiving Subsidies and Pensions . Florence only would hardly be mov'd by that last motive , because he is not needy , being at this time perhaps the Richest Prince in ready Money that is in Christendom ; and his Riches always increase , because the Princes of that Family do yet retain their Ancestors Inclination to Merchandize , and that enriches the Prince without damage to the Subject . The Dominions of the great Duke are considerable , as well because they are placed as it were in the Navel of Italy , with a fertile Territory , all united together , as also because the States of other Princes are , as it were , a Wall and Defence to it ; and it is besides , to be valued by the Communication it has with the Sea by Leghorn , and some other Maritime Fortresses : So that if one were to reckon upon any Italian Prince , I know none that deserves so well , as being exempted from the temptation of being bought , and having yet some of that punctual mercantile Faith. If the Republick will have a League with any of the other Italian Princes , there will be no difficulty in it , provided they pay them ; but withal , one must not forget the witty Reflection of Boccalini , when the Italian Princes are willing to be taught manners out of the Galateo , provided that it may not look like ill breeding in them , to eat with both Jaws as fast as they can . With Poland the Republick can have no other Concern than that of defending Christendom , and by some diversion from that Crown , bear the more easily the weight of the Ottoman Power : Therefore it would be well for the Republick to have that King and Kingdom grow more powerful . As for any thing else , the great distance that is between that State and the Republick , takes away all matter of any further Consideration . The same thing may be said of the Moscovite . England being the greatest of those powers that are separated from the Church of Rome , is a Kingdom of great strength , particularly since the Union of Scotland ; and the Kings of England have nothing left to desire as to Territory : All that Island is now under the Dominion of one sole Monarch , and has the Sea for a Wall : So that if England be not disunited within it self , there is no power to overcome it : We see the Example in the Invasion of Philip the Second of Spain ( and yet then the Union was not so great as might have been ) who lost his mighty Armada that he had been so long preparing at such vast Expences . Queen Elizabeth , who has shew'd the World how far a Woman's ability can go in Government , did likewise enlarge her Dominions by Navigations to the Indies , and wounded Spain in that tender part ; She likewise had some Ports of the Low-Countries consign'd to her , so that she seem'd to be hardly contain'd in that separate World of hers . The Island is fertile and delicious , producing all necessaries for Life , and though the Natives go abroad and buy the Products of other Countries , it is more as Superfluities , and out of Luxury , than want , and amongst the rest , they have a Trade for Grapes called Currans , which they buy in the Dominions of the Republick . Henry the Eighth , who was the King that Apostatiz'd from the Church of Rome , did use to concern himself in the Affairs of Italy , and several times the Popes have had good Protection from the ancient Kings of that Country , who were most devoted to the See of Rome ; to say truth , Religion has had a great Loss , and the Court of Rome a greater , I cannot well say , whether out of the great Lust of Henry the Eighth , or the little consideration of Clement the Seventh , at present that King will not hear of Rome , and has but small Curiosity for the Affairs of Italy . If this King could grow greater , it would be advantageous to the Republick , because it might obtain his Alliance , and by that means a greater respect from other Crown'd Heads ; but however , even without this consideration , 't is a Power to be courted , because the Nation having an ancient Antipathy to France , and a modern one to Spain , it cannot but have a good inclination for the Republick . 'T is true that the present King is more enclin'd to Wars with his Pen , than with his Sword , having a mighty Love for Disputes , and valuing himself upon the Character of a Notable Divine ; so much has the Quarrel with Rome influenc'd that Country , that even their Princes study Controversie ; but however I should not think the Republick ought to mind any of those Circumstances , because where there is strength , there is always hopes of making use of it , that depending only upon raising of Passions . The best means would be ( besides the continuation of those Offices already introduc'd of mutual Embassies ) strictly to command the Governours in the Levant to shew all good usage to the English Merchants , and particularly observe punctually all Treaties and Engagements with them , because there is no Nation that puts a greater value upon their Word than the English do , and the Kings of that Island have not yet learnt the modern Policy that gives them leave to break their Faith in order to reigning more absolutely . With the Seven United Provinces 't will be good to cultivate Friendship , and to encrease it by a mutual defensive League , particularly at this time , that the Truce is but newly concluded with Spain ; for it will be a Curb upon the Spaniard , if he should attempt any thing against the Republick , for fear his old Wounds should be set a bleeding again , they being but just bound up , and not healed . 'T is feasable likewise to procure something more of Trade with the Hollanders , because they are extremely ingenious , and addicted that way ; and moreover , since both the Republicks stand in awe of the same Power , it will not be difficult to unite their inclinations ; and they have made on their side a sufficient Advance , by sending an Embassy to the Republick , which though of Complement , yet it has shew'd great esteem and inclination to an Union . Besides the Advantage of a solid diversion of the Forces of Spain , there is another Essential consideration , which is , That from them might be had a considerable Body of well disciplin'd Soldiers , and that with admirable celerity , besides several Regiments that might be rais'd in a Country so well us'd to War , if there were occasion , and all the inconveniencies of Transportation are not to be valued ; for the Republick will always have a greater scarcity of good Soldiers , than of good Money . With the Princes of Germany of a different Religion , there can hardly be any Concerns , if there is no room for Quarrels . As the World stands now , if it be not well , they should grow greater , at least 't is not amiss , they are already great enough , because they are a Check upon the Emperour , who else would be a most formidable Potentate to all Princes , but more particularly to the Italians , and more to the Republick , than to the rest of Italy ; but now by their means his Power is not only balanced , but almost quite oppressed to the common benefit of other Princes . With these Princes it will be easie for the Republick to have an Engagement : First , because they know that the Republick is not a blind Adorer of the Interests of the Court of Rome : And , Secondly , because they see the Jealousies that are between the Republick and the Emperour , from whence they conclude , that there is no danger of a League between them and the Emperour , and by consequence , they have not the Republick for a suspected Power ; and upon all Occurrences , it will do well to shew an Inclination to Friendship with them , first , because they may make a potent diversion ; and , secondly , because their Country being a Nursery of Soldiers , the Republick upon occasion may make Levies there ; and it is a point of high importance for the Republick to be certain of their Levies ; for in a time of need they can hope but for small help from the Italian Militia . I have not yet said any thing of the Duke of Bavaria ; and he is not to be omitted , being so much a dependant of the Emperour , from whom he has received the Electoral Dignity , upon the Exclusion of the Elector Palatin : This Prince has had the boldness to contest the Precedency with the Republick at the Council of Trent ; and therefore no good Correspondency can be between him and the Republick . It would not be amiss to see him lessen'd ; for 't is always to be wish'd , that he who has no good Intentions , should have as little power to offend as may be . The Order of Malta , who are Pyrating Princes , is likewise to be minded ; and their growth in Power can be of no use to the Republick : They do nothing but waken the Ottoman Power , when 't is almost lull'd asleep ; and therefore are dangerous : Their Friendship , in time of open War with the Turk , will be easily had , upon the Hopes of a good Booty . It remains for us now to speak of the greatest Prince of this known World , formidable to all other Princes , I mean the Turk ; but we cannot speak of him by the Rules we have laid down for the others ; for with him all Arts and Policies are vain : He makes no League with any , neither has he any Residing Embassadors in any Court , scorning to descend to inform himself of other Princes Intrigues : He owns his Greatness , and relies upon it , like the Elephant , who by reason of his great strength , is never observed to use Cunning : Perhaps it may be an Arcanum of the Alchoran , to hinder his Subjects from contracting the Manners and Customs of other Nations , and bringing them home at their return : Perhaps likewise that he is unwilling their Wits should be refin'd in Politicks : His is an Empire built upon the Ruin of all other Empires , founded in force , and scorning Titles and Claims of Justice . If he can acquire a Country , he has always Right to it ; and when he has conquer'd it , he assumes all the power to himself , suffering no Usurpations where he himself usurps all : His Ministers make open profession of Ignorance , which is propagated industriously amongst his people , who are sufficiently learned , if they know how to obey : They are told openly of their Slavery , and it is expected they learn the Obligations of it : not but that they will dispute with Christians for their Emperour , and alledge , That he succeeds to all the Rights of Constantine , whose City he has conquered . In his Religion the Prince is loose , and the Mufti , which is the High Priest , tied up , who must speak complacently to the Ends of the Government , and in conformity to the Will of him that rules , or pay his disobedience with his Life . In this Monarchy all the Qualities of the Mind , both speculative and practick , are despised and suspected , which made one of their Emperours send back the Musicians sent him by Francis the First , lest with their Harmony they should have molified the Iron Temper of those fierce Natures : They value strength of Body , and the Arts of War , in which none are sooner preferr'd than those who shew the greatest Fierceness and Inhumanity in their dispositions : They are intent upon conquering the rest of the World , and in order to it they have infinite Numbers of Men , and infinite Treasure : His yearly Revenue exceeds Twenty Millions of Crowns ; he inherits the Estates of all his Subjects , whose Children can lay claim to nothing but their Father's Horse and Arms. In the midst of all these Riches his thirst of Gold still increases : so that often his Fury is laid with the Charms of that Metal : Out of that has been said , 'T is evident that his Greatness must be the Ruine of all other Powers , and that it would be an unspeakable Felicity to see him lessen'd ; but the hopes of that are so remote , that they are next to impossible . As for any Title upon the Territories of the Republick , he can have none ; Inclination and Facility he has but too much , designing the Ruine of all Christendom ; and considering the Disunion of Christians , more intent upon Jealousies at home than upon an Union against a Foreign Invader , his Design is not above his Force : He fears nothing but an Union of Christendom against him ; and that he may not be negligent in providing against it , that cunning and wicked Mahomet has left him a Prophecy to keep him awake , by which , the Ruine of his Empire is to come from such an Union : The Turks never mention it but with Cries and Groans ; and the Government strives to avoid it by being invincible , not considering , that if the Prophecy be true , 't is unavoidable . As for the Republick , he is a terrible Neighbour to them , always encroaching , and setting no bounds to his pretences , till he has swallowed all . The Republick , on the other side , cannot want a Title against him ; for what he has taken from them , would make up a great Principality : Cyprus , Negrepont , Modon , Coron , Caramania , all the Archipelago , Bossina , Scutari , Albania , part of the very Imperial City of Constantinople , and in short , half his Empire in Europe has been at several times extorted from the Republick : but to get any of this back is the difficulty ; and 't will be well if he is content with what he has , and that we can save what remains . The only good thing the Republick can hope for , is , that the Turk will not enter into League with any other against the Republick , because he scorns all Leagues : 'T is true , that in the time of Lodovico Sforza , Duke of Milan , he was by him drawn to invade the Republick , and before that , by the Visconti , Dukes of Milan , likewise with promise to busie the Venetians in Italy , by a War on his side : 'T is said also , That Lewis the Twelfth strove to draw him into the League of Cambray : But all these are rather Subornations than Leagues , and spurring of a Horse that 's free enough of his own Nature . He would easily unite with the Republick , to conquer other Princes ; but then the Republick must reckon , that he would take all to himself , he not understanding any Accounts of dividing : So that it would only be a madness , and by ones own Expence of Blood and Treasure , promote his Tyrannical Empire . The Turk has often offered Succours to the Republick in their Wars with others ; but our wise Ancestors always disliked such a Protector , but were glad he did not take the opportunity of their Troubles to fall upon them . There is no other Politicks to be used with this Empire , than to profess Friendship , and reckon upon sudden Enmity ; and therefore be always provided , that the weakness of the State may not be an Invitation to him to use his Natural Rapacity ; for the Peace will be always the longer , when the readiness for War shall be visible . In case of a Rupture , one should try to make a diversion by the King of Persia , the Moscovite and the Pole : but that will be a long uncertain business , and of slow benefit ; to corrupt the Ministers of the Port in open War , will be a very hard thing , they will rather suffer a temptation in time of Peace , and by that means one may penetrate their Designs , and retard their Deliberations , provided the person gain'd be of the Divan , and particularly the Grand Vizier , if possible ; but they often take Bribes , and deceive one ; besides , their being subject to continual Changes , and those very sudden , according to the Emperour 's Capricio , and the Calumnies of their Competitors , the Friendship of the Queen Mother , and of the Wife of the Grand Signior , as also of the Mufti , may help : But if the Prince himself be of a resolute Nature , their Offices will be but weak : And all violent sudden Resolutions of War made by the Emperour himself , are always welcome to the Janizaries , who are the Soul of that Empire : So that , as I said at first , I must conclude , That Prudence and Politicks can be of little use against Rage and Fury , and a Nation that depends not upon Reason , but upon Might . I can say nothing then but what the Angel said to Gideon , Comfortare & esto Robustus ; and with this good Omen that comes from Heaven , and which I offer with a most affectionate Mind , I take leave , having accomplish'd the Task was imposed upon me , if not according to the full Extent of my Duty , at least in proportion to my weak Forces , and small Talent . FINIS . 
A67165	----	An account of His Excellence, Roger Earl of Castlemaine's embassy from His Sacred Majesty James IId, King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, &c. to His Holiness Innocent XI published formerly in the Italian tongue by Mr. Michael Wright ... and now made English ; with several amendments and additions. Wright, John Michael, ca. 1617-ca. 1694. 1688 Approx. 107 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 71 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A67165 Wing W3702 ESTC R8739 11983616 ocm 11983616 51905 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A67165) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 51905) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 523:27) An account of His Excellence, Roger Earl of Castlemaine's embassy from His Sacred Majesty James IId, King of England, Scotland, France, and Ireland, &c. to His Holiness Innocent XI published formerly in the Italian tongue by Mr. Michael Wright ... and now made English ; with several amendments and additions. Wright, John Michael, ca. 1617-ca. 1694. [7], 116, [3] p., 14 leaves of plates (3 folded) Printed by Tho. Snowden for the Author, London : 1688. Errata: p. 116. Reproduction of original in Bristol Public Library, Bristol, England. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Castlemaine, Roger Palmer, -- Earl of, 1634-1705. Great Britain -- Foreign relations -- Italy. Italy -- Foreign relations -- Great Britain. 2004-10 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-10 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-11 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2004-11 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-01 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion AN ACCOUNT OF HIS EXCELLENCE Roger Earl of Castlemaine's Embassy , From His Sacred Majesty JAMES the II d. King of England , Scotland , France , and Ireland , &c. To His Holiness INNOCENT XI . Published formerly in the Italian Tongue , By Mr. MICHAEL WRIGHT , Chief Steward of His Excellences House at Rome . And now made English , With several Amendments , and Additons . Licensed Roger L'Estrange . LONDON , Printed by Tho. Snowden for the Author . 1688. Gio Batt̄a Lenardi Rom o Inu . et delin . Arnoldo Van Westerhout fiam o. scul●… MARIA D. G. Anglioe Scotioe Francioe et Hibernioe REGINA R. White sculp . Lond : To the QUEEN . Gio Batt̄a Lenardi Inu-et delin . Arnold . Van Westerhout sc FEW Months are not yet past , from my presenting Your Majesty an Account of this Great Embassy , in the Italian Tongue ; since which , the importunity of several honourable Persons , for the having it in English , so far prevail'd , that there seem'd a kind of necessity , of complying with their desires . And before whose Feet could it be more justly laid , than Your Majesties ? and that in a double respect : The one , in that the former , first appear'd in the World , under the Patronage , of Her most Serene Highness , The Late Dutchess of Modena , your most Illustrious Mother ; The other , in that you are not only Heir of Her Vertues , but so Exquisite a Judge in both Languages . Nor has it yet been ventur'd on as a Translation , but a new Original , with several Alterations , and Additions to the former ( which the streightness of Time would not then permit ) and in that respect also , implores Your Gracious Acceptance . But I detain Your Majesty too long : Let not The Queen be angry , and I 'll speak this once : Live Royal Madam , The Great Example of Your Sex ! Live , The Joy of England , and Eternal Glory of the House of Este ! And since nothing less can add to it , make it yet more Glorious , in a Prince of Wales . Your Sacred Majestys Most Obedient , Devoted , Loyal Subject , and Humble Servant , MICHAEL WRIGHT . AN ACCOUNT OF HIS EXCELLENCE THE EARL OF Castlemaine's Embassy , To His Holiness , INNOCENT XI th . &c. IT having still been the Custom of all the Great Princes , in Communion with the Church of Rome ( on their first accession to the Throne ) to send an Embassador to that Court , His Majesty thought it became Him also to do the like ; And in pursuance thereof , among the number of able persons , which ( to the glory of the English Nation ) this Court never wanted , none ( with all due respect to the rest ) stood fairer in His Majestys eye , for that Negotiation , than The Right Honourable , Roger Earl of Castlemaine , A Nobleman of an Antient Family , Polite Learning , ready parts , and who , by a well-digested Travel , and Experience in Forreign Courts , had render'd himself qualifi'd , for the greatest Trust. On him therefore , as a person Parem Negotiis , His Majesty conferr'd the Honour , of His Embassador Extraordinary to His Holiness Innocent the XI th , now Pope of Rome : A Prince , whose open hand , to the Late Defence of Christendom , may ( to pass his other Vertues ) put it out of question , whether He received more Honour from The Chair , than He has added to it . In short , all preliminary matters being adjusted , and his Commission , and Credentials receiv'd , His Excellence The Lord Embassador , made ready for his Journey ; and having form'd his English Retinue , of seven Gentlemen , six Pages , three Valets de Chamber , and such other menial servants , and equipage , as could be then got ready , most of them were shipt off , about six weeks before him , for Leghorne , with Orders to wait him there ; himself having resolv'd , to make his Journey through France : And that , that , might be the easier , His Excellence took to him as his companions , The Honourable Thomas Arundel Esq Grandson to the Lord Arundel of Warder , now Lord Privy-Seal ; Henry Tichburne Esq ; eldest Son of Sir Henry Tichburne , Liev t. of the Ordnance ; The Honourable Thomas Ratcliffe Esq ; Son of the Lord Ratcliffe ; Barth . Walmesley , of Dunkan-Hall , in the County of Lancaster Esq ; And Tho. Eggleston , of Eggleston , in the same County Esq ; ( which three last , went before , and met his Lordship at Paris ) And having taken leave of their Majestys , there remain'd nothing , but to set forward on his Journey . On the 5 th . of Feb. 1685. S. V. His Excellence took water for Greenwich , accompany'd with several Noble Personages , that brought him so far on his way ; where , after a hearty farewel , and the repeated Wishes , of a good Voyage , and as safe a Return , he imbark'd on board the Heneretta Maria Yacht , Capt. Fesby Commander , who lay there for him , and receiv'd him , with the usual ceremony , of fiering Guns , as in like cases . His Excellence designing to be Incognito all the way , had none now with him , but Mr. Arundel , Mr. Tichburne ( before mentioned ) Mr. Lidcott ( since that time , Sir John Lidcott ) Secretary to the Embassy ; Mr. Michael Wright , Steward of his houshold ; Mr. Stephen Piper , Gentleman of his Horse ; Signior Francisco , his Italian Secretary ; Mr. Nicholas Furnys , Sewer ; two Pages , two of his Chamber ; and some half a dozen others of his Family , for his ordinary service on the Road ; and with these , the Yacht put off that Evening , for Diepe ; his Lordships Plate , Furniture , Liverys , and other the Impedimenta of so long a Journey , being left behind , with order to take the opportunity of the first wind , and expect further orders , at Civita Vecchia , the Port of Rome . In two days and a half his Excellence arrived at Diepe , where , notwithstanding his resolution , and endeavours of having past the whole Journey , in as much privacy , as the occasion would bear , he receiv'd the Complements , of the Governour , and City , in a manner urging him , that his Excellence would be pleas'd to permit himself , and the Magistrates of that City , to pay him some publick respect ; which , his Lordship would by no means hearken to , but sent two of his Gentlemen to acknowledge , the courtesie , and represent to them , the resolution before mentioned . From Diepe , his Excellence , ( with the Gentleman of his Horse , a Page , and a Valet de Chamber ) took Post for Roan ; and thence , to Paris , where the rest of his Servants soon after arriv'd : And in the eleven days his Lordship stay'd there , with the same resolutions , of being Incognito , it was not yet possible , to avoid the numerous caresses that were daily made him ; for ( besides the Extraordinary Envoy of England , and the rest of our Nation ( who according to their duty , almost hourly attended him ) The most Eminent Ranutzzi , Apostolick Nuntio to that Crown ; the Marshal d'Humiers , and other considerable Persons of the French Court , were not wanting , in their personal Visits : And here it was , that the most Reverend Monsignior Cenci , Vice-Legat in Avignion , first apply'd to his Excellence , that he would be pleas'd to take that City in his way , and to accept of such entertainment there , as might at least testifie the satisfaction they receiv'd , in beholding once more , an English Embassador in that City : Nor did the Vice-Legat think this Invitation so sufficient , but that he seconded it at Lions , and in a manner prest it , beyond the power ▪ of a refusal : Whereupon the Lord Embassador dispatcht Mr. Wright , to Avignion , to complement his Lordship in his name , and withall to signifie to him , that his Excellence accepted his kindness , provided it did not prejudice his design , of passing privately , even to Rome . About twenty miles short of Avignion , Mr. Wright was met by the Vice-Legat's Secretary , where he not only waited his Excellence's coming , but had laid all cross Roads , with a suitable attendance , lest possibly , by design , or accident , his Excellence might have past him , some other way : In short , the Secretary having understood the occasion of Mr. Wright's coming , gave him a Letter to his Lord , which , with his Excellence's commands , he presented the Vice-Legat ; further assuring him , that the Lord Embassador would be with his Lordship , within a day , or two , after him . Whereupon , the Vice-Legat order'd the whole Garrison to be in Arms , and that all the Cannon , should be ready for fiering , upon his Excellence's entry ; And the next afternoon went out , toward the Roan , himself , with a noble and splendid Equipage : The Horse with their Banner display'd , led the way , then follow'd his Lordship the Vice-Legat's Coach , in which , with himself , were the Consuls , some chief Magistrates , and Mr. Wright , surrounded by a Guard of Swizts , and a numerous train of Foot-men , in rich Liveries : Then follow'd five other of his Lordships Coaches , and after them , about sixty others , with the Nobility , and Principal Persons of the City in them , and a suitable number of Laquies , and other attendance , in which order , they march'd to the River side , where , for near three hours , they expected his Excellence's arrival ; but nothing appearing that evening , they return'd ; and the next day , marcht out as before , when at last , about Sun-set , they might see a cover'd Barge , wherein his Excellence was : On this , the Vice-Legat , and his company lighted , and approacht his Barge ; nor had his Lordship sooner set his foot on shore , than he made up to the Vice-Legat , and after mutual embraces ( and the Lord Embassadors Complement , to the Nobility , and a full shout of the people ) his Excellence went into the first Coach , with the Vice-Legat , and the Consuls , and then all march'd back , through a multitude of Torches to the City . Upon the first entry , the Drums , Trumpets , and Joynt-voices of the people , spake his Excellence's welcome ; which was answer'd , by the Cannon , from the Walls , and from thence ( through a Guard of Souldiers on either hand , the Balconys and Windows , so stuck with lights , that one would have thought the City , some new Constellation ) they came to the Pope's Pallace ; where , the Vice-Legat having conducted his Lordship , to the richest , and noblest apartment , left him a while , with those Noble Persons , that had waited on him to the City ; and having put on his Prelatical habit , came back again , to make his more solemn Visit , which his Excellence ( after the Vice-Legat's departure ) accompany'd with the same Nobility , return'd him again , in his own appartment . During this time , the Vice-Legat had invited those English Cavaliers ( that accompany'd the Embassador ) with two chief Military Officers , and ten Principal Officers of the City , to bear his Excellence company , at Supper , which was no less sumptuous , than magnificent : It consisted of four services , each , of nine grand Dishes , and fourteen Inter-messes , and to render it yet greater , it wanted not the pride of the Italian Musick . About the middle of Supper , his Excellence began A health to His Holiness , at which , He , and all the company stood bare-headed , and six great Guns were fire'd ; which in all respects , was as punctually observ'd , when the Vice-Legat return'd it , in A health to our Soveraign , The King of Great Britain ; Nor is it to be forgotten , that during this time of Supper , his Excellence's Gentlemen , were nobly treated , in another Appartment . The day following , being the Feast of the Annuntiation , the Vice-Legat , and the before mentioned Noble Persons , conducted his Excellence , to High Mass , in the Jesuits Church of that City ; where , after a most solemn , vocal , and instrumental Musick , the young Nobility , Scholars of the Colledge , presented the Lord Embassador , with Devises , Epigrams , and other compositions , more immediately relating to His Majesty , and His Dominions ; such few of which , as they came to hand , were thought fit to be inserted , and that , the rather , because the English Nation ( however discontinu'd , this last Century ) had once , a more than ordinary Genius , and aptness , that way ; as he that shall turn Hall's Henry the 8 th . Sir Philip Sidney , or Cambden's Remains , may find much of this kind , and ( perhaps ) not unworthy his time . And they , were such as these . A Stock of Bees , flying to an empty Hive , the King-Bee in their Head. The word ( unde aberraverant ) Whence they had fled astray . Intimating thereby , the general defection of His Majestys Kingdoms , and voluntary return , to their former obedience . A Kite , hovering in the Air , and Chickens , running under the Hen. The word ( — Dispersos congregat — ) It gathers 'em again . Denoting thereby , The good effects of His Majestys Indulgence , when all His Subjects , how divided soever among themselves , run under His wing for shelter , against the Tyranny of those Penal Laws , which , have either disperst them into other Countreys , or made them uneasie at home . The morning Star. The word ( — Diei praevius almae ) — Forerunner of the Day . Shewing thereby , That the Day is not far behind ; And that His Majestys Subjects ( since the Day-spring from on High , had visited them ) want not a Light , to guide their feet , into the way of peace . A Ship half foundring in the Sea , The Polar-Star in the Clouds : The word ( Dum videam satis est — ) 't is yet enough I see 't — signifying thereby , that England ( which may be well exprest by a Ship ) can never miscarry , whilst she sees her great Monarch , or Cynosure , to direct her . These , and the like , not without particular Elogies , to the Lord Embassador , were the entertainment of the morning ; and that over , the whole company return'd to the Palace , where , a Dinner , even superiour to the Supper , waited them , and that , so beautifully garnisht , with intermixt Figures , relating to the Triumphs of England , that the like , had been scarce there before , or to be seen any where again , if his Excellence the Lord Embassador , had made no entertainment at Rome . And that it might not be said of Avignion , as once of Rome , That they were ( Populus virorum , deerant faeminae ) A people of men , without women , It was resolv'd among the noble Ladys of the City , to make the Complement entire , by bearing a part in the Symphony ; And to that purpose , they met in the house of Signior de Blewac , a principal Gentleman of that City , and therein too , so gloriously attir'd , as they had design'd a contest , between Art , and Nature ; for could they have wanted Luster in themselves , the splendor of their Jewels , spake them no less , than clad in Star-light . In short , they made his Excellence , and the Persons of Honour with him , an invitation to an evening divertisement of Cards , which his Lordship accepted ; and after an hour or two's mirth , took leave , and retir'd to the Palace , where he was honour'd with a splendid Banquet , and the morning following , with another , in regard his Excellence had refus'd , the Vice-Legat's obliging violences , of having detained him longer ; but nothing prevailing , he was attended out of the City , with the same solemnity he first entred it ; nor could the Vice-Legat be perswaded to look back , till he had conducted his Excellence six miles on his way ; where at last , the Horse being drawn up , the Coaches stopt , and all the train allighting , they made a circle about his Excellence , and the Vice-Legat ; when after mutual embraces , and the Pathetick acknowledgments , of the obligations receiv'd , his Excellence mounted the Vice-Legat's first Coach , and set forward to Cavaillon . Nor was his Lordship sooner arriv'd there , than the Magistrates honour'd him with a solemn Visit , Speech , and Banquet ; so difficult it was to pass any way , but the report of his coming , flew before him . From Cavaillon his Excellence came by Litter to St. Massimine ; thence to Canes , and thence , to Nizza , where he took boat for Genoa ; But passing by Monaco , the Master of the Felucca , was oblig'd to come on shore , and so discover'd whom he had aboard ; on which , he was stopt , till advice was sent to the Prince , who immediately dispatcht his Secretary , and a Knight of Malta , to invite his Excellence to his Castle ; which , his Lordship ( with due sense of the obligation ) refusing , sent Mr. Lidcott and Mr. Wright , to complement his Highness , with his acknowledgments of the honour intended him , and to further signifie , the Lord Embassadors resolutions , of passing Incognito . However , the Prince would take no denyal , but came in person to the water side , and having at last prevail'd , conducted his Excellence to his Palace , or Castle , scituated on an impregnable Rock , ( Drums , and Trumpets sounding , and great Guns fireing ) where the magnificence of of that night , and the next morning , came short in nothing , of Him that made it : Nor would his Highness yet suffer his Lordship to depart , till Himself , his Court , and Officers , had brought him to the Felucca ; the Guns not giving over , till the Boat was out of sight . From Monaco , the Lord Embassador past St. Remo , Nola , and Savona , without much trouble ; and at last arriv'd at Genoa , where the most serene Republick sent three of their Gentlemen , of the first quality ( Spinola , Grimaldo , and Durazzo ) to complement his Excellence , and ( notwithstanding his privacy ) to shew him the Town : They proffer'd him also a Gally to Civita Veccia ; which last civility , being ( with all respect ) refus'd , his Lordship from Genoa , came to Ligorne , where His Eminence , Cardinal Howard of Norfolk , had already sent , the Gentleman of his Horse , to complement his Excellence in his name , and wait on him to the End of his Journey : Cap t. Nangle also ( on the part of the Grand Duke ) and Mr. Ball ( with the English Factory ) stood ready to receive him at his landing , and to conduct him ( as they did ) to the house , which his Highness had order'd for Him ; There his Lordship found not only all necessary Provisions , but a splendid Regal , of very curious Wines and Sweet-meats ; for which Generosity ( so natural to that Great Prince ) his Excellence sent him next day ( by the Secretary of the Embassy ) his Acknowledgment and Thanks to Ambrogiana ( about thirty miles off ) and then took Post for Rome ; lying at Montefiascone , in hopes of having pass'd Viterbo early , and undiscover'd : But he could not out-do the Diligence of Monsignior Vincentini the Governour , who met him some miles out of Town , and bringing him to the Palace , gave him a very great and noble Collation . Three Posts distant from Rome , his Excellence was met , by a Coach and six Horses , from his Eminence , the Cardinal of Norfolk ; the next Post , by another from her Highness the Dutchess of Modena ( Mother to Her Majesty ) in which , was the Count Codebo her Secretary ; and one other , from the Resident of Portugal , with some of his Gentlemen in it ; as also with one of my Lord Embassador's own Coaches , made for him , against his arrival . A little on this side Ponte Molle ( being a mile and half short of Rome ) was the Lord Cardinal himself , with Signior Paolo Falconieri , ( a Florentin Gentleman , that had been in England with the Duke ) and afterwards ( nor undeservedly ) in high esteem with his Excellence : Here , after the usual complements and ceremonies were ended , the Lord Embassador went into the Cardinal's Coach , and so came together , to his Eminence's Palace in Rome , upon Easter Eve , S. N. about an hour after Sun-set ; where , Himself , and Family , were magnificently treated , for about ten days , till Prince Pamphilio's Pallace , in the Piazza Navona , could be put in order , for his Excellence's service . His Excellence was no sooner thus arriv'd , but the Grandees began their Complements of Congratulation , by their Secretaries , which lasted for three days , and then my Lord return'd them in like manner , his thanks ; it not being the Custom of Rome , for Persons of that Rank , to receive , or give Personal Visits , except privately and underhand , till they have publickly waited on His Holiness . About the Wednesday after , his Excellence ( being now a little reposed ) sent to the Pope for a private Audience , which was granted him , the following week ; and then taking four of his own ordinary Coaches , and some few Domesticks , he was in the evening conducted by Cardinal Howard to the Vatican Palace , and so by the back-stairs to His Holiness ; who ( as it may be easily suppos'd ) receiv'd him with particular satisfaction , and to the great Joy also of all the People , who in no small numbers got together ; tho' usually such Audiences are perform'd without any noise or stir : And when his Excellence was return'd home , he found the Pope's Master of the houshold , with several of his under-officers there attending , who had brought the presents of welcome , viz. All sorts of Fowl , Wines , Sweet-meats , and other Delicacies of that nature . These preliminaries being now settled , and past , his Excellence fell upon the most troublesome part of his Embassy ; I mean , his Equipage , and preparations for his publick Entry : Troublesome I may call it , since Embassadors in this Court , have exceeded in splendor and magnificence , all the world besides ; and whether his Lordship kept not up the Port and Dignity of his great Master , the Reader is to judge by what follows . This Equipage ( besides what was alreaready prepar'd ) consisted in stupendous Coaches , most rich Liveries , and store of Horses , of great value ; and because the Brocard , Imbroidery , gold Lace , Fringe , Scarlet , &c. were all to be bespoken , 't was easily foreseen , that the said Entry could not be at soonest , before Michaelmas ; In the mean time , tho' the Embassador could not visit , and be visited , with the same Pomp , as when publick , yet his ordinary Expence was the same ; for he weekly attended the Pope , had the same numerous Family , and Retinue , kept the same Table for his Friends and Acquaintance , and had about forty Horses , still in his Stable . Artizans in all places have the same methods , and perform their promises alike ; for how pressing soever his Excellency's Officers were , they could not yet be ready , till the end of October ; and just when every thing was thought finisht , the Pope fell so ill of the Gout , and his usual Defluxions , that two months past , without his giving Audience to any stranger , no , not to the Duke of Modena himself , who arriving at Rome , in November , could not receive his Benediction , till the beginning of the following January ; during which time , his Excellence had the great Honour and satisfaction , of often seeing a Prince , so every way accomplish't , and one too , that was infinitely kind , and obliging to him . His Holiness being now recover'd , and the eighth of January appointed for this great Solemnity , it will not be perchance ungrateful to the Reader ( since the Preparations and Pomp of it consisted in the Pope's , and King's Arms , in the Coaches , Liveries and Attendance ) if before I further proceed , I describe first in words the Particulars , and then shew the Draught , and Pictures of them . The Wood-work on which the respective Arms were painted , and placed , were 24 foot high , and 16 broad ; the edges of it being carv'd , or cut out , according to the Parts of the Figures that reach'd thitherward ; The Boards were not only brac't , and kept together , with several great Beams , but had above 800 weight of Iron about them , so that being lifted up with great labour and pains , to the first story , they had the breadth of the Palace-Gate between them ; and beneath , just over the Gate , stood the Arms of his Excellence in a Round , about two yards diameter , and encompass'd with great Branches of carv'd Palms , painted proper . The Arms of His Holiness were as followeth . They were painted by a diligent hand , not in black and white , but in their proper Colours , those places only excepted , which were covered , and shadowed with Gold ; not transgressing however , the order of the design ; and plac't on an elevated piece of Architecture , on each side whereof , stood an Angel supporting the gilded compartment , with interwoven Palms , and Lawrels , the top of which was crown'd , with A Triple Crown , the Pontificial Keys , and Cordons . Under the Arms , as in a large Plain , terminating in a Pedestal , were divers Figures , double the life ; the first of which , represented the Church , in a grave majestick female Figure , cloathed in white , girt about her ; A transparent Veil , and a Glory round her Head ; her feet naked , with Sandals ; her upper Garment , a rich Mantle , embroider'd with Gold ; in her right hand ( leaningupon an Antique Altar , in which , in Basso Rilievo , was exprest , the Manna of old , falling upon the Children of Israel ) she held a Patriarchal Staff , and extended the other , to receive Britannia . Upon the Altar , lay the Sacred Scripture , on a Cushion of Crimson Velvet ; and beside it , the figure of a Church , by which stood , a venerable , aged personage , with a flaming Lamp , in his hand erected , representing piety ; And under the Churches feet , A Mufti , in a posture of rage , and despair ; the Alcoran in his hand , ruffled , and torn ; and by him , a vanquisht Bassa , his Ensigns , of Bows , Arrows , Scimiters , Horse-tail , &c. all reverst . Britannia , was a female figure , A mural ( or embattled ) Crown , on her head , and A ( Civick Garland , or ) Wreath of Oak-leaves , about her temples ; cloathed in a Royal Robe , lin'd with Ermins ; her Scepter , and Globe , on which , was Britannia , in Capital Letters , lying on a purple Cushion by her ; her self on the left knee , making an obeysance to the Church , and was attended , by prudence , and valour . Prudence , another female figure , had her head , and breast , adorn'd with Pearl , and in her Left hand , a staff , with a Serpent twin'd about it . Valour , was represented by Hercules , in a Lyon's Skin ; his Club , on his Shoulder , and trampling on envy , who with her Snakes about her , and one twisted on her right arm , lay raving at Britannia . Underneath that , an Oval of Gold , supported by two Sphinxes , and adorn'd with Lawrels , wherein was represented the River Tyber , by an old man , lying at length , and leaning on an Urne , or Vase of water ; A Wreath of Reeds on his head ; in his left hand , an Oare , in his right , A Cornucopia : On his right side , lay a Wolf , suckling two Children ( the Symbole of Rome ) on his left , A perspective of the Bridge of St. Angelo ; and under all , in Golden Capital Letters , the word , Tybris . As may be seen in the first printed Figure . 〈◊〉 Michael Camers Pingebat . Arnoldus V. Westerhout fiā . sc. The Kings Arms. THey , with the Garter , Supporters , &c. were rais'd , on another kind of Architecture , adorned , with Roses , and Thistles Under them , was Britannia , crown'd , and Wreath'd , as before ; but here , sitting , in a full Majesty : In her right hand , A Scepter , and A Globe ( inscrib'd Britannia ) in the other ; Her Vest , of a Gold Colour richly embroider'd at the bottom ; Her Mantle , as before ; Sandals on her feet , with Ligaments , to the mid-leg , after the old Roman manner ; and trampling an armed Figure , that lay facing Her , and strugling to get up against Her : In his right hand , was a drawn Sword , and on his Helmet , a plume of Orange-tauny Feathers ; The first Colours at Edge-hill , against King Charles the First . On her left hand , in the middle , stood Hercules , drest as before , but now , leaning on his Club , and in his left hand , an Azure Tablet , with the Royal Motto ( DIEU ET MON DROIT ) in large Capitals of Gold , on it ; His left foot , stood firm on the Base , and his right , depress'd a groveling Figure , holding in the one hand , a Protestant-Flail , and in the other , a Scroul , with the word Rebellio , in like Letters of Gold. On the other side of Hercules , was the Figure of St. George ( the tutelar Saint of England ) A rich Helmet , and plume of red Feathers , on his head ; His Mantle , and Cross on his Breast , of the same Colour ; A Sword by his side ; The rest of his habit , after the old Roman : He stood , trampling an Hydra , which , instead of Serpentine , had humane heads ; her Wings display'd , as endeavouring to get up again , whilst he , fastens his Lance in one of them , more remarkable than the rest . Under that , in a like Oval of Gold , supported , and adorned , as the former , was represented the River Thames , by the Figure of an old man extended , with a like Wreath on his head , leaning also , on a Vase of water ; on his left arm , an Oare ; and on his right , A Cornucopia , with many Ships , and Boats , in perspective : And beneath all , in like Letters of Gold , the word , Tamesis ; as in the Second Figure . I Have done with the front , and now 't is fit , that I enter the Palace , which was great in it's self , and great in his Excellences Family , consisting of above an 100 Persons , 60 of which were in Livery ; and those for the Pages ( being eight in number ) of Crimson Velvet , their Cloaks , Lac't above half a yard deep , with broad Gold Lace , with little intermixtures of blew , white , and black Silk ; They were also lined with a rich Brocard , the ground blew , with flowers of Gold ; and their habit underneath , of the Roman Fashion ; to wit , Dublets and Trunks , Lac't as before , and trimm'd very thick with Gold and blew Ribbon : They had all black Castors Lac't , white Feathers ; Bands , and Cuffs , of fine Genoa Point ; embroider'd Gloves , silk marble-coloured Stockings , and gilt Swords . The other 52 Liveries , were of fine Scarlet lin'd with silk Brocard , suitable in Colour , and Flower , to that of the Pages ; 30 of these wore Cloaks , with the same Gold and blew Lace , six rows deep : The others , being running Foot-men , and Grooms , had Coats , and Breeches laid over , with the same Lace : And blew silk Stockings , black Hats , edg'd with a broad Gold-galoon , and gilt Swords . Besides these , and four Valets de Chambre , ( with under officers , of all sorts ) his Excellence had Fifteen Gentlemen of Fashion , who waited in his Lordships Ante-chamber , to attend in giving , and receiving Visits ; nor were these of mean condition ; there being among them , of the Ursini , Spinola , and Bentiveglio Families ; so that 't is no wonder that the very wages his Lordship paid , reckoning the board wages of the Italian Servants ( for they eat usually at their own houses ) came to near 2500 pound per annum . The Palace it self , considering it's Scituation , Grandeur , Painting , &c. is reputed the best in Rome , and was by that Prince ( a lover of the English Nation ) as well furnisht , with Damask , Velvet , and Embroidery , as Cost , or Art , could contrive it ; besides , there was a private , well-adorn'd Chappel , and two English Chaplains to officiate and look after it . In the Stable , his Excellence had five compleat setts , of Coach-horses ( to wit ) four , for the Town , and a lighter sett , for the Campaign , besides several pairs , for ordinary uses , with saddle-horses , and others for baggage and the like ; so that there wanted nothing now , to make a full equipage , but suitable Coaches ; and of those , there were thirteen in number . The first Coach. The design of this , was altogether poetical , and alluding to the Sea ; and therein , besides the exquisite carv'd Wooden-work , and engraven Iron-work , not only the figures hereafter mentioned , but the very Wheels , Pearch , and even the meanest part of the whole ( as the Pole , Swiveltree , Spring , Tree Transum , &c. which were carv'd with Oak-leaves , Acorns , and Ivy-leaves ) were all , richly gilded . The spokes of the Wheels , were carv'd into large spreading Foliages , each spoke , being cut out of the main timber , six Inches thick , and nine broad ; and the rings , or out-circles of the Wheels , as also the Nails , were carv'd with Oak-leaves , and Scollop-shells . Instead of the Fore , and Hind-standards , the body of the Coach , was supported , by four Tritons , as big as the life , exactly carv'd , and gilded ; having on their heads , wreaths of Sea-weeds , and so loaden with Festons , of Roses , Thistles , Lillies , and Acorns of Gold ; that they seem'd to bend under the Coach , as confessing the immense weight . Under the fore-part of this Machin , issu'd two large Dolphins , their Tails inter-woven upon the Pearch , and all the spaces adorn'd , with heaps of Conche-marine , Scollop-shells , and other things , proper to the Sea. The Foot-board , represented a triple Scollop-shell , carv'd one within another ; under which , a little winged Genius stretcht out its self , and looking back in the Coach-man 's face , seem'd to point with his arm , which way he was to drive . On the shoulders of the right hand Triton behind , lean'd a large figure , representing Britannia , crown'd with Oak-leaves , and Turrets , and a loose Garment , flying about her . On the others , lean'd a majestick figure , of the same bigness representing Neptune , with a spiked Crown , on his head , his hair , and beard ruffled , and a like flying Garment about him : Britannia and He , extend each an Arm , and so bore up The Imperial Crown of England . Under the Tritons , on the right , and left , lay a Marine-Lion , and Unicorn , in proportion to the other figures ; their fore-feet , finny , and resting on large Foliages , their Tails twisted in the intermediate spaces , where also , were two Genii ; the one , curbing the Lion , the other , the Unicorn , with a kind of flying Bridles , of gilded metal , like Ribbon ; and he that was next Neptune , held His Trident : In the rest of the spaces , were heaps of Scollop-shells , &c. alluding to the Sea ; so that besides the excellency of the Design , and Workmanship , the whole carriage appear'd , as one mighty mass , of entire Gold. And now for the Coach its self , the outside , or Leather part thereof , was all cover'd with Crimson Velvet ( which , with what went to the Harness , Coachman's Cushion , Braces , Strapps , &c. took up 120 yards ) And over the sides , or extream parts of the Velvet , was a rich Gold Embroidery , of rais'd-work , and on the Curtains before , behind , and on each side ( according to the Italian fashion ) were large embroidered Loops , a foot long , and eight Inches broad ; and all other the void spaces , as the Doors , Pannels , &c. were fill'd with flourishes , of the like embroidery , and all the seams , and edges of the said outside , and corners , were either gold Galoon , or Fringe , of the same . Ciro ferri Rom o. inu : And a. Cor i. fecit Gio : Batta . Lenardi delin : Arnoldo Van Westerhout fiam o. scul● Ciro ferri Rom o. inu : And a. Cor i. fecit Gio. Batt̄a Lenardi delin : Arnoldo Van Westerhout : fiam o. Scu THE inside of the Coach , was lin'd through , with a rich Brocard of Gold , and all the Curtains before , behind , and on each side , as also the Cushions , were of the same , and took up , above an hundred yards . The Cushions , and middle Seat , were edg'd with a deep , Gold-fringe , and the Curtains , proportionably : Round the Valence , was a much deeper and richer Gold gimp-fringe , and round the Cornish ( where the Valence joyn'd with the Roof ) was a rais'd Embroidery , about a foot in breadth , with large Branches that shot forth , at the corners , and sides ; which Valence also , was lin'd with Cloth of Gold. In the middle of the Roof , was his Excellence's Coat of Arms , with Supporters , Mantling , Coronet , &c. all of emboss'd Needle-work of Gold , or according to their proper colours ; and these were in length , five feet , and in breadth , three , or better . There were also , several Tassels , of Gold , to tye back the Curtains ; and all the main Harness , as well as the Braces , Strapps , and lesser parts , were not only covered with the same Crimson Velvet , but edg'd every where , with a thick Gold Galoon ; and embroidered also , on all the meetings , and remarkable places , with Roses , of the same work . The cheeks of the Bitts , were double-gilt , and the Bosses embroidered , with a rais'd-work , upon cloth of Gold , in the figure of Roses ; All the Padds were also covered with Embroidery , and the Buckles ( an 140 in number ) laid on with the same . The Postilion's Saddle , was of the same embroider'd Velvet , richly laid ; and the very Stirrups , were cover'd , and edg'd as the Harness ; and on each Horse's head , hung nine Tassels of Gold , to compleat the Grandeur . The Second Coach. That , was little less than the first ; the outside also being covered with Velvet , but the colour , blew ; The Harness , Braces , &c. cover'd , and edg'd , as the first ; The Embroidery , Buckles , Knobbs , &c. little differing , in richness , but design : For the Knobbs , were not so diffuse , and spreading ; and the doors , and void places , had His Majestys Cypher , crowned , and surrounded with Palms , nothing inferiour in contrivance , to the first . The inside , was of a rich Brocard , of blew , and Gold ; Fring'd , Lac't , and Lin'd , as the first ; and on the roof , his Excellences Arms , after the same manner , tho' not so large : The Carriage , Wheels , &c. carv'd and gilt , but intermingled , here and there , with blew ; and the fore , and hind-parts , variously beautifi'd , with Festons of Roses , Thistles , Floures de Lis , Acorns , &c. The Figures of the whole , were seven , all richly Gilt ; on the top of the fore-standards near the Coachman , two naked Boys ; He on the right , bearing in his hand a Golden Tre-foil , and his fellow , a Palm ; and in their other hands , each held a Gilt Shield ; on the first of which was his Excellences Paternal Coat , and on the second , his Crest , handsomly adorn'd , and painted . On the Corners of the hind-standards ( being the most conspicuous part of the Coach ) sate two other Boys ; and two more , below ; The first , holding in his right hand a Rose , and resting the other , on the Escutcheon of England ; The second , A Thistle , and the Escutcheon of Scotland ; The third , A Floure de Lis , and the Escutcheon of France ; The fourth , A Laurel , and the Escutcheon of Ireland , in the same manner as the first . Andrea Cornely inu : et fecit Gio : Batt̄a Lenardi delin : Arnoldo Van Westerhout fiam o. Sculp : Andrea Cornely inb : et fecit Gio : Batt̄a . Lenardi delin : Arnoldo Van Westerhout fiam o. Sculp : The Third Coach. THis also , differ'd little in richness , or largeness , from the two former , tho' in the materials , it did ; for instead of Velvet , and Embroidery , on the out-side , it was cover'd with Leather , edg'd with Gold , and Silk Lace , and Gilt massy Brass-work , so richly , and curiously wrought , that the two frames , that held the glasses , before and behind , cost 300 Roman Crowns , which is little less , than an 100 pound English. The inside , was Crimson Velvet , Embroidered round , about half a foot deep , with Flowers of Gold , at the joyning of the Cieling , and Valence , and at the bottom thereof , hung a rich Fringe , of Gold and Silk ; The Curtains were of Damask , Embroidered , with large Loops of Gold , and edg'd with a Fringe , suitable to the Valence , as were also the Cushions , and other usual parts of a Coach. The Carriage , Wheels , &c. were carv'd into great Foliages , and differ'd proportionably , from the two former , in that they were half , Gilt , and half , Black ; and the Harness , Braces , &c. all edg'd , with Gold , and Silk Lace , and cover'd with Gilt Brass-work , suitable to the Coach its self . The Fourth Coach. This also , was of Leather , with Brass-work , lin'd with Crimson Velvet , seam'd , and beautifi'd , as the third ; The Curtains also , were of Damask , edg'd as before ; nor was there any Embroidery , except that , of his Excellence Cypher on the Cieling , encompassed with Palms of Gold ; nor the Carriage gilt , but only carved with Festons , and large Foliages . This was his Excellences common Coach , when he went privately through the streets ; as was the second , when his Lordship made publique Visits , to those of great quality ; for , the first was never us'd , but at some Solemn Audience , extraordinary Function , or A first Visit to the Cardinals , and Persons of the highest note ; and then they were all drawn , by six Horses a piece . The other Coaches . His Excellences three next Coaches , were all alike , of Leather , adorn'd with Silk-Lace , and well-Gilt Brass-work , all Lin'd with Damask , Curtains of the same , and all things else suitable . These , and three others , which were also lin'd with Velvet , or Damask , were for his Excellences Domesticks , and Attendance , when he went abroad ; for his extraordinary Visits , were ever , with ten Coaches , and his other , with five , or six ; nay , this was the usual number , even when his Lordship went Incognito ; nor were these yet all his Coaches , for there were two , or three other little ones , for Messages , and common use . The 8 th . of January being come , and The Pope ( as I said ) pretty well recover'd , in the morning about an hour after day-break , the forementioned Arms of his Holiness , and his Majesty ( which had been set up some days before ) were uncover'd , with a Flourish of Trumpets , which drew a great concourse of people into the Piazza , every one admiring , both the design , and largeness of them : Between two or three in the afternoon , the Chief Prelates , with the Pope's Officers ( 85 in all ) came to attend his Excellence , who at the same time also , receiv'd the complements of the Cardinals , Princes , and Great men of Rome , by their Relations , and Gentlemen , that brought their several Coaches to wait on him , to the Pope's Palace . About four in the evening , his Excellence set out , and ( to shew his particular Respect to the Place ) was himself , in the Roman Habit , viz. Cloak , Doublet , and Breeches ; His Suit of a rich Brocard , the Ground Black , with great Branch't Flowers of Gold , and lac'd thick , with deep Black Flanders Lace , and a broad Gold-gimpt foot to it ; His Trimming was of Gold and black-wrought Ribbon , and his Band , of the best Venetian Point ; And that all things might correspond , He had great store of Excellent Diamonds in his Hat , Wrists , Sword , Shoes , &c. and where ever else they could well appear . There were with him ten Coaches , in his own Livery , such as has been before describ'd : In the first , was The Lord Embassador , with six Arch-Bishops , and on his left hand , Monsignior Barzolini , who had been Nuncio in France : Before this Coach , went 32 Footmen , 22 in Cloaks , and 10 , in close-body'd Coats , and at the Boots , the Pages , all in Livery , as has been also , before mentioned : By them , the Dean , or Chief of the Foot-men , in black Velvet , the Gentlemen of the Horse following , on A manag'd Neopolitan , richly caparison'd ; Then follow'd , his Excellences other nine Coaches , all fill'd with Prelates ; and after them , their own , with those of the Cardinals , publick Ministers , &c. fill'd ( as was said ) with Gentlemen , that had been sent , to wait on the Solemnity ; the whole train , amounting to the number of three hundred and thirty Coaches . The weather , was somewhat rainy , but that hindred not , even the Streets ( as well as the Balconys , and Windows ) from being crouded with people , all shouting and crying out , Viva il grand Re d' Ingelterra ! Live the Great King of England ! In a word , so general were the Acclamations , through the whole progress , that , That of Pliny , to Trajan , upon His entring Rome , might not improperly be apply'd , to this , of The Lord Embassador , Non aetas quemquam , non valetudo , non sexus retardavit , quo minus oculos insolito spectaculo impleret : Parvuli noscere , ostentare juvenes , mirari senes , Aegroti quoque , relicto medentium imperio , ad conspectum , quasi ad salutem properare . Nor Age , want of Health , or Sex , with-held any one , from feeding his Eyes , with the unwonted spectacle : Children , prattled what it was ; young men , shouted ; old men , stood in admiration ! Nor would the sick , observe their Physicians , but ran as fast to see 't , as to meet their Health . His Excellence being come to Monte-Cavallo ( where the Pope then Resided ) found the Soldiers drawn up before the Gate ; so that entring the Palace , He alighted at the foot of the great Stairs , and was received ( the Lay-persons of Quality preceding , and the Prelates following ) at the Portal of the Great Hall , just on the Top of the said Stairs , by Monsignior Mugiaschi the Chamberlain , who , with other Purpled Officers , conducted him to the Anticamera , and thence ( after a little reposing ) to the Bedchamber it self ) for his Holiness's Indisposition , hinder'd him from going to the Sala Regia , where such great Embassies , are usually first receiv'd . The Pope was clad in Red Silk , with a lac'd Linnen Rocket , and sate in a Crimson Velvet Chair , not far from his Bed : And as soon as his Excellence had made his three Obeysances ( the last , being down to the feet ) he received his Benediction , and so seated himself just before his Holiness , who after an hours discourse , dismiss'd him : From thence , he was brought to Cardinal Cibo's Apartment , where he stay'd about half an hour ; and then taking Coach again , was reconducted , to his own Palace , by the Light of thirty , or forty White-Wax Flambeaux . The next day , his Excellence with the same Equipage , visited Cardinal Ludovisio , Dean of the Sacred College , who ( in Functions of this nature ) represents the whole Body ; and the day after , the Queen of Sweden ; and then , the particular Cardinals , as they lay most convenient ; But before this , his Excellence , to acknowledge the continual obligations , plac't on him by the great Prelates of Rome , invited them all ( in honour of the King his Master ) to a mighty Entertainment , on the 14 th . of the Current Month , which was order'd as follows . The Great , or outward Hall ( which is one of the fairest and best proportion'd Rooms , that can be seen any where ) was surrounded with long Tables , cover'd with excellent Linnen , and fill'd , with wonderful quantities of Fruit , Sweet-meats , Parmegian Cheese , and other delicacies , belonging to the Desert , or last Course ; For thus are the Italians wont at their Solemn Feasts , that by exposing to the Spectators , one part of the Entertainment , they may better judge , what the whole will be : About thirty Butlers , and Assistants attended here , and at the upper end of the said Hall , under a Canopy ( after the mode of the Place ) stood a magnificent Cupboard , of all kind of Plate , guarded by Swisse ; and over against it , was that of Glasses , which were of Venice , in great store , and of all sorts ; Three other large , and richly furnish'd Rooms were to be past , before ye came to the place where they din'd ; and in the last of them ( under another Canopy ) was a great Cupboard of curious Gilt Plate , for his Excellence's particular use , and service , guarded by some of the English Servants ; and was so extraordinary , that it drew as many Spectators to it , as did any one thing else ; Nor would they hardly believe it to be other , than of pure Gold , tho' they were told the contrary ; and even those that were convinc'd , could not but confess , that Artificers in England were superlative . The Dining-Room , was that gay and pleasant Gallery , so remarkable also for its Painting , it being of Pietro di Cortona's doing , the greatest Master in his Time ; It s usual furniture , was double Rows of Statues , in proportionable Niches ; but now ( by reason of the Time of the year ) his Lordship order'd it to be hung with rare Tapestry ; and in the middle of the side , opposite to the coming in , was plac'd a Cloth of State , Embroider'd with Gold , under which , was the King's Picture , as big as the Life , sitting Crown'd on his Throne , and clad , in his Regal Habit. The Table was fitted to the length of the Room , and being cover'd with fine Damask , was encompass'd , with about eighty fair arm'd Velvet Chairs , which touch'd one another ; only between every four , there was place left for a Carver , and over against him , for a Sewer ; So that each eight Persons , had these two Officers to attend them as to the Eating Part ; and behind , every one had a Servant , to bring whatsoever he wanted , or desired . The breadth of the said Table was eight foot ( which might easily be allow'd , the Room being 24 wide ) and thro' the middle of it , from one end to the other , ran a Range of Historical Figures ( some almost half as big as the Life ) which the Italians , call Trionfi : They are made of a kind of Sugar-Paste , but modelled , to the utmost skill of a Statuary ; So that they are afterwards , sent as Presents to the greatest Ladies ; and their use at Entertainments , is to gratifie the Eye , as the Meat , Musique , and Perfumes , do the other Senses . Between these , stood great Vases of Artificial Flowers ; and ( to fill up the empty spaces of the middle ) there were a wonderful Company of Birds in a flying posture , on lesser Plates ; and as many Lyons , Unicorns , and Eagles , on larger , alluding to the supporters , and bearings , of both their Majesties : An entire description of which , as the Table stood all together , may be seen in the ninth Figure . AND for a more particular account of the Triumphs themselves , they were as followeth . The first four , were of Juno , Cybele , Neptune , and Vulcan , in Chariots , drawn over large Foliages ; thereby representing , the four Elements , as if each of them , had paid a Tribute to the Table ; as in the eleventh and twelfth Figures . THE fifth , and sixth , were of two Palm Trees , the Hieroglyphicks of Victory , and Impress , of his Excellences Family ; and under them , several Nymphs , sitting on Foliages , and representing the Moral Virtues , as in the thirteenth Figure . THE seventh and eighth , were the Figures of His Majesties Royal Virtues ; where , upon heaps of Arms , and Trophies , in the first , stood Justice , and Peace , entwin'd ; with their proper Symbols in their hands ; in the other , Valour , and Victory , as in the Fourteenth Figure . THE ninth and tenth , were of Daphne , and Myrrha , the one transform'd into a Lawrel ; the other , into a Tree of her own Name , as in the fifteenth Figure . Intimating thereby , That His Majesty , whose Victories had planted Him Lawrels in His own time , wanted not the Myrrhe of His Virtues , to embalm Him to posterity . Gio. Batta Lenardi delin . Arnoldo Van Westerho AND in the midst of all , over against his Majesties Picture ( of which , before ) stood a Machine of six feet , and two inches high , representing on the one hand , the Figure of the Church ; on the other , Time , drawing Truth out of a Cloud , thro' which , the Sun breaking forth , A winged Heroe , with a Spear in his hand , chas'd Fraud , and Discord : And on the Base , lay a dismember'd Hydra ; thereby denoting , Rebellion supprest , and vanquish't : And over all , stood His Majesties Arms , as may be seen in the tenth Figure : And on the Reverse thereof , those of his Holiness , according to the first Figure . THIS large Table , having ( as is said ) these adornments in the middle , had between them , and the Napkins ( which were also most artificially folded ) two Rows of Assiets , or Intermesses , on either side , fill'd with all sorts of relishing bits , whether salt , sweet , or soure ; as Pickles , Butter , slices of delicate Bacon , Bologna-Sauciges , Taratufoli , Composts , &c. all which , stood in the abovesaid Order , for two whole days , ( according to the Roman way ) that every ones curiosity might have some share in the Entertainment : And truly , the Concourse was so infinite , that the Palace had bin certainly sack't the second day , had not his Excellence foreseen the danger , and therefore , provided a Company of Swissers , for all the Gates and Avenues . As for the Feast it self ( which began about one ) it consisted of twenty four Imperial Dishes , to every Mess , or eight Persons ; and these the Italians call Imperial , by reason of the largeness , and richness of them ; as fill'd , with whatever Art could devise , or Industry procure : Two , of each of the said twenty four , were served in at a time , and plac'd by the Servers , before the Respective Carvers , who cutting of every thing , gave it to the Servers , and they , to each Guest in their District , whether he eat of it , or not ; And as the Trumpets , and loud Musique from the Balconies , usher'd in the Meat , so the softer ( which consisted of Voices , Lutes , &c. ) entertain'd all , whilst they were eating . Towards the middle of Dinner , his Excellence ( who sate at the upper end of the Table ) stood up , and ( calling to his Cup-bearer for a Glass of Wine ) began the Popes Health ; and ( within some small time after ) the Kings , in the same manner , and order ; which was presently pledg'd with the utmost demonstrations of Joy , and Satisfaction . And now , the Company ( who had abandon'd themselves to mirth ) beginning to be satisfied , the aforesaid twelve courses , or changes were by the Officers ( to avoid tediousness ) contracted to ten ; and then , the Triumphs , and other Ornaments , being taken away , they cover'd the whole Table , with all kind of Sweet-meats imaginable ; which after a little time ( as the Liberty or Confidence of the standers by encreast ) were all snatch'd , and carried away . Thus ( after three hours ) ended this Famous Entertainment , with universal satisfaction , and applause : And tho' the Delicacy of the Meats , Wines , and other Liquors , as well as the Abundance ( which fed above 1000 Persons ) was wonderful , yet the Order , seem'd more surprising ; for every one not only eat , and sate at ease , but was all the while as well attended , and as readily served , as if he had been at a private Feast : Nay , all confest and declar'd , that the common Fate of Feasts , viz. Beuer Caldo e Mangiar Freddo , Drinking hot and Eating cold , was here , wholly chang'd to the contrary . And now the Month of January was over , when several Great Personages , and Academies in Rome , thought fit to Complement His Majesty , in shewing personal Honours to his Embassador . The first , was the Queen of Sweden , who had prepar'd an elegant composition of Italian Lyricks , in Honour of His Majesties Accession to the Crown ; which being now ready , and her Palace fitted for it , Her Majesty appointed it to be celebrated on the beginning of February , and therefore invited his Excellence , to be present at it . It was perform'd in her great Audience Room , adorn'd with extraordinary Pictures , and Lights : At the upper end , under a cloth of State , was plac't a rais'd Chair for Her Majesty ; and at the other , a large Theater , with rising Benches , for the Musick ; on either side also were cover'd Benches , the one for the Roman Ladies , the other , for their Husbands , or Relations : And now the Lady being plac't , and every thing else in due order , The Lord Embassador led the Queen to her Throne , and sate himself , on a Velvet Stool , under the first step of it , with a Row of English Gentlemen , and other Cavaliers of Her Majesties Court , standing about him . The composition , was sung in Dialogue , by five persons , representing , London , Thames , Fame , The Ruling Genius , and The Genius of Rebellion ; with a Chorus of an hundred Voices , and an hundred and fifty musical Instruments . The subject was , The Encomiums of the English Nation , and their Great Monarch , James the Second ; with the Augury also , and Assurance , of happy successes , under the Dominion of so mighty a Prince : About the middle of which , and just before the first Chorus , there was a sudden stop ; when Monsignior Francisco Albani , A Prelate ( and now Secretary of the Pope's Briefs ) stept into a Pulpit , there ready prepar'd , and in A florid Italian Oration , first addressing to the Queen , continu'd the Argument , thro' a world of matter ; but how to bring that world into a Compendium , or Map , will be a question . In short , he trac'd His Majesty , from his infancy , to his riper years ; and his early courage , to his full manhood : Follow'd him , through all his various fortunes , at home , and abroad : His exemplary Actions in France , and Flanders , where , to capacitate him for Admiral of the Ocean , Victory shook of her Pinnions , as resolving , never to part from him : He further went on , That Fortune had provided new Darts , to wound his succession , yet they broke themselves , on what they were shot at ; nay , all her tryals confest his mastery , and instead of overthrowing , did but contribute , to the fastning his roots : Nor ought I ( continued he ) in the day of so much joy , to have mention'd it , but that it was not unpleasant to Hercules , to look back , on his past toils . But now , in that the appearance of Day , had disperst the Clouds , All the Ideas , he could fancy to himself , towards the forming A Statue of publick Felicity , were conspicuous in His Majesty : Witness , his Justice , in governing by his Laws : His Goodness , in forgetting nothing , but Injuries : His Clemency , in being ever readier to pardon , than offenders to ask it : His Liberality , in the Patronage of Arts , and Arms : And lastly , his Prudence , in advancing the Trade of his Kingdoms ; thereby supplying the defect of Time , and joyning divided Britain , once more to the Continent : And therefore , if such were his dawn , what must his full Day be ? Or what would we the reward of all ? Even that God give him the accomplishment , of the Promise to Abraham , and multiply his seed , as the Stars of Heaven . Nor was it sooner spoken , than eccho'd back again , by a Chorus ( as before ) of an hundred Voices , and an hundred and fifty Instruments ; And from thence , the Dialogue went on , intermixt with three other Chorus's , crying out , New Laurels ! New Palms ! Victory , Victory , Victory ! And at last , the whole , clos'd with this fourth . Live King of an exalted Name ! Live ever , in the top of years the same ! And as He 's Great in Britain , even , Let Him be Great in Rome , and Great in Heaven ! And with this , ended the Entertainment of that evening , but not the Queen's inclinations of honouring his Majesty , for it was for several days together , again presented , to the general satisfaction , of both Court , and City . A Queen had led the way , and his Eminence Cardinal Pamphilio ( in whose Brother 's Palace , his Excellence then dwelt ) A person of no ordinary literature , sharp witted , eloquent , and ( which every Age has not to boast of ) A Purpurated Poet , made his Lordship the next invitation , to his Palace , in the Corso ( a long Street in Rome where , during the Carnival , all people appear in Masquerade ) where , after a splendid Entertainment , he was further caress'd , with an Excellent Tragedy , sung in Recitativo : The Subject , was A particular Complement to His Majesty , in the History of St. Dimna , an Irish Martyr ; The Stage , beautifully set out with proper Scenes ; and the Argument , interwoven with such variety of noble , yet surprizing Accidents , that it appear'd altogether worthy of the elevated Genius , of himself , that wrote it . Nor stood it with the Grandeur of The Barberine Family , to slip this opportunity of showing the world that real respect which their Goodness , and Gallantry , made them always declare was due to the Crown of England ; For Cardinal Francisco Barberini ( not long since Dean of the Sacred College ) was Unckle to Carlo , his present Eminence , and had been Protector of the English Nation at Rome ; as had been heretofore ( if I mistake not ) Pope Urban the Eighth ; famous for his humanity and good nature : This Family also , was ally'd to the most Illustrious House of Este , and consequently , to Her now Majesty , our great and gracious Queen : Under this double obligation , was the said Lord Cardinal , when he invited his Excellence , and seven other English men of quality , to an Entertainment at his Palace , on the Shrove-Tuesday following , being the Eve of the Carnival , viz. The Earl of Salisbury , the honourable Henry Sidney , and Thomas Ratcliffe , with Mr. Arundell , Tichborn , Wamesley , and Eggleston : And that there might not be wanting persons of the highest Order in the Church , he invited , their Eminencys , The Cardinal of Norfolk ( Protector , of the English , and Scotch ) Cardinal Alteri ( Protector of the Irish ) Cardinal Pamphilio , before spoken of , and Monsignior Barberino , his Nephew , one of the twelve principal Officers of the Apostolick Chamber . The day being now come ( out of curiosity and pleasure to view , the not to be parallel'd Statues , and Paintings , of that Palace ) his Excellence , with his company , came early ; when having past the large Court , famous for the Sculpture about it , he was led to a magnificent Stair-case , which brought him into a more magnificent Hall , where the Cardinal receiv'd his Excellence ; and by the Antichambers , conducting him through the rest of the Palace , show'd him the inestimable Collections , which nothing but a like Family could have brought together ; After this , he led the Embassador to his Library , inferior ( perhaps ) in nothing to the Vatican , but the Manuscripts , and that it is not The Vatican . And here it was , that his Eminence , presented his Excellence , with forty Books , Folio's , and others , exquisitely bound , and Printed by the care and Beneficence of this Family ; and here also the Cardinals who were invited , came to them . The Hall before-mentioned , was the place of this Entertainment , where that scarcely to be exprest Cieling ( the hand also of Pietro de Cortona , was ( if yet possible ) out-done , by the costly Hangings ; wherein ( with all the Mastery of Art , Colours , and Design ) were exprest , the most considerable actions of Pope Urban the Eighth ; and upon a Freeze under them , The History of Deborah : And at the upper end of all , A full Picture of His Majesty , on a sprightly Horse , trampling , The many-headed Monster of Rebellion , under his feet . The Hall its self , was set round , with Crimson-Velvet Chairs , edg'd with a deep Golden Fringe , and in the middle , upon a small rising , stood a Table of thirty foot long , and seven broad ; through the length of which , ran a range of Triumphs , and beside them , other lesser , of Arts , Peace , War , Victory , with their respective Symbols , and Trophys : Nor was the number of the Services , the vastness of the Dishes , the variety of the Inter-messes , and relishing Plates round every Trencher , the plenty , and choice of Wines , the nobleness of the Desart , excellence of the Musick , and great Order of the whole , in any wise disproportionate , to the magnificence of the place , or the person , that made it : And if it fell short in any thing , of that of the Lord Embassador's , it was not , that his Eminence's intention , was not the same , but the company less . The Entertainment lasted above two hours , and from the Hall , they withdrew into a curiously hung Room , which was a ready conveyance into all the other parts of the Palace ; and from hence they came into A second , hung with Crimson Velvet , and beautifully adorn'd with Statues , and Pictures , of inestimable value ; where , his Eminence had prepar'd , an excellent composition , of Vocal , and Instrumental Musick , in honour of His Majesty , and this glorious Embassy . From thence , his Excellence , and their Eminences in Cardinal Barberini's Coach ( the rest of the Coaches following ) drove thro' the Corso ( of which , before ) And thence , to the Palace of Cardinal Pamphilio , where his Excellence receiv'd a second Regal , and the satisfactory Entertainment , of the Tragedy before mention'd . This of the Lords Cardinals , begot an Emulation in The Literati , nor was it long , ere they follow'd the example : The first of this kind , were the Fathers of the Gregorian , or Roman College ( founded by Pope Gregory the 13 th . ) who invited his Excellence , to an Entertainment of the Muses , on the 25 th . of the same month ; At which time , he came largely attended , with Roman Prelates , and other great men ; and was receiv'd at the Gate , not only by the Rector , but by the Assistants , and chief members of that Learned Body ; for , as for the General himself , he was lately dead , and the Vicar sick , even to keep his Bed. At his entrance they exprest their satisfaction and joy , by ringing their Bell , and a flourish of Trumpets : Then having with much ado past the throng'd Court , and view'd the Inscription , erected ( in honour of His Majesty , and that days Solemnity ) over the Portico , that leads into the first Hall , his Lordship was at the great Door of it , met by the Prefect of the Studys , who in a short , but elegant Latine Oration , accosted him , to this effect . That amidst the noise of the world applauding , and rejoycing at his Excellence's Arrival at Rome , The Gregorian Academy , neither ought to be silent , nor indeed , could it : In their name therefore , he first rejoyc't with His Holiness , in that it happen'd in his Pontificat , and that James the Second , reign'd in England , and Innocent the XI th . in Rome . In the next place , he gratulated , To The Christian World , so Great A Defender of the Faith : To Britain , Queen of the Ocean , so potent an Assertor : And lastly , To his Excellence , his Embassy ; And stil'd His Majesty , The most Great King of Great Britain , in that he had chosen , such an Embassador ; the one , only fit to chuse the other , to be chosen . And now his Excellence had a full Prospect of the Hall it self , the further end of which , was one entire piece of Architecture , in Perspective ; where , under a Regal Canopy , upon A Throne , rais'd four Steps , and a round Pedestal of equal height , between two erected Female Figures , viz. Scotland admiring , and Ireland rejoycing , sate a Third , on a Lion couchant , representing England : On her head she bore a Mural Crown ; in her right hand , A Scepter ; and her left , held the Helm of a Ship : Upon the Cornishes over that , supported by large Pillars , were Their Majestys Pictures ( as done in Brass ) wreath'd about , with Laurels , and Palms , each also supported , by two Angels : And somewhat over that , in the middle between both , His Majestys Arms , with their wonted Quarterings , Garter , and Supporters , standing on Festons of Roses , and Thistles : And on a proportionable Architrave to the whole , four large Urnes , or Pots of Incense . The Walls on either side , were hung with Arras , of Silk ; and upon a Cornish over them , several Shields , and Tablets , of Devises , Epigrams , and Elogies , in honour of His Majesty , and that days occasion : Among the number of which , it may not be unpleasant , to divert the Reader , with some of them . A Ship , her Sails furl'd , and lying close , against the weather . The word ( — Ubi noxia perstant ) While dangers are abroad . Signifying thereby , A Tempest may shake , not rend a wise man's Sails : And therein also , His Majestys prudence , in giving way to the Storm , which so much threaten'd him , before he came to the Crown . A Leopard regardant , i. e. looking back on his spots . The word ( Ornant , non maculant — ) They beautifie , not blemish . Intimating thereby , That all the obloquies against His Majesty , when Duke of York , are so far from giving him any Blot , that they rather add , so many Flowers to his Crown . A Cannon , firing . The word ( — Mensura dat ictum ) 'T is the true Levil hits . Thereby denoting , That those true measures , His Majesty took of his Affairs , gave Him , and his Kingdoms , the happiness , they now enjoy . A Shield , with an Umbo , or spike of Steel , in the Centre . The word ( Ferendo , & feriendo ) By bearing , and pushing . Thereby shewing , His Majestys readiness to receive , and repel , the force of his Enemies . A Horse , ready appointed for War , beating the ground , and ( as it were ) neighing for the Battle . The word ( — Animoque paratior — ) More ready in himself . Intimating thereby , his invincible Resolution . A Marriners Compass , the Needle to the North. The word ( Quo semel , huc semper — ) Once , and ever . Thereby denoting , His Majestys constancy . A Lion , tossing a large Orbicular Figure . The word ( — Et tanto in pondere ludit ) And under the great weight , He plays . Alluding thereby , to His Majestys expeditiousness , and happy dexterity , in the easy dispatch , of so many his weighty Affairs . The Sun , throwing his Beams over a Landskip . The word ( — Circumspicit omnia — ) He has an eye , on all . Thereby intimating , That no part of his Dominions is so remote , but that he bears , a particular regard to it . A Harp , full strung . The word ( Summis consentit & imis ) And every string accords . Denoting thereby , That ( notwithstanding their diversity in Opinions ) all His Majestys Subjects , meet in one Consort , i. e. a general satisfaction , and delight , under his happy Government . Lastly ( for I intend not a Volume ) A Bee , flying round a Garden , of Herbs and Flowers . The word ( Non legit infectos — ) She takes no poisonous Plant. Pointing thereby at His Majestys Judgment , that he makes choice , of the Best men . Besides these , there were several other Odes , Epigrams , and Elogys , on larger Tablets , in honour of His Majesty , his Late Royal Brother , and the particular accidents of his now Majesties life ; One among the rest , more immediately relating to The Embassy , in which ( alluding to his Excellence the Lord Embassadors Name , of Palmer ) under the Emblem of A Palm , or Date Tree , was represented , That it is the Nature of that Tree , not to yield to any weight , but rather , to endeavour the more upwards : In short , they gratulate The Omen ; foretel Him , Victory over his Enemies , of which also , that Tree is the Symbol , And wish him , A Prince , of many Palms . From thence in the passage to the Greater Hall , by the Humanity Schools of Grammar , Syntax , Poetry , Rhetorick , &c. Several Princely youths , ( chief of the Caesarean , Matthean , Imperial , Pamphilian , and Altierian Families ) stood before the doors of their respective Schools , and saluted his Excellence with Distichs ; and from thence , by a fair ascent , he came up to the Hall its self , which was statelily furnish't , with Damask , and Tapestry hangings , heightned with Gold. Towards the end of it , was erected A Theatre , on which stood the Rhetorick Master , who complemented his Excellence in a Latine Heroick Poem of 571 Verses , the Sum and Argument of which , was this . He took his rise , from the year , or two , before His Majesties accession to the Crown , And thus fabled ; That the Genius of England , having ( by reason of the late villanous Plot ) found every thing , in disorder at home , had travell'd all the Provinces of Europe , and finding them successful in their Affairs , began to consult , whether Fortune ( whereby yet , he meant no other , than that Divine Providence , which is always awake for the good of Mankind ) had not forsaken his Countrey , and being half doubtful in it , resolv'd to go in quest of her : To which purpose , having advice , that she had betaken her self , to the Imperial Eagle , he follow'd her from place , to place , and at last found her , at the first unsuccessful Siege of Buda : where , having laid before her , the close Argument , of not pressing Fortune , against Fortune ; He encourages her with the certainty of the next Campaign , and only begs her , that during that vacancy , she would take a Journey into England , which wanted nothing , but her presence , to compose it . In short , the Genius prevails , takes Fortune into his Chariot , and ( after a full-wrought Poetical description of the Journey ) brings her into England ; where the first thing they met with , was the death , of King Charles the Second ; and two Rebellions , then rising , against his Brother and Heir , His now Majesty : This Fortune ( that ever hated the profane rabble ) cover'd the Kings Arms , disperst the Rebels , and having seated him , in the Imperial Throne , return'd back to the Eagle , for its next more successful expedition against Buda . And with this , ended the Solemnity , which was all perform'd , in the Latine tongue . The next , was that of The Clementine Colledge , founded by Pope Clement the VIII th . ; which , albeit it be governed by religious persons , has in it yet , an Academy of The Literati , and ( besides their more serious studys ) The young Nobless , and Gallants , are train'd up , in all those Exercises , that may render them useful , either for Peace , or War : Hither also his Excellence was invited ; and came fully accompany'd with Prelates , Cavaliers , and others ; nor was the Entertainment less learned , tho' for the most part , the Composition was in the Vulgar Tongue ; for the Italian wits , by critically considering it in their Academies , have at length render'd it , both Polite , and Elegant . His Excellence was receiv'd at the first Gate , by the Fathers , and young Noblemen Convictors , with A double range of Trumpets ; and thence , conducted into the Great Hall , richly adorn'd with Paintings , and Damask , fring'd with Gold ; Where he was seated on A Velvet Chair rais'd , and beside him , hung A full Picture of His Majesty , under a Royal Canopy ; over which , stood the Impress of The Academicks ( by the name of The Extravagants ) viz. two Palms , folded into the Figure of a Warlike Hand-bow . The word ( placidis , coeant immitia ) Let Arts , and Arms , join hands . Thereby signifying , That Gowns , and Swords , are not so incompatible , but they may very well meet , in the same persons . The Entertainment began , with a prelude of Musick , Then stood out , A Noble Youth ( A Marchese ) of about seventeen years ( who also bore a part , in the following Exercises , of Vaulting , Dancing , Fencing , and Horsmanship ) and caress'd His Excellence , in a smart Oration , to this purpose , That the old Historys of Rome , must give place , to modern Annals ; In as much as the Glorys of the first , were more believ'd , than true , these on the contrary , carry'd in them , more of truth , than credibility . That the multitude of people , made Rome , look bigger , than her self , and Rome now , might be found , in Rome again . That Glory , lay not in quantity , but quality , and that the brave men , not the number , made A Monarchy great , and Illustrious ; For otherwise , Vices , and Privation ( that in despight of Noble Enterprises , had destroy'd Confines ) might set up for Soveraignty , among the Vertues . That the Trophys of The August Eagle , surpass'd not yet , those of The winged Lion ; And tho' Antiquity , might pride its self , in her Alexander , Caesars , &c. yet the real Grandeur of all , was , to be found in James the Second , and what was prodigious in them , render'd not only probable , but certain in him . Then making an Excursion , on the Praises of The Pope ; The Emperors Victorys over the Turk ; The Queen of Sweden , Patroness of their Academy ; The Lord Embassador , and his Embassy , he thus , came back to His Majesty : Let James the Second live ! to the Terror of Evil doers , and the Example of Heroe's : Live The Glory of Britain , and Glory of the Capitol ! And with him , encrease The Triumphs of Hungary conquer'd , and Greece , wounded . Lastly , in the name of the Academicks , he besought his Excellence , to accept that Address , so much the more affectionate , by how much the less artificial ; And to temper their boldness , That he would yet content himself , to repeat with them , what Varius Geminus , once said to his Caesar ; Qui de te Jacob audent dicere , magnitudinem tuam ignorant , qui non audent , Humanitatem . They that presume to give an account of Thee , James , understand not Thy Greatness , and they that dare not offer at it , know nothing of Thy Clemency . This ended with a Chorus of Musick ; And then , were rehearst several short Epigrams ( of half a dozen , or a dozen Verses ) Stanza wise , by the like Noble Youths , in honour of The Pope ; The King ; The Queen ; The Queen of Sweden ; The late Dutchess of Modena ; The now Duke ; The Lord Embassador ; And Cardinal Azzolino , Protector of the Academy ; Which also was answered by a Chorus of Musick . Then follow'd the exercise of Vaulting , on the Horse , perform'd by six Noble Youths , with singular dexterity , and variety ; and after some respite of Musick , those other , of Dancing , and Fencing , by the same , or like Youths . The first , was an high Dance , by one single person ; And after that , A Duel of two . The second Dance also , was single ; and after that , a Duel of two . The third Dance , was a French Minuet , of two . And after that , a skirmish of three ; One , defending himself , against two . The fourth Dance , was in a figure of six ; And after that , a Duel of two . The fifth Dance , was in a figure of four ; And after that , a skirmish of three : One , with a Sword and Dagger , defending himself , against two Swords . The sixth Dance , was a Saraband of six ; And after that , a skirmish of eight ; four , against four ; with a flourish of Trumpets . The seventh Dance , a figure of eight . The eighth Dance , was a French Minuet of two ; And after that , a skirmish of eight ; and clos'd those exercises , with a Chorus of Trumpets . And now , while the Academicks were preparing themselves for their riding the great Horse , His Excellence was entertain'd with A Symphony of Musick ; and that over , conducted into A Gallery , which lookt into the riding Court , from whence , he beheld all the Exercises of Horsmanship , perform'd by eight Noble Youths of The Academy ; which ending , his Excellence was reconducted to his Palace . Nor was it long , ere a like festivous invitation , was made him , by The Academicks of the Infecondi , for the 21 of April following ; where , accompany'd with a numerous train of Prelats , and others , he was as splendidly receiv'd , and entertain'd , with even the height , of Rhetorick and Poetry , in honour of His Majesty , Himself , and The Embassy ; more particularly , with a problematical discourse , ( in Italian ) whether The Victorious Arms of the Christians in Hungary , and Greece , or The Generous Indulgence , of the King of Great Brittain ( uniting thereby , his Subjects ) were more conducing to the peace of Christendom ? And now his Excellence ( having receiv'd Orders ) prepar'd for his Return ; and therefore ( to begin where he ought ) he acquainted the Pope , that ( with his permission ) the next Audience , should be that of Congee ; So that on the fifth of May he came in great state to the Palace , and after an hour 's Private Discourse or thereabouts , he receiv'd the Embraces , and Benediction of His Holiness , with the usual Present , of a Pair of Beads , at which hung a Gold Medal of our Saviour . This Ceremony being thus over , His Excellence was to take his leave of the Queen of Sweden , and after her , of every Cardinal ; all which being in a fortnight's time perform'd , he chang'd his Livery , and ( ordering his Domesticks to make ready , with all possible hast for his Journey ) he put himself wholly Incognito ; that is to say , neither to give , nor receive Visits , unless about Business , and that , privately , and by the Back-stairs also : But an Accident interrupted this so necessary a Retirement , to one that had so great a Family to dispose of , and so many Home-Affairs to settle , before he stirr'd . For the four new Cardinals ( Ciceri , Petrucci , Caraffa and Medici ) who had been long mew'd up , were on the 24 th . Current to receive their Hats , in open Consistory ; which being the only Publick Papal Solemnity , since his Lordships Reception , it was thought fit ( by the whole Court ) that he should have a more particular Invitation , as he had , and which , he readily comply'd with . About ten in the morning that day , his Excellence ( attended by all his own People ) came to the Palace , where he was Receiv'd by the Officers , and conducted to the Great Gallery , from whence he might see Cardinal de Medici's Cavalcade , or Solemn Procession on Horse-back ; for in this manner was every Cardinal formerly wont , to come to his First Audience , accompany'd by the Sacred Colledge , and Prelates , on Mules , the other Grandees , and followers , on Horses : But the Charge being excessive , none had for several years perform'd it , nor could it be more properly reviv'd , by any one , than a Prince of so much Wealth , and Greatness . The other three Cardinals having been excus'd Riding , came privately before , and by noon , the rest ; and then , his Excellence went to the Pope's Inward Antichamber , where he found the Conestable Colonna attending ; for he , and the Duke de Bracciano , are the only Romans , that are Principi del Soglio ; that is to say , Princes that can stand ( on great Days ) under the Canopy , or Cloth of State : His Lordship and he , having saluted each other , and discours'd for a while , the Pope came out , and after his Benediction ( they , and some of the Bed-chamber preceding ) he was brought to the Vestry ; where being Pontifically Rob'd , and Mitred , by two Cardinal Deacons ( to wit , Maldachini , and Pamfilio ) his Excellence took up his Train , and so follow'd him to the Throne , in the Room where the Consistory was then held ; standing close by him on his Right hand , and discoursing still with him , during the Casmes , and Intervals of the Function . The Function it self consisted chiefly , in the Pope's Blessing the people ; the Salutations he received from the Cardinals ; and his Prayers ( at his giving the Hats ) that God would incline each of them , faithfully to serve his Divine Majesty , in their respective Stations ; and so ( after two hour's ) he return'd in the former order . After which , his Excellence took the opportunity of taking his second leave , of all his Friends , and ( after many kind Adieu's ) was conducted to his Coaches , which , together with his Liveries , never appear'd more magnificent , nor ever happen'd to be more descanted upon , than at this time : For being all intermingled , with the stately Equipage of Cardinal de Medici , The people had a fit opportunity to compare , and give their judgments of both , which was highly in favour of his Lordships . Our Embassador being again retir'd , every Servant was at liberty to look after his particular business ; and in three weeks , the Baggage was made up , and All Persons ( as well Tradesmen , as Domesticks ) paid off : And to obviate the mistakes ; which Chance or Malice , might after his Departure occasion ; He order'd ( ten days before he stirr'd ) Printed Bills to be pasted up in the most Remarkable Quarters of the City , which gave notice of his intended Journey , and willed every one to repair to the Palace , that had any Dues , or Pretensions : But so far was this , from creating trouble , to his Excellence or Officers , that it gave the Town occasion to admire , and wonder , nay , confess it , a thing not only unusual , but scarce heard of before , in those parts ; For thro' the whole course of this Embassy , no man ( after the stating of his Accounts ) ever ask't twice for his money ; nor was any Bill ( upon what place soever drawn ) which was not punctually , and precisely satisfied . And now his Excellence ( having dispos'd of his English Servants , and Baggage , some to return by Sea , others by Land ) began his own Journey the 23. of June , by night , because the Heats were excessive ; and by Post , for expedition-sake , according to his late Orders : Himself rid in a handsom , commodious Callesh , made purposely for that service ; and was attended by his Secretary , his Sewer , a Page , a Valet de Chambre , and a Running Footman ; and overtaken on the Road , by the Gentleman of his Horse , whom some necessary Business had hinder'd , from setting out with him . But before we leave Rome , it may not be amiss to recount an Affair , which his Lordship fully settled , before his departure . One Flori ( a Piedmontese of quality , and banish'd thence , a while since ) after he had luxuriously spent vast sums at Paris , Vienna , and other places , man'd out to Sea ( in Person ) a Privatier , under the Polish Banner , tho' that Kingdom , has no one foot of Land , near Salt-water : When Roving in the Mediterranean , he met ( towards the Coast of Egypt ) two English Ships , the Jerusalem and another ; and making them both Prizes ( the last , because she wanted a sufficient Pass , and the other , for having the New Bassa of Tripoli , with his Family , on Board ) carry'd them directly for Malta : The News of this Insult , being divulg'd every where , the Leghorn-Factory presently made Applications to his Lordship , and acquainted him , that if this past without satisfaction , not only all Christian Men of War , but every Privatier , would be still searching , and disturbing their Merchants : That the Turks would do the like also ; and all people ( for the future ) would load on the French and others , that could protect them from such dangers , and Inconveniencies ; Nor were these Gentlemen the sole Plaintiffs , but Letters came from the Consul of Tripoli , nay the Bassa himself , desiring his Excellences Help , and Assistance . His Excellence , who ( by his former Travels in the Levant ) knew the Turkish Justice , which usually , makes the National Traders , feel the smart of such Accidents , borrow'd Mr. Hanford ( Gentleman of the Horse to the Cardinal of Norfolk ) and sent him in all hast , for Malta ; having first communicated the whole Affair , to the Embassador of that Order , then Residing at Rome . By the Time Mr. Hanford got thither , Flori had again put to Sea , and given the Bassa his Liberty , upon security of 30000 Dollars ; but represented the matter so falsly , that many thought , he had some Right on his side ; however , the aforesaid Gentleman follow'd his Excellences Instructions so well , that he secur'd all further Embeazlements of the Goods ; Enform'd the Bassa ( by Letter ) what Care His Majesty had taken of him ; comforted his Wife , and Servants , who were before , in the utmost Despair ; and brought also an Inventory of what was taken , and what remain'd behind . Nor was his Excellence on his part idle at Rome ; for he acquainted all the Neighbouring Princes , and Governours with the fact ; assur'd them , that if the King had not Justice done him , He would do it himself ; writ kindly to the Bassa ; left Letters at Genoua , Leghorn , and Naples , for our Men of War ( that call'd in ) to pursue the Pirate : And lastly , satisfi'd every body in the main Point , to wit , of having Infidels , and Enemies on Board ; For he not only let them see , the Determination , and Practice of the State of Venice , the Grand Duke , and others , upon Complaints of ours in like cases , but shew'd them ▪ how the contrary Procedure , would be a wonderful prejudice to All Christendom ; for seeing our Merchantmen , carry a hundred Forreign Christians , to one Turk , if Turks , and their Goods , were lawful Prize to the Christians , they also must be so to the Turks , and consequently , run the same Risque in their Persons , and Effects , which now ( as 't was evident to every body ) they were absolutely out of danger of , tho' the Barbary-Pirates , or the Grand Signiors Fleet , should meet them at Sea , and even knew , who they were . In short , after much Negotiation , his Excellence made Flori ( as a Bandit or Out-Law ) totally abandon the Sea ; Caus'd the Priz'd Goods , and Persons , to be Restor'd to the Bassa ; Had the Security , for his Ransom , declar'd Null ; Sent his Money , and Jewels , found in the hands of the Captain of the Jerusalem to Tripoli ; and forc'd the Vessel it self ( now discountenanc'd every where , and wanting all manner of Necessaries ) to run into Villa Franca , where being deserted by the Officers , and pillag'd by her own Men , she remain'd as a kind of Wreck : And thus ended this Affair , to the Great Honour of His Majesty , and the Reputation , and full Settlement , of the English Navigation , thro' the Mediterranean ; Nor did his Excellence fail of receiving many Thanks from the Bassa ( who in the end , lost no very great matter ) and Acknowledgments from all our Merchants in Italy , and our Turky Company also . On the 23d . of June ( as before ) his Excellence left Rome , accompany'd by Cardinal Howard , the Earl of Salisbury , Sir John Lytcott , and other Persons of Quality in several Coaches , to the first Post ; and having there , taken his Leave of them , and particularly of his Eminence ( so remarkable for his exemplary Life , and English Temper ; And who ( Athanasius like ) chose rather , to change his Country , than any one Article of the Catholick Faith ) He prosecuted his Journey , with great satisfaction as to the Heats , and Dust ; but not to the Ceremony , which he now hop'd , to have been wholly free from ; For he no sooner arriv'd ( the following night ) at the first Village in the Grand Duke's Territory , but he met there , his Highnesse's Officers ( with all necessary Refreshments ) that expected him : From hence ( after some stay in a Chamber particularly furnish't for that purpose ) he went on , and arriv'd ( a little before Sun-rising ) at Radicofani , where he found a Bed put up for him ; and not only Wines , and Provisions of all sorts ( even Ortolani's and the like ) but the Duke's Servants , and Cooks attending ; And in the same manner was he still treated , where-ever he Repos'd , in this Generous Prince's Dominions , as well on this , as on that side Florence . At Florence , his Highness order'd Duke Salviati's Palace ( which is the best in Town ) to be put in Order for his Lordship ; where he was brought as soon as he arriv'd ; and where Count Magolotti , with great Attendance , was ready to Receive him : His Excellence ( after he had been in Bed , and well refresht ) went to Court to wait on the Duke ; and from him , was carried to the Prince's Apartment , whom he saluted also . Next day , they both came to see his Excellence , and in the Evening , he waited on the Great Dutchess , at her Villa , about a mile out of Town , where the Beautiful young Princess also was . On the Third day , the Duke invited his Excellence to see the running of Barbs , after the Italian manner ; which being ended , he took leave of his Highness , and of the Ducal Family , who were all , then present together ; And having after Supper acknowledg'd his Obligations to Count Magolotti ( who never left him from first to last ) he took Post , and still found the same Treatment on the way , where-ever he past in the Grand Duke's Territories . Bologna was the next City of consequence ; and this , his Lordship pass'd at break of day , leaving his Secretary to complement the Cardinal Legat , and so follow to the design'd Resting-place , about ten miles short of Modena ; where ( as soon as the Post-Master could give notice ) Prince Caesar D'Este was pleas'd to come himself ; And carrying away his Excellence , they were soon met on the Road , by the Duke's and Cardinal's Coaches , with Persons of Quality in them , to complement so welcom'd a Stranger . 'T is difficult to express the wonderful Entertainment his Lordship found here ; and therefore , not to lessen it by a low , and flat Relation , I shall content my self in saying , That his Excellence was lodg'd in the Palace it self ; had several Gentlemen , Pages , and Officers , particularly to Attend him ; was feasted by His Highness , both in Town , and at his Delicious Villa of Sassoli ; receiv'd all the Caresses imaginable from the incomparable Cardinal ; and in short , that nothing was wanting in this Illustrious Prince , or in his most Serene Family , that might express the high Veneration , and Esteem , they all had , for our Mighty Monarch , so great in himself , and so happy in his Glorious Consort . The Embassador's stay here , was about a week , and as Prince Caesar ( out of his profound Respect to the King and Queen ) met him ( as was said ) several miles from Modena , so he conducted him as far out of the City on the other side , and then with Embraces left him , having first given Necessary Orders for his passage thro' Reggio ( which was about midnight ) as also thro' all other places of this flourishing Dukedom . Nor did his Excellence make any further stop till he came to Lyons : for he past Milan , sending only a Complement , by one of his Gentlemen , to the Governour : And as for Turin , the Duke and Dutchess , were then at one of their Palaces in the Country . At Lyons , his Excellence was forc'd to Refresh himself for a day or two : And now the Weather being alter'd to the worse , his Journey to Paris , was neither so Pleasant , nor Easy , as otherwise it would have been : But all the Inconveniencies of it , were well repair'd , by the Noble Treatment he found at our Envoy's Mr. Skelton , who having in his long Ministry abroad , still kept up the Dignity of the Character he bore , was now , far from being behind in it : He met therefore his Lordship on the Road ; lodg'd him in his house ; feasted him there ; accompany'd him to Versailles , to wait upon the King ; nor would he let him stir in a fortnight ; that is to say , till he was probably sure , that the Yatcht ( which was sent for ) would be attending at Calis , and so his Excellence at his Arrival found it : But the Winds with-held him for two days , from going to Sea ; after which setting Sail , he landed in two days more at Greenwich , and so came to London , staying only there , till he could put himself and Attendants into Mourning ; for at his leaving France , he receiv'd the ill News , of the Death of that Excellent Lady , the Dutchess of Modena , who had been so particularly kind to him , and whom he left well , or at least far from ill , at his departure from Rome . To conclude then , on the 12 th . of August 1687. his Excellence went to Windsor , where the King owning his Services , very graciously gave him His Hand to kiss , as did also Her Majesty , who was pleas'd to acknowledge , that he had fully answer'd her expectation . And thus ended this Great Embassy , in which kind , no King has done more , and no Embassador , that had not study'd his Masters Honour , more than his own Profit , would have done so much . FINIS . Upon the foregoing Account of his Excellency the Earl of Castlemaine's Embassy Extraordinary to Rome , Anno 1687. LET Mighty Caesar not disdain to view These Emblems of his Power and Goodness too : A short Essay , but fraught with Caesar's Fame , And shews how distant Courts esteem his Name . Here may'st Thou see thy wondrous Fortunes trac'd With Suff'rings first , and then with Empire grac'd . Long tost with Storms on Faction's swelling Tide , Thy Conduct and thy Constancy was try'd : As Heav'n design'd thy Virtue to proclaim , And shew the Crown deserv'd before it came . Troy's Hero thus , when Troy cou'd stand no more , Urg'd by the Fates to leave his Native Shore , With restless Toil on Land and Seas was tost , Ere He arriv'd the fair Lavinian Coast. Thus Maro did his mighty Hero feign : Augustus claim'd the Character in vain , Which Brittain's Caesar only can sustain Permit , dread Sir , my Muse , though mean , to own A Truth to Albion , and to Europe known , You are what Virgil feign'd his Prince to be , Your Valour such , and such your Piety . Now Theseus Deeds we can receive for True , And Hercules was but a Type of you . He made the fierce Lernaean Monster bleed , From Hydra-Faction You have Albion freed . The Paths of Glory trod , and Danger past , Just Heav'n allows a pe'ceful Throne at last , At Home to shew th' Indulgence of a God , And send your peaceful Ministers abroad . While Palmer hastens to the Roman Court , ( And fraught with Worth that Honour to support ) His glorious Train , and passing Pomp to view , ( A Pomp , that ev'n to Rome it self was new ) Each Age , each Sex the Latian Turrets fill'd : Each Age and Sex in Tears of Joy distill'd . While Wonder Them to Statues did convert , Those seem'd to Live that were the Works of Art. Emblems and Figures of such Life and Force , As , wanting Speech , did to the Eye discourse ; And shew , what was despair'd in Ages past , An Universal Language found at last . Hail Palmer , hail Illustrious Minister ! To Caesar , Brittain , Fame and Virtue dear . Caesar to represent , Great Caesar's Voice , Nam'd Castlemaine , the Brittish Shores rejoyce ; And Tyber's Banks applaud Great Caesar's Choice . How therefore cou'd the Muses silent be ? And None can want a Muse that writes of Thee ! From Thine , not Phoebus Tree , my Song I 'll raise , And Crown'd with Palm , I will contemn the Bayes . N. Tate . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . IDEM LATINE . TEmpus erat , quo ROGERII visura triumphum Lucebat Latia culta fenestra nuru . Tunc mirata Viri pompam , currusque nitentes Auro , Flaminia Roma videnda Via , Ecquid , ait , toto divisos Orbe Britannos , Viribus insignes , dixerat esse Maro ? Romano sese Imperio junxere Britanni , Et pompa haec nostras occupat una domos . Quaeque olim innumeris spectacula vidimus annis , Jussu ROGERII praebuit una dies . D. Josephi de Juliis in Bibliotheca Vaticana , & in Collegio Urbano de Propag . Fide Graecae Linguae Professoris . Among the Numerous Poems presented to his Excellence by the Roman Wits , only this out of those inserted in the Italian Account of this Famous Embassy , is translated By N. Tate . WHen Palmer's mighty Triumph now came one , With Latian Dames the Crouded Casements shone . Old Rome his Train and Chariots did survey , And seem'd again in the * Flaminian Way . Do we ( says she ) as Maro sung , still find The hardy Britains from the World dis-joyn'd . The Brittish Empire with the Roman meets , One splendid Pomp unites their distant Streets ; And Palmer by one happy Day at last , Renews the Triumps of the Ages past . FINIS . ERRATA'S . FOlio 8. line 2. for Swits , read Switzers ; fol. 8. l. 8. for Attendance , r. Attendants ; fol. 22. l. 14. for Attendance , r. Attendants ; fol. 47. l. 12. for Attendance , r. Attendants ; fol. 53. l. 12. for Swisse , r. Switzers ; fol. 73. l. 15. for we , r. be ; fol. 78. l. ult . for desart , r. desert ; fol. 3. l. 11. r. Lord Ratcliffe , since Earl of Dunwarrenwater . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A67165-e8350 * The Corso thro' which his Excellence made his Entry . 
A31044	----	The painters voyage of Italy in which all the famous paintings of the most eminent masters are particularised, as they are preserved in the several cities of Italy ... / written originally in Italian by Giacomo Barri ... ; Englished by W.L. of Lincolns-Inne, Gent. Viaggio pittoresco d'Italia. English Barri, Giacomo, ca. 1630-ca. 1690. 1679 Approx. 178 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 94 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2007-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A31044 Wing B916 ESTC R7752 11902230 ocm 11902230 50592 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A31044) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 50592) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 52:10) The painters voyage of Italy in which all the famous paintings of the most eminent masters are particularised, as they are preserved in the several cities of Italy ... / written originally in Italian by Giacomo Barri ... ; Englished by W.L. of Lincolns-Inne, Gent. Viaggio pittoresco d'Italia. English Barri, Giacomo, ca. 1630-ca. 1690. Lodge, William, 1649-1689. [16], 159 p. : map, ports. Printed for Tho. Flesher ..., London : 1679. A rare and interesting little work, being an early guide to the works of art preserved in the churches of Italy. Translation of: Viaggio piottoresco d'Italia. Reproduction of original in University of Chicago Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Painting -- Italy -- Early works to 1800. Painting, Italian -- Early works to 1800. Italy -- Description and travel -- Guidebooks. 2006-03 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-03 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-04 Andrew Kuster Sampled and proofread 2006-04 Andrew Kuster Text and markup reviewed and edited 2006-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Directions to place the Sculptures . 1. The Frontispiece before the Title . 2. The Map of Italy before the Table . 3. Michael Angelo . Pag. 17. 4. Titian . p. 50. 5. Paulo Veronese . p. 112. 6. Pietro de Cortona . p. 117. 7. Raphael Urbin . p. 159. Licensed , Roger L'Estrange . Decemb. 6. 1678. PICTVRA The Painters Voyage of ITALY Roma W : Lodge 〈◊〉 et fecit . THE PAINTERS VOYAGE OF ITALY . IN WHICH All the famous Paintings of the most eminent Masters are particularised , as they are preserved in the several Cities of ITALY . Chiefly relating to Their Altar-pieces , and such other Paintings as are Ornamental in their Churches . And Also Many choice Pictures , kept as Jewels , in the Palaces of particular persons . Whereunto is added That excellent Collection of Signior SEPTALE , in his Closet at MILAN . Illustrated with The Heads of some of the most renowned Painters . Written Originally in Italian by Giacomo Barri a Venetian Painter . Englished by W. L. of Lincolus-Inme , Gent. LONDON , Printed for Tho. Flesher , at the Angel and Crown in S. Pauls Church-yard . 1679. TO The Right Honourable THOMAS , Lord BELLASIS , Viscount FAVLCONBERG . My Lord , WHen I had the honour to attend your Lordship in your Embassy to the States of Venice , it was my fortune there to meet with a small Piece , entituled Viaggio Pittoresco d'Italia , the Task being of no very great difficulty , and altogether agreeable to my own inclination , I have gratified my self ; and I hope not disobliged ingenious Artists in a faithful rendition of it into English ; which I have done the rather because the Book is rarely to be found in Italy , and I cannot remember I have seen any Original in England but that which is in my own hands . I have taken courage to prefix your Lordships honourable name to this Translation to render it acceptable to the world , under the Patronage of an acurate Judge , and a zealous lover and encourager of the noble Art of Painting . If it may serve to put your Lordship in mind of the pleasure you received by a personal view and admiration of those great Masters elaborate Pieces when your Lordship was abroad ; and in any measure testifie my desires to serve your Lordship , 't is the greatest Honour and satisfaction can be wished for , or is attainable by , My LORD , Your Lordship 's most obliged and most obedient Servant W. L. To the ingenious READERS . HAving , not many years since , given my self the satisfaction of personally viewing the most principal Places and Rarities of Rome , and other the beautiful Cities of Italy ; I thought my self obliged to make my Countreymen some accompt of my Observations , those especially who are lovers of the Noble Art of Painting ; if not to assure our young Nobility and Gentry that 't is worth their while , and curiosity to Travel ; yet at least to inflame their minds , and excite their industry , to imitate those great Masters whose Employment made their Lives easie , their Persons Venerable , and their Names Immortal : On these considerations I had attempted , my self , a Collection of what I had seen , but for want of opportunities , and admission into several Places of remark , I was about to have desisted from that Design , which I foresaw was like to be but very imperfect : At last , lighting upon the ensuing Treatise , I found the work critically done to my hand ; wherein there is a faithful accompt of the Names and Performances of most of the greatest Masters , as well Antient as Modern , whose curious and elaborate Pieces are at this day the fairest Ornament , and Pride , o● all the places of Devotion , Pleasure ▪ and Magnificence throughout all Italy . The Author Giacomo Barr● was a Venetian Painter of good esteem , and had the good hap to please his Countreymen by letting them know in this Book what Treasures they were Masters of : and I dare hope this my Translation ( mean as it is ) has not rendred it altogether unacceptable at home , to those at least who have any passion for an Art so worthily esteemed by the most Ingenious Spirits of all Ages . I have added onely two things of my own to this work , One is a view of Signior Septale's Closet in Milan , not inferiour to any of the Italian Princes Collections ( inaccessible it seems to our Author ; ) The other a few Heads of some of the most renowned Masters . I shall compass the ends of all my Travels and pains , if my Countreymen , by these my endeavours , may take encouragement to emulate what they see there so highly valued and admired ; and undoubtedly the English Genius is as capable of arriving at the highest pitch of Perfection and Glory in This and all other Liberal Sciences , as that of old Athens , or of modern Rome . W. L. ITALIA by Robert Morden at the Atlas in Cornhil London map of Italy THE TABLE . A. ANcona . Pag. 27 Asolo . 105 B. Bolognia . 33 Burano . 91 Bassano . 106 Br●scia . 113 C. Citta di Castello . 24 Cividall . Conegliano . 100 Coneda . 103 Castello di S. Salvatore , 101 Castell Franco . 106 Cittadella . 107 Cremona . 114 , 154 Corte Maggiore nel Piacentina . 135 Carpi . 140 F. Fuori di Roma . 23 Fuligno . 24 Fano . 29 Furli . 29 Faenza . 32 Ferrara . 33 Fiorenza . 115 Finale di Modena . 139 G. Genoa . 114 , 154 I. Imola . 30 Isola dì S. Elena . 92 Isola della Gudiecha . 94 Isola di S. Giorgio . 93 L. Loretto . 26 Lucca . 155 M. Macerata . 26 Murano 88 Mazorbo . 90 Montanagna . 109 Modena . 136 Mantua . 141 Milano . 143 N. Napoli . 159 P. Perugia . 25 Pesaro . 28 Pordenon . 98 Padua . 108 Parma . 118 Piacenza . 132 Pescia . 157 Piere di Lamari . 158 R. Roma . 1 Rimini . 30 Ravenna . 31 Reggio . 138 S. Senegaglia . 31 Seravall . 104 Sirinalta . 113 Sassvoli . 140 T. Torcello . 91 Treviso . 96 V. Vrbino . 32 Venetia . 45 Vdine . 99 Villa di Marens . 101 Villa di Fontanelle . 101 Villa di Castello . 104 Villa di Mazen . 105 Vicenza . 110 Verona . 112 The State or Territory OF THE CHURCH , Within the City of Rome . The Church of S. Peter . AS you enter at the great Door , the first Chappel on the right hand of the Crucifix is all painted by the hand of Lanfranco . Then follows in the same part of the Church the great Altar-piece of the Martyrdom of S. Sebastian , a singular work of Dominichino . The Cuppola over this Altar is Mosaick work , and the Design of Pietro da Cortona . In like manner follows the Chappel of the Sacrament , where is a Piece of the same Pietro da Cortona representing the Coronation of our B. Lady . The Cuppola of this Chappel is also Mosaick , and the Design of the same Authour . Walking under this Chappel , on the front there is a Square of Mutiano . Following on , in the cross Isle on the right hand there is a Side of one of the Altars , which is the work of Monsieur Possine , representing the Miracle of S. Erasomus , a very beautifull piece . Being gone a little farther , you see the famous little Bark of S. Peter , a singular good work of Lanfranco . The Square right over against this is the hand of Camassei , and denotes the Miracle done by the Apostle S. Peter , when he caused the water to spring up in the Prison for baptizing withall . Then follows directly in view the speciall Picture which demonstrates when S. Petronilla was laid in the Sepulchre : it is the work of Guercin da Cento . Turning towards the Chair at the head of the Church , and having passed the said Chair , you see on your left hand a stately Picture which represents S. Peter going to the Temple with S. John , and doing the Miracle of curing the lame : a most superb work of Chivoli . Advancing a little forward along the cross Isle , and being past the Sacristie , there is a Picture which denotes the Miracle of S. Gregory holding a bloudy Handkerchief in his hand : a most beautiful work of Andrea Sacchi . Those Pictures of the four Altars under the Pilasters of the great Cuppola are by the hand of the same Sacchi . The Church of S. Martha behind S. Peter's . Entring this Church at the great Door you see the Picture of S. Vrsilla , and on the left hand is a Picture of two * Eremits , the work of Lanfranco . The Church of S. Peter in Montorio . Here you will admire the most famous great Altar-piece , and , as I may say , the unparallel'd Picture of great Raphael . It signifies the Transfiguration of our Saviour . The Church of S. Onofrio . Before you enter this Church , there is a little Lodgment wherein are painted three Half-moons , by the hand of Dominichino . Within this Church on the right hand there is a Picture which represents the Holy House as it was transported into Italy by the Angels , the work of Hannibal Carache . The Church of S. Mary in Transtevere . Upon the Roof of this Church is a Square , wherein you find represented the Assumption of our B. Lady ; a beautifull work of Dominichino . The Church of S. Francis on the Bank. Entring at the great Gate , there stands a Picture within a Chappel on the left hand , which signifies the Lady of Pietie , the work of Hannibal Carache . The Church of S. Bartholomew in the Island . In this Church there are four Chappels painted by Anthony Carache , one on the right hand as you enter the great Door , the other three on the left , all very fair works . The Church of S. Trinity de ponte Sisto . That Piece of the Trinity of the great Altar done by Guido Reno is a work worth great admiration . The Church of S. Charles de Catenari . The four Angles of the Cuppola do demonstrate the four Cardinal Vertues , by the hand of Dominichino . The Tribunal of this Church is the hand of Lanfranco . The great Picture is of Pietro da Cortona . Another Picture of the Pilgrimage of S. Joseph is by Andrea Sacci . The Church of S. Bridget in Piazza furnete . You will find in this Church an Altar-piece of our Lady with the Child Jesus and S. John , by Hannibal Carache . The Church of S. Petronio Bolognesi near unto the Farnese . The Piece of the great Altar with our Lady and other Saints is the work of Dominichino . The Church of Girolamo della Carità . At the great Altar you see most rare Pictures by Dominichino , representing the Communion of the above-named Saint . The Church of S. Catharina de Funari . Entring at the great Door , the Piece of the first Altar on the right hand , with a S. Margaret and a Christ over the said Altar , is the work of Hannibal Carache . The two Histories on the sides of the great Altar are the works of Frederico Zucchari . The Church of S. Paul without the Walls . In a Chappel near to the great Altar there are two Squares with the Histories of Moses , and in the Sacristie there are divers other Squares ; all the works of Lanfranco . The Church called the Baptism of Constantine near to S. John in the Laterane . Here you see two great Histories : one represents the Battel of the Emperour Constantine the Great ; the other is the Triumph of the second Battel : both by the hand of Camassei . All those Squares around the little Cuppola , as also divers Boys , are the work of Andrea Sacchi . The Church of S. Paul at the Three Fountains . There is a Table which demonstrates the Crucifixion of S. Peter , a most fair work , by Guido Reno . The Church of S. Luke in Campo Vaccino . The great Altar-piece denotes S. Luke as he is painting the Picture of our Blessed Lady ; the work of * divine Raphael . The Church of S. Lorenzo de Spetiali in Campo Vaccino . The high Altar with the forenamed Saint is the hand of Pietro da Cortona : and entring the same Church , the first Picture on your left hand is the work of Dominichino . The Church of S. Sebastian above the Pulveriere . Here is the Piece of the great Altar with the Martyrdome of the said Saint , done by the hand of Camassei . The Church of S. Gregory . In the Chappel of this Saint is a singular good Piece by Hannibal Carache . The Chappel of S. Andrew adjoyning to the foresaid Church of S. Gregory . As you enter this Church , on your right hand you see a History painted in * fresco , which represents this Saint when he was buffeted ; a stupendious work of Dominichino : on the left hand is , when the said Saint was conducted to his Martyrdome ; a singular work of Guido Reno . In another little Chappel adjoyning to this , you see the little Tribunal , where are divers Boys playing upon variety of Instruments . The Round Church of S. Stephano . The Picture of the first Chappel as you enter on your left hand with a Madonna and the Child Jesus , S. Elizabeth , a S. John and a Joseph , is the work of divine Raphael . The Church of S. Bibbiana . Where you may see divers Pictures concerning the life of this Saint , by Pietro de Cortona . The Church of S. Maria Maggiore . In the Chappel of our B. Lady are divers Saints , beautifull Pieces , of Guido Reno : the Cuppola of this Chappel is by the hand of Civoli . The Picture aloft and near to this Chappel signifies a Madonna , by Guido Reno . That Square near to the Crucifix represents when Christ rais'd Lazarus from the dead ; 't is the work of Mutiano . The Church of Madonna della Victoria . Entring the great Door , the second Chappel on the right hand is all painted with the History of S. Francis , by the hand of Dominichino . There is another Table of the Trinity , by Guercin da Cento . The Church of S. Bernard , having passed the Four Fountains . The great Altar-piece is the hand of Andrea Sacchi . In the same Church there is a Picture of S. Bernard , by Camassei . The Church of the Fathers Capuchines . As you enter at the great Door , the first Altar on the right hand , representing S. Michael the Arch-angel , is a rare work of Guido Reno : and on the left hand is demonstrated the Conversion of S. Paul ; a very fair Piece of Pietro da Cortona . A little onward you see the Picture of the Lady of Piety , by the hand of Camassei . Then follows a Picture on which is painted the Nativity of our Saviour , by the hand of Lanfranco . After that is another Picture of the B. Virgin , and an holy Bishop , by Andrea Sacchi . Afterwards is the high Altar-piece with the Conception of the B. Virgin , the work of Lanfranco . Let us turn off to the other part of the Church , and we shall see the Picture which demonstrates St. Anthony of Padua raising a man from the dead . An excellent work of Andrea Sacchi . The Church of S. Isodoro . The great Altar-piece with this Saint praying , is the work of Andrea Sacchi . The Church of S. Joseph . The great Altar-piece represents a Dream of this Saint , by the hand of Andrea Sacchi . And at your entrance , you distinctly see a piece done by the hand of Lanfranco . The Church of St. Trinity on the Mount. Here are seen two Chapells , one demonstrates when our Saviour was taken from the Cross ; and the other the Assumption of the B. Virgin , both marvellous works of Daniel da Voltera . The Church of Madonna del Popolo . In the Chapell of the Chigi are several figures of divine Raphaell . And in the Chapell on the right hand of the great Altar is seen a Piece of the Assumption of the B. Virgin , and above this are several histories , to be reckoned amongst the best works of Hanniball Carache . The Church of S. Lorenzo in Lucciná . Here is seen a very fair Piece of our Saviour upon the Cross , by the hand of Guido Reno . The Church of S. Maria Inviolata . The Tribunall demonstrates the Assumption of the B. Virgin , an excellent piece , by Camassei . The Church of S. Romualdo . The Piece of the High-Altar with this Saint , is a most stately work of Andrea Sacchi . The Church of S. Sylvester upon Monte Cavallo . Being entred the great Door , you may observe in the second Chapell on your left hand , two Freezes of Boyes in * Chiaro Scuro , by Polidoro . Then follows the Chapell on the right hand of the great Altar , and there are on the four Angles of the little Cuppola , four Histories of the Old Testament . The First is Queen Esther falling before the King her Husband . The Second , as they are discoursing together . The Third is King David , playing on the Harp , before the Ark. The Fourth is Judith , when she shews the Head of Holofernes , all by the hand of Dominichino . The Palace on Monte Cavallo . That Chapell where the Pope sayes Mass is all excellently painted , by Guido Reno . The Church of Jesus . Entering the great door , on your left hand , you may see many Saints , done by Guiacome Bassano . The high Altar-piece demonstrates the Presentation of the B. Virgin at the Temple , by the hand of Mutiano . The Church of S. Andrew in the Valley . The Tribunall , with the four Angles are marvellously well done , by Dominichino . The Cuppola also is a stately work of Lanfranco . The Picture of the Blessed Caëtano , is by the hand of Camassei . And that of the Blessed Andrea Avelino , is the hand of Lanfranco . The Church of S. Lorenzo in D●maso . Here is seen the high Altar-piece , being the work of Frederico Zurthari . The Chapell on the right hand of the great Altar is the work of Pietro da Cartona . The Spanish Church of S. Giacomo . The Chapell of S. Diego is all painted by Albano . The design of Carache . The French Church of S. Lewis . Entering at the great door , the second Chapell an the right hand is all excellently painted , by Dominichino , with the History of the life of S. Cecilia . Onely excepting the Altar-piece which is a copy after Raphael , copied by Guido Reno from the Original , which they preserve at Bolognia . The great Altar-piece is the work of Giacomo Bassano , representing the Assumption of the B. Virgin. The Church of the Madonna del Anima . The Altar-piece of one of the Chapells , on the right hand as you enter , is a Madonna , and the work of Julio Romano . The Church of the Madonna della Pace . Entering at the great door , there are over the first Chapell on your right hand , diverse Prophets and Sibylls , and are some of the choicest things that ever Raphael painted . The great Tribunall is all painted by Albano . The Church of S. Augustino . As you enter at the great door , you may see on your left hand , over a Pilaster , a Prophet and two Boyes , an admirable work of Raphael . In the Front of the Chapel of S. Tomaso da Villa nova , is to be seen a Picture of Guercin da Cento . The Chapell on the right hand of the great Altar in the corner of the Church , is all singularly well painted by Lanfranco . The Church of Salvatore in Lauro . The Picture of the Nativity of our Saviour is a fair work of Pietro da Cortona . There is another Picture of the B. Virgin , with another Saint below ; by Albano . The Florentine Church of S. John. Here you will admire a most beautiful Chapell , with the History of the Passion of our Saviour , by Lanfranco . The new Church of the Fathers of S. Philippo Neri . The Roof of the Church , and the Cuppola , the four Angles , as also the Tribunall , are stately works of Pietro da Cortona . You may also plainly see two Pieces of Barocci , one represents the Presentation of our B. Lady , the other the Visitation of S. Elizabeth . The Altar-piece on the Chapell of S. Philip is by the hand of Guido Reno . And behind the same Altar is another painting , by the hand of Guercin da Centa . S. Lorenzo alla Sobara , being the Church of the Curtezans . The great Altar-piece is done by Camassei . MICHAEL ANGILO Nat. Aº 147● portrait of Michaelangelo S. Lucia in celsis near to S. Maria Maggiore . There is a Square by Lanfranco , and another by Camassei of S. John Communicating the B. Lady . The Nunns Church near to S. Mary in Trastevere . The great Altar-piece here is the work o● Camassei . The Palace of the Vatican . In the great Hall here , called the Sala Reggia , you see a Battle , with other large Histories , most beautiful works of Frederico and Tadeo Zuccharo . After you have seen the aforesaid Hall , you enter into S. Paul's Chapell , which is all painted by Michael Angelo Bonarota ; and here you will admire that famous painting of the Vniversall Judgement . Let us walk above in the second Gallery , which is all painted by Raphael , with the Histories of the Old , and several of the New Testament ; The Rabeschi or the Ornaments are painted by John of Raphael's Scholar ; but the design of Raphael . Being afterwards come within the Chambers , the first Chamber , all beneath the Cornice , is painted with the * Cortoni of Raphael . The first History as you enter on your left hand signifies when Constantine the great saw the Holy Cross in the Sky , when he was making an Oration to his Souldiers : Painted by Giulio Romano , a famous Scholar to the abovesaid Raphael . Then follows the great Battle of Constantine ; rarely Painted by the said Giulio . Then continues the third Picture , which represents how Pope S. Silvester Baptized the aforesaid Emperour . The fourth being a Chimney-piece , demonstrates the Baptisme of Fattor Bono , by the hand of Raphael Bergo , a Scholar also of the above named Raphael . Now follows the second Chamber , the which is all Painted by Raphael's own hand , excepting those Histories in Chiaro Scuro , * which are Painted by his Scholars . The first History over the door where you enter , represents the Pope hearing of Mass , and a Miracle succeeds . The third History is when Attila coming with his Army to besiege Rome , against the Pope , there appeared in the Sky S. Peter , and S. Paul. The fourth demonstrates S. Peter in Prison . After this there are severall Histories of the Old Testament painted on the Roof . Then follows the third Chamber , and over the door where you enter , you see represented the Antient School of Athens . Over against this is an History denoting a disputation concerning the Holy Sacrament . Over a Window is represented Mount Parnassus . A little below , on the sides of the Windows , is a representation of the Pope and the Emperour giving out the Laws . There are also divers significations painted on the Roof . The fourth and last great Chamber is all rarely painted by the same Raphael , onely excepting the Roof , which is painted by Raphael's Master . The four Histories about this Room are these ; First , That over the door where you enter represents the Pope in a Ship. The Second signifies the Burning of the City of Rome . The Third is when the Pope Crowned the Emperour Charles the Great . And in the Fourth are many Bishops . The Palace of the Chigi in the street of Lungara . In a Ground-room of this Palace you see the Study of Painting , and in a little Garden-room is the famous Galatea ; the works of great Raphael . The Garden of the Duke Atlanti , as you go to Lungara . Here you will find many Pieces , both by Raphael and Giulio Romano . The Palace of Farnese . Here you see a Gallery all painted in Fresco , by the most excellent hand of Hanniball Carache . In the Wardrobe of the said Palace , there are preserved a great many rare Pictures , by diverse Masters , which I forbear to nominate one by one , for brevity sake . Within the Garden of the Palace of Chiavica dal Buffolo , you see very fair works of Polidoro and Frederico Zuccharo . At the Common Store-house over against S. Eustachio , you see a House painted by Frederico Zuccharo . Vpon the Mount Cittorio . Here is a Front of a House , by the hand of Polidoro . The Palace of the Verospi . Here is a Chamber painted by Lanfranco , and a Gallery by Albano . The Palace of the Mancini on Monte Cavallo . The Gallery of this Palace is the work of Camassei . You also see on this Palace that beautifull Aurora ; by Guido Reno . The Garden of the Mattei in Campo Vaccino . Here is a little Chamber with several naked Women and other ornaments ; by the hand of Raphael . The Palace of Pamphylio in Piazzo Navona . Here you see a Gallery all painted by the hand of Pietro da Cortona . And in the Hall is a Freeze , by Camassei . The Front of the middle part of the Palace of the Duke d'Acqua Sparta . This being called La Marchesa d'Oro , is all painted with various resemblances , by the hand of Polidoro . Coming from the Bridge of S. Angelo , and entering the Street De Coronari . Here is a Front of a House in * Chiaro Scuro , the work of Polidoro . Near to the Chiavica of S. Lucia . You see here upon a House divers Histories in Chiaro Scuro , by Polidoro . The Palace of Barbarini at the Four Fountains . Here you see the great and famous Hall , painted by Pietro da Cortona , being some of the choicest of his works . Within one of the Chambers there is painted on the Roof , the Divine Wisdom . A choice work of Andrea Sacchi . On the side of another Chamber is plainly represented the Creation of Angels , by Camassei . Then follows another of Camassei , with the History of the Nine Muses on Mount Parnassus . Just without the Porto di Castello there is a little House painted by Polidoro . The State or Territory OF THE CHURCH , Without the City of Rome . Grotta Ferrata , being a Monastery of Benedictines , two miles distant from Frescati . THe famous works that you will find in the above mentioned Monastery , are worth any ones coming a long journey to see , for they are the choicest things that ever were painted . By the studious hand of Dominichino . The City of Fuligno . In the Nuns Church , called Le Countesse . HEre you will admire an extraordinary fair Picture of our Blessed Lady upon the Clouds , and diverse Saints below , by the hand of divine Raphael . No Curious person ( without a dissatisfaction to himself ) passes through this City without a sight of this Picture . The City of Castello . In the Church of S. Dominico . THere is to be admired a Picture of the Espousal of the Blessed Virgin with S. Joseph ; there needs no other commendation , than that it is the hand of Divine Raphael . The City of Perugia . The Domo , or Great Church . ON the right hand of the great Altar there is a Picture of the taking our Saviour from the Cross . The work of Frederico Barocci . The new Church of S. Philippo Neri . There is seen a most noble square , of Guido Reno . The Church of S. Francis. Here you will find the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin with the Apostles , by the hand of incomparable Raphael . S. Severo being the Church of the Fathers Camaldolesi . Here is an admirable Piece of Christ on high , above the Clouds , and below there are diverse Monks kneeling on the Ground ; the work of Raphael . The Church of the Nunns of Monte Lucce . Where there are diverse fair Pieces of the aforesaid Raphael , and of Giulio Romano . The City of Macerata . The Church of the Fathers Capuchines . THe great Altar-piece represents Paradise , a truly divine work of Barocci ; and deserves to be seen by every one . The holy House at Loretto . The Church of the B. Virgin. IN this Church you meet with a Picture of the Nativity of the B. Virgin , an admirable work of Hanniball Carache . And another in the far end of the Church , which demonstrates an Annunciation ; a singular work of Barocci . After this is the Apothecaries Shop belonging to the holy House , where the Pots and Vessels are all painted by the most excellent hand of Raphael . The City of Ancona . The Church of S. Dominico . IN this Church you will find an admirable Picture , by the hand of great Titian . The Church of the Fathers Franciscans Zoccolanti . Here is seen another Picture of the above named Titian . None that are Curious should deceive themselves so much , as to pass by this City and neglect a sight of this Piece . The City of Pesaro . The Domo . THere is a great Piece towards the middle of the Church , on the right hand as you enter , which is a most beautiful work of Guido Reno . The Church of the Fathers Franciscans . Here is a little S. Michael , by the hand of Barocci . The Confraternity of S. Andrew . Here you will see a Picture with the History of that Saint when he came ( being called by our Redeemer ) to the Apostleship ; the work of the aforesaid Barocci . The Church of the Fraternity of S. Anthony . Here you will admire a most beautiful Piece , by Paulo Veronese . The City of Fano . The New Church . HEre are seen several small Pictures , done by Guido Reno . The City of Furli . S. Girolamo , the Church of the Fathers Zoccolanti . IN the Chapell of the Conception of the B. Virgin , you may observe a representation of this Mystery , with Angels round about , by Guido Reno . The Church of Madonna del Popolo . There is a Picture , done by Guercin da Cento . The New Church of S. Philippo Neri . Where is seen a Picture of the Annunciation of the B. Virgin , by the hand of Guercin da Cento . The Church of the Fathers Capuchins . The Piece at the great Altar is the work of Gúercin da Cento . The City of Imola . The Church of S. Dominico . AT the farther end of the Quire you will see a Picture with the History of S. Vrsula , by the hand of Ludovico Caracci . The City of Rimini . The Church of S. Vitale . HEre is seen a Picture with the Martyrdom of this Saint , by Paulo Veronese . The Church of the Oratory of S. Girolamo . Here is the Picture of this Saint , the work of Guercin da Cento . The City of Senegalia . IN this City is a little Church joyning to the Piazza , where you may see a Picture which represents Christ as he was carried to his Burial , by the hand of Barocci . The City of Ravenna . The Domo . IN the Chapell of Cardinal Aldrobandini is an admirable Picture , which demonstrates when it rained Manna . And at the same time you ●ee an half Figure of our Redeemer compassed about with Angels ; 't is the work of Guido Reno . The Church of S. Vitale . There is a Picture of the Martyrdom of this Saint , by Barocci . The City of Faenza . The Church of the Fathers Capuchines . HEre is a large Piece of our B. Virgin , with the Child Jesus , St. Francis , and S. Christina ; by the hand of Guido Reno . The City of Vrbino . The Domo . HEre are diverse Singular good works of Barocci . The City of Ferrara . The Church of S. Francesca Romana . AT the high Altar is a most beautiful Piece , by Ludovico Caracci . And in a Friery joining to this Church is a History , by the same Ludovico . The City of Bolognia . The Church of S. John on the Mount. I Should do wrong if I did not instruct you where to find that divine Picture of S. Cecilia , by the hand of eminent Raphael : it is preserved in this Church as a precious Treasure of so great a Master : all the Virtuosi which travel by the way of Bolognia cannot depart this City without a sight of such a marvellous Piece . There is likewise another Picture with the History of the most holy S. Rosario , a rare work of Dominichino . The Church of S. Petronio . In which is seen a famous Picture of S. Rocco , by the hand of Parmegianino . The Church of the Nunns of S. Margaret . Here is seen a Picture of the B. Virgin , and Christ a Child , as also S. Margaret , with other figures : by the hand of Parmegianino . The Church of the Monks of S. Michael in Bosco . In the Cloyster of this Church you will admire divers great Histories , which represent the works of S. Benedetto ; they are divided into partitions , in Chiaro Scuro , with other pretty conceited ornaments by the hand of the most * excellent Carache . There is also another large and beautiful History by the hand of Guido Reno . The Church of Certosa . In this Church is seen a Picture which demonstrates S. John Baptist preaching , with two other Histories of the Passion of Christ , by Ludovico Caracci . There is also another famous Picture of the Communion of S. Girolamo , one of the best pieces that ever was painted , by the Excellent Carache . Without the Gate of the great Street in the Church of the Scalsi , you may see a Picture , by Ludovico Caracci . The Church of S. Dominico . Here you will admire a Picture of S. Giacinto , and over against it is another of S. Raimondo , and in the Chapell of the Martyrdom of S. Andrew there is the figure of Charity , S. Francis , and S. Dominico , with other things , by the hand of Carache . You also see on the front over the Tombe in the Chapell of this Saint , a Piece which demonstrates the said Saint as he Ascends with Christ into Heaven . There is also the B. Virgin and a glory of Angels ; by the hand of Guido Reno . Behind the Pulpit you may see a Picture of the Innocents , by Guido Reno . The Church of S. Francis. Here is an admirable Piece of the Assumption of the B. Virgin and the Apostles , rarely done , by Hannibal Carache . There is also another Picture with the Conversion of S. Paul , by the hand of Lodovico Caracci . S. George , being the Church of the Fathers Serviti . Where is seen a Picture of the B. Virgin and Christ a Child , and other two Saints besides them , painted by Hannibal Carache . There is also another rare Piece of the Baptisme of Christ , by the hand of Albano . The Church of S. Gregory . In this Church is seen a Picture of S. John Baptist Baptizing of Christ , by the hand of Ludovico Caracci . And as you enter on your left hand you see a Picture , by Guercin da Cento . The Church of S. Nicolo in the Street of S. Felice . In which is a Picture to be reckoned amongst the Choicest works of Hannibal Carache . The little Church of S. Bartolomeo di Reno . Where is a Chapel with a Picture , wholly painted by Augustino Caracci . The Church of S. Salvatore . In this Church you meet with a Picture of the Assumption of the B. Virgin and the Apostles , by the hand of Augustin Caracci . And that Square of our Saviour in the farther end of the Quire , is by the hand of Guido Reno . The Church of S. Bernard near the Street of Castiglione . As you enter , on your left hand , in the first Chapell there is a Picture by Ludovico Caracci . On the left hand of the great Altar is a Square above upon the Wall , by the hand of Guido Reno . The Church of the Augustine Friars , called S. Giacomo . Here is the Picture of S. Rocco , by Ludovico Caracci . The little Church of S. Rocco , called the Pratello . Where is seen a Picture of this Saint , by Lodovico Caracci . S. Paul , being the Church of the Fathers Teatini . The Picture at the second Chapel as you enter on the right hand , is by Lodovico . The Sagrestie of the Domo . Where is also a Square of the aforesaid Lodovico . The Church of the Nunns of S. John Baptist . On Your left hand as you enter , the Picture at the second Chapell , as also the great Altar-piece are the works of the same Lodovico . The Church of the Nuns of Corpo di Christo . On each side of the great Door you will see a Picture , of the aforesaid Lodovico . The Church of S. Ursula . The Piece at the great Altar represents the Martyrdome of this Saint ; there is another on the right hand of this Altar , both by the hand of Lodovico . The Church of the Nunns of S. Christina . The great Altar-piece of this Church , is by the same Lodovico . The Church of the Nunns Convertite . Here is an admirable Piece on the right hand of the great Altar , rarely done by Lodovico . The Church of the Mendicanti . Here they preserve a Picture of S. Matthew as he was called by Christ to the Apostleship , by the hand of Hannibal Carache . After this is the great Altar-piece , and a singular good work of Noble Guido Reno . The Church of S. Bartholomew in Piazza Ravegnana . Here is a Picture of S. Charles , by Lodovico Carache . And another of the Annunciation , by the hand of Albano . S. Martin , being the Church of the Fathers Carmelites . On the left side of the great Chapell you may observe the Picture of S. Girolamo , by the hand of Albano . The Parochial Church of S. Tomaso , in the great street . In this Church you see a Christ aloft , and on the Ground below is S. Andrew , and S. Francis , by the hand of Guido Reno . The Church of the Fathers Capuchines . In this you see a Divine Picture with Christ upon the Cross , with the B. Virgin , S. John , and a Magdalen , all embracing the Cross , a singular work of Guido Reno . The Church of the Nunns of S. Agnes . The great Altar piece is the work of Dominichino . The Church of S. Sebastian behind the Gabella . In This Church you find a Piece done by Albano . S. Columbano . Here is to be seen a Picture of S. Peter , in Fresco , by the hand of Albano . Madonna di G●●iera , being the Church of the Fathers of the Order of S. Philippo Neri . Here are to be admired several beautiful works of Albano . The Church of Madonna di Reggio . Over against our most holy Lady , there is seen a Picture , done by Guercin da Cento . S. Antonio of the College of Mont-Alto . Here is a Picture on the right hand of the great Chapel , done by Guercin da Cento . The Piece at the great Altar is the work of Lodovico Carache . The Houses of Particular Persons . The House of the Favi . IN this House is seen divers Freezes with the History of Aeneas out of Virgil , by the above-named Lodovico . There are also divers works of Albano . The House of the Magnani , near to S. Giacomo Maggiore . Here is to be seen a large Freeze , the which represents the Acts of Romulus and Remus , the Frames which contain them are painted with diversity of Garlands and wreaths of Flowers in Chiaro Scuro ; the work is of Excellent Carache . And in a Room below there is a Chimney-piece of an Apollo , in Fresco , with other Figures , by Lodovico Carache . The House of S. Pieri , in the great Street . In this House we see divers works of Augustino , and Lodovico Carache , and of Guercino , all in Fresco . Vpon the Front of the publick Palace of the Piazza . Here are three beautiful Figures of naked Women , by the hand of Guido Reno , in Fresco . Vnderneath that Portico which is over against S. Maria Maggiore . Here you see a History which represents when Pilat washed his hands at the presence of Christ , by Lodovico Carache , in Fresco . The State or Territory OF VENICE . The City of Venice . The Palace of S. Mark. AS you walk above to the College Chamber , you see four Squares in the four corners . In one of these is represented Vulcan and Cyclops as they are working at the Anvil . In another is Mercury with the three Graces . In the third is Pallas compelling Mars to keep the Peace , with the Picture of Plenty . In the fourth is Ariana Crowned by Venus , with a Crown of Stars . As also a Bacchus with other Figures . Upon the Roof is a Square of S. Luke the Evangelist , and a * Venetia conferring together , as also a Picture of Justice , and a † Doge . There are likewise divers little Histories in Chiaro Scuro , with little Boys , painted by the hand of Tintoret , very fair works . Let us enter another Chamber , and we shall find on our right hand , a great Square of Titian , which represents the Picture of Faith upon the Clouds , with three little Ange's , and below is S. Mark , and an armed Doge kneeling . All the Roof is to be reckoned amongst the master-pieces of Tintoret . After this Chamber you go into that of the College , and in the Anti-Chamber you see upon the Roof a most beautiful Square of Paulo Veronese , in some compartements it is Azured in Chiaro Scuro ; where are other Figures of the same Author . Then follows the Royal Chamber of the College , where you will admire upon the Roof the * Thundering of Jupiter , by the most noble hand of Paulo Veronese . The Square which is in Front , is of the same Paulo , and all the other about are of Tintoret . We go out of the College and enter into the Chamber of the Pregadi , where will be admired the great Square which is above the Tribunall , with the Dead Redeemer upheld by Angels , with many Saints , and other Figures And two Figures in Chiaro Scuro , about the entrance at the great Door . On the left hand is found a Figure in Chiaro Scuro , which represents Peace . And there is near to that a Square of the Blessed Virgin in the Sky . S. Mark , S. Peter , and S. Lewis , and a Doge kneeling . And that great Square on the middle of the Roof with a Venetia upon the Clouds , compassed about with a multitude of Gods , and other Figures , is the work of furious Tintoret . After this we go into the Chapell behind the College-Chamber , and before your entrance you see over the Door , Christ risen from the dead , by the aforesaid Tintoret . And within this Chapell you see a Christ in Emaus at Table with the two Disciples ; this is the work of great Titian . Let us enter into the Chambers of the Council of Ten , and we shall see in the first of them , on the middle of the Roof , a great Oval of naked Figures ; some of the fairest works , done by Paulo Veronese . Upon the same Roof you see several Vani ( or Compartments ) in one of which you see a Juno pouring from Heaven great quantities of Jewels and Crowns , and below stands a Venetia , in a posture receiving those gifts . In another Square is to be admired a beautiful Juno , holding her hands on her breast , together with an old Man holding his right arm under his chin , both which are the works of Paulo . There are also four Figures around the middle Ovall , in Chiaro Scuro , three of these are done by Paulo . After this first great Chamber , you enter into a lesser , where in the middle compartment is a most beautiful Square , with six Histories , every one painted in Chiaro Scuro , by Paulo Veronese . Rare things . In the uppermost Chamber of the said Council you see upon the Roof , several fair works , by Paulo . Afterwards you go into another Chamber , the Roof of which is all painted by Tintoret . And in this same Chamber , over the Tribunal is a Madonna with Christ , and an Angel , by the hand of Raphael . In this Chamber over a Door , you see a Madonna with the Child , S. Magdalen , S. John Baptist , S. Catherine , and another Figure kneeling , the work of old Palma . The Chamber of the Grand Council . Here every one is amazed to see the great Square which represents Paradise ; a large Square , and by the hand of Tintoret . Over against this great work , on the other side of the Chamber , is an History of the Venetians warring against the Genoese , by Paulo Veronese . The Roof is divided into three Orders . In the Order of S. Giorgio Maggiore , the first Square towards the Throne is the work of Paulo Veronese , the third and the fourth are by Tintoret . In the second Order , on the right side of the Throne , are in like manner works of Paulo , and Tintoret . In the third Order there is a large Square , a mighty work of furious Tintoret . The great ovall towards the Throne , is a noble work of Paulo Veronese . That Chamber called the Sala del Scrutinio near to that of the Grand Council . In this Chamber is to be seen a great Square of a Battle , by Tintoret . It is the first Picture on the right hand of the Tribunall , near unto the Door , as you go to the Chamber of the Grand Council . The Magistrato delle Biade . All the Roof here is painted by Paulo Veronése . In this Magistracy there are Three Chambers , in one of which you see a Square of the Resurrection of Christ , by Tintoret . The little Church of S. Nicholas in the Palace of S. Mark. In this little Church there are the Four Evangelists , on each side the Altar two . And at a distance in a Half-moon is the Madonna with the Child Jesus , S. Nicholas , and a Doge , the works of Titian . Over the Door there is another Half-moon , with a S. Mark sitting upon a Lion ; rarely well done by Titian . Over a Door of the Stair-case , by which the Doge goes into the College , you may observe a S. Christopher with the Child Jesus on his shoulders , a fair work of Titian . Here you may observe upon the Roof , a Lady with a little Boy in her hand ; by Titian . Let us enter the Library , and on the left hand we shall see seven Philosophers ; the two first , as also the fourth , the fifth , and the sixth are done by Tintoret . The seventh with a Globe in his hand , is by Sciavone . On that side towards Mark 's Steeple , there are four other Philosophers , by Tintoret . On that side towards the Piazza , there are seven Philosophers . The second is by Sciavone , and the third laying his hand upon his breast , is by Paulo Veronese . Afterwards upon the Roof there are three Rounds by Paulo Veronese , and other three by Sciavone . TITIANO Nat An o 1480 portrait of Titian After these , in a Chamber called the Procuratie , there are great quantities of * Ritrati , by Tintoret . The Magistrato delle Legne . Upon the Roof you see a Square by Paulo Veronese . And over the Tribunal you see five Retratti of Senators , by Tintoret . The Church of S. Giminiano Preti . That Picture on your left hand as you enter this Church at the great Door , with a S. Catherine , and the Angel which Annunciates her Martyrdome , is by Tintoret . The Portalls of the Organ are by Paulo Veronese . On the outside of which are two holy Bishops , and within is a S. John Baptist , and S. Menna Cavaliere . S. Gallo Abbazia . There is a Square of our Saviour in the middle , and two Saints , by the hand of Tintoret . The Church of S. Moise Preti . In the Chapell of the Most Holy , there is on the right hand , a Christ washing the Feet of the Apostles , by Tintoret . In the Chapell on the left hand near the Sacristie , the Piece at the Altar is a Madonna with her Son ; by the hand of Tintoret . The Church of Santa Maria Gibenigo . Here you see a Picture of our Saviour in the Sky , accompanied with Angels , and below is a S. Justina , and a S. Francisco di Paula ; by Tintoret . There is afterwards the Organ painted by the same Tintoret . On the outside of the Portall you see the Conversion of S. Paul ; and within there are the four Evangelists ; and under the Roof , going out of the great Door , there is a Madonna with her Son ; by the same Author . And upon a front of a House near to the house of the Pisani , and the Palace of the Flangini , in S. Maria Gibenigo , there are painted by the hand of Giorgone , many Freezes in Chiaro Scuro , in Yellow , Red , and Green , with rare fancies of Boys , in the middle of which are four Half-figures , viz. A Bacchus , a Venus , a Mars , and a Mercury , coloured after the * usual manner of the Author . S. Mauritio . Here is a Palace of the Family of the Soranfa all painted by Paulo Veronese , with four Histories of the Romans , adorned with many Boys with Garlands , all in Chiaro Scuro , and below are two Figures finished in Bronzo . The Church of S. Samuel . Here you will admire a great Picture of our Lord , the Blessed Virgin , and a St. John Baptist , by the hand of Tintoret . The first Cloyster of the Convent of S. Stephano . Augustin Friers . In this Cloyster there are twelve Histories which represent part of the Old , and part of the New Testament : all singular work of Pordenon . The first is , Christ discoursing with the Samaritan Woman . The second is , The Judgement of Solomon , concerning the dead Child . The third is , The Adultress brought before our Saviour . The fourth is , David cutting off Goliah's head . The fifth is , Our Saviour put into the Tomb. The sixth is , The Sacrifice of Abraham . The seventh is , S. Paul Converted at the voice of Christ . The eighth is , Noah being Drunk , is found naked by his Sons . The ninth is , The Martyrdom of S. Stephen . The tenth is , The Murthering of Abel . The eleventh is , Our Saviour as he appeared to Magdalen after his Resurrection . The twelfth is , Adam and Eve scourged by the Angel out of the Terrestial Paradise . Above the aforesaid Histories there is the Angel Annunciating Mary ; and on every side there are divers Saints , with their corresponding significations . The Church of S. Benedette Preti . The Portals of the Organ are painted by Tintoret , on the outside of them you may see Christ at the Well with the Samaritan Woman ; and within is the Annunciation . The School of S. Girolamo , near to the Church of S. Fantino . Look down upon a Bench , and you will see a Square of Tintoret's , with the Miracle of S. Girolamo . You also see four Squares of Paulo Veronese . One is the coming of the Wise men . Another is the Disputation with the Doctors . The third is the Assumption of the B. Virgin. And a fourth follows . There is above , a most beautiful Picture of the B. Virgin , and S. Girolamo , by the hand of Tintoret . The Church of S. Luke Preti . The high Altar-piece represents the B. Virgin in the Sky with our Saviour , and Angels , and below on the Ground S. Luke sitting upon the Bull ; they are precious works of Paulo Veronese . The Church of S. Salvatore . There the High Altar-piece , of the Transfiguration of Christ , by the hand of great Titian , is a singular work . And in the Chapell on the right hand of the great Altar , you see Christ in Emaus , with the two Disciples , by old Palma . The Picture of the Annunciation by Titian , a most fair work . Fontico de Todeschi . On the Front over the Canalle there are many Figures painted by Giorgone . That Front towards the Land is by Titian . Stately Pieces . Afterwards in the German Merchants Dining-room there are many beautiful Histories , by Paulo Veronese . There is also a little work of Tintoret : where you see a Cynthia in the Sky , followed by the Hours . The Church of S. Guliano Preti . In this Church you see a Supper of Christ with the Apostles , by Paulo Veronese . As also a Dead Christ in the Sky upheld by Angels , and below on the Ground is S. Mark , S. James , and S. Girolamo , the work of the abovesaid Paulo . The Church of S. Paul. Entring at the great Door , that Square which is in the corner of the Church , with the Supper of our Saviour with his Disciples , is a singular good work of Tintoret . In the field , or place before S. Pauls , you plainly see upon the Front of the House of Soranzo several Figures of Giorgone , most beautiful things . In this same Parish of S. Paul you see the Palace of the Zane , all painted by Andrea Schiavone , with many Fables and Histories , the which look very gloriously over the Grand Canalle . The Church of S. Apollinare . Here you see the Picture with the five Coronati , by Schiavone . The Church of S. Silvestre . As you enter at the great Door , you see on your left hand the famous Visit of the Wise men , by Paulo Veronese . You also plainly see a Square with our Saviour in the Garden , by Tintoret . There is another rare Picture of S. John Baptizing Christ , by Tintoret . The Church of S. John di Rialto . The great Altar-piece is the work of great Titian , signifying this same Saint giving Almes to the Poor . And in the Chapell on the left hand of the said Altar , is a work of Pordenon , with the Saints Catherine , Sebastian , and S. Rocco , with a little Angel. The Cuppola is all painted by the same Pordenon , in Fresco , and in the Angles of the Cuppola there are the Four Evangelists , by the same hand . Behind the great Altar , on the outside of the Church , upon the Wall , you see this Saint giving Almes to the Poor ; Rarely well done by Pordenon . The Church of S. Augustino Preti . Here is placed a Square over a side door of the Church , of our Lord shewn unto the People by Pilate ; by Paris Bordone . The Church of S. Stin Preti . That Picture with the Assumption of the Blessed Mary , is the hand of Tintoret . The School of S. John the Evangelist . The Roof of the Albergo is to be admired ; by the hand of great Titian . In the middle part you see the holy Evangelist contemplating upon Heaven , with other little Angels , and in four compartiments there are the four Symbols of the Evangelists , with several little Angels heads in divers other compartiments . The Church called the Frari de padri Conventuali . That Picture of the Conception of the B. Virgin , is a marvellous fair work of Titian . In the great Chapell there is the great and famous Picture of Titian , where is represented Mary ascending into Heaven with the Eternal Father above , and below are the Apostles in admiration . The School of S. Francisco purè à Frari . The Roof is all painted by Pordenon , where are divers Saints ; singular works . The Church of S. Rocco . Entring this Church , on the left hand , there is a great Square , with S. Martin on Horseback , dividing his Cloak , with many other Figures ; the work of Pordenon . An the other side of the Church , right over against this , there is another great Square representing Christ curing one sick of the Palsie ; a work worthy of Tintoret . Afterwards is the great Chapell , all painted by Tintoret , excepting the Cuppola , and the four Evangelists , which are of Pordenon ; both one and the other are marvellous works . In a Chapell on the left hand above the Altar , there is a Square with our Saviour carrying the Cross , by the hand of Titian . The Organ is painted both within and without by Tintoret . The School of S. Rocco . Now here it is that I know not where to begin , because of the quantity of Squares , where are seen infinite works of Tintoret . In the first Ground Room , there are six great Squares . The first on the left hand , there is an Angel which Annunciates Mary . The second is the Visitation of the Three wise men . The third is Mary going into Egypt . The fourth is the Slaughter of the Innocents . In the fifth is the Conception of our Lord. In the sixth is Mary ascending into Heaven . Over the first Stairs , you see an Annunciation , by Titian . There is another in front of this Annunciation , where there is a Visitation of Mary , with S. Elizabeth , by Tintoret . Then above that , the first Square is the Nativity of our Lord. And after , is S. John Baptizing Christ . After that is the Resurrection of Christ . Behind that , is the Supper with the Apostles . And after , is the Altar-piece with S. Rocco in the Sky , with many Figures . Then follows on the other side , Christ multiplying the Loaves and the Fishes . After that , is the Messias raising Lazarus from the Dead . In another , is Christ Ascending into Heaven , with the Apostles below . Then follows the Miracle done at the Pool in the Sheep-market in Jerusalem . In a corner behind the door of the Albergo , there is a Devil speaking to Christ , that he would convert the Stones into Bread. In the head end of the Hall there is between the Windows S. Rocco , and S. Sebastian . Let us turn our eyes towards the Roof , and we shall see Adam and Eve , as they stand eating the Apple . Afterwards , is the Pillar of fire which guided the Hebrews through the Desert . Jacobs Dream when he saw the Angels Ascending , and descending from Heaven . Jonas cast ashore , out of the Whales belly . Elias flying from the wrath of Jezebel . In the middle Square there is the Rod of Serpents . The Sacrifice of Abraham . The Manna in the Desert . The Hebrews eating the Paschal Lamb , and many other Histories of the Old Testament . There is afterwards in the Albergo , Christ before Pilate . Christ , with the Reed in his hand . Christ , going to Mount Calvary . And again , that famous Crucifixion , one of the fairest works that ever was done , by * furious Tintoret . On the Roof you see St. Rocco in the Sky , with all the other compartiments . All the above named works in this School , are by Tintoret . The Church of S. Nichola de Frari . The high Altar-piece with the B. Virgin in the Sky , and many Saints below , viz. S. Nicholas , S. Katherine , S. Francis , S. Anthony of Paduae , and S. Sebastian , is a most singular work of divine Titian . On the right hand of the said Altar , you see a S. John Baptizing Christ , the work of Paulo Veronese . We also see two Prophets and two Sibyls in Chiaro Scuro , by the same Paulo . There is a Square with Christ upon the Cross , by Paulo . The Roof likewise is all painted by the aforesaid Paulo : and they are stately works , particularly that of the Adoration of the Wise men , which is in the middle . Quartier de Castello . The Nuns Church of S. Joseph . ON the Piece of the first Altar on your right hand ( entring by the great door ) there is S. Michael the Archangel , and a Senator , by the hand of Tintoret . On the same side , at the third Altar , you see the Transfiguration of our Lord on Mount Tabor , painted by Paulo Veronese . The great Altar-piece represents the Nativity of our Saviour , by Paulo , a most admirable thing . The Nuns Church of S. Daniel . As you enter this Church at the great Door , the first Picture is a S. Katherine disputing with the Doctors , by Tintoret . Then follows the Piece at the great Altar , which demonstrates Daniel in the Lions denn , the work of Pietro da Cortona . The Church of S. John in Bragora . Entring this Church at the great Door , there is the Supper of our Lord with the Apostles ; by Paris Bordone . The Church of S. Severo Preti . Where you see a Square with the Crucifixion of our Lord , joining to the Chapell on the right hand of the great Altar , by the hand of Tintoret . The Church of S. Maria Formosa Preti . The great Altar-piece represents the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin , the work of Tintoret . On the left hand beside the great Altar , and near to the Door , there is a little Chapell , where you see a Picture divided into five parts , a marvellous work of old Palma . The Church of S. Leone called S. Lio Preti . The first Picture as you enter at the great Door , on your left hand , with S. James the Apostle , is by the hand of Titian . The Church of Santa Maria Preti . Entring at the great Door , you see on your left hand a little Picture with S. Daniel in the Lions denn , with an Angel , a Prophet , and a S. Andrew , by the hand of Paris Bordone . The Nunns Church of Celestia . In the Chapell on the right hand of the great Altar ▪ there is an admirable Picture of two holy Bishops , and S. Dominico , the work of Paris Bordone . The Church of S. Francisco della Vigne , Padre Zoccolanti . Entring the Church at the great Door , in the fourth Chapell on your right hand , there is a Picture with the Resurrection of Christ , by Paulo Veronese . On the other side of the said Church , in the fifth Chapel there is a Picture , by Paulo , with a Madonna and her Son , S. John , S. Joseph , S. Katherine , and S. Anthony the Abbot . Let us enter into the Sacristie of the said Church , and the first Altar as you enter on your right hand , is by Paulo . The Church of S. John è Paulo , Padre Dominicani . At your entrance at the great Door on your left hand there is a large Square of S. Peter Martyr , by divine Titian . After followes , underneath the foot of the Crucifix , in the middle of the Church , a little Oblong , containing three Histories , viz. Cain murthering his Brother Abel . The Serpent exalted by Moses . The third is Abraham offering Isaac . The Chapell of Rosario , in the above said Church . On that Front which is over against the Altar of our Lady , there is to be seen a large Square in the middle between two Windows , which demonstrates the Crucifixion of our Lord , and on the Roof you see an Oval , on each side of the Oval , is an Oblong , by the hand of Tintoret . The School of S. Mark. Here are four great Squares , they may truly be called four wonders in painting ; but in particular that which is at the head of the School , with S. Mark flying through the Sky ; all the four represent the Miracles of the abovesaid Saint , the work of furious Tintoret . The Albergo of the said School . As you enter , the first Square on your left hand is by Giorgone . Then follows a second , which represents old Barcarole , as he presents the Ring given by S. Mark to the Screne Prince . A singular work of Paris Bordone . The Church of the Hospitall of the Mendicanti . On your left hand as you enter the great Door , at the second Altar there is a Picture of S. Elena worshipping the found Cross , with other Figures , the work of Guercin da Cento . Sestier di Canall Reggio . The Church of S. Maria nova Preti . ENtring this Church by the great Door , the first Picture on the left hand with S. Girolamo in the Wilderness , is the work of Titian . The Church of S. Apostoli Preti . The Square on the right hand of the great Altar , where it rains Manna in the Desert , is by Paulo Veronese . The Church of the Fathers Jesuites . As you enter at the great Door , at the second Altar on the right hand is a Piece of the Martyrdome of S. Lorens ; a rare thing of Titian . At the farther Altar is a Christopher , by old Palma . Afterwards is the great Altar-piece , with the Assumption of the Madonna , so delicate a piece , that I doubt not to say , it is absolutely the most superb work that ever Tintoret painted . And on the right hand of the said Altar , there is a Square of S. Mary visited by S. Elizabeth , the work of Andrea Sciavone . And on the other side of the Altar , there is the Crucifixion of our Lord , painted in the wonted manner of Tintoret . In a Chapell on the right hand of the great Altar , there is a most beautifull Picture of the Naetivity of our Lord , by Paulo Veronese . The Nunns Church of S. Catherine . As you enter this Church by the great Door , the first Altar on your right hand does demonstrate to you the Angel Raphael with Tobias : some say this piece was done by a Scholar of Titian's , others say by Titian's own hand , but most say 't is the Masters hand , and so I am apt to believe . Afterwards at the high Altar , you see a Piece of the Espousall of this Saint with the Child Jesus , and it is a really divine work of the for ever famous Paulo Veronese . Around this Altar there are six Squares containing the Life of S. Katherine , done by Tintoret when he was a young man. The Church of Santa Sophia Preti . Over the great Door , there is a little Piece of a Supper of our Saviour with the Apostles , by Paulo Veronese . The Church of S. Felice Preti . Entring this Church at the great Door , you see a Piece at the second Altar on the left hand , by Tintoret . And on the right side of the great Altar there are two Squares one above another ; one is our Lord in the Garden . The other , The Supper with the Apostles , both by Tintoret . Going a little below the aforesaid Altar , there is plainly to be seen upon the first Altar on the left hand an armed Saint , with a * Ritratto . The Church of the Madonna del Orto Frati . As you enter at the great Door , you see on your left hand , the first Altar-piece , consisting of five Saints , viz. S. Lorenz , S. Gregory , S. Dominico , the Blessed Lorenzo , Justiniano , and S. Elena ; a rare work of old Palma . Then follows the fourth Chapell , with a most beautiful Picture , where you find S. Agnese , and many other Saints , with Angels in the Sky , by Tintoret . A little forward at the sixth Altar , there is a Piece of the B. Lorenzo , Giustiniano , S. John Baptist , S. Francis , and others , a work greatly worthy of the praise of Pordenon . On each side of the high Altar there is a very large Square . That on the right hand represents the Hebrews worshipping the Golden Calf . And that on the left hand is the Vniversal Judgement . Above the Altar there are four Figures in Chiaro Scuro . Then are the Doors of the Organ painted on the outside with the Purification of the Blessed Virgin . And within on the right hand is S. Peter admiring the Cross in the Sky . On the other hand is the Beheading of S. Christopher , all these are the works of great Tintoret , and infinitely admirable . The School of Merchants , near to Madonna del Orto . In a low Room there is a Picture with S. Christopher and Mary in the Sky , with Angels round about them , by Tintoret . Above upon the Cieling , there is another Picture of the Nativity of S. Mary , by Tintoret . Afterwards is seen an Annunciation , with many pieces of Architecture , on each side is a Figure in Chiaro Scuro , rare things , and worthy of Paulo Veronese . The Church of S. Marcelliano Preti . The first Picture on your left hand as you enter at the great Door , with an Angel and Tobias , as also an holy Hermit , and a Dog , is the work of famous Titian . The great Altar-piece with three Saints , viz. S. Marcelliano in the middle between S. Peter and S. Paul , is by Tintoret . The Church of the Fathers Serviti . You see here the Organ , by the hand of Tintoret , on the inside is the Annunciation , on the outside is an holy Bishop and a Prophet . Below these is Cain Murthering his Brother Abel , and the Father Eternal speaking unto Cain . The Church of Magdalena Preti . On the left hand of the great Altar , there is a S. Mary Magdalen accompanied with many other Figures , by Tintoret . Afterwards upon the outside of the Doors of the Organ , there is a Christ as he appears to S. Mary Magdalen after the Resurrection , and within is an Annunciation . On the top of the said Organ you see the Coming of the Wise men , in small , by Tintoret . The Church of S. Emagora è Fortunato , called S. Marcuola Preti . Entring at the great Door , on the right hand under a little window you see a square with the Child Jesus , and on each side is S. Andrew and S. Katherine , by Titian . Then follows the second Altar with the Picture of S. Elena , by Tintoret . And on the left hand of the great Altar is a Supper , by Tintoret . The Church of S. Giobbe Frati Zoccolanti . As you enter at the great Door , the Piece of the fourth Altar on your right hand , does demonstrate three Saints and an Angel , viz. S. Andrew , S. Peter , and S. Nicholas , it is a most beautiful work of Paris Bordone , though a more inferiour hand has the credit of it . The Church of S. Jeremia Preti . All the Organ , excepting the little Doors , is painted in Chiaro Scuro , together with the four corners ; within there are the four Evangelists , a work of great esteem , by the hand of Andrea Sciavone . The Nuns Church of S. Girolamo . The first Picture on your left hand as you enter the great Door , is the work of Tintoret . Quartier della Croce . The Nuns Church of the Cross Franciscans . LEt us enter at the great Door , and we shall find the first Altar on the right hand , with a dead Christ and an Angel which supports him , as also a S Katherine , and a Pope ; by the hand of Tintoret . The Nuns Church of S. Andrew . That Altar-piece on the right hand of the great Altar with S. Augustine clothed in a white Garment , likewise two Boys , one of them holding his Pastoral Staff , the other his Mytre , is one of the best works of Paris Bordone . At the other Altar on the left hand of the great Altar there is S. Girolamo in the Hermitage , by the hand of Paulo Veronese . The Church of S. Simeon Grande Preti . As you enter at the great Door on the right hand , over a Bench , there is a Supper of our Lord with the Apostles , by Tintoret . The Church of S. Giacomo dall Ovio Preti . The Picture of the Chapel of S. Lorens , is by Paulo Veronese ; in it you find this Saint , with S. Girolamo , and S. Nicholas , and a little Boy in the Sky . Below the said Picture there is an oblong Picture with the Martyrdom of the aforesaid Saint , a most graceful work of Paulo . And near to a side Door of the said Church , on the left hand of the great Altar , you see upon the Roof an Ovall with Faith , Hope , and Charity , and many Angels . And the four Round with four Doctors , are rarely done after the usuall manner of Paulo Veronese . The Church of S. Maria , Mater Domini Preti . Being entred the great Door , and past the second Altar on the left hand , you see a beautiful small Piece of a Supper , by old Palma . And over a side Door of the Church there is a most famous Square of the Invention of the Cross , by the hand of Tintoret . The Church of S. Cassiano , called S. Cassiano Preti . Let us enter at the great Door , and we shall find on the right hand of the first Altar , a Picture with the Saints , Girolamo , S. Mark , S. Peter , and S. Paul , a marvellous work , by the hand of old Palma . The great Chapell is all by Tintoret . One Picture repres●nts the Redeemer risen from the dead , and S. Cassiano preaching unto many Nations . On the right hand is Christ Crucified , and on the left is our Lord when he delivers the holy Fathers out of Hell , beautiful pieces . There are also three little Histories , upon the top of the Organ , concerning the life of Cassiano , by Tintoret . Quartier di Dorso Durro . The Church of S. Pantaleon Preti . ON the left hand of the Organ there is a large Square with S. Bernard curing many sick of the Plague ; a rare work of Paulo Veronese . Another Picture of S. Bernard , is by Paulo Veronese . The great Altar-piece with S. Pantaleon curing a Sick man , and a Priest , by Paulo Veronese . The Church of the Carmine Frati . On the top of the Organ you see two oblong Pieces , in one is the Annunciation , the other is the Nativity of Christ , by the hand of Andrea Schiavone . In like manner upon the top of the little Quire , right against the aforesaid Organ , you see two other oblong pieces , one is the coming of the Magi ; the other is the Circumcision of our Lord , by the hand of the aforesaid Schiavone . There is another Picture of the Circumcision of our Lord , by the hand of Tintoret . The Nuns Church of S. Maria Maggiore . The great Altar-piece represents the Assumption of the B. Virgin , with the Apostles , by the hand of Paulo Veronese : a singular thing . Afterwards on the sides of the aforesaid Altar there are three great Squares . One represents when the Priest scourges Joachin out of the Temple for having no offspring . In another is the Espousal of the B. Virgin with Joseph , In the third is the Visitation of the three Magi ; all three by the hand of bold Tintoret . In a Chapell on the left hand of the great Altar you see the Picture with the famous S. John Baptist , by Titian . Entring this Church at the great Door , and being past the first Altar on the right hand , there is a Square which represents the Ark of Noah , by the hand of Giacomo Bassano : it contains all the several kinds of living Creatures and is reckoned to be one of the finest Pictures in the world . After this there are four Squares placed on four Pillars of the Church ; they signifie the four Seasons of the Year , by the hand of the same Bassano . There are also two Squares on the sides of that Door which opens to the Canalle . One represents the Adultress before Christ . In the other is the Centurion prostrated before the Redeemer . And in a lesser Square upon a Pillar , there is Christ in the Garden upheld by an Angel , they are all three by Paulo Veronese . In the Sacristie there is an Ecce Homo , by Paris Bordone . The Nuns Church of Terrese . The Round which is in the middle of the Roof , with the Madonna in the Sky and Angels round about , with three Saints below , and the four compartements adjoyning the abovesaid Round , containing the four Evangelists ; all this is a singular good work of Andrea Schiavone . The Church of S. Nicholas Preti . Upon the Roof over the great Altar , there is a Round , where S. Nicholas is carried into Heaven by the Angels , with the Picture of Faith , and a multitude of Angels and Cherubins , by the hand of Paulo Veronese . Entring this Church at the great Door , on the left hand over a side Door of the Church , upon the Roof there is a Round , and a lesser Round on each side of the great one . In the great one is the Eternal Father with many Angels . In one of the lesser is the B. Virgin , in the other is the Angel Annunciating , with other four Rounds containing the four Evangelists . The Church of S. Sebastian . Joining to the little Door which is not far from the great one , you see the Picture of S. Nicholas , a Bishop , and an Angel , the work of Titian . At the farthest Altar on the same side you see a Picture with Christ upon the Cross , by Paulo Veronese . On the other side of the Church there is a Picture of St. John Baptizing of Christ , by Paulo . Then follows another Picture of Christ when he appeared to the two Disciples going into Emaus , by Andrea Schiavone . The Walls of the Church are all painted in Fresco with Pillars , Statues , and other ornaments of Architecture , by Paulo Veronese . All the great Chapell is by the same Paulo , the Cuppola and the Tribunal are painted in Fresco . The great Altar-piece represents the B. Virgin with her Son , and Angels in the Sky ; and below are the Saints Sebastian , S. Katherine , S. John Baptist , S. Francis , and S. Peter . The great Square on the right hand of the great Altar represents S. Mark and S. Marcellin● going with S. Sebastian ( who is in Armour ) and comforting him to his Martydom . In another Square on the left hand you see the above-named Saint bound to a Machine of wood , coming to be Martyred , and the false Priests perswading him to worship their Idols , with many standers by : all the aforesaid works are the fairest that ever were done by the most noble hand of Paulo Veronese . Afterwards are the Doors of the Organ , on the outside is painted the Circumcision of our Lord , and within is Christ curing one sick of the Palsie , works so fair that they stand in no need of commendation . Upon the top of the Organ you may observe a little Square with the Nativity of Christ , one as well as the other are most graceful pieces of great Paulo . Let us cast our eyes upon the Roof , which is all painted by the aforesaid Paulo . The first Square demonstrates Queen Esther going into the presence of King Ahasuerus , accompanied with many Waiting-maids . In the middle Square is the King Ahasuerus frowning on Queen Esther . In the third you see Mordecai conducted to Haman , by the order of the King. As you goe into the Sacristie on the left hand over the Door of a little Chapell you may see a little Square with S. Girolamo in the Hermitage . In the Sacristie , the middle partition of the Coronation of the B. Virgin , and the four other partitions of the four Evangelists , one as well as the other are of Paulo . There is also another Square of the Chastising of the Serpents , by Tintoret . Let us goe into the Quire , and right against the Door we shall see a Square , which represents S. Sebastian before the god Cletiano , confessing himself to be a Christian . In front of this Square there is painted over the Door , the same Saint beaten with Clubs , a work in Fresco . Above these Squares there are the four Evangelists , two on either side in Fresco , all these are of Paulo Veronese . In the Refectory there is the great Feast of Christ in the House of the Pharisee's , 't is enough , that it is of Paulo Veronese . The Nuns Church of All-Saints . The great Altar-piece represents Paradise ; and on a little Door of the Tabernacle of the said Altar there is a Christ rising again . Afterwards are the Doors of the Organ , on the outside of which you see the most noble Visitation of the Magi ; and within are four Doctors of the Church , with Angels playing upon variety of Instruments . On the Roof is the Father Eternal , and round about the top of it are divers little Figures , and Histories in Chiaro Scuro , all of them by the most noble hand of Paulo Veronese . The Church of S. Gervaso & Protaso , called S. Trovaso Preti . The Picture of the Chapell on the right hand of the great Altar , contains S. Anthony the Abbot tempted by Devils , with our Saviour in the Sky succouring the Abbot , the work of Tintoret . Then follows the other Chapell , on the right hand of it you see the Supper of our Lord with the Apostles , and on the left our Saviour washing the feet of the Apostles , both of them by Tintoret . The Church of the Fathers Dominicans , formerly the Jesuites . Entring at the great Door , at the third Altar on your right hand you may observe a Picture of our Lord upon the Cross , and both the Maries , by the hand of Tintoret . And upon the Doors of the Organ there is painted Pope Vrban the fifth giving of habits to the Fathers Jesuites , by the hand of Titian . The Church of the Hospital of the Incurabili . In which is seen a Picture with S. Vrsula accompanied with her Virgins , and an Holy Bishop , with an Angel in the Sky , the work of Tintoret . And over a side Door of the Church you may observe a little Square of our Saviour carrying the Cross , and an Executioner drawing him along , by the hand of Giorgone . The Nuns Church of Spirito Santo . As you enter on your left hand there is a Round of the Image of the B. Virgin , and two little Angels holding a Crown , with S. Girolamo and S. Sebastian in the Clouds , and below is S. Evangelist and S. Augustine . There is also a Picture of the Visitation of the Magi , both of them are by Tintoret . The Nuns Church of the Humiltá . Entring the great Door , at the second Altar on your right hand you will admire a Picture o● S. Peter , and S. Paul , a most fair work of Gi●como Bassano . Upon the Arch of this Chapell you may observe a Square of Christ taken from the Cross , with the two Marys , a rare work of Tintoret . At the High Altar on the upper part of the Tabernacle there is a Nativity of our Lord , by Giacomo Bassano . A little lower upon the frontispiece is a Father Eternal , by Paulo Veronese . And a little lower in the third piece there are two Angels , by Paulo . On the Portall is the Redeemer with the Globe in his hand , and several Cherubins , by Paulo . On each side of the abovesaid Portall there is two little Squares . In one there is S. John preaching in the Desert ; in the other is the Centurion before Christ , both by Paulo . Afterwards is the Roof done likewise by Paulo , with three great Histories , and many pieces in Chiaro Scuro . The first Square over the Quire represents the B. Virgin Annunciated by the Angel. And in an Ovall in the middle , there is Mary Ascending into Heaven , with the Apostles below . Then follows the third , which is the Nativity of Christ ; all these are marvellous good pieces . The Church of the Salute . There is in this Church two Pictures by the hand of great Titian . In one you will admire the Coming of the Holy Ghost upon the Apostles . In the other is S. Mark sitting on high , and below are the Saints Sebastian , S. Rocco , S. Cosmo , and S. Damiano . Upon the Roof over the Quire you see eight Heads by Titian , in a round form . Let us go into the Sacristie and cast our eyes upon the Roof , and we shall see three Squares by Titian . In the first is David cutting off the Head of Goliab . In the second is the Sacrifice of Abraham and Isaae . In the third is Cain slaying his Brother Abel . All singular works of the Author . And below is a great Square of the Marriage in Cana in Galilee , by furious Tintoret . The Church of the Most holy Trinity , near to the Saluté . There are thirteen Squares of Tintores , viz. The Eternall Father creating the World. The Forming of Adam and Eve. The Tempting of Adam . Cane slaying Abel . The four Evangelists , in four Squares . Two Apostles , in two Squares . The Annunciation in two Squres . In the Sacristie there is a little Square of the Most Holy Trinity . All singular works of the same Author . The School of Charity . Here is a very large Square of the Blessed Virgin ascending the Stairs of the Temple , with many other Figures , a divine work of great Titian . The ISLANDS Adjacent to VENICE . The Island of Murano . The Church of S. Peter Martyr , Fathers Dominicans . ENtring this Church , on your left hand you see a Square near unto the Picture of Rosario , where you find A Victory against the Turks , with the Blessed Virgin in the Sky , and other Saints , by the hand of Paulo Veronese . The Nuns Church of the Madonna de gli Angeli . BElow the Organ there is an Ovall with four Angels singing ; a most fair work of Paulo Veronese . There is also a Square with S. Girolamo , by Paulo Veronese . After that is the great Altar-piece , where you find the Annunciation , a superb work of Pordenon . The Church of the Des Messe . In which are to be seen three Squares , by Tintoret . In one is The coming of the Magi. In another is the Presentation at the Temple . The third is the Adultery . The Nuns Church of S. James . Here are seen three Pictures by Paulo Veronese . That of the great Altar represents divers Saints , with a most beautiful Glory of Angels . The second on the right hand of the great Altar represents the Visitation of S. Eliz●beth . That on the left hand demonstrates Christs resurrection . The Organ is rarely painted , by Paulo Veronese . The Church of S. John. The great Altar-piece represents S. John Baptizing of Christ , the work of Tintoret . Before we part from Murano let us go see the Palace of the Trevisano , and we shall see some of the beautifullest works that ever were painted by the singular pencil of Paulo Veronese . The Island of Mazorbo . The Nuns Church of S. Katherine . THe great Altar-piece is a singular work of Paulo Veronese . The Island of Burano . The Nuns Church of S. Mauro . THe great Altar-piece of this Church , is the work of Paulo Veronese . The Island of Torcello . The Nuns Church of S. Anthony . THere are such beautiful pieces in this Church , that they are worth coming a long journey to see , and they are of the most noble pencil of Paulo Veronese . The great Altar-piece with the two Prophets on the Angels of the said Altar , are by the aforesaid Author . On the left side of the great Altar , and on the sides of the Organ you see ten Squares , which represent the life of S. Christina , both inside and outside of the said Organ is adorned with precious Histories , by the hand of the same Paulo . Over the Altar of Christ there are two Figures in Chiaro Scuro , by the same hand . The Island of S. Elena . The Church . IN the Church here you will admire that most superb piece at the great Altar , where is painted the coming of the Magi , by the hand of Palma . The Island of S. Giorgio Maggiore . The Church . ENtring the Church at the great Door , the first Picture on the right hand demonstrates the Nativity of Christ , by Giacomo Bassano . Then follows a Picture of the Martyrs , by the hand of Tintoret . After this is a Picture on the right side of the Church , where you find the Most holy Trinity crowning the Blessed Virgin , and below are several Saints , by Tintoret . There is in like manner on the left side of the Church , right against to that aforesaid , with the Martyrdom of S. Stephen by Tintoret . Then follows on the same side , the Resurrection of Christ , with the Pictures of divers Senators , by Tintoret . Now follow the two great Squares which are on the sides of the great Altar , one of which represents the Supper of our Lord with the Apostles , in the other is Manna falling in the Desert , by the same Tintoret . After this you go into the Chapell of the Defonti , where you see a Picture of Christ taken from the Cross , by the aforesaid Author . Afterwards in the Refectory is that most marvellous and large Square which represents the Marriage of Cana in Galilee ; this , if I may so say , is a wonder of the World , and whosoever comes to Venice and departs without a sight of this Picture , may by said to have seen nothing , and it is done by the most excellent and noble hand of Paulo Veronese . The Island of the Giudecha . The Church of the Redentore . IN this Church you see two Pictures of Tintoret . One demonstrates the Ascension of our Lord with the Apostles . The other is the Scourging of Christ at a Pillar . Afterwards as you enter the Monastery , you see a Square over the Oratory with Christ sitting , with the Apostles kneeling , and other Saints , by the aforesaid Tintoret . The Refectory of S. James , Fathers Serviti . The Roof of this is painted by Paulo Veronese divided into three Partitions . One demonstrates the Annunciation . That in the middle , the Assumption of the B. Virgin , with the Father Eternal in the Crystalline Heaven surrounded with Legions of Angels . The third is the Visitation of S. Elizabeth , and are works really beautiful . The Nuns Church of S. Cosmo and S. Damiano . As you enter , you see on your left hand the B. Virgin in the Sky , and the two Saints , S. Cecilia , S. Theodoro , and a S. Marina . In a Chapell on the right hand of the great Altar there is another Picture with Christ on the Cross , and the Maries , both one and the other are by Tintoret . The City of Treviso . The Domo . HEre you see the Histories of the Nativity , and Resurrection of Christ , singular works of Paris Bordone . There is another rare Picture of the Annunciation , by the hand of Titian . The Church of S. Francis. Here you may observe a Picture , by Paris Bordone . The Church of S. Girolamo . Where you admire another Picture , by the aforesaid Paris Bordone . The Church of All-Saints . There are also divers works of the abovesaid Master . As likewise one Piece of Giacomo Bassano . The Church of S. Paul. Here in like manner are singular works , and worthy of all admiration , by the same Paris Bordone . The Church of S. Magdalen . The great Altar-piece represents Christ as he appeared to Mary Magdalen , the work of Paulo Veronese . The Church of S. Augustine . Here is an admirable Picture of S. Giachino , S. Anne , S. James , and S. George , the work of Paulo Veronese . In the Refertory of the Nunnery there is a a Square which demonstrates the Marriage of Cana in Galilee , by the hand of the aforesaid Paulo Veronese . The Mountaine of Piety in the aforesaid City . Here they preserve a Christ with a little Angel , a most singular work , by the hand of Giergone . The Villa of Zerman Trevisano . The Domo . HEre you will find a most beautiful Picture of old Palma . Pordenon . The Castle of Friuli . The Domo . HEre you see the Organ painted by its own Countrey-man , Pordenone . You also see works in Fresco upon the Wall , by the same Author , as there is likewise in other places , all singular works . The City of Vdine . The Domo . HEre yon will admire some beautiful Histories upon the ledge of the Organ by the hand of Pordenone . The Church of S. Peter Martyr . In which you way observe a famous Picture of the Annunciation , by Pordenone . The City of Belluno . HEre are preserved two very fair Pieces , by Paris Bordone . Compagnia del Croce . Here you will find two singular Squares , by Tintoret . THE TERRITORY OF CONEGLIANO . Conegliano . The Church of the Reformati . HEre is a very fair Picture , by old Palma . The Villa of Marens . In the same Territory . HEre you will see a faire Picture , by the hand of Titian . The Villa of Fontanelle . HEre is an admirable Picture , by the hand of Pordenone . The Castle of S. Salvatore . The Jurisdiction of the Conti Colalto . HEre is a Church all painted by the hand of Pordenone . And all the Roofs of the said Conti are painted by Andrea Schiavone . Below the said Castle . The Church of S. John. THere are two Pictures , by Pordenone . One of the Virgin fleeing into Egypt . The other of divers Saints . And under them is the Picture of Piety . Further below the said Castle . The Villa of Sasigano . HEre is preserved a Picture , by the hand of Pordenone . Another Castle of the Colalti . IN this Castle you see a great Square , by Pordenone . The City of Ceneda . The Domo . THere is a Picture , by Titian , of the B. Virgin , S. Rocco , and S. Sebastian . Upon the Organ of this Church is represented the life of San. Titian , the work of Paris Bordone . In the Piazza . In this same there is a House side painted by Pordenone . Villa di Castello below Ceneda . The Church . HEre are three Niches at the great Altar , in the middle you will admire the B. Virgin , and a Saint on each side , by the hand of Titian , a singular work . The Castle of Saravall . The Domo . THe great Altar-piece with the B. Virgin , and a Glory of Angels , and below are two Saints , with a Landskip , and within it you find a Ship , it is a most precious thing , but by an uncertain Author . The Church of the Capuchines . Here they preserve a Square of a Madonna , a stupendious work of Guido Reno . Villa di Mazer in Trevisano , near to Asolo . IN the said Villa there is a Palace all painted with divers operations of the most excellent hand of Paulo Veronese , singular works of the Author . Asolo in Trevisano . The Church of the Reformati . HEre you see a Square with the Conception of the Blessed Virgin , by Giacomo Bassano . The Domo . In which you see an Assumption of the Blessed Virgin , with numbers of Angels , and two Saints , by Giacomo Bassano . Castel Franco . HEre is an admirable Picture of the Blessed Virgin with her Son , the work of Giorgone . There are likewise divers Palaces near adjacent , where you will find works of the same Giorgone , as also of Paulo Veronese . The Castle of Bassano . The high Church of the Castle . IN this Church you will admire the marvellous Nativity of the Child Jesus , a work to be admired by every one , and one of the fairest that ever was painted , by Giacomo Bassano . In the Town-house , as also in the Churches , and upon the Houses of particular persons , there are works of divers sorts , by the said Giacomo Bassano . Being this was the Countrey of this famous man , I look upon it as superfluous to nominate place after place where paintings are , because of the great quantities of them , and very little of other Masters . Cittadella . The Parochial Church . THe great Altar-piece is by Giacomo Bassano , and on the sides of the Chapel there is our Lord upon Mount Tabor , the work of the same Giacomo . The Street which leads from Venice to Padua , viz. upon the bank of the River Brenta . Upon this Road you see many superb Palaces , painted both within aud without , with various operatious , viz. Histories , Freezes , Architecture , Garlands of all sorts , stupendious works , by the most singular and excellent hand of Paulo Veronese . The City of Padua . The Church of S. Justina . THe great Altar-piece is a most singular work of noble Paulo Veronese , the which represents the Martyrdome of this Saint , and is most excellently imbellished by the hand of Augustino Carache . The School of the said Saint . In which you will admire the Saint , marvellously beautiful , 't is enough that they are done by the incomparable pencil of great Titian . The Church of the Hermits . In the Sacristie of this Church they preserve a S. John Baptist preaching , by the hand of the most noble Guido Reno . The Church of S. Maria in Vanzo . Here stands a Picture of the Dead Redeemer , the work of Giacomo Bassano . Montagnana near to Este . The Domo . HEre you will see the great Altar-piece , which represents the Transfiguration of Christ upon Mount Tabor , a singular work of Paulo Veronese . The City of Vicenza . The Church of S. Rocco . THe great Altar-piece is a most fair work of Giacomo Bassano . The Church of S. Leuterio . In like manner you see the great Altar-piece , by the same Bassano . The Church of S. Croce . Where there is another Picture by the aforesaid Giacomo . Vnder the publick House of the Piazza . There is an History of Noah with his Daughters , by Paris Bordone . The Refectory of Madonna di Monte , Frati . In this you see a great Square which represents a Feast , in which is the Redeemer , a most fair work of the most excellent hand of Paulo Veronese . All that are curious omit not the seeing of this piece . The Church of the Fathers Teatini . Here you may observe in a Chapell a most fair piece , by old Palma . The Church of S. Corona , Fathers Dominicans . The Altar-piece here with the three Magi , is by Paulo Veronese . There are also in this same City several works upon the Walls in Fresco , by Pordenone . The City of Verona . The Domo . HEre you may observe a Picture of the Assumption of the B. Virgin , the work of great Titian . The Church of S. George . In this Church you see two Pictures , of which I may say nothing can exceed them , by the most noble pencil of Paulo Veronese . The Church called La Vittoria . In the Sacristie of this Church you must observe a Square of no great size , but extraordinary fine , by the aforesaid Paulo . PAVLO : Veronese Nat. Aº 1490 portrait of Paulo Veronese The City of Brescia . The Church of S. Afra . HEre is kept a most beautifull Standard , by Paulo Veronese . There is also a Square of the Transfiguration of our Lord , a singular work of great Tintoret . The Church of S. Nazaro . Here are several fair Pictures by Titian . Sitinalta in the Territory of Bergamasco . The Parochial Church . IN this Church you see two singular Pictures , by old Palma , that Country-man . The City of Cremona . HEre is a Picture of S. Sehastian and two Angels , by the hand of Giorgone . The City of Genoua . The Church of S. Francis. HEre is to be seen a Square with S. John , Baptizing Christ , by the hand of Tintoret . The STATE OF FLORENCE . The City of Florence . S. Mark , Fathers Dominicans . HEre are three Pictures by the hand of Fra Bartolomeo . The Church of S. Croce . Here is a Picture representing the Lady of Piety , a singular work of Civoli . In the Church-yard of the Nuntiata . There are divers works in Fresco , by Andrea del Sarto . In the Cloyster , over a Door , you see a famous Piece , called the Madonna del Saccho , by the abovesaid Andrea . The Confraternity of S. John Baptist . In the Cloyster upon the Wall there are the Histories of the life of this Saint , by the same Andrea . The Gallery of the Great Duke . In which you see a Square with the History of the Fall of Phaëton , by the hand of Leonardo da Vinci . There is drawn a Ritratto of Pope Leo the X. by the hand of great Raphael . There is also a little Square of a Madonna , the work of the abovesaid Raphael . Then follow divers Squares of Andrea del Sarto , particularly in the more private Chambers there are most beautiful works , not omitting a sight of that great Square of the Assumption of the B. Virgin , and the Apostles . PIETRO d' : Cortona Nat Aº 1593 portrait of Pietro d'Cortona There are likewise two Squares of Naked Women , by great Titian . Then follow several Pieces , of Giacomo Bassano . You also see a Square with little Figures of the B. Virgin , with the Child Jesus in her arms , and a Saint on each side , the work of Corregio . You see another Square of Naked Women , by Hannibal Carache . The Palace of Pitti , being the habitation of the Great Duke . Where are seen four most stately Chambers , excellently painted with variety of Histories , by Pietro da Cortona . The STATE OF PARMA . The City of Parma . The Church of the Nuntiatata . IN the Quire of the said Church you see a Picture with a Madonna and her Son , and four Saints by her side , by the hand of Parmeggiano , his first manner of painting . In the Sacristie of the said Covent , there is a Square of S. John Baptizing Christ , by Parmeggiano , his first manner . Santa Cecilia . As you enter this Church , on your right hand there is a Picture with a Madonna on high with her Son , on each side a Saint , by the hand of Lanfranco , a rare work . The Church of the Capuchines . Entring this Church , on your left hand you see a Square with the Blessed Felice holding the Child Jesus on his shoulders , with the B. Virgin in a posture of receiving them , and a Glory of Boys , the work of Guercin da Cento . Right against this you see another great Picture , with Christ on the Cross , by his side is a S. Katherine , and the Ritratto of a Capuchine , with many Angels lamenting , a most beautiful work of Guercin da Cento . In a Chapell you see a S. Anthony of Padua , by Tadeo Zuccharo . At the high Altar is a great Piece , the top whereof is half round , with a dead Christ in the lap of the B. Virgin half dead , upheld by Angels , with S. Francis pointing at our dead Lord , as also a S. Magdalen , and S. Chiara , with a Glory of Angels carrying the Cross , painted by the most excellent hand of Hannibal Carache . On the side of the said Altar there is a S. Lewis King of France , and a S. Chiara , the work of the said Hannibal . Within the Covent , over a Door there is a Madonna with the Child , and a little S. John , by the same Hannibal . The Church of All Saints . At the High Altar there is a Square which represents our Saviour sitting and giving benediction , with many Saints on his right hand , and a S. Stephen praying , with other Pictures of holy Virgins , by the hand of Lanfranco . The Church of the Fathers Jesuites . Over a place of Confession you see a Square with our Saviour bound to the Pillar with two Angels lamenting , and many little Angels , by the hand of Tadeo Zucch●ro . The great Altar-piece is a most singular work of Paulo Veronese . On the two Pedestals of the said Altar there are two Heads , with the B. Virgin , and the Angel , the work of Tadeo Zuccharo . The Church of S. Sepulchre . As you enter at the great Door in the first Chapell on your left hand you will admire a Square , the top of it is half round ; where is a Madonna and the Child Christ , and S. Joseph , a divine work , after the usual manner of great Correggio . At the Madonna della Scala , over the Door of S. Michael . There is a Madonna with her Son in her arms , by the hand of the aforesaid Correggio . The Church of the Fathers Serviti . There is a Square upon which is a Madonna with the Child in her lap , and many Angels , by the hand of Parmeggianino . At the Battesimo . There is a Square with S. Ottavio , and a Madonna , the work of Lanfranco . The Nuns Church of S. Paul. Entring at the great Door , at the second Chapell , there is a Square with the B. Virgin and her Son in her lap , with S. Cecilia , S. Margaret , and a little S. John shewing our Lord , a most fair work of Augustine Carache . At the great Altar there is a little Square , upon which is Our Lord on the Judgement seat , and on the right hand of the Square is S. Paul at his feet , and S. Katherine kneeling , the work of divine Raphael . In the said Covent there is a Chamber painted in Fresco , with many Figures , by the hand of Correggio , a most fair work . The Church of S. Anthony . As you enter at the great Door in a Chapell on your right hand is seen a Square with a Madonna , and her Son sitting reading , and on the right hand of this Square is a S. Girolamo kissing their feet . On the other side of it is a S. Mary Magdalen kissing our Saviours feet , a singular work of divine Corregio . Then follows at the great Altar a Square with the Madonna and the Child Jesus , giving Benediction to the two Saints , S. Francis , and S. Chiara , by the hand of Guercin da Cento . The Domo . In which you will admire the marvellous Cuppola , with the four Angles , one of the finest works in the world , by the most excellent hand of great Correggio . The Church of Madonna della Steccata . Over the Cross-Isle of the Church there is a Madonna aloft , the rest of the Roof is likewise painted by Parmeggianino . In another Isle of this Church , over against the Image of the Blessed Virgin is seen a Square with the Adoration of the Magi , the work of Carravagio . On the inside of the Organ you see a David and a Sibyll , with other Figures , by the hand of Parmeggianino : all of them singular works . The Church of S. John , Fathers Benedictines . In this Church you see a Cuppola with its four Angles , and other marvellous works according to the usual manner of great Correggio . On the Roof of the Quire are works copied from Correggio , by the hand of Baglioue , but re-toucht by Correggio himself . In the two Cross-Isles there are two Chapels where you will see works of Carravagio in Fresco . Coming out of the Church , at the second Chapell on your left hand , there are two Squraes . On one you will admire a Piety . In the other the Martyrdom of several Benedictine Saints , by the hand of great Correggio . There are the Roofs of some little Chapells painted in Fresco , by Parmeggianino . There is also in this Church over a little Door , as you go into the Covent , a S. John the Evangelist , painted in Fresco , by the hand of Correggio . In the first Cloyster of the Covent of the abovesaid Fathers , there are many paintings in Chiaro Scuro , being Histories of the Old Testament , by the hand of Carravagio . The Palace of the Fontana adjoyning the Garden of the Most Serene Duke . In a low Apartement you see a great Square Chamber with the Roof painted in Fresco , by the hand of Augustine Carache , singular works , and the last of the Author . There is a beautifull Inscription in the praise of Picture . In the Apartement of Squares there is in one Chamber a Square with Venus and Adonis , by the hand of Paulo Veronese . There is also a Figure representing a River , by Carrache . Then follow the Heads of the twelve Emperours in Chiaro Scuro , by the hand of Titian . There is also another Square of many Animals , by the hand of Bassano . You also see two Figures in two Squares but not finished , by the hand of Augustine Carrache . There is seen likewise a little Square of two Ritrattos fixing a Crab-fish to the ears of a Cat and laughing , the work of Carache . There is another Square , with a Psyche aloft , two little Figures , and the work of Tadeo Zuccharo . Now follows the Famous Chamber of the Ritratti . Over a Door is a Square of a beautiful Boy , by the hand of Hannibal Carache . Then follow two Ritrattos , of a Senator and another composing of Musick , the work of Hannibal Carache . Next is a Lady ordering her Locks , or Tresses , by the hand of Titian . Over these is a Ritratto of P. Paul the third when he was Cardinal ; the work of excellent Raphael . Next is a Ritratto of Diogenes with a writing pen in his hand ; a fine thing . You also see the Ritratto of that Amorous Lady , called L. Antea del Parmeggiano , by his own hand . Beneath these Squares is a Ritratto of Duke Ranuccio the first ▪ by the hand of Carache . And beneath this again , there is the Picture of a little Girl with a Turbant on her head , the work of Giulio Romano . Next is the Picture of Cardinal Farnese , by the hand of Carache . Below the said Cardinal is anether Ritratto of Duke Pietro Alovigi , the work of Raphael Vrbin . Then follow on the third Front two Ritrattos , by Parmeggianino . In the middle between these two Ritrattos is another Picture of the abovesaid Duke Pietro Alovigi Farnese , by the hand of Titian . There are two little Ritrattos by the hand of Parmeggianino . Next is the Picture of a Souldier , by the same hand . There is also another Souldier in Armour , by the hand of Giulio Romano . Over the Door you may see the Ritratto of Alexander the Great , the work of Titian . Behind a Window is a Ritratto of a Philosopher , by Andrea del Sarto . Over the Window are two Ritrattos , one of which is the Duke of Ferrara , the works of Titian . In another Piece is the Picture of a Priest , by Parmeggianino . Then follows the Picture of Paul the third , in little , the work of Titian . Next to this follow two Ladies , by the hand of Parmeggianino . On the other side of the Window are three Heads , by Titian . There is also the Picture of Frà Sebastian● del Piambo , a Painter , the work of Giorgione . And over this same is a Picture of a Shagged Spaniel , by Parmeggianino . Here follows another Chamber . Where you will admire the marvellous * Cingarina , by the hand of Correggio . There is also a S. Chiara , with a S. Anthony of Padua , by the hand of Caravagio . You may likewise observe four Squares in half Figures . In one is S. Mary Magdalen , in the other are S. Peter , S. Girolamo , and Prophet David , by Guercin da Cento . You may observe near unto these , a Madonna with the Child , and a S. Joseph , by Raphael de Vrbino . Beneath this is a S. John , by the hand of Leonardo da Vinci . Then follows a Magdalen weeping , the work of Hannibal Carache . Here are two Saints by Guercino , viz. S. Peter and S. Girolamo . There is a S. Nicholas de Tolentino , by the hand of Pordenon . Here is also a Head of S. Girolamo by the hand of Carache . Next is a Madonna , with her eyes lifted up towards Heaven , by the hand of Carache . You may observe likewise , a Nativity of our Lord , by Hannibal Carache . Over a Chimney you may observe a Christ carrying the Cross , by the hand of Andrea del Sarto . Then follow two Copies of S. John , Copied from the works of Correggio , by an able Master . Now follows the Chamber of Audience . Where are two Squares hung aloft , of two Figures at length , by the hand of Correggio . There are also two other Squares which represent two Elements , viz. The Earth and the Water , by the hand of Bassano . After these is another Square which represents Lucretia Romano killing her self , by the hand of Parmeggianino . Underneath this Square there is another of the Espousal of S. Katherine , one of the fairest works that ever Correggio painted . On each side of this Piece is a Ritratto , one is the effigies of Martin Luther , done by Raphael , the other by Parmeggianino . Next is a Christ in a half-figure , by the hand of Correggio . On the other front you see a S. Girolamo , a half-figure , by the hand of Leonardo da Vinci . Near unto this is a Madonna with our Saviour asleep , and a little S. John , by the hand of Hanniball Carache . Then follow two Ritrattos in little , one is the Picture of Hanniball Carache ; the other the Picture of a Lady ; both done by her own hand . Then follows another Chamber , which they call the Chamber of Sivetta . In which you will find a Madonna with her Son at her feet , and a little S. John , by the hand of great Raphael . There is also a Square only in rough draught , by Correggio . You may see the Nativity of our Lord , by the hand of Carrache , a little Square . Here follow three little Madonnas , by Raphael , very fair works . Then follows a Madonna and her Son , and S. Joseph , by the hand of Augustine Carache , a rare work . There is also a little Square of the head of a Madonna , by the hand of Frederico Zuccharo . Next is a S. Rocco , in little , the work of Parmeggianino . There is likewise a head of our Saviour , by the hand of Carache . Then follows a half-figure as large as nature , of our Saviour , the work of Andrea del Sarto . There is a head of a Priest after the life , by the hand of Hanniball Carache . Then follows a Madonna with her Son in her armes , with a S. John , S. Joseph , and S. Margaret , the work of Augustine Carache . You may plainly observe a Christ dead carried to his Sepulchre , with many Figures , painted upon Copper , a singular work of Hanniball Carache . After this follows a little Square with a S. Francis in a Trance , upheld by an Angel , and a Glory of Angels about , a most fair work of Hannibal Carache . Then follows a S. John Baptist , by Hannibal Carache . There is also a Madonna with her Son , by the hand of Parmeggianino . Beneath this Madonna you see a Head of Pordenon . Then follows another Chamber , which they call the Chamber of the Amoretti . In which you first observe a Lucretia Romana , and another Square of a Leda with a Swan , both of them by Dossi Ferrarese . Adjoining to these is another Lucretia Romana , by the hand of Parmeggianino . You also see The Passion of our Lord , the work of Hanniball Carache . There follows a little Madonna with her Son in her Armes , and a S. John , by Hanniball Carache ; a very fine piece . Another Square a the Madonna , S. Joseph , and several Angels , is the work of Dossi Ferrarese . There is also a S. Paul snatched up into the third Heaven , the work of Lanfranco . As also another little Madonna , by the hand of Guercino da Cento . Then Follows the last Chamber , which they call the Emperour's Chamber . In this Chamber you see three Squares . In the first is represented Judith cutting off the Head of Holofernes . The second does demonstrate Tarquin ravishing Lucretia Romana . The third is Bathsheba discovered by David out of his Palace window , Painted by a Lady called Artemisia , and very fair works . You may also observe a Venus sleeping , by Hannibal Carache . Over the Chimney there is a Square of St. Augustino , and other Figures , the work of Pordenon . You likewise observe twelve Emperours finely done , by Hanniball Carache . The great Hall in the middle of the said Apartement . Over the Chimney you will admire an Annunciation , the Figure is bigger than the life , a singular work of great Correggio . In this Hall you likewise see the Ritratto of Charles the fifth on Horse-back , a most singular work of Titian . There follows in the same Hall , an Angel flying , with many other Angels which accompany him : the Figures are bigger than the life , by Hannibal Carache . Then follow two other Squares , of S. John Baptist , and S. John the Evangelist , with many Heads of Angels , by the abovesaid Carache . Next are two Squares of S. Benedetto and S. Mauro , with many Angels , by the same Hanniball . All these works are much bigger than the life . On the other side of the Hall there is the Nativity of our Lord , with many Figures , 't is a Night-piece , and the work of Bassano . Right over against the Ritratto of Charles the fifth , There is another Ritratto of Duke Alexander Farnese on Horse-back , by the hand of Augustine Carache . In the Dukes Apartement there are Pictures of all sorts , of which I can give no good relation , because of the great quantity there is of them , it also being difficult to get liberty of seeing them . The City of Piacenza . The Domo . AS you enter at the great Door , on your left hand , you see the Chapell of S. Corrado , by the hand of Lanfranco . Higher up near to the Quire , behind the Altar , and on your right hand as you go into the Sacristie , there is an Altar with S. Alessio , by the same Lanfranco . You also see in this Church a Picture which represents S. Martin giving part of his Cloake for Alms , the work of Ludovico Carache . The Church of S. Sisto , Fathers Benedictines . The Picture in the Quire which represents the B. Virgin and her Son , in the middle of the Picture , and by her side is S. Barbary , S. Sisto , and two Boys , a marvellous fair work , as it was the usual manner of divine Raphael . S. Nazario , a Parochial Church . Going in at the great Door , you will find on your left hand , at the first Altar near the said Door , a painting which represents S. Michael the Archangel holding Lucifer in Chains , with these words under-written Johannes Lanfrancus fecit . S. Andrew , a Parochial Church . On your left hand as you enter the great Door , and in the first Chapell near the said Door , you will find an Altar-piece with the Image of the Madonna di Reggio , with S. Francis de Assisi , and S. Rustico a Martyr ; the work of Lanfranco . The Church of the Fathers Serviti , called Madonna di Piazza . As you enter at the great Door , the third Chapell on your left hand is all painted by Lanfranco . The Altar-piece is S. Luke the Evangelist in a posture of writing , with his head lifted up towards a Troop of Angels . The Chapell about the Altar , where there is a little Cuppola with the B. Virgin in glory , and around the said Virgin are twelve Persons which are believed to be the twelve Patriarchs , from whence she is derived . After this there is another little Cuppola with small windows , and on the Top is the Father Eternal . The Church of Madonna di Campagnia . Where you see several works around the inside of the Cuppola , by the hand of Giorgone . In this Church you likewise see two Chapells , one with the History of S. Katherine . In the other is the Picture of Christ : also the Altar of S. Augustine , all the works of Pordenon . Then follows the Tribunal , by the same Authour . In like manner you see a Picture with the Blessed Virgin , S. Peter , and S. Paul , the work of most noble Paulo Veronese . Corte Maggiore , in the Territory of Piacenza . The Domo . HEre you will see a Picture , and a little Cuppola , singlar works of Pordenon . There is also a Picture by Carache . The STATE OF MODENA . The City of Modena . The Gallery of the most Serene Duke . IN this famous Treasury you see a half-figure , and a Head , by the most ingenious Leonarda da Vinci . In the same you see a Ritratto of Raphael , and two Heads , by Andrea del Sarto . And a great Square of Abraham's Sacrifice , by the same Sarto . There are ten pieces , or there-abouts , by Giulio Romano . You likewise see a Head , by Giorgone . In this same Gallery there are four Squares by Titian . The first represents the B. Virgin and S. Joseph travelling into Egypt . The second is the Blessed Virgin and her Son , and S. Paul. The third is the Child Jesus in the Manger . Then follows the fourth called the Quadro della Moneta , viz. When the Hebrews shewed money to the Redeemer , singular works of the Author . There are also seen some little pieces of Heads , by Pordenon . Then follows the Picture of our Saviour , with another beautiful Square of old Palma . Next are two great Squares of noble Paulo Veronese . In one you will admire the Marriage of Cana in Galilee . In the other the Coming of the Magi , with two other Squares , some of the fairest works of the Author . The next you see is a famous Night-piece , by Correggio ; one of his most admirable works , the Lights of the Picture darting out miraculously . In like manner you will admire two Squares of bold Tintoret . Also two of Giacomo Bassano . One does demonstrate the History of the Samaritan . The other is a Piece of Animals , both of them singular works , after his usual manner . After these there are great Quantities of Squares , by Correggio , which I do forbear to name particularly for brevity sake . You will see a Picture , and a Ritratto , by Parmeggianino . There are likewise divers works of the three excellent Caraches . There are also works of Guido Reno , and diverse other Authors , which would fill a Book alone to write of all such Jewels as are contained in this Gallery . I have onely named the most principal , I leave the rest to the Virtuoso's and most curious , to observe them particularly at their own leisure . The Domo . There are two singular good Pictures by Guido Reno . The City of Reggio . The Church of S. Prospero . WHere you see a Picture with the Blessed Virgin and the Child Jesus , and S. Girolamo , with S. Crispin and Crispianino , the works of Guido Reno . The Picture in the Quire is by Hanniball Carache . The little Church of S. Joseph . There is a Picture which does demonstrate a living Christ , by Guido Reno . The Confraternity of S. Rocco . The Picture in the Quire is the work of Hanniball Carache . Finale di Modena . The Church of S. Nicholas . HEre you will find a Picture of the B. Virgin with her Son , and S. Lorenz , the work of Guercin da Cento . The House of Count Zuccati . The Front of this House is all painted by the abovesaid Guercin da Cento . The Castle of Carpi . The Domo . HEre is a marvellous Picture of S. Rocco , by the hand of Guido Reno . Sassuoli ten miles distant from Modena . The Church of the Capuchines . IN which you will admire that most beautiful Piece at the great Altar , by the hand of Ludovico Carache . The City of Mirandola . IN this City ( especially in the Duke's Gallery ) they preserve variety of singular good works of diverse principal Authors , before-mentioned in this little work . The City of Mantua . The Domo . HEre you see a Picture representing the Redeemer when he called James and John to the Apostleship , by Giulio Romano . There is likewise seen another Picture with S. Anthony the Abbot , by Paulo Veronese . The Church of S. Andrew . There are two Pieces , one demonstrates the Crucifixion of Christ ; the other the finding of his Blood , by Giulio Romano . The Church of S. Dominico . Here is seen a Picture of the abovesaid Giulio . The Palace of T. There are the most famous works of Giulio Romano , in diverse Halls , Galleries , Chambers , &c. with Histories , and Freezes of all sorts , the works of this Palace deserve coming from a far Countrey to see . In the Delitie di Marmirolo , there are also various works of the same Giulio . The STATE OF MILAN . The City of Milan . The Church of the Madonna della Gratie , Fathers Dominicans . HEre is the famous Picture , by Titian , representing the Crowning of the Redeemer with a Crown of Thorns , one of the fairest works of the Author . The Domo . Here you see a most beautiful Picture of a Dead Christ , by the hand of Barocci . The Church of S. Celso Preti . In the second Sacristie you see a Square of Raphael . In the Church you will admire the Altar-piece of S. Girolamo , the work of Paris Bordone . The Church of the Fathers Teatini . As you enter at the great Door , on your right hand you may observe a Square by the side of the furthermost Altar , by the hand of Ludovico Carache . In the most famous Library called the Libraria Ambrosiana . There are four Squares by Titian , singular ones . You see moreover , many works by Leonardo da Vinci . In the same you see upon two Squares the dispute concerning the Sacrament , by Raphael ; painted in Rome in the Palace of the Vatican . There are also divers designs of the most singulars Painters named in this Book . THE FAMOUS CLOSET OF Signior Manfredo Septale . THis Closet abounds with variety of Rarities , in Nature as well as Art , I shall only take notice of the best Paintings , being only proper to the thing in hand . 1. There is the Effigies of Galeazzo Septale , Captain of the Germans , and Great-unkle to Manfredo Septale . This Picture needs no other commendation than that it was the work of Titian . 2. The Picture of Ludovico Septale , Father to the same Manfredo , this is the work of Fide Gallitia , the most celebrated Paintress in the world . 3. The Annunciation of the B. Virgin Mary , the work of a certain Hollander eminent in the Court of Rome . 4. The Picture of Senator Septale , Brother to Manfredo , the work of Daniel Crispi a Painter of great repute . 5. There is a large Picture of the aforesaid , Daniel Crispi , relating to the Temptation of S. Anthony , a singular invention . 6. Another Picture of the most Illustrious and Reverend Bishop Charles Septale , Brother to Manfredo , the work of a Flemming , eminent in the City of Rome . 7. The Picture of Manfredo himself , the work of the above-named Daniel Crispi . 8. A small Picture of the B. Virgin Mary with S. Joseph and Christ an Infant taking of Fruits from S. Joseph , a work of singular beauty , and the work of that famous Woman Gallitia . 9. Another small Effigies of Ludovico Septale when he was a youth . 10. The Picture of the B. Virgin , with Christ , and S. John , being little Boyes , painted in a large Picture by great Raphael , the Prince of Painters . 11. A most Elegant Picture of a grave Matron , by Leonardo da Vinci . 12. A small , but most noble Picture , by Bernardino Luini , a famous Painter , in which is represented the Picture of the B. Virgin Mary , and Christ giving a Flower to S. John Baptist . 13. The Picture of Nontio Gallitii a famous Limner , and Father of Fide Gallitia , who painted this piece . 14. The Picture of Fide Gallitia in the flower of her age , done by her own hand . 15. The Picture of a Little Boy , the work of Fide Gallitia . 16. The Picture of the Duke of Ferrara , a singular work of Juliano . 17. Another Picture of Septale , the work of Bronzino , a Florentine . 18. The Picture of Gustavus Adolphus King of the Swedes , by an unknown hand . 19. The Picture of Christina Queen of the Swedes , and Daughter to Gustavus . 20. The Picture of Oliver Cromwell , by an unknown hand . 21. The Picture of the most Serene John Duke of Austria , the work of Paini . 22. The Picture of Pope Innocent the tenth . 23. The Picture of Pope Julius the second in the middle between two young Cardinals , viz. Cardinal Medici ( who was chosen Pope when he was but thirty three years of age , and called Leo the tenth ) and Cardinal Sixtus , the work of one of Raphael Vrbines Scholars . 24. A Woman of tall Stature with her Face hairy all over , every hair as long as ones hand , an egregious work of Paini . 25. The Picture of a Monster by an unknown hand . 26. The Picture of Two Virgins in Hunting habits . 27. A great Picture of Bassano , representing our Redeemer Crowned with Thorns , a Night-piece . 28. A Picture upon which two Painters of no mean Rank ( to wit Grosso and Duchino ) did vie with each other , in it there is expressed the B. Virgin with the Child Jesus , and B. Elizabeth , and a little S. John. 29. A Picture expressing the sad Accident which befell Lucretia Romana sheathing a Dagger in her Bowels , as an eternal signification of her inviolated Chastity , the work of Cerani . 30. S. James sitting on his Horse , and brandishing his Sword amongst his dispersed Souldiers , this is likewise a Picture of Cerani . 31. A S. Joseph , by Cerani . 32. A Busto , with the head of S. James , the work of Cerani . 33. The Woman believed to be a Whore , the work of that famous Painter Leonardo da Vinci . 34. David carrying in his hands the formidable head of the Giant Goliah , a singular work of Julius Caesar Procani , when he was young . 35. S. Francis with a Parrot , the work of Cerani's Sister . 36. A Lucretia , the work of Leone Aretini . 37. Another Lucretia , the work of Sardini . 38. S. Jerome accompanied with an Angelical Minstrel , the work of Vermilii . 39. The Picture of S. John , the work of Hercules Procacini . 40. An Anatomy naturally expressed by Daniel Crispo that eminent Painter , who painted most part of the great Carthusian Church at Tiacin . 41. The Picture of the most celebrated Jucunda , an Ornament in the King of France's Bed-chamber , a Copy from Leonardo da Vinci . 42. An Egyptian Woman , by Fide Gallitia , from an Original of Leonardo da Vinci . 43. A great Piece in which the Martyrdom of S. Cecilia is expressed , by Salimbono from an Original of Micerini . 44. Three large Pictures , Copied from the Paintings of Andrea del Sarto . 45. Two Pictures more of the same hand , in one is S. Agnes and S. Christina , in the other is S. Peter , and S. John. 46. The Picture of a Woman , a Natural work of Tintoret . 47. Herodias with S. John Baptist's head , the Head is the work of Cerani , Herodias the work of a Daughter of Cerani , and Wife to the Painter Melchiore Gherardino . 48. S. Jerome , and S. Lucia , the works of Metchiore Gherardino . 49. S. Jerome praying , a Night-piece , the work of Bassano . 50. A Picture containing the B. Virgin with h●r Son , and two Angels worshipping , the work of Soliano . 51. The B. Virgin with Jesus and S. John , a Copy from Raphael Vrbin , the Original of which is reckoned amongst the precious pieces that the King of France preserves . 52. An Emulous work of Luino , after Raphael Vrbino , expressing the B. Virgin , with her Son and a Pilgrim . 53. The B. Virgin with her Son and S. Joseph , Copied from Correggio , by Fide Gallitia . 54. The Blessed Virgin Mary habited after the Egyptian mode , likewise Copied from Correggio , by Fide Gallitia . 55. A Heifer , painted by Fide Gallitia . 56. The Virgin , with Jesus , S. Elizabeth , and S. John , the work of Leo Aresini . 57. Another Virgin with Christ an Infant sleeping , the work of Camillo Procacini . 58. Two singular Pictures , one of which is illustrated with S. Katherine , in the other is the B. Virgin Crowned with a Glory of Angels , the works of Bernardino Luini , and his Brother . 59. A great Picture in which is expressed the first Murther , viz. Cain giving the fatal stroke to his Brother Abel , an original of Guido Reno . There are also four other Pictures , Copied from the Originals of the same Guido Reno . 60. A Magdalen , by Hercules Procacino . 61. An Annunciation brought from Rome , a piece of singular beauty . 62. Three Pictures famous for three Heads , that of Homer , another of S. Jerome , the third of Moses , having in his hands the Tables of the Law ; the works of Tiroli . 63. Two Birds painted by Fide Gallitia . 64. A Porrot of the most beautiful sort , as also another Egyptian Bird , which were formerly live Ornaments in the House of Septale . 65. Daniel in the Lions Den , the Lions are the works of Daniel Crispi , after Brugora , but Daniel is the work of Melchiore Gherardino . 66. The Pictures of Exotick Animals , formerly familiar Ornaments in the House of Septale , now only beautifie two Squares , the chief of these is a Japan Bird called Micous , not so much famous for its diversity of colours , as for its Docibility , for when the Arch-Duke of Inspruck and the Arch-Dutchess of Austria were admiring , and praising of it , it answered scornfully , that Septale had given it them as a present to their most Serene Highnesses . 67. An Indian Crow . 68. Two large Landskips by the diligent hand of Pietro Florentino . 69. Two other Landskips of a lesser size , by the same Author . 70. A Tempest at Sea. 71. Another Prospect at Sea. 72. A Battle , by Carolo Battavo . 73. A Calm Sea , with many Sails displayed within the Haven , the work of a Fleming , after Brugora . 74. A great Landskip expressing a large Country , by Carolo a Sole . 75. King Priam's Palace in Flames , by Rudolpho . 76. Another Landskip after the life . 77. Another fair Prospect of a Countrey , the work of Pietro Flandro . 78. A great Picture representing Armed Women , and other Types of War. 79. The Picture of the Great Colossus , or the Amphitheatre at Rome , together with Constantine's Arch , done at Rome , by one Philipp . 80. Other small Landskips , expressed in six Pictures . 81. A most perfect piece of Brugora . 82. The Picture of K. Philip the fourth , the most potent Monarch of Spain , by Paint . 83. A small Picture in Limning , which represents Jesus going to Emaus , done at Rome . 84. Another small Picture , by Leonardo da Vinci . 85. Other two Pictures which represent the B. Virgin and Christ Crowned with Flowers . The City of Cremona . The Domo . ON the inside of the Front of this Domo there is a large History representing Christ Crucified between the Thieves , with many other Figures , a superb work of Pordenon . The City of Genoua . The Church of S. Stephen . HEre is to be admired the History of the Stoning of this Saint , a stately work of Giulio Romano . In divers places where the Gentlemen of Genoua assemble ( but chiefly that called the Imperial Assembly ) are seen divers Squares of great Titian . The publick Palace . Here is to be seen in a Hall , a Freeze of most beautifull Boyes , by the hand of Pordenon . The City of Lucca . The Domo . AT the third Altar on the right hand as you enter , you will find a Picture of our Redeemer's last Supper with the Apostles , the work of Tintoret . Near the Sepulchre of Cardinal Giudiccioni you see another Picture of the B. Virgin aud her Son Christ , Crowned by two Angels , at their Feet is an Angel playing upon the Lute , and on each side is S. John Baptist and S. Stephen , by Frae . Bartolomeo . In the Church of S. Romano , Fathers Dominicans . At the first Altar on your left hand as you enter , is another admirable Picture , wherein is expressed an Ecstasie of S. Katherine of Siena , and S. Magdalen with the Father Eternal in Glory . At the second Chapell on your right hand is a Picture of the abovesaid Fra. Bartolomeo , wherein is expressed the Virgin Mother of Mercy , blessing great numbers of people with her Garment , and above is the B Virgin with the Redeemer with his armes spread abroad , and shewing . Santa Maria , called Corte Landini . Here are two Pictures by Guido Reno , one is on the right hand of the great Altar representing the Virgin in the Snow , with Christ in her arms , and an Angel shaking off the Snow , with a S. Mary Magdalen , and S. Lucia . The other is on the left hand , with Christ on the Cross , at his Feet is S. Katherine a Virgin Martys , and S. Giulio a Martyr . The Church of S. Piero Samaldi . As you enter at the great Door , the first Altar on the left hand is by old Palma , where you find S. Anthony the Abbot in the middle of four other Saints . In S. Pietro Civoli . The third Altar on your left hand as you enter , is the work of Lanfranco , signifying the Martyrdom of S. Lorenzo . Near to the side Door , is likewise seen a Picture with Christ Crowning of S. Teresa , and over them are two Saints . In S. Maria without the Gates . Here are seen two Pictures by Guercin da Cento , both of them near the great Altar ; in one is S Lucia , in the other is the Assumption , with S. Sylvester Pope , and S. Francis of Asisi below . Pescia , ten miles distant from Lucca . In the Church called La Piere . ENtring this Church , in the utmost Chapell on your right hand , you see a stately Picture of the B. Virgin upon a Throne with her Son in her Armes , and two little Angels , with divers Saints on each side , an admirable work of incomparable Raphael . Alla Piere de Lamari two miles distant from Lucca . The Church . HEre is seen a Picture of the abovesaid Raphael , with the B. Virgin , S. Anthony , S. Bartholomew , and S. Bernardino of Siena , an admirable work . In this same Church , and in the first Chapell on your right hand as you enter , you see a Bishop and an holy Martyr , with two Ritrattos on their knees , and above the Altar is the Father Eternal , it is the work of an unknown Author , but a piece so beautiful that it does not give place to any Master whatsoever . RAPHAEL d' Vrbina Nat : Aº 1483. portrait of Raphael The City of Naples . The Chapell of Tesoro . IN divers parts of this Chapell you see Histories relating to several Saints , singular works of Dominichino . In the same Chapell are likewise seen divers stupendious works by the hand of Giovanni Lanfranco . The Church of S. Dominico . In this Church you see a most stately Picture of divers Saints , by the hand of great Raphael . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A31044-e1940 * Or Hermits . * So termed amongst the Italians . * A particular manner different from painting in Oyle . * Black and white . * Differing from other manners of Painting ▪ * A terme of art for Black amd White . * Being the usual manner of Polidoro's painting . Notes for div A31044-e9370 * Frequently so called amongst the Italians . Notes for div A31044-e11960 * Represented by a Crowned Virgin holding a Scepter in one hand , and a pair of Scales in the other . † Or Duke of Venice . * Represented by flinging Thunderbolts from Heaven . * Or Pictures by the life . * Which was not to paint in above two or three colours . * So called from his bold manner of painting . * Or face after the life . Notes for div A31044-e30740 * Or Gypsy . 
A92196	----	An itinerary contayning a voyage, made through Italy, in the yeare 1646, and 1647. Illustrated with divers figures of antiquities. Never before published. / By Jo: Raymond, Gent. Raymond, John, Gent. This text is an enriched version of the TCP digital transcription A92196 of text R33233 in the English Short Title Catalog (Thomason E1128_1). Textual changes and metadata enrichments aim at making the text more computationally tractable, easier to read, and suitable for network-based collaborative curation by amateur and professional end users from many walks of life. The text has been tokenized and linguistically annotated with MorphAdorner. The annotation includes standard spellings that support the display of a text in a standardized format that preserves archaic forms ('loveth', 'seekest'). Textual changes aim at restoring the text the author or stationer meant to publish. This text has not been fully proofread Approx. 253 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 168 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. EarlyPrint Project Evanston,IL, Notre Dame, IN, St. Louis, MO 2017 A92196 Wing R415 Thomason E1128_1 ESTC R33233 99872350 99872350 169401 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A92196) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 169401) Images scanned from microfilm: (Thomason Tracts ; 164:E1128[1]) An itinerary contayning a voyage, made through Italy, in the yeare 1646, and 1647. Illustrated with divers figures of antiquities. Never before published. / By Jo: Raymond, Gent. Raymond, John, Gent. Cross, Thomas, fl. 1632-1682, engraver. [48], 284, [4] p. : ill. (metal cuts) Printed for Humphrey Moseley, and are to be sold at his Shop at the Princes Armes in St. Pauls Church-yard, London : 1648. With an additional title page, engraved, "Il Mercurio Italico communicating a voyage made through Italy ..", signed: T. Cross sculpt. The first leaf is blank except for signature-mark "A". With a final errata and imprimatur leaf; the last leaf is blank. Annotation on Thomason copy: "nou: 2d". Reproduction of the original in the British Library. eng Italy -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800. A92196 R33233 (Thomason E1128_1). civilwar no An itinerary contayning a voyage, made through Italy, in the yeare 1646, and 1647.: Illustrated with divers figures of antiquities. Never b Raymond, John, Gent 1648 40925 29 50 0 0 0 0 19 C The rate of 19 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the C category of texts with between 10 and 35 defects per 10,000 words. 2007-07 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2007-07 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2008-05 Elspeth Healey Sampled and proofread 2008-05 Elspeth Healey Text and markup reviewed and edited 2008-09 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion AN ITINERARY Contayning A VOYAGE , Made through ITALY , In the yeare 1646 , and 1647. Illustrated with divers figures of Antiquities . Never before Published . By Jo : RAYMOND , Gent. LONDON , Printed for Humphrey Moseley , and are to be sold at his Shop at the Princes Armes in St. Pauls Church-yard . 1648. Roma Venetia Plebeae sane sunt istae animae quae suis affixae terris bona resident 〈◊〉 divinior est quae c●●●um Imitatur et gaudet metu . Il MERCURIO ITALICO Communicating A Voyage Made through Italy in the yeares 1646 & 1647 by I. R. Gent. Ne Plus Mome Vltra J. Cross Sculpt . London Printed for Hum : Moseley & are to be sold at 〈◊〉 shop at ye Princes Armes in St. Paules Church-yard . 1648 TO MY READERS Howsoever Qualified . Gentlemen , DEdicatory leaves to a Book , like a Curtaine before a picture , only beget some higher expectation of the Piece ; A weather beaten Traveller needs no such Vmbrilla as a Patron to shroud under . Though this Booke was not writ to bee Printed , yet the worst ( infallibly ) are printed to be read . My intention was to confine this wanderer to my Closet and no farther ; till the advice of some familiar , and command of Superiour Friends prest mee to exchange a single Manuscript for more Numerous Prints . I can challenge no other inducement then that I expose some Novelties which I question not but this age will disgest . For the cutts I have hither transported , interpret me not so much desirous to grace the Page , as to preserve Antiquity . My choyce consisting of those things I never before saw publisht . I Speake plurally through my whole Transcursion , because that particle ( wee ) implyes asseveration , or in Reference to Gentlemen my fellow Travellers , who can affirme what I relate . Some ( though strange yet no Contradiction ) have seene this Booke before the Authour pend it ; to those my sentence is referd : such as looke into forraine parts through the spectacles of Imagination only , have no Patent either to Justify or condemne me , to these therefore may I appeare a Romance , to the others a Reall story . J. R. TO THE Most Illustrious PRINCE CHARLES , Prince of Great BRITAINE , Duke of Cornwall and Aubigny , Earle of Chester , &c. May it please Your Highnesse , T Is humbly conceiu'd the duty of all the youth of ENGLAND to dedicate themselves and their endeavours to your HIGHNESSE : not onely in regard of your Native but Acquired Greatnesse , which drawes the eyes of all Good Men upon Your HIGHNESSE Person and Actions . This Sir makes mee humbly beg leave to lay my first fruits at Your HIGHNESSE feet , which ( without farther Presumption ) is the utmost Ambition of Your Highnesse most humble and most faithfully devoted JOHN RAYMOND . A LETTER from a most ingenious Freind , to whom the Authour sent His Mercurio Italico . SIR , I Returne your Papers by that hand which brought them : I have runne swiftly over your Itinerary , but am not so impudent to pronounce my thoughts on it ; unlesse I had more time or a steaddier Brain ; for after my riding three dayes poast I am fitter for sleep then Epistles . The thing most observable of all your Travells is your selfe , who are able to graspe so much of the World , when 't is not twice ten yeares since you came into it . I conceive it flowes from your good nature , thus to set markes on your severall Stages , that the Prints are visible to your freinds and Country : 'T was usefully done , since now so many of us are doom'd to wander , not like Cain for drawing blood , but for asking Peace . Did others follow your example , this unhabitable-VVorld would have more Manners and lesse News . Many Itineraries I have seene in Latine , few in English , and those so partiall , that Countries are describ'd ( as Committees do Gentlemen ) not as they are , but as they would have them . 'T is a Noble Meditation how Greece and Italy ( two great Champions ) looke over the Water , Daring and threatning and watching each other ; 't was once so 'twixt France and England . Such as have seen them will say how exactly you shew us Rome , Venice , Florence , Naples , Milan , Genua , Bolonia , Padua , and those other Glories beyond the Alpes : to me this great limbe of the World ( Italy you know is a leg ) not your foot but your hand hath gone over as a brief , elegant , smart Anatomist . But I am sorry you mention Virgils Tombe , for now people will thinke hee is mortall ; sure his owne Pile ( built three stories high , of Eclogues , Georgicks , and Aeneads ) will last as long as the round World . In this Journey others went before you , so as you are forc'd almost upon gleanings , yet here ( as in the Field ) gleanings put togeather are the best of the Corne . Now you are come home , you 'l have stranger sights then any abroad ; you 'l see Great Brittaine a Floating Island , and the most vertuous Monarch under Heaven cast into a small Isle as on some plank in a great Ship-wrack . You 'l find London ( like the Spleen in the Body ) hath rendred other Parts poore and languid ; so as now England is but one great Towne ; this London all sides do court and hate , and shee is so much cocknay to thinke it will continue , having kickt at all , and made no freind . Sir , when you behold a Kingdome without a King , a Church without Clergy , a University without Scholars , you 'l grant wee have a thorough Reformation . But two houres since I saw a better sight then Italy affords ; 't is His Highnesse the Prince of Wales , who for Soule and Body is sure the most hopefull Prince in the Christian World ; whose comming hether this afternoone brings a floud of businesse ( as well as joy ) on all the English in this Towne , especially on such as come for Dispatches ; and that 's the very reason why now you must excuse , Sir , Amiens Iul : 11. Stilo novo 1648. Your most affectionate humble Servant . J. BERKENHEAD . On his Friends Mercurio Italico . GOe with your Hellish Heliconish spells , Raise puffpast , kneade unleav'ned sillables , Expatiate on a page in Tiptoe sence To pacifie the witts concupisence Make Cupid dance o' th Ropes ; O! this is sport Will drill the Tenements of the — — — Planetick N●ntio tell him that peepes here Tyber and Thames concorporate this yeare . Minnums , leave Padling in your feeble Geare . Marke how the lusty Gray Beards hugg each other Their Elementall sobbs the consort smother . These to their Native Beds Retreate ; But see Antiquity swadled in a Novelty . Yet no Booth Progeny to be Gaz'd on Guest , Nor Loud ones with the Mandeville posest ; Rare , not miraculous Blusterers that can Preach up the Booke but chatechise the Man . What though * Hells Centinell that Champion stout , Spit wildfire , Blow the Dayes Taper out ? Or those insulting † Gogmagogs rehearse But pimples in the Corpulent Vniverse ; All 's safe : Begin thy Voyage Reader , trye ; Delay will Annalize a Diary . Travells goe twice abroad , both merit Praise ; First they drive dayes to yeares , then yeares to dayes . J. N. An Introduction to ITALY . IT is preeminence enough methinkes for Italy that shee did then sway the Allcoercive Scepter on Earth , when our Redeemer assum'd the flesh . To her we owe our Civility ; shee purchast it by conquests in the Levant ; Propogated it by Victories in the North , till dispairing of a Farther Plantation the Picts wall was her Vltima Thule ; perhaps least that people should have stumbled at the Innovation . To bee Retrograde on this subject were to rob History of her birthright , to insist on my owne ocular observation but veniall vsury . There are three evitable dangers that divert some from this Voyage ; the first is the heates of the Climate ; A second , that horrible ( in Report ) Inquisition ; the last , Hazard of those mercilesse Out Lawes Banditas . The first may bee allayd by Moderation , the second prevented by discretion ; the last avoided by the defence of those states you passe through . This Duke of florence quite extirpated that savage Race out of his Dominions by raising a competent number ; that personated Robbers and joynd in league with the reall ones till they fouud opportunity to dispatch them . As there is connivance at the Luterani ( for so they terme us ) so t is rashnesse to proclaime ones opinion , weakenesse to disclose it : This may gaine the Odium of the Better , this the injuries of the Vulgar . A novice of late so soone as he was come to Florence , said , Methinks this place is somewhat popishly affected . Another with more pardonable ignorance when his Host askt him whether he was walking in the Afternoone , replyd , to Masse . One of my Cotemporaries discoursing with a Fryar , in a Complemēt protested he did reverence Clergy men for that he was the sonne of a Priest in England : which the Monke could not conster but either an Irony to his Order , or Infamous to the Gentlemans owne descent . The most cautious tongue is incident to these Errours ; yet that nation is not so scrupulous as to take notice of a strangers words or actions unlesse openly scandalous ; for as Heretico is a name utterly detestable , so Tramontano by the Multitude is held contemptible , which low reputation begets a happy privacy to the Reserv'd Forreigner . That sort of People which Travellers have most agitation with as Vetturino's Hosts & the like , are very peremptory and crosse , which if you menace they wil repaire with double insolence ; knowing that if in the contest their Stilletto should do mischiefe , the next Church may be their Asylum , where no Law or violence can attempt them . The safest way is Dissimulation , and to winne better Accommodation amongst them disparage not , rather commend the worst . Their Osterias or Innes stand usually alone , remote from any Village , so that Passengers must bee content with what those Tabernae can afford , and he that seemes to dislike their feeble * Minestra perhaps shall have nothing but an * Allegramente for amends . This Inference I lay hold on to speake more amply of the Italian . Whilst Rome wore the Imperiall Diadem of the subdued World , it might have been a disputable Criticisme , whither Rome stood in Italy ; or Italy in Rome , That voice of fame which attributed all to the Roman ; derogated from the Renowne of the Italian : Now , since Rome did resigne the Crowne to the Miter ; Italy allowes her no Supremacy , but Ecclesiasticall ; and in the generall voge t is the most proper phrase to say such a man is an Italian , though a Native of Rome . However , in the Survey of this present Generation I finde a residue of the old Genius still surviving . That Roman Generosity yet runnes in the bloud of their Noble Families , which ( I have heard ) can draw their Pedigree from the great Masters of the World ; as that of the Savelli from Scipio Africanus . Neither doth the height of their spirits argue lesse . The Neopolitan is so elevated with his imaginary Revennewes that in his deepest poverty hee will speake thousands rather then betray his wants . One will sit gravely before his doore picking his teeth , and condemne the Capon hee eate last ; when a morsell of Bread would passe downe merrily . Another I have seen begging in this method : first he lookes about to see whether the Coast be cleare , before hee will utter one suppliant word ; then hee approaches in a more submisse straine , yet if any one chance to cast an eye that way ; he retreates to familiarity ; Pressing the justnesse of his Demands till hee obtaines the almes ; which if but a penny or so , hee casts it contemptibly in the Donours face , but soone after peaceably searches for the money , and when t is found prayes for the Benefactour . This is consonant with the Spaniard , so is the Genuesian as lofty as his buildings , so proud in his Garbe , that at our first nights Supper in Genua , some Fidlars came to welcome us with their Musick , but with so grave and stately a Preamble , that wee all withdrew from our seats to salute the men , imagining them no lesse then Magistrates . The Plebeians or Commonalty of Italy savour much of the Goths and Vandalls ; yet even these are frequently distinguisht with the worthy Appellations of Julio , Flaminio , Fabio , &c. In the Campagna di Roma I once espyde a Labourer tilling the ground neer some decayed Monuments ; whereupon I made towards the fellow and askt him what those Ruines were ; Hee answered mee , hee knew nothing ; but he had often heard his Grandfather tell a Story of one Signor Romolo , that fought there . A twinckling Tradition and implies much . They have a Recreation certainly deriv'd from their Ancestours , viz : La Mora , anciently micare Digitis , at the first it appeares but childishly ridiculous ; after better acquaintance , a kinde of Conjuration ; T is of force to binde the Fancy ; yet the most illiterate are best at the Game . And no wonder since this Ayre hath from all Ages checherisht the strongest Atlase's for Invention and Art . What Braine but Italian could contrive Engines to raise so vast a Moles as the Vatican Obelisque . Observe what machivillian unheard of Weapons they devise to surprize an enemy unawares . At Venice I saw a pocket Church Booke with a Pistoll hid in the binding , which turning to such a Page , discharges . A plot ( I conceive ) to entrap him you hate , whilst you are at your devotions together , when there 's least suspition . Another as rare , is a Pocket stone-Bow , which held under a Cloake shoots needles with violence to pierce a mans body , yet leaves a wound scarce discernable . A third is a walking staffe in appearance ; at the top is a Spring which graspt hard , at the other end will jet forth a Rapier with force enough to kill at a yards distance . A fourth is a Gunne to bee charg'd with winde , which for six paces will not faile of execution with a small or no report . To these I may adde their curious ( yet Illegall ) tricks in poyson , some mortall by smelling to , others that given now , shall have no operation till many moneths after . Some will attempt to poyson Rivers if they can but finde the Source or Fountaine ; and in Milan there stands a Pillar cald Colonna Infame , rais'd where a Magicians house was puld downe , who for a time poysond the whole City . I omit not their excellency in Statuary , Limming , Architecture , Gardning , Sceanes , Musick , in which all Europe gives them the precedency . In what perfection they have these faculties you may conclude from these Instances . Upon a Sepulcher in S. Peters at Rome , in a Combent posture lie the feminine Statues of Old age , and of Youth ; In the latter the Sculpturer hath so exceeded Nature , for Limbes , Features and Comelinesse , that t is said a Spaniard at his Beads left his Devotions to expiate his sense on that Niobe-like Lady , and for that reason a vaile of black Marble now covers Youths nakednesse ; whilst her neighbour old Age wants a Smock . For limming , one Mattia Casale of Sienna ( though no eminent Artist ) drew the Picture of a Prince so exactly , and with that vivacity , that in the Princes eyes , hee plac't his own Effigies perfectly discernable as in the Originall . Sir Henry Wotton a friend to Ingenuity , and a great admirer of it in the Italian , had transported out of Italy a Piece of two Dogs combating for a bone , done with that life ; that a third more living Curre entring into the Roome , very eagerly assaulted the Colours , which wanted nothing but motion , to resist him . For their Architecture I referre you to their Cities ; A Flandrian Embassadour leaving Florence , told the Great Duke his City deserv'd to bee seen never but on Holy-dayes . For their Gardens , I dare considently avow all Christendome affords none so voluptuous , as those within the Walls and Territory of Rome ; and at Bagnaia ( as I remember ) there 's a Walke for a hundred paces archt with Fountaines , so that a man may passe drye under the Element of water ; A trick might raise a Question in the Schooles . Their Sceanes , ( or as they terme them Operas ) are Regalios , they have not yet fully communicated to us , their other Arts wee daily borrow . A yeare since in a Representation at Venice , Phaeton in his Charriot drawne by foure Naturall well pamperd Steeds , were all hurld over the Theater in an Artificiall cloud . In this they but imitate Nature , marke how they subdue her . At the Marriage of the Duke of Florence there was brought on the Stage a Balletta , or dance of Horses ; whilst an Ape playde the ayre on a Gittarre ; A Florentin said a third Miracle was intended , Viz : a Consort of Parachitos voices , but the Schollars had not got their lesson perfect against the day appointed for the Nuptialls . They are so addicted to Musick , especially that of the Voyce , ( which indisputably is the best , ) that great Persons keep their Castrati , viz. Eunuch's whose throates and complexions scandalize their breeches . Neither is the Rout lesse propense to that though with lesser skill and art ; There 's no Fachin or Cobler but can finger some Instrument ; so that when the heats of the Day are tyr'd out to a coole Evening ; the Streets resound with confused , yet pleasant Notes . Their Carnavall is the fitest Season to vent any humours ; Hee 's most extold that can act the Mimick best : So many men , so many Crochets ; some abusive , others for Mirth . A Sanesian perhaps to satyrize on the French Vanity , got on a Sute a la Mode with all things correspondent ; but for his trimming , where wee place Gold Buttons ( as downe the Breeches . Round the knees , along the skirts &c. ) he wore little Hobby Horse Bells , and on his Crest stood a Cocks combe Triumphant ; Thus whilst he footed it gingerly through the streets , the spectators voushsaft him no other Title then Monsieur . From these passages I have here cited the Reader may collect of what temper this people is , by these following what that of the Country . Southern climates ( Philosophically ) refine the braine ; those that have adorn'd Italy with their singular endowments , owe perhaps as much to their Countrey , as she to them . Yet most certainely had Romulus his Successours aspird no farther then the Mud wall hee left them ; had those Legions of Worthies never beene borne there , wee should never have had such an esteeme of this Cisalpine clod ; the fertility of which I attribute not to the Soyle , but Site . The Earth yealdes these five Harvests successively ; First , in June , that of Silke ; in July , of diverse fruits ; in August , that of Corne , which they afterwards sow with Millio , Rice , Turkie Wheate , or the like graine , and within two moneths have another croppe . In September that of their wines . In October , that of Oyle . Most of those places celebrated by the old Poets for the rich gifts of Bacchus are degenerated from their pristine worth , yet in lieu of those , others are so enobled , that in a Moderate computation they have no lesse then twenty distinct Species of Liquor to please the Gusto ; the most dilicious , ( and but the Ethnick Ambrosia in a Christian Phrase ) they call Lachrymae Christi . They have few trees but what wee have seene in these parts . The Hesperian Apple , or Orange Tree is of a most ravishing beauty perpetually Verdant , bearing an Hortyard of Blossoms , greene and ripe Fruite altogether . Amongst their Medicinall Plants scarce knowne amongst us but in Apothicaries shoppes ; I tooke notice of one Odoriferous Hearbe called Basilico , which hath this innate power , that if laid under a stone in some moyst place , in two dayes it produceth a Scorpion , this I can assert by experience , and to countenance this story , there fell out a strange accident in my stay at Siena . A Gentleman was so pleas'd with the smell of this Basilico , that he had some dry'd and beaten into powder , which he snuft up , imagining it of the same force with Tobacco to cleare the head , but hee bought the experience at the price of his life , for hee dyed distracted ; His skull being afterwards opened by the Chyrurgion , a nest of Scorpions were found feeding on his Braine . For their creatures they have many not known to this Island , but for curiosity . About Rome they plow the land with Buffolos ; neere Sienna they hunt the wild Boare , with the Rowbuck , the Wolfe , the Porcupine , and the Tasso Cane or Mountaine Dog . They have many Reptilias , of strange natures . The Cimici are most Troublesome bed fellowes ; but Fleas in Folio , yet so dainty , as they will chuse their flesh ; my Chamberfellowes face hath lookt bigge as Boreas with them in one night , when they have not so much as toucht my skin , or disturbd my sleepe . They are very offensive to his nostrills that destroyes them . The Cantherides are greene flyes by day , and in the night passe about the fields ( a pleasing spectacle ) like flying Glowormes with fire in their Tayles . A Rimarra is a Philanthropall creature in forme like a Lyzzard , in bignesse much exceeding it . A Countryman told mee nature had so provided that the property of that beast was thus ; If a Peasent lay to repose himselfe in the shade , The Rimarra will vigilantly attend him , if a Serpent approach ( with which she is at enmity ) shee tickles the Countryman in the eare ; summoning him to stand on his guard . No lesse strange though true is the report of the Tarantula which some say is a Flye ; but at the opening of a doore in the Vatican their skipt out a creature not much unlike an Eft , onely with longer clawes , at which some Italians then in our company cryd out Vna Tarantula Tarantula The venome of the Tarantula is of such operation as hee that is stung while the fit continues falls a caparing ; and nothing can allay it but Musick . I saw a Capuchian at Siena who was perfectly well in his sences all the yeare till precisely the day came about whereon hee received a Bite of a Tarantula , then on a suddaine hee would skip like a Madman . Were these occurrences as Pleasing to my Reader as to my selfe , I should build gates for my Cities to run out of : This roughly hewed Portaile resembles the Alpes which past , behold Rome the Holy . Page 67 Venice the Rich. pag. 187 Naples the Gentle . p. 138 Florence the faire . p 28 Genua the Superbe . p. 10 Milan the Great . p. 238 Bolonia the Fat . p. 168 Padua the Learned . p. 205 Verona the Ancient . p. 226 AN ITENIRARY CONTAINING A breife Narration of a Voyage made through Italy , in the yeare 1646. and 1647. THere are but two ordinary passages out of France into Italy , the one over the Alpes , the other by the Mediterranean Sea , those commonly which goe by the first , returne by the second , and so contrary . We ( November being quite expired ere we left France ) for our owne convenience preferred a boate before a horse , I meane the Sea voyage , before the Land . Wherefore being come to Antibe the utmost City of France , wee found favour of the Governour ( it being a Frontiere and place of strength ) in giving us a Bill of health , without which it is very difficult to enter into any of the Italian States or Cities , & having over night procured a Filoaco to carry us all our way to Genua if so be wee mett with no Boate of returne betwixt thence and Monaco ; the next morning we departed , and about nine in the forenoone came before Nice in Savoy , situated on the Sea side , but hath no Port , the buildings are after the Italian , & it is commanded by a strong Castle that stands on a hill . Finding no convenience of imbarquing better here we sayled on , but at the point of Land that turnes towards Morgues , there arose a contrary winde , which forc't us to retyre into the next harbour , to wit Villa Franca ( aunciently called Portus Herculis ) where by permissiō of the Governour of the Citadell we lay that night . This place likewise belongs to the Duke of Savoy . The next day going out of the Haven we met with a Genova Filouco , & having agreed for our passage in that , quitted our former , yet no sooner were we in the boat but a Tempest drove us againe into the harbour ; so that we lost that day entirely . The day following we had both faire weather , & a calme Sea , which encourag'd our watermen to adventure out ; about 2. miles from Villa Franca we dis - a great vessell making towards us , which our Boatmen seemed to feare taking it , for a Turkish man of War , but we were afterwards informed to the cōtrary . A little further we strooke into the Port of Monaco , and after an houre or two stay there , the wind growing contrary , our Boatmen wisht us to tarry longer least wee should be exposed to a greater inconvenience , which wee the more willingly condiscended too , in regard , t is so remarkable a place as no stranger can well passe without especiall observation thereof ; for I must confesse I know no so small a principality of the like consideration , either for strength or riches ; The Prince of the family of the Grimaldi of Genua , is in his state soveraine , and coynes mony , but hath still some greater King for his Protector , of late yeares hee left the Spanish party , and gave himselfe with this his cheife Towne , to the King of France's tuition , so that at our arrive there , there was a strict garison of French ; the Marquis of Corbon being then Governour to whom wee had addresse from his Brother in Law at Antibe , us'd us very civilly , and sent a souldier with us ; to shew us all the rarityes that are there to be seene . Monaco ( whether I may properly call it a Town or Castle I know not ) is situated on the top of a rockey Promontory of incredible hard accesse , inviron'd with strong walls , within which are some streets very neately representing the face of a City , in the middest is a spacious court fit for to exercise military discipline in , at the end is the Princes Palace , which though Beautifull on the outside yet contains greater wealth within , cheifly in his Gardrobe , where the variety of Tapistries the great quantity of plate , with the vastnesse of vessels , as Fountaines , Tables , and such like of pure silver , striks amazement into him that sees it , besides this rich furniture , there are two Cabinets or Galeries of rare curiosities which excepting the Duke of Florences , may be equaled with most of that nature in Italy : amongst other singularities I was much taken with the statue of an Indian of Porphyre , and other materiall , as likewise a gemmery compil'd of severall pretious stones with these letters ; Otium Francisci Bembi ; The Prince was then in enlarging this Palace , and beautifying it with Marbles and waterworks . Having with great satisfaction seene all the particularities of this place , we returned downe to our Inne , and it growing towards night , some few howers before our departure a hard accident befell us , which was the losse of our Bill of health , wherefore though it was darke and the watch was set , yet wee sent up a letter by a string to the Governour , who very courteously returned us a Ticket of larger extent then our former . At midnight wee departed from Monaco past eight miles farther by Menton , a village belonging to the same Prince , and about breake of day we came before Vintimiglia the first city ( towards France ) of the Republique of Genua , from hence we were in view of the mountaines of Corsica and foure miles farther we past by Saint Remes , where the shore ( which is called by the name of the rive of Genua ) is all covered with Orange , Citron , and Date Trees . Past the rest of that day without seeing any thing remarkable , unlesse Porto Mauritio , where heretofore there was a very good Port which the Genuesians ruin'd , fearing it should bring prejudice to their owne . Towards night we strooke in at Oneille , a city which seemes to interrupt the Genois dominions , and belongs to the Duke of Savoy . After we had supt wee tooke boate and sayled all night by many Townes , viz. Diano , Araisse , where they fish for Corall , Albengue , Luan , a city of the Prince of Oria a Genois , Final a place of strength and the only garrison the King of Spaine hath in these coasts ; the Port though small yet serves much in the conveyance of men and amunition towards Milan . This place commonly pillageth strangers , they taking all for Frenchmen ; but ( praysed be God ) wee past quietly , and towards breake of day came before Savona ; The most ancient and greatest city of the Genevoisat after Genua it selfe . Behind this city , the Apennines that cleave Italy in sunder begin to take their rise . From hence to Genua is 35. Italian miles ; all which way one goes more and more into the pleasantnesse of Italy , the whole board being fild with Country Seats and Villages , which for beauty surpasse many cities I have seene elsewhere . Amongst those San Pietro d' Arania ( whither the richer Genuesians retire themselves in the sommer , and indeed may bee call'd another Genua for the gallantry of the buildings ) is the best ; but three miles distant from Genua , the Metropolis of that most flourishing Republick , which contains so stately Palaces , that from all the rest of Italy , it hath gotten the name of Genua the superbe . T is situated at the foot of very high mountaines , which though sterile , yet want nothing that Art can enrich them with ; In gardens , water-workes , and the like . That which exceeds all the rest , is the Prince of Orias Palace , reaching from the bottome of the shoare , to the top of the mountaines , divided into three gardens . In the first whereof the Terrasses or Porches one above another bore up with marble Pillars , is very magnificent , as likewise the Fountaine of the Eagles , and the Family of Neptune : at the one side that famous Cage of ironworke , which is of so vast an extent that it encloseth a wood of Cypresse and other trees . The other two are fild with Grottes , Orange trees ; and other variety of delights : At the upper part of all stands the statue of Jupiter tonant . Within the Pallace the Gardrobe full of rarietyes ; the Tapestries and precious Furuiture declare greatly the richnesse of that Prince . Next to this is the house of Hieronimo del Negro , where the excellent Pictures , the fall of waters , the Fountain , the Piscina , the Grove and other delightfull departments , are well worth seeing . On all sides of the City is an infinity of such places of pleasure , especially round about the Port , which is of a large circuit , resembling much the forme of a Theatre enclos'd with faire buildings . T is defended by a solid Bulwarke ( which they call Il Mole ) that lyes about 2 hundred paces into the Sea , rais'd at a very great expence : Opposite to that a rocky Promontory casts it selfe forth , at the head whereof stands a very lofty Pharos , bearing a lanterne of more then an ordinary bignesse , to guide Ships in the night : Within the Haven is a place where the Gallyes lay , every one in a particular Classis . As for the City it selfe , it is enough to say the Genuesians live in a Kingly luxury , and I believe it is the best built and compacted City , not onely of Italy , but also of Europe . The houses generally are very high , the streets for the most part ( its onely fault ) are somewhat narow , so that no Coaches are here admitted , which though an inconvenience , yet preserves the wayes more cleane and neater . I except here that spacious , long , even , and indeed Mistris of streets the Strada Nova , which I am confident may be justly preferd before any in Christendome , so proud in Architecture , so rich in Marbles are the Palaces t is fild with . The fairest one belongs to the Duke of Oria. Amongst the publick Edifices , the Exchange or Merchants Hall . the Dukes Palace with the Armory for 30 thousand men deserv'd our walking to . Neither are the Genuesians lesse splendid , in adorning their Consecrated places ; witnesse the mighty quantity of polish't Marble , wherewith all the Churches are fild , especially San Lorenzo the Dome , and Santo Ambrosio belonging to the Jesuites . But that which surpasseth all , and is of most admiration , is the Chappell of the Anunciade , begun to bee built not many yeares since at the expence of one Family , ( whose Palace joynes to it ) yet is of so incredible richnesse for the red and white Marble Pillars , and other ornaments , that one would imagine the revenues of a whole City could not bee enough to raise so glorious a Worke as that will be when t is finisht . Finally , the Genuesians to defend this their brave City , have encompast it with Walls no lesse commendable for beauty and strength , then prodigious for their large extent . The people of this Common-wealth are habited all alike , somewhat tending towards the Spanish Mode ; and are of a very austere and superbe humour , hardly vouchsafing to look so low as a stranger , wherefore having with much satisfaction seene their Flourishing Estate , wee left them . We set out from Genua in a Filouca about Sun-setting , and having sayld all that night , about noone the next day we strooke into Porto Venere , and after dinner crost the Golfe of Aspecia , ( which is defended with many strong Fortifications ) to Lerizi . This Bourg being the mid way from Genua to Ligourne ( such is the villany of the watermen in these parts ) if they get their passengers , chiefly strangers hither , they will so delay their departure , pretending the inconveniences of the weather , that by lying still at so great an expence , they may bee forc'd to give them their pay , and to hire horses for the rest of the way by Land . Which trick wee were forc't to suffer patiently , after a day and halfes attendance for our boat . Hence we tooke Post , and having past through the Olive woods , over the hills that lay neerest the shoare , wee came into a low plaine Countrey , which continued so to Ligorne . First we past the River Magre , then went by Sarazana , a good City , and last of the dominion of Genua , after that we came into the Principality of Massa , wherin we past by Lavenza and Carrara , where out of the hills they dig great store of Marble , and then through Massa it selfe , where the Prince resides in Estate Soveraigne . The Towne is very pleasant , standing in a Territorie fruitfull in Orange trees and other fruits . Hence wee came suddenly into Tuscany , but quickly left it , falling into a woody Country , belonging to the State of Lucas , and so to Viregio , under the same power , standing at the mouth of a small river , which runnes from Lucques . Here we were forc't to lye , and the next morning some two mile farther wee past the river that parts the Republique of Lucques from Toscany , and so in the morning arriv'd at Pisa . Which City was heretofore a great free state of it selfe , but at the rising of the family of the Medicis on which line the Dukes of Etruria successively runne , this with many other noble cities , was reduced to the great Dukes subjection . From whom it hath received many Embellisments . T is situated in a Marshy land , so that the unholesomnesse of the aire renders it scarce of the native people , much more of strangers which seldome tarry any longer then to see the rarities of the place . Amongst which I preferre that worthy peece of arte the Falling Tower which travellers boast of , ( and not undeservedly ) as one of the most mervellous things they see in the voyage of Italy . T is cover'd round with galleries & 7. rowes one above another of Marble Pillars , so that 't is hard to bee imagin'd by what engines so great a structure should be supported , it being built so declining to one side , that all men which regard it , at the first expect its fall . Hard by is the Dome or Cathedrall Church of Pisa ; where threescore Pillars testifie as well its Antiquity , as the Gates of Brasse its rarity . Joyning to this is the Campo Santo , or Cimetiere firm'd in with a wall of Marble , and much resembles a Cloyster ; in the midst is the Church yard from whence the place hath its denomination , that implies the holy Field ; because halfe the ground was brought from Jerusalem , and it hath a particular propriety , that all bodies which are buried there , are consum'd within the space of 40. houres . Here are likewise reserv'd many Ancient Urnes , which , with the story of the Old and New Testament painted of old worke , make the place very venerable . Hard by is the Baptistary , or San Giovanni ; wherein , the Font , and pulpit leaning on foure Lyons , will for the preciousnesse of the stone , yield to no other in Italie . Leaving the Area where these things stand together , a little more into the towne is the Chappell and Palace , of the Knights of the Order of St. Stephen , the Frontespiece of the Chappell is of Marble neatly pollish't . The inside is adorn'd with the truest Ensignes of Valour ; I meane Trophees taken from the common enemies of Christianity , the Turkes . Before their Palace is the statue of the great Duke Cosmus , with a Fountain . This Dignity of Knighthood is much like to that of Malta , both to maintain Christs cause against the Mahometans , yet these may marrie , the others I conceive may not : These weare a red Crosse for their badge in this fashion . ✚ From hence we walk't to the Physitians garden , which is more for use then delight ; although there be good walks , & water-works that well washt us , yet for the most 't is cover'd with simples , outlandish Plants and the like . Joyning to it is a gallery very commodious for Medecinall things , it abounding with all curiosities of Nature , as forreign creatures , Stones , Mineralls , and whatsoever strange the farthest Indies produce . In generall , this City stands so opportunely , as few like for the receiving of all forreign Wares . In the midst thereof runnes the river Arno , from thence to its Embuschment navigable for very great Vessels , so that here is a place where the Duke builds his Gallies : On one side of the river , is a faire street cald Longarno , where is the great Dukes Palace , and before it the statue of Ferdinand the third ; On the other side is the Exchange , little , but of Marble , then which nothing more common in Italy . In a word , 't is prayse enough , to say t is the third City under the great Duke , who I thinke hath the fairest of what Prince soever . Having taken a satisfactory view hereof , we went on our way to Ligourne , whither there is an hourely convenience of a Coach to transport Merchandise from Ligorne to Pisa , the Duke hath made an artificiall Channell , of 15. miles long , which bares small boates like to Venetian Gondoloes . The Escluse of which Channell we saw at our setting forth out of Pisa , cover'd for 250. paces . The most part of the way to Ligorne is through Fennes , till one enters into the great Dukes Forrest , which continues to the towne . Ligorne the only maritimate place of importance , under the Great Duke , is situated in a plaine , at the board of the Mediterranean Sea , t is but little , yet the great concurse of Merchants which flow thither from all Nations , chiefly from my one , make it more spoken of than many Cities , of a larger extent . 'T is an innumerable summe of money the Duke receives yearly from this small Port : wherefore his Predecessors with him have omitted nothing to make it strong , witnesse the royall Bastions , and mote wherewith t is fenct ; The great Port where the Ships lay at Anchor , is defended by the Mole , and about hath many fanalls . The Darcina , where the Gallies ( then but six in number ) lay as quiet as in a Chamber , is most exquisitely well contriv'd : Before stands that best of moderne Statues , the Duke Ferdinand in Marble , and the Colosses of foure slaves under him , in brasse in divers Postures , so lively represented , that if the Statuary could have fram'd a voice as well as those bodies , he might have conquerd nature . Besides this piece , there are no more curiosities in this towne , yet many conveniences . The streets are generally large , the houses low , but uniforme , unlesse some which have been put out of order by an Earthquake , to which this place is often Subject . The great place is very beautifull , and fit for the assemblies of Merchants . On the houses round about and in the fairest streets , are pictur'd all the battels , and victories of the great Dukes gallies , obtained over the Turks , which a slave did to gaine his redemption . The Jewes which are here in great number , have the fairest Synagogue I ever yet saw , wherin on a saturday their Sabbaoth , we saw the manner of their divine ( if so I may call it ) service . Their priviledges here are more then ordinary , they wearing no marke of distinction as in other Townes , so that here the wealthier and richer sort are of that Sect. The Greeks likewise have a Congregation , and Church here . In a word , Ligorne is compacted of forreigners , yet the unwholsomenesse of the aire banisheth a great part from thence , which I by dangerous experience found true ; for the day before I was to depart for Florence , ( having all the while I stayed at Ligorne found a strange alteration of the aire , different both from that of England and France . ) I was ill dispos'd to sicknesse , however , not so much but that I adventur'd on my journey , which though with much difficulty I perfected . The first night we lay at Pisa , which way we had formerly past . The next morning we tooke Coach , ( a very unpleasant passage over hilly way ) and past first by S. Roman , a Convent of the Observantins standing on high , from whence is a pleasant prospect downe the valley , from thence we came to Empoly , a neat little towne where we lay , and the next day towards noone arrived at Florence . Which for its singular excellencies , amongst all other Cities of Italy , is cal'd {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} the Faire . Florence the Capitall of Toscany , and seat of the great Duke , is scituated at the bottome of very high hills , environ'd on all sides with the same , excepting towards the West side , before which lies a plaine Countrey , vulgo Pianura di Fiorenza . This City is divided in two by the river Arno , over which are built foure Bridges of stone , upon one of the two chief is the Goldsmiths street ; upon the other of very stately structure stand the foure quarters of the yeare in marble ; Opposite to this before the Trinity , stands a vast Columne , with a statue of Justice in Porphyre at the top , which , Cosmus the first great Duke rais'd as a Trophee in that place , because the newes there came to his eare of the taking of Siena . Hard by , is the Palazzo de Strozzi , no lesse to be admir'd for the immensity of its fabrick , then for its rude and unusuall Architecture . From hence towards the right hand is the Merchants Vault , supported with faire Pillars , and before it a brazen Boare jetting forth water ; Keeping right on , one comes into the great Place , in the midst thereof is the great Duke Cosmus , a horse-back in brasse , with this inscription under . Cosmo Medici Magno , Etruriae Duci Primo , Pio , Felici , Invicto , Justo , Clementi , Sacrae Militiae , Pacisque in Etruria Authori , Patri & Principi Optimo , Ferdinandus , F. Mag. Dux : Mag. Dux . III. erexit : An. M. DLXXXXIV . on each side of the Basis . Profligatis hostibus in deditionem acceptis Senensibus : Plenis liberis Sen: Fl. suffragiis Dux . Patriae renuntiatur . Behinde . Ob Zelam Religionis praecipuumque Justitiae studium . Betwixt this horse and the Palazzo vecchio , is a Fountaine , which all Italy cannot shew the like besides , round about the Laver is the family of Neptune in brasse , with his Colosse of Marble in the midst , bore up by foure horses ; The whole not possible to be equald , much lesse excel'd by humaine art . In this same Piazza , is a Porch archt and adorn'd with some statues , amongst which that of Judith , in brasse with that of the Rape of the Sabines , three Persons in severall Postures cut all out of one stone are most remarkable . Just against it is the Palazzo Vecchio , at the entrance stands two Colosses , the one of David , the other of Hercules trampling on Cacus , the first of Michael Angelo , which in my judgement comes short of the other , though he the more famous statuary . Within is a Court set about with Pillars of Corinthian worke ; Above is a very spacious Hall with divers Statues , and amongst them those of two Popes , Leo the tenth , and Clement the seventh , of the family of the Medicis ; the apertenants of this lodging are very great , and costly , but it being not so frequented as if the Court were kept there , every thing looseth its luster . Wherefore having speedily dispatcht the sight hereof ; that which requires a week to observe well , is at hand : I meane that richest of Treasures , the great Dukes Gallery . In the lower story sit the Courts of Justice , with an arcade to walk in on each side . Above are the shops of divers Artisans which work continually for the great Duke . In the uppermost part is contained as many wonders as things , Some to be admir'd for their preciousnesse and art , others for their rarity and Antiquity . On each side of the Gallerie are ranged Statues , to the number of fourescore and odde , of which for Antiquity I preferre the Idoll brought from the temple of Apollo , at Delphis , with this verse on the Pedistall . Vt potui huc veni Delphis & fratre relicto . As likewise that of Scipio Africanus , holding up his Gowne under his arme , according to Ciceros words . Nobis quidem olim annus erat unus ad cohibendum brachium toga constitutus , & ut exercitatione ludoque campestri , tunicati uteremur . After these I may reckon the two triumphant Pillars ; from whence they were taken I know not ; but their worke speaks them Roman . Over the statues hang the Pictures , some Prototypes of the most famous men of the moderne times , on the one side Schollars , on the other souldiers . At the right hand of this gallerie are severall stanzas full of curiosities , into which whosoever enters is astonisht at the quantity of wealth ; confus'd with the variety of things worth observation . In the first Roome we went into , stands the Tabernacle , or altar destinated for S. Laurence Chappell , no part thereof of common Marble ; but totally compacted with Jewells and Precious stones ; The value inestimable . In the next Chamber is a Table with Flowers , and Birds in their naturall colours of Precious stones , with a Cabinet priz'd at two hundred thousand Crownes , coverd with Agaths , Emerauds , Anamathists , &c. Within is the passion of our Saviour with the twelve Apostles all in Amber . In the third is a Cabinet with Calcidon Pillars , fild ( as they told us ) with ancient medailles of Gold ; round about this Roome is an infinite number of Naturall and artificiall curiosities , as the Nalle turn'd halfe into Gold by Alchymy , The Emperours head on a Turqu'oise bigger then a Walnut , with thousands more . Next is the Armory , wherein are the habits , and diverse sorts of armes of severall ages , and People ; amonst those , the King of China's habit , Hannibals Head-piece of Corinthian metall , Charlemain's Sword ; and an argument of the Italian Jealousie , an Invention to lock up female frailty . Here likewise is a Magnet which beares up fourescore pound weight of Iron . In the last Cabinet we saw the curious Turnity of Ivory , a Pillar of Orientall Alablaster , &c. and from thence wee went into the Gardrobe , where are twelve great Cubbards of silver Plate , a service all of pure Massie Gold ; A saddle which the Emperour gave in a present to the great Duke , all Embroyder'd with Pearles and Diamonds ; These , with many other Particularities of this gallerie , ( which might be a Theame copious enough to write a Volume on , ) declaring the wealth of this Prince equall with any Kings in Christendome . From the said gallery is a Corrider ; or private passage to the Palazzo de Pithi , on the other side of the river ; where the Duke keeps his Court ; The Front of this edifice is very majestique towards the Basis of Dorick work , in the midst of Ionick , in the uppermost story of Corinthian . In the Court is a Grotte with statues and a fountaine over it , yet that which is most wonderfull is the Loadstone of a most prodigious greatnesse . Neither are the gardens to be omitted , which for their largenesse have the face of a Forrest , for their variety of a Paradise . Here Cypres groves , there Walkes with statues , here a Sea of Fountaines , there Swans , Austriches , and other recreative Creatures . Being now on this side of the Arno , I will take notice of all I saw there before I returne to the other . And first there stands a Pillar , bearing on it the statue of Peter Martyr , in the same place where hee was beheaded . Next on the wall of S. Nicholas Church , above a mans reach are these veses , signifying an inundation of the River . ☞ Fluctibus undisonis similis pelagique procellis . Huc tumidis praeceps , irruit Arnus Aquis , Prostravitque suae spumanti gurgite Florae . Opida , Agros , Pontes , Mae●ia , Templa , Viros . M DL . Id sept. Going now back into the fuller body of the City , on the other side of the River ; on the banck there is a Marble , which I found of no great consequence , yet set by a Venetian Embassador as a Monument to a horse there buried , which had done him good service in the siege of the City . The Epitaph runs thus . Non ingratus Herus ( sonipes Memorande ) sepulchrum Hoc , tibi pro meritis , haec monumenta dedit . Least I should dwell too long amongst these earthly delights , wherewith Florence is fil'd , I will goe and meditate in the Churches ; and first in the Dome , which I conceive either for the exquisitenesse of the worke , or worth of so vast a Bulke of Red , Black , and white Marble , to be the fairest Cathedrall without , that ever man laid eyes on . It s better part is the Cupola , so high that the brasse Globe at the top , is capable of holding sixteen persons . No lesse wonderfull is the Steeple , which without exempt , will yield to no other in the world , composed of the same stone and materialls with the Church , but with more art and ornaments . Before the Dome is the Temple of Mars ; built in an Octogon ; now cald S. John , or the Baptistary . The foure gates of Brasse , vvhich Ortelius prefers before any else in the world , the broken Pillars of Porphyre , the pavement , the old Grecian Pieces at the top , are things to be noted . From hence wee went to see that mirrour of Art , and wonder of this present age , Saint Laurents Chappell , which is so glorious , that whosoever enters , will even imagine himselfe in some place above terrestriall . 'T is wholly overlaid with fine Pollisht stones , neither is any colour upon Earth , but it is there in stones naturally , all which I have been since told by diverse , ( an argument of the great riches included in the Bowells of Italy ) are dugg up within the great Dukes dominions . Round about this Chappell are all the scutions of the townes under the great Duke , in their proper Colours of stone . Above are Niches for the statues of the great Dukes . Beside them their Urnes . The intent of this whole sumptious Fabrick , being that it should successively serve for the Sepulcher of the great Dukes . Saint Laurents Church and Convent joyne to this , where the Library fild with Bookes , all in Manuscripts is not contemptible . Not farre from hence is Santa Maria Novella ; in the Court are two Marble Pyramids that stand on brasse Turtoises . Hard by is S. Maries Church belonging to the Jacobins , where on the North wall is the Tombe of Picus Mirandola , an eminent schollar , with this Epitaph . Joannes jacet hic Mirandola , caetera morunt . Et Tagus è Ganges forsan & Antipodes . In the same Church is Politianus his Tombe subscribed thus . Politianus in hoc tumulo jacet Angelus , unum Qui caput , & linguas , ( res nova ) tres habuit . From hence I went to the Anunciade , and saw in the way the Fountaine of the Centaure . The Anunciade is a place of great devotion , to a Madonna drawne by the hand of Saint Luke . In the Piazza before is the statue of the Duke Ferdinand the first ; on horseback in brasse , made by the same hand , with the former above mentioned , so that there is little difference betwixt them . Hard by are kept the Lions , and other wilde beasts ; and a little farther the Menage or Stables of the great Duke stord with Barbary and other excellent horses , and as I remember , I never saw better horse then at Florence . On the wall of the Cavalrizza is this Inscription . Franciscus Medices , Magnus Etruscor Dux 11. Quod Nobilissimorum Adolescentium , qui equestri splendore se ornari cupiunt . Imprimisque Joannis fratris commodo fiere● hunc in Equo se exercendi Locum extrui jussit , Rustico Picardino Equorum Magistro . M DLXXXVI . Next to these though much distance , Santa Croce deserves seeing . Before it is a faire spatious Court , in which ( it being Carnavall time while wee were at Florence ) we saw the play at Calce , with Cavalcades , shewes , and other assemblies of the Nobility . Within the Church is the tombe of that famous Statuary , Picturer , and Architecture , Michael Angelo , made by his owne hand ; Over his Urne stand those three arts , hee was so renowned for with their instruments broken , bewailing the losse of their Patron underneath this Inscription . Michaeli Angelo Bonerotio Evetusta Simoniorū familia . Sculptori , Pictori , Architecto . Fama Omnibus notissimo . Leonardus Patruo amantiss : & de se optime meritro , Translatis Roma ejus ossibus , atque in hoc templo Major suorum Sepulchro conditis , cohortante Serenissimo Med : Magno Hetruriae Duce . P. 6. An. Sal : M DLXX. Vixit . ann. LXXXVIII . M. XI . D. XV . To conclude my description of Florence , the houses are high built , the streets pav'd with great stones , even and long , many Fountaines , and other publick ornaments , declaring the magnificence of the great Dukes . For eight mile round about the City there seemes another Florence , so full are the fields speckled with Country seats . Neither are those delights to private men alone , but there are likewise publike walkes , witnesse that of Pines two mile long : that of Cypresses leading to Poggio Imperiale , and many more . Two miles up into the Northerne Mountaines lies the old Fesuli , often spoke of amongst the ancient Writers , but now a poore Village , not having so much as the remnants of Antiquity . In fine , there is no Province in Italy more furnish't with delightfull , and well peopled Cities ; then that of the great Duke , whose Ancestours having united the States of three Common-wealths together , to wit , Of Pisa , Florence , and Siena , doth now entirely possesse all Toscany ; the nobler part of Italy . The wife of this present Great Duke , Ferdinand the second of that name , comes from the Duke of Vrbin , of the family of Rovori . The Revenues of this Prince of Toscany exceeed yearly ten hundred thousand Crownes , which will amount to a hundred thousand pound English , his ordinary guard is of Cavalry , and Infantry , with Germans very well equipag'd . The Florentins have commonly notable head pieces , so that from hence spring notable Polititians , and States-men Machevil was of them , and 't is said that three Embassadours from severall Kings , meeting accidentally on the way , prov'd in the conclusion to be all Florentins . So soone as we had fill'd our selves with the sight of those many singularities , that are in and about Florence , wee set forward for Siena . Going out of Florence , at the Porta Romana , one leaves Poggio Imperiale a Villa of the great Dukes , which I had omitted above . At the entrance of the walkes of Cypres , that leads to it are the statues of the Tybre and Arno ; those of the famous old and new Poets , Virgil , Ovid , Petrarche , and Dante . The house swarmes with rarities , chiefly with excellent Pictures , amongst them all the line of Austria , this great Dukes mother , who built this house , being sister to the Emperour . After wee had past by that , wee lay that night at a little Bourg call'd Santo Cassiano . The next morning wee rode through a Village Barbarino , from whence the mighty stirring family of the Cardinalls tooke their originall . Wee din'd at Poggio Bonci , a place noted for the perfumd Tobacco compos'd there ; which the Italians through custome take in powder , as profusely , as we in England doe in the pipe . From hence in the afternoone we arriv'd at Siena . Siena formerly a free State of it self , now subject to the Duke of Florence , stands aloft covering the back of a hill ; so that in the hottest time of the yeare , this City is still refresht by coole gailes of winde ; The ayre is very wholsome , much agreeing with the constitution of strangers , the Inhabitants very curteous , a great deale suiting to the humours of forreigners , and besides the purity of the Italian Language , is here profest , and spoken ; these and the like conveniences make it much frequented by Travellers , and indeed mov'd us to settle our selves there , for some Moneths . Here wee stayd not to see the rarities of the Place , which are not many in number ; but to get some knowledge and practise in the Vulgar Tongue , however Siena deserves a better description then my pen can afford it ; for neatnesse and gentility , yielding to no other in Italy . At the entrance of the Porta Camulia , or di Fiorenza , onely the higher buildings are in view ; but out of the Porta Romans , the City seemes to raise it selfe with a great deale of Majesty ; chiefly because of the many Towers it hath , which during the time of its Liberty , were rais'd in honour of such and such men as had done any worthy service for the Common-wealth , amongst these Towers which stand yet as signes of its formerly possest Freedome ; that of Mangio surpasseth for height , which though its foundations be in the Bottome of the Piazza , yet outtops all the City besides , It serves now for the Clock-house ; From above is a faire prospect even to the confines of Toscany , below at the foot of this hidious Structure , is a Chappell of Marble , where on set dayes Masse is said to the People in publick . To this joynes the Senate house , built by the Goths , as some conceive by the manner of the Architecture . At one end thereof stands a Pillar , bearing Romulus and Remus sucking the Wolfe , in brasse , which are the Armes of Siena , an infallible argument of its Antiquity , and certainly dirived from the Romans , of whom this City was a Colony . There are frequently more of the like pillars about the Town upon one more decayed , then the rest is ingraved-Memores Huberum , old , very old Latine . As for the Piazza , which lies in the heart of the City , I cannot fancie a more pleasing or commodious Place ; t is of a large Compasse , resembling ( whether naturally so , or artificially made so I know not ) the fashion of a Cockle shell , in the midst is a Marble Fountaine of curious worke , wherein out of the Wolves mouthes comes water . This place is pav'd with the same materiall as all the streets of the City are , to wit , Brick ; so that here and indeed throughout all Siena , in the fowlest weather one may walke as cleane as within dores . The houses are for the most part Brick , built alla Moderna , the chiefest is that of the Pope , and the Arch bishops , who is of the family of the Picolominys . In the Strada larga lives the Prince Matthias , the Duke of Florence's Brother , a man very courteous to strangers . Close by his Palace is the Dome , or Cathedrall Church of Sienna , which though in comparison of others in Italy is but small , yet for the great travell and expence which it must needs have cost , t is inferiour to none , t is both without and within of Black and white Marble ; The Facade is admirable , garnisht with statues ; About the inside are the heads of all the Popes ; The Pulpet is an unparalelld piece , beset with figures of Marble . But that singularity which this Temple boasts of above all others , is the pavement , whereon many parts of the sacred history are so lively represented in severall colours of Marble , as no pensill can come neere it , though many Masters take patterne from those stones . Going up to the high Altar , at the left hand is the Library , painted by Raphel d' Vrbino ; On the same side is a Chappell , wherein is kept the arme of S. John Baptist , which ( as an Inscription there manifesteth ) was given to a Pope by the King of Peloponesus . Opposite to the Dome is the Hospitall , whither all Pilgrimmes in their passage to Rome , may come and take two or three meales gratis . In the Chappell lyes the body of their founder B. Susorius , as yet uncorrupted though nine hundred yeares since he dyed . Going downe the Hill , from the Hospitall , one comes to the Ponte Brande , which is a reservitoire of Fish , not so much for the publick use , as delight , or pastime . Hard by is the House where Santa Catharina of Siena liv'd , which , though a place of speciall devotion , yet not so frequented as the Madonna di Provenzana . From hence going up the hill , by the Dominicans one sees the Fortification , the onely defence of the City , and there by the Cavalrizza , whither in the sommer all the Gentry retire a Spasso . The walls of Siena are of an exceeding compasse , yet but slight , coverd with Caper trees ; that fruit growing best in that Soyle , to wit , Morter . The Country about Sienna , principally towards the Maremmas or Marshes , is filld with all sorts of great Chase , so that wilde Boare , and other venison in its season is sold in the Butchers shops , as commonly as other flesh . In a word , I found Sienna the most commodious place a stranger could pick out to live retiredly , and make his time beneficiall . Where after two moneths stay , having made some little progresse in the language , the time of Easter occasionly urging , together with good company , and the holy week , we set on for Rome . About ten miles from Siena one goeth over a Bridge , whereupon is the Prince Matthias his armes with this Inscription . Viator securus incede . Vt expedita tibi ad Vrbem per Hertruriam pateret via , triplicem , fluvium Assum , Vmbronem , Vrcium , triplici poute subegit Matthias Seress : Hetruriae princeps , Publicae securitatis vindex , invictus heros , nec ipsam aquarum licentiam errare patitur sine jugo . Afterwards we past through Buon Convento , where the Emperour Henry the seventh dy'd by poyson , given him in the Eucharist . Din'd at Tornieri , In the afternoone past a faire Bridge , leaving at the right Mont Alcino , ( auciently Mons Ilicinus ) noted for the Muscatello , it produceth , past through San Querico ; Lay at the next Post . The next day about twelve miles from Santo Querico wee past by Radicofany ; the last Fortification of the great Dukes Dominions situated on a steep rocky mountaine , beneath it is the Bourg : and a little lower one of the greatest Hosteries or Innes in the way to Rome . That very high Mountaine which the vallie parts from that of Radicofany , now cal'd Montamiata , was Tuniatus mentiond by Cato and Antonius . From Radicofany we went to Centino , din'd there in the confines of Toscany . In the afternoone went over a faire bridge of Brick , built by Gregory the thirteenth ; Upon it a Marble speaketh thus . Omnia dic laeto eveniant & Fausta Viator Gregorio , tutum qui tibi reddit iter . Here begins the Stato della Chiesa , or Patrimony of Saint Peter : A mile farther is Aquapendente , of which all the memoriall I could gather ( wee onely passing through it ) is a very ingenuous direction under the signe of the Post-house , it runs thus . L'insegna della Posta , e posta a posta In questa posta , fin che habbia a sua Posta . Ogn ' un cavallo a Vetturi in posta . From hence the way continues very even , till one comes to a rude and stony descent ; downe into a valley , from the top of which is a most pleasant prospect , on the Lake of Bolsena , thirty miles in circuit ; in the midst thereof are two little Ilands ; In the one is a Convent of Capuchins , where those of the family of the Farnese are interd , the other not inhabited unlesse by Fishermen . At the side of the Lake stands Bolsena , on the ruines of the ancient Vulsinium , famous in the Romans time . Some monuments of its former glory , yet stand chiefly in the Court of Santa Christiana's Church , as an Ancient Urne , having Lions heads , Cornucopias , Satyres , Furies , pieces of such art as now the world cannot imitate , besides this , there is a heathnish altar of Ophit stone , frequent pieces of Diaspre Pillars ; from hence wee may gather that the Volsinienses , were once splendid though now buried in their dust . Distant from Bolsena seven miles is Monte Fiascone , in which way one passeth through a grove , wherein the ancients celebrated many Sacrifices to Juno . Monte Fiascone was formerly the head of the Falisci , a renowned people in old writers . 'T is now spoken of for the delicious Wine , of which there is a common story , that a German Bishop having heard much commendations of the wine of that place , sent his servant beforehand to trye for the best at all the tavernes in the Towne , giving him in charge , that where he found the best hee should write over the dore Est , Est ; which he did , and having tasted , the Master approv'd his choyce , but in fine , he so filld his body with wine , that hee left no roome for his Soule ; for he suddenly dyed , and was buried in Faviono's Church , his servant bewailing his losse ; caus'd this witty Epitaph to be put upon his Tombe stone . Propter Est Est , Dominus meus mortuus . Est . Leaving Monte Fiascone , one goes downe into a plaine , wherein about two mile from Viterbo , on the right hand is a Sulphureous Fountaine , the water perpetually boiling . At the entrance into Viterbo is this Verse . Vrbs Antiqua potens armis ac Vbere glebae . In the Palace is this . Osiridis victoriam in Gigantes Litteris Historiographicis , in hoc antiquissimo Marmore Inscriptam , ex Herculis olim uunc Divi Laurentii Templo translatam , ad conservan : Vetustiss : Patriae monumenta , atque decora hic locandam statuit . SPQV . Sum Osiris Rex . Qui ab Italis in Gigantes exercitus Veni , Vidi , & Vici . Sum Osiris Rex . Qui terrarum pacato Italiam decem annos incolni , docens quorum inventor fui . The publick Fountaines at Viterbo are very Remarkable . Without Viterbo are two wayes for Rome , the old which the Pope in the last difference with the Duke of Parma , charg'd none should passe ; the new by Capranica ; wee desirous to see the famous Palace of Capraroules , belonging to the aforesaid Duke of the family of the Farnese , tooke the old way , which though lesse usuall , yet gives more satisfaction by the sight of that magnificent Fabrick . 'T is built in a Heptagon , or seven corners , before it is a Kingly Court , within , the Staire Case , In the Garden the Cataracts of water , are very admirable : But that for wch this place is most spoken of , is the Sellar , which besides the amplenesse thereof , is as well stord with wine of all sorts , the Duke allowing to all strangers that come to see his house , two , or three glasses of fresh liquor . Hence , though late at night , we departed , and strooke again into the Via nuova , at Monterose where we lay ; From Monterose to Rome , are twenty Italian miles , all which Countrey the Veientes anciently possest , a people that much hindered the growth of the Roman Empire , of which take Florus . Hoc tunc Veientes fuere : nunc fuisse quis meminit ? quae reliquiae ? quodve vestigium ? laborat annalium fides ut Veios fuisse credamus . So that if in Florus his time , the memory of the Veientes was so extirpated , what signes or remnants of them can we expect in this age . Six mile beyond Monterose , upon the Via Cassia , stands Baccano , and hard by , the Lake for bignesse not much exceeding a Pond ; yet noted for that memorable slaughter of the three hundred Fabii , which the Veientes hereabouts cut off in one day . There being but one child left at home , who afterwards restord his family , often serviceable to the Common-wealth . After Baccano , there is a passage through a wood ( Maesia anciently ) where heretofore a passenger could hardly scape robbing , but of late yeares the trees being cut downe t is free from danger . At the end thereof from the hill , one may discerne that Mistris of the World Rome . Which before I enter , I cannot but premeditate on Saint Hieromes three wishes , which were , to have seen our Saviour in the flesh , to have heard Saint Paul preach , and to have seen Rome in its glory ; which last , if ranged amongst the two former by so learned a Father , it must needs be one of the happiest sights mortall eye could attaine to . I must confesse the fame of Rome , which hath spread it selfe even to the most remote parts of the earth ; together with the small intelligence I had in those histories , that declare the greatnesse of that universall Monarchy , made my Idea of Rome to exceed that of all the world besides ; yet again when I conceived , how all humane things are by succession of time subject to change ; how at the fall of the Roman Empire this City was pillag'd by the Barbarous , how through the insatiable fury of Nero , the fire devour'd it , I imagind some lower fancy of Rome . But in the conclusion , having had a full ocular view thereof , I found that it flourisheth beyond all expectation , this New even emulous to exceed the old , the remnants of the old adding to the splendour of the new , both speaking it — Roma triumphati Caput Orbis . 'T is so ample a Theame , that I grow almost confounded in going about to describe it , and indeed no man will take that taske upon him , that hath seen the diversity of Bookes , and Impressions there are onely of the things of Note at Rome . One Volume of the Antiquities ; Another of the Pallaces ; a third of the Churches , a fourth of the Gardens ; a fifth of the Statues ; a sixth of the Fountaines ; a seventh of the Villas ; In a word , the Presse is burdened with nothing more then discriptions of Rome . Wherefore I will briefly passe over what I saw , leaving the narration of each particular , To the Itinerario d' Italia ; and the Roma Antica , and the Roma Moderna . About foure miles from Rome , in the way that leads to Porta Del Popolo is Nero's Tombe , which because of the honour I owe not to the person the Tyrant , but to the Antiquity I will here put down having never seen it in Print . Neros Tombe DMS KARISSIMA This Sepulcher is of solid Marble , on it are engraven Dragons , Fame , &c. The Inscription is hardly legible , onely I could pick out Karissima with a K. Within a mile and a halfe of Rome , we past the Tybre on the Mole , anciently Pons Milvins , where ( besides the many noble exploits performed there by heathens . ) Constantine the first Christian Emperour saw miraculously the signe of the Crosse , with the Motto , In hoc signo vinces . After we were gone over that Bridge , wee came upon a very broad pav'd way , The Via Flaminia , which Flaminius in his Consulship continued sixtie miles , from Rome to Ariminum . At the entrance into Rome , at Porta del Popolo , is a lofty Pyramid coverd with Egyptian Hyeroglyfiques , which was heretofore dedicated to the Sunne , and stood in the Circus Maximus , but was thence transfer'd , and placd here by Sintus , V. as the inscriptions underneath manifest * . Hee that would see Rome may doe it in a fortnight , walking about from Morning to Evening , he that would make it his study to understand it , can hardly perfect it in lesse then a yeare . A man may spend many Moneths at Rome , and yet have something of Note to see every day . The first day we walkt to the Villa of Prince Ludovisio , which stands on the same Soyle , where that renowned one of Salust anciently stood , as one may collect from the broken Guglia , one and twenty paces in length , which was rais'd in his Hippodromus . The principall rarities in this Kingly place , are the tyr'd gladiator , Marc Aurelius , his head of Brasse that stood in the Capitol ; The Oracles head of Porphyre with the mouth open , whereby the Priests spake , those for old ; Among the new , the man Petrified which the Emperour sent to the Pope . A Bedstead built all of precious stones , to the valew of 80000. Crownes . A bed ( as a worthy Knight then in our Company said ) fit to get none but an Alexander the great upon . In the garden are two ancient Tombes , and sixteen round Vessells of stone , wherein the ancient Romans were wont to keep their Oyle . The same day in returning to our Lodging , wee saw many Antiquities , Passing by Alta Se mita , or Mons Quirinalis by the foure Fountaines , which Lepidus brought , we came by Monte de Cavallo , which takes its denomination from the two Colosses of Alexander , menaging his horse Bucephalus , made in emulation by the two famous Sculptures , Phidias and Praxiteles . The horse at the left hand of Alexander hath under it Opus Phidiae , that on the right , Opus Praxitelis . Constantin the great had these transported out of Greece , and plac't in his baths which were adjoyning , as the * inscriptians underneath witnesse . Afterwards wee past by the reliques of Antoninus his Basilica , and saw * his and Trajans triumphant Pillar , the two most wonderfull pieces of Rome . The first which M. Aurelius Antoninus dedicated to his father Antonius Pius , is 175. foot in height , and now consecrated to Saint Paul , whose statue of Brasse guilded it bears on the top , that of Trajan which ( as the vast letters on the Pedistall lately discoverd declare ) was rais'd in honour of him by the Senate , after his death , returning from the Dacian warres , is a hundred twenty eight foot high from the Basis whereon it stands . On both these two Ensignes of the Roman glory , are in Mezzo levato , all the adventures and battailes of those two worthy Heros . The last of these Saint Peter now patroniseth , whose statue of Brasse is upon the Head . On Palme Sunday we walkt to Monte Cavallo , a most sumptuous Palace of his S. to see the distribution of Palmes , and Olive branches to the Cardinalls , with other Ceremonies of that day . From thence we made a circuit through a part of old Rome , and saw first the Colosseo , or * Amphitheatre which Martiall prefers before the seven wonders of the world , with Omnis Caesareo cedat labor Amphitheatro . This stupenduous Fabrick , which that Poet through flattery attributes to Domitian , was began by Vespasian , and finished by Titus his sonne . A great part stands entire to this day , the rest ( which I much merveile at ) was demolisht for to build two eminent Pallaces , that of the Farnesi and the Cancellario . On one side of it is a ruine of the * Meta Sudans , from whence sprang water , wherewith the Spectatours ref●esht themselves . Hard by is the a Arche Triumphall of Constantin the great , rais'd in honour of him for his victory over Maxentius the Tyrant , at Pons Milvius , as the inscription on both sides declares . In the Passage through on the one side is ingraven Liberatori Vrbis , on the other Fundatori Quietis . From this the via Appia began . Opposite to this , is the b Arch of Titus Vespasian , erected to him for his prise of Jerusalem ; In the work of this Arche is observd him riding in triumph , drawne in a Charriot by foure horses ; on the contrary side , the Golden Candlestick , The tables of the Law , the Arca Faederis , and many other Spoiles taken out of the temple of Solomon . Having gaz'd a little on these Marbles , which speak Roman History more palpably then any Author , we returnd homewards by Saint John Latran , saw the * Obelisque , which with that before mentioned of the Madonna del populo , stood in the Circus Maximus , this is held to be the biggest of one stone ( to wit , Ophit vulgarly granito , of which sort all the Pyramids here are ) that ever came into Rome , there being a great ship made purposely for the Carriage . It was transported by Constantin from Alexandria to Constantinople , by his sonne Constantius , from thence to Rome . In Egypt it servd for a Monument to the King Ramusis , from which particulars one may gather that it hath above two thousand yeares , and yet by the preservation of Sixtus V. who plac't it here , it stands yet entire with Egyptian Characters upon it . The Church of Saint John Latran , so cald from a Pallace of the Laterani , which stood there upon the Mons Caelius , is the Mother of all Churches , not for the Fabrick but Antiquity ; t was founded by Constantin ; it would be too long a Subject to speak of all the particulars , I will onely name the chiefe , leaving the rest to the Prints in Italy . At one end of the Porch , is the statue of Henry the fourth of France , who gave large revenues to the Church . At the high Altar the Pillars of Brasse are very glorious . Amongst the many sacred curiosities reserv'd here ; first the Tombe of Helen , Mother to Constantin the Great , foure pillars bearing a stone , which shew the measure of our Saviours height , the table whereon the Souldiers cast Lots . Two Pillars of the vaile of the Temple wrent , The Pillar whereon the Cock crew , &c. Without S. John Lat: On the one side is a little Rotunda , coverd with Lead , wherein is the Font , or Baptistarie of Constantin , with the fairest Pillars of Porphyre in Rome . On the other is the * Scala Santa , containing 28. staires , that stood in Pilats house at Hierusalem , whereon our Saviour went and returnd whilst he was in his Agony , sweating bloud . The Scala Sancta . Above is the Sancta Sanctorum , and over it this verse . Non est in toto sanctior Orbe locus . 'T is credited that Helene sent them to Rome , with many other things of the holy Land . The Popes Pallace of Saint John Latran , although not inhabited , yet is no lesse majestick then the others , wherein his S. keeps his Court . Having seen all the things of note , within and about Saint John Lat: we took in our way homeward * Saint Mary Maggior one of the seven Churches ; and for beauty the second in Rome ; The two emulous Chappells of Paulus quintus , and Sixtus V. for the variety and preciousnesse of the stone , imitating the famous San Lorenzo of Florence . Before the great Dore of this Church is a high a Columne , taken out of the Temple of Peace , t was set up and dedicated to the Virgin ( whose statue is on the top ) by Paulus V wherefore it stands perpendicularly on foure brasse Coquatrises , the armes of the Borghesi , out of which family came Paulus quintus . On the other side of Santa Maria Maggiore is a Pyramid not so large as the others translated thither from the Mausoleum of Augustus . In the afternoone wee saw little , onely tooke a slight view of the Campo Vaccino , fild with Antiquities ; another day in the morning , we went to the Vatican ; In the way is Pons Elius , now Del Castello Santo Angelo , so cald from the Castle of S. Angelo by it , which was anciently * Moles Adriani . 'T was built by Adrian the Emperour , as a Sepulcher for him and his Successours ; and in regard it stands yet so firme and entire , t is reductiuto the forme of a * Fortresse , wherein are kept the three millions of Gold , which money may bee employd on no use , unlesse to defend the State Apostolique , in point of armes . From hence looking into the Tyber , one may discerne some ruines of the ( a ) triumphant Bridge , yet so little are the remnants thereof , that t is hard to judge it to have been so glorious as it was , however , t is said the Jewes offerd his S. fiftteen thousand Crownes , that they might turne the course of the Tybre for some Moneths , and have all they could find about this Bridge , In which I believe the Jewes would not have been loosers , it being the custome of the ancient Romans , when they past over the Tybre in triumph , to fling in a part of their spoiles taken from their enemies , yet his S. would not assent thereunto , least the turning of the river might prove prejudiciall to the City . From the Castello Santo Angelo is a Corridor that goes unto the Vatican , the Popes winter Pallace , to which joynes Saint Peters . Before these two prime structures of new Rome ; is a wide Court , in the midst whereof is an Esguile or * Pyramid bore upon foure Lions of Brasse , which heretofore stood in Nero's Cirque , and was Dedicated to Julius Caesar , whose ashes were conserv'd at the top , where now the Crosse triumpheth . This Pyramid beareth no Hierogly fixes as the others , but is more firme and to sight newer . In the some Court is a Fountaine , from whence flowes a streame of water , and indeed throughout all Rome no street wants a publick Fountaine ; wherefore , because they are so common I omit them . * Saint Peters Church , as Erasmus said of that at Canterbury , — Tanta sese Majestate in coelum erigit , ut etiam procul in tuentibus , Religionem incutiat . In a word , t is the most perfect modell of decent Magnificence in the world , there being an answerable Uniformity both within and without . The Frontis piece is glorious with the Colosses of Christ , and the twelve Apostles , the Porch it selfe is ample enough to bee a Temple ; Entring into the Church one admires the work of the top , which is all of squares , Levati as they call it , after the same manner with the Pantheon . In the Cupola is represented the Coelestiall Hierarchy in pieces of Mosaick , so well that to all Beholders they seeme painted ; In the Center of the Church stands the great * Altar , the most singular piece both for the materiall and art that ever humane hand produc't , t is all of solid Brasse , taken from the covering of the Rotunda , and afterwards melted into so stupenduous Pillars , each one whereof weighes five and twenty thousand pounds , besides other diversity of Overages , the whole so unpareld a worke , that t is fit to stand in no Cathedrall , unlesse S. Peters . * The Vatican Pallace is such a Sea of lodgings , that t is said three Kings may at the same time have roome enough for themselves and followers . In these large buildings are containd so many worthy Rarities , as the whole world affords not the like ; witnesse first that most famous Library of Christendom ; The Vatican , wherin severall stanzas , or Centuries are most choise Bookes , as well Manuscripts as Prints . At the entranee into the Bibliotheque , are the two ancient statues of Hippolitus and Aristides ; round about upon the walls , are pictur'd the generall Counsells . Amongst other rare Manuscripts , which are to bee seen here , as Virgils , Terence , and many Roman Authors , written with their owne hands , there are likewise ( though of later Date ) King Harry the eights Letters to Anne of Bulloyne , some in French , some in English ; those beginning commonly with My Darling , or a lascivious expression , together with his Booke against Luther , which procurd him the Title of Defender of the Faith , and at the end these two verses written with his own hand . Anglorum Rex Henricus Leo Decime mittit Hoc opus , & Fidei testem & amicitiae . In the Opposite Stanza is the Palsgraves Library , taken at Auspurg , and sent afterwards as a present to his S. Here also is kept the true draught of Mahomets cheast . On the wall are picturd the machins , and inventions us'd in raising the Pyramid before Saint Peters with these verses . Saxa agit Amphion Thebana ut Maenia condat Sixtus & inmensae ponera Molis agit . Many other singularities are there in this Library , from whence passing through the Conclave , we went downe into the armory , which standing underneath , doth as it were support the Library , wherefore the Motto over the Dore is Vrbanus VIII . Litteris arma , Armis litteras . The Sword must uphold the pen , the pen the Sword . There are armes , and all accomplishments for five and thirty thousand Men , Horse and foot . Next to these , passing through a long gallerie , where the Maps of the Provinces of old and new Italy are printed at large , we came into Belvedere so cald , because from thence one hath most parr of Rome in view ; There are five gardens , some in Terrace , others low , in that of Belvedere , stands that vast Pine Apple of Mettall , which stood on the top of Moles Adriani , with two Peacocks of the same materiall which stood on Scipio's Tombe ; The other gardens are fild with groves of Orange trees , and admirable Fountaines , amongst which the artificiall Ship is most dilectable . In the last garden in Niches , shut up are the best and most ancient statues of Rome , as that of * Laocoon and his two sonnes , all of one Marble ; The Cleopatra , the Niobe , the Romulus and Remus sucking the Wolfe ; The Nilus , The Tybre , all famous pieces ; the first to wit , Loacoon was found in the seven halls of Titus . In the Vatican hall ( the walls of which are of Marble ) is pictur'd the Massacre of France , under one side Coligni & Sociorum caedes , on the other Rex Coligni necem probat . In the Vatican Chappell we saw the judgement designd by Michael Angelo , a piece which cannot be valued for its excellency . After we had seen all the appartements of this vast house , returning homeward , we stept into Santa Maria de Cavalli Scossi , where there is the stone on which Abraham offerd Isaack , and another whereon our Saviour was circumcis'd , with this which ad libitum credas . Hic lapis est in quem Natum templo obtulit olim More Hebraeorum Virgo Maria suum . In the next Church the Pillars are reserv'd in wodden cases , which Saint Peter and Saint Paul were tyde too , and whip't . In the afternoone wee walkt to the Emperour Justinians gardens , and going out by Porto del Popolo , just against the Pyramid upon the wall , I espide this sentence , which intimates the inundation of the Tybre above the height of a man . ☞ Notas Quirite hic Imprime hic Tybris fui . The gardens of Justinian are not so full of delights , as throng'd with Antiquities , which are for the most part Urnes of stone , amongst which is Minu●ius Felix his ; Here is besides the Emperour Justinians Colosse , and the seventh of the termini or lapides that stood on the Via Appia , the first is in the Capitoll and none else to be found . There is a Volume out in print onely about this garden From thence we went to the Villa Borghese Which without exempt may for all excellencies bee preferr'd before any other about Rome or in Italy ; Before we came into the Parke , wee past through a little house , where the artificiall raine : with the diversity of waterworks , by putting on severall heads , on the same fountaine is very ingenuous . The gardens and Parke want nothing which should make a man conceive himselfe in Paradise . Groves of Laurells , Pines , Cypresses , ●ame Haires , Deares , Peacocks , Swans , Feasants , and all recreations the world can afford . In the gardens the foure Sphinxes of ancient stone are to be noted . The outside of the house is adornd with foure Frontispieces of ancient Sculptures , in Basso Relievo , amongst which , Curtius falling into the Vorago , Europa beard away on a Bull , Leda suckt by a Swan are most exquisite ; Within the house the Hall beset with Pillars of Porphyre , and other precious stone , Seneca bleeding to death of Jet ; The great Diana that Pompey worshipt of Orientall Marble , The Gladiatour menacing the heavens , The Hermophrodite on the bed , and for new pieces the Daphny and David . Another day , in the morning we lookt , into the Palazzo Borghese , hard by our lodgeing , which is one of the greatest , and most royall about Rome ; In the Court the Rowes of Marble Pillars and the Arcades , are very magnificent , Here about where this Pallace stands , was the Campus Martius . From thence we went to the Palazzo Farnese , but in the way wee tooke a full view of the Rotunda , or * Pantheon , the most absolute entire Antiquity in all Rome , which was built by Marc. Agrippa , and dedicated to all the Gods , and is now to the Virgin and all the Saints . There was an Ascent into the Pantheon in the ancient times , but now one goes downe into it , ( from whence I collect how the ruines of old Rome lay buried in the earth ; besides , if there be any digging for to lay the foundations of a house in Rome , they still finde pieces of statues , heads of Pillars , and the like ) yet for height it wants nothing of its first , and indeed to this day it seemes rather the worke of Giants , then common men . So vast are the thirteen Columns in the Porch , so stupenduous the Moles within , representing the world with its orbicular forme . In the Porch is an ancient Sculpture of the primitive Christians , with this Inscripon , which because t is not in the Prints I will not omit . Auspiciis Eminentiss : Principis Julii Mazarini Romani , S. R. E. Cardinalis hanc arcam Marmoream Veteris ac Novi Testamenti figuris caelatam tanquam nascentis Ecclesiae adversus Iconomicos Testimonium . Franciscus Gualdus Arimin : Eques Sancti Stephani tenebris in lucem . Anno MDCXIVI . Huc transferri ac veluti Trophaeum erigi curavit . From the Pantheon we went directly to the Palazzo Farnese , which glorious fabrick was rais'd out of the ruines of the Amphitheatre ; for the commendations of the Architecture , t is enough to say Michael Angelo had a chiefe part therein . Before it are two of the fairest Fountaines about Rome . In the Court the Hercules , and the Flora , are very noted Statues . But that which surpasseth all Statues , not only here , but in all Rome ( and if in Rome surely in all the world ) is the * Tauro Farnese ; A Bull with a dog and five persons , every one bigger then the Naturall cut to wonder out of one stone , the worke of Apollonius and Tauriscus of Rhodes , from whence it was conducted and plac't in Antoninus his bathes , where it was dug up a hundred yeares since , as Intire as if made but vesterday ; and now stands in this pallace astonishing all that behold it . In the afternoone wee went to the Antiquities of the * Capitol ; At the foot of the staires , are two Lions of Ancient stone , wch stood before the Rotunda , at the head , the statues of Castor and Pollux holding their horses ; The Trophees of Marius , The Primus Lapis , with a Ball of Brasse on the top ; In the midst of the place is the Marcus Aurelius on horseback , of Brasse , and underneath the Marforius , which because of the Posture , Combente , as those of rivers use to be , t is suppos'd was made for the Rhene ; Under the staires of the Senate house , is a Fountaine with the statue of Rome in red of Porphyre , having on the sides the Tigris , and the Tybre . At the right hand , as one comes on the Capitall hill is the Conservatorio , so cald because most of the precious Antiquities are kept there ; As one goes in , are the statues of Julius and Augustus Caesar , the * Columna Rostrata with an Inscription of very old Latine ; not grammaticall with ours , scarce the same Dialect . C. Duilius exemet leciones . Macistratos . Castreis exfocient : Pugnandod . Cepet enque Navebos . marid . Consol Primos ornavet . Navebos Classeis Paenicus sumas Cartaciniensis . Dictatored . Altod. Socieis Triresmos , Naveis , Captom . numei . Navaled . Praedad Poplo . In the Court is the hand and head of Commodus , his Colosse in Brasse , The foot and head of the Colosse of Apollo , of a most stupenduous vastnesse . A Pila , with the ravishing of the Sabins in Relievo , with Severus , and Mamea upon it . In the little Court going up the staires are foure admirable pieces of Basso Relievo of Aurelius his triumph . At the top of the staires the old Statue of Marius , a Table of Brasse with the old Lawes , in a gallerie hard by are the names of the Old and New Consuls . The names of the Consuls when I was at Rome were these . Primo Januarii : MDCXLVII . Petrus Prignanus . Julius Gironus . Vincentius Baccellia . Coss . Benedictus Masseius . Within the Hall , and other Roomes of the Capitoll , are most worthy statues , both new and old , for New those of severall Popes , for old those of Cicero ; Virgil ; The Hercules of Mettall , with the Lupus Fulmine tactus , and a hundred more things worth observation . Upon this same Mons Capitolinus , is a Church cald Ara Celi , which stands on the same ground where the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus stood . The next day in the morning wee went to the Palazzo Barberino , which I cannot say to bee inferiour or superiour to the others of Rome , for indeed the Pallaces of Rome are so excellent , that they will admit of no comparison amongst themselves , for in what one comes short of another in one particular , it outgoes it in some thing else . The Palazzo Barberino is alwayes to bee reckond amongst the chiefe , whither for the Structure , or for the Rarities . In the Court lies a broken Pyramid . In the Galleries are admirable statues , and amongst them the old , old Egyptian Idoll Osiris , of a black strange stone , the forme of it because I never saw it printed , I will not omit . OSIRIS In Aed. Card. Barb. Osiris implies the figure of an Oxe , yet blind Antiquity attributed any strange shape to that Liety . From this pallace wee went up to the Via Pia , The first thing of note wee saw , was a Round Chappell , one of the Torrions of * Dioclesians Bathes which are hard by , with vast Columnes and Fragments of Marble . After that we stept into Santa Maria della Vittoria , where the Ensignes hang which were taken in Germany , to wit , the Crosse Keyes and the Miter , with the motto Exterpentur . Against this Church stands the famous Fountaine of the great Moyses striking the Rock , out of which gusheth water ; The two Lions on each side were brought from before the Rotunda . The Popes granaryes are hard by . From thence we went to the Villa Montalto on the Viminal , saw the Water workes , the Citron trees in great number , with thousand rarities . In returning , wee saw the Church from whence the Arrians were expeld , together with the Villa Aldobrandina . In the afternoone wee walkt amongst the Antiquities , and saw the Rupis Tarpeia , the Temple of * Janus Quadrifrons , a solid square of Marble , with foure gates which represented the foure quarters of the yeare , or foure parts of the world . About it are many Nichi , wherein stood the statues of the Moneths , as some suppose . The place where this Temple is , was anciently calld Velabrum , or Forum Boarium , as the Arco Boario there standing by Saint Georges Church testifieth . Hard by on the mount Palatin are the ruines of the * Palazzo Maggiore , or seat of the Caesars . The Valley betwixt this hill and the Aventin , was the a Circus Maximus . At the foot of the Aventin are Antoninus his Bathes . And on all sides fragments of Antiquitie , which shew that the Romans built to last unto eternity . The sixth day in the morning wee went to Saint Peters , where wee saw his S. carried about in Pompe , with his triple Crowne , his breaking of the Toarch , with other Ceremonies of the excommunication , and his washing of the Pilgrims feet , to humble himselfe . In the afternoone , wee walkt amongst some Antiquities , first passing along the Tyber , wee saw the * Insula Tiburtina , which was made of the wheat of Tarquinius his granaries , that was cast into the River after his banishment out from Rome ; Secondly , the a Bridge wheron Horatius Cocles fought , when he commanded his men to cut downe a piece , and to leave him to his enemies . A little farther , by the Via Ostiensis is the Pratum , where they us'd their Olympick games ; and in the same Medow is the Mons Testaceus so cald , because the Romans which in their Temples and Sacrifices us'd earthen vessels much , were wont to carry all their broken Pots to this place , which in time grew to such a heap , that at this day there is a high hill of Potshares , from whence wee had a full view of all the seven hills of Rome , to wit , the Capitoline , The Pallatin , The Aventine , The Celius , The Esquiline , The Viminall , The Quirinall . Against Testaceus in the walls of Rome , just by the Gate that leads to Ostia , is a huge Pyramid of Marble , * Cestius one of the rich Epulons Tombe . On good Friday wee went to S. Peters , wherein his Sanctities Chappell wee saw most admirable Representations . And there wee found opportunity to goe into the Vaults , under Saint Peters , where we saw diverse Sepulchers of the primitive Christians , that of Pope Adrian the fourth , an English man , of Porphyre . The Chappell where the bodyes of Saint Peter and S. Paul were interd . In the afternoone , wee went to the Campo Vaccino , but in the way stands Saint Pauls House , where according to the Acts , a Paul dwelt two whole yeares in his owne hired house , &c. The b Campo Vaccino was heretofore the Forum Romanum , fild with the best buildings about Rome , of which great remnants are yet standing . Going downe into it from the Capitoll , in the wall towards the foundations of the new Capitoll is some part of the old , of mighty great stones . On the left is the Prison anciently Tertullianum , now San Pietro in Carcere , because hee was there imprisond . At the foot of the Capitoll is the c Arc triumphal , of Septimius Severus suppos'd to be the first that was erected in Rome , amongst the worke upon this Arche is be seen the fashion of the Roman Aries . The three Pillars which stand buried halfe way in the ground behind the Capitoll , are of the Temple of Jupiter stator . The seven the Temple of Concorde . The third in the midst of Campo Vaccino , The Temple of Jupiter tonant . Hard by there is the Vorago , whereinto Curtius threw himselfe , and a good way towards the Villa Farnese , the place wher Remus and Romulus were found by Faustulus . At the other end of the Campo Vaccino , is the * Temple of Peace , where Vespasian conserv'd that precious Treasury he brought away from Hierusalem . On the Palatin the Temple of Isis . One morning we went to S. John Latran , where we saw the solemnity of a Moore , and two Iewes baptis'd in Constantins Baptistary . From thence we went to the Villa Matthei , in the way runs Claudus his Aquiducts , and hard by is the Temple of Fannus , a very entire Antiquity , now Saint Stefano Rotundo . In the Villa Matthei there is an ancient Pila , a Pyramid , the Colosse of Alexander , things as pleasing to the judicious , as the other delights of the gardens to the ignorant . The same day about the Evening , we went to the Greeks Church where wee saw the Ceremonies of the Easterne Churches , and heard their Service all in Greek . On Easter day wee went to Saint Peters , to see the manner of his S. receiving the Eucharist : The rest of that day wee repos'd to fit our selves for the voyage of Naples , so that now after so satisfactory a sight of this Mistris of the world Rome , we bid her adieu for a time , leaving what we now omitted till our Returne . The voyage from Rome to Naples , though it bee the most dangerous passage in Italy , because the wayes are so throng'd with Banditos , yet in the upshot it proves no lesse requisite to mindes inquisitive in the Roman Antiquities ; no lesse delightfull to men that would see the Wonders of Nature , then any other in Europe . There is all the way so many fragments of the Roman glory , that t is hard to judge whither Rome and Naples were once joynd together , or whither Pozzuolo was the Suburbe of Rome . From whence wee set forth out of Port. Lat : anciently Asinaria ; a mile out of the City there are on all sides pieces of Antiquity . On the right hand we left the Aquiducts of of Ancus Martius , and Claudius , with the new of Sixtus Quintus not so stately as the old , on which the Aqua Felice runnes sixteene miles . A little farther on the right upon the Via Appia , is the * Sepulcher of Metella Crassus his wife , now Capo di buove from the Oxes heads of Marble upon it , with many more ancient Tombes . Hard by is the Cirque of Caracalla , where lies the Pyramid that the old Earle of Arundell would have bought , but in regard of the vastnesse , could find no possibility of conveying it to the Tyber , t is said the present Pope after his Nephewes Pallace in Piazza di Navona is finisht , will erect it there in Circus Agonalis . These and diverse more Antiquities we had in view , round about us , till wee came unto Frescati . Where having dined , wee walkt up to old Tusculum , to see Ciceros house , where hee compos'd that immortall testimony of Morality and learning , his Tusculans Qnestions . t is situated on the top of a hill two mile above Frescati ; so that some give the Etemology {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} from {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} vexare , because t is troublesome to goe up to . Tullies house stands , that continually t is refresht with gales of winde , and hath on all sides a most pleasant Prospect , even to the Mediterranean Sea , it shewes it self thus in its ruines . Jullies Jusculan House In the ruine vnder the letter . A. was of late yeares found a treasure . B. Tullies house whereof . 10. Vaults are yet very firme . C. The place where his Piscina or Fish-ponde was . The territorie of Frescati , as it was the ancient delight of the Romans , so it is as yet coverd with Gardens and Villas , about ten Cardinalls having their Countrey seats there . A place of such ravishing delights , as fitter's for the Gods to inhabit then men . Such is the Quantity of trees , which keep perpetually green , the murmuring of Fountaines and the like . Amongst the the Villa's , the chiefe , and which wonderfully declares the ingenuity of the Italians , is the Aldobrandina , which for divises in water is the first within or without Rome , I think I may say in the world . Quite through the garden , falls a Cataract , or deluge of water , towards the Embushment of which , stand two Serpentin Pillars of Mosaick , from the tops of which , the water creeps downe ; Below in the Court is that admirable Fountaine , in which is represented Atlas throwing up water , which forceth artificiall Thunder , and a perfect Rainbow ; Whil'st the Elements seeme here to bee at difference ; A Satyre blowes a horne lowder then I ever heard a man ; And Pan in the Interim , playes two diverse tunes upon the Organes : Things that strike astonishment to all the Spectators , which whosoever they be , must looke to goe away wet to the skinne , as we did , and from thence went into a place cald the terrestiall Paradise , and not undeservedly ; for as the other inventions are mov'd by water , so these goe by wind . At the end of it is fashiond a hill , Parnassus whereon set the nine Muses with severall winde Instruments that sound by art . Underneath this hill are Organs , which plaid divers tunes so distinctly , that wee conceiv'd some Master was playing on them , but looking wee saw they went of themselves , the cause of all this wee afterwards saw ; In the midst of the roome , there being a Hole out of wch winde issueth , so violently , that for halfe a quarter of an houre it beares up a Ball . Leaving Frescati , that afternoone we past by Diana's Lake , and the wood famous for the fiction of Acteon . From thence wee had a woody and mountanous way unto Veletri , where wee lay , Veletri heretofore belongd to the Volsci , and the ancestors of Augustus came from thence . The best things to be seen in it now is the statue of Pope Vrban the eight , in ●rasse , and the publick fountaines . The next morning having past downe the hill , whereon Veletri stands , wee came into a plaine Country , and din'd at Sermoneta , fifteen miles from Veletri . In the afternoone , about three miles from Sermoneta , we past by a Tower , built on the top of a Rock , to defend the Country from Robbery , as they say , though I believe more to take money for passage , through the Gate below . Five Italian miles farther , neere to the Casa Nuova , and casa Biancha at the foot of the hills , at the left are the Tres Tabernae , or three Tavernes , where the Brethren met Saint Paul , in his voyage to Rome ; according to the Acts. They shew themselves in this forme now , & are indifferent entire , they being built as the other Fabricks of the Romans , of great stones and Bricks in Square . Tres Tabernae mentioned Act : 28th Just before the Tres Tabernae are the Pomptine Fennes , and above , on a hill stands Setia , which Martiall saith — Pendulam Pomptinos spectare campos . That night wee lay at Piperno , at the Post house on the other side of the Hill ; but before we there arriv'd , wee saw the Quarters of many Banditas hangd on the high way side , an argument of the great hazard one undergoes in this journey , if not a competent number together . Piperno heretofore Privernum was a City of the Volsci , noted onely for the Birth of Virgills Camilla , who came from thence . The next morning leaving Piperno , wee past by a Convent , with a faire ancient Church cald Fossa Nova , where Thomas Aquinas died , which Place was the Appii Forum . Likewise mention'd by Saint Luke , in his description of Saint Pauls voyage to Rome . About foure miles farther , at a high Tower wee enterd upon the Via Appia , that Queen of wayes , which Appius in his Consulship ▪ lead from Rome to Capua , and which Trajan afterwards extended to Brundusium . This street if I may so call it ( the ruines of houses , Tombes , and the like on both sides of it , testifying the former beauty thereof ) is compacted of such solid stones , that after so long a succession of time , neither the continuall passage of foote or horse , nor the injurie of weather , hath yet consum'd any part of it , unlesse that which past through the Pomptine Fennes which the water hath overflowde , the rest is very entire and firme , chiefly from this Tower to Terracina , where we dind . Terracina was formerly Anxur , as Livie hath it , Anxur fuit quae nunc Terracinae sunt Vrbs prona in paludes , it stands on the Cercean Promontory , according to that of Virgill — Circaeumque jugum queis Jupiter Anxuris oris-Praesidet . Upon which Servius in his Comentarie gives the dirivation of Anxur , quasi {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} sine novacula , because that Jupiter imberbis was there worshipt ; a part of which Temple yet stands in the walls of the Dome , as the vast Marbles and pieces of Pillars witnesse ; Before it are some old inscriptions , with a Pillar to Theodorick for having dry'd the Fennes , and renewed the way ; over the old Inscriptions are these new . Inclyta Gothorum Regis monumenta vetusta Anxurei hoc oculis exposuere Loco . The Old. Imp. Caesar Divi Nervae Fili us Nerva Trajanus Aug : Germanicus Dacicus Pontif : Max : Trib : Pot : XVIIII . Imp. VI . Cos. V. PP. XVIII . Silices sua Pecunia stravit . TIT VPIO Aug : Optato Pontiano Procuratori ET Praefect : Classis TI Julius TI Fab — Optatus II. VIR . From Terraccina to Fondi , are ten miles , which way lying in the Confines of the State of Rome , and the Kingdome of Naples , is the most dangerous part of all the voyage . From Terracina wee first past by the Emperour Galbas Villa ; of which take Suetonius . Ser. Galba Imperator M. Valerio Messalla , Cn. Lentulo Coss . natus est IX . Kal. Januarii in villa Colli supposita prope Tarracinam sinistrorsum Fundos petentibus . Two mile farther wee came to a wall with a Gate , which is the entrance into the Kingdome of Naples , where on a Marble Table I read thus . Hospes hic sunt Fines regni Neopolitani , si amicus advenis pacatè omnia invenies , & malis moribus pulsis , bonas leges . From thence keeping right on the Via Appia , plaine and even , wee saw many pieces of Antiquity , amongst which was an ancient Tombe , very entire , but whose , t is not certaine . In this pleasant passage wee came at length to Fundi , where we lay that night . Fundi , though spoild of all signes of its Antiquity , yet still keeps its old name , as Cicer : Atic. — Fundis accepi tuasitt eras caenans . T is scituated in a low plain , and as the Poet saith Collibus hinc atque inde Lacu simul aequore cinctum Citria cui florent hortis è littore Myrti . The Territoire about is very fruitfull of Orange trees , so much that wee went into an Orchard , and for twenty Citrons & about thirty Oranges , wee gave the Owner a Julio , ( that comes to an English six-pence ) which very well contented him , and I believe if we had stood to agree upon the price , wee might have had as many more for that money . Over a gate on the left hand at Fundi , is this old Inscription . EnVmmis Fronius LF DECTIEN C. Lucius , M. F. M. Runtius , L. F. Mess. Aed : Portas , Turreis , Murum . Ex SC. Faciund : Coerunt Eisdemque probarunt . Neer to Fondi we saw the Mons Caecubus noted amongst the ancients for the good Wine it bore , as Martiall saith . — Caecuba Fundanis generosa coquuntur ahenis . The next morning insisting yet on the Via Appia ; which though mountanous in that part , yet hath on both sides Myrtles , Bayes , Locusts , Pomegrannets , and such like Verts , that grow wild in the Hedges , we came at length to an ancient Torret , built halfe of solid Marble ; which after little examination wee found to bee Ciceros Tombe , his Villa Formiana famous for his Slaughter , being there ; Tullie●s Sepulcher is now in this figure . As in the page following . Jullies tombe at his Vida Formiana This Tombe stands in an Olive garden , and at that instant when we rode by , a labourer working there , dug up two old Coines , which some of our Company bought . From hence we were in view of Cajeta ; Of which Virgil saith , Tu qoque littoribus nostris Aeneia Nutrix Aeternam moriens famam Cajeta dedisti . The City lies in a Peninsula , very strong , and hard to come to by Land , but over a narrow Isthmus . The mountaine cleft in sunder by an Earthquake ( which commonly happen in the Kingdome of Naples ) is very hidious . The Inhabitants beare a great reverence to this place , for that they believe it happened at the same time when our Saviour was in his Passion . In the Church hard by the Trinitate , amongst other things to be seen , there 's the Corpes of the Duke of Bourbon in a wodden Chest , who was kild in attempting to surprize Rome ; His Epitaph is thus in Spanish . Francia me dio la luze Espanna m' esfuerzo y ventura , Roma mi dio la muerte Gaëta la Sepoltura . France gave me breath , Spaine strength to Armes did call , Rome gave me Death ; Gajeta Buriall . In the great Church at Gaieta is a huge Crater or Bowle , now put to the use of a Font , which was dug up out of the ruines of Formia . The worke so good that the Sculptor was not asham'd to put his name to it ; for thereon is this . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} , {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . At Gajeta t will quit the paines of climing up the Promontory , to see the Mausoleum of L. Munatius Plancus , one of Ciceros Pupills , a most entire Antiquity ; over the dore may plainly be read . L Munatius L. P. L. F. L. Pron. Plancus . Cos. Cens. Imp Iter. VII . Vir. Epul . Triump . ex Raptis . Aedem . Saturni fecit de Manubiis . Agros . Div. Sit. in Italia . Beneventi . In. Gallia Colonias deduxit . Lugdunum & Rauricam . From this a Chronologer may collect , it is of neere one thousand six hundred yeares standing . The Countrey from Mola to Gajeta , containes more Orange trees then any I know , except Naples it selfe . A little farther , about a mile from Mola , Formiae anciently , a Marble on the Via Appia speaks thus Plautius Theodo Pil : Apella Magister Augustalis Plautiae A. L. Rufae ConLibert . Concubin . Piae Plautiae Aug ▪ L. Faustae Libert. That day wee dind at Mola , where there is to bee seen Ciceros Grote , in which he wrote many of his familiar Epistles . In the afternoone eight miles from Mola , we came unto Garigliano , where the famous City Minturna stood , as a very entire Aquiduct , an Amphitheatre , with many other ruines testifie . Having past here the river Liris , that terminated old Latium we came into the Medowes of Minturna , where Marius hid himselfe in his flight from Sylla ; at the end of those fields runs along , Mons Massicus , so renown'd for the wines it produc't , t is now cald Garo , and from thence the river Liris , Garigliano , adjoyning are the ruines of Senuessa , as Martiall — Et Senuessanis venerunt Massica Praelis . That night wee lay in Ager Falernus , at a Village calld S. Agatha , at the bottome of Sessa , formerly Aurunca . The Ager Falernus is all that space of ground , which lies betwixt the Mons Massicus , and the River Vulturnus , so that because of their affinity , Vinum Massicum and Falernum was us'd promiscuously by the Ancients . The next morning , we past by Torre di Francolesse , where Hanniball being besieg'd by Fabius Maximus , escapt through that famous stratageme of making his enemies drunke . Two mile farther , wee came in view of that happie Plaine of Campania , now Terru di Lavoro , which most Authors , as well Moderne , as old , extoll for the most fruitfull plat of earth , that is in the Universe . In a word , t was the Subject of Virgils Georgicks . In which having rode five miles , wee came to dinner at New Capua , which though so cald in regard of the other , yet hath some remnants of Antiquitie . In the Cloister of a Church , are some Ancient Tombes . In the midst of the City , at the entrance as I suppose of the Jesuites Colledge , is this old Inscription . Julio Auroxonti Leonidae . V. C. Quaestori Praet. Curatori Capuensium Ob multa praeclara in cives patriamque Honori Licentiae suae merita Institutori Novorum ac Renovatori Operum Publicorum . Ab origine Patrono omni laude dignissimo Regio Competi . The old Capua , the delight of Hanniball , and Paragon with Rome , and Carthage is two mile off out of the way , on the left where the ruines of Columnes , Theatres , Temples , Porches shew its former Magnificence . From Capua to Naples , the way is even , spacious , and like a garden , t is indeed Campania . The fertility of which is such , that if the owner have not as much Wine out of one Vine , as will load five Mules , he thinkes his labour ill spent , an incredible , though true argument of the fruitfullnesse , of this Countrey . In the mid-way stands Anversa , and eight miles farther Naples . This Metropolis of that Kingdome , which takes its denomination from thence , is a Maritimate on the Mediterranean shoare . T is ancient , though Neapolis , and was first cald Parthenope . At this present t is reckond the third City in Italy , and so great are the delights which nature hath allowed to this place , that t is still frequented by men of high condition , and great personages , so that it hath taken the Epethite , Naples the Gentle . The streets of Naples are generally well pav'd of free-stone , especially that of Toledo , very large and even . Which indeed is necessarie , here in regard of the multitude of Coaches that passe to and fro . The Houses are very uniforme , built flat , at the top to walke on , a notable convenience in these hot parts . Another like accommodation which this City hath , against the heats is the Mole , which is like an Artificiall street casting it selfe into the Sea , hither all the Gentry at the evening retire to take the Fresco . At the end of the Mole is the Fanal , and underneath a fountaine , with the statues of the old Dieties of Parthenope . From thence one hath in view the mountanous Iland Capreas , the delight of Tyberius . Amongst the Palaces of Naplee , the Vice Kings then Duca d' Arcos is the fairest . There are three Castles , S. Elmo above , Castel nuovo , Castello del Ovo below . The Churches are generally the best I ever came into , fild with Marbles , chiefly the Carthusians , the Jesuits , the Bishops Chappell . The onely Antiquity within the City , is at the Theatins Church , which was a Temple of Castor and Pollux , the Frontispiece , or Porch of ancient Pillars , with a Greek Inscription over it ( which Language this City spake when it was cald Parthenope ) as likewise the remnants of their two Statues yet standing ; The Inscription is this . {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . It beiug May while we staide at Naples , We saw the famous Miracle of the bloud of Santo Gennaro , carryed in procession . Naples is extremely populous , and consequently vitious , he that desires to live a retired , or indeed chaste life must not set up there ; as the gardens are fild with Oranges , so the houses want not for Lemmon . Jusque datum Sceleri , saith the Poet . There were at my being there thirty thousand Courtesans Registred , that paid taxes for their pleasure . The things within Naples , are not to be omitted , yet those about give farre more satisfaction ; and truly if a traveller Hyperbolise in any part of his voyage of Italy , the most fit Theame he can take , are the Wonders a little distant from Naples ; and first the Tractus Puteolanus scatens hominum ac naturae miraculis . Parting for Pozzuoloes , on the left a Suburb by the Sea side leads to the Margouline , where in the Church cald Santa Maria Del Parto , is the Sepulcher of Sincerus Sannazarius , with many figures of Marble excellently cut , and this Epitaph . Actius . Sincerus . D. O. M. Da Sacro cineri Flores , Hic ille Maroni , Sincerus Musa Proximus ut tumulo . Vix : Ann. LXXI . Obiit MD XXX . A Countreyman of ours in honour to that worthy Poet , hath left this paper of verses beside his Tombe . Sonulus hendeca-Syllabicus Rithmicus . Valum Nobile par brevi Camoena Longum mensus iter ; Fleam necesse Quorum fertur oves ? ita iste flesse . Vt narint lachrimis & uda Avena Seu pisces , lepida sed ille vena Tam pisces cecinit probe atque presse Se tanquam placidos ut ipse adesse Cura praestiteriut oves arena Partum Virginis unus arte rara In sanctos rotulos modosque cultos Alter quem memorant Sybillae ad ar● Annos Vaticinatus ante multos Quid mirum est igitur jacere clara Ambos Virginis Vrbe Consepultos . Ad Aras P. Virgilii Maronis , &c. Act : Sin : Poetarum Princip : Hugo Hollandus Nobilis Cambo Britannus . Flevit Fixitque Autore vero egregio & amico Alexandro Hebruno Nobili Anglo Britanno . 1626. Mart. 5. Returning back a little , wee came to the entrance of the famous Grotte , over which on the left hand , stands Virgils Tombe upon a high rock , so that it is scarce to be seen by those that passe below , The Guides commonly shewing a false ; wherefore some few dayes after we walkt up into it . Over the Dore of the Garden you passe through to it , is this Inscription on a Marble . Maronis Vrnam . Cum Adjacente Monticulo , extensaque ad Cryptam planitie . Modiorum trium cum dimidio circiter Vrbano VIII . annuente , &c. Renovanda Mem. Praesentis Concessionis singulis XXVIII annis in actis Cur Archiepiscopalis . Having read this we went into the Tombe , now of this Forme and scituation . As in the page following . A. Virgills Tombe ▪ B. The entrance into the Grotte C. a little chappell taken for Virgills Tombe , but falsely . This Tombe of the Prince of Poets is built in a Rotunda , or Cupola , about five paces long , within , the walls are of Bricke , in square after the Roman way , the outside is of Massive stone , all coverd now with Bushes , amongst which three or foure Bay trees , ( an immortall Embleme of the Prince of Poets there interd ) shoot forth about the height of a man , round it lye scatterd ruines , that testifie its former beauty , In the rock just opposite to the entrance , where his knowne Epitaph of Mantua me genuit was , that being decayed , is plac't a Marble , stone with these verses . STAĪSI Cencovius . 15 89 Qui Cineres ? Tumuli haec vestigia , conditur olim Ille hoc , qui cecinit pascua , rura , Duces , Can : Rec : MDLIIII . What dust lies here ? this Heap protects his Hearse . Who whilome warbled Fields , Farmes , Fights in Verse . The Crypta Neapolitana a perfect signe of the Roman Magnificence is the rockie Mountaine Pausylippus , cut through , very high , spacious ▪ and well pav'd , so that for the space of a mile , two Coaches may goe on Front under earth ▪ in the midst is a Madonna , with a Lampe perpetually burning , the words at the Incounter are Alla Marina , Alla Montagne . At the going out of the Grotte , wee strooke towards the right , and arriv'd at the Grotta del Cane , which hath some innate property , to kill every living thing that enters , if not speedily cast into the lake Agnano , 15. paces distant . We saw the experiment , ( as for the most part it is shewn ) in a Dog , which seem'd to loose his vitall force by degrees , but afterwards being throwne into the Lake , reviv'd . Hard by are the Stowes of San Gennaro reasonable hot , with the odour of Sulphure . Hence turning to the left , we came to Capuchins , and saw the stone whereon San Gen naro was beheaded , with Nasita a Mountaine in the Sea , and a little towards the right hand , is the Sulphatara , or hill of Brimstone , on which no grasse or hearb growes , but t is all white with ashes , it still casting out of severall holes a continuall smoke , with Flame , making the very earth to boile . The ground is hollow underneath , and makes a hidious noise if strooke upon with a Hammer , or the like . These hills were cald by the ancient Leucogei ; Campus Phlegraeus , and Forum Vulcani , whose Kingdome ( if in any part of the world ) is here about , the Fire breaking out even in the high wayes . Here they compose Medicinall Pots of Brimstone . Advancing forward , into the Suburbs of Pozzuoles , wee saw an Amphitheatre , and Ciceros house , cald Academia . Afterwards being come to the Port , wee tooke a barque , to passe over the bay , which is round about , fild with remnants of those Romans magnificence , that liv'd there . The first place wee saw after wee were set to Land , was the Mercato del Sabbato formerly a a Cirque ; and the buriall place of the ancient Romans . From thence we past through the Elisian Fields ( as they call them ) a plaine spot of Earth , between the Mount Misenus , & the Augustins Convent of twenty Acres , and came to the ancient Misenus , so cal'd from the Trumpeter of Aeneas there interd , the old Poets cald it A erius , because of the many Sotteran Caves in it ; of which many are yet to be seen . The chiefe is the Piscina Mirabili ; before which is the Mare Mortuum . This Piscina cald mirabili , because of the wonderfull art t is built with , was a reserver of fresh water for the Navie , which , ( because this stands so neare the Sea ) was brought sixtie mile . It hath eleven Pillars in the length , foure in breadth , about foure and fourty in all . The materiall t is plaisterd with , in the inside is as durable as stone , yet no man knowes of what it is compos'd , some conceive it to be of the whites of Egges , and dust of Marble mingled together . From hence leaving Lucullus his house at the left , wee went downe into the Cento Camerelle , or Nerôs hundred Chambers , where hee kept his Prisoners , a most hidious place . Below that towards the Sea-side is the Temple of Hercules , the place where Agrippina , Neros Mother was kild , the Pescheries of Hortensius , Tacitus his sons house , with many other ancient fragments which we saw though with much paines . From thence we tooke boat for Baia , where the Castle built by Charles the fifth of France is strong , going thither we could discerne the foundations of Cimeria , and old Baia underneath the Sea , with the Via Consularis overwhelm'd by the water , and on the shoare nothing but ruines . Hereabouts Caron was feign'd to passe with his Boate . Here we set againe to Land , and saw the Temple of Venus , the Sepulcher of Agrippina , with diverse figures , and her Pallace of the same worke . The Temple of Diana at the left , the Bathes of Trullius ; The houses of Marius Pompey , Nero standing aloft . Hereabout the Sea water is naturally hot : Hard by we went into Ciceros Bathes , as gallant and entire an Antiquity as any in the Tract of Pozzuolo ; These waters were so soveraigne , not many years since over most diseases , that over every Bath was written for what cures it was good , of which Inscriptions some letters yet stand , but the Physitians of Palermo ( as they tell the story ) finding those waters prejudiciall to their custome , went with instruments expresly , and demolisht those writings ( so that for the present they are unusefull ) the said Physitians , being all cast away in their returne . From these Bathes we went up to the Stowes of Tritola extreamely hot , even to Suffocacation , yet contrary to the Grottadel Cane , that choking below , and harmelesse above , these coole and refreshing below , but almost stifeling above . From thence we took horse , and past by the Lacus Lucrinus , the greater part whereof is now coverd with the Monte Nuovo , which mountaine ( as their tradition is ) was rais'd in one night , a mile high , from the ashes which came out of Sulfatara , and so coverd the Lucrin Lake . Tommaso Fonnare an old man of Pozzuolo , that dyed three yeares since remembred of that mountaines being made in one night a hundred yeares agoe . After that wee rode to the Lake Avernus , where abouts was the Poets Acheron or descent into hell , at one side of the Lake is the Temple of Apollo ; at the other , the Sybilla Cumanas Grotte . T is very spacious , at the end is a Magnificent ascent where the Oracle stood , with the way that lead to Cuma , Her bath yet stands , and her Chambers painted in Mosaick worke , yet all under ground , as indeed most of the aforesaid Antiquities ( excepting the Temples ) are . In returning to Pozzuolo , we saw the Mount Gaurus , from whence came the best Falernum , now cald Barbaro , it being altogether sterile . In Puteoli there are some Antiquities , as the Temple of Neptune , &c. In the Port are the vast ruines of Caligulas Bridge , which past three mile crosse the Sea , from Pozzuoles to Baia. After dinner wee went back to Naples , In the way wee saw the Lions , Austriches , and other wild beasts and fowles , that a certaine Prince keeps . Having repos'd a day after this troublesome , yet satisfactory voyage of Pozzuoles , the next morning wee set out of the quite contrary part of Naples , to see that Miracle of Nature , the Brother of Aetna , Vesuvius , so famous for its last eruption . On the way , almost at the foot of the mountaine , ( a Marble frame which are usuall on the high wayes , in the Kingdome of Naples ) relates this . Posteri Posteri Vestra res agitur Dies facem profert Dici nudius perendino Advortite . Vicies ab satu solis ni fabulatur historia Arsit Vesevus Immani semper clade haesitantantium . Ne posthaec incertos occupet . Vterum gerit Mons hic moneo . Bitumine , alumine , Ferro , Sulphure , Auro , Argento , Nitro , Aquarum Fontibus gravem . Seryus , Ocyus ignescet , pelagoque influente pariet . Sedante parturit . Concutitur , concutitque solum , Fumigat , coruscat , Flāmigerat , Quatit aerem . Horrendum immugit , boat , tonat Arsit finibus accolas Emica dum licet . Jam jam inititur mixtum igne lacum evomit Praecipiti ruit ille lapsu Seramque fugam praevertit Si praeripit actum est periisti . Ann : Sal. M DCXXX . XVI . Jan Philippo IV. Rego . Tum tu si sap is audi clamantem Lapidem Sperne Larem , sperne Sarcinulas , mora nulla fuge . Antonio Suares Vice Praefecto viarum . The Vesuvius shewes it selfe thus from Naples . The Mountaine Vesuvius Upon this Hill , or ( changing a Letter ) Hell is a goodly Countrey for the space of foure mile on all sides , which formerly produc't the excellent Graeco , made barren , being coverd with a matter like Seacole Sinders . Going up higher t is hidious to behold the deep cracks in the Earth , through which the streames of Sulphure past , all about lyes scatterd the severall materialls it cast forth ; Some like mettall , other like Pitch , Brimstone and the like , with such vast stones , as ( I speake the least ) foure porters would not able to carrie one of them Being come so neere the top , as we could with our horses , we were forc't to alight , and to crawle up the steeper part , which is all coverd with a reddish substance , that sounds like earthen vessells , some conceive it to be Pumie stone burnt , after this wee got up though weary to the top ; where the Vorago is so terrifying a spectacle , that if I would paint Hell , this would be the best Patterne ; It is a hole about three mile in compasse , and about halfe as much in depth , in the midst is a new hill that still vomits thick smoke , which the fire within hath rais'd within few yeares , it daily increaseth , and when t is growne to a fuller Bulke caveat Neapolis . Pliny the Naturalist too Inquisitive after the cause of this intestine fire chang'd lives with Death on this Mountaine . In returning , as we were tir'd in getting up , so wee went easily down , though almost up to the knees in ashes . This Mountaine was the Vltima Meta of our voyage to Naples , wherefore having with much content seen these wonderfull things of Antiquity , Nature , and Curiosity ; after some few dayes we parted from Naples to Rome , treading the same path we had before trac't , At our going out of the Kingdome , they made us pay five times , for our Vallees , although they could finde no prohibited goods ; At our entrance they let us passe quietly , without paying a farthing . All the way to Rome I saw nothing observable , but what I had before spoken of , onely I would not omit the great quantity of Bufferos ( Beasts which furnish the Souldiery with their skins ) that we met in the Countrey . The day after our returne to Rome , wee walkt to San Sebastiano , where a mercenary Fryar let us downe into the Roma Sotterranea , or Rome under ground , those hallowed Cavernes where the Church in her Infancy shelterd her selfe from persecution ; there is a most immense Folio out on this Subject . T is now indeed a City for the Dead , where in every street are pild gradually one above another , the Corps of Martyrs , to which some Monuments are added with no other Epitaphs then this , Pro Christo . This place is as stupendious for the rarity as venerable for the Antiquity : The natives of Rome know not how farre these Vaults continue under the Earth ; yet some miles they say are already discoverd , with so many Maeanders , that hee who adventures to enter without an experienc't Guide may ( as some French men did ) goe into his grave living , yet increase the Bill of Mortality . From thence wee went into the Transtevere , saw first Montorio , formerly the Janiculum , and the Chappell where ( ut aiunt ) Saint Peter was crucifified . In the Church lies buried the Count Tiron Oneille of Ireland , who comming to Rome in devotion dyed , very poore , yet for his good service in the Catholique Cause , hath a Tombestone with this Inscription . D. O. M. Roderico Principi Odonallio Comiti Tironalliae in Hibernia , Qui pro Religione Catholica Gravissimis defunctus periculis . In Sago pariter & in Toga , Constantissimus Cultor , & defensor Apostolicae Romanae Fidei , &c. From thence wee went down into many rich Churches , where the Primitive Christians were martyrd ; In one to wit , Santa Maria Transteverana is the Fountaine of Oyle that arose , at our Saviours birth ; Some stones that were tide at the Martyrs feet when they were drown'd , with other manner of Torments that they were put to ; In the same Church are very rare pillars of Porphyre , and other stone taken from Aurelians baths . Thus every day produc't a new sight to us , but I would not passe by our Voyage to Tivoli , which was as followeth . Setting forth out of Rome , at Porta di San Lorenzo five miles from the City , we saw a Bridge over the Teverone , built by Mamea , the Mother of Severus ; A little forwarder the Sepulcher of Valerius Volusi , and ancient Tombes without number ; On farther there 's a place cald Fide nates , and a Sulphurious River , A Bridge cald Ponte Lucano , and an ancient Tower garnisht with Inscriptions , that stands for the Sepulcher of Plautius . When wee were come to Tivoli , wee went to see those wonderfull Eliziums , which the Cardinall d' Este at most Royall expence hath there in possession ; the sight whereof in my Opinion , may at this present draw as many to see Tivoli , as Rome with all her Merveiles . This shall be my patterne for a Countrey seat ; All Regale , and therefore I 'le not omit any Particular . First t is evident , the Hill was made even , and upon that Piazza this Pallace was erected ; which is built of square stone , and all things answerable to a Kingly Grandezza . At the right hand are those Gardens which they call the secret , in which there are sixteen huge Lavers of Marble , that cast forth Chrystalline water , in the midst of these stands a Janus Quadrifrons higher then those , which makes foure more fountaines that resemble Looking Glasses . At the left there 's a sumptuous Place for all manner of Exercises , or Turnaments . The Facciata or Front hath between the Windowes many ancient Statues , and so the first Porch with most ample steps in the ascent to the Palace . Before this , there 's a most glorious Fountaine , with the Statue of Leda ; And foure vast and most delicious gardens in view . Passing down the steps which have Piles of Water on both sides , amongst the Groves there 's these Fountaines of Tethys , Esculapius , Arethusa , Pandora , Pomona , and Flora . Afterwards there 's the stately Pegasus in Pamossa . The two Colosses of the Sybilla Tyburtina , and Melicerta . The Cupids powring water out of their Flaskes are most ingenious , next there are some Urnes , upon which stand ten Nymphes , and in the midst the Caves of the Sybilla , Tiburtina , and Diana , Goddesse of the Woods . Both aadornd with fountaines , statues , Roots of Corall , Mother of Pearle , and pav'd with Mosaick worke . On the other side of the Garden sets Rome triumphant , in the midst of her most Memorable Fabricks , as the Pantheon , Capitoll , Cirques , Theatres , Amphitheatres , Obelisques , Mausoleos , Archs Triumphall , Pyramids , Aquiducts , Porticos , Thermas , and the like . Neither is the River Tyber wanting ; for out of the Wolfe and Twinnes gusheth a Rivolet , proportionable to that Representative City . In the next garden there 's the Vccellario , where amonst the Branches of Trees , Artificiall Birds move their Wings and sing sweetly ; on a sudden an Owle appears , and they change their Melody into a chattering admiration . Not farre from thence is the Fountaine of Dragons , which vomit forth the water with a most horrid Noyse . The Grotte of Nature where the Organs play most harmoniously by the motion of Water . In the garden that followes are diverse Lakelike conservatories of Fish , with Swans , here the Mete Sudanti , the Ocean with Neptune in his Charriot on Sea Horse are most stupenduous . In the last the Triton and thousand exotick Plants are to bee seen . Tyr'd with these Master-Pieces of Art , wee went to that Naturall Cascata , or Cataract at Tivoli , which is made by the precipitious fall of the River Anien from the Mountaines , it rusheth downe with that Fury , that there is still a thick mist over it , and by the Reflexion of the Sun ariseth a perfect Rainbow . Pliny mentioneth this River to have that Innate Quality to Petrifie the ground it passeth through , or any thing that lies long in it . The Sulphurious streame I above mention'd flowes from this . Neere to this is an old Temple , some say of Hercules , others adjudge it to the Sibylla Tyburtina , or Albunea , and the more propable , for Tivoli was anciently Tybur . Horace and many of the Roman Magnates had their Villas here , of which they shew their Ruines , as likewise the Sybilles Cave . Returning for Rome , one may discerne Preneste , and a little out of the way , on the left stands a huge moles of Antiquity , the Villa Hadriana , the heap rather of a City then a House , t is reported hee had there the most eminent buildings of the World taken from the Originalls , but — Jam seges est , ubi Troja fuit . I have been long in the Transaction of these things , in and about Rome , and now end somewhat abruptly , the diversity of things , makes my memory treacherous , I can onely say Roma Capo e Compendio del Mondo A cui non e cosa simile ne seconda . Rome of the world Compendium and Head Admits no like , nor can be seconded . The heats growing on at Rome , wee left it to set up our station for the Summer at Sienna , and having already seen Caprarola , wee went with the Procacccio , so that passing to Viterbo by the Strada Nuova , wee saw some remnants of the Via Cassia , with Soutry where Orlando Furioso was borne , and the ruines of Gharlemaines Pallace . At the great Inne at Radicofany , wee met the Marquis de Fontenay , the French Embassadour in his voyage to Rome . A week after our arrive at Sienna , was an Opera represented on the new Theatre of Prince Matthias , with severall changes of Sceanes , as a Garden , Sea , Pallace , and other Machines , at which the Italians are spoke to be excellent . All the time of our stay at Sienna , I fild my bookes more with observations of the Language , then of the people , City , or Country : Onely the diversity of fruits which are every day brought to Market ; and sold at a low rate , argues much the fertility of Italy , as well as the great quantity of silke it produceth , and therefore deservedly cald Bombycina ; In June was the silke Harvest , If I may so call it , and there was such abundance , that in England I never saw so much Woole , as I did here Silke . The ninth of July the Sanesians solemnizd a feast , but sore against their wills , for Cosmus the Duke of Florence's taking Sienna . In August on the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin , was a Race of Barbaries , which ran without Riders from one gate of the City to the Princes Pallace , for a Pallium of Cloath of Gold . The same Moneth wee went to the Jewes Synagogue , and saw the Circumcising of a Child . Which the sacred Page describes . September the seventh wee set from Siena , to begin our returne towards France , our first dayes journey reacht to Florence , where tarrying one day , the next wee parted with the Procaccio for Venice , paying seven Crownes a man . Six miles up the Apennin we past by Pratolin , a famous seat of Pleasance belonging to the great Duke ; and about as many miles farther wee dind at Il Ponte , before which lies a most delicious Valley , environd with very high mountaines . After dinner , about two miles farther , wee past through Scarperia , from whence we mounted more and more up the Apennins , The way in some places but streight , & on the right hand is a very steep Precipes down to the plaine below . All that afternoon we rode up and down hills , which are as much fruitfull , as barren , and at night we lodgd at Fiorenzuolo , a Fortresse which stands in the midst of the Mountaines , at the confiues of the great Dukes Territoire . The next morning departing , long before break of day , ( as the Procaccios in Italy usually doe ) we perfectly discernd the flame of Pietra Mala , a Mountaine at the highest part of the Appinines , which perpetually burnes . All that forenoone wee had a tedious passage through the Chesnut woods , till wee came unto Pianora , where having dind , by a suddain descent passing a Torrent divers times , wee s●nk into the fertile and pleasant plaine of Bolonia , and so to the City it selfe , where we prevaild with our Conductor , to stay the rest of that day , and halfe the following , that wee might take a more full view of this famous City of Bolonia , the second in the Stato della Chiesa . It is situated at the foot of the Appenins , the neighbouring Countrey producing so great abundance of things necessarie to humane life , that it hath got the name Bolonia the Fat . For strength it is not much considerable , there being but a single wall without Bulwarks , Ramparts or the like , T is a fiter habitation for the Muses , then for Mars , the fame of that University which flourisheth there , making this Motto common , BOLONIA DOCET . Amongst the things I tooke notice of at Bolonia , the first is the generall uniformity in the buildings , there running before all the houses , a very stately Cloyster , with Arches all of the same structure , so that a large street appeares one building , which manner though it differ from the ordinary Italian way , yet is no lesse admirable Amongst other faire edefices of this City , the Popes Pallace very spacious , is chiefe , over the Gate is the statue of a Pope in mettall . Before this Pallace is the Piazza , as remakable as most in Italy : In the midst stands a very sumptuous Fountaine , where the Brasen Neptune made by John of Bolonia , a famous Sculpturer is very considerable , at one end of this Place is the Dome , not yet finisht . The great Schooles are said to be as stately as most in Europe . And likewise the Hospitalls are worth seeing The Convents at Bolonia are generally very glorious , especially S. Dominick , and out of the Town S. Michael in Bosco . In briefe , the Bolonians agree with the other Italians , in having their houses built decently , and in their Courts , still have some Verts set , as Orange trees , Cypresses , or the like , which much pleaseth the eye of a stranger , as he passeth the streets . In the heart of the City , stands the Tower of the Asinelli : ( cald so from a Family that rai'sd it ) some making Bolonia to represent the forme of a ship , set this for the maine Mast . It is growne somewhat to decay through time , and the staires are very rotten , however , wee adventurd to goe up to the top , and from thence wee had a full view of the Towne below , with the streets lying in a straight line , as likewise a faire Prospect on the plaines of Lombardy . On one side of this Tower , is another cald Garisenda , which seemes to fall much after the manner of the Campanile , at Pisa , some impute it to the Architecture , others say it was of the same height with that of the Asinelli ; but the Citizens fearing it would fall , pull'd downe the upper part , and left the rest standing crooked , as at the present it doth . This is the summe of what I saw in Bolonia , yet berore I went from thence , I tooke a taste of those famous Saltsages , that are compos'd at Bolonia , the which are transported thence , not onely into other places of Italy , but also into diverse parts of Europe , as a rare and costly dish , which addes and maintaines her Epithite Bolonia La Grassa . Leaving Bolonia for our more free entrance into the State of Venice , wee tooke a Bill of Health . The first day we past the Canall , that goes to Ferrara , having our boate drawne by a Horse , in which way we went through about nine Sustegne , Machines not much unlike our Sluses , to keep up and let down the water for the turning of all sorts of Milles , and the passage of Boates . Towards Evening wee past by Bentivoglio , a Castle that gave denomination to the learned Cardinall of that name . Some two houres later , wee came to Mal Albergo , an infamous Inne , both in name and in deed , where having poorely supt , wee imbarqu't in another lesse Boate , and having past all night through the fennes , The next morning we arriv'd at Ferrara . Ferrara heretofore a Dutchy by it selfe , yet now subject to the Apostolique See , is more considerable for strength , then beauty , however it is in Italy , and therefore ( secundum nos ) no meane City . It s scituation is on a plat , so that by it runnes two Channels , the one towards Bolonia , the other towards the Po , it is fortified with very faire Ramparts , upon most of which are planted Allies of trees . Within the Towne are some faire buildings , as the Palazzo del Diamante , belonging to the Duke of Modena , the Castle where , in the Court are pictur'd the Dukes of Ferrara , and t is said that at the last , there was no Roome left for another Before the Pallace are two small Statues of a Marquis , and Duke of Ferrara ; many other things are observable , as the Epitaph of the famous Poet Ariostus , and of many other famous men buried there , which my short stay would not admit me to collect . Our Inne was the Angelo ( a too sumptuous edifice to have been made a Taverne ) where having dind , wee went by boat downe the Channell , and about three mile beyond Ferrara came into the Po , which is the greatest and farthest navigable river in Italy , for breadth and length much above Tyber it selfe ; the ancients cald it Padus , the Poets Erydanus , on the Bankes whereof they feignd that , Io transformd into a heifer was want to feed . About evening wee came on the confines of the Venetian territoire , and supt at Corbua , a place three miles distant from that most ancient , yet now dejected City Adria , which formerly gave the name of Mare Adriaticum , to the Sea now cald the Golfe of Venice . Three miles farther , wee changd our Barke for a bigger Vessell , to carrie us to Venice , and having now past thirty miles on the Po , we came suddenly by an artificiall cut into the River Adice ( Athesis in Latin ) that passeth by Verona ; and the next morning , about the opening of the day , wee enterd into the Golfe , passing by Chioza , a City in an Island on the left , Palestina on the right , with other Islands that lay rang'd in a row to Venice it selfe , where , wee arriv'd the twelfth of September ; and being come to the Port , wee ( as the custome and order is ) were not permitted to set foot on shoare , on paine of death , till wee had a ticket of licence . Venetia , is a word never heard of in the Romans dayes , the originall of this name being not above thirteen Centuries of yeares since , yet Historians generally report , that at the decay of the Roman Empire , when the invasion of the Hunns and other Barbarous Nations overspread Italy ; Some provident Fishermen began to build Cottages in those scatterd Islands , and in processe of time , others for their better security retyr'd thither : From this poore , and low beginning ( imitating her elder sister ) is shee growne to that height , that all deservedly call her Venice the rich . This very mirrour of State and Policy , as shee was borne about the death of old Rome , so shee seemes ro bee hereditarily Possessour of that which maintaind Rome in her soveraigne glory ; The magnificent Genius of the People , the Gravity of the Senate , the solidity of her lawes , very much consonant with those of Rome . Hence Venice hath this propriety above all other States ; that she is a Virgin , ( a cōmodity rarely found within her self ) and more , from her first Infancy , Christian : having never yet fell from her principles , either in Government , or Religion ; but still valiantly defending her Liberty against the insulting Mahomet . Besides the wise and Judicious Potentates , that strengthen this Common-wealth , Nature hath fortified her with a strange and unusuall scituation — Mediâ insuperabilis undâ . Environd with her embracing Neptune ; to whom , ( as the Ceremonie of throwing a ring into the Sea implies ) she marries her selfe with yearly nuptialls . Hereupon our English Martiall admiring the scituation of the Magnificent Venetians City , sayes to them Quid mirum est vestram consistere Legibus Vrbem Legibus exleges cum teneaatis aquas . No wonder if by Lawes your City stands , Since out-law waves are chain'd to your Commands . If some casuall necessity did not constraine men to build Venice , I could never conceive how so stately Pallaces , how so compacted a City should stand in the midst of the Sea . At the end just before the Chiesa San Marco , are three Standards with Pedestalls of Brasse , very exquisite worke . At the right side from these , is the Clock-house , adorn'd with the signes of Heaven , with the Sunne and Moones monethly entrance to them , and two Statues of Brasse that strike . Saint Marks Church is not so admirable for vastenesse , as for the rarenesse of the designe , and precious materialls it is compos'd of . The whole facade , or Frontispiece , is beset with Pillars , of Serpentine and Porphyre , towards the top stand foure horse of Brasse , most worthy Trophees , taken ( as some say ) by a Stratageme , out of Constantinople . And first stood in an Arch-Triumphall at Rome . Amongst the imagiry worke on this Church , there stands a woman stroking a Dog ; The Venetian Annals mention the story , of a Senators Daughter , who ( her Father altogether , depriving her of society with men ) had a prodigious Birth by that over familiar Play-fellow . For the inward part of this Temple , It is a little obscure within , yet most richly wenescoted with Marbles , and the whole top coverd with lively pieces in Mosaick worke : An Art lost or unknowne in these parts , and highly valued there . Neere that Church gate , that lookes into the Sea , is a little Chappell , and therein is an ill hewd image of the Lady , made ( as their Tradition goes ) out of the same rocke , which Moses strooke when the water miraculously gushed forth ; And to make good this story , they shew three little holes out of which the Fountaine came forth . Some probability there may be of this , an old and now scarce legible Greeke Inscription , on the same stone beginneth thus — {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} . And underneath these Latine words , Aqua quae prius ex petra miraculosè fluxit oratione Prophetae Moysis , producta est , nunc autem haec Michaelis studio labitur , quem servas Christe & Conjugem Irenem . The construction is dubious the lines verbatim , as there I found them . In this same Church is kept with great reverence , the body of the Cities Protectour Saint Marke , whose winged Lion with the Motto , Pax tibi Marce Evangelista meus , is the Banner and Armes of this Common-wealth , In honour of this Saint , here is likewise conservd a most inestimable treasure . To this Cathedrall Church joynes the Dukes Pallace wholly of Marble , with a Kingly Arcade of three and thirty Pillars , under which , t is a most comely sight to see the Venetians in their long Gownes , daily consulting of State affaires . Just against the great Gate , at the top of the steps , stand two Colosses , the one of Mars , the other of Neptune , works of famous Sansovinus . Opposite to these staires is a Facade of Statues , both ancient and moderne . Above is a most royall Corridor ; wherein are divers Tribunalls , or Courts of Justice , and higher are most gallant ascents into the Senate house , and other sumptuous Halls . Below in the Court , in going out , I observd the mouthes of two Wells in Brasse , of very singular art . On the other side of the place is the Zecca , where they coine money , and the Procuratorio ; on the top of this structure stand five and twentie Statues . On the seventeenth of September , whilst wee were at Venice , there was a new made Procurator , ( the second man in the Republick ) enterd into his office , at which solemnity wee saw the Senatours in their robes of Scarlet , Damaske , three hundred most grave , proper persons , every one speaking himselfe no lesse then an Embassadour in his deportment . The following morning , the Secretarie of the State , of the Family of the Tommasini , for appearing a favourite to some Banditas , was privately strangled , and his body afterwards hung up in the place of execution , which place brings mee againe into my description , it being Between the two Pillars that stand towards the Canale della Giudeca . These two Colomnes were brought out of Greece , on the one stands the Statue of Sanct. Theodorus , with the Crocodile , on the other Saint Markes Lion of Brasse . This is the summe of what is to be noted within , and about the Piazza San Marco , yet before I leave it , t is worth the paines to get up Saint Marks steeple , which stands by it selfe , eightie feet distant from the Church . From thence one may discerne how the City lies compacted of many little Islands , separated by Channells , joyned by Bridges , the number whereof , if well reckoned up , comes to foure hundred and fifty , and the greater part of stone . The fairest and most remarkable is the Bridge of Rialto , which , though but of one Arch , yet for the height , length , and breadth , hath no where a parell . Upon it stand twelve shops , at each side coverd all alike with lead , and behind magnificent Balustrades . This Bridge passeth over the Canal Grande , along which are the most stately houses in all Venice . It is a most satisfactory sight to behold the Corso in this Channell , every Feast towards the Evening , to see the Venetian Ladies habited like Nymphs , and the Gondola's like so many Daulphines running a race . These Gondolas are Boats , which because of the little use of walking a foot there , are still carrying some passenger one way or another . Every noble Venetian keeps one of these Seacoaches for his family , and others there are to be hir'd by any man for money very genteel and commodious . Hence one may easily conjecture how populate Venice is ; for the number of Gondolas is 40000. so that in case of necessity ; the Boatmen would make a considerable army , for every Gondola hath a Rower , and the better sort too . And now I am on the water , before I set foot to land , I may visite some of the neigbouring Islands , and first Murano a mile distant from Venice . Here continually ( excepting in August and September ) are Fornaces to make Glasses , which for the variety of the worke , and the Chrystall substance , exceed all others in the world , and are transported to all parts : out of which merchandise Venice drawes infinite summes of money . In returning wee stept into the Arsenall , The Magazine and store-house of Warre , Mars his warehouse . In this place the Republick hath all ammunition for Sea and Land , all instruments of offence and Defence , all preparations for shipping so ready , that t is said they can raise a Gally in foure and twenty houres , and though the late approach of their common enemy the Turke , hath much impoverisht this Arsenal , yet the daily labours of Artisans that worke there , still restore it . The next day wee went to the Greek Church , where at their service in their owne tongue , there was a great Congregation , who us'd more Ceremonies , but lesse superstition then the Church of Rome , which calls the Greeks Schismaticks onely , because they differ not much in exteriours from them ; but will not acknowledge the Pope to bee head of the Church . Neither have the Orientall Christians alone this Liberty at Venice , but Loyalas Sonnes being exild thence , the Inquisition reacheth not so far as strangers , which made us Hereticks ( as they call us ) thinke wee were come out of the Land of Bondage , to a more secure Country . The day following wee made a Gondola carry us over to San Georgeo , an Island with a most beautifull Monastery ; The Chappell is pav'd ( as generally they are in Venice ) with a reddish Marble , About the Coire are very rare Statues , and in the Cloister , sits Venice Triumphant . From thence wee went to San Giovanni e Paulo , more in devotion to the living Ladies , then to the dead Image there worshipt . This Place is much frequented by the Venetian walking May Poles , I meane the women , which gives mee occasion to speake of the common habits or fashions of Venice . The Citizens rich and poore follow all the same Mode , viz : A long black gowne with wide sleeves , and a kinde of skirt to throw over one shoulder , the collar alwayes open , and a Black Cap edg'd with Fringe of Wooll . The Ladies have found out a devise very different from all other Europaeian Dresses . They weare their owne , or a counterfeit Haire below the shoulders , trim'd with gemmes , and Flowers their Coats halfe too long for their bodies , being mounted on their Chippeens , ( which are as high as a mans leg ) they walke between two handmaids , majestickly deliberating of every step they take . This fashion was invented , and appropriated to the noble Venetians wives , to bee constant to distinguish them from the Courtesans , who goe coverd in a vaile of white Taffety . These fashions , because they are not so variable as ours , I have here inserted . Before the Church I last mentioned , San Giovannie Paulo is a Cavalier , or horseman in Brasse , with these words . Bartholomeo Coleono Bergomensi ob militare Imperium optime gestum S C. Joanni Mauro , & Marino Venereo Curatoribus An : Sal : Mcccclxxxxv. This is the chiefe of what I observ'd in three weeks residence at Venice . As concerning the trade , or traffique of this City , shee is without Doubt , Mistris of all others ; it is shee that makes rise or fall the Exchange at her pleasure . And this I imagine proceeds from the great and innumerable company of Jewes , that are harbourd here , and that enjoy the Priviledge of a Synagogue for every Nation ; so that in their Guetta they have nine diverse ones , yet weare they a Badge of distinction , viz : a Scarlet hat . The shops at Venice are most richly furnisht with Easterne Merchandize , as Sattins , Damasks , Cloaths of Gold , with a world of costly Drugs , which word intimates I must hasten to the Medicinall Padua . From Venice to Padua , because of the convenient passage by water , is one easie dayes journey . About five miles from Venice wee came to Liza Fusina , where the continent or firme Land beginnes , here one finds commodity of going either by Land or Boate , wee tooke the latter ; a most delightfull Spasso on the river Brenta , which runnes in so direct a line , that one may see its course foure miles behind or before one , on both sides is a garden-like countrey , and a multitude of Villa's , or Countrey houses , with Gardens of Orange trees , and other greens after the Italian way . At the close of the evening wee arriv'd at Padua . Patavium was founded , long before Romulus suckt the Wolfe , T is reported that Antenor flying with some force into these parts , after the destruction of Troy began this name and city ; to confirme this , they yet shew this Noble Heros Tombe , with this Epitaph in old Characters . Inclitus Antenor Pat: &c. The words are these . C Inclytus Antenor Patriam Vox Nisa Quietem , Transtulit huc Henetum Dardanidumque Fugas , Expulit Euganeos , Patavinam condidit Vrbem ; Quem tegit hic humili marcaesa Domus . The Monument whereon these verses are ingraven stands by S. Lorenzos Church , in this figure . As in the page following . Antenors Tombe {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} {non-Roman} Not farre from this Marble Chest , are some remnants of the walls that Antenor laid ; For the city is divided into the old , and the new , the old hath round about it the river , both are encompast with strong Bull-warkes , upon which are planted rowes of trees , very pleasant to walke amongst , though they quite hinder the view of the city a farre off . Neither indeed ( I must confesse ) doth Padua abound with stately houses , like the other chiefe Cities of Italy , yet those renowned disciples of Aesculapius that are nourisht there , make it to be said both at home and abroad , Padua the Learned . It stands in a most delicious and fertile Plaine , which produceth so great abundance of things necessary to humane life ; that the vulgar Proverb goes Bolonia la grassa ma Padoua la passa . By reason of this plenty of provisions , and the daily practise in Physick , and the other liberall Arts this city is no lesse frequented by strangers , then Athens anciently was . And indeed those who have been students at Padua , have reason to commend the place , for by the Senate of Venice's constitution ( under whom Padua is ) every Nation , English , Dutch , &c. hath a Consul , enjoyes many Priviledges , and by their matriculation may lay in provisions , without paying any excise or taxation . This liberty is very prevalent to draw Forreigners thither , yet the ill Government of the Schollars there much disswades others from likeing the place . It is strange to finde Minerva so joynd with Mars , to see students in so warlike a posture , for the common mode of the Schollars is to goe arm'd with a paire of Pistolls , and a Stilletto by his side , this they say proceeds from some old and inbred dissentions between the Vicentines and Brescians , which two parties so fill the towne with slaughter , that no man can walke the streets late at night for fear of their Chi-va li ? and which is a more manifest signe of their Barbarismes on the Pillars of the Porch , or Arches that runne before the houses of this city , one may discerne where Bullet have past ; nay , so triviall is homicide amongst them that if at any time they want a body for the Anatomy Lecture , they make it a small busines to kil a poore fachin , or porter to put his body to that use . Notwithstanding these grosse abuses , yet Padua is a very worthy University . It was Vacation time when wee were there , however wee stept into the Schooles . Over the Gate is the Lion San Marco , and this Inscription . Sic ingredere ut teipso quotidie doctior , sic egredere ut indies Patriae Christianaeque Reipublicae utilior evad●s . Ita Demum Gymnasium a se feliciter Ornatum existimabit . MDC . Within is a square Court , the building two stories of Pillars , one over another , and round about in every corner are the Armes of all such as have been Consulls in that University ; Some in colours onely , others in colours and stone , with the countrey , name , and yeare ; all which is made at the expence of the Venetian , to make famous this nursery of learning . Above is the Anotomick Theatre a very neat , and singular invention ; commodious both for the Professour , and his Spectatours . Not farre from the Physick Schooles is the Palagio della Ragione , or Hall of Justice , which considered as an upper Roome is the fairest and most spacious in Christendome . Some impose more on the excellency of this Fabrick , then can be discernd by a common eye , alledging t is plac't to the foure parts of the heaven , so that in the Equinoctiall the beames of the Sunne rising , entring at the East windowes strike those at the West , and in the Solstice , the rayes that come in at the South , touch the opposite window , in a word , there is no part without some Astronomicall secret . The pictures represent the influence of higher bodies on these below . It is coverd with lead , round about goes a stately Corridor of Marble . Over every dore , is some Remembrance of those men who for their Birth have celebrated Padua . Amongst these is that immortall Treasure of History and Eloquence , Livie . In whose never fading memory there is , ( at one end of this hall ) a monument erected , and this old inscription added thereunto . VE TLIVIVS LIVIAE . TF QVARTAEl HALYS CONCORDIALIS SIBI ET SVIS OMNIBVS . T. Livius 4o Imperii Tib ▪ Caesaris ano vita excessit aetatis vero suae LXXVI . There is likewise a Poeticall Elegie , but I passe by this new monument , with all the appertenances of the same , to come to Livies old Tombe , which is there extant in this forme . As in the page following . OSSA T LIVII PATAIVNI VNIVS OIVM MORTALIVM IVDICIO DISINI CVIVS PROPE INVICTO CALAMO INVICTI P. R. RES GESTAO CONSCRIBERENTVR To this Westminster Hall at Padua , joynes the Podestas Pallace . The Podesta is he who represents the Senate ; and executes their power ; In most of the cities under the State of Venice there is one . There is likewise a Capitan Grande . He lookes after the military affaires , the other the Politicall . Many houses in Padua are worth seeing , as the Captaines lodging in the Piazza . At the Palazzo di Foscari all Arena , are some Vestigia of a Theater . In the Garden of Mantua are divers singularities ; Amongst others a huge Colosse of Hercules , with these words . Hercules Buphiloponus Bestiarius , Qui tristitiam Orbis depuli● omnem Peramplo hoc signo Mantuae cura reflorescat . One day walking to some of those places , I espi'd a good faire Chappell put to no better use then a Barne , asking the reason , t was told me it had been a Jesuites Church ; an argument that those Religious States-men are not welcome where the Venetians sway the sword ; neither indeed have the Loyalists one Colledge in the Venetian Cities . As for the Churches of Padua , that of Saint Anthony deserves the first place . Before the dore is a Man and Horse of Brasse , within is a most precious Altar , under which lies the body of S. Anthony , about is his life and miracles in figures of Marble , cut by the most famous Masters of those times , or ( I thinke ) that ever were , or will be . Hard by this Church is Il prato della Valle a Medow , at the end whereof stands that most wealthy and Kingly Convent of S. Justine , the best and stateliest I can remember I sawin Italy . The Chappell is an incomparable piece . In the Cloysters an Antiquary might spend a yeares study ; for amongst the Legend stories design'd on the walls , they have inserted hundreds of old Inscriptions , with the Draughts of old stones , and pieces of Urnes , all which were dug up out of the ground , when the Foundations of this Convent were first laid A little farther is the Physick Garden , fild with simples , but the Euganean Hills furnish Padua more abundantly with medecinall Herbes . These hills are in view from Padua , and have been alwayes famous for the Medecinall Bathes , that proceed from them . Having spent a week in Padua , the Gentlemen wee left at Venice , came thither ( viz : Sir J. G. a Northerne Baronet , and my Lord B. his eldest Son ) with whom wee joynd company to goe thorough Lombardy , and so over the Alpes into France . From Padua we hird a Coach to Verona ; In our first dayes journey we had nothing to observe but the Fertility and pleasantnesse of the Country , neither could I imagine my selfe anywhere but in Lombardy . Had not the People , Language , Manners , seemd Italian , I might have thought my selfe to have been out of Italy ; so great an alteration is there in the Landskip betwixt this , and the other side of the Appenines . The meliority of either I dispute not , they being equally good , yet contrary , that mountanous , this flat . The latter is cald Lombardy , and under that name is comprehended the whole plaine betwixt the Alpes , and the Appenines . It was almost Vintage time when wee past through this Paradise , and it made my journey much easier , to see the trees rangd in order so farre as one can see , to looke on the Vines embracing the Elmes , with such an incredible quantity of grapes , that they are coverd more with Purple , then green . Et Tellus Bacchi pondere pressa gemens . Besides this wee lodgd every night in some memorable City , where wee sound good accommodation , and something observable . The first day some houres before it grew darke , we were in Vicenza . Vicenza , in Latine Vicentia , was according to Livie built by the Galli Senones in the Reigne of Tarquinius Priscus , since that time it hath without doubt sufferd many changes . It is now under the Venetians , and stands in the Marquisate of Treves . It is neither fortified , nor capable of Fortification , it being situated at the bottome of a hill that commands the Towne , however the fidelity of the Inhabitants keep it in safety . The Vicentins delight to goe abroad in the world , to see forreigne customes ( an humour seldome found in other Italians ) so that at their returne home they live splendidly , goe richly appareld , keep many followers ; for which cause this city is reputed very full of Gentry , & those rich , the common title to a Gentleman here being Signor Conte , as much as my Lord . Neither are they lesse noble in their Buildings then in their Garbe ; for by the art of Palladius , the late Reviver of the Roman Architecture a Vicentin , this city is beautified with stately Pallaces publick , and private . The Hall of Justice is admirable , both for the Ancient and moderne structure , the Tower lofty , the Piazza most capacious of Turnaments , and other assemblyes of the Gentry , Who are much given to shewes and Pastimes ; and to this purpose they have erected a Theatre , the figure whereof I conceive to bee like those of the ancienr Romans , though the materialls differ , Palladius was the Inventor , as this Inscription over the stage , testifieth . Virtuti ac Genio . Olympior : Academia Theatrum hoc a Fundamentis erexit . Paladio Archit : Anno 1584. It will hold five thousand persons , the Scene is very well contrived with Statues , and Corinthian Order , the Prospective represents a Kingly City . Diverse like places of recreation there are , within and about the City , amongst which is the Campo Marzo made in imitation of that , anciently at Rome , for to exercise the youth in Chevalry , thither the Ladies and Gallentry of the City resort , in the sommer Evenings to take the Aire . The Arch or entrance into this Field will stand as a perpetuall monument of Palladius that built it . Just opposite is the Garden of Connt Valmarana , wherein the close Walke of Citron and Orange trees , together with the Labyrinthe are things very commendable . Going forth at the gate di Monte , one sees another Arch of Palladius , with a most high paire of staires to the top of the Madonna Del Monte . Halfe a mile farther by the river side ( which river was in Latin cald Meduacus Minor ) is the Rotonda of Conte Mario Capra so cald from the Cupola at the top , or likenesse it hath with the Pantheon at Rome , though in my opinion it more resembles the Temple of Janus Quadrifrons , for it hath foure faces and foure Gates . Palladius made this his Master-piece ; for t is so contriv'd , that it containes Geometrically a Round , a Crosse , and a Square . The Master of this house uses all strangers very civilly . His Sellars are the best , and the best furnished I met with , neither is he sparing of his Wines to Travellers ; As wee were returning from this house to our Inne , wee met with him and his followers attending him , one of them who spake French sayd , his Master desir'd to see us at his house to morrow , but our short stay would not permit us to accept of that kind invitation , I infer this passage to shew the generous Minds of the Vicentines . The next morning wee left Vicenza very early , dind at Osteria Nuova the midway : And about foure in the afternoone wee came unto Verona . T is the vulgar Criticisme on this Name , that if it bee syllabizd , it comprehends the first letters of the three head Cities of Italy Ve-Venetia . Ro-Roma . Na . Others leave the verball dirivation , and more strictly interpret it , that whatsoever is containd in those three Cities may bee found in Verona . Her wealth may be compar'd to that of Venice ; Her Monuments of Antiquity equall even those of Rome , neither is the delightfull situation inferiour to that of Naples . Thus much I must needs say , were I to see Italy againe , I should make my Station at Verona , for I know no place more agreeable or commodious for a stranger . The City stands one part on the side , the other at the foot of a hill , behind which is a continuation of huge Mountaines . Before one side of the City lies a rich Plat Countrey ; Before the other a stony Champion , or Downes , wherein C. Marius gave a totall overthrow to the Cimbrians . The River Athesis divideth the City in the midst . Thus nature hath adornd Her , neither hath art been wanting to glorifie her , and this one may collect from the mighty remnants of Roman Magnificence , that yet stand within her walls . I may say with Martiall , — Vnum pro cunctis fama loquatur Opus . Of the Amphitheatre at Verona , the most perfect that is to be seen this day in Christendome , the figure whereof I have here set downe . As in the page following . The Amphitheatre at Verona Arena This noble worke was spoild of all its ornaments by the Barbarous that sackt Italy , yet one may easily judge , how betwixt the Arches and the Columnes there were statues . In the circuit of this Moles are three Porches , one within another , made for the Spectatours to goe in , and out without disturbance to any one In the midst is the Arena , where the Combatants fought in an ovale forme , foure and thirty perches long , large two and twenty , environed with two and forty seats , which lie gradatim , one above another , still extending to the top . In these Cirques the vastnesse of Marble stones is incredible , so bigge that one cannot conceive how they were transported thither . This worke was perfected by L. V. Flaminius Cousul Anno Vrb : Cond. 53. Many other signes of Venerable Antiquity are there in Verona , as Arches-Triumphalls , ruines of Temples , Aquiducts , Urnes and the like . There 's one Arch Triumphall dedicated to Marius for his victory over the Cimbrians . And although this City bee not now of so great a compasse as Historians report , it was in the height of the Roman Empire , yet the Venetians have with great expence joynd new Bulwarkes and walls unto the old , and it is fencd with three Castles , which make it as well impregnably strong , as delightfull . The buildings of this City are answerable to the Italian . The fairest is the Councell house , upon the roofe whereof stand expos'd to the open ayre the Statues of Cornelius Nepos , Emilius Marcus , old Poets . Pliny the Naturall Historiographe , Vetruvius the Architecture , all which men graced their native Verona by their singular Vertues . Besides these , the Learned Scaliger was of Verona , for whose sake and his Family i Signori della Scala , there is ( in the heart of the city , before the Inne wee lay at Il Cavaletto ) a stately Tombe of Marble , encompast with Iron worke , in the fashion of a Ladder , which that name implies . These things wee saw before it grew darke at Verona , which wee left the next morning , having renewed our bargaine with the same Coach that brought us thither , to carry us to Milan . At our going out of the Towne , I saw a Porphire Tombe in a Church yarde , t was told me that a King of the Goths lay buried there . Looking into the River Athesis , I espied a Bridge of old Roman work , and some Engines which convey water out of the river in to the city by Pipes . When wee parted from Verona , and indeed through all the Venetian State , our Matriculations wee had from Padua did us much service , for by that meanes none of the Guard , would dare to hinder us as they usually doe strangers . Two miles beyond Verona wee past over the Downes , memorable for the Battells of Marius . About noone wee came to Cavalli Caschieri , an Inne two miles short of Peschiera , which is a most strong Fort of the Venetians , standing at the Embushment of the Lago di Garda into that of Mantua . The greater part of the afternoone , wee past by the side of the Lake , which by the Ancients ws cald Benaca . From Peschiera it extends it selfe towards the North five and thirty miles . T is very rough and tempestuous , as Virgil saith , Fluctibus & fremitu assurgens Benaca marino . Which I believe proceeds from its enclosure , between mountaines which stop up the winde , yet being fenct so with Alpes which keep of the Northerne blasts , and warmd by the reflection of the Sunne , those hills produce great store of Olive , Citron , and Orange trees . The Lake abounds with fish , especially with Troutes , equall to them of the Lake of Geneva , which wee tasted of that night at supper at Lunato . In the midst of the Lago di Garda , is an Island wherein stands Sermonea . The next day wee had very bad Coach way , yet at dinner time wee were at Brescia , where because of bad weather wee tarried that day . Brescia , ( by the Romans Brixia ) may be cald the Venetians Magazine , here is a perpetuall appearance of Warre though they live in peace , every shop is stord with Armes ; In a word ▪ the chiefe traffick of this place are Swords , Muskets , and other military Engines , from whence t is vulgarly cald Brescia the Armed . It hath a plaine on all sides , excepting towards the Castle which stands on Hill ; behinde which are very high Mountaines ; By reason of this vicinity to the Hills the City is beautified with many Fountaines , a commodity which few of the Cities in Lombardy have . In some of the streets there runnes Porches , whereby one may walke drye in rainy weather . The Torre della Pallada is of rare Tuscan structure , the Piazza is but little , yet the Towne house may be reckoned amongst the fairest of Italy The Dome was a repairing when I was there . In that is kept a skie colour Crosse , which they hold to be the same which appeard to Constantin . There is little observable , ( onely some Churches ) at Brescia ; which we left the next morning , and dind at Vrsa Vecchio ; after dinner wee past by Vrsi Novi , a strong Garrison in the Venetian Frontiers that way . A little farther , having past the river Oglio , we went by Soncino , the first place where wee saw the Armes of Spaine over the Gates , a signe wee were come into the State of Milan , but wee soone were out of it again , for that night wee lay at Crema , which is under the Signory of Venice : It stands in a plaine very well fortified with Ramparts and a Mote . The Dome , the Tower , the Place , and the Podestas Pallace are worth seeing . The next morning foure miles beyond Crema wee enterd into the State of Milan , and past by Lodi , a great City on the side of the River Ada , this City is famous , for the cheeses made there which are not much different from the Parmisano , Lodi was cald by the Romans Laus Pompeia . From Lodi wee went to dinner at Marignano ten miles from Milan ; All which way the Countrey is more Garden-like then in any part of Lombardy , the high wayes are as streight as one can imagine , on both sides runne Channells of water , on both sides trees planted , and in the fields there is Corne , Wine , Fruits , and Medowes altogether , till wee came to the very gates of Milan . Milan for the mighty circuit of her walls , the great number of Churches , is before any other City in Italy said to be the Great . The Metropolis of either France , or England , either Paris or London , goe much beyond it for bignesse , yet they must be lookt on as Heads of Kingdomes , this as the Capitall of a Dutchy or Province , besides their chiefest greatnesse is in their Suburbs , Milan hath none at all , but lies within a stately wall of ten miles compassc . T is plac't in a wide plaine , and hath about it green Hills , delightfull Medowes , Navigable Rivers , and enjoyeth a wholsome Ayre , the territory doth so well furnish it with all necessary provisions , that t is worth a dayes journey onely to see the Market of Milan . Neither doth it want Trade to support it in a flourishing condition , for t is so throngd with Artisans of all sorts , that the vulgar Proverb goes Chi volesse Rassettare Italia rouinarebbe Milano . For the Antiquity of this place Mediolanum its ancient appellation speakes it old , and some pieces of Roman edefices , yet standing there confirme the same . Before San Lorenzo's Church stand sixteene Marble Pillars , a a remnant of the Temple of Hercules , at one end of them is this Inscription put in . Imp : Caesari . L. Aurelio vero Aug : Arminiaco Medico Parthico Max : Trib : Pot : VII IMP : IIII Cos. III PP Divi Antonini Pii Divi Hadriani Nepoti : Divi Trajani Parthici ProNepoti Divi Nervae . Abnepoti DEC DEC . Since Milan shooke off Paganisme to imbrace the faith of Christ , that glorious Pillar of the Church , Saint Ambrose was her Bishop . To whom there is a Church dedicated vulgo Sanct ' Ambrogio . Under the high Altar supported by foure Porphyre Pillars , is interred the body of Saint Ambrose ; t is beleev'd that Saint Ambrose stood at the gates of this Church , when he excommunicated Theodosius the Emperour , and would not suffer him to enter therein . Hard by is a poore Chappell in a blinde corner , with a Well , where Saint Ambrose baptiz'd Saint Augustine , and began the Te Deum , as the Inscription on the wall witnesseth . Hic Beatus Ambrosius baptisat Augustinum , Deodatum & Alippum , Hic Beatus Ambrosius incipit Te Deum laudamus . Augustinus sequitur Te Dominum Confitemur . This place is so meane , and so little regarded , that t is very probably true ; for t is incredible how the name of Carolus Baromaeus a Councell of Trent Saint , highly cryd up at Milan , hath extinguisht the memory of that learned Father . In S. Eustorgios Church is to be seen the Sepulcher wherein lay the bodies of the three Magi ; the bodies were transported to Colen in Germany , but there remaies the Tombe in this forme . SEPVLCHRVM TRIVM MAGORVM Most of the Churches in Milan deserve the eye of the curions , yet all may bee included in the Dome or Cathedrall , for the Fabrick ; the most like ours of any I saw in Italy ; yet for the materialls more costly . T is all of white Marble , and about it , are five hundred Statues of the same . The Addition that is now in building is very glorious , especially for the huge Pillars of Granito , a sort of Marble very common at Milan . About the body of the Church , are set up pictures of the miracles wrought by Saint Charles Barromee . And in a Chappell under Ground is devoutly worshipt the body of that new founded Saint , with a Treasure of rich presents . As these divine buildings are glorious , so the private mens houses of Milan are not inferiour to those of other Cities in Italy ; The streets are of a more then common breadth , and there are very many gardens within the walls . The fairest Pallace in Milan ( I may say in Italy ) is the great Hospitall , a square of Columnes and Porches six hundred Rods about ; fitter to be the Court of some Kings then to keep Almes men in ; yet no use can it be put to better then to feed the Hungry and cloath the naked . Next to this I reckon the Castle accounted by all Engineers the fairest , the strongest Fortification or Citadell in Europe . They are very cautelous in letting strangers to see it , to cast an eye on the outworkes is a crime , wherefore I omit any farther description . Foure dayes past while wee were visiting these things , I have set down at Milan . After this repose , wee began to bethinke our selves of the laborious taske we had to undertake , to get over the neighbouring mountaines the Alpes . Milan is the rise for two passages , either by mount Goodard , or Sampion , the first is through Switzerland , tedious and long ; the other is through Valesia more delightsome , and short . Wee meeting opportunely with a guide who had been conversant in the way by Sampion , made our agreement with him , that hee should beare all our charges , for horse , Diet , and lodging , till wee came to Geneva , wee paying him eight pistolls a man . The passage over the Alpes . Our first dayes journey to Sesto at the foot of the Alpes was by Coach , wee dind in the midway Alla Castellanza ; Three miles short of Sesto , t is very remarkable to see how on a suddaine the Alpes break off the flat Countrey , like a wall to part Italy from her neighbours France and Germany . Thereabouts wee had in full view the Mount San Bernardo Il grande , the highest Terrasse in Europe . And wee could perfectly discerne it about foure English miles to out top the Cloudes . That night wee lay at Sesto . The next morning before break of day , wee tooke boate to passe over the Lago Maggiore ( in Latine Verbanus Lacus ) so cald not that t is the biggest amongst the Alpes ; but because the River Ticinus passeth through it into the Po , so that all Merchandise is thereby transported out of Helvetia , Six mile beyond Seflo , wee past by Arona a strong towne in the Dutchy of Milan , three yeares since besieged by the French ; it stands on the side of the Lake , and against it is Angiera . All that morning wee had a pleasant passage going Terr' a Terra , till about three in the afternoone wee came to Marguzzo a poore village at the end of the Lake . Here began the difficulty of our voyage , wee could see nothing but a Series of Rockes , heapt to the skies upon one another , yet to get over wee are constraind . From Marguzzo wee had horses to Duomo , that forenoone was not so tedious as wee expected it would have been , for wee rode rather through then over the Mountaines in a very fruitfull though narrow valley . Having dind at Duomo wee changd horse , and so the way required ; being mounted we presently got two miles higher where wee met with extreame hazardous way , and deep Precipices to boot . ( Believe mee Hanniball had a most hard taske to lead an army over the Alpes — Difficilis est ad Astra Via . ) Our horses though tract up in those pathes , seemd to tell their steps and pick out their footing ; however in this slow pace wee got safe to Vedra sixe mile beyond Duomo , the last village in Dutchy of Milan . The next morning about three mile farther , wee enterd into the Paese de' Valesi ; a most barbarous disconsolate place , a Habitation for Wolves and Beares . Our terminus Visus was most hideous Mountaines , coverd with snow , on all sides terrible Precipices , monstrous Rockes , passages over narrow Bridges , Cataracts of water , tumbling downe with such noise that wee could not heare one another speake . This strange and unusuall Landskip continued not above five houres , but presently wee met with a new People , a new Phisiognomy , a new genius , a new Dresse , a new Language . Yet the first words wee heard , wee even understood Com Heyn Gots name , and Got tanke heir . These Monticoli are in all things consonant with the Switzers stout , lusty fellowes , yet very dull and ignorant . They weare long Breeches , and rough Bands , their tongue is a broken Dutch . That which they are most commendable for is their Honesty , a man may travell over all their Country with Gold in his hand . Their women speake more of the Male then their owne , the female sex . Having with much paines , yet delight , because of the variety , crouded through some of the Alpes , wee came to dinner at Sampion , at the top of the Mountaine , to which that Village gives the denomination . This mount Sampion was by the Latins cald Mons Sempronius After dinner we had the hardest part of our journey to passe over , and then wee were worst of all provided ; the poverty of the place could not afford us either Saddles or bridles to our Jades , yet necessitie drives and away wee must . Wee were now at the very top of the Alpes ; nothing to bee seen but snow , which hath laid there beyond the memory of man , and as some say ever since the flood . There are Poles set up to direct the way to passengers , yet in the very path our horses went so deep that few or none of us scapt without a fall . In some parts of the yeare , as December , January and February this mountaine is impassable , The best time is in September , October or November . After wee had past over the snow which was but for foure mile or thereabouts , wee were forc't to alight , to crawle down the steeper part of the Mountaine ; When our Guide desird us to horse againe , it hapned one unruly Jade broke loose and ran away . T was my ill Fortune to be set upon a Mule , an untamable headstrong beast , which seeing the other Horse , a great way before , ranne headlong up and downe , and carried the Rider over such terrible places that all the company gave mee for lost : When the horse and my Mule stayd of themselves my fellow Travellers , overtooke mee , so that evening wee reacht to Briga , at the bottom of the Sampion which was the end of our Alpine voyage . Hereabouts the Rivers , the Rhene and the Rhosne , have their fountaines but neither are Navigable . The rest of our way to the Lake of Geneva , was amongst Alpes but not over any . There running along a rich valley between two huge Mountaines . From Briga wee lay the next night at Sion ( Sedunnm in Latine ) being from Briga six Switzer mile , thirty Italian . Sion is the head City of Valesia , the Bishop hath both the Spirituall and Temporall Jurisdiction . From Sion wee lay at Martigni . The next morning wee past by Saint Mauritz , a little farther wee went through a gate that divideth the Vallois from the Dutchy of Savoy : wee dind at Montei , and in the afternoone wee came to Boveretta , and there hir'd a Boate , to passe by the Lake unto Geneua . The Lake of Geneva , heretofore Lacus Lemanus is held to be the biggest in Christendome , on one side it hath the Switzers and France , on the other the Savoyarde , and at that end where it looseth it selfe in the Rhodanus stands the City that christens it Geneva , where wee arrivd the sixteenth of October : the eighth day from the time we sate out of Milan . Geneva ( ancienty head of the Allobroges ) would bee but an obscure Towne were not Fame her friend . Yet is she placed in such a corner of the World , that she seemes to lye Geografically in the Center between Germany , France , and Italy . For this reason t is suppos'd Master Calvin began to preach up his Reformation , in this City before any other , not through any splendour in the place , but that some might come from all parts to follow his Doctrine . And now by Gods protection I am in no Roman , though Catholicke state , no Inquisition to lay hold of my words , or writings ; I may set downe that which a Marble Table hath in letters of Gold , on the Towne-house at Geneva Thus . Post tenebras Lux . Quum Anno 1535. profligata Romana Antichristi tyrannide , abrogatisque ejus superstitionibus , Sacrosancta Christi Religio Hic in suam puritatem , Ecclesia in meliorem ordinem , singulari Dei beneficio Reposita , & simul pulsis fugatisque hostibus Vrbs ipsa in suam Libertatem non sine insigni Miraculo restituta fuerit . Senatus Populusque Genevensis Monumentum hoc perpetuae memoriae causa fieri atque hoc loco erigi curavit : Quo suam erga Deum gratitudinem ad Posteros Testatam fecerit . Before their eyes were opened by Master Calvins Sermons , The Motto of the Genevists was Post Tenebras spero Lucem , since it is alterd to Post Tenebras Lux . God will confound great things by small , else t is miraculous how those seeds of the Gospell , which were first sow'd in this Towne , should spread it selfe into many parts of the world Maugre Rome and her adherents . This advantage Geneva hath by its situation , the better sort speake or understand any of these three Languages , French , Dutch , Italian , so that every weeke there are Sermons in them all . Amongst the Divines of Geneva , Deodatus is their great Patron , a great Schollar , and a pricking thorne in the Jesuites sides . For the Ecclesiasticall Government of Geneva , it is Presbyterian such as Calvin instituted . For the Politicall , I conceive it to depend on Aristocracy . Their State ( excepting some private men ) hath hardly wealth to subsist , yet every Citizen will lay downe his life and meanes for to maintaine their Cause , and Liberty . They keep contiauall watch and ward , and not without reason for their owne territory about the City , exceeds not the Lands of many Countrey Gentlemen about their houses . The Savoyards very often make suddain Incursions , so farre that they shewed us where they once had scal'd the Walls , but were repulst . Yet if the Duke of Savoye prohibit his Subjects to carry Provisions into Geneva . The Genevists presently can sallie forth , and take their Cattle or the like by force . For there is no Castle neere to counterpoise the strength of Geneva . Besides this , in cases of necessity they have the three Protestant Cantones to help them , with whom they are confederates , as this Inscription standing in the Towne house witnesseth . D. O. M. S. Anno a vera Religione divinitus cum veteri Libertate Genevae restituta L. Quasi novo Jubilaeo ineunte Plurimis vitatis Domi & foris InsidIs , & superatis Tempestatibus , & Helvetiorum . Primar I Tigurini aequo jure in Societatem perpetuam nobiscum venerint , & veteres fidissimi Soci Bernenses prius vinculum novo adstrinxerint S. P. Q. G. Quod Felix eSe velit DOM . tanti Beneficii Monumentum consecrarunt Anno Temporis Vltimi MDXXCIV . There is little remarkable in the City except in the Towne-house there are kept fourteen Urnes , which were dug up as they were raising the workes of the City . S. Peters Church is their chiefe . The houses in Geneva are generally well built , but through most of the streets is a Timber worke very offensive to the eye , for it hinders the view of the houses , neverthelesse t is convenient to keep out raine . The greatest Merchandise Geneva sends to other parts is Bookes of all sorts . This is the summe of what I tooke notice of in those few dayes I spent at Geneva . From thence I made the quickest dispatch I could to Paris , and so to my Native home . But t is now high time to set my last period to this Itinerary of my Italian voyage . FINIS . AN APPENDIX ON THE Same Subject . FOr the Readers fuller satisfaction ; and to leave no part of this Empresse of the World undescribed ; I have here annexed a captiulation of those Places which I casually omitted to see , partly collected from my discourse with Italians , partly from my converse with forreigne Authors of this nature . In my first Digression the City Lucas is most obvious . This Republickes dominions lie Promiscuously in those of the Duke of Florence's , and containe not above two dayes journey in circuit , yet the vigilancy of the State under his Catholike Majesties Protection , defends their Liberties against all Opposers . To maintaine their freedome more powerfully , the Luchesi have reduc't this City to that strength as few in Italy can equall it . It stands on a flat some few miles distant from a Branch of the Appenines . The compasse is but small ( as Places of most hard accesse alwaies are ) the whole not exceeding three mile ; which is inclos'd and fenc't with gallant Walls and eleven Bulwarkes . There is little observable within the City except the Pallace , Counsell-Hall , Arcenall , and in the Dome the Volto Santo , which ( pardon the tradition ) was set miraculously on an Image of our Saviour , carv'd by Nicodemus his Disciple , whilst the Artist was surmizing after what forme to expresse that sacred face . The Inhabitants are very affable to strangers ( as I have been informd ) so that some chuse to stay there , and their Language is much consonant with the Sanesian . The Territory of Luca by the Country mans industry , abounds in fruits , Olives especially , which are famous here with us . Out of Luca towards Pistoia , in the high way there runnes a Rivolet of salt Water , and from the same Source ( as is imagind ) issue those Renowned Bathes ; to goe to which from Luca one passeth , over the River Serchio upon two Bridges of admirable Structure . Advancing towards Rome , t is worth stepping out of the way to Perugia , and Orvietta Both under the Patrimony of Saint Peter . The first Perugia gives Denomination to the Lacus Thrasimenus , though six miles distant . Here precisely was fought that memorable Battell Between Hanniball and the Romans the latter routed . Perusia stands on a high hill , hath but poore Walls , the Citadell well fortified , the Fountaine , the Popes Pallace , and the Schooles deserve seeing , yet I heard of nothing more remarkable there , then the delicious muscatelle Wine . Orvietta is a great Towne on a Mountaine too ; There is in this City one most singular Piece to satisfie Curiosity , and that is the Well , made so that they goe down by one side and come up the other ; It hath a hundred and fifty staires , and seventy Windowes . The Dome is such as all Italy hath few the like , t is built of Pietra Teverina , and on the Front are most exact Ouerages of Marble . In or about Rome I know no place I mist , excepting Bagnaia on this side and Albano on the other ; the latter deserves seeing , if not for the Antiquity , yet for the good Wine ; one of the best sorts in Italy . However Florus saith Alba Latii Caput before Romulus had laid his Cities foundation : Besides the Tombes of Ascanius , and of the three Horatii yet stand there . There are many Ensignes of the Romans greatnesse , and places often cited amongst ancient Writers ; As Canna , Sulmo Ovids Towne , Brundusium , with many others towards Calabria , but few or none steere that course . Those that make the circuit in Italy , far il Gyro as they say goe to Venice by the way of Loreto . Between Rome and Loreto one passeth by divers Remnants of Antiquity , as first the ruines of Otricoli , then Narnia , which Martiall Describes thus . Narnia Sulphureo quam Gurgiti Candidus Amnis Circuit Ancipiti vix adeunda Jugo . Out of the Towne there are most huge arches of a Bridge standing over the River , made by Augustus out of the Sicambrian spoyles , the Reliquiae declare it to have been the worke of some flourishing Empire . 'T is of Marble , One Arch though not entire is two hundred foot broad , a hundred and fifty high , nor can I thinke Martiall spoke of any other Bridge in the precedent Epigram , which hee concludes thus . Sed jam parce mihi , nec abutere Narnia Quinto . Perpetuo liceat sic tibi Ponte frui . There comes an Aquiduct into the City fifteen miles in length , at the embushment are three faire Fountaines of Brasse . Beyond Spoleto runnes the River Clitumnus , the water whereof the old Poets feign'd , made the Oxen that dranke of it , white , as Virgill in his Georgicks Hinc albi Clitumne Greges & maxima Tauri , Victima saepe tuo persusi Flumine sacro . Romanos ad Templa Deûm duxere triumphos . Keeping on the Via Flaminia you come to Foligni , of old Forum Flaminii ; some step out of the way to Assisa famous for the birth of Saint Francis , institutor of the Capuchian Order : but the nearest is to goe to Recanati and so to Loreto . Great was Diana of the Ephesians , great is the Lady of Loreto . Loreto is of it selfe but a little Bourg or Village , yet by the noise it makes through Christendome , especially in the Catholike Regions , t is as much frequented as Saint Peters Chaire . Hee 's no zealous Romanist that hath not made one pilgrimage thither , or sent some Offering to the Virgin here ador'd . The Church is on an Eminence ; In the midst with great reverence is kept the Cottage or chamber ( as they tell ) where the Virgin Mary liv'd and conceiv'd her heavenly Offspring . The house is environd with a case of Marble most curiously workt , their Legend runnes that this lodging was brought out of Palestina by the Angels , and plac't here at the Adriatick shoare : Why not at Rome I wonder ? To confirme this story they shew the Window where the Angell enterd at the Salutation . Here is without dispute the greatest Treasurie in Christendome , and is daily increast by new Oblations from Catholike Princes . Which the Turks and other Pyrates well know , and would make incursions were the place as weake , as it is little . Though little it deserves a longer survey then my speed will admit . I passe now towards Ravenna , and first Ancona presents it selfe to my view . Ancona the greatest maritimate under his Holinesses Jurisdiction is mountainously scituated , yet before hath a most capacious and commodious Port ; ancient without any farther enquiry ; that arch-Triumphall erected by the Senate to Trajan is so firme and solid an Antiqual , as Rome her selfe can scarce shew the like , t is of Parian Marble , each stone of a prodigious bignesse , cimented with no Morter , but with Lead . In the Front these words are legible . Imp : Caesari . Divi . Nervae . F. Nervae Trajano . OptimO . Aug. Germanic . Daci . Co. Pont. Max. TR. Pot. XIX . Imp. IX . CosT . VI . P. P. Providentissimo Principi . Senatus P. Q R. Quod Accessum Italiae . Hoc etiàm addito , ex Pecunia sua Portum tutiorem . Navigantibus Reddiderit . On the right side . Plotinae . Aug. Conjugi Aug. On the left . Divae Marcianae Sorori Aug. Ancona gives the name to the Country Marca d' Ancona , anciently Ager Pisenus , all under the Pope , though the next Cities Senogallia and Fossombrone belong to the Dukedome of Vrbin . This Dukedome is at the present vacant , both the Pope and the Duke of Toscany lay claime thereto , t is thought there will be a publick Contest shortly . After Fossombrone you finde the River Metaurus and the Via Flaminia cut through a Rock . Vrbin is a City amongst the mountaines of very hard Accesse , Raphael d' Vrbino purchast it a great fame by his deserving Pensill , of which many excellent Pieces are here extant , one especially , his owne Picture drawne by his owne hand . The Pallace , the Bibliotheck , and Castello durante ten miles off may bee seen if you have leasu●e . Before the Place are the statues of the Dukes . Pesaro succeeds Vrbin a neat City in a plaine under the same Duke , the Princes Pallace and his other seats of Pleasance ( but above all Mille Fiore ) deserve any ones sight . The next City of Note is Ariminum , famous for Caesars ingression when he past the Rubicon of which take this . In the Piazza at Rimini , heretofore Forum Ariminense upon the stone whereon Caesar stood when he made a speech to his Souldiers . C. CAESAR Dict. Rubicone Superato Civili Bello Commilit . suos hic In Foro AR . Adlocut . 1555. per Cos. restit . At the East Gate comming from Pesaro , there 's an old decayed Arch of Marble built by Augustus where the Via Flaminia ended . Over the Marecchio is a bridge began by Augustus , and finished by Tyberius , as the title thereon intimates . Arimini stands , on the sea-side but the Port is very bad , the place is faire , grac't with the Pope Paulus Quintus his statue in Brasse . Betwixt Ariminum and Cesena neere to Cesena on the high way , upon a white Marble is yet visible the Decree of the Senate when Caesar past the Rubicon , and sayd — Eatur quo Deorum ostenta & inimicorum Iniquitas vocat , jacta sit Alea . The edict runs thus . Jussu mandatuve P. R. Cos Imp : Mili . Tyro . Commilito . Manipularive Cent. Turmaeve Legionariae Armat . Quisquis es hic sistito vexillum , Sinito , nec citra hunc Amnem Rubiconem , Signa , Arma , Ductum , Commeatum , exercitumve traducito . Si quis hujusce Jussionis ergo adversus jerit feceritve , Adjudicatus esto hostis P. R. ac si contra Patriam arma tulerit , sacrosque Penates e Penetralibus asp●rtaverit . Sanctio Plebesci Senatusve Consult : Vltra hos fines Arma proferre liceat nemini . This stone was restor'd Tem : Pauli Tertii . Upon one of the sides is writ ( as may be suppos'd by the Restorer ) Quae fluit Vnda brevis Gallorum terminus olim Ausoniaeque fuit ; Parvulus hic Rubicon . Advancing towards Ravenna you passe by Cervia , where before the Cathedrall an ancient Sepulcher , made like a Pyramid with two Infants ingrav'd thereon is to be noted : nearer Revenna is La Pignada that notable Forrest of Pines which furnisheth all Italy with that sort of fruit . Revenna a City very venerable for its Antiquity stands in a Plat very low , three miles from the Sea side ; It hath one great inconvenience , a scarcity of good water ; which Martiall knew when hee wrote this Epigramme Sit Cisterna mihi , quam Vinea malo Ravennae Cum possum multo vendere pluris Aquam . In the Porta Speciosa for the beauty of the Architecture cald Aurea this Title is to be read Ti Claudius . Drusi . F. Caesar . Aug. Germanicus . Pont. Max. TR. Pot. Cos. 2. Des. 3. Imp. P. P. dedit . At Ravenna t is worth the paines to step into the Church of Saint Apollinary built by Theodorick King of the Gothes . There are two rowes of most noble Columnes brought by the same King from Constantinople . Before the Church of Saint Vidal there are some old Idols of the Pagans , and in the Convent is the Sepulcher of Galla Placidia . Hard by are the Ruines of Theodoricks Pallace . In the Vessell of a Fountaine stands a Statue of Hercules Horarius the like not in Italy . The Dome of Ravenna is very sumptuous . The Tradition is that , Saint Apollinary praying God would shew some miraculous signe to whom hee would commit the Bishoprick of Ravenna , at a solemne Convention , the Spirit came downe in the likenesse of a Dove upon one ; the Window whereat the Dove enterd , they conserve with great Devotion . In Saint Francis his Convent , is buried the great Italian Poet Dante , with this Epitaph made by himselfe . Jura Monarchiae , superos Phlegetonta lacusque Lustrando cecini , volverunt fata quousque Sed quia Pars cessit melioribus Hospita castris . Actoremque suum petiit felicior astris . Hic claudor Danthes patriis exornis ab Oris Quem genuit parvi Florentia mater Amoris . These are the most considerable rarities at Ravenna . I will now make a speedy cut through those parts in Lombardy I left out . Neere to Padua is Arquato , where Petrarch liv'd and past to the other life , they shew his house . On a faire tombe is this his Epitaph . Frigida Francisci Lāpis hic teossa Petrarchae Suscipe Virgo Parens , animam sate Virgine parce Fessaque jam terris coeli requiescat in arce . These Cities in Lombardy , as Mantua , Modena , Parma , Turino , the Capitalls of foure Dukedomes are seldome visited by strangers ; and indeed the splendour those Princes live at drownes the rarities of the Cities , but I have been so superfluous in curiosities , that I feare Delight should turne too tedious thererefore in brief . Mantua stands in the midst of a Lake , which renders the place inaccessable . There are to come to the City two great Bridges , the one named San Georgio , the other Molini . Gradaro is a very faire Church , as likewise the Dome , where there 's two excellent Pieces of the Councells held at Mantuo . The Duke hath divers seats and Pallaces about the City . As the Fontana where in a hall there are rangd about wild Boares Heads , that Vincenzo Father of this present Duke Ferdinand killed with his owne hand . The Favorita and the Thea , and above all the Hall of Gyants , where by strange and unusuall art , how low soever one speaks , at the corners t is intelligibly to be heard , and those in the midst heare nothing . The Dukes Pallace is of a most vast extent , Virgils house is shew'd neere the City , no memoriall but his Statue — Man tua me genuit . In the rest of the Cities of Lombardy , there is little should draw a Traveller out of his way to bee seen , but the Courts of their Princes , till he comes to Turin the Duke of Savoys amongst the Alpes where he may shut this Booke . 1648. The End of the Appendix . Errata . PAge 24. line 11. for one Read owne . p. 42. l. 12. for è r. & . p. 44. l. 7. for distance . r. distant . p. 75. l. 5. for Antonius , r. 〈◊〉 p. 86. 4. for some r. same . p. 86. l. 4. for Printed r. painted . p. 11. 7 l. 8. o●it s . p. 206. l. 11. for Mar. r. Marmore . p. 206. l. 9. for Constitution r. Institution . Imprimatur . NATHANIEL BRENT . Junii 28. 1648. Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A92196e-850 * Vesuuius † the Alpes Notes for div A92196e-1200 * A weak Broath of Hearbs * Good words . A Porter . Notes for div A92196e-3260 Monaco . Genua . Pisa . Ligorne . Florence . Sum Osiris Rex . Jupiter universo in terrarum orbe . Rome . * Vid. Rom. Antic. pag. 355. * Vid. Rom. Mod pag. 280. * Vid. Rom. Antic. pa. 343 & 346. * Vid. Rom. Antic. p. 353. * Vid. Rom ▪ An. i● . pag. 1●9 . a Vid. Rom Antic. pag. 173. b Vid. Rom Antic. pag. 171. * Vid. Rom. Antic. pa. 350. Vid. Rom. Mod. pag. 442. * Vid. Rom. Mod pag. 45 * Vid. Rom. Mod. pag. 486. a Vid. Rom. Mod. pag. 491. * Vid. Rom. Antic. pag. 215 * Vid. Rom. Mod. pag 3. * Vid. Rom Antic. pag. 190. * Vid. Rom. Antic pag. 349. * Vid. Rom Mod pag. 6. * Vid. Rom. Mod. pag 10. * Vid. Rom. Mod. pag. 20. * Vid. Rom. Antic. pag. 248. * Vid. Rom. Mod pag. 205. * Vid. Rom. Mod. pag. 402. Vid. Rom. An●ic . pag. 69 * Vid. Rom. An●ic , pag. 309. * Vid. Rom. Antic. pa. 168. * Vid. Rom. An●ic . pag. 86. & 88. a Vid. Rom. Mod. pag. 326. * Vid. Rom. Antic. pag. 202. a Vid. Rom. Antic. pag. 207. * Vid. Rom. Antic. pag. 225. a Act. 28. 30. b Vid. Rom. Mod. pag. 428. c Vid. Rom. Antic. pag. 165. * Vid. Rom. Antic. pa. 239. * Vid. Rom Antic. pa. 228. Naples . Bolonia Ferrara . Venice . Padua . Vicenza . Verona . Brescia . Milan . Geneva . Notes for div A92196e-29340 Perugia . Loreto . Ravenna . 
A30142	----	Letters write [sic] to a friend by the learned and judicious Sir Andrew Balfour ... containing excellent directions and advices for travelling thro' France and Italy, with many curious and judicious remarks and observations made by himself, in his voyages thro' these countreys, published from the author's original m.s. Balfour, Andrew, Sir, 1630-1694. 1700 Approx. 317 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 166 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A30142 Wing B552 ESTC R5283 15554504 ocm 15554504 103701 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A30142) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 103701) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1582:32) Letters write [sic] to a friend by the learned and judicious Sir Andrew Balfour ... containing excellent directions and advices for travelling thro' France and Italy, with many curious and judicious remarks and observations made by himself, in his voyages thro' these countreys, published from the author's original m.s. Balfour, Andrew, Sir, 1630-1694. [14], x, 274 p. [s.n.], Edinburgh printed : M.DCC [1700] Errors in paging: p. 97-121 misprinted 90-114, p. 187 misprinted 167. Imperfect: p. 236 faded with some loss of print; p. 226-247 from Trinity College Library, Cambridge University, spliced at end. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng France -- Description and travel -- Guidebooks. Italy -- Description and travel -- Guidebooks. 2004-09 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-09 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-10 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2004-10 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-01 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion LETTERS Write to a Friend , By the Learned and Judicious Sir Andrew Balfour , M. D CONTAINING Excellent Directions and Advices For Travelling thro' FRANCE and ITALY With many Curious and Judicious Remarks and Observations made by Himself , in His Voyages thro' these Countreys . Published from the Author 's Original M. S. EDINBURGH , Printed in the Year , M.DCC. To the Most Illustrious , Most Potent , and Noble EARLE , ALEXANDER Earle of Murray , Lord Doun and Abernethy , &c. Sometime Lord High COMMISSIONER , And Principal SECRETARY of State For the Kingdom of Scotland . My Noble Lord ! IN all Ages , discerning and serious Men , who knew best to allow and distinguish things and Persons , have made it their great Complaint , That the present Generation did degenerat from the former ; And that the Generality of Men were too apt and ready to pursue bad Courses : And some thinking Persons now , are easily induced to believe , that , the Days we live in , the World is not much mended . This notwithstanding , no Time hath been known ( how dissolut soever ) wherein some worthy & vertuous Men have not appeared , who have studied to improve Natural and Moral Enduements , and to pursue Vertue , preferring that way to base Interest , and selfish Ends. And it is well known , that even at this Time , when many & great Duties are easily superceded , there are here and there some Persons who worthily act upon the Principles of Honour , Conscience , and Vertue , maugre all Discouragements . Among whom Your Lordship ( even in your Solitude ) moves and acts in a very high and conspicuous Sphere , to that Measure of lovely Vertue and Splendor , that Your Friends and Wellwishers admire , and your Enemies ( if You have any ) can find no matter of Censure . If there were many such in the Nation , it would be no hard mater to retrieve & bring in Vogue again , these adequat Qualities and Vertues , which often have rendered many of our Countrymen ( endued therewith ) famous and illustrious both at Home and Abroad . In the mean Time it is to be wish'd that each man would labour to reform Himself and his own Ways , conforming them to these excellent Rules . And that certainly at length would make and advance a laudable Reformation indeed . But it is to be feared , that this would rather prove an abortive Wish , than that it shall have its wisht for Effect : albeit ( to have it so with the World ) it should be a part of our dayly Prayers , and come in continually to Our Letany . My Lord ! Whilst You are Enjoying Your self , and are solaced with the Comfort of a good Conscience , in Your Retirement , making your self an Example of Vertue , and a Patern of Honour and Goodness to those who observe you and your Actions . I humbly address Your Lordship , not desiring to interrupt Your Repose , but to afford You a litle divertisement for some of your vacant and Recreating Minuts : By Offering to Your Lordships Perusal these following Sheets , and Begging Your Patronage thereto : And I judge I have little Reason to despair of your Favour and Acceptance , since Your Lordship was Pleased to shew a more than Ordinary Affection and Kindness to the Author my Father . And therefore I hope this little Tract wil give Your Lordship some Content ; and for others I am bold to say , I hope well : for many Persons of great Honour and Judgement , have ( since my Father the Authour's Death ) been sollicitous to get written Copies from the Original , which was indeed perfected by My Father in his Own Time , without any Design to make it publick . But my Father's M. S. with all his Books being committed to a certain Person he , without my Privity , gave out Copies to Knowing & Inquisitive Persons , as of late I came to understand , and now these Copies abounding abroad , and most ( if not all ) being defective or incorrect , ( to Prevent my Father's being abused ) I now send a True Copy abroad unto the World , and let it See the Light : And go it must under your Lordships Patronage , for I am confident the Design will succeed the better , and the Book will be the more acceptable to these who Love and Desire the Knowledge of such curious Maters : Nor shal I diffide its Fate , being first wellcome to Your Lordship , to whom I hereby address the same , most humbly and heartily , and not in course , ingyring upon a Patron , as the custom sometimes is . Thus , begging Your Lordships Pardon for my Presumption , I do intreat from your Lordship the Honour to be accounted , My Noble LORD , Your Lordships most humble , Most Faithfull , most Devoted , And Obedient Servant , M. BALFOVRE . TO THE READER IT is needless to show the many advantages may be had from Travelling , since all are convinced of it ; and the VVisest of Men in all Ages have thought this the best way to improve themselves : thus , as Homer , the Greek Master , showes us , Vlysses followed this Method . Qui Domitor Trojae multorum providus Vrbes , Et Mores hominum inspexit ; latumque per aeqour Dum sibi dumsocijs reditum parat , aspera multa Pertulit . And such a one Homer drew his Son Telemachus , whose adventures have of late been Painted by an excellent Pen , with all the advantages , requisit for the education of a good Man and Excellent Prince . Indeed , the World is a Theater , in which we may see not only the different productions of Nature , but also all the Arts & Mysteries of Government ; and all the wayes of improving Nature by Art ; and every Climate affords new Scenes for improving Geography , Natural and Civil Historie , Medicine , Commerce , and all the Mechanick Arts. Medicine certainly is much improved this way , for thus Galen writes , he sailed to Lemnos , Cyprus and Palestina of Syria , on purpose to see foreign Plants , and rare Ores and Mineralls . The following Letters give you some account , to this purpose , of these Countries in Europe viz. England , France and Italy , which for , Politeness & Civility , for Grandeur and Magnificence , & for Arts and Inventions , and the Publick incouragements of them , farr excelleth all the rest . The Author of them , Sir Andrew Balfour , Doctor of Medicine , spent some fifteen Years in his Travels , & Residence in these Countries ; He was a Man of an Excellent VVit , and of a Ripe Judgement , and of a most taking behaviour ; He had improven himself to the best advantage , with all the learning taught in the most famous Vniversities of these Countries , had acquired their Languages , and Conversed with the most famous Man then alive . The particular Curiosity He had to learn every thing that might enrich his mind with knowledge , was in his youngest Years favoured with the Example and Instruction of his eldest Brother , 30 Years elder than himself , the Famous Sir James Balfour , Lyon King at Arms , who had a Curious Bibliotheck , had Collected in his Cabinet many Curious Products of Nature and pieces of Art , and took delight to cherish this early Curiositie of his youngest Brother : With this Disposition & proficiencie in the Learning then taught in his Native Country , He begun his Travels , which , in so long a Tract of time he employed that way , came to Qualify him exceedingly for performing all that is recorded of him . ‖ When He wrot these Letters He had setled his abode at Edinburgh , where He Practised Physick with great Success , & deservedly gained the Reputation of the best Qualified Physitian in the place , and accordingly was employed by these of the best Rank . About a Year or two after his settlement here He took the Resolution of erecting a publick Garden for Plants , and a Cabinet of Curiosities : He had begun the last in his own Lodging ▪ and was projecting how He might establish the other , when He became acquainted with that worthie Gentleman Patrick Murray , Baron of Livingstone , to whom these Letters ( now publish'd ) were addressed . This Gentleman designed so much for the good & Honour of his Country , that I cannot but in this place do that Justice to his Memorie to give the World some Character of him , having been well acquainted with him , & having had the happiness to make the Acquaintance , & beginn the Friendship contracted betwixt him , and Sir Andrew Balfour , which produced these Letters . This Gentleman had a particular Genie inclining him to studie Natural History , and all the wayes and means , how to improve the Arts , most usefull to his Countrie ; He had studied the Mathemathicks , & delighted much in the practical part of them , & employed much of the Revenue of that plentifull Estate He had from his Ancestors , in purchasing Instruments , & Curious Books , which treated on these Subjects , He having Travelled over a great part of this Country , in searching after the Plants that grew wild up and down in it , & withall having read severall writers on the Plants , he every Year sent for new Seeds of foreign Plants : He inclosed a considerable Parcel of Ground , in which He trained them up with great Skill ; and before He 〈◊〉 to his Travells , He had of domestick and foreign Plants , growing in his Garden at Livingstone , above a Thousand : He was above thirty six Years of Age before He began his Travells , and had fitted himself by reading of Voyages , and such Books as might best inform him of what He was to inquire for , in foreign Countries , ye● He was so sensible of the great Advanta●●● 〈◊〉 that Learning Sir Andrew Balfour 〈◊〉 ●●●ster of , that He not only inform●d 〈…〉 him of the best Books , fitted 〈…〉 and the designe He had to Learne all that might be for the improving of knowledge , & of the Arts usefull to this Country , but likewise He obtained his promise to intertain a Correspondence with him whilst He was in foreign Countries , by Letters , upon all Occasions . These three make a Part of what Sir Andrew wrote . He had whilst He was abroad , bought up most of the writers extant upon Plants and other parts of naturall History , and many relating to the culture of Plants ; He had ●exactly learned all the Plants then keept in the Kings Garden at Paris ( the most compleat that is in the World , either for the number or the Quality of the Plants ) or in privat Gardens there ; and had travelled thorough a great part of France , when He was surprized with a Feaver , that he contracted at Avignion , of which he dyed . He begun his Voyage the 2d . of September 1668 , and dyed in August or September 1671. In these places of England and France He Travelled thorough , He gives a very particular Account , even of the Dimension of the Publick Buildings , the Remarks , the distances of the places ; He gives an Account of the Government of France , of the Peers there , & the Orders of Knighthood ; He gives an account of the Remarkable Manufactories in France , & particularizes some of the Mines and Quarries of Marble , and has an Account of the Canale for the Communication betwixt the Mediterranean and the Ocean ; He shows the Quality of the Weather , the Habits of the People in the Souths parts of France ; He des●●ibes the Monuments of Eminent Men , & 〈◊〉 some of their Sepulchral inscriptions , and takes notice of the best Gardens and of the C●●iners of the Curious where He Travelled ▪ describing many particulars not to be ●et ●ith in the printed Voyages , and upon this Account his Voyage deserves very well to be made Publick . As to these Letters of Sir Andrew Balfour now published , I shall leave the Judgement of them to the Learned , who may peruse them ; yet this I must say , There are many particularities in them relating to Natural History , and the way of Safe and connient Travelling , not to be met with in the printed Accounts of these Countries , and I am perswaded they are of Excelleut use for these who study Natural History , and Physick , where they may be informed where Plants , & other Subjects of them , are to be found in their Native Places , and where they may see the Cabinets of the Curious . Others will be hereby instructed in the Manners , Orders , and Customes , of these People ; They will find likeways many Curious Reflections , which are Pleasant to read , and may give rise to higher Considerations . They will see what Varieties foreign Countries of a different Soil & Temperature of Air , do afford ; severall of which may be brought here , and may be made usefull to this Country . What Sir Andrew delivereth here , is what he observed , experienced , and handled himself , and none need question the Relations in any Circumstance ; He was known to be a most candid and Ingenious Gentleman , He gives his apprehension and Judgment of the Reasons & causes : which was allways much valued by all which kneDw him ; being a Gentleman of Excellent VVit , and Judgment : He did not expect that they should be printed , and in his lifetime he would never hear of it ; and such was his Modesty , he never shewed them to any but his most intimate Friends , and could not be perswaded to give a Copie of them , but since his Death copies of them have past from hand to hand , and all who have seen them are very well pleased ; whereupon at the earnest intreaty of his Friends , his Son hath published them in the Stile he found them writen ; his design was to render all easie & intelligible to his Friend he wrote them to ; if the Phrase & Language seem in some places less ornate , & not so congruous as may be expected now , it is to be remembred , they were writen thirty Years ago , when he had been Fifteen Years absent from his own Country , & had accustomed himself to speak foreign more Language , than to Studie the Elegancie of his own Native Tongue ; & this I think should excuse him at the hands of the Criticks , He Studied more things than words , & yet , as all know , He expressed himself most handsomely upon all Occasions . It was fitt this should be Represented : The rest is left to the impartiall Reader , who will meet with so many Remarkable & usefull things in the Letters , that there is no doubt of his kind Acceptance of them . If these meet with the encouragement hoped for , 't is like , the Baron of Lovingstone his observations in his Travels , in our Language too , and a Voyage of another Countryman of ours , through France and Italy , writen in a pure Stile of Latine , may be published for the satisfaction of such as are Curious of Travells , Farewell . LETTER I. CONTAINING An Account of what is remarkable in and about London , &c. And in and about Paris , &c. Sir , I Cannot inform You of any thing considerable on this side London , except it please you , when you are got the le●gth of Huntington , to turn six or seven miles out of the road to see Cambridge ; which I doe truly think worth the while , in regard it is one of the two famous Universities of England , where if it please you , You may take Notice of the number , structure , and order of the Colledges , &c. but particularly of the Libraries and Gardens ; as also of the Book-sellers Shops in the town-where possibly you may meet with something that you shal not meet with any where els in order to this it would be convenient to have some letter of recomendation or adress to some member of the University whom you might be sure ( upon this account ) to find very ready to serve you ; I am sorry that I cannot help you in this particular , having never been in this place my self ; But I think if you address your self to Mr. Ray ( who wrote and published the Catalogue of plants growing about Cambridge ) upon the score of seeing that place , and himself as a Person so deserving especially in the knowledge of plants , of which you are also a verie great lover ; I make no doubt you shall find him as ready to oblidge you there , as you use to be to any Virtuoso here . At London I shall advise you to lodg in or about Convent-garden , as a place most commodious for your business . I thought it necessar to accompany you only with two leters of recommendation , the one to Dr. Morisone , whom I think the best Botanist in the world , and a most honest and obliging friend ; By his means you will easily see all that is considerable of Plants about London , and purchase what seeds that place affoords . The other is to Mr. Scott a Book-seller , dwelling in Little-Britain by whose means you may be furnished with any Book that may be be had in London ; and I think as reasonably as else-where : notwithstanding you will ' doe well to see other shops , as particularly Mr. Bees and Mr. Pulleyns , both of them in Little-Britain . As for the other beauties of the Court and City I need not say much , being you will easily be informed of them upon the place : I shall only hint at some of the most considerable , And first , at Whythall be pleased to take Notice of the ●anquetting-house ; you will find it of a stately fabrick , such as the late King designed to have all the Palace of ; it was built by King James , the historie of whose diefication you wil find Painted on the roofe within , by the noble artist Rubens , only you will find the Figures too big , occasioned by the Painters misinformation concerning the Hight of the Room , which he was made beleeve to be greater . The King 's privy Rooms are worth the seeing , because of their excellent Ornaments of Hangings and Pictures . 2 The Palace of Westminster , in which I find the great Hall only considerable for its great breadth and artificiall roof . 3. Henry VII . Chappel and the tombs in and near it . 4. You will do well upon some Holy-day ( if any happen during your abode there ) to see the King at Divine service , in regard of the extraordinary state used on such dayes , as also of the excellent Musick ; I would advise you likwise to see the King dine on some such day . 5. The Tower , in which be curious to see the Mint Crown , Scepter , & Treasury , the Magazine of ancient arms &c. and the new Arsenall built and furnished by the present King , The wild Beasts . 6. Gresham-Colledge , where the Exchange is now kept ; inquire there for Dr. Pope that by his means you may see a verie fine collection of naturall rarities kept in that Colledge . He will likewise carry you to see the Royall society , if you so desire . 7. The King and Dukes play-houses . 8. The Innes of Court , especially the Temple , Lincolns Inn , and Gray's Inn. 9. The New Exchange , and not farr from it , Sommerset-House . 10. St. James's-House and Park . 11. If yow please to take a pair of Oares the length of Greenwich , you will see the Kings new House that is a building there , and if you please to walk up to the Hill above it , You will have a prospect up and down the river , which the multitude of goodly ships , the pleasantness of of the Countrey about , and our Countreyman Barcly's curious Description and Commendation of it , render most famous . 12. For the rest , I shall only put you in mind , that about London there are such places , as Wimbletone belonging now to the Earle of Bri●●o● , but lately to the Queen-Mother and in the time of the Rebellion possest by Lambert ; who imbellished the Garden thereof with great variety of plants . Hampton-Court and Park belonging to the Kings Majesty . I shall likewise put You in mind that Oxfoord is but fifty miles from London , and that it is one of the most famous Universities in the world , both for the number and structure of the Colledges and Halls , and for the multitude of ●●udents , and competency of their provision . The chief Colledges are Christs Church , Magdalens , All-Souls , St. John's , &c. Baliol Colledg was founded by a Scots King's father of that name , The Schools is a stately Fabrick where there is kept a most magnificent Librarie for Number of Books beyond any that ever I saw : there is besides near Magdalen-Colledge a Physicall Garden ; when You resolve to goe thither Dr. Moreson wil recommend You to such persons as will be carefull to shew you every thing . From London to Paris the best way is to goe by Dover and Calais , that you may returne by Die● and Rye , except you make account to returne by Flanders in which case I advise you rather to goe by Rye and Deip , because Rouen ( which otherwise will not fall to be in your way ) is a more considerable place and better worth the seeing , than any thing upon the way of Calais . For your accommodation from London to Rye , you may either take post , or enquire for the Rye Carrier at the Kings Head in Southwark , he will furnish You sadle Horses for 12. sh. a man , and if You have anie baggage he will carrie it at an easie rate ; by this way You will arrive at Rye in two dayes , where You may lodge at the Marmaid untill You find an Oportunitie of passage , for which if there be Passingers enough You must pay 10. sh. but if there be few passingers You will be obliged to pay more . At Deip be pleased to lodge A la Bastile , the master of the House hath a Son that speaks English , and they are all verie civil people . You may see in the shops verie manie curiosities in that place , and particularlie , Au Roy de la Chine ; The Town is famous for working in Ivory , Horn , and Tortois-shell , for Combs , Boxes , Dialls , and a Thousand other conceats . From thence you must Hire Horse to Rouen , the ordinarie price is a Crown , if you have no companie you will do well to take a guide by the Land-Lords Direction ; you dine at a place called Tostes , the first House of the village which you come at is the best . At Rouen lodge Au Bon Pasteur , the master is a Protestant , and speaks English ▪ be pleased to take Notice in the Town , of 1. The Bridge on the River , which is of wood , supported by boats , and rises and falls with the Tide . 2. The great Church ; if you will be at the pains to go to the Top of the Steeple you may ●●ave a verie good prospect of the Town and Avenues , you may also see the biggest bell in the World called the St. George of Amboise . 3. The Palace , where the Parliament Sits ; the great Hall is commended for its breadth , being it is without pillars , but in my opinion it comes far short of Westminster-Hall at London . There is a litle Village about half a League from the Town called Santeville , famous for Cream , if you please your landlord will find you a guid to conduct you thither . You may Herbarize by the way . You may take the messenger to Paris , as being the easiest way , you pay 13. or 14. Franks a man , for which You are to be furnished with horse , lodging and diet to Paris , as al●o to have Six pound weight of baggage allow'd you , But if You have any more , You must pay for it beside ; The last Meal which you make by the way is at Po●to●● , where it is usuall after Dinner for every Gentlman in the company to give to the conductor a peice of 13. Solds . At Paris I shall advise you to lodge at Mr. Haes , They are very honest people , at least you may stay there untill you find the way of accommodating your self better ; he lodges A. Fauxbourg St. Germain rue de la bouchery ; There are so many worthie things to be seen in this place that I shall only name some of them , for fear of troubling you too much , and leave the rest to your own observation . 1. See Luxemburgh palace & gardens ; Monsieur Marchant will be a fit Person , because of his aquaintance there , to wait upon you . 2. The Kings garden , where be sure to make a strong friendship with the Gardner ; and You may command what You will of Plants or Seeds . 3. The Kings Library , and especialy there , the Books of Minature done by Monsieur Robert , which I look upon as the best curiosity of that kind in the World. 4. The Garden of Tuilliaries . 5. Monsieur Marchant's own Garden ; He dwells , Rue du Roy de Sicile devant la nostre Dame d' Argent , deriere le petit St. Antoin ; his Gard●n is hard by his house , and there You may see some curious Plants , not to be found elsewhere in France . 6. The Jesuites College , where enquire for some Scots Father , and desire him to procure you a sight of the Bibliotheck , and Mathematical House ; there you will see the 3. Systems of the World , according to the severall Hypotheses of Copernicus , Tycho Brache , and Ptolomeus , represented in Motion . If You be desirous to learn Chymie , You may cause Monsieur Marchant address You to Monsieur Barlet ; He lives au College de Cambray , and uses to teach Courses ; It will cost you ten Crowns for the Course , and two Crownes for his Book ; He demonstrates from two a clock in the Afternoon till five , and finisheth his course in three weeks . I think it might be worth your while , in regard you will hardly find the like Occasion any other where . I need not say any thing of the Booksellers , being they are obvious A la Rue St. Jaques ; for new Books at the Palace ; for French Books , as Romances , &c. A la Place de Sorbone ; as also at the End of the new bridge about nostre Dame church , also at the postern Gate of the Palace and upon the Mont St. Hiller , for old Books of all Sorts . Remember to cause Monsr . Marchant show You a maker of Mathematical Instruments that lives dans l'Isle du Palais au Key qui est vis a vis la valle des Miseres , and enquire for the designing Instrument ; about the same place also you may be provided of Microscops of al sorts ; If You desire to have your own , or any other Picture done : enquire for Monsr . Ferdinand , Paintre sur la Fosse an Fauxbourgs St. Germaine proche l' Academy de Monsr . du Plessis , but make your bargain before Hand . It will be worth your while to see some places about Paris , as particularlie , 1 Maisone , a very delicat House , belonging to the President of Maisone , & standing upon the River of Saine , some 4. Leagues from Paris ; From hence you must go two Leagues up the River , to 2 St. Germaine , A House belonging to the King ; from thence four Leagues further a little off the River , to 3 Versaile , A House begun by the late King , but finished by the present ; It is a most delicate fine place , but ( as I think ) there will be a Necessity of procureing an Order from the Superintendent of the House ( who ordinarly resides at court ) to the Cons●erge of the House to show the same to you ; From thence to 4 Rue●e , You have about two leagues : it is a prettie little House built by Cardinal Richlieu ; The G●rdens are exceedingly prettie , and the Water-Works the best in France ; From thence You may come to 5 St. Clou , A House belonging to the present Duke of Orleans ; From thence on your way to Paris ( which is not above 3 Leagues ) You pass thro' a wood called Bois de Bologne ; in which there stands a House called Madrid , built by Francis I. after His Return from Spain where He had been Prisoner , to save his promise of going back to Spain once a year . In my time there was a Manufactorie for weaving of Silk Stockings kept there . Having performed this Journey in one or at the most two days , you may with your conveniencie visit 6 St. Denys , in the Abbey whereof there is a famous Treasurie kept . Remember to take Nottice of Charles the Great 's Crown , in which there is a Rubie of the Bigness of a Pidgeons Egg ; A large Cup of oriental Aggat , which they count much of ; One of the Nails that fixed our Saviour's Bodie to the Cross , sent to Charles the Great by Constantine V. Emperour of Constantinople ; One of the Potts , wherein our Saviour changed the water into wine at the Marriage of Cana in Galilee ; The Pucel of Orleans Sword , wherewith she overcame the English ; The Lantern that was carried before Judas , when He betrayed our Saviour ; and a thousand other things of great Value . See the Tombs likewise : You will do well to go earlie in the Morning that you may have time to speak to the Religious Men , and take their Hour of conveniencie for seing of the Treasure ; which being done , you will have time enough to return to Paris . 7 I know nothing better worth your seing about Paris , than the Aqueduct at Arcqueul about 2 leagues from the town , it was built by Mary of Medices in the time of her Regencie , for bringing the the water to her palace of Luxemborg . Besides the Aqueduct , you will also see there a verie fine Grotto with fine walks and manie prettie Jetts of water ; one afternoon suffice for this Journey . 8. Fountainbleau , in which there are so manie things considerable : not only in the House , furniture , and painting ; but also in the Gardens , Walks , Fish-ponds , and water-works , that it will be less trouble for you to observe them by seing , than by a long narration ; I shall only tell you for the better improvement of your Journey thither that you will doe well first to go to 9. Esson a House seven leagues from Paris belonging to a private Gentleman , where you will see very fine water works and many other prettie conceats ; from thence you have 3 leagues 10. To Durance , a privat House likewise , but to which there belongs very noble gardens and walkes , with delicat Ponds and Jetts of water . It will not be a miss to stay here all the night , being You will have 4 Leagues to Fontainbleau , a great part of which is through the Forrest , and therefore better to be gone in the morning , when the day is before Your hand , than in the evening when night may surprize You. 11. You may arrive so early in the morning at Fountainbleau that You may have time to see all before dinner , and thereafter returne to Veau , a most stately house and gardens correspondent to it , built by Monsr . Fougues● , but since his disgrace it 's fallen to the King : From hence you may returne a short League off your way to lodge at Melun ; The next morning You will have an easie Journey to Paris , and time enough if you please to see Vinceu , within two short Leagues of Paris . It is a House belonging to the King in the middle of a verie pleasant Park : after you have seen the House emember to see the Wild Beasts that are kept not far from it . If You resolve upon making any greater toure into the counrey , I shall advise You to provide a Book called le voyage de France , of the latest edition , which will give you a hint of the most considerable things that are to be seen in those Places you go to . I shall deferr any thing I would say further , untill I be happie to hear of Your safe arivall at Paris , and then I would be content to trouble you with an other sheet : in the mean time I pray for Your happie journey and safe returne . Sir , I intreat You to signifie to Mr. Hannay as also to Mr. Cranston that if they have any thing to send to me , You will be pleased to take charge of it ; I shall beseech You likewise to do the same by Monsr . Marchant at Paris . LETTER II. Containing Advice for makeing the grand Toure of France , with an Account of what is most observable relateing especially to the Natural History and Antiquities of that Kingdom . Sir , IT seems You are not yet resolved whither to spend the Winter in Paris or in the Country , my opinion is that out of Paris , there is litle thing either to be seen or learned in all France ; But in regard it is pertinent for a Traveler to see some thing of the countrie as well as the chief Town : I shall therefore advise you to see those Places chieflie that I judge most suitable to your inclinations , and particularie in order to Botany , that is Languedock and Provence , for altho' there be manie other places of France verie worthie the ●eing , as particularlie the River Loyre from Orleance downward to Nantes , which for the fertilitie aud beautie of the countrey , the frequencie of good Towns and gentle disposition and Courtesie of the inhabitants , is called the Garden of France : yet you will find that Climate produces but a few things different from Normandy or the Isle of France : But if you should incline to see it , my advice is that you should not spend much time in doing of it , and therefore if you think fit you may make use of the following Advice at your Discretion . I suppose You leave Paris about the beginning of June ( for I would not have you loose the Month of May in the Kings Garden , in regard most things will be then , or a little before , in their Prime , which now that the Garden of Blois is no more in Condition , is undoubtedly the best you are like to meet with ) and therefore , 1. you may go to Orleans by the Messenger : it is but two Days Journie ; Lodge Chez Monsr . Ogilbie , sur l'●●stape au Roy de la Grand Bretaigne ; A Day or two will serve you to see all that is considerable in the place ; It will be worth your while to see a place some two Leagues from the City , called the Source , where in the midst of a fair green Meadow you will see a Spring of Water so plentifull , that it is navigable from its Head , and powrs out a River called Loirette . 2ly . From Orleans to Blois , they count 15. Leagues , yet it is but a short Days Journie : besides if you please , you have the Commoditie of the River to go by Boat ; Be pleased to take Notice of a place by the Way , some 4. Leagues from Blois , called St. Die , where the best Claret in that Countrie grows , and is ordinarly to be found . Blois of itself is no very considerable Town , yet it is famous for makeing of Watches , for the Civilitie of the People , for the Sweetness of the Air , and Puritie of the French Language . You must stay there some Days till you have seen the following Particulars ; viz. in one day you may get to Chambort , a house belonging to the King , some three leagues off , on the south side of the River , and South-East from the Town ; It is said to have been built by King Francis I. and is a very statelie House , though of a far different Order of Architecture than what is now used . From thence you may go to Herbeau , 3. Leagues to the southward of that , a privat house belonging to a Gentleman that beares the title thereof . It is a very pleasant seat having very fine Gardens with an Orangery , Fish-Ponds , Woods , Maille and Meadowes belonging to it ; from thence you may go to Bean-Regard another privat house , where amongst other prettie things you will see a fine Gallerie well ornamented with the pictures of such persons as have been illustrious for some age ; from thence you returne to Blois at night , & as you go and come you will have occasion to see that part of the forrest of Blois that lyes to the South of the River and town ; as also a litle village called St. Gervais , famous over all that countrey for excellent Cream ; being returned to Blois , you may take notice of the Castle , as also of the Garden which is now Seges ubi Troja ; the keeper of it is Dr. Brumer my very good acquantance , and sometimes one of the Herbarists to the late Duke of Orleans , as were also Monsr . Morison and Monsr . Marchand ; upon any of whose accounts or yet upon mine , I am confident You will be very welcom to him ; I believe You may as yet see some Plants in the Garden , from thence walk towards the Capucins or the mount , and you will have a delicat prospect both up & down the river ; from thence walk towards the Alleys which you will possibly find to be the finest in length and breadth , and being well planted on either side , that you have hitherto seen ; You may chuse whither You will see Vendosme or not , it being a place not verie considerable except for the Holy Tea●e , which is preserved in the Cathedrall Church with much veneration , and which people go to see out of devotion ; the toun is famous for makeing of Gloves which are accounted the best of that countrey ; upon the returne from that place You may see the Fountain of Orchaise , of old Horrcum Caesaris ( for some where not far from thence the Roman legion was said to be quartered ) I take the fountain to be nothing else but a rivulet or litle burn falling over the Top of a soft Rock into which by process of time it hath cut in a considerable way thro' the whole deepth of it , and being grown together upon the Top , it seems now to spring out of the Rock ; over against that , cross a meadow , you must take notice of a Cave or Hole digged in the side of a litle hill in which there is an Aromatick kind of Earth , not much inferiour as is believed to the Terra Sigillatae of Lemnos ; the common people call the place La cave de la terre Sigille . And here I must put you in mind that in this same meadow I have very often seen very large green Lizards , which because it is a beautifull creature and not found with us , I must intreat you where ever you find of them to cause preserve 1 or 2 , to add to my Tradescants . I know not which will be the best way of preserving them , whither by skinning them , or drying the flesh , but I suppose the best way will be ( especially if the skin be any thing strong ) to cause skin them , preserving the head feet and taile , and then stop the Skin with Flax. There are likewise severall other Birds in France which are not common with us , which I must earnestly intreat you to do the same by , as for example the Pie verte or Green Pyet , &c. 3ly . from Blois you go to Amboise in half a day by water ; the boat will give you libertie to see the Castle ; in the Chapell whereof will be shown You hanging a pair of Hornes , they say , of a Hart , the largest and biggest ( if they be true ) that ever was seen In the court of the Castle there is likewise to be seen a Rib , and one of the Back-Bones of the same Animal , You are brought out of the Castle by a Toure whose descent is so large and so easie , being without Steps , that a Coach may drive from the Bottome to the Top thereof . From thence You go Tours all Night , where 4ly . In my time the best Lodging was A la St. Marthe ; the place is commended for the Sweetness of it's Situation , the delicacie of it's Fields and Gardens , and many other Particulars . It will be worth Your while to see the Manufactories of Silk , especially the way of working Tissenes , and Brocarts , which You will see of diverse Colours and some of Gold and Silver . The invention and way of making Tabbies , which I forbear to descrive , because You will abundantly discover it by sight . You must be at the pains to fetch a walk out of town a litle way to see the Maille , which in any time was the longest and in the best order of any in France ; and at the same time , you may go the length of the Minims Convent because the first instituter of their Order St. Francois de paul , lyes Buried in the Church in a marble Coffine , as will be shown You , which People visit with great Veneration : if you will be at the pains to pass the River there is an ascent to the Capucins whence you may discover the whole City , and a great part of the Countrey about , which for it's Beauty and Fertility is called the Gardin of France . and certainly deserves that Name better than any Place upon the whole River of Loir . There is likewayes not far from Tours , a Place which they call la cave Gutiere , From the Top of which there drops a Liquor which Congeals into a substance almost as hard as a stone not much unlike that you sent me from Hamiltoun . 5ly . You may go from Tours to Saumure a town famous for it's Protestant University , of which we have two very honest countrey-men that are members , Monsr . Doule and Monsr . Gray . You may take the pains to see Nostre damo d' Ardeliers a Place of great devotion ; if you please you may see the Treasurie which is Rich , and as you go and come , you may observe the great Trade of that Suburbs , to be making of Beads or Chaplets ; I beseech you forget not to bring us some that are made of young Oranges : If you please you may see the Castle . At Saumure you must hire Horses to make a litle tour of three days , and first you must go to Doue , where there is to be seen an ancient Amphitheatre cut out of a Rock , as it is said , by the Romans . There are likewise verie many great quarries of free stone and the Workmen often find in cleaving of the stones , some litle peices of a finer and harder substance by farr than the rest , which from the shape they have , They comonly call Langues de Serpents . The little Boys for a small matter will sell you abundance of them which I pray forget not to buy , If not for your own , at least for your friends curiositie . From thence you must go to Thouars , a most delicate House belonging to the Duke of Tremoville , it is situat upon a Rock , and the greatest part of the office houses cut out of the Solid Rock . The next Morning you go to Waren , a verie prettie House but not much worth the pains of seeing were it not in Your way to Richlieu , where you are to spend the rest of that day , That you may have the more time to view the Toun and House , which I think so well worthie your seeing , That for it's sake a Journey from Paris that length were not ill bestowed . I shall say no more of of it , that I may not deprive you of the Gusto of being surprized with the Beautie of it . Amongst other things be pleased to take notice of two Marble statues that stand over the Gate , at the upper end of the inner Court , as also of a peece of painting in the Chapell , that was left by way of Legacie to the Cardinall by Monsieur de Mont Morency , when he was Beheaded at Thoulouse . There are two Books the one in 40. the other in 80. containing the Figure of the House , and parts thereof ; they are sold , as I take it , by the Porter , of whom I intreat you to buy them for me . The third day you may Dine at Loudun where in my time there was a Religious Woman , that had been formerly Possessed . At the time of her cure which they say was Miraculous there was found Written on her hand JESVS MARIA JOSEPH , which still remained indelible . If she be yet alive you May see it . From thence you returne by Shinon , where they say the famous Francis Rablais had his first breeding in an old convent , From thence you pass throw Most delicate Meadows called the Valey of Shinon , and in your way to Saumure some three Leagues from the Town you may see a Monasterie of Religious Women whereof the Lady Abbas in my time was the Queen-Mothers Sister of Great Brittain . 6ly . You may hire horses to La Fleche , where the only thing considerable is the Jesuits Colledge . It is a most noble Structure , and by far the best they have in France . Take Particular notice of their Church where the heart of Henry the 4th who gave them that House is kept : The Bibliotheck : The Theatre-hall : their Office houses , particularly the Kitchen ; the Bake-house , where one Man and a Dog makes bread for all the Colledge every day : the Myln where the Water that moves the Wheele doeth likewise move a Pump that furnisheth water to the whole Colledge . The best lodging was Au quatre Vents . From hence you must again take horse to Angiers . 7ly It is a Town famous for the Profession of Laws , and hath likewise a Faculty of Physick : See the great Church called St. Maurice , and therein one of those pots in which our Saviour converted the water into Wine at the Marriage of Cana in Galile . See the Maill , and at the end of it next the town the Minims Convent . You will find in their Garden severall Kinds of Ilex ; You will likewise find in severall places of the Countrey not far from the Town severall sorts of Pinastres , as also a kind of Fruit tree called Cormes , not mnch unlike our Raun-tree , the Fruit whereof hangs in Clusters like our Roddens : but of an other colour , and bigness every one being as big as a Plumb . A League or two from the town towards the East , are the Pierries or quarries , of blew Skleat called Ardoise which serve the greatest part of France : See the Castle , and in it that famous crib where Rene King of Sicilie and Duke of Anjou imprisoned his Queen out of Jealousie all the days of her life . About half a League distant from the town , doun the River stands a Convent called Bamet , worthie of seeing ; there is likewise on the other side of the River an old Abbacie called Les Bons Hommes , near to which there is a litle lake , which I suppose to have been the place where the blew Sklate was dug of old ; you will find about the sides of it , aboundance of Tribulus aquaticus , the Fruit thereof is ripe in the Moneth of August ; they use to Boyll them and Sell them as they do Chasnuts , from which they differ not much in Tast or Quality , but verie much in Figure , and therefore be pleased to provide a Quantitie of them for your self and Friends . You may likewise dry the Plant , if you think fit . 8ly You May go If you please from Angiers to Nantes either by Water or by Land , in one day ; It is a prettie town and stands upon the Loir and the Sea flowing up above the town gives Commodity to Ships of a considerable Burden to come up to the Town . It is here that the greatest part of the Wines that grow upon this River or near to it , together with the Brandie made thereof , which are carried out of France , are Imbarked . You must return again to Angiers , and from thence to Paris with the Messenger . It is a Journey of five days , and all that I know considerable in it , is first , That when You come near to Mans ( which you will leave at a Leagues Distance , upon the Le●t Hand ) You will find in aboundance a Kind of Cistus , not mentioned by any that I know of , except Petrus Bellonius . Forget not to preserve a Branch or two , which You may Fold in your Portefoile , which for such rancounters you 'l do well to be stil Provided of , and You may cause make them of what Bigness You please , and have them furnished with Gray Paper within . I did allways use to Carry one of a 40 Form , with good Tyers to it in a Carpet Bag ( such as they use in France ) tyed to the Tore of my Saddle , so that if it was My Fortune to Meet with any thing by the Way worth the Gathering , I could easily take it and preserve it with out being in Danger to Loss my Companie . 2ly . The Town of Chartres ; in the great Church whereof ( which is a most stately Fabrick ) K. Henry IV. was Sacred . It is a Place of great Devotion , and there is kept in it amongst other Relicts , one of our Ladys smocks . You wil meet with several litle shops near to the church , where the chief Trade is Beads , and as they call them des Chemises de Chartres , which Devout People Buy and append to their Chaplets , and then get them to Touch the Relicts , according to the Custom . You may furnish this Journey , and have Time enough at Paris to Prepare your Self for the Journey to Provence and Languedock before the Dog-Days be ended , at which Time it will be fit to begin your Journey . And 1st . You may take the Messenger to Lions ; I think You must Pay about twentie Crowns ; for the Journey is of nine Days ; There are not many things considerable to be seen by the way ; only take Notice 1st at Nevers of the Glass-Works , and Faiance , or white Lame-works , of which the best in France are here . 2ly . At Mouline ( where you will fall to Dine ) ●●quire for the monasterie where the body of Monsr . de Monmorancy is in●erred , You may see a very stately Monument of Marble . The Town is famous for the Manufactorie of Knives and Scissers . You will not miss to be troubled with a company of Women , who wait upon the arrivall of Strangers , to show them quantities of this kind o● ware in hopes to Sell some . 3ly . Take notice of the Well of Pouge , the water is Alummous and boills up in great quantity , of a whiteish colour , as if there were meal mixed with it . 4ly . Roane ; which is said to be the largest Bourg in France : they call that Bourg which is not incompassed with wall or ditch . The Loir begins to be Portable here and cary Boats , But it 's source is many Leagues higher . 5ly . Mont tarare ; It is a very great Hill , and here You will find a change of the climate together with the change of Plants , which I leave to Your observation , and think it will be worth Your while at night to make a note of all those Plants that You meet with . Being arrived at Lions You must stay some time to see the place , which altho' in regard of its situation amongst Hils and Rivers , it be somewhat unwholsome , the Air , being either too moist , or in Summer t●o hot ; yet I look upon it as one of the best and most important Towns in France , both for the magnificknesse of the Buildings , the great tra●ique it hath with almost all Places of the World , to which the situation of it betwixt two Rivers , the Soane and the Rhosne is no small advantage ; for by the Soane it hath Communion not only with Burgundie , but also with the Ocean ; for Chalon which stands upon the Soane , is but a days Journey from Auxere , which stands upon the Saine , and that River you know disimbogues it self in the Ocean at Haver●degrace . By the Rhosne , it hath communion with the Mediterranean Sea , and consequently , with all the Levant . The Soane in Latine Araris is a Pleasant and very soft flowing River ; the Rhosne is Fluviorum Rapidissimus . The people are very ingenious and dextrous in the matter of traffick and business , they are likeways courteous & human , your most convenient Lodging , will be Auxtrois-Rois : It is a good House and nea● to the place where the Messenger of Paris arrives . As also to the Post-House . Remember to see the Maisone-de-Villo which without exception is the most stately in France : Take particular notice of its Fabrick , Statues , Paintings , and ancient Inscriptions , of which some are extant upon Brass , its Fountain's , courts , &c. 2. See the great Church of St. John , and in it a most Stately and Curious Clock , upon the upper part of which , i●mediately before the hour strike , the blessed Virgine appears with the Angel before her , as she uses to be represented at the Annunciation , and within a little , a Cock upon the top claps his Wings and Crows , and then the hour strikes . There is likeways considerable in it , a Hand that points the minut of the hour upon the O●al , and altho' the parts of an Oval line , be not equally distant from the center yet the Hand which is fixed in the center , doth alwayes reach that line and never exceed it , in the whole compase it maketh . 3ly . There is an Old Monument about the midle of that Fauxbourgh , by which the Messenger of Paris enters they call it Tombeau-de-deux Amants . It seems to be of Roman antiquitie . 4ly , See the Bishops House & and Gardens , the great Place before it , the Bridge over the Rhosne : And in short consider the Avenues and Compass of the Town . 5ly . Forget not to take with you your Catalogue of Books , for there are many Booksellers in this Place , that have great Magazins of Books , and have great traffick with all Germany , Swizerland and Italy , and it is very like , you may come by Books here that you missed of at Paris ; For so it happened to my self . I must not omit in this place to tell you that it will be expedient , to draw your Money from Paris , to Lions , either by Bill of Ex-change , or Letter of credit , upon some honest , substantiall Merchant , to whom yon must be sure to yet good Recommendation : By his means you may return your Money , to any other place as you shall have occasion , and likeways be furnished with new recommendations as you desire ; & this way you may make your Money march from place to place , without fear or danger ; and if you light upon honest Men the Exchange will cost you nothimg , unless it be from Paris to Lions ; because of the disrance and that will not be above half a one per-Cent : Your Merchant at Lions , will be a convenient Steple for receiving your Letters , or any thing else , that you please to send from any other place , and to send it forward to Paris , to be keept for you . By them you shall give advice to receive it from the Carriers , or otherways to the Merchant , that returnes your Money to Lions : But of these things I have said enough , for I doubt not that you are sufficiently informed of them already . From Lions , you take Boat to Avignion , which is about fi●tie Leagues : if the River be not very low , which seldom happeneth , you would go near to accomplish it , in two days and a half , or three at most . You have to take notice of , by the way 1st . Vienne , a little but ancient Town , five Leagues from Lions . See the forges where they make Sword-blades , the Haminers are moved by a Wheell which the Water turns , so that the Stroakes are both frequent and equall . The Town hangs upon the side of a Hill toward the River . 2ly . some nine Leagues from Vienne , there is an old Castle called Le Maisone de Pillate , the place is no otherways considerable than for having been the retreat of Pontius Pilate , driven here , by , God knows , what accident . 3ly . Valence , a Pretie Town only considerable for its University . 4ly . Le Pont-Sanct-Esprite seventeen Leagues lower than Valence , the Town is not very considerable , but only for the Bridge , from whence it takes its name , and which at that place stands upon the Rhosne ; that which renders the Bridge so considerable , is the breadth of the River , and Impetuosity of the current ; for besides other small Rivers , both the Soane and the Isere , a little before You come at Valence , and several others below that , loss themselves therein . When you come at Avignion , You may lodge at Louxenbourg . The Town and Country belongs to the Pope , whose Legate resides in Quality of Governour . It will be fitting to stay here some Days , that You may the better take Notice of the following Particulars . 1. The Churches and Religious Houses . 2ly . The Legat's Palace . 3ly . The Situation , and Avenues of the Town , together with the Walls thereof , which are high and stately , and it will be worth Your while to go about them in regard of the Occasion You will have to Herbarize , for here you will find many Plants that did not appear in any other part of your Journey . 4ly . The Jurie or Cantone of the Town where the Jewes dwell , I advise You by all means if You can stay of a Saturday to see their Synagogue and manner of Worship , and if you be Curious and make Enquiry , You may possibly see a Circumcision . 5ly . You may hire Horse● to Orange , which is but half a days Journie up the River . The Town and Principality belongs to the Prince of Orange ; It is an ancient , tho' little Town ; It was considerable in My time for the Castle , which was very Strong , both by Art , and by its natural Situation , which was so high , that from thence one might have discovered seven or eight Provinces about , at least some part o● them : the Town hath an ●niversity tho' not very considerable ; The inhabitants for the most part are Protestants . There are yet extant some Monuments of antiquitie , viz a Triumphal Arch a lttle without the Town , and some ruins of a Theatre within the Town , both of which shows something of the Roman Greatness , in Respect of Modern Times ; The Coun●ry about is fertile , and there are whole ●●●lds of ●a●ron . I think it might be well worth the while to enquire about the best way of P●anting , cultivating , gathering and preparing o● it . Having seen these thing and Dyned , You return to Your Lodging at Avignion the same day . The next day you take Horses for Aix , which is about two days Journey or two days and a half a most . If You depart from Avignion early in the morning You will have time enough to see Vauclus , which is three Leagues from Avignion and then to go Dine at Cavaillion . I look upon Vaucluse as one of the most considrable things I have ever seen : it is a fountain at the foot of a great Rock very Large and ●f immense deepness , which poures out so much Water as to Move four or five Milnes about half a Mile below . It is observed that the Water Diminishes and increases according to the season of the Year . In rainy Weather it abounds most , and Yet when you consider the position of it , how much it is elevated above the plain , and what vast hills and Rocks are about it , It is not conceaveable with what other Water ▪ it should have any communion . The River that comes from it tumbles over so many stones and Craigs ; that it makes a noise like the Catarracks , and having neer three quarters of a Mile to fall , it becomes exceeding swift before it arrive the Plain , and there divides it self in two , and incloses a litle Meadow in Form of an Isle , and then joyns again . The Water is so Clear , finding nothing among the Rocks to Defile it , that notwithstanding its Swiftness , yet it hinders not the grass to grow in it's bed . The Fiver is likewise recomended for excellent Trouts and Crawfish and it is agreeable to Reason they should be good that live in so pure streams ; When You come the length of the Mil●s you must quite Your Horse , to walk up ●o the Sour●e , & and for that 〈◊〉 must take a guide , without which the way is not easie . As You go up you will observe upon the other side , in two other places , the Ruins of two old Castles , the one standing about a Musket shot higher than the other , in the uppermost whereof did sometimes live that Noble Philosopher , and Poet Franciscus P●trarcha and in the lower Donna Laura his Mistriss , in the praise of whose beautie and vertue he composed his most excelent Triumfe d' Amore ; a Monument that hath outlasted her familie , in which her Memorie is like to live as long as Wit and Learning continues in reputation . You may also in this place take notice of the Paper-Milns and consider that so usefull art of makeing Paper , and labour to informe yourself well of all the particulars that when GOD shall be pleased to return you , you may make it Practicable in your own Countrey . I am sure we want not Linnen rags in abundance which might be preserved for this use , and not thrown into the Dunghill's , were people put once in the right way . From hence you go to Dine at Cavaillion ; in the rest of the Journey to Aix , there is nothing considerable , only you have a River to pass by boat called Durance . Aix , is one of the most delicate Towns in France , It 's the Capitall City of Provence and the seat of a Parliament . The streets are large , especialy one great street , the Buildings fair and stately , The City well watered and the Air very healthfull and Sweet . From hence you go to Marseilles in half a day , you may lodge at a l' Aigle or al' teste noire . You must resolve to stay two or three days at least , for the more commodious seeing and observing the following things . 1st . the Harbory or Port , which is very spicious and deep , and exceedingly well guarded , having upon he entrie thereof to the Sea ward , which is very narrow , not only a chain drawn , but also a very strong Citidale , built within these seven or eight years , upon the one side o● it , and an other ●ort upon a litle Island within the Sea , at a leagues distance from the entrie , all which rendreth it most secure from the Algiers and T●n●ies Men of Warr and other Pyrats . 2ly . the Cathedrall Church , which you may easily guesse to be very ancient , from the Modell and Architectu●e thereof . It was first extructed in the honor of Digna by the Greek Phocenses , who had a Colonie here . 3ly . Take notice in the 〈◊〉 before the Church upon the wall looking to the Sea , of nine or ten large Brass Guns , which use upon the day of the Towns great Festivitie ( which is sometime in October ) to be loaden with Bull and discharged by so many of the best gunners of the Town , a●ter great Mass is ended , at a white mark placed on the Side of the hill , on the other side of the Harbour . He that shoots nearest the Mark is esteemed the best Gunner for that year . They begin to fire just as the Arch-Bishop comes out of the Church . Who having celebrated Mass in Pontificalibu● , returnes to his own Hous● accompanied with the Consul and chief Magistrats of the Place , and generally a●l the Gentlemen & citizens of the best fashion , in their best apparell and a great consort of Musick . 4ly . Nostre dame de la gard , a Castle upon the Top of the Hill to the Southward of the Town , in in the going thither , you will do well to bestow a whole day , and take with you a couple of Souldiers , from the Citidale , or else a Couple of other Souldiers armed at least with Swords , and let one of them cary a couple of botles o● Wine with bread and what else you think fit , as provision for that day , the other may cary a Basket with you emptie , being thus accourted , you may Herbarize upon the way to the Castle , and put a litle quantitie of every Herb you find into your emptie basket , the better to judge of it at your return ; as also of what Seeds you find you may put up some for your own and friends use , you may returne by the way of the Sea , and so Herbarize all thereabouts . It is a most excellent place for Varietie of Plants , amongst the rest take particular notice of the Tarto●rair Massiliensium , upon the Sea side you may likewise take notice , what Stones or shells , Mosses or any other naturall curiosities you can observe , & if any be worth the preserving bring them along with you . 5ly I would have you bestow half a day in a boat upon the Sea without the Harbour , but so as it be very calm , for then you will easily se the botom of the Water , especially where it is not very deep , because the Water hath no Motion of ebbing or flowing , and so you may possibly light upon curiosities worth the gathering , for the taking up of which , you must provide Creepers , which the Seamen know how to use . 6ly . Take notice of the situation Fabrick , and Avenues of the Town , especially some Shops upon the Shoare , where you will find many curiosities , especially from the Levant . I must recommend my self to you here , but especially for a good handsome Tree of red Corall ; as also one of those that are black , but are not true Corall , and what else you think fit ; I shall hold you good accompt , for all expenses ; you may send them with your own things to Lions , with Order to your Friend there to send them to Paris , to be received by your Factor and keept for you . 7ly . The Place is commended for perfumes , sweet-Powders , Franchipane-Gloves , &c. But there is great cheating both in the Prices and Quantities of the things ; therefore take heed to your self , if you buy any of them : I did formerly forget to tell you that Avignion is famous for the same things , but especially for Gloves ; whereof the Manufactorie is very good ; and Essences . But now I return to Marsails where 8ly . Take occasion frequently to view the Fish-market , where you will not miss to see great variety of strange Fishes well worth the observing , and for that end I wish you to acquaint your self with the Icones Piscium , together with their description , by Petrus Bellonius , it is in a Long 80. and not very thick , & therefore you may take it along with you from Pari. If any of these Fishes which are not common with us can be preserved or keept any way ; as I doubt not but you will find inventions to do it , you will exceedingly oblidge us to bring them along with you , or send them as said is : Be pleased to enquire ches les Espiciers for a kind of Seed which they call Graine d' Avignion , they sell it in great quantity to Dyers who use it for Dying Yellow ; it is the Lycium Gallicum Dalechampij ; It is a Shrub not common here , nor yet in the North of France , and therefore worth the taking notice of ; I would have you bring us some quantity of the graine for a Show about an ounce or so : But because I suspect , that which the Grossers sell is dryed ; therefore I think it will be more profitable to search at Avignion , where it grows plentifully , for some that is better conditioned for your own use . In your herborization at Marsaills especially upon the Hill , amongst other rare Plants , you will find Mypum Montis Ceti , sive herba terribilis Narb●n●nsium Lobelij . 9ly . Take a view of the Country about Marsaills from some eminent Place , especially east from the Town , where the fertility is so great and the Country-Houses , and Gardens , so thick , that they use to call it the Suburbs o● Marsaills , and say merrily , that Marsaills and its suburbs is bigger than Paris : The great conveniencie of these Houses is to acc●mmodat the Citizens with a retireing Place , in time of Plague , as also to divert themselves in Summer , and to provide necessars for House keeping . At Marsaills you must hire Horses to Frayole , which is some three dayes Journey east ward toward Neice ; In this Journey , besides the things of Pleasure you will see in this higher Provence , you will have the best herborization , almost all the way , that you can possibly desire ; you must part from Marsaills early in the morning , that you may have the more time to herbarize by the way , & that you may arrive in good time before it be Night at Saincte Beaume , a Place of much Devotion , and the greatest Solitude in the World. In the midle of a vast and terrible Rock , there is a great cave where St. Maria Magdalen did pennance for many years before her Death : it 's now upon that consideration turned into a Chapell , with some few Rooms clacht up against the face of a Rock , like a Bird cage upon the side of a Wall , where some Religious Men ( as I think Jacobins ) keep the Place , and serve the cure in the Chapel every Day receiving confessions , & giving the Sacraments to such as require them . There is a little kind of a chainge-house close to it , that provides Meat for Men and Horses , at their own expences , but you mnst lye within the convent ; in the morning you must take a Guide to the Top of the Craig , where there is an other Chapel of Devotion just in that Place where the Angels did use once a Day , to carrie the Saincts , from the cave to administer consolation to her . As you go and come you may herbarize , for the whole side of the Hill before you come at the Rock , is a Wood : Upon your Arrival at the convent it is expedient to give some little thing out of Charity , which I think is bestowed in maintaining the place . You will ordinarly find without the Chapel Door , some few little Merchants that sell Reads , and amongst other things , Silk-Cords of the just length and greatnes of the Saint , all which People use to buy and carrie in to the Chapel , there to touch the Statue of the Sainct ; which l●es just in that Place , and in that Posture , that she used to do pennance in ; you will likeways see within the Chapel a very Large Well of good Water , which they say did first spring there by miracle , for use of the Sainct . From hence you take Horses to Sainct Maximine , a little Town , in the great Church whereof , amongst other reliques , the Body of St. Maximine , Uncle to St. Mary Magdalen , & sometimes Bishop of Marsaills , is preserved : If you please you may take this opportunity of seeing it , and there dyne , for it is a little out of your way to Brignole , where you must lye the second Night , and the Day following you Dine at a Village called Luques , and then go to lye ae Frayote , or Freust , which you please to call it . It s a Town of Roman antiquity , of which there are yet some rests to be seen , as aqueducts , &c. The Town is not otherways considerable at all ; you will do well here , besides your own Guide that goes along with you to take another Man from the Town , with an emptie Basket , to wait upon you to the Hil , called Astral , about a League from the Town , where you will have one of the most pleasant Heborizations in the World : Amongst a great variety of Shrubs , Plants , and Trees , you will find a great Number of Arbutus , loaden with Fruit , of a most Beautifull aspect ; yet , somewhat insipid to the taste , It may safely be eaten , but doth not much allure the taste . Several kind of Spinous Shrubs , amongst which Acaeia Secunda Dioscorides sive Aspalathus , when you come upon the Top of the Hil , upon the way to Neice , there is an Inn , where you may make a Shift for Dinner , and a little beyond it , upon the North-side of the Hil , you will meet with aboundance of Cork-Trees , Ilex , Abics , Picca , &c. I must give you notice here , that in this place , you are not , above two or three hours ryding , from Cane , a Village , upon the Sea-side , some eight or nine Leagues distant from Neice , where ( were you to go to Italy , ) you might commodiously hire a Fel●oque of two Oares a side for Genova , and arrive there in four or five days , Ter a Terre , that is Landing every Day to your Dinner , and to your Lodging , in some convenient Town : But I shall say nothing of Italy , untill I understand from your self , that you have a design for it . I shall therefore returne to Astrate , where having satisfied your self , with herbarizing you may returne to Freiust ; loaden with Seeds , and Plants , and there consider them at your ease : From thence you may return to Marseills in two days and so to Avignion , by the way of Arles , Sainct Eloy de Cro● Tarascon . At Arles , remember to see the entry into a great Passage all Vaulted , which they say goes under the Rhosne to Nismes , & was made by the Romans . At Tarascon , you will see on the other side of the River Bea●caire , most famous for a very great Faire or Market , keept there once a Year , to which great Numbers of Merchants from many Places of the Levant , do resort . From Avignion , you go ●o Nismes , but you must part by times in the morning that you may have the conveniencie to see Pont de Gard , which is one of the finest Peeces of Antiquity extant in the World. It is a Part of that A Aqueduct , which the Romans built for conveying a part of the water of the Rhosne from the Pont St. Esprite to Nismes , & because at the Place where the Bridge stands , the River Gard runs low betwixt two Hills , there was a necessity of raising the Aqueduct so high as to level the Tops of these Hils , therefore it hath three Ranges of Arches , the lowermost are the biggest but fewest in number ; they are likeways the broadest , for besides that they support the second row of Arches , they do likeways serve on the other side for a Passage and Bridge for foot , Horse ▪ and coaches to the high-way : The second supports the third , which are not so high , but many more in number , on the Top of all is the Aqueduct five or six foot broad , and four or five foot deep , it is compassed with great Flag Stones on all sides , exceedingly well cemented together , insomuch that I beleeve it be yet very intire , except it be some few of the covering Stones that are broak and fallen away . Nismes is some three Leagues , but they are long ones , from the Pont de Gard ; And I must tell you , altho' the way you are to follow from Avignion to Nismes , by the Pont de Gard , be for the most part very barren , yet you will find the Weeds for the most part are , Cistum ledum Narbonense , thime , lavender , Satureia , mirtles , timelaea , corranda , Smilax aspera , Lentiscus , Terebinthinus , Staebe Salamantica , caliculis argenteis B. Ilex , Sabina baccifera , Iunip : fructu majori , Cistus mas , Cistus faemina , thymum cephaloton Clematis , vel flammula repens , aespalathus ▪ phyllarelea Folio non serrata , Jesiminum luteum bacciferum , Stellaria argente● Ambrosia campestris , datura simplici calice albo , aster attious foliolis ad florem rigidis , aster lunariae folio , flore trifolij . Jacea cianoides flore albo folio multifido , trifolium bituminosum , acarna lutea , Eringium luteum monspel : bicopsis flore carnec , Carduus Spharocephalus ceruleus , amaranthus viridis , campanula flore plumeo , attriplex non descript● Semine singulari binis foliolis incluso , Linaria minor lutea , paliurus and a great many more that I cannot remember of ; but it will be well worth the while to take a Note of the Plants you find in every Place . At Nismes you must lodge Aux Arenes ; you will see there a brave Amphitheatre built by the Romans , in greater integritie yet than any that ever I saw in Italy , the Stones of which it is built , as well as the Pont de Gard , are of incredible Bigness , and altho' the things themselves be somewhat ruined ; yet they show greater Statelynesse and Magnificence than any modern Building . There are some other remaine● of antiquitie about the Town which will be showen you . From Nismes you take Horses for Mompellier , which is a Days Journey from it ; You dine at Lunel which is about mid-way , and because I have nothing to say of this Place , I shall intreat you to bring me three or four ounces of the Seeds of palliurus , for amongst other uses they serve for , they are the best Bullets for Cauters that can be , but it is for an other use I would have them . You will do well to stay some days at Montpellier : You may lodge at the white Horse , or otherways as you find your accommodation . It is a delicat sweet Town , the Streets well built , but narrow , because of the heats which are as great here as in any place of France , nor is it strange it should be so , being it is near upon the same latitude with Rome . You will do well to see the Physick Schools , there is some Curiosities to be seen in them . 2ly . The Physick-Garden ; in which you will find many excellent Plants ; by making a little acquaintance with the Gardener , you may command what Seeds he has . 3ly . You will do well to make acquaintance with some of the Students or young Doctors of Physick , by whose means and in whose company you may see all the places about Monpelier that are fit for Herbarizing , as particularly Magelon , a little Island of the Mediterranean Sea , lying within Sight of Monpellier . But by all means of the World , you must be sure to make a Journey ten or twelve Leagues from Mompellier , to a Place amongst the Hils , which for the great varity of Plants , that is found in and about it , is called Hortus Dei. You may likeways find some variety of Shells and productions of the Sea , to Mompellier and the Shoar , or Coast , which is near the Town . I must not omit to tell you , that if you please to make a Collection of dry Plants , this is a very fit Place for it , both because of the heat which helps to dry them , both soon and well ; & also because of the Garden & Fields , that abound with Plants , that are not common , & likeways , because of the good occasion you have to send them in a Box , close packt up , ( as you have seen mine ) to Lions , &c. In like manner , if you will make a Collection of Seeds , the best will be to keep them in their Seed-Vessels , and write upon every parcell , that you may dispose of them afterwards according to your pleasure . This I wish you to do in every Place , that afterwards when it shall please God to bring you safely to bring them home , Tho' you should not be able to raise them in this climat , yet you might have enough to know them by . Do not forget the Booksellers here , who may possibly have some of the Books you look for . I must desire one Favour of you in this Place , that You would be pleased to enquire after the Psilothrum or Depilatory Ointment , which they use in Rome in the Baths , and which I was so Unluckie as not to mind when I was upon the place . It you can find the Receipt , cause make some small quantity of it to try if it be Right , which you will easily know by this , that being rubbed upon any hairy place , within a little space , when you come to wipe it off , it takes the hair without burning or scalding the Skin ; but if it either burn or discolour the Skin , it is not right . The place is afterward to be washed with a little warm Water . I must likeways intreat you to be at ths pains to cause dry me a Viper or two , it will be enough to dry their Skins with the heads at them , stopped with Flax , or Cotton : but in no way must you medle with them your self , because there is Danger , but imploy one of those fellows that brings them to the Apothecaries , who for a small matter will do it . Some day or other , you may be at the paines to see Frontiniague famous for that generous Moschat Wine , called by the name of the place , you may Collation there , and Harbarize as you go and come . When you are satisfied here , it will be fit to set forward to Thoulouse . You will see by the way , 1st . Pesenas a Pretie Town , where it may fall you to Dyne , Au tapis vert , hard by the Town , there is a very fine House , with excellent Gardens , belonging to the Prince of Condie , it is worthy of your seeing . 2ly . Beziers ; 3ly . Narbone , which is a very strong and well fortified Town , near upon the borders of Catalonia . It hath communion with the Sea , by means of a little River , that runs through the Town . Be pleased to see the great Church , and in it a Peece of excellent Painting , representing the History of our Saviour's raising Lazarus from the Dead . Take likeways notice of the Organes , the great Pipes whereof ●stand by the Pillar sides , at a great distance from the Organ roome , and have the Wind conveyed to them by a secret conduct ; which tho' it be no difficult thing , yet it is not common . From Narbonne , you have six or seven Leagues to Carcassone ; They are two , Ville and City ; the City stands upon a hight about half a Leagues distance from the Town : It is twice encompassed with Walls and Ditches , and is very strong , as being upon the Frontiers o● Catalonia . The Town stands below in the Plaine , and is much larger , better ●uilt , and better inhabited , & Walled about with a more modern kind of Fortification . The Town is commended for Cloath-works , & making of Combs : The Tradesmen use to bring them to the Innes as soon as they understand any Stranger to be arrived ; but your best will be to go to their Houses , and see all , & try severals , for so you may best please your self , and make the best bargain too . There is of all Prices , insomuch that I have seen ten Pistoles refused for one single Comb , of Box-Wood . But indeed it was of a vast bigness and most curiously carved . You may have very good ones for three , foure , or five Livres a peece , as also some for 30 , 40 , & 50 Solds . To be short , there is of all kindes and prices , and I shall earnestly intreat you , to bestow foure or five Crowns , upon some of the midle sort , that is next to the best , and some again of the next degree to them for me , ( because of the carving ) to add to my Tradescants . They must be packt up in a little wooden Box , which the Tradesmen know very well how to do . From Carcassone to Thoulouse , you have twelve Leagues , viz. Foure to Vilpeinte , two to Castelna● ▪ d' Arri , two to Vignonnet and four to Thoulouse . The Second Town ( in the opinion of some ) in France , how justly , I leave to your self , when you shall see it . The Town indeed is very big , and well built , all of Brick ; But not very populous , I think for the want of Trade , in regard it lyes farr from the Sea. Amongst other things , take notice of the following particulars 1st . The Town House , in the Court whereof they Show you the place where the Scaffold was erected , that Monsr : de Momorancy was beheaded upon , and some of his Blood yet Sticking upon the Wall. 2ly . The Parliament House , into which ( if it be sitting ) you must neither carry Sword , nor Spurs , unless you make account to pay a Forfaulter . 3ly . The Bridge over the River Garonne , which is very stately , built of Brick , somewhat after the Model of the new Bridge of Paris , having a Foot walk raised on every side , so that these that pass on foot , are not troubled with Coaches , Cairts , &c. that pass in the midle . 4ly . In the convent ( as I take it ) of the Cordeliers , there is a Peece of ground under a Chapel , belonging to the Church , wherein all Dead Bodies , that lye eight and fourtie hours , are so dryed , but without the consumption of any substantiall part , that they become incorruptible for ever thereafter . They will show you in a Vault , hard by the Chapell , some hundred of Bodies , standing about the Walls intire and dryed , as I have said , amongst the rest they show one bodie of a Woman , called la Belle Paule , Mistrels as it is said to some King , whose name I do not remember : But it is some hundreds of Years since she died , and yet me thinks there is a beautifull Proportion observable in her Face . The rest of the curiosities consist in Churches , religious-houses , &c. which I leave to your self . From Thoulouse to Montauban you about halfe a Dayes Journey , it is famous for the Protestant University ; It stands somewhat high and declines a little toward the Bridge , that stands over the Tarne , which not far below the Town , casts it self into the Garonne . It hath many fine Fountains ; but especially one , which they call the Gri●one . It hath good trafique , because of the situation betwixt Thoulouse and Limoge and Paris , as also because of the Commoditie of the River , to Bourdeaux : the Town and Bridge are all built of Brick . It was formerly very strong , but because of its Rebellion is now Dismantled of all Fortification . From Moutauban to Bourdeaux , you may go by Water in a very short Time , because the River is rapid ; the Countrey about is very fertile and Pleasant . You will see by the Way , Agen , an ancient City , where Iulius Scaliger was Born : within 4 or 5 Leagues of Bourdeaux stands Cadiliac , a most delicate Castle , belonging some time to the Duke d' Espernon ; You must not faill to see them . At Bourdeaux , I did lodge au Chapeau rouge ; but I have been told since , that there are more commodious Inns in Town , which You may easily be addressed to . You will meet with severall of our Countreymen in this Place ; But particularly , Sir David Inglish , and Harie Iossy ▪ are of my acquaintance . And therefore , I must desire you to see them , & permit this , to present them my service . I must likeways intreat you , to be at the pains , to enquire for a Doctor of Physick , of the Religion that lives here , whose name I have forgotten ; but you will know him by this , that he hath written in French Something against Doctor Willes de Febribus : which I remember Sir David Inglish , did once send me to Paris . And therefore , he may Probably know the Man : The Reason I desire You to speak with him , is , That you may learn from himself , what he hath Published , upon this or any other Subject ; and whatsoever they be , I must intreat You earnestly , to buy them for me ; for I have a very great Honour for the Mans Parts , tho' I know not his Person ; and I had the evil Luck to lend that Book , which Sir David Inglish sent me , to a Doctor at Paris , that did never render it me again . Remember to see in the Town , 1st . Piliers tutilarrs , which are the Ruins of an Ancient Roman Temple . 2ly . The Ruins of an Amphitheatre , without the Town , of Roman Antiquity likeways . 3ly . The Cheasteau Trompette , in which there is a Garison keept by the King. It was pulled down by the Citizens , in the Time of their last Rebellion ; but since re-built much better and stronger . 4ly . The Port , which if you happen to see in the Time of Vintage , will be well furnished with Ships from all Places , and it may be from Scotland . 5ly . That peece of Ground without the Town , which they call Grave ; which brings forth the best Wine about Bourdeaux , and which for the most part is sold within the Town , at as great a Rate as ordinary French Wine gives with us : And therefore being there is no great quantity of it , and that it would not turn the Merchants to Accompt to send it here , you may easily guesse how much Graves Wine We Drink in Scotland , altho' Our People are pleased to Flatter themselves , that all their Clarets are such ; The rest I leave to others , to inform you of . I must only tell you , You will meet with as good Fruits here as in any place of France , Des Treffices in Latine Tuberae Terrae , they are found under the Ground by the Hogs , who use to smell them before they come at them , and by the noise and gests they make , give notice to their keeper , who presently puts them by , and Digs the Trefice for himself : They are in great esteeme , & being Boyled and pared , use to be eaten by themselves with Pepper and Oyle , or else cut down with other things en Ragoust . There are likeways here a kind of small Birds but exceeding fatt , which they call Ortolans , which are much prized for great Delicacies . From Bourdeaux you go to Rochelle . In the way you pass by these Places ; first Blay , Ville et City , The City stands on a Hight and Commands the River . It was at this Place that of old the English Ships were Obliged to liver their Canon , which were permitted the Scots ( as a Priviledge ) to keep a Board ; as they passed to Bourdeaux . 2ly . Xaintes or Saintes , the Capital Town of Xaintonge ; It stands upon the River Charante ; here are some Rests of Roman antiquity , as of an Amphitheatre , &c. But especially of an Arch , upon the Bridge over the Charante , on which you will read this inscription . Caesari nep : D. Iulij Pontifici A. There is also an inscription , on the reverse which I remember not . You will see likeways here a Steeple , the Stairs whereof that lead to the Top are on the outside . 3ly . Brouage ; about half a Days Journey from Saintes , a little , but one of the most regularly fortified Towns in all France , in which there is a continuall Garison keept , as a Guard for the Salt , of which vast quantities is made here , by the heat of the Sun every Year in this manner . They let in the Sea water by a 〈◊〉 , cut purposely in the ground into severall ponds , cut out likeways of purpose of a certain deepness : they fill them in the Summer time , and then stop the entries that no more water come in ; when the Sun hath co●●●cted it enough , they gather it together i●●eaps , and carry it to places appointed for it . The Town stands upon a little River which i● navigable , because the Sea flowes a good way above it , the Salt marshes about the Town , are little less than four Leagues about , & render the Town by so much the more strong . You must be sure to arrive there at a good Hour in the day , for at Sun-setting the Gates are shut , and none whatsoever can enter . You must Salute the Governour , or in his absence , the Chief●Off●cer , and desire Libertie of him to view the Town , which he will readily grant you , and appoint a Souldier to wait upon you ; from the Walls , you will discover the Marshes about the Town , and then he will bring you to the Arsenal , and there you will see their Magazine of Ai●s , and then having given something to the Souldier to drink , you may thank the Governour & take leave of him . This is all that is to be seen in this place except you make account to see the Isle of Ol●rone , which lyes without the mouth of the little River , about a League or two in the Sea. From Brouage you have seven Leagues to the Rochell , upon the Way to which you will have occasion to see a great many Sea-Plants , such as Kali , Kali Spinosum , Salicornia , Cakeile S●rapionis , Papaver corniculatum luteum , Eringium Marinum , Crithmum ; with many others . The Rochel is much more famous for what it was , than for what it is , It was the strongest hold , the Protestants had in France , but after the taking of the Town by Lewes the 13th . the Walls thereof were quite demolished , so that scarcely the vestiges thereof remaine : the Harbour is considerable , for it enters within the midle of the Town . At ●resent it hath a considerable trafique 〈◊〉 Salt , white Wines , &c. You must be at the pains to see the Isle of Re , about a League from the Town , but not above a quarter of a League from the Land. As you go from the Rochel , to the place where you are to take Boat to cross over , they will show you the Ruins of that Digue , which Cardinal Richlieu caused make by sinking of Barks , loaden with Stones , to hinder all relief for the Town by Sea , and it was observeable , that the very day after the Town surrendered , the Digue was broke down by Storm , which if it had done but three days sooner , it may be justly questioned whether the Town had ever been taken , especially seeing the English Fleet was ryding before the Isle of Re. In the Isle of Re , there is a Citadale , near to which you will be put a Shore upon the Island , but it is not usual to permit Strangers to enter into it . At the east end of the Island , there is a little Town called St , Martines , in which there are many Dutch Families , because of the great trafique the Dutch hath with this place , for Salt and white-Wines . The Island is generally of a Sandie Soil , and only made fertile by the Sea - Ware which they throw upon it , and which in my Opinion is the cause , that all the Wines both of the Island and about the Rochel tast brackish , especially when they begin to be old . You will find amongst other Plants upon the Island aboundance of Pancratium , except you come in the latter Season of the Year , when probably it may not be found . You may returne at Night to the Rochelle , from whence you have a Messenger to Paris , upon the way to which there is nothing that I need to trouble you with , except Poictiers , that I have not seen my self , and therefore can say nothing of ; From Poicteirs your way is to Amboise midway betwixt Tours and Blois of which before . I must advertise you here , that if you please you may make this Tour an other way viz. To Nantes , as in the former advice concerning the Petit Tour , as far as Nantes , from thence to the Rochell , Bourdeaux , Toulouse , Narbonne , Montpellier , Avignion , and so all the rest throw Provence ; and then back to Avignion , from whence to Lions , and so to Paris with the messenger , or coach , which you like best . For your better understanding in the Country , it will be fit to carry a Map , or Carte of France along with you , to look upon the situation of every place as you pass , for doing of which a litle time will suffice once a day . Let it be illuminat for the more easie discerning the different counties and their bounding . You will do well likewise to carrie a Book with you in 80. called Le Voyage de France , which will inform you of many particulars , that either were not at all seen and observed by me , or else have escaped my Memory ; and indeed it is no great wonder if they have , having been so lazie as not to make any Memoire of them whilst they were yet recent in my mind . And this is one Reason of the tumultuarinesse and disorder of this Letter , but I am well pleased to think , that by the amendements you will make both in seeing , observing , and writing down all things more particularly , we shall have occasion afterward to put the Voyage in a better Dress ; I must likeways beg your Pardon for not having writen to you sooner , having been several times called out of Town since I began to write this Letter : If you find it tedious in reading , blame your self for being the cause thereof , and be the more patient , in regard I shall not have occasion to be any more so tedious , unless you go for Italy , and give me a timeous advice of your Intentions . I shall conclude all with my best wishes for your health & happy Return , & most earnestly intreat you not to grudge us with the effects of a Spare hour , that seeing at this distance , we cannot be so happy , as to enjoy you personally ; we may at least by this next best way entertain a Correspondence , which I assure you will be a great Kindness to your Friends here , but to none so much as to my self who cannot be indifferent in any thing , that concernes you , And therefore cannot but be sollicitous , to hear often from you , as the only thing , that can supply the want of your person , So much desired and longed for , by &c. LETTER III. CONTAINING Advice for Travelling into ITALY . Written to a Friend IT is much better to go into Italy in the latter end of Autumn , than in the Spring ; Because the Change of the Air is not so much from one Extreme to another in that Season , as in the other ; for the Mildness of the Winter in Italy ( especialy upon the South side of the Appennine ) doth not so much recede from the Temperatness of Autumn in France , as the Heat of Summer in Italy exceeds the Mildness of the Spring in France . It is certain , that if a Man intend to stay but a half a Year , it is better to begin the Journey in Autumn , and finish it in the Spring , than to begin in the Spring , and finish it in Autumn , and so be obnoxious to the excessive Heats of Summer . If one intend to stay one or more Years , it is undoubtedly best to begin the Journey in Autumn , because the Winter , being much more clement than usually it falls out with us , will be easily supported , & all the Heat that happens in the following Summer , in regard it comes by degrees , will not so readily affect the Body , that hath been already inured to the Air of the climate , for some Time before . The most convenient way of making the Toure of Italy , ( in my opinion ) is to go through Provence to Cane , a small inconsiderable Town upon the Frontiers of Provence , and there to hire a Felluck to Genoua , and , if you cannot get one at Cane , to go to Nize , which is but six or seven Leagues further , where you will be sure to find one ; a Felluck is ordinarily of four Oares , and hath this advantage that you go in it Ter ' a Terre , that is so near the land , that in the case of any danger by Storm or otherwise , you may easily run on Shoar and escape it , and besides , land as often as there is any Town or other thing worthy the seeing , and likewayes ly a Shoar every Night , at some good Town or other . A Felluck will serve to carrie half a dozen of persons with ease , besides the Rowers : The Price is not fixt but more or less as the Fellucks happen to be more or fewer in number . Ours cost us about 11 or 12 Crowns , in regard there were but few at Cane , but you may chance to get one for 8 , or 9. especially if ye be few in number and not much Baggage ; You may provide every morning to take along with you , Wine and what Victuals you please , the rather because sometimes it will happen that you will have no conveniency of any Town about Mid-day , and therefore must Dine aboard Your Fellucke . The first thing You will meet with , worthy the taking notice of , is Nize , a City belonging to the Duke of Savoy , it lyes near to the Sea syde , at the very foot of the Alps , and hath a very strong Cittadale belonging thereto : some two miles from thence stands Villa Franca , one of the best Ports in Italy , it belongs likewise to the Duke of Savoy , and is guarded with two Castles , one whereof stands on the top of a Rock , upon which growes in great aboundance the Ficus Indica . Some three miles farther upon the Coast stands the Town and Palace of Monaco , or Morgues , It is a Principalitie by it self , and hath very litle land belonging to it : The place is strong standing upon a Rock , which is not accessible , save at the side where the Palace stands , and where it joynes with the land , all the rest being compassed with the Sea. In the Palace they use to show 1. The Princes Wairdrob , in which there is good store of Silver plate , and other Rich furniture , 2. Severall rooms as Halls , Galleries , Chambers &c. well furnished with Hangings , Cabinets , Pictures , &c. 3. A little Garden upon the top of the Rock , behind the Palace , made up of earth brought thither on purpose . At the foot of the Hill near the Town there are store of Carobe Trees , or Siliqua Dulcis , Bauhini in Pinace . I must not omit to tell You that you must be sure at your first leaving of France in the last Town that You happen to be in , whither it be Cane or any other , to get a Certificate of your health and freedome from the Plague , as also of the freedom of that Town . There are persons appointed in every place for giving of such Bills , or Patents de Sainte , as they call them . Their Subscriptions are known to the next Townes about , where you are to go , so that it is not easie to counterfit , and besides it were very dangerous to doe so ; They are very scrupulous in this matter upon all the Coast of Liguria , for fear of contagion ; So that when you arrive at any Town , before you go a shore , you must send one of your Boat-men , with your Certification to be shown to such as are appointed for those matters in that Place , who immediately upon the Sight of the Bill permit you , la Practica , that is Libertie to stay in the Town as long as you please , and do what you will. When you part from that , You must take a new Certificat to the next Place , and so of the Rest untill you come at Ligorn , where this niceness will end . You must carrie with you no Secret Weapon , as Dagger , Pocket Pistols , or the like : And this is general all over Italy , except only in the Kingdom of Naples , and States of Venice and Milan , where it is permitted to wear Daggers . At most Towns in Italy , You will be oblidged to leave yonr Hulster-Pistols , and sometimes your Sword with the Guard at the Gate you enter in by : And then they will ask you , by what Gate you are to go out , and accordingly Your Arms will wait for you , which they will know to be yours , by the delivery of a Nick-stick given You as you enter , and which for that purpose , You must carefully keep . In most Places , Strangers are permitted to weare their Swords . Your Cloak-Bag likeways will be visited at every Town , to to see that there be no Customable Goods in it , and if there be any Books , you must give up a List of them to the Visitor , or Inquisitor appointed for that end , and he will Signe it with Order to let them pass , Providing , there be no Prohibited Book amongst them , For if there were any such , it would be Dangerons ; yet there are wayes enough to convey Books , or any other thing of whatsoever Nature , or Quality , from any Sea-port , without any Danger , which you will easily understand , after your being a while in the Country . From Monaco you will easily reach Oneglia , which is at about twelve Miles distance , and about 5 Miles further Albenga , from thence you have seven Miles to N●li , & ten more to Savona , from whence there rests five Miles to Genoua , All the Coast , of Liguria , from Nize to Genoua , & some days Journey beyond Genoua towards Ligorn , is nothing but rude Alps , for the most part infertile and unhabitable , except towards the Bottom near the Sea , where there are little Smal Valleys here and there , both delicious and Fruitfull . For the rest it is wonderfull to see with what industry & trouble , they have been able to place little smal Villages , as it were in the Clefts of the Hills , and Plant Olive Trees , where one would think nothing but crows could venture to Big . All this Tract is extreamly hot , especially in Summer , being directly opposit to the South , and altogether guarded from the North , So that the reflection of the Sun beames , makes a Heat almost insupportable . Genoua la Superba , so called from the sumptuousness of its Buildings , and so they use to give other epithets to other Towns , as Roma la Saneta , Fiorenza la Bella , Bolognia la Grassa , Padua la Dotta , Venetia la Rieta , &c. It is said that Genoua has Montagnie senza legno , Mare senze pesce , Donne senza Vergonia , & Gente senza sede . It is a Republick & the Government administred by a Senate . It is a City of great Trade and very Rich , and it is said they account usury no great Sin : It being their Maxim , that Cento per Cento e Niente , Cento Cinquanto per Cinto e quelcha cosa , du Cento per Cento e quadagnio Hone●io . You may take notice in the Place ; First , of the Situation of the Town , and so you may Herbarize towards the West-side . 2ly . The Senate House , 3ly . The Churches , and particularly that of St. Lorenzo , which is the Cathedrall , a Stately Fabrick Crusted with Marble . 4ly . That famous Street , called la Strada Nova , which is composed of so many Palaces , most of them of Marble : you must by all means endeavour to see the most considerable Palaces . Within you will find them most delicatly Adorned with all sorts of fine Things , as Statues , Paintings , &c. You must also see their Gardens , where besides severall sorts of Flowers , Shrubs , and Trees , you will likeways find delicat Fountains , Fish-ponds , and Grotto's ; as particularly in the Palace of the Principe d'Oria ; I would likeways have you see the Palace of Signior Baldi , and some other Houses of Pleasure especially towards the Sea-port , where they stand at the foot of the Hill over looking one another as they mount in degrees in form of a Theatre , and all of them having a full view of the Sea-port , which is very spacious and very deep ; but in my Opinion , not so very well guarded from stormes . That which I find most considerable in it is , the Mole , which secures the entrie thereof , it being the best and strongest and in the deepest Water I ever saw . At the east end of the port there is a litle Promontory called Capo de Fara , upon which stands a High Turret , which they call la Lanternâ , from the Top whereof they use to discover all Vessells at Sea at a considerable distance . 5ly . Forget not to visit the Book-Sellers , but in Regard this is a generall Remark not to be omited , in every Town where there any , I shall say no more of it here , but shall put You in mind of it now and then . From Genoua You must again provide Your self of a Felluck to Ligorn , which you will find readier and at an easier rate , because of the more frequent Traffick and intercourse , than from Cane or Nize , you will pass by Porta Fino , Leresi , Viaregia , &c. and you wil not find many things considerable more than I have already noted on the Coasts of Liguria betwixt Genoua and Nize , except that when ye pass Leresi a litle , you begin to discover a large plain , part of which belongs to the state of Genoua , and therein are the Quarries that furnish all Italy with the best Marble , and the rest is the Principality of Massa ; For the better seeing of which if you please you may go from Genoua by Horse to Ligorne . Tuscany begins about Viaregia , the greatest part whereof is under the Dominion of the Great Duke of Tuscany . Ligorn is no antient , but yet a very Handsom and well built City , by Ferdinand the first , Great DUKE of Tuscany , of whom you will see a most stately Statue or rather Colosse , with slaves Chain'd at his Feet , on each side kneeling ; a litle without the Gate as you go to the Sea-Port . The Town is regularly fortified , they say , by the contrivance of the Duke of Northumberland , who was banished out of England in the Reign of Queen Eli●abeth , and well receaved and much esteemed by the then Duke of Tuscany , for his excellent parts and Qualifications . The Duke for incouragment of Trade hath granted great Immunities to Merchants of all Nations whatsomever , which is the great cause that the Town flourishes so much in Trade , and is so well Peopled : Severall Nations have established great Factories here , but especialy the English and Hollanders who have made this place , as it were the staple of all their commerce into the Levant . The Jews also have a very great freedome here and are not distinguished by any particular Mark , as in other places , from other Merchants , but live Honourably in a particular Street of the Town , built by themselves , yet not sequestrated from the rest of the Town by any Wall or Gate , as they use to be in all other places , where I have seen them . The English Merchants live very splendidly , and are very hospitable and courteous , especially , to their Countrymen , that Travell that way , under which name they comprehend all that are Subject to our King : The Jews Synagogue here is the best in Italy ; and therefore worthy your seeing . They observe our Saturnday , so that if You please to stay , You may see their form of Worship . You must take particular notice of the Sea-Port , which is undoubtedly the most secure and finest in all Italy , in which You will see the great Dukes Gallies , which he kee●s for a Guard , to his Countrey against the Turks men of War. It is worth the while to see a Gallie put out to Sea , or , as she comes in , for so one may see the Discipline of the Slaves to whom the Bosson delivers the word of Command by the noise of a Whisle , the diversitie whereof they are as well acquainted with , as Horse-men with a Trumper , or foot with a Drum. If You be diligent You may meet with severall curiosities , some naturall , some of Art , especially from the Levant , and all at reasonable Rates : and for the more commodious doing of this , it will be fitting to make acquaintance with severall Merchants , especially English , who will either inform You themselves , where such things are to be found , or else address You to such Persons in the Town , as may best hap to do it . It is likeways necessary for You to have such acquaintance , and amongst them some one confident for returning You Money from England , or at least for returning You , what Money You have not present Use for , to Florence , as also for keping correspondence with ; that by this means , You may send any thing you please to Your confident at London . And because this advice may be usefull in many other Places ; I shall be more particular in it here for all . I suppose then You were to send any little Ball for Trunk from Ligorne to London ; Your way would be first to pass it at the Custom house , where , I think Books , and curiosities pay nothing but yet You must have an Order for Shipping of them , then You must agree with some English Master of a Ship , bound for London , for the portage , and accordingly draw a Bill of Loading — which is of a common Stile bearing , that such a Ball or Coffer marked , — ( and sometimes it says , marked as on the Margen , and then the Mark whether it be Letters or Figures or both , which is put upon the Goods , is likeways placed upon the Margen of the Bill ) is imbarked This — Day of — and Year of God — aboard the good Ship called — now in the Port of Ligorn , and bound for London , whereof Mr : — under God is Master , the which Ball is consignable at London to Mr — Merchant &c. or bis Order , for which he is to Pay — English Mony , he receiving the said Ball well conditioned , without Skaith or Damage , There must be three Copies of this Bill , one You must subscribe , and give to the Master of the Ship , for 〈◊〉 Warrand to carrie his Fraught . The other two he must subscribe and give to You , whereof You must send one by Post with a particular Letter of advice , to Your correspondent at London , to warrand him to call for the Goods , at the Master of the Ship ; and the other You must keep by You for Your own security , in case there should be any miscarriage , either through the Skipper , or Merchants fault , and then Your Goods may be imbarked . If You were to send from Florence , then you must in the like manner pass your Goods at the Custom-house ; if there be any Books among them , You must have a particular Licence as I Noted formerly , and then cause unball them at the Custom-house , and set your Mark upon them , and find out some Boat going for Ligorn , ( which you will be sure to do , ) and take a Note under the Boat-Masters hand of the recept of such Goods so marked , consignable to such a Ma●n Merchant in Ligorn , for which he is to pay so much Fraught , he receiving the Goods well conditioned . This Note you must send by the Post to your Merchant in Ligorn , together with Your acquittance at the Custom house of Florence , which will serve to acquit them at Ligorn ; together also with particular advice to dispatch them by the first good occasion for London , and to take Bills of Loading for them , whereof you must desire one Copie to be sent to your self , which you must keep for your Security , as said is ; From Rome you must use the same conveyance to Ligorn : But from Venice you must address immediately for London , and in the same manner as from Ligorn . If you be to send any thing over Land , where you go not along your self , you must make two Letters of Voiture ( having first agreed for the carriage at the Rate of so much per Cent. ) whereof you must give one to the carrier , which is a kind of advice to the Person you address your Goods to , which is in this form : suppose from Turine to Lions , you write thus , Sir I have sent a Bundel marked — by — Indweller in this Town , and Carrier to Lions , addressed to You , which I desire you would be pleased to receive , and being in good condition , Pay for it at the Rate of — per Cent. and I shall hold you account thereof , or otherways place it to the account of — at Paris , to whom I desire you to address the Bundell and send it with the first good Occasion , and I shall be Accountable to him . The carrier will part from hence , such a Day being the — Day of — and will arrive at Lions the — Day thereafter , the Bundell contains no Merchant Goods , being only Books , &c. for my own Privat use and therefore not Customable I rest . SIR , Yours &c. THe other Letter of Voiture is an Obligation under the carriers hand to You , which you must send by the Post to your correspondent at Lions . The Form of it ought to be as follows . I Vnder Subscribed Carrier of Turin , acknowledge to have received from — the — Day of — at Turin a Bundell Marked — Weighing — addressed to — Merchant of Lions to whom I promise to deliver it in good condition at Lions , ( with the help of God ) or to his Order , he paying me at the Rate of — per Cent. therefore . In witness whereof I have subscribed their presents with my hand at Turin the — Day of — Anno — I Have been the more particular in these things , because altho' they may seem to be triffles , to those that are conversant in such matters , yet a small mistake , may be the occasion of a great Miscarriage . I shall now return to put You in mind of some other particulars , and 1. That in this Place , Oisters are a very great Delicat , there being but one person that has Priviledge to sell them , for which he payes a considerable Sum to the great Duke ; I know not well from whence they are brought , but I am sure it is from a considerable Distance : They are keept in the Town-Ditch , on the East side of the Town , which is full of salt water , because it hath communion with the Sea ; the keeper hath a little House hard by , and according to the number Bargained for , takes them alive & very fat out of the Ditch , & sells them at the Rate of a Pistole the Hundred . They are many times put into the Ditch little , and keept untill they be big enough , they taste very well , and are by far the best in Italy . 2. To the East-ward of the Town , about a Mile or little more , there is an Hill called Monte Nero , upon which there is good harbarizing . You will do well to take a Horse and a Guide with you to the Place . From Ligorn you have 15 Miles of Smooth and Plain way to Pisa. It is an Ancient City , sometimes a common-wealth by it self , and then both Rich and populous : But since it was Reduced under the command of the great Duke of Tuscany , it is neither of the two ; the far greater part of the Inhabitants , after the Town was Reduced , chusing rather to abandon their Native Country , than their Liberty , or at least preferring a voluntar Subjection abroad , to a necessitated Slavery at home . The City is large and Beautifull , divided , as it were in two by the River Arno , and again conjoyned by a beautifull Bridge , of white Marble . The Air of this Place , in Winter , is judged to be more Temperate than that at Florence , & therefore the great Duke uses to pass the Winter here . There are many things considerable in this Town ; as , 1st . The great Church , which is a Stately Fabrick , and well adorned within , as also the Batistaria whereof the Doores , as also of the great Church , are all covered with Massive Brass , cast into delicat Figures . 2ly . The crooked Steeple , which leanes to one side very far from the perpendicular ; some people alledge it was purposely so built , but I am more apt to beleeve that the ground hath miss-given on the one side by little and little , or rather insensibly , which may be some part of the Reason , why it hath hung together so long without falling , to which the excellencie of the Cement and Workman-ship hath contributed very much ; my opinion , to one that narrowly observes , will not appear to be unreasonable , for the outside is of so many Rows of small Pillars going round about , and the lower-most Row , on that side that it leanes to , is more than half hid in the ground , where as those of the other are wholy to be seen ; which I suppose could not have happened otherways , than as I have said . 3ly . The Buriall Place , which is the most stately I ever saw , being a long quadrangle , well walled and galleried about , in the midle whereof are very many Monuments of great antiquity , of many of the ancient noble Families of Pisa. They are most of them of white Marble in shape like a Coffine , wherein the Body of the Dead persons was laid : Some of them are carved in one Fashion and some of them in another , and some of them into excellent Figures . 4ly The Dukes Palace . 5ly . The Physical Garden , together with the Rarities that are keept in a Gallery belonging to the Garden , where you will see a very great Collection of Natural Curiosities . The Garden uses to have very rare exotick Plants ; but in regard you can have no access to it , except by the recommendation of the Physitian , that is Professor of Botany for the time , therefore I think it will be worth your while to make your address to him , for a Libertie , first , to see the Garden and Gallery ; secondly , to get from the Gardener or himself , the Seeds , of such as you have a mind to , and a Peece of the Plant for drying , if you think fitting ; you must not be negligent here , for this is one of the best Gardens in Italy , & in my opinion preferable to that of Padua , especially for exotick Plants . The University , for the whole Estate of Tuscany , is keep'd here , and if you please you may see the Schooles for all Professions , and particularly that for the Lawes , where the most renowned Bartholus did teach . Amongst the Booksellers you may find something to accommodat you , because it is an University Town , and I shall tell you here , because I do not remember to have it done as yet , that , generally speaking , all sort of Books in Italy , are cheaper than in any other place where I have been . I pray You remember to get a Couple of the Catalogues of the Garden there , of the last Edition . From Pisa , You have but a small half days Journey , of very pleasant Way , to Luca , which is a Delicat little Town , a Republick by it self , and having but a very small Territory belonging to it ; it is well and regularly fortified with a dry Ditch , which is keept very cleane and in good Order , and allways Green : the Republick is governed by a Prince or Chief Magistrat , whom they choose of their own Town , and change him every two Month : So soon as any one is chosen , he must leave his own House and Friends , and retire himself to the Publick Palace , where he is assisted by some other of the Nobles , & cannot come out untill his Government be finished . The Humour of the people is Chearfull and very Civil , and contrary to the Custome of all Italy , Men and Women converse freely amongst themselves or with Strangers . They use Balls & Danceing , much after the French Fashion ; The Religious people use to distill Spirits and Essences , whereof you may provide what Quantitie you please , both good , and good cheap , I wish you might help a Friend to some of Orange-Flowers and Myrtles ; The religious Women likeways use to make very prettie Things , and particularly I remember they use to sell Stomagers of quilted Silk , which most people use to wear in the Winter-time , of one Fashion or another . From Luca , if you please , you may go to Pisloia , and so to Florence , or otherways returne to Pisa , and from thence , either by Coach or Horse , to Florene . If the Weather be not too hot , it is better to go on Horse-back , in regard of the prospect of the Countrie , which cannot be had in a Coach. Florence is a new Town , but one of the most beautifull in all Italy , and therefore called Fioren● a la Bella ; it is situated upon the River Arno , which divides it in two sev●rall places , over which stands four fair Bridges . The City is Counted at least six miles in Compass ; The Beautie of it consistes in the Stateliness of the Buildings , the great number of Palaces , the neateness and cleannesse of the Streets , occasioned by the largeness and smoothnes of the Stones , with which it is paved ; the many large Places , Fountains , Statues , Churches , Towers , Convents & Gardens ; Of all which it hath very many of the best in Italy . There is scarce any thing in this City ; which is not very well worthie to be taken notice of ▪ but particularly . 1. The Dukes two Palaces , the Old and the New ; In the new the great Duke himself keeps his Court. It is a ●ost magnificent Structure , o● the T●scan Order of Architecture , but not finished as yet ; The Garden belonging thereto is very well furnished , with Rare Plants and Flowers ; of which the Catalogue is Printed , of which I desire You to bring alongs a Couple of Copies . It will not be a miss to make Acquaintance with the Gardener ; for , so you will get what Seeds you please . The old Palace stands in the great Place of the City , in the midle of which Place there is a Stately Colossus of Brass , of Cosmus great Duke of Florence a Horse back , by the Model whereof that of Henry the great upon the new Bridge of Paris was made . Near to the Entrie into the Palace there are severall other Noble Statues of Marble : within the Palace it self is that so much famed , over the World , Gallerie , which is composed of many Roomes , containing great Varietie of the choisest Curiosities ; as Sta●ues , Busta's , Baserelieues , Paintings , Drawings , Prints , Cabinets , Jewels , Cameo's , Intaillia's , with all sorts of Anticailles , with an infinite number of Master-peeces of latter times . Amongst other things , there is a Chamber or two full of all sorts of Armes , amongst which those of Charles the Great and Roland , with severall Swords of Henry the great , also a great Number of Cymiters , some whereof have their Scabbards set with Rubies , Emeralds , and other precious Stones . There is an ancient Buckler with a Medusa's Head , Painted by Michael Angelo bona rota . I remember to have observed some ancient Casaques , whose weight I am confident no Head could sustain , unless so adjusted to the rest of the Armour , and that to the Sadle , that the Horse must have carried all . You must endeavour to get a Writen Inventure of the severall Curiosities in the Gallerie , for without that it is not possible to remember every particular ; Within this Palace , the great Duke uses to keep the most excellent Artisans he can meet with , of all Trades , to whom he gives considerable Salaries and Priviledges , whom you will do well to see , but especially the Stone-Cutters , of whose Art I intreat you to take particular notice , and what Instruments they use , and learne at least as much of it as may serve to polish Stones . Amongst other Curiosities of this Trade , You may see a New way of Mosaick Work , wherein the figure is compleated most delicatly , both as to the parts and Colours thereof , by the Natural Colours of the severall peeces of Stones assembled together ; and which is strange , all the lights and shadows requisite in Painting is herein observed ; So that they can imitate Nature allmost as fully this way as in Painting it self . This way differs from the old Mosaick , in that the particular Peeces that compose it , are of different Figures according as the colours require ; for example , a Cherrie because it is all of one Colour , therefore it may be represented by a Red stone of a round Figure in one Peece , but the Stalk of it must be of an other different figure : But in the old way , all the peeces were Quadrangular , whatsoever might be the colour or thing to be represented , and of this kind of Mosaick you will see a most excellent Peece in St. Peters Church at Rome , representing St. Michael the Arch-Angel treading upon the Devil . In this Palace likeways , the great Duke keeps a Chymical Laboratorie , called la Funderia , wherein are made very many notable preparations with great Faithfullness , especially Spirits and Essences , which may be bought here at reasonable Rates , and without fear of being cheated , as to the goodnes of the things , 2ly . Severall Churches and Convents , particularly the Dome the out-side whereof is the most beautifull in Europe , being all crusted with Black. White and Red Marble , fit●y placed together in regular figures . The Church within is Paved with black and white Marble , and Richly adorned with Chapels and Altars ; The Cupola is very Large and Fine insomuch that the Golden Ball upon the Top of it , which is able to contain a great many Persons , does not appear from the Ground to be bigger than a good Foot-Bal ; Near to the Dome stands Jota's Towre , one of the most admirable Peeces of Architecture , in the World ; being a square Steeple , without any spite on the Top of it , all crusted with black , white and red Marble , in most regular figures from the top to the bottom ; near to it stands the round Chapel of St. John delicately payed with Marble , and adorned with statues , with a Rich Vase adorned with precious Stones , wherein the Children are Baptised . The Doors of the Chapel are of Brass , all in Figures of personage in Base-relieve of most admirable Workmanship ; in this Chapel is the Sepulchre of Jota , that renown'd Painter and Architect , upon whom there are some excellent Latin verses there ingraven , which I have lost , but ●o●mend to you to take a Copie thereof . In the Church of St. Spirito ; there is an Altar ha●cost above a Hundred Thousand Crowns , which were left by a Florentin Gentleman for that effect . In the Church de Sancta Cr●ce , ( I h●ve ●orgot whether i● belongs to the 〈◊〉 or Ja●obi●● ; ) Michael Ang●●o bona rota i● interred , and it is said at his own desire , that he might lye within the View of Jota's Towre , which he did so much admire in his lifetime ; Upon his Tome there are three most delicate Statues , the one represents Painting ; the second , Sculpture ; the third Architecture : in which three Arts , he was so great a Master . St. Laurence Church was magnificently built by Cosmo de Medicis , whose Scpulchre is to be seen there . There is that famous Chapel , which the Dukes continually Labour to Finish . It is the most Glorious thing extant in the World , there being already bestowed upon the Workman-ship thereof above eight Millions of Gold , and I beleeve a considerable deal more will not perfect it . It is not very large , but built round ; it is all Mosaik , both the Floore , roofe and sides ; and the least considerable Stones that compose it , are Jasper , Porphir , Alabaster , Lapis Lazuli &c. there are severall nests in the Wall about , where the statues of the Dukes are to stand as they lived and succeeded to the another . The Great Altar is not yet set up , because of peoples being still at work in the Chapel , nor is it yet altogether finished , but yet there is so much done , that to look upon it , one should hardly think there were any thing wanting . It is keept in the Dukes Wardrobe in the Old Palace , of which I forgot to speake formerly , and therefore tell You now that it is one part of the old Palace which You must not faile to see , there being in it a vast Treasure of Silver and Gold Plate , with many other Precious things . The Altar is keept in a little Room by it self , I shall not under-take to descrive it particularly , but only desire You to consider well every part of it , the Richness of the Materials and excellencie of the Workemanship , the Mosaicks , and the Christall Pillars , and I believe You will easily excuse my holding by the general , and omitting to speak of particulars : I do truely think that the beauties and excellencies of this Chapel and Altar , are so great and so many , that they Deserve a Particular Book to make them known to the world , and it may be there is some such work intended , or alreadie extant , which if it be I am confident You will take care to have it . I must give You notice in this Place , that You will doe well to Treat with some of those men that Work about the Chapel , or else with some of those stone-cutters in the Gallery for some small Peeces of all the species of stones ; let them be of such a Bigness as may easily serve to know them by . I make no doubt but You may get them at a Reasonable Rate . But I must earnestly intreat You to mind those two Species of stones which are found in Quarries not farr from Florence , whereof the one Naturally represents Townes and Landscapes , the other is some what Whiter , and has Trees and Forrests Represented on it , by little Black Draughts ; I remember to have shown you a small Peice of each sort , but now I would have , two or three larger Peeces of both the sorts , of about a span-Length , and of the best Marked , for I intend to put them in frames , as a Cheif ornament of my Tradescants . I shall hold You compt for the price . 3. The Place where the wild Beasts are keept . It is a long square Peece of ground Walled about , and galleried on the Top for Spectators ; under the galleries are litle cells that open to the Place , in each of which there is keept a severall Wild Beast , such as Lyons , Tygers , Leopards , Woolfs , Beares , &c. These have their keeper that waits upon them , and Feeds them , and when the great Duke commands , they are brought out , one or more , as he Pleases , and bated with Dogs , or otherwise set to fight with one another , Upon such occasions strangers are Permitted to see . 4. The Book-sellers ; of which there are prettie store here and those well furnished too . You cannot miss of a Casalpinus de Plantis or two , for it was Printed in this Place . If You can get his appendix ad libros de Plantis , You will oblidge me to bring it with You ; it was Printed by it self at Rome . You may possibly meet with other good Books , for it is ordinar when Learned men die ▪ for Book-Sellers to buy their Books . I must likeways put You in mind to buy a Printed Paper for me , that was Published at Florence , called Testis examinatus ; it containes two or three figures of the Testicles with a short Description thereof , in one single leaf . There is one Dr. Kirton Dr. of Physick , He is a very civill and obligeing Gentleman ; If he be yet alive he will be Your Interpreter : and if You need not that , he will help You to expede the rest of Your affairs ; in short , both his counsell and his company are to be esteemed ; He is an English Man born , low in stature and prettie ancient . You must not faill in this Place to take notice , of the variety of Fruits , & Wines ; as the Red Florence Wine , which is counted the best for ordinar Drinking , being stomachical and without Sweetnes . The White Florence Wine , which is Sweet ; Verdea , which is delicious small Sweet white Wine ; Monte Pulciano , White and Red , both very good Wines , so called from the Place they grow upon , and many more such . If You happen to be here in the Summer time , especially when the Grapes are Ripe , You will find in the Markets great Varietie of Fowles and small Birds , whereof I intreat You to take notice , but especially of those kinds , that are not common with us , and try to get their Skins , which may be easily done , when the bird hath not been long Dead ; the rump must be left at it for preserving of the Taile ; The Head , Wings and Feet must be likewise left , and only tbe body taken out , & so the Skin filled with Flax or Cotton . This I intreat You to remember to doe wheresoever You shall happen to be in the Summer time , and if any such occasion Present it self to You in Winter , not to ommit it . From Florence to Rome You have 140. Miles ; there are severall wayes of Travelling , viz. by Coach , by Procaccio or Messenger with whom you agree for so much ; as is usuall in France : and by the Viturin , that is , by hyring of Horse at a certain Rate , & Paying for Your own entertainment at every part as you pass . If you be acquainted with the customes of the Countrey , and have Language enough to make Your self understood , this last way is the best , because you will be sure to fare better , and cost you no more , than you would otherwise Pay to the Messenger , who will be sure to provide the worst chear for you , that he may make the better for himself : in short , it is best to be Master of your own Purse , and not live at the discretion of Your Conductor . I have forgot hitherto to tell you that there is some Incommoditie for Travellers upon the Road , as to their Bedding , their Cloaths espiecially , the Sheets being for the most part very nasty , and it is but now and then that either money or fair words can procure a Pair of clean Sheets . The best remedy I know is not to put off ones Cloaths , and to wrap ones self , especialy the Head , in their Cloak , that the face and Hands may not touch any unclean thing ; in short a litle Patience will do it , and you will be sure to be better accomodated in good Towns. The places You are to pass by , are Cheifly these as follows . FLORENCE . S. Casciano 9 Miles Le Tavernelle 8 Miles Pogibonzo 5 Miles Staggia 4 Miles Siena 9 Miles Montarone 5 Miles Lucignano 3 Miles Bonconvento 5 Miles Tornieri 5 Miles S. Quirie 4 Miles La Scala 4 Miles Ricorso 4 Miles La Paglia 5 Miles Ponte Centino 9 Miles Acquapendente 2 Miles S. Lorenzo 3 Miles Bolsena 4 Miles Montefiascone 6 Miles Viterbo 8 Miles Ronciglione 10 Miles Monterosi 8 Miles Roma 20 Miles There are not many considerable things to be seen upon this Road ; Siena was a republick by itself , but was reduced by the Emperour Charles the 5th . and by his Son Philip Gifted to the Great Duke of Tuscany , under whose Power it still Remains . The Town is of a good bigness , and commended for it's Situation , and the purity of the Italian Tongue . The Dome or great Church is a statly Fabrick ; it is Paved with Marble , but especialy the Quire , upon which is most Curiously Graven the History of Abraham Sacrificeing his Son , and History of the Maccabees , and for the better Preservation of them they are covered with Matts . There is likewise an entrie from the Church to the Bibliotheck of Aeneas Sylvius , who was born in this Town . He was once Legat from the Pope into Scotland , and afterwards Created Pope himself , and took the name of Pius Secundus . He was a Man of great Learning . The late Pope Alexander VII . was Native of this Place , of the Family of Chigi ; his Statue is to be seen in the great Church . The greatest Part of the and the Towre belonging to it are of Black and White Marble without . In the Church of St. Dominic , amongst other Relicts , is preserved the Head of St. Catharine of Siena . The Tovvne is well watered with many fine Fountains . The great place is made with a kind of Descent Theatre ways , so that from the middle of the Place You may see all that walk in it . Montefiascone is famous for a most Delicious Kind of Muscatello Wine , which You must be sure to Tast. The Messenger uses to Dine without the Town , but you will be sure to fare better and get better Wine within ; There goes a storie that a German killed himself in this Place with Drinking excessivly of this Muscat . As you goe from thence to Viterbo you will find a kind of Aspalathus , which I take to be Acacia altera Angularae . It growes as high as our Broom , and is plentifull enough , so that you will easily discover it . From Viterbo , all that distance to Rome is called the Campania of Rome , in which it is thought most dangerous to sleep in the Summer time , therefore if you fortune to travel it in Summer , whither to Rome or from it ( the same is under stood of 40. Miles distance round about Rome ) you must be sure not to sleep in the Campania , which you may easily avoid by Travelling in the night . when you arrive at Rome you must give up your name at the Port ; your Countrey , the Place from which ●ou came last , and the house you goe to Lodge at : and from thence you must go a la dogano , or to the Custom House , where your Cloakbag must be Searched , and from thence to your lodg●ng place , according to the Billet given ●ou at the Port , without which no House ●eeper dare receave a stranger ; But they ●re things of Course and effectuat without any trouble . You will doe well to Lodge in a Pension for the first week , untill you have made some acquaintance , by means whereof you may be fullie informed where to light upon a convenient Camera locanda : There was two French Pensions , and one English in my time . The first of the French was Al monte d'oro . The second was nella strada del Populo The English pension was in the same strada del Populo , alla villa di Londra : we had severall Countrey men living in the Town in my time , as particularly signior Roberto Pendrick , a worthie old Gentleman , and most obligeing to his Countrey men , he was my particular good friend ; and I make no doubt but you will find him so , for I hear he is still alive , and I wish he may be long so . He lives in a House of his own upon the Triuita di monte . There is an other called Signior don Gulielmo Lesly , He is Chaplain to Cardinal Carlo Barberino and lives nella Cancellaria . I dare be confident to give you this man for one of the most faithfull Friends in the World , and one in whose goodness , prudence , Kindness , and good Conduct you may trust ten Thousand Lives : to be short you will find I am not mistaken , when I call him deliciae humani generis , for in all my lifetime I never knew another like him , make it their whole work and study to find opportunities to oblige every Countrey-man according to his condition : The p●●r of them , with Food and Rayment and whatsoever else they may stand in need of , and all other men with continual offices of civility . By his means you will get to see many of these things I shall recommend to you hereafter . If I Know of your going to Italy in time , I shall have a Letter there before you . Your best convenience for Lodging and Diet will be a Camera Locanda . You may take it in that place of the town that suits best with your occasions , you will pay for it by the month , less or more according to the goodness of the Chamber and furniture thereof . As for your diet it will be drest in the House , and you must tell at night what you Intend to eat next day , that they may provide it for you : As for the prices you cannot be easily Cheated , because as to that , most things are Regulated , And in the quantitie it is not possible you should be overreached because all things are sold by weight . There are severall Kinds of Bread used in this City , but that which is called Papaline is undoubtedly the best . There are likewise many sorts of Wines , some of them Galliardi or strong , as Greco , Muscatello di Saragosa , Lagrima &c. others are Legieri , or small , and they are many ; the best for common use is Albano , which You may drink pure : and it is remarkable that there are but few places in Italy where Water may be Drunk safely , and because one may be mistaken in the choise , the best remedy is to Drink none at all . There are great variety of fruits according to the Seasons of the year , I shal only desire you to be cautious , and not to eat too much or too often of any , but especialy , of Melons , Cucumbers , and the Malanzane , or mala insana , which are a Kind of Solanum Pomiferum . There are good store and Many Kinds of Fishes , especialy Sea Fish , whereof the best are , Sols , il Pisce Capone &c. The Tunino is a great Fish as big as our Salmond , and Red like it , but harder and dryer a great deale , the bellie of it is verie fatt and they use to Salt and sell it in the Taverns , being sliced in small peeces upon a Trencher ; Fresh Sturgeon is very common ; Lobsters are much harder and worse to disgest than ours : as for fleshes , Bufalo is only eaten by the Poorer sort of people ; Beif which they call Vacina is good ; Vitella campo reccia , or Hudron is good , but above all the Vitella mongana or sucking Veal . Lamb is worth nothing , nor Mutton either , which they call Castrato , and serves only to make Broath for Sick People ; Kids are good . In the Winter-time there is is abundance of Sangliers or wild Boars , as also Porcepics . The Snow in that season , driving them from the Hills to the Valleys , where they are Killed by the Hunters . There is likeways great Variety of Fowl. There is none so common as Quailes , at two seasons of the year , that is , the Spring when they come into Italy , and the latter end of Autumn , at which time they are much fatter and better when they go from it . It is said that they draw together to the Coast side , and there wait for the rest of their number a whole Moneth , and then at last , their Caravan being complete , they flee away nearer the Sunn in a great cloud . The Pigione Sotto hanca are the biggest and fattest , and best for eating in the world : they are good in all seasons of the year . About the time of Vintage there are great Variety of small Birds , all very fatt & good , and at easie Rates , amongst which the Ortolani , and Beccafiche are most esteemed . As for the things to be seen here , they are so many , and so considerable , that it would require a large Volume to describe them , and there are abundance of such Books extant , to which I referr you , and especially to one in 80. called L' Antichita di Roma di Andrea Fulvio : but you must not fail to get an Antiquario , who for a certain Summ of two or three Crowns will show you all the particular Antiquities and considerable places of the Town , and as for the fuller information of them your Book will serve you : I shall only hint at somethings worthie to be taken notice of ; 1. The Court ; that is , the Pope , Cardinals , Prelates , Monsigniorie &c. There are some great Holy days , when the Pope Celebrats Mass in person ; it will be sit to wait upon some of these occasions , for then you will see the Grandeur of the Court and the forme of a Cavalcata , together with the Popes ordinary Guards . 2. The Churches . 3. The Palaces ; especially those of the Vatican , together with the Bibliotheck and Gardens of Belvidere , in which amongst other things take particular notice of the statue of Ly●aon with the Serpents wreathed about him ; There is an other Garden also belonging to the Vatican , in which there are many exotick Plants , it was planted by the Popes order , by Tobias Aldinus and is Keept still in reasonable good order ; amongst other things you will find the Cameripses , or Camedactylus , of the bigness of a Low Tree and carrying Fruit ; there is likewise a Grotta or water work , and very fine Fountains of water , about which grows plentifully the Capillus veneris Major or Ramosus . and Arum Aegyptium Mathioli , sive Colocasia , which is a plant carying no stalk , flowr nor fruit in Italy ( I know not what it does in its native Soyle ) but only broad Leaves very large and round . The Palace of Farnese ; and in it that Gallery whereof the Painting in Fresco by Aniball Caraccio is so famous , and the Tauro which is kept in a little House a part , in the back court of the Palace . It is the noblest piece of Art extant in Rome altho it be very antient , as being one of those named by Pliny , to have been in his time in Foro Trajani ; yet it is not only intire , but as beautifull as if it had never been moved out of the place it stands in now . The Palace of Principe Pamphilio ; it stands in the Piazza Navona , where you may take notice of that Glorious Fountain made by Cavelier Bernini , whereupon the top of a little artificial Rock , are placed , four great delicate Marble Statues , representing the foure great Rivers of the World , and each of them pouring out of a Vale placed under one Arme , a great quantitie of Water , and in the middle of the four there stands one of these Gulias graven with Aegyptian Hieroglyphicks , brought from A●gypt by the Antient Romans . They use to stop the way-goe of the Water , sometimes in the Summer , and lett the Place overflow with Water , and then People come toward the evening , in their Coaches , and drive softly up and down the water to take the fresco , which is one of the greatest Gusto's in Rome . Palazzo Borghese , Standing near to the Ripetta . Palazza Palistrino ; and in it the library , where you may see two copies of the Hortus Eystetensis , one illuminated and the other not ; Mr. Lesty will command you a sight of that when you please , for it belongs to Cardinall Francisco Barberino . The Popes Palace of Monte Cavallo , and the Gardens thereof . 4. The Villa's : as first that of Borghese , which is without the walls : there is a particular Book to be sold by the House keeper , that sufficiently descrives it and all the beauties of it , to which I Refer you . 2ly . the villa or Palazzo medici , belonging to the great Duke of Tuscany . It stands upon the monte Trinita , the Hall is adorned with a great many Pillars standing about the Walls , of most delicat Marbles , and the Originalls of a great many Illustres and virtuosi . In one of the Chambers there is a most beautifull statue of Venus , of Grecian Antiquitie . In the Garden there is a Noble statue of Cleopatra , the Ruins whereof were repared by Michaell Angelo bona rota , and many other statues Releiv's and Vases , which for Brevities sake I must omit , and refer you to the particular Books that treat of those things , But most of all to your own diligence in viewing them and keeping a punctuall Register of all that you see , and so I shall only name some of the Villa's that remain , and are most considerable . As the Villa Montalto ; The Villa Ludovisi , where amongst other Admirable things the statue of the dying Gladiator is excellent . The Villa Farnesi ; The Villa Pamphilio , which is a pretie way without the walls , and the rest which I leave to your sight . 5ly . The Castle of St. Angelo , which formerly was the Burial Place of Hadrian the Emperor . 6. The Hospitalls ; Particularly that of St. Spirito , which is a most magnificent Structure , and well appointed in all things . They will show you amongst other remarkable things , the Place where the Children of such a Bigness are permitted to be put in , without any further inquirie made after them , or who brought them . By this means the Life of many a Child hath ben saved , which otherways would have been taken away to prevent the disgrace of the Parents . They are no sooner put in , but Nurses are got for them : If they be Boyes , when they come to a convenient Age they are put to Trades , according ro their several Inclinations and Capacities . But if they be Girles , then when they come to the Years of discretion , if they incline not to a Religious Life , every one of them is provided with so much Portion to Marry her with , out of the common revenue of the House ; And then upon a certain Day appointed for that purpose ; all Zitelle or maids come in Procession , one after another , with their Faces Vail'd , and the Men that come there upon such Days , of purpose to choose a Wife , ( for all of them have a like Portions ) pitch upon such as please them best , and present them a Nosegay , after which , she is sequestred from the rest , & the Marriage Solemniz'd , after the Man has given Information of himself and sufficient Caution that he shall provide a Lively-hood for her . There is a very fine little Garden that belongs to the Hospital lying just upon the Tyber . It uses to be well furnished with Plants , and I have seen the Dictamnus Creticus in flowre there . 7ly . The Convents ; as particularly the French Minims upon the Monte Trinita . In the upper Gallerie of their Cloyster there is a Dyall , where the Sun beams , entering by a small round hole , Point the Hours . It was made by Marsennus that famous Mathematician , a Father of their Countrie and Order . They have likeways , in a particular part of their Garden some rare Plants , as Malus punica flore amplissimo pleno & Variegato . The Minerva ; which was anciently the Temple of Minerva , and now is the Chief Convent of the Domini●ans in Rome . In my time there was a French Father there called Padre Barilieri Secretarie to the General for his Nation ; He was a great Virtuoso , and exceedingly well versed in the whole Historie of Nature ; He had a very Curious Collection of many Naturall Things , and was about to have Published a Large Book in Folio , wherein he had designed a Natural History , with a great many cutts , which he showed me . If the Book be Published , I should be very glad to see it ; if he be alive , it will be worth your while to procure his acquaintance . He hath also a Garden well stored with Plants at St. Xisto . The Roman Colledge ; where there is a famous shop and Laboratorie for Pharmacie , as also a Garden . 8ly . The Capitol ; the middle of the Place before it , is the Statue of the Emperour Marcus Aurelius , a Horse-back in Brass ; It was brought thither from the Place before St. John de Lateran , and is thought one of the best Modells in the World. At the Top of the Staires , as you enter into the place are two Horses , one on every side held by a Slave in Marble . They were brought thither from the Ruines of Pompey's Theatre . There is also in the same Place two Trophies of Marius ; there is also Columna milliaris , with a Brass-ball on the Top of it ; there used to be such a one at every miles end , upon the common Roads ; & from thence came their Fashion of counting the miles per Lapides , as primo ab urbe Lapide was a mile from the Town &c. The Capitol , as it now is , consists of three Palaces all of Excellent Architecture , and beautified , both within and without with Painting , Statues , and other Monuments of antiquitie ; the particular Relation whereof I referr to the Books that are written thereof , and particularly to one called Roma antica & Moderna , & to the particular demonstration of the Antiquario , for I find it will be utterly impossible to discourse of every particular , unless I should resolve to compile a Volumn . The rest of the Monuments , and rests or rather ruins of Antiquitie , I shall pass over , and only name a few of them ; as for example , first , the Walls of the City , which were built by Bellisarius Captain of the Guards to Justinian the Emperour . The breaches have been repaired by severall Popes . The Ports for the most part are the same they were anciently , only the Porta del populo was made a great deal more stately , at the first Entrie of Chris●ina Queen of Sweden into Rome . There is a long courten of the Wall betwixt Porta del populo and Villa Borghese , under which it seems the Ground has misgiven , so that the Wall bendeth , & is therefore called Muro torto . Near to this place also , is the Burial Place delle Cortegiane , there being no Christian Burial or Holy Ground allowed to such persones . There is good Herbarizing about the walls , especially on the out-side , and particularly you will find a Plant there which is not common else where , at least that I have observed , viz. Sature●a Spicata sive Thymbra S. Juliani● 〈◊〉 Satureia vera Lobelii . Upon the Wall of the City , close by the Port of St. Paul● in via ostiensi ; there is yet extant a Pyramid built of Marble , which was the Burial Place of C. Ces●ius Septemvir Epulonum . Secondly . The old Temples ; whereof there are so many that it would be tedious to describe them all , I shall only name some , viz. The Pantheon now called Madonna della rotunda ; It was built by Marcus Agrippa , Son-in law to Augustus Caesar , in Honour of all the Gods. It had the Fortune to escape almost totaly , the ruine , and fury , which the Goths & Vandals brought upon the Roman Empire and magnificence thereof . I admire the Roofe of it , being so large and so flat without any Pillar , to support it , and altho ' it be a Vault , it hath no nevilstone to bind it in the middle , but in place thereof a round hole so wide that it lights the whole Roome abundantly , nor is there any other Window in the Fabrick . The next thing I admire in it is ●he Doore-Cheeks and couple which is all of one Peece of white Marble . The Door opens in two leaves , very wide & very high , they were covered with Corinthian Brass , as was also the whole Roofe , until the time of Vrban VIII . who took it off , and covered it with Lead as it now is , and made thereof the great Altar of St. Peters , and some peeces of Ordinance , that are keept in the Castel St. Angelo , as will testifie a particular inscription at the side of the pantheon Doore , made by the Popes command . Upon this occasion was that Pasquinad ; Quod non fecerunt Barbari , fecere Barberini . It has a most stately Portico before the Gate , of a great many large tall Pillars of Egyptian black and white speckled Marble ; the descent into the Portico from the Street is of ten or twelve steps , but it is said , before the ruine of the City , that there was as great an ascent to it ; whence it may be gathered , what an universal & great devastation of buildings must there have been to fill up so great a deepth . And indeed it is observed , that when they have any occasion to dig , it is long before they come , in most places , to the terra Virgine , that is , which hath not formerly been broke upon : and when they are digging into old ruins , for Anticails ( as they are continually doing in severall places ) they leave off when they come to the Terra Virgine . Before the Portico there is a large coffine , with it's cover and supporters of Porphyre which they commonly call Agrippa's Tombe . Near to the entrie of the Camp of Vacino , at the bottom of the back stairs that lead to the Capitol , there is a Chapel under ground , which was formerly the Prison of St. Peter and St. Paul , when they suffered for the Holy name of JESVS . It was then called Tullianum , according to that of Cicero ; est locus in carcere quod Tullianum appellatur . The Temple of Saturn is hard by , which in ancient times was the Aerarium publicum , in which the Publick Treasury was keept . Thirdly , the Amphitheatres ; most part of which are Ruined , especially that which was built by Titus , now ●alled the Coliseo ; by the part thereof that is standing you may abundantly Judge of the Magnificence of the whole , when it was extant . There is good Herborizing within it , and there is one Dominicus Pa●arolus that hath Writen Catalogus Plantarum Amphitheatralium ; with the rest of his works in ●0 . Romae , apud ●ranciscum Monetam 1652. to which I refer You. Fourthly , the Aqueducts ; of which the most part are ancient : when they come near to the City , they are convey'd under ground to several Fountains in the City , and some of them so deep , that it is Prodigious by what art they could have Peirc't so deep , as for example , the Aqua Virgine , which is the sweetest and best for use in all Rome , is conducted so deep thro' the Monte Trinita , That in the French Minims Garden there is a descent of six or seven score steps to come at it . Amongst all the Fountains in Rome the most beautifull are in the Piazza Navona , in the Piazza St. Pietro , the Tre Fountane , &c , 5ly The Thermae , or Baths ; as the Thermae Diocletianae built by the Emperour Diocletian . It is said that ten thousand Christians were imployed about this work , and all cruely Massacred when they had finished it . It is now a Monastery of Carthusians , in whose common Garden I remember to have seen the Myrtus Buxifoliis . The ruins of Thermae Antonini Caracallae ; they are situated ad Radicem Collis Aventinae . I have seen amongst these Ruins that kynd of Capillary , which is called Hemionitis , and no where else that I Remember of . Sixthly the two Columns of Antoninus , and Tra●an Emperours ; The Statue of St. Peter stands upon the Top of one , and that of St. Paul upon the other : Trajan was so well beloved of the People that to make a place , which in honour of him they called forum Trajani , in the midle of which this Column stands , they levelled a great Hill , of the precise hight of the Column it self . Both the Columns are of white Marble , and all the out side Historified in base relieue , in a spirall line beginning at the bottom and ending at the top . That of Trajan hath the whole storie of the Dacian War. There is a great Book in Folio of this Column , wherein all the figures are cutt in Brass , and the Large description thereof added . I have forgot the Authors name , but I believe You will find the Book Al insegna di Parigi alla pace from Jacomo Rossi . where you will likewise find all other sorts of Prints and T●lledouces . The Columne of Antoni●us ▪ is 160 foot High and that of Trajan 128. Altho' they apear to be but smal yet each of them hath a Stair-Case within , that leads to the Top. There are some others but less Considerable , as that which stands before St. Maria Majore , which was one of the Pillars of the Templum Pacis , brought hither by Paulus V. who placed a Brasen Statue of the Blessed Virgine upon the Top thereof . There is likewise not far from the same place a little Column with a Crucifix on the Top of it , erected in memorie of the absolution given to Henry the IV. King of France ; In the Capitoll likewise there are two viz. the Columna milliaris , of which already , and the Columna Rostrata , which you will see when you view the fine things within that part of the Capitoll whi●h stands next to the River , where the Hill is most steep and was anciently called Tarpeia Rupes . Seventhly , the Triumphall Arches ; as particularly that of Septimius Severus ; That of Titus ; and that of Constantine &c. Eighthly , the Bridges upon the River . Ninthly , the Obelisks ; most part whereof are graven with Aegyptian Hieroglyphicks . The best of them is erected in the middle of the place before St. Peters , upon the back of four Brazen Lyons , and a large Pedestal of Marble . The next best is at the Porta dell Populo . Tenthly , the Septem Colles or Montes ; upon which Rome is said to be built viz. Mons Capitolinus , Mons Palatinus , Mons Aventinus , Mons Celius , Mons Esquiline●s . ( where the House of Virgil was and the Garden of Mecoenas , ) Mons Viminalis and Mons Quirinalis , called now Monte Cavallo where the Popes Palace is . Eleventhly , some other Hills : as the Janicular , which is a Chain of Hills without the Walls in the Trans●evere . And the Mons Testaceus , which is nothing but a heap of broken earthen Pots and bricks ; for in ancient times these were so much in use ; and the Figuli or Tradesmen that made them , so numerous , that there was a necessity of appointing them a particular place , and that by publick edict , for throwing the Ru●bish of their Furnaces and the pot sheards that broke in the Baking into , least otherwise if it had been permitted to throw them into the River , it might have occasioned an ●nundation of the City . In process of time it grew to the bignes of the third part of a Mile in Compass , and a Hundred & Sixtie foot in hight . This Hill is within the Walls not far from the side of the River , as also Mons Vaticanus in Trans●evere , so called a Vaticiniis which used to be made there : The Palace of the Vatican stands upon it . Twelthly , Roma subterranea ; commonly called the Catacombs , whereof Bosio hath writen a large Volumn in Folio . There are two of them , both without the Walls . One of them is at St. Sebastion's Church . They are Caverns digg'd under ground in the forme of a Town , that is , larger and lesser streets crossing one another , in some place lower so that You must be forced to stoop , but in others higher than a Mans hight , and all along as you go upon the one Hand and the other , as thick as they can stand one by another , are holes or nests wherein were placed the bodies of the Dead , one by one , upright upon their feet , and so the nests Plastered over . The Bodies and reliques of many Saints and Martyrs have been found here , and were known to be such by the Cross found upon their Sepulchers , with this Inscription Pro CHRISTO . You must take good lights and a good guide to conduct You , for some have mistaken their Way and never found an outgate . The Second , I need not describe it . There are severall things about Rome worthie the taking notice of , as 1. Ponte mola a Bridge standing upon the Tevere ; in Latine Anio , some two miles from the Town , before it joynes with the Tyber . You go to it by the Port del Populo . It is considerable for it's Antiquity . It was at this Bridge that Constantine the great vanquished Maxentius the Tyrant : There having appeared to him before the Battle , in the Firmament , a red Cross with these words in hoc Signo vinces . the story is Painted in fresco in the Palace of the vatican by a great Master , where You may see it and You will seldome miss Painters in the Roome a Copying of it . 2. The City of Tivali , in Latin Tibur ; by the way You will pass a little River , The Sulphureous and noysome smell whereof You will perceive at a Miles distance ; it is of a whitish Colour as if Meall were mingled with it ; there is a white slymie Sulphureous substance adhering to the sydes and bottom of it , which is soft whilest it is under Water , but being once dryed becomes very hard , they use to make counterfeit comfits , & which they call comfits of Tivoli and use to Cheat People with them for sports sake . The River runs into the Tiverone and spoils the Water thereof , and in my Opinion , does much harme the Water of the Tyber it self , because the Tiverone joyns with it before it come at the City of Rome . The Town is verie ancient , having several marks of great Antiquity , as Sybilla's Temple , &c. close by the Town the River Teveron● falling from a great hight over a Rock makes that famous Cascata so much talked of . It makes a horrid noise and continues frothy and working for a good way below the fall , and hath made a Million of meanders and strange figures in the Rock where it falls . A little below the fall there is a Bridge over it of a considerable hight above the Water , where if You stand a while you will perceive a dew able to wet you , which arises from the fall of the Water after the River is fallen . Several parts of it are conveyed by aqueducts into the Town for severall uses ; as namely one part for the Brass works , where You may observe , that the Waeer blowes the fire , not by moving the Bellowes ( which is common ) but by affording the Wind ; an other part of it is carried to the Villa d' Este where there is a curious Palace and most curious Gardens with all sorts of Ingenious Water Works and other ornaments , as statues &c , belonging to Gardens . Amongst other things there are several Artificial Birds , that sing their natural Notes by the help of the Water . There is an Organ that plays sweetly , moved only by the Water , which also furnisheth it Wind. The Girandola is considerable , where the water rises in a gross Body very High , and the ayr being Artificially mixed therewith , makes a noice that exactly imitats Thunder . Tivoli is some eighteen or twentie Miles distant from Rome You may easily go from Rome and see all things considerable there , & returne the same day to Rome , unless You please rather to goe to Frescati , which is a most delicious litle Toun about twelve Miles distant from Rome , standing upon the side of a Hill , from whence in clear weather You may easily discover Rome . The Place is beautifi'd with many delicat Villa's about it , amongst which the most considerable are , first , the Belvidere belonging now to the Principe Pamphilio , the water works whereof are esteemed the best in Italy : There is a Centaur that Winds a Horne by the help of the Water , with that Loudness , that it can be heard at six or seven Miles distance . There is a low Room which they call the Apollo , at the end of which Apollo sits upon the Top of an artificial Parnassus . with the nine Muses about him , he with his Harp , and they with their severall Instruments of Musick , which play by the help of the Water , which is convoyed under ground and is not seen within the Room . About the middle of the Room there is a little hole , out of which the Wind ( occasioned by the motion of the Water underneath ) comeing furth , hath so much strength as to support a wooden Ball , of the bigness of a Tennes ball , at half a ell's distance and more from the floor , without ever letting it fall to the ground . 2ly . At half a miles distance from Frescati are the Ruins of Cicero's Tusculanum , and Lucullo's country House ; as also a curious villa called monte Dragone , where the House is well adorned with Paintings , &c. and the Gardens with water works . 3ly If You desire not to Returne to Rome first , You may goe directly from hence to Castello gondolfo , which is about ●ive miles distant from Frescati , and fourteen from Rome . It is a most delicious Countrey House of the Popes , To which he uses to retire some Moneths in the Summer , for the good Air 's sake , it hes the Prospect of a most delicat lake , encompased with Hills , that are all shadowed with Trees , where amongst other pleasures you will not want that of Herbarizing . Being returned to Rome you may make another little Journey with your convenience to Ostia , which is some twelve miles distant from Rome doun the River Tyber , it was of old the great Harbour for all the Ships and Gallies that belonged City and Empyre , cutt out as it seems by Art , but now thro' long neglect filled up and useless . Having seen all and dyned , you may returne before night to Rome ; it will be fit you be at the pains to make another Journey to Caprarolla , one of the noblest Palaces in Italy , built by the famous Architect Vignoli , by order of Cardinal Alexander Farnese . It belonges to the Duke of Parma . It is distant from Rome Miles It is in figure , pentagone , having five very High and equal faces , with a Court perfectly round in the middle , as likewise are the Galleries and Corredor's about it . Morover there is almost as much lodging below ground as above . The Hangings , Statues , Pictures , as also the Gardens , Fountains , and other embellishments , doe well sute the magnificence of the Palace . Having seen Rome and the Places about it . It will be fit to make the Voyage of Naples . The Months of April and October are most convenient for this Journey , the heat being too great in Summer , and the Snow and Raine troublesome in Winter . From Rome to Naples .   Miles . Marin● , 12 Velitre , 08. Sezza 15 Biperno , 04 Terrazina , 10. Portella , 03. Fondi , 05. Itri , 05. Mola . 04. Tragetto , 10. Pass the River Garrigliano . Sessa , 07. Carionole , 04. Capua , 12. Auersa , 07. Naples 08.   114. As You go out at the Port St. Gioua●ni , all along the Campania on every side of the High-way , You will meet with many Ruins of Ancient Burial-Places for several Miles from the City . Velitre ; is an Ancient City of the Volsci , much famed also for the Parents of Octavius Augustus , who were Originaly of this Place . Upon the Way from Veletri to Sezza , upon the Hill-side under Sarninetta , there are some Ancient Ruins supposed to be the Tres Taberna● , of which St. Luke speaks in the 28. Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles . Sezza , formerly Setia ; was much commended for its Wine , whence that of Juvenal . — Tunc illa time cum pocula sume ▪ Gemmata & lato Setinum ardebit in auro . Piperno ; in Latin Privernum ; and the Inhabitants Privernati ; near to this Place , Iris Florentina , grows abundantly . Terracina ; was Anciently called Auxur , in the Language of the Volsci , of whom this was the Metropolis . Strabo sayeth that it was called Trachina , quasi Aspera from the Rockiness of the Hill upon which it is Placed ; altho' the Town be Ancient , it is not very considerable , it is the last Place of the Ecclesiastick Estate towards Naples ; Passengers use to Dine here at a pittiful Inn without the Town , where there is no manner of Furniture , but VVood to make Fire : it not being secure for any Body to live in it , because of the Turks that often Land here , and take what they can meet with . VVhen the People that keep the House see any Strangers Arrive , instantly they make Fire and bring Provision from the Town . The Sea comes very near to the Foot of the Hill where the Town stands , and on that side which is towards Naples , the Rock is precipitious , and betwixt it and the Sea , leaves but a very narrow and strait Passage , which one Man may Guarde against a Hundred . Fondi is the first Town you meet with in the Kingdom of Naples ; here you must give notice to the Officers appointed for that purpose of your intended Journey for Naples , and cause registrat your Name , together with the marks of your Horse , that he may be the better known when you return , to be the same that you brought along with you from Rome , or otherways you will not miss to be challenged upon your return , and stopt , untill you can produce a Certificat that he is the very same you brought into the Kingdom with you . There being a General Prohibition , the observance whereof is Strictly lookt to , against carrieing Horses or Mares out of the Kingdom , into any foreign part , least the breede of them , which is esteemed amongst the best in Europe , should become common to other Nations . Notwithstanding of this severity , sometimes with credit , and sometimes with a little Money , a Man may obtain permission for the Transporting of one or more , either Horses or Mares . Mola , is one of the most pleasant places in rhe World ; being close upon the Sea side , and but a little way from Gaieta , to which you may go either by Sea or Land. It is likeways hard by the ruins of the Ancient City Formiae , where Cicero had his Villa Formiana . The place abounds with many plants , and great Varietie of the choisest Fruits ; especially the Agrumi , such as Citrons , Oranges , Limons &c , of all sorts . If ye please to go to Gaieta , it is worth the while : It stands at the extremity of of a Promontory or Tongue of Land that runs out into the Sea , from the main-Land about three miles , and by that means becomes peninsule , and formeth on the side towards Rome , betwixt it and Terracina , that Sinus Gaitanus , about twelve miles in length . The Town is pleasantly Situated and strongly . There is a great Rock hard by , which is rent from Top to Bottom , which they say , happened when the Saviour of the World Suffered upon the Cross. There is excellent Herbarizing all the way betwixt it and Mola . Trajetto is a Castle near the place where the Ancient City of Minturnae stood , where there is yet to be seen an Amphitheatre almost intire , and the remains of a great Aqueduct : It was amongst the Marishes near to Minturnae , that C. Marius did hide himself , when he fled from his Enemies ; whence that of Juvenal , Exilium & carcer Minturnarumque Paludes , Et Mendicatus victa Carthagine Panis . You must pass at this place the River Garigliano , called Li●is Anciently . Capua , is a new City standing upon the side of the River Vulturnus , and some two miles from it , the Ruins of the Old famous Capua which in the Old Romans Time , was esteemed one of the most delicious Places in the VVorld . There are yet Vestiges of the Gates of the City , of a Theatre , of a great many sumptuous Temples , Cisternes under gronnd , and a great many other things ; that evidently show it to have been a magnificent City . The Country from Vulturnus to Naples , is called the Campania Felice , and is indeed the fertilest soyle and bautifullest Country that my Eyes ever beheld . Aversa is a new City , extructed out of the Ruins of Atella , It is distant 8 Miles from Naples , and famed for a kind of Wine called Asprin● . That way which leades from Rome to Naples , was Anciently called Via Appia , from Appius Claudius the Censor , who caused Pave this way from Rome , just to Capua . It begins at the Port now called St. Sebastian , but Anciently Porta Capena , from the Capenati a people of Latium , to which that way did lead . The Via Appia is of that breadth that one Chariot may easily pass another . The Emperour Trajan did renew it , and continue the Pavement even to Brindici , drying the marishes , plaining the Hills , and filling up the Valleyes . By this way Anciently did pass the greatest part of the Triumphs ; whence it was called Regina viarum : whence that of Papinius ; Appia cunctarum fertur Regina viarum . Altho' this way be Ruined in many places , yet it is wonderfull to see , in how great perfection a great deal of it continues . Without doubt it has been a matter of vast Expense to make a way of that Length , and Breadth so well paved , with Quadrangular Stones , that even to this Day ( altho' it be of common & frequent Passage ) continueth as intire as if it were newly done . Upon both sides of this way , as far as Capua , there are a great many Ancient Sepulchres ; many whereof are altogether ruined , and some almost intire , as yet ; in one of these Sepulchres , in the Reign of Alexander VI. ( as Volateranus tells ) the Body of a Delicat young VVoman , was found altogether intire in a Marble Chist . She was of incomparable beautie having her long Flaxen Hair drawn together upon her Head with a Circle of Gold. The Body did almost swim in a mervellous kind of Liquor and had a burning Lamp at the Feet thereof , which the Air , coming in at the opening of the Sepulchre , did instantly extinguish . The Body ( as did appear by the Letters graven upon the place ) had lyen there thirteen Hundred Years . Some have been of Opinion that it was the Body of Tulliola , the dearly Beloved Daughter of Cicero . It was presented in its integrity to the Conservators of Rome , and for some Days keept in the Capitol as a singular curiosity ; but Pope Alexder coming to understand it , caused it to be thrown into the Tyber . I must not omit to tell you , that there is some incommoditie in this Journey both as to Dyeting and Lodging ; and sometimes there is perill from the Banditi ; But he that will gather Roses , must not be affraid to prick his Fingers : Besides , that danger is but sometimes , and you may probably find the way clear , especially , if the Vice-Roy be a stirring Active Man , as it often happens : For then the Banditi will hardly dare to come so far down from the Hills ▪ as the Via appia , or High-way to Naples . Naples was Anciently called Parthenope , from one of the Sirens , Buried in this place , ( who as the Fables say ) Drowned her self for Grief , that She could not Charm Vlysses and his Companions . Hence Silius lib : 12. Sirenum dedit una tuum memorab●●● nomen . Parthenope muris Acheloias , aequore cujus Regnavere d●l cantus , cum dulce per undas , Exitium miseris caneret non Prospera nautis . It was built Closs upon the Sea , at the foot of most pleasant Hills ; First built by the Cumani or Inhabitants of Cuma ; who being taken with the sweetness of the Air & Pleasantness of the Place ; did daily increase in number ; insomuch that the Cumani that lived at Cuma , took a Resolution utterly to Ruin Parthen●pe ●east their own City should become deso●at . But it being Ruined , there came so great a Pestilence upon Cuma , as carried away Multitudes , and having consulted the Oracle about the cause of this Mortality ; it was answered that this fate had come upon them for the Ruine of Parthenope ; and that if they ever hop'd to be free from this disease , they should first restore it , whence with all diligence they went about the Restauration thereof , and called it Neapolis , that is to say the new City . The sweetness of the Air , & delicacy of the Country about is so great , that many Emperours and Roman Senators being wearied with the Wars , and weightiness of Government , did repair to this place , that they might live pleasantly & Peaceably , & give themselves to the Study of Letters ; amongst which were Virgil , T. Livius , Horatius , Claudianus ● & a great many more : At this very present it is no less frequented by the Nobility and Gentrie of the whole Kingdom , who for the most part have their own Palaces and pass the greatest part of the Year here ; so that for Nobility and Gentry there are few Cities in the World more considerable than this . I think it is for this Reason , that it is commonly called Napoli la Gentile : Nor is it to be passed by , that it gives name to a Kingdom ; which is not very Ordinary . The City is big and sumptuously built from the Sea to these pleasant Hills about it . It is very well fortified with strong Walls & Castles , especially since the dayes of Charles V. who built the Castle of St. Elme and called it la Brilia , that is , Bridle ; intending to make it so , to the mutinous Humour of that people , and it may be alluding to the Armes of the City , which is an unbridled Horse ; the exact emblem of the disposition of that people , as witness the innumerable Tumults and revolts both of old and late Years made by them . I confess there is no small occasion given them by the severe domination of Strangers over them ; and it is strange that having so many brave and valourous Men amongst them , they should more readily agree to submit their necks to the Yoak of a Stranger , than to the sweet Scepter of a Native of their own number and Nation . It is thought the great emulation , ( which the Spaniards as wisely , as industriously keep up to the hight ) amongst the Princes , who are but too numerous for the extent of the Kingdom , is the great cause of their unhappiness . You may take notice of these particulars within the Town . 1ly . The Churches ; of which this City hath a greater number , than any other of its bigness in Europe . Amongst the rest , that of the Annunciata , is so Rich ; that the Rent of the Hospitall thereof is capable to entertain , 5000 Poor , part whereof are Children found . St. Chiana , together with the Monastrie of Nuns consisting of 400 with as many servants , is very glorious ; It was Built by Agnes of Spain Queen to King Robert. There are many curious Sepulchres to be seen here of Kings , Queens , and their Children . In the Church of St. Dominico is to be seen the Image of the Crucifix , that said to St. Thomas Aquinas ; bene scripsisti do me ▪ Thoma . In the Church of the Frat● di monte Oliueto , the true Pictures of Ferdinand , the first and the second ; and Alfonsus the First ; both Kings of Naples , are so Admirably well done that they seem to be living . There is likewise Buried here Alexander ab Alexandro , who composed that learned work Genialium dierum . The Church called the Domo , hath a Chapell composed of Marble , Jasper , Gold and Brass ; wherein is keept the Head of St. Gennaro , and a little Phiole of his Blood all together fixed , which being approached to the Head of the St. ●immediatly begins to boyll , dissolves and becomes clear . The most ancient of all the Churches is that of St. Paul , keept now by the Jesuits ; It was formerly the Temple of Castor and Pollux . 2. The Religious Houses or Convents ; of which there are so great a number , that the Dominicans alone have seventeen . The Chartrous convent stands upon the Hill , a little beneath the Castle St. Elm● ' It hath the pleasantest Situation that I ever beheld ; one may discover from it the whole City and Suburbs of Naples , a great part of the Campania Felice , the monte Vesuvio , all the Bay of Naples , the Island of Capreae , the Hill Posilipo , Puteoli , Baii , Cuma , &c. The Cloister of the convent is all of white Marble , and in short , both the Church and whole Convent are altogether Magnificent . 3ly . The Hospitals ; which are about twelve in number ; amongst which , that of the Annunciata and of the Incueabili are the most considerable . It is said that they Marry 665. Maids every Year , and the least portion they give with any is 24 Ducats , and the greatest 300. 4ly . The Castles ; of which there are 4. The Castle d'Ovo stands within the Sea upon a Rock , built of an Oval Figure by Willam III. a Norman . The Castle Nov● was built by Charles the first , Brother to St. Lewes , but it was Ferdinand of Aragon that fortified it so well . It is of a quadrangular figure , Built of polished Stone as hard as Marble ; it hath foure great Bastions , and five Towres , together with strong ramparts , and deep Ditches , which the Sea water filleth : It is ordinarly keept by a Garison of the Spaniards Consisting of 500. There is a great Magazin of all kinds of Armes & Engines for War keept within it . In the middle of it stands the Governours Palace , capable to Lodge a King. It is excellently furnished with Hangings of silk and gold , many excellent Statues and Pictures . Amongst other fine things there is a Cabinet furnished with all sorts of curiosities . The Castle of St. Elm stands upon the top of a Rock , commanding all about it ; It 's Garison consists of 250. Spainards . It was built by King Robert the first , Son to Charles II. but afterwards farr better fortified with great Bastions by the Emperour Charles V. who called it La Brillia di Napoli . The Castle Capuano ( so called from it's situation which is near to the Port of Capuano ) is rather a Palace than a Fortress where the Magistrats of the City , and Officers of justice keep their Assemblies . 5. The Palaces ; whereof there are a very great number , amongst which that of the Viceroy ; That of the Prince of Salern ▪ which the Jesuits now possess , are very considerable . The Palace of the Duke of Gravina is most superb . That of the Carafi is adorned with abundance of excellent statues of Marble and Brass . There be many other worthie to be seen : as also the beautifull Garden of Don Garcia di Toledo , which is full of Grotto's , Fountains , Water works , statues &c. 6. The Harbour , or Sea Port ; which is fortified with a Superb mole , first made by Charles II. And then very much mended by Alfonsus the first , for the greater security of the Harbour . 7. The Publick Places , the streets , & the avenues of the Town . 8. The Suburbs ; which are seven in number ; amongst which the most considerable , is that which leads A la grotio di Posilipo ; near to the entry of which Grotto stands la mergelina , looking into the Bay ; it was sometimes the House of pleasure of Sanazarius that famous Poet , who gave it to the Religious men called Servi . This Suburb is no less than two miles in length from the City to the Grotto of Po●lipo . The Circuit of the Town and Suburbs is counted to be about six miles : and the Inhabitants to be about 30●000 . Soules . Statius Papinius and Jacobus Sanazarius ; both excellent Poets ; together with many other great Virtuosi were borne in this City . It will be worth the while also to take a view of the Book-sellers Shops , there being many good Books Printed here which hardly or not all can be found with us ; as for example , the works of Baptista Porta , whereof the Impressions at Naples were both the first and fairest , and the Cutts for the most part Tailledouce . The works of Fabius Columna , which are almost out of Print , and especially his Phytobasanos . It may likewise happen that there are some new peeces emitted which will never come to our hands for at least , not tell after a great while . It is likely too that You may meet with many other Books , that in other places You had sought in vain for : there are many learned and Curious men in this City , and they are as mortall here as elsewhere , and as ordinary a thing it is to sell their Books . You will likewise meet with a great many curiosities of all sorts , espccially from the Levant : some naturall ; as stones , shells , Animalls , or parts of them , fruits &c. Others artificiall ; some of Leather , as Purses , Letter-cases , cups , and a great many things of that kind , usualy brought from Allepo and Constantinople : Some of Silk either alone , or mingled with gold and silver ; as Sashes , Girdles , Cravats , Night-Caps , wastcoats , stockings , &c. Outlandish Armes , as Cimetres , Poyniards , Bows and Arrows , with severall sorts of fire Armes . Medalls antient and modern : Intalio ' s Chameo ' s &c. But in these You must take some heed , that You mistake not the modern for antique . Having well viewed and considered the City and all things in it . It will be necessary to see those things that are considerable about it . And first the Hill Posilipus , famous for it's Gardens and Houses of Pleasure , for it's Fruits and Wines , especially the greco di Posilipo . But that which is most Admirable in this Hill is the Passage cut quite thro' it . By Cocceius of whom Pontanus saith , Nescio an is fuerit M. Cocceius Nerua Augusti Avus , qui Romae aquarum curam habuit tulitque m●ximam Architecturae Laudem . Howeve● it is certain he must have been a man of great Riches that durst undertake so great a work , at his oun expence . It is called la Grotta di Posilipo , and is very near a mile in length , cutt thro' the Rock . As for the breadth of it , one Coach may pass another with ease . And for the Hight , I believe a man on Horseback will hardly touch the Roof of it with a Lance ; At the two ends it is some what higher than in the middle , I think of purpose that the light might enter the farther . When You enter at the one end You will very hardly perceive the light in the other end , but as You advance it begins to appear by little and little . In the Just middle of it , on that side which is next the Sea , there is a little Chapell , where a Lamp is keept continually burning , but it is more out of Devotion than for any light it gives : betwixt the Chapell and the end , as it were about the middle on every side of the Chapell there is a hole cutt thro' the Hill which serveth for a window , but it gives little light . It is exceeding dusty , especeially if there be many Horses Ryding together altho' it be paven with stone , because there comes no Rain to wash it , and none takes pains to make it clean . Those that goe from Naples to Pozzuolo if they hear any Horses Coaches or Carts coming toward them , least they should stop the way , or unawares Justle one another , they use to cry aloud dal mare , which when the others hear , they cry in like manner dal monte and so those that goe from Naples take that side of the Grotto , which is next the Sea and these that go to it take the side next the Hill ; and so avoid all incumbrance . At the mouth of the Grotto , upon the top thereof is the famous Sepulchre of Virgil. There is little remaning of it now except a few Ruins of an old Brick wall in the middle whereof anciently there did stand nine small Pillars , which sustained a Marble U●● , in which were contained the Poets ashes , with this Distich . Mantua me genuit , Calabri rapuere , tenet nunc Parthonope ; cecini pascua , rura , duces . Not far from this Tomb , is the Sepulchre of that famous Poet Sanazarius , in a Place called Mergelina , a Villa given him by King Frederick , where he built a Church in Honour of the BIessed Virgin , and composed that incomparable Poem de partu Virginis . He is Buried within the Church in a Tomb of pure Marble upon which his statue done to the life standeth with this Epitaph by Cardinal ●embo . Da Sacro cineri flores , hic ille Maroni Sineerus , musa proximus , ut tumulo . There are many other excellent Statues , Base Relieves , and Pictures within this Church well worthie the seeing . When you go to Pozzuolo , you must take a Guide with you to show you all the considerable Places . It will be a good dayes Journey because You have many Things to see and consider , and therefore you must part early in the Morning from Naples . The first thing you will meet with upon the Way , ( but you turne out of the common way ) is the Lago di Agnano at the side of which are the Natural stoves of St. German , which are certain little roomes , where the hot and Sulphureous Vapors entering from the Ground quickly provoke sweating , and is commended in severall diseases . At a little distance from thence , upon the side of the Lake is the Grotto de I Cani . It is a little hole dug out of the side of a Brae where two or three Persons scarcely can stand . The Floore of it is ordinarily wet and dirtie , out of which there riseth a Poisonous Vapour , in form of Smoak , but it ascendeth not above a Foot from the Ground . They use to trie it with Torches and Dogs , which you must carrie from Naples with you , for you will not find them upon the Place . As for the Torches , the guide lights two , and then reaches one of them to the Smoak , which instantly extinguishes , as if it were blown out by the force of Powder : Then he lights it at the other , and so renews the experiment as oft as you please , keeping always one lighted , untill your Curiositie be satisfied ; as for the Dogs he holds their Nose into the Vapour , and instantly they begin to fetch their Breath thick , and in a very little space are quite suffocated . If ye let them ly long , they will never recover , but if ye take them immediately when they are fallen down and throw them into the Lake , they will by little and little returne to live again . I guesse this Vapour to be so much like the Damps , that are sometimes found in our Coal-pitts , only , with us , they are soon dissipated , but here this lasteth continuallie , and ( which is yet more strange ) in an open Air ; but it may be the openness of the Air is the Reason why the Vapour ascendeth no higher . I remember one of our Dogs did recover without being thrown into the Lake , which makes me believe , that it is not any peculiar Vertue in the water ( as is commonly said ) that restoreth them to life , but only the freedom of the Air , with the help whereof Nature reinforceth it self , the life being yet not quite extinct , which is cleared by this , that if they lye any considerable time in the cave , neither Air nor water will recover them . It is very True that , That which was thrown in the Lake recovered much sooner , and better : whereas the other remained paralytick , and impotent to move his hinder quarters : ( tho' he could Sit upon his foremost Leggs and bark ▪ ) for almost two houres thereafter . It seems there is something in this Vapour or Damp that coagulats or fixes the Spirits , that they cannot move or circulat in the Body . From hence you take the Way to Pazzuolo , near to which you will meet with a Place called la Solfatara , it is a large plaine , Oval in Figure , representing a Theatre , it is above 1200 Foot in length and 1000 in breadth , it is compassed about with white & high Hills , from which in many Places , arise Clouds of smoak , of a Sulphureous smell , rolling up into the Air impetuously , with great crackling . Some of these spiracles are very small , so that it is a Pleasure , to see the Smoake ascend , by a direct line of the bigness of cane , and sometimes smaller by much . About these spiracles you will see Quantitie of the Flowres of Brimstone sublimed ; but I suspect the internal use of them , because of the mixture of other minerals wherewith they may be infected : But for external uses , I am not so doubtfull , as also of the Spirit which by the help of convenient Glasses might be gathered in aboundance from these spiracles . When you consider the plaine you will wonder to hear it sound under your Horse-feet , as you were Riding over a large Floore , which is caused by the Vacuitie underneath . All the Hills about abound in veines of Allum whereof some is scissile ; nitre , Sulphur , Vitriol & Salt Armoniac . The Vitriol is of a Delicat blew Colour and much finer than that which is commonly called Roman-Vitriol . It will be worth your while to take particular notice of these minerals , how they are extracted out of their mines , what differences there are of every Species , how they are mixed with one another sometimes , by what Art they are purified , and with what Instruments , and to what use they are put . I would have you take a Parcel of every sort and bring along with you , which you may box up at Naples with Cotton , and send before you to Rome . Having done these things , you come to Pozzuolo ; in Latine Puteoli . The City is now much Ruined ; but was Stately and Rich of Old. Cicero writing to Atticus saith quid potui non videre cum per Emporeum puteolanum iter facerem ; which is Chieflly to be understood of that part of the Town , which stood upon the Shoare where the Arti●ans , and chiefly the Goldsmiths , had their Shops , whereof there remaines little now except the Ruins , and Vestiges : And yet beneath the Church di Giesu Maria , possessed by the Dominicans , when the Wind dryves out the Sea , they do find sometimes severall Precious Stones , some cutt , some uncutt ; and if you be Curious to enquire you will find People that make a Trade to sell such things amongst other Anticails . I remember there came severall of these Persons to our Lodging-House , with Medals , Intaglio's , Lucerne Antiche &c. But I found many of them to be cheats , and but moderne , brought thither from Naples and other Places , of purpose to cheat Strangers , who are ordinarly more Curious than knowing of these things ; As for Medals , were they never so Ancient , they are little worth unless they be well preserved , and the Characters and impressions easie to be discerned . And for Intaglio's unless the Figure be good ▪ and well done , and the Stone entire and unbroken , they are not worth much . The great Church now dedicated to St. Proclus was anciently dedicated to Octavianus Augustus . It is a Sumptuous Fabrick of great square Marble Stones ; serving for the whole thickness of the Wall , with great and high Corinthian Pillar 's , and other Excellent Ornaments of Architecture . Here are also be seen many Ruins of great antiquitie , amongst which she Gardens of Cicero famous for his Academy , where he wrote his Quaestiones Academicae . But this City , in diverse ages has suffered so much by the tumults of Wars , as also by the eruptions of fire and earthquakes , that it is wonderfull there should yet remain any vestiges of Antiquitie . The Soil about it is most fertile and fruitfull , and nature produceth here many Plants of it's oun accord , which in other places are kept in Gardens , not without care : among others I remember to have seen the Ricinus or Palma Christi not only growing wild but out-living that Winter , and continuing fresh green and strong in the month of March ; altho ' it be an Annual Plant with us , that can hardly be raised upon a hot bed . You may have your Horse at Pozzuolo , and hyre a boat to cross the Bay for seeing of the following things , And 1. hard by the City the remains of that Superb mole , which having been ruined by storme was afterwards Restored by the Emperour Antoninus : But at present all that Remains is 12. or 13. great Pillars built of Brick and stones of vast bigness . They appear so many towrs , over which there are yet remaining , but half Ruined , some Arches . This fashion of Moles seem to be the best , because the Pillars and Arches are sufficient to break the water and secure the Ships within , and by letting part of the water enter betwixt the Pillars lessens it's violence , so that the Pillars suffer not half so much , as if they were one continued wall . The Emperour Caligulae built a bridge of boats from Pozzuolo to Baii upon which he went in Triumph first on Horsback and then in Chariot , but it was of small continuance and served only to be the subject of discourse in future ages . Having passed these Pillars . Yov put ashore hard by the Lacus Lucrinus which as some said was so called a Lucro from the profit which it yeilded to the Romans by the great abundance of excellent Fish especialie Oysters , which were esteemed before any other in Italy : Whence Martial to express the Gluttony of a certain Person . Ostrea tu sumis stagno saturata Lucrino . But there is little water in it now , it being almost dryed up by that most Terrible eruption of the Solfatara which happned in the Year 1538. the 29. of September two hours after Sun set , the whole countrey about having been troubled for two Years before with Earthquakes : At which time there burst out in one night so great a quantitie of fire , Stones , Pumecks , and ashes , that near to the monte Barbaro formerly called mons Gaurus it made another Hill , near three miles in compass , and almost as high as the monte Barbaro . The south part of it looks to the Sea , the north reaches to the Lacus Avernus , & on the East it is joined with the foot of Monte Barbaro . It is called monte Nuovo . These ashes did not only make this Hill , but covered likewise a great part of the Country about , Killing both beasts and Trees , and ruining the Vintage for that Year . The Sea in the mean time retired above 200 paces , leaving abundance of Fish upon the dry sands , and many Wells of fresh Water , which sprung here and there . 2. The Lacus Avernus is about half a miles distance from the Lago lucrino . It is compassd about with small Hills which they say were formerly covered with Trees , that did over shaddow the water , and make it look black , and likewise did hinder the Sulphureous Vapours that did arise from the water to dissipat , so that the Air being infected with these vapours became so noysome especially to Fowls , that they could not live in it , and hence came the Name Avernus . At present there is little or no Wood about it , nor is the Air any thing more noysome there , than in other places about , and I have seen Fowles haunting about it and swimming in it . It is said to be very deep & for that reason without Fish but I am not certain hereof . 3. Upon the west side of the Lake , cutt into the Hill is the Antrum Sybillae commonly called Grotta della Sybilla , but not truly , for the true Cave of Sybill● is at C●●●a . This seems rather to have been a common passage from Avernus to P●ia , but is now stopt at the one end by the falling down of the Hill above . The passage is large and High , but altogether dark , and therefore You must be guided by Torch light . When You are got a good way in , upon the one side there is a little narrow passage of about three or fourscore foot in length , that leads into a handsome large Chamber , which altho' it be now much ruined , appears to have been Richly adorned , the Roof of it being Painted with Gold and Blew , and the Walls with curious figures of divers colours and the Pavement consisting of many small peeces like unto Mosaick . It is a vulgar errour that this was Sybilla's Chamber , and that the Temple of Apollo , where she received her Responses , was hard by upon the Right Hand as you enter to the Lake ; But it is not so , for the Ruins of that Place appeare not to have been any Temple at all , But rather a Superb Bathing House , such as that of Baia , for it has the same order of Windows , & Spiracles for conducting of the Vapours . But to returne to the Grotto , upon the left hand , as You enter into this Chamber , there is another Passage , some what higher and larger than the first , about 40. foot in length cut out into the Hill , which leads into another Chamber , from which there is a narrow passage , which leads into another Chamber , and severall other little passages and Roomes which I doe not distinctly remember , only this much that in one of them , there is as it were a little Pool of Warm Water . In this Room the heat is so great , that it is impossible to continue any time in it without excessive Sweating , which makes me to believe , that these Rooms were intended for no other use than Bathing and Sweating . 4. The Remains or Ruins ; and first Bagno di Cicerone . 2ly . Bagno di Tritoli ; quasi Frittoli , q●od Corpora ibi fricrentur , The Entrie to it is large and high . Towards the ground it is cold , but if you stand upright You must needs Sweat for Heat , and the farther one goes in , the greater the Heat is . At the bottom of the Rock within Sea-mark , and even where the Sea covers it , the Sand is so Hot that one cannot lift a handfull of it . 5. Baia ; So called from Baius , the Companion of Vlysses , who was Buried there . It was a most delicat City , but now altogither Ruined , and in the place of it there is a Castle lately Built with a a Garison of 30. Souldiers for Securing the Port , which is verie safe for Gallies , but not deep enough for Ships . The whole Bay , or Sinus of Baia , is exceedingly Pleasant ; all that Tract betwixt Avernus and the Mons Misenus being full of the Remains of great and Noble structures . Many of the Roman Emperours took great pleasure in this place , & and spared no cost for the beautifying of it . Horace , who was no ill Judge , gives this Testimony of it , Nullus in Orbe locus Baiis praelucet amoenis . As You go forward from Baia , You will still be finding something worthie the Remarking ; as , 1. The House of Nero's Mother , who was put to Death here by her Sons Command . It is commonly said to be her Sepulchre , but it is not true . There is yet to be seen the Plaister of the Roof and walls in severall Curious figures , but they are much defaced by the smoak of the Torches which strangers from all parts so frequently carry down with them . 2. That delicat Pleasant Field called the Eligium , so much renowned by Virgil in the 6th . Book of the Aeneids . All the Noble Persons that lived here abouts , or did otherwise attend upon the Court , which did often happen to be here , likewise those that for their Health's sake came to the Bath's , used to walk in this place for their Recreation and Converse . I am easily inclined to believe that considering it's Situation , Prospect , and the Order that it was keept in , when so many great Persons frequented it , It could not chuse but have been the most delicious Place in the whole World , and no wonder that it Prompted Virgil to Borrow both it's name and his Conceit in expressing and describing the Place of the Blessed Soules Departed . I saw it in the begining of the Moneth of March , and then the Heat was considerable , and the Place not only green but covered with Anemonies and other Flowers . Hard by this , is the Piscina Miraebilis : it is a Cistern for keeping of fresh Water , of a vast Bigness , the Roof whereof is supported by 48. great Pillars on everie side . The whole inside of it is Crusted over with a kind of Plaster as hard as Marble , which whither it was so made by Art , or by the Continuance of the Water in it , I know not , but I think it probable that both have contributed to it . Boccace in his Book of Rivers , believs it to have been built by Agrippa , for preserving of fresh Water , for the Commodity of the Navie which used to stay at Misenum . The Water was brought to it by aquedu●ts from Serino . 3. Mons Misenus or the Promontorium Misenum , so called from Aeneas's Trumpeter , who was Buried here . It is of a Reasonable Hight , and without doubt the prospect from it is Noble ; but I did not ascend it , by reason of the Company that would not stay for me . 4. The Centum Cellae ; which are a continued Fabrick built of Brick with great Art under ground , it seems they have been Cisterns for Conserving of Water . In short , all this peece of ground is full of ancient Ruins , and it is not easie to Guesse , what every one of them in Particular hath been . Having vieued all these things , you either go straight to Cuma , or else you leave it for another Day , and so returne to Pozzulo , by the same Boat that waited upon you from it , and so returne by Horse , by the lower but plainer and more pleasant Way , to Naples , from from whence the next Day you may go to Cuma , in Latine Cumae ; a City built upon the Top of a Hill six Miles from Naples ; upon the highest Top of this Hill stood the Temple of Apollo built by Dedalus , when he fled from the wrath of King Minos . It was in this Temple that Sybilla Cumea did pronounce the Oracles of Apollo . Hence that of Virgil , At pius Aeneas arces quibus altus Apollo Praesidet , horrendaeque procul secreta Sybillae . As you descend from Cuma upon that side that looks to the East , is to be seen the Frontis-peece of the true Grotta of Sybilla , which was cut out of the solid Rock , which Virgil describeth , Excisum Euboicae latus ingens rupis in antrum . There are many other Ancient Ruins worthie the taking notice of , which you may have leasure enough to observe , and have time enough to returne to Naples at Night . The next Day you may take Horse again and a Guide with you from the Town , to see the burning Hill , about 8 Miles distant from the Town ; It is called in Latine Vesuvius , and in Italian Monte di soma , from the great Plentie of all things wherewith it aboundeth . the Hill it self is of a very Large Compass , and about the middle divided in two Tops , of which one is much abated of its length by the burning . Before the first eruption of the Fire , it was much higher than the other , but now it is by much the lower . It is not easily accessible both in regard of its steepness , and the great Quantitie of Ashes that cover it every where , by Reason whereof , the ascent becomes slippery and uncertain . In the ascending , you may take nottice of many several Channels , some larger and deeper , some narrower and shallower made by the Torrents of burning Sulphur and other Mineral Substances , which Boyled out at the Top in the last great eruption it made , which torrents were carried several Miles into the Gulf or bay of Naples without being quenched , and killed the Fishes in the middle of the deep . You may likeways take notice of the various Mineral Substances , & Stones burn'd to Pumick , which are scattered over the whole Hill. When you come at the Top you will see the great Gulf made by the several eruptions , which is suposed to be six Miles in compasse about the Brimmes , so that it makes a very large plain Field at the Bottom , that in deepness from the brimm is not above a hundred Yards , it is all covered with Ashes , and nothing green in it , except it be some few Tufts , of I cannot tell what , not being able to Judge of them at that distance . The descent to the Bottom at some places seems to be easie enough , but we could find none so hardie as to venture to show us the way , altho' some of our Guides had undertaken it before , and to speak truth , it is no great discretion to venture so far down upon a Ground , which probably is not able to support one , being nothing in appearance but a Field of Ashes of uncertain deepthness . You will see in a Hundred diverse Places , Spiracles , some greater , some smaller , out of which the Smoak rises impetuously , as it were shott out of a Gun , and with a continual Crackling , like that of Thunder at a distance , or the quenching of Fire . When you have satisfied your Curiositie of seeing all , you must return the same Day , and take your Horse where you left him , about the middle of the Hill ; and so returne to Naples . It is usuall for Strangers to light at a Village about midway to the City , to Taste of these excellent Wines , that grow upon the fertile places of the Hill , and particularly of Lachryma Christi , otherways called Lagrima di Soma , which is a gross bodied Red Wine , strong and sweet to the taste , and very pleasant . In the suburbs of the Town , as you return , you may see the Kings Stables , where the choisest Horses of the Kingdom are menaged and keept for the Kings use . Thus having vieued all in & about Naples , it will be time to order your return for Rome , by the same way you came , nor do I remember any other thing needfull to be observed or advised , except that you must l●t● your Baggage ●e vieued at the Gate ▪ as you go out , and take a Pass from the Customers ; or which you will pay some small thing . You will likeways do well to rid your self of all Spanish Monie ( gold excepted ) unless it be somuch as will serve to bear your expenses to Fu●die , because it will not pass in any place of Italy , except such as are under the Spanish Dominion . If the Season of the Year be good , there is excellent Her●●rising upon this ●oade to Naples . You will find Wild in the Fields , many sorts of Narcissus's , many Colours of single Anemone's , Squills : As●h●delus albus ma●or ; Tithymalus Dendroides . It is a Plant I never saw , except upon the way from Pipern● 〈◊〉 T●rrachina , about mid way upon a Hill side , where it groweth in great aboundance . It is a stately tall Plant , 〈◊〉 reading it self into severall Branches , some whereof I observed to be as big as a Mans Wrist . It had few or no leaves on it in the Season when I saw it , which was March , but aboundance of Yellow Flowers at the Top's of the Branches : The Ficus indica lati-folia , is a Beastly weed in the same Place , and spoiles all the Ground ; every leafe that falls springing up into a new Plant , which at last becometh hard and woodie . Tuchr●um lusit anicum arborescens , of which I saw some goodly tufts near to Terachina . There be many other , which for brevities sake I omit to mention , and likeways a great many that I have forgot , having lost those notes I made of their names and places ; but I hope you will supply this defect , being your self much more able to do it . Being returned to Rome , which I shall suppose to be about the middle or end of April : It will be fitt for you to think of the next Voyage towards Loretto , unless you resolve to pass the Summer at Rome , for after the 20th . of May , untill the latter Rains fall ( which is commonly about the middle of September , or the beginning of October , the extream heat makes Travel very unseasonable . But if in the case of necessity , such as Pestilence , or War , you should be forced to undertake the Journey , you must order it so as to Travel most in the Night , and Rest in the heat of the Day , and be sure not to Sleep till you have passed the Campania of Rome , as I have formerly marked . The Way to Loretto from Rome .   Miles . Prima porta 7 Castel Novo 8 Rignano 7 Civita 9 O●ricoli 8 Nar●i ● Terni ● Strettur● 8 Spolet● 8 Passo di Spel●to 8 Verchi●no B●rg● 9 Pi● di dignano ● Mucc●a Castello 7 Valcimara 8 To●entino 9 Macerata 10 Loretto 6 I have not much to say of the particular places upon this Road , only Tern● is an Ancient City and pleasantly situated ; the River Negra , in Latine Nar being divided in many Branches , and drawn through the Town , are as it were so many little Rivers , whence also the Town in Latine is called Interamna : the Meadowes & Fields about it , are exceedingly fertile , in so much that the meadowes are mowen three or four times a Year ; and they talk that Turneps are often found there of five or six & thirtie weight , of which seaven or eight will load an Ass ; it is also renowned for Pidgeons , which are thought the biggest & most savoury in Italy . If you can take the leisure to stay here any time , it will be worth your while to see the Lago di piedi luco , in Latine Lacus velinus ( not far from Terni ) which is said to be the middle of all Italy , that which is most considerable in it , is the Issue of the Waters from it , which was cut by a Roman Consul through a Rock , whence it Rushes out , and falls over so great a hight of Rocks , that it makes a noise which may be heard at ten Miles distance , and makes a greater cascata then that of Tivoli . From Verchian● you have the Appennine to pass , which is that ridg of Hills that divides all Italy by the length . From Valcimara , the way is exceeding good to Loretto . Loretto it self is a little Town not very Ancient , built upon the Top of a Hill , not above 3 or 4 Miles from the Adriatick Sea , it is fortified reasonably well : the most considerable thing in it , is the Church , in the Quire whereof stands the Casa S●ncta , brought thither from Judeae Miraculously by Angels , as is beleeved . This is the House in which the blessed Virgin is said to have been Born. The out-side of it is walled about with Marble cut into excellent Figures , but yet so as the Walls touch not the Holy House . The inside hath continually Lamps burning in it , some of Gold , some of Silver . There is in it a Picture of our Saviour and the Virgin , which they say were painted by St. Luke . The Image of the Virgin , which stands upon the Altar , hath a Garment upon it all covered with Pearles , & upon the Head a Crown of Gold , enriched with Jewells ; upon the Top whereof there is a Carbuncle of the bigness of an Egg. There is likeways shown within the House a little Dish , out of which our Saviour is said to have Eat his Meat whilst he was yet a Babe . People commonly bring their Beads , Medals , & other peeces of Devotion to be put in this Dish , & to touch the other relicts . The Sacristia is well worthy the seeing because of the Jewels , and other Rich presents and Ornaments belonging to the House , which are keept there , and have been given and offered continualy , by allmost all Princes and great Persons in Christendom . The Cellar is likeways worthie the seeing , being exceedingly Large and full of Wines . Amongst others they ordinarly shew one great Tun out of which they draw 3 or 4 sorts of Wine , some red , some white . The number of Pilgrims , and other Persons , that out of Devotion resort to this Place , from all the parts of Christendom , is allmost infinit , insomuch that every Day appears to be a holy Day and the whole Year but one continued Feast . So soon as the Gates are opened in the morning , they begin to enter as it were in Procession . I believe there are but few Inhabitants in the Town , except a few Trades-men of all sorts , for the Accommodation of Strangers , the greatest part are Merchants , that sell nothing but Beads and peeces of Devotion , such as Medals of Silver , Gold , Brass , Christal &c. Books of Devotion , and such like . There is good Accommodation in the Town , at a reasonable Rate . The City is Commanded by a Governour , who hath his Palace near to the Church . We were Recommended to him by Cardinal Charles Barbarini , and were treated by him with great Civilitie ; his Secretary being commanded to wait upon us , and show us all that was considerable in the place . After two days stay here we dismissed our Horses that we brought from Rome , and Hyred new ones from Loretto to Bolognia . From Loretto to Bolognia .   Miles Ancona 15 La casa Brugiata 9 Cenigalia 9 Fano 9 Pesaro 6 Rimini 20 Sanigniana Castello 9 Cesena 10 Furli 10 Faenza 10 Imola 10 St. Nicola Castello 10 Bolognia 10 Ancona is about half a days Journey from Loretto . It is a verie ancient City and the best Sea Port in Italy , at least upon the Adriatick Coast : The Port was Built , at least Restored and Beautified , by Trajan the Emperour , in whose Honour a most stately Triumphal Arch was Raised upon it , which it yet extant , with this Inscription in Capital Letters . Imp. Caes. di●i Nervae F. Nervae Trajano optimo August . Germanic . Daetico . Pontef . max. Tr. Pot. xix . Imp. xi . Cos. vii . P. P. Providentissimo Princ. S. P. Q. R. Quod adcessum Italiae , Hoc etiam addito ex pecunia sua Portum tutiorem Navigantibus reddiderit . And upon the Right side thereof You may Read this Inscription Plotinoe Aug. Conjugi Aug. And upon the left , Divae Marcian : Aug : sorori August . Cenigalia is a little Town having a Sea-Port ▪ It seems from the name to have been built , and to have belonged to the Galli Cenones . Fano , Antiently Fanum ; because of the Temple of Fortune that stood here ; There is a stately Triumphall Arch of Marble 30 , Cubits High. Pesaro is a very Pleasant and handsome City having many fine Houses and a Magnificent Palace , It is well Peopled and well Fortified . The Duke of Vrbin , to whom this City did belong , used to pass one half of the Year here ; But since his Death without Heirs Male the whole Dutchie is Reunited to the Ecclesiastick state . Rimini , in Latine Ariminum ; is like to be so called from the River Arimine that passes by it . There are severall fair Palaces in it , built by the Mala-testi antient Lords of the Place . There is a Triumphal Arch erected in Honour of Augustus , yet extant , and the Ruines of a great Theatre . But the most considerable thing of all is the Bridge , Built of great square Marble stones , of twentie foot in length and 15. in breadth , with five Arches . The Bridge Joynes the Via Flaminia and the Via Emilia together . It is said to have been Built by Tiberius Caesar. In the Mercat place there is to be seen the stone upon which Julius Caesar stood , and encouraged his Officers , when he began the Civil War. This Stone hath this Inscription C. Caesar D. Rubicone superato , civili Bello , Comilitones suos hic in for● Ariminensi adlocutus . Within a Mile of Cesina , or there abouts , You must pass the Rubicon , which seems to be but a Torrent , and in the Summer time for the most part dry ; At the place where You pass there is yet extant an ancient Pillar , the Inscription whereof hath made the name of Rubicon so famous . it is as follows ; Jussu mandatuve P. R. Cos. Imp. Myli Tyro Comilito manipulariaeve Cent. Turmaeve Legionariae armat quis quis est hic sistito . Vexillum sinito , ne citra hunc amnem Rubiconem signa , Arma , ductum , commeatum , Exercitumque traducito ; siquis hujusce Jussionis ergo adversum ierit , feceritve , adjudicatus esto hostis P : R. ac si contra Patriam armaverit , Sacrosque Penatos e penetralibus asportaverit Sanctio plebisci Senatus . NE Consulto ultra hos fines Armae proferre liceat nemini . S. P. Q. R. And upon the other side of the Pillar , the following Inscription ; Rubiconem ponta subjectum transis viator , Romano interdicto Caesaris ausu , & adagio , Jactae alcae , Celebratum . Flumini huic stabilem imponere trajectum , Ethnica diu vetuit pavida Superstitio , Catholica nunc suasit socura Religio . Innocent : X o Summo Pont : Card : D : Legato 1654. Furli ; in Latine Forum Livii , where there is litle thing considerable except the Market Place . Faenza ; is divided in two by the River Lamone , over which stands a goodly Bridge that Joynes the two parts of the Town together , it is called in Latine Faventia , and the People Faventini . The whole way from Ancona to Bolognia is Plain and Smooth , and the Countrey on all sides very Rich and Fertile , but especially near to Bolognia , ( which deservedly is called la Crassa ) where the whole Countrey , on everie s●de of the high way , looks like Gardens , being Hedged and closed in on all sides , and Planted with Olive and while Mulberry Trees , the Leaves whereof ●erve to the ●eeding of Silk Wormes , and at the Roots of which the Vines being Planted , run up and spread themselves thorow all the Branches of the Trees , and load them with Grapes . The distance betwixt the Ranges of Trees is Sowen sometimes with Wheat , or other usefull Grain , or Kitchin Herbs and Roots , Nor is there wanting here abundance of the Choisest Fruits that Italy affoords . Bolognia ; is the second Town of the Ecclesiastick State , sweetly situated in a large Plain , near to some Hills at the one side . The City is near two Miles in length and one in breadth , and about 5 Miles in Compass . The Inhabitants are not esteemed to be under 80 Thousand in number , amongst which it is thought there are two Thousand Gentlemen , whereof many have the Titles of Count and Marques . There is a famous University & many fine Colledges worthie to be seen : As also many fine Churches & Religious Houses . The Archdean of the Cathedral of St. Peters , has the Priviledge of making Doctors , above others . In the Church of Corpus Christi , may be seen the intire Body of St. Katharine of Vigri , a Religious Woman of the Order of St. Clare , that Died at Bolognia , in the Year 1463. She sits in a Chair , with a Religious Habit. The Skin of her Face seems to be bent and streacht , her Eyes open , her Hands and Feet bare : In one Hand She holds a Crucifix , the other is placed upon a Pillow . They use in the presence of a great deal of Companie to paire her Nails every Month , and to cut her Hair once a Year , after they are grown . In the Iacobins Church is keept the Head of St. Dominick in a Rich Tabernacle , and his Body in a Curious Tomb of white Marble cut in severall figures of Base relieve ; In the Choire may be seen the Histories of the New and Old Testament , with wonderfull Artifice represented in mosaick of of Wood. There is also to be seen here , a rare Peece of Painting , of the Innocents made by Guido Reni ; all the parts of this Convent are worthie the taking notice of , the Cloisters , the Dormitories of above 150 Religious , the Refictory Painted by great Masters , the Apothecaries Shop , and the Bibliotheck , and the Cellar which is extraordinarly Big . There be many fine Palaces worthie the seeing , and very well Ornamented within , but especially the Popes own Palace , where the Legat resides , and in it you must take particular care to see Aldrovandi's Studie , and Collection of Curiosities , which are keept in this Palace , and commonly intrusted to the Legats Physitian . There is likeways to be seen in the Back Court Aldrovandi's Garden , in which there are some Curious Plants . In the Study you will see a great Herball , in water Colours , but without any description , as also a whole press full of Manuscripts , written all with his own Hand . There are severall Towres in the Town , but especially that of Degli Pisanelli , which is one of the highest I remember to have ever seen ; it stands about the middle of the Town , and near by it there is an other which is not finished , and the reason they give for it is very apparent , that the Builders mistook the perpendicular ; when one stands near to it , it is so very crooked that it appears to be just a falling . I had the Curiositie to go as high in the other Towre as I could , and rather because I thought I might more easily discover the situation of the Town , it's avenues , and the Country about , but I had much Reason to repent me : The ladders for the most part being old and rotten , so that I was in continuall apprehension of falling , and one slip would have done my turne as well as a hundred . I shall advise you rather to take the paines to see a Convent , a little without the Town , toward the Hills , called St. Michaele in Bosco , from whence you will have a most Delicate Prospect of the Town and Country about . The Town appears in the form of a Ship , and the Towre Deglipisanelli , may be the maine Mast of it . This Convent is one of the most Glorious in Italy ; the Religious are of the Order di Monte Olivetto , there are many other things in the Town worthie the taking notice of , which for brevities sake I omit . You must not forget to see the Silk-Work , which is a most Curious contrivance ; it is three or four Storie high , in the Highest Storie there are Innumerable Pirns of Silk , which are all moved by the generall Motion that the Water gives to some Wheeles below , & there they receive the first Twist ; in the Storie next to that , they receive the second ; & in the lowermost Storie the last : which brings it to that form of raw Silk that we commonly see sold. This Place above all others in Italy , or in the World , is famous for excellent Soap-Balls , of which you will do well to provide your self abundantly ; they will keep in their perfection above 20 Years : You may have them of severall Sizes , bigger or lesser as you please . It is likeways famous for Sassadges , which are the best cetainly in tke World : I have seen of them of 5 Crownes the Peece . There is good Herbarising towards the Hills , if your leisure can permit you ; you may take a Guide along with you . Upon these Hills , you will likeways find that famous Stone called Lapis phosphorus Bononiensis , of which Fortunatus Lic●t●s hath written a particular Book . It is very hard and Flintie like , but more glistering ; when it is calcined 48 hours in a reverberatory Fire & then set to cooll : If you expose it a little to the light and free Air , and on the sudden bring it to the dark , it shines for a little while as if it were a Red burning Coale , but there is a kind of efflorescence like Rust or greenish Dust that growes upon the Top of it , whilst it is a Calcineing , which is most effectuall for the shining , and which if it by lost by any Accident , the rest will not be much worth , and for saving of this they use ordinarly to fix the Stone in Wax in the bottom of a Box , & so sell them to Strangers , but this way does not secure them , to my certain Experience . The best way is to bring the Stone uncalcined and prepare it at home . I would have you to see an Apothecarie , who is a great Virtuoso especiallie in Plants . He is called Jacomo Zanoni speciale da san Biaggio custode de simplici in Bolognia ; I believe he has Published something of Plants by this time , for he shewed me a Number of Brass cutts , which were allreadie Graven , and told me the intention he had as soon as he could get the rest perfected , to cause print them . If they may be had , I intreat you to procure me one of them ; you will do well to see his Garden , which is very Curious . And the best way to ingage all such Men as he is , is to have allways a Parcell of rare Seeds with you , and to give them some , by which means you will find them readie to give you whatever they can spare , in like manner . I shall advise you to Visit the Booksellers Shops , concerning which I must give you this generall advice , for finding out Botanick Books , that you take paines to look them all over your self ; for many times the Book-sellers do not know their names . You will find here Panacea ex herbis quae a Sanctis denominantur Item Historia & Icones Capsicorum Bartholomaei Ambrosini in 80. Bononiae 1630. also Hyacinthi Ambrosini hortus Studiosorum & Novarum Plantarum hactenus non S●ulptarum Historia in 40. Bononiae 1657. But above all I must intreat you to buy me Aldrovandus's works , which ate 13 or 14 Tomes in Folio ; you may buy them in Sheets , and have them packt up in your own things for Venice , where you will not fail to meet with frequent Occasions of sending them for London . I believe they will not cost above 18 or 20 Crowns . and if they do I shall be readie to allow it . It will not be a miss here , if you think fit , to go by Land to Modena , Parma and Piatzena and returne by the River Po to Ferrara : But because I had not the Fortune to see them my self , I shall not say any thing of them , but returne to Ferrara , which is not above half a Days Journie , or thereabouts , from Bolognia . Ferrara , is situated in a large Plain about half a mile distance from the Po. It belongs to the Ecclesiastick State , and is governed by the Popes Legate . The Streets , Houses and Places , are very handsome & fine , as also the Churches & Religious Houses . In the Monasterie of S. Bennet , you may see the Sepulchre & Epitaph of the famous Poet Ariosto . It hath a verie strong and well contrived Cittadale . From hence you go to Venice by Water , that is in an open Boat , by a Canale near to the side of the Po , where ye imbarke in a bigger Vessel , which goes constantly twice a Week to Venice . If the Wind be favourable , you will easily accomplish the Voyage in 10 or 12 houres time , but if otherways , you may be longer , and therefore you will do well to make Provision of Victuals , to take along with you . When you Arrive at Venice , it will be needfull to Lodge in a convenient Place of the Town , and for that end , you will do well to provide your self of a Recommendation to the English Consul ; from Rome or from Bolognia . Giles Jones was Consul in my time , and entertained Lodgers himself , he was a verie honest Man , and did faithfullie send my things to London , according to the address I gave him . When you are setled in a Lodging , It will be time to take a View of the Town , for the doing of which and considering it well , 3 or 4 Weeks is little enough . Nothing in Nature can appear more prodigious than to see a Vast big Town seated in the middle of the Sea ; everie House whereof at one side or another is touched by the Water , and the nearest Land being 4 or 5 Miles distance . It was built at first upon the little Island of Rialto in the Year 421 , perhaps later by the Inhabitants of the firm Land that were chaced from their own homes by Attila King of the Huns , & forced to make choice of this place for their safety ; since that time they have built upon 70 or 71 Isles more , which are joyned together by upwards of 450 Bridges . The Town is about 8 Miles in compass . There are but few Streets built on both sides , except some open places . The most part of the Streets have a Canale or Ditch in the middle , by which the Gondols pass , which is a great commoditie , for there is scarce a House in the Town , but one may be carried this way , either close to it or within a few steps of it . The Canals are different in breadth , some more some less large , the narrowest is broad enough for one Gondole to go by another ; It is remarkable , that the Water Ebbs and Flowes here 4 or 5 foot , which is not observed in the Adriatick farther down towards Naples , nor in any other Port of the Mediterranian Sea ; The Gondals are believed to be above fourteen or fifteen thousand in Number ; they are small tight Boats much cleaner & finer than Oares upon the Thames , having a prettie Tilt over the seat where the Passingers sit , & will be able to accommodat 5 or 6 Persons : It is usual for Gentlemen or Persons of Qualitie to have their own Gondols , and those Richer than the ordinary ; some are rowed by one , some by two , and it is somewhat extraordinary that the Rower does not sit within the Boat , but stands upon one side of it , and lookes the same way that he rows . At the turning of any Corner , after they come within such a distance of it , they are obliged to cry , to give notice to the Gondols on the otherside whom they cannot see , and he that cryes first hath this advantage , that he turnes close by the corner , and the others are obliged to give him way and take it larger : And I assure you it is no small wonder to me that there being so many corners to tur●e , and so continuall and frequent intercourse of Gondols going some the one way , and some the other ; and in the dark as well in the Day : there should be so few Accidents of running one another down , especiallie , considering with what swiftness thay go . The largest Canale , called Canale grande , is about 13 or 14 hundred paces in length ; & fourtie in breadth , and divides the Town as it were in two . The Bridge of the Rivo alto , or as it is commonlie pronounced Rialto , is one of the most magnificent Structures in the Citie : it consists but of one Arch , & yet is said to have cost above 250 thousand Duckets ; at the one end of the Bridge , there are three large Streets divided by 2 rowes of Houses , which are so many Merchant shops . This serves for the Exchange , where the Merchants meet about Noon to do their affairs . There are so manie things considerable in this Place that it is difficult to comprehend them in this short Narration , and therefore I shall onlie name a few of them , and leaue the rest to your particular inquirie , which will not be hard for you to make , when you are upon the place . Be pleased then first to take notice among the Churches of that of St Mark , which properlie , is onlie the Dukes Chapel belonging to the Palace of St. Mark , whose Bodie being brought from Alexandria is preserved here ; The Church has 24 Chanoines belonging to it under one Head , called Primicero . He is commonlie chosen by the Doge , and wears the Miter and other Ornaments of a Bishop , & uses to give his Benediction to the People as Bishops do . The inside of the Church is of Marble of diverse sorts , and all verie fine , with above 40 Marble Pillars ; It is paved with Porphire , Serpentine &c. in Mosaick Work ; Upon the Top of the great Altar , there is a Globe enriched with a great number of Pearles and other Jewels of price ; The Roof of the Church consists of 5 Cupula's covered with lead ; It hath 5 Doors of Brass , and over the great entrie on the outside there stands four Delicat Horses , equal in bigness to the Natural , of Brass Guilded , which at first were placed upon the Triumphal Arch of Nero , after he subdued the Parths , but were afterward carried to Constantinople , when the Seat of the Empire was removed from Rome and at last brought hither by the Venetians when they took Constantinople . 2ly . That which is most worthie of the seeing ( it may be in all the World ) is the Treasure of St. Mark , where amongst other things you will see 12 Royal Crowns & 12 Breast Plates of Gold , ful of Pearles and Jewels ; taken as they say at Constantinople ; And the Tradition is , that they were the Ornaments of the 12 Maids of Honour that waited upon St. Helena Mother to Constantine the Emperour ; several Rubies weighing 8 Ounces a Peece , and a Saphir that weighs ten Ounces ; two Unicorns Horns ; severall Vessels of Precious Stones ▪ as Agat , J●spir one of Emerauld which a King of Persia presented the Senat with . One of one single Turkis ; another capable to hold a Scots Quart of one single Granat ; The Tiar or Bonnet wherewith the Duke is Crowned , is Garnished with Jewels of inestimable price ; There is a vast deal of other Riches , which I cannot particularly remember ; There is likewa●s to be seen the Picture of the blessed Virgin done by St Luke . The Acts of the Apostles writen in golden Letters by the hand of St John Chrysostome , Patriarch of Con●tantinople . It will be worth your while to go to the Top of the Steeple , from whence you will have a delicat Prospect of the whole City and Neighbouring Islands , of a part of Lumbardie , of the severall Mouths of the River Po , The Hills of ●tria ; & the Sea about ▪ 3ly : The Palace of St Mark , whereof the Arches , Pillars , Halls and Chambers are all most Statelie , especialy the great Halls , which are Painted by the greatest Masters of their time ; for the fetter understanding of which , it will be fitt , that you get a Printed Inventorie ●f all the particular Ornaments of this Palace . 4ly , The Piazza of St Marco , which is one of the Largest and finest that can be 〈◊〉 in any Town in Italy ; being com●●●sed with most Stately and regular Buildings ▪ with large Arches and Portic●es to walk in , in the time of Heat or Rain ▪ with all sorts of Merchandise and Trades . This Place is the most diverticeing in all Venice , for here you may see People of many Nations with different Habits . At that end of that place which lookes to the Sea , there stands two Marble Pillars , each of them of them one Peece , of a great hight and bigness , at a reasonable Distance one from another . Upon the Top of the one is placed a flying Lion guilded , which is the Armes of Venice , and the Symbole of St Mark ; Upon the Top of the other the Statue of St Theodore gilded . Betwixt these Pillars , Justice is usuallie done upon Male-factors . About the middle of the place stands 3 verie Tall Poles like unto Ships Masts , whereupon the Standards of the Republick are displaied at great Solemnities . On that side of the place , which is opposit to the Dukes Palace , stands the Mint-House , a verie goodlie Fabrick , composed of Stone and Iron , without any Wood at all . 5ly . The Arsenal , which is the largest and best Furnished in the World ; it is strongly Walled about , and the Sea drawn about it likeways . There are fifteen or sixteen hundred Men constantly at Work , besides Old Men , who are not able to work , but intertained for instructing the younger . Here are keept all sort of Amunitions of War both for Sea & Land , in vast Quantities , and in that good Order , that I have heard some confidentlie say , that there were Workmen within the Arsenal , that were able to build a Gally , and reik her out compleatly in one Hours time ; which if it be true , argues a great deal of sharpness in the Workmen , and readiness of the Materials . There are severall lesser Islands at some distance from the Town , worthie to be seen , and particularlie , 1. Murain about a Mile Northward from the City . It is well built and many good Houses in it ; It is in this Island , that all those famous Crystall Glasses so much talked of , and so much sought after throughout the World , are made . It is observed here , that the Glass-works succeed much better on the one side of the Street than on the other . They have likeways a great Art of whitneing Wax , which is observed to succeed better in this Island than any other place in or about the City . There are abundance of Oysters likeways in this Island ; they ordinarly keep them in Baskets near the Shoare , to have them in readiness when they are called for , but in my opinion they are neither so pleasant , no● so wholesome as at Lighorn and other places , especiallie being eaten raw , for I have often found the eating of them so , to give a verie troublesome Flux of the Belly to severall Persons . 2ly . The Isle of St Helena , where there is a verie statelie Monasterie & Church , with Monks of the Order of Mont Olivet . In this Church is keept the Body of the Emperess St Helena . This Isle lyes to the Eastward of the Town , and about two Miles further the same way , stand the two Forts del L●do and Casielnovo , which both defend them selves mutuallie , and secure the entrie to the City from Enemies in time of War ▪ 3ly . Malamocco , where all Ships and Vessels of anie considerable Burden do Arrive because of the deepness of the Harbour . 4ly . The Isle of St. George , lying just before the place of St. Mark , at half a Miles distance , where there is an Abbace of the Order of St. Benedict , with a most Stately and Glorious Church , together with a Garden and fair Walks , which is thought no small thing in that Place . Altho' a Traveller cannot be alltogether sure of his times , there being so many Contingencies that may force him either to Arive too soon or too late ; yet it were to be wished that a Man might happen to be at Venice in the time of Carnoval , because of the Opera's and fine shows that are to be seen , and the Extraordinarie Musick at that time . In the Summer time the great Divertisement is to go in Gondole upon the great Canale , where towards the Evening , one may see Five , or six hundred Gondols touring up and down , full of Ladies and Gentlemen , & severalls of them with Musick , both Vocal and Instrumental ; which is one of the greatest Gusto's imaginable . You cannot miss to meet with a great many Curiosities here , both Natural and Artif●cial , because of the great resort that Strangers have to this Place , especiallie from the Levant ; you will find Medals , Intaleo's , Chamaeo's &c. amongst the Goldsmiths . I have seen severall Curiosities to sell in the place of St. Mark , and sometime within the Court of the Palace , and in many other corners throughout the City . You may meet with maby Curiosities of Glass , that are both usefull and delightfull . It will be worth your while to Visit the Book-sellers Shops , for besides many Curious Books , that you may light upon here , and particularly of Botany ; you may likeways find verie many Books , that are prohibited in many other places of Italy . Be pleased to inquire diligently for a thin 40. called Trattato de simplici Pietre . & pesci marini che nascono del lito di Venetia di Antonio Donati Farmacopeo all'insegn● di St. Liberale in Venetia 1631. Printed by Pietro Maria Bertano . Donati himself was Dead before I came thither , but I found out his Brother , a Man of the same Profession and living at the same place , but nothing knowing in Simples . After I had told him the respect I had for his Brothers Memorie , and my regrate for the loss of so worthie a person ; he was pleased to show me a great many Brass-Plates of so many Plants not yet described , together with their description done by his Brother ; I am confident were they Published , they would make a bigger Volume than the first . They were in Confusion when I saw them , but I put them in Order and prayed him to keep them so , untill he should find the opportunitie of printing them , which I found him willing to do at his own Expense , nor to trust it with an other , least his Brothers name should have been stolen from it . If it be not as yet printed , you may see what you can do , either to purchase the Manuscript and Plates , or promise the printing of it . There are many Virtuosi in the City , that have great Collections of fine things which you may be pleased to inquire after and see . From Venice you have twentie five Miles to Padua , whereof fo●r by Berg to the Terra ferma , and the rest you go by Boat , drawen with Horses by the River Brent , which is a most pleasant and soft running River , having plain , Fertile & most delicious Fields on either side , full of Villages & pleasure-Houses , to which the Inhabitants of Venice use to resort in the Summer-Time . The River runs not all of a Levell , & therefore there are three or four Locks or Sluces , by means whereof , at severall places the River is made portable ; which otherways it would not be . There is such an other Lock upon the Canale of Briar , near to Montargis in France . You will more easilie understand the manner of them by seeing them , than by any description I can make of them . Padua , in Latine Pattavium . Is a very Ancient and Large Town ; famous over the World , for its Vniversity ; whence it is called Padua la dotta . There are many things considerable in the Town fit to be seen and take notice of . As 1. The Churches as namely that of S. Sophia , that of Justino , which is all Pavemented with white & red Marble ; there is an Abbacy joyning to it of the Order of St. Benedict ; the Reformation of which Order did begin first here . It was Anciently the Temple of Concord . The place before the Church is very large & spacious . They say ten Thousand Men might be drawn up within it . The Church of St. Antonia de Lisbon , is notably designed , and hath many Rich things belonging to it ; many Relique's , but amongst others the most considerable is the Body of St. Antonia , commonly called of Padua , because he Died and was in●erred here . There is great a Devotion payed to this Sainct , and a great concourse dayly to the place , as well of the Inhabitants of the Town , as of Pilgrims that come from other places . They use to kiss the Marble-Stone that covers his Sepulchre ; and they say it smels of Musk. 2ly . The palace of Justice , which is most stately . The Stairs are all of Marble covered with Lead without the support of any Pillar . The great Hall is 256 foot in length , and 86 foot in breadth , and very well painted , and at the end of it , that Statue of Titus Livius , whose Tomb is likeways to be seen in the Town . 3ly . The Schooles , which is a very stately Fabrick , being a 4 square court , where you will see a great many of the Statues or Busta's , Names & Arms of so many Consuls , that have been of the several Nations that compose the Vniversity ; the Scholars here have large Priviledges , and many times abuse them , and become very insolent , insomuch that they have been sometimes known to threaten the Podesta himself or Governour of the Town ; they have , likeways a beastly custome of carrieing Arms in the Night , insomuch that it is never safe to be abroad after it hegins to be Dark , for many are this way unhappity Murthered without any Offence given or taken , but only by wantoness , or rather Wickedness of the Scholars . 4ly . The Physical Garden , which is exceedingly fine , not so much for the number as rareness of the Plants . You may easily make your addrefs to the Professor that keeps the Garden who in my time was the Excellentissimus Signeur Tore , but the Gardener will be sufficient to do your turn , for in giving him a small peece of Mony , you will command both Seeds , Plants , and all that he hath . We have a very worthie Gentleman of our Countrie , called Doctor Cadenhead ; in my time he was Publick Professor of Logick nel Bo , which is the Publick Schooles . He is a most courteous and obliging Gentleman , and will be ready to do you all the kindness's Imaginable . 5ly . You may see the Hospitals for sick Folk , and many other things , which for Brevities sake I omit , only I intreat you be at the paines to Visit the Book-sellers Shops ; and if there be any new thing in Physick , since the 62 or 63 Year of God , I intreat you to bring them along with you for me , especialy if there be any thing of Rhodius , who hath promised us his commenta●s upon Cornelius Celsus long ago . If you please , you may make a little Journey to the Euganean Hils , which are not far from P●dua . There is very good Herborsing upon them . It will be worth your while , likeways to see Abbano , a Village 3. or 4 Miles distant from Padua ; famous for its Natural Baths . At the end of the Village there is a little rising or know ; upon the Top of which there are a great many Springs of hot Water , some where of are scalding hot . The Water is convoyed by little Conduits to several Houses about , where Baths are keept for sick People , but the greater part of it is convoyed the other way by a trough , where , at the distance of a Musket shot , it moves a Milne . The water it self is whitish , having a white slimy substance in it , which it deposes every where , where it runs , and which in process of time becomes as hard as a Stone ; in so much that the Miln-Wheel , and all the Wood that is toucht by it , becomes crusted as it were with Marble ; and if it be not broken of timeously , it stops the Motion of the Wheel just as I●eicles use to do with us . The Country about Padua is very Plain and exceedingly Fertile , insomuch that they use to say , B●lognia la grassa , ma Padua la passa ; yet the Wine is not good , but a red small Claret-Wine such as they use at Venice for ordinarie drink . When you ha●● past some time at Padua , and satisfied your self , of all that is to be seen and known there , it will be time to set ●orward for Milan . From Padua to Verona .   Mil●s Vicenza 17 Montebello 12 Scaldere 10 Veron● 12 In going from Padua to Vicenza , you will do well to turne a little out of 〈◊〉 way to see a place called Gus●●so , 〈◊〉 is a House of Pleasure belonging to a ●●r●ticular Person , where , besides many ●●riosities , of Gardens &c. there is p●●ticular wayes of conveying the Win● 〈◊〉 the Caves below to the upper 〈◊〉 which makes a Delicat Fresco in the greatest heats of Summer . It stands at the foot of a very great Mountain , under which are the vastest and biggest Caves I ever saw ; but seem not to be Natural , but rather Quarries , out of which the greatest part of the Stone that Vicenza has been built with , has been taken . In one place of these Caves , there is a little Well made by the Water that drops from the Top of the Cave , which petrifies any Wood , Straw &c. that lyeth any time in it , and yet the Water keeps clear it self , without congealing . Near to the City of Vicenza , upon your left hand , you wil see a delicat Peece of Architecture , made by the famous Architect Vinogli , which is likeways designed in his Book ; It is only a House of Pleasure , and stands upon a considerable hight from the City , discovering all the Country round about . Vicenza is a good large Town , having many fine Churches and Palaces , with a large place for Tilting and other Exercises : there is likeways in it a Noble Theatre built by Vinogly : the Country about is exceedingly Fertile , and abounds with all sort of good Fruit , and is therefore called the Garden of Venice . Verona is an easie days Journey from Vicenza ; It is an Ancient City , large and well built , having many stately Palaces , Churches &c. & an old Amphitheatre , yet more intire than any other in Italy . The Town is divided in two by the River Adice , it is wel Fortified , having 13 Royal Bastions , and three Castles ; the two parts of the Town , are conjoyned by 4 large Stone Bridges . There is excellent Herborizing upon the Hils near to the City , but especially upon the Monte baldo , which is about 20 Miles distant from this City , and which is described at great length by Joannes Pona , whose Book I suppose you have seen . The Palace del Conte Justi , is worthie the seeing , together with the Gardens and Grotta's . Amongst the rest , there is one of a Reasonable Capacitie built with that Artifice , that four Persons being placed in the four Corners , may speake each of them to his Neighbour in the opposit Corner , and yet not be heard by those that stand in the middle between them . In the Palace of the Signeur Conte Gregorio Bevila●●● ▪ there is a Gallerie , in which you may see a great many fine Pictures , Statues , Medals , and other Rarities . ●rom Verona you pass by la peso●eira , which is a strong Fort , upon the River 〈◊〉 issues from the lago di Garda : from 〈◊〉 you go to Dissanzano , which tho' 〈…〉 big Town , but rather a Village , I look upon it as one of the pleasantest 〈◊〉 in Italy ; being upon the side of 〈◊〉 lago di Garda , a Lake not so 〈◊〉 as long , for in length it reaches to 〈…〉 Rhetici . The Country about 〈…〉 and Fertile , and the Lake it 〈◊〉 ●●ounds with all sorts of Excellent 〈◊〉 such as Pykes , Pearches , red and 〈◊〉 Trouts &c. and of all there are 〈◊〉 very big . In my time there was 〈◊〉 ●rench-man , that keept a very good 〈◊〉 , where we had excellent Fare 〈◊〉 of fish and Flesh , and the best Wine 〈◊〉 the whole State of Venice , and all at 〈◊〉 Rate . From Dissanzano , you go to Bre●cia , which is not above half a days Journey distant from Dissanzano . It is a large and very strong Town , especialy the Castle thereof placed upon a Hill , that Commands the Town . It is famous for making of Guns , and Pistols , especialy the Cannons of them , which are the best I ever saw by farr . If you have the opportunity of carriage , it would be worth your while to make Provision for your self here . If you resolve to make your return , not to Lions but , throw Switzer-Land and Germany , down the Rhen , & so throw Flanders and Holland , then it will be fitt when you are at Bol●gnia to go up the Po , by Modena , Parma , Piazz●nza , and so to Millan , and from thence to Turrin , and then back to Millan again , and so returne by the other way of Bergamo , Brescia , Dissanzano , Verona , Vicenza and Padua to Venice , by which means you will not only see the sweetest and most Fertile places of Lumbardie , but also have the commoditie of bringing what ever you find in all that way to Venice , from whence it may easily be Convoyed into England . From Bres●i● to Bergamo you have a dayes Journey : You must Dine at a Place called Pallazolo ; It is a little inconsiderable Town . I remember we had a Letter of Recommendation from the Duke of Norfolks Major-Domo at Padua , to a Gentleman in this place , who was exceedingly Civil to us & sent us a Present of excellent Wine , & ( which was of farr greater importance to us ) gave us the assurance of the peaceableness of the Countrey & security of Travelling , which sometimes is not without the danger of being robbed ; it being near the Frontiers of the state of Millan : & in such cases , it is usual for Rogues , when they have done a Mischief to pape into the next state , where the Laws of the other State cannot reach them . The project of our recommendation , was to have been conducted by this Gentleman on our way ; if there had been any such need . He willingly profered it , but we , upon the assurance he gave us did as willingly deny to accept it . Bergamo is situated upon the side of a Hil , Fortifie with 9 Bastions besides the Castle , which is extreamly strong . There is , as I take it , in the Dominicans a Rare Bibliotheque , Collected by the great expense of Alexander Martinengo , You will do well here to exchange all your Venetian Money into Spanish Money , & such as will pass into the State of Millan . You have a Days Journey from hence to Millan , and must Dine at a Place called Villa nova : as soon as ye have Dined , you pass the River Tesin : And then enter the State of Millan . As you enter the State of Millan , you will find some Searchers or wayters of the Custom-House , to whom you must give some small thing to let your Baggage pass , or else you may be troubled with them . The State of Millan , altho' but small in extent , is yet one of the pleasantest & Fertilest places in Italy . The Country is very Plain . The High-ways for the most part very large and straight , planted with Trees and Hedges , on every side , and having Canales of water , for the most part , on every side ; and Travellers have this Advantage also to meet with better Inns and better accommodation here than on any other Road in Italy . The Inhabitants are not given to mutiny and Rebellion as those of Naples , but willingly submit to their Prince . It is said that the King of Spaine Governs the Kingdom of Sicilie with mildness : Naples with subtilitie and the Dutchie of Millan with Authoritie . They say likeways that the inferior Governours of Sicilie , only but Gentlie : Those of Naples eat lustilie , but that in Millan they devoure . I have observed throughout all Italy , that the greatest part of the Inn-keepers and Taverners even in Rome it self are Milanese : as also that the greatest part of the Masons that serve all Italy , are of this Countrie : and it is a verie great Mark both of their love to their Countrie and loyaltie to their Prince , that when they are not able to get so much by staying at home , as to entertain their Wives and Children , and pay Publick Burdens , they are contented to live abroad most part of their lives , and returne that home which they Gaine abroad ; for they never carrie their Wives with them , nor Children till they be able to Gaine for themselves : Onlie it may be they make them a Visit sometimes . The Citie of Millan , which is Capital of the Dutchie , is one of the stateliest in Italy : it is near ten Miles in compass , but a considerable part of it , especiallie toward the Walls , is Gardens . The Streets are large & handsome ; Many statelie Churches and Palaces : But I shall Mark them a little more particularly as I have done in other Towns : And 1. to begin with the Churches , It is said there are above 230 in the Citie and Suburbs , whereof 96 are parochial : 40 Convents of Religious Men , and 50 of Religious Women . The Cathedral Church called il Domo , is one of the greatest and most Glorious in Italy except St. Peters at Rome . It is intirely built of white Marble within & without , but that which is to be pitied is , that the design is Gothick ; it is not yet quite finished ; but they are still at work , and you may guess when they are like to come to an end , they haveing been up wards of 200 Years at work allreadie . There are above 600 Marble statues about the Walls , everie one of which cost at least 1000 Crowns , amongst which the statue of Adam and St. Bartholomew are much esteemed , especiallie the latter which is thought to be one of the best in Europe . The Pend of the Church is supported by 160 white Marble Pillars , each of them of that bigness , that scarcelie can three Men fathom them . It is believed that they stand not under 10000 Crowns a peece . All the rest of the parts of the Church are correspondent in Magnificenee , only it appears to me to be somewhat darker than need were . Amongst many other things that are considerable in this Church is the Body of St. Charles Boromeus in a Chappel under Ground . It hath a Lamp burning before it , and you look down through an Iron Tirles from the Church to see it . You may see the Head and Feet , but the rest of the Bodie is covered with his pontificall Habit. There is a rich Treasure belonging to the Church , where you will see , amongst other things ▪ a Silver statue of the same St. Charles in his Pontifical Habit , with many precious Stones of great Value upon the Myter thereof . It was presented by the Jewellers and Goldsmiths of Millan . In the Church of St. Ambrose , you may see a Pillar in the middle of the Church , upon which stands the Brazen Serpent that Moses elevated in the Wilderness . You may likeways see two statelie Tombs , one of the Emperour Luis , and the other of Pepin King of Italy , both Sons of Charles the Great . Here also you may see the Chapel where St. Augustine was Baptized . In the Church of St. Satyre , upon the great Altar there is a Picture of the blessed Virgin with the Babe Jesus in her Armes , of which they tell a wonderfull Story , that it being placed upon the Church-Yard-Wall , a certain Gamester called Massario Vigonzonio , being mad to have lost his Money , struck the little Jesus with a poynard , whereupon immediately there gusht out abundance of Blood , after which it was placed upon the great Altar where it is yet to be seen . 2ly . The Palaces ; amongst the rest that of the Governour . 3ly . The Hospitals ; which are said to entertain above 9000 poor People all the Year long , at the expence of the Publick . That which is called the great Hospital , entertaines alone more than 4000 , and so it may , for it has three Score ten Thousand Crowns of Yearlie revenue . The Lazaretto is a kind of Hospital without the Walls , It is a large Square court about a Mile in Compass , not unlike the form of the Carthusians Houses ; that are divided into so many little appartments . The chief Design & use of it , is in the time of the Plague : at other times it stands emptie , only some few persons that have the keeping of it , remaine there . 4ly . The places in the Town ; chiefly the Exchange , where the Merchants meet ; there you will see the statue of St ▪ Augustin , and the place where he taught Rhetorick before his conversion to the Christian Faith. 5ly . St. Ambrose's Bibliotheck , where not only these Books that belonged to St. Ambrose himself , but many other Books that have been presented since , are kept . Septalie's Galerie . This Manfredo Septali , is Son to that famous Physician Ludovicus Septalius , who hath written many things , & learnedly in Philosophie and Medicine . He is at present one of the Canons of the great Church ; And one of the greatest Virtuosi in Italy . His Studie of Books consists of 2 or 3 Roomes . His Galerie of Curiosities of three Roomes . The Curiosities are both Natural and Artificial , of so great a Number and Varietie , that I must not insist upon particulars ; but only refer you to the description thereof in Latine by Paulus Maria Tersagus , the Book is in 40. Dertono 1664 , and bears the name of Musaeum Septalianum . He hath also an other Room or two , full of working Tooles , ●ome for turning , others for Grinding of optick Glasses of all sorts and Fashion ; and here you will see a great Variety of Musical Instruments . Most part of the Booksellers live near to the Exchange , but their Magasins are in severall other places of the Town ; you must be carefull to see them all . You will undoubtedly find some to please , on which perhaps you will not readily fall else where . You will meet with many Curiosities in this place , especiallie of Cristal , brought hither from the Alps , and a Thousand Conceits , most delicatly wrought of Straw . I have heard of peeces of Cristal , with severall shapes represented within them naturally , as of Trees , Flees , &c. others with a drop of water within them , that one might perceive to move , but is was not my Fortune to light on any such . 7ly . The Castle of Milan , is one of the greatest Forts in Italy , with six Royal Bastions , a large Fossey full of running water , and within it a second Wall of strength . The Place within will admit of 6000 Men to be drawn up , It has above 200 peece of Cannon ▪ all sorts of Ammunition and 600 Spaniards in Garison . It has a Water Miln within it for Grinding of Corn , which is moved by the running Water that fills the Ditches . At a Miles distance from the Town , there is a Privat Gentlemans House , where the Echo is so excellent that it repeats above 40 times , which you may try , ether by speaking Loud or otherways with a Trumpet ; but the surest way is with Pistol Shot , for then you may distinctly tell to 40 , one after another . The Carthusians have a stately Monastery at 10 Miles distance from Millan , wihin five Miles of Pavia , which hath 500000 Crowns of Yearly revenue ; The Monks use to entertain Strangers for one Night . The Church is of a most Delicat Fabrick and very Rich. If you please you may go from hence to Pavia , Anciently Ticinum , and afterward called Pavia . The Town is very strong and stands upon the Tesin ▪ It is the Chief Vniversity of the Dutchie of Millan , but because I was not in it my self I cannot say much of it , only I have heard that in the great place of the City stands the Brazen Statue of the Emperour Constantine , or as some think of Antoninus , very much esteemed . If you list to go thither I believe it may be well worth your seeing , because of the Vniversity , for , for any thing I know , there may be both good Books , and a Physical Garden there . From Millan to Turin , you have about 73 Miles . From Millan to Turin . Buffalora 9 Novara 16 Vercelli 15 S. Germano 13 Ci●uas 10 Turin● 10 You have two Rivers to pass , by Boat viz. the Dorn , after you pass Vereelli and the Tesin near to Ci●uas : Near to Vercelli you enter into Piedmont , & there you will meet with waiters or Customers to whom you must give some thing , and before this time it will be fitt that you have changed all your Spanish Money except it be Pistols , or half Pistols of Gold , for these will pass any where , either in Piedmont or France . When you Arrive at Turin you will think your self allready in France , for their Apparel , Customs and Discourse , are almost altogether French. Turin , Augusta Taurinorum is the Capital City of Piedmont , and is situated in a Plain about 20 Miles distant from the Alps ; having the Po on the one side and the Dorn on the other . The Dukes of Savoye keep their Court here , and have made it both very pleasant & very strong : There is the old and new City , which is very well and regularly built . It is compassed with Royal Bastions , and Walls . It hath a Citadale , consisting of 5 strong Bastions . They say it is after the Model of the Citadale of Antwerp . The great Church is called the Domo , where amongst other relicts is keept and had in Veneration the Sanctum Sudarium , upon which the Visage of our Saviour & the greatest part of his Body is impressed . There is a famous Vniversity here , & this is said to be the first Town in Italy that had the first use of Printing . The Castle serves now the Duke for a Palace . There is a rare Galerie to be seen , with many fine Pictures , Antick Statues &c. and a great Collection of Manuscrips . Amongst the new Buildings the Royal Place is considerable ; the walks thereof being full of Shops and Merchandice of all sorts . You may likeways see the Valentine , which is a beautifull Palace , built by Madam Royal a little beneath the Town upon the Bank of the Po ▪ In the Suburbs of the Po , there is a House called Albergo worthie the seeing , because of the many excellent Manufactories of Silk , and other Stuffs that are made there . I leave the rest to your own observa●ion , that I may haste to bring you over ●he Alps ; the ordinarie way is to Tra●el with the Messenger to Lions or to Ge●eva . We came to Lions . It is a Jour●ey of 8 or 9 dayes . The first day we ●arted from Turin about ten a Clock in ●he forenoon , and came to lye all Night ●ome 10 or 12 Miles from Turin , having ●llready entered into one of the Vallies ●hat leads to the foot of the Hill ; the next day we Dined at an other little Village hard by the foot of the Hill , cal●ed Monte Cene , here we hired Mulets to ●arrieus up the Hill ; it being impossible for our Horses to do it . You must likeways ●ire Men to carrie you down on the other side of the Hill , because it is a great deal too far to walk , and the way that the Horse goes , is farr about , because of the steepness of the Hill. And yet I mnst tell you that the Hill is three times steeper and less accessible on the Italian side than on the French side . As you mount the Hill , at first you will find the soyle somewhat fertile at least wayes for pasturage and abundance of Wood ; but when you are ●ot higher you will find nothing but Rocks , & Shrubs , here & there ; there is a little beck in the face of the Hill , where there stands a few Houses , or rather corbie nests ; a habitation which some People have chosen for the benefit they may make by Accommodating Strangers that pass that way , for they are all Victualing-Houses , and ( as I take it ) a Smith or two . When you pass this and continue still to Mount , you will be about the middle Region of the Air , and it 's a hundred to one ; but you may see Clouds enough beneath you , & it may be the Rain falling from them ; and then you will begin to find it cold what ever time of the Year it be , and the the higher you go it will still ▪ be the ●older , till you come to the very highest pitch you are to go , and there you will meet with a little House , in which one can scarce stand upright , where , if you have leisure , you will get some Bread & Drink to buy ; they usually have white Hares and white Partridges to sell , and as usuall it is for Strangers to buy them for curiosities sake , & have them dressed at their next Lodging . From this you have a Plain of above half a mile in length , which for the most part is coveted with Snow , except in the heat of Summer and then it will be green in some places that are most exposed to the Sunn . The great Pike of the Hill , which yo● leave upon the right hand as you enter the plain , is above two miles higher , and perpetualie covered with deep Snow . About the middle of the plain stands the ruin of a great House , which Madam Ro●al began to build , but whither she finished it or not , I cannot tell ; however I am sure nothing but omnipotencie could make a House resist the Rage of so much Wind and Storm , as that Place is Subject to . When you come to the end of the plain , there is an other little Victualling House , but it was Desolate , when I pass'd . You quite your moulets at the entrie into the Plain , and take your own Horses , and here you quite them again , and leave your Messenger to wait upon them to the bottom of the Hill , the best way he can , and permit your self to be carried by two men which came along with you ( for according to the number of the Companie there comes two for one from the Italian side , as I hinted at before ) It is a kind of Barrow , with a litle Seat , & a back at it , with two little handles to hold by , & a foot board for streaching your limbs before you , tyed at both ends with a peece of small Rope , that they set ●ou upon ; & then carrie you the nearest way down the Hill , which you would think steep enough for Goats to climb . They go at the Rate of an Ordinary Horse trot , & as they go will trist the stones to step upon , which lye confusedly here and there , as exactly as if they were a paire of stairs and yet they will not fall once in 500 times , and if they should it would be a fall without any great Perill . But indeed the danger on the Italian side is much greater ; there being great Precipices on the one hand , where into , if one should fall it were impossible to escape , insomuch that I have often wondred how any Body durst adventure to climb upon a Beasts back : and yet is admirable to see with it what dexteritie these poor Moulets pick out their way , where scarce any man could crawle all four , & how sure footed they are . But I must returne to the French side , where you may pay off your porters when they have brought you to your Lodging at a little Village near to the foot of the Hill. The ordinarie rate is a Crown a Head that is , half a Crown to every Porter . I have told you the way of passing the Mount Cene at such Seasons , of the Year , as there is little or no Snow : But in the Winter time when the Snows are fallen the Passage is much more uneasie & unsafe , especiallie if they be newly fallen , and the paths not trod ; for then it is not only impossible to go without 2 or 3 Guides , that in case one should drop throw the Snow there may be more hands to let fall a Rope and bring him up again ; for sometimes that will happen , as when a Courier is necessitat to pass upon important affairs , & any of the Guides chance to mistake a step , he will some times slip down 100 fathom or two . But this is not the greatest Danger neither , for in the French side , from the foot of the Hills , you have a whole dayes Journey and more through a narrow Valley with a small River in the middle of it , which , at the foot of the Mount Cene , one may easilie step over , but it grows still bigger , as it advances throw the Valley ; being increased by the water that pours from everie cleft of the Hills and Rocks , which are on everie side of the Valley , of a prodigious height , and most precipitious : The current of the River falling sometimes to be on one side of the Valley , and sometimes on the other , for the most part casts the highway on the contrary side ; So that verie often you will chance to pass under horrible Rocks that hang over the high way , and when the Snow is new fallen and they loaden with it , the least noise in the World would bring down a whole Mountain of Snow , So that if a Passinger were so caught , you might look upon him as buried till the following Spring . But I shall advise you to choose a fitter Season , and then you will have the Satisfaction of Herborising , for the lower parts of the Hills are all covered with Trees & many sorts of Plants , that do not grow Naturalie in an other Soil . I confess my Fortune , as to this , was ill ; for after I past the Monte Cene , we had a constant deluge of Rain , till I came the length of Chamberrie . But I must not here forforget to acquaint you with an other particular that had almost escaped me , in time of Snow : and it is this . When you come to the French side ( supposing the Snow to be frozen and able to bear above ; ) there is a singular way of going down the Hill , which they call R●masser , ou se faict Ramasse . That is to have a little hurdle of Wood , upon which the Passingers is placed , with a little bit of Boord behind it , upon which the fellow stands that Guides the way , and so you come hurling down together , at a greater rate than the swiftest Horse in the World is able to go . I do not remember to have remarked any thing worthie the troubling you with , upon the way from Mont Cene untill you come the length of Momilian , except only that the Inhabitants near the Alps , are troubled with a certain Disease called Bronchocele , which is an outward swelling in their Throats from the Chin downward , sometimes to the middle of their Breast , so that they appear at first to have no Neck or Chin , but one continued Thing from their Mouth downward . It is exceedingly hard and easily affected with Cold ; the cause of it is believed to be their continual Drinking of Snow-water , which runs continually from the Neigbouring Hills . Montmelian , is a Fortress of great strength upon the Borders of Savoye near to Daufin ; it is the only considerable place for strength in all Savoye , & stand● within 3 leagues of Chamberrie , & within 5 or 6 of Granoble , which is a Parliament Town , and the Capital City o● Daufine ; as Chamberrie is of Savoye . 〈◊〉 the necessity of your occasions and you● Engagement to the Messenger oblige you not to go straight to Lions , it will be very proper to see Granoble , Anciently called Gratianopolis from the Emperour Gratian : not that he was the first Founder of it , but because he enlarged it much , and beautified it . It lyes in a plain at the foot of the Hill Chelmont , and hath the River Isere on the one side , & Drac , which is an impetuous torrent on the other . A little beyond the Drac , there is a wonderfull Curiositie to be seen ; that is , a Fountain that burneth constantly . The Fields about the Town are exceeding Fertile , and carrie good Wine , but the neighbouring Hills are so high , that you may see Snow all the dayes of Summer upon their Tops . The Manufactorie of Gloves and dressing of Skins of all sorts is much commended in this City . But the most considerable thing in all this Country to be seen is the great Charter-House , so called because the General of the Order is obliged to Reside here . It is a statelie Monasterie , but stands in the wildest place that ever my feet trod upon . The Reason they give for choosing this place is , because St. Bruno , the first Instituter of their Order , did pennance here ; It stands very near the Mount Chelmount , being three Miles distant from Granoble by a continual ascent . These three leagues will take you eight or nine good Hours riding , for in many places it is not safe to ride , and you must be forced to walk a foot . About the mid-way there stands a little inconsiderable Village of 4 or 5 Houses , where it wil be fit to repose a little ; you will get Bread and Wine , and it 's fourtie to one but you may meet with some good peece of sanglier , which abounds upon the Hill ; being it is for the most part covered with Trees . When you come within a Mile of the House , you meet with a great Port and a Porter to wait upon it , who I suppose shuts it in the Night time . Within the Port there is a Bridge over a great Cleft , within , which runs a little Rivolet ; there is no possibilitie of entering any where on that side , but by this Port , from which you ascend still to the Monasterie , but , the way is easie , and all within the top● of the Hills covered with Oakes , Beeches , and Firr-Trees ; within half a Mile of the Monasterie or some less , stands their Stables , Garnels and other Office-Houses , which indeed are statelie and well appointed , for there ▪ they have lay-brothers of all Trades that serve to their purpose , and to this place it is that your Horses are sent back from the Monasterie to be ●eept till your going away , and if by chance any of your own or Horse-Furniture had been broken by the way , or your Horses lost a Shooe , they will be all repaired next Morning without your desiring it . They have good store of Hay , and have made severall Closes near to the Monasterie , ( which stands on that side of the Hill that hangs to the Southwest , and consequently has most of the Sun for making of Hay , ) having felled down all the Wood that grew upon them . When you Arrive at the Monasterie , you alight from your Horses and then the Porter desires you to stay untill he call the Prefect , who presently comes and informs himself of your Names , Qualities , Country , and the Occasion of your coming ( for most part come out of Devotion , and they be but few Strangers that come for Curiositie , but however all are welcome , ) which being done he craves you Patience to acquaint the General , but he very soon returnes to conduct you to your apartement , only you must leave your Swords and Pistols with the Porter at the Gate . The Monasterie is verie large , and they have a different apartment for most Nations . We were carried into one that was very convenient , being a large Room wanscoted about with Firr-●●ords ; and for Fireing , every Log of Wood they put on , is like the End of a Ships-Mast . Our Beds for the most part were at the sides of the Room within the Wal , all boorded abou● like a Ships Cabbin ; and for Courtens having two folding leaves , which you may shut or leave open at pleasure . Upon our first Arrival into this Room , we were presented with a Collation of very good Wine , Bread , Butter and Cheese ; and then a Guide given us to conduct us up the Hill , yet half a Mile further , to see St. Bruno's Chapel , that stands in the place where he did his Pennance for many Years together , as they will more particularly inform you , & as you returne they will let you see another Chapel Dedicated to our Lady . By that time you are returned to the Monasterie it will be time to Supp , and then according to your number you will be treated with more or fewer Dishes . We were only six in Companie , and we had above 30 Dish of Meat , but there was not above three or four Varieties , except in the way of dressing ; & for that they are admirable . I believe we had at least a Dussen of different dishes of Eggs , all prepared in different maners ; the rest were a few Fishes and Fritato's , for seeing they never eat Flesh themselves , it cannot be exspected they should give it to any other Body within their Monasterie . The next Morning the Prefect conducts you thorow the House , shewes you the different Apartments , and particularlie to us was shown that of the English Nation , which they used to Assigne for them in former times , but now because of their defection from the Faith , they have given it to the German Nation . They show you painted about the Walls the severall Torments & Deaths inflicted upon those of thei● Order in England , in the time of King Henry the 8. & Queen Elizabeth . They let you see the Church , the Library , the Refectory , the Religious Cells , the Kitchen , ( which is the best I have seen in France after that of the Jesuits at L●-Flesch , ) and lastly the Cellers , which are well enough furnished , but nothing so well as those at Naples of the same Order . If any Gentleman be desirous to see the General , and speake with him , it will be granted him , and he will find him very Civil . All this being done you Breakfast , the Prefect waits upon you to the Gate , where your Horses attend you , and your Arms are delivered you , & so leaveing a little Drink-Money to the Servan●s , ( about a Crown a Head for Gentlemen , ) you take leave and returne again to Granoble . I must only add that all this Hill over there is excellent Herbarizing . From Granoble to Lions , you have a Matter of 15 leagues , in which there is little considerable . From Chamberrie to Lions there is 16 leagues , but nothing considerable upon the way ; save only that within 2 Miles of Chamberrie you have only the Gabelette to pass , which is a very steep and high Mountain in several parts precipicious , especiallie on the Savoy side , yet you mount that side on your own Horses , and must carrie along with you from Chamberrie Porters to carrie you down the Hill , on the French side . I think you will pay but half a Crown for your two Porters , and you will find them as dexterous in their Trade , as those of Mount Ceni's . Some that have a mind to see Geneva pass the Alps , either by the Mount Sampion or the Mount St. Bernard , and so from Geneva either go straight to Lio●s , which is a Matter of 26 Leagues , or else from Geneva go to Chamberrie , which is 12 Leagues , and from thence to Montmelian , the Grand Charterhouse , and so pass by Granoble to Lions . This is all that occurs to my Memorie at present , concerning this Journey . In truth I am very sensible that it might have been much more accurat , had I been so diligent as to write of it in the time I made the Journey , when all things were fresh in my Memorie . But that occasion being lost ; I had no more left me , but to Recol●ect my Thoughts as carefully as I could to satisfie your desire , & the rather because I am hopefull , it will provoke you to make a more diligent Inquiry after all things , and to set them down Orderly , without trusting your Memorie . This I conjure you to do ; and assure your self , it is one of the greatest things I will expect from you at your return . I confess , I have been somewhat prolix in my narration , but , if you consider the vastness and Fertilitie of the Subject , you will find few Towns in Italy , of which there might not have been more said than I have said of them all ; & this you will easily find to be true if you please to make a Collection of those Books that are writen of the Antiquities , and Curiosities , of each of them : For there is scarcelie any Town in Italy , where , you may not find such Books . However such as it is I offer it you , and wish it were better for your sake , for whole service it was only undertaken ; aud if it prove acceptable and usefull to you , I have my designe . I shall o●lie add that it had been sent you much sooner , had not the Necessitie of an Extraordinarie attendance upon this Winter-Session , so often withdrawn me , together with the other Duties of my Profession , which I was Obliged to perform . Postscript . A List of those Things , which I desire The Laird of LEVINGSTONE to procure for me in Italy . 1. All the new Books of Physick , Botany , and that any way relate to the Historie of Nature , that have been printed since the 64. and of Old Books , Aldrovandi's works at Bolognia , together with any other he can meet with , that was contained in the first List I gave him when he parted from hence , as also at Rome I desire him to buy me a Book in Taildouce , containing all the Antiquities , Palaces Statues , Churches , Villa's , Fountains , Pyramids &c. in Rome . I would have it of the best , largest and finest Impression ; and if you cannot get them so in one Book , I would have you take them in severall Fashions as you can best find them : You may inquire appresso Giacomo di Rossi a la Pace in Roma . Also Caroli Avantij , Paraleipomena Botanica , if it be to be had , for I never saw it , onlie he promiseth it in his Notes in Caenam Baptiste Fiera 4. Patav 1649. 2. At Florence I desire that you would remember to procure me a small Parcel of all the Varieties of Stones you can come by . The readie way will be to inquire for them at the Stone Cutters in the great Dukes Chapel at St. Laurence Church , or else at the Work-men that work in Stone for Cabinets at the Dukes Gallerie . But above all , of these two kinds of Stone that are most comon at Florence ; whereof the one Represents Trees , and Forrests ; the other , Towns and Villages : I would have of each two or three large handsome choise Peeces , fitt to be put in Frames . I would likeways have of those peeces of Cristal that are extraordinarie for Colour , or otherwayes that have any Substance , contained within them ; as water , &c. you may possibly find such , either at Florence or Millan , or it may be Venice or any other where . There is likeways a Stone called Lapis Fungiferus ; It is a Stone that being placed in the Ground produces large Mushroms ; I had one of them given me at Rome , but unhappily lost it at London . To the best of my Memorie , they are commonly found about Praenestae , commonly called Palestrina . Some honest Virtuoso , & particularlie Padre Barilieri alla Minerva in Roma , will tell you where they may be got ; I have likeways heard that they were in many places of the Kingdom of Naples . 3. I humbly desire likeways some parcel of Antieails , some●three or 4 of the Antiche Lucerne of the best fashioned and best preserved . In my time there was 2 or 3 in the Piazza navona , that sold such things , and particularly an Old Man , whose Name I have forgot , that had whole Cabinets full of Intalio's and Medales . I desire likeways some Intalio's that be truly Antique : the excellencie of the Impression , and the deepness of it commends them , especiallie if they be well preserved , & neither the Stone nor impression spoiled . I would likeways have some Brass-Medals of the 1st . or second Magnitude , that be well preserved . There are many things that commend Medals to be good , particularly , 1. to be Antique and not Counterfeit . 2. To be well preserved , 3ly . to have a good Reverse ; & it is to be observed , that the differences of reverses make different Medals , altho' they be of the same Emperour , or Consul , and of the same Magnitude , and it is likeways to be observed that those Emperours who Reigned longest had the greatest Varietie of Medals ; As for Reverses , the best are such as are least common ; as for example a Charriot , a Triumphal Arch , a Trophie of Warr , a Man or a Womans Head for the Reverse , two Faces on one side , a Galey , the Instruments of Sacrifice , an Amphitheatre , a Mousolium , an Elephant , a Lion , a Dolphin , and many more such that I cannot remember of ; as also a Reverse charged with many Figures , can never be ill , nor one that relates any known Historie , as one that I have of Titus Vespasian with a Palm●Tree , a Slave sitting at the foot of it , with this Word , Judea capta for the Reverse thereof . But I doubt mine is only a Copie , and not truly Antique . I would likeways have a few Chamaeo's providing they be not dear ; that which commends them is to have the Figures well done , and to be well preserved . The Pretiousnes of the Stone doth likeways contribute much to their Value . In all there , that is , Chameo's , I would be content that ye did bestow 4 or 5 Pistolls for me , which tho' I confess it be a very small Summ ; yet you may chance to make a better purchase for it at Rome than any where else for a farr bigger . Lastly , to conclude this Article , I would fain have some of the Ancient Glass , which through time looks now as it were Opal ; Nothing will commend it so much as to find an intire vase or Phiol , for example a Lachrimatory , such as the Ancients used to cape their own or their Friends Tears in . 4ly . There is the Face of a Hill near to Rome , as I remember , it is at the End of the Janicular , not farr from Cardinal Francis Barherin's Villa , that is full of Shells of all sorts Petrified , or if ye please to call them Stones , resembling all the Species of Shells . By what means they came there , I leave you to find out ▪ only I would fain have you to make good Provision of all the Varieties of them , and these as intire as you can get them . 5ly . At Naples I would desire you to buy me a couple of black Sashes , Net-work such as they use . I think the best use to cost 3 or 4 Crowns a Peece , and I would have the best . I would likeways have you to buy me at Luca , or at Florence , I think you may do it in either , two of the largest quilted Silk Stomagers , or Breast-Plates , such as people use to wear there in Winter time . And at Rome I intreat you to buy me a Dossen a pair of Gloves , Concia di Roma , not exceeding a Testone , or 4 Julio's a pair : and at Venice two pound , of the best Old Theriae . At Bolognia a Dossen or two of Soap-Balls . 6ly . All the Natural Curiosities that you can meet with , with your conveniencie of Fowls , Fish , Insects or other Animals , the manner of Ordering , of which I have written to you formerly . I confess these you sent me from Paris were the best ordered I ever saw ; but besides that it is too Expensive , you will not allways meet with the Oportunity , of having them so ordered ; therefore it will be sufficient , if the Skins ( being carefully taken of , and stuffed with Flax , or Cotten ) be so preserved : But for the smaller sort of Insects , their whole Bodies will easily preserve ; the Guts being first taken out . Of this kind I would have these viz. a Viper or two both the kinds of Tarantula , viz. the Stellio , which is a kind of Lizard Curiously , Spotted , but accounted Poysonous ; and the other true one , which is shaped like a Spider : and what others you think fitt . 7ly . Be pleased to make me some purchase of Outlandish Curiosities , especially , such as are from the Levant , of whatsoever Sort that you can meet with . Buy me at Venice , a Stilletto , and a pair of Armenian Shoos , shod with Iron on the heels , such as they use to wear undermost . For the rest I refer you to the Itinerary , and shall earnestly intreat you to do me the Favour to Remember all my desires , as farr as may Stand with your Convenience , for further I should be very sorry to trouble you . I do likeways with much Earnestness Recommend to you those Particulars , concerning my self , mentioned in such Places of the French Itinerary ( which I sent you last Year ) as you have not yet seen . Thus , once again wishing you all happiness , I Remaine Your &c. Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A30142-e480 ‖ In the Memoria BALFOUR●A●A . 
A41525	----	The present state of the princes and republicks of Italy with observations on them / written originally in English by J. Gailhard ... Gailhard, J. (Jean) 1671 Approx. 304 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 136 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-05 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A41525 Wing G125 ESTC R40437 19320043 ocm 19320043 108607 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A41525) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 108607) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1670:29) The present state of the princes and republicks of Italy with observations on them / written originally in English by J. Gailhard ... Gailhard, J. (Jean) The second edition corrected and enlarged [24], 240 p. Printed for John Starkey ..., London : 1671. "Licensed, Roger L'Estrange" --P. [24]. Pages 170 and 174 misnumbered as 136 and 474, respectively. Reproduction of original in the Bodleian Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Popes -- Election. Italy -- History -- 1559-1789. Italy -- Kings and rulers. Spain -- Social life and customs. 2003-12 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-01 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-02 Mona Logarbo Sampled and proofread 2004-02 Mona Logarbo Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE Present state OF THE PRINCES AND REPUBLICKS OF ITALY , VVith Observations on them . The Second Edition Corrected and Enlarged , with the mamnner of the Election of Popes , and a Character of SPAIN . Written Originally in English by J. GAILHARD , Gent. LONDON , Printed for John Starkey , at the Miter near Temple-Bar in Fleet-Street , 1671. To the Right Honourable , ROBERT , Earl of Sunderland , Baron Spencer of WORMLEIGHTON . My Lord. 'T Is usual with some when they publish any of their works , to pretend they were forced to it by the importunity of Friends , which is often true , and sometimes it is allowable ; but 't is no great modesty to boast of it upon every occasion . Others do prefix to their Books , to give them credit , the name of some considerable person ; this is well done , if the worth of the Piece be any wayes suitable to the qualifications of that Person ; else ( to speak in Solomons words ) it will be as a Jewel of Gold in a Swines snout . I hope , My Lord , I have at present in some measure hit upon that necessary proportion ; Your Lordship is in every account one of the most Eminent Noblemen of the Kingdome , and my Subject ( though I handle it with several defects and imperfections ) is of potent Princes and Republicks , a hard task indeed it is ; for when a private man is to speak of the persons and actions of Kings and Princes , specially of so many as I have occasion to mention , he walks upon the edge of Rocks and Precipices ; for of one side Princes are jealous of their Authority , and the people of their Liberty ; on the other , if he gives Monarchies such Commendations as that manner of Government deserves , he must be careful to say nothing to the disparagement of Republicks : Every one of these Governments is good in it's kind , yet not in every Countrey , only as it sutes the temper and constitution of the people ; but I cannot forbear to say , that Monarchy hath of all Governments most conformity to the pattern of all , or to the Empire which God hath over the World. 'T is not an easie matter to speak of a subject which hath been treated of by several others , however there are different wayes to do it , and new observations may produce new Notions . Sometimes one hath occasion to tell his opinion of things , and herein he is himself liable to the censure of thousands of different judgement and affections ; but as these things are unavoidable to those who appear in publick ; so they ought to be resolved to undergo any thing of that kind : the approbation of such persons as your Lordship , is that which writers should mind most of all , and use their utmost care to obtain . 'T is a known truth , and I declare it , My Lord , that your Natural parts , joyned to the experience you have gained by your travels , have fitted your Lordship to pass a judicious Sentence upon any thing that deserves it . I say nothing in this Relation , but what your Lordship hath more accurately by far , & more exactly observed : You have been , My Lord , upon the places highly esteemed by some Princes who knew your worth and quality , and where to my own knowledge ( if I may so say ) you omitted nothing that might conduce to the improvement of your self , as a person who by vertue of your Birth , Parts and Merits , will find no imployment in your Countrey too high for you , when some occasion shall be offered for your Prince to do you that favour and justice ; to the end , the Nation may have some benefit of that treasure of wisdome and Experience which is in you ; and I in particular the satisfaction to see your Lordship as great as you deserve ; which is the earnest desire of My Lord , Your Lordships most Humble and Devoted Servant , Gailhard . TO THE READER . WOnderfull and much to be admired is the goodnesse and wisdome of God , in that various distribution he hath made of his favours to Nations and Countries , for the benefit of humane Society , that men seeing every where some tokens of his goodnesse , after a serious reflection on the same , they should reduce all to that ultimate end , which is to give him Glory and Praises for it . Non omnis fert omnia tellus , So that one Country lies under a kind of necessity of keeping correspondency with another , either for necessary or for delightfull things , if not for the being , yet for the well-being ; for this end hath the Art of Navigation been discovered , Trade ( which makes Countries so flourishing ) settled , and all manner of correspondency kept between those who live at a distance . I do not deny but that it is convenient to have things brought home to us out of Forreign parts , without taking any pains , or running any hazzard , yet to have things right , we must go to fetch them upon the places where they are produced ; 't is best to have things at the first hand , and to have pure water , we must go to the spring , if it can conveniently be done , for it looses something of it's worth , either through the defect of the Vessell , or some other accident , if it be brought to us : We observe in Vegetables , if they be transplanted , after a while they degenerate , and loose part of their Vertue , the climate and the soyle are not so sutable to their nature as that wherein they grew ; no Balm was so good as that which was in Gilead ; that Vine-tree which in one place doth produce good Grapes , in another will yield nothing but wild Grapes . Experience also doth demonstrate this in sensitive Creatures , horses and dogs , when carried from their own climate , loose their good qualities , at the furthest at the second or third breed . This holds in rational creatures ; we know there are Nations which for the generality have quicker apprehension , and sharper wit than others , yet let a man remove from his Native Countrey , when he hath been any considerable while in another , his temper will be like that of those amongst whom he lives , imperceptibly such an alteration is wrought , so that he will grow dull and flegmatick if the climate bears it ; this may be caused by a constant conversation with people of that constitution ; by the very diet , for those aliments which are course , make gross and thick bloud , which doth not breed quick and lively spirits ; and a man by the change of Air , will find a great alteration in himself ; the breathing of a pure Air refreshes the Lungs , chears up the Heart , and upon a suddain inspires an inward joy , which can hardly be expressed : in this I speak after my own experience , I specially took notice of it when I came to Puzzuolo and Baya in Italy , neither was I alone to make that observation , which obliged me to think that there had been a particular reason of this nature , why some Roman Emperours , and others of the greatest persons amongst them , took such a delight to be there . 'T was in such places as this , and Tivoly , with the like , that Cicero , Virgil , and other eminent men for learning , composed the greatest part of those works which to this day we have amongst us . That which I have said of low and Mechanicall things , will hold in those of a more noble and higher nature . What Merchants do for their profit , Gentlemen ought to do for their honour ; the one brings riches into his Countrey , the other ought to bring good observations and maximes that may contribute to the good order and right Government of his Nation , if by his quality or abilities he comes to be called to havè a share in it . The great Law givers in Greece , sent into several parts of the world those who gathered for them the quintessence of those Laws which other nations enjoyed . The Romans in the times of the Decemvirs did the same , and others have followed their example ; 't is true , one must be very judicious and skilful in the application of the same ; for every Law doth not suite every Nation ; but I say , that mutatis mutandis , there is never a Monarchy , Aristocracy , or Democracy , but they may make an exchange of some of their Laws and Customes : Monarchy may afford Democracy some beneficial Statutes , so may well regulated Democracy to Monarchy ; for all governments , by what name soever distinguished , have or ought to have , but one and the same end , which is self preservation first , and then the promoting of publick good , every one in his station and calling , although these different governments use different means and waies to come to that end . Out of this I suppose 't will appear to any rational man how necessary and beneficial travelling is to the compleating of a Gentleman , if it be well directed and improved ; and as Nations are obliged to those Merchants , who through many and great hazzards do bring home the best of other Countries to inrich their own , certainly they must needs be much beholden to those Patriots , who have been at charges and pains to collect and bring them those wholesome counsels , by the right use of which they may secure themselves in the enjoyment of their plenty , riches and happiness , to the preventing of disturbances which might happen to arise against it : It ought therefore to be the endeavours , as it is the duty , of every one to fit himself as much as he can for the service of his King and Countrey . I said just now , how beneficial travelling is , if one hath good directions ; this lays an engagement upon me to say something to that effect for the satisfaction of those who stay at home , and for the instruction of them who go abroad ; not that I think my self wise enough to advise others ; only I say my naturall propensity joyned to that manner of life I have led hitherto , hath much inclined me to travel into most parts of Europe , wherein I have spent most of my time ; but whether this hath fitted me to give my opinion upon this subject , I am not to be the judge : however I dare say 't is difficult for a Gentleman , let him have never so good parts , to get any considerable benefit by his Travels upon his first going abroad , except he hath along with him the advice of one who knows Countries and fashions ; for the time allowed him to stay abroad is almost expired , before he can recover himself of the surprizal and astonishment which daily difficulties and inconveniences have cast him into : but when he is to act according to advice , and this advice is grounded upon knowledge and experience , he will find his task more easie , more pleasant and more profitable . And here I must say something in general of those who undertake to be such directors , which may well be applyed to all sorts of persons . God , whom men pray ( or ought to pray ) every day to give them their daily bread , hath commanded them to work for it , and he who doth not work , ought not to eat , as the Apostle saith . As the difference of faces , and the diversity of tempers in men do express the wisdome of God , so doth that variety of employments which he calls them to , according to their genius , inclination and abilities in some measure to perform their undertakings : Let every one abide in that whereunto he is called , saith St. Paul. ; so that men ought to follow it after they have imbraced it , either out of choice or by necessity , especially if besides the benefit they reap by it , they are any wayes usefull to others knowing we are born not so much for our selves , as for others ; and though a constant kind of employment be necessary for one , yet this doth not exclude the use of that capacity he may have to several sorts of calling , it being well for those who have many strings to their bow , that if one breaks the other may be useful . Men must ever be doing something , if it were for nothing else but to keep themselves from Idleness , which is the Mother of Vice. But to come to that kind of Employment which gives occasion to this discourse , 't is usually attended with great and many difficulties , besides the hazzards which one runs in forreign Countries ; for if dangers come often to men when they are at home , what will it be when they go as it were to meet with them , when almost every day they see men of all Nations , and of all sorts of tempers : certainly one must very much excercise his prudence in avoiding the perils he meets withall , and must have much courage to come off when they be unavoidable , but above all , an extraordinary protecting providence of God is absolutely necessary : yet there are more uncomfortable difficulties to struggle withal , than are the fore-expressed . The extravagancy of a young man , who will not be advised by a Governour , nor ruled by a Father ; this Governour is to please a Father who loves to spare , and a Son who delights to spend , a Father who would have him to learn and improve himself , and a Son who in his travels hath no other end but to take his pleasure ; and after he hath fenced a long while against the wild nature , the vicious inclination and unreasonableness of a Son , he is also exposed to the hardness and unthankfulness of Parents . I have wondred at many who take this charge upon themselves , and consider not whether they be qualified for it , when no honest man will undertake any thing , except he knows himself in some measure able to perform it : 'T is enough for them to know they shall thereby get a competent allowance , to run headlong upon any employment that lies in their way ; how can they expect in conscience or reason , that a young Gentleman can improve under their conduct , that his relations can have any satisfaction , or themselves get thereby any credit or reputation , if they have no capacity somewhat suitable to their undertakings ? for how can such a one be able to direct another how to benefit himself , and to travel in forreign parts , except he hath some knowledge of the language of the countrey , and fashions ? Every Nation hath some particular Vices and Virtues , the one to be avoided , and the other learned ; what these things are I must be told , and how can be that knows it not tell me of it ? this ignorance will make him contemptible to me , and he must learn it himselfe before he can teach it me ; so that for the whole time allowed to travel , he is onely a learner who should have been a Teacher . I am a bashful English man , I will learn confidence , and a handsome carriage in France , so riding the Great Horse , Fencing , Dancing , and other bodily Exercises which contribute to compleat a Gentleman , thence if I pass into Italy , that Air will fix the French Quick-silver , there I will learn Sobriety , Frugality , and to be circumspect in words and actions , so Musick Picture drawing , Architecture , &c. Yet I must have some knowledge of persons and places , of whom and where these things may be learned best of all ; I must know also how to benefit my self in going by , or staying at a place . 'T is not enough for a Gentleman to say , in such a City there is a stately Church , a fine Palace , and the ruines of a most antient Amphitheater ; this I confess ought to be taken notice of : but further , I must observe the quality of the Climate , and of the soyle , the Scituation of the Countrey , and ( if I understand Fortifications . ) the strength and the weakness of the Cities and Countries I go through , and take notice of the advantage or disadvantage of Rivers , Ways , and Grounds ; so I must be acquainted with their Manners , Forces , Riches , and wherein they consist , to see whether any thing out of it may be useful to my Countrey ; but above all I must observe their Government , and if it be possible their mysteries of State , so I must endeavour to know the persons and qualifications of Princes and Ministers of State , and any thing else that may be both for my own benefit , and the service of my Countrey ; so at length my travels having ripened my judgement , quickned my apprehension , and sharpned my wit , I shall not be unprofitable , nor of the number of those the Poet speaks of , Nos numerus sumus fruges consumere nati . This I do insist upon , not to boast of any abilities of my own , for I ingeniously confess my weakness in this , yet I profess a desire to learn it , though it was for no other end than to impart it to others , that with me they may reap some benefit of it ; this I say still , that another cannot teach me that which he knows not , but his knowledge , experience and practice of any thing enables him to infuse it into me ; and indeed 't is a fault I have accidently observed in some when they be in a strange Countrey , they keep company with none but the masters of their exercises , they ought indeed constantly to follow these exercises , but if they see no body else , at last they will learn to dance , to fence , &c. and nothing else ; they ought to make acquaintance with men of quality , and frequent their company ; of them a handsome carriage and good fashions are to be learned , they must also take care to finde themselves company for their honest pleasures , and lawful recreations ; but a hateful thing it is to see one brought up in a timorous and pendantical way , which makes a Gentleman unfit for any thing of concernment ; a Gentleman must be taught as to do no wrong , so to suffer no wrong as long as his honour is concerned in it , for he is not worthy to live who prefers his life to his honour ; not that imaginary honour as 't is conceived in these dayes , but that honour which is really so , not contrary to our duty to God , or obedience to Superiours ; therefore a great wisdome is required in the use of a bridle or of a spur to work upon youth , to infuse courage into them , so as not to make them rash , and so to curb them , as not to dishearten them . But I am carried further than I intended upon this subject , 't is time to speak directly to my present design ; I give thee Reader , the present state of the Princes , and Republicks of Italy : 'T is a worthy subject , if we consider their number , jealousies , and policy ; 't is certainly one of the most politick Nations of the world , and I doubt very much whether any other can compare to it . What I express is gotten not so much by reading , as by travelling upon the places , seeing and conversing for a competent time with those who were able to instruct me : some things also are of my own particular observation . In the following discourse , I do not speak of the Scituation , or of the boot-like shape of Italy , which any ordinary Mappe can shew ; to mention the quality of the Climate , or of the soyle of every part of that Garden of Europe , 't would prove tedious , and contrary to the narrow bounds I doe here prescribe my self . The manners of the Inhabitants , their outward form of Government , their Riches , Force and Religion , are matters for Historians ; hence it is that I do not insist upon Descriptions , however that which I thought fit to be known upon the matter in hand I express ; I think ( I know not whether I am mistaken ) that the variety I use in it will please thee , for in some parts I insist upon the person of the Prince , in others upon the manners of the Inhabitants , and in some others I briefly mention what is particular in their Government ; so that I have not a constant or affected method ; contrariwise I endeavour some time to conceal it : Upon every particular , I speak , either that onely which I thought necessary to be known , and so I passed by some things I could have told , or I speak according to the degree of knowledge I had of the thing ; and if amongst a thousand things unprofitable , there be but one useful , I will not grudge my time nor my pains . J. G. LICENSED ROGER L'ESTRANGE . THE Present STATE OF ITALY . THAT must needs be a Rare Countrey which is pleasant and plentiful , watered with many Rivers ; at the season adorned with Corn in the fields , and Grass in the Meddows , with delightful Land-skips , that in most parts hath a wholesome Air , that abounds in strong and stately Cities , where the eye is delighted with most sumptuous buildings , recreated with variety of Pictures and Statues , the ear pleased with as great a variety of harmonious musick as can be upon earth ; where the Palate is satisfied with the best fruits , and other delicacies , and the rarest Wines of Europe ; where in a certain season , the nose enjoyes the sweet smell of Orange and Jasmin flowers , which lay over head or under feet ; and at the same time , and in the same place to behold fine perspectives , and hear the murmur of several fountain waters : in a word , that Countrey which produces plenty , and variety to please all the Senses , and which hath the Alpes of one side for Walls , and the Sea on the other for bounds , must needs be an excellent Country ; such is Italy . The length of it , is a Thousand miles , or thereabouts ; beginning from Susa , a Town cited at the foot of the Alpes , at the coming into Piemont , and ending at Reggio , in the furthest parts of Calabri , in the Kingdom of Naples . As to the breadth , 't is more or less , according to the places , it being not full four hundred any where , nor less than sixteen . Parts of France and Savoy lay on the West of it , parts of Germany , namely , Tyrot and Swisserland on the North , and the Mediteranian Sea on the East and South , though for distinction , some call the one Jonian , and Adriatick ; and the other Tirrenean : most passages into Italy , are hard and difficult . The whole Country which we call Italy , is , by the Italians themselves , divided into Italy , the Kingdom , and Lombardy ; Italy comprehends the dominions of the Pope , of the grand Duke , and of Luca. Naples is that which they call the Kingdom , and Lombardy contains great part of the State of Venice , the Dukedoms of Milan , Mantua , Parma , Monferrat , Piemont , and the State of Genoa . But to make use of the ancient Division , and to descend to particulars ; I say , that in Italy some are great Princes , considering the Extend of their Dominions ; and others of an inferiour Orb , may be called petty Princes : The former sort come to the number of seven , and with the four Republicks , to eleven . The Pope , King of Spain , Dukes of Savoy , Tuscany , Mantoa , Parma , Modena ; for though some do reckon the Bishop of Trent , which stands between the Venetians and Tyrol , yet being a Prince of the Empire , having a perpetual alliance with the House of Austria , and often of the same Family , He may be taken for a German more than for an Italian Prince ; and seeing little can be said concerning him , we shall pass it by to come to the Republicks ; which are Venice , Genoa , Luca , and San Marino : For the order of precedency , Venice hath place after Spain , Genoa after Tuscany , though they pretend to be used as Crowned heads , being Masters of Corcica , formerly a Kingdom ; the other two Republicks take place after all the forenamed Princes , who also do not agree amongst themselves about Precedency ; Tuscany pretends it from Savoy , though he be much inferiour in antiquity , and extent of Dominions ; and Mantoa from Tuscany , neither will Modena yield it to some named before him . I should also say , that France having acquired Pignorolo , a door into Italy , and a strong place , from the Duke of Savoy , that King having an Interest in Italy , is to be reckoned amongst the Princes of it . The State of Rome . THE Pope hath great Dominions conveniently seated to disturb others , specially , Naples ; for all from Ostia , upon the Coasts of the Mediterranean Sea , to Loretto , Ancona , &c. is his : All the Lands together are called , Lo Stato Della Chiesa , in particular , old Latium , now Campagna Romana , il Patrimonio , di San Pietro , of which the chief City is Viterbo , part of ancient Tuscany , Terra Sabina , Umbria , ducato di spoletto , la Marca di Ancona , la Romagna , il ducato di Urbino , ducato di ferrara , Perugia , Orvieto , and Bolognese ; he is Soveraign of Naples , and Sicily , which he gives the investiture of , and receives homage for , as he doth for the Dukedoms of Parma and Piacenza , pretending the same over the Islands of Sardegna and Corcica : He is in possession of the Dukedom and City of Benevento in the Kingdom of Naples , and he pretends that in time of minority of the Kings of Spain , he hath right to Govern that Kingdom by a Legat : He also enjoyes the County of Avignon in France , and Ceneda within the state of Venice . These Countries , ( I mean those who are united together ) especially from Ancona to Ravenna and Ferrara all along the Coasts of the Gulfe of Venice , do afford good Souldiers , which upon case of an urging necessity may be gathered to about the number of 60000 , though 20000 foot and 3000 horse , as had Clement the 8th . in the War of Ferrara , were much to be kept on foot any long while : Urban the 8th . in the War of Parma had 30000 , but if the whole Countrey was in Armes , then 't would be upon 400000. The Pope indeed may be accounted , as he is really , a strong Prince , which strength consists in the extent of his Territories , in their Scituation , being all united , and there being no safe nor convenient places towards the Mediterranean , to make any landing ; and towards the Gulf they trust to the Venetians , who are to keep it clear ; upon which condition they are acknowledged to be the Lords of these Seas ; further all along the Coasts of the Mediterranean , and the whole Campagna Romana , there is a bad air , which would soon work upon any Army , either in Spring , Summer , or Autumn : This strength further consists in the temper of his Subjects and Soldiers , who are esteemed to be the best Foot in Italy : The Italian Proverb calls them , The best of Soldiers , but the worst of Subjects : so this strength consists in his strong holds , as Ferrara , Bologna , Fortezza Urbana , &c. in his Arsenals , or Magazeens of Arms ; the Vatican or St. Peter hath for 5000 men , in the Castle St. Angelo for 15000 , in Ancona for 10000 , in Ravenna for 5000 , in Ferrara 25000 , and Bologna for 10000 , and a new one a making at Tivoly , by the late Don Morto's Order , for 16000 men , with 80. pieces of Ordnance , where he employed continually above 300 men , so that they are spread up and down the Countrey to arme the People upon occasion to the number of 100000 men . Upon the Mediterranean he keeps five Gallies , which harbour in Civita Vecchia , they are not handsome , nor very good , but are well maned . But that which another way strengthens much the Pope , is , that Respect and Devotion which Popish Princes and States bear him , acknowledging him ( though falsly ) to be the Vicary of Christ , God on Earth , and the head of their Religion ; so that if a Prince had seized upon any of his Dominions , the Pope who had provoked him to make War being dead , it would be restored to the new Elected , all of them being perswaded , that it were a Sacriledge , to detain from that Church , that which did belong to it ; besides that every Prince of that Religion intending any such thing , would find it to be a hard work ; for the Pope hath ever an Army quartered upon their Land , which are that vast number of Secular Priests , and Regular Friars , who depend on the Pope upon several accounts , who having all sworn an Obedience to their Generals , who usually kept at Rome , they would act according to the Orders sent them from thence . So that having their Pulpits , Confessions , and Introduction into houses of all ranks , they could make strange worke ; Hence to me doth appear the happiness of those Princes , who having shaken off that Roman yoke , and turned out those Emissaries , are freed of those dangers , which those of that Religion are exposed to , though often they are liable to their private attempts . Another politick strength of Popes , consists in the Colledge of Cardinals , who are most of them chosen , either to gratifie Princes , or who depend upon Princes , ( without whose knowledge Princes hardly resolve any thing of importance about Popes ) or else are Relations to Princes ; and it is certain , when these Princes interests come to be in competition with the Pope's and Churches , this last swayes with them above all , because every one of these Cardinals is not without hope of being chosen Pope one time or other . Now I say , that Popes , as they are Temporal Princes , though they be Elective , ought to have that respect which deserveth the character which God hath set upon the forehead of Soveraigns ; but as he is a Tyrant over the Church , and an Usurper over the Heritage of the Lord ; all good Christians and reasonable men ought to abhor him , not his person , but that Tyranny , Usurpation , and unlawful Actions of his . I said , that 25000 or 30000 men , is a great number to be kept on foot by Popes any long while ; not for want of monies , for as Sixtus Quartus used to say , The Church can never want money in her purse , as long as the Pope doth hold a pen in his hand . Indeed , besides the ordinary income to the Camera , for the occasions of the Church ( so they call that State ) the Office of the Diataria , brings to Popes for their own use , exceeding great Treasures out of all parts , which own his Religion ; besides the private wayes they have to get monies , of which I shall speak ; some reckon that Popes have 6000 l. sterling a day , besides the casual incomes , which are very great : every time a Legat a Latere is sent abroad , he is allowed 250 l. sterling a day : for proof of this vast Revenues , Sixtus the 5th , who Reigned but five years of a poor Countrey Family Peretti , yet he builded the Palace of St. John of Lateran , began that of Monte-Cavallo , fortified Civita Vecchia , built many Colledges , made chargeable Aqueducts ; did many other costly works and reparations , wherein 't is thought he spent a matter of 15 Millions of Crowns , or upon 4 Millions of English pounds , and left f●ve Millions of Crowns in the Castle of St. Angelo , and did not charge his people with heavy Taxes ; and then the Popes had not the Dukedom of Urbino , nor that of Ferrara , and in a time that Reformation was carried on in a great measure in these three Kingdoms , France , Holland , Switzerland , Germany , Sweden , Denmark , and other parts of the North. And Paul the 5th . who indeed Reigned longer , left to the Prince of Salmona , one of his Nephews , 1000 Crowns a day , besides what he gave to several others of his Relations . And Gregory the 15th . of the family of Ludovisio , reigned only one year and a 11 moneths , and left to his Family 250000 crowns a year , or 62000 and 500 l. besides . Thus as Popes are temporal Princes , so they lay Taxes upon their Subjects , and heavy ones too . The late Popes , since his falling out with France , within the space of two years , laid Gables or Taxes upon 16 sorts of Commodities , which were free before : So 't was done upon the Soldiers , kept within the State , for every common Soldier was Taxed one Crown of his yearly pay , which came to between 5 and 6000 crowns , according to their number ; and the whole people in the City and Country were exceedingly oppressed : The selling of Offices is now a setled custom in the Court of Rome , which is very beneficial to Popes : I shall give but an instance of the Camera Apostolica , or the Apostolick Chamber ; the places of the Treasurer General , and of the Auditor , are sold for 80000 crowns a piece . There are Twelve places of Chierici , Clarks worth 42000 a piece ; the Presidents is 30000 , and so of others : the two forenamed Offices are the next step to the Cardinal ; so that if the Pope will have 160000 Crowns he makes Cardinals those who have them , and from others he finds ready money for the places . And what shall we say to that vast Treasure of Loretto , which is inesteemable : every week , nay , almost every day , one gift or other is brought to it from Kings , Queens , Princes , and other great Persons , Cities , and particular men ; they have whole Chambers full of Gold and Silver plate ; but this is nothing to that vast number of Diamonds , and other precious stones , which they keep in a place made a purpose : in the Castle of St. Angelo , are ever 5 millions of Gold , and one and a half in Jewels . Were it not for want of exercise of the Protestant Religion , Rome is as fit a place to lead a quiet and a contented life , as any is in the world , a man may live there as he pleases ; and no body meddle with him ; offend no body , and no body will offend you ; and though the inquisition be there , strangers are not troubled with it , except they speak against their Religion , which it were a great imprudence to do ; 't were a madness for a man to go tell the Pope he is Antichrist , this were to tempt God , and contrary to the wisdom of the Serpent , which is commanded us . 'T is an old and common saying ; Cum fueris Romae , Romano vivito more , &c. A stranger and a Traveller must be all eyes , and all ears , but hardly any tongue at all , he must hear , he must see , and hold his peace . I say , at Rome there is a very great liberty ; if a Protestant pleases , all Lent he may eat flesh , by the means of a License , which he may get for two shillings ; You are not obliged to go to Mass , to Confession , nor to any of their Superstitious wayes . One thing there is , which a stranger may do to satisfie his curiosity , which is , to go to their Stationi , as they call it , that is , their Devotions to certain Churches , which happens in one or other every week , where is a great concourse of people of all sorts , and constantly excellent good musick ; so every Saturday at the Cardinal Padrone's , the Popes Nephew , lodging at Monte-Cavallo , all men of good fashion use to meet , to tell and hear news ; so one day or other in the week , people use to meet at the Pallace of the Preferto of the Church , which is either the Popes Brother or Nephew . So at Monte-Cavallo , the Popes Palace ; when the Consistory of Cardinals is kept . So one may have the company one time or other of their Academists or Virtuosi , which in Rome are of three sorts , Humoristi , Lincei , Eantastici . One thing more is , to follow the Corteggio of some Cardinal and Ambassadour first for Protection ; for if any mischance should befall a man , when 't is known such a Gentleman is of the Corteggio of such a Cardinal , he is respected , and no harm done to him without the leave of such a Protecture , into whose house one may fly for sanctuary . Secondly , going with them ( after the warning you have of it at your lodging ) when they receive or make visits , or go to their audience , one may see their formalities and Ceremonies which are very great ; they never visit one another but they send before , one to know whether such a one be disposed to receive the visit of another at such an hour , and as Italians , give high names to things ; they call this Ambassage . Further , they receive not at the same time visits from two persons ; it must be known also , whether such a person intends to come Incognito , or whether he will be known , which only consists in the putting on or off of a superfluous garment , and the Loops which are about the Horses heads , which are of gold , if the Cardinal be a Prince , a Roman Baron , or of the Family of a Duke and Peer of France , or other Kingdoms ; so that according as they come , they are received nearer the Stairs , and with more Ceremonies , for every step they are to make is regulated , and they would not go an inch further ; so that all that passes between them , is more belle parole then realities ; I say , belle parole , not onely because they be Complements , but also they are accurate expressions , well pronounced , according to their proverb , Lingua Toscana in bocca Romana . One thing I must needs observe of their civility to strangers who are of their own Corteggio , that although they know them to be Protestants , yet they never trouble them with any discourse of Religion . 'T is certain , that this Court is as politick as any in the world , and where by a reflection you may know all what passes in Europe : for no Prince in the world hath better intelligencies then the ' Pope , who hath Legates or Nuncio's in most Courts , and spies every where . Cardinals do receive their Letters from the Courts of the Princes whose interests they own ; and the general of every Regular Order being usually at Rome , and receiving a constant weekly intelligence out of all those parts where are any of his Order ; and sometimes from the Confessors to Kings , Queens , and other high persons , do signifie what things they hear , to the Pope . One may judge of this by what they do at home ; that which is to be admired at Rome , is that exceeding great number of spies under pay , which are there up and down in all houses , publick places , and at every corner , the Pope hath his ; every Cardinal , and Princes ( I put them before , for they take place of them ) have theirs ; one Cardinal and Prince will have his spie in the house of another , though some of them go like gentlemen of good fashion ; and others who are of a higher form keep their Coaches ; some of them have keys to come in at any hour by the back door to the persons whose spies they are . Some as Staffieri , or Footmen , serve strangers ; others are Masters of Excercises , nay , several Cortegiane or Prostitute women are under pay ; so that by these means , no particular business comes to pass , but 't is presently known . One day I had occasion to enquire for a mean person about an ordinary business , very far from my lodging , and from that of a third person concerned in 't , in a corner of a street , one that was with me inquiring for such a one , in came to us an unknown man , who stood by , I admired to hear him say , what , you look for him about such a thing , he is gone to such a place : Every one of their great men who know this custome , do suspect every new servant they take . I have been told by a person who stood by , that the late Duke Cezarini , sent one day for a Notaro ( or one of those Scriveners , who kept the List of some spies ) whom he trusted , and haveing shewed him the names of all his Domesticks , how doth it go said he ? the other answered , well ; then said he , 't is a wonder , I am here the only man ; this Language is obscure , but he who stood by , knew the meaning of it . As to strangers , none come to Rome , but 't is presently known who it is , whence he comes , what company he frequents , and the like . Not long since I hapned to be at Rome , at the same time that there was a considerable number of English-men ; the late Pope told an English Priest , and an English Gentleman , who being a Papist , went thither for Devotion sake , That he wondered , that some of the English men that were then in town , did not come to his Palace upon the dayes he gave Audience , though it was but for curiosity ; but said he , I know they are so taken up to drink , that they have no time to spare : He was well informed , yet this did not proceed from any contempt he had for the Nation ; contrariwise he used to speak with respect of England , calling it the Land of Wonders : though this may be ambiguous , yet I believe he took it in a good sence , and he hath expressed the desire he had to have come to see it when he was Nuncio in Germany , if he could have done it with safety . In Rome are to be seen several ancient and modern Curiosities ; there are particular guides for antiquities , the modern do consist in Churches , Palaces , Houses of Pleasure , called Villa , where you may see the utmost of Art in Architecture , Pictures , Statues , Gardens , Water-works ; so there are Libraries , as that of the Vatican , enriched with a number of Excellent Books , and rare Manuscripts in several tongues , and increased with the ruines of that of Heildelberg , and with that of Urbino : this Library can be compared to none but that of Oxford , yet with some difference : there are also private Libraries and Cabinets , of all , which as of the curiosities of Tivoly and Frescati , places 12. and 18. miles from the City , there are exact relations in their Language , so that it were needless for me to name or to describe any . Therefore I come to speak how Popes stand affected to their Neighbours ; some grounds of this might have been laid formerly , when the Apostolick Chamber had the direction of affairs : but since Popes are come to be so absolute , that the Chamber must do almost all what they please , now their interest , natural in●●ination , fancy or Capricio , as they call it ; and sometimes the suggestions of a Kinsman and favourite , such as was Don Mario , though 't was a woman , as Don Olympia , are the rule of it . Some Popes have had fallings out with the Venetians , as had Paul the 5th . concerning Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction , and other things ; Clement the 8th . with the Dukes of Modena about Ferrara ; Urban the 8th . with the Duke of Parma about Castro ; and so of late Cardinal Franciotti , Bishop of Luca , was like to be the occasion of a great falling out between the Pope and that Republick . Urban the 8th . was a great friend to France , but not to Spain , nor to the Grand Duke . Innocent the 10th . the half of his Reign was for Spain , and then he turned to the French ; and the late Alexander 7th . was all along an enemy to France , chiefly upon the account of Mazarini , whom he hated with all his heart ; but the present Pope carries himself even between all , although before his Election he were suspected to be partial for Spain , but upon no sollid grounds ; for those who pretend to the Popedome stand neutrals , and declare themselves of no party The maximes of Pope's are different , according to their interest and temper ; so that this being an Elective Dignity , no general rule but this can be given , that all endeavour to raise their Families to Honour and Riches ; however their Raggioni di Stato are , to hinder Naples from falling into the Emperours hands : for Clement the 7th . made penance for the fault which Leon the 10th . had committed to favour Charles the 5th . A second maxime is , still to give hopes of being promoted , to the dignity of a Cardinal to those potent Prelates that are at Rome , and elsewhere , to keep them in dependency , and from discontents and disturbances . Another is to confine the number of Cardinals to 70. which was an invention of Sixtus Quintus , to avoid the importunities of several Princes , who solicited him to confer that dignity upon some whom he would not bring into the Colledge . Of the same nature as this is , another Arcano di Stato , concerning the Examen of Bishops , which was ordered by Clement the 8th . to stop the designes of Princes , who intended to promote to Prelacy many of their Creatures : for then they had been ashamed to present those who had no learning , nor other qualifications fit for the place . A further secret of state is , that of the Bull of Residency , whereby Bishops are obliged to reside in their Bishopricks ; by the means of this , Popes do remove from their Court those Cardinals and others whom they dislike : By these means Urban the 8th . kept out of Rome Cardinal Borgia , and others of the Spanish Faction , who spoke too boldly to him : So did Alexander the 7th . keep away Cardinal Rossetti , who stifly opposed his Election . A further maxime of theirs is , to refer to Congregations , the demands of Princes about Ecclesiastical Laws , Jurisdiction , and other things which Popes are not willing to grant , for so they lay the denial upon others . Another Raggioni di Stato , is , that Cardinals may not go out of the state of the Church without leave from the Pope , for so they prevent those Counsels and Assemblies before the which formerly they have at several times been summoned to appear . Further , as former Popes have humbled and brought down those noble and potent Families that were in Rome , which had given a great deal of trouble to their Predecessors ; so at present Popes keep them low ; by which means , they have so degenerated , that instead of those great and brave Captains , now out of these Families come out idle , vicious , and effeminate persons . Lastly , t is a very politick maxime of Popes , to send their Legate to Princes , to pacifie the quarrels arising between them , although they know 't will effect nothing at all ; and that sometimes 't is their interest that such quarrels should last , for hereby they shew themselves to be zealous of the publick good and peace ; and thus they maintain themselves the Arbiters of Princes . The Cardinals Nephews have also their particular maximes , namely to keep from preferment , and to remove from the Pope's person those whom they do not affect : on the contrary , to raise to dignities , and to procure places of trust to their friends and creatures . Publick Ministers at that Court know so well the jealousie of Nephews , who will have nothing communicated to Popes , but by their means , that usually they impart first to them , that which they are to speak of to the Pope , and commonly they give them an account of what answer they had , taking Cardinal Padrons lodging from the Popes in their way homewards . A policy of the Cardinals , who are contrary to the Court , is to get some Eminent one disaffected as they are , to be their Head ; and now 't is a custome passed as it were into a Law , to choose none but Italians to be Popes . Before the late Election , the Colledge of Cardinals was divided into the Ghigian party , which were all the creatures or friends of Alexander the 7th . six of them are of Siena , the City he was born in , the Squadra volante , the flying Squadron composed of the creatures of Innocent the 10th who having left no Cardinal of his Name or Family , Cardinal Imperiale was look't upon as the Head of them , and most part of these were brought in to this present Pope by Azzolino , one of their chief members ; but the 3d. party was that of Barbirini Francesco the Dean of the Colledge being the head , and several of Urbans Creatures the members with some others , who being poor , received pensions from Francesco ; now a fourth part is rising , which is that of the present Pope . Before I leave this subject , I must say something of him ; He is called Clemene the 9th . which name he took , as he assured the Princess of Rossano , out of respect he doth bear to the memory of Clement the 8th . Aldobrandin ; his name is Giulio Rospigliosi of Pistoia , an indifferent good City , about 20 miles from Florence , and in the Grand Dukes Dominions . This man was chosen the last year , in the 71. of his Age ; he was employed as Nuncio in Spain , and then by the late Pope was chosen Secretary of State ; he had a very sore fit of sickness a little while afore the Pope died ; he was once given over by Physicians , and when he came to recover , and before the Popes death , he had thoughts to leave his place . He is a man of a middle stature , and very gray ; being a Cardinal , he was accounted a wise Statesman , and of great parts ; I say he was , for I cannot tell whether he doth or will continue so , for often have we seen in that place that Honours have changed manners ; as it was well observed of the late Pope Alexander , of whom it was said , as of Galba , He had been worthy of Reigning , if he had not Reigned ; Dignus Imperio , sinon imperasset ; and of all other sayings , this most of all was fastned upon him ; he was maximus in minimis , and minimus in maximis . This Pope , since his Election to that Dignity , hath made a judicious Creation of Cardinals ; he hath chosen his own Nephew to express his affection to him ; the late Pope's Nephew , Don Sigismond , to express his thankfulness for the Obligations he had to that Family ; and herein he hath given an example contrary to that so much blamed of Innocent the 10th . who did so bitterly persecute the Relations of his Predecessor . The third Cardinal Created , is Leopold , of the family Medici : Thus he hath repaired the fault of Alexander , acknowledged the kindness he received from the Grand Duke in the late conclave , and shews that he remembers he hath been his Subject : Further , this Pope hath done two things contrary to the practices of his Predecessor , who , at the beginning , would own none of his Relations , nor have them about his person , or raise them to preferments , till he seemed to be forced to it by the earnest solicitations , and constant importunities of Cardinals , and publick Ministers ; yet it is well known how indulgent to them he hath been all along ; therefore , said the Romans , Alexander was as good as his word , that he would not receive his Relations at Rome , for he went to do it at Castle Gandolfo , a house of pleasure 12. miles from it : but the present Pope sent for his immediately after his Election , and would make no new Creation ( as they call it ) of Cardinals , nor distribute several favours till his Nephew was come back to Rome , that others might have to him the Obligation of it : The other thing he hath done is , that he hath suppressed in part those heavy Taxes which his Predecessour , or Don Mario , hath laid on the people ; this hath much gotten him the love of his Subjects . Should I now go about to give a character of Don Camillo his Brother , his Nephews , and other Relations , it would be too much like a relation , therefore I forbear it ; and indeed I have been so long upon this particular , that I must be shorter in what follows . In Rome are still some Noble and Ancient Families , as Colonna , which do possess three Principalities , Ursini hath two more . Savelli , whereof the chief is perpetual Marshal of the Church , and Prince of La Rizza , bought by the late Pope , and of Albano . Muti , Duke of that name , and Prince of Rignano , Cezarini , Prince of Jansano and Ardea . Conti , of which is the present Duke Pauli . Caetanis of which is the Prince of Caserta , Son to the Duke of Sermonetta . Frangipani , which is extinct , for the late Marquess left out one Daughter , who hath been married to one of the name , who lives in Hungary . The others are Bentivogli , Baglioni , Peppuli , Vitelli , &c. The new Families , to begin with that which now Rules , are , Rospigliosi , Ghigi , Pansilio , Barberini , Ludovisio , Borghese , Altemps , Cezi , Farneze , Aldobrandini , Buoncompagnio , &c. raised by Popes of th●ir family , as now Rospigliosi of Clement the 9th . Ghigi of Alexander the 7th &c. Matthei also , and Lanti both Dukes in Rome , are both of good Famiies . But now Clement the 9th . is dead , after somewhat above two years Reign ; he was old and weak , but the loss of Candia , hath probably hastened his death : his Relations had no time to rise very high , and they must leave the place to his kinsman , who is now to be chosen Pope : about whose Election the Conclave is now much divided ; the Factions being great and stiff , every one driving on her Interest and advantage . The Cardinals amongst themselves being divided into four parties , because they are all the creatures of so many Popes , Urban the 8th . Innocent the 10th . Alexander the 7th . and Clement the 9th . besides the Grand Dukes Interest is great in the Conclave : the Spanish is considerable in number , by reason of many of his Subjects in 't ; but as Cardinals mind themselves more than the Crowns ; and as Spain is not mony'd , very probably many will fall off : on the other side , the French having some of the best head-pieces in the Conclave , and ready monys , will go very far ; and because the last time they were disappointed , and could not raise Farnese to the Popedome , they will strive very hard for it . The Emperour , and King of Poland have also their Parties among the Cardinals , but not considerable in themselves , only they may joyn with others . These Princes , as the French and Spanish Crowns Interests , are managed by those Cardinals who are their Protectors , and the Ambassadours who are at Rome : of late the Crown of Portugal is also come in . There are also those Cardinals called Neutrals , of those , who pretending to the Popedome , declare themselves ( at least , not openly ) for no party . Cardinals first of all were called Roman Priests , sent by Popes , to Preach and do other offices in the Churches , who owned their Authorities : There were but six upon their first Institution . Calpurnius Poncinus , in the year 231. raised their number to 10 , so by degrees they were 70. but as Popes may alter the orders of their Predecessors , so they have lessened , or increased this number . They were very inferiour in dignity to Bishops , to whom , and to the people the Election belonged formerly ; but Innocent the 2d . gave it wholly , and only to Cardinals , in the year 1135. yet left it at their liberty to choose one of their number , or another Prelate . But in the year 1464. Paul the 2d . ordered that none but a Cardinal should be chosen Pope . Innocent the 4th . was the man , who in the year , 1242. altered the precedency between Bishops and Cardinals , to the advantage of the last : the same gave them the red Hat : Bonifacius the 9th . the Habite : and Paul the 2d . the Cap of Scarlet : to shew , ( as they say ) how ready they are to shed their blood for the Service of the Church ; though I think , that this colour and Purple which they use too , are to set forth their Pomp and Magnificence . These Cardinals are chosen by the Pope , according to his intimation , and some few upon the commendation of the Emperour , and the King of France , Spain , and Poland , out of the German , French , &c. Nations ; according to the choice of those Princes , who have liberty to commend , one two , or three , of what Nation they please : All these Cardinals are divided into three Orders , six Bishops , 50 Priests , fourteen Deacons : every one of them takes place of all Embassadours whatsoever , and pretend the hand from all Princes , except Crowned Heads . Thus much I thought fit to speak of Cardinals , especially now upon the occasion of the Sede vacante , for they are met to make a new Election , of which 't is necessary to say something . The Pope being dead , Nine days are employed towards his Funeral , and other formalities depending thereupon : On the ninth day after , Mass is said , a speech is made in commendation of the deceased , the Cardinal Padrone , that is Master , ( a Title introduced by Paul the 5th . but fully confirmed by Urban the 8th . ) who is a nigh relation of the late Pope , acqaints all Cardinals abroad with his ●eath , who thereupon make all possible haste to come to Rome . On the 10th day after the Popes death all the Cardinals who are able , meet at St. Peters Church , where the Mass of the Holy Ghost , as they call it , is sung by the Dean of Cardinals , he who is of a longest standing , or the next to him , if he be not well ; there is also made a speech upon the subject of the Election of a new Pope , with a great concourse of people to hear it ; after this , all the Cardinals go in a Procession towards the Conclave , following a Priest who carries the Cross , the Musicians singing their Veni Creator Spiritus . This Conclave is a place in the Vatican near St. Peters Church , all made a new by order of the Cardinal Chamberlain , or Chamerlengho , all of wood , which after the Election , is disposed of by the said Chamberlain , where a small Lodging is made for every Cardinal , and every one hath his by lot . The Cardinals , some Prelates , and Volaries go in then , whereof one reads with a loud voice the Bulls concerning the Election of Popes , which being done , all Cardinals take an oath to observe what is therein contained , in the hands of the Dean , and of Prince Savelli , who upon this action hath leave to enter into the Conclave , of which he is keeper , and perpetual Marshal of the Church , for himself , and successors : After this Ceremony every one goes to his dinner , and hitherto the doors are shut up , but after dinner all Ambassadors and Roman Princes have liberty to go in , and for the space of four or five hours they treat and negotiate with Cardinals , within their private Lodgings , which time being past , they ring a little bell , whereupon every one is to go away , excepting the Cardinals , and the Deputies or Deputati of the Conclave , to wit , two servants are allowed to every Cardinal , who chooses whom he likes , the old and weak ones are allowed three ; for publick use , are one Sagrista , and Oschaltarra ; and Solo Sagrista , who take care of things relating to their Devotions , and belonging to the Altar ; five Masters of Ceremonies , the Secre●ary of the Conclave , a Confessor , two Physicians , an Apothecary , and two to help him ; a Surgeon , two Barbers , two Masons , two Carpenters , and sixteen Porters . Assoon as all others are gone , and these are within , the Conclave is walled in and out , after which , the Cardinals , Dean , and Chamberlain , go about it to see whether it be well : it hath formerly been ordered by some Popes , that after this , no Cardinal should be admitted , but 't is not strictly observed , if they come soon after , and if the Election is like not to be ended so soon : Before they are shut up , orders are issued by them , for the peace and quiet Government of the City , it being very necessary so to do , upon such a conjuncture , to prevent great and many mischiefs ; now all that time the City Officers have a great power , so that if a Malefactor be taken , he is soon made away . 'T is not usual with the Cardinals to discharge the Officers entrusted by the late Pope , but 't is necessary they should be confirmed by them . Within the Conclave , is kept an exact Guard , under the Command of the High Marshal ; first at the Ruota , seven in number , which are some holes left unwalled , to take in the Victuals which are brought in to every Cardinal ; These Ruota's are used at Rome , in every Monastery and Nunnery ; the use whereof is to receive what things are brought from without , and given from within : For at the inside of the Wall are some few boards joyned together , of five or six foot high , and three or thereabouts in breadth , some more , some less ; but being all of an equal bigness ; and this is so suspended , that it turns about like a wheel , which in Italian is called Ruota ; 't is hollow within , so that it is capacious of receiving great dishes , baskets , and some can hold a child of twelve yeares old ; Then upon the Staires in the Courts , and at all passages , Guards also are set with four great corps de guard in the great place before St. Peters Church ; every time dinner is sent in to a Cardinal , 't is attended by some of his servants , and a Mace-bearer , with a Silver Mace , with the Cloth and other things used at Table ; this is done twice a day , and besides the Soldiers , four Prelates stand at every Ruota , to search strictly every thing which is sent in , the very bread is all cut in small pieces for fear their should be any bills in 't , and those four Prelates are changed every day by the Marshal , to whom these bills shall be given , in case any be intercepted , which he will keep till the Election be over ; but this is searched , not only without , but also within , by the Masters of Ceremonies ; who have taken an oath of fidelity , and after the meat is in , these ruota's are sealed with paper , both at the in and out-sides : at every one of these holes , twelve Soldiers are of Guard in the day , and twenty five in the night time . Every Cadinal eats and drinks alone with his domesticks , and all their victuals are dressed by order of the Martial , but the Church pays for 't , and one buyeth as much as the other ; there is also an allowance for others , who are shut up , some more or less according to their quality , but usually the Cardinals servants have the rest of their Masters , and the Guards every where are mounted every day according to the Marshals order , who also according to the Bulls doth lessen the victuals of Cardinals , when ten days are over , since they , being shut up , in case the Election be not made , and this is to force them to hasten it , and to come to an agreement about it ; which to effect , once a day they meet at the Chappel of the Conclave , and he who at last is chosen , ought to have two parts of three of the Votes , so that if of sixty he had but thirty nine , it would not be a right Election . The Cardinal Dean , hath the command of Cardinals , as the Camerlengo of others who are shut up , and and at last they must agree about him who is to be chosen , and all this while , all within the Conclave are ignorant of what passes in the City . Assoon as 't is known within the Conclave who is the Pope , the Cardinal Decano desireth him to approve of the choice which the Colledge hath made of him , which he consents to , and takes what name he likes , as Innocent , Clement , Alexander , or the like : then standing between the two chief Cardinals , he is led behind the Altar , where they take off his Cardinals clothes , and give him the habit of a Pope ; immediately after is sung the Te Deum : then all the Cardinals one after another , falling upon their knees , do ( to use their words ) adore him , kissing his foot , then the right hand , and then he gives them osculum pacis , upon both cheeks , so they give him signs of submission , which is meant by kissing of the feet , they expect from him Protection , in kissing his hand , and they receive from him a sign of affection , being kissed on the lips or cheeks . These things being performed , one of the Masters of Ceremonies , takes the Cross , and carries it before him , whilst the Ecce Sacerdos Magnus is sung , and they go towards the Balcone which looks upon the great place before St. Peters Church , called La loggia della benedictione ; and the Masons beat down the Wall of partition , and there the Pope being between two Cardinals , they shew him to the People , who stand below in the great Place , one of the Cardinals with a loud voice pronouncing these Latin words , Annuntio vobis gaudium magnum , habemus Papam Eminentissimum & reverendissimum N. N. qui sibi nomen imposuit , N. N. Hereupon , the People cries out , God save the new Pope , God bless the Family , N. N. and at the same time , one can hear the Artillerie of the Castel San. Angela go off , there being constantly some to observe the pulling down of the Wall ; then all the Soldiers give their Vollies ; the Drums beat , the Trumpets sound , and all the Bells in town ring . Assoon as the people hear who is chosen , they run to his Palace and Plunder it , it being the custom so to do ; but those Cardinals who are likely to be chosen before they go to the Conclave , have removed the best things they have . The Ceremony at the window of the Balcone being ended , all the Cardinals wait upon the new Pope to his Palace in the Vatican , whence every one goes home : in the mean time , the Pope receives no publick visits , only private ones from his relations , if they be at Rome , and those who have been his friends in the Conclave , who come to receive the effects of the promises he made to them to get their assistance , for usually they engage upon such conditions of interest and preferment : about a fortnight's time is allowed to prepare things , in order of his being carried in a Chair on mens shoulders to St. Peters Church , to take possession of the Popedom , which is done with much pompe and magnificence ; and about a fortnight after he goes in a Cavalcata to do the same at the Church of St. John of Lateran : but from the first day of his Election , he begins to give his Orders about the Goverment of all his Dominions . 'T is usual with every Pope to take an Oath before the Cardinals , about several things , the chief whereof are , 1. To labour to keep peace between all Christian Princes . 2ly . They will promote to the dignity of Cardinals , none but those who are worthy of it . 3ly . To call to an account all the Officers of the State , of the Church , when their time is expired . 4ly . They will not make two Brothers Cardinals , which was the Decree of Julius the Second . 5ly . Not to alienate any thing belonging to the Church , which things all the World knows how well they are observed , but if Popes may ( as they think ) dispence others from their oathes , why not themselves too ? so that after this Principle of the Popes Infallibility , men who believe it , must not complain against him , for if he be infallible , he can do nothing amiss ; these were the words of the late Duke Cezarini to two Jesuits , who complained to him , that the Pope Alexander the 7th . had perswaded Father Oliva their General , to fell to him land for 100000 Crowns . I thought it would not be amiss to mention so much about the Election of a Pope , it being seasonable now , in the time of a Conclave , for those who have a mind to be informed of their wayes about it , for as to many other practices of that Court , I wholly wave it off , as are their Formalities in visits , their change of cloths , creation of Cardinals , and things depending therefrom ; of their Jubilees , Indulgences , Blessing ofSwords , Agnus Dei's , and Roses , Cavalcataes , and Processions , Washing of the Feet , Beatification , Canonization , and so many other things which we account to be vain or Superstitious . I judge it unnecessary to mention the order setled in the Popes Court and Family , but withal think it not amiss to say few words about their great Courts and Offices , which I will only mention , they being not material for any Protestant State who have nothing to do there , by way of Publick Ministers . All businesses there are managed by certain Councels or Commitees , which they call Congregationi , to the number of sixteen . The First , is that Del Sant Officio , or Inquisition , which as all the rest hath a Secretary , by whom are given all dispatches , which he seals also with the seal of the Cardinal , who is the President of it ; in it are treated Matters of Religion , conducing to what they call Heresie , Prophanation , Blasphemy , &c. This ever is Governed by the Dominicans , and meets three times a week , on Monday at the Palace del sant Officio , on Wednesday , at the Dominicans Church , called , La Minerva ; and the Thursday , before the Pope . The 2d . is that which takes cognizance of affaires concerning Bishops and Regular Priests , or other of their Diocess's , of this , as of all the rest a Cardinal is the Head ; into it enter 24 Cardinals , which is the greatest number of any , yet never under six in any other ; whensoever Friars have any falling out with Bishops , they presently threaten to bring them before this Congregation , which meets every Friday in the House of the Cardinal , President of it . The 3d. is del concilio , the jurisdiction of which , is to give interpretation to the Text of the Council of Trent , it meets every Sunday in the House of the Cardinal President of it , or a Thursday if he hath a mind to it . The 4th . is della immunita Ecclesiastica , instituted by Urban the 8th . to judge of Ecclesiastical Priviledges , which is kept every Thursday , at one of the Popes Palaces , a Cardinal being the Head of it , for which the Camera allowes him 1000 Crowns a year . The 5th . is di stato , which handles matters of State ; all the Cardinals , who have been Nuncios and Ambassadours , come in to it , and the Secretary of State : there is no prefixed day , but it depends upon the pleasure of the Pope , or his Nephew Cardinal , in whose presence it meets . The 6th . is de propaganda fide instituted by Gregory the 15th . it consults about all manner of wayes , how to promote the Roman Faith throughout all parts of the World ; all their Emissaries depend upon this , so that what Jesuits and Priests soever we have here , have their mission from this Congregation , whereof Cardinal Francesco Barberini is President ▪ it meets usually once a moneth upon a Munday , either in the presence of the Pope , or in the Colledge called de propaganda fide , which is , in Piazza d' Ispagna . The 7th . is de' Riti which judges of all differences about Ceremonies , Formalities , Places , Canonizations , &c. it sits once a month , and more if needs be , in the House of the Cardinal President of it ; who is ever the Senior of the Deputies , who is to summon it , as do all other Cardinals , Presidents of other Congregations . The 8th . is del acqua wherein are treated Matters concerning Rivers , Channels , Bridges , and the like ; there is no certain day to meet , but when occasion requires it , the Cardinal who is the Head of it , sends out his summons about it . The 9th . is ; delle Strade , whereof the Camerlengo is the chief , all things relating to the necessaries and ornament of Streets , is treated of in 't , under its jurisdiction are matters of Aqueducts and Fountains ; the distribution , whereof is made by this Congregation as they think fit and convenient : and meet only upon occasion . The 10th . is della consulta per governo , dello stato di S. chiesa , is of a great concernment , it takes cognizance of any thing relating to the Government of the whole State of the Church ; all Legats , Governours of Cities and Provinces give an account of what things of concernment happens in their Government to this Congregation , who orders them to act as they think fit : yet by especial priviledge , the Legats of Avignon , Ceneda , Benevento , and the Governor of Fermo , and Spoleti are free from her jurisdiction . The Cardinal Padron , for the time , who is ever a nigh relation of the Pope , and who rules all under him is the head of it , at whose pleasure it usually meets in his Lodgings . The 11th . is dell , indice , into it are brought Matters of Books , Printed , or to be Printed , to be examined , Corrected , and Licensed ; it usually meets once a month or seldomer , as the Cardinal President of it is pleased to order . The 12th . is degli Syravii , or grievances , otherwise , De buono Regimine , 't is a Court of redress and equity , this , particular subjects , and whole Corporations apply themselves to , when they are wronged , or oppressed by their Governours ; this Cardinal Padron , is the Head of , who orders it to meet at his house when he hath a mind to 't . The 13th , is Soprale Zecche , about the mint ; sees all monies to be coyned , and sets the price of forreign Coyns , and all currrent moneys . This Congregation upon occasion , meets at the house of the Cardinal , head of it . The 14th . is Dell , Essame . All they who are to be promoted to any Bishopricks in Italy , and not one of it , are to be examined by these ; it is usually done in the Popes presence , and at his pleasure , for the time , he who is examined kneeling all the while upon a stool opposite to the Pope ; the Cardinals only are free from this examen . The 15th . is de negotii consistoriali , about consistorial affairs ; of which the Cardinal Docano , Senior , or Eldest as to Election , is the head : at whose house 't is kept but very seldome , because it treats only about matters referred to it by the Pope , as are resigning of Bishopricks , Abbeys , Ecclesiastical Taxes and Impositions . Having already mentioned Consistorial Affairs ; one is to know that the Consistory is the Assembly of all Cardinals then at Rome , whereat the Pope is ever present : it being kept at Monte Cavallo on Mundays , Wednesdays or Frydays ; where more general and serious Affairs are treated of : and what things the Pope is pleased to lay to their consideration , upon a consistory day , no Congregation is kept except it had been summoned before the Pope had intimated the Consistory ; and in such a case the Congregation is put off till the afternoon ; for Consistories are ever held betimes in the morning . Of Consistories , some are publick ; when by example , hats are bestowed upon Cardinals after a publick Cavalcata , or when Audience is given to Ambassadors , and forraign Ministers ; or else private , according to the Affairs they are to treat of ; and this last sort are kept more often than the former . That which they call Collegio , is the whole body of Cardinals ; among whom ever is one Camerlengo of the Sacro Collegio , to distinguish it from the Popes Chamberlain , and is but for a year : there is also a Secretary , a Clerk , and Controller● the Secretary is ever an Italian ; but the Clerk is one year a German , another a French man , and then a Spaniard . But there is the 16th . and last Congregation , Della visita Apostolica , whose care it is to see all Churches , Chappels , and places of devotion in and about Rome , that nothing be wanting in 't , tending to the necessaries , ornaments and decorum thereof ; and to cause every thing to be duely and orderly performed in 't . Besides all these Courts , there is a considerable one called la Ruota , composed of twelve Prelates ; whereof there is one German , one French-man , two Spaniards ; one of Bologna , one of Ferrara , one Venetian , one Toscan , one Milanese , and three Romans . They judge of all causes about Benefices , whether they be in those Countries which own the Popes authority , or else-where . About which they use to meet in the Apostolical Palace twice a week , on Mondayes and Fridayes ; and although the place of Auditori di Ruota be not very beneficial in it self , it being not worth much above one Thousand Crowns by the year , yet the Pope , bestowing upon them other Ecclesiastical preserments , it makes it very considerable , the more as to honour , that sometimes some of the Auditory are made Cardinals . There is also the Camera Apostolica , or Apostolick-Chamber , consisting of the Cardinal-Chamberlain , the Governor of Rome in quality of Vice-Chamberlain , the Treasurer-general , the Auditor and the President of the Chamber , the Advocate of the poor , the Solicitor-general , and Attorney-general , the Commissary & o twelve Chierici or Clerks ; whereof four ever are Over-seers or Prefetti , the one dell Annona of all manner of Corn , and price the other della grajua over the price of all sorts of Flesh and Fish ; the third over all the Prisons which he visits , with others , every Thursday ; and the fourth is to oversee the Streets . The Jurisdiction of this Court is extended upon every thing relating to the Church , in the way of Bonds , Leases , In-comes , Expences , matters of Rights , Customes , Impositions , and all Rights , Possessions and Priviledges ; in a word , when Popes were not so absolute , as they are now , these Camera , was as the Guardian of the State of the Church , to see that it should not be imbeciled , wronged or a lienated ; so that 't is indeed the true Treasury of the Church , all Tributes due to it being paid here . There is also another Office called Diataria , which is administred usually by a Cardinal , who hath one under him called Sotto Datario , throughout whose hands pass the vacancies of all benefices , which bring yearly very great In-comes to the Pope , who allows 2000 Crowns to the Datario , and 1000 to the Sotto Datario . This Office is not the same as that of the Secretary of the Pope , as some do imagine ; for he who is properly the Secretary of State is the Popes Nephew , or Nephews sometimes , who hath several under him : to him all Ambassadors , & publick Ministers make their addresses . This writes and subscribes by the Popes orders , all Letters to Kings , Princes , Nuncioes , and others , and signs the Patents of several Governours , and other Officers of the State of the Church ; yet the Patents and Commissions of Legats , Vice-Legats , Governors of great Cities &c. are signed by the Pope himself , and sealed sub annalo piscatoris . But there are other great Offices granted for life . First , The Popes Vicar , now Cardinal Gimetti above 84 years of age , a coveteous man , who hath many Kinsmen , which two things have made him lose the hopes of ever being chosen Pope . His Jurisdiction is extended upon regular Priests & Nunneries : the Jews , and deboist women which in Rome are publickly allowed , for which toleration , 't is the common opinion , they pay a Tribute , and certainly there is more than opinion in 't , because every one who is a House-keeper , & a known Whore must have her name registred at the Office of the Vice-Gerent , who is one of the chief Officers of the Vicario , who is also the Judge of them as such : so that all the year long they enjoy the liberty of their licentious life , except at certain times which they call Uacanze , as about Christmass and Easter , for then the Sbirri or Bayliffs go to search their houses , and if they find any there , they may if they will carry them and her to prison ; Therefore to prevent this inconveniency , these women send to the Office , and by the means of some moneys , obtain a defence to those Officers to come to their houses , and to molest them . And in the dayes of Alexander the 7th . there was a talk of suppressing these infamous houses ; a sign of the Popes protection , which gave occasion to this impious pasquinata , laudata Dominum pueri . Another great Office is that of the Sommo penitentiere , at present Cardinal Ludovicio , a person of mean parts ; his Jurisdiction is about Penances , Absolutions , and Confessions ; for he having many under him in great and weighty cases , they acquaint him with the faults , though not with the name of the party , to know of the penance to be said upon . The Vice-Cancelliere , or Vice-Chancellor so called , because the Pope reserves to himself the Title of Chancell or of the Universal Church , hath the whole ordering of the Chancery . The Camerlengo , now Cardinal Antonio Barberini , hath a very Honourable and beneficial place , for the Chamberlain takes cognizance of every thing belonging to the Camera , and in the time of Sede Vacante , or when there is no Pope , he takes the Popes Lodgings , is attended with his Guard , and causes money to be coyned in his Name : This place is worth 15000 Crowns by the year ; besides of three Keys of the Treasure of the Castle Saint Angelo , he hath one , the Pope having the other , and the Cardinal Decano the third . The Prefetto della signatura di giustitia , must see all Petitions about matters of Justice , and answers them , ordering what he thinks fit to be done about it . The like is done in matters of grace , pardon , &c. by the Prefetto della signatura di gratia . The Prefetto de brevi peruses and signs all the Apostolical Writs and Orders . The Bibliothecario is Over-seer of the Presses and of the Library in the Vatican , and commands those who have any thing to do in it . These four last Offices I mentioned only because they are in the hands of Cardinals as well as the four former , though lesse honorable and beneficial . So are the three following bestowed upon Cardinalls , and all is for life , to wit , The three Arch-Priests ; of St John of Lateran , now Cardinal Ghigi ; of St. Peter in Vatican , at present Cardinal Francesco Barberini ; & of Santa Maria Maggiore , now Cardinal Rospigliosi , by the late resigning of it up by Cardinal Antonio Barberini , who received some satisfaction for it . Now these three Arch-Priests have an absolute power over all the Canons , Priests , Curats , and Beneficiaries of their Churches ; which Benefices they may bestow upon whom they please when they are vacant ; besides this , he of Lateran hath the administration of Justice in civils and criminals over all persons within the Jurisdiction of his Church , Having already insisted so long upon this Subject , I must forbear speakingof othergreat charges , whether they belong to the Court , as the Master of Ceremonies , Master of the S. Palace , Secretaries , Steward , &c. Or be Military , as General of the Galleys of the Popes Guards of the Church , who hath four under him , to wit , of Avignon & Ferrara , and the Generals of the Horse , and of the Artillery . This great place is ever given to a nigh relation of the Pope ; and he , with him of the Galleys , and the Governour of the Castle Saint Angelo , are answerable of their actions to the Pope alone ; or whether they be Ecclesiastical , as Almoners , Chaplains , &c. or at last , whether they be Civil , as Governour of Rome , divided into 14 Rioni or Quarters ; namely , Monte , Colonna , St. Eustacio , Ponte , Regota , Ripa , Trastevere , Trivio , Campidelli Parione , Pigna , Campo Marzo , St. Angelo , Borgo ; but this last is actually depending upon the Governour of St Angelo , and also Senator , and Conservatours of Rome , &c. The King of Spain comes next to the Pope in Italy ; he hath Naples , and the Islands of Sicily and Sardegna upon the Coasts , with Milan in Lombardy , and Finale the head of a Marquisate upon the Coasts of Genoa , and nearer to Tuscany , he hath Portolongone , and Orbitello . The State of Naples . NAples containes twelve Provinces which are a division of the three ancient , their names are Terra di Lavora Principato citra , Principato Ultra , Basilicata , Calabria citra , Calabria ultra , terra d'Otranta , terra di Bari , Capitanata , Contato di Molisse , Abruzzo citra , and Abruzzo ultra . ; Most of these parts are inhabited by very dangerous people , the more by reason of the abundance of Woods which do shelter those Rogues , whom the Crimes they have committed have driven from the Cities , whither they are not safe to return ; whence they have the name of Banditi , and whom the protection of Great Men to make use of them one against another , by reason of their animosities , keeps there : those of Calabria , specially along the Coasts , have the name of being the worst of all , so ha t 't is turned into a Proverb , He is as wicked as a Calabrese . The best part of the Kingdom is , Terra di Lavoro , which is all the Countrey about Capua and Naples : There are but three good Havens able to receive at Fleet , Brundisi , Taranto , and Trani ; for Gaeta , Napoli , Puzzuolo , Bari and Otranto , are neither safe nor great enough . 'T is said , that the Cities , Lands , or Castles in the King dome come to 2573 , the least of which will make 500 Souls , or there abouts : They have good Souldiers , but proud , treacherous and inconstant for the generality ; yet there are brave men amongst the Nobility , I mean for Civility , Courage and Valour . The chief strong Holds of the Kingdom have Garrisons of Natural Spaniards , by whom they are strangely oppressed , as by them they were conquered . They are Governed by a Spanish Vice-King , to whom this people is given as a prey , that he may make himself amends for the Expences he hath been at in some chargeable Embassage , or a reward for some service he hath done to the Crown ; so that in three years , which is the usual prefixed time for the exercise of that Authority ( because the Court of Spain would not have Subjects to grow too potent in those parts ) they squeeze and oppress that people with an infinite number of Taxes , and other heavy burthens ; the Nation being look't upon by them as Factious , Seditious , reckoned and desirous of Novelties ; there being 30 notable Rebellions within the space of 500 years : So that the Vice-Kings rule with a Despotick Authority ; and let him do what he pleases in this kind , people must never look for redress , he not being accountable for things of this nature ; Besides that , the City , or any part of the Kingdom may not send upon any occasion an Agent or Deputy into Spain without a special License from the Vice-King , which he grants very seldome : Neither are the Nobility free from oppressions , being dragg'd into Prisons , or driven into Exile upon the least suspicion that they grow too potent , or are any ways disaffected . The insolencies of the Spanish Souldiers , and others of that Nation are not at all punished ; the very High-way-men , and other Rogues , who are as thorns in the sides of the people , and who vex , disturb , and plague them , are winked at , except it be upon a jealousie of State : So that , that formerly flourishing Kingdom , and full of all manner of necessary and delightful things , is at this day brought to an utmost misery ; that Nation not being allowed so much as liberty of trading with strangers , on selling their Inland Commodities , but upon certain Conditions , and a Licence well paid for ▪ and all the Gold which can be gathered there , is sent into Spain , which doth amount to vast sums . The Duke Medina delas torres los volez , told one day the Cavaliero Damenico Zane , then Embassadour at the Spanish Court from Venice , that in six years of his Government of that Kingdome , he raised 44 Millions of Crowns to supply the occasions of the Dukedome of Milan , and of Flanders , Moneys are drawn from thence , with a number of Souldiers to serve in the wars that are made in the forenamed Countteys : These and many other intollerable oppressions caused the great and many insurrections that have been there , which cost so much blood , not only in the times of troubles , but long after , it being the custome of Spaniards to punish to the Tenth Generation those faults which have been committed against the State. For all this , the Nobility of that Kingdom triumphing over their miseries , and boasting of their slavery , are high and proud , and yet gentle and courteous in their carriage , though they insult over the common people , they spend beyond their estates , are splendid in an outward shew , but frugal at home , loyal to the King , Enemies to the people , slaves of Royal Ministers , and very hard to their Vassals , whom they pinch to the very bones : with all this they hate the Spanish Nation . Out of this , one may judge of that enmity which is between the Napolitans , specially the people and the Spaniards ; there is never a year but hundreds of these last are killed by others , either at night in the streets of Naples , or in the fields , when Fruits and Grapes grow ripe ; this people , and so those of Milan , are grieved to see how those same Spaniards who come to them in a low and poor condition , and with Capatos de Cuerda , within a year or two do live very high , out of the blood and substance of the Countrey . So that the Spaniards being so hard Masters , they keep what they have in this Kingdom only , by the means of the division which is in it ; so they keep all what they have in Italy , only because the Italians suffer them to enjoy it for fear of falling into the hands of worse Masters , not that they can have worse , but because they are not so sensible at injuries received from Spaniards , as those which they have suffered from some other Nations , not as to the things , but as to the manner of doing them ; the Spaniard layes heavy burthens and impoverishes them , and upon suspicions and jealousies of State takes away mens lives ; nay , he attempts upon the Honor of families , but he carries it with more secresie and circumspection than other lighter Nations , whose manner of proceeding seems more insolent ; besides that , the Spanish haughtiness and gravity is more sutable to the Italian temper . Further , Spain and other Dominions belonging to it , being remote from Italy ; the Italians do not account them altogether so dangerous , as other Martial Nations who are at hand . However , if the late Duke of Guise had play'd his game well in Massanillo's time , and well used that conjuncture , he could have given them a great check in that Kingdom , but unadvisedly he left the City , which was at his Devotion , and he kept a number of insolent persons about him , which ever undid the French affairs in Italy . There goes a story of this Duke , that several persons of Quality and Interest , to the number of 2000 , appointed a Marquess to go in their name , and tell him , they were unanimously resolved to stand by him , and settle the Crown upon his head , if he would come to them ; but he was fast asleep when that Person came to his Palace ; Who said , he had matters of great concernment to impart to him ; but his people being loath to awaken him , he was forced to stay a long while ; at last being awaken'd , the other was called in , but before he was come to the Chamber , the Duke had began to Dance a Courante ▪ and would not speak with him till he had Danced ; which the other being arnazed at and offended , said to him afterwards in few words , I was come to you upon such an Errand ; But said he , by my so long waiting here , the time and opportunity are lost , therefore know that , Co'l balare non se quadagnano li Regni , Kingdoms are not gotten by Dancing : So he went to those who sent him , and told them what he had seen ; so that every one went home , and this person soon after forsook the Kingdom to avoid the punishment which the Spaniard would have inflicted upon him : If this be true , how did he strangely miscarry in 't , for so he lost all the Nobility , who afterwards closed with the Spaniard . The City of Naples is great and populous , they reckon , that with the late Plague 200000 died in it . Churches there are a Sanctuary to Malefactors , which hath been often an occasion of falling out between the Vice-Kings and Card. Filomarini late Arch-Bishop , for some of those having upon occasion caused these Malefactors to be taken by force out of ; these Churches ; he threatned , and did actually excommunicate some for breaking , as he pretended , the priviledges of those Churches , as if the House of God ( if such a name may be given to such places ) was to be a Sanctuary to , and a den of Thieves . There are three Castles in this City , one is St. Elme upon a Mountain , built by King Robert the first ; the other is Castel Novo , in the Port which keeps communication with the Palace of the Vice-Kings nigh to it , this was built by Charles , brother to Lewis the 9th . of France ; the third is , Dell-Ovo , which is upon a Rock in the Sea , William the third of Normandy built it . There are also several fair Churches embelished with rare Pictures , and other ornaments , so ther are two Cabinets worth seeing . At the end of one of the Suburbs , in the way to Puzzuola , is , la Grotta di Lucullo ; a way made through the Rock of almost a mile in lenth , and broad enough for three Coaches when they are gotten in 't : I shall not mention all the relicks of Antiquity which are seen in the way to Puzzuola , when one is at it , and at Baya , as the Elysian fields , and those other things so often mentioned in the Poets ; nor the mount Vesuvius , now la Montagne di Somma , these things are out of my purpose . I return to Naples , and say , that the Virtuosi there are called some Ardenni , others Intronati ; and 't is to be observed , that when these Societies take a name , 't is either a Title of imperfection , which betokens a privation , or of a moral Virtue , or of some habit of the Intellect , and all this to shew that they esteem and study the perfection , contrary to the defect signified by the name . Their great Offices of the Kingdome are either given or sold according to the Kings pleasure , but the last rather than the first ; and this for life : They are the High-Constable now a Rom an Prince , of the Family Colonna , the high Judge , high Admiral , high-Chamberlain , Gran Pronotario , a kind of a Principal Secretary , Gran Sinisculco , or high-Steward , and high-Chancellour , all which are given some to Italians , some to Spaniards . All the High-Courts do sit in the City of Naples , for there are the Seggi , which are the Assemblies of the Nobility of the whole Kingdom , divided into five Classes : The first is Seggio Capoano . The second , Di Nido ; the third , Di Montagna ; The fourth , Di Porta : and the fifth , Di Porta nuova , so that except one be admitted into one of those Seats , he cannot pass for a Nobleman or Gentleman ; the Nobility and Gentry there differing only in Degree , and not in Order ; now some enter into several Seggi , so that to be admited in , he must be past 20 years of age , and have the greater part of the Votes of all the Nobles of the Seggio . Out of these 3 Seggi are chosen 3 Gentlemen , who with one chosen by the people , make up the Body , called the Magistrate of the City , through whose hands do pass all manner of Taxes and Impositions which the Vice-Roy hath a mind to lay upon City and whole Kingdom : they also finde out means how to bring it about . There is also in Naples that Tribunal so much talked of , called , La Vicaria , which matters of the greatest importance are brought unto , and receive ; appeals from all parts of the Kingdom . The greatest of all is also kept there , called it Collaterale , whereof the Consigliere , or Counsellors have the Title of Regenti , and for distinction-sake , they wear a long gown , this under the King is the Supreme Court of Justice , treating of several important matters ; these Regenti are chosen by the King , part Napolitans , and part Spaniards , and 't is for life . It also hath a Councel of State , which judges of things concerning War composed , of six persons , whereof three are Spaniards , and three Italians , half Souldiers , and half gown-men , chosen by the King ; over this as all the rest is the Vice-King , whose authority is very great , and the profit arbitrary . I am loath to omit speaking of a custome of the Napolitans , for all their reserved temper once a year , at Vintage-time , they allow themselves a very great liberty of jesting one with another ; the meanest person is then allowed to jear the Noblest man of the Land , who use to begin with them : they give one another all the bad names which their Language doth afford , whereof the least at another time would cause murthers and stabbings . This calls to my mind a singular custome they have at Rome , when there is fallen some snow , at which time the most reserved and vertuous men and women throw Balls one at another ; the Princes and their Wives practise it one with another within their Palaces : Neighbours throw it through the windows into the Chambers one of another ; if one hath any kindness for another , 't is the fashion to go under the window , and throw in some , as they receive some , if they go by the door of any of their acquaintances ; and this is amongst them a token of civility and favour , and so much observed , that if any Gentleman or friend of mine comes to me , the most vertuous woman that happens to be my Neighbour , can shew me no greater respect nor kindness , than to throw at him snow balls . Before I speak of the secrets of State , which the Spaniards have in relation to this Kingdom , 't will not be amiss to speak few words of some Maximes they have in general ; relating to the rest of their State-Dominions in Italy . At Madrid for the affairs of Italy , there is a particular Council consisting of six Counsellours , whereof two are Napolitans , two Sicilians , and two of Milan , besides the President , who ever is a Spaniard , and now the Marquess of Vellada by name ; This Council was instituted by Philip the Second , no other affairs but those of Italy are treated of in it , which formerly belonged to the congnizance of the Council of Aragon . When first of all the Spaniards came to Italy , and had gotten footing in it , they went about by fair means to insinuate themselves into the affection of the Nation , to turn it upon occasion to their own advantage ; but the Italians , who , as they say of themselves , Dormono Co'll Occhio aperto , who are constantly awake , stood upon their guards , and observed the Spanish motion , which being taken notice of by the House of Austria , Charls the 5th , & then the Council I spake of just now under his Son Philip the second , took another course , and went about to terrifie them with their Arms , to draw some to them with fair promises , to threaten others , to sow divisions amongst them , but above all they lookt upon the Republick of Venice as a great let to their designs , having ever appeared to be the Champion of the Liberties of Italy ; the troubles which this raised in those parts sometimes against Mantoa , other times , against Savoy , &c. are well known ; but now a constant maxime they hold , is , to get at Rome as many Cardinals as they can to be their friends , that if possible they may every time have a friend of theirs chosen Pope , the truth is , they are potent in the Conclave , because of several Napolitans , and Milaneses who are in it , the several means they have to gratifie Church-men , by conferring Benefices on them within their Dominions in Italy , and by selling Lands and States to others within the same , besides the many pensions which they allow to several of them : so that whilst the French hath but eight or ten of his side , namely , D' Este , Ursini , Antonio , Grimaldi , Mancini , Maldachini , de Rets , Bouillon , the greater number of them are for the Spaniard ; 't is true , 't is very chargeable for them to keep this party , and a Spanish States-Man had reason to say , It were better for his King to buy Popes ready made , than to make them . But now in few words , Spaniards do govern Naples with these few rules ; the first is , to hold good correspondencie with the Pope , not only because they do him homage for it , but because he is a next neighbour , much able to trouble it , and to foment and assist Insurrections in it . The second is , to foment Divisions between the Nobility and the people , and between the Nobility themselves who being all together united , could for certain drive them out ; and though the Napolitans Horse's back be much gall'd , if he could gather his strength together , he would be able to shake off the Rider . The third Maxime is , as much as they can doe to make great States fall into the hands of women , whom they marry afterwards to Spanish Noble-Men . The Chief Families of that Kingdom are at present Caraccioli , where of the Duke of Auelina is the Head ; Caraffa , of which Family is the Duke Matalone ; Pignatelle , who had the title of Duke of Monteleone , Monaldesqui , Aquaviva , Brancaccio , and several others who have the name of Princes , as , Marana , &c. The antient family of the Princes of Salerno is extinct as to the name , and their Palace at Naples ; which was very stately , hath these several years been possessed by the Jesuites . I shall not say much of Sicily , 't is governed by a Vice-King at present ; the Duke of Albuquerque , as Don Pedro d' Arragon is he of Naples : This Island is known to be plentiful ; and as formerly it was the Granary of Italy , so 't is still of part of it , but specially of Maltha , for the Gallies of the Order come almost every week to transport Corn cut of it . Messina drives a great Trade of Silks ; the Inhabitants have still their est & non est , that is , when any thing is proposed by the Vice-King or his Order , after a debate had thereupon to satisfie the people , they cry out non est , if it be not contrary to their Priviledges ; if it be , they say , est , then every one gets to his Arms. This City hath several priviledges , but cannot get them confirmed at Madrid ; neither do the Vice-Kings dare to trust themselves amongst them ; therefore they reside at Palermo , which was the landing place of Don Pedro d' Arragon , when the moneys he had received from Lewis the 9th of France , to make war against the Infidels in Affrica , he went to drive Charles d' Anjou , Lewis's Brother , out of the Kingdome whereof he was lawful Sovereign . The peoople of this Island speak a very corrupt Italian Language , mixed with some words of corrupt Greek ; & as their Luanguage is , so are their manners , and nature , which how treacherous it is let the Sicilian Vesspers bear witness ; by which action they are become not only odious , but also a proverb to Italy , having thereby been the author of all the disturbances where-with the Spanish Nation have since afflicted those parts of the world ; it had been something in withdrawing from the subjection of one ( who though he was their lawful Prince , yet he was of a Forein Nation ) they had gotten their liberty ; yet Princes may see of how dangerous a consequence is this president : but to leave the bad for the worse , 't is to find a pain , wherein they look't for a pleasure , that is , to be no more reasonable than were the Frogs , who rejected the Reed , to have the Stork to rule over them ; they should have learned of the Fish , how it is better to keep in the Pan , though amidst boyling water , than to leap out and fall into the burning flames and fire . Mount Aetna , now Gibello , with some of his flames , is still to be seen ; its horrid late casting up stones , flames , cinders , as far as Catania , and the running of Rivers as it were of fire and brimstone , are known to all Europe ; Such as we cannot read ever there was the like . Syracusa is not very far from it , which is much decay'd , they shew some old standing ruines of a Castle , as they say of Dyonisius ; they affirm 't was in the shape of a shell ; in the Centre of which was the Tyrants Closet , whence by the means of some pipes , which conveyed the voice , he heard ( if we believe the Tradition ) every word spoken by the prisoners ; 't is probable that such a thing may be , there being things of that nature in several parts ; though these prisoners were at a great distance from the Closet . The Spaniards govern this Land almost by the same Maximes which they use in Naples , only they let them have some few Priviledges , in consideration of their withdrawing from the French , and giving themselves up to them ; nevertheless , the Spaniards are much odious to them by reason of the great and many oppressions they suffer from them , for the which no body pities them , since they brought it upon themselves ; however , 't is the division of the two Chief Cities Messina and Palermo about precedencie and other things , which upholds the Spaniards authority in the Island ; for when one of these Cities stands up , the other stoops , and they do every thing in opposition one to another ; the Spaniard therefore knoweth how much it imports to his interest to see these differences continue , he foments it with the best of his skill , and to the utmost of his power . It were in vain to speak of Sardegna , seeing the people in it are become Spaniards in every thing . There hapned in it not long since a great division caused by falling out between two of the Chief persons of the Island , but having been both transported into Spain , the Factions were dispersed , and gave way to a general tranquility . This is a Kingdome , and therefore is Governed by a Vice-King , who was lately Prince Ludovisio . Of late they have stirred very much , having killed a Vice-Roy ; for which act some have been executed , which their Friends and Relations highly rescenting , are causing new Disturbances ; so that the present Vice-King not thinking himself strong enough , hath desired more Forces out of Spain , specially his Enemies being potent in Cagliari , hereby are laid the foundations of an eternal hatred , for their Children inherit of the quarrels , and desire of vengeance , as of the states of their parents , this had been a fair occasion for any forrein Enemy of the Spaniard . This Island , as that of Sicily and Naples , maintain a number of Gallies , which of late is much diminished , for put them altogether with the squadron of the Duke of Tursi , they do not come to above twenty . The state of Milan . VVEsterly it borders with Piemont and Monferrat , Sur Southerly with the Republick of Genoa , Westerly with the Duke of Parma , with the Republick of Venice and the Duke of Mantoa , and Northerly with the Valtoline . The Dukedome of Milan is as good and as plentiful a Countrey as any in Italy , full 300 miles about , plain and even ground ; in it are many Lakes full of Fish , and is watered by considerable Rivers , which make it pleasant , plentiful and strong ; Po runs by Cremona , the Tanaro by Alessandria , and the Bormia , which is a little one not far off . Adda , nigh to Lodi and Ticcino by the walls of Pavia , by Milan run two Channels , one of which is of great use ( and this goes through it ) and both for watering of grounds , whence it is that they have so good pastures ; hence it is that this Dukedom doth furnish with Cheese all Italy , and other places ; the best sort of that which goes under the name of Parmesan is made at Lodi , one of the Cities of the Dukedome , and its Territory . This Countrey doth also produce abundance of all manner of Corn , good Fruits , and good Wines ; this goodness of the Soyle , joyned to the industry of the people , makes it very rich ; it contains many Cities , as Milano , Pavia , Tortona , Alessandria , Della Paglia , Novarra , Mortara , Vigevana Cremona , Lodi , Como and Lomellina , every one strong , and except Mortara , the head of a Territory , which borrows its name from the Town . This Dukedome is Governed by one sent from Spain , and hath the name of Governour , who was Don Lewis de Gusman ponce de Leon : And now the Marquess de Los Balbases : These Governours improve well their time , which , as I said in the case of Naples , is for three years , or thereabouts , except they be confirmed ; and this makes part of the misery of that people , that every three years they have new and greedy Ministers , who make haste to be rich , and when they begin to be full , they are gone to give place to one who is as hungry as they were . The King of Spain raises here one Millions ofCrowns a year , but it goes all for the necessities of the State. In time of peace there are kept 5000 men ; there was a strong hold , called the Fort Sandoval , which commanded the way into one of the Gates of Vercelli , which is but a Cannon-shot off , and 't was raised to bridle that place ; but the Spaniards after the taking of Vercelli demolished it not long since as a thing chargeable , and nor necessary ; but by the late Treaty of Peace with France , they restored Vercelli to the Duke of Savoy . The City of Milan is called the great , for 't is of a large circumference , full of people , to the number of about 300000 , and of handy-craft-men , almost of all fort , in so good repute amongst the Italians , that when any sumptuous clothes or furnitures are to be bought , or any considerable equipage is to be made , to the very Liveries , they send thither to have it done : They work much in Silks , Gold and Silver thread , and make admirable good Gun-barils ; all this maintains abundance of weak and poor people . In this place is a Castle , esteemed one of the strongest in Europe , well provided with Ammunition and Artillery ; there is a particular Governour of it , who doth not depend upon the Governor of the Dukedome , but hath his Orders immediately from Spain . In this City is a very great number of stately Churches , specially the Domo , all built with white Marble ; they say , about it are 600 Statues , which cost 1000 Crowns a piece : if this Church be once finished according to the design ; none but St. Peter in Rome will be able to compare to it ; till then , this last will be the fairest in Europe , and I believe , of the world , for all the great commendations given to that of Santa Sophia in Constantinople . I returnto Milan , and say , not only there are in 't fair Churches , but also sumptuous Cloysters , Hospitals , Palaces , and other Noble Buildings : A Church-man there hath a fine Cabinet full of Rarities , most of his own invention and making . Virtuosi in Milan have the name of Nascosti ; but I must not omit to say that the house which the Cartusians have fifteen miles from Milan , and five from Pavia , is the best of their Order . Notwithstanding the Proverb tha● the King of Spain governs Sicily in meekness , or Dolcezza Naples by fraud , or con Inganno , and Milan by Authority , con Authorita ( which may be understood in relation to the strong holds he hath in it : ) 'T is his maxime of State , to Rule this Dukedome with more gentleness , than the rest of his Dominions in Italy ; This practice is inforced by the temper of the people , who are nor so willing nor so apt as others to suffer abuses , burthens exceedingly heavy , nor other great opresfions , their spirits can hardly bear it ; they are of an humour free , open , plain , and as they call it , Rozzo , being usually called the Lombarad's temper : That which makes further the Spaniards more circumspect in this , is that many Neighbour Princes would willingly receive and assist them , if they came to have a pull for their liberty , for they joyn with the Duke , of Mantoa , the Venetians , with Parma , Genoa , Piemont , and with the Grisons , by the Ualteline ; therefore the Spaniards , who knew the importance of that passage to them , struggled so hard for it , and set all Europe in an uproar about it : yet for all this gentleness of theirs used to the Milenesi , that people is not free from grievances and oppressions . That Countrey which for a long while together hath been the seat of War , hath been obliged to maintain in a good measure the Spanish , Germans , French , Savoy , Modena , and Mantoan Forces , the perpetual lodging , quartering , and contributing , for the Souldiers hath wasted them ; and all this hath been a pretence for the Spanish Ministers to oppress them : The Italian Proverb saith , that the Spanish Ministers in Sicily Rodono they Gnaw , in Naples Mangiano they eat , but in Milan Divorano they devour : but they bear it , seeing that excepting the Republicks , the Subjects of other Princes are used no better than they . At first the Sforzi got this Countrey from the Visconti , and the House of Austria hath gotten it from these , yet the Venetians have of it Brescia , Bergamo , and Crema : I will not shew whose right it is to have it , if the Heirs of Valentina have it not . The Chief Families of it are now Borromeo , Trivultio , Stampa , Trotti , Sforza , Homodei , Litta , &c. Finale is a Town well fortisied , of great concernment to the Spaniard , for 't is the only door they have to get into Milan from Spain , Naples , Sicily , &c. It is also a bridle to the Genoesi . Portolongone and Orbitelle are also upon the Coasts , the one on the Continent , the other close by upon a Rock in the Sea , of great importance to bridle the Grand Duke , Viareggio belonging to Luea and the Genaesi . The state of the Duke of Savoy . THe Duke of Savoy is the most considerable Prince of Italy , after the Crowned Heads ; He comes from Humbert , a younger Brother of Saxony , and a man of fortune : Amede the great , or , le Comte Verd , or Green Earl , so called , because usually his Clothes were of that colour , as were those of his Followers ; by his merits and good fortune raised himself to a great credit ; he did great Services against Infidels , specially at the taking of Rhodes from the Infidels , and then he took the Motto about the Coat of Arms which to this day that Family retains ; F. E. R. T. signifying , Fortitudo , Ejus , Rhodum Tenuit . His History is in Fresco at the pleasure-house of the Dukes at Rivoli . This Family was first Earls of Moriene , then by Marriage and favour of some Emperour , Princes of Piemont , and Dukes of Savoy ; and of late from the Duke of Mantoa , they have gotten Trin and Alba in Monferr at by the Treaty of Chierasco , so that besides Piemont with its Vallies , and Savoy , the Duke hath upon the Sea-coasts , Villa Franca , Oneglia , and Nizza di provinza , with as strong a Castle as any in Europe , his Dominions indeed are large , though to speak the truth , Savoy is a barren and a mountainous Countrey , which defect is somewhat made up by the indefatigable laboriousness of the people , and by the populousness and plenty of Piemont . His Court is for certain the Ornament of Italy , not composed of a vast number of persons , nor solitary neither ; there is in it a variety without confusion , well compacted , consisting of choice persons , well qualified for a Court in a handsome and orderly way ; In it the French and Italian languages are commonly spoken , and the free French manner of life is practised in it . These Princes have been , and are still very Honourable in Europe ; for this long while Emperors and Kings have given them the Title of Serenissime , when some other Princes of Italy did not so much as pretend to it : but it happened in the days of Pope Urban the 8th , that he ( it may be to please his Nephews ) gave a higher title to Cardinals than they had before , the title of Illustrissime was changed into that of Eminentissime ; this obliged some Princes to take the title Serenissime and of Highness ; upon which account still to keep a distinction between them and other Princes , the Dukes of Savoy added Reale to Altezza to make up Royal Highness , which they pretend to , as being Titular Kings of Cyprus , and so by vertue of a match with France , the French did not oppose it ; and this Duke is now in hopes that the King or Prince Regent of Portugal ( being now himself own'd to be a Crowned Head ) by reason of the late Marriage , or that which is to be made with that Prince Regent , and the Dutchesse's Sister , will approve of it , but upon what grounds I dispute not . This Duke is Vicar of the Empire in Italy , he could not yet obtain from the Emperour the Investiture of what he hath in Montferrat ; however of late the Electoral Colledge at the Sollicitation of the House of Bavaria , whose present Elector married his Sister , did something on his behalf , to wit , made a Decree , that his not being invested by the Emperour shall be no prejudice to his Right , seeing he had used his diligence to obtain it . 'T is a thing which raises much the Glory of this Prince , that he hath several of his Subjects descended from Emperours of East and West Kings , other Sovereign Princes , and of the Chief Families of Italy ; in Piemont alone are above fifty Earles , fifteen Marquesses at least ; this makes him the more Considerable , and adds something to his strength , which on the other side doth consist in the largeness of his Dominions , the Number , Affection , and Fidelity of his Subjects ; and in his strong places , of which the Castle of Montmelian , though taken by the French , is one of the chief in Savoy ; they use to say , that their Prince hath a City which is 300 miles about , to shew how thick Towns are in it , and how populous it is ; in Piemont alone are 8 Episcopal Cities , and 130 very populous places . Another thing is , that the Duke is as absolute as any Prince in Europe . 'T is said of Charles Emanuel , this Dukes Grand-Father , that one day discoursing with Henry the fourth of France , and the King having asked which of the two Pistols ( pieces of Gold ) the French or Spanish he accounted the heaviest ; his answer was , That which I shall give my grain to , meaning that of the two Kings , he whom he would assist should be the strongest . His Riches I will not mention , his yearly income is said to amount to one Million , and Eight Hundred Thousand Crowns , out of which Savoy and the Vallies yeild him but Four Hundred Thousand , all which is Nobly spent . I must say however , that Gold and Silver are scarce in his Dominions , which on the other side afford him a great plenty of all things , whereby all manner of provisions are at a low rate . Upon consideration of this , two several proposals were made to the present Duke by a judicious person ; the first and less important , was to settle a fixed and a constant Office for the conveniencie of Travellers , so that giving so much , they should be defrayed for their Diet , and should be provided with Horses ; to this effect a Correspondencie was to be setled at Lyon , as this had been convenient for strangers and safe , so it had made the moneys of all those who enter Italy that ways to pass through the hands of the Dukes Officers ; and these sums had been very considerable , seeing all those , who go by land into Italy out of Spain , in time of peace out of France , and pats of Germany , come by the way of Lyon , this would have encouraged many to go that way who do not , helpt the sale of provisions , and brought Moneys into the Countrey : but this Proposal , though approved , yet wanting a further encouragement came to nothing . The second is to make Nizza , or Villa Franca a Free port , any of these lies convenient for ships , this would bring in Trade , and consequently Moneys , and would help the sale of the Lands Commodities : but I omit the reasons which are given to inforce this proposal , for I must come to other things . Turin is the Metropolis of Piemont , and the ordinary place of the Dukes Residence , when he is not at his houses of pleasure , of which he hath as great a number of fine and convenient ones , as any other Prince : This City is well seated in a plain , the Rivers Po and Doire running not far from it ; in the Court is an Office of the Admiralty , as they call it of the Po , which is more for formality-sake , than for any benefit . In Turin are to be seen the Old and New Palaces , with the Garden , from the place to the New Palace to that of St. Garloe , is on both sides a row of fine Houses all uniform . I shall say nothing of Churches there , nor of the Countrey-houses , as Rivoli , Moncallier , le Valentin , Millefleur , and la Venerea , which is the present Dukes delight : but I must take notice that there is as good a Citadel as any in Europe , in which there is a Well , into which one may go down to water a Horse , and at the same time , one can come up thence and not see one another . There are also Armes for 40000 men . Many things I omit here to tell , that Carlo Emanuele , the present Duke , is a Prince well made of his person , of a middle stature , full face , with that natural red , which only doth embelish it ; his sight is none of the best , as may be observed when he eats or reads ; he loves hunting with some kinde of excess , the scorching heat , nor the foulness of weather , being not able to divert him from it : and by this constant course he hath brought himself into a capacity to endure any hardship ; yet this passion doth not take him off his important businesses , which he is vigorous in , and follows it very close : He hath set days to give Publick Audience , at which time the least of his Subjects may speak to him without any disturbance at all , and he hears them very patiently , as he is an active man , so he takes cognizance of every thing , and imparts all to his Lady , who being a judicious Princess , and exceedingly complying with his Highness , she ever hath a place in his Closet , as in his Bed. He is a Prince very civil to Strangers , and now frugal at home , for he finds his Ancestors have been too free so he hath been himself , but now says for a reason of his alteration , that as to Frugality he cannot imitate a greater Monarch than the , King of France , with whom he hath a conformity of temper , joyned to a natural affection . His inclination to Women hath been discovered by his actings with the Marchioness of Cahours , and is daily observed by those who follow his Court. His first Minister of State is the Marquess of Pianezza , of the Family d' Allie , and Brother to Count Philip ; a great Polititian he is , and a greater Enemy to the Protestants of the Vallies of Piemont : His Son the Marquess of Livorno , kept the place when he was lately retired for some distasts , though under pretence of Devotion . The Marquess San Germano Governour of Turin , is of the same Family ; The Marquess Palavesin ( Successor to the Marquess de Fleury , who was turned out for his privacies with the Marchioness de Cabours ) Captain of the Guards , is also much in favour ; so is the Old Marquess of Voghera , whose Lady hath the oversight of the Maids of Honour , but none can boast of being his special Favourite . The Princes of the Blood are few , the Young Prince of Piemont , Son to the Duke by this Wife , and Prince Philibert , with the Earl of Soissons , Sons to the late Prince Thomas . There is at Court a Princess , the Dukes Sister unmarried : there is a Natural Uncle of the Dukes , Don Antonio , Governour of Villa Franca , and a Natural Son of the late Victor Amedeo , who lives privately in France . This Princes Countrey is much exposed to the French power , whereby they have been stript twice , and therefore his interest is to agree with France , for fear of bringing himself into the sad condition which the Duke of Lorrain is in , for the 18 or 20000 men , which without any great inconveniencie he can keep on foot , could hardly save him ; he is withal as handsomely as he can to prevent the French from setling in Milan , for then he would be shut up by them every way . The State of the Grand Duke . THe Family of Medici , of which are the Grand Dukes of Toscany , hath not been very long possessed of that Dignity , neither is it so antient as are many others in Italy ; when Florence was a Republick , 't was one of the Chief , but no more than the Strozzi , Pitty , and some others were . Alexander began the work , but was quickly dispatched by his Cousin Lorenzo : then came Cosmo , who was the first named & Crowned Grand Duke by Pope Pio Quinto of his Family , Ferdinand who left off the Cardinals Cap after the death of his Elder Brother , Cosmo 2d . and Ferdinand 2d . who is the present Grand Duke , who married Donna Vittoria della Rovere , last heir of the late Duke of Urbino . Some say a Physician was the first who raised that Family , and that in token of it , they took the Pile ( but 't is the Balls or Globes ) for their Armes ; they were raised by Charles the 5th . the Emperor , who gave Margarita his Natural Daughter to Alessandro , and so forced the Florentines to submit to him . The Grand Dukes are Creatures of Clement the 7th . and of Charles the 5th . Emperour , with whose arms and countenancing , they became Masters of Florence ; at present they are in possession of three formerly potent Republicks , to wit , Florence , Pisa , and Siena ; they have all antient Toscany , except Luca and Sarzana ; hence is the Proverb , which saith , If the Grand Duke had Luca , and Sarzana , Sarebbe , Re di Toscana , for he hath also the Cities of Pistoias Volterra , Cortona , Arezzo , Montepulciano , and several other lands and Castles of a lesser importance , besides part of the Island Alba , where is Cosmopoli , and Porto Ferrario . When the Dukes came to the Government , the Florentines had subdued Pisa , wherefore the condition of that City is the worst of the three , for being a conquer'd Countrey they are under the Jurisdiction of Florence ; but Siena is Governed in the same way , as when it was a Republick , owning none but the Grand Duke , or the Governour sent by him ; thus they have nothing to do at Florence , even they are used better than the Florentines , who being look't upon at sactiout men , and desirous of liberty , are not only disarmed , as all other Subjects are , but are more bridled too : A further reason is , that the Duke doth homage for it to the Crown of Spain ( as he doth for Radicofany to the Pope ) therefore he dares not take altogether the same liberty there , which he uses in other places . Pisa is void of inhabitants , but well seated , and hath in it several things worthy to be seen ; the Grand Duke delights to be in 't , therefore he comes to it , having the conveniencie of a Forrest , which lies not far from it . Siena is a fineCity , in a good Air , with good store of people in it , the Italian tongue is well spoken , the Virtuosi that are there , are called Intronati . Florence , the place of the Courts ordinary residence , is a stately City , and very populous , there being accounted to be 100000 souls in it ; the Gentry in it doth not think it below themselves to follow trade , which is specially of Silks , so that it may pass for a rich town ; there are in it 10 or 12 Families , accounted to be worth one Million of Crowns . There are three Castles , fine Churches , specially the Domo , which on the outside is all of white and black Marble , and that incomparable Chapel of San Lorenzo , for the which Marble is not rich enough to enter , as one of the Materials , but Jasper , Agatha , Porphiry , &c. There are further rare Palaces , and the Dukes Galleries exceedingly rich , the River Arno runs through it , there is that learned Society , called la Crusca . The Grand Duke trading much underhand , as its thought , and being very frugal , must be very rich ; not to mention those rich Galleries of his esteemed worth above three Millions , but he draws to himself the best of his Dominion , there being hardly in the World a Countrey more oppressed with Customes and Taxes than this is ; hence it is , that except Florence , where trade doth flourish , and Siena , where is still some rest of liberty the whole Country is the Grand Dukes , very little inhabited , and full of poverty , and this for fear those Toscan active wits should cause some disturbance ; therefore he hath several strong holds , with a 1000 horse commanded by strangers , and about 4000 foot , besides the Militia's , which upon occasion ought to be ready . 'T is a priviledge of the Horse-men , that they may not be arrested for any debt whatsoever ; so that any one that 's affraid and in danger of it , uses all possible means to get in amongst them . This Prince for his person is a judicious man , and upon all occasions carries himself very politickly , besides the general genius of the Nation , the particular one of the Florentines , which goes beyond others , and his own natural parts ; Having ruled these many years , he hath gotten a great deal of experience ; therefore he knows admirably well how to far fatti Suoi , to mind and do his businesses , whereat he is as a Cervellone , Italiians call it . He carries his whole Council along with him , for he hath no constant nor fixed Councellours , but upon occasson he sends for whom he pleases to have their advice , but all resolutions do absolutely depend upon him ; so that the whole manner of his Government is to be attributed to him alone . He is extraordinary civil to strangers , specially if they be persons of Quality , and after they have had the Honour of waiting on him , he sends them a Regale , or a present of Fruits , Wines , &c. But of all Nations , Germans are those who have the greatest priviledges about his person , and in his Dominions , strangers of other Nations having any thing to do with his Searchers , and the like Officers , do free themselves of toyl and trouble , by saying they are Germans ; and at present , amongst those many of that Nation who are at his service , there is one who is much in favour with him . He is very careful to know the affairs of other States , to be able the better to rule his own , to that end he spares no charges that he may be well informed of it , knowing it is the deepest policie of Princes to dive into the affairs of others : so every year he spends great sums of moneys to maintain the Spies he keeps abroad , there being no Court , and hardly any considerable City , but he hath some to give him intelligences of what passes in 't . He will have an exact knowledge of the state of every thing within his dominions , therefore in 1645 , having a mind to know the yearly Income of his Clergy , he caused an account to be made of it ; 't was found to amount to 765000 Crowns , whence one may guess he doth not neglect to know his own , which is thought to be of half a Million of English pounds , besides Casualities , of which he hardly spends the half ; so that he must needs have many a Million in his Coffer ; Indeed Legorn alone is worth a treasure to him , it being the most noted Store-house of all the Mediterranean , there being at it an extraordinary concourse of Ships from all parts , and 't is a place well fortified ; there is in it the Statue of Ferdinand the first , with four slaves in Brass , then the which nothing better can be seen in that kind . But to return to the Grand Dukes riches , he daily improves them with his frugality , for to save charges he hath lessened the number of his Gallies , having now but four , two of which are unfit for service ; and to get monies he hires the others to Merchants to transport their Wares ; formerly his Gallies lay along the Coasts to secure them from Pyrates ; now they have Towers along the Sea shore , where they use tolight fires when any Enemies or Pyrates appear , which gives a warning where the danger is . This Prince gathers monies on all hands , for at Florenee , Legorn , and other places , he receives Contribution from the Cortegiane , or prostitute women , for the tolleration and protection he gives them ; so that an injury done to any of those Infamous persons shall be punished , as if it had been done to the most virtuous in the world . But the Grand Duke is not satisfied to be frugal himself , he hath often exhorted the Grand Prince his Son to the practice of it ; Son , saith he , Non spender ' quell ' che tu hai perche , chi non ha none ; Do not spend what thou hast , for he who hath nothing , is nothing . Another way of this Grand Duke to get monies , and wherein lies his great maxime of policy at home , is to keep his Subjects low ; no people in the world lye under heavier Taxes and burthens than this doth ; every house that is Let out , payes him the tenth part of the rent ; every Contract of Marriage , Eight by the hundred of the portion ; and every one who will goe to Law , afore he begins must pay two for the hundred , out of this one may judge of the rest ; this usage makes that Prince to mistrust his Subjects , who are active , stirring , and men of pregnant parts , exceedingly desirous of , and breathing after liberty , for 't is very hard for a people who lived a long while in a way of Republick , to bring themselves to live under a Monarch , so absolute and so hard as this is ; so that upon this account the Grand Dukes strong places are all well furnished with Armes , Ammunition , and Provision , not only to resist a forreign Enemy upon occasion , but to bridle his own Subjects ; which is indeed a sad case , when a Prince hath as many Enemies as he hath Subjects ; how can he think himself sure with those who hate and fear fear him , seeing any one who out of despair caresnot for his life , is ever the Master of anothers , specially in those parts where 't is so much used , and where men are so skill'd at it ; and the Devil who is a murtherer from the beginning , omits no occasion to infuse bloody motions into his Hirelings . Happy is that Prince whose strongest fortress consists in the love of his Subjects , who hath not only their hands but their hearts along with him ; 't is certain that of all Enemies the Domestick is the most dangerous , and the most to be feared . Oderint dum metuant , was a fit expression for such a man as Tyberius . Yet though the Grand Duke keeps his people so low , he hath left them a shaddow of liberty , whereat they be somewhat satisfied , it consists in the use of those common Laws of Justice which they had in the time of the republick . Now to the maximes of State of this Prince in Relation to his Neighbours , the first is apparently to be united with Spain , yet in private to keep friendship and correspondency with France , which the Spaniards often times have been much displeased at , and had some thoughts to resent it , but fearing least the remedy might prove worse than the disease , they have chosen to sit still . What he doth in France , the same he practises with the Republick of Venice : but that which he minds most of all , is to have a good number of Cardinals , and other useful persons of Quality his pentioners at Rome , to have none but those who be his friends chosen Popes , for the great'st stormes he is afraid of are from thence , for knowing how matter is combustible at home , he fears least Popes would encourage and assist his people to recover that liberty which they are so much longing after ; and there hath been some Popes who were born his Subjects , as one of the Clements , and lately Urban the 8th . who have given him or his Ancestours trouble enough . Of his Family , Prince Matthias his Brother died lately , Governour of Siena , and now Prince Leopold is created Cardinal , his Son the Grand Prince his Heir Apparent is called Cosmo , who hath married the Princess of Voalis , of the French Royal blood : for a long while there hath been an unhappy falling out between them , but now all differences are composed ; by some the fault was laid upon one , and by others upon the other ; 't is not fit for men to search into the causes of falling out between Husband and Wife , specially when they are Princes ; some particular ones I heard , which I doe not minde , onely one may say that the retired manner of life practised in Florence differs very much from that which is lead at Paris , so that an Italian may happen to require a thing which a French Woman will have no mind to grant : I know in Toscany there are still some Noble and Ancient Families , but as the Grand Dukes have been very jealous of their Aurhority , they have either rooted out , or brought very low the Chief , and those of whom they were the most jealous . The state of Mantoa . THe Family Gonzaga hath possessed the State of Mantoa since the year 1328. at which time Roberto Gonzaga having expelled some petty Usurpers , he made himself Master of it ; they enjoyed it without any Title till the year 1432. when the Emperour Sigismond Created Giovanni Francesco Marquesse , and Charles the 5th . in the year 1530. made Federico Duke of it ; this Married Margarita Paleologa Heir to the Marquesate of Monferrat . The Titles of this Prince are these , Duke of Mantoa , Marquess of Monferrat , Prince , and perpetual Vicar of the Empire in Italy , Marquess of Gonzaga , Viadane , Gozzolo , Dozzolo , Earle of Rodiga , and Lord of Luzara . These Dukes could formerly live in as great a splendour as any Prince in Italy , their equal , specially since Monferrat was united to their State , but since the late Warre made against the Duke Charles the first , in the year 1630. by the House of Austria , under pretence that he had not done homage to the Emperour , nor acknowledged him for his Soveraign , though the true reason was , because being born in France , he was by them suspected to be wholly inclined that way , and by the Duke of Savoy , who would have stript him of Monferrat , which is joyning to Piemont : their Strength is so weakned , and their Revenue , and yearly Income so lessened , that without the help of other Princes they cannot maintain their Garisons , as it is in the case of Cazal that strong place , so that from above 300000 Crowns they had a year , they are brought to 80000. which yet are not clear . Mantoa , formerly a most flourishing and very populous City , hath at present but few Inhabitants , and is full of misery , not caused by their Princes who have been the meekest of all Italy , but they could not rise up again since they were taken and plundered by the Imperial Army . The best Ornament of that City was , and is , still the Dukes Palace , where they reckon at least 550. Chambers very richly furnished with hangings and bedding , there are 1000. Beds , and many rich Statues ; but before the taking of the City , 't was as they say , more stately and rich , then the Mills only of the City were worth 10000. Sterling a year . Upon occasion this Duke can raise 10000. Foot , but not to keep them very long , and 800. Horse : now the Mantoan Horse is esteemed the best of Italy . There are more Sovereign Princes of this Family , than of any other in Italy , because Duke Alfonso having many Sons , would make every one of them a Sovereign ; therefore by the Emperours consent , some Lands he separated from the Jurisdiction of Mantoa , and others he bought ; so that the Eldest Sonne was Duke of Mantoa , another Prince of Bozzolo , a third Prince of Sabionetta , another Duke di Guastalda , a fifth Duke of Novellara , and a sixth Marquesse of Castiglione della Stivere : but now Sabionetta as a Doury hath been alienated by a Marriage to the House Caraffa in Naples , and since , the Princess of Stigliano of this last Family being married to the Duke Medina de las torres los Velez , brought this State into his Family . The late Duke Charles the 2d . to unite himself the more to the House of Austria , ( for the late Emperour had already married a Princess of his Family ) took one of the Princesses of Insprack to his Wife , but for all this he neither was much trusted to , or rewarded ; the truth is , he was affected to France , whose interests he would not have separated from , if he had not thought himselfe slighted at Paris , and less respected then was the Duke Francis of Modena . This Duke of Mantoa died not long since in the flower of his Age , leaving only a Son of 12 , or 13. years old , who hath succeeded him . He was generally inclined to Women , but in particular to the Countess Margarita di Cazale : He was a great Gamester , and lost much money at Venice : Upon all occasions he was supplyed by a Jew of Mantua , who almost ruled the Dukes Affairs to his own advantage , and to the Princ's loss . Jews are tollerated in Mantoa to the number of above 5000. for which they pay 20000. crowns , or 5000. Sterling a year , the more willingly because they are obliged to no marks of distinction , as they are in all other places . The City of Mantoa , as all others that are consideralile in Italy hath some Virtuosi called Invaghiti , It hath been a maxime of State of these Princes to be united to France , where they had the Dukedoms of Nevers , Rethel , and Mayene which Cardinal Mazarine bought , the last for himself , the other two for one of his Nepews , and also to be united to the Venetians ; to the first , because that King could fall heavy upon the Duke of Savoy , the perpetual and unreconcileable Enemy of his Family ; to the last , because being his next Neighbours , they could assist him upon any occasion . The Friendship which seems to be between this Duke and those of Parma and Modena is not real , by reason some State-differences which happened formerly between them : With the Grand Duke he hath had fallings out about the Precedency of their Ministers : though the Grand Duke hath larger dominions , the others Family hath been more Noble , and is more Antient ; besides the other reason of the enmity is , that the Grand Duke hath several Goods of his for the portion of the Princess Catharina di Medici , married to Duke Ferdinando . But the greatest Enmity of this House , is , against that of Savoy about Monferrat , and other things ; their differences are so great , that no means can be found out to compose them : and here I must not omit to speak of the Treaty of Chierasco in reference to these differences : thereby the Duke of Savoy is put in possession of two good Cities of Monferrat , but some satisfaction is to be given for them to the Duke of Mantoa , therefore the French doth oblige himself to pay the Duke of Mantoa 494000. Crowns of Gold pretended by that House from Savoy for portions ; but for the forenamed Summe , the French is put in possession of Pinarolo , and yet the Duke of Mantoa never asked those Monies , protesting against that Treaty ; so that upon occasion this may happen to be a ground of troubles in Italy . The State of the Duke of Parma . THe Dukedoms of Parma and Piacenze , two of the best Cities of Italy , have been possessed by the Family Farneze above these 122. years , after several revolutions they fell to the Church , and were at last by Pope Paolo tertio , given to Pietro Luigi Farneze his Son born afore he was a Church-man . Charles the 5th Emperour opposed it at first , but after the marriage of Ottavio 2d Duke with his Natural Daughter he approved of it ; besides the Dukedoms of Parma and Piacenza in Lombardy , he hath the Dukedome of Castro , and County of Roncigliont within the Sate of the Church , which the first was pawned to , and for want of paying the monies in the prefixed time , it was united and entailed to the Church , which is the worst that a Turk or a Jew can do a Christian : yet notwithstanding the sufficient reasons to the contrary given by the Duke , that pretended Father of Christians played this unmerciful trick ; and though of late by the means of the French King , this Entail was cut off , as yet they could not bring the Pope to part with it , as he is obliged by the Treaty of Pisa ; so well these Popes agree , the one to get , and the other to keep . Besides this the Duke of Parma hath some Lands in the Kingdome of Naples for the Doury of Margarita of Austria married to Prince Ottavio . This Prince is perpetual Standard bearer of the Church , to which his State is to fall incase he should die without Male Issue . Although he doth homage to the Church for the whole , he is nevertheless absolute for that ; after the homage received , Popes having nothing to do in his dominions . Urban the 8th was a great enemy to this Family ; he took Castro , and had it demolished ; he would have ruinated Odoardo then Duke , and Father to this present , who was a wise and a valiant Prince ; but Italian Princes expressing to be dissatisfied at it , he was obliged to be quiet , having raised upon the Frontires of Parma , that strong place called la Fortezza Urbana . This Family hath given the world some men of great repute , specially him who was Governour of the Low-Countries ; the loss of Castro hath been a great prejudice to the Duke , yet he hath still a matter of 400000. Crowns a year : the Apennini are as a Wall to his State , which joyned to many Rivers , and some strong Holds , makes his Countrey considerable ; he keeps nigh upon 5000. men , but in case of necessity he could bring into the field 20000. Foot , and 1000. Horse , the half he can bring forth without inconveniency ; he hath much Nobility in his dominions , and he is very jealous of them , specially of those of Piacenza , because the first Duke was kill'd there . What manner of Cities are Parma and Piacenza I will not describe , nor the curiosities to be seen in them ; I name nothing , only let this general rule be taken ; in every good City of Italy , one is to see the Churches wherein consists their Glory , their Palaces , Gardens . Houses of pleasure , Cabinets , &c. all which are embelished with Statues , Pictures in Oleo , in Fresco , and Mosaick works , wherein Porphiry , Marble , and such rich materials are often used ; this I say to free my self from making descriptions which might make up a great Volume , I only take notice that in Parma are some Academists , called Innominati . The present Duke Ranuccio , a man of a fat complexion , as yet hath no children , his first Wife being-dead , he is again married to the Sister of the late Duke of Modena , he hath Prince Alessandro Farnese his Brother , who hath been in the service of the Venetians , and came off with some discontent ; at present he serves in Spain . There is now at Rome Cardinal Farneze , but he is not very nigh Kinsman , I am sure he did not act the part of a good Kinsman , when he found out some ways to sell his Principality of Farneze to the Pope for Don Mario for 80000 Crowns , and a Cardinals Cap , excluding thereby the Duke of Parma from that Succession , in case the Branch should fail ; but an Entail having afterwards been found out , the Pope called for his monies , and restored the Principality , however he is Cardinal by the bargain ; the best Palace in Rome is Farneze , built after the direction of Michel Angelo Buonarotta ; and one of the best Countrey-pleasure-houses of Italy , is Caprarola in the County of Ronciglione , belonging to the Duke of Parma . Till of late , since the dayes of Charles the 5th , 't was a constant maxime of State of these Princes to keep close to the House of Austria ; but Odoardo the late Duke being unsatisfied with the Earl and Duke of Olivares , he left that Union , and they have since sided with France , as the fittest power to uphold them in their Quarrels against the Pope , which will be a continual ground of troubles in Italy , and an occasion of bringing the French into it . One thing more is , that these Dukes do more willingly make use of Strangers to be their Ministers when they find them qualified for it , than of their own Subjects . The state of the Duke of Modena . THe Family D'Este , though we put it here last , is much more Antient and Richer than the two former , yet according to that period which is set to Families of Princes , and their Dominions , this hath lost something of its Antient Greatness . They derive their Pedigree from Atto Marquess of Este , who took the Surname , which now his Family keeps , from the City Este , which doth still belong to it : This Married Alda , Daughter to the Emperour Othon the First , in the year , 1000. and had with her , Modena and Reggio . Theobaldo d' Este Othon's Grand-Child , had in the year 1055. Ferrara from Pope John the 12th , which was in the Year , 1598. taken from them by Clement the 8th , after the death of Alfonso the 2d , for want of Lawful Heirs Males : yet there was Cesare d' Este whom Alfonso had from Laura Ferrarese who would have proved that his Father had Married his Mother , and so that he was a Lawful Heir , but the proofs of the Pope who had already taken possession of the place , were the strongest : Yet that Family still pretends to it , affirming they come from a Lawful Heir , though Popes will have him to have been a Natural Son ; and this as to precedency wrongs that Family , for other Princes will not grant them as Dukes of Modena only , what they had as Dukes of Ferrara , although their standing Dukes of Modena be from Barso d' Este , who had the title given him by Frederick the 3d Emperour in the year 1460. The City hath been a great looser by this change , for instead of the Seat of a Court , 't is now made a City of War , and of 80000. soules that were in it under the Dukes , there 's now hardly 20000. However this Duke is still in possession of the Dukedomes of Modena and Reggio , the Principalities of Carpi and Correggio , the Earldome of Roli , and the Lordships of Sassevil , Garfagna and Frignano , by the late Treaty of Pisa ; his dispute with the Pope about the Vallies of Gommachio was decided , being to receive as he did 400000. Crowns for them , 40000. more of damages , and some other advantagious , conditions : all these lands with others which he hath still in the Dukedom of Ferrara , yield him every year full 500000. Crowns ; all his Dominions joyning one to another , makes him the more considerable ; his strength therefore consists in the number of his people ; the only Province Carfagnana is said to contain 80. places walled about ; he hath also several strong Holds ; upon extraordinary Occasions he is able to bring into the field 20000. Foot , and 1000. Horse , and he can without inconveniency keep the halfe of the number , however his Country lies somewhat open to several neighbouring Princes , not for want of good places , of which he hath many , seated at a proportionable and convenient distance one from another , but because that Country lies upon an even ground ; in his Citadel of Modena , are as they say , Armes for 40000. men ; this City is not in repute with other Italians , who call it Modena la pazza . These Princes observe the general maximes of their Neighbours , to have a good correspondency with Venice , which was ever lookt upon as the Protectour of the liberties of Italy : Since the loss of Ferrara they kept close to the Spaniards , but of late their Interest made them change their affections , for Duke Francis was in the late Italian War , made General of the French , and Mazarine's Neece married to Prince Almerigo his Son , who hath left a young Prince to succeed him . At present all things are done after the advice of Cardinal D'Este , Protector of the French Interest at Rome , and the promoter of the late Union of his Family to France ; He is a Prince very active and stirring , who lives at Rome , when he comes there , with greater pomp , and more splendour then any other Cardinal whatsoever ; he is zealous for the French , by whose Friendship his family is much better with monies , being enriched with the late Generalship : So is the Country , for in winter the Head Quarters were in Modena , whereto resorted all the great Officers , and a great number of inferiour ones ; this somwhat helped the poor people to pay those Taxes that are laid so heavy upon them ; at present there is one of their name , and kinsman afar of , Don Carlo D'Este , if I mistake not , a Subject born to the Duke of Savoy , who is a Knight of the Order of the Fleece , whom I have seen attending on the Empress at Alexandria , Pavio , &c. The Duke of Modena hath this advantage above most Princes in Italy , that he hath some of his Subjects who have Feudi Fiefs of the Empire ; we find many great Families in his Dominions , as the rich Earls , di San Paolo , the Bentivogli-Ragoni , Buoncompagni , the Marquesses Spilimbergo , Peppoli ; Gualengo , di Vignola and Gualteri . The Earls Caprari , San Martino , di Molsa , di Maluisia , Montecuculi , Tassoni Ferrarese di Conoscia , and few others ; the present Duke being very young , we have nothing to say as to his person ; and though he were older , we could say of him that which must be spoken of some others , they are reserved , and live retiredly ; so that strangers , for any long while have not free excess to their Courts and Persons . The state of Venice . NOw to go on , I must say something of the Republicks . I do confess I am much at a stand when I see my self obliged to speak of Venice ; the abundance of matter is often to a man a greater hindrance then help , when he must pick out that which is onely fit for his purpose ; to speak well of a Republick esteemed a miracle of Nature , and a Prodigy of Art , the tongue of an Angel is necessary : 'T were too trivial to say , that this Republick was founded above 1246 years ago , by those who from Aqueleia , Padoa , &c. fled from the cruelty of Attila : they were governed by Tribunes till the year , 697. at which time they made a Head called Doge , and they chose San Marco to be their Protectour ; wherefore a Lyon holding a Book , is their Arms , with this Motto , Pax tibi Marce Evangelista . The Government was part Aristocracy , and part Democracy , but at the time when Pietro Gradenigo was Doge in the year , 1280. It was resolved in the Senate , that the Government should hereafter belong to the Nobility alone ; and to avoid oppositions , all the Families that were in some esteem amongst the people , were declared Nobles , as it hath been practised afterwards upon urging occasions , as in the Wars against Genoa , and lately in the Wars against the Turk , 100000. Crowns being paid by every one who is made such , besides that he must be otherwise qualified for it . In the Majesty and perpetuity of the Duke , there is a shadow of Monarchy , but the strength and the Authority resides in the Senate ; their Dominion is of a great extent . In terra ferma they have Dogado , La Marca Trevigiana , Padoano , Vicentino , Veronese , Feltrino , Bellunese , Bresciano , Beragamasco , Cremasco , &c. there is further il Fruili , with many considerable Cities in it , as Udine , Palma , and that strong hold Palma Nova . Istria with four good Cities , and many Lands and places . Out of Italy they have Dalmatia , with the Islands thereto belonging , and the chief Cities of Zara , Clissa : Cataro , and few other places in Albania ; in the Levante , Corfu , Cefalonia , Cerigo , Zante , and some other Islands in the Arcipelago ; and the Sovereignty of all the Golfo from Venice to Otranto , and to la Vallona , which is seven hundred miles in length ; of the Kingdom of Candia , they have nothing but the City . It would require whole Volumes , if one would insist upon the manner of their Government in general , seeing they have been curious to gather the quintessence of all the good Laws and Statutes which antient and modern Republicks had , which they make use of upon occasion : they have above 60. Courts of Judicature , such a diversity being necessary for them to employ so many Noblemen they have . I will hardly mention the Gran ' Consiglio , wherein are usually 1500. Votes , besides other 500. Nobles who are in Offices else-where , either by Land or Sea ; nor the Pregadi composed of ' 200. or thereabouts , or the Collegio , or the Consiglio di Dieci , nor what manner of bus●inesses they treat of : Why should I tell who are the Procuratori di San Marco , Sesteri , tre capi di Quaranta Savi di Mare , Savi di terra , Savi grandi , and so many Officers ; this with an exact description of that Republick , and of all her dependencies I could undertake , if I saw occasion , but 't is a thing that deserves to be by it self , as well as the account of the Forces , and Riches of the Republick , and wherein they consist ; I shall not speak of the City which is full of wonders with antient and modern curiosities , only I shall name the Arsenal , which is certainly the best in Europe , and the Treasure hath many rich and precious stones , however I will not omit to say , that in the City are two sorts of Virtuosi , one is called Discordanti , and the other Gussoni . I must come to something of the political part of that Government , but before , I must name some of the Chief Families of that Republick . I believe the number of the Nobles exceeds that of 3500. though 40. or 50. Families with their friends and relations , whose leaders they are do govern the whole , the most considerable of these are Contarini , now Doge , Sagredo , Corraro , Capello , Moccenigo Morosini , Cornaro , Gradenigo , Grimani , Querini , Loredano , Marcello , Pesaro , Giustiniano , Foscari , Bembo , Delfini , &c. Now I proceed , the Venetians take a great care to have their young men instructed in those things which concern their Republick ; in part to this effect they have found out such a variety of employments , to the end that applying themselves to these , they may in time be fitter to administer those of a higher nature , so that there is hardly any one without some employment suitable to his Genius and Capacity ; they also have an usual way to speak familiarly of policy , so that after a long use , and earnest application , and an often hearing of those who understand things well , they must needs make improvement in it . The Venetians also most of any Italians do travel abroad , and hardly an Ambassadour ever goes to any place , but he is attended by some of the young Nobles , who go to learn the politick part of the Government of the Countrey which the Ambassadour is sent to ; and that which is the chief , to the end that the Senate may be instructed of the present state of affairs of any Court , we may observe that almost everywhere they have Ambassadours ( not mattering what charges they come to ) who all the time of their residence , by a constant Intelligence do acquaint the council with every particular thing that falls out in the Court they live at ; who not only leave instructions to those who succeed them in the place , but who also when they come home , are obliged to make in Pregadi , a full relation of the state wherein stands the Court whence they come . One thing above all , which I find extraordinary , is that secresie so inviolably observed amongst them , that amongst so many heads there should be no tongue , nay there have been those who were present at the Council , when violent resolutions were taken against some friend or relation of theirs ; they have conversed with them after that , and yet never discovered any thing . Publick Ministers of Princes who reside there , do confess it is more difficult to penetrate into those results made sometimes by above 1500. men , than into those which are made by three or four : 'T is true , this is look't upon as a part of their wisdome , that publick affairs are communicated to all , for then when the resolutions they have taken , require secresie , they think themselves obliged to observe it , though it were only upon this account that they are true and faithful to themselves . Thus their general aime is , or at least their Laws tend to maintain peace , union , and liberty . We must not wonder therefore if this Republick is come to such a height , and maintains herself in it , with the excellency of her Counsil , the observation of the Laws , the gravity of manners and customes , and the common desire of maintaining liberty with a severe punishment of all innovations which could disturb the publick peace . Laws ought not to be Despotick or Arbitrary , nor after the suggestions of sycophants , and the byassed parasites , but inconformity to those of the great Law giver ( who though he have an absolute and unlimitable right and power over all , yet he is often times graciously pleased to give reasons of what he doth ) they ought to be grounded upon Justice , Reason , and Equity , and to tend to the publick good , which should be the end of all civil and municipal laws , and not to be turned into private Channels , to run to particular ends , which hapning , let him look to 't who bears not the Sword without cause , for all private ends ought to be subservient to the publick interest : to this effect , when first all men contracted Societies , and united themselves in Corporations , they knew well they could not subsist without order , which can never be observed without Laws , tending to protect the good in the enjoyment of that peace and quietness they desire , & to terrifie the evil with those punishments threatned them , in case the , go about to disturb it . And the truth is , that such Laws being enacted , they look to future ages more than to that time wherein they are made , because those who made them being free agents , and entring willingly ; and with their own accord into such Societies as every one of them had a hand in the passing of the Laws , if not in the framing , at least in the approving and confirming of the same ; for that which is to be above all , as Laws are , is to be made by the consent of all ; So 't is to be supposed they would not break the Lawes which they made themselves , upon grounds of Reason and Justice ; Hence it is , that as they have made use of the Legislative Power they had , and that they have bound themselves to the execution of them , which being once done , the bond cannot be loose or untied but by the general consent , and in such a case it may be done according to the maxime , that he who makes the Law , can disanul it ; ( but it must be the whole Legislative Power ) for as grounds and reasons sometimes do alter , so may the Laws accordingly , because as a Law doth not sute in all places , so neither at all times , neither may they be allowed , but as much as they conduce to the publick good , which as I said , before is the end for the which they were roade ; but if they turn to be destructive to these ends for the which they were made , they ought certainly to be abrogated and made void ; and this shews that every Law is not of the nature of those of the Persisians and Medians , which might not be altered ; but because the life of the Law doth not so much consist in the Legislative Act , but specially in the executive part , not only in wisdome , but also in powers therefore they who made the Lawe do appoint those who are to see them executed ; and because at first Law-givers could not foresee all cases and accidents which might fall out , there is a certain power reserved to interpret , to explain and to amplifie those Laws , yet upon this condition that sense shall be given to the words of the Law which is most conducing to the end of the Law , that is , to the publick good : For those rules that are imposed by Conquerours as such , and do deserve the name of Laws , but are only despotick orders and commands ; the Conquerour after his Victory imposes what he pleaseth upon the Conquered ; sometimes nothing but Martial and Arbitrary Laws , as it is this day practised in the Turkish Empire , for as he hath gotten it , so he must keep it either by force or fraud ; this is by virtue of a right used between wild beasts , who will tear or spare those that are weaker than themselves . The Laws of Venice , which are the occasion of this discourse , abhor these last , and are of the nature of the former , the happiness which they have enjoyn'd under them , do highly declare the wisdome of their Law-givers . I believe it were of no little use , if every Countrey were acquainted with the same ; I altogether for bear speaking of them that are common and ordinary , one kind excepted , which is very beneficial , and might prove so to other Countries , being introduced therein , I mean the sumptuary Laws against excess in Clothes , Jewels , Equipage , &c. which though vain and superficial things do consume & wast the state & substance of many ; the servant is not to be known by his cloaths from his Master ; and of these how many have we who are more sollicitous of getting Perriwigs , gaudy Cloathes , and the like , than careful to acquire knowledge , virtue and experience , not knowing that those things are borrowed , and not their own , which make no difference between an honest man and the vilest wretch in the world , however they are satisfi'd with the shew , and are like those Apples that grow about the Lake of Sodom , which have a fair shew , but have nothing within , blow upon them and they fly into dust and ashes . As there is a difference of quality in persons , so there should be some distinction in cloathes , or the like ; the very Stars shew greater brightness some than others . Men should strive to goe one beyond another , not in clothes but in virtue , and good quality . But I 'le leave this discourse , not for want of matter , one who hath but common sense and reason could have much to say upon 't , but because I avoid to be accounted too censorious and critical , and that some times every truth must not be spoken , or when it is odium parit : but to come to my subject , I say , 't is not so in Venice , they minde more solid and substantial things than these , and they practise certain refined maximes , which I have observed . First , their Doges may not ally themselves to any forreign Princes , to preveni receiving from abroad Councils tending to the destruction of liberty at home . Neither is it lawful for any of the Nobles to converse with any forreign Ministers , or any one that hath any relation to them , or to keep communication with them by way of letters , or any other direct or indirect way , to remove all occasions of being bribed , and so of betraying the State or their Councils ; for this cause 12. or 13. years agoe was put to death one of the Family of Carnaro , it being found out that he had been several times at the lodging of the Spanish Ambassadour . Further , as they know that the greatness of the Republick comes from their power upon the Seas ; so all the Nobles apply themselves specially to Sea Affairs : as for Land service they usually take strangers of known valour and experience out of Germany , Italy , and other places . To preserve union between the Nobles and the people , and that these may have where to apply themselves ; the Noble ; do not roeddle with publick Schools , or ruling of Parochial Churches , or the like ; and more than this , the direction of the Chancery of the Republick , which is a high dignity that hath the ordering of all publick expeditions , and the Secretaries places are ever given to some of the people , to whom also they allow liberty of fishing , coursing , shooting , and the like , there being no propriety in things of this nature , and that they may yet the more get the love and affection of the people , they converse together in Walks , Play-houses , Gaming-places , and upon all occasions and meetings ; so also they take Citizens Daughters to be their Wives : yet for all this the Nobles are so far from hindring , that rather they encourage the divisions which are in the City of Venice of one part against another , that is , between the Castellani and Nicolotti , who use to meet specially in the Month of September , upon the Bridge of St. Barnabas , which they flock to in great numbers , and the Nobles who happen to be there do encourage every one of those of his side ; there they Kick and Cuff one another , but have no Armes : this to some is an eff●ct of animosity , to others ' a sport , to others a shew , and to all a diversion from other things . Upon this account , they suffer the insolencies of Scholars at Padoa with their Chi va li at night to keep a division between them and the Citizens , who also are looked upon as a factious people . Another maxime which they have , is to keep the scales even between warring Princes , specially in Italy , as they have done in the wars of Milan , to preserve the Publick Liberty , that one Prince do not grow too potent by the loss of another ; but a thing which they study most of all , is , to know the Genius , Customes , Strength , and to find out the Designes of all Princes and Republicks , by which diligence many a time they have found out and avoided great dangers impending over themselves and others . But a very useful maxime they have , and which is very wise , it is ever to hearken after peace , and fit themselves constantly for war : Afore they were involved in this last with the Turk , their policicy was by all means to avoid a falling out with so dreadful an Enemy ; but it seems at this time providence hath made use of the perfidiousness of those of Candia , and of the Turks ambition , to make this maxime to be null and void . But to withdraw from this Ocean , I will say , that out of policy they suffer the delayes of doing Justice , and the tedious proceedings at Law , to keep people in exercise , and the Courts of Justice in credit : By the same reason they are so severe in punishing faults against the State upon all sorts of persons ; and to avoid Innovations and Disorders ; contrariwise , they be very remiss to those which proceed from humane frailty : So 't is to punish more rigourously the faults of the Nobles , than those of the people , to the end that the former do not grow insolent , nor these last discontented . Further they are careful to maintain their priviledges to Provinces and Cities , that they may continue in their Loyalty and affection . Lastly , 't is a part of their Justice , as of their policy , not to punish the crime of the Fathers upon the Children , nor e Converso , the person only which is guilty suffering . I have one thing more to say before I leave it : Of all States in Italy this of Venice hangs loose from the Pope most of all , therefore they meddle not in the Court of Rome , neither do they care to bestow Pensions upon Cardinals to have a favourable Election , & indeed 't is not much material to them , seeing they extend their Jurisdiction upon all Regular & Ecclesiastical persons within their Dominions , notwithstanding the endeavours of several Popes to the contrary : and they have good Laws to bridle the power of Popes within their State , as I will instance only in two Cases ; the first is , though the Inquisition be amongst them , yet they have taken away its sting , there being constantly three of the wisest and more moderate Senators named to be present at their Consultations ; and it is further ordered , that nothing shall be resolved in it , except there be present one of these Senators , who qualifies things , reduces them to moderation , and in case of extremity telling , the Senate must be acquainted with such and such things . The Second Case is , the nomination which Popes make , of whom they think fit to some , Church-livings and benefices within their State , the Pope pretends he hath right so to do , which they deny ; however because they will not openly cross him , they have found out an indirect way , which is this , there is an Order , that no man whosoever shall be put in possession of any Benefice by virtue of any Grant or Nomination from the Pope , except the same be first approved of by the Council , so that the Patent being brought to the Council , there it lies till either the person who had it , or the Pope who granted it , be dead , which maxime now being known , none of their Subjects will be at the charges and trouble to Sue at Rone for any such thing . The wisest amongst them laugh at the pretended Authority and Jurisdiction which Popes arrogate to themselves within the limits of their Republick : he may ( say they ) play Rex at Rome , and have his Patriarchal Churches , namely St. Peter representing the Patriarch of Constantinople ; St. Paul of Alexandria , St. Mary the greater of Antiochia , St. Laurance without the walls of Jerusalem , and set over these four , St. John of Lateran , representing the Pope , who is over all ; but say they , such liberty is not allowed him in the States of other Princes . From time to time there hath been Quarrels between Popes and this Republick ; Paul the fifth's Excommunication is not yet forgotten there , nor the Principles of padre Paolo , and padre Fulgentio rooted out ; though the Gospel be not taught there in publick , one may hear it sometimes in private . 'T is true , of late the Jesuites were re-admitted there , but meer necessity of State obliged them to it , though their re-admission was carried on but by few Balls or Votes , the late Popes Letter earnestly entreating them to do it , and saying , that if he could have gone in person to ask it , he would have done it , was not so efficacious as the promise of keeping 3000 men at his own charges in Dalmatia , for theservice of the Republick ; and upon occasion the use of his Gallies , with some other advantages : however , they are still odious in that City to all sorts of people , and a small matter will send them out again : In a private Conversation between the late Popes and a Venetian Ambassadour then at Rome , upon the question moved by the Pope , Where was their Title to the Soveraignty of the Gulf ? the other answered him smartly , 'T is upon the back of Constamines donation ; this shews somthing in the bottom of the Venetian hearts not favourable to Rome , whence they have received so many grounds of displeasure ; We have seen of late how much trouble a Nuncio of the Popes at Venice was like to have raised between the Duke and Senate about the Barigello , who had seized certain of the Nuncio's Servants when they had done some insolencies , though he said he knew not they were his Servants , and though things had been composed so , that the Barigello should not appear in the Church of St. Mary , where the Nuncio was to be till the last holy day of Christmass , yet upon that very day against the agreement , within the Church the Nuncio prevailed with the Duke to order him to go out , whereat the whole Senate were highly incensed that the Duke would do such a thing without their advice : and now the late grudge about the turning of the Channel of the Po another way , might produce somthing , were it not for the War of Candia , however there remains a cause of falling out hereafter . The state of Genoa . BUt 't is time to speak of Genoa , formerly the dangerous Rivall of Veuice ; History shews us the several & great Revolutions of Government in this City ; it was by Charles the Great made an Earldom , and under one of their Earls won the Island Corfica from the Saracens ' , afterwards they became a Republick , they asked the Protection of Charles the sixth King of France , and having rejected this , they submitted to the Duke of Millan , and then would have withdrawn from his Obedience , but he being too hard for them , they were kept under till the days of Andrea Doria , who having pacified the intestine divisions , instead of making himself Prince of it , as some think he might have done , he got them the liberty wherein they stand at present : This Republick is no more now what it hath been , that Genoa which hath formerly been so potent at Sea , as to beat the Venetians , take one of their Dukes prisoners , as they did in 1258. run victorious up and down , taking several Cities belonging to them , and block up Venice it self . Furthermore , in the year 1337. they Conquered the Kingdome of Cyprus , took the King and Queen prisoners , but restored them upon certain conditions ; the reason is , because though the Countrey be the same , yet that people hath exceedingly degenerated ; in those days every one minded the publick good , and the honour of the Nation , but now every one seeks his private ends and interests , let what will become of the publick , which is a meer folly , for when the publick goes to wrack , particular men cannot thrive very long ; but if all particular men strive together to promote the publick , as they are members of that body , so they will find the benefit of it ; when we have seen in the Roman Commonwealth men sacirfice States , Friends , Relations and Lives for the Republick , when nothing was so dear to them , but they could part with it for the good and safety of the Republick , then were all things in a flourishing condition , but when they began to seek their own , and every one to set up for himself , all things began to totter : How can the parts be saved , if the whole perish ? The Bees and the Ants natural instinct goes beyond some Mens reason , they may be Hyerogliphicks to us , and their example teach us to be publick spirited Men , but it seems the Genoesi are not so . This Republick is in possession of what was formerly called Liguria , now 't is Riviera di Genoa , from the City of Genoa to Porto di Luna , is called , la Riviera di Levante , or of the East , and from Genoa to Monaco 't is Rivieradiponente of the West , which makes 150. miles in length , though the breadth is hardly above 25. in any place : 't is true , that upon the ponente is Finale belonging to the Spaniarols , and three places to Savoy , but withal beyond Monaco it hath St. Remy and Ventimiglia ; towards Milan they have Gavi with a strong Castle , and Novi not so good as the other ; they have also the Island Corsiea : Formerly Trade did much flourish in Genoa , but now Legorn hath spoiled it , as Genoa had spoiled that of Savona , they suffered extreamly by the late great plague that was there ; so that to make themselves amends , and to keep up Trade , they have thought fit to bring in the Jews , by whose means they hope in time to bring Trading back again from Legorn ; but others are in expectation to hear how they will agree , for between a Jew and a Genoese ( setting aside baptism ) there 's no difference ; and if they do 't will pass for a wonder . But not to be tedious upon this , I say , that although the City be very fair , and the Palaces stately , it is inhabited by men , then whom ( few excepted ) there cannot be worse , this is the opinion which all other Italians have of them : There goes a story , ( which how true 't is I will not dispute ) that when the Grand Duke first of all made Livorno a free Port , he gave leave of Trading in 't to all Nations , as English , French , and to all Merchants , even out of Turkey , Anch ' ai Genoesi , having named several Nations , amongst whom there were Infidels ; those of Genoa are put the last , as being the worst of all . Indeed they are proud , revengeful in an extraordinary way , and enemies to strangers , though out of that City they goe almost into all parts . I do not think there is a City in Italy where more mischief is done than in this , one hears of it almost every day : In the way of Trade they are very skilful , yet so interessed , that there are those in it who could prefer one 5 s. to twenty lives ; their temper is such , that they cannot agree with any sort of people , nay , not so much as amongst themselves ; their unsettledness appears in this : from Earles they came to Consuli , from these to Potesta , then to Capitani , to Governatori , Luoghitenenti Rettori di populo , Abbati di populo , reformatori , protectori , duchi Nobili , and duchi Popolari . Civil Divisions ever regarded amongst them , for they are no sooner come under one sort of Government , but they wished for another . When Francis the first heard they would desire his Protection ; Let them go to Hell , said he , for I am not willing to needdle with such people . The Italian Proverb of them is , Mare senzapesci , they have Seas without Fish , Montagne senzalegno , Mountains and no Woods , Huomini senza fede , Men without faith , and Donne senza vergogna , women without shame ; yet some brave men are come out of it . The Government is Aristocratical , with a Doge , only for two years , who with the 8 Governatori , is called the Signoria , then the little Council of 100 men , and the great of 400. they have also the Sindici Over-seers of the actions of Governours , as Censors were at Rome : the Doge hath a Guard , which he of Venice hath not ; their Forces are much decayed from what they were , when they reduced Venice to an extremity ; still they continue to be good Sea-Souldiers , and keep eight Gallies , which do dispute the hand with those of Maltha , but they are not esteemed by Land. 'T is a thing which will seem an extravagancy , yet 't is a truth , that there hath been persons , and there are now Families in Genoa , more esteemed abroad than is the Republick it self , and some are as rich , if not richer , who keep Gallies of their own . The Republick hath not above 200000 Crowns a year , because part of the Dominion , and of the Revenue , doth belong to the company of St. George , which is , as it were another Republick within that ; yet some make the yearly Income greater ; but confess that it doth not exceed the Charges . Silks are the Staple Commodity , which they work very well in Velvet , Plush , Satin , Taby , Taffitie , and the like Silk-works , which they send into all the Northern parts of Europe . St. George is their Champion , and the Red Cross is their Coat of Armes . The City as 't is usual with Republicks , draws the best of the Land to it self , and hath destroyed the trading of other places , as Savona to advance its own ; In it are a sort of Virtuosi , who call themselves Addormentatis the City is not strong . The great secret of State of this Republick hath been to keep Herself United to , and depend upon Spain since Charles the fifth ; and Philip the 2d of Spain to keep them to her self , hath borrowed vast sums of monies , and assigned Lands in Naples and Milan for the payment ; so that they must keep fair with the Spaniard , for fear of loosing the Principal ; on the other side , as the King of Spain hath occasion of them , in relation to Finale and Milan not to loose them , he allows very great use for this money , so that they are even , and think to have over-reached one another ; most of the monies which are currant being Spanish Coine , it shews there hath been very great dealings between them . However now the Spaniard hath much lost the Great Authority he had first amongst them , for formerly they so far depended upon him , that they might not receive within their City the Embassadour of any Prince but his own , who might come as he did often into the Consultations of the Senate ; but now there is no such matter ; they being exposed to so many alterations , there are no fixed nor constant maximes of policy among them . I think 't is a Republick great by Name , but small in Srtength , despised by her Superiors , hated of her Equals , and envied by her Inferiors , which doth subsist only because one Neighbour would not have another to get it , the Interest of every one being to have it remain in a third hand ; Genoa is very jealous of two of her Neighbours , Savoy and Toscany , of the former , who hath aimed and attempted to bring her under his Yoake ; of the latter , by reason of his pretentions to Sarzana , which formerly belonged to Florence , and of both , because she is odious to both , and that upon the account of State , and of private interest , they wish to see her brooght low . In it are many Noble and Rich Families , as Doria , of which are the Marquess of Toreglia , Prince of Melfy , of the branch of Andre Doria , and the Duke of Tursi ; Spinola the Marquess , and de Duke of Sestri , Marquess de los Balbases , a Spanish Title , because a Grandee of Spain ; other Families are Fieschi , Grimaldi , Giustiniani , Pallavicini , Cibo , Carrieri , Imperiale , and some others . Now the Marquess Hyppolito Centurione with his Ships and Gallies , is entred into the French service . Of the state of Luca. I See I do fall from an Ocean into Rivers , yet there is water enough for me to swim in , in some places , if not every where . You will not be troubled with hearing a long enumeration of places and Dominions ; yet 't is to be admired of the places I am now to speak of , not how they can preserve themselves ; this the jealousie between , and the interest of their Neighbours , joyned with watchfulness on their side , doth for them ; but how formerly in times of conquest they could free their necks from the yoke of their potent Neighbours . Luca is one of these places which hath sometimes been possessed by the Goths , the Emperours of Constantinople , the Faseoli , Castrucci , Spinoli , by the Family Della Scala , by the Fiorentini , Pisani , and by one Carlo of Bohemia , who having made a Bishop Governour of it , this Bishop received 25000 Crowns , and left them the liberty they are now in , their Dominion is extended upon few Mountains , not much inhabited , upon the top of which they have some strong holds , as Monte Ignoso , Castiglione , Minuoiano , with Camagiore and Via Reggio upon the Sea ; but the best they have is the City well seated , people'd , and fortified with the territory belonging to it , which produces abundance of Olives , the best of Italy ; and the industry of the Inha bitants about Silk-works makes the City flourish and grow rich , every one in it hath something to live upon ; there are in it a matter of 10 Families esteemed at least worth 20000 Crowns a year ; others to the number of 30 have some 15000 , some 10000 a year , and above 60 have been between 4 and 5000 ; the yearly Income of the Commonwealth comes to not much above 100000 Crowns , with a treasure they have esteemed a Million , with certain Plate and Jewels , which upon occasion might bring in some monies . They are governed by a Council of 150 of the chief Citizens , the City is divided into three parts , which they call Tertieri , out of every one of which the General Council doth Elect three men , in all , Nine , called Senators , who joyned with the Gonfaloniero their head are called la Signoria : The Senators do command by turns every three dayes , the Gonfaloniero hath a bare Title , and nothing but the precedency above the rest , he is himself commanded by the Senators ; he keeps his place but two months , then another is chosen , but within that time he may not go out of the Palace under pain of death : As for Warlike affairs they are in a good condition upon the defensive , their listed Militia's are of 18000 men , besides the City contains 30000 Inhabitants , and is constantly Guarded by 300 good Souldiers , whereof 200 are born in the City , and have the keeping of the Gates , Walls , and other places , the other 100 are all strangers , born 50 miles at least from the City ; amongst them they admit no Florentine ; their Captain is a Stranger too , the Palace is committed to their Guard , and under pain of death they may not come nigh the Walls . The City keeps a constant provision of mouth , and ammunition of War for whole 7. years ; their few strong Holds are well provided , and their Souldiers well paid , which is the onely way to keep them upon duty and obedience ; so that their care , and the plenty of their Territory about the City do supply the narrowness and littleness of it : In a word , if they come short of other Princes and Republicks , as to the extent of dominions they have great advantages above them another way . First , they are not revengeful , as all the rest of Italians are , they casily forgive offences received , which doth argue the goodness of their nature , upon this account they are a proverb to other Italians , Riceve gli affronti come un ' lucbese . 2dly , their women are very modest , and inclined to chastity , and their young men sober and temperate , some out of a Natural inclination , and others by virtue of the good order kept amongst them : for 24 men , known to be of a good Life and Conversation are chosen out of the Council to be inspectors over the manners of Youth , ( this they call consigliodi discoli ) specially of deboist persons , and every time they meet , which happens once a year , every one puts in his Bill with the names of those whom he hath found and observed to be unruly ; and if the name of one be put in the little Box by the two thirds , that is by sixteen ; herein is his sentence conteined of 3 years banishment , he must go out of the City the next day after he hath had warning , and within 3 dayes after out of the State : So that by the observation of these good Orders , God fits them the better for conversion and reformation , after the reading of Scriptures , which they are much inclined to : hence it is , that we have seen so many families leave Luca and go to Geneva to enjoy the liberty of the Gospel , and to make an open profession of the truth : after these commendations 't were superfluous to say , they have also amongst them two sorts of Virtuosi , the one called Oscari and the other Freddi . They might boast of the antiquity of their City , which was built by Lucamon King of Toscany , but they have a greater advantage which they glory in , that this is the first City of Toscany , which received the Christian Faith ; though they be united amongst themselves , they are not sometimes without troubles at home , caused by the pride of their Clergy which is so far protected by Popes , that Urban the 8th for their sake excommunicated the Republick . This people is Civil to Strangers , and very courteous to those who come into the City , yet so watchful over them , that they have the council Della Vigilanza to know what they come for , whence they come , and whether they go , not allowing them to wear swords in the streets without a special leave , yet they give them liberty to walk upon the Moat , by the Walls , and to view the same ; in this City , the tongue is spoken in the purity of it . All their maximes of State are onley about the defensive part , and how to preserve themselves from their great Neighbour the Gran ' Duke , who would be glad to bring Toscany to her old limits that way , wherefore the Republick hath a strict correspondency with Genoa , which fears the same ; however as I have observed , one Neighbour would cross another , if any thing was design'd against Luca : their care hath provided against open attempts , they being in a readiness to oppose them , all what they must do , is to take heed of surprisals . The state of San Marino . SAn Marino is , I believe , the least Republick of Europe , when the Empire was transferred out of Italy into Germany ; this City , with some others made her self a Republick ; it lies on the West of the Dukedome of Urbino , under whose Dukes protection it remained , till this State fell to the Church , so that now it is shut up within the Popes Lands , and under their protection , yet some of them , specially the late Alexander the 7th , have done what they could by promises and fair means to make their Nephews Princes of it , but she would not part with her liberty ; and though the Pope could easily force them to it , yet he dares not , it being certain that the Venetians , and the Grand Duke would oppose him in it , specially now when Italian Princes do dislike Novelities and Innovations : when this Republick hath written to Venice , she hath called her Carissima Sorella , very dear Sister , a weak one indeed , for having but the City , and two or three Villages besides , her strength and riches are but small , which must be supplyed with their care of themselves , and watchfulness over their Neighbours . Of the Petty Principalities THis is all as I think , that needs be said upon the subject of great Princes , and Republicks of Italy . I must therefore now speak to the Petty Princes , or rather continue it , for the last Republick I have mentioned may have her place amongst these , rather than amongst the great ones : But I desire not to be mistaken , when I call some petty Princes , 't is not to be understood , as if they depended from others , and were not Sovereignes , for every way they act as such : In their Lands there is no appeal from their sentence , they dispose of Life and Death , as well as the greatest Princes , they Coyn , or may Coyn monies , Elect Officers , make Laws , and when there is occasion for it , they treat of Peace and Warre . I call them Petty Princes , because their States are but small in comparison of those whom I call great ones . 'T is true , that there are very many who have the name of Princes , who are not Sovereigns , but are Subjects to others ; the number of these all Italy over is between 75 and 80 ; between 90 and 100 have the titles of Dukes , and of Marquesses and Earls , there are above 500 ; but I speak onely of Sovereigns . The Duke of Della Mirandola is one of this sort ; the City La Mirandola is seated upon the confines of Modena towards the River Po ; the family Pico , one of the most antient and famous of Italy , have been Lords of it , and of Concordia since the year , 1110 till now ; that line failed in the year , 1637 , and therefore another was invested of it by the Emperour . Of this sort are also the Princes of Bozzolo , and of Sabionetta , the Dukes of Guastalda , and of Novellara , and the Marquess of Castiglione ; all within the State of Mantoa , as we said before , they have been such for these 100 years past , and are all of the family Gonzaga , he of Sahionetta excepted , which in the year 1540 was given with a Daughter , and Heir to General Caraffa , and now in the hands of a Spaniard . The principality of Monaco is another , this is a strong City by Nature , seated upon the Mediterranean , between Nizzadi , Provenza and Genoa , this makes the Prince more considerable than any other of his sort ; there is an indifferent harbour ; the way up to it is very steep and difficult , and several Guards to speak with , before one can get to it . At the comming in there is a broad place with a prospect as pleasant as can be ; within few miles from it , is another place , good enough , called Menton , depending from the said principality : there was in Monaco a Spanish Garrison , but the late Prince having partly by a stratagem , and partly with help from the French driven it out , he desired the French protection , and now there is in it a French Garrison , he is Duke de Valentionis , and Peer of France , whose coin is currant in that Kingdom . This Princes family is Grimaldi , who derive their pedegree from Grimald , Son of Pipin King of Austrasia , and Brother to Charles Martel : this Pipin as they say , gave the Lordship to Grimald , in the year 713. but they were declared Princes in the year , 1411. Cardinal Grimaldi yet living , and brother to the late Duke , was in great part the occasion of the admitting in of the French , induced to it by the persecution which the Barberini suffered from the Pope at the secret instigations of Spain , and by the protection which the French gave to that family , whose passionate creature this Grimaldi is , and also by the interest he hath gotten in France , to be Arch-bishop of Aix , and other good benefices he enjoys : He is of an active spirit , therefore he hath been much spoken of at Rome ; their family , or a branch of it is named amongst the greatest in Genoa , where some of the name are admitted to the highest charges : the present Prince of Monaco is not much passed twenty five , he hath married Marshall Grammonts Daughter , who prefers the pleasure of Paris , to the Soveraignty of Monaco . Massa is in Toscany , seated part ' of it at the bottom of a great Mountain , part upon the Mountain , and highest of all is the Princes Castle , yet he is a building a Palace in the lower Town , and 't is almost finished ; this is but a Post from Sarzana : The family Malaspina possessed it along while , till by the marriage of Ricarda Malaspina , with Lorenzo Cibo , it came to this family , because she was the Heir of it : They were Marquesses till the year , 1499. at which time Innocent the 8th of the same family being Pope , Alberico Cibo , was by the Emperour Maximilian made Prince of the Empire . Bonifacius the 9th was of the same family , which coming from Grecia , where they had possessed some Islands , Principalities , and other Territories , they seated in Genoa , there is a Cardinal of the name and family . Massarana is in Monferrat , not far from Veroelli , this Principality hath been in the hands of the family Scala , but in the 1568. 't was bought from them by the Ferreri , who are at present in possession of it . Upon 15 miles from Genoa is another Sovereignty , the Marquesate of Torreglia , it was given by Charles the 5th to Andrea Doria , who had left the service of Frances the first King of France , and done many eminent services to the Emperour ; the same family doth also enjoy the principality of Melfey in the Kingdom of Naples , but not in Sovereignty : This family Doria hath for 500 years been esteerned in Genoa , one of the most noble , if not the first of that Republick : The head of the family is young at present there are two branches of it flourishing in Genoa , who hath each of them a stately Palace , though one is more antient and more sumptuous than the other . Another principality is , Piombine , in the Island Alba , whereof part belongs to the Grand Duke , as Cosmopoli , &c. Prince Ludoviso hath it now , it was bought for his Father by his Uncle Gregory the 15th of the same family ; not long since the Princes Father died in Sardegna , where he was Vice-King for Spain , having layed before noble and stately foundations of a Palace in Piazza Colonna at Rome . This Prince underwent his Fathers displeasure unto the time of his death by reason of a strong passion he had for a mean person in the Island : At present there is Cardinal Ludoviso great Penitentiere of the Roman Church , which is one of the most eminent dignities of it : he is of Bologna of this Family by the side of late Prince Ludovisio's Mother ; he is a man of no considerable parts . Speaking of this sort of Princes , I say nothing of Strength , Riches and Policy , things so inconsiderable with them , that they are to be not so much as mentioned ; all are under the protection of those within whose dominions their principalities stand , or of some other ; the inconsiderableness of others , and the affection of their few Subjects are a security to them , and happy are they if satisfied with their condition ; they are free of fears and of ambition ; as they have little , so they have little to care and to answer for ; they have the satisfaction to command , and not be commanded , and enjoy what sweetness there is , giving Law , without being exposed to the inconveniencies of it . But now we must come to those principalities which are seated within the state of the Church , and first to those which belong to the family Colonna , now divided into two branches , one of which hath the Principality of Carbognana , whose eldest Son hath married his Sister , who is at present the head of the other branch , whereof however the late Cardinal Colonna , who died at Finale , attending on the Empress , and who was Protector of the Empire , was the chief , and with his frugality acquitted the debts , and cleared the state of his family : his Nephew Don Lorenzo Colonna ( who hath married the Mancini , one of Mazarins Neeces ) commonly called Contestabila Colonna , because he is High Constable of the Kingdome of Naples , is now the head of that branch , a man whose Inclination agrees better with the French than with the Spanish temper ; yet he must keep fair with these by reason of his place , and of the Land he hath in Naples : his free and frequent conversation with the Duke of Crequi Ambassadour to Rome , gave the Spaniards much jealousie , some think he left Rome in part upon this account but the aversion he had for the late Popes family by reason of some discontents he had received from them , was a sufficient ground to oblige him to leave Rome for two years time , as he did lately ; he is a man who lives in his pleasure , yet he hath so High and so Noble a spirit , that he could not stoop to the Popes Kinsmen , as few others did ; he hath a brother called Don Domenico Colonna , and is Sovereign of Pagliano and Prince of Marini , the antiquity of his family is well known : their Arms are a Colonna , or a Pillar , crowned because Stefano Colonna the Roman Senator did crown Lewis of Bavaria Emperour , in the year 1260. they say they come from Columnius an antient Roman . The Rival , and antient Enemy of this family hath been Casa Ursini , most Noble and very antient , of which was that proud Nicholas the 3 d ; this family hath been much decayed in her state , though of late 't was somewhat restored by the means of some rich Matches made with other families , which yet for want of Children may at last prove disadvantagious : Their Palace at Rome in Monte Jordano is very antient : the eldest of the family is now Cardinal Ursini Protector of Poland , Portugal , and Com-protector of the French Interest at the Court of Rome ; a man of no extraordinary parts , who not long since was obliged to take a journey to Paris to pacifie that Court , angry with him for not acting according to directions in the business of Crequi at Rome ; and therefore had taken from him his pension of 5000 Crowns a year , and bestowed it upon Cardinal Aldobrandini , who being dead , Ursini posts away to Paris , and obtains his desire , the head of this family is now the Duke of Bracciano , who is also Conte di Petiglione , two Soveraignties belonging to the family by an antient gift of some Popes for services done to the Church ; this Duke is the head of the antient Nobility of Rome , as all other Roman Princes do , he stands much upon the points or punctillio's of ceremonies ; hence it is , that lately he had a kind of a Broglio , or falling out with Cadinal Sforza , though some think it was not so much his fault as the Cardinals ; he hath a younger Brother , called Don lelio Ursini Prince of Vic●varo . Another antient family is that of Cezarini Duke of the name , and Prince of Fansano , and of Ardea he derives his pedigree from the Cezars , the family , as to a Male Issue , is like to be extinct : the late Duke , a man of 50000 crowns a year could afford his Cook 4Giulius , two shillings for his dinner , and no more . He appeared so high for the French in the business of Crequi , out of an enmity he had for the Popes Relations , that he was obliged to retire into the Kingdom of Naples till the peace was made ; he was one of those whom Italians call Matti porta a casa , he died lately , and left three or four Daughters in Monasteries , who had made no profession ; his brother the Abbot Cezarini hath succeeded him , a man of a most loose and dissolute life ; when I came from Rome he was upon marrying a Lady of Milan , without hopes on his side , by reason of his former deboistness of having any Children ; yet with what he had before he is worth 60000 Crowns a year . Rignano is a Principality belonging to the Duke Muti , of a very antient family , for they derive themselves from Mutius Scevola , and a proof of it is the possession of Campi Mutii , wherein Porsenna was encamped , given by the Senate to Mutius and his posterity : The present Duke is not married , though he begins to be antient , he hath much squandered his state with Gaming and Women , he hath a brother a Prelate , and another called Marquess Muti , a very ingenious person to my knowledge , and of good parts , their Palace as that of the forenamed family is in Rome . I will make no further mention of the Sovereignty of Farneze , I said what was fit to be known of it speaking of the Duke of Parma , the Cardinal of that name is Prince of it . I will only name the Marquess di Monte another Sovereign , and the Noble Family of Caetani who have a stately Palace at Rome . Of this Family is the Prince of Caserta , who for an unhappy business was obliged to fly from Rome , where he was lookt upon as the best qualified of all other Princes , as to his personal worth . Pope Clement the 8th a Florentine , in the year , 1595 , bought the Marquesate of Meldola , and gave it to his Nephew Ottavio Aldobrandini , which is a Sovereignty ; this family hath lived at Rome with great pomp , and much splendour , where they have three or four fair Palaces : now there being no Males , the great Heir of that family is the Princess of Rossano married first to the late Prince Borghese his Father that now is , and after to Prince Panfilio , Nephew to Innocent the 10th , of which she is now a widow ; this match with those two families is like in time to cause great clashings between them , about a clause in the contract of marriage with the former ; both are very potent , for Borghese hath 300000 Crowns a year , and Pansilio little less : So we are now come to late families raised at Rome by Popes . Urbanus the 8th , subject born to the Grand Duke , by the means of his long Reign : had time enough to settle his family Barberini ; he had three Nephews , Francesco , whom he made Cardinal Padrone , that is Master , Antonio who for a while was the head of the Family , but desired at last to be made a Cardinal , and Don Thaddeo : Francesco was made Arciprete of St. Peters Church . Antonio of St. Mary the greater , and High Chamberlain , and Don Thaddeo Prefetto , or General of the Church ; this last being made the head of the family , they bought him the principality of Palestrina , formerly Praeneste , which is now in the hands of his younger Son , the eldest having voluntarily resigned his Birth right to his brother to be made a Cardinal , who at present is called Cardinal Carlo Barberini , he is the third of the family who hath that Dignity , which is very rare at the same time ; and that which is the more to be admired is , that he was Elected by Innocent the 10th , who made it his task to persecute and destroy this family ; but this was the work of Donna Olympia , who recollecting her self , and being affraid least the next Pope might prove a friend of the Barbarines , whose faction was then potent , and so retaliate the Panfilio's what they had done to the Barbarines , she thought it fit to reconcile both families , and this Cardinals Cap was the Seal of that Reconciliation ; though this family was persecuted by Innocent , it is still flourishing ; the Prince of Palestrina being already in possession of a vast Estate , and in expectation of a great addition to it , after the death of his Uncle Francesco , who is very rich , and at present the Dean of the Colledge of Cardinals , and titular Protectour of the English Interest at Rome ; but how much more would he get if he were made a Pope , as he pretends to it in case of a Sede Vacante : this Princes Palace is in as good air , and as pleasant a seat as any in Rome nigh to Monte Cavallo , which Innocent was upon taking from them , had not Cardinal Grimaldi prevented it by setting the Armes of France over the Gate . But we must come to the late reignning family of the Ghigi's , that Pope at first was seemingly unwilling to do any thing for his relations , but at last he was as busie as any of his Predecessours had been , to raise them up ; to this purpose he bought , as we said before , the Principality Farneze , but afterwards he parted with it for the reasons before expressed . He perswaded Father Oliva , the General of the Jesuites , to enduce those of their Colledge who had Authority to sell him the best land belonging to it , to the summ of 100000 Crowns , under pretence of getting monies to pay their debts ; and this was bought for Don Augustino , whereat the Jesuites were much grieved , when they saw their fault at a distance ; then did he secretly tamper to get those of San Marino to receive a Prince over them ; then did he proffer to Duke Muti for his principality of Rignano a Cardinals Cap , and a great summe of money ; and after the death of Duke Cezarini , he offered the Cardinals Cap to his brother and heir with 200000 Crown , if he would give one of his Neeces that are in the Cloister to Don Sigismond the youngest of his Nephews , and resign the principality , but he not willing to marry , nothing of this could take effect ; however the head of his family is provided for , because the Noble Family of Prince Savelli being exceedingly decayed , want of monies obliged him , who now is to hearken after the proposals , made by the Popes Agents , to sell his principality of la Rizza and Albano , which he did not absolutely , reserving for many years to come for himself and his heirs ( having already a fine young Son ) to enter again into his right and possession , paying the summe received , which there is no great probability as yet to effect , except in case of some very great match , or of a Popedom in their family , which yet is not very probable , though at present there be a Cardinal of the family , who had some things left him by Cardinal Mont ' alto : however the Pope is dead , and Don Maria , who at Rome ruled the rost , hath soon followed him , and a spend-thrist of no parts is left after them ; the prsent Pope as yet hath gotten no principality for his Nephews , and he hath hardly had time to do it ; what he will do hereafter time will reveal . All Princes and Republicks in Italy do homage , or pay tribute either to the Pope or to the Emperour , except the Venetians , who yet for some Islands pay a tribute to the Turk . Namely , first , the King of Spain is Feudatario of the Pope for the Kingdom of Naples , and of the Emperour for the Dukedom of Milan . The Duke of Savoy depends from the Emperour of Piemont and Monferrat , by virtue of which last he is Vicar of the Empire . The Grand Duke acknowledges the Pope for Radicosans , the King of Spain ; for Siena , and the Emperour for Florence , and the rest . The Republick of Genoa doth homage to the Emperour for her whole state ; the Duke of Mantoa , who is also Vicar of the Empire , by reason of Monferrat to the Emperour , for what he hath of Moferrat , and for the Mantoan . The Duke of Parma to the Pope for Parmas Piacenza , Castro and Riociglione . The Duke of Modena to the Emperour for his whole state ; so doth the Republick of Luca. The Prince of Monaco doth homage to the French King for what he hath in Fance . The Duke Della Mirandola , the Princes di Piorulino , and all those of the family Gonzaga , with the Marquesses di Massa and Torreglia , depend from the Empire , as due from the Pope , the Republick of San Marino , the Prince di Massarano , the Duke di Itracciano , and Earl di Petigliano , the Marquesses di Moldota and di Monte , and the Princes di Palestrina , di Pagliano , and di Farneze . Now the difference of those Papal and Imperial Fiefs or Feudi , consists in this chiefly , that most of the last pass by succession from the line male , to the female , but 't is not so off the others , for the lawful masculine line hapning to faile , 't is presently devolved to the Church , as in cases of Ferrara and Urbino . Thus far have we spoken in particular of the several Princes and Republicks of Italy ; now I have some few things to observe in general , relating to the whole Nation : First , their Language , which is a corruption of the Latin , caused by the irruption of the Goths , Huns , Vandals and Lombards , who setling in it for a while , and using their own Languages , the Countrey Tongue , which was in Latin , came to grow corrupt by degres , and to be somewhat forgotten , and which is a mixture of the French , and some of the Spanish , because these Nations have been there with their Armies , and have ruled over parts of it for a long while ; hence it is , that about Piemont , Milan , and Genoa , they speak a corrupt Italian , which hath most of the Provenzal in it , and except in part the State of the Pope , in Toscany and at Leuca , the right Italian is spoken no where else ; I do not speak as to the pronunciation , which is very different , at Genoa 't is pronounced much with the lips , in Naples with the teeth , in Venice with the palat ; and the Florentine pronunciation is well enough known , how ever the right Italian language , or Toscan , as they usually call it , is very Sententious , and full of Judicious and Significative proverbs ; 't is very sweet , and doth abound in fine and civil expressions , as for instance , if I desire to speak with one , the first words he will say to me will be these , Che commanda US , what are you pleased to command me ; if they answer to a question , 't is in these words , Daservitore non lo so , as I am your Servant I cannot tell ; If I desire one to do any thing for me , he will say , Sara Servito , I will do it ; or if I buy any thing , and we cannot ag●ee about the price , the parting words will be to me , Mispiace di non poter servirla , I am sorry I cannot afford it , and the like ; all which expressions in their Original , have more of civility then in any other Language . I need not to penetrate into the sincerity of their discourses , which is not material to the purpose . I know the saying , The French do not speak as they write , nor the Italians as they think : I speak only as to the sweetness of the Language , whereupon one said , If I was to speak to Senators or Ambassadors , I would do it in Spanish , if to Souldiers in High Dutch , to Courtiers in French , but to Ladies in Italian . There is indeed a kind of excess in their civil expressions , for they use to say , Schiavo di V. Sigria , I am your slave instead of your servant ; and the word Vosignoria , your Lordship is ordinary with them ; so is the title of Molto magnifico given to inferiour persons , as that of Illustrissimo to those of a higher quality , yet 't is given to many who are no great matter : a stranger with them is presently Sigre Conte , or Barone , or at least Sigre Cavaliere ; they call men by the Christian name , Sigre Francesco , Giouanni , Francis , John , when they speak to them , onely adding the word Don , to those of the highest quality , as Don Domenico , Don Lelio , yet they speak in the third person , when 't is with one whom they will shew respect to , thus , Dove vanno loro sigri , but in Naples 't is usual with men of the highest quality to do 't in the second person of the singular , thou , as Che fai , sei tu stato , which with other Nations is a sign either of great familiarity , or of much contempt . Neither must I omit here how fit and proper Epithets they give to things and places , as in the case of every one of their Chief Cities , so they call Roma la santa , the holy , according to their opinion , Venice , la Ricca the rich , Padoa , la Dotta the learned , Ravenna , l' Anticha the antient , Fiorenzala bella , the fair , Milan la grande the great , Genoa la superba the proud or stately , Bologna la grassa the fat , Naples , la Gentile the Gentile , Capua la deliciosa , the delicious , &c. I will not insist upon their customes , which is a subject of which many have treated , however by the by let me say in few words , that in their division of the artificial day , they differ from the general practice of Europe , excepting only ( as far as I could observe ) Prague in Bohemia , instead of our reckoning from 12 to 12 hours , they reckon from 24 till 24 , and their first hour begins at night an hour after Sun setting , wherein they imitate the Jews , who after the method of the creation reckoned the night afore the day , for saith scripture , The Evening and the Morning was the first day , the second day , &c. Another custome of Italians wherein they differ from us , is in the sign we use to make with the hand to those whom we call , for here we do it with our fingers upwards , but there it would be taken for an affront , my hand must be downwards , and move gently when I make a sign with it ; here we take that to be the upperhand which is next to the wall , but there they judge of it by the hand it self , the right hand though next to the Chanel is with them the upper hand ; and in the case of riding in a Coach , a place in the Boot in their way , is before one in riding backwards , but in Venice the left hand in the Gondola is the upper hand ; but when three walk together , the middle is the most honourable , hence it is , that when they walk upon a place to and fro , they are careful to let every one take his turn in the middle : A strange way they have to retort affronts upon others , which is , to break a bottle of Ink upon one , specially women , or else over the door of the house , so that it remains spotted with it , 't is the greatest note of infamy that can be laid upon any one . Italians , both men and women , have a general and a natural inclination to play upon the Gittar ; and I admired sometimes to hear those play who never learned at all ; the very inferiour sort of people without any direction , only with a constant application do get it , and they are so taken with it , that as they travel upon the high way from town to town , they play upon it ; and at the same time to play , to sing and to dance , is usual with them . I cannot well omit to speak some few words about their temper and manners , but before I do 't , some passage I observed somwhere there ( for in things of this nature I name no places nor persons ) which gave occasion to my following reflection , how fit it is for Princes to be careful what manner of men they bring about their persons in private . When a Prince comes into a place of retirement , he puts off that Majesty and Gravity which he hath when he appears abroad ; they are but men , and so they must allow ' themselves some liberty in ther Chambers when they are withdrawn from the croud of men and business . Now if when they are thus retired to be private , every action of theirs , and every word they speak be vented abroad by those who are present , in this the condition of Princes of all men in the world were the most miserable , Quisque suos patitur naevos , every one hath his failings , and the feailties of humane nature , so that Wisdom consists in the concealing of it , and not in the not having of it , besides that Nemo sapit omnibus horis : So that if standers by who see things , spread them abroad , then additions and glosses are made upon 't , and as the actions and words of Princes are exactly taken notice of , so every one passes his judgment upon them . How necessary is it then for Princes to have no rash or giddy , but wise , sober and discreet men to wait on them in their retirements , who without being told , may know what 's fit to be spoken , and what to be concealed , those things which may give a good opinion of a Prince must be published , but not the contrary , or else I say , that those who have the honour to be admitted into the presence of Princes , so as to be private to their retirement from the croud of affairs , to ease , chear up , and refresh their spirits , if they allow their tongue as much liberty as they do to their ears and eyes , they are very unfaithful or very imprudent , and so not fit to be in such places . Certainly Domitian himself never told , that when he was in his Closet , he was busie about killing of flies ; the first report of it came undoubtedly from some other hands , which brought a great deal of disparagement upon him ; I know in this he took his pleasure , as Nero , and other Emperours took it , in the company of Buffoons , and things of that nature ; but they forgot that their honour was to have been to them dearer then their pleasure . I do not deny however , but that one friend may sometimes whisper in the ear of another private things of this nature , and impart in secret some such things to them as they have seen , for this manner of reposing confidence in the discreetness of another is a strict bond of friendship : I disapprove here those who speak at random , before those whom they scarce ever saw , whom they do not know well , or when they speak it unseasonably , for there is a time for all things , and to know it is not the least part of wisdom . But upon the subject of the nature of Italians , I must observe that the people of those parts which are on this side the Appennini Mountains , as Piemont , Monferrat ; all Lombardy , part of the state of Venice , and la Romagna , have some things of the French humour , but on the other side , as the Gonoeses , Toscans , Romans and Napolitans , they have much of the Spanish temper , however they are all in General , dextrous , subtil and prudent , those who are good , know all the tricks that are put upon men ; there is no leading of them by the nose , neither will they be easily cheated , but they who are bad apply their whole wit to hide it ; so that one is easily mistaken in them , and 't is very difficult to know them well , but after a long dealing and conversing with them . Italy the Mother of Arts and Sciences , I look upon as a nurse , who hath vertue in one breast , and vice in another , and as ever one extream joyns with another , so best and worst are to be learned there ; this is according to the constitution of the people , who when they be good they are very good , when bad extraordinarily bad , Corruptio optimi est pessima ; however a judicious man will benefit himself by the good which there he will meet withall , but also like an experienc'd Artist he will extract wholesome cordials out of the worst of poisons ; though the corruption of humane nature is so strong , that it inclines and draws us to evil , rather then to good , but the beams of grace , the light of nature , and the testimony of ones conscience , may teach us the right way . However , to speak first of the best , I say the conversation of Italians is not easie to be had , but when it is , 't will be found sweet , civil and obliging , very circumspect not to give offences to any one in the Company , or any one else that hath a relation to it , ever respectful one to another ; the greatest familiarity doth not make them recede from a courteous carriage , so that such persons have one of the best qualifications to make friends , for friendship without respect is not to be cared for : Furthermore a thing very commendable in point of conversation is , that though they be many in company , they never speak together , which is the Vice of some other Nations , and fit only for Children ; let a man make a discourse never so long ; they will hear him quietly , and not interrupt him , as they will not be interrupted when it is their turn to speak ; 't is true , that most of them speak rationally and juditiously ; and as they are a people who love exceedingly their liberty , for which cause their Princes , to keep them under , have built so many strong Holds and Castles , so the ordinary subject of their discourses are affairs of state , which by a constant custome of speaking and hearing of , they have brought themselves to an ordinary knowledge in , as the example of that poor Fisherman at Naples , Mas ' Anello so cunningly blowing up the fire of that Insurrection , which made so much noise in the world , doth demonstrate ; upon this account , Books treating of any state revolutions are so strictly forbidden them , knowing that this is to add fewell to the fire ; and in some places , where most of all Princes are jealous of their Authority , as in Naples , discourses of this nature , if known , are severely punished . But there are two extremities upon this subject , some Princes of the East and North east parts of the world , namely the Tartars and Muscovites , keep their people in a beastly ignorance , and have exiled all manner of Arts and Sciences out of their Dominions , and this under pretence , that hereby having not so much the use of reason , they are not apt to cavil at , or to disobey the orders of their Superiours , as do other Nations , who have more knowledge and understanding ; but this hath no more consequence , then if one should say , meat and drink are not to be used , because there are gluttons and drunkards ; because there are somtimes knowing and judicious subjects , who are disobedient , 't is not to be concluded , that knowledge and judiciousness are the cause of disobedience , so far from it , that these letting a man know of his duty , do fence against any thing that goes about to withdraw him from it : Pride , Ambition , Discontents , Covet ousness , Cruelty and the like , are the caufes of Risings against Lawful Authority , and not Wisdom and Understanding , so far from it , that where they are not , the use of reason is suspended , and men act onely out of a natural impetuosity , and out of a sensitive principle , wherein they differ nothing from beasts ; so that the same ignorance and violent motion which leads them to obedience upon the lesse shadow and fancy , will spur them to disobedience ; and one alone , if not quickly taken off , is enough to turn away whole thousands , for who can more easily be mislead , then he who receives falsehoods for truths , and who hath not a spirit to discern good from evil ; these are Mules , which will as soon kick their Master as a stranger ; or like those Elephants , who having once felt the smart of a wound , in spite of their Rider turned from upon the Enemyes , and fell foul upon their own Army : I am further of the mind , that ignorance is the great prop of Rebellion ; for as there is nothing so natural to men as the desire of liberty , and that there is nothing in men to oppose the motions and desires of it ; and seeing they obey onely out of fear of punishment , upon all occasions , they will embrace any means let them be never so wrong , to attain it : Like Lyons and Tygers used to be chained up , when they break loose they tear and devour any thing that lies in their way , and like violent torrents they over-flow all ; from the fury of such people , Libera nos Domine . As to those barbarous Countries where they have such Erronious principles , contrary not only to reason , but also to common sense , they bear the punishment of this fault , for all their subjects are generally incapable to do them service , having neither parts nor abilities to effect it ; and in the managing of their Warres , which is the chief thing they minde , they are obliged , specially in Muscovite , to get Officers of other Nations to carry it on , their own Subjects , few excepted , wanting knowledge and experience in it . Arts and Sciences , not only make a Kingdom flourishing , but also do fit Subjects to obey and to command ; over-rules with the use of reason , that bruitish impetuosity which is in some men , not only teaching them their duty , but also strengthning it in them with reasons & examples . But 't is not enough to disapprove this singular errour , for there is another extream to be condemned ; 't is the too great curiosity of private men . I know particular persons are concern'd in publick transactions , as being members of that politick body , which can never fare well or suffer , but they must be sensible of it : yet some more and some less , according as they are eminent in their places , and called to it by the favour of their Prince , for every one must know his station , and act within that sphear , Ne ultra crepidem ; for if every one were his own carver , and had that share which he wishes in the Government , then all would command , and there would be none to obey , so that all would degenerate into a confusion and Anarchy . Men ought to refer themselves to their Rulers , for the direction and steering of publick Affairs , knowing that God who hath called them to it , hath not been wanting to endue them with necessary abilities : Therefore those subjects are to be blamed , who would penetrate into the secrets of Princes , and dive into their Coucils , and consequently cavil at their actions , and censure their proceedings : they see indeed the effects , but know not the causes , which if they knew , they would be satisfied and approve of them , if they were capable to understand them , but oftentimes they will judge of an undertaking by the event , which is a great mistake ; as we could give examples of designs , which were as rationally grounded as could be , carried on with all imaginable dexterity and secresie , yet miscarried upon the point of execution ; on the other side , rash attempts managed with the greatest imprudence in the world have proved successful : What then ? were the former to be blamed , or the latter commended ? No , we must look upon men to be no more than instruments , if according to the reason they have , they make use of the means afforded them , 't is all that may justly be required from them , for success of things depends upon the over-ruling hand of providence , which disposes of all things as it seems good unto her : It is true , 't is said a successful man was never a fool , nor an unfortunate a wise man ; but this is a vulgar errour as well as this other , the strongest is never the traytour . Out of this I deduce , that for the most part 't is beyond the sphear and capacity of subjects , specially those of an inferiour Orb , to judge aright of the actions of Princes ; they have certaine motions whereby they act , which are invisible to particular men , they are acted by an intelligence which is hidden from the eyes of the commonalty ; and as they stand nearer to God , so they receive more of his influences : But some sort of people do proceed to an excess of unreasonableness , in that as much as in them lies , they will not give Princes that liberty which they allow themselves , as if they were Servants more then Masters of the Sate ; 't is true , certain faults of Princes are more unexcusable than those of private men , because by these last , none but themselves or few else do suffer , but by the former , whole Nations are sometimes the worse , and share not only in the disgrace before men , but also in the punishment from God ; however a distinction is to be made ; some failings are natural to them as men , and others as they are Princes , and neither are to be examined by subjects , for to their great Master they must fall or stand . Now I must return to my principal subject , to some other virtues practised by Italians , which are sobriety , and frugality ; I will joyn them together , for they have a great dependancy one upon another , only the latter is of a larger extent : Sobriety is a thing so much in request amongst them , that with them 't is accounted to be , as indeed it is , a great shame to practise any thing contary to it , specially in point of drinking ; so that to call one there Imbrioco , a drunkard , 't is to give him one of the greatest affronts he can receive ; and 't is a certain truth , that they are very temperate in their meat and drink , and whole diet , as I will give some particulars by and by upon the point of their frugality ; in the mean while some make a doubt , whether their Sobriety bean effect of their temper , or of the Climate : I confess in hot Countries , such as this is , men have no such stomack to their meat , as they have in those which are colder , and though they had , the stomack could not have the facility to digest much of their aliments , which are very nourishing , and some of a hard concoction ; however this argues nothing at all against Italians sobriety in matter of drink , for the hotter the Climate is , the more apt men are to drink , and no Nation hath more enticements to it than they , if by nature they were inclined to it , they having as rare and excellent Wines as Europe can afford ; but since they forbear , I will not deprive them of that praise which they deserve for this virtue ; as for eating , they have as delicious meats as can be wished for , which are both pleasant to the palate , and light to the stomack , in the use of which they forbear all excesses . This will better appear by their frugality , which yet some who are used to misname every thing , and give the worst construction to all , do call covetousness , when 't is known , that in certain things no Nation is more Noble and more splendid than they are ; this frugality is extended to their cloaths and diet , they go very plain , men of vast Estates , yea , their very Princes , except upon extraordinary occasions , very seldom exceed 10. ponunds in a Sute of Clothes . I know Princes and Cardinals , who when they have received a present of sweet Meats , Fowls and the like , send it to their Confectioners , Poulterers , &c. who by it of them ; this here would be look't upon as the effect of a miserable and covetous nature , but there 't is their way ; from the highest to the lowest they are very private in their diet , there is no coming to them at such hours , and the meanest of the people would not be interrupted by the best man in the Land : the most part of Noblemens Servants do not diet in their houses , but are allowed bord wages instead of it . But Italians delight in rich and fine Coaches drawn by stately horses , and to be attended by a number of Staffieri , or men in Liveries ; Coaches of 800 or 1000 pounds are not rare there , and there is never a King in Europe that hath Coaches so rich as hath the Grand Duke , and the Duke of Parma , the formers Coat of Armes , which are the six Balls , are set over head in his Coach , for every Ball a precious Stone , valued at 10000 l. Sterl . and if we will believe them , the whole Coach comes to 40000 l. Further they delight in buildings , and stately Palaces built up after the Symmetry , and exact Architecture ; So in Gardens and Water houses , Ornaments and Furnitures of Houses , as Statues and Pictures ; hence it is that they are so passionately in love with Pictures , that they will give any thing for one when they like it , 4 or 500 l for one Picture is no extraordinary rate amongst them ; there hath been some Princes who have offered in Siver the weight of some Statues , and could not have them ; in a word , Italians delight in those things which make a shew . 'T is not to be admired that in Italy they are such lovers of Pictures , for that Art is there brought to the height of its perfection , and that Country is absolutely the best , if not the only Shcool of it , where within this age or thereabouts , have flourished those Eminent Picture-drawers who have filled Europe with their Names , but most of their Works are safely and dearly kept there , whether they be in Fresco or in Oleo : what excellent Artists have been Bassano , Ticiano , Michel Angelo , Rafaele di Urbino , Tintoretto , all the Caracci , Coregio , Paola Veronese , Dominichino , Lan Franco Guarcini , Guido Reny , and a great number of others , who excelled , almost every one in something ; some in invention , others in the mixture of Colours , in the proportions , exactness of Features , and after the natural ; and in designing , drawing and touching or perfecting : in great or short , in Mignatura with the Pen or Pencil , or otherwise , Fights , Land-skips , Flowers , Perspectives , Sea-prospects , great and small Figures , and in other wayes and things depending upon that curious profession ; in this , for certain Italy goes beyond all the World. Now we will come to what is worst in them , but we must premise this , that their youth is very fiery , which is the cause of Murthers and other mischiefs committed in those parts ; however this heat doth not last usually after they are passed 25 years of age , or a little more : as for the meanest sort of people , they are generally civil in their carriage , if one be so to them , but if a stranger speaks a hard word to them , they take fire and grow very insolent , yet so , that if they see themselves the weaker , and not in a place convenient for them , they hold their peace and for bear till they have opportunity of time and place ; but let 's come to their Vices . As the natural propension of men is to evil more than good , so many who travel into Italy do quickly take notice of their Vices , but do not minde their Virtues ; so when they come from thence , all that they can say for it is , they are given to such and such evil courses , and are so and so qualified , but Virtue and Vice with Nations are as Corn and Tares in the Field , and like Wheat and Chaff in the Barn , one must have skill to pick out the right and leave the wrong : Some Vices as the Apostle speaks , are not so much as to be named , and as he saith in another place , It is even a shame to speak of those things which are done of them in secret ; a certain modesty in speaking is required , which if a man doth not observe , I judge him to be disposed to evil doing ; some Vices there are so odious in themselves , that they defile the tongue of the speaker , the ear of the hearer , the pen of the writer , and the eye of the reader , yea , the very thoughts ; this consideration obliges me to pass by some things to come to others . Some will tell me , 't were well also to omit speaking of jealousie , which both Sexes there are subject unto , though that of the men , as being the strongest , doth produce the saddest effects ; I confess 't is a very unpleasant subject , which I leave after few words speaking ; this extravagant passion which is caused by love , but destroys it , and which as Solomon saith , The rage of a Man , doth so blind , possess and alter men in Italy , that from Husbands it turns them into Goalers and Tyrants , and Murtherers of their Wives , who become thereby their prisoners and slaves upon this consideration , Ariosto one of their most eminent Poets , hath the expressions here inserted : Che dolce piu , che piu giocondo stato Saria di quel ' d'un amoroso cuore ? Che viver ' più felice , e più beato Che ritrovarsi in servitu d' amore . Se non fosse l' huomo sempre stimolato Da quel ' sospetto rio , da quel ' timore , Da qvel ' furor ' , da quella frenesia , Da quella rabia detta gelosia . Another Vice of Italians which I am more free to speak of , is that desire of revenge , which is so strongly seated in them ; they are certainly of a most revengeful nature , and therefore 't is very dangerous to offend them , they profanely say , that Vengeance is so sweet a thing , and so great a good , that upon that account God doth reserve it to himself , as a thing wherein he will not have men to share with him ; and as Italians to attain it , use all possible means , let them be lawful or unlawful , and as it carries them to the utmost extremities ; so I am of opinion , that there is a cruelty in that nature which is so bent to the execution of it ; out of this principle , I mean of cruelty , Pope Sixtus Quintus used to say , upon the occasion of a great Princess , who in his dayes was brought upon the Scaffold , Che Gusto , said he , di tagliar teste coronate what a pleasure is it to cut off Crowned Heads ! Northerly people do blame the wayes which they use to be avenged , as poysoning , stabbing and the like ; but they and the Spaniards too laugh at us , and call Germans , French and other Nations , fools , who use to challenge and fight duels one with another , for so doing ; for say they , if one hath been offended , is he not a fool to take the way , perhaps of receiving a greater offence , instead of a satisfaction , and to venture his life upon such an account , but men ought to take their advantage : the truth is , the Italian is a dangerous person upon this account , for he appears cold in his anger , constantly thinking upon the means how to be avenged , he keeps the injury in the bottom of his heart , and the worst is , that he dissembles and conceals his desire of revenge , which aims at no less than the death of the offendor , by the means of poison , dagger , or any other way , leaving nothing unattempted to bring his design to pass . Neither will they hearken sincerely after a reconciliation ; for their proverb , saith , Amicitie reconciliate , eminestre riscaldate non furono mai grate , there was never any pleasure in reconciled friendships , nor in warmed pottage ; and this is so deeply fixed in their hearts , that many die obstinate in that resolution . Upon this subject there is a very notable passage of an Italian Gentleman , who being strongly exhorted by a Franciscan Fryar , to be reconciled to his Enemy , answered him in these words , You exhort me to forgive as a Christian , and I cannot do 't being a Gentleman ; I was born a Gentleman before I was a Christian , for I am the one by nature , and the other by virtue of my baptisme ; therefore I will first be avenged as a Gentleman , before I forgive as a Christian. From what hath been said , we make some few general observations , namely that the Italian Nation is not only fallen from that great power it had formerly , but also it hath much degenerated from that heroick virtue and martial spirit it had before ; for a thousand eminent men it produced formerly , there is hardly one now ; and that generosity of the Lion which they had heretofore , is turned into the cunning of the Fox ; so their businesses are mannaged with dexterity , ( not to speak worst , ) more than with strength : hence it may be concluded , that virtues , though but moral ones , make glorious States , Kingdomes and Republicks , and Vices are the cause of their decay , as it hath happened to the Roman Empire ; Virtue gets honour , strength and riches ; and as the best things are apt to be corrupted in their use , so these produce pride , ambition , idleness , covetousness , and other vices , which causes destruction one time or other . It appears also from hence , how unfortunate the condition of those petty Princes are , who depend upon others , for their preservation , their protectors do often turn to be their oppressors , and yet they dare not camplain of it ; how watchful must those be who have ambitious , and much more potent Neighbours than themselves , 't is a sad case to think what straights they are sometimes brought to , to provide for their safety , and how many real evils they are exposed unto , to maintain that vain shadow of liberty which they are so taken with , and that dream of a Sovereign Authority , of which they be so fond of ; they waste and consume themselves in charges for their preservation , and are besides obliged to observe the humours of friends and foes ; and what is this to the odium and disaffectedness of their Subjects which they often bring upon themselves , who must bear the burthens , and be at the charges of upholding this Authority , which makes also the condition unhappy of the people who lives under such Princes as have no power to protect them ; and as the right use of these two Princely virtues , Valour and Prudence , do consist in these two things , to free his States from forreign , and to avoid civil wars ; certainly if they can prevent neither , but with much difficulty , by reason of weakness and discontents , they must needs be constantly offended with dangers and fears , which makes to them their life uncomfortable ; and let things fall out how they will , if ever they be engaged in any troubles at home or abroad , what success and advantage can they get either from those who are much more potent then they , or from those in whom their strength ought to lie ; by this last they act against their own interest , and do as it were tear themselves in pieces , for 't is not enough for a war to be just , 't is necessary it should also be beneficial and advantagious . I must make one observation more , that the number of petty Princes ( such are all Italian ones , in comparison of potent Kings and Kingdoms , as England , France and Spain ) doth much contribute to their common safety and preservation , for every Prince watches constantly the design of another , not only upon his own States , but upon that also of his Neighbour , for he is much concerned that the dominions of one of his neighbours should not fall into the hands of another , who would thereby grow too potent for him , and one time or other bring him upon the Stage ; and 't is a necessary maxime , not only to remove the will and inclination he hath to do him hurt , but also to hinder and prevent his being able to do it ; So then , that mutual jealousie which they have one of another , keeps the scales even between them ; and if a single one would attempt something upon him who is weaker , then the others whuld not fail directly or indirectly to assist the weakest ; and if the Prince should happen to be stronger than all the other together , rather than be made a prey to such a one , they would call in a forreign power to ballance him , as it hath been of late done in Germany , for Princes there being grown very jealous , and not without cause , much affraid of the Emperours power , they brought in the French and the Swedes , who having gotten an interest in the Empire , the one in Alsatia , the others in Pomerania and Bremen , and are now concern'd to curb the Imperial Authority if it would over-flow the banks of its just and limited power : this is also the case of Italy , where the French and the Spaniard have each some interest , though the former not comparable to the latter , as to possession of Lands , but when he pleases he can pour thousands of his Subjects into it , having in his hand a door into it , then the differences between the houses of Savoy and Mantoa , and of Parma and Modena with the Pope , will be now and then an occasion for the French to meddle in Italy . And although the Princes of Italy care neither for French nor Spaniard , yet they care for their interest , which is ever to make use of one to oppose the designs of the other . So that publick persons , as well as private men , may learn from Italians , the rules and practise of Oeconomy and Policy ; the greatest of Princes , as the meanest of Subjects , need to be frugal and saving , for let their Incomes be never so great , the charges of the State , and their own , are sometimes greater : often there happens extraordinary , and undispensible occasions and necessities to be supplyed , or else the State will run into a palpable danger . Men from the highest to the lowest , have nothing but what they save and spare , and let them receive never so much , they will not want unnecessary occasions of laying out more then that comes to . Monies are the sinews , not only of war , but really there cannot be any politick motion without it , wherefore we use to see that of Princes , he is the strongest who is the richest , if he knows how to make use of that advantage : by these means he will draw the greatest and the best Armies into the field , and will keep them upon duty and in obedience , and so in a fit posture for service ; the best experienced Officers , and the stoutest and most undaunted Souldiers , will ever follow an exact and a good pay ; he will not only secure his own places , but also work within the Garisons of his Neighbours , and even have influences upon their very Councils ; The rich Prince will tire out and consume him who is poor ; how much then are they concerned , when present occasions of State allow it , to lay up in their Coffers that which may serve for the future necessities of it ; that Prince who is in this condition , is feared , respected , and admired at home and abroad , if he hath learned well how to improve this advantage . As to that part of a Princes policy , which consists in this , Not to discover the bottom of his heart , nor the utmost of his Power ; we have it from Italians , not the former , for when the inclinations of a Prince come to be found out , and his heart can be known , then all his neighbor Princes will work upon him that way ; they will give him monies if he be covetous , praises and flatteries if he be proud and vain ; they will go about to strike fear into him if he be umorous , or in a contrary way to please him in that passion , which they know to be predominant in him ; and hereby many a time he will be drawn to act or comply in those things which are contrary to his honour and interest : At home he is also exposed to the attempts of Parasites and Flatterers who for their own ends ; ever study to please him in that which they know him to be most of all prone and given to , by which , compliance with him , he becomes a prey unto them : the latter part of this policy , for a Prince not to discover the utmost of his power , is to be learned from Italians , as well as the former . Some Princes and States do subsist and are upheld by credit and reputation more then by a real strength ; 't is more by the opinion which others have of them , then by any true cause in themselves ; and 't is well for one never to do so much , but to give others to think that he can do more , for when 't is once found out how far one may go , others will be more apt to cross him , and will take courses sutable to their designs against him ; so that in this a Prince lies open to the attempts of others . Another thing neecssary for publick and private persons to be learned from Italians , as much as from any other Nation , is , Not to discover the utmost reach of ones capacity , and of that faculty of the soul , called understanding or intellect : this learned men do so observe , that in the solution of questions , though sometimes they have said as much as they are able , yet they will tell one , that much more might be said to that purpose , and the like ; for above all things they would avoid to be suspected of ignorance by others , seeing they make an open profession of learning . So 't is a matter of high concernment to Princes to be accounted to be men of parts , judicious and understanding , which are qualifications necessary to those who rule Kingdomes and Nations , therefore they are so careful not to give the least grounds to make people suspect they want , abilities to govern , seeing nothing can be so injurious and prejudicial to them , as to be accounted soft and shallow heads . Solomon the wisest of Kings , pronounces a woe to that land whose Princes are children , not so much in years as in wisdom and understanding , as was his son Rehoboam , who was said to be young at 40 years of age , for want of knowledge and experience : a wise Prince therefore will chuse not to speak at all , rather then not to speak to the purpose upon a subject : hence it is also that he sits in Council , not only to hear the several advices given him there , but also to judge of them himself , and having digested it in his mind , to give them a form , chuse the best , and be himself the Author of his resolutions in consequence of Councils given him , which thus he makes to be his own . It is then a great part of wisdom to conceal his ignorance , and in capacity of any things , specially of those which ought to be known , and to give as good opinion as one can of his abilities , and rather forbear speaking of a thing then not to do it well , or instead of praises which every one is desirous of , one brings himself into slight and contempt , for I think that one of the greatest discommendations of a man is this , he was so put to it , that he knew not what to say . Silence also , and Secreste , which are qualities so essentially necessary to all sorts of persons , are to be learned from the same Nation ; as nothing makes a man so vile and so contemptible , as not to be able to hold his peace ( an imperfection and defect to be excused only in children , fools and drunken persons ) so nothing argues so much the infidelity and rashness of a publick person , as the revealing of secrets ; as I am the Master of my own secret , I may declare it to a friend ; but my friends secret I may not tell it to another , because 't is not my own ; much less may a publick Minister betray his masters secret , wherein not only one or few persons , but whole Nations for the most part are concerned . Many great designes have been obstructed , and many great evils caused or prevented , either by an yntimely discovery of resolutions , or by some few words spoken unadvisedly ; one word dropt from a mans mouth is sufficient at least to breed a suspition , which usually puts men upon further inquiries and discoveries ; therefore want of secresie is a great breach of prudence , which is the Salt , the Spirit and the Life of Moral and Politick Vertues . One thing more to be learned is , Constancy and Settleness of Mind , so necessary to private men , in both fortunes , and to publick persons in times of troubles and difficulties . A skilful Pilot is not moved so , as to despair amidst the roaring of the winds , the tossing and tumbling of the waves , and the raging of the storm ; contrariwise he sticks the closer to his work , grows more careful , and minds the more the safety of the Ship , wherein his own and all others in it are included : So an experienced Minister of State , amidst all troubles , crosses and conspiracies against the State , doth retain that soundness of mind , and tranquility of soul , which at last may bring him out of all dangers , instead of falling into confusion and disorder , or yielding to fear , he uses those means which are lawful , possible , and likely to quiet and pacifie things ; he is not moved at different reports , he is neither incredulous nor over credulous , but hears every thing , examines and weighs all , receives that which to him appears to be the truest , and resolves upon that which he thinks to be the best . That Italians have known and practised these things , the history of antient Rome , and the experience of these last times do justifie it , and some able States-men , and great Polititians , whom that Nation hath afforded Germany , France , Spain , and other Countries , do clearly convince of this truth , and are presidents of it , and one single Proverb of theirs ( to shew how solid and substantial they are ) doth teach us all the Vertues aforesaid in these words , Non spendor ' cio che tu hoi , non far ' cio che tu puoi , non creder ' cio che tu udi ; that is , One must not spend all that he hath , nor do all that he can , nor tell all that he knows , nor believe all that he hears . THE CHARACTER OF SPAIN . IN the South-west parts of Europe , between the 37. and 42. degrees of latitude , lies a potent Kingdome , named Spain , or Spains in the plural number , for so Philip II. called himself , Rex Hispaniarum , after the acquisition he made of Portugal , in the year 1550. it fell into the hands of the House of Austria by the match of Philip the xi . first son to Maximilian of Austria , with the daughter of Ferdinand of Aragon , and Isabella of Castilla , heir of those Countries , united by the marriage of the said Ferdinand and Isabella . These dominions have in time been so enlarged by marriages and conquests , as to reach some things in Africa , a great part of Europe , and almost all America , which hath given occasion to say , That the sun never shines out of the Spanish dominions . The struglings of this Nation after an Universal Monarchy , have proved so lusty and so hard , that at one time or other , whole Europe hath been shaken with it : whereby the Spanish name is become so famous , that 't is not to be admired at , if curiosity of seeing a Countrey where so great designs were continued , hath put several men upon travelling into it . I confess , with many others , I have been taken with that itching desire , in hope of seeing an extraordinary land , peopled with none but Heroes , but with what successe , the following discourse shall witnesse , being sure that no curiosity was ever more severely punished then mine , nor pleasure more constantly attended with pain : if this be a sin , I vow never again to fall into it , and herein I ought not to be accounted singular , for I protest I found all those whom I conversed with , and who have been there , to be of my opinion ; but patience . In this World one must see not only good but evil also , things better judged of by their contraries , yet to go thorough , one must be stored with monies and patience . Let a man begin this Journey which way he pleases , he will find it very tedious , and must resolve to suffer many inconveniences : whither he goes from Bayone to Yrun , San Sebastian , and thence the straight way to Victoria , Puerto de sant Adrian , or on the left , to Pamplona in Navarra by Estella de Navarra ( where is an University ) la Puente de la Reyna and Viana passing by Logrono , whence some go to Santo Domingo de la Calcada , in the Church whereof are seen a Cock and a Hen of the breed ( as 't is reported ) of those which ( if you will believe it ) came to life again after they had been roasted ; and to be short , thence to Burgos Valladolid , Medina del Campo , Salamanco Scyonia , el puerto de guadarrama , Iscuriale el Pardo and Madrid , Alcula de trenares , Aranjues , Toledo , &c. Or whether a man goes into Spain by Catalonia , Valenza Murcia , Grenada : one shall be ill horsed , hardly used , and have bad accommodation ; of which three things , one alone is enough to vex a Traveller . Although Spanish Horses be very good , there are so few , that they are not employed in ordinary uses , Mules must doe the worke , which are very slow creatures , very ill harnessed , and very dangerous for biting kicking ; to these inconveniencies , let a Spaniard be joyned as a guide , who as well as the Mule , keeps to his slow pace , caused not only by his natural gravity , but also ( when they walk as many do ) by shooes made of little cords , which the generality of them doth wear , so that the sand and drye ground they walk upon being already much heated by the Sun , must needs gall and burn their Feet , let them be never so used to 't , this must needs be very tedious to those who are used to ride good Horses . But there are other difficulties caused by the rudeness and barbarity of men , all rational people will shew themselves civil to Strangers who pass thorough their , Countrey , to give them cause to commend the Inhabitants when they are out of it ; but here no such thing is thought upon , they are called by the nick-name Gavachos , and assoon as a man comes into Spain he must shew all the moneys he hath about him , and every thing else , and must pay for 't according as he is taxed by those unreasonable men , whether it be a silver Sword , a Watch , a Ring , silver Buttons and the like , so that nothing goes free ; and then if any thing lyes in the way of these Searchers , they will make conscience to take it as dexterously as they can , and though one should take notice of it , yet he dares hardly say any thing for fear of the worst , because sometimes they send one or other upon the passage to rob or kill as they have a minde to . After this they give a note , which some call Albaran , and others Aluala , to certifie to other searchers that the things have been payed for ; yet for all this , others if they please ( and they do 't very often except monies be given them ) they cause one to open all again , they search all , and make pay for all ; and the worst is , that this sort of men ever lies at the coming in and going out of every Province , which in those parts ( for greatness sake ) they call Kingdomes , so that after this rate one is to pass thorough several Kingdoms before he can come to Madrid . At the coming out of Spain one meets with the like ( or worse usage if it be possible ) as he found at the going into 't . But after all , the worst is , that one hath no accommodation by the way , for sometimes you shall ride 30. miles and not see a house , nor meet with a man , so that in some places one must carry for himself something to eat , and Oats for the Mule , and so lie sometimes under a Tree : how uncomfortable this is in Winter , and the heat of Summer , I leave every one to judge . And the misery is , that when one comes to an Inn , he is hardly the better for 't , for excepting some Alcoues which are used onely by persons of quality , all the bed you can get , is some formes or few boards lay'd close , with straw or wooll at the most , within a matteress upon 't , without Bed-steads or Curtains , for they know not what such things mean , and if one will have clean sheets , the surest way is to carry some along with him . Yet this is but beginning of trouble , for these Inns ( if I may so call it ) afford nothing to eat , and if you will have bread , you must send for 't out of the house into one place , for Wine into another , for Meat into another , for one can hardly find two such different things in one place ; after all , if you will have it well dressed , I advise you to have a Cook of your own . Now see whether or not I have reason to wish my self out of this Countrey , but I must go throughout , seeing I am so far engaged in 't , and give some observations I made of their nature , and of some manners and customes of theirs . Though the Spaniard be not very sociable , yet'tis easy for a man to know his natural Genius and Inclination as to the generality : I confess amongst the true Castillans , some Generous and Gallant men are to be found , but these are so scarce , that we may say of it , as of Bread , the Countrey affords it very good , but so little of it , that though the Countrey ( Catalonia excepted ) be very void of Inhabitants , there is hardly enough of it to serve 3. months in the year , so of 10000. men , hardly one will be found to have a right principle of honesty . If at any time a man hath offended them , though it be an offence taken rather than given , they will seem not to take notice of it , but they will watch one so long , and so well , that at last he must fall into their Clutches ; then they give no quarter , but one night or other as a man is going to his Lodging , they will shoot him dead in a treacherous way , and when he is not aware of them . Their Pride is known by the contempt they have for all other Nations , therefore they say their King alone is El Roy de los hombres ; the same they affirme of their Language , but most of all 't is known by their carriage ; they have an affected gravity which goes beyond the natural , and make themselves valiant with oftentation . They walk up and down the Streets like Peacocks and Turkies with a great deal of pride , staring upon others , and looking on themselves from top to toe with a losty , scornful and braving courtenance ; and yet when there is occasion to go to it , except there be three or four against one , Toman las oulcas de villa diego , as they say , that is in plain English , they run away , till they have an opportunity of being avenged ; and this is most of all practised in Valenza , Arragona , Catalonia , &c. in Castilla , and some other places , there being more generosity than in others . In Summer , they wear long Cloakes of black London Serge , specially those who are of any fashion , but I have seen some of Cloth and very heavy , for they say , that which keeps from cold , preserves also from the heat ; their shooes for the most part have no heele , or a very little one ; the clock of their stockings comes up to the fat of their legg . It were needless for me to make an exact description of their cloathes , seeing they often have been seen in England , specially in Eighty Eight . I shall not dispute whether they are becoming or not , much of it depending upon custome and fancy , yet they are so taken with it , that still they keep to their fashion in most Countries where they live , and very hardly can resolve upon changing in some Courts where they have Ambassadours , for else they have so good opinion of their Countries that they scorn almost all others , and account them not worthy to be seen , except the low Countries , Naples , Sicily , Milan , the West-Indies , &c. where they goe to feather their Nest and to grow rich , and often they take such courses , as makes them speed well in 't in a very short time . They use to wear Sword and Dagger , and though their Cloak be new , very often they make a hole in it , that the Dagger may be seen ; the lowest sort of tradesmen , as Carpenters , Shooe-makers , &c. never sit at their work without a Dagger by their sides . Thus the Commonally is possessed with pride , witness the story of the Woman , who being a Begger , yet would not have her son to serve an Ambassadour ; I will not said she ( being spoken to about it ) undervalue my son so much , who knows whether one day he shall not be King of Spain . Hence it is that we do not see Spaniards to be servants of men of other Nations , nor to travel but upon the account of necessity . Now this vanity follows them to their grave , as we hear of the Cobler , who being upon his death-bed , having called his Children to him , said to them , Take heede you do nothing to disparage your selves , or to dishonour your Family . To see the meanest of them in their cloathes , and to act their gravity , is a thing to make any Sranger mistake their quality , insomuch , that one day in their late Kings time , a foreign Minister being private in his Lodging , took one of them for a Grandee , who ( as he thought ) came to give him a visit incognito , as 't is usual in those parts , and received him with a great civility , but at last this proved to be a Glasier , who went to mend a window : and they so much affect gravity in their march , that one of them being once whipped at Paris , ( you may conceive not for any good he had done ) and being told by some spectators who pittyed him , to mend his pace , that he might sooner come out of his pains , he turned about , and with much gravity , told them , that he would not go an inch the faster , though all the Hangmen of France were at his heels . But to goe on in telling of their good qualities , I must not omit to say that idleness , and lasiness are some of those which most of all they are subject to : I cannot tell whether it be meerly an effect of their natural disposition , or a trust they put to the Harvest they receive from the Indies ; or , as I believe , of both ; but the matter is such , that their Land which in many places is good , and could be made fruitful , nor only in Fruites and good Wines , but also in other Necessaries , for want of being manured , is barren and useless . Now the Ground doth not produce without the care of man ; at present God doth not shew us such Miracles , as he hath done sometimes in the dayes of old . If Tradsemen amongst them , do work 2 or 3 hours in the day , they will think themselves the greatest workmen in the world ; and they who set them at work , must pay as dear , as if they had been a whole day at it : when this is done , they go to play or iport themselves one way or other , but those that live in Sea-Towns never fail to walk by the Sea-side , to see Ships coming in , to enquire what parts of the world they come from , and what news they bring : and here Passenger : do find some office of the Inquisition summoning them to go and give an account of their Faith to the Office , but their chief end is to get a piece of money , and then they let people alone . Others there are in these Sea-Towns , who drive another sort of Trade , they come aboard and offer to Passengers wine and other provisions at a very low rate , only to oblige them to go to their houses , where they shew them Spanish flesh rather than Victuals . No Nation hath more ceremony , and less reality than the Spanish , when they think to cut one's throat , then they make the greatest protestations of love and friendship : they stand so much upon titles and places , that as Boccalini saith , it is a particular custome of Spaniards , to visit others more to affront , than to honour them . Complements also are so mixed with their ordinary discourses , that they wholly take away the pleasure of Society , & banish Liberty , wherein doth consist the sweetness of Conversation : An English Nobleman having often been troubled at Madrid with such a way of dealing , by one of their Great men , resolved one day to be avenged on him , therefore once when the other was come to him , he caused a great fire to be made , and both being drawn near to it , with their backs towards the Chimney , the Nobleman engaged the Spaniard in discourses of Civility , who many times bowed towards the fire , which he did so often , that at last feeling the heat , he clapt his hand upon the back side , and found the fire had burned part of it , he was as amazed , as the other who sitting by a fire , and feeling the heat thorough his Boots , said , I am a fraid of burning my Boots , when another who stood by answered , Sir , do not mind your Boots , for already they are gone , onely look to the Spurs . They profess a new Divinity , to allow of a certain evil , that an uncertain may be avoided thereby , that is to practice a Peccadillo as they call it , a little sin , to avoid falling into a greater , and for fear of Sodomy , to indulge themselves in their Leachery ; a thing so generally used amongst them , that he who hath not his love in that kind , is accounted a man without wit and merit ; and the generality of them goes as openly and freely into such places , as here one will goe to a Tavern , or an Ale-house : they consuetudo peccandi , tollit sensum peccati , the custom of Tinning , takes away the sense of sin ; their Proverb is , El fatigado con cosas deveres , recreese con donagres , he who is a weary of serious things , must betake himself to his pleasures ; of which , as of Wines they allow themselves a Calabrada , a mixture and variety , wherein they so much indulge themselves , that rather than be deprived of the least , they will loose any thing ; whereupon they use to say , Siempre en las tardangas a'y peligro , y. vale mas paxaro en mano que buy tre volando , A bird in hand is better than two in the bush ; which they mean of their pleasures . Sometimes I have seen some of their Priests come to Strangers Lodgings ( provided they be acquainted with the Landlord ) to play with them , in a disguise , not out of any shame , but only to have more liberty with those who know them not , except a Landlord , or some body else tells them what they are . There be also some Priests and Fryars carrying up and down the Streets , the Image of one or other Nuestia Sennora , as they call it , for whom they beg , & yet the poor Lady is never the better for it ; for most part of the time , what they have gotten , they bestow upon their own pleasures , and other uses ; and once I saw at Alicant , one of them , who played at Cardes what monies he had then about him , and lost it to an English Master of a Ship : whereby we see now ready they are to sacrifice their shew and pretence of Devotion , to their pleasure or covetousness ; and sometimes they dispose of it another way , which is , to make a mock at what they call piety themselves , and which we , with a more proper word , do name superstition . Many of these Secular , and Regular Priests , are very offensive to the Laity , by reason of the great power theClergy hath in those parts , who assert their priviledges with a great severity , by the means of the Inquisition , which is formidable to the greatest men in the Land , as to the lowest ; so that under this shelter , they commit many unjust and unlawful things . But in general , to return to the Nation , they are very singular in their Diet , still making good the Proverb which saies , A Spaniard is not sober when he lives at the costs of others : but else they are very sparing and I am very much of the opinion of one , who thinks that in London , there is more Meat eaten in one Month , than in whole Spain in one Year . They do not roast whole Capons , and Pullets , but Leggs , and Wings by themselves , and then spread the feathers before their doors , to make others think thatgood chear is made in that house ; a Crust ofBread rubbed with Garlick , or an Onion , is an ordinary and a good diet for them , which , if a Stranger sees them to eat , they presently fall upon commending of Sobriety , and how wholsom a thing it is : many a time I have seen numbers of them dine so , close by a wall , to enjoy the heat of the Sun , which is their ordinary fire in those parts , so saving they endeavour to be in every thing ; yet if any one will have the pleasure , how well they can eat , or rather devour , let him treat them at his own charges . For certain flesh isvery nourishing there , but this is not the onely reason of their sobriety , 't is also dear , in part , because 't is scarce , and also by reason of a great Tax laid upon Butchers : Fruits , herbs and roots , are things which they feed upon most of all , and in every thing almost , they use much Pimiento , a kind of red Pepper which grows in the country ; but they are not used to see any quantity of meat upon a table ; this is the reason why Gondomour being gone back into Spain from his Ambassy in England , and being asked by his Master about several fashions used here in the Court , amongst the rest , being very inquisitive to know what ceremonies were used here when the King was at table ; he answered , for his part , he could not well tell , though he had been in the Dining Room when his Majesty was at Dinner , because , said he , he was hidden from him by a great piece of Beef which was laid upon the Table . They allow not their wives to sit at table with them , those persons of quality are private in a chamber and by themselves , but others of the common sort of people , do usually keep in the same chamber where their husbands dine , at a table with their children , or else there is a place raised half a foot or thereabouts above the flower , with a Carpet laid over it , thereupon the wife , and children either kneel or sit without Chairs , and eat what the husband is pleased to send them from his Table , so that to speak the truth , they are deprived of their liberty and kept in great subjection , little different from slavery . Which hard usage they are sensible of , upon occasion doing them all the turns of unfaithfulness which they are able , being naturally by the influences of the climate , the hot things they eat and drink , and out of a desire of the liberty they see themselves abridged off , much inclined to luxury ; they take care to curle their hair , keep their breast naked , yet not so low as the shoulders , they paint much with red their lips and cheeks , a custom so general amongst them , that they hide it not one from another ; they wear above their wast a fardingale , or Guarda infanta , as they call it , which is like a circle of a good breadth , and very fit to hide a big belly ; when they go thorough a narrow door they must strike it down of one side ; those of an inferiour quality , when they are abroad , do usually wear a black Hood which falls lower then their breast and shoulders , and hides the whole face , except one eye , which is all one is able to see of it , whereby they are so hard to be known , that towards evening a husband going by his wife shall have much ado to know her ; though they be more civil to those strangers or others whom they intend to favour , by uncovering the whole face when they come nigh to them : they improve the few moments they have of liberty , and they endeavour to hazer su Agosto , to speak in their own words , or as we say , Make Hay whilst the Sun shines , and they do it de la buena gana , with a good will. Men there , are extraordinarily careful of their Beards , which are black and thick with Mustacchio's 〈◊〉 Tusks ; to save them at night , they have las bigotes , that is a kind of a waxed Case which they lay upon it , and which to one who knows not what it is , seems very strange in a morning when they appear with it at a Window : they also make a Beard so essential to a man , that if he be altogether shaven , as now we are in England , they will doubt whether or not he be an Eunuch : and in the streets of Madrid , I have seen an outlandish man of about 30 years of age , taken by the arme by a woman who never saw him before . and asked him very boldly , tien los Cojones voste , Sir , are you a whole man , because he was wholly shaven . A thing which most of all seemed strange to me in Spain , is the custome of some to walk in the streets with Spectacles on their Noses , which with a little thread they tye to both ears , and there is a two-fold reason for it ; the one is the scorching heat of the Sun which heats so much the ground , that the reverberation of it is hurtful to the eye , but as in Winter the sun is not so hot as in Summer , so methinks the use of these Spectacles should cease ; therefore besides the former there is an inward reason , arising from the immoderate luxury which they are given to , for by reason of the strict communication there is between those parts and the head , specially the Opticks , the Organ is much offended , and consequently weakned , so that this people becomes short sighted ; and I think that the fresh waters with Ice , which they so much drink of in summer , are used to cool their lust more then to quench their thirst . The extraordinry long swords they have must needs be very inconvenient , specially by reason of the long cloaks they wear them under , insomuch that most part of time they must turn up their cloaks of one side when they walk , and the other hand they must lay upon the hilt of the sword , that thereby the point of it be lifted up , otherwise it would constantly trail upon the ground , and often the crosse above the hilt being of one side turned upwards , and downwards on the other , seems at the same time threatning heaven and earth . Formerly they used to wear Ruffs about their necks , which were forbidden , because in Arragon a great man was strangled with it , so that since that time they have been lookt upon as a halter about ones neck , and instead of it , they use a little band stretched and stiffned with a little wire . In their discourses they would be taken for Senators , for upon every occasion they play the Statesmen , they dispose of Crowns Scepters and Kingdoms , just as if they were of Gods council , they decide the fortune of Princes , censure the actions and carriage of Ministers of state , and when they are three or four together , one would think that like so many Gods they sit in council to resolve upon the fare , and dispose of all States and Empires of the world , and this not by conjectures , but out of a certain and infallible knowledge , and whilest they fancy Mountains of Gold , and think how to dispossesse other Nations of their Country , they take no notice how void of people their own is , by reason of their driving the Moores out of Granada , of their Plantations in the Indies , their wars in Flanders and Italy , and of the many Garrisons they must keep in sundry places ; thus they make good their Proverb , cada loco con su tema , every fool hath his fancies . Benefit and pleasure are the two great ends of Travellers , but in Spain neither is to be had , the people of it not being sociable , and there is hardly any thing worthy of a mans curiosity , or at least the pains to go to see it ; all Spain doth not afford one noble and stately City . Pamplona in Navarra is noted for the Citadel in 't , Burgos the Metropolis of Castilla the old for the great Church , and an inconsiderable Castle ; Valladolid where formerly the Court hath resided for a considerable time , is a proverb , Villa per villa , Valladolid en Castilla , but there are not so much as walls about it . Salamanca hath the famous University of Spain , their is the Bridge built by the Romans , and the Bull at one end of it ; Segovia hath without the Monasterie , called Parral , the Mint , a Palace and the Aqueducts , & the fine Cloth made there : Toledo the chief Arch-bishoprick of Spain hath a great Church & a thing called the Treasure within it , & Water-works ; so at Granada is the Palace of the Palace of the Kings of the Moors , the Altrambra : Cordova hath the Mosquea or Church of the Moors , Sarragossa is a good place , and to be short , their Sevile the chief of Andaluzia , of which their Proverb says , El que non ha vista Sevilla , non ha vista Maravilla : indeed about it grow good fruits , the River Guadulquivin , runs by , and after falls into the Sea by San Iuan de Burrameda , but certainly in other places are much better Churches , Palaces . Bridges , Universities , &c. and I say that all these things together are not worth the pains and the charges of going so far to see them , except a man hath absolutely a mind to be able to say , I have seen ; neither is a good breeding to be gotten there . Indeed there are in Spain two things worth seeing , and no more , one is a work of nature , the River Guadiana in Estramudara , sinking under ground beyond Placio del Rey , and then raising about Miajada nigh upon 14 short leagues off ; upon this account 't is said they have the best bridge of Europe : the other is the Escurial , the Master-piece of the great and wise King Philip 11. though 't was no part of wisdome in him to have at once 3 such great designs , to conquer England , uphold the league in France , and to recover the Low-Countries , all which came to nothing , because as the Italian saith , Chi troppo abraccia nulla stringe ; however he built the Iscuriale where the Courts , the Kings and Queens Lodgings , the Fryars Cloysters , the water , the Gardens , the Library , the Chappel , in a word , the whole is a rare thing , but not so miraculous to those who have seen other parts of the world ; the Pardo , buen retiro and Aranjuez , I will hardly mention , those forenamed are the best things in Spain , but he who hath a mind to suffer so many inconveniences before he comes thither must do it by way of Penance ; as for Cities , Barcelona is certainly the most populous of any in Spain . The rest of these towns are full of pride , idleness , misery , cheats , treachery murthers and other oppressions , caused by their ambition , animosities , covetousness , desire of revenge , luxury and jealousies about Wives , Concubines , Daughters , Sisters , Neeces , and what other relations they have of that Sex , they account themselves obliged to be watchful over : yet for all their poverty they are taken with the vanity which is too common in other places , nor to observe a distinction of cloaths according to the quality of persons , for I have seen Carpenters and Shooemakers in Silver cloath doublets , and in extraordinary fine cloath ; but I know it to be their humour , that the poorer they are , the more they indeavour to hide it , the best countenance they put on , and the greatest shew they make : their very Alguazils or Bailies , who are the vilest sort of People , think themselves as good as the best in the land , and to see them walk with a switch lifted up in their hand , one would perceive in them as much lostiness , as if they were high stewards , or high chamberlains of the Kingdome . But to speak of somthing which is or ought to be the best in Spain , we must come to Madrid , the ordinary place of the Courts residence , which is far from being numerous , and their way is particular and different from others ; the generality of Women about it , are antient and tanned , but they use painting very much as a remedy to it : Yet I confess I have seen in Spain some with a very white skin , ( but these are scarce ) a brown hair , and a lively black eye , but there is not that honest Society of both Sexes which is found in other places : and great men do so affect gravity , and stand so much upon their formalities and points of honour , that amongst them there can be no sincerity nor satisfaction . Coaches in Madrid are drawn by mules , in them Ladies sit in the same Gravity which men do affect , they are almost like Statues without motion , and when they think fit to move the head , 't is done in so slowand so lingring a way , that one who is not used to it , would admire to see it ; for all this I believe if they had the liberty which others enjoy in other places , some of them would prove the wittiest and most gallant Women in the World , even as were the Moors in Granada , but as things stand they must live a very retired manner of life . On the other side , no greater prostitution in the world then there is in that Town , for the generality of Women : mothers make no difficulties to sell their daughters maidenhèads four or five times , and as often as they can to cheat men ; young girles begin to keep mens company when they are but ten , eleven , or at the most twelve years old , this is the cause of so much infection there in that kind , that it is a lamentable thing for any one who hath the curiosity to see their Hospitals of incurables , besides that horrid sin which to punish sufficiently no pain was found upon earth , but God was pleased to pour down , as it were , hell from heaven , causing fire and brimstone to rain and shower down upon earth ; about this horrid sin they have this proverb in their language , En Spania los Cavalleros , en Francia los pedantos , en Italia todos . A thing observable in the Court is the way of their Grandees , who sit down and put on their hats in the Kings presence ; of these men there are three sorts , some have it by a personal priviledge and special favour of the King , others have it as an hereditary right and propriety derived from their parents , and others in the third place , have it by a right of their charge and place , as namely the President of the Council of Castilla , who though he be not a Grandee , yet enjoys the same priviledge as they do . Charles the fifth was the Author of these Grandees , to gratifie the Spanish Nation , and in some kind make some of them equal with some German Princes who followed him in that voyage , and who by their quality and extraction , had the right of sitting and being covered in his presence , a thing which other European Kings do not allow of , Portugal excepted . Again , at Madrid is to be seen that cruel Bull-fighting , a remainder of those bloody spectacles used by the Romans for to give a pleasure to the spectators , men as mad as the Bulls they fight against , must encounter those wild creatures , and hazard in a combate which hath proved fatal to the lives of so many . What shall I say of Madrid it self , where are neither good streets nor stately buildings , antient or Modern , not considerable for the materials or for the rules of Architecture ; in winter there is nothing but dirt , and dust in summer , so that if for the space of three or four hours men have been to walk , their cloaths shall be as white for dust , as if they had been at the Mill , so that 't is no wonder if their cloaths and Taffity hats ( that is overlaid with Taffita ) grow greasie so soon . Above all , let not one who is there walk abroad late at night , nor very early in the morning , for as they have no houses of office they fling it up and down the streets , and how unpleasant these objects are to the Nose , and the Eye , let any one judge , yet about 9 or 10 of the Clock there is nothing to be seen , but all is dissolved into dust , & as men say , that one stench & poison drives away another , so their use of Onions and Garlick is by them thought to be a sovereign remedy against these Spanish Perfumes we are now speaking of ; the Air indeed is the only good thing at Madrid , for 't is very pure and free from the Plague . But if for all this men have a mind to go to see that stinking place , I will say to them in Spanish , Sea con pie derecho , that is in an English sence , Much good may 't do to them . FINIS . 
A30473	----	Three letters concerning the present state of Italy written in the year 1687 ... : being a supplement to Dr. Burnet's letters. Burnet, Gilbert, 1643-1715. 1688 Approx. 322 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 105 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A30473 Wing B5931 ESTC R20842 12047119 ocm 12047119 53104 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A30473) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 53104) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 861:4) Three letters concerning the present state of Italy written in the year 1687 ... : being a supplement to Dr. Burnet's letters. Burnet, Gilbert, 1643-1715. [16], 191, [1] p. s.n.], [S.l. : 1688. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Errata: p. [1] at end. Table of contents: p. [3]-[16] Relating to the affair of Molinos, and the Quietists -- Relating to the Inquisition, and the state of religion -- Relating to the policy and interests of some of the states of Italy. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Quietism. Inquisition -- Italy. Italy -- Description and travel. Italy -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800. 2003-10 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-10 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-11 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2003-11 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-12 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THREE LETTERS Concerning the Present State OF ITALY , Written in the Year 1687. I. Relating to the Affair of MOLINOS , and the QUIETISTS . II. Relating to the INQUISITION , and the State of Religion . III. Relating to the Policy and Interests of some of the States of ITALY . Being A SUPPLEMENT to Dr. BURNETS LETTERS . Printed in the Year 1688. A TABLE Of the Contents of the Three LETTERS . The first Letter . THE curiosity which Dr. Burnets Letters had excited of knowing more concerning the Quietists , was the motives to this Author's further Enquiry about them , p. 1 , 2. with what difficulty things before the Inquisition come to be known , and with how much fear and reserve the Italians talk of them , especially to Hereticks . p. 2 , 3. The amasing Wealth of the Churches , Palaces , and Convents in Rome and thro all Italy ; and yet the astonishing Poverty of the Inhabitants , p. 4. A comparison between the Italians upon the one hand , and the English and Dutch on the other hand , p. 4 , 5. That the poverty of the people in Italy , ariseth from the Government 's being in the hands of Priests , and from the ascendancy which the principles of their Religion give them over mens consciences . p. 6 , 7. How little many of the Italians believe the chief Doctrines of their Church ; and what temptation their Religion lay's them under to Atheism . ibid. That the Mysteries of the Conclave ; the qualifications of the Cardinal 's ; the characters of the late Popes , particularly of the present ; and the manner how the Purple , and the Triple Crown are obtained , are evidences that the Romish Church is not what she pretends to be , p. 8 , 9. That tho they who are under the yoak , may be willing to continue in Slavery ; yet 't is matter of amasement ▪ that such who are delivered from Papal Bondage , should submit again unto it . p. 9 , 10. Whence it was , that so many of all ranks came to be so favourable to Molinos ; and upon what grounds , his opinions came to be so universally received . p. 11 , 12. A Character of Molinos himself ; with an account of the chief Authors of the Mystical Divinity ; together with a representation of it , and why the followers of Molinos are stiled Quietists ; and what different Ends men might have , in falling in with this new Method . p. 12 , to 19. When Molinos's Book called il Gui●a Spirituale was first published ; and with whose approbations ; and how much it was esteemed . p. 19 , 20. The great reputation he grew into , especially with which of the Cardinals . p. 20 , 21. The friendship betwixt Card. d'Estrée and him ; and the value that the present Pope had for him , and the encouragement he gave to his design . p. 21 , 22. Of a French Book written on the Subject of Mystical Divinity , and by whose means , and of its being Translated into Italian . p. 22 , 23. Of the several Writings of Petrucci in relation to a contemplative State , with their character . ibid. The Jesuites and Dominicans allarmed at the progress of Quietism , and why . ibid. Books writ by the Society against Molinos and his Method ; and the way that the Jesuite Segueri took to decry it . p. 24. That the matter being brought before the Inquisition , the Jesuites were accounted accusers ; with an account of what became of F. Martin Esparsa a Jesuite , who had approved Molinos's Book . p. 25. Of Molinos and Petrucci their coming off justified , and that their Books were approved , and the Answers of the Jesuites censured as scandalous . p. 26. The Popes advancing Petrucci to be Bishop of J●ssi , and how he behaved himself in his Bishoprick . ibid. How the party grew in credit and in number , with a short character of them . ibid. & p. 27. Of the Jesuites persevering to calumniate them , and in what Methods ; and of the care that Molino ▪ took to desend himself , and of his writing in order thereunto a Treatise of Frequent and dayly Communion . p. 28. An account of that Book ; and with whose approbations it was published ; and of the Answers given therein to some of Mr. Arnau●'s Objections against Frequent Communion . p. 28 , 29. Of the offence taken at that Book , and for what ; and how the Quietists are in many things calumniated , p. 30. That their Maxims are resembled to those of Socrates his School , and wherein . p. 31 , 32. A conversation which the Author had with a French Clergy-man , with the reasons given by that person why Worship ought to be Pompous , &c. p. 33. The Jesuites upon not being able to ruin Molinos by their influence upon the Pope , apply themselves by means of F. la Chaise to the French King. p. 3● . The ascendant they have over that Monarch ; with a just censure of the Persecution exercised in France . ibid. The Popes disputing the Regale with the French King , and at the same time favouring Molinos , laid hold of in France , to reproach the Pope , and to crush the Quietists . p. 34. 35. A Report at Rome of Cardinal d'Estrees betraying Molinos , by informing the Inquisition of many particulars against him . A Relation of that whole Story , & of Molinos's being thereupon clapt up . p. 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ▪ The imprisonment of Count Vespiniani and his Lady , and how they came to be Released upon Bail ' . ▪ p. 38 , 3 ▪ Of the Popes being suspected of Heresie , and his being Examined by the Inquisition . p. 39. How they endeavour to avoid the Reflection that this exposeth the Papal Infallibility unto . p. 40. Of a Circular Letter sent by the Inquisition to Cardinal Cibo . p. ●1 , 42 , 43. That several Cardinals are apprehensive of a Storm from the Inquisition , and who they are . A Character of Don Livi● the Popes Nephew , and how jealous he is of falling into the hands of the Inquisitors , p. 44. Of the imprisonment of F. Appiani a Jesuite , and the mortification it gave the Society , with a Reflection upon the Conduct of the Society . p. 45. A remarkable Story of F. Cann an English Jesuite in Rome . p. 46 , 47. A character of Cardinal Howard ; and of his being shut out of all the Councils of the E. of Cast●em●n during his Embassay at Rome , with an account of the rude and insolent carriage of F. Morgan towards the Cardinal . p. 47 , 48. The great concern expressed for those in the Inquisition by their friends ; with the impression it makes upon the Inquisitors , and their behaviour thro the apprehension they have of it p. 48 , 49. That the Pope and Cardinal Cibo are much troubled to see this matter gone so far ; and that Cardinal Petrucci is still in the Popes favour ▪ ibid. The great number of the Regulars in Rome and in Naples , who being generally against the Quietists , they are made a Sacrifice to their resentment , p. 49. Nineteen Propositions pretended to be extracted out of the Writings and Doctrines of the Quietists , with a Censure of them published by Order of the Inquisition . p. 50. The Circular Letter , both in Italian and in English , p. 51 , 52 , 53 , 54. The Censure of the Opinions of the Quietists in Italian and in English , with some Remarks upon it , shewing that many things charged upon them are misrepresented ; that other things are weakly and ridiculously resuted ; that several absurdities are therein obtruded upon the world for Truths ; and that the Adoration of Images , which the Papists in England and France do disclaim , is in the Censure justified and recommended . p. 55. to p. 88. Of the Condemnation of Molinos ; of the rage expressed by many of the People against him ; and of the hatred declared upon this occasion against the present Pontificate , with a character of it , and an account of the Gentlness of the Inquisition to many of Molinos's followers , and what Reflections wise men make thereupon , p. 89 , 90 , 91. The whole Ceremony at the Minerva , the day that Molinos was brought forth to abjure , with a Relation of some things he said , and of his deportment , p. 92 , 93 , 94. The mildness of the Punishment inflicted upon him , ibid. Of the boldness of one of his followers before the Inquisition , and how slightly he came off , p. 94. Of the vast correspondence which Molinos had in all places ; and that most of the condemned Articles , are but an invidious Aggravating of the Doctrine of Predestination , and of Efficacious Grace , ibid , & p. 95. The Second LETTER . THE Author's Capacity for giving the following Relation , thro having resided so long in Rome and in Italy , p. 96. Some Reflections upon the study of Manuscripts , Medals , Inscriptions , and of Religion and Politicks , p. 97 , 98. A commendation of Dr. Burnets Letters , and that most which the Author had observed , is already related there ; and that what is here published , referreth either to places which the Dr. did not see , or to matters which his short stay in Italy , did not allow him to enquire after , ibid. Of a Crucifix shut up in the Inquisition , the occasion of it , with several Reflections on the Bigotry , Superstition , and Idolatry of the Papists , especially of the Italians , p. 99 , 100 , 101. Of the Plague in S. Gregory the Great 's time , ibid. Of a Stone in the Chappel of Ara Coeli , pretended to have the impression of an Angel's Foot upon it , and therefore worshipped by the people ; but is now made Prisoner in the Inquisition , to keep the Crucifix company , p. 102 , 103. The story of Sr. Burrhi a Millanese Gentleman and a Chymist , who becoming suspected by the Priests , was brought into the Inquisition , and getting off at that time , was afterwards apprehended , and being accused of many Errors , was made to abjure , and confined to a perpetual Imprisonment , &c. p. 103 , 104 , 105. Of the scandalous and lascivous Pictures , that are in many Churches of Italy , and that their most celebrated Madonna 's have been the Mistresses of the great Painters ; with a Relation of an Intrigue between a Frier and a Nun , p. 106 , 107. Of their sottish and Idolatrous Representations of the Trinity , ibid. Of the Picture of the B. Virgin , with the Order of the Capuchins under her Petticoat , ibid. How Learning came to flourish so much in the last Age , and to decay so greatly in this ; and of the great Masters of painting that Italy produced in the former Century , p. 108 , 109 , 110. Of the Picture of the Virgin in the Annunciata in Florence , which they pretend to have been finished by an Angel , p. 110. The Fable of Loretto , and what exceptions the Author made to it in a Conversation ; and how the Italians justify the Devotion of the people , upon a supposition that the whole story is a Fiction , p. 111 , 112. Of a Conference between an Abbot and an English Clergy-man , of the difference between the two Churches , p. 112 , 113. That the Conversion of Nations , is no further accounted of at Rome , than as it brings profit to the Datary ; and the reason why so little respect was had to the English Ambassador , and to every thing he proposed , p. 113. What retarded the Promotion of the Card. d'Esté so long ; with a Relation how the late Card. d'Esté Protector of the French Nation at Rome , hector'd Pope Alexander VII . p. 114. Of the scandalous imposture of the Blood of St. January at Naples , p. 115. To what excessive height the Priests carry the Ecclesiastical Immunities , and in what danger the General of the Horse at Naples was of being Excommunicated , p. 116 , 117. A remarkable story how far the Immunities of the Clergy have been pusht in the Dukedom of Florence , for the saving of a Priest ; with a character of the present Duke , p. 117 , 118. The present Vice-Roy of Naples commended , for supporting the Secular Tribunal against the Invasions of the Ecclesiastical Court ; with a Relation of the ingenuous and publick Affront he put upon an Auditor of the Nuncio's , and how ill it was resented at Rome , p. 118 , 119 , 120. Of the difference betwixt the Pope and the French King about the Regale ; with a further character of the Pope , p. 120 , 121. What improvement the Jansenists made of the difference , p. 121 , 122. Concerning the business of the Franchises , and that the Pope seems resolved to maintain his late Bull , and how it may prove fatal to himself , and the Papal Sea , to contend that matter with the French King , p. 123. Of the way that this Pope treats Ambassadors ; and of an Answer he gave to the English Ambassador upon his threatning to leave Rome , that shew'd the little Respect he had either for him or his Master , p. 124. How the present Pope conducts his Revenue ; that being the only thing he understands . Of his Retrenching both all Expences and the publick Charities ; and that he must have a vast Treasure , p. 124. The inducement to the making so many Cardinals in the last Promotion . And the Aversion which Card. Taia , and Card. Ricci expressed to the Purple in the Promotion that was made five year ago , p. 125. How Cardinal Farnese , that was afterwards Paull III. and who raised the Family of Parma , came to be created Cardinal by Alexander VI. with an account in what manner the Promotion of Cardinals is carried ; and how the Wench was too crafty both for that lewd Pope , and for his Son Caesar Borgia , p. 126 , 127 , 128. Of the Aversion which this Pope has to the Jesuites ; and that the English Ambassador's Resigning himself to their conduct , was the reason of the cold usage he met with at Rome , p. 129. What character all wise and indifferent Italians fasten upon those of that Society ; and their concluding from the credit which they have in England , that the Roman Catholick Religion must needs miscarry there , ibid. & p. 130. The Romantick Letters which the Jesuites write to Rome out of England , and what just discredit this puts upon all that they write out of the Indies and other remote Countreys , ibid. Of the Letter lately printed that was wrote by a Jesuite of Liege to those at Friburg , concerning the present state of Popery in England ; that it is a true and Authentick Letter , p. 130 , 131. Of two things peculiar to this Order which render it formidable ; how independent the General of the Jesuites is above the Generals of other Orders , and how absolute his Government , p. 132 , 133. By what means the Mission comes to be generally in their hands , and of their getting thereby into Families , p. 133 , 134. The different humour and conduct of the Secular Priests , from those of the Regulars : and what prejudice 't is the suffering Regulars to live in Protestant States ; how 't is matter of wonder at Rome , that Protestans should permit Regulars to be in their Countreys ; and what a wise Roman said to the Author about it , p. 134 , 135. How the people of Lombardy are possessed with a Superstition of mixing Water with their Wine , and how the Priests who nourish the Vulgar in that conceit , excuse their own Wine from being mix'd , p. 136 , 137. That the Tax which is laid upon Wine in Florence , makes the people there preserve it pure , ibid. Of an Abbey of Benedictines at Etal in Bavaria , where the Monks live in as great abundance as the Duke himself , p. 138. A beautiful prospect the Author had at Burgo in the Hills of Trent , p. 138. The way of Celebrating St. Anthony's day at Rome , and how the people bring all their Horses , Mulets , and Asses to be sprinkled with Holy Water by the Monks of thet Order . How profitable this piece of superstitious Folly is to the Priests , p. 139 , 140. That Molinos's abjuring was only a pretended thing ; that his party continues still to be very numerous ; and that all the Reports about the lewdness of his Life , are esteemed to be no other than Fables , p. 141 , 142. The Third LETTER . OF a curious Salt-work at Sode near Francfort , with an account of the way , of making the Salt , p. 144 , 145 , 146 That Italy is the highest Country in Europe , as appeareth by the small Descent from the Alps on that side , to what it is either on the French or German side , p. 147. Of Guastale , its situation , and of its being wrested from the rightful owner by the French King ; the danger that all Italy will be thereby exposed unto , p. 148 , 149 , 150 , 151 , 152. A Character of the present Duke of Mantua ; How he favours the French Interest ; of his putting Cassal and Guastale into their hands ; and how they wind him as they please , p. 152 , 153. Of the courage and fidelity of the Marquises of Cannosse and Palliotti to the Duke of Mantua ; and how the French got them both to be made close Prisoners , p. 153 , 154. That the Princes of Italy are absolute in their Dominions , and the Slavery their Subjects are in , ibid. That there is a French Envoy always attending upon the Duke of Mantua , ibid. How one of the Duke of Mantua's Secretaries was by the Duke sent to Turin , and seised by a party of French Horse from Pignerol , p. 155 , 156. The Imperious way that the French in Casal act towards those of Montferrat , and Piedmont , p. 157. That having Bargain'd with Masons , how they broke the Agreement , ibid. How the French King having advanced three Millions towards a Fond for an East-India Company , did withdraw it , p. 158. Of the disfavour that the Marquise of Pianesse fell in to with the late Duke of Savoy , and how he came to be introduced into the Ministry again , and afterwards was disgraced , put in prison , and tried ; and how the Court of Savoy remains governed by the French , p. 158 , 159 , 160 , 161. Of the design that was carried on of matching this present Duke to the Infanta of Portugal ; and of his being poysoned ( as his Father had been ) and his reflecting on the wise Advices which the Marquise de Pianesse had given him , p. 161 , 162. How much the Dukes of Savoy are sunk in this Age from the Figure that they made in the last ; how difficult it will be to remedy it , while Cassal and Pignerol are in the hands of the French , ibid. Of the late persecution in the Valley's of Piedmont ; how all in the Court of Savoy are ashamed of it ; with an account of the Fidelity , peaceableness , & industry of that poor people ; & what the person who acquainted the Author with these things , upon his knowing him to be an Englishman , said to him upon it , p. 162 , 163. Of the luxury and vanity of living magnificently , wherewith France hath infected the Princes of Germany , together with a representation of the mischiefs which arise from Princes and Noblemens travelling into France , p. 164. How fatal Luxury & a vain Expencefulness are in a special manner to Common-wealths ; And what sensible decays in strength , the expenceful way of living that the Dutch and Cantons are grown into ; with a commendation of that part of the Venetian Constitution , which regulates the Expence of their Nobility , p. 165 , 166. Of the misery and poverty that appears in Pisa thro the Severity of the Government ; and of the Wealth and populousness of Lucca , thro being a Free Government ; how jealous they of Lucca are of having their Liberty supplanted , & how infinitely they prise it ; with an Account of the Strength and Decoration of the Town , p. 167 , 168. Of Genoa ; its decay from what it formerly was ; and yet its being vastly more wealthy and populous , than any part of Tuscany or of the Popes Patrimony . Of the number of the Subjects of that Republick ; their Forts in Corsica , with a Character of the Corses ; the Compass of the Fortifications of Genoa ; the Expence they have laid out on the two Moles ; the debt it hath run them into ; with an Account of the Extent of their whole Countrey , and how it is defended ; & what their Marine strength is , p. 168 , 169 , 170 , 171. How much the safety of Millan and of all Italy depends upon the preservation of Genoa ; and that its Interest and Spains are inseparably united , p. 172 , 173. A large Account of their Civil Constitution ; and of the Divisions that are among them , and how occasioned ; and that these were the Inducements to France to attack them , p. 173 , 174 , 175 , 176 , 177. That tho the Subjects be wealthy , yet the State is weak ; that there is such a degeneracy among them from what they were , that they have neither Heads nor Hearts to defend themselves , were they vigorously assaulted ; and whence that degeneracy proceeds , p. 178. Curious Refl●ctions upon the Diseases , that Common-wealths are subject unto , with a friendly application of all unto Holland , p. 179. That the project of France's falling upon Genoa , was formed by one Valdyron of Nismes , that was a Protestant , and had lived long in Genoa . That the French might have been easily Masters of it , had they assaulted it vigorously at first . The injustice of this way of proceeding , and how the Italians stile it , p. 180 , 181 , 182. What Reflections a Spaniard , belonging to the Count of Melgar , made upon the French miscarrying in that , and in some other of their Undertakings , p. 182 , 183. How Valdyron was treated by the Genoese , & how poorly requited by the French King , p. 184. An Account of a Conversation the Author had with two of the old Magistrates of Messina , wherein they said many things reslective on the Honour , Veracity and Iustice of the French King and his Ministers , and by what Arguments they justified the Revolt of their Town from the Spaniard , p. 185 , 186 , 187. Of the method they use in preparing Vitriol in the Sulfatara near Puzzolo . Of a little Town in the Appenins , called Norcia , which tho in the Popes Territories , may be accounted a Common-wealth , and which is so jealous of all Priests obtaining any share in their Government , that they will admit none into Magistracy , who can either read or write p. 189 , 190. Of the Mortification which one of the Magistrates , put upon an Auditor who was a Church-man , by gelding him , for attempting to debauch his wife ; with a pleasant account , how one that hath been so treated , may continue capable to say Mass , ibid. & p. 191. The Stationer to the Reader . I Can give no other account of these Letters , but that they were communicated to me , by a person of known Integrity ; who assured me , that he who made these Observations , is a man of great vertue , and considerably learned : who has been long and much in Italy : who is both capable of looking narrowly into matters , and is of such severe morals , that one may safely depend on all he says . This was enough for me ; so without making any further enquiry , or knowing any thing of the Author , I have set about the printing of them . VALE . A LETTER Writ from ROME , To one in Holland , concerning the QUIETISTS . SIR , YOur desire of being informed particularly by me , of the state of Religion and Learning in Italy , and chiefly here at Rome , has quickned my curiosity , and has set an edge upon a humour that is of it self Inquisitive enough : and tho I am not so much in lo●● with writing , as to delight in transmitting you long Letters , yet I find I have matter at present for a very long one ; chiefly in that which relates to the Quietists : for you observe right , that the short hints that Dr. Burnet gave of their matters in his Letters , did rather increase the curiosity of the English , than satisfy it . He told as much as was generally known in Rome at that time , concerning them ; but as a longer stay might have discovered more particulars to him , so there have fallen out since that time such new and surprising accidents , that there is not more hearkning after new Evidence in England , upon the breaking out of Plots , than there was at Rome upon the Imprisonment of so great a number of persons in February and March last ; the number alone of 200 persons , was enough to raise a great curiosity ; but this was much encreased by the quality of the persons that were clapt up , who were both for Rank , for Learning , and for Piety , the most esteemed of any in Rome . So I was pusht on by my own Inclinations , as well as by your Entreaties , to take all the pains that was possible for me , to be well Informed of this matter . The particular Application with which I had read some of the Books of Devotion writ in this method , and the pleasure , and , I hope , profit , that I had found in it , made me still the more earnest to know this matter to the bottom . It is true , it was hard to find it out : for those who have been in Rome , know with how much caution all people there talk of matters that are before the Inquisition : those are like the Secrets of state elsewhere : of which a man cannot talk much without incurring some Inconvenience ; and there is no Inconvenience that is more terrible at Rome , than the falling into the hands of the Inquisitors : for besides the Danger that a man runs , if the suspitions are well founded , the least ill effect that this must have , is the cutting off all a mans hopes of Preferment ; for what a Suspition of High Treason is elsewhere , the Suspition of Heresy is at Rome ; and where there are many Pretenders , and there is so much to be expected , you may imagine that Hope and Fear working at the same time so powerfully , it must be very hard to ingage such persons as probably know the secret of things , to trust themselves upon so tender a point , to strangers . The truth is , Learning is so low in Italy , and the Opinion that they have of the Learning of Strangers , chiefly of Hereticks , is so high , that they do not willingly enter either on Subjects of Learning or of Religion with them ; and on the other hand a Stranger and a Heretick , who is considered as a Spye , or a fair Enemy at best , will not find it convenient to thrust on such subjects of conversation , as are tender and suspitious . All this is to prepare you for a relation which you will perhaps think defective , yet is as full a I could possibly gather , out of all the Hints and Informations that some moneths stay at Rome procured me . The first thing that surprises a stranger in Rome , is the very unequal mixture of Wealth and Poverty , that he sees here , as well as in all the parts of Italy ; yet it is more conspicuous here , than elsewhere : for as the Wealth of the Churches , Palaces and Convents is astonishing , so the Poverty of the Inhabitants , and the meanness of the ordinary Buildings , is extremely unsuteable to the magnificence of the other . When a man sees what Italy was an Age or two ago , not to go back so far as to remember what Rome was once ; he can hardly imagin how such a fall , such a dispeopling , and such a poverty could befall a Nation and Climate , that Nature has made to be one of the richest of the world , or of Europe at least ; if the PRIESTS had not at the same time a secret to make the Natives miserable , in spite of all that Abundance with which Nature has furnished them . It were not able to withstand even an ordinary Enemy , and it can scarce support it self . Those Italians that have seen the Wealth and Abundance that is in England and Holland , tho their Sun is less favorable , and their Climate is more unhappy , and that come home so see their Towns deserted , and their Inhabitants in Raggs , speak of this sometimes with an Indignation that is too sensible to be at all times kept within bounds . They speak of the difference betweeen Holland and Italy , like men affected when they compared the two soils and Climates together . The one is a soil divided between sand and turff , preserved from the Innudations of Land-floods , and the overflowing of the sea , at a vast Charge , suffering often such losses as would ruin other states , and paying great and constant Impositions : and yet with all these Inconveniences , and all the disadvantages of a feeble sun , a stagnating and phlegmatick Air , violent Colds , and moderate , or at least very shorts Heats , this Countrey is full of Wealth and People ; and there is in it such an abundance of great Towns and considerable villages , and in all these there appear so many marks of plenty , and none at all of Want : and the other has a kind sun , long and happy Summers , and mild Winters : a fruitful and rich soil , and every thing that the Inhabitants can wish for on Natures part , to render them the Envy of the World : whereas they are become the Scorn and contempt of all that see them . And as much as the Dutch seem to have acted in spite of Nature on the one hand , in rendring themselves much more considerable than she has Intended they should be ; so the Government of Italy seems to have reversed the design of Nature as much on the other hand , by reducing the Inhabitants to such a degree of Misery , in spite of all her Bounty : upon this subject the Italians will talk more freely than upon matters of Religion : and do not stick to say , that it flows from the share that PRIESTS have in the Government , and that not only in the Popes Territory , but in all the other Courts of Italy , where they have the main stroke . They will tell you , that Priests have not Souls big enough , nor tender enough , for Government : they have both a narrowness of spirit , and a sourness of mind , that does not agree with the Principles of human Society : Their having so short and so uncertain a time of governing , makes them think only on the present , so that they do not carry their prospect to the Happiness of , or misery that must be the consequences of what they do , at any considerable distance of time : nor have they those Compassions for the Miserable with which wise Governours ought to temper all their Counsells ; for a stern sourness of temper , and an unrelenting hardness of heart , seems to belong to all that sort of men in Italy . Whatsoever advances their present Interests , and inriches their families , is preferred to all wise , great or generous councells . Now tho the Natives dare not carry this matter further , yet a stranger , that thinks more freely , and that has examined matters of Religion , in a more Inquisitive manner , sees plainly that all these errors in Government , are the effects of their Religion , and of that authority which they believe is lodged in the Pope , chiefly and of which every Priest has so considerable a share , that he is easily able to make himself master of every mans Conscience that lets him into it , and that believes those three great branches of their power : that they can pardon their sins , make their God , and secure them both from Hell and Purgatory . These are things of such a mighty operation , that if it is not easy to imagine how they should be so easily believed , yet supposing once the belief of them , all other things flow very naturally from thence : men are not convinced of these errors till it is too late to come and undeceive others . It is true , many of the Italians believe these things as little as we do ; yet this is in them rather an effect of a loose and libertine temper , than of study and enquiry , in a Countrey where not only Heretical books would endanger a man , but the bare reading even of a Latin New Testament would give some suspition . But the thinking men among them are led to doubt of all things , rather from a principle of Atheism , than of searching into matters of Controversy : the one is much less dangerous there , than the other would be . And indeed as soon as a man becomes a little familiar with any of the men of freer thoughts here , he will soon see that the belief of their Religion has very little power over many of those who are the most zealous to support it , only because their Interest determins them . When a man has lived some time at Rome , and has known a little of the Mysteries of the Conclave , with the Character both of the present and the late Popes , particularly the weakness and Ignorance of him that now reigns , who does not so much as understand Latin ; when a man sees how matters are carried in that Court , what are the Maximes they go by , and the Methods that they take ; when he sees what a sort of men the Cardinals are , men indeed of great Civility , and of much Craft ; but as to the matters of Religion , men of an equal sise both of Ignorance and Indifference : when a man sees how all preferments are obtained , but chiefly how the purple is given , and how men rise up to the Triple Crown : when , I say , a man has seen and observed all this a little , he cannot wonder enough at the Character that so great a part of the World sets on that Court. The plain and simple Arguments of Common sense work so strong , that Transubstantiation it self is not harder to be believed , than that this man is Christs Vicar , a man of Infallibility , and the source or channel at least of divine truth . So that a man that has given himself the opportunities of observing these matters Critically , will feel a persuasion of the falsehood of those pretensions formed so deep in him , that all the Sophistry of Argument will never be able to overthrow it : for the plain sense of what he has seen will apparently discover the delusion of those Reasons , which perhaps he is not learned enough to answer : for let men say what they will , it is no easy matter to believe in a Contradiction to the clear Evidence of sence : and I cannot make my self so much as doubt , but that as Cato was wont to wonder how it came that every one of the Heathen Priests did not laugh when he saw another of the Trade , so the Cardinals when they look on one another , and a Pope even as Ignorant a one as the present Pope is , when he receives the submissions that are offered him by all who are of that Communion , must laugh within himself when he sees how lucky that Imposture is , which has subdued the World into so much respect for him , and to so great a dependance on him . A man who sees all these things upon the place , and is of an Age capable of making solid Reflections , and has a due portion of Learning , must return amased , not so much at those who being already under the Yoke , have neither knowledge nor courage enough to shake it off , nor at those who go into it because they find their account in it , and so hope to have a good share of the spoil , as at those who have shaken off the Yoke , and have got into more Liberty and more Knowledg , and feel the happy Influence of their deliverance even in their Civil Liberties and other Temporal Concerns , if they should ever come so much as to deliberate whether they ought to return and serve their old and severe Masters , or not . For my part , I speak freely to you , that I could sooner bring my mind to believe that there is no such thing as Instituted Religion ; and that it is enough for men to be just and honest , civil and obliging , and to have a general reverence for the Deity , than ever to think that such Stuff as the men of the Mission would impose on the World can be true . Chiefly in that part of it which relates to the Popes Authority , after all that I have seen and known . You will perhaps think , that this is a long digression , or at least a very improper introduction to that which I told you I would offer to you , since the relation that all this has with the matter of the Quietists , does not appear to be so very proper . Yet you will perhaps change your mind , when I tell you , that the Miseries of Italy , that the Aversion that all men of sense there have to the Artifices of their Religion , and chiefly to the conduct of the Regulars , and above all , of the Iesuites , is believed the true reason that led such numbers of men of all sorts to be so favourable to Molinos : to which this was rather to be ascribed , than to any Extraordinary Elevation of Piety or Devotion , of which so little appears in that Country , that nothing which touches only upon that Principle can have great effects among them . Men that are sick , turn to all sorts of remedies : and those who are discontented , do naturally go into every new thing that either promises relief , or that wounds those that displease them . The present state of things in Italy being such as I have described it , you need not wonder to find so many ready to hearken after any thing that seemed both new and safe . For as the Novelty gave that curiosity which might draw in many , so the safety that seemed to be in a Method of Devotion in which so many of the Canonised Saints had gone before them , and which appeared at first authorised by the Approbation of so many Inquisitours , made them apprehend that there could be no danger in it . In the recital that I am to give you , I do not pretend to tell you all the whole affair : nor will I assure you of the truth of all that you will find here . For in matters of this nature , in which Interest and Passion are apt to work so strongly , there are alwayes so many false Reports spread , and matters are so often aggravated on the one hand , and diminished or denied on the other , that I will not say but there may be some things here that upon a stricter inquiry will perhaps appear not to be well founded ; yet of this I will assure you very positively , that I have Invented and added nothing my self . I leave those arts to the Italians , and the Court of Rome : therefore I will tell you things nakedly and simply , as I found them , without adding so much as one Circumstance out of my own Invention . I also made as much use of my Judgment as was possible for me to do , both in considering the Circumstances of those with whom I talked on those heads , and the things themselves that they said to me ; so I let pass all that seemed to be the effect of Passion or Prejudice , and only marked down that which seemed to be true , as well as that which I had from men whom I had reason to believe . My Informers were men of Probity and of Sense ; they were not indeed easily brought to talk of this Subject , and they spoke of it with great Reserves : so that there may be many defects , and possibly some mistakes in the account that I am to offer you ; yet you must be contented with it ; for it is all that I could gather ; and it is not corrupted with any mixture of my own . Michael de Molinos is a Spaniard , of a good and Opulent Family . He entred into Priests Ordors , but had never any Ecclesiastical Benefice : so that he seemed to have dedicated himself to the service of the Church , without designing any Advantage by it to himself . He passes in Italy for a man both of Learning and of good Sense . His course of life has been exact , but he has never practised those Austerities that are so much magnified in the Church of Rome , and among the Religious Orders : and as he did not affect to practise them , so he did not recommend them to others ; nor was he fond of those poor Superstitions that are so much magnified by the trafficking men of that Church But he gave in to the Method of the Mystical . Divines , of which , since your studies have not perhaps lien much that way , I shall give you this short account . That sublime , but mysterious way of Devotion , was not set out by any of the first Writers of the Church ; which is indeed a great Prejudice against it : for how many soever they may be , who have followed it in the latter Ages , yet Cassians Collations , which is a work of the midle of the fifth Century , is the antientest Book that is writ in that strain : for the pretended Denis the Areopagite is now by the consent of all learned men thought no Elder than the end of the fifth or the beginning of the sixth Century . Yet after these Books appeared , very few followed the elevated strains that were in them : the latter was indeed too dark to be either well understood or much followed . So that this way of Devotion , if it was practised in Religious Houses , yet was not much set out to the World before S. Bernards time , whose melting strains , tho a little too much laboured and affected , yet have something in them that both touches and pleases : after him many began to write in that sublime strain ; such as Thauler , Rusbrachius , Harphius , Suso , but above all Thomas a Kempis . And when for some considerable time that way of writing was discontinued , it was again raised up in the last Age , with much luster by S. Teresa ; and after her by Baltasar Alvares a Iesuit : and as England produced a Carthusian in King Henry the sixths time , one Walter Hilton , who writ the Scale of Perfection , a Book Inferior to none of these I have cited , and more simple and natural than most of them ; so of late F. Cressy has published out of F. Bakers Papers , who was a Benedictine , a whole body of that method of Divinity and Devotion . The right notion of this way of Devotion is somewhat hard to be well understood , by those who have not studied their Metaphisicks , and is entangled with too many of the terms of the School ; yet I shall give it to you as free of these as is possible . With relation to Devotion they consider a man in three different degrees of Progress and Improvement : the first is the Animal , or the Imaginative state : in which the Impressions of Religion work strongly upon a mans Fancy , and his sensitive Powers : this state is but low and mean , and suteable to the Age of a Child ; and all the Devotion that works this way , that raises a heat in the Brain , tenderness in the Thoughts , that draws Sighs and Tears , and that awakens many melting Imaginations , is of a low form , variable , and of no great force . The second state is the Rational , in which those Reflections that are made on Truths , which convince ones reason , carry one to all suteable Acts : this they say is dry , and without motion : it is a Force which the Reason puts upon the Will , and tho upon a great Variety of Motives , and many Meditations upon them , the mind goes thro a great many Performances of Devotion , yet this is still a Force put upon the will. So they reckon that the third and highest state is the Contemplative , in which the Will is so united to God , and overcome by that Union , that in one single Act of Contemplation , it adores God , it loves him , and resigns it self up to him : and without wearying itself with a dry multiplicity of Acts , it feels in one Act of Faith more force than a whole day of Meditation can produce . In this they say that a true Contemplative Man , feels a secret Ioy in God , and an acquiescing in his Will ; in which the true elevation of Devotion lies ; and which is far above either the heats of Fancy , which accompany the first state , or the Subtilty of Meditation , that belongs to the second state : and they say , that the perfection of a Contemplative state above the others , appears in this , that wheras all men are not capable of forming lively Imaginations , or of a fruitful Invention , yet every man is capable of the simplicity of contemplation : which is nothing but the silent and humble adoration of God , that arises out of a pure and quiet mind . But because all this may appear a little Intricate , I shall illustratte it by a similitude , which will make the difference of those three states more sensible ; 1. A man that sees the exteriour of another , with whom he has no acquaintance , and is much taken with his face , shape , quality , and meen , and this has a blind prevention in his favour , and a sort of a feeble kindness for him , may be compared to him whose Devotion consists in lively Imaginations , and tender Impressions on his lower and sensible Powers : 2. A man that upon an acquaintance with another , sees a great many reasons to value and esteem , both his parts and his Vertues , yet in all this he feels no inward Charm that overcomes him , and knits his soul to the other ; so that how high soever the esteem may be , yet it is cold and dry , and does not affect his heart much , may be compared to one whose Devotion consists in many Acts , and much Meditation . But 3dly , when a man enters into an entire friendship with another , then one single Thought of his Friend , affects him more tenderly , than all that variety of reflections , which may arise in his mind , where this Union is not felt . And thus they explain the sublime state of Contemplation . And they reckon that all the common methods of Devotion , ought to be considered , only as steps to raise men up to this state : when men rest and continue in them , they are but dead and lifeless Forms : and if they rise above them , they become Cloggs and Hindrances , which amuse them with many dry Performances , in which those who are of a higher Dispensation will feel no pleasure nor advantage . Therefore the use of the Rosary , the daily repeating the Breviary , together with the common Devotions to the Saints , are generally laid aside by those who rise up to the Contemplative State ; and the chief business to which they apply themselves , is to keep their Minds in an inward Calm and Quiet , that so they may in silence form simple Acts of Faith , and feel those inward Motions and Directions which they believe follow all those who rise up to this Elevation . But because a man may be much deceived in those Inspirations , therefore they recommend to all who enter into this method , above all other things , the choice of a Spiritual Guide , who has a right sense and a true tast of those matters , and is by Consequence a Competent Judge in them . This is all that I will lay before you in general , for giving you some tast of Molinos's Methods ; and by this you will both see why his Followers are called QUIETISTS and why his Book is Entitled il Gui. da Spiritualc . But if you Intend to Inform your self more particularly of this matter , you must seek for it , either in the Authors that I have already mentioned , or in those of which I am to give you some account in the ●equel of this Letter . Molinos having it seems drunk in the principles of the Contemplative Devotion in Spain , where the great Veneration that is payed to S. Teresa gives it much reputation , he brought over with him to Italy a great Zeal for propagating it . He came and setled at Rome , where he writ his Book , and entred into a great commerce with the men of the best Apprehensions , and the most Elevated thoughts that he found there . All that seemed to concur with him in his design for setting on foot this sublimer way , were not perhaps animated with the same principles . Some designed sincerly to elevate the World above those poor and trifling Superstitions , that are so much in vogue , among all the Bigots of the Church of Rome , but more particularly in Spain and Italy , and which are so much set on by almost all the Regulars , who seem to place Religion chiefly in the exact performing of them . It was thought that others entred into the design upon more Indirect motives . Some perhaps from the aversion that they bore the Regulars , were disposed to entertain every thing that might lead mens Devotions into other Channells , and to a conduct different from that prescribed by Friers and Iesuites . Some perhaps had understandings good enough to see the necess●ty of correcting many things in their Worship , which yet they dur●t not attack as simply unlawful : so that it might appear more safe to expose these things to the Contempt of the World , by pretending to raise men far above them : and thus they might have hoped to have Introduced a Reformation of many Abuses without seeming to do it . In fine , some who seemed to enter into this matter , were men that aspired to fame , and hoped by this means to raise a Name to themselves ; and to have a Party that should depend upon them : for in such great numbers as seemed to imbark in this design , it is not to be imagined that all were acted by the same motives , and that every man had as good Intentions as it is probable Molinos himself had . In the year 1675. his Book was first published with five Approbations before it . One of these was by the Archbishop of Rheggio ; another was by the General of the Franciscans , who was likewise one of the Qualificators of the Inquisition : another was by Fa. Martin de Esparsa a Jesuit , that had been Divinity Professor both at Salamanca and at Rome ; and was at that time a Qualificator of the Inquisition . As for the rest , I refer you to the Book it self . The Book was no sooner printed , than it was much read and highly esteemed both in Italy and Spain . It was considered as a Book writ with much Clearness and great simplicity ; and this so raised the Reputation of the Author , that his Acquaintance came to be generally much desired : those who were in the greatest credit in Rome , seemed to value themselves upon his friendship . Letters were writ to him from all places : so that a correspondence was setled between him and those who approved of his method in many different places of Europe . Some secular Priests both at Rome and Naples declared themselves openly for it : and consulted him as a sort of an Oracle upon many occasions . But those who joyned themselves to him with the greatest Heartiness and Sincerity , were some of the Fathers of the Oratory , in particular three of the most Eminent of them , who were all advanced at the last promotion of Cardinals , Coloredi , Ciceri , but above all Petrucci , who was accounted his Timothy . Many of the Cardinals were also observed to court his Acquaintance : and they thought it no small Honour to be reckoned in the number of Molinos's Friends . Such were Cassanata Azolini and Carpegna ; but above all Card. d'Estrees . The last you must needs know , is a man of great Learning : he was Ambitious to be thought a Reformer of some of those Abuses , which are among them , that are too gross to pass upon a man of his freedom of spirit ; who had been bred up in the Sorbon , and had conversed much with Mr. de Launay . He therefore seemed the most zealous of all others to advance Molinos's Design : so that he entered into a very close commerce with him . They were oft and long together : and notwithstanding all the distrust that a Spaniard has naturally of a Frenchman , and that all men have of one another , who have lived long at Rome , yet Molinos , who was sincere and plain-hearted , opened himself without reserve to the Cardinal : and by his means a Correspondence was setled between Molinos and some in France : for tho the spirits of those of that Nation go generally too quick for a way of Devotion , that was setled and silent , yet some were strongly Inclined to favour it even there . Perhaps it might be considered as a method more like to gain upon Protestants , and to facilitate the Design of the Re-union , that was so long talked of there . All these things concurred to raise Molinos's Character , and to render his person so considerable . When the Pope that now reigns , was advanced to the Throne , which was , you know , in the year 1676. that he took most particular notice of him : and made it Visibly apparent , that even in all that Exaltation , he thought it might contribute to raise his Character , if he were considered as a friend of Molinos's and an Encourager of his Design : For he lodged him in an Appartment of the Palace ; and put many singular Marks of his Esteem on him . This made him become still the more Conspicuous , when he had the advantage of Favour joyned to his other Qualities : tho he neither seemed to be fond of it , nor lifted up with it . His Conversation was much desired ; and many Priests came not only to form themselves according to his Method , but to dispose all their Penetents to follow it : and it grew to be so much in vogue in Rome , that all the Nuns , except those who had Iesuites to their Confessors , began to lay aside their Rosaries , and other Devotions , and to give themselves much to the practice of Mental prayer . This way had more Credit given to it by the translation of a French Book , that was writ upon the same subject , which Cardinal d'Estrees ordered to be made . It was writ in the form of a Dialogue , and was printed in France in the year 1669. by the Approbation of some of the Doctors of the Sorbon . I am able to give you no other account of the Author , but that in the Italian Translation he is called Francis Malleva●la , a blind Clergy-man . The Book being chiefly formed upon the model of S. Terese , the Translation of it was dedicated to the Discalciate Carmelites of her Order . This did not contribute a little for raising the credit of Molinos's Method , since it appeared to be approved both in Italy , France and Spain . At the same time Fa. Petrucci writ a great many Letters and Treatises relating to a Contemplative Staete : yet he mixed in many of them , so many Rules relating to the Devotions of the Quire , that there was less occasion given for censure in his Writings : They are a little too tedious ; but they were writ chiefly for Nuns and others , that perhaps could not have apprehended his meaning aright , if he had expressed himself in a closer stile , and in sewer words . Both the Iesuites and the Dominicans began to be alarmed at the progress of Quietism : they saw clearly , that their trade was in a decay , and must decay still more and more , if some stop was not put to the progress of this new Method : in order to this , it was necessary to decry the Authors of it : and because of all the Imputations in the world Heresy is that , which makes the greatest ▪ Impression at Rome , Molinos and his Followers were given out to be Hereticks . It being also necessary to fasten a particular Name to every new Heresy , they branded this with the Name of Quietism . Books were also writ by some Iesuites against Molinos and his Method ; in which there appeared much of that Sourness and Malignity that is thought to be peculiar to the Society ; they were also writ with their usual candor and sincerity . One of the Fathers Segueri took a more dectrous Method to decry it . He began his Book magnifying the Contemplative State highly , as Superiour to all others ; and blaming those who had said any thing that seemed to detract from it : yet he corrected all this , by saying , that very few were capable of it ; and that none ought to pretend to it , but those who were called by God to so sublime a State : and by this he seemed only to censure the Indiscretion of those Spiritual Guides , who proposed this way of Devotion to all persons , without distinction . He also believed , that such as were at some times called to it , could not remain long in so high a state , to which God called men rather for some happy Minutes , than for a longer continuance : therefore he thought that such persons as were raised to it , ought not to fancy that they were now got so far above all their former helps , as never to need them any more : so he proposed to them the accustoming themselves still to Meditation , and to support themselves by that when they could not contemplate . He censured severely some of Molinos's expressions , such as that , He who had God , had Christ ; as if this were an abandoning of Christs Humanity : he also insisted much on that of a fixed looking on God , and the suspending of all the Powers of the Soul : but that on which he insisted most , was the Molinos ( whom he never named , tho he cited his Words , and described him very plainly ) made the Quiet of Contemplation to be a State to which a man could raise himself ; whereas he maintains , that in this Quiet the Soul is passive , and as it were in a rapture ; and that she could not raise her self to it , but that it was an Immediat and Extraordinary Favour , which was only to be expected from God , and which an humble mind could not so much as ask of him . These Disputes raised so much noise in Rome , that the Inquisition took Notice of the whole matter : Molinos and his Book , and F. Petrucci's Treatises and Letters , were brought under a second and severer Examination ; and here the Iesuites were considered as the Accusers . It is true , one of the Society , as was formerly told , had approved Molinos's Book ; but they took care that he should be no more seen at Rome : for he was sent away , and it is not known whether , it is generally believed that he is shut up within Four Walls ; but what truth soever may be in that , he is no more visible , so careful are they to have all their Order speak the same Language ; and if any speak in a different stile from the rest , they at least take care that he shall speak no more ; yet in this Examen that was made , both Molinos and Petrucci justified themselves so well , that their Books were again approved , and the Answers which the Iesuites had writ , were censured as scandalous : and in this matter Petrucci behaved himself so signally well , that it raised not only the Credit of the Cause , but his own Reputation so much , that soon after he was made Bishop of Iessi , which was a new Declaration that the Pope made in their Favours : their Books were now more esteemed than ever , their Method was more followed , and the Novelty of it , the opposition made to it , by a Society that his rendred it self odious to all the World , and the new Approbation that was given to it after so vigorous an Accusation , did all contribute to raise the Credit and to encrease the Numbers of the Party . F. Petrucci's behaviour in his Bishoprick , contributed to raise his Reputation still higher , so that his Enemy's were willing to give him no more Disturbance ; and indeed there was less occasion given for Censure by his Writings , than by Molino's little Book ; whose succinctness made that some Passages were not so fully nor so cautiously expressed , but that there was room for making Exceptions to them : on the other hand , Petrucci was rather excessively tedious , so that he had so fully explained himself , that he very easily cleared some small difficulties that were made upon some of his Letters : In short , every body was that thought either sincerely devout , or that at least affected the Reputation of it , came to be reckoned among the Quietists : and if these persons were observed to become more strict in their Lives , more retired and serious in their mental Devotions , yet there appeared less Zeal in their whole deportment as to the exteriour parts of the Religion of that Church . They were not so assiduous at Mass , nor so earnest to procure Masses to be said for their Friends : nor were they so frequently either at Confession or in Processions : so that the Trade of those that live by these things was sensibly sunk : and tho the new Approbation that was given to Molinos's Book by the Inquisition stopt the Mouths of his Enemies , so that they could no more complain of it , yet they did not cease to scatter about Surmises of all that sort of men , as of a Cabale , that would have dangerous consequences ; they remembred the story of the Illuminated Men of Spain , and said , here was a Spawn of the same Sect : they insinuated , that they had ill Designs , and profound Secrets among them ; that these were in their Hearts Enemies to the Christian Religion ; and that under a pretence of raising men to a most sublime strain of Devotion , they intended to wear out of their minds the sense of the Death and Sacrifice of Christ , and of the other Mysteries of Christianity : and because Molinos was by his birth a Spaniard , it has been given out of late , that perhaps he was descended of a Iewish or Mahometan Race , and that he might carry in his Blood , or in his first Education , some Seeds of those Religions , which he has since cultivated , with no less Art than Zeal : yet this last Calumny has gained but little Credit at Rome ; tho it is said , that an Order has been sent to examine the Registers of the Baptism , in the place of his Birth , to see if his Name is to be found in it or not . Thus he saw himself attacked with great vigour , and with an unrelenting Malice . He took as much care as was possible to prevent , or to shake off these Imputations ; for he writ a Treatise , of frequent and dayly Communion , which was likewise approved by some of the most learned of the Regulars at Rome , among whom one is Martinez a Iesuite , the Senior Divinity Reader in their Colledge at Rome . This was printed with his Spiritual Guide , in the year 1675. and in the Preface he protests , that he had not writ it with any design to engage himself into matters of Controversy , but that it was drawn from him , by the most earnest Solicitations of some Zealous Persons . In it he pressed a daily Communion , by a vast number of Passages that he cited both out of the Ancient Fathers , and the Schoolmen ; yet he qualified this and all his other directions in the matters of Devotion by that which he constantly repeats , which is the necessity of being conducted in all things by a Spiritual Guide : whether he intended to soften the aversion that the Iesuites had to him , by refuting some parts of Mr. Arnaud's famous Book of Frequent Communion or not , I cannot tell , but in this Discourse he answers some of the Objections that Mr. Arnaud had made to Frequent Communion , and in particular , to that which he makes one main ground of restraining men from it , which was the obliging them to go thro with their Penitence and Mortifications , before they were admitted to the Sacrament ; whereas Molinos makes the being free of Moral Sin , the only necessary qualification . In this Discourse one sees more of a heated Eloquence , than of severe or solid Reasoning : yet it presses the point of daily Communion , and of an inward application of Soul to Iesus Christ , and to his Death , so vehemently , that it might have been hoped that this should have put an end to those Surmises , that had been thrown out to defame him ; as if he had designed to lay aside the Humanity of our Saviour , by his way of Devotion : but there is no cure for Jealousy ; especially when Malice and Interest are at bottom : so new matter was found for censure in this Discourse . He had asserted , that there was no other Preparation necessary , but to be free of Mortal Sin : so it was given out , that he intended to lay aside Confession : and tho he had advised the use of a Spiritual Guide , in this , as well as in all other things ; yet the necessity of Confession before Communion , was not expressed : so that by this people seemed to be set at Liberty from that Obligation : and it was said , that what he advised with relation to a Spiritual Guide , lookt rather like the taking some general Directions and Council from ones Priest , than the coming alwayes to him as the Minister of the Sacrament of Pennance before every Communion ; and to support this Imputation , it was said , that all of that Cabale had set down this for a Rule , by which they conducted their Penitents , that they might come to the Sacrament , when they found themselves out of the state of Mortal sin , without going at every time to Confession ; but I will not inlarge further upon the matters of Doctrine or Devotion , in which you may think that I have dwelt too long , for a man of my Breeding and Profession : and I should think so my self , if I were not consining my self exactly to the Memorials and Informations that I received at Rome . You will see by the Articles objected to the Quietists , and censured by one of the Inquisition , which I send you with this Letter , what are all the other points that are laid to their charge . Only I must advertise you of one thing , that their Friends at Rome say , that a great many of these Articles are only the Calumnies of their Enemies , and that they are disowned by them : but that they have fastned these things on them , to render them odious , and to make them suffer with the less Pitty : which is the putting in practice the same Maximes which we object to their Predecessors , who condemned the Waldenses and Albigenses of a great many Errors of which they alwayes protested themselves Innocent : yet the Accusing them of those horrid Opinions and Practices , prevailed upon the Simplicity and Credulity of the Age , to animate them with all the Degrees of Rage against a Sect of men , that were set forth as Monsters : the same Maximes and Politicks are still imputed , and perhaps not without reason to that severe Court , which if you believe many has as little regard to Justice as it has to Mercy . Some have carried their Jealousies so far against the Quietists , as to compare their Maxims to those of Socrates his School , and his Followers after his death , when they saw what his Freedom in speaking openly against the establisht Religion had cost him : they resolved to comply with the received Customs in their exteriour , and not to communicate their Philosophy to the Vulgar ; nor even to their Disciples , till they had prepared them well to it , by training them long in the precepts of Vertue , which they called the Purgative State : and when men were well tried and exercised in this , then they communicated to them their sublimer Secrets : the meaning of all which was , in short , that they would not discover their Opinions in those points that were contrary to the received Religion , and to the publick Rites to any , but to those of whom they were well assured , that they would not betray them : and therefore they satisfied themselves with having true and just notions of things ; but they practised outwardly as the Rabble did . They thought it was no great matter what Opinions were entertained by them , and that none but men of Noble and elevated Tempers deserved that such sublime Truths should be communicated to them , and that the herd of the Vulgar neither were worthy nor capable of Truth , which is too pure and too high a thing for such mean and base minds . The Affinity of the matter makes me remember a conversation that I once had with one of the wittiest Clergy-men of France , who is likewise esteemed one of the Learnedst Men in it ; He said , The World could not bear a Religion calculated only for Philosophers : The people did not know what it was to think ▪ and to govern themselves by the Impressions that abstracted thoughts made on their minds : they must have outward things to strike upon their senses and Imaginations , to amuse , to terrify and to excite them : so legends , dreadful stories and a pompous Worship were necessary to make the Impressions of Religion go deep into such course souls : for a Lancet , said he , can open a vein , but an Axe must fell down a Tree ; so he concluded , that the Reformation had reduced the Christian Religion to such severe terms , that among us it was only a Religion for Philosophers : and since few were capable of that strength of thought : he concluded , that if the Church of Rome had perhaps too much of this exteriour pomp , those of the Reformation had stript it too much , and had not left enough of garnishing , and of the bells and feathers for amusing the rable . The speculation seems pretty enough , if Religion were to be considered only as a contrivance of ours , to be fitted by us to the tempers and humours of People ; and not as a Body of Divine Truths , that are conveyed to us from heaven . Thus was Molinos's method censured or approved in Rome , according to the different Apprehensions and Interests of those that made Reflections upon it . But the Iesuites finding they were not so omnipotent in this Pontificate , as they have been formerly , resolved to carry their point another way . I need not tell you how great an Ascendant F. la Chaise has gained over that Monarch , that has been so long the terrour of Europe : and how much all the Order is now in the Interests of France . The Zeal with which that King has been extirpating Heresy , Furnishes them with abundance of matter for high Panegyricks ; since that which in the opinion of many will pass down to posterity , for the lasting reproach of a Reign , which in its former parts has seemed to approach even to Augustus's Glory , but has received in this a stain , which with Indifferent men passes for a blind , poor-spirited and furious Bigottry , and is represented by Protestants as a complication of as much Treachery and Cruelty as the World ever saw ; yet among the bigots it is set forth as the brightest side of that Glorious Reign : and therefore it has been often cited by them with relation to the cold correspondence that is observed to be between the Courts of Rome , and that at Versailles , that nothing was more Incongruous , than to see the Head of the Church dispute so obstinatly with its Eldest son such a trifle , as the matter of the Regale , and that with so much eagerness ; and that he shew'd so little regard to so great a Monarch , that seemed to sacrifice all his own Interests to those of his Religion ▪ It is believed , that the Iesuits at Rome , proposed the matter of Molinos to F. la Chaise , as a fit reproach to be made to the Pope , in that Kings name , that while he himself was Imploying all possible means to extirpate Heresy out of his Dominions . The Pope was cherishing it in his own Palace : and that while the Pope pretended to such an unyielding Zeal for the Rights of the Church , he was entertaining a person who was corrupting the doctrine , or at least the devotion , of that Body , of which he had the honour to be the Head. But here I must add a thing which comes very uneasily from me , and yet I cannot keep my word to you , of giving you a faithful account of all that I could learn of this matter at Rome , without mentioning it . I do not pretend to affirm it is true , for I only tell you what is believed at Rome , and not what I believe my self , nor what I would have you to believe ; for I know you have so high an esteem of Cardinal d'Estrees , that you will not easily believe any thing that is to his Disadvantage . It is then said , that he being commanded by the Orders that were sent him from the Court of France , to prosecute Molinos with all possible vigour , resolved to sacrifice his old Friend , and all that is sacred in Friendship , to the Passion he has for His Masters Glory ; finding then that there was not matter enough for an Accusation against Moliuos , he resolved to supply that defect himself ; so that he , who was once as deep as any man alive in the whole Secret of this Affair , went and Informed the Inquisition of many particulars , for which tho there was no other evidence but his Testimony , yet that was sufficient to raise a great Storm against Molinos ; and upon this delation , he and a few others of his friends were put in the Inquisition ; but this was managed so secretly , that all that is pretended to be known concerning it , is , that upon a new Prosecution both Molinos and Petrucci were brought before the Inquisition in 1684. Petrucci was soon absolved ; for there was so little objected to him , and he answered that with so much Judgement and Temper , that he was quickly dismissed ; and tho Molinos's matter was longer in agitation , yet is was generally expected that he should have been acquitted . In conclusion , a Correspondence held by him all Europe over , was objected to him : but that could be no Crime , unless the matter of that Correspondence was Criminal : some suspitions papers were found in his Chamber , but as he himself explained them , nothing could be made out of them , till Cardinal d'Estrees delivered a Letter and a Message from the King of France to the Pope , as was formerly mentioned : and that the Cardinal added , that he himself could prove against Molinos , more than was necessary to shew that he was guilty of Heresy . The Pope said not a word to this , but left the matter to the Inquisitors ; and the Cardinal went to them , and gave other senses of those doubtful Passages , that were in Molinos's Books and Papers , and pretended that he knew from himself , what his true Meaning in them was . The Cardinal owned , that he had lived with him in the Appearances of Friendship : but he said , he had early smelled out an ill dedesign in all that matter ; that he saw of what dangerous consequence it was like to be ; but yet , that he might fully discover what was at the bottom of it , he confessed , he seemed to assent to several things , which he detested : and that by this means he saw into their secret , and knew all the steps they made , he still cautiously observing all that past among them till it should be necessary for him to discover and crush this Cabal . I need not tell you how severely this is censured , by those who belive it . I would rather hope , that it is not true , how positively soever it may be affirmed at Rome ; but tho it is hard to reconcile such a way of proceeding with the common rules of human Society and of Vertue , yet at Rome a Zeal for the Faith , and against Heresie , supersedes all the Bonds of Morality or Humainty , which are only the common Vertues of Heathens . In short , what truth soever may be in this particular , relating to the Cardinal , it is certain that Molinos was clapt up by the Inquisition in May 1685. and so an end was put to all Discourses relating to him : and in this silence the business of the Quietists was laid to sleep , till the ninth of February 1687. that of a sudden it broke out again in a much more surprising manner . The Count Vespiniani and his Lady , Don Paulo Rocchi , Confessor to the Prince Borghese , and some of his family , with several others , in all 70 persons , were clapt up . Among whom many were highly esteemed both for their Learning & Piety . The things laid to the charge of the Churchmen were their neglecting to say their Breviary ; and for the rest , they were accused for their going to Communion without a going at every time first to Confession : and in a word , it was said , that they neglected all the exterior parts of their Religion , and gave themselves up wholly to Solitude and inward Prayer . The Countesse Vespiniani made a great noise of this matter ; for she said , she had never revealed her Method of Devotion to any Mortal , but to her Confessor , and so it was not possible that it could come to their knowledge any other way , but by his betraying that Secret : and she said , it was time for people to give over going to Confession , if Priests made this use of it , to discover those who trusted their secretest Thoughts to them ; and therefore she said , that in all time coming , she would make her Confessions only to God. This had got vent , and I heard it generally talked up and down Rome : so the Inquisitors thought it more fitting to dismiss Her and her Husband , than to give any occasion to lessen the credit of Confession ; they were therefore let out of prison , but they were bound to appear whensoever they should be called upon . I cannot express to you , the Consternation that appeared both in Rome and in many other parts of Italy , when in a months time about 200 persons were put in the Inquisition : and that all of the sudden , a Method of Devotion , that had passed up and down Italy for the highest Elevation to which mortals could aspire , was found to be Heretical , and that the chief promoters of it were shut up in prison . But the most surprising part of the whole story , was , that the Pope himself came to be suspected as a favourer of this new Heresy : so that on the 13th . of February some were deputed by the Court of the Inquisition to examin him , not in the quality of Christs Vicar , or St. Peters successor , but in the single quality of Benedict Odescalchi : what passed in that Audience , was too great a Secret for me to be able to penetrate into it : but upon this there were many and strange Discourses up and down Rome : & while we Hereticks were upon that asking , where was the Popes Infallibility ? I remember a very pretty Answer that was made me . They said , the Popes Infallibility did not flow from any thing that was Personal in him , but from the care that Christ had of his Church : for a Pope , said one , may be a Heretick as he is a private man : but Christ , who said to St. Peter , feed my sheep , will certainly so order matters that the Pope shall never decree Heresy , and by consequence shall never give the flock Poyson instead of the Bread of Life ; while the Popes Heresy was only a personal thing , it could have no other effect but to damn himself : but if he decreed Heresy , this corrupted the whole Church : and since Christ had committed all the flock to the Popes care , it ought to be believed , that he would never suffer them to pronounce Heresy ex Cathedra , as they call it . This had some colour in it , that was plausible : but the shift of which another served himself , seemed Intolerable . He said , the Pope could never decree Heresy : for which he argued thus : he must be a Heretick before he can decree it ; and upon that he gave me many Authorities to prove , that in the minute that the Pope became a Heretick , he fell ipso facto from his Dignity ; and therefore he said , the Pope could not decree Heresy ; for he must have fallen from his Chair , and have forfeited his Authority , before he could possibly do it : so that he was no more Pope . This lookt so like a Juggle of the Schools , that I confess it made no great Impression on me . Imagine what a thing it would be , to see a King accused of Treason by one of his own Courts ; and then you have fancied somewhat that comes near this attempt of the Inquisition's : which being a Court authorised by the Pope , yet had the Boldness to examin himself : and it had certainly been an odd piece of News , if upon the Popes Answers , the Inquisition had stained him with the Imputation of Heresy , and had lodged him in the Minerva . Upon the discourse to which this gave occasion , I have heard the Authority of the Court of Inquisition magnified to so Extravagant a degree , that some have asserted , it was in some respects superiour even to the Pope himself . Two days after that , the Inquisition sent a Circular Letter to Card. Cibo , as the chief Minister , to be sent by him all about Italy , of which I send you a Copy in Italian : for tho it ought to have been writ in Latin , yet I do not know how it came to be writ in Italian : for the writing it in the Vulgar language , was censured not only as an Indecent thing , but as that which made the matter more publick ; it was addressed to all Prelats ; and it warns them , that wheras many Schools and Fraternities were formed in several parts of Italy , in which some persons , under a pretence of leading people into the Wayes of the Spirit , and to the prayer of quietness , they instilled in them many abominable Heresies ; therefore a stricte charge was given to dissolve all these Societies : and to oblige all the Spiritual Guides to tread in the known Paths : and in particular , to take care , that none of that sort should be suffered to have the Direction of the Nunneries , Order was likewise given to proceed in the way of Justice against those who should be found guilty of these abominable Errors . After this a strict enquiry was made into all the Nunneries of Rome ; for most of their Directors and Confessours were found to be engaged into this new Method . It was found that the Carmelites , the Nuns of the Conception , of the Palestrina , and Albano , were wholly given up to Prayer and Contemplation , and that instead of their Beads , and their Hours , and the other Devotions to Saints , or Images , they were much alone , and oft in the Exercise of Mental Prayer : and when they were asked , why they had laid aside the use of their Beads , and their antient Forms ; their Answer was , that their Directors had advised them , to wean themselves from these things , as being but Rude Beginnings , and Hindrances to their further progress : they justified also their Practice from those Books that had been lately published by the approbation of the Inquisitors themselves , such as Molinos and Petrucci's Books . When report was made of this matter to the Inquisition , they sent Orders to take out of the Nuns hands all those Boaks , and such Forms of Devotion as were written in that strain ; and they required them to return again to the use of their Beads , and their other abandoned Forms , which was no small mortification to them . The Circular Letter produced no great effects ; for most of the Italian Bishops were either extream unconcerned in all those matters , or were Inclined to Molinos's Method : and whereas it was Intended , that this as well as all the other Orders that come from the Inquisition , should he kept secret , yet it got abroad , and Copies of it were in all peoples hands , so that this gave the Romans the more occasion to discourse of these matters , which troubled the Inquisitors extreamly , who love not to have the World look into their Proceedings , nor to descant upon them : they blamed Card. Cibo , as if this matter was grown so publick by his means : but he on the other hand blamed the Inquisitors for it , and his Secretary blamed both . It was also said , that the Pope was not pleased with Card. Cibo's conduct , and that he thought he had suffered this matter to go too far , without giving a check to the Inquisitors , when it might have been more easily done ; wheras now matters are gone to that height , that many think they cannot end without some very great Scandal . For the Quality of the Prisoners is considerable ; some of Cardinal Petrucci's Domesticks , and both his Secretary and his Nephew were of the Number ; and tho the Cardinal himself came to Rome soon after , yet he was there for some time Incognito . It is generally believed , that both he and the Cardinal Caraffa , and Cardinal Ciceri , who is Bishop of Como , are in great apprehensions of a storm from the Inquisition : and the Ceremony of giving them their Hats being so long delayed , was generally ascribed to some complaints that it seems the Inquisitors made ; yet in Conclusion they appeared in Publick , and had there Hats given them . The Duke of Ceri , Don Livio , that is the Popes Nephew , is believed to be deeply engaged in the matter : for the Count Vespiniani , who was first seised on , is his particular Friend and Favorite : and is a sort of a Domestick of his . Don Livio himself is likewise a person of a Melancholy Temper , that is much retired ; and this at present is enough to make a man pass there for a Quietist . He went from Rome to a House he has not far from Civitavecchia , to avoid , as was thought , the falling into the hands of the Inquisitors . The Pope writ oft for him , before he could prevail with him to return ; and it was said , that he did not think himself secure even after all the Assurances that the Pope gave him , that no harm should come to him ; for it might be justly enough apprehended , that the Inquisitors , who had been so hardy as to examin the Pope , would make no Ceremony with his Nephew , if they found matter against him . But among all that were clapt up , Father Appiani was the man that surprised the Romans the most : he was seised on the first Sunday of April ; he was esteemed the learnedest and Eminentest Iesuite that was in the whole Roman Colledge . This did not a little mortifie the Society ; one of their Fathers had approved of Molinos's Book , and now another was found to be engaged in this matter : upon which a Priest , that was indeed no Friend to their Order , said to me , that this was their true Genius , to have men among them of all sides ; that so which side soever prevailed , they might have some among them , that should have a considerable share in the Honour of the Victorious . And thus if Molinos's Method had been established , then they would have gloried as much in Esparza and Appiani , as they are now ashamed of them . It is likely that they had not discovered Appiani's favouring the party , otherwise no doubt they had been before-hand with the Inquisition , and had shut him up as they did Esparza ; and so have covered themselves from the reproach of having a man that favoured Heresy among them . But the Confidence of that Society is an Original ; and since I have this occasion to mention them , I will here digress a little from the business of Quietism , to give you account of some of their Practices at Rome , with relation to English Affairs , with which I was made acquainted during my stay there . There is a Iesuit belonging to the English House , F. Cann , well known in England , by some of his Writings , and in particular by one against the Oath of Allegeance , in which he pleads for the Popes Power of deposing Princes ; it seems he was sorry to see that the Discourse which he had writ against the taking that Oath , had no better effect , and that the Papists generally took it : so he resolved to carry this matter further , therefore tho he had no other Character but that of a Father of the Society ; he proposed at Rome , that a formal Oath , abjuring the Oath of Allegeance , should be taken by all who had taken the other ; and that for all that should be received to be Students in that House , in all time coming , they should be bound by an Oath never to swear the Oath of Allegeance : since he said , a time might come , in which it should be necessary for their Interests , that they should be under no such tie to a Heretical Prince : But because it was not safe for them to enjoin any new Oath , without an order from the Court of the Rota , according to the Forms there , it was necessary to present a Memorial for this : and that ought to come from the Protector of the Nation concerned : So he ought to have addressed himself to Cardinal Howard ; but the Cardinal's temper , and his principles , with relation to Civil Obedience , were so well known , that F. Cann thought to carry the business without his having any share in it . Yet he found himself mistaken ; for the Iudges of the Rota were surprised at the Proposition ; and gave notice of it to the Pope , who lookt upon it as a thing of very bad consequence : and askt Cardinal Howard , if it had been set on by any direction from him ; for it seems his Name was made use of , tho without his knowledg . The Cardinal was surprised at it , and highly resented the Impudence of F. Cann : He sent a Complaint of it to the General of the Society , who , to give the Cardinal some content , gave Cann a Reprimand , and sent him out of Rome : But the Iesuites carry a Grudge in their Hearts to the Cardinal for this , and other things : and this appeared very visibly during the Earl of Castlemain's Embassay : for tho he lodged for some time in the Cardinal's Palace , yet he gave himself up so intirely to the Conduct of the Iesuites , that the Cardinal was quite shut out of the Councils : and while Fa. Morgan came at all hours to the Ambassadour , even in his night Gown and Shippers , which was thought an unusual thing at Rome , where publick persons live in an exactness of Ceremony : once the Cardinal was made to wait in the Antichamber , while the Father was within entertaining the Ambassadour in this lasy dress , who coming out in it , the Cardinal was so provoked at this Indignity , that was done him , and at the Iesuites Insolence , that he threatned to sling him down stairs , if he ever presumed to come within his House again in that Habit : and indeed , a Cardinal makes so great a figure in Rome , that such an usage of him was thought a little Extraordinary , but the Cardinal is of so mild a temper , and the Iesuites are so violent , as to be reckoned the Horns of the Beast , that no wonder if a Sympathy of temper made the Ambassador fall in more naturally with them . But I will now return to the Quietists , from whom , the particular regard that I hear to the Order of the Iesuites , has diverted me so long . The Prisons of the Holy Office were full , and the Terrour of this matter had struck so many , that no body could guess when or where it should stop . It is said , that the Inquisitours have found in some of their Examinations , that they have to do with men that are learneder than themselves : and that their Prisoners are steady and resolute . It is also said , that their Friends abroad have expressed a great concern for them , and for the cause of their Sufferings , and that many Letters have been writ to the Inquisitors , wishing them to consider well what they do to their Prisoners ; and assuring them , that they will maintain their Interests : and that they are ready to seal them with their Blood. It is certain , the Pope and Cardinal Cibo are much troubled , to see that this matter is gone so far , and is now so much talked of . Cardinal Petrucci is still much in the Popes favour , and was suffered not long ago to go visit Molinos , with whom he had a long conversation all alone , but the subject and the effects of it are not known : yet a severe Sentence is expected against Molinos . Those that speak the mildest , think he will be a Prisoner for life : but a little time will shew more than I can presume to tell you . It is a terrible thing to have the whole body of the Regulars against one , who according to the estimate that is made at Rome , are about 500000. Persons , and of that number it is said the Iesuites make 40000. In the City of Naples alone it is believed the Regulars and other Ecclesiasticks amount to 25000. so it is very likely , that when such Bodies , and Molinos are in the ballance , Cajaphas's Resolution may once more take place : It is expedient that one man should die , rather than that those Nations of Regulars should perish , or their Trade and Profits be lessned . But to come to an end , the Inquisitors have prepared the world for any Judgments that they may pass in this matter , by ordering one of their number , to draw up a Censure of 19. Articles , which he pretends to have collected out of the Writings and Doctrines of the Quietists , and thus by representing them so odiously , they have as much as in them lies , prevented those Compassions which may perhaps be kindled by the sufferings of those whom they may condemn as guilty of those censured Opinions . I have now given you all the Informations that I could pick up of this matter , with all possible sincerity ; for I have represented this business to you , just as it was set before my self , without making any Additions to it , or interposing my poor judgment in such a matter , which I leave to you , and to such as you are . I conclude , referring you for a further light into this Affair to the Censure of the Inquisitors , which I procured in Italian , for tho probably it is written Originally in Latin , yet I could not get a Copy of the Latin Censure , and so was forced to content my self with this that follows . It appears by it , how low the study both of Divinity and of the Scriptures is sunk at Rome : some few strictures will be found on the Margin of the English Translation of this Censur , which I have added , because some perhaps may desire to see this , who do not understand Italian . THE CIRCULAR LETTER , That was sent about Italy , by the Order of the Inquisition . Emmo e Rmo Sig e mio Ossmo ESsendo venuto à notitia di questa Sacra Congregatione , che in diversi luoghi d' Italia si vadino poco à poco erigendo , e forse anche si siano erette certe Scuole ò Compagnie , Fratellanze , ò Radunanze , ó con altro nomi , ò nelle Chiese , ò nelli Oratorii , ò in Case private à titolo di Conferenze Spirituali , ó siano di sole Donne , ó di soli Huomini , ò misti , nelle quali alcuni direttori Spirituali inesperti della vera via dello Spirito calcata da Santi , e forse anche malitiosi sotto titolo d'instradare l'anime per l'Oratione , che chiamano ▪ la la Quiete , ò di pura Fede interna , ó con altri nome , benche dal principio apparisca , che persuadino massime d'isquisita perfettione , ad ogni modo da certi principi● mal ' intesi , e peggio pratticati van●●o insensibilmente instillando nella mente de semplici diversi gravissimi errori , che poi abortiscono anco in aperte Eresie , & abominevoli laidezze con discapito irreparabile di quelle anime , che per solo zelo di ben servire à Dio si mettono in mano di simplice Direttori , come pur troppo è noto esser sequito in qualche luogho . Hannò perció questi miei Em. Signori Colleghi Generali Inquisitori stimato opportuno di significare à V. E. con la presente ch● si fà circolare à tutti gll Ordinarii d'Italia ; acció si compiaccia d'invigilare sopra qualsivoglia nuove adunanze simili diverse dalle già pratticate & approvate ne luoghi Cattolici , e trovandone de tali onninamente , le abolisca ; ne permetta in avenire che in modo alcuno ne vengano instituite , & insista , chei Direttori Spirituali caminino la strada battuta della perfettione Christiana , senza affettare singolarità di vie di Spirito , con avvertire sopra tutto , che nessuna persona sospetta di novità simili s'ingerisca à diriggere ne in voce , ne in scritto le monache , acciò che non entri ne ' Monasterli quella peste , che pur troppo potrebbe contaminare la spiritual intentione di queste Spose del Signore . Il che tutto si rimette alla prudenza dell ' E. V. con che però non s'intenda con quelle provisionali , che ella sarà per fare preclusa la via di procedere , anche per via di giustitia : quando si scoprissero in qualche persona ●ali errori non escusabili . In tanto si và quì digerendo la materia , per poter à suo tempo auvertire il Christianesimo degli errori da evitarsi . E le Bacio , 15. Febrari , 1687. THE CIRCULAR LETTER , Put in English Most Eminent , or Most Reverend Lord : THIS Holy Congregation , having received Advertisement , that there are some in divers places of Italy , that by little and little are erecting , or perhaps that have already erected , some Schools , Companies , Fraternities , or Assemblies , under some other Denomination , either in Churches , Chappels , or in private Houses , under the pretence of Spiritual Conferences ; and these consisting either only of Women , or only of Men , or of both Sexes together , in which some Spiritual Guides , that are unacquainted with the true way of the Spirit , in which the Saints have trod , and that are perhaps men of ill designs , do under the pretence of leading Souls by the Prayer of Quietness , as they call it , or of Pure Inward Faith , or under any other name , in which tho in the beginning that they carry men , by Maxims that are of the highest perfection , yet at last they by certain principles , that are ill understood , and worse practised , do insensibly infuse into the minds of the simple , divers grievous Errors , that do break out into open Heresy , and to abominable Practices , to the irreparable prejudice of those Souls , who out of their single Zeal to serve God well , put themselves in the hands of such simple Directors , which is too notoriously known to have fallen out in some places . In consideration of all this , my most Eminent Lords and Colleagues , the Inquisitors General , have thought fit to signify this to you , by this Circular Letter , which is sent to all the Ordinaries of Italy , that so you may be pleased , to watch over all such new Assemblies , that are different from those that are practised and approved in other Catholick places : and that where you find any such , you abolish them entirely , and suffer them not to be any further advanced ; and that you take care that Spiritual Directors shall tread in the beaten Paths of Christian Perfection , without affecting any Singularity in the Wayes of the Spirit : and that above all other things , you take care , that no person suspected of these Novelties , be suffered to thrust himself into the direction of Nunneries , either by Word or Writing : that so this Pest may not enter within those Houses ; which may too much corrupt the Spiritual Intention of those Spouses of Christ. All this is referred to your prudence : but with all this provisional care , it is not to be understood as if hereby the proceedings in the way of Justice , were to be hindred , in case any persons are found to hold inexcusable Errors . In the mean while , care is taken so to digest this matter , that Christendom may be in due time advertised of those Errors that are to be avoided . Rome the 15. of February , 1687. THE CENSURE OF THE Opinions of the Quietists , Prepared for the Inquisition . Errori principali di quelli , che esercitano l'Oratione di Quiete , co ' le Risposte . I. LA Contemplatione , o vero Oratione di Quiete consiste in constituirsi alla presenza di Dio , con un atto di Fede oscura , pura , & amorosa , e dipoi senza passar più avanti , e senza ammettere discorso , specie , ò pensiero alcuno , starsene cosi otioso ; par esser contrario alla riverenza dovuta à Dio il replicare quel purissimo atto , il quale però è di tanto merito , e vigore , che contiene in se , anzi supera con gran vantaggio tutti insieme li meriti delle altre virtù , e persevera tutt ' il tempo della vita , mentre non si ritratti con un atto contrario : Onde non è necessario reiterarlo , e replicarlo . CENSURA e RIS POSTA . Niun ' atto di Fede ci constituisse presenti à Dio , il quale è dentro à noi per indispensabile necessità della ●ua Immensit à , e però spesso dicevano Elia , Michea , & altri Proseti : Vivit Deus in cujus conspectusto . E con Agostino dicono i Teologi : In Deo vivimus , movemur , & sumus . Dunque l'atto di Fede , perche suppone l'estere della Creatura , suppone questa già prima nella presenza di Dio , e solamente sará rassegnatione di Spirito nelle braccie della Divinitá . Intorno à questa all' hora sará contemplatione , quando l'Anima contemplarà , e non sarà otiosa , doppo il primo atto di Fede oscura , pura , & amorosa . E poifalfità evidente il dire , che non sono necessarii altri buoni atti . L'Atto buono , per es●er finito , è migliorabile , per mezzo della continuatione di simili atti . Ne ' la moltiplicatione di atti virtuosi e'contrario alla riverenza dovuta à Dio , perche Iddio non si tedia , ò impedisce , essendo libero da'ogni passione , & in tanto non conviene replicare atti riverentiali a' Maggiori del Mondo , in quanto , che questi , secondo che porta l'esperienza , sono alterabili , impedibili , ó tediabili della vista di simili atti frequentati . L'atto dunque in se stesso buono , moltiplicato sarà un buono maggiore , e però da ' Dio approvato , a più rimunerabile , che un ' atto solo . Nella Contemplatione poi si stà in atto di operare , e non ostinatamente sopra l'attopassato , essendo il Contemplare l'operare mentalmente , ancorche altro anco vi si richieda . II. Senza la Contemplatione , per mezzo della meditatione non può darsi un passo nella Perfettione . R responso Per meditarsi dal Christiano precisamente la Passione di Christo , si riflette , che per amor dell ' Huomo tanto pati un Dio , unde può risolvarsi à riamarlo , e volerlo obedire in che commanda , e mettere in prattica ( con la gratia di Dio , che sempre è in Noi ) tal santa deliberatione . Dunque permezzo della Meditatione può bene incaminarsi l'Anima alla perfettione . Anni senza contemplare , e senza meditare , purche s'opri secondo li Leggi , con l'ajuto di Dio fi puo ogn ' uno salvare ; non si salva poi chi non è perfetto , & Amico di Dio. Dunque è falsissima l'opinione contenuta nel secondo Capo . III. La Scienza , e Dottrina anche Teologica , e Sacra , è d'impedimento , e repugnanza alla Contemplatione , della quale non possono dar giuditio gli Huomini Dotti , mà solo li Meditativi , e Contemplativi . R responso La Dottrina Teologica notifica stabili in noi l'Oggetto della Contemplatione , che dicono i Quietisti esser la Divina Essenza . Dunque in noi è compinibile con la Contemplatione , alla quale se la Teologia repugnasse l'istesso sarebbe esser Contemplativo , e nulla saper d'Iddio Teologalmente , e cosi Agostino , e gli altri Santi Dottori , e Luminari della Chiesa , perche erano scientifici , si doverebbero incapaci esser stati della Contemplatione . Il che è falso , imperoche Dio , che institui il Sacerdotio , come Ministero il più degno , non v'è ragione , che habbia voluto i Sacerdoti , ma' che non fossero Contemplativi , già che volse col Sacerdotio unita la Scienza , mentre nella Sacra Scrittura minaccio per Osea Profetta à chi disprezzatore della Scienza esercitava il Sacerdotio . Tu repulisti scientiam , & ego repellam te , ne Sacerdotio fungaris mihi . E tralascio altre Scritture , e raggioni , perche mi viene incaricata la breuità . In quanto poi al che si dice in questo 3. cap. che della Contemplatione non possono dar giuditio li Dotti , si vede apertamente , che l'ignoranza di questi spiritelli senza intelligenza hà una temerità di non volar soggiacere all' emenda , per mezzo dell ' Infallibile sentimento de' Scientifici . IV. Non può darsi perfetta Contemplatione , se non circa la sola Divinità . I Misteri dell ' Incarnanatione , Vita , e Passione del nostro Salvatore non sono oggetto di Contemplatione , anzi l'impediscono , onde devono dà Contemplativi tenersi lontani ; ò solo considerarsi spregiatamente . R responso Se la Contemplatione è un affettione dell ' Intelletto , e della Volontà con l'Ogetto , mediante la gratia di Dio , in un raccoglimento di Spirito , potrà la vita di Christo contemplarsi , perche à quella il Christiano può farsi presente in Spirito , & affettive con atto di Fede , & Amore. Aggiongo che se Christo venne à piantar Paradisi in terra per commissione dell ' Eterno Padre , come disse il Profeta Isaia , Posui verbum meum in ore tuo , ut plantos Coelos , & fundes terram . Dove la Parafrase Caldea cosi legge : Ut plantes Coelos in terra : Come dire ( si come l'intese Girolamo ) che piantasse le contentezze negli Huomini disgratiati per il peccato originale : E se i Contemplationi si portano sopra se stessi alla Consolationi Divine nella loro Contemplativi , perche si deve disprezzare , e tener lontano Christo , che è l'immediato Datore ? Christo non impedisce l'atto del Contemplatione se ve●ne à compartirci perfettioni , e contenti spirituali , che sono il fine de' Contemplativi . V. Le Penitenze corporali , l'austerità della vita non convengono alli Contemplativi , anzi meglio si comincia la conversione dalla vita contemplativa , che dalla Purgativa , e dalle Penitenze . Ancora gli effetti della Divotione sensioile , la tenerezza del Cuore , le Lagrime , e Consolationi spirituali si devono fuggire , anzi dispreggiare da ' Contemplativi , come cose repugnanti alla Contemplatione . R. responso Le Mortificationi dispongono lo Spirito , acciò viva sopra le motioni del senso , e perciò tutti i santi cominciarono à viaggiare verso la Perfettione con discipline , Digiuni , &c. Dunque se i Contemplativi hanno per fine anco la perfettione , ben li convengono le Penitenze , perche più spedito si renda alla Contemplatione , chi più tiene domate le alterationi del senso . E se Dio promette nelle Scritture pardonar al Peccatore piante , che saranno dà lui le colpe , mà in nessun luogo del vecchio , ò nuovo Testamento , per essersi posto nella Contemplatione . Dunque meglio si comincia la conversione dalla vita purgativa , e dalle Penitenze , che dalla contemplatione . VI. La vera Contemplatione deve fermarsi nella pura Essenza d'Iddio , spogliata delle Persone , e degli Attributi , e l'Atto di Fede di Dio cosi concepito , è più perfetto , e meritorio di quello , che riguarda Dio con le Persone , & Attributi . R. responso Le Persone Divine , egli adorabili Attributi di Dio hanno la raggione formale d'esser Oggetti di Fede , ed'Amore nel racoglimento delle nostre potenze , e nella rassegnatione dello Spirito , perche sono verità rivelate , e come Predicati Divini suoni buoni in se stessi , & alle Creature . Donde può darsene vera contemplatione . Che poi l'atto di Fede di Dio senza le Persone , & Attributi concepito sia più perfetto , e meritorio di quello , che riguarda Dio con le Persone , & attributi è falsità . Perche se già il credere che Dio sia Trino , e sia giusto è atto di fede perfetto , e meritorio , e credere Dio vero nell ' Essenza anco è atto meritorio e perfetto , sarà l'atto con cui si crede Dio vero erino , e giusto , più perfetto , e meritorio d'un altro atto , con cui solamente si crede uno nell ' Essenza , perche si merita più per due atti dell ' istessa virtù , che per un solo di questi . ( Havendoci Dio communicate le virtù supranaturali non per sar un atto solo virtuoso , mà per avanzarsi col ' esercitio ●li tali doni ) Un ' atto di fede , che equivale 〈◊〉 due è più meritorio , e perfetto di un solo atto delli due : onde ben si conclude contra la prima propositione di questo 6. Cap. che la vera , e perfetta contemplatione per essere megliore deve fermarsi nella pura Essenza di Dio , mà questa nella Persone , e negli Attributi . VII . Nella Contemplatione s'unisee l'Anima immediatamente con Dio , onde non vi si richiedè Fantasmi , ò Imagini , ò specie di sorte alcuna . R. responso Nella Contemplatione ancorche in un certo modo s'unisca l'Anima immediatamente con Dio , cio è effettiye , perche vi concorre l'intelletto a mirar Dio semplicemente , però si richiede qualche specie per sollicitare l'intellettuale habilità naturale à portarsi nella consideratione di Dio , servendo la specie per oggetto mottivo all' Intelletto . VIII . Tutti i Contemplativi nell ' atto della Contemplatione patiscono pene , & angoscie si gravi , che pareggiano , anzi superano , li tormenti dell● istessi Martiri . R. responso Se ( come dicono i Quietisti nel primo capo ) la Contemplatione consiste nel farsi presente à Dio con un atto di Fede amorosa , e poi starsene in otio , non è formalmente essere tormentato , e patire pene più delli Martiri . E quantunque ad alcuno spesso succeda nella Contemplatione angoscie , e dolori , ciò proviene da ' altra causa ò dal Demonio , permettendolo Dio , ò da ' fiachezza di natura , che consuma il Corpo , ò da ' motivi di Malenconia , ò da ' soverchio sangue , che sormontato alla testa caggiona dolore . Mà moltissimi altri si sono visti nell ' atto della Contemplatione , circondati di luce con fronte serena , é bocca ridente , come Francesco di Paola fu osservato dà Luiggi XI . Ré di Francia , e finita la Contemplatione restar tutti inondati di allegrezza , perche in quella vennero à vista ( semplicemente ben si ) li sposi , per restar concertato il Matrimonio frà Dio e l'Anima . IX . Nel Sagrificio della Messa , e nelle Feste de' Santi , è meglio applicarsi all' atto di pura fede , e Contemplatione , che alli Misteri di esso Sacrificio , ò à considerare le attioni , ele cose aptenenti alli medesimi Santi . R. responso Vive ingannato chi giudica entrare nella Contemplatione senza buona dispositione dell ' Anima ; e perche la consideratione delli Mister● della Messa , e dell'esempio de' Santi è preparamento spirituale , ancorche remoto , perciò stimarsi deve meglio , prima applicarsi il Christiano alla consideratione de i Misteri della Messa , e delle attioni de' Santi , e poscia darsi alla Contemplatione con più Adobbo nell ' Anima . X. La Lettione spirituale de' libri , le Prediche , l'Orationi vocali , l'Invocationi de'Santi , e cose simili , sono d'impedimento alla Contemplatione , overo Oratione di Quiete , alla quale non si deve premettere preparatione alcuna . R. responso Se in ogni professione , e ' maggiormente in quella della vera , e non fintionata spiritualità : Nemo repente sit summus , come l'esperienza dimostra , perche è ordine della nostra fiacca natura , co ' cui si và accommodando la gratia per il nostro camino all' ultimo termine dell ' Eternità , che à facilioribus sit incipiendum ; che perciò è grand ' ignoranza , e presontione entrare nell ' Oratione di Quiete , prima d'altri esercitii , e senza preparatione . Chi cosi entra , uscirà ancora senz ' aleun profitto . XI . Il Sacramento della Penitenza , avanti la Communione non è per l'Anime interiori , e contemplative , mà per l'esteriori , e meditative . R. I contemplativi hanno solamente un ' Anima che è può meditare , e può contemplare , & anco può star in peccato . Dunque il Sacramento della Penitenza prima della S. Communione , è necessario all' Anime contemplative . XII . La Meditatione non riguarda Dio col lume della Fede , mà con il lume naturale in Spirito e verità , e però non hà merito appresso Dio. R. responso Se la meditatione non fosse meritoria appresso Dio , ( saltem aliqualiter de congruo ) no' sarebbe cosi famigliare alle Religioni , dove furono , e sono grand ' Huomini fanali della S. C. R. ne sarebbe incaricata da ' SS . Patriarchi , e da ' Sommi Pontefici rimunerata con Indulgenze plenarie , come esercitio spirituale , proportionato alli Amici di Dio , & à quelli , che abandonano le fallacie del mondo . Di Dio , come si può conoscere l'esistenza col lume naturale , e con la fede sopranaturale , cosi può darsi Meditatione che lo riguardi naturalmente , e Meditatione che lo riguardi con fede pura , e sopranaturale . XIII . L'Imagini non solo interne , e mentali , mà anco l'esterne solite venerarsi da ' fedeli , come sono quelle di Christo , e de' suoi Santi , sono dannose a' Contemplativi , onde devono fuggirsi , e toglier via , accio non impediscano la Contemplatione . R. responso Quanto decretò , e decretarà la S. Madre Chiesa , à cui presiede Direttore lo Spirito Santo tutto giovevole all' Vassallaggio di Christo ; però se a' Fedeli la Chiesa ordina l'adorationi delle SS . Immagini , non devono queste s●uggirsi , ò toglier via , come nocive alla Contemplatione : nulladimeno alcuni sguardi alla sfuggita verso dette Immagini non sono valevoli à far perdere la Contemplatione , overo Oratione di Quiete al Contemplativo , quale se in ogni caso la perde , proviene dalla sua troppa imbecillità , e per altro poi e più ampia l'Anima raggionevole ; e maggine la gratia , che l'assiste di quello che suppone queste 13. Cap. Anzi la moderata consideratione di dette Imagini serve à formar nell ' Anima l'interno racoglimento , perche il contemplativo si faccia regolare dalla Gratia. XIV . Chi una volta si è applicato alla Contemplatione non deve piu ritornare alla Meditatione , perche sarebbe un passare dal meglio al peggio . R. responso E vero che è cosa mala passare dal meglio al peggio , mà spesso conviene non possedendo attualmente it meglio incaminarsi à posseder il buono . E vero ancora , che essendo pontualmente nella Contemplatione , non si deve lacciar questa à fine di mettarsi nella Meditatione . Ancorche la Contemplatione sia migliore , non ritrovandosi il Christiano attualmente nella Contemplatione , non opera inconvenientemente applicandosi à meditare , perche conviene , che per ogni via , che Dio si può mirare dall ' Anima , sia da questa riverentemente essequiata . XV. Se nel tempo della Contemplatione vengono pensieribrutti , & osceni , non si deve usar diligenza alcuna in scacicarli , no' riccorrer ad alcu uno buon pensiero , mà compiacersi di essere da ' quelli molestato . R. responso Per non perdersi l'unione effettiva con Dio , che nella formale contemplatione si trova , è atto di prudenza toglier via l'occasione , come è atto di scioperaggine il trattenersi con compiacenza , perche come dice S. Tomaso d'Aquino , qui vult causam , ex quanecessariò , vel regulariter sequitur affectus , vult virtualiter effectum , E lo Spirito Santo . Qui amat periculum peribit in illo . Dunque sentendo in noi la rebellione del senso nella Contemplatione , ancorche fidati in noi stessi , dobbiamo usar ogni diligenza per superarla . Dovemo però raccommandarci alla Divinità , e chieder la sua gratia , per tranquillare i mali pensieri , diffondere le sue gioie nell ' Anima , incalmare i sensi alterati , & ut sint aspera in vias planas . XVI . Niun ' atto ò affetto nostro interno , benche formato per mezzo della fede , e puro , ne piace a' Dio , perche nasce dall ' Amor proprio , mentre non vi sia infuso dallo Spirito Santo , sensa nostra industria , e diligenza alcuna , onde quelli , che stanno nella Contemplatione ò in Oratione d'affetti , devono stare otiosi , ò aspettando l'influsso dello Spirito Santo . R. responso A Dio solamente piacciono i' suoi Doni , mà tutte quelle nostre Operationi , che da ' Noi si fanno con la sua Santa Gratia. Quindi tanto pier , profetta sara ' la Contemplatione , quanto meno sarà otiosa , purche il Contemplatore non si lasci da ' qualche sensibile trasportare , preche perderia la Contemplatione , e gli succederabbe come alla Moglie di Loth , che per mirar indietro perse il Camino . E poi temerità aspettarè in otiosità l'influsso miracosa ' dallo Spirito Santo , perche a' quei , che sono nell ' Oratione di Quiete non si deve il camino passivo , mentre non hanno condegnità sopra i doni della Spirito Santo . Bensi succede alle volte che lo Spirito penetri l' Anima di chi stà nell ' Oratione d'affetti , mà per gratia particolare . Aggiongo contro la prima propositione di questo 16. capo . Li Quietisti dicono nel 12. capo che la Meditatione non hà merito appresso Dio , perche non lo riguarda col lume della fede , dunque l'atto formato per mezzo della fede hà merito appresso Dio , dunque è puro , e gli piace . XVII . Quelli che stanno nell ' atto della Contemplatione , ò dell ' Oratione di Quiete , ò siano Persone Religiose , ò figli di famiglia , ò altri , che vivono sotto l'altrui commando , non devono in quel tempo obedire & eseguire gli ordini della Regola , ò de' superiori , per non interrompere la Contemplatione . R. responso La contemplatione ancorche sia in noi di gran perfettione , perche non ci viene commandata da ' Dio , interrompendosi non si pecca , mà essendoci commandata da ' Dio l'Obedienza a' Genitori , & à superiori , si deve obedire a' questi , anco con ●lasciare l'attual Contemplatione , perche in riguardo dell ' ordine divino l'obedienza è preferibile nella prattica , ancorche la Contemplatione sia molto più considerabile nella sua perfettione objettiva . XVIII . Devono i Contemplativi esser totalmente spogliati dell ' affetto di tutte le Cose , che rigettino a' se , e dispreggino li Doni , e favori di Dio , e si disaffettionino dell ' istessa virtù , ò per maggiormente spogliarsi d'ogni cosa , e viver meglio a'●se medisimi , fare ancora quello , che ripugno alla modestia , & all' Honestà , purche non sia espressamente contro liprecetti del Decalogo . R. responso Iddio favorisce i Contemplativi con la Communicatione de' suoi boni , non per essere questi disprezzati , mà per abbellirgli l'Anima , e fortificargli l'habilità naturale all' esercitio della virtù . Dvnque ancorche i Contemplativi non se ne debbano insuperbire , devono sopramodo stimarli , ò servirsene con humiltà di spirito : E se Dio vuole l'honestà come buona , sono in obligo anche i Contemplativi esser honesti , perche Iddio non hà fatto decreto , che privilegiasse i Contemplativi à non esser sogetti alla raggione , su là quale si fonde la Modestia , e l' honestà della Vita . XIX . Li Contemplativi sono sogetti alle Violenze , per le quali restano privi dell ' uso del libero arbitrio , si che se anco bene gravissimamente peccano esteriormente , nondimeno interiormente non fanno peccato alcuno ; onde ne anco devono Confessarsi di ció , che hanno fatto . Ciò si prova con l'esempio di Giob , il quale con tutto che non solo ingiuriasse il Prossimo , mà anco bestemmiasse empiamente Dio , in ogni modo non peccava , perche tutto questo faceva per violenza del Demonio . E per dar giuditio di queste violenze , non serve la Teologia Scolastica , e morale , mà è necessario Spirito sopranaturale , il quale in pocchissimi si trova , & in questi s'hà dà giudicare non l'interno dall ' esterno , mà l'esterno dall ' interno . R. responso Che in questo Cap. 19. non solamente latet Anguis sub herha , mà apertamente si vede , che sotto nome di Contemplativi spirituali , vogliono i Quietisti essere debacanti sensuali . L'esempio , che adducono di Giob ben dimostra che no' hanno intelligenza della Scrittura . Mai Giob peccò esteriormente nè contro il Prossimo , nè contro Dio , quando parlò nel cap. 19. nel 6. vorso , come ben dimonstra , anco per mezzo del senso litterale Pineda tom . 11. sopra Giob c. 35. nè peccò contro il Prossimo , come nell ' istesso può vedersi , sempre fondata su la Dottrina de' SS , Padri , che delle Scritture , e insegnano il vero senso . E per dirla in poche parole con altre raggioni , la gratia con la quale Iddio sempre ci assiste , unita con la nostra cooperatione può superare ogni assalto nemico . E Christo lo disse à t●tti in persona di S. Paolo : Sufficit tibi gratia mea . Dunque il Contemplativo non e violentabile de venghi necessitato al peccato este●iori , &c. THE PRINCIPAL ERRORS . Of those who Practise , The Prayer of Quietness , Censured and Refuted . I. ERROR . COntemplation , or the prayer of Inward quietness , consists in this , that a man puts ●imself in the presence of God , by forming an ●bscure Act of Faith , full of Love , tho simple , and stops there , without going further : and without suffering any Reasoning , the Images of any things , or any Object whatsoever to ●nter into his mind : and so remains fixed and ●nmoveable , in his Act of Faith : it being a ●ant in that Reverence that is due to God , ●o redouble this simple act of his : which is a ●hing of so much Merit , and of so great force , ●hat it comprehends within it self , and far ex●eeds the merit of all other vertues , joyned ●ogether : and it lasts the whole course of a mans life , if it is not discontinued by some other Act , that is contrary to it ; therefore it is not necessary to repeat or redouble it . The CENSURE and REFUTATION . It is not an Act of Faith that puts us in the Presence of God : for he is within us by a necessary effect of the Immensity of his nature : therefore Elias , Micaiah , and the other Prophets said , Vivit Deus in cujus conspecto sto . The Lord lives in whose presence I stand : and it is upon the same reason that the Divines have said after S. Austin , In Deo vivimus movemur & sumus ; In God we live , we move , and have our being : so that an Act of Faith , that presupposes that the Agent is in being , supposes likewise that it is in the presence of God ; & is indeed nothing else but a Resignation that the Creature makes of it self to God. Therefore Contemplation , even during that first obscure Act of Faith , that i● simple and full of love , is carried on by the Soul while she looks at God , and not at all while she continues in an unmoveable state . It is then an Evident Falsehood to say , that other good actions are not at all necessary : any good act being of its nature finite , may become alwayes better , by being often reiterated , and the multiplying the Acts of vertue cannot be contrary to the Reverence that is due to God , who being exempt from all passion , can never be troubled or wearied with Importunities , as great men are apt to be , who as Experience teaches , are often changed , disturbed , and become uneasy , when the same things are too often repeated to them . But with relation to God , when an act is in it self good , the repeating it is a progress in good ; which is approved of God , and becomes more meritorious in his sight . Therefore the Soul in Contemplating , continues her Acts , and does not stick obstinatly to one single Act , Contemplation being still an Operation of the Mind , tho other things are likewise necessary . II. ERROR . One cannot make one step towards Perfection by meditation , that being to be obtained entirely by Contemplation . REFUTATION . A Christian by meditating seriously on the Passion of Christ , and teflecting on that Love that made a God suffer so much for Mankind , may upon that resolve to love him again , and to obey all his Commands : and he may by the grace of God which is ever present to us , put those good purposes in Execution : so that the Soul may well advance towards Perfection by Meditation : It may be also done without Meditation : for every one that lives according to the Laws of God , may work out his own Salvation by the help of God. Now since no man can be saved but he that is Perfect , and a Friend of God's , then this Article is most certainly false . III. ERROR . All Study and Learning , even in sacred Matters and in Divinity , is a Hindrance to Contemplation : of which learned men are not able to make a true judgment , that being only to be expected from those that are given to Meditation and Contemplation . REFUTATION . The Study of Divinity makes known to us the Object of Contemplation : which as the Quietists say , is the Divine Essence : therfore it consists well with Contemplation : and if the Study of Divinity were opposit to this , then the ignorance of it is necessary to make a man Contemplative : and thus since S. Austin and all the other holy Doctors and Lights of the Church , were men Learned in this study , they must be looked on as men that were Incapable of rising up to Contemplation : which is false : because God , who has appointed the Priesthood as the highest degree of service done him , cannot be supposed to have Intended that the Priests should not be Contemplative persons ; and it is plain , that God will have his Priests to be knowing : since in the Scriptures he threatens by Hosea the Prophet such as despised knowledg , and yet were in the Priesthood . Turepulisti scientiam & egorcpellam te ne sacerdotio fungaris . Thou hast rejected knowledg , and therefore I have rejected thee from the Priesthood . I pass over other Arguments from scripture and reason , because I am ordered to be short : and as for what is said in this Article , that the Learned cannot Iudge of Contemplation , it shewes plainly , that the Ignorance of those spiritualists carries them to this boldness , of not being willing to submit to that Correction , which they might expect from that Infallible mean of the Judgment of the Learned . IV. ERROR . There is no Contemplation that is perfect , but that which regards God himself ; the Mysteries of the Incarnation , and of the Life and Passion of our Saviour , are not the Objects of Contemplation : on the contrary , they hinder it : so that Contemplative persons must avoid them at a great distance , and think of them only with Contempt . REFUTATION . If Contemplation is an affection that is raised in the understanding or the Will by its proper object by the help of the Grace of God , and that consists in an Inward Recollection of the mind , then the Life of Christ is a proper Object for it , since a Christian can present this to his thoughts , and raise upon it an Act of Faith and love . Besides , Christ came by a Commission from his Eternal Father to plant Paradise here on earth , according to that of the Prophet Isaias , Posui verbum meum in ore tuo ut plantes Coelos & fundes terram ; I have put my word in thy mouth that thou may plant the Heavens and establish the earth ; or as the Chaldee Paraphrase hath it , ut plantes Coelos in terra , that thou may plant the Heavens in the Earth ; as if he had said ( as S. Ierome understood the words ) that thou may plant true joy in those minds , that were debased by Original sin ; and how can it be imagined , that Contemplative persons can rise above themselves in their Contemplations to tast of Divine Joy's , if they must keep at such a distance from Jesus Christ , who is the Immediat giver of them ; and despise him ? Christ is so far from hindring of Contemplation , that he came into the world to distribute all those Perfections and spiritual Joys to which the Contemplative aspire . V. ERROR . Corporal Penitences and Austerities do not belong to Contemplative Persons : on the Contrary , it is better to begin ones Conversion by a state of Contemplation , than by a State of Purgation or of Pennance ; and Contemplative Persons ought to avoid and despise all the effects of sensible Devotion , such as Tenderness of Heart , Tears , and Spiritual Consolations , all which are contrary to Contemplation . REFUTATION . Mortifications dispose the Spirit to rise above the motions of sense ; and therefore it is that all the Saints have begun their course towards Perfection with Fasting and Discipline . And therefore if these Contemplatives design Perfection , they must practice Pennance : since nothing renders a man so fit for Contemplation , as to rise above all the Disorders of Sense . God in the Sciptures promises to forgive the mourning Sinner ; but this is not promised to the Contemplative in any place either of the Old or New Testament . Therefore it is better to begin ones Conversion with purgative Exercises and Pennances , than with Contemplation . VI. ERROR . True Contemplation must keep it self fixed only to the essence of God , without reflecting either on his Persons or his Attributes . And an Act of Faith thus conceived , is more perfect and meritorious than that which considers God with the Divine Attributes , or with the Persons of the Trinity in it . REFUTATION . The Persons of the Trinity , and the Attributes of God , are the proper Objects of Faith and love , while we recollect all the Powers of our Souls , and resign our selves to God : for as these are divine Truths , that are revealed to us , so the Attributes of God are both good in themselves , and good to us , so that they are proper to raise in us a true Contemplation . It is also false , that an Act of Faith , that has God for its Object , without considering his Attributes , or the Persons of the Trinity , is more perfect than that which regards God in conjunction with them . For if to believe that God is one , and that he is Just , is a perfect and a meritorious Act of Faith , and to believe that God is true in his Nature is also a perfect and meritorious Act ; then the Act by which God is believed to be true , just and Three in One , is a more perfect and a more meritorious Act , than that in which he was considered only as one in Essence . Because a man merits more by two Acts of the same vertue than by a single one only : for God has communicated supernatural helps to us , not only for doing one Act of vertue , but that we may make an advance in such Acts. Therefore one Act of Faith , that is equivalent to two others , is more meritorious and perfect than any one of these two . Therefore we may justly conclude against the first branch of this Article , that true and perfect Contemplation raised to its highest pitch , must not only regard God in his Essence , but likewise in his Persons and Attributes . VII . ERROR . The Soul becomes immediatly united to God in Contemplation ; so that there is no need of Phantasms , Images , or any sort of Representation . REFUTATION . Tho it is true , that the Soul in some sort unites her self immediately to God in Contemplation , that is , by a Union of Affections ; for the Understanding beholds God simply , yet some Ideas are necessary for exciting the natural force of the Understanding , and to carry it to look at God : which Idea is a sort of Object that moves the Understanding . VIII . ERROR . All contemplative persons suffer in the Act of Contemplation such grievous Torments , they seem to surpass even the sufferings of the Martyrs themselves . REFUTATION . If Contemplation consists ( as the Quietists pretend it does ) in this , that the Soul puts her self in the presence of God , by an act of Faith , full of Love , and after that continues idle : this is not the being formally tormented , or the enduring more than the Martyrs suffered : and tho it is true in some sort , that Pains and Miseries come after Contemplation , this flows either from the Devil , to whom upon that occasion God gives leave to try those persons , or from some weakness in Nature , that oppresses the Body , from Melancholy , or an abundance of Blood , that raises Headaches , or from some other unknown Cause . But many others have appeared to be in the very Act of Contemplation , as it were environed with Light , and have looked with a serene , and sometimes with a smiling countenance ; which Lewis the XI . of France observed in Francis a Paula ; and they have been as it were overflown with Joy , when the Contemplation was over ; having been admitted in it , to see their Bridegroom in that simple Act , in which there passes as it were a Marriage between God and the Soul. IX . ERROR . During the Sacrifice of the Mass , and on the Festivals of the Saints , it is better to apply ones self to an Act of pure Faith , and to Contemplation , than to the Mysteries of that Sacrifice , or to consider the Lives of those Saints . REFUTATION . He is much deceived , who thinks to arrive at Contemplation without a due disposition of Soul for it : and therefore the consideration of the Mysteries of the Mass , and of the Examples that the Saints have set us , is a spiritual preparation for it , tho it may be only a remote one : therefore a Christian ought to set himself first to consider the Mysteries of the Mass , and the Lives of the Saints , and then apply himself to Contemplation , having prepared his Soul duly for it . X. ERROR . The reading of Spiritual Books , Sermons , Vocal Prayer , the Invocation of Saints , and all such things , are hindrances to Contemplation , which is only attained by the Prayer of Quietness , to which it is not necessary to premise any preparation whatsoever . REFUTATION . If in every profession , but chiefly in a true and unfainedly spiritual Temper , that Maxim holds good , Nemo repente sit summas , No man attains to the height all of the sudden , which daily experience demonstrates , then it is but suteable to the feebleness of our Nature , to which the Divine Grace accommodates it self , that in our Journey towards that heighth of Eternity , as facilioribus sit incipiendum , we must begin with those things that are easier ; therefore it is great Ignorance or presumption to enter into the Prayer of Quietness before other exercises , and without due preparation . And he who begins his course thus , will end it without any fruit . XI . ERROR . The Sacrament of Pennance before Communion , is not for contemplative Souls , that live in this inward state ; but only for those that are in the Exteriour and Meditative state . REFUTATION . These Contemplative persons have but one Soul , which at some times meditates , and at other times contemplates : and that may come to be in a state of sin . Therefore the Sacrament of Pennance is necessary even for those Contemplative Souls , before they go to Communion . XII . ERROR . Meditation does not look at God with the Light of Faith , but only in a natural Light , in Spirit and in Truth : and therefore it is not meritorious before God. REFUTATION . If Meditation were not in some sort at least in the way of Congruity , meritorious before God ; it could not be so much practised in all Religious Orders , from whence there have come , and daily there does come , so many of the shining-lights of the Holy Roman Church : nor would it have been set on so much by their Holy Patriarchs , nor rewarded by the Popes with Plenary Indulgences , as a spiritual Exercise suteable to the Friends of God ; and to those who had abandoned the Snares of this present World. But as one may know the Existence of God by the Light of Nature , as well as by a supernatural Faith , so likewise some Meditations look at God , only with the Light of Nature ; and others are Acts of a Supernatural Faith. XIII . ERROR . Not only inward and mental Images , but those outward ones which are worshipped by the Faithful , such as the Images of Christ and of his Saints , are hurtfull to contemplative Persons , and they ought to be avoided and removed , that so they may not hinder Contemplation . REFUTATION . All things are useful to the Service of Christ , that either is decreed , or that may be decreed by the Holy Mother Church : in all whose Consultations the Holy Ghost presides and directs them . Therefore if the Church appoints the Adoration of Images , none of the Faithful ought to avoid them , or remove them as hurtful to Contemplation , and some secret looks towards these Images , is no way likely to make a man fall from the heighth of Contemplation ; or the Prayer of Quietness ; from which if he falls at any time , it flows from his own great Instability , since the reasonable Soul is a Nobler being , and the Grace that it receives , is of a higher nature , than is supposed in this Article . Therefore a moderate regard to Images will serve to confirm the Soul in her inward Recollection , if a Contemplative man regulates this by the help of the Grace of God. XIV . ERROR . He that has once applyed himself to Contemplation , must never return to Meditation ; for this were to fall from a better State to a worse . REFUTATION . It is true , that it is an ill thing to go from better to worse ; but it is oft times good for a man , that cannot attain to that which is better , to content himself with that which is good . It is also true , that while a man is in Contemplation , he ought not to let that go that he may turn himself to Meditation . Yet tho Contemplation is still the better State , when a Christian is not actually in Contemplation , it is not Inconvenient for him to apply himself to Meditation : because the Soul ought to follow God with all due Reverence , in all those ways in which he may lead her . XV. ERROR . If foul and impure Thoughts come into the mind while one is in Contemplation , he ought to take no care to drive them away : nor to turn himself to any good thoughts , but to have a complacence in the trouble that he suffers from them . REFUTATION . It is a piece of prudence in a man who being in Contemplation , would not lose that union by which he is united to God , to avoid every thing that may occasion it ; as on the contrary , it is a strong piece of neglect to entertain that with complacence which must make one lose it , as St. Thomas of Aquin says , He that loves the cause from which any effect follows , either naturally , or at least commonly , does vertually love the effect it self : And the Holy Ghost says , He that loves danger , shall perish in it . Therefore a man who being in Contemplation , feels the Rebellion of the sensible part , he ought to use all diligence to overcome in whatsoever a state he may be in . He ought therefore to recommend it to God , and to implore his Grace to quie● all those evil thoughts : that so his joy being spread abroad in the Soul , all the disorderly motions of sense may be calmed , & ut sine aspera in vias planas , That what is rough may be made smooth . XVI . ERROR . No inward Action or Affection , tho formed by the vertue of Faith , is pure or pleasing to God : because it rises out of self-love , unless it is unfused in us by the Holy Ghost , without any Industry or Diligence used by us : therefore they that are in the state of Contemplation or of Prayer , or inward Affections , ought to continue in a state of suspence , waiting for the miraculous Influence of the H. Ghost . REFUTATION . God is not only pleased with all his own Gifts , that are in us , but with every thing that is done by us , with the help of his Grace : therefore our Contemplation will be so much the more perfect , the less inactive we our selves are : provided that the Contemplative person does not suffer himself to be carried away by any sensible Object ; for by that he would fall from that State , and become as Lot's Wife , who was stopt short , because she looked behind her . It is then a rashness to keep our selves in an unactive state , and in it to look for the miraculous Influence of the H. 〈◊〉 ▪ For all that are in the Prayer of Quietness , must not expect to be led into this Passive State , since they have not a Condignity suteable to those Gifts . Tho sometimes the H. Ghost does penetrate the Souls of those who are in this prayer of inward affection , but this is the effect of a particular Grace : I add against the first branch of this Article that the Quietists say in the 12th Article , that Meditation is of no merit in the sight of God , because it does not look at him with the Light of Faith ; from which I infer , that an Act formed by the Power of Faith , is meritorious before God , and by consequence , it is pure and acceptable to him . XVII . ERROR . Those who have arrived at the State of Contemplation , and the Prayer of inward Quietness , being Religious Persons , or being under the Authority of Parents , or any other superiours , are not bound to observe their Rules , or to obey their Superiours , while they are in Contemplation , lest that Interrupt it . REFUTATION . Altho Contemplation is an Act of high Perfection , yet since it is not commanded by God , it may be interrupted without sin : and since Obedience to Parents and superiours , is commanded by God , 〈◊〉 ought to take place , and even Contemplation ought to be discontinued in order to it . And therefore considering the Order that God has setled , that Obedience ought to be preferred to Contemplation , tho the latter is as to its objective Perfection much more valuable than the former . XVIII . ERROR . Contemplative persons ought to divest themselves of all affections to all things : they ought to reject and despise all Gods gifts and favours , and to strip themselves of all Inclinations even for vertue it self ; and in order to this totall abnegation of all things , and that they may live better within themselves , they ought even to do that which is contrary to Modesty and decency ; provided that it be not expresly contrary to some of the ten Commandments . REFUTATION . When God favours Contemplative Persons so far , as to communicate any of his blessings to them , these things ought not to be despised , but to be considered as Favours that tend both to beautify the Soul , and to fortify her in the exercise of Vertue : so that tho Contemplative Persons ought not to be lifted up with them , yet they ought to value them highly , and to make use of them with all Humility of Spirit : and since God considers Decency as a sort of Goodness , Contemplative persons ought to be decent in all things : for God has not by any special Decree exempted them from the Rules of Reason , upon which all the Modesty and decency of Life is founded . XIX . ERROR . Contemplative Persons are subject to violent Commotions , by which they lose the exercise of the Freedom of their Will. So that tho they may fall into most grievous Sins , as to the exteriour Act , yet they do not at all sin inwardly : And so they are not bound to confess that which they have done . All this is proved by the example of Job , who tho he not only said things that were very Injurious to his Neighbour , but had blasphemed God most Impiously , yet he did not sin in all this : because all was done by the Violence of the Devill . In order to the judging of these Violences , neither the Learning of the Schoolmen or of the Casuists , is of any use : but a supernatural Spirit is necessary , which is to be found in very few persons : now these are the only Competent Iudges , who must not judge of the Internal by the External ; but on the contrary , of the External by the Internal . REFUTATION . In this Article the Snake does not hide himself in the Grass , but shews himself very visibly : since by this it is plain , that the Quietists will be sensual Libertines under the name of Spiritual and Contemplative Persons . The Example that they bring of Iob shews clearly how little they understand the Scripture . Iob did not sin outwardly , neither against his Neighbour nor against God in what he said , cap. 19. ver . 6. as Pineda ( tom . 2. in Iob 235 ) has evidently proved from the literal sense of the words : he did not sin against his Neighbour , as appears by the Expositions of the Holy Fathers , from whom we are to learn the true sense of the Scriptures . And to end this matter in a few words , that Grace with which God assists us at all times , is such , that we co-operating with it , may overcome all the Temtations of our Enemies . And Christ has said to all in the person of S. Paul , My Grace is sufficient for thee : therefore a Contemplative Person cannot be pushed on by any violence or necessity whatsoever , to any External Act of Sin. It is not easie to judge whether these Articles are faithfully drawn out , or truly represented : for it is probable , that Malice has a large share in some of them , chiefly in this last , which leads to down-right Libertinage ; tho others have rather suspected , that all tended to an Elevated Deism : yet it is certain , that if there is much Poison in these Articles , the Antidote of the Censure is so feeble , that it cannot have a strong Operation ; and it shews how little the Scripture and true Divinity is understood at Rome . POSTSCRIPT . IN the former Letter , I told you all that I could learn of this matter , during my stay at Rome , but having left in Iuly , I prevailed with one to give me an account of the Conclusion of this Affair , of which I send you a Copy : for tho I know all the Gazettes of Europe will be full of the Decision and end that is believed to be put to the business of Quietism , yet you know too well , how little one ought to depend on such Relations : all the news of this matter , will either be that which is writ by the direction of the Inquisition , or by the Strangers that are there , and pick up such things as they find among the Romans , who are ever true to the old Character that Iuvenal gave of that City , Sequitur fortunam , ut semper , & odit Damnator . Therefore I will give you an account of this business , on which you may depend , in the words of a Letter writ me from Rome . Now this great Affair , upon which men have so long lookt with so much expectation , is at an end : and a party that was believed to be a Million strong , is now either quite extinguisht , or at least oppressed with a great deal of Infamy : and Mr. Molinos , who has lived above twenty years in this City , in the highest Reputation possible , is now as much hated as ever he was admired : he is not only considered as a Condemned , and an Abjured Heretick , but he is said to have been convicted of much Hypocrisy , and of a very Iewd course of life ; which is so firmly believed by the Romans , that he was treated by them on the day of his Abjuration , with all possible Indignities ; but the people as they shewed their affections to him , by their cries of Fire , Fire , so were ready to have sacrificed him to their rage , if he had not been well defended by the Sbiri and Guards that were about him . And it would be a crime enough at present , to recommend a man to the care of the Inquisitors , if he should seem to doubt either of his Heresy , or of the Scandals of his life . All the party is extreamly sunk : Cardinal Petrucci himself lives in Rome as if he were in a desert ; for no Body goes to visit him , and he stirs as little abroad : nor is it thought that he will escape : there are four sent by the Inquisition to his Diocess of Iessi to examin his behaviour there : there is also a discourse , that has lately appeared at Rome , that was secretly printed , of which he is suspected to be the Author , which is an Apology for Quietism , that gives great offence . It is said , that the Inquisitors had full proofs against Molinos , by fourteen Witnesse ; of whom eight indeed came and offered their Depositions of their own accord , and the other six were forced to declare the truth , which raises the Credit of their Testimony : since his Abjuration , it is said that many of his Followers have abjured in private , and that besides the Prisoners that are in their hands , great numbers come in every day to accuse themselves , and to offer themselves to pennance , these are all very gently dismissed by the Inquisitors , who are now as much censured by the Romans for their excessive mildness , as ever they have been blamed by others for their rigour : and those secret Abjurations are believed to be all the Severity that they will practise on this Occasion ; for it is said that even F. Appiani the Iesuite will be abjured in secret ; tho some say , he is madd , others that he is become deaf and dumb , and not a few believe that he is dead : so uncertain are all Reports at present . In a word , the hatred of the present Pontificate appears very visibly upon this Occasion : the People affecting to shew a very extraordinary rage against a person , and a party , that has been so much favoured and supported by the Pope : so that this matter comes clearly home to him , and wounds his Reputation extreamly ; all this raises the credit of the Iesuites , who value themselves upon the zeal and the conduct of their Society upon this Occasion . All the Popes Enemies , the Iesuites , the French Party , and the body of the People , that are Malecontented and weary of him , and his long and dull Reign , shew the Pleasure they have in aggravating this matter against him : they say , this is the first time that ever any Heresy made Rome its Seat , where it choosed to nestle it self ; but it is yet more strange , that it should have continued there above twenty years , notwithstanding all that multitude of Spyes that the Inquisition has every where ; that the Pope should have shut his Ears against all Complaints , so that this Doctrine had gained so great Authority , that those who attackt it , passed for Hereticks , or Calumniators at least , and that even after all the Discoveries that have been made , that the Pope was known to favour Molinos secretly , and was so hardly brought at last to consent to the Condemnation , in which it is said , that nothing prevailed on him till the Cardinal 's informed him of the Scandals of Molinos's Life , that were proved : this was indeed a matter that could fall within the Popes understanding ; for the points of Doctrine are believed to be above it . All these things concur to increase the Contempt under which the present Pontisicate lies ; yet as for those Scandals of Molinos's life , I do not know what to believe : many will not believe them , and think they are only Impostures given out to render him odious ; for if they had been true , and well proved , it is said , that the Censure would have been severer ; for a perpetual Imprisonment , and the saying his Credo , and the fourth part of the Rosary every day , are mild Punishments , if he is found to have been so flagitious a man , and so vile a Hypocrite , as is given out . His own Behaviour at the Minerva did not look , either like a Man , that was much confounded with the Discoveries that had been made , or that was very Penitent for them , or for his Heresy : so that the Mildness of the Censure , to a Man that shewed to little humility or repentance , seems to flow rather from the Defectiveness of the Proofs , than from the gentleness of the Tribunal . I confess , I was not a Witness to what passed in the Minerva ; for as I would not venture in the Crowd , so both Money and Favour was necessary to accommodate a man well on that occasion , where not only a general Curiosity brought a vast confluence of People together , to see the issue of a Business that has been so long in suspence , but a particular Devotion : for the Pope had granted a General Indulgence to all that should assist in that Solemnity : but I will give you the account as I had it from Eye-witnesses . Molinos was well dressed , new trimm'd , in his Priestly Habit , with a cheerful Countenance , that as was said by his Enemies , had all the Charmes on it , that were necessary to recommend him to the fair Sex. He was brought from Prison in an open Coach , one Dominican being with him in it . He was at first placed for some time in one of the Corridori of the Minerva : he looked about him very freely , and returned all the Salutes that were made him : and all that he was heard say , was , That they saw a man that was defamed , but that was Penitent ( Infamato ma Pentito . ) After that he was carried to dinner , where he was well treated , that being to be his last good Dinner . After Dinner , he was brought into the Church , as in a Triumph , carried on the shoulders of the Sbiri in an open Chair : when he was brought to his place , as he made his Reverence very devoutly to the Cardinals , so there was no shew of Fear or of Shame , in his whole Deportment . He was chained , and a Wax Light was put in his hand , while two strong-lung'd Fryers read his Process aloud , and care had been taken to lay matters so , that as some of the Articles were read , all should cry Fire , Fire . When he came back to Prison , he entred into his little Cell , with great Tranquillity , calling it his Cabinet , and took leave of his Priest in these words , Adieu Father , we shall meet again at the Day of Iudgment , and then it will appear on which side the Truth is , whether on my side , or on yours . So he was shut up for Life . Yet after all I find none of the wise men here think that the thing is at an end ; but that the Fire which seems to be now extinguished , will break out with more violence ; for one of his Followers had the boldness to tell the Inquisitors to their face , that they were a Company of Unjust , Cruel , and Heretical men ; and compared their Treatment with that which Christ had met with , and yet even he has escaped upon an Abjuration , as is pretended . The Reasons that are given for this extraordinary Gentleness of the Inquisitors , who are seldom accused for erring on this side , are both the Numbers of the Party , who might be much irritated by publick Examples , and also the great Credit that their Doctrine has from the Mystical Divinity , that is authorised by so many Canonisations : for it is said , that from several parts the Inquisitors have brought together above twenty thousand of Molino's Letters : whose Correspondence was so vast , that some give out , that the Post of the Letters , that were brought him the day in which he was seised on , rise to twenty Crowns . And I heard a Divine of Rome confess , that they have such Authorities for most of their Tenets , that they will never be beat out of them , by the force of their School Divinity , therefore he thought it was necessary to condemn them by a formal Sentence , in which the Authority of the Church was to be interposed . Most of the condemned Articles are nothing but an Invidious Aggravating of the Doctrine of Predestination and Grace Efficacious of it self , and of Immediat Inspiration : for all the hard Consequences that are pretended to be drawn , either from the one or the other of these Opinions , are all turned into so many Articles , and condemned as so many Impious Doctrines ; but you will be better able to judge of this matter when you see all that the Inquisitors will think sit to print concerning it . A SECOND LETTER Writ from ROME , Containing some Particulars , relating to the INQUISITION ▪ SIR ; MY last to you , together with the Advertisement which was sent me from Rome , related wholly to the Affairs of the Quietists ; but because I know your Curiosity will perhaps go further , and that you expect such Observations from me , as you fancy me capable to make , in a Countrey where I have now made so long a stay , that it is my own fault , if I have not been able to see a little further than Common Travellers do , therefore I will try what I can say that may please you . I am , as you know , no Searcher into Manuscripts , or the Curiosities of Libraries , nor can I bring my self to so dry a study as is that of Medals , or Inscriptions . I had rather be beholding to the Labours of others , for the Discoveries they have made in those matters , than wear out my Eyes and spend my Time in the reading and Deciphering those Remains of Antiquity . I love all that knowledg , which , with how much difficulty soever it may be acquired , feeds the mind with some useful Ideas : but as for that knowledg which carrys one no further , then that such a Word , or such a Hierogliphick signified such a thing , and that gives the mind no matter to work on , and raises no game at which it may fly , it has not charm enough to work on so lasy a man as I am . I confess , my studies , and my way of Life would have carried me more naturally into matters of Religion , or into the Politicks : but as to the former , Italy is not a Country , where a man either can or dare reason upon these Subjects : for their Ignorance is such , that no man can profit much by their conversation on those heads : besides that , it is not safe to do it . The Italians are too well bred , to attack a man on that Argument ; and they know their own Ignorance so well , and have so high an Opinion of the Learning of the Hereticks , that they are sure never to provoke any of them : and he were a very bold and Indiscreet man , that would begin the dispute with them : so after all , Newes and Politicks is all that Remains , and you know I am idle enough both to think and to talk of these upon occasion : yet I must confess , that I find so many of my Reflections in Dr. Burnets Letters , that I have got sent me from Leghorn , that if I had not seen these , I had very likely writ you a great many of those that are already set out by him , with so much advantage , that I find the best part of all my Observations are already made by a better Pen : but I , who have as great an Aversion from copying , as he says he has ; will avoid the saying any one thing that I find in his Letters : and will only speak of those Places that he did not see , or of those matters which he had not time enough to enquire after , or to observe ; and since the former Letter , contained such a long and serious recital of a matter , that if it fixed your attention , yet must have wearied it , I will now divert you a little , with some Storys , that will be more agreeable ; and then I will return to more serious Subjects . I will begin with some relating to the Inquisition . I told you in my former Letter , of a great many Prisoners in the Inquisition , but among all the Prisoners that are there , none will surprise you so much as when I tell you that there is a Cruxifix kept there , which is called , our Saviour in the Inquisition : when this was first told me , I durst not speak out that which naturally occurred to my thoughts , which was , that our Saviour and the Truth of his Gospel , was indeed shut up with so much severity by the Inquisitors , that it was no wonder if he were reckoned among the Prisoners of that severe Court. But this story is less serious , and more Comical . You know that in all the bigotted Towns , the people are sorted in several Fraternities , and every one of these , has their peculiar Churches , Altars , Images and Relicks , to which they pay a more extraordinary devotion : so there was one in Florence , among whose favourite Images a Crucifix hapned to be one : a Woman ( that had a fair Daughter ) fell sick : and as she had payed many Devotions to that Image , so she came to fancy , that in her sickness she had the Returns of very extraordinary Favours from it . The truth of the matter was , that one who had a mind to have frequent access to her Daughter , made a shift to deceive the poor sick Woman : for he appeared in such a disguise to her , that she believed it was the Image that came to comfort her . And that which was the most acceptable part of the Imposture was , that the Impostor knew by her Daughters means , every thing that she wanted , and took care to provide it for her , so that at every visit that he made her , he brought along with him , all the things that she needed : this was sensible ; so the credulous Woman believed all this came from her beloved Image : and she was now as gratefull as she had been before devout : she told all that came to see her ; how careful and bountiful that Image was to her : and shewed them how well she was supplied by it . In short , this came to be generally believed : for when the least story of this kind gets vent , and is well received by the Priests , the People run in so headlong to it , that it would pass for a Crime capable enough of ruining one in the Spirit of the Inquisitors , to seem to doubt of it ; but much more if one studied to undeceive others : therefore things of this nature kindle the minds of a superstitious multitude so quick , that in a few days a whole Town will seem as it was out of its Wits : which appeared signally on this occasion at Florence : for now the whole Town entred into this Fraternity . The Great Duke himself came into the number , and all were studying what new Honours should be done to an Image that had been so kind to one of its Worshippers . But some that were wiser than the rest , saw thro the Cheat , and Informed P. Innocent the 10th . of it , who was resolved to put a stop to the current of this Superstition : yet he saw it was necessary to do it with some address : It fell out to be the year of Iubily 1650. so the Pope writ to Florence , that he had heard of the Miracles of that Image , to which he desired earnestly to do his own Devotions , therfore he intreated them to bring it to Rome ; that so the Image might have the addresses of all the Pilgrims , as well as his own made to it . Upon this the more bigotted of the Fraternity , would needs accompany the Charitable Image : so they carried it in Procession to Rome : and did not doubt but that the Pope and Cardinalls with the Clergy of Rome would have come out in Procession to meet them and their Image : The surprise was no doubt very great , when instead of all this , they found a Company of Sbirri staying for them at the Porta dell Populo ; who took their Image from them , and carried it away to the Inquisition ; and sent them away not a little mortified at the Disgrace , that had befallen their Crucifix , who has been ever since a Prisoner in the Inquisition . I was told of another Prisoner there of a later date , but not much unlike this . You know the legend of the Plague that was in Rome , as I remember in S. Gregory the great 's time , that was stopt by an Angel , that as was pretended came down , and stood over that Castle , which was formerly called Moles Hadriani , but has carried the name of Castro S. Angelo ever since . The Fryers of Ara Coeli had got a Stone , upon which there was an Impression like the print of a Foot : so they had put this in some part of their Church , and gave it out that this print was made by the Foot of that Angel ; tho one can hardly Imagine how they fancied that an Angel treads so hard . This Stone had many Devotions payed it . The learned Sig r. Pietro Bellori , who is without dispute the best Antiquary in Rome , being once in that Chappel at his Devotions ; observed a great many praying about this Stone , and kissing it with great Respect and Affection ; so he came to look upon it , and having examined it carefully , he saw clearly it was a fragment of a Statue of the Goddess Isis ; the Greek Characters were legible , and many things concurred to make a man of his Learning and Exactness conclude , that the Devotions were mis-applied that were payed it ; so he went to one of the Fathers of the House , and acquainted him with his Observation : and wished that they would remove that mistaken Object of Worship , lest some of the learned Hereticks that passed thro Rome , might discover and reproach the Church with it . But the Fathers of the House found their account in this matter , so they were so far from following his good Advice , that they aspersed him that had given it , so as to accuse him of Impiety for diverting the Devotions of the people : the Imputation was carried so far that he was brought before the Inquisition to clear himself , which he did so fully , that he not only got safe out of their hands , but which was more , he convinced them that he was in the right : so the Stone was removed , and keeps the Crucifix company in the Inquisition . But by these two Storys , you will perhaps imagin that I design to beget in you a good Opinion of that Court ; but I will now tell you another , that will soon bring you back to your old thoughts of that Tribunal . Burrhi is a man so famous in the World , that one that has looked into Natural Philosophy and Chimistry , could not be long in Rome without making an acquaintance with him : but to tell you truth , I neither found him to be so great a Chimist as he fancies himself to be , nor so great a Heretick as the Inquisitors have made him . I tell you this the more particularly , that you may upon it judge how far you are to believe the account that the Inquisitors may give of their proceedings against Molinos : since you may conclude from what was done to the one , what may be expected in all cases that are brought before them . Burrhi's Story is in short this ; He is a Gentleman of the Millanese , who was born to an Estate of 8000. Crowns a year : In his youth he had travelled , and had got into his head the Notions of the Now Philosophy and of Chimistry : so at his return to Milan , he began to propogate the new Philosophy , and to form a Conference upon those matters : the Priests it seems suspected , that there might be somewhat under this , so he was put in the Inquisition , but nothing could be made out against him , he was let out : after that he went and stayd for some years in Germany and Holland ; and it is very probable that he might have expressed himself concerning the Courts of Inquisition , as a man that had no great opinion either of their Justice , or of their Mercy . And as he has gone into all the high pretensions of the Chimists , so it is probable enough that he has talked of matters of Religion in that Mysterious unintelligible Iargon , that is used almost by all the men that are of the highest Elevation of Chimistry , but chiefly by Paracelsus and Van Helmont . In short , some Accusations were given in to the Inquisitors against him , who complained of him to the Emperour , and had so much credit in his Court that he strained his power to the utmost , and seised on him , and sent him to Italy , where those good Fathers were resolved not to give him a second occasion of boasting , that he had got safe out of their hands : strange things were objected to him ; and as is pretended , they were proved against him ; as that the B. Virgin was God equal with the Son ; and that the H. Ghost was incarnate in her , as well as the Eternal Word was in her Son : that the three Persons in the Trinity were the first , the second , and the third Heavens : that the Son was from all Eternity discontented with the Father , for not making him equal to him : that the Consecrated Hosty had in it the Body of the Mother as well as that of the Son : and that the putting the pieces of it together in the Chalice , demonstrated the Vnion between the Mother and the Son. These Opinions were all proved against him : tho he protests that he never thought of them , yet he was forced to abjure them in the year 1668. and was upon that condemned to perpetual Imprisonment ; he continued in the Prison of the Inquisition , till within these five or six years , that the Duke d'Estrees being sick , procured an Order for having Burrhi to come and treat him ; and in gratitude to Burrhi , who cured him , he got his Prison changed to the Castle St. Angelo : where he now entertains himself with Chimical Processes . It is indeed very probable , that he had provoked the Inquisition , by speaking severely and reproachfully of them , and this was all his Crime , unless another Article against him might be his Estate ; for of his 8000. Crowns a year , there is but 3000. left him ; for the good Fathers have had the Charity to take 5000. to themselves : and his 3000. is so eat up by them , thro whose hands it comes to him , that he has not 1500 : Crowns a year payed him : and from this you may see what credit you ought to give to the Processes , the Articles , and the Abjurations that are made before that Court. If instead of that Zeal which animates them against Heresy , they would purge their own Church of those Disorders , which they themselves acknowledg to be corruptions , they would sooner bring themselves again into credit . The scandalous Pictures that are in many Churches of Italy , are things that might deserve their care , if they would turn it to that hand . Is it not a shameful thing , that there has not been a great Master in Painting who has not put that Complement on his Mistress , as to paint her for the Virgin ? so that the most celebrated Madonna 's of Italy are known to have been the Mistresses of the Great Painters . The Postures , the Looks , and the Nakedness of many of the Church-pieces , are Monstrous Indecent things . The great design of the Cupulo at Florence , is such a Representation of Vice , that all that can be presented by a defiled Imagination , comes short of what is to be seen there : and tho the Scripture speaks but of one Apparition of the Holy Ghost in the shape of a Dove ; one shall find this Dove on the Head , at the Ear , and the Mouth of I know not how many of their Saints ; and as one finds in many Pieces , that their Masters have resolved to perpetuate their own Amours in them , so Amours are every day managed by the same methods : for while I was at Rome , I discovered an Intrigue between a Fryer and a Nun , by two Pictures , that were drawn for them : the Fryer was drawn as a S. Anthony , and the Nun as a S. Katherine of Siena : these they were to exchange , and so to feed their passion under this disguise of Devotion . But to return to Indecent Pictures , there is nothing more scandalous , than the many various Representations of the Trinity , which must needs give to all Iews and Mahometans as well as to us , that pass for Hereticks , a strange horror to a Religion that suffers those odious Resemblances , that give such gross Ideas of the Deity , and of the Trinity : and that which is yet the most scandalous part of those Pictures , is that the Representation of God the Father is often diversified according to the caprice of the Painter ; and he is to be seen in the Habits of the several Orders of that Church , and indeed both Features , Hair , Habit , and Postures , have all the diversity in them that is necessary to feed an Idolatry , that is as Extravagant as it is gross . The Picture of the B. Virgin , with the Order of the Capuchins under her Petticoat , is not very apt to raise Chast Idea's in those who look upon it . In short , whereas the Rule of the Antient Architecture of Churches , was to below and dark , which was thought the most proper , for the Recollection of a man's Faculties , and by consequence for Devotion , is now quite altered : and great Cupulos with a vast Illumination , are necessary to shew the Beauty of those rich Pieces , which would be lost in Churches built as dark as the Antient Ones were . I confess , those Pictures are charming things , if they were any where else than in Churches : but the pleasure they give , does so possess a man that begins to understand them , that it will kindle any thoughts in him , sooner than devout ones . I will not here let my Pen carry me into a Subject that must needs set all my thoughts on fire ; and speak of the great Pieces of Painting that are in Italy , and of the many Masters that it produced in the last Age : who as they were such Extraordinary men , so they lived within the Compass of one Age ; as if the Perfection in that amasing Art had been to dye with them , as well as it was born with them ; this , I say , would make one think , that there are Revolutions and Aspects in the Heavens that are favorable or cross to Arts or Sciences : and that then , the most favourable Aspect for Painting that ever was , produced those astonishing performances . For tho the great decay of Learning that is every where , may be reasonably enough resolved in this , that whereas in the last Age many great Princes were either Learned themselves , or at least they made it a Maxim to protect and encourage Learning ; but this having at last grown to an excess of Rudeness and Pedantry , and Princes becoming generally extream Ignorant , it came to pass for a piece of breeding , to say nothing that was beyond their pitch , or that seemed to reproach their Ignorance : and those who could not hide their Learning , were called Pedants : and pedantry was represented so odious , that Ignorance being the lasiest as well as the surest way to avoid this , all men took that very naturally ; and when other methods are as effectual to raise men to the highest preferments either of the Barr or of the Pulpit as true Learning or reall Merit , few will choose the long and tedious , and often the most uncertain way , when the End that they propose to themselves , may be certainly compassed by a more effectual and easier one . Flattery and Submissions are sooner Learned and easier practised by men of low and mean souls , than much hard and dry study : thus , I say , the decay of Learning is very easily accounted for , in the Age in which we live : but as for the Art of Painting , it is still in such esteem , and great pieces go still at such vast rates , that if the Genius and capacity for it were not lost , there is encouragment enough still to set it a going : but I leave this subject not without putting some constraint on my self ; for who can think of such Wonderful men as Correge , Michael Angelo , Raphael , Paulo Veronese , Iulio Romano , Carrache , Palma , Titian and Tintoret , without feeling a concern at every time that he reflects on the Wonders of their pencils : St. Lukes pretended work , and even the supposed performances of Angels , are sad things set near their pieces . One , whose thoughts are full of the Wonders of that Art , that are to be seen in Florence , goes into the Annunciata , and sees not without Indignation , that adored picture of the Virgin , which , as the fond people there believe , was finished by an Angel , while the Painter that was working at it , and that could not animate it as he desired , fell asleep , who as soon as he awaked , saw his piece finished . This fiction of the painters , to raise the credit of his picture , is so well believed at Florence , that he presents made to enrich the Altar and Chappel , where it stands , are Invaluable : & yet after all , the Angel's work is still no better than the common painting of that time : and that Angel-painter , was but a bungler if compared , to the great Masters . In a word , what can be thought of humane nature , when in so refined a place as Florence , so course an Imposture has been able to draw to it , such an Inestimable stock of Wealth . All these things are so many digressions from my main subject , which was , to shew you how much matter the Inquisitors might find , if they would use any exactness in redressing those Abuses which they themselves will not defend in common conversation : and yet tho the smallest thing , that seems even at the greatest distance to go against their Interest , is lookt after with a very watchful care ; yet the grossest of all Impostures , that proves profitable to them , is much encouraged by them . The fable of Loretto , is so black and so ridiculous a piece of Imposture , that I never saw a man of sense , that cared to enter upon that subject . I was once in Company where I took the liberty to propose two modest Exceptions to it : the one was , that about 200 years after the rest of the Angelical Labour in carying about that Cottage is pretended to have fallen out , Vincent Ferrrier , whom they believe a great Saint , not only sayes nothing of its being then in Italy , but sayes expresly , that it was then in Nazareth , & that many Miracles were wrought about it . Antonin of Florence ; who is also the most Impudent Writer of Legends that ever was , say's not a word of it some Ages after they say that it was at Loretto . All the answer that I had to this was , that it was no Article of Faith , but whether it was true or false , the Devotion of the People was still entertained by it : and this , they said , was as much meritorious , tho founded on a Fable , as the giving of Charity to one who is believed a fit object , but yet is indeed a Cheat , is acceptable to God : and thus he who gives upon a good inward motive , will be rewarded according to the Disposition of his Mind , and not according to the Truth or Falsehood of the Story , that wrought upon him . I durst not press this matter too far : otherwise I would have replied , that how excuseable soever the Superstition of Ignorant People may be , yet this does not at all justify the Cheat that the Church puts upon her so easily deluded children . The truth is , the Romans themselves have not such stiff notions of all the points of Controversy as we are apt to Imagine : this makes me remember a conversation that past some years ago , between an Abbot & one of our Clergymen , that was then a Governour to a Person of Quality , that in his Travels stayed for some time at Rome . The Abbot seeing the Governour was considered as a man of Learning , desired to be Informed of him , what were the Points in difference between the two Churches : so the Governour told him , that we had our worship in a known tongue ; that we gave the Cup in the Sacrament ; that we had no Images , and did not pray to Saints : all this did not disturb the Abbot , who said , that these were only different Rites and Ceremonies , which might be well enough born with : when the other added , that we did not believe Transubstantiation nor Purgatory , the Abbot said , these were the subtilties of the School : so he was very gentle till the Governour told him , that we did not acknowledge the Pope ; then the Abbot was all on fire , and could not comprehend , how men could be Christians , that did not acknowledge Christs Vicar , and S. Peter's Successor : and it is very plain at Rome at this day , that they consider the Conversion of Nations , only as it may bring in more profit into the Datary Court , and raise the value of the Offices there ; for when I seemed amased in conversation with some of them , to see so little regard had to the Ambassadour of England , and to every thing that he proposed ; they told me plainly , that perhaps the Angels in Heaven rejoiced at the conversion of a sinner upon the pure motives of perfect Charity , but they at Rome looked at other things . They saw no profit like to come from England ; no Bulls were called for , and no Compositions like to be made ; if those things should once appear , then an Ambassadour from thence would be treated like the penitent Prodigal , especially if he were a little less governed by the Iesuites , who were believed to have managed our Ambassadour a little too absolutely : and here it will be no unpleasant digression if I tell you the true reason that retarded the Promotion of the Cardinal d'Esté so long . The Pope himself saw what the Vncle of this Cardinal did at Rome , in P. Alexander the 7ths time , upon the business of the Corsis , and the affront that was put on the Duke of Crequy , which made so much noise . That Cardinal being then the Protector of the French Nation , offered first to the D. of Crequy , to go with him , accompanied with 500 Men , that he knew he could raise in Rome , to the Palace of Dom Mario Chigi , and to fling him out at window : but the D. of Crequy thinking that such a revenge went too far , the Cardinal himself went accompanied with his 500 Men to the Palace , and expostulated the matter with the Pope , and demanded Reparation ; and when the Pope put it by in some general answers , he prest him so hard , till the Pope threatned to pull his Cap from him , but he answered , that he would clap a Head-piece on it , to defend it , and that he would never part with that , till he had pulled the Tripple Crown from his head : This was vigorous , and the Cardinal had a mind to perpetuate the memory of it , for he made himself be drawn with a Headpiece by him , his hand pointing towards it , which I saw at Modena ; and it is plain by their way of speaking of this matter , that they were proud of it . The present Pope being at that time a Cardinal , saw this disorder , and so he was resolved never to raise one of that family to the Purple : yet the earnest and repeated Instances from England , overcame him at last . But now again I return to that from which I have digressed so often , which is the work that the Inquisition might find in Italy , even without departing from any of their received Principles . That scandalous Imposture of the blood of S. Ianuary at Naples , that seems to be firm & dry in the Vial , and that dissolves and moves as it is brought near his Head , which is so firmly believed by all the bigots there , must needs give an Indignation to all that love Truth , when they see such gross Deceptions put upon the World. I will not take upon me to say how it is managed ; but nothing is more easy than the ordering of this matter may be . For if that Vial be filled with tinctured liquor , the Vial being put in Ice and Salt , will freese in an Instant ; and it being again in the air , may return very quickly to its former state , so that there is no need of any great skill for the conducting this matter : and it is so much their Interest , who have the keeping of this pretended Blood , to keep the secret very religiously , that it is no wonder if it is not discovered . He indeed who either doubts of it , or would adventure to discover it , must resolve to go and live some were else than in Naples , where this passes for the chief Glory , as well as the greatest blessing of their City : and the people there are so extreamly credulous , & the Priests are so very Insolent , that this has appeared of late in such Instances , that if the Viceroy of Naples , were not both a very extraordinary man , and most excessively esteemed and beloved there , he could not have stood his ground in the Dispute which is now on foot , and of which tho all the Gazettes make mention , yet I may perhaps tell you some particulars , that may be new to you , for I was in Naples while this matter was in its greatest heat . The business of the Ecclesiastical Immunities , is carried so high here , that the General of the Horse , who is by birth a Flemming , had almost felt it to his cost ; there were two under him , that had quarrelled , but were made Friends ; and one of these meeting the other some days after that , he embraced him with all the shewes of Friendship , but having a stiletto in his hand , he managed it so fatally , that under all the appearences of tender Embraces , he killed him out-right , and presently he took Sanctuary in a Church , that was hard by ; the General hearing of this , resolved he would make an Example of the Murderer : but not daring to drag him out of the Church , he set a Sentinel to the Doors , reckoning that hunger would soon force him to come out : and tho the Priests that belonged to the Church , carried him in some Provisions , yet that could not serve him long . But the General was forced to discharge the Sentinels : for he was Informed , that an Excommunication was coming out against him , for distrurbing the devotions of those that went to the Church : and he knew that if the Excommunication should be once given out , no body would so much as talk with him or come near him after that : so he would not run that risque : and this Assassinate had a fair occasion given him to make his escape : this was a good Essay of the Zeal for the Immunity of places . Another fell out about the same time near Leghorn , in which the sacredness of exempted persons was asserted in a manner that was no less scandalous ; a Priest was seised on , for a most horrid Crime , either a Rape or a Murder , I do not remember which : but he who had no mind to be taken , defended himself ; and shot one of the Sbiri , upon which the rest run away . So he apprehending that a stronger party would be sent , that would be too hard for him , went and retired into a Wood , with his Fusee ; and some being sent to find him out , he had shot six or seven of them ; yet after all the sacred Character was like to save this execrable man ; for while I was at Leghorn I was told that an Excommunication was coming out , against all that should violate the Ecclesiastical Immunities in his Person : and no doubt the Great Duke will give way to this : for he is so entirely delivered up to his Priests , and is become so excessively scrupulous , that to deliver himself from those Troubles of Conscience , which many things , in the Administration of the Government are apt to give him , he has found out an easy receipt , which if all other Princes can be brought to follow , it will be very happy for their Ministers . He then considers , that the only sure way to be Innocent in the Conduct of Affairs , is not to know them at all : but to devolve them entirely on his Ministers , who do all , without so much as communicating matters to him . But the Viceroy of Naples is not so very tractable in those matters , as appears by the vigour with which he has supported the secular Tribunal against the Invasions of the Ecclesiastical Court. That which gave the rise to the dispute , was , a sute that was between a Lay-man and a Church-man , before one of the Iudges of Naples , who decided in favour of the Layman ; upon which it was pretended , that this was a Violation of the Immunities of the Church : so the Iudge was Excommunicated ; And upon it no body would willingly appear before him , or so much as speak to him , so terrible a thing is that Thunder there : but the Viceroy has shewed on this occasion , that firmness that has appeared in all his other Actions : and has also received Orders from Spain authorising him to keep his ground . The Iudge is not only maintained in what he has done , but continues still to sit on the bench , all people are forced to bring their causes before him ; & his Sentences are executed with resolution . This Contempt put on the Ecclesiastical Censures by a Minister of Spain , and at a time in which the Pope is so much in their Interests , is a little Extraordinary . But the affront that the Viceroy put on an Auditor of the Nuntio's , was yet much more provoking , for it was managed with a particular care to make the Scorn very wounding as well as it was publick . The Nuntio is believed to do ill Offices in this matter ; and his Auditor was known to be a man of Liberties ; it was found out that he went often to a Bordello ; the Viceroy therefore gave order to watch him so carefully , that the Sbiri should be sure to find him in such circumstances , as should make his shame very Conspicuous : so he was taken , and carried before the next Iudge : the thing was laid before hand , and the Iudge refusing to medle in it , the Sbiri ( a sort of men like our Bailiffs ) carried him to another , and so made the round of all the Iudges in Naples ; and every one of them refusing to medle with the Auditor , the Sbiri let him go , when the matter was made sufficiently publick , by their carrying him about to so manny places . The Nuntio complained of the Violation of the Rights of a Publick Minister , especially of so sacred a one . But the Reparation that the Viceroy made , was a redoubling of the Affront : for he ordered the Sbiri that had taken the Auditor , to be carried about all Naples with an Inscription writ in Capital Letters , both on their Breasts and on their Backs , mentioning the Crime for which they were thus led about , which was their having disturbed the Nuntio's Auditor in his pleasures . You will easily imagin that this was considered at Rome as a most outrageous Affront ; and indeed the Pope has carried the matter of the Regale in France so very far , that it is hard to tell to what a degree this breach in Naples may be also carried : for tho the Pope is most excessively ignorant in all those Matters , yet he has another Quality , that is the only thing that is great in him , and that would indeed become him very well , if he had a little more Knowledg to govern it : and that is , that he is the wilfullest man alive ; and his temper is fearless enough to make him shut his Eyes upon all Danger . It cannot be denied , but it is the Interest of the Pope , as he is a Temporal Prince , to be of the side that is now the weakest ; and that needs his support the most : and therefore it is no wonder if he is so favourable to the Crown of Spain , and the House of Austria : but after all , his carrying the business of the Regale so far , against so great a King , and a King that has merited so much from that Church , by his zeal against Hereticks , is somewhat unaccountable : After all the Havock , that has been made both by Princes and Popes of the true Liberties of the Church , and particularly after that shameful Bargain that was made between them in the Concordate , it has a very ill grace to see a Pope make this the subject of so great and so long a Dispute ; and that the factious Clamours of a few ill-natured and angry Priests , should have been so much considered , as to interrupt the good understanding of the Courts of the Vatican and Versailles . All this flowed from the ill opinion that the Pope had of the Iesuites , which being known in France , the Iansenists thought it was high time for them to recommend themselves to the Court of Rome , in hope of mortifying the Iesuites : yet they could not with any decency carry the Papal Authority high , after they had with so much force both of reason and learning , depressed it as they had done : so they betook themselves to the first thing that offered it self , that they knew would be very acceptable in Rome , which was the asserting the Liberties of the Church , and the disputing the Kings Imposing the Rights of the Regale ( that is , the mean profits of Bishopricks , and the Collating to Benefices without Cure , during the Vacancy ) on the four southern Provinces of France . I will not say more of a matter that is so well known , only I will tell you , what a Doctor of the Sorbon said to me upon this subject ; I found he did not believe the Pope's Authority more than I did my self ; and yet he was one of those that indirectly opposed the Articles of the Clergy , and the condemnation that was past on the Bishop of Strigonium's Censure of those Articles ; for his Authority and Learning gave a great turn to that matter : so when I seemed amased at this , that a man of his Principles , had acted as he had done upon that occasion , he told me , he had no other Consideration before him in that matter , but to mortify the Clergy of France , and to maintain the Dignity of the Sorbon . It was not long since that in the Dispute about Iansenius's matter , they had made the Pope not only Infallible in matters of Right , but of Fact : and now because the Pope was not in the Interests of France , the dispute of Infallibility , and of the Councils of Constance and Basil , were again set on foot ; all which would be given up , and the Pope would be considered Infallible to morrow , if he were once more in the Interests of France ; & the Clergy , who had neither learning nor vertue , but made up all Defects , by a slavish Obsequiousness , would be then as forward to magnify the Infallibility , as they are now to depress it . How far the Pope will embroil himself in this new business of the Franchises , I do not know : he has expressed a great steadiness in it ; and the truth is , Rome is now so sunk from what it was , and the Franchises are so considerable a part of the City , that their being covered from the Execution , both of Civil and Criminal Iustice , is a most horrible Disorder : and it seems reasonable enough , that as in all other Courts , there is nothing now under the Ambassadours Protection , but that which is within his Gates , so the same Regulation should be made in Rome ; where the extent of those priviledged Places is very great : yet afterall , if the French Ambassadour , that is now on his way thither , has positive Orders to maintain them , and has mony enough to list men , if the matter goes on to a more obstinate Dispute ; It will be no hard matter for him to raise such a Revolt in Rome , that neither the Popes Guards , nor those in the Castle of St. Angelo , will be able to subdue it : and if this matter goes on so far , the French will very probably cut off all Annates , and find a shorter way of granting of Bulls within the Kingdom . It is said , that while some have represented the apparent Inconveniences of a Rupture with France to the Pope , and that he was in no condition to resist that mighty Power : He answered , that he would suffer Martyrdom in maintaining the Rights of St. Peter . It must be confessed , that there was something in this saying that was more Magnanimous , than prudent . And indeed the Popes way of treating with Ambassadours , has somewhat in it that comes neerer the simplicity of the Fishermen , the more modern Politicks . His dry Answer to our Ambassadour , when he threatned him that he would leave Rome , and go back to England , if he were not better used ; Lei e Badrone ; You are Master of that as you please ; had an air in it that I should have been much pleased with , if it had fallen on any other than on the King's Minister . His Conduct of the Revenue is an unaccountable thing ; for if there is not a vast Treasure laid up , or a most prodigious deal of Wealth secretly conveyed to his Family , it is not to be imagined what has become of all that Revenue that he has raised , in which the Income is so vastly disproportioned to the expence , that the most prying men do not know what is become of it . The War with the Turks has not cost him so much as is believed ; on the contrary , many think that he has got by it ; and that the Taxes which he has laid on the Clergy of Italy amount to more than he has laid out upon it : It is certain , it has not cost him very much . He retrenched all Expences to so great a degree , that even the publick Charities were lessened : for in Lent , there is a weekly Charity of a Iulio , or a six pence , to all the poor that come and ask it : and the poor commonly brought their Children with them , so that they got as many Iulio's as they brought Children ; but the Pope limited this , that no Charity should be given to any under such an Age , as I remember it was below ten year old . The Administration of the Revenue is indeed the only thing that he understands , and in which he imploys all his thoughts : and it was believed , that the true Secret of the greatest number of the Cardinals in the last Promotion , was the Advantages that he made by the sale of the Offices which they held , and that fell to the Pope upon their Advancement ; out of which it was thought that he gained above a Million : and upon this I will tell you , what I have learned concerning the aversion that two of the Cardinals , Taia and Ricci , expressed to the Purple in the Promotion that was made five year ago ; this was magnified in several Books , that were printed out of Italy , as somewhat that seemed to approach to the best Ages of the Primitive Times , when men refused to accept of so great a Dignity , that brought them within a step of the Supream Elevation : but the truth of this matter was , they were both men of Fourscore , and not like to live long ; as they both died within a year of their Preferment : they had very good Imployments , which they had bought , and which by their accepting the Purple were to fall into the Popes hands : besides that , the new Dignity was not to be entred upon without a great Expence : so all this being considered , the vertue of refusing so chargeable a Dignity , in men that were more concerned for their Families , than for that small remnant of life that was before them , was not so very Extraordinary . But since I am upon the discourse of promoting of Cardinals , I will tell you a remarkable Instance of a Promotion , that I do not remember to have met with in any Book ; and the Dignity of the Person and of the Family descended from him makes me think it worth the relating ; and the rather because I had it from no ordinary person , but from one of the exactest men in Rome , and who has taken the greatest pains to be well Informed in the Modern History . I had seen several pictures of Clara Farnese , for there are more than one of them in the Palestrina : so I knowing nothing concerning her , asked her story , which in short was this : that she was P. Paul the 3d's Sister , and the person to whom he owed his Cardinals Cap , and by Consequence all that followed upon it , tho he rewarded her ill for it ; for he poysoned both her and his Mother , that he might have all their Wealth ; their Father was a poor man , that went about selling Saucidges and such sort of stuff . Clara was married young , and was soon a Widdow ; she was a lovely woman , but no Extraordinary beauty : her Brother was bred to Letters , and was one of those poor Churchmen , that was looking about on all hands where he might find a Patron ; when of a sudden his Sisters charms and her artifices together raised him to a height , to which he was far enough from pretending at that time . On a great occasion Clara Farnese was so near P. Alexander the 6th , and was so much in his Eye & in his thoughts , that he ordered one that was about him , to enquire who she was , and where she lived : Instruments upon such occasions are never wanting to great Persons : and notwithstanding the Popes great Age , yet his Vices hung still so close to him , that he could have no quiet till Clara Farnese was brought him . She resolved to manage her self on this occasion , and to raise her price all that was possible , so a Cardinals Cap to her Brother was both asked and granted : a promise of it was made at least , upon which she came and attended on the old leud Pope : yet when the next Promotion came to be in agitation , the Proposition for Abbot Farnese was rejected by Cesar Borgia with scorn ; he had never been a slave to his word , and he had no mind that his Father should observe it on this occasion . The way of a Promotion is this , the Pope setles the List of the Cardinals , and writes down all their names in a paper with his own hand ; and in a Consistory , when all other business is ended , he throws down the Paper on the Table , and say's to the Cardinals , habetis Fratres ; you have now some Brethren . One of the Secretaries upon that takes up the Paper , and reads the Names aloud ; and the Sbiri are at the door , and as soon as one is named , they run for it , to see who shall be able to carry the first newes of it to the party concerned . Upon this occasion , the Pope after he had concerted the Promotion with his Son , writ down all the names . Clara Farnese was in great apprehensions for her Brother , so she being to pass that night with the Pope , rise when the old man was fast asleep , & searched his Pocket , & found the Paper , but her Brothers name was not in it : then she set her self with great care to counterfeit the Popes hand ; and writ her Brothers name the first in the List : next morning she kept the Pope as long in bed as was possible ; till word was brought him , that the Consistory was set , and that the Cardinals were all come : for she reckoned that the less time that the Pope had for being drest , there was the less Danger of his looking into his Paper : So without ever opening it , he went into the Consistory , and according to Custom , he threw down the list on the Table : but to the great surprise of him , and of all that were upon his Secrets , the first name that was read , was that of Abbot Farnese ; and it seems the Pope thought it better to let the matter pass , than to suffer the true secret of the business to break out . It is well that the Doctrine of the Intention , does not belong to the Creation of Cardinals , otherwise here was a Nullity with a Witness . Thus begun that long course of P. Paul the thirds greatness , who lived above 50 years after this , and laid the Foundation of the Family of Parma , which he saw quite overthrown , his Son being assassinated in his own time ; and both his Grand-children having revolted against him , which , as was believed , precipitated his death , tho he was then Fourscore . But now I return to the present Pope ; for I have writ you a very loose sort of a Letter , all made up of digressions . His aversion to the Order of the Iesuites is very visible ; for he takes all occasions to mortify them ; and every thing that is proposed to him , thrives the worse for their sakes , if he believes they are concerned in it ; which was given by all at Rome , as the true reason of the cold usage that the English Ambassadour found there . Indeed the Pope is not singular in the hard thoughts that he has of that Order : I never saw an Indifferent man in all Italy , that was of another mind : they do generally look upon them as a Covetous , Fraudulent , Intriguing , and turbulent sort of people ; who can never be at quiet , unless they reign : who are men of no Morals , that will stick at nothing that may raise the Wealth and Power of their Order : and at Rome they do not stick to say , that all the concerns of the Roman Catholick Religion must needs miscarry in England , because the Iesuites are so much in credit there . And indeed the Extravagantly vain Letters that they write to Rome out of England , are such contextures of Legends , that ever since I saw them , I know what value I ought to put on their Letters that come from the Indies and other remote Countreys ; for when they take so great a Liberty when the Falsehood is so easily found out , what must me think of the Relations that come from places at such a distance , that they may lie with more assurance & less hazard of discovery . The Letter that was writ in February last from Liege to the Iesuites at Friburg , of which so many Copies were given , that it got to the Press at last , was a good Instance of their Vanity , and of the small regard that they have to a Prince , that has as they give out , so much for them . Their representing the King , as so concerned in the Interests of their Order , that he espoused them all as if they were his own , that he was now become a Son of the Society , and that he was received into a communication of the Merits of the Order , ( tho a share in their Treasure upon Earth were a much more considerable thing , than of their Treasure that is Invisible , ) Their setting out the Kings Zeal for their Religion , in such high terms , that they say he is resolved to die a Martyr rather than not to succeed in his design of changing the Religion , and converting the Nation : and this at a time when the King was declaring himself so much for Liberty of Conscience : and their affirming that the King is become bigotted to so high a degree , as to refuse to suffer a Priest to kneel down and do the duty of a Subject in kissing his Hand , and to tell him , that he himself ought rather to kneel down , and to kiss his Hands : all these are such Extravagant strains , that by the boldness of them it is Evident , that they were writ by a Iesuite , and my Copy came to me from so good a hand , and so near the source , that how many Falsehoods soever may be in that Letter ▪ I can assure you , it is no Imposture , but was really writ by those of Liege . In a word , all the Romans have so very ill an Opinion of the Iesuits , that as soon as any piece of Newes comes from England , that is not favourable to their Affairs , one finds all , from the highest to the lowest , agree in the same short reflection ; Thus it must ever be , where the Iesuites have such a share in the Councils . A man long practised in the Court of Rome , told me , it was impossible it could be otherwise , for all the chief men of that Order are kept teaching in their Schools , till they are almost forty years of age ; and by that means Pedantry , a disputatious and Imperious humour , and a peevish littleness of soul , becomes natural to them , so that an Eminent man here said to me , It was Impossible that matters could go better than they did in England , as long as the Morals and the Politicks of the Jesuites , and the Vnderstandings and Courage of the Irish , were so much relied on . But besides all these General Considerations , there are some things in the Constitution of the Order of the Iesuites that give those at Rome reason enough to be on their Guard against them . There are two things peculiar to this Order that make it very formidable ; the one is , that those who have made the fourth vow are capable of no Preferment , unless it be to be Cardinals , and then they are indeed capable of Bishopricks . In most of the other Orders , every man has his own private Interest , and his particular views ; so that they are not always looking after the concerns of their Order . But a Iesuite can receive no Honour but from his Order , therefore he Consecrates himself to it , and advances the Interests of the Society with all possible zeal , knowing that there is no other way left him to advance his own Interests , but this . So that Hope being one of the great Springs of humane Nature , a Iesuite , who hopes for nothing but from his Order , must be extreamly devoted to it . Besides this , a Iesuite fears nothing but from his Order : They have not a Cardinal Protector , as the other Orders have , to whom an Appeal lies from the sentence of the General of the Order : but the Iesuites are a body more shut up within themselves ; for the sentence of the General is definitive , and can never be reviewed , no Appeal lying from it : whensoever a Pope comes that dares mortify them , he will open a way for Appeals , for till that is done , the General of the Iesuites is the most Absolute and the most Arbitrary Soveraign that is in the World. All these things concur to Unite almost all the several Interests in Rome against this Society , which yet is strong enough to support it self against them all : they have the Mission generally in their hands ; for the Congregation de Propaganda , payes a small pension of 20 Crowns to all the Secular Priests that are on the Mission , whereas the Iesuites bear the expences of their own Missionaries , to whom they allow an 100 Crowns a year : & so those of the Propaganda being willing to be eased of a charge , accept of the Missionaries that the Iesuites offer them : and they find their account in this . Their Missionaries are powerfully recommended , so they are quickly received into Families , especially where there are yong children to be bred up , or Estates to be managed : for in these two lies their strength : but they never forget their Order , for which they are as so many Factors every where : and they draw vast Presents from all places to the House that returns them their Appointments ; wheras the poor Secular Priest must make a shift to live out of the small allowance that he has from the Congregation de Propaganda fide , and out of what he can raise by his Masses . Therefore there is nothing that they desire so much , as to see Protestant States that give a Tolerance to Popery , grow once so wise as to shut out all the Regulars , and above all the Iesuites ; and to admit none but Secular Priests : for the former , as they are so many Agents , to return all the wealth that they can possibly draw together , to the house to which they belong , so they are united together in one Body , under a most strict Obedience to their General , which may be as great a prejudice to the Peace and Security of a Countrey , as the other is to its Wealth and Abundance : on the other hand , the Secular Priests are generally good-natured men , who are only subject to their Bishop , and that have no designs upon the Government , nor the Concerns of any House that is in Forreign Parts lying upon them : so that since those of that Communion have the full exercise and all the Consolation of their Religion from Secular Priests , even those in Rome it self wonder at the Error of Protestant States , who have not Learned long ago to make this difference in the Toleration that they allow : And one that has been almost 50 years in the most refined practices of the Court of Rome , said to me with a very sensible concern , how happy would we here reckon our selves , if we could have a Toleration of our Religion allowed in England , tho it were with an Eternal Exclusion of all Regulars and Iesuites ? and added , that if he saw good grounds for making it , he himself would go and carry the Proposition to those of the Propaganda . And now I am sure , I have rambled over a great Variety of matter , and have made a shift to bring in to one place or other of this Letter , a great many particulars , that I could have hardly brought out in an exactness of Method , without a much greater compass of words , and a greater stifness of form : but I thought it was more natural , and by consequence , that it would be more acceptable to you , to make them follow one another , in an easy and unforced contexture . I have discoursed all these matters often over and over again since I came into Italy : but I have read very little concerning them ; therefore there may be many things here , that I mention because they were new to me , that perhaps are no newes to those that are much more Learned than my self . I have told you all that I could gather upon these subjects from the wisest and worthiest men that I found here : I have writ of all matters freely to you , because I am in a Countrey where freedom of discourse , in matters of State especially , is practised in its utmost extent . I have yet matter for another long letter , in which the matters of Religion will have no share ; for I will end all these in this : and therfore there is one piece of the Superstition of Lombardy , that affected me too sensibly , not to lead me to bestow a severe censure upon it . I went through that Country in October and November , and was often in great distress , because it was not possible to find a Glass of Wine , that could be drunk , all being either dead or sour . At Parma I waited on an Eminent Person , and lamented to him the misery of Travallers , since no Wine was to be found that could be drunk : he told me , the Natives felt this much more sensibly than Strangers did , with whom it was soon over , but they were condemned to suffer that every year ; and tho he himself had Vineyards , that produced much more Wine than he could consume , yet he could not be Master of a good Glass of Wine , for a great many Months of the year ; since all the people were possessed with this Superstition , that it was Indispensably necessary to mix it with Water in the Cask , that by this means it drunk dead or sour for so great a part of the year : and all that could be said could not beat this out of the heads of those that dressed their Wine : but he added , that the Priests , who confirmed the vulgar in this Conceit , had found a Device to excuse their own Wine from this hard fate : for they said , it must needs be kept unmixed , since in the Sacrament the Wine must be pure , and is then only to be mixed with Water ; and thus in all their Cellars good Wine is to be found , where there is not a drop any where else that can be drunk : one would think that this is to abuse the Weakness and Credulity of the People , a little too grosly , when they condemn all the laity to drink ill Wine , whereas they themselves drink it pure , which is felt more sensibly by the Laity , than the depriving them of the Chalice , and the engrossing it to the Priest in the Sacrament . Yet the Excise that is laid on the Wine in Florence , has taught the Inhabitants a point of Wisdom , that those on the other side of the Appenins are not capable of ; for the Excise being raised upon all their Wine , the People who have no mind to pay Excise for Water , keep their Wine pure , so perhaps some such severity in the Government in Lombardy , may likewise reform them in this piece of absurd Superstition , which I felt too sensibly with all the effects that naturally follow the drinking of sour Liquor , not to Insist upon it with some more than ordinary concern . But since I am upon the point , of the Arts that the Convents have to live easy , I will end this Letter with an account of a House that was very Extraordinary , which I saw in my way to Italy thro Bavaria ; Etal , an Abbey of Benedictines , that by its foundation is bound only to maintain an Abbot and 25 Monks . It was founded by Lewis Duke of Bavaria , that was Emperour : the building is not answerable to the Endowment , which is so vast , that they keep a stable of 150 horses , which is indeed one of the best in Germany , the horses are of great value , and well kept : they hunt perpetually , and live in as great an abundance of all things as the Duke of Bavaria himself can do ; and yet these are Religious men , that are dead to the World. I cannot forget to tell you a very beautifully diversified prospect that we had at Burgo , a little Town in the hills of Trent , as we lookt out at window , We saw before us a lovely Meadow in all the Beauty and Pride of the Moneth of May : a little beyond that was a rising Bank all covered over with Trees in their full verdure : beyond that the ground rise higher , and the Trees had not yet put out their leaves , and things lookt dead and dry , as after Harvest : and beyond that there was a huge hill , all covered on the top with snow : so that here we saw in one prospect all the seasons of the year : upon which one of the Company made this reflection , that if any Painter should in one Landskip ; mix all these things , that were then in our eye , he would be thought a man of an Irregular fancy , whose designes did not agree with nature ; and yet we had them all then before us . I will make no Excuses nor Compliments : for those things do not mend matters , and therefore I send you my Letter , such as it is , just as it has grown under my Pen : and so Adieu . POSTSCRIPT . I find I have forgot to mention one very extravagant piece of Devotion , to which I was a Witness at Rome , on the 17 of Ianuary , which is St. Anthonys day , that was the great Father of the Monastick Orders , whose Life is pretended to be writ by S. Athanase ; all Horses and other Beasts of Burden are believed to be in an especial manner under his Protection : and the Monks of his Order , have a House near St. Maria Maggiore ; thither all the Horses , Mulets and Asses of Rome , and all round the City , are brought that day to the door of the Church , where some Monks stand with a Broom in holy water , and sprinkle it upon them all : many Doggs and Lambs , and other favorite Animals , are also brought to share in this Aspersion : which is believed to have a most special vertue : the force of this hallowing is believed to be such , that if any should fail to bring his Horses thither , all the Neighbourhood would look on those that have no portion in it , as accursed Animals , upon whom some unlucky Accident were hanging ; which is so firmly believed , that none would hire a Horse or a Mulet , that had not been so sprinkled . So that from the Popes Horses down to the poorest man in Rome , all are brought thither ; but this is not all , the profitable part of this piece of Folly is , that every one brings a Present ; the richer sort send Purses of Money ; some give great Wax - Lights , all stuck full of Testons ( a piece of 20 pence ) the poorer bring either smaller pieces of Money , or Presents of Wine , Oyl , Bread , or such things as they can afford : but in a Word , no man comes empty ; so that this is the Market-day of those Monks , in which for some Gallons of Water and Salt , they get more Presents , than would serve to maintain them for seven years : they quickly convert all that is not necessary for them into Money : and by this means they are vastly rich . When I saw all this , I could not but think that men must become first Beasts themselves , before things of this kind could pass upon them : but since I have added this in a Postscript , rather than give my self the trouble to make it come in pertinently into my Letter I will add another particular that is writ me from Rome the sixth of October 1687. I am told , that men are now more puzled in their thoughts with Relation to the business of Molinos than ever . It was Visible that his Abjuration was only a pretended thing ; for in effect he has abjured nothing : his party believe , that they are very numerous , not only in Rome , Italy , Spain , and France , and in all these parts of the world , but that they have many followers even in America it self : one sees now in almost all the Churches in Rome some of them praying in corners , with their Hands and Eyes lifted up to Heaven , and all in Tears , and Sighs ; which is no small trouble to those who thought they had quite routed them : but find they are not so much quasht as it was thought they would have been by the mock Triumph that was made upon Molinos . Nor do they believe a word of those Reports that are spread of his Leudness : they say , there was no Proof ever brought of it ; and that there are many thousands in Rome , of both sexes , that conversed much with him , who have all possible reason to conclude , that all these stories that were given out concerning him , are Impudent Calumnies , set about only to blast Him and his Doctrine : and the truth is , this seems to be much confirmed by the Bull that condemns his Books , and his Doctrine ; in which no mention is made of his ill Life and Hypocrisy , which had been very probably done if the matter had been well proved : since this would not only have satisfied people , with relation to him , but would have very much confirmed the Accusations of those horrid Opinions that are laid to his Charge , Which had appeared with much more Evidence , if it had been found that his Life had agreed with those Tenets : for tho it had not been a just Inference to conclude him guilty of those things , because they were charged on him in the Bull , yet one may reckon it almost a sure Inference , that he is not guilty of them , since the Bull does not tax him for them . A THIRD LETTER , Concerning some of the STATES OF ITALY ; And of their present Interest and Policy . SIR ; I Threw into my former Letter , all those general Reflections on the State of Religion , and the Maxims of the Romans , concerning it , that I could gather together during my Stay at Rome . Now I quit that subject , and shall at present entertain you with some Political Observations , which will be so much the more acceptable , because I fancy they will be new to you . But before I go so far as Italy , I will give you an account of a very curious Salt-work , that I saw in my way to Italy , at Sode near Francfort . It belongs to Mr. Malapert , and has been wrought above 60 years ; but the present Master of it , as he is a man of great worth , so he is very Ingenious , and has much perfected that , which was managed at a much greater Expence before he undertook it . There rises at the foot of some little Hills , which produce a very good Wine , a Spring of Water , that is so very little brackish to the tast , that one will hardly think it possible to fetch much Salt out of it ; yet it has such a tast of Salt , that there was room for Industry to prepare this Water , so that without such an expence in Fire as should eat out the profit , it might turn to a good account ; which Mr. Malapert seems to have carried as far as is possible . The Meadow that lies in the levil with this Spring , is Impregnate with Salt , Iron , Nitre , and Sulphur : but Salt is that which prevails : first then , a Pump is put upon this Spring , which is managed by a Watermil , and throws up the Water about fifteen Foot high ; and then it goes by a Pipe into vast Machines , that are made to receive it . There is a great piece of ground Inclosed , in which there are 24 vast Chests or Cisterns for the Water , in two stories , 12 in a story , the one just over the other ; they are about seventy foot long , twelve broad , and two deep ; over every one of these , there is a roof of boards , supported by wooden Pillars , of 12 foot high ; which covers them from Rain-water , but yet the water within them is in a full exposition to the Sun ; those roofs are hung with straw , upon which some that manage the work , are often throwing up the Water , so that a great deal of the Phlegme is Imbibed by the Straw , and the more fixed parts fall down : according to the heat of the Season , this Evaporation of the watry parts , goes quicker or slower ; there is a Gage , by which they Weigh the Water ; and so they know how the Evaporation advances ; it is of Silver , and is so made , that according to the weight of the Water , it sinks in it to such a depth ; & so by the degrees markt upon it , they know how heavy the Water is : according then to the heat of the season , and the progress of the Evaporation , they let the Water out of one Cistern into another , by a Pipe , and when it has past thro the 12 that are in the upper story , then it is conveyed down by Pipes into the 12 that are below , and in them all they continue still to throw up the water upon the Wit hs of Straw , that are over head . In a word , this Evaporation discharges the Water of so much of its Phlegin , that the same quantity of water , that weighed one ounce when it was drawn from the Spring , weighs six ounces in this last Chest : and all this rolling about of the Water from Chest to Chest lasts sometimes not above twenty day's ; but if the season is only moderately hot , it will be longer a doing ; sometimes it will not be done in a month's time : after that the Water is brought to a very considerable degree of Saltness , it is conveyed into two great Cauldrons , that are 13 foot long , ten broad , & 3½ deep ; under which there are vast Furnaces , where in a most violent Fire of 11 or 12 hours continuance , the Water receives its last Evaporation ; & when that is done , the Salt which is become thick , but is still moist , is taken up in Baskets of Willows , and placed about the wall of the Furnace : and so the humidity that remains in it drops out , and it is brought to its last degree of perfection : out of it , a Tyth is payed ; of which the Elector of Ments has one half , and the City of Francfort the other . This Salt is exceeding good and pleasant to the tast . It is much solider and more like the Portugal Salt , than like our Newcastle salt . It serveth very well all the uses of the Kitchin , and Table : but it has not strength enough to preserve things long . There are vast quantities made of it in hot and dry Summers : for the Chests are always kept full : and thus all Franconia is furnished with Salt of its own Production at very moderate rates ; for there is so great a lessening of the Expence of the fire by this conveyance of the water thro so many Chests , that it is afforded very cheap . This I thought deserved well that I should Interrupt the earnestness in which you be , to hear what I have to tell you concerning Italy , so that I hope you will not be ill pleased with it , especially if your curiosity after the History of nature is as great as it was . I now go over in one step all the Iourney that I made from hence to Italy , which is certainly the highest scituated Country in Europe : for as the Rhine and Danube , that rise in the Alpes , and run down to the Ocean and the Euxine , shewes you that all that tract of ground to those Seas is a constant descent , so when one comes to the Alpes , either on the French or on the German side , he is a great many days in climbing up those vast mountains , but the descent on the Italian side is very Inconsiderable . This appears yet more sensible when one comes from Turin , where the ascent up Mount Senice is but a work of a few hours : and yet from the height of that hill , one is in a constant descent till he comes to Lions . I will not carry you about Italy , to tell you the remarkable things that are there ; but will only tell you some particulars that made the greatest Impression on my self , and which were not seen by Dr. Burnet . In my way from Parma to Mantua , I past at Guastale , which is half way between them , 18 miles distant from both ; where I saw a scene that surprised me . This Town is situated on the southside of the Po , at half a miles distance from it : It was a considerable branch of the Territory of Mantua , that was given off to one of the Cadets of that Family , and was setled in an intail to the Heir male . The best part of the Revenue of this small Principality , was a Duty that was payed for all merchandises that went or came upon the Po , which when the Trade of Italy was in a more flourishing condition than it is at present , was farmed for above Threescore thousand Crowns . The situation of this place makes it yet much more considerable than it is in it self ; for as it lies in the neighbourhood of the Principalities of Parma and Modena , and is not far from the Popes Territory , so if this place is Master of the Po , by crossing it , the detachments that may be sent out from it are not only in the Territory of Mantua , but they may be also in a very few hours both in the Milanese and in the Venetian Dominion ; so that Guastale in some respect may be esteemed the Center of all the States of Lombardy . The Duke of Mantua married the Daughter of the last Duke of Guastalé , who died in the year 1680. and his Nephew Don Vespasiano Gonzaga , who was then in the Spanish service , was acknowledged to be his undoubted Heir : so he came & took peaceable possession of his Dutchy : He was extreamly much beloved by his Subjects , and thought himself at quiet in the enjoyment of his new Dignity : but all this was soon overturned ; for one came to him from the Court of France , to let him know , that that Great King could not be wanting to his Ally the Duke of Mantua , to whom Guastale belonged of right , his Dutchess being the Daughter and Heir of the late Duke , and that therefore since he had usurped the just right of another , the French King warned him , that if he did not withdraw of his own accord , he would give order to put the D. of Mantua in possession . It was to no purpose to argue against all this , and to shew the Messenger that Guastale was a Fee intailed on the Heir male , of which there had never been the least dispute : But reasons taken from the equity of the thing , are seldom thought strong enough to hold the ballance against reasons of State : so the poor Prince being in no condition to resist so powerful an Enemy , was forced to abandon his Right , and to withdraw , and he was again entertained by the Spaniards . For tho there was a sort of a fortification cast about Guastale 50 or 60 year ago , yet as that was at best an Inconsiderable defence , so even that was now quite ruined . Upon his retiring there came a detachement of 300 Men from Cassale , who took possession of Guastale , and continue there to this day : but this had been no great matter , if it had not gone further : some years passed after the new Duke was driven away before the true design of this matter appeared . The world was first to be laid to sleep . The Town it self is composed of about six or seven thousand Inhabitants ; and so the small Garrison in it seemed of no great Consequence , and was rather an Advantage than a prejudice to the Town ; they were kept in very good order , and they payed punctually for every thing that they called for : only they brought the place into the Method of a Garrison ; for all must come in and go out of the Town only at one Gate . But in the beginning of the year 1686. the mystery of this matter begun to appear : for Mr. du Plessis , a French Engineer , came thither , under the pretence of repairing the old Fortifications , and designed a Noble and a Regular Fortification : It is to be a Hexagone , with all necessary Out-works ; and there is a great Splanade that is to be made round the place , and all the houses or trees that are within a considerable distance are to be beat down . In a word , the design is great , and will be executed in all the exactness of the modern Fortification ; so that the advantage of the situation , will make it the most Important place of Italy , and that which will bridle all Lombardy , and be able to put it all under Contribution upon every occasion . The Works were begun in April 1686. and ever since they have kept 400 men constantly at work , upon the pay of a Iulio a day : another year will go near to finish it . And yet tho here the justest ground possible , is given to alarm all Italy , none seems to be so much as concerned at it . The Venetians , that have at all other times , valued themselves upon their prospect of Danger , even at the greatest distance , either do not see this , or dare not own their fear . It is true , all this is carried on in the name of the D. of Mantua : but it is as certain , that tho it lies so near him , he has never been at the pains to go and see it : It has never been so much as once considered by his Council ; nor is his Revenue in such a condition as to bear such an encrease of Expence : and yet it passes among the people there , that this is a great strength , that is to be made to keep the French out of Italy ; and some Priests that are corrupted to serve the French Interests promote this Fiction . If the Venetians look on till this is finished , they will do very well to assure themselves of their new Conquests in the Morea , for their Antient ones in the Terra firma of Italy will probably fail them very quickly . All those of the Territory , who know well that their Princes name is only made use of , for the fortifying this place , look on with great regret , while they see a Work advancing so fast , that is to be a Citadel upon all their Countrey : of which an Ancient Person of Quality , that is there spoke to me with so much feeling , that he could hardly forbear weeping , when he shewed me that Yoke of Slavery under which they were falling . I saw , during my stay in Mantua , how much all the sensible people there , are concerned to see their Prince deliver himself up so blindly to the French Interests : they told me , that since his childhood he has been so beset with the Instruments and Agents of that Court , that his Inclinations for them are become as another nature in him : he was not out of Childhood , when almost all his Domesticks , and his masters , both for Languages and Armes , were furnished him from thence . His putting Cassale in the hands of that Monarch , was one good Evidence , and now the business of Guastale is another , to shew that they have gained such an Ascendant over his Spirit , and have Insinuated themselves so much into him , in all those fatal hours of Liberty which he allows himself , that it is not thought he will stick at any thing that they demand of him , unless it be at his own going into France ; to which he has been much solicited : but it is not so much as doubted , that if he goes once into that Countrey , he will never come out of it again . So he is not like to be wrought on so far ; and if it were not for some such apprehension , it is like enough that he might undertake the Journey ; for he does not love staying in his Principality so well , but takes pleasure to ramble about ; and he devests himself often of the Ceremonies of his Greatness , that so he may take a freer career in those Exercises , that he loves better than his Affairs : and a Prince , whose Revenue is none of the greatest , and whose expence is often Irregular , who has an active Envoy always near him , and who is ever ready to furnish him with Money , falls naturally into a great dependence on that Court. Of this a very Extraordinary Instance appeared not long ago , in the Disgrace of the Marquisses of Cannosse and Palliotti : the first of these is his Kinsman , and has served him now for many years , with as much Fidelity as Affection ; the second was Captain of his Guards , and Governour of the Castle of Mantua which commands the Town . These then had the Courage as well as the Fidelity , to lay before him the Ruin that he was like to bring upon himself as well as upon all Italy , by delivering himself up so intirely to the French Councils , and by putting them first in possession of Guastale , and now suffering then to Fortify it , which was in effect the delivering up of his Principality , and of all his People to them ; who looked upon themselves as brought already under a Forreign Yoke : they also represented to him the danger of having almost no other Domesticks but Frenchmen about him , who were all as so many Spies upon him , and upon all that were near him , and that were very exact in giving the French Envoy Mr. Baumbeau an account of every thing that he either said or did . These Demonstrances made some Impressions on the Duke , and he promised to them to find out an effectuall Remedy to all those Evils : But this was not a secret very long ; Money and Spies find out every thing ; and it is possible that they who gave the Duke these faithfull Advices might have been engaged to it , either by some Instruments of the Court of Spain , or of the Republick of Venice : yet the truth of this is not known , but the French Envoy made a shift to charge them so heavily , that he got them both to be made close Prisoners ; in this condition they were when I was at Mantua , and no body durst so much as mention their Names , much less Interpose for them . All the Princes of Italy , are as Absolute in their own Dominions , and as much delivered from all the bonds of Law , as some greater Kings are , so their subjects are at their Mercy , both for their Lives , Liberties , and Estates : and this is that from which one may take a sure measure of the weakness of Italy . Subjects that retain still all the due liberties of humane nature , and that are not under an Arbitrary but a Legall Government ; fight for themselves , as well as for their Prince ; but if they are already as miserable as they can be , so that a change may perhaps put them in a better condition , but can hardly put them in a worse , they will not much concern themselves in their Princes Quarrel , since they only fight for the continuance , if not for the encrease of their Slavery . But now to return to the Duke of Mantua ; the French Envoy has since that time stuck closer to him than ever ; he indeed waits always on him , sometimes acting like an Officer of his Houshold , and at other times like the Governour of his Person : he made the tour of Italy with him this year , and waited on him to Millan , Genoa , Florence , Rome , Naples and Venice , where they passed the Carnavall together : and he took a most particular care that the Duke should meet with none in all those places , that might open his eyes , to let him see the Ruin that he is bringing upon himself ; yet after all , one of his Secretaries , had still the Integrity and Courage to give him such faithful Councels , as had been fatal to others : yet the Duke used him better than he had done the two Marquisses : for tho the French Spies discovered him likewise , yet , nothing could be done to hurt him in the Dukes good opinion , therefore it was resolved to take another method to tear so dangerous a man from him ; so he being sent to negotiate some business at the Court of Turin , was often invited to go a Hunting , which he resisted for a great while , tho the French Ambassadour pressed him much to it ; at last he was overcome , but his sport was fatal to him ; for he was seised on , and carried by a small Party sent from Pignarol as is believed . In short , he is in the hands of the French , and it is said in Italy , that he is clapt up in St. Margarite one of the little Islands in the Mediterranean sea . This matter was at first highly resented by the Duke , but a little time will shew whether the earesses of the Court of France can soften him in this matter or not ; for if they can lay him asleep after such an Attempt , then all persons will conclude that he is so much in their power , that none will dare to run the hazard of undeceiving him any more . Those in the Mountferrat feel what a Neighbour Cassal is to them ; that Imperious way of proceeding , without having any great regard to Justice , or to Contracts and Aggreements , that is practised in France , begins to be felt here likewise : of which many smaller Instances were given me , but I will tell you two that were more remarkable ; when the Garrison was first setled in Cassal , those of the Mountferrat held the price of their Corn so high , that it was hard to furnish the Garrison with Bread : so some of Piedmont undertook to supply them for two years at 21 Livers the Ration , and the bargain being made ▪ they bought in great stores , and so they quickly filled their Granaries : upon this some in the Mountferrat came and offered to serve the Garrison at 14 Livers the Ration , upon which the other bargain tho made as sure as any such contract can possibly be made , was broke , and the undertakers were ruined by it . The other story was , that in order to the building the Fortifications , some Masons made a bargain at 32 Livers such a measure , so they brought together a great number of Workmen , and were at work ; when others came and offer'd to perform the work at 28 Livers , for which the others had 32 Livers , only they demanded a considerable advance ; so the first Bargain was presently broken , to the great loss of the Undertakers : but the 2d Undertakers , that had Money advanced them , found they had made a Bargain that was too hard for them to execute , so they ran away with the Money , to the great joy of the Countrey . He that told me this , said , that perhaps it surprised the Italians , who were not yet acquainted with such things ; but nothing of that kind would seem extraordinary in France , which was so much accustomed to such a way of proceeding that he gave me a particular account of so many , that he had reason to know well , as would fill a Book : but that which touched him most sensibly , was the Fonds that was made for an East-India Company , to which the King gave in three Millions , with this positive Assurance , that all the Losses and Dammage of the Company should fall on that Stock . This was a great encouragment to draw in men , to put Money into the stock , and the Court set on the Project with so much Zeal , that Letters were writ to all the great Bodies and Towns of France , that were considered rather as Commands than Desires : yet after all were engaged , upon the first occasion the Kings three Millions were taken out of the stock , and the rest were left to shift for themselves . But I must here give you an account of a very Extraordinary Transaction in the Court of Turin , which is likewise thought an effect of the Authority that the Councils of France have likewise there . The Marquis de Pianesse the son of him that set on the Massacre of the Protestants in the Valleys of Piedmont 34 years ago , was in great favour with the late Duke of Savoy , but the war of Genoa miscarried so in his hands in the year 1672 that the Duke could never forgive him that matter ; of which the Resentments were so quick when he died , that he left a charge on Madame Royale , never to forgive him , nor to Imploy him : he upon his Disgrace retired into France and was so well entertained there , that he had Interest enough to procure a Recommendation from the King to the Dutchess of Savoy in his favour ; but her Excuse was so reasonable , being founded on the Orders she had received from the Duke on his Death bed , that there was no reply to be made to it : yet afterwards a Nephew of his , the Count Massin , was so happy in the Dutchesses favour , that he found he only wanted a Head as able as his Vncles was to support him in that credit , which her favour gave him : and he was so much in the good graces of Mad. Royale , that he at last prevailed with her to bring his Vncle into the chief Ministry ; he being certainly one of the ablest men that belongs to that Court ; and the pretence found to bring this about decently , was , that the Dutchesse did secretly Intimate to the Court of France , that she found it necessary to Imploy the Marq. de Pianesse , and therfore she desired that the King would renew his recommendation of him , which being done , he was received into the Ministry , and had the chief stroke in all Affairs : he placed another of his Nephews about the Duke , and supported him so that he got very far into his favour , so Mr. de Pianesse observing great Disorders in the Government , and a great and useless Consumption of the Revenue , he Instructed his Nephew that was about the Duke so well , that he entertained the young Duke often upon these heads , who was not then 15 year old : he shewed him how his Countrey was ruined by his Mothers ill conduct , and was always suggesting to him the Necessity of his assuming the Government , and putting an end to his Mothers Regency , which is a discourse to which all Persons of that Age have such a natural Inclination , that it was no wonder if both Vncle and Nephew came to believe that the Duke hearkned to the Proposition : but the Duke thought it too hardy a thing to venture on it , without consulting it with some wiser heads ; upon which Mr. de Pianesses Nephew told him , that he would bring his Vncle to him , who would conduct the matter for him ; for tho he had great obligations to Madam Royale , yet his Fidelity to his Prince , and his Affection to his Countrey overcame them all . This was a great surprise to the Duke , who looked on Mr. de Pianesse as the person in the World , that was the most obliged to his Mother , and that was the most in her Interests : and it was believed that the prejudice which this gave him , blasted this whole design : yet he gave him several Audiences in secret , and had concerted with him the whole method , both of assuming and managing the Government : which was carried on so secretly , that there was no suspition of the matter , till the day before it was to break out , and that the Duke was to withdraw himself from his Mother : but then it was discovered , and the Duke to reconcile himself to his Mother , sacrificed the Marq. de Pianesse to her resentments : he was not only Disgraced , and put in Prison , but his processe was made before the Court of Parliament of Chambery , for having endeavoured to throw the Government into a Confusion , by sowing of Division between the Duke and his Mother : yet he defended himself so well that he was acquitted , but he continues still a Prisoner : upon his Disgrace , there was none that durst oppose himself to Mad. Royale , or offer any advices to the Duke , so that the Court of Turin was as absolutely governed by the Directions that were sent from the Court of France , as if the one had been the Vassal , if not the Subject to the other . I will not prosecute this discourse to tell you that which all Europe knows , of the designed Match with the Infanta of Portugal , by which Savoy and Piedmont would have undoubtely fallen into the hands of the French. The breaking of this , and the Dukes being Poysoned , as well as his Father had been , tho his youth carried him thro it , are things too well known , for you to be Ignorant of them . It is true , those who Poysoned the present Duke , have not been yet Discovered and punished , as those were who poysoned his Father . While I was at Turin , there was a discourse , that the Duke was reflecting on the Wise Advices that Mr. de Pianesse had given him , and that he Intended not only to bring him out of prison , but to receive him again into the Ministry , which is confirmed to me since I left those parts . There is nothing more Visible , than that the Dukes of Savoy have sunk extreamly in this Age , from the figure which they made in the last ; and how much soever they may have raised their Titular Dignity , in having the Title of Royal Highness given them , they have lost as much in the Figure , that they made in the affairs of Europe : and it is now almost too late to think of a Remedy : for Pignerol and Cassal are two very Inconvenient neighbours . The truth is , the Vanity of this Title , and the expenceful humour that their late Marriages with France has spread among them , have undone them , for instead of keeping good Troops and strong places , all the Revenue goes to the keeping up of the Magnificence of the Court ; which is indeed very splendid . I will not ingage in a Relation of this last Affair of the Valleys of Piedmont ; for I could not find particulars enough , to give you that so distinctly as you may perhaps desire it . It was all over , long before I came to Turin ? but this I found , that all the Court there , were ashamed of the matter : aud they took pains upon Strangers , not without some affectation , to convince them that the Duke was very hardly drawn to it : that he was long pressed to it , by the repeated Instances from the Court of France ; that he excused it , representing to the Court of France the constant Fidelity of those people ever since the last Edict of Pacification , and their great Industry , so that they were the profitablest Subjects that the Duke had , and that the body of men which they had given his Father in the last War with Genoa , had done great Service ; for it saved the whole Army : but all these Excuses were without effect ; for the Court of France having broken its own Faith , that had been given to Hereticks , and in that shewed , how true a respect it pays to the Council of Constance , had a mind to engage other Princes to follow this new Pattern of Fidelity that it set the world : so the Duke was not only pressed to extirpate the Hereticks of those Valeys ; but this Threatning was added , that if he would not do it , the King would send his own Troops to extirpate Heresy ; for he would not only not suffer it in his own Kingdom , but would even drive it out of his Neighbourhood . He who told me all this , knowing of what Countrey I was , added , that perhaps he would within a little while send the like Messages to some others of his Neighbours . But to return to the expence that is made in the Court of Turin , I cannot forget a discourse that I had on this subject with a German , that was a man of very good sense : he told me , that nothing ruined the Empire so much , as the great Magnificence which all the Princes affected to keep up in their Courts ; and the Luxury in which they begun to live , which had much corrupted the Antient Simplicity and Gallantry of that great and Warlike Nation . Not only the Nobility , but their very Princes travel into France ; and are so much taken with the Splendor & Luxury that they see there , that they return home quite spoiled with the ill Impressions that this makes on them . They carry home with them French-Cooks , and all the contrivances of Pleasure that are so much studied there , for the vitiating the minds of their Countreymen : and by a vast Expence , they not only exhaust their Revenue , and ruin their Subjects , but they become so liable to corruption , that if their Income at home cannot support their charge , both their Princes and their Ministers are reduced , as it were to the necessity of taking Pensions , from those whose Instruments have set on this Luxury , and whose Pensions will still support it , till the Germans are sufficiently enervated by the Feebleness into which all that Luxury must needs throw them , and then they will despise and trample upon them , as much as they do now Court them . He who told me all this , added , that the little Princes of the Empire , affected now as much Splendor in their Courts as the Electors did in the last Age , and that the Electors lived now in as much Magnificence as Crowned Heads did formerly . But he carried his Observation further , and having staied some considerable time both in Switzerland and Holland , he added , that Luxury and Expence were wicked things even in Monarchys , but they were fatal and destructive when they got into Common-wealths ; of which the History of Lacedemon , Athens , and above all of Rome , give proofs that are beyond exception ; for there is a Humility , a Sobriety , and a Frugality , that is so necessary for their preservation ; that Kingdomes can be better-maintained without Troops and strong Places , than Common-wealths without these . An Emulation in Expence , a Vanity in Clothes , Furniture , or Entertainments , are so contrary to all the principles upon which a Common-wealth must be either built or preserved , that he said , he thought that the Dutch had lost more of their real Strength , by the Progress that this Pest makes among them , than by all the Expence of the last War , of which they complain so much : and indeed the men of Luxury and Vanity ought to be driven out of Common-wealths , as publick Enemies to the Constitution of the Government : since an irregular Profusion throws them into Injustice and Oppression , and may in time expose them to the Corruption of other Princes , and dissolves that Industry and Application for Affairs by which only they can subsist : for all the Maximes that relate to a Common-wealth , there is none more Indispensable , than that all men regulate their Expence , so that it may not exceed their Income : and therefore he admired that part of the Venetian Constitution , that regulates the Expence of their Nobility ; and concluded , that if the States and the Cantons did not put an effectual stop to the Progress of those Disorders among them , the Figure that they had made in all the Affairs of Europe , as it was in a great degree already Eclipsed among the Cantons , so would sink apace even in the States ; and this was all that was wanting , to set up a new Monarchy in the West . But I have got such a trick of making Digressions , that I find it is hardly possible for me to hold long close to a point : there is something in travelling , I fancy , that makes a mans thoughts reel ; and that leads his Pen to wander about as much as his Person does : yet I remember still what drew me into all this ramble ; It was the business of Guastale , and the Court of Mantua that led me so far about . I will say no more to you of the rest of Lombardy ; nor will I enter into any description of Tuscany ; but shall only tell you one thing , which both touched me much and pleased me extreamly . I need not inlarge to you on the Poverty & Misery that appears in Pisa , where there remains yet enough to shew what they once were , and how much they are now sunk from what they were while they were a Free State : but all this is much more sensible , when one goes from hence to Lucca , which tho it has not the advantage of situation that Pisa has , yet is quite another sort of a place . The Town is well built , full of People , and as full of Wealth : the whole soil of this small State is well Cultivated and is full of Villages , all the marks and effects of Liberty appear , in an Universal Civility , & a generous and frank way of living : This is also the place of all Italy that is freest of all Crimes and Publick Vices ; they value themselves upon nothing but their Liberty , of which the State is so Jealous , that the frequent change of their Magistrates , from two Moneths to two Moneths , & the Restraint in which they are kept while they bear Office , they being indeed honorable Prisoners all the while , have preserved that here , which so ▪ many of their Neighbouring States have lost : and as Liberty is engraven in Capital Letters , upon the Publick Buildings of this State , so it appears to be much deeper in all their Hearts . One sees the Effects of their Wealth , in all their Publick works , as well as in the Fortifications of this place , which are much better , and better kept than in any place I saw in Italy , except Genoa . There is on the inward side of the Ramparts , a noble Plantation , which is one of the beautifullest Decorations that belongs to this place ; for as there is a considerable space left void between the Ramparts and the Buildings , so this is planted all about the whole Town , with several rows of Trees , which afford pleasant Walks , and a lovely Shade , which is no small matter , where they are exposed to so hot a Sun. I come in the last place to give you an account of Genoa , which tho it is not able now to Compete as it did some Ages ago with the Republick of Venice , yet is still a great Body and full of Wealth ; one that comes out of the Popes Patrimony and Tuscany , into this narrow border that lies between the Hills and the Sea , should expect to find as great a difference between their abounding in People and Wealth , as there is between the soil of these two Countries : but he finds the change just contrary to what in reason he ought to expect : for all this edge of soil , is so full of Villages and Towns , and there is so great a plenty of Money and of every thing else here , that it Amases a Traveller no less , than the abandoned state of those other places . The numbers of the subjects of this Republick , are estimated to 330000 Persons ; which are thus reckoned up ; In the Town of Genoa it self there are about 80000. Persons : in the Villages and Towns that lie Westward there are 120000. and 30000. in those that lie to the East : and the Inhabitants of the Island of Corsica are reckoned to be 100000. They keep two small Forts in Corsica , one at Calvi on that end that looks to Genoa , and another at Boniface on the other end that looks to Sardinia ; for they have let S. Fiorenza and some other small places go to ruin . These two are considerable in themselves , and command two very good Harbours ; yet as the building in Calvi are too much exposed and too high , so Boniface is under a high Ground , that is within musket shut of it , and that commands it : these places are now in a sad condition , ill kept , and ill furnished both with Men and Animunition , so that they could not make a great Resistance , there being but 150 men in Calvi , and 200 in Boniface ; and it is believed , that the reason of their letting S. Fiorenza go to ruin , is , the Greatness of the Place , and the Expence of keeping it . The Corses are extreamly brave , and have a Rage in their courage , that would be much more valueable and usefull than it is if they were more governable , and could be brought under an exact Discipline : but they are unruly , and as apt to Mutiny , when they see no Enemy , as to fight well when it comes to that . The compass of the Fortification of Genoa is an amasing thing ; for it runs all along the hills in a compass of many miles , I was told it was above 15 mile , & in the Expence that has been laid out on this and on the two Moles , chiefly the new one , one sees that this State spares nothing which Publick safety or the Convenience of Trade do require : these Publick Works has run the Republick into a vast debt ; for they owe above Nine Millions of Crowns that are upon the Bank , besides several other debts , in particular their great Debt to St. Georges House ; the greatest part of the Revenue of this State stands engaged for the Interest that they pay , so that tho the whole Revenue amounts to 1200000 Crowns , they reckon that 900000 Crowns of this is engaged , so that they have only three hundred thousand Crowns clear for their whole Expence , which is so small a matter , that it is no wonder if they are in a low condition , and can do little upon so narrow a fond : their Revenue rises chiefly out of an Excise that falls so equally upon all the Subjects of this State , that they reckon that every man in Genoa , payes six Crowns a year to the State. The whole Land Forces of this State were but 3500 men , yet of late they have raised them up to 4000 men ; of which 2500 are the Garrison of the City , and there are 600 in Savona , which after the City it self is the most Important place that belongs to this State : the extent of the whole Countrey , that goes by the name of the River of Genoa , is 180 miles , of which 120 lie Westward , and 60 lie Eastward ; the Mountains that are almost Impassible are thought a sufficient Defence to cover them from their Neighbours in Lombardy , and from the Duke of Savoy , and the State of Millan . It is true , they have one Fort called Gavi , that is 25 miles distant from the Town , which has all the advantages of sitution that are possible for keeping the Passes thro the Mountains : but as they keep only a Garrison of 120 men in it , so all things in it are so neglected , that it could make no considerable Resistance to an Enemy that could attack in vigorously . In short , the strength of this State is very Inconsiderable , their Souldiers are ill Disciplined , their Officers want Experience , and they have no good Engineers ; the New Mole is indeed a vast work , built out into the Sea seven fathom deep , and there are an hundred pieces of Cannon on it to defend the Old Mole ; their Naval forces consist in six Galleys , and and two Men of War ; but these are not kept as Ships of War , but are Imployed rather as Merchant-men , so that they not only bear their own Expence , but bring in an Overplus to the State. Finale , which is the only Seaport that belongs to the State of Millan , is a poor abandoned Village without either Fortification or Garrison , nor do the Spanish Galleys come there any more ; but make Genoa it self their Step , and Passage between Spain and Millan : so that an attempt upon Genoa was indeed the taking of all the Milanese , since the communication between Spain and it , being now thro Genoa , whensoever this Republick falls into the hands of the French , all the Millanese must fall of it self , or rather indeed all Italy , must needs fall with it . This is as far as I could understand it the outward force of Genoa : for it can expect little from its Allies , it having none at all beside Spain : and the Slowness and Feebleness of that Court , are too visible to give any State great Courage that has no other support besides this to depend on : As for their Neighbours in Italy , they have no sort of Commerce with them ; for they pretend to a degree of Precedence , equal to the Venetians : and to have the respect of a Crowned Head pay'd to them , and this cuts off all Communication with the other Courts of Italy , who consider Venice in another manner than they do Genoa . As for Spain , they have all possible Engagements with it : many of the richest Families of Genoa have great Estates in the Milanese , and the other Dominions of the King of Spain ; so that they must upon their own account be true to the Interests of that Crown , and Spain is as much concerned in their preservation as in any of its own Provinces , since it defends their Empire in Italy ; so that Genoa and Spain are now inseparably united to one another , by their mutual Interests . But I come next to give you some account of the Inward state of Genoa . It is known , that the Liberty was restored to them , by the most earnest Intercession of that great Captain , and gallant Countrey-man , Andreas Doria , whose Statue , in remembrance of this , is set up in an open place in their Town : this was in the year 1528. yet tho from that time they had their Government in their own hands , they were still obliged to let a Squadron of the Spanish Gallys , stand in their Arsenal , who kept then a Fleet of about 80. Gallys , so that till Spain was so much sunk from its former Greatness , that it was no more a Terrour to any of its Neighbours , Genoa was still in great dread of having their Liberty swallowed up by them , and therefore they do not reckon their entire Liberty but from the year 1624. or 1625. that they saw themselves out of all Danger from any of their Neighbours : France was not then begun to grow strong at Sea , and Spain was strong no where ; so that since that time , till France began to put out great Fleets , and that they had such a dreadful Neighbour of Touloun , they were safe and at quiet : but they fell under the common Disease of all Common-wealths , when they are long in Peace , and while their Commerce flourishes ; a Spirit of Insolence and of Faction began to spread it self over the whole Town , which was grown to such a height , that in the Project that was offered to the Court of France , shewing the easiness of this Conquest ( of which I have seen the Copy ) the Divisions and Factions amongst them are proposed , as the chief ground upon which they founded the Probability of the ruin of that Common-wealth . There are three sorts of Persons in Genoa , the Nobility , the Citizens , and the Inferior People . There are two Ranks of Nobility , the one is of the more Antient Families , the other is of those who have been chosen and raised up to that Dignity of late . It is true , the Aggreement that was made in the year 1576. between them , is exactly observed , by which the Government and the Publick Imployments are to be equally divided between them : but yet there is so great a height of Pride kept up among the Ancient Families , that they will not Inter-marry with the other , and think it a diminution to them , to enter into any Familiarity with them , and even to keep them Company : this on the other hand kindles an Indignation in those latter Families , when they see themselves so much despised by the other . The Ancient Families have a necessary Dependence upon the Crown of Spain , by the great Estates that they have in their Dominions ; but the others , whole Estates lie rather in Money , which either is in the Bank , or that runs out in Exchange or Trade , they are concerned in nothing but in the preservation of their Bank , and by consequence in their Liberty ; for none can doubt but that if they fell in the power of another Prince , the Debts on the Bank would be but ill payd . Thus the Nobility stand divided into two Factions , which discover their Animosities to one another upon very many occasions : for Publick Imployments are sought after here , with as much Intrigue as elsewhere . I will give you only one Instance of this , because it is both very refined , and it related to that Doge , whose Government was so unhappy both by the Bombarding of Genoa , and by his own going to Versailles to ask Pardon . He himself was a Man of a quiet temper , that did not aspire ; but his Wife could not be satisfied till he was Doge , and she Dogesse : so she set so many Machines at work , that after the several tours , that the matter made in the many Ballottings , it came to the fixing of the last three out of whom the Doge was to be chosen : and her Husband was one of them ; but there being one of the three , of whom she was very apprehensive , she engaged one of her Friends , to seem so assured of his Election , as to lay considerable wagers with several of the Electors , who were likeliest to favour him , that he should be chosen : now they having a greater mind to win their Betts , than to promote their Friend , gave their Votes in favour of him , that was upon that made Doge . The 2d body in Genoa is that of the Citizens , who seem to be extreamly weary of the Insolence of the Nobility ; and there are many among them , that think themselves no way Inferiour to them , neither in the Antiquity , nor in the Dignity of their Families . They do also complain of a great Injustice done them by the Nobility ; for in the agreement made between the Nobility and the Citizens , in the year 1528. one Article was , that every year ten Citizens should be according to their merit received into their body . It is certain , that if this had been observed , the Nobility of Genoa had become by this time so common , that this would have sunk its dignity extreamly : but instead of doing this yearly , it is now done but once in 30 years : so the Citizens complane much , that this Encouragment and Recompence of Merit is now withdrawn . The Nobility pretend on the other hand , that by that Agreement , they are only enabled to make an Annuall promotion , but that they are not obliged to it : and I was told , that the Originall Record of that Agreement , could not be found now ; and no doubt it has been destroyed by the Order of the Senate . In short , the Citizens have so great an aversion to the Government , that it was generally thought that they would easily be prevailed on to shake it oft , and to throw themselves rather into the Armes of another Prince , who would certainly have very soon trampled upon them all equally ; for it is too common a thing , to see in all those Intestine Factions , that angry and ill-natured men , consider the last Injury , more that all other things : and are ready to sacrifice all to their Resentments : and are so intent upon their Revenges , that often they will not look into the Consequences of what they do , but go on , which way soever the Anger of the Faction drives them : and those who are wise enough , to make their own Advantage of those Quarrels , and that are dextrous enough to manage them artificially , make commonly those parties take their turns in using one another ill , in which they know how to find their account : and as this observation holds often in Colder Climates , so in a Countrey where revenges are very much studied and gratified , no wonder if this was much relied on . The third rank is of the Trades men and Rabble , who have their chief , dependance upon the great Nobility : but they are a Vicious and dissolute sort of People , as any are in the world . And indeed all Genoa is so extreamly corrupt , so Ignorant , and so brutal , and so little acquainted with the true Notions of Government , that here is a Common-wealth degenerated to such a degree , that it cannot resist a considerable shock . The Subjects are excessively Rich , tho the State is Poor : and this appears both in the Magnificence of their Buildings , which is beyond Imagination , and in the great Wealth that is in their Churches and Convents , which seemed to me to be beyond what is in Venice it self . A sensible man that I knew there told me , that as there was among them a sort of Impunity to all Kind of Vice , so their gross Ignorance made them Incapable to conduct their State ; for while their Wealth blew them up , with that Pride that it commonly produces in mean Souls , and when their Intrigues brought them into a considerable share of the Government , they satisfied themselves with carrying on the Interests of their own Cabal , and depressing those that opposed them , without opening their minds to so great a thought , as that of correcting or securing their Common wealth . They neither had Heads nor Hearts capable of a vigorous Defence : and they knew nothing of what was doing abroad ; but contented themselves with minding the Interest of their City Factions . He added , that when a Common-wealth fell once into this Disease , it was in a much worse state , than any to which the Rigour even of an unhappy War , could reduce it : as a man whose Vitals are Inwardly corrupted , is in a much worse condition , than he that has received many Wounds ; Nature may bring him thro the one , tho he had lost ever so much blood ; whereas it must sink under the other : so all the mischief that could befall a Common-wealth could hardly destroy it , if it retain'd the Inward vigour of its first Maximes and Constitution : and he did not stick to say , that as high as the States of Holland were now in holding the ballance of Europe , if their Towns fell once into established factions , if Learning sunk among them , so that their Magistrates grew Ignorant , chiefly of the Affairs of Europe , if they came to have a Magistracy , that had not the right understanding of War , and the Courage with which some practice in Military matters Inspire men , and if their Wealth swelled them up to an Unreasonable Pride , and that men rise more upon the little Intrigues of City Factions , than upon true merit ; whensoever , he said , the States fell into this disease , then the strength of that Republick was gone ; and tho they might subsist after that longer or shorter , according to the Conjuncture of Affairs , yet one might reckon them to be in their decline , which must end in a most certain Ruin to them , either within doors , or from abroad . I have now told you enough to let you see how reasonable a Project it was to send a fleet against so feeble a body ; which without most prodigious Errors in the management , could not have miscarried : and this is so clear , and so confessed by every man in Genoa , that one rather Wonders how they found a way to conduct it so ill . The man that formed the whole project was Stiven Valdyron of Nismes , and a Protestant , who is a person of a very good Understanding , and having lived above 12 years in Genoa , had time enough not only to raise a very good Estate out of his Trade , but to see into the whole Feebleness of that Government . I conversed long and much with him : and having since that time been in Genoa it self , I have seen so clearly the truth of all that he told me , that I may now assure you of all that I learnt from him . He had a strange affection to his Great Monarch , and fancied that the obligations of raising his Glory , was superiour to all other : and no doubt he reckoned to find his own account in it , if he could have been the occasion of making the King of France Master of Genoa : therefore he drew up the whole Project , and shewed both of what Importance the thing was ; and how easily it might be executed : for I have a Copy of the whole Scheme , which Mr. St. Olon sent to the Court of France , of which Mr. Valdyron was indeed the Author ; the design being entertained , St. Olon had an Intimation given him , to withdraw some day 's before the French fleet came before the Town . But Valdyron was left to try his hard fate ; for as soon as the Fleet began to do Acts of Hostility , Valdyron , who had been known to be much with St. Olon , was clapt in Prison , and while he was in it , a Bomb broke thro his Prison , but did him to hurt , only the violent noise it made weakned the Tympan of his Ear so much , that he lost his hearing of one side . But he , as well as all Genoa , fancied they were lost , and that the French must be certainly Masters of the Place in a few hours . The Consternation and Confusion was so great , that if at first a great shower of Bombs had been thrown into the Town , and a descent had been made , they had certainly succeeded ; for the people were in such a disorder , that the Magistrates were not regarded ; and indeed many of them shewed as much fear as the rabble did . But the French , instead of beginning vigorously at first , threw in one Bomb , and after some hours another ; and so went on slowly for a day or two ; in which time , the People began to get into order , and to take heart : and now their first fear , turned to a Rage against the French ; so that when they made a descent , they found such a Resistance , that they were forced to go back to their Ships , having left behind them 500 of their best Men : and the Fleet continued Bombarding the Town , till they had shot all their Bombs ; and when their store was spent , they sail'd away , having laid a great many noble buildings in ruines . The morality of this way of proceeding , was somewhat hard to be found out : the Italians do not stick to say , it was an Assassinat , when without Warning or proceeding in the way of a fair War , a fleet came and surprised and burnt a Town : but the Conduct was as extraordinary , as the Action it self was honorable and worthy of a MOST CHRISTIAN KING . It was pleasant to hear a Spaniard , that belonged to the Count of Melgar talk of this matter : he said , that in this , France had acted as it had done on many other occasions , in which tho it had the favourablest conjuncture possible , it had done nothing suteable to what might have been expected ; for tho they had here a calm Sea , for four dayes , which is a very Extraordinary thing in the Bay of Genoa , that is almost alwayes in a Storm , and tho they had surprised the Town , that had not the least apprehension of such a Design , and found them in a condition not likely to have resisted a much smaller Force ; yet he said , that Feebleness which had appeared upon many other occasions , shewed it self likewise here , since this great Expedition failed , and the Reproach of first attempting it , and then Miscarrying in it , was studied to be carried off by this , that the design was only to Chastise Genoa , at which there is not a man in the Town that does not laugh . He upon this took a great compass for these last twenty years backwards , to shew that there was nothing extraordinary in all this Reign , that had been the Subject of so many Panegyricks , unless this may be reckoned extraordinary , that there has been so little progress made , when they had the fairest opportunities possible : an Infant King of Spain , and a feeble Council , and a Distraction in the States of Holland ; so that the first Successes that were the Effects of the weakness and surprise of those that were attackt , are rather a Reproach than a Glory to a Reign , that has understood so ill how to serve it self of those advantages , that had nothing of the Greatness of a Conquering Genius in it ; and where the Ministry shewed rather an exactness in executing little Projects , than a largeness of Soul in laying vast ones . I could not but be pleased to see a Spaniard , find somewhat that entertained his Pride in the Contempt of the French , at the same time that the low estate of their Affairs , made him feel the depression of their own Empire as much as the progress of the Great Monarch of France . But now I cannot but tell you the rest of Valdyron's Story : as soon as the French were gone , the Government of Genoa began to examin him , but he stood to his denial , and said , he knew nothing : all his Effects were seised on and dissipated , and he himself was four or five times put to the strapado , which was done by tying his hands behind his back , and fetching them over his Head , which disjoynted his Armes and Shoulder-blades , in a most terrible manner , yet he had the firmness to stand it out : and so they could draw nothing from him : but as soon as the Court of France understood , that both he , and several other Frenchmen , that lived in Genoa , were put in Prison , the Resident of Genoa was clapt up at Paris : and when the Overtures were made to accommodate this matter , Valdyron was no more ill used , and after some Months he was set at Liberty : but his Estate was quite lost : yet he came to France , not doubting but that so great a Service , and such severe Suffering , would have procured him some considerable Reward : but after he had languished there above a year , he got a Pension , that was just enough to keep him alive , of two hundred Crowns : and even that was stopt , as soon it was known that he was of the Religion , till he changed . This piece of Gratitude for such a Service , that had cost him so dear , was no extraordinary Encouragement for others to venture as he had done . Yet I who knew him well , for almost two years , could not but admire the wonderful Zeal he had for the Glory of his King ; for in the midst of all his Misery , and of all the Neglect he met with , having fallen from so flourishing a condition , he could never be brought to think that he had done foolishly : but was rather proud of it , that he had formed so sure a Scheme , for putting Genoa into his Masters hands : & this he said often to me , when he was so poor , that he did not know where to dine . The affinity of the matter , makes me call to mind a conversation that I had at Rome , with two of the Old Magistrates of Messina ; who had been men that bore a great stroak in that Town , during the Revolt : and were then reduced to the misery of accepting a Charity . They told us , that all the Oaths , that Mr. de Vivonne , and Mr. la Fueillade , swore to them in the Kings name , as well as in their own , never to abandon them , which were made upon the Sacrament , besides whole Valleys of Oaths , that Mr. la Fueillade made them from morning to night , while he was among them , it seems went for nothing , but matters of form : yet they said , they thought the French Ministry would have considered the Kings Interests , if they had no regard to his Honour . They added , that if the King of France , when he found the War of Messina lay heavy upon him , had sent to Spain , and offered to that Court , as a pledge of the Peace that he was offering them at Nimmegen , to put Messina again in to their hands , provided they would grant an Indemnity for what was past , and a Confirmation of their Antient Priviledges , of which he himself would be the Garand , this they said the Spaniards would have without doubt , accepted as something come to them from Heaven : and if the matter had ended thus , as it would have been highly honourable for the King , so it would have given him the dependance both of Sicily and Naples , and have kept them still in a disposition to throw themselves into his hands : whereas in the way that their business ended , if there should be in any time hereafter , a provocation given in those parts to revolt , they would sooner throw themselves into the Armes of the Turk , if he should be again in a condition to protect them , than of those who had abandoned them in so strange a manner , taking no care neither of the Priviledges of the Town in general , nor of those particular Persons , who had rendred themselves unpardonable to the Spaniards . It is true , some were brought away to France , the two that I have mentioned were of that number , and had small Pensions assigned them , which were but ill payed : and because some of them had not patience enough to bear such an unlooked for Usage , but complained freely of it , a pretence was taken from thence , to banish them all out of France ; so that ever since they have suffered a great deal of Misery . I will not digress so far as to give you an account of that whole Revolt , which they justified to us , from the great Priviledges of their Town , which were indeed such as made it a sort of a Common-wealth : that had a right to defend it self against those manifest Infractions with which they charged the Spaniards . They told us , that the Confiscations of Messina had amounted to twenty Millions : and yet for all that the King of Spain was not much the richer by their Ruin ; for the Vice-Roy and Government of Sicily , pretended to exhaust all by a Citadel that they are building : and by some other publick Works . In Conclusion , the two poor Messinesses , seeing a Dutchman in our Company , turned the Discourse to him , and wished him to warn his Countreymen , by their Fate , how much some Courts ought to be relied on . And now I have done with all the Political Observations , that I could make in Italy . But as I begun this Letter with one piece of Natural History , I will end it with another . The first was a way of preparing of Salt , and the second is a new way of preparing of Vitriol , which was lately set up in the Sulfatara , near Puzzolo . It has not been long enough a going , to enable one to judge how it will succeed ; but yet all things are very promising ; and that which gives a good Prospect of it , is , that all is done without the expence of any fire . The Method of it is this . There are several Cistorns made in that great Bottom of the Sulfatara , of great stones Cemented very close : into these all the Rain both of that Bottom , and of the little Hills that are round it does fall , which is impregnated with Vitriol : they do also lay a great many Tiles and Bricks before all those Vents , that the Fire which is in this Soil makes : and where the Smoke comes out , with so rapid a violence ; so that this Smoke passing thro these Bricks , leaves a great deal of Sulphur and Vitriol upon them : and these Bricks are washed in those Cisterns , and by this means the Water becomes impregnated with Vitriol : then they put the Water into Coppers , which they set over those violent hot Eruptions ; so that this serves as a Fire , to evaporate the Phlegm , and so they find quantities of Vitriol . The revenue of this goes to the Annunciata of Naples : and they begin to promise themselves great advantages from it : but a little time will shew this , as well as greater matters . I will add no new trouble , to that which the length of this Letter must needs have given you : so I will conclude , without any other Formality , but that of assuring you that I am , SIR , Your most humble Servant . POSTSCRIPT . SInce I added a Postscript to my two former Letters , I intend to make this so far of a piece with them , as to conclude this likewise with one ; for I find , looking over the little Notes that I took , a Particular that had escaped me , and yet it seems to deserve to be mentioned : and since I have not brought it into my Letters , I have resolved to make a Postscript express for it . There is a little Town in the Appennins , about 25 miles from Rome , called Norcia , near which there is a considerable Abbey , which belongs now to a Cardinal . This Town , tho it lies within the Popes Territory , yet has such great Priviledges still reserved to it , that it my pass in some sort for a free Common-wealth . They make their Lawes , and choose their own Magistrates ; but that which is the most extraordinary part of their Constitution , and that is the most exactly observed , is , that they are so jealous of all Priests , and of their having any share in their Government , that no man that can either read or write is capable of bearing a share in their Government : so that their Magistracy , which consists of 4 Persons , is alway's in the hands of Vnlettered Men , who are called there Li quatri Illiterati : for they think the least tendency to Letters , would bring them under the ordinary Miseries that they see all their Neighbours are brought under by the credit in which both the Robes are among them . And they are so shy of all Churchmen , and so jealous of their Liberty , that when the Cardinal comes during the Heats of the Summer sometimes , to his Abbey , they take no notice of him , nor do they make any sort of Court to him . One that has been oft there , told me , that by divers of their Customes they seem to be of the race of the old Latines ; and that their Situation and their Poverty had at all times preserved them : yet they are not such Strangers to the manners of the rest of the Italians as not to take pleasure in severe revenges , of which this Instance was given me . The Abbot that was the Cardinals Predecessor , had an Auditor who was much in his favour , that made love to the Wife of one of the Magistrates of Norcia , which she discovered to her Husband ; he ordered her to give the Auditor an Appointment ; but provided a good Surgeon and all other things that were necessary to put the Auditor out of all danger of breaking his Vow of Chastity : for he was a Churchman ; and the Auditor not failing to observe his rendezvous , was caught , and the operation was performed with all possible care : and he was treated very well till he was quite cured , and then he was sent back to his Patron . The Abbot was highly offended with this affront that was done him : and it may be easily believed that the Auditor was not well pleased with this forced Chastity that was now Imposed on him : so they sent an Information of the matter to the Rota ; and asked their opinion : but the Court of the Rota was wiser than to suffer a matter of this nature to become publick . To this I shall add a pleasant thing that was told me concerning Priests that fell under the misfortune of this Auditor . It is known , that according to the Canon Law , the one Indelible Character defaces the other : and that a Priest so treated can no more say Mass : yet I was told that this distinction was used , that if the Priest had all that was taken from him restored to him , so that he could carry it in his Pocket , he was still esteemed entire , and might say Mass ; but unless he could have the consolation of carrying those things dead about him , that had been perhaps too quick before , the Character was lost , or was at least under a totall suspension : If all this is a little too pleasant and too natural , a little good humour must be forgiven to a Traveller , whose Spirits are too much in motion , to be so setled and so grave as they ought to be . FINIS . ERRATA . Page 6. line 16. dele of . P. 9. l. 22. portion r. proportion . P. 16. l. 18. after and r. upon . P. 22. l. 4. dele that . P. 27. l. 7. r. that was . P. 34. l. 23. cited r. said . P. 36. l. 19. is r. it . P. 38. l. 18. dele a. P. 47. l. last . r. slippers . P. 48. l. 9. sling . r. sling . l. 20. hear r. bear . P. 70. l. 26. is r. were . P. 82. l. 11. strong r. strange . P. 83. l. 8. or r. of . P. 85. l. 9. Sr. r. St. P. 87. l. 16. 235. r. 35. P. 89. l. 3. r. Damnatos . P. 130. l. 11. me . r. we . P. 157. l. 10. where r. when . P. 169. l. 18. shut r. Shot . P. 171. l. 18. in r. it . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A30473-e4730 Another would have thought that S. Paul should have been cited for this , rather than S. Aust. , since he had said this first , Acts. 17. v. 28. but Rome is not the place of the World where the N. Testament is most read ; and this putting of ones self in the presence of God , can only mean the considering ones self as before him . This Article is falsly represented : for the Quietists , as all other Mysticks , only except to that dry learning which is not accompanied with an inward sense of Divine matters . Here is a new tribunal of Infallibility . If we judge of this new Infallibility by this way of proving that Iesus Christ is the proper Object of Contemplation , we will not much admire it ; but if this Article is true , it looks liker Deism . If this Article is true , it confirms the suspition of Deism . Here one sees what a thing school Divinity is , by this way of reckoning : but the value of acts rises from the Intention of the mind , and not from the Extension of the object . This is not meant of pure Ideas , but of gross Phantasms . This Article is also falsly represented ; for the Quietists only mean , that Souls suffer many inward Agonies in a contemplative state , of which all the Books of the Mysticks are full , and which they call the great Desolation . The Quietists only mean by this , that if a man in an act of outward devotion is carried to Contemplate , he is not to hold his mind to the outward devotion . The Quietists only mean , that no general Methods carry men to Contemplation , and that it is the effect of a special Grace . This of one Soul is ridiculous . The Quietists only condemn a dry and Mechanical Meditation . Here , notwithstanding all our Representers in England , you see the Adoration of Images is so received at Rome , that it is a Crime to think that the most perfect may be above it . This is only meant by the Quietists , of returning to a Mechanical way of Meditation . This is only so to be understood , that according to the rules given by all the Mysticks , when ill thoughts come into a mans mind , the best may to overcome them , is rather to neglect them , than to struggle much against them . This is indeed down-right Enthusiasm , yet much of this strain will be found in all the Writings of the Mysticks . This the Quietists deny , as an Imputation cast upon them . All the Mysticks , and in particular Sr. Philip Nerius , have often done things that seemed ridiculous & absurd , as the highest excercises of Mortification and Humility . This the Quietists reject as a Calumny , to render them justly odious to all the world But it is vèry poorly refuted , certainly Job said many very hard things , which God who knew the sincerity of his heart , and the strength of his temtations , did not lay to his charge . 
A30463	----	Some letters, containing an account of what seemed most remarkable in Switzerland, Italy, some parts of Germany, &c. in the years 1685 and 1686 written by G. Burnet, D.D. to the Hoble. R.B. ; to which is added, An appendix, containing some remarks on Switzerland and Italy, writ by a person of quality, and communicated to the author ; together with a table of the contents of each letter. Burnet, Gilbert, 1643-1715. 1688 Approx. 582 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 130 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A30463 Wing B5920 ESTC R21514 12683151 ocm 12683151 65702 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A30463) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 65702) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 682:19) Some letters, containing an account of what seemed most remarkable in Switzerland, Italy, some parts of Germany, &c. in the years 1685 and 1686 written by G. Burnet, D.D. to the Hoble. R.B. ; to which is added, An appendix, containing some remarks on Switzerland and Italy, writ by a person of quality, and communicated to the author ; together with a table of the contents of each letter. Burnet, Gilbert, 1643-1715. [26], 232 p. Printed for the Widow Swart, Bookseller in the Beurs Stege, Amsterdam : 1688. R.B. is Robert Boyle. Later editions have title: Travels through France, Italy, Germany and Switzerland. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Switzerland -- Description and travel. Italy -- Description and travel. Europe -- Description and travel. Europe -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800. 2003-10 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-11 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-12 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2003-12 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion SOME LETTERS , Containing An Account of what seemed most Remarkable in Travelling through SWITZERLAND , ITALY , Some parts of GERMANY , &c. In the Years 1685. and 1686. Written by G. Burnet , D. D. to the honble R. B. The Third Edition , Corrected , and Altered in some places by the Author . To which is added , an Appendix , containing some Remarks on Switzerland and Italy , writ by a Person of Quality , and communicated to the Author . Together with a Table of the Contents of each Letter . AMSTERDAM Printed for the Widow Swart , Bookseller in the Beurs Stege , 1688. A TABLE Of the Contents of all the LETTERS . The First LETTER . From Zurich . THE Desolation that is to be seen all the way from Paris to Lions , occasion'd by the oppression , which the People lye under , p. 1 , 2. A short Account of some of the Rarities , and Inscriptions●t ●t Lions . The Authors opinion concerning an ●●usual and obscure Inscription , p. 2 , 3. A ●●ssage in Vegetius de Re Militari , misprinted in ●ll the publick Editions , corrected from a 〈◊〉 at Grenoble , p. 3. Of Geneva . Their ●●amber of the Corn. The moderation of the Government in the price they ●ell it at , compared with the exorbitant Rates imposed by the Pope in all his Territories upon Grain , the buying and vending whereof he monopolizeth to himself , p. 4 , 5. How the profit arising from Corn , with the other Revenues of the State , are applyed to the benefit of the Publick , and not to the Enriching particular men , ibid. The Learning and Knowledge of the Citizens , beyond what is found commonly elsewhere . Their publick Justice , personal Vertue and Sobriety , and Severity to open lewdness . Their way of selling Estates ; and the Security of Titles there , above what is in other places . The Constitution of their Government , with the Method of Electing Members into their several Councils , and of Chusing their Sindics , and by whom , p. 5 , to 8. A Description of Lausanne , with some account of the Lake , tha● lyes between it and Geneva , p. 9 , 10. The perpendicular height of the Hill Maudit , p. 10. Of th● Canton of Bern ; Its Extent , Government , an● Manner of Electing Persons into the several Degrees of Magistracy ; with the Advantages accruing to those chosen into Bailiages . Th● Wealth of their peasants how attained . Th● T●mper and Constitution of the People in general . The application of their Women to domestick Affaits , and Disposition of their Men fo● War , p. 10 , to 15. Their Military Lists , and wha● number they can bring into the Field , Arm'd an● Disciplined , upon a sudden Emergency , and general Summons . The oversight of the Gov●rnment , in suffering the French to possess themselves of the Franche Comt● , after they were Masters of Alsace ; and how they were partly brib ' into it , and partly wheedled , p. 16 , 17. Of th● War between the Canton of Bern , and the Canton of Schwits 1656. being occasioned by a La● made by the Popish Cantons , rendring it capit●● to any to change their Religion , & making the●● goods confiscable , p. 19 , 20. A Description of the Town of Bern. The Great Church . The Dominicans Chappel , with the famous Hole that went to an Image in the Church , from one of the Cells of the Dominicans , p. 21 , 22. The Difference betwixt the Dominicans and Franciscans , about the maculate or inmaculate Conception of the Virgin . The Story of Ietzer , with a large account of the horrid Cheat and imposture of the Dominicans , for which several of them were executed at Bern 1509. p. 22 , to 30. That Switzerland is better peopled than France or Italy , tho Countries incomparably more rich , and better scituated . Which proceeds from the Gentleness of the Government in the First , and intolerable and oppressive Severity of it in the two latter , p. 30 , 31. Of Soloturn and Friburg , two of the chiefest Popish Cantons ; The strange Bigottry of the people there , and their gross and sottish Idolatry and Superstition . How the Iesuites multiply in those Places , and from the number of ten , to which they were limited at Soloturn , and one thousand Livres a year allowed for their Maintenance , they are not only grown numerous , but become so rich , that they are raising a Colledg and Church , which will cost 400000 Livres , p. 31 , 32. Of the Wealth of some other Religious Houses in Soloturn , and of the Fortification they are rasing about the Town , p. 33. Of the Government of that Canton , and of the ill Administration of Justice there , beyond what is in the Protestant Cantons , ibid. Of ●aden , which tho the Seat of the general Diet of the Cantons , yet is not one of them , but a Batliage belonging to eight of the ancient Cantons , p. 33 , 34. Of the Canton of Zurich . It s Wealth . The number of disciplined Men , which it can bring into the Field , upon 24. hours warning . The Nature of its Magistracy , and the Regulation of their allowances . Their Trade by means of a large Lake . Their Manufactory of Crape , and its goodness , p. 34. The scituation of the Town of Zurich . The Manners and Customs of the Inhabitants , and their Freedom from Luxury and Vanity . The Magistracy of the City . The division of the whole Canton . It s honour , in not being debauched by French Money , to alter the ancient Capitulations with that Crown . Their Justice and Vertue in applying the ancient Revenues of the Church to pious uses . Their prudence in keeping the Edifices of their Hospitals mean , and expending their Charity upon maintaining the poor that ar● in them , p. 35. Of the Salary of their Ecclesiasticks , and the great Labour they are obliged unto , p. 36. Several Letters , written by the most Eminent of the English Reformers to Bullinger , preserved among the Archives of the Dean and Chapter in which they lament the retaining the Popish Vestments , and the aversion they found in the Parliament , to all the Propositions that were made for the Reformation of Abuses . And Iewel having declared in one , how the Queen refused to be called Head of the Church , adds , that it could not be ascribed to any Mortal , being only due to Christ , p. 36 , 37 , 38. Of the disagreement of ancient Manuscripts concerning that passage of St. Iohns Epistle , There are thr●e that bear Witness in Heaven , &c. To which are subjoyned many things worthy of observation , p. 38. to 41. A new Regulation at Bern , for the better Electing persons into Bailiages , p 41. The generous protection and unexemplified Charity , which the Protestant Cantons have expressed to the French Refugies , p. 41 , 42. A Reflexion of the Author on the Censure past by the Divines in Switzerland , against the Opinions of Amirald , concerning the Divine Decrees , and the Extent of the Death of Christ , &c. p. 42 , 43. Of a Tax under which the Switzers lye when Estates are sold , and how it serves to prevent ill Husbandry , p. 44. A further account of those Cantons , where both the Reformed and Popish Religion are tolerated ; and how from the diminution of the Papists in Glaris , some endeavoured to raise a War betwixt the Protestant and Popish Cantons ; and in the inte●im , while things seem'd to tend to a rupture , how the French begun their Fortification at Hunningen , p. 44 , 45. The Second LETTER . From Milan . OF the Bridge upon the Lake at Ripperswood , p. 46. Of Coire , the chief Town of the Grisons . Of the Chappel pretended to be St. Lucius's , and what the Author said to the Bishop of Coire , to convince ●hat all related of King Lucius in that Matter , and of his writing to Pope Eleutherius , was a Fable . Of a difference between the Bishop and his Chapter about Exemptions , and the Authors opinion in reference to that pretended Priviledge , p. 46 , 47 , 48. The temper of the present Bishop . The yearly Revenue belonging to him , and to the several Prebendaries . The Nature of the Country , with the Wealth of the People , and how it ariseth . The Constitution of the Government . The Division of the Countrey into Leagues . Whence , and upon what occasion it came to be inhabited . Of whom the General Diet consists , and of a late contest among themselves , and with the Emperor , p. 48. to 51. How they shook off the Austrian Jurisdiction , and their zeal and Courage in vindicating and defending their Liberty , p. 51. The Distribution of the several Leagues into so many Communities ; and in which Communities the Popish Religion is received , and in which the Protestant . The absolute Authority that each hath within itself , p. 52. The manner of keeping their Diets , and the Customs therein observed , ibid. Of the Valteline , Chavennes , and Bormio , Territories which the three Leagues possess in Italy : and how they obtained them ; With an account of the Fertility of the Soil in the Valteline , p. 54 , 55. Of the Ease and Liberty that those Districts enjoy under the Leagues ; and of a Constitution among them , by which the Peasants may demand a Chamber of Iustice , when they judge themselves oppressed , or aggrieved . Of the Massacre in the Valteline anno 1618. and the War that ensued upon it ; with the issue of it , through the Wisdom and Conduct of the Duke of Rohan , p. 55 , to 60. Of the Laws by which they are governed ; with some of the Civil and Religious Customs that prevail among them , p. 62 , 63. A remarkable Story of about 2000. that fled anno 1685. out of a Valley of Tirol , for fear of being destroyed upon the score of their Religion , and who seem by the Articles of their Faith , and the simplicity of their Worship , to be a remnant of the old Waldenses , p. 64 , 65. Of the way from Coire to Chavennes , with an account of the most observable Villages upon the Road , p. 65 , 66. Of Chavennes ; Its scituation . The fertility of the Soil , Easiness of the Government , Plentifulness as to all sort of Provisions , with an account of the Nature of their Wine , and the manner how they both make and preserve it , p. 66 , to 69. A Kind of Stone here , and in the Valteline , which they use instead of Mettle for making pots , p. 69. The deplorable Fate of the Town Pleurs , which was buried , together with its Inhabitants , by the fall of a Mountain , anno 1618. p. 70 , 71. Of the Lakes of Chavennes and Como , p. 71 , 72. Of Codelago and Lugane , with other small Provinces here belonging to the Switzers ; where as the people live at ease , so the Country , tho extreamly barr●n , is abundantly peopled , p. 73. Of Lago Maggiore , and of the Borromean Islands , which as to loveliness and fertility nothing equals , p. 73 , 74. Of Lombardy . It s Extent , pleasantness , goodness of Soil . The Inhabitants inconceivably poor , by reason of the severity of the Government , p. 75. The Lake cut by Francis the First from the River Tesine to Millan , ibid. Of the City Millan . The Dimensions of the Dutchy . It s Wealth . The Extent of the Town . The Nobleness of the Structures . The Grandure and Beauty of the Dome , where the Body of S. Carlo Borromeo lies . A short Character of that Prelate , and what marks of his Wealth and Beneficence are to be seen in the Town , p. 76 , 77 , 78. Of other Churches and Convents . The Hospital , with the Lazarette adjoyning to it , p. 78 , 79. Of the Ambrosian Office used here , and its distinction from the Roman , p. 79 , 80. A remarkable passage in the Books of the Sacraments ascribed to S. Ambrose , where the Hosty is said to be the Figure of the Body and Blood of Christ , p , 81 , 82. Of Ancient Offices , and why none to be seen in the Vatican . A Manuscript Translation of Iosephus by Ruffinus , in the Ambrosian Library , p. 82. No Glass Windows in Millan , not yet in Florence . The people deplorably poor , while the Churches and Convents are so extravagantly rich . The Decay of their Wealth , occasioned in part through a faileur in the exportation of their Silks , p. 83. An account of a Gentlewomen at Geneva , who besides her being greatly accomplished in Languages & Sciences , writes legibly , tho blind since she was a year old , p. 83 , to 86. The Third LETTER . From Florence . THe Frontier Towns of the Spaniards and Venetians in Italy , ill fortified , as appears by Lodi the last Garrison belonging to the Spaniards in Millan , and Crema , the first Garrison appertaining to the Venetians . Of the Civil and Military Officers , which the Venetians send into their several Territories and Provinces . The Cheese that goes by the name of Parmesan , is made chiefly at Lodi , p. 86. Of Brescia , where the best Barrils for Pistols and Muskets are made . A famous Nunnery there fallen into disgrace occasioned by the Priests conversing with the Nuns through a private Vault , p. 87. Of the Lake of Guarda , a●d the difference between the Miles in Lombardy and Naples , p. 88. Of Ve●ona . It s poverty . The baseness of the Coyn. The Remains of an old Roman Amphitheatre . The Museum Calceolarium furnished with many Antiquities and Rarities , p. 88 , 89. The Wine called Vino Santo , that grows near the Lake Guarda . Of the Colour of the Cattel and Hoggs in Italy , p. 89. Of Vincenza . The riches of the Palaces and Churches . A modern Theatre . Count Valerano's Gardens . The Courseness of the Images , and their gross Idolatry , p. 90. Of Padua . The Vniversity much decay'd , and by what means . The Quarrels among the Paduan Nobility , and what Advantages the Venetians make of them , p. 90 , 91. Their Churches , and the Devotion payd to S. Anthony , who in one of the little Vows that hang without the holy Chappel , is said to hear those whom God himself doth not hear , p. 92. Why the Venetians imploy not their own Subjects in their Wars , p. 93. The Palaces from Padua to Venice , on both ●ides the River Brent , ibid. Of the Lagunes , and that they grow dayly more shallow . Of the City of Venice . The Buildings , Palaces , Churches , Bridges , Arsenal , Convents ; Their Beauty and Wealth ; with the meanness of the Library of S. Mark , p. 93. to 97. Of the small Consideration they have for Father Paul , and of the Memorials out of which 〈◊〉 collected his History , p. 97. The Attest●tions produced by Mr. Arnaud , for the agreement of the Greek Church with the Latin , in the matter of Transubstantiation , where penned , and how obtained : With an account of the ignorance and corruption of the Greek Priests , p. 97 , 98. A famous Venetian Lady , that spake Greek and Latin well , besides three other Languages , and who commenced Dr. of Physick . Of the Ancient Noble Families of Venice . To whom , and upon what occasion the honor of being Noble Venetian is imparted , p. 98 , 99 , 100. The limited Power of the Duke , and that that Dignity is not worth a wise Mans Courting . The reason of Sagr●do's being put by from being Duke ; his retiring thereupon from the City ; and the Books he wrote during his retirement , p. 102 , 103. Why married Men are not now chosen to that honour , and of Titles forbidden , and allowed , p. 103. The Authority of the Senate over the Ecclesiasticks ; and the limited power of their Bishop ; and that the very Clergy have little dependence upon him . Of the Election of their Curat 's by the Inhabitants of every Parish , and the Liberty which the Candidates take to defame and expose one another , p. 103 , 104. Ignorance and Vice the chief Characters of all Priests , especially at Venice . The licence assumed by many of their Nuns , particularly by those that call themselves Noble Venetians . All Ecclesiasticks precluded from a share in the Government ; and in case any be promoted to the Hat , their Friends and Rel●tions become uncapable ( during their lives both of Imployments , and of sitting in the Great Council , p. 104 , 105. The Inquisition at Venice , through being subject to the Senate , does little hurt . Many Protestants there , whom the Senate gives no trouble to . The Hosty not carried openly in procession . The Venetians generally unconcerned as well as ignorant in matters of Religion , p. 105 , 106. Most of the young Nobility corrupted in their Morals ; and wholly decline all Military Imployments : So that their Officers as well as Souldiers are strangers . The reason of the degeneracy of the Italians , and in particular of the Venetian Nobility , p. 106 , 107 , 108. The pleasures which they pursue , are all bruitish : but the noble and innocent pleasures of Friendship and Marriage , &c. they understand not . Their Houses stately , but not convenient . Neither their Bread , Wine , not the Cookery of their Flesh good . Their Coaches uneasy , and the Carriages through all Lombardy inconvenient , p. 108. to 111. Of the late created Nobility ; the Sum they obt●ined it for ; their number ; and the prejudices arising hereby both to the Republick and the ancient Nobility , p. 111 , 112 , 113. By whom Crimes , committed by any of the Nobility against the Stat● are judged , and by whom the Offences of other Subjects are tryed , p. 114 , 115. Of the Inquisitors of State. The extent of their Authority . The Quality and Merit of their persons ; and the usefulness of that Tribunal , p. 115. to 118. Of Mr. de la Hay , French Ambassador at Venice ; His Character , p. 118. The Road from venice to Ferrara . The Town as well as Country of Ferrara , forsaken of their Inhabitans , through the ravenousness of the Priests , and the oppressiveness of the Government . However the Churches and Convents are vastly rich , and that from the Vanity of the people , more than from their Superstition , p. 119 , 120. Of Bologna , which having delivered it self to the Pope upon a Capitulation , hath thereby preserved many of its Priviledges , and so continues Wealthy and well peopled , p. 121. Its Palaces , Churches and Convents , in one of which ( namely that of the Canons Regular of St. Salvator ) there is a Scrowl of the Hebrew Bible , pretended to be written by Ezra's own hand , but falsely . The Meridional Line , which Cassini laid along the pavement of St. Petrones's Church , p. 122. Of Ioan's Statute there , and the Authors unbelief as to such a person 's having been Pope . Of the Monastery of St. M●chael on the Hill above Bologna , and of a Madona of St. Lukes , four miles from the Town , p. 123. Of the Appenine Hills , and of Pretolino , one of the Duke's Palaces , which stands on the last of them ; with some account of the Gardens in Italy , p. 124 , 125. Of Florence . The Great Dukes Palace . The Dome , with its Cupolo , and Baptistery . Of the Chappel of St. Laurence , where the Bodies of the great Dukes lye deposited . The Statues in it , particularly that of the Virgin by Mich. Angelo . The Library belonging to it , well replenished with Manuscripts , p. 125 , 126 , 127. Florence much decayed , and Siena and Pisa shrunk into nothing , and that more from the severity of the Government , than the Decay of their silk Trade , p. 127 , 128. A comparison between the Territories of the Venetians , Genoa's and Switz●rs in Italy , which are well peopled , and the Inhabitants rich ; and the Territories of the Great Duke , the Pope , and the King of Spain , where there are few people , those miserably poor . However the Churches are rich , which helpt also to sink their Trade , p. 128 , 129. The Inns , when one hath past the Appenines , wretchedly accommodated . p. 130. The Fourth LETTER . From Rome . THe great desolation that appears in all the Popes Territories , through the rigour of the Government . For a Prince to be Elective , and yet Absolute , a great solecism in Government . The Pope the most Absolute Prince in Europe in Temporals , allowing the Cardinals no share with him in that , tho he admit them to share with him over the Affairs of the Church . The incongruity both of the one and the other , p. 131 , 132 , 133. A brief account and Character of the present , and the three preceding Popes . The scandal arising to Christian Religion through the neglect of Justice and Mercy by him that stiles himself Christs Vicar . A handsome Reflection made to the Author by a Roman Prince , upon the folly of Oppressions , p. 134 , 135 , 136. The present Vice-Roy of Naples the Marquis of Carpi , commended for Wisdom , Moderation and Justice . His suppressing the insolency of the Spaniards over the Natives . His maintaining the Souldiers in Discipline , and paying them exactly . His Reforming the Courts of Judicature . His extirpating the Banditi , and by what means . The design he is upon of bringing the Money to its true value , p. 136 , 137 , 138. The Iesuites being the Proprietors of near the half of Apulia , treat their Tenants with that rigour , that the Country is much desolated , and many die of hunger . The Sloth and Lasiness of the Neapolitans , hinders their making those advantages of the produce of the Country which they might . The provision here for Travellers bad , and the accommodation worse . Four parts of Five of all the Wealth of the Kingdom of Naples in Church-mens hands , p. 139 , 140. Of the Churches and Convents in Naples , particularly of the Hospital , stiled the Annunciata . The Iesuites great Merchants , especially in Wine , wherein the Minims also deal , but more scandalously , in selling it by retail , p. 140 , 141. A priviledge which the Convents have as to buying Houses in the Town . And that the Wealth of the Clergy is so great , that they are in a fair way of making themselves Masters of the Kingdom . The contempt that Secular persons have for them . More Learning at Naples , than in all other places of Valetta's Library , and of the learned Men that assemble at his House ; of which number there are none of the Clergy , save one Rinaldi . The Imputations which the Church-men cast upon persons that have any tast of learning or good sense . The Temptation which men of wit● are lyable unto , of disbelieving the Christian Religion , from the Idea which what they see among Priests and people give them of it . The preaching of the Monks silly and ridiculous . All the learning among the Clergy at Naples among a Few Secular Priests , p. 141 , 142 , 143. Of Molinos . His new Method . How much it prevails . Opposed by the Iesuites ; and why ▪ The Pope hath a favorable opinion of him , and yet through the complaint of some Cardinals , and the influence of a great King , hath caused throw him into the Inquisition . A pleasant saying of Pasquin's thereupon , p. 143 , 144 , 145. Of the City of Naples . It s Bigness , Beauty , and Supply as to provisions . Of the Vice-Roy's Palace , with the Pictures and Statues in it , p. 145. The Catacomb's here and at Rome described . The use they ancienlty served for . An● account of some Inscriptions to be found among those at Naples . That they were not the Repositories of the Relicks of the ancient Christians ▪ But the common Burying places of the Heathen . This demon●trated , p. 146. to 152. When Burying began among the Romans , discoursed at large , and cleared by Testimonies out of old Roman Authors , p. 152. to 155. The Bones sent from hence , as the Relicks of primitive Christians and Martyr's , nothing but the Bones of Heathens , and for the most part of those of the meanest and most infamous Rank , p. 155. Of Mont Vesuvio . The Earthquakes occasioned about Naples , by the Convulsions of that Hill. The operation which its heat hath , to make the Soil●bout ●bout fruitful , and the Air pure , p. 156. Of the Cave that pierceth the Pausalippe , with the Hot Bath near unto it , with the Grots that send out poysonous steams , ibid. Of the Bay of Puzzoli . The Rarities which occur there , particularly of the Sulfatara ; and of the Cave , where the Sybil is said to have given out her Inspirations , p. 157 , 158. Of the Rests of Caligula's Bridge . The depth of the Water where the Pillars were built , that supported the Arches . The Extent of the Bridge . The whole , a Monument of Caligula's extravagancy and profuseness ; as the great Fish-pond and the Centum Camera hewn out of the Rock , were of Nero's . The Baths of Puzzoli . The Via Appia . The Isle of Caprea , p. 158 , to 162. Of Rome . The Via Flamminia on the Tuscan side . Of Peter's Church , and of the Palace adjoyning , with the Defects in that , and in other Roman Palaces . Of the Villa Borghese , and Villa Pamphilia , and how the Palaces in Rome are furnished , p. 162 , 163 , 164. Of the vatican Library , and what the Author observed in the Manuscripts relating to the Council of Constance ; and of the difference between Mr. Schelstrat and Mr. Maimbourg , concerning that Council ; with the Authors opinion as to that difference , p. 165.166 , 167. Of the learned Men at Rome , such as Bellori , Fabri , and Nazar● , with a Character of Cardinal d' Estré , and Cardinal Howard ; and what small account the present Pope makes of learned Men , p. 168 , 169. The contempt that the Romans have for the present Pontificate , with an impartial Character of the Pope himself , p. 169 , 170. A Nation may not only be dispeopled , by driving people out of it , but by weakning the natural Fertility of the Subjects . Two Stories of the Fruitfulness of persons ▪ at Geneva , whereas a strange Barrenness reigns over all Italy , p. 170. Of the Fountains and Aquaducts at Rome . Of the Civility of the People ▪ and that their Conversation is generally upon News . A Character of the Queen of Sweden , with a saying she had to the Author of her self . The jealousy that the Romans have of their Wives , and why : with an account of the vertuous deportment of the Dutchess of Bracciano amidst all the innocent Freedoms of Conversation , p. 171 , 172 , 173 ▪ Of the Capitol , the Tarpeian Rock , Severus'● Triump●al Arch , and other ancient Rarities and Monuments , ibid. and p. 174. Of the Churches , and in particular of the Rotunda , St. Mary Ma●giore , and St. Iohn in the Lateran . Of the many ancient Monuments , Pillars , Statues , &c. at Rome , p. 174 , 175 , 176. Of the Modern Palaces , and the Statues , Paintings , Heads in the Farnesian Palace . Of the Minerva , where the Inquisition sitteth ; and of the little hazard persons are in at Rome , whatsoever their Religion be , if they conduct themselves with any Discretion . Old-corn't Picture ( who was convicted of the Gunpowder Treason ) among the Martyrs in the Gallery of the English Iesuites . Of the Authors seeing the Emblematical Prophecies relating to England , which those Iesuites have . Of Gregory's Chappel , and the Worship payd to his Statue , p. 176 , 177 , 178. A Character of the young Prince Borghese , ibid. A strange alteration of Sex in two Nuns . A youg Gentlewoman at Geneva , that contracted a Deafness from a Viciou●ness in the Nurses Milk ; and who , tho being deaf , understands what is spoken to her , by observing the motion of their Mouthes that speak , p. 179 , 180 , 181. How all the World mistrusts the Iesuites , and yet trusts them . A pleasant Story of a Catholick Gentleman 's chusing the most ignorant Priest he could find for his Confessor , and why , p. 181 , 182. The Fifth LETTER . From Nimmegen . OF Marseilles . The Conveniency of the Harbour . The Wealth of the Town , through the Freedoms that it enjoyes , p. 184. Of the present Persecution in France , and how approved and commended by the Clergy ; Represented at Rome , by the Spanish Faction , as a reproach to the Catholick Religion ; but applauded by the Pope , p. 185 , 186. The fault not so much in the King , as in his Religion ▪ which obligeth him to extirpate Hereticks , and not to keep his Faith to them . The Forcing poor People by extremities to abjure their Religion , a greater cruelty , than if he should put them to Death for it , p. 186 , 187. The Liberty the Author obtained at Geneva , of preaching to ● Congregation in English , and of administring the Sacrament according to the way of the Churc● of England , p. 187 , 188. A Character of Mr ▪ Turretin , and Mr. Tronchin , two of their Professors , p. 188 , 189. Some Monuments , which the Author saw at Avanche . The Chappel nea● Morat silled with Bones of the Burgundians with an Inscription , that Charles Duke of Burgundy , having besieged Morat , hoc sui Monumentum reliquit , p. 189 , 190. Of Basil. Th● Town described . How it comes to be so ill peopled , and in what manner Governed . A remarkable Piece of painting in the State-House . Several Pieces of Holben's there , and in other places of the Town . A new sort of Wind-Guns made by one in Basil. Of the publick Library , and how furnished with Books , Manuscripts , Medalls ; and of a private Library belonging to the Family of Fesch . Of the Councils of the Town , and of the several Bailiages under their Jurisdiction . The proportion of Armed Men they can raise . The number of their Professors p. 190 , to 195. Of Hunningen . The Largeness , Figure and Quality of that Fortification , p. 195 , 196. Of Brisac , and the Fortification belonging to it , with its Figure , greatness , and streng●h , p. 196 , 197. Of Strasburg . The Town , with its old and new Fortifications described . The Animosity of the Lutherans against the Calvinists , as well as against the Papists . Tho they have Pictures in their Churches , yet they Worship them not , p. 197 , 198. By what means the City fell into the hands of the French. The Decay it already suffers in Trade , with an account of the Treatment of Mr. Dietrick by the French , contrary to the Terms of the Capitulation , p. 199 Of Philipsburg ; its Natural Scituation , and Artificial strength , and how recovered from the French , p 200 , 201. Of Spire , which as it is an ill Fortified , so it is a poor Town , and subsisteth chiefly by the Imperial Chamber that sitteth in it . A late Dispute between the Town and Chamber concerning Priviledges . The Government of the Town is wholly Lutheran , only the Cathedral is in the hands of the Bishop and Chapter . The meanness of the Tombs of the Emperors , that lye buried there . A Fable concerning St. Bernard , with some marks relating to it , on the pavement of the Church , and an account of some Figures in the Cloister , p. 201 , 202. Of the Lower Palatinate , and of Heidelberg . Of the Scituation of the Town . The Wine-Cellar , with the Celebrated Tun that is in it . The Wisdom and Conduct of the late Prince Charles , in peopling and setling this State. The nature and proportion of the Taxes he laid upon the Subjects , and their contentment under them . The People of Germany only bound to their particular Prince , tho the Prince himself be under some Ties to the Pareus's Commentary on the 13. of the Romans , vindicated upon this Foundation by Fabritius . A Character of Him , and Dr. Miek , p. 203 , 204. Of Manheim . The care Prince Charles Lewes took to fortify it . His granting Liberty , not only to Christians of all parties , but also to the Iews , and thereby peopling his Countrey , which had been strangely desolated . His Character , p. 204. Of the present Prince . His Probity , Vertues and Stedfastness to the promises he made his Subjects , with relation to their Religion , p. 205. The Beauty and Fertility of the Country , from Heidelberg to Frankfort . The latter described . The three Religions tolerated there . The Original of the Bulla Aurea preserved among the Archives of that City . Lewd Women condemned here to the Pistrina or hand-mill . The Iews permitted to dwell there , and to have Synagogues . An account of the Fortification of the Town , and its Wealth , p. 206 , 207. Of Hockam , that yields the celebrated Wine . A famous Picture over one of the Popish Altars at Worms , as the Author was told , but did not see either it , or the Town , by reason of having taken another road , p. 287 , 288. Of Mentz ; Its Scituation , Compass , Cittadel , and Fortification of the Town . The Elector an absolute Prince . The Demeasne of the Electorat , and what Taxes he imposeth on his Subjects , with the number of Armed men he can bring into the Field . How He and his Chapter chuse the Prebends by turns , and in whom the right of chusing the Elector resides , p. 209. Of Bacharach , and of the Tower , where the Rats are said to have eaten up an Elector . A Labourer at Geneva stung to death by Wasps , ibid. Of Coblentz ; its Scituation , Strength , and Fort stiled Hermanstan , p. 209 , 210 , 211. Of Bonne , where the Elector of Collen resides . A Character of the present Elector . A Story about the Forgery of Medalls , and to what value there were found of them at the last siege of Bonne . Of some Rarities belonging to the Prince , p. 211 , 212. Of Collen ; tho a City of great extent , yet ill built , and worse peopled . The Iews are allowed here to live ; and in what place the Protestants are permitted the exercise of their Religion . The Churches and Convents , with an account of the Fable of the three Kings , and 11000 Vrsulins . Of the late Reb●llion there , and how occasioned , with the excesses that attended it , p. 213 , 214. Of Dusseldorp . The Palace ; The Iesuites Colledge ; The Protestant Religion tolerated there , and by whose procurement , p. 214. Of Keiserswart , and how fortified . Of Wesel ; A fair Town , meanly fortified , but populous and rich , p. 214 , 215. Of Cleve , ibid. Of Nimmegen . A Character of Sr. William Temple , whose Picture hangs in the Stadthouse , with an ample commendation of his Book of the Low Countries , p. 215. A large and just Character of the present Prince of Orange , and of the glorious service he performed , in rescuing his Country from the French p. 216. An Appendix , containing Remarks of an Italian Gentleman , upon Switzerland , the Grison Country , the Bailiage of Lugane , the Lakes the Dutchey of Ferrara , the Estate of Bolognia the Country of the Great Duke of Tuscany , the temporal Government of the Pope , and the Reduction of the Interest due by the Montes a● Rome , and of the Avarice of the Iesuits and Priests p. 222 , &c. SOME LETTERS , Containing An account of what seemed most remarkable in Switzerland , Italy , &c. Zurich , the first of September , 1685. SIR , IT is so common to write Travels , that for one , who has seen so little , and as it were in haste , it may look like a presumptuous affection to be reckoned among Voyagers , if he attempts to say any thing upon so short a ●amble , and concerning Places so much visited , and by consequence so well known : yet having had opportuni●ies that do not offer themselves to all that travel , and having joyned to those , a curiosity almost equal to the advantages I enjoyed , I fancy it will not be an ungrateful entertainment , if I give you some account of those things ●hat pleased me most in the places through which I have passed : But I will avoid saying such things as occur in ordinary Books , for which I refer you to the Prints ; for as you know , that I have no great inclination to copy what others have said , so a traveller has not leisure , nor humour enough , for so dull an employment . As I came all the way from Paris to Lions , I was amased to see so much misery as appeared , not only in Villages , but even in big Towns , where all the marks of an extream poverty showed themselves both in the Buildings , the Cloaths , and almost in the looks of the Inhabitants . And a general dispeopling in all the Towns , was a very visible effect of the hardships under which they lay . I need tell you nothing of the irregular , and yet magnificent situation of Lions ; of the noble Rivers that meet there ; of the Rock Cut from so vast a height for a prison , of the Carthusians Gardens , of the Town-house , of the Iesuites Colledge , and Library of the famous Nunnery of S. Peter , of the Churches , particularly S. Irenees , of the remnants of the Aqueducts , of the Colums and the old Mosaick in the Abbey Dene . In short , Mr. Spon has given such an account of the Curiosities there , that it were a very presumptious attempt to offer to come after him . The speech of Claudius ingraven on a Plate of Brass , and set in the end of the low walk in the Town-hsuse , is one of the noblest Antiquities in the World , by which we see the way of writing and pointing in that age very copiously . The shield of silver of 22 pound weight , in which some remains of gilding do yet appear , and that seems to represent that generous action of Scipio's , of restoring a fair captive to a Celtiberian Prince , is certainly the noblest piece of Plate that is now extant ; the embossing of it is so fine , and so entire , that it is indeed i●valuable : and if there were an inscription upon it to put us beyond conjecture , it were yet much more inestimable . A great many Inscriptions are to be seen of the late and Barbarous ages , as Bonum Memorium , and Epitaphium hunc : there are 23. Inscriptions in the Garden of the Fathers of mercy , but so placed , as it shews how little those who possess them do either understand or value them . I shall only give you one , because I made a little reflection on it , tho it is not perhaps too well grounded , because none of the Criticks have thought on it . The Inscription is this , D. M. Et Memoriae Aeternae Sutiae A●thidis . Quae vixit Annis XXV . M. X● . DV . Quae dum Nimia pia fuit , facta est Im●ia : & Att●● Probatiolo , Ce●alius Calistio Conjux & Pater , & si●●vivo ponendum curavit & sub ascia dedicavit . This must be towards the barbarous Age , as appears by the false Latin in Nimia : But the Inscription seems so extravagant , that a man dedicating a Burial-stone for this Wife and Son , and under which himself was to be laid , with ceremonies of Religion , should tax his Wife of impiety , and give so extraordinary an Account of her becoming so thro an excess of piety , that it deserves some consideration . It seems the impiety was publick , otherwise a Husband would not have recorded it in such a manner ; and it is plain that he thought it rose from an excess of piety . I need not examin the conjectures of others : but will chuse rather to give you my own , and submit it to your censure . It seems to me , that this Sutia Anthis was a Christian ▪ for the Christians , because they would not worship the Gods of the Heathens , nor participate with them in their sacred rites , were accused both of A●heism and Impiety . This is so often objected , and the Fathers in their Apologies have answered it so often , that it were lost labour to prove it : so this Wife of Cecalius Calistio having turned Christian , it seems he thought he was bound to take some notice of it in the inscription : But by it the gives a honourable character of the Christian Doctrine at the fame time that he seems to accuse it ; that through an excess of piety , his Wife was carried to it : since a mind seriously possessed with a true sense of piety , could no● avoid the falling under a distaste of Paganism , and the becoming Christian. At Grenoble there is not much to be seen , the learned Mr. Chorier has some Manuscripts of considerable antiquity . In one of Vi●etius de re Militari , there is a clear correction of a passage that in all the printed Editions is not sense . In the Chapter of the sise of the Souldiers he begins , Scio semper mensuram a Mario Consule exactam : A is in no M S. and Mario Consule is a mistake for trium Cubitorum ; for III. which are for trium , have been read M. and C. which stands for Cubitorum , as appears by all that follows , was by a mistake read Consule ; so the true reading of that passage is : Scio mensuram trium Cubitorum fuisse semper exactam . He shewed me another M. S. of about 5 ●r 6. hundred years old , in which S. Iohn's Revelation is contained , all exemplified in Figures , and after that comes Esops Fables likewise , all designed in Figures ; from which he inferred , that those who designed those two Books , valued both equally , and so put them together . I will not describe the Valley of Dauphine , all to Chambery , nor entertain you with a Landskip of the Countrey , which deserves a better pencil than mine , and in which the heighth and rudeness of the Mountains , that almost shut upon it , together with the beauty , the evenness and fruitfulness of the Valley , that is all along well watered with the River of Liserre , make such an agreeable mixture , that this vast diversity of objects , that do at once fill the Eye , gives it a very entertaining prospect . Chambery has nothing in it that deserves a long description ; and Geneva is too well known to be much insisted on . It is a little State , but it has so many good Constitutions in it , that the greatest may justly learn at it . The Chamber of the Corn has always two years provision for the City in store , and forces none but the Bakers to buy of it at a taxed price ; and so it is both necessary for any extremities , under which the State may fall , and is likewise of great advantage ; for it gives a good yearly income , that has helpt the State to pay near a Million of debt , contracted during the Wars ; and the Citizens are not oppressed by it , for every Inhabitant may buy his own Corn as he pleases , only publick Houses must buy from the Chamber . And if one will compare the Faith of Rome and Geneva togethe● by this particular , he will be forced to prefer the latter ; for if good Works are a strong presumption , if not a sure indication of a good Faith , then Iustice , being a good Wor● of the first form , Geneva will certainly carry it . At Rome the Pope buys in all the Corn of the Patrimony ; for none of the Landlords can sell it either to Merchants o● Bakers . He buyes it at five Crowns their measure , and even that is slowly and ill payed , so that there was 800000. Crowns owing upon that score , when I was at Rome . In selling this out , the measure is lessened a fifth part , and the price of the whole is doubled , so that what was bought at five Crowns is sold out at twelve : and if the Bakers , who are obliged to take a determined quantity of Corn from the Chamber , cannot retail out all that is imposed upon them , but are forced to return some part of it back , the Chamber discounts to them only the first price of five Crowns : whereas in Geneva the measure by which they buy and sell is the same , and the gain is so inconsiderable , that it is very little beyond the common ma●ket price ; so that upon the whole matter , the Chamb●r of the Corn is but the Merchant to the State. But if the publi●k makes a moderate gain by the Corn , that , and all the other revenues of this small Commonwealth are so well imployed , that there is no cause of complaint given in the administration of the publick purse : which with the advantages that arise out of the Chamber of the Corn , is about 100000 Crowns revenue . But there is much to go out of this ; 300. Souldiers are payed ; an Arsénal is maintained , that in propo●tion to the State is the greatest in the World ; for it contains Arms for more Men than are in the State : thére is a great number of Ministers and Prof●ss●rs , in all 24. payed out of it , besides all the publick charges and Offices of the Government . Every one of the lesser Council of 25. having a 100. Crowns , and every Syndic having 200. Crowns pension : and after all this come the accidental Charges of the Deputies , that they are obliged to send often to Paris , to Savoy and to Switzerland ; so that it is very apparent no man can enrich himself at the cost of the Publick . And the appointments of the little Council are a very small recompence for the great attendance that they are obliged to give the Publick , which is commonly 4. or 5. hours a day . The Salary for the Professors and Ministers is indeed small , not above 200. Crowns ; but to ballance this ( which was a more competent provision when it was first set off 150. years ago ▪ the price of all things , and the way of living being now much heightned ) those imployments are here held in their due reputation , and the richest Citizens in the Town , breed up their Children so , as to qualifie them for those places . And a Minister that is suteable to his character , is thought so good a match , that generally they have such Estates either by succession , or marriage , as support them suteably to the rank they hold . And in Geneva there is so great a regulation upon expences of all sorts , that a small sum goes a great way . It is a surprising thing to fee so much learning as one finds in Geneva , not only among those whose profession obliges them to study , but among the Magistrates and Citizens ; an● if there are not many men of the first form of learning among them , yet every body almost here has a good tincture of a learned education , in so much , that they are masters of the Latin , they know the Controversies of Religion , and History , and they are generally men of good sense . There is an universal Civility , not only towards Strangers , but towards one another , that reigns all the Town over , and leans to an excess : so that in them one sees a mixture of a French openness , and an Italian exactness : there is indeed a little too much of the last . The publick Iusti●e of the City is quick and good , and is more commended than the private Iustice of those that deal in trade : a want of sincerity is much lamented by those that know the Town well . There is no publi●k leudness tolerated , and the disorders of that sort are managed with great address . And notwithstanding their neighbourhood to the Switzers , drinking is very little known among them . One of the best parts of their La● is the way of selling Estates , which is likewise practised in Switzerland , and is called Subhastation , from the Roman custum of selling Sub hasta . A man that is to buy an Estate , agrees with the owner , and then intimates it to the Gover●ment ; who order three several proclamations to be made six Weeks one after another of the intended sale , that is to be on such a day : when the day comes , the Creditors of thé seller , if they apprehend that the Estate is sold at an under value , may out-bid the Buyer ; but if they do not interpose , the Buyer delivers the money to the State , which upon that , gives him his ti●le to the Estate , which can never be so much as brought under a debate in Law ; and the price is payed into the State , and is by them given either to the Creditors of the Seller , if he owes money , or to the seller himself . This Custom prevails likewise in Swisse , where also twelve years possession gives a prescription ; so that in no place of the World are the titles to Estates so secure as here . The constitution of the Government is the same both in Geneva , and in most of ●he Cantons . The Soveraignty lies in the Council of 200 ▪ and this Council chuses out of irs number 25. who are the lesser Coun●il ; and the censure of the 25. belong to the great Coun●il , they are chosen by a sort of Ball●t , so that it is not known for whom they give their votes , which is an affectual method to suppress sactions and resentments ; since in a competit●on , no man can know who voted for him or against him : yet the Election is not so carried , but that the whole Town is in an intrigue concerning it : for since the being of the little Council leads one to the Sindicat , which is the Chief honour of the State ; this dignity is courted here , with as active and solicitous an ambition , as appears elsewhere for greater matters . The 200. are chosen and censured by the 25. so that these two Councils , which are both for life , are checks one upon another . The Magistracy is in the one , and the Soveraignty in the other . The number of 25. is never exceeded in the lesser C●uncil ; but for the greater , tho' it passes by the name of the Council of 200. yet there are commonly 8 or 10. more , so that notwithstanding the absence or sickness of some of the number , they may still be able to call together near the full number . There is another Council besides these two , composed of 60. consisting of those of the 200. that have born Offic●s , such as Auditors , Attorn●y-Generals , or those that have been in other imployments , which are given for a determinate number of years : this Court has no Authority , but is called together by the 25 , when any extraordinary occasion makes it advisable for them to call for a more general concurrence , in the Resolutions that they are about to form . And this Council is of the nature of a Council of State , that only gives advice , but has no power in it self to enforce its advice . The whole body of the Burgesses chuse the Syndics the first Sunday of the year ; and there are some other Elections that do likewise belong to them . The difference between the Burgesses and Citizens is , that the former degree may be bought , or given to Strangers , and they are capable to be of the 200 ; but none is a Citizen but he that is the Son of a Burgess , and that is born within the Town . I need say no more of the Constitution of this little Republick , its chief support is in the firm Alliance that has stood now so long between it , and the Cantons of Bern and Zurich ; and it is so visibly the interest of all Switzerland , to preserve it , as the Key , by which it may be all laid open , that if the Cantons had not forgotten their Interest so palpably , in suffering the French to become Masters of the Franche Counte , one would think that they would not be capable of suffering Geneva to be toucht : For all that can be done in fortifying the Town , can signifie no more , but to put it in case to resist a surprise , or scalade : since if a Royal Army comes against it , to besiege it in form , it is certain , that unless the Switzers come down with a force able to raise the siege , those within will be able to make a very short resistance . From Geneva I went through the Countrey of Vaud , or the Valley , and Lausanne its Chief Town , in my way to Bern. The Town of Lausanne is situated on three Hills , so that the whole Town is ascent and descent , and that very steep , chiefly on the side on which the Church stands , which is a very noble Fabrique . The South-wall of the Cross was so split by an Earthquake , about 30. years ago , that there was a rent made from top to bottom above a foot wide ▪ which was so closed ten years after by another Earthquake , that now one only sees where the breach was . This extravagant situation of the Town was occasioned by a Legend of some miracles wrought near the Church : which prevailed so much on the credulity of that age , that by it the Chur●h , and so in consequence the Buildings near it were added to the old Town , which stood on the other Hill , where there was a Town made on the high-way from the Lake into Switzerland , to which the chief priviledges of the T●wn , particularly the judicature of life and death , do still belong . Between G●neva and this , lies the Lake which at the one end is called the Lake of Geneva , and at the other the Lake of Lausanne . I need not mention the dimensions of it , which are so well known , only in some places the depth has never been found ; for it is more than 500 Fathom ; the Banks of the Lake are the beautifullest plots of ground that can be imagined ; for they look as if they hath been laid by art ; the sloping is so easie and so equal , and the grounds are so well cultivated and peopled , that a more delighting prospect cannot be seen any where : the Lake is well stockt with excellent Fish , but their numbers do sensibly decrease , and one sort is quite lost ; it is not only to be ascribed to the ravenousness of the Pikes that abound in it , but to another so●t of Fish that they call Moutails , which were never taken in the Lake till within these six years last past ; they are in the Lake of Neuf-Chastel , and some of the other Lakes of Switzerland ; and it is likely that by some conveyance under ground they may have come into Channels that fall into this Lake : the Water of the Lake is all clear and fresh . It is not only a great pond made by the Rhosne , that runs into it , but does not pass through it unmixt , as some Travellers have fondly imagined , because sometimes a so●t gale makes a curling of the Waters in some places , which runs smooth in the places over which that soft breath of Wind does not pass , the gale varying its place often . But it is believed , that there are also many great Fountains all over the L●ke . These Springs do very probably flow from some vast cavities that are in the neighbouring Mountains , which are as great Cisterns , that discharge themselves in the Valleys , which are covered over with Lakes . And on the two sides of the Alpes , both North and South , there is so great a number of those little Seas , that it may be easily guessed they must have vast sources that feed so constantly those huge ponds And when one considers the height of those Hills , the chain of so many of them together , & their extent both in length and breadth ; if at first he thinks of the old Fables of laying one Hill upon the top o● another , he will be afterwards apt to imagin , according to the ingenious conjecture of one that travelled over them oftner than once , that these cannot be the primary productions of the Author of Nature ; but are the vast ruins of the first World , which at the Deluge broke here into so many inequalities . One Hill not far from Geneva , called Maudit or Cursed , of which one third is alwayes covered with Snow , is two miles of perpendicular height , according to the obs●rvation of that incomparable Mathematician and Philosopher , Nicolas Fatio Duilier , who at 22. years of age is already one of the greatest Men of his age , and seems to be bot● to carry learning some sises beyond what it has yet attained . But now I will entertain you a little with the State of Bern ; for that Canton alone is above a third part of all Switzerland . I will say nothing of its beginning nor History , nor will I inlarge upon the Constitution , which are all well known . It has a Council of 200. that goes by that name , tho it consists almost of 300. and another of 25 as Geneva . The Chief Magistrates are two Advoyers , who are not annual , as the Sindics of Geneva , but are for life ; and have an authority not unlike that of the Roman Con●uls , each being his year by turns the Advoyer in office . After them , there are the four Bannerets , who answer to the Tri●unes as the People in Rome : then come the two Bursars or Treasurers , one for the ancient German Territory , the other for the French Territory , or the Country of Vaud ; and the two last chosen of the 25. are called the Secrets ; for to them all secrets relating to the State are discovered : and they have an authority of calling the 200. together when they think fit , and of ac●using those of the Magistracy , the Advoyers themselves not excepted , as they see cause : tho this falls out seldom . There are 72. Bailiages , into which the whole Canton of Bern is divided ; and in every one of those there is a Bailif named by the Council of 200. who must be a Citizen of Bern , and one of the 200. to which Council no man can be chosen till he is married : these Bailiages are imployments both of Honour and profit : for the Bailif is the Governour and Iudge in that Iurisdiction : since tho he has some Assessors , who are chosen out of the Bailiage , yet he may by his Authority carry matters which way he will , against all their opinions , and the Bailiff● have all the Confiscations and fines ; so that drinking being so common in the Countrey , and that producing many quarrels , the Bailif makes his advantage of all those disorders : and in the 6 years of his Government , according to the quality of his Bailiage , he not only lives by it , but will carry perhaps 20000. Crowns with him back to Bern : on which he lives till he can carry another Bailiage : for one is capable of being twice Bailif ; but tho some have been thri●e Bailifs , this is very extraordinary . The Exactions of the Bailifs are the only Impositions or charges to which the Inhabitants are subjected , and these falling only on the irregularities and disorders of the more debauched , makes that this gri●vance , tho in some particular cases it pres●es hard , yet is not so universally felt : sor a sober and regular Man is in no danger . Many in this Canton are as in England Lords of Castles , or M●nnors , an● have a Iurisdiction annexed to their Estates , and name their Magistrate , who is called the Castellan . In matters of small consequence there lies no appeal from him to the Bailif , but beyond the value of two Pistols an appeal lies , and no sentence of death is executed , till it is confirmed at Bern. There lies also an Ap●eal from the Bailif to the Council at Bern. There are many complaints of the injustice of the Bailifs : but their Law is short and clear , so that a suit is soon ended ; two or three hearings is the most , that even an intricate suit amounts to , either in the first instance before the Bailif , or in the second Judgement at Bern. The Citizens of Bern consider these Bailiages as their Inheritance , and they are courted in this State perhaps with as much Intrigue , as was ever used among the Romans in the distribution of their Provinces : and so little signifie the best Regulations when there are Intrinsick diseases in a state , that tho there is all possible precaution used in the nomination of these Bailifs , yet that has not preserved this state from falling under so great a mischief by those little Provinces ; that as it has already in a great measure corrupted their morals , so it may likely turn in conclusion to the ruin of this Republick . All the Electors give their voices by ballot , so that they are free from all after game in the nomination of the person : all the kindred of the pretenders , even to the remotest degrees , are excluded from voting , as are also all their creditors , so that none can vote but those who seem to have no interest in the issue of the competition ; and yet there is so much intrigue , and so great a corruption in the distribution of these imployments , that the whole business in which all Bern is ever in motion , is the catching of the best Bailiages , on which a family will have its Eye for many years before they fall ; for the Counsellors of Bern give a very small share of their Estates to their Children when they marry them : all that they propose is , to make a Bailiage sure to them : for this , they feast and drink , and spare nothing by which they may make sure a sufficient number of votes ; but it is the chamber of the Bannerets that admits the pretenders to the competition When the Bailif is chosen , he takes all possible methods to make the best of it he can , and lets few crimes pass , that carry either confiscations or fines after them ; h●s justice also is generally suspected . It is true , those of the Bailiage may complain to the Council at Bern , as the oppressed Provin●es did anciently to the Senate of Rome ; and there have been severe judgments against some very exorbitant Bailifs ; yet as complaints are not made , except upon great occasions , which are not often given by the Bailifs , so it being the general interest of the Citizens of Bern to make all possible advantages of those imployments , the censure will be but gentle , except the complaint is crying . In Bern there is very little Trade , only what is necessary for the support of the Town . They maintain Professors in the Universities of Bern , and Lausanne ; the one for the German Territory , which is the Ancient Canton ; and the other for the new Conquest , which is the French : In the former there are about 300. Parishes ; in the latter there are but about 150 : But in the Benefices of the German side , the ancient Rights of the incumbents are generally preserved so , that some Benefices are worth a thousand Crowns : Whereas in the païs des Vaud , the provisions are set off as sallaries , and are generally from one hundred to two hundred Crowns : It is visible , that those of Bern trust more to the affections and fidelity of their subjects , th●n to the strength of their Walls ; For as they have never finished them , so what is built , cannot be brought to a regular fortification ; and it is not preserved with any care , nor furnished with Canon ; but if they have none on their Ramparts , they have good store in their Arsenal , in which they say there are Arms for forty thousand Men. The Pea●ants are generally rich , chiefly on the German side , and are all well Armed ; they pay no duties to the Publick ▪ and the soil is capable of great cultivation , in which some succeed so well , that I was shewed some that were by accident at Bern , who , as I was told , had of Estat● to the value of an hundred thousand Crowns , but that is not ordinary ; yet ten thousand Crowns for a Peasant , is no extraordinary matter . They live much on their Milk and Corn , which in some places , as about Payern , yields an encrease of 15. measures after one : they breed many Horses , which bring them in a great deal of money . The worst thing in the Countrey is , the moisture of the Air , which is not only occasioned by the many Lakes that are in it , and the Neighbouring Mountains that are covered with Snow , some all the summer long , and the rest till Mid-Summer ; but by the vast quantity of Woods of Fir-teees , which seem to fill very near the half of their soil ; and if these were for the most part rooted out , as they would have much more soil , so their Air would be much purer ; yet till they find either Coal or Turf for their fewel , this cannot be done . I was told , that they had found Coal in some places : If the Coal is conveniently situated , so that by their Lakes and Rivers i● can be easily carried over the Country , it may save them a great extent of ground ; that as it is covered with Wood , so the Air becomes thereby the more unwholsome . They have some Fountains of Salt-water , but the making Salt consumes so much Wood , that hitherto it ha● not turn'd to any account . The Men are generally sincere , but heavy ; they think it necessary to correct the moisture of the Air with liberal entertainments ; and they are well furnished with all necessary ingredients ; for as their soil produces good Cattle , so their Lakes abound in Fish , and their Woods in Fowl , the Wine is also light and good . The Women are generally imployed in their domes●ick Affairs : and the Wives even of the chief Magistrates of Bern , look into all the concerns of the House and Kitchin , as much as the Wives of the meanest Peasants . Men and Women do not converse promiscuously together , and the Women are so much amused with the management at home , and enter so little into intrigues , that among them , as an eminent Physitian there told me , they know not what Vapours are , which he imputed to the idleness and the intrigues that abound elsewhere ; whereas ▪ h● said , among them the Blood was cleansed by their labour , and as that made them sleep well , so they did not amuse themselves with much thinking , nor did they know what Amours were : The third Adultery is punished with death , which is also the punishment of the fifth act of Fornication ; of which I saw an instance while I was in Bern : For a Woman , who confessed her self guilty of many W●oredoms , and designed to be revenged on some Men , that did not furnish her liberally with money , was upon that condemned and executed ; the manner was solemn ; for the Advoye comes into an open Bench in the midle of the Street , and for the satisfaction of the people , the whole Process was read , and Sentence was pronounced in the hearing of all : the Councellors both of the great and lesser Council standing about the Advoyer , who after Sentence took the Criminal very gently by the hand , and prayed for he● Soul ; and after Execution , there was a Sermon for th● instruction of the people . The whole State is disposed for War ; for every ma● that can bear Arms is listed ; and knows his Post and Arms ; and there are Beacons so laid over the Country ▪ that the signal can run over the whole Canion in a night : And their Military Lists are so laid , that every man knows whether he is to come out upon the first or second , or not till the general summons . They assured me at Bern , that upon a General Summons they could bring above 80000 Men together . The Men are robust and strong , and capable of great hardship , and of good Discipline , and have generally an extream sense of Liberty , and a great love to their Country ; but they labour under a want of Officers . And tho the subjects of the State are Rich , yet the publick is poor ; they can well resist a sudden Invasion of their Countrey ; but they would soon grow weary of a long War ; and the soil requires so much cultivation , that they could not spare from their labour the Men that would be necessary to preserve their Countrey : they were indeed as happy as a people could be , when the Emperour had Alsace on the one hand , and the Spaniards had the Franche Comté on the other , they had no reason to fear their Neighbours ; but now that both those Provinces are in the hands of the French , the case is quite altered ; for as Basil is every moment in danger from the Garrison of Hunningen , that is but a Cannon sho● distant from it , so all the Païs de Vaud lies open to the Franche Comtè , and has neither Fortified Places , nor good Passes to secure it ; so that their errour in suffering this to fall into the hands of the French was so gross , that I took some pains to be informed concerning it ; and will here given you this account , that I had from one who was then in a very Eminent Post , so that as he certainly knew the Secret , he seemed to speak sincerely to me . He told me , that the Duke of Lorraine had often moved in the Councils of War , that the Invasion of France ought to be made on that side , in which Franc● lay open , and was very ill fortified ; this he repeated often , and it was known in France : so that the King resolved to possess himself of the Comté , but used that precaution , that fearing to provoke the Switzers , he offered a neutrality on that side : but the Spaniards , who judged right , that it was as much the interest of the Cantons , as it was theirs , to preserve the Comtè in their hands , refused to consent to it ; but they took no care to defend it , and seemed to leave that to the Switzers . In the mean while , the Fren●h Money went about very liberally at Bern , and after those that were most likely to make opposition were gained , the French Minister proposed to them the necessity in which his Master found himself engaged to secure himself on that side ; but that still he would grant a neutrality on their account , if the Spaniards would agree to it ; and with this all the Assurances that could be given in Words were offered to them , that they should never find the least Prejudice from the Neighbou●hood of the French , but on the contrary , all possible Protection . There was just Cause given by the Spaniards to consider them very little in their Deliberation : for they would neither accept of the Neutrality , nor send a considerable force to preserve the Country , so that it seemed almost inevitable to give way to the French Proposition ; but one proposed that which an unbyassed Assembly would certainly have accepted , that they should go themselves and take the Country ; and by so doing , they would secure the Neutrality , which was all that the French pretended to desire ; and they might easily satisfy the Spaniards , and reimburse themselves of the Expence of the Invasion , by restoring the Country to them , when a General Peace should be made . He laid out the misery to which their Countrey must be reduced by so powersul a Neighbour ; but all was lost labour ; so he went out in a rage , and published through the Town , that the State was sold , and all was lost . They now see their error too late , and would repair it , if it were possible ; but the truth is , many of the particular Member● of this State , do so prey upon the publick , that unless they do with one consent reform those abuses , they will never be in a condition to do much : for in many of their Bailiages , of which some are Abbeys , the Bailifs not only feed on the Subj●cts , but likewise on the State , and pretend they are so far super-expended , that they discount a great deal of the publick revenue , of which they are the Receivers , for their Reimbursement : which made Mr. d' Erlack once say , when one of those Accounts was presented , That it was very strange if the Abbey could not feed the Monks . It is true , the power of their Bannerets is so great , that one would think they might redress many Abuses . The City of Bern is divided into four Bodies , not unlike our Companies of London , which are the Bakers , the Butchers , the Tanners , and the Black-smiths ; and every Citizen of Bern does incorporate himself into one of these Societies , which they call Abbeys ; for it is likely they were antiently a sort of a Religious Fraternity : every one of these chuses two Bannerets , who bear office by turns from four years to four years , and every one of them has a Bailiage annexed to his Office , which he holds for life . They carry their name from the Banners of the several Abbeys , as the Gonfaloniers of Italy : and the Advoyers carry still their name from the ancient title● Ecdicus , or Advocate , that was ●he title of the Chief Magistrates of the Towns in the times of the Roma● Emperours . The Chamber of the Four Bannerets that bear Office , has a vast Power , they examine and pass all Accounts , and they admit all the Competitors to any offices , so that no man can be proposed to the Council of 200. without their Approbation ; and this being now the Chief Intrigue of their State , they have so absolute an Authority in shutting men out from imployments , that their office , which is for life , is no less considerable than that of the Advoyer , tho they are inferiour to him in rank . They manage matters with great address , of which this instance was given me in a competition for the Advoyership not long ago ; there was one whose temper was violent , that had made it so sure among those who were qualified to vote in it , as being neither of his kindred , nor Alliance , that they believed he would carry it from the other competitor , whom they favored , so they set up a third competitor , whose kindred were the persons that were made sure ●o him , whose advancement they opposed , and by this means they were all shut out from voting , so that the Electio● went according to the design of the Bannerets . The chief man now in Bern , who was ●he reigning Advoyer when I was there , is Mr. d' Erlack , Nephew to that Mr. d' Erlack , who was Governour of Br●sack , and had a breve● to be a Marischal of France ; this is one of the noblest Families in Bern , that acted a great part in shaking off the Austrian Tyranny , and they have been ever since very much distinguished there from all the rest of their Nobility . The present Head of it is a very extraordinary Man , he has a great Authority in his Canton , not only as he is Advoyer , but by the particular esteem which is payed him . For he is thought the wisest and worthiest Man of the State , tho it is somewhat strange how he should bear such a sway in such a Government ; for he neither feasts , nor drinks with the rest . He is a Man of great Sobriety and Gravity , very reserved , and behaves himself liker a Minister of State in a Monarchy , than a Magistrate in a P●pular G●vernment ; For one sees in him none of those Arts , that seem necessary in su●h a Government . He has a great Estate , and no Children ; so he has no Projects for his Family ; and does what he can to correct the Abuses of the State , tho the disease is inveterate , and seems past cure . He had a Misfortune in a War that was thirty years ago , in the y●ar 1656. between the Popish and the Protest●nt Cantons : the occasion of which will engage me in a short digression . The peace of Switzerland is chiefly preserved by a Law agreed on among all the Cantons , that every Canton may make what Regulations concerning Religion they think fit , without prejudice to the General League . Now the Popish Cantons have made Laws , that it shall be capital to any to change their Religion , and on a set day every year they go all to Mass , and the Masters of Families swear to continue true to the State , and firm in their Religion to their lives end ; and so they pretend they punish their falling into Heresie with death and Confiscation of Goods , because it is a violation of the Faith , which is so solemnly sworn . But on the other hand , in the Protestant Cantons , such as turn are only obliged to go and live out of the Canton ; but for their Estates , they still preserve them , and are permitted to sell them . One cannot but observe more of the merciful Spirit of the Gospel , in the one ▪ than in the other . In two Cantons , Appenzel , and Glar●s , both Religions are tollerated , and are capable of equal Priviledges , and in some Bailiages that were conquered in common by the Cantons of Bern and Friburg , in the Wars with Savoy , the two Cantons name the Bailifs by turns , and both Religions are so equally tolerated , that in the same Church they have both Mass and Sermon , so equally , that on one Sunday , the Mass begins , and the Sermon follows , and the next Sunday , the Sermon begins , and the Mass comes next , without the least disorder or murmuring . But in the year 1656. some of the Cantons of Schwitz changing their Religion , and retiring to Zurich , their Estates were confiscated ; and some others , that had also changed , but had not left the Canton , were taken and beheaded . Zurich demanded the Estates of the refugies , but instead of gra●ting this , the Canton of Schwitz demanded hack their subjects , that they might proceed against them as delinquents ; and they founded this on ● Law , by which the Cantons are obliged to deliver up the Criminals of another Canton , when they come among them , if they are demanded by the Canton to which they belong ; but those of Zurich and Bern thought this was both inhuman and unchristian ; tho the Deputy of Bas●● was of another mind , and thought that they ought to be delivered up , which extreamly disgusted those of Zurich . Those of Schwitz committed some insolences upon the subjects of Zurich , and refused to give satisfaction . Upon all which a War followed between the Protestant and Popish Cantons . The Cantons of Bern and Zurich raised an Army of 25000 Men , which was commanded by Mr. d' Erlak , but was dispersed in several Bodies ; and the Papists had not above 6000 ; yet they surprised Mr. d' Erlack with a body not much superiour to theirs ; both sides after a short engagement run ; the Canon of the Canton of Ber● was left in the Field a whole day ; at last those of Lucer● seeing that none stayed to defend the Canon , carried them off ; this loss raised such a tumult in Bern , that they seemed resolved to sacrifice Mr. d' Erlack : but he came with such a presence of mind , and gave so satisfying an account of the Mi●fortune , that the Tumult ceased , and soon after the War ended . Upon this many thought , that tho the Papists acted cruelly , yet it wa● according to their Laws , and that no other Canton could pretend to interpose or quarrel with those of Schwitz for what they did upon that occasion . Within these few years there were some quarrels like to arise in the Canton of Glaris , where it was said , that the equal priviledges agreed on to both Religions were not preserved ; but on this occasion the Popes Nuntio acted a very different part from that which might have been expected from him ; For whereas the M●nisters of that Court have been commonly the Incendiaries in all the disputes that concern Religion , he acted rather the part of a Mediator ; and whereas it was visible , that the injustice lay on the side of the Papists , he interposed so effectually with those of Lucern , which is the chief of the Popish Cantons , that the difference was composed . But to return to Bern ; the buildings have neither great magnificence , nor many Appartments , but they are convenient , and suited to the way of living in the Country . The Streets not only of Bern and the bigger Towns , but even of the smallest Villages , are furnished with Fountains that run continually ; which as they are of great use , so they want not their beauty . The great Church of Bern is a very noble Fabrick ; but being built on the top of the Hill on which the Town stands , it seems the ground began to fail , so to support it , they have raised a vast Fabrick , which has cost more than the Church it self ; for there is a Platform made , which is a square , to which the Church is one side , and the further side is a vast Wall , fortified with buttresses about 150 foot high . They told me , that all the ground down to the bottom of the Hill was dug into vaults ; this plat-form is the chief walk of the Town , chiefly about Sun set ; and the River underneath presents a very beautiful prospect ▪ For there is a Cut taken off from it for the Mills , but all along as this Cut goes , the Water of Aar runs over a sloping bank of Stone , which they say , was made at a vast charge , and makes a noble and large Cascade . The second Church is the Dominicans Chappel , where I saw the famous hole that went to an Image in the Church , from one of the Cells of the Dominicans , which leads me to set down that Story at some length : For as it was one of the most signal cheats , that the World has known ; so it falling out about twenty years before the Reformation was received in Bern , it is very probable that it contributed not a little to the preparing of the spirits of the people to that change . I am she more able to give a particular account of it , because I read the origin●● process in the Latin record , signed by the Notaries of the Court of the delegates that the Pope sent to try the matter . The record is above 130 sheets , writ close , and of all side● , it being indeed a large volum ; and I found the printed accounts so defective , that I was at the pains of reading the whole process , of which I will give here a true abstract . The two famous Orders , that had possessed themselves of the esteem of those datk ages , were engaged in a mighty rivalry . The Dominicans were the more learned , they were the eminentest Preachers of those times , and had the conduct of the Courts of Inquisition , and the other chief officer in the Church in their hands . But on the other hand , the Franciscans had an outward appearance of more severity a ruder habit , stricter rules , and greater poverty : all whic● gave them such advantages in the eyes of the simple multitude , as were able to ballance the other honours of the Dominican Order . In short , the two Orders were engaged in a high rivalry , but the devotion towards the Virgin being the prevailing passion of those times , the Franciscans upon thi● had great advantages . The Dominicans , thar are all engage● in the defence of Thomas Aquinas's opinions , were thereby obliged to assert , that she was born in Original Sin ; th●●● was proposed to the people by the Franciscans as no less than Blasphemy , and by this the Dominicans began to lose ground extreamly in the minds of the people , who were strongly prepossed in favour of the immaculate Conceptio● ▪ About the beginning of the 15th Century , a Francisc●● happened to preach in Francfort , and one Wigand a Dominican coming into the Church , the Cordelier seeing him , broke out into exclamations , praising God that he was no● of an Order that prophaned the Virgin , or that poysone● Princes in the Sacrament , ( for a Dominican had poysone● the Emperor Henry the VII . with the Sacrament , ) Wiga●● being extreamly provoked with this bloody reproach , gav● him the Lye , upon which a dispute arose , which ended in a tumult , that had almost cost the Dominican his life , yet he got away . The whole Order resolved to take their revenge , and in a Chapter , held at Vimpsen in the year 1504. they contrived a method for supporting the credit of their Order , which was much sunk in the opinion of the people , and for bearing down the reputation of the Franciscans , four of the juncto undertook to manage the design ; for they said , since the people were so much disposed to believe Dreams and Fables , they must dream of their side , and endeavour to cheat the people as well as the others had done . They resolved to make Bern the Seene in which the project should be put in execution ; for they found the people of Bern , at that time apt to Swallow any thing , and not disposed to make severe Enquiries into extraordinary Matters . When they had formed their design , a fit Tool presented it self ; for one Ietzer came to take their habit as a Lay-brother , who had all the dispositions that were necessary for the execution of their project : For he was extream simple , and was much inclined to Austerities , so having observed his temper well , they began to execute their project , the very Night after he took the Habit , which was , on Lady-day 1507. one of the Fryers conveyed himself secretly into his Cell , and appeared to him as if he had been in Purgatory , in a strange figure , and he had a Box near his mouth , upon which as he blew , fire seemed to come out of his mouth . He had also some Dogs about him , that appeared as his Tormentors , in this posture he came near the Fryer , while he was a Bed , and took up a celebrated Story that they used to tell all their Fryers , to beget in them a great dread at the laying aside their habit , which was , that one of the Order , who was Superiour of their House at Soloturn , had gone to Paris , but laying aside his habit , was killed in his Lay-habit . The Fryer in the Vizar said , he was that person , and was condemned to Purgatory for that Crime ; but he added , that he might be rescued out of it by his means , and he seconded this with most horrible Cries , expressing the Miseries which he suffered . The poor Fryer ( Ietzer ) was excessively frighted , but the other advanced , and required a Promise of him that which he should desire of him , in order to the delivering him out of his Torment . The frighted Fryer promised all that he asked of him ; then the other said , he knew he was a great Saint , and that his prayers and mortifications would prevail , but they must be very extraordinary ; The whole Monastery must for a week together discipline themselves with a Whip , and he must lie prostrate in the form of one on a Cross , in one of their Chappels , while Mass was said in the sight of all that should come together to it ; and he added , that if he did this , he should find the effects of the love that the B. Virgin did bear him , together with many other extraordinary things ; and said , he would appear again accompanied with two other Spirits ; and assured him , that all that he did suffer for his deliverance , should be most gloriously rewarded . Morning was no sooner come than the Frie● gave an account of this Apparition to the rest of the Convent , who seemed extreamly surprised at it ; they all pressed him to undergo the discipline that was enjoyned him , and every one undertook to bear his share ; so the deluded Fryer performed it all exactly in one of the Chappels of their Church : This drew a vast number of Spectators together , who all considered the poor Fryer as a Saint , and in the mean while the four Fryers that managed the imposture , magnified the Miracle of the Apparition to the skie● in their Sermons . The Fryer's Confessor was upon the Secret , and by this means they knew all the little passages of the poor Fryers life , even to his thoughts , which helped them not a little in the Conduct of the matter . The Confessor gave him an Hostie , with a piece of Wood , tha● was , as he pretended , a true piece of the Cross , and by these he was to fortify himself , if any other Apparition should come to him , since evil Spirits would be certainly chained up by them . The Night after that , the former Apparition● was renewed , and the masqued Fryer brough● two others with him in such Vizzards , that the Fry●● thought they were Devils indeed . The Fryer presented the Hostie to them , which gave them such a cheek , that he was fully satisfied of the vertue of this preservative . The Fryer , that pretended he was suffering in Purgatory , said so many things to him relating to the Secre●s of his life , and Thoughts , which he had from the Confessor , that the poor Fryer was fully possessed with the opinion of the reallity of the Apparition . In two of these Apparitions , that were both managed in the same manner , the Fryer in the Masque talked much of the Dominican Order , which he said was excessively dear to the B. Virgin , who knew her self to be conceived in Original sin , and that tbe Doctors who taught the contrary were in Purgatory : That the Story of S. Bernards appearing with a spot on him , for having opposed himself to the feast of the Conception , was a Forgery : but that it was true , that some hideous Flies had appeared on St Bonaventures Tomb , who taught the contrary . That the B. Virgin abhorred the Cordeliers for making her equal to her Son ; that Scotus was damned , whose Canonization the Cordeliers were then soliciting hard at Rome ; and that the Town of Bern would be destroyed for harbouring such plagues within their walls . When the injoined discipline was fully performed , the Spirit appeared again , and said , he was now delivered out of Purgatory , but before he could be admitted to Heaven , he must receive the Sacrament , having died without it , and after that he would say Mass for those , who had by their great charities ●escued him out of his pains . The Fry●r fancied the ●oice resembled the Priors a little , but he was th●n so far from suspecting any thing , that he gave no great heed to this suspition . Some dayes after this , tbe same Fryer appeared as a Nun all in Glory , and told the poor Frier , that she was St. Barbary , for whom he had a particular devotion ; and added , that the B. Virgin was so much pleased with his charity , that she intended to come and visit him : He immediately called the Convent together , and gave the rest of the Fryers an account of this Apparition , which was entertained by them all with great joy ; and the Fryer languished in desires of the accomplishment of the promise , that St. Barbara had made him . After some dayes , the longed for delusion appeared to him , clothed as the Virgin used to be on the great Feasts , and indeed in the same Habits : there were about her some Angels , which he afterwards found were the little Statues of Angels , which they set on the Altars on the great Holy Dayes . There was also a pulley fastned in the room over his head , and a cord tied to the Angels , that made them rise up in the Air , and flie about the Virgin , which increased the delusion . The Virgin , after some endearments to himself , extolling the merit of his charity and discipline , told him , that she was conceived in Original Sin , and that Pope Iulius the Second , that then reigned , was to put an end to the Dispute , and was to abolish the Feast of her Conception , which Six●us the fourth had instituted , and that the Fryer was to be the Instrument of perswading the Pope of the truth in that matter : She gave him three drops of her Sons blood , which were three tears of blood that he had shed over Ierusalem , and this signified that she was three hours in Original Sin , after which she was , by his Mercy , delivered out of that State : For it seems the Dominicans were resolved so to compound the matter , that they should gain the main point of her Conception in Sin ; yet they would comply so far with the reverence for the Virgin , with which the World was possessed , that she should be believed to have remained a very short while in that State. She gave him also five drops of Blood in the form of a Cross , which were Tears of Blood , that she had shed while her Son was on the Cross. And , to convince him more fully , she presented an Hostie to him , that appeared to as an ordinary Hostie , and of a sudden it appeared be of a deep ●ed colour . The cheat of those supposed visits was often repeated to the abused Fryer ; at last the Vi●gin●old ●old him , that she was to give him such ma●ks of her Sons Love to him , that the matter should be past all doub● . She said , that the five wounds of St. Lucia , and S. Catharine , were real wounds , and that she would also imprint them on him ; so she bid him reach his hand ; he had no great mind to receive a favour in which he was to suffer so much : but she forced his hand , and struck a nail thro it , the hole was as big as a grain of pease , and he saw the Candle clearly thro it ; this threw him out of a supposed transport into a real Agony ; but she seemed to touch his hand , and he thought he smelt an Oyntment , with which she anointed it , tho his Confess●r perswaded him , that that was only an imagination , so the supposed Virgin lest him for that time . The next night the Apparition returned , and brought some linnen Clothes , which had some real or imaginary vertue to allay his Torment : and the pretended Virgin said , they were some of the Linnings in which Christ was wrapped , and with that she gave him a soporiferous draught , and while he was fast asleep , the other four wounds were , inprinted on his body , in such a manner that he felt no pain . But in order to the doing of this , the Friers betook themselves to Charms , and the Subpri●r shewed the rest a book full of them ; but he said , that before they could be effectual , they must renounce God ▪ and he not only did this himself , but by a formal act put in writing signed with his Blood● , he dedicated himself to the Deyl ; it is true , he did not oblige the rest to this , but only to renounce God. The composition of the Draught was a mixture of some Fountain-water and Chrism , the Hairs of the Eyebrows of a Child , some Qui●ksilver , some grains of Incense , somewhat of an Easter Wax Candle , some consecrated Salt , and the Blood of an unbaptised Child . This Composition was a secret , which the Subprior did not communicate to the other Friers . By this the poor Frier Ietzer was made almost quite insensible : when he was awake , and came out of this deep sleep , he felt this wonderful impression on his body : and now he was ravished out of measure , and came to fancy himself to be acting all the parts of our Saviours Passion : he was exposed to the people on the great Altar , to the amasement of the whole Town , and to the no small mortification of the Franciscans . The Dominicans gave him some other draughts that threw him into convulsions , and when he came out of those , a voice was heard , which came thro that hole which yet remains , and runs from one of the Cells along a great part of the wall of the Church : for a Frier spoke thro a pipe , and at the End of the hole there was an Image of the Virgins , with a little Iesus in her arms , between whom and his mother the voice seemed to come ; the Image also seemed to shed Tears , and a Painter had drawn those on her Face so lively , that the people where deceived by it . The little Jesus askt , why she wept ? and she said , it was because his honour was given to her , since it was said , that she was born without sin ; in Conclusion , the Fryers did so over act this matter , that at last even the poor deluded Fryer himself came to discover it , and resolved to quit the order . It was in vain to delude him with more Apparitions ; for he well nigh kill'd a Fryer that came to him personating the Virgin in another shape with a Crown on her head : he also over-heard the Fryers once talking amongst themselves , of the Contrivance and Success of the imposture , so plainly , that he discovered the whole Matter , and upon that , as may be easily imagined , he was filled with all the horror with which such a Discovery could inspire him . The Fryers fearing that an imposture , which was carried on hitherto with so much success , should be quite spoiled , and be turned against them , thought the surest way was to own the whole Matter to him , and to engage him to carry on the Cheat. They told him in what esteem he would be , if he continued to support the reputation tha● he had acquired , that he would become the chief person of the Order ; and in the end they persuaded him to go on with the Imposture : but at last , they fearing lest he should discover all , resolved to poyson him ; of which he was so apprehensive , that once a Loaf being brought him that was prepared with some spices , he kept it for some time , and it growing green , he threw it to some young Wolves Whelps that were in the Monastery , who died immediately . His constitution was also so vigorous , that tho they gave him Poyson five several times , he was not destroyed by it ; they also prest him earnestly to renounce God , which they judged necessary , that so their Charms might have their effect on him ; but he would never consent to that : at last they forced him to take a poysoned Hostie , which yet he vomited up soon after he had swallowed it down ; that failing , they used him so cruelly , whipping him with an iron Chain , and girding him about so strait with it , that ●o avoid further Torment he swore to them , in a most imprecating stile , that he would never discover the secret , but would still carry it on ; and so he deluded them till he sound an opportunity of g●tting out of the Co●vent , and of throwing himself in●o the hands of the Magistr●tes , to whom he discovered all . The four Fryers were seised on , and put in prison , and an account of the whole Matter was sent , first to the Bishop of Lausanne , and then to Rome ; and it may be easily imagined , that the Franciscans took all possible care to have it well examined ; the Bishop of Lausan●e , and of Zyon , with the Provin●ial of the D●mi●i●ans , were ▪ appointed to form the Process . The four Fryers first excepted to Ietzers credit ; but that was rejected : then being threatned with the Question , they put in a long plea against that ; but tho the Provincial would not consent to that , yet they were put to the question ; some endured it long ; but at last , they all confessed the whole progress of the Imposture . The Provincial appeared concerned ; for tho Ietzer had opened the whole Matter to him , yet he would give no credit to him ; on the contrary , he Charged him to be obedient to them , and one of the Friers said plainly , that he was in the whole secret , and so he withdrew ; but he died some dayes after at Constance , having poyson'd himself , as was believed . The Matter lay ●sleep some time , but a year after that , a Spanish Bishop came , authorised with full power from Rome ; and the whole Cheat being fully proved , the four Friers were solemnly degraded from their Priesthood , and Eight dayes after , it being the last of May 1509. they were Burnt in a Medow , on the other side of the River , over against the great Church ; The place of their Exe●ution was shewed me , as well as the Hole in the Wall , thro which the V●ice was Conveyed to the Image . It was certainly one of the blackest , and yet the best Carried on Cheat , that has been ever known ; and no doubt had the poor Fryer died , before the discovery , it had pas●ed down to posterity , as one of the greatest Miracles that ever was ; and it gives a shrewd suspition , that many of the other Miracles , of that Church , were of the same nature , but more successfully finished . I shall not entertain you any further with the State of Bern , but shall only add one general remark : which was too visible not to be observed every where , and of too great importance not to deserve a particular reflection : it belongs in general to all the Cantons , but I give it here , because I had more occasion to make it in Bern , having seen it more , and stayed longer in it , than in the other Cantons . Switzerla●d lies between France and Italy , that are both of them Countries incomparably more Rich , and better furnished with all the Pleasures and Conveniences of Life than it is ; and yet Italy is almost quite dis peopled , and the people in it are reduced to a misery , that can scarce be imagined by those who have not seen it ; and France is in a great measure dispeopled , and the inhabitans are reduced to a poverty that appears in all the ma●ks in which it can shew it self , both in their houses , furniture , cloths and looks . On the Contrary , Switzerland is extream full of people , and in several places in the Villages , as well as in their towns , one sees all the marks he can look for of Plenty and Wealth , their Houses and windows are in good case , the High Wayes are well maintained , all people are well Clothed : and every one lives at his ease . This Observation surprised me yet more in the Countrey of the Grisons , who have almost no soil at all , being situated in Valleys , that are almost all washed away with the Torrents , that fall down from the Hills , and swell their brooks sometimes so violently , and so suddenly , that in many places the whole soil is washed away , and yet those Valleys are well peopled , and every one lives happy and at ease , under a gentle Government , whilst other rich and plentiful Countries are reduced to such Misery , that as many of the inhabitants are forced to change their seats , so those who stay behind , can scarce live and pay those grievous Impositions that are laid upon them ; the rude people generally ●eason very simply when they enter into Speculations of Government , but they feel true , tho they argu● false ; so an easy Government , tho joyned to an ill soil , and accompanied with great inconveniences , draws , or at least keeps people in it ; whereas a severe Government , tho in generall ideas it may appear reasonable , drives its subjects even out of the best and most desirable seats . In my way from Ber● to this place I passed by Soloturn , and I came thro Fri●ourg in my way from Lausanne to Bern ; these are two of the Chief of the Popish Ca●tons , after Lucerne , and one sees in them a heat , and bigotry beyond what appears either in France or Italy : long before they come within the Church doors they kneel down in the Streets when Mass is a saying in it . The Im●ges are also extream gross . In the Chief Church of Soloturn there is an Image of God the Father , as an old man with a great black bea●d , having our Saviour on his knees , and a Pigeon over his head . Here also begins a devotion at the Ave-Marybel , which is scarce known in Fra●ce , but is practised all Italy over : At noon and at Sun set the Bell rings , and all say the Ave-Mary , and a short prayer to the Virgin ; bu● whereas in Italy they content themselves with putting off their Hats , in Switzerland they do for the most par● kneel down in the Streets ; which I saw no where practised in Italy except at Venice , and there it is not commonly done . But notwithstanding this extream bigotry , all the Switzers see their common interest so well , that they live in a very good unde●standing one with another . This is indeed chiefly owing to the Canton of Lucern , where there is a spirit in the Government very different from what is in most of the other Popish Cantons : the residence of the Spanish Ambassador , and of the Nuntio , in that Town , contributes also much to the preserving it in so good a temper , it being their interest to unite Switzerland , and by this means the heat and indiscretion of the rest is often moderated . The I●suits begin to grow as powerful in Switzerland as they are elsewhere : they have a noble Colledge and Chappel situated in the best place of Friburg . It is not long since they were received at Soloturn , where there was a revenue of 1000 Livres a year , set off for the maintenance of ten of them , with this provision , that they should never exceed that number ; but where they are once settled , they find means to break through all Limitations ; and they are now become so rich there , that they are raising a Church and Colledge , which will cost before it is finished above 400000. Livres , to which the French King gives 10000 Livres for the frontis-piece : For this being the C●nton in which his Ambassador reside● , he thought it suteable to his glory , to have a monument of his bounty raised by an order , that will never be wanting to flatter their b●●●factors , as long as they find their account in it . In the same Canton there is an Abbey that has 100000 Livres of revenue ; there is also a ●ery rich House of Nuns , that wear the Capuchins Habit , that as I was told had 60000 Livres of revenu● and but 60 Nuns in it , who having thus 1000 Livr●● apiece , may live in all possible plenty in a Countrey where a very little mony goes a great way : But that which surprises one most at Soloturn , is , the great Fortification that they are building of a Wall about the Town , the noblest and sol●dest that is any where to be seen ; the Stone with which it is faced , is a sort of course Marble , but of that bigness , that many Stones are 10 foot long , and two foot of breath and thickness : But tho this will be a wo●k of vast Expence and great Beauty , yet it would signifie little against a great Army that would attack it vigorously . The Wall is finished on the side of the River on which the Town stands , the Ditch is very broad , and the Counterscarp and Glasier are also finished , and they are working at a Fort on the other side of the River , which they intend to fortify in the same manner . This has cost them near two millions of Livres ; and this vast expence has made them often repent the undertaking ; and it is certain , that a fortification that is a●le to resist the rage of their Peasants in the case of a Rebellion , is all that is needful . This Canton has two Advoyers , as Bern ; the little Council consists of 36 , they have 12 Bailiages belonging to them , which are very profitable to those that can carry them , they have one Bursar , and but one Banneret . All the Cantons have their Bailiages ; but if there are disorders at Bern in the choice of their Bailifs , there are far greater among the Popish Cantons , where all things are sold , as a forreign Minister that resides there told me , who tho he knew what my Religion was , did not stick to own franckly to me , that the Catholick Cantons were not near so well governed as the Protestant-Cantons . Justice is generally sold among them , and in their Treaties with forreign Princes , they have sometimes taken mony both from the F●en●h and Spanish Ambassadors , and have signed contradictory Articles at the same time . Baden has nothing in it that is remarkable , except its convenient situation , which makrs it the seat of the general Dyet of the Cantons , tho it is not one of them ; but is a Bailiage that belongs in common to ei●ht of the ancient Cantons . At last I came to this place , which as it is the first and most honourable of all the Cantons , so with relation to us , it has a precedence of a higher nature , it being the first that received the Reformation . This Cant●n is much less than Bern , yet the publick is much richer : they reckon that they can bring 50000. Men together upon 24. hours warning , their subjects live happy : for the Bailifs here have regulated appointments , and have only the hundred Penny of the fines , so that they are not tempted as those of Bern are , to whom the Fine belongs entirely , to strain matters against their Subjects : and whereas at Bern the constant intrigue of the whole Town is concerning their Bailiages ; here on the contrary , it is a service to which the Citizens are bound to submit according to their Constitution , but to which they do not aspire . The Government is almost the same as at Bern , and the Magistrate that is called the Advoyer at Bern , is here called the Bourgomaster . The revenue of the State is here justly accounted for , so that the publick Purse is much richer than at Bern ; the Arsenal is much better furnished , and the Fortifications are more regular . There is a great trade stirring here ; and as their Lake , that is 24. miles long , and about two or three Broad , supplies them well with provisions , so their River carries their Manufacture to the Rhine , from whence it is conveyed as they please . One of their Chief Manufacturies is Crape , which is in all respects the best I ever saw . I will not describe the situation of the Town , but shall content my self to tell you , that it is extream pleasant , the Countrey about it is Moun●anous , and the Winters are hard ; for the L●ke freezes quite over , only in some places the Ice never lies , which is believed a mark that some Spr●ngs rise there , which cause that heat ; so also in the Lake of Geneva , tho it is never quite frozen , yet great flakes of Ice lie in several parts ; but these are never seen in some parts of the Lake , which is supposed to flow from the same cause . But to return to Zurich ; one sees here the true ancient Simplicity of the Switzers , not corrupted which Luxury or Vanity ; their Women not only do not converse familiarly with men , except those of their near kindred , b●t even on the Streets do not make any returns to the Civility of Strangers ; for it is only Strangers that put off their Hats to Women ; but they make no Courtisies : and here , as in all Switzerland , Women are not saluted , but the civility is expressed by taking them by the Hand . There is one thing singular in the constitu●ion of Zurich , that is , their little Council consists of 50 persons , but there sit in it only 25. at a time , and so the two halves of this Council , as each of them has his proper Bourgomaster , have also the Government in their Hands by turns , and they shift every six months , at Mid-summer and at Christ-Mass . The whole Canton is divided into nine great Bailiages , and 21 Castellaneries ; in the former the Bailif resides Constantly ; but the Castellan , who is also one of the gr●at Council , has so little to do , that he lives at Zurich , and goes only at some set times of the year to do justice . The vertue of this Canton has appeared signally in their adhering firmly to the antient Capitulations with the Fren●h ; and not slackening in any Article , which has been done by all the other Cantons , where mony has a Soveraign influence : but here it has never prevailed . They have converted ●he ancient Revenues of the Church more generally to pious Uses , than has been done any where else , that I know of . They have many Hospitals well entertained ; in one , as I was told , there was 650 poor kept : but as they support the real Charities , which belong to such endowments , so they despise that vain Magnificence of Buildings , which is too generally affected elsewhere ; for theirs are very plain ; and one of the Government there said to me very sensibly , That they th●ught it enough to maintain their Poor as Poor ; and did not judge it proper to lodge them as Prin●es . The Dean and Chapter are likewise still continued as a corporation , and enjoy the revenues which they had before the Reformation ; but if they subsist plentifully , they labour hard ; for they have generally two or three Sermons a day , and at least one : the first begins at five a clock in the morning . At Geneva , and all Switserland over , there are daily Sermons , which were substituted upon the Reformation from the Mass. But the Sermons are generally too long , and the Preachers have departed from the first design of these Sermons , which were intended to be an explication of a whole Chapter , and an exhortation upon it ; and if this were so contrived , that it were in all not above a quarter of an hour long , as it would be heard by the People with less Weariness and more profit , so it would be a vast Advantage to the Preachers ; For as it would oblige them to study the Scriptures much , so having once made themselves Masters of the practical parts of the Scripture , such short and simple Discourses would cost them less pains , than those more laboured Sermons do , which consume the greatest part of their time , and too often to very little purpose . Among the Archives of the Dean and Chapter , there is a vast Collection of Letters , written either to Bullinger , or by him ; they are bound up , and make a great many V●lums in Folio , and out of these no doubt but one might discover a great many particulars relating to the History of the R●formati●m : For as Bullinger lived long , so he was much esteemed . He procured a very kind reception to be given to some of our English Exiles in Queen Maries Reign , in particular to Sands , afterwards Ar●h-Bishop of York ; to Horn , afterwards Bishops of Win●hester ; and to Iewel , Bishop of Salisbury . He gave them lodgings in the Close , and used them with all possible kindness ; and as they presented some Silver-Cups to the Colledge , with ●n Inscription , acknowledging the kind Reception they had ●ound there , which I saw , so they continued to keep a constant Correspondence with Bullinger , after the happy re-establishment of the Reformation under Queen Elisabeth : Of which I read almost a whole Volum while I was there : Most of them contain only the general news , but some were more important , and relate to the Disputes then on foot , concerning the Habits of the Clergy , which gave the first beginnings to our unhappy Divisions : and by the Letters , of which I read the Originals , it appears , that the Bishops preserved the ancient Habits rather in compliance with the Queens inclinations , than out of any liking they had to them ; so far they were from liking them , that they plainly exprest their dislike of them . Iewel , in a Letter bearing date the 8. of February 1566. wishes , that the Vestments , together with all the other Remnants of Popery , might be thrown both out of their Churches , and out of the minds of the People ; and laments the Queens fixedness to them , so that she would suffer no change to be made . And , in Ianuary of the same year , Sands writes to the same purpose . Contenditur de vestibus Papisti●is utendis vel non utendis , dabit Deus his quoque finem . Di●putes are now on foot concerning the Popish Vestments , whether they should be used or not ; but God will put an end to those things . Horn , Bishop of Win●hester , went further ; For in a Letter , dated the 16th of Iuly , 1565. He writes of the Act concerning the Habits , with great regret , and expresses some hopes that it might be repealed next Session of Parliament , if the Popish Party did not hinder it ; and he seems to stand in doubt , whether he should conform himself to it or not ; upon which he desires Bullingers Advice . And in many Letters writ on that subject , it is asserted , that both Cranmer and Ridley intended to procure an Act for abolishing the Habits , and that they only defended their Lawfulness , but not their Fitness ; and therefore they blamed private Persons that refused to obey the Laws . Grindal in a Letter dated the 27th of August , 1566. writes , That all the Bishops , who had been beyond Sea , had at their return dealt wi●h the Queen to let the matter of the Habits fall : but she was so prepossessed , that tho they had all endeavoured to divert her from prosecuting that matter , she continued still inflexible . This had made them resolve to submit to the Laws , and to wait for a fit opportunity to rever●e them . He laments the ill effects of the opposition that some had made to them , which had extreamly irritated the Queens Spirit , so that She was now much more heated in those matters than formerly ; he also thanks Bullinger for the Letter that he had writ , justifying the Lawful use of the Habits , which he says had done great service . C●x , Bishop of Ely , in one of his Letters , laments the a●ersion that they found in the Parliament to all the Prop●sitions that were made for the Reformation of Abuses . Iewel , in a Letter dated the 22th of May 1559. writes , That the Queen refused to be called Head o● the Church , and adds , That that Title could not be justly given to any mortal , it being due only to Christ ; and that such Titles had been so much abused by Antichrist , that they ought not to be any longer continued . On all these Passages I will make no reflections here : For I set them down only to shew what was the sense of our Chief Church-men at that time concerning those matters , which have since engaged us into such warm and angry Disputes ; and this may be no inconsiderable instruction to one , that intends to write the History of that time . The last particular , with which I intend to end this Letter , might seem a little too learned , if I were writing to a less knowing Man than your self . I have taken some pains in my travels to examin all the Antient Manus●ripts of the New Testament , concerning that doubted pas●age of St. Iohns Epistle , There are three that bear witness in Heaven ; the Father , the Word , and the Spirit ; and these three are one . Bullinger doubted much of it , because he found it not in an antient Latin Manuscript at Zurich , which seems to be about 800. years old : For it is written in that hand that began to be used in Charles the Great 's time . I turned the Manuscript , and found the passage was not there ; but this was certainly the errour or omission of the Coppier : For before the General Epistles in that Manuscript , the Preface of St. Ierome is to be found , in which he sayes , that he was the more exact in that Translation , that so he might discover the fraud of the Arrians , who had struck out that passage concerning the Trinity . This Preface is printed in Lira's Bible : but how it came to be left out by Erasmus in his Edition of that Father's works , it that of which I can give no account : For as on the one hand , Erasmus's sincerity ought not to be too rashly censured ; so on the other hand , that Preface being in all the Manuscripts Antient or Modern of those Bibles that have the other Prefaces in them , that I ever yet saw , it is not easy to imagin what made Erasmus not to publish it ; and it is in the Manuscript Bibles at Basil , where he printed his Edition of S. Ieromes Works . In the old Manuscript Bible of Geneva , that seems to be above 700. years old , both the Prefa●e and the P●ssage are extant , but with this difference from the common Editions , that the common Editions ●et the Verse concerning the Father , the Word , and the Spirit , before that of the Water , the Blood , and the Spirit ; which comes after it in this Copy : And that I may in this place end all the Readings I found of this passage in my Travels , there is a Manuscript in St. Mark 's Library in Venice in three Languages , Greek , Latin , and Arabick , that seems not above 400. years old , in which this passage is not in the Greek , but it is in the L●tin set after the other three , with a sicut to joyn it to what goes before . And in a Manuscript Latin Bible in the Library of St. Laurence at Florence , both St. I●romes Preface and this Passage are extant : but this Passage comes after the other , and is pinned to it with a sicut , as is that of Venice : yet si●ut is not in the Geneva Manuscript . There are two Greek Manuscripts of the Epistles at B●sil , that seem to be about 500. years old , in neither of which this passage is to be found : they have also an Ancient Latin Bible , which is about 800. years old , in which tho St. Ierom's Prologue is inserted , yet this Passage is wanting . At Stras●●●rg I saw four very Ancient Manuscripts of the New Testament in Latin : three of these seemed to be about the time of Charles the Great , but the fourth seemed to be much antienter , and may belong to the seventh Century : in it neither the Prologue nor the Place is extant : but it is added at the foot of the page with another hand . In two of the other , the Prologue is extant , but the Place is no● : only in one of them it is added on the Margin . In the fourth , as the Prologue is extant so is the Place likewise , but it comes after the verse of the other three , and is ●oyned to it thus , Sicut tres sunt in coelo . It seem'd strange to me , and it is almost incredible , that in the Vatican Library there are no Antient Latin Bibles , where above all other places they ought to be lookt for : but I saw none above 400. years old . There i● indeed the famous Greek Manuscript of great value , which the Chanoine Shelstrat , that was Library keeper , asserted to be 1400. years old , and proved it by the great similitude of the Characters with those that are upon S. Hippolites Statue , which is so evident , that if his Statue was made about his time , the antiquity of this Manuscript is not to be disputed . If the Characters are not so fair , and have not all the marks of Antiquity that appears in the Kings Manuscript at Iames's , yet this has been much better preserved , and is much more entire . The Passage that has led me into this digression , is not to be found in the Vati●an Manuscript , no more than it is in the Kings Manuscript . And with this I will finish my account of Zurich . The publick Library is very noble : The Hall in which it is placed , is large and well contrived ; there is a very handsome Cabinet of Med●ls , and so I will break off ; but when I have gone so much farther that I have gathered Materials for another Letter of this Volum , you may look for a sec●n● entertaiment , such as it is from . Your , & ● . POSTSCRIPT . I told you , that in Bern the Balliages are given by a sort of a Ballot , which is so managed , that no mans Vote is known : but I must now add , that since I was fi●st there , they have made a considerable regula●ion in the way of Voting , when Offices are to be given , which approaches much nearer the Ven●tian method , and which exposes the competitors more to chance , and by consequence may put an end to the Intrigues , that are so much in use for obtaining those Imployments . There is a number of Balls put into a Box , equal to the number of those that have right to vote , and that are present ; of these the third part is guilt , and two parts are only silvered , so every one takes out a ball ; but none can vote except those who have the guilt balls ; so that hereafter a man may have more than two thirds sure , and yet be cast in a competition . There is one thing for which the Switzers , in particular those of Bern , cannot be enough commended , they have ever since the Perse●ution began first in France , opened a Sanctuary to such as have retired thither , in so generous and so Christian a manner , that it deserves all the honourable Remembrances that can be made of it : such Ministers and others , that were at first condemned in France , for the affair of the Cevennes , have not only found a kind Reception here , but all ●he Support that could be expected , and indeed much more than could have been in reason expected . For they have assigned the French Ministers a pen●ion of f●ve Crowns a month , if they were unmarried , and have increased it to such as had Wife and Children , so ●hat some had above ten Crowns a month pension . They dispersed them over all the Pais de Vaud : but the greatest number staid at Lausa●ne and Vevay . In order to the supporting of this charge , the Charities of Zuri●h , and the other neighbouring Protestant States , were brought hither . Not only the Protestan● Cantons , but the Gris●ns , and some small States , that are under the protection of the C●nton● , such as Neufchastel , S. Gall , and some others , ha●e sent in their Charities to Bern , who dispence them wit● great dis●retion , and bear what further ●harge this Relief brings upon them ; and in this last total and deplo●●ble dispersion of those Churches , the whole Country h●● been animated with such a Spirit of Charity and Co●passion , that every Mans house and purse has been opened to the Re●u●ies , that have passed thither in suc● numbers , that sometimes the●e have been above 2000. i● Lausanne alone , and of these there were at one ti●● near 200. Ministers , and they all met with a Kindness and Free-heartedness , that lookt more like some what o● the primitive Age revived , than the Degeneracy of the A●● in which we live . I shall Conclude this Postscrips , which is already swelled to the bigness of a Letter , with a sad Instance o● the Anger and heat that rises among Divines concerning Matters of very small consequence . The midle way that Amirald , Daiile , and some others in Fran●e took in the matters that were disputed i● Holland , concerning the Divine Decrees , and the extent of the Death of Christ , as it came to be generally followed in France , so it had some Assertors both in G●neva and Switz●rland , who denied the Imputation of Adams sin , and asserted the Vniversality of Christ's death , together with a sufficient Grace given to all men , asserting with this a particular and free Decree of Election , with an efficacious Grace for those included in it : these cam● to be called Universalists , and began to grow very considerable in Geneva : two of the Professors o● Divini●y there being known to favour ●hose Opinions , Upon this , those who adhered strictly to the opposit Doctrine , were inflamed , and the Contention grew to that height , that almost the whole Town came to be concerned , and all were divided into parties . If upon this , the Magistr●te● had enjoyned silence to both parties , they had certainly acted wisely : for these are speculations so little certain , and so little essential to Religion , that a Diversity of Opinions ought not to be made the occasion of Heat or Faction . But tho the party of the Vniversalists was considerable in G●neva , it was very small in Switzerland , therefore some Divines there , that adhered to the old received Doctrine , drew up some Articles , in which all these Doctrines were not only condemned , together with some Speculations , that were asserted concerning Adams Immortality , and other qualities belonging to the state of Innocency ; but because Cap●l and some other Criticks had not only asserted the novelty of the points , but had taken the liberty to correct the reading of the Hebrew , supposing that some errors had been committed by the Coppiers of the Bible , both in the Vowels and Consonants , in opposition to this , they condemned all corrections of the Hebrew Bible , and asserted the Antiquity of the Points , or at least of the power and reading according to them ; by which , tho they did not engage all to be of Buxtors's opinion , as to the Antiquity of the points , yet they shut the door against all Corrections of the present Punctuation : If this consent of Doctrine ( for so they termed it ) had been made only the Standard , against which no man might have taught , without incurring censures , tbe severity had been more tolerable : but they obliged all such as should be admitted either to the Ministry . or to a Professors Chair , to sign sic sentio , so ● think ; and this being so setled at Bern and Zurich , it was also carried by their authority at Geneva : but for those in office , the M●derator and C●erk signed it in all their names : and thus they were not contended to make only a Regulation in those Matters , but they would needs , according to a maxim that hath been so often fatal to the Church , enter into peoples Cons●iences , and either shut out Young Men from Imployments , or impose a Test upon them , which perha●s some have signed not without Struglings in their Conscience . Yet some that set on this Test or Consent ▪ are men of such extraordinary Worth , that I am confident they have acted in this matter out of a sincere zeal for that which they believe to be the Truth : only I wi●● they had larger and freer Souls . The only considerable Tax under which the Switze● ▪ lie , is , that when Estates are sold , the fifth part of the price belongs to the Publick , and all the Abatement th●● the B●ilif can make , is to bring it to a sixth part ; this the● call the Lod , which is derived from Alodium : only ther● are some Lands that are Frank alod , whi●h lie no● under this Tax : but this falling only on the Sellers of Estat●s , 〈◊〉 was thought a just Punishment , and a wise Restraint o● ill Husbands of their Estates . I was the more confirmed in the account I have give● you of the derivation of Advoyer , when I found that i● some small Towns in the Canton of Bern , the chief Magistrate is still so called : as in Payerne , so that I make no doubt , but as the Antient Magistrates in the time of the Romans , that were to give an account of the Town , were called Advocates , and afterwards the Iudge i● Civil Matters , that was named by the Bishops , was called at first Advocat , and afterwards Vidam or Vi●edom●nus ; so this was the Title thas was still continued in Bern , while they were under the Austrian and German yoke , and was preserved by them when they threw it off . I have perhaps toucht too slightly the last Difference that was in Switzerland , which related to the Canton o● Glaris . In the Canton of Apenzell , as the two Religio● are tolerated , so they are separated in different quarter● ▪ those of one Religion have the one half of the Canton , an● those of the other Religion have the other half , so they live apart : but in Glaris they are mixt : and now the number of the Papists is become very low ; one assured me , there were not above 200. Families of that Religion , and those are also so poor , that their necessities dispose some o● them every day to change their Religion . The other P●pish Cantons , seeing the danger of losing their interest entirely in that Canton , and being set on by the intrigues o●● Court , that has understood well the policy of imbroiling ●ll other States , made great use of some complaints that were brought by the Papists of Glaris , as if the prevailing of the other Religion exposed them to much injustice and oppression ; and upon that they proposed , that the Can●on should be equally divided into two halves , as Appenz●l was : this was extreamly unjust , since the Papists were not the tenth , or perhaps the twentieth part of the Cant●n . It is true , it was so situated in the midst of the Popish Cantons , that the Protestant Cantons could not easily come to their assistance : but those of Glaris resolved to dye rather than suffer this injustice , and the Prot●st●nt Cantons resolved to engage in a war with the Popish Cantons , if they imposed this matter on their Brethren of Glaris : at last this temper was found , that in all suits of law between those of different Religions , two thirds of the Iudges should be alwayes of the Religion of the defendant ; but while this Contest was on foot , those , who as is believed , fomented it , if they did not set it on , knew how to make their Advantage of the Conjuncture ; for then was the Fortification of Hunningen at the Ports of Basil much advanced , of the importance of which , they are now very apprehensive when it is too late . There are six Noble Families in Bern , that have still this priviledge , that when any of them is chosen to be of the Council , they take place before all the Ancient Councellors , whereas all the rest take place according to the Order in which they were chosen to be of the Council . THE SECOND LETTER . Millan , the first of October , 1685. AFTER a short stay at Zurich , we went dow● the Lake , where we past under the Bridge a● Ripperswood , which is a very noble Work for such a Countrey ; the Lake is there about half a mile broad , the Bridge is about twelve foot broad , bu● hath no Rails on either side , so that if the wind blow● hard , which is no extraordinary thing there , a man is in great danger of being blown into the Lakes : and this same defect I found in almost all the Bridges of Lombardy , which seemed very strange ; for since that Defence is made upon so small an Expence , it was amazing to see Bridges so naked : and that was more surprizing in some places , where the Bridges are both high and long : yet I never heard of any mischief that followed on this ; but those are sober Countreys , where drinking is not much in use . After two dayes journey , we came to Coire , which is the chief Town of the Grisons , and where we found a general Diet of the three Leagues sitting , so that having staid ten dayes there , I came to be informed of a great many particulars concerning those Leagues , which are not commonly known : The To●n is but little , and may contain between four and five thousand Souls ; it lies in a bottom , upon a small brook , that a little below the Town falls into the Rhine . It is environed with Mountains of all hands , so that they have a very short Summer ; for the Snow is not melted till May or Iune ; and it began to Snow in September when I was there . On a rising ground at the East ●nd of the Town is the Cathedral , ●he Bishops Pallace , ●nd the Close , where the D●an●nd ●nd six Pre●endaries●ive ●ive ; all within the Close are Papists , but all the Town●re ●re Protestants , and they live pretty neighbourly toge●her . Above a quarter of a mile high in the Hill , one goes up by a steep ascent to Saint Lucius Chappel ; My curiosy carried me thither : Tho I gave no faith to the legend of King Lucius , and of his coming so far from home ●o be the Apostle of the Grisons . His Chappel is a lit●le Vault about ten foot square , where there is an Altar , and where Mass is said upon some great Festivals ; it is situated under a natural Ar●h●hat ●hat is in the Rock , which was thought proper ●o be given out to have been the Cell of a Hermit : ●rom it some drops of a small Fountain fall down near the Chappel ; the Bishop assured me it had a miraculous vertue for weak-eyes , and that it was Oily ; but neither taste nor feeling could discover to me any Oilyness : I believe it may be very good for the Eyes , as all Rock-Water is ; but when I offered to shew the good old Bishop , that the legend of Lucius was a Fable in all the parts of it , but most remarkably in that which related to the G●isons , and that we had no Kings in Britain at that time , but were a Province to the Romans , that no ancient Authors speak of it , Bede being the first that mentions it ; and that the pretended Letter to Pope Eleutherius , together with his answer , has evident characters of Forgery in it , all this signified nothing to the Bishop , who assured me , that they had a Tradition of that in their Church ; and it was inserted in their Breviary , which he firmly believed : he also told me the other legend of Lucius's sister S. Emerita , who was burnt there , and of whose Veil there was yet a considerable remnant reserved among their Reliques : I confess , I never saw a Relique so ill disguised ; for it is a piece o● worn Linnen Cloath lately washt , and the burning did not seem to be a month old ; and yet when they took it out of the Case , to shew it me , there were some there that with great devotion rub'd their beads upon it . The Bishop had some contests with his Dean , and being 〈◊〉 Prin●e of the Empire , he had proscribed him : the De●● had also behaved himself so insolently , that by an orde● of the Diet , to which even the Bishop , as was believed , consented , he was put in Prison as he came out of the Cathedral . By the common consent both of the Popi●● and Protestant Communities , a Law was long ago made against E●●lesiastical Immunities : this attempt on ●he Dean was made four years ago ; as soon as he was let o●● he went to Rome , and made great complaints o● the Bishop , and it was thought the Popish party intended to mo●e in the Diet while we were there ●or the repealing of th●● Law , but they did it not . The foundation of ●he Quar●● between the Bishop and Dean was the Exemptions to which the Dean and Chapter pretended , and upon which the B●sh●p made some Invasion : Upon which I took occasion ●o shew him the novelty of those Exemptions , and that in the primitive Church it was believed , that the Bishop had the Authority over his Presbyters by a divine right ; and if it was by a Divine Right , then the Pop● could not exempt them from his obedience : but the Bishop would not carry the matter so high , and contented himself with two maxims ; the one was , That the Bishop was Christ's Vicar in his Diocess ; and the other was ▪ That what the Pope was in the Catholick Church , the Bishop was the same in his Diocess . He was a good-natured Man , and did not make use o● the great Authority that he has over the Papists there , to set them on to live uneasily with their neighbours of another Religion . That Bishop was antiently a great Prince ; and the greatest part of the League , that carries still the name of the House of God , belonged to him ; tho I was assured that Pregallia , one of those Communities , was ● ●ree State above six hundred years ago , and that they have Records yet extant that prove this : The other Communities of this League bought their liberties from several Bi●hops some considerable time before the Reformation , of which the Deeds are yet extant ; so th●t it is an impudent ●hing to say , as some have done , that they shook off his Yoke at that time . The Bishop hath yet reserved a Revenue of about one thousand pound Sterling a Year , and every one of the Preb●ndaries hath near two hundred pound a Year . It is not easie to imagin out of what the Riches of this Country is raised ; for one sees nothing but a tract of vast Mountains , that seem barren Rocks , and some lit●le Vallies among them not a mile broad , and the best part of these is washed away by the Rhine , and some Brooks that fall into it : but their wealth consists chiefly in their Hills , which afford much pasture ; and in the hot months , in which all ●he Pasture of Italy is generally parched , the Cattle are driven into these Hills , which brings them in a Revenue of above two hundred thousand Crowns a Year . The Publick is indeed very poor , but particular persons are so rich , that I knew a great many there , who were believed to have Estates to the value of one hundred thousand Crowns . Mr. Schovestein , that is accounted the richest man in the Country , is believed to be worth a Million , I mean of Livres . The Government here is purely a Commonwealth ; for in the choice of their Magistrates , every man that is above sixteen Years old hath his Voice , which is also the constitution of some of the small Cantons . The Three Leagues are , the League of the Grisons , that of the House of God , and that of the ten Iurisdictions . They believe , that upon the incursions of the Goths and Vandals , as some fled to the Venetian Islands , out of which arose that famous Common-wealth ; so others came and sheltred themselves in those Valleys . They told me of an ancient inscription lately found , of a Stone where on the one side is graven , Omitto Rhetos Indomitos , and ne plus ultra is on the other ; which they pretend was made by Iulius Caesar : the Stone on which this inscription is , is upon one of their Mountains ; but I did not pass that way , so I can make no judgment concerning it . After the first ●orming of this people , they were cast into little States , according to the different Valleys which they inhabited , and in which Justice was administred , and so they fell under the power of some little Princes , that became severe Masters ; but when they saw the Example that the Switzers had set them , in shaking off the Austrian Yoke , above two hundred years ago , they likewise combined to shake off theirs ; only some few of those small Princes used their authority better , and con●urred wi●h the people in shaking off the Yoke , and so they are still parts of the Body ; only Haldenstein is an absolute Soveraignty ; it is about two miles from Coire to the West , of the other side of the Rhine ; the whole Territory is about half a mile long at the foot of the Alps , whe●● there is scarce any breadth . The authority of these Baro●● was formerly more absolute that it is now ; for the Subjects were their Slaves : but to keep together the li●●l● Village , they have granted them a power of naming a list for their Magistrates , the person being to be named by the Baron ; who hath also the Right of Pardoning , a Right of Coyning , and every thing also that belongs to a Soveraign . I saw this little Prince in Coire , in an Equipage not suitable to his Quality ; for he was in all poin●● like a very ordinary Gentleman . There are three other Baronies that are Members of the Diet , and subject to it ; the chief belonged to the Ar●h-Duke o● Inch-pruck ; the other two belong to Mr. Schoven-stain and Mr. de Mont ▪ they are the Heads of those Communities of which their Bar●nies are composed ; they name the Magistrates out of the lists that are presented to them by their Subjects ; & they have the right of pardoning & of con●iscations : That belonging to the House of A●stria is the biggest , it hath five voices in the Diet , and i● can raise twelve hundred Men. One Trav●rs bought it o● the Emperor in the year 1679. he entred upon the Righ● of the ancient Barons , which were specified in an agreement that past between him and his Peasa●ts , and wa● confirmed by the Emperour . Travers made many i●croachments upon the Priviledges of his Subjects , who upon that made their Complaints to the League ; but Travers would have the Matter judged at Inchpruck , and the Emperor supported him in this Pretension , and sent an Agent to the Diet : I was present , when he had his Audience , in which there was nothing but General Complements : But the Diet stood firm to their Constitution , and asserted , that the Emperour had no Authority to judge in that Matter , which belonged only to them ; so Travers was forced to let his Pretentions fall . All the other Parts of this State are purely Democratical ; there are three different Bodies or Leagues , and every one of these are an intire Government ; and the Assembly or Diet of the Three Leagues , in only a Confederacy , like the Vnited Provinces , or the Cant●ns : There are sixty-seven V●ices in the General Diet , which are thus divided : The League of the Grisons hath twenty-eight Voices , that of the House of God hath twenty-four , and ●hat of the Iurisdictions hath fifteen . The Iurisdictions belonged anciently to the House of Austria : but they having shaken off that Authority , were incorporated into the Diet : but in the last Wars of Germany , the Austrians thought to have brought them again under their Yoke ; yet they defended their Liberty with so much Vigour , that the Austrians it seems thought the conquest not worth the while , and that it would not quit the cost . They were affrighted by two extraordinary Actions ; in one Village , which was quite abandoned by all the Men belonging to it , who left the Women in it , some hundreds , as I was told , there quartered , xnd were apprehensive of no danger from their Hostesses ; but the Women intended to let their Husbands see , that they were capable of contriving and executing a bold Action ; tho it must be confest , it was a little too rough and Barbarous for the Sex : They entred into a Combination to cut the Throa●s of all the Souldiers at one time ; the Woman that proposed this , had four lodged with her , and she with her own Hands dispatcht them all , and so did all the rest , not one Souldier escaping ●o carry away the News of so unheard of a Rage . In another Place , a Body of the Austrians came into a Valley , that was quite abandoned ; for the Men that had no Arms but their Clubs and Staves , had got up to the Mountains ; but they took their Measures so well , and possessed themselves so of the Passes , that they came down upon the Souldiers with so much Fury , that they defeated them quite , so that very few escaped ; and it is certain , that the Subduing them would have proved a very hard Work. It is true , they are not in a Condition to hold out long ; the publick is too poor ; so that tho particular Persons are extream rich ; yet they have no publick Revenue , but every Man is concerned to preserve his Liberty , which is more intire here , than it is even in Switzerland : but this swells often so much , and throws them into great Convulsions . The League of the Grisons is the first and most ancient , and it is composed of eight an● twenty Communities , of which there are eighteen Papists , and the rest are Protestants ; the Communities of the two Religions live neighbourly together , yet they do not suffer those of another Religion to live among them , so that every Community is entirely of the same Religion ; and if any one changes , he must go into another Community . Each Community is an intire State within it self , and all Perso●● must meet once a year to chuse the Iudge and his Assistants , whom they change , or continue from year to year , as they see cause : There is no difference made between Gentleman and Peasant , and the T●nant hath a Vote as well as his Landlord , nor dare his Landlord use him ill wh●n he vote● contrary to his intentions ; for the Peasants would look upon that as a common Quarrel . An appeal lies from the Iudge of the Community , to the Assembly of the League , where all matters end ; for there lies no appeal to the general Diet of the thr●e Leagues , except in matters that concern the conquered Countries , which belong in common to all the three . There is one chosen by the Deputies for the Assembly of the League , who is called the Head of the League , that can call them together as he sees ●ause , and can likewise bring a cause that hath been once judged to a second hearing . Ilants is the Chief Town of this League , where their Diet meets . The second League is that of the House of God , in which there are 24 Communi●ies ; the Burgomaster of Coire is always the Head of this League : This League is almost wholly Protestant , and the two Valleys of the Vpper and Lower En●edin are pointed out by the Papists , as little less than Cannibals towards such Ca●holicks as come among them ; but Frier Sfondrato , Nephew to Pope Gregory the fourteenth , whose Mother the Marquess of Bergominiero , that was in England , hath married , found the contrary of all this to be true to his great regret . About eighteen years ago he was believed to have wrought Miracles , and he became so much in love with the Crown of Martyrdom , that he went through the Enged●n , not doubting but he would find there that whi●h he desired . His Brother had come some time before into the Country to drink Mineral Waters , and was well known to the Gentry , so some of these hearing of the Fry●r's coming , went and waited on him , and he was entertained by them in their Houses , and conveyed through the Countrey , tho he took all possible wayes to provoke them ; for he was often railing at their Religion , but to all that they made no answer , only they continued their Civilities still , which did so inrage the warm Fryer , that he went to Bormio , and there ( as was believed ) he Dyed of Grief . An Accident fell out five years ago , that the People of the Country esteemed a sort of a Miracle . The Papists in their Processions go sometimes out of one Community into another , and when they pass through Protestant Comm●nities , they lower the Cross , and give over singing till they are again upon Popish ground : but then they went on bea●ing up the Cross , and singing as they went ; upon which the Protesta●ts stopt them , and would not suffer them to go on in that manner : they finding ●hat they were not equal in number to the Protestants , sent to a Catholick Community , and desired them to come to their Assistance : Two thousand came , and by all appearance the Dispute would have had a bloody Issue : fo● the Protestants were resolved to maintain the Right● of their Community , and the others were no less resolved to force their Way : but an extraordinary thick mist arose , and through it , the Papists fancied they saw ● vast Body of Men , which was no other than a Wood : but terrified with the Appearance of such a number , they retired , and this saved a little battel , that probably would not only have ended in the shedding much blood , but might have very much disordered the whole Constitution and Union of their Leagues . The Papists of quality endeavour much to keep their People in ordet ▪ but they acknowledged to my self , that the Protestants were much peaceabler than the Catholicks . The Iurisdictions have fifteen Votes in the General Diet , yet they are generally called the ten Iurisdictions , and the greater part of them are likewise of the Religion ; for upon the general Computation of the three Leagues , the Protestants are about two thirds . In their Diets there are three Tables , one in the middle , and two on either side ; at every Table sits the Head of the League , and a Secretary near him ; and from the Ta●●● there goes down Benches on both Hands for the Deputi●● from the Communities of that League : They hold their Diets by turns in the Chief Towns of the several Leagues , and it hapned to be the turn of the House of God , when I was there ; so they met at Coire . The three Leagues have a conquered Country in Italy , divided into three Districts , the Valteline , Chavennes and ●ormio . When Iohn Galeasse possessed himself of the Dutchy of Milan , and drove out Ba●nabas , Mastinus one of Barnabas's Son● , to whom his Father had given those three Branches of the Dutchy of Milan , retired to Coire , and being hospitably received and entertained by the Bishop , when he died , he gave his Right to those Territories to the Cathedral of Coire : but here was a Title without a force able to make it good . But when the Wars of Italy were on Foot , the three Leagues being much courted by both the Crowns , since they were Masters of the Passes , by which either the Switzers or Germans could come into Italy , they resolved to lay hold on that Opportunity : yet they had not Zeal enough for their Bishop , to ingage deep upon his Account , so they agreed with him to pay him such a Revenue , and he transferred his Title to them , and they were so considerable to the Spaniards , that without much ado , they yielded those Parcels of the D●t●hy of Milan to them , and by this means they are possessed of them . Those Accessions to this State are much better than the principal ; for as certainly the Valteline , which is above forty Miles long , and two broad , is one of the riches Valleys in the World , in which there are three Harvests some years ; so the Chavennes and Bormio are much preferable to the best Valleys of the Grisons ; yet the ingagement that people have to their native Homes appears signally here , since the Grisons have not forsaken their Countrey , that they might scituate themselves so advantagiously : but they love their rugged Valleys , and think the safety they injoy ●n them beyond the pleasures of their acquired Dominions ; so they govern them by Bailifs and Podesta's , and other Officers whom they send among them ; and all the advantages that they draw from them , is that the Magistrates whom they send to govern them , do inrich themselves , as the Bailifs in Switzerland do . All those Offices go round the several Communities , who have the right of nomination in their turn : But if there is none of the Community proper for the Imployment , any one of another Community may buy of them the Nomination for that turn , and the Community distribute among them the Money that he gives them . The publick draws nothing out of those parts , except the Fines , which in some years amounts to no considerable sum ; and ten or twelve thousand Crowns is thought a great deal to be raised out of them in a year ; so that their Subjects live happy , and free of all Taxes , which made their last Revolt appear the more extraordinaty ; and it was indeed the effect of a very surprising Bigotry , when a people under the gentlest yoke in the World , who had no other Grievance , but tha● now and then their Magistrates were of another Religion , and that the Protestant Religion was tolerated amongst them , would therefore throw off their Masters , cut the Throats of their Neighbours , and cast themselves into the hands of the Spaniards , who are the terriblest Masters in the World. But to give a more particular Relation of that matter , and to tell the Circumstances which seem a little to lesse● that Rebellion and Massacre , I must give an Account of a part of this Constitution that is very Terrible , and which makes the greatest Men in it to tremble : The Peasants come sometimes in great Bodies , and demand a Chamb●r of Iustice from the general Diet , and they are bound to grant it alwayes when it is thus demanded , which come● about generally once in twenty years ; commonly this tumult of the Peasants is set on by some of the Male-contented Gentry , and generally there are a great many Sacrifices made . This Court is composed of ten Iudges out of every League , and twenty Advocates , who manage such Accusations as are presented to them ; this Court is paramount to Law , and Acts like a Court of Inquisition ; they give the Question , and do every thing that they think necessary to discover the Truth of such Accusations as are presented to them ; and the Decisions of this Court can never be brought under a second Review , tho there is an exception to this ; for about a hundred years ago , one Court of Iustice reversed all that another had done ; but that is a single instance . The Peasants are in as great a jealousie of the Spaniards , as the Switzers are of the French , and the good Men among them are extream sensible of a great Dissolution of Morals that the Spanish service brings among them : For there is a Grison Regiment kept still in pay by the Spaniards , there are in it twelve C●mpanies of fifty apiece , and the Captains have a thousand Crowns pay , tho they are not obliged to attend upon the service : This is upon the matter a Pension paid under a more decent name to the most considerable Men of the Countrey ; and this is shared among them without any distinction of Protestant and Papist , and is believed to sway their Councils much . The Peasants are apt to take fire , and to beli●ve they are betrayed by those Pensioners of Spain ; and when Rumors are blown about among them , they come in great numbers to demand a Chamber of Iustice ; the common Question that they give , which is also used all Switzerland over , and in Geneva , is , that they tye the Hands of the suspected person behind his back , and pull them up to his Head , and so draw them about , by which the arms and chiefly the Shoulder-blades are disjoynted ; and when a person put to the Question confesses his Crime , and is upon that condemned to dye , he is obliged to renew his Confession upon Oath at the Place of Execution : and if he goes off from it then , and saith , That his Confession was extorted by the Violence of the Torture , he is put again to the Question : for this passes for a Maxim , That no man must dye unless he conf●sseth himself guilty : Generally when the fury of demanding this Chamber is spread among the people , the Gentry run away , and leave the whole matter in the power of the Peasants ; for they know not where it will end ; and so the Peasants being named to be Iudges , the Justice goes quick , till some Sacrifices appease the Rage . Two Year ago , upon the sale of a Common to the Bishop of Como , to which he had an ancient pretension , the Peasants having no more the liberty of the Common , were inraged at their Magistrates , and a Report was spread abroad , of which the first Author could never be discovered , that the Spaniards had sent a hun●red thousand Crowns among them to corrupt all their Magistrates ; upon this they were so set on fire , that it was generally thought there would have been many Sacrifices made to this fury : but the Gentry hapned to be then so much united , that there was none of them ingaged among the Peasants , or that managed their Rage : a Chamber of Iustice was granted , but the matter was so ordered , that it did not appear that any one was guilty ; yet some that had dealt in that transaction were fined , not so much for any fault of theirs , as to raise a fund to pay the Expences of the Chamber ; and because they could not find colour enough to raise so much out of the Fines , there was a fine of five hundred Livres laid on every one of the Spanish Companies . I hope this digression will not appear tedious to you , and the rather because you will soon see that it was a little necessary to open the matter of the Rebellion and Massacre in the Valteline . In the Year 1618. there was a Report set about , That the Spaniards had a Treaty on foot ●o tear away the Valteline from the Leagues : this was supported by the Fort Fuentes , that the Governor of Milan was building upon the Lake of Como , near the Valteline . There was one Ganatz a Minister , but a bloody and Perfidious Man , that set on and managed the rage of the Peasa●ts , and there was great reason to suspect some underhand dealing , tho he threw it which way he pleased . A Chamber of Iustice was appointed to sit at Tossane , which is a considerable Town twelve miles from Coire , on the way to Italy , near Alta Rhetia , which is a high and small Hill , to which there is no access but on one side , where there are yet the Ruins of a Castle and a Church , and which they believe was the Pallace of Rhetus , the first Prince of the Countrey : There was severe Justice done in this Chamber , a Pri●st was put to the Question , and so ill use● that he dyed in it , which is a crying thing among them . The chief suspicion lay upon one Pianta , who being of one of the best Families of the Grisons , was then one of the Captains in the Spanish Regiments ; he withdrew himself from the Storm , but the Peasants led on by Ganatz pursued him so , that at last they found him , and hewed him in pieces , Ganatz himself striking the first stroke with an Ax , which was taken ap and preserved by his Friends ; and ●our and twenty years a●ter ●ifty or sixty of his Friends ●ell upon Ganatz in Coire , and killed him with the same Ax , which they brought along with them , that they might execute their design by the same Tool with which their Friend was murthered . Ganatz had during the Wars abandoned both his R●ligion and Pr●fession , being indeed a disgrace to both , and had served first in the Venetian , and then in the Spanish Troops : After the peace was made , he became so considerable , being supported by the Spanish Faction , that he was chosen Governour of Chavenn●s , and was come over to Coire to a Diet , he being then in so important a charge : but he was so much hated , that tho the muthering of a Magistrate in Office , and at a publick Assembly in so terrible a manner , ought to have been severely pun●shed , yet no inquiry was made into the Crime , nor was any Man so much as questioned for it . In that Chamber many that were put to the Question , confessed enough to hang them ; some indured the Question , and escaped with the loss of the use of their Arms. Those of the Valteline have made use of this severity , as that which gave the rise to the Massacre ; and it is very probable , this might have drawn in some , that would have been otherwise more moderate , and that it did likewise precipitate that Barbarous Action : yet it was afterwards found out , that the Plot had been formed long before , so that the Industry and Rage of the Priests , managed by Spanish Emissaries , wo●king upon the bigotry of the People , was the Real Cause , and this was only made use of as a pretext to give some more plausible colours to the Massacre , which was executed some Months after this Chamber was dissolved . It began while the Protestants were at Chur●h ; there were some hundreds destroyed , the rest got all up to the Mountains , and so escaped into the Countrey of the Grisons , and those of Chavennes got likewise up to the Hills ; for they are situated just at the bottom of them . I shall not prosecute the rest of that Har ; the Fren●h saw of what Advantage it was to them , not to let this Pass from Italy into Germany fall into the Hands of the Spaniards ; so Bassompiere was sent to Madrid , and obtained a p●omise , that all things should be put in the same state in which they were before the year 1618. but when that order was sent to the Governour of Milan , it was plain he had secret Orders to the contrary ; for he refused to execute it : so a War followed , in which the Gris●ns found it was not easy for them to support the charge of it , without imploying the Assistance of the Fren●h . But the Spaniards pretended to have no other Interest in the affairs of the Valteline , than the preservation of the Catholick Religion ; and to s●ew their sincerity , they put the Countrey into the Popes Hands , knowing that he could not preserve it but by their Assistance , nor restore it without securing it from all change of Religion . The French willingly undertook the cause of the Grisons , and because the Duke of Rohan was like to be the most favourable General , as being of the Religion , he was sent to command some forces that marched thither : But he saw , that if the French once made themselves Masters of the Passes of the Countrey , it would turn to their Ruin ; and finding the Grisons reposed an intire confidence in him , he thought it unbecoming him to be an Instrument in that which he saw must be fatal to them . The Spaniards seeing the Fren●h ingage in the Quarrel , and fearing lest they should possess themselves of the Passes , offered to restore all the Territotry in Italy ; for Chavennes and Bormio had likewise revolted , only the Protestants got away so quick upon the disorders in the Valteline , that they prevented the Rage of the Priests . The Spaniards ask'd these conditions , that an Amnesty should be granted for what was past ; that there should be no Exercise of the Protestant Religion tolerated in the Countrey , and that even the Bailifs and other Magistrates of the Religion , that came to be sent into the Valteline , should have no Exercise of their Religion ; and as for other persons , that none of the Religioe might stay above six Weeks at a time in the Countrey . The Duke of Rohan seeing that Condition● of so much Advantage to the Leagues were offered to them , did underhand advise those of the Religion to accept of them , at the same time that he seemed openly to oppose the Treaty set on foot on those Tems ; and that he might get out of this Imployment with the less dishonour , he advised their clapping him up in Prison till they had finished their Treaty with the Spaniards . So that they very gratefully to this day own , that they owe the Preservation of their Countrey to the wise Advices of that great Man. Many that were of the Religion returned to their Houses and Estates , but the greatest part fearing such another Massacree , have since changed their Religion , others have sold their Estates , and left the Country ; some stay still , and go two or three hours journey to some of the Protestant Communities , where they have the Exercise of the Religion : And tho they may not stay in the Valteline above six weeks at a time ; yet they avoid that by going for a day or two out of the Countrey once within that time ; nor is that matter at present so severely examined : so that there is a calm among them as so those matters . But when it comes to the turn of the Protestant Communities to send one of the Religion to those imployments , he is often much embarassed by the Bishop of Como , to whose Diocess those Territories belong ; for if the Bishop fancies , that they do any thing contrary to the Ekclesiastical immunities , he ex●ommunicates them ; and tho this may appear a ridiculous thing , since they are already in a worse state by being Hereticks , yet it produces a very sensible effect ; for the people that are extreamly superstitious , will not after that come near such Magistrates ▪ so that about three year ago a Bailif found himself obliged to desire to be recalled , tho his time was not out , since being excommunicated , he could no longer mainrain the Governm●nt in his own person . Among the Grisons the Roman Law prevails , modefied a little by their Customs : one that was a little particular , was executed when I was there . A M●n that hath an Estate by his Wife , enjoyes it after her death , as long as he continues a Widower ; but when he marri●s again , he is bound to divide it among the Children that he had by her . The I●stice is short , and simple , but i● is oft thought that bribes go here , tho but meanly in proportion to their poverty , as well as in other places . The married Women here do scarce appear abroad , except at Church ; but the young Women have more Liberty before they are m●rried . There is such a plenty of all things , by reason of the Gen●lene's of the Government , and the Industry of the People , that in all the ten dayes , in which I stayed at Coire , I was but once askt an Alms in the Streets . There are two Churches in Coire ; in the one there is an Organ , that joyns with their Voices in the singing of the Psalms ▪ and there was for the Honour of the D●e● , while we were there , an Anthem sung by a set of Musicians very regularly . In all the Churches both of Switzerland and the Grisons , except in this only , the Minister preaches covered ; but here he is bare-headed . And I observed a particular devotion used here in saying of the Lords Prayer , that the Ministers who wear Caps , put them off when this was said . The Women here as in Bern , turn all to the East in time of prayer , and also in their private Devotions , before and after the publick Prayer● ; many also bow at the Name of Iesus : They Christen discovering the whole Head , and pouring the Water on the Hind-head , using a trine aspersion , which is also the practice of the Switzers . It was matter of much edification , to see the great numbers both here and all Switzerland over , that come every day to prayers morning and evening . They give here in the middle of the prayer a good interval of Silence for the private Devotions of the Assembly . The Schools here go not above Latin , Geek and Logick ; and for the rest , they send their Children to Zurich or Basil. The Clergy here are very meanly provided ; for most part they have nothing but the Benevolence of their people : they complained much to me of a great Coldness in their people in the matters of Religion , and of a great Corruption in their Morals : The Commons are extream insolent , and many Crimes go unpunished , if the persons that commit them have either great credit , or much money . The poor Ministers here are under a terrible slavery ●s for the Grisors pretend , that in all times they had not only the P●atr●nage of their Chur●hes , but a power to dismiss the●r Church-men as they saw cause . How it is among the Papists , I cannot tell ; but the Dean of the Syn●d of God●old ●old me , they had an ill custom of Ordaining their Ministers without a Title , upon an examination of their Qualifications and Abilities , which took them up generally six or seven hours , and when this tryal was thus dispatched , if the person was found qualified , they ordained him ; and it was too ordinary for those that were thus Ordain●d , to endeavour to undermine the Ministers already in imployment , if their people grew disgusted at them , or as they became disabled by Age ; and often the Interest and Kindred of the Intruder carried the matter against the incumbent , without any colour or pretence ; and in that case the Synod was bound to receive the Intruder In one half of the Country they preach in high Dutch , and in the other half in a corrupt Italian , which they call Romanish , that is , a mixture of French and Italian . In every League they have a Synod ; and as the people chuse their Ministers , so in imitation of the Switzers , every Synod chuses their Antistes or Superintendant ; he is called the Dean among the Grisons , and hath a sort of an Episcopal Power ; but he is accountable to the Synod : The Office is for life ; but the Synod upon great cause given , may make a change . The people of this Countrey are much more lively than the Switzers , and they begin to have some tincture of the Italian temper . They are extream civil to Strangers ; but it seems in all Commonwealths I●n-keepers think they have a right to exact upon Strangers , which one finds here , as well as in Holland , or in Switzerland . I shall conclude what I have to say concerning the Grisons with a very extraordinary Story , which I had both from the Ministers of Coire , and several other Gentlemen , that saw in April 1685. about five hundred Persons of different Sexes and ages , that past through the Town , who gave this account of themselves . They were the Inhabitants of a Valley in Tirol , belonging for the greatest part to the Arch-Bish●prick of Saltsburg , but some of them were in the Diocesses of Trent and Bresse ; they seemed to be a remnant of the old Waldenses ; they worshipped neither Images nor Saints ; and they believed the Sacrament was only a Commemoration of the Death of Christ : and in many other Points they had their peculiar opinions , different from those of the Church of Rome ; they knew nothing neither of Lutherans nor Calvinists ; and the Gri●ons , tho their Neighbours , had never heard of this Nearness of theirs to the Protestant Religion . They had Mass said among them ; but some years since some of the Valley going over Germany to earn somewhat by their labour , hapned to go into the Palatinate , where they were better instructed in matters of Religion , and these brought back with them into the Valley the Heidelberg Cate●hism , together with some other German Books , which ran over the Valley , and they being before that in a good disposition , those Books had such an effect upon them , that they gave over going to Mass any more , and began to worship God in a way more suitable to the Rules set down in Scripture : some of their Priests eoncurred with them in this happy Change ; but others , that adhered still to the Mass , went and gave the Arch-Bishhop of Saltsburg an account of it ; upon which he sent some into the Countrey to examin the Truth of the Matter , to exhort them to return to Mass ; and to threaten them with all severity , if they continued obstinate : so they seeing a terrible Storm ready to break upon them , resolved to abandon their Houses , and all they had , rather than sin against their Consciences : And the whole Inhabitants of the Valley , old and young , Men and Women , to the number of two thousand , divided themselves into several Bodies ; some intended to go to Brandenburg , others to the Palatinate , and about sive hundred took the way of Coire , intending to disperse themselves in Switzerland . The Ministers told me , they were much edified with their Simplicity , and Modesty ; for a Collection being made for them , they desired only a little bread to carry them on their way . From Coire we went to T●ssane , and from that , through the way that is justly called Via Mala. It is through a bottom between two Rocks , through which the Rhine runs , but under ground for a great part of the way : The way is cut out in the middle of the Rock in some places , and in several places the steepness of the Rock being such , that a way could not be cut out , there are Beams driven into it , over which Boards and Earth are laid ; this way holds an hour : After that , there is for two hours good way , and we past through two considerable Villages ; there is good lodging in both : from thence there is , for two hours Journey , terrible Way , almost as bad as the Via Mala ; then an hours Journey good way to Splugen ; which is a large Village of above two hundred Houses , that are well built , and the Inhabitants seem all to live at their ease , tho they have no sort of soil but a little Meadow ground about them ; This is the last Protestant Church that was in our way ; it was well indowed ; for the provision of the Minister was near two hundred Crowns : Those of this Village are the Carriers between Italy and Germany , so they drive a great Trade ; for there is here a perpetual Carriage going and coming ; and we were told , that there pass generally a hundred Horses through this Town , one day with another ; and there are above five ●undred Carriage Horse that belong to this Town . From this place we went mounting for three hours , till we got to the top of the Hills , where there is only one great Inn. After that the way was tolerably good for two hours ; and for two hours there is constant descent , which for the most part is as steep as if we were all the while going down stairs : At the foo● of this is a little Village , called Campdolein , and here we found we were in Italy , both by the vast difference of the Climate ; for whereas we were freezing on the other side , the heat of the Sun was uneasy here , and also by the number of the Beggar● , tho it may seem the reverse of what one ought to expect , since the richest Countrey of Europe is full of Beggars ; and the Grisons , that are one of the poores● States , have no Beggars at all . One thing is also strange , that among the Grisons , the rich Wine of the Valteline , after it is carried three Dayes Journey , is sold cheaper than the Wine of other Countries , where it grows at the door : but there are no Taxes nor Impositions here . From Campdolein there is three Hours Journey to Chavenne● , all in a Slow descent ; and in some Places the Way is extream rugged and stony . Chaveunes is very pleasantly scituated at the very Foot of the Mountains ; there run● through the Town a pleasant little River : It is nobly built , and hath a great many rich Vineyards about it : and the Rebound of the Sun-Beams from the Mountains , doth so increase the heats here , that the Soil is as rich here , as in any Place of Italy . Here one begins to see a Noble Architecture in a great many Houses ; in short , all t●e Marks of a rich Soil , and a free Government appear here . The Town stood a little more to the North , about five hundred years ago , but a Slice of the Alps came dow● upon it , and buried it quite ; and at the Upper-end of the Town there are some Rocks that look like Ruins , abou● which there hath been a very extraordinary Expence , to divide them one from another , and to make the● fit Places for Forts and Castles : the Marks of the Too●● appeared all over the Rock in one place . I measured the Bread●h of the one from the other , which is twent● Foot , the length is four hundred and fifty Foot , and a● we could guess , the Rock was two hundred Foot high , cut down on both sides in a Line as even as a Wall ; towards the top of one , the name Salvius is cut i● great Letters , a little Gothick . On the Tops of thos● Ro●ks , which are inaccessible except on the one si●e , and to that the Ascent is extream uneasy , they had Garrisons during the Wars of the Valteline : there were fifteen hundred in Garrison in that which is in the middle : There falls down frequently Slices from the Hills , that do extreamly fatten the Ground which they cover , so that it becomes fruitful beyond expression : and I saw a Lime Tree , that was planted eight and thirty years ago , in a piece of Ground , which had been so covered , that was two Fathom and a half of Compass . On both sides of the River , the Town , and the Gardens belonging to it , cover the whole Bottom , that lie● between the Hills , and at the Roots of the Mountains they dig great Cellars , and Grottoes , and strike a hole about a foot Square , ten or twelve foot into the Hill , which all the Summer long blows a fresh Air into the Cellar ; so that the Wine of those Cellars drinks almost as cold as if it were in Ice ; but this Wind-pipe did not blow when I was there , which was towards the end of September : For the Sun opening the Pores of the Earth , and rarifying the exterior Air , that which is compressed within the cavities that are in the Mountains , ●ushes out with a constant Wind ; but when the operation of the Sun is weakned , this course of the Air is les● sensible . Before or over those Vaults they build little pleasant rooms like Sommerhouses , and in them they go to collation generally at night in Summer . I never saw bigger Grapes than grow there ; there is one sort bigger than the biggest Damas ene Plums that we have in E●gland . There is a sort of Wine here and in the Valteline , which I never heard named any where else , that is called Aromatick-wine ; and as the taste makes one think it must be a composition ( for it tastes like a Strong-water drawn of Spi●es ) so its strength being equal to a weak Brandy , disposes one to believe that it cannot be a natural Wine , and yet it is the pure juice of the Grape , without any mixture . The Liquor being singular , I informed my self particularly of the way of preparing it : the Grapes are red , tho it drinks white ; they let the Grapes hang on the V●nes till November , that they are extream ripe , then they carry them to their Garrets , and set them all upright on their ends by one another for two or three months , then they pick all the Grapes , and throw away those in which there is the least appearance of rottenness , so that they press none but sound Grapes : after they are pressed , they put the Liquor in an open Vessel , in which it throws up a scum , which they take off twice a day , and when no more scum comes up , which according to the difference of the season is sooner or later ( for sometimes the scum comes no more after eight dayes , and at other times it continues a fortnight ) then they put it in a close Vessel ; for the first year it is extream sweet and luscious , but at the End of the year , they pierce it a little higher than the middle of the Vessel , almost two thirds from the Bottom , and drink it off till it cometh so low , and then every year they fill it up anew : once a year in the Month of March it ferments , and cannot be drunk till that is over , which continues a Month , but their other Wi●● ferments not at that time . Madam Salis , a Lady of that Country , who entertained us three Dayes with a Magnificence equal to what can be done in London or Paris , had Wine of this Composition , that was forty years old , and was so very strong , that one could hardly drink above a spoonful , and it tasted high of Spicery , tho she assured me there was not one grain of Spice in it , nor of any other mixture whatsoever . Thus the heat that is in this Wine , becomes a fire , and distils it self , throwing up the more spirituous parts of it to the top of the Hog●head . Both here , and in the Grisons , the meat is very juicy , the Fowl is excellent , their Roots and Herbs very tastful ; but the Fish of their Lakes is beyond any thing I ever saw . They live in a great Simplicity as to their Habit an● Furniture , but they have plenty of all things , and are extream rich ; the Family where we were so nobly entertained , is believed to have about two hundred thousan● Crowns : here the Italian custom , of one only of a Family that marries , takes place generally . There is a sort of Pots of Stone that is used not only in all the Kitchins here , but almost all Lombardy over , called Lav●ge , the Stone feels oily and scaly , so that a Scale sticks to ones Finger that touches it , and is somewhat of the nature of a Slate ; there are but three Mines of it known in these parts , one near Chavennes , another in the Valteline , and the third in the Grisons ; but the first is much the best ; they generally cut it in the Mine round , of about a Foot and a half Diameter , and about a Foot and a quarter thick , and they work it in a Mill , where the Chizzels that cut the Stone are driven about by a Wheel that is set a going by Water , and which is so ordered , that he who manages the Chizzel , very easily draws forward the Wheel out of the course of the Water ; they turn off first the outward coat of this Stone , till it is exactly smooth , and then they separate one Pot after another by those small and hooked Chizzels , by which they make a Nest of Pots , all one within another , the outward and biggest being as big as an Ordinary Beef-pot , and the inward Pot being no bigger than a small Pipkin ; these they arm with hooks and Circles of brass , and so they are served by them in their Kitchins . One of these Stone-pots takes heat and boils sooner than any Pot of Mettle ; and whereas the Bottoms of Mettle-pots transmit the heat so intirely to the Liquor within , that they are not insufferably hot ; the bottom of this Stone-pot , which is about twice so thick as a Pot of Mettle , burns extreamly ; it never cracks , neither gives it any sort of taste to the Liquor that is boiled in it : but if it falls to the Ground , it is very brittle ; yet this is repaired by patching it up ; for they piece their broken Pots so close , tho without any cement , by sowing with Iron-wire the broken parcels together , that in the holes which they pierce with the wire ; there is not the least breach made , except that which the wire both makes and fills . The passage to this Mine is very inconvenient ; for they must creep into it for near half a mile through a Rock , that is so hard , that the passage i● not above three foot high , and so those that draw out the Stones creep all along upon their belly , having a Candle fastned in their forehead , and the Stone laid on a fort of Cushion made for it upon their hips : The Stones are commonly two hundred weight . But having mentioned some falls of Mountains in those parts , I cannot pass by the extraordinary fate of the To●● of Pleurs , that was about a league from Chavennes to the North , in the same bottom , but on a ground that is a little more raised : The Town was half the bigness of Chavennes , the number of the Inhabitants was abou● two and twenty hundred persons , but is was much more nobly built ; for besides the great Palace of the Francke● , that cost some millions , there were many other Palace● that were built by several rich Factors both of Milan , and the other parts of Italy , who liked the scituation and air , as well as the freedom of the Government of this place , so they used to come hither during the Heats , and here they gave themselves all the indulgences that a va●● Wealth could furnish . By one of the Palaces , that was a little distant from the Town , which was not overwhelmed with it , one may judge of the rest : It was an out-house of the Family of the Francken , and yet is may compare with many Palaces in Italy ; and certainly , House and Gardens could not cost so little as one hundred thousand Crowns . The voluptuousness of this place became very crying , and Madam de Salis told me , that she heard her Mother often relate some passages of a Protestant Min●sters Sermons , that preached in a little Charch , which those of the Religion had there , and warned them ofte● of the tertible judgements of God which were hanging over their heads , and that he believed would suddenl● break out upon them . On the 25th of August 1618. a● Inhabitant came and told them to be gone ; for he saw the Mountains cleaving ; but he was laughed at for his pain● ▪ He had a Daughter , whom he perswaded to leave all and go with him ; but when she was gone out of Town wit● him , she called to mind that she had not locked the Door of a Room in which she had some things of Value , and so she went back to do that , and was buried with the rest ; for at the hour of Supper the Hill fell down , and buried the Town and all the Inhabitants , so that not one person escaped : The fall of the Mountains did so fill the Channel of the River , that the first news those of Chavennes had of it , was by the failing of their River ; for three or four hours there came not a drop of Water ; but the River wrought for it self a new course , and returned to them ; I could hear no particular Character of the Man who escaped , so I must leave the secret Reason of so singular a Preservation to the great discovery at the last Day of those steps of Divine Providence , that are now so unaccountable . Some of the Family of the Francken got some Miners to work under ground , to find out the Wealth that was buried in their Palace ; for besides their Plate and Furniture , there was a great Cash and many Iewels in the House : the Miners pretended they could find nothing ; but they went to their Country of Tirol , and built fine Houses , and a great Wealth appeared , of which no other visible account could be given but this , that they had found some of that Treasure . The Chief Factors of Italy have been Grisons ; and they told me , that as the Trade of Banking began in Lombardy , so that all Europe over , a Lombard and a Bank signifyed the same thing ; so the great Bankers of Lombardy were Grisons ; and to this day the Grisons drive a great Trade in Money ; for a Man there of a hundred thousand Crowns Estate , hath not perhaps a third part of this within the Countrey , but puts it out in the neighbouring States , And the Liberty of the Countrey is such , that the Natives when they have made up Estates elsewhere , are glad to leave even Italy and the best parts of Germany , and to come and live among those Mountains , of which the very sight is enough to fill a Man with horror . From Chavennes we went for two hours through a plain to the Lake of Chavennes , which is almost round , and is about two mile Diameter . This Lake falls into the Lake of Como , over against the Fort Fuentes ; when we passed there , the Water was so low , that the Boat could not easily get over a Bank that lay between the two Lakes . The Lake of Como is about eight and forty miles long , and four broad ; it runs between two ranges of Hills : I did nor stay long enough in Como to give any Description of it ; for I thought to have returned that way from a little Tour that I made into the Bailiages that the Switzers have in Italy , of Lugane , Locarmo , and Bellinzona : but I took another Course , so I saw nothing in Como ; the best thing in it is a fine Chappel , which the present Pope , who is a Native of Como , is building . From Como we went eight miles to Codelaggo , which belongs to the Switzers , and from thence to Lugane we had eight miles of Lake : This Lake doth not run in an even current , as the other Lakes , that rise under the Alps , but the scituation of the Hills about it , throws it into several courses . The Switzers have here several little Provinces , or Bailiages , of which during the Wars of Italy , betwee● the Dukes of Milan and the two Crowns , in Francis th● First , and Charles the Fifths time , they possessed themselves of as a Pledge for payment of their Arrears ; and they were then such considerable Allies , that they made both the Competitors for the Dutchy of Milan court them by turns , and became the peaceable Prossessors of almost all that tract that lies between the Lake of Como to the Counttey of the Valessii , or the Valleys , The Inhabitan●s here are so well used , they live so free of all Impositions , and the Switzers Government is so gentle , that here I must tell you another Paradox , this is the Worst Countrey , the least Productive , the most exposed to Cold , and the least Capable of Trade of all Italy , and yet it is by far the best Peopled of any that I saw in all Italy : There belon● to the Bailiage of Lugane alone , ninety nine Villages , of which a great many are very large , and all are full of People . The twelve Ancient Cantons have their turns of all the Bailiages and other Offices here : but when it come to the turn of those of the Religion , their Bailifs must be contented with private Devotions in their own House , but can have no publick Exercises , nor so much as a Minister in their Houses . For here , as in the Valteline , when the Spaniards confirmed the Right of the Cantons to those Territories , they made an express Provision , that no Religion except the Popish should be tolerated here ; so that the Bailif , who is the Prince , of●en hath not the free Liberty of his Religion in these Parts . The Balifs here make their Advantages , as well as in the other Parts of Switzerland , but yet with more Caution ; for they take great care not to give the Natives any distast , tho the Miseries , to which they see all their Neighbours exposed , and the Abundance and Liberty in which they live , should by all appearance deliver their Masters from any great Apprehensions of a Revolt : A great many Mechanicks of all sorts live in these parts , who go all Summer long over Italy , and come back hither with what they have gained , and live free of all Taxes . I was told , that some Nephews of Popes , in particular the Barberines , had treated with the Switzers , to buy this Countrey from them , and so to erect it into a Principality ; and that they had resolved to offer twelve hundred thousand Crowns to the twelve Cantons : but they found it would certainly be rejected ; so they made not the propositions to the Diet of the Cantons , as they once intended : and it is certain , whensoever this Countrey is brought under a Yoke , like that which the rest of Italy bears , it will be soon abandoned ; for there is nothing that draws so many People to live in so ill a Soil , when they are in sight of the best Soil of Europe , but the easiness of the Government . From Lugane I went to the Lago Maggiore , which is a great and noble Lake , it is fix and fifty Miles long , and in most places six Miles broad , and a hundred Fathom deep about the middle of it , it makes a great Bay to the Westward ; and there lies here two Islands , called the Berromean Islands , that are certainly the loveliest spots of ground in the World ; there is nothing in all Italy , that can be compared to them ; they have the full view of the Lake ; and the ground rises so sweetly in them , that nothing can be imagined like the Terrasses here ; they belong to two Counts of the Borromean Family . I was only in one of them , which belongs to the Head of the Family , who is Nephew to the famous Cardinal known by the name of S. Carlo : on the West-end lies the Palac● ▪ which is one of the best of Italy ; for the Lodgings within , tho the Architecture is but ordinary , there is one noble Apartment above four and twenty foo● high ; and there is a vast Addition making to it ; and here is a great Collection of noble Pictures , beyond any thing I saw out of Rome : The whole Island is a Garden , except a little corner to the South , set off for a Village o● about forty little Houses ; and because the figure of the Island was not more regular by nature , they have buil● great Vaults and Portico's along the Rock , which are all made Grotesque , and so they have brought it to a regular form by laying Earth over those Vaults . There i● first a Garden to the East , that rises up from the Lakes by five Rows of Terrasses , on the three sides of the Garden that are watered by the Lake ; the Stairs are noble ; the Walls are all covered with Oranges and Citrons ; and a more beautiful spot of a Garden cannot be seen : There are two Buildings in the two Corners of this Garden , the one is only a Mill for fetching up the Water , and the other is a noble Summer-house all wainscotted , if I may speak so , with Alabaster and Marble , of a fine colour , inclining to red ; from this Garden one goes in a level to all the rest of the Alleys and Parterres , Herb-Gardens and Flower-Gardens ; in all which there are variety of Fou●tains and Arbors ; but the great Parterre is a surprising thing ; for as it is well furnished with Statues and Fountains , and is of a vast extent , and justly scituated to the Palace , so at the Further-end of it , there is a great Mount , that face of it that looks to the Parterre is made like a Theater , all full of Fountains and Statues , the height rising up in five several Rows , it being about fif●y foot high , and about fourscore foot in front ; and round this Mount , answering to the five Rows into which the Theater is divided , there goes as many Terrasses of noble Walks ; the Walls are all as close covered with Oranges and Citrons as any of our Walls in England are with Laurel : the Top of the Mount is seventy foot long and forty broad ; and here is a vast Cistern , into which the Mill plays up the Water that must furnish all the Fountains : The Fountains were not quite finished when I was there ; but when all is finished , this place will look like an In●hanted Island . The Freshness of the Air , it being both in a Lake , and near the Mountains , the fragant Smell , the beautiful Prospect , and the delighting Variety that is here , makes it such a Habitation for Summer , that perhaps the whole World hath nothing like it . From this I went to Sestio , a miserable Village at the end of the Lake ▪ and her● I began to feel a mighty change , being now in Lombardy , which is certainly the beautifullest Countrey that can be imagined , the ground lies so even , it is so well watered , so sweetly divided by Rows of Trees , inclosing every piece of ground of an Acre or two Acres compass , that it cannot be denied , that here is a vast extent of Soil , above two hundred Miles long , and in many places a hundred Miles broad , where the whole Countrey is equal to the loveliest spots in all England or France ; it hath all the Sweetness that Holland or Flanders have , but with a warmer Sun , and a better Air ; the Neighbour-hood of the Mountains causes a freshness of Air here , that makes the Soil the most desirable place to live in that can be seen , if the Government were not so excessively severe , that there is nothing but Poverty over all this rich Countrey . A Traveller in many places finds almost nothing , and is so ill furnished , that if he doth not buy provisions in the great Towns , he will be obliged to a very severe Diet , in a Countrey that he should think flowed with Milk and Hony : but I shall say more of this hereafter . The Lago Maggiore discharges it self in the River Tesine , which runs with such a force , that we went thirty Miles in three hours , having but one Rower , and the Water was no way swelled . From this we went into the Canale , which F●an●is is the First cut from this River to the Town of Milan ; which is about thirty foot broad , and on both its Bank● there are such provisions to discharge the Water when it rises to such a height , that it can never be fuller of Water than is intended it should be ; it lies also so even , that sometimes for six Miles together one sees the line so exact , that there is not the least crook : it is thirty Miles long , and is the best Advantage that the Town of Milan hath fo● Water Carriage . I will not entertain you with a long description of this great City , which is one of the noblest in the World , to be an Inland Town , that hath no great Court , no Commerce , either by Sea , or any Navigable River , and that is now the Metropolis of a very small State ; for that which is not Mountainous in this State , is not above sixty Miles square , and yet it produces a Wealth that is surprising : It pays for an establishment of seven and forty thousand Men , and yet there are not sixteen thousand Souldiers effectively in it ; so many are eat up by those in whose hands the Government is lodged : But the Vastness of the Town , the Nobleness of the Buildings , and above all , the surprising Riches of the Churches and Convents , are signs of great Wealth : The Dome hath nothing to commend it of Architect●re , it being built in the rude Gothick manner ; but for the vastness and riches of the Building , it is equal to any in Italy , St. Peters it self not excepted . It is all Marble , both Pavement and Walls , both outside and Inside , and on the Top it is all flagg'd with Marble ; and there is the vastest Number of Ni●hes for Statu●s of Marble , both within and without that are any where to be seen . It is true , the Statues 〈◊〉 some of the Niches are not proportioned to the Niches themselves ; the Frontispiece is not yet made , it is to be all over covered with Statues and Bas-reliefs ; and Pillars , of which there are four Rows in the Body of the Church , have each of them eight Niches at the top , for so many Statues ; and tho one would think this Church so full of Statues , that almost every Saint hath his Statue , yet I was assured , they wanted seven thousand to finish the design ; but these m●st chiefly belong to the Frontispi●e : The Church as I could measure it by walking over it in an equal pace , is five hundred foot long , and two hundred wide ; the Quire is wainscotted and carved in so extraordinary a manner , that I never saw Passion so well expressed in Wood ; it contains sixty Stalls , and they have almost all the Histories of the Gospel represented in them . Just under the Cupulo lies S. Carlo's Body , as I was told , in a great Case of Cristal of vast value ; but I could not come near it ; for we were there on two Ho●y-dayes , and there was a perpetual crowd about it ; and the Superstition of the People for his Body , is such , that on a Holy-day one runs a hazard that comes near it without doing some Reverence . His Canonization cost the To●n a hundred thousand Crown● ; they pretend they have Miracles too for Cardinal Fred●rigo B●rromeo , but they will not set about his Canonisation , the price is so high . The Plate and other Presents made to S. C●rlo are things of a prodigious value ; some Services for the Altar are all of Gold ; some very Massive , and set wi●h Iewels , others so finely wrought , that the fashion is thought equal to the value of the mettle ; the Habits and all the other Ornaments for the Function of his Canoni●ation are all of an incredible Wealth . He was indeed a Pr●late of great merit , and according to the An●wer that a Fryer made to Philip de Comines , when he asked him , how they came to qualifie one of the worst of their Princes with the Title of Saint in an inscription which he read , which was , that they gave that Title to all their Benefactors ; never man deserved of a Town this Title so justly as Cardinal Borromeo did ; for he laid out a prodigious Wealth in Milan , leaving nothing to his Family , but the honour of having produced so great a man , whi●h is a real temporal inheritance to it ; for as there have been since that time , two Cardinals of that Family , so it is esteemed a Casa Santa ; and every time that it produces an Ecclesiastick of any considerable merit , he is sure , if he lives to it , to be raised to this Archbishoprick ; for if there were one of the Family capable ●f it , and that did not carry it , that alone might dispose the State to a Rebellion , and he were a bold man that would adventure on a Competition with one of t●is Family . He laid out a great deal on the Dome , and consecrated it , tho the work w●ll not be quite finished yet for some Ages ; that being one of the Crafts of the Italian Priests , never to finish a great design , that so by keeping it still in an unfinisht estate , they may be alwayes drawing great Donatives to it , from the Superstition of the People . He built the Arch Bishops Palace , which is very noble , and a Semin●ry , a Colledge for the Switzers , several Parish Churches , an● many Convents . In short , the w●ole Town is full of the marks of his Wealth The Riches of the Churches of Milan , strike one with amazement , the Building , the Painting , the Altars , and the Plate , and everything in the Convents , except their Librairies , are all signs both of great Wealth and of a very powerful Superstition ; but their Librairies not only here , but all Italy over , are scandalous things ; the Room is often fine , and richly adotned , but the Books are few , ill bound , and worse chosen ; and the ignorance of the Priests both secular and Regular is such , that no man , that hath not had occasion to discover it , can easily believe it . The Convent of S. Victor , that is without the Town , is by much the richest , it is composed of Canons Regular ; called in Italy the Order of Mount Olive , or Olivetan ; that of the Bernabites is extream rich ; there is a Pulpit and a Confessional all inlaid with Agates , of different colours , finely spotted Marbles , and of Lapis L●zulis , that are thought almost inestimable . S. Lauren●e has a noble Cupulo , and a Pulpit of the fame sorm with that of the Bernabites . The Iesuits , the Theatin●s , the Dominicans , and S. Sebastians are very rich . The Cittad●l is too well known to need a description ; it is very regularly built ; and is a most effectual restraint to keep the Town in order , but it could not stand outagainst a good Army three dayes ; for it is so little , and so full of Buildings , that it could not resist a showr of Bombs . The Hospital is indeed a Royal Building ; I was told it had ninety thousand Crowns Revenue : The old Court is large , and would look noble , if it were not for the new Court that is near it , which is two hundred and fifty foot square , and there are three rows of Corridors or Galleries all round the Court , one in every stage , according to the Italian manner , which makes the Lodgings very convenient , and gives a Gallery before every door : It is true , these take up a great deal of the Building , being ordinarily eight or ten foot broad ; but then here is an open space , that is extream cool on that side where the Su● doth not lye ; for it is all open to the Air , the Wall being only supported by Pillars , at the distance of fifteen or twenty foot one from another . In this Hospital there are not only Galleries full of Beds on both sides , as is ordinary in all Hospitals ; hut there are also a great many Chambers , in which persons , whose condition was formerl● distinguished , are treated with a particular Care. There is an out-house , which is called the Lazarette , that is without the Walls , which belongs to this Hospital , it is an extract quarter of a mile square , and there are three hundred and sixty Rooms in it , and a Gallery runs all along before the Chambers , so that as the service is convenient , the sick have a covered walk before their Doors . In the middle of this vast square there is an Octangular Chappel , so contrived , that the sick from all their Beds may see the el●vation of the Host●e , and adore it : This House is for the Plague , or for infections Feavers ; and the Sick that want a freer Air , are also removed hither . As for the Devotions of this place , I saw here the Ambrosian Office , which is distingusshed from the Roman ; both in the Musick , which is much simpler , and some other Rites : the Gospel is read in a hi●h Pulpit at the lower end of the Quire , that so it may be heard by all the people ; tho this is needless , since it is read in a language that they do not understand : when they go to say high Mass , the Priest comes from the high Altar to the lower-end of the Quire , where the Offertory of the Bread and the Wine is made by some of the Laity ; they were Nu●s that made it when I was there ; I heard a Capucin Preach here ; it was the first Sermon I heard in Italy , and I was much surprized at many Comical Expressions and Gestures , but most of all with the Conclusion ; for there being in all the Pulpits of Italy a Crucifix on the side of the Pulpit towards the Altar ; he , after a long address to it , at last in a forced Transport , took it in his A●ms , and hugged it , and kissed it : But I observed , that before he kiss'd it , he seeing some dust on it , blew it off very carefully ; for I was just under the Pulpit : He entertained it with a long and tender Caress , and held it out to the people , and would have forced Tears both from himself and them ; yet I saw none shed . But if the Sermon in the morning surprized me , I wondred no less at two Discourses that I heard in one Church , at the same time , in the afternoon : for there were two Bodies of men set down in different places of the Church , all covered , and two Laymen , in ordinary habits were entertaining them with Discourses of Religion in a Cate●histical stile : These were Consrairies , and those were some of the more devout , that instructed the rest . This , as I never saw any where else , so I do not know whether it is peculiar to Milan , or not . My Conductor could not speak Latin , and the Italian there is so different from the true Tuscan , which I only knew , that I could not understand him when he was ingaged in a long discourse , so I was not clearly informed of this matter : but I am apt to think , it might have been some institution of C●rdinal Borromeos . The Ambrosian Li●rary , founded by Cardinal Frederick Borromeo , is a very noble Room , and wel furnished , only it is too full of School-men and Canonists ; which are the chief studies of It●ly ; an● it hath too few Books of a more solid and useful learning . One part of the disposition of the R●om was pleasant ; there is a great number of Chairs , placed all round it at a competent distance from one another ; and to every Chair there belongs a Desk , with an E●ritoire , that hath Pen , Ink , and Paper in it ; so that every Man finds tools here for such extracts as he would make . There is a little Room of Manuscripts at the e●d of the great Gallery , but the Library-keeper knows little of them ; a great many of them relate to their Saint Charle● . I saw some fragments of Latin Bi●les , but none seemed to be above six hundred Years old ; there are also some fragments of Saint Am●roses W●rks , and of Saint Ieroms Epistles , that are of the same antiquity . I was sorry not to find Saint Ambrose's Works inti●e , that I might have seen , whether the Books of the Sacraments , are ascribed to him in ancient C●pies ; for perhaps they belong to a more modern Author . It is true , in these Books , the Doctrine of a sort of a corporal presence is asserred in very high expressions ; but there is one thing mentioned in them , which is stronger against it , than all those Citations can be for it ; for the Author gives us the formal Words of the Prayer of Consecration in his time , which he prefaces with some solemnity : will you know how the change is wrought , hear the Heavenly Words ? For the Priest saith , &c. But whereas in the present Canon of the Mass , the Prayer of consecration is for a good part of it very near in the same Words with those which he mentions , there is one essential difference ; for in the Canon they now pray , that the Hosty may be to them the Body and Blood of Christ ; ( which by the way doth not agree too well with the notion of Transubstan●●●tion , and approacheth more to the Doctrine of the Lu●herans : ) whereas in the Prayer , cited by that Author , the Hosty is said to be The Figure of the B●dy and Blood of Christ : here is the language of the whole Church of that time , and in the most important part of the Divine Office , which signifie●h more to me , than a thousand Quotations out of particular Writers , which are but ▪ their Private Opinions : but this is the Voice of the whole Body in its Addresses to God : and it seems , the Church of Rome , when the new Doctrine of the Corporal Presence was received , saw that this Prayer of Consecration could not consist with it , which made her change such a main Part of the Office. This gave me a curiosity every where to search for ancient Offices , but I found none in the Abbey of St. Germains , that seemed older than the times of Charles the Great ; so I found none of any great Antiquity in all Italy : Those published by Cardinal Bona , and since by P. Mabillon , that were brought from Heidelberg , are the most ancient that are in the Vatican ; but these seem not to be above eight hundred years old : There are none of the ancient Roman Offices now to be seen in the Vatican . I was amazed to find none of any great Antiquity ; which made me conclude , that either they were destroyed , that so the difference between Ancient and Modern Rituals might not be turned against that Church , as an undeniable Evidence , to prove the Changes that she hath made in divine Matters ; or , that they were so well kept , that Hereticks were not to be suffered to look into them . But to return to the Ambrosian Library , there is in it a Manuscript of great Antiquity , tho not of such great consequence , which is Ruffinus's Translation of Iosephus , that is written in the old Roman hand , which is very hard to be read . But there is a deed in the curious Collection that Count Mascard● ha●h made at Verona , which by the date appears to have been written in Theodosius's time , which is the same sort of w●iting with the Manuscript of Ruffinus , so that it may be reckoned to have been writ in Ruffinus his own time , and this is the most valuable , tho the least known Curiosity in the whole Library . I need not say any thing of the curious Works in Christal that are to be seen in Milan , the greatest quantities that are in Europe , are found in the Alps , and are wrought here , but this is too well known to need any further inlargement . It is certain , the Alps have much Wealth shut up in their Rocks , if the Inhabitants knew how to search for it : But I heard of no Mines tha● were wrought , except Iron Mines ; yet by the colourings , that in many places the Fountains make , as they run along the Rocks , one sees cause to believe , that there are Mines and Miner●ls shut up within them . Gold has been often found in the River of Arve , that runs by Geneva . The last curiosity that I shall mention of the Town of Milan , is the Cabinet of the Chanoine Settala , which is now in his Brothers hands , where there are a great many very valuable things , both of Art and Nature : there is a lump of Ore , in which there is both Gold , and Silver , and Emeralds , and Diamonds , which was brought from Peru. There are many curious motions , where by an unseen Spring , a Ball , after it hath rowled down through many winding descents is ●hrown up , and so it seems to be a perpetual motion ; this is done in several forms , and it is well enough disguised to deceive the vulgar . Many motions of little Animals , that run about by Springs , are also very pretty . There is a Load-stone of a vast force , that carries a great Chain : There is also a moustrous Child , that was lately born in the Hospital , which is preserved in Spirit of Wine : it is double below , it hath one Breast and Neck two pair of Ears , a vast Head , and but one Face . As for the Buildings in M●lan , they are big and substantial ; but they have not much regular , or beautiful Architecture : The Governor's Palace hath some noble Apartments in it : the chief Palace of the Town is that of the Homodei , which was built by a Bankier . There is one Inconvenience in Milan , which throws down all the Pleasure that one can find in it : They have no glass Windows , so that one is either exposed to the Air , or shut up in a Dungeon : and ●his is so universal , that there is not one House of ten that hath Glass in their Windows : The same D●fect is in Florence , besides all the small Towns of Italy , which is an effect of their Poverty Fort what by the Oppression of the Government , wha by the no less squeezing Oppression of their Priests , who drain all the rest of their Weal●h , that is not eat up by the Prince , to inrich their Churches and Convents , the People here are reduced to a Poverty , that cannot be easily believed by one that sees the Wealth that is in their Churches : and this is going on so constantly in Milan , that it is scarce accountable from whence so vast a Treasure can be found ; but Purgatory is a Fund not easily exhausted . The Wealth of the Milanese consists chiefly in their Silks , and that Trade falls so mightily by the vast Importations that the East India Companies bring into Europe , that all Italy feels this very sensibly , and languish extreamly by the great fall that is in the Silk-Trade . There is a great magnificence in Milan ; the Nobility affect to make a noble Appearance , both in their Cloaths , their Coaches , and their Attendants ; and the Women go abroad with more Freedom here , than in any Town of Italy . And thus I have told you all that hitherto occurred to me , that I thought worth your knowledge . I am Yours . Postscript . In the Account that I gave you of Geneva , I forgot to Mention a very extraordinary Person that is there , M●stris Walkier ; her Father is of Shaff-house , she lost her sight when she was but a year old , by being too near a Stove that was very hot : There rests in the upper part of her eye so much sight , that she distinguishes day from night : and when any person stands between her and the light , she will distinguish by the Head and its dress a Man from a Woman ; but when she turns down her Eyes , she sees nothing : she hath a vast Memory ; besides the French , that is her natural Language , she speaks both High-Dutch , Italian and Lat●n : she hath all the Psalms by heart , in French ; and many of them in Dutch and Italian : she understands the Old Philosophy well ; and is now studying the New : she hath studied the Body of Divinity well , and hath the Text of the S●riptures very ready : On all which matters I had long conversation with her ; she not only sings well , but she playes rarely on the Organ ; and I was told , she played on the Violin , but her Violin was out of order . But that which is most of all , is , she writes legibly : in order to her learning to write , her Father , who is a worthy man , and hath such tenderness for her , that he furnisheth her with Masters of all sorts , ordered Letters to be carved in Wood , and she by feeling the Characters , formed such ●n Idea of them , that she writes with a Crayon so distinctly , that her writing can be well read , of which I have several Essayes . I saw her write ; she doth it more nimbly than can be imagined ; she hath a Machine ●hat holds the Paper , and keeps her alwayes in Line . But that which is above all the rest , she is a person of extraordinary Devotion , great resignation to the Will of God , and a profound humility : The Preceptor , that her Father kept in the house with her , hath likewise a wonderful Faculty of acquiring Tongues . When he came first to Geneva ( for he is of Zurich ) he spoke not a word of French , and within thirteen Months he preacht in French correctly , and with a good Accent : He also began to study Italian in the Month of November , and before the end of the following February he preacht in Italian ; his accent was good , and his stile was floried , which was very extraordinary ; for the Italian Language is not spoken in Geneva , tho the race of the Italians do keep up still an Italian Church there . THE THIRD LETTER . Florence , the 5 th of November , 1685. I Have now another Month over my Hea● , since I writ last to you , and so I know you expect an Account of the most considerable things that have occurred to me since my last from Milan . Twenty miles from Milan we past through Lodi , a miserable Gar●ison , tho a Frontier Town ; but indeed , the Frontiers , both of the Spaniards and the Venetians , as well as those of the other Prin●es of Italy , shew that they are not very apprehensive of one another ; and when one passes through those places , whi●h are represented in History , as places of great strength , capable of resisting a long Siege , he must acknowledge , that the sight of them brings the Idea that he had conceived of them , a great many degrees lower . For Lombardy , which was so long the seat of War , could not stand out against a good Army now so many dayes , as it did then years . The Garrison of Crema , which is the first of the Venetian Territory , is no better than that of Lodi , only the People in the Venetian Dominion live happier than under the Spaniard . The Senate sends Podesta's , much like the Bailifs of the Switzers , who order the Ju●●ice and the Civil Government of the Iurisdiction assigned them : There is also a Captain-Gen●ral , who hath the Military Authority in his hands ; and these two are Checks upon one another ; as the B●ss●'s and the Cadi's are among the Turks . But here in Crema , the Town is so small , that both these are in one person . We were there in the time of the Fair ; Linnen Cloath , and Cheese ( which tho it goes by the name of the Parmesan , is made chief●y in Lodi ) are the main Commodities of the Fair. The magnificence of the Podesta appeared very extraordinary ; for he went through the Fair with a great Train of Coaches , all in his own Livery ; and the two Coaches , in which he and his Lady ride , were both extraordinary rich : his was a huge Bed-coach , all the out-side black Velvet , and a mighty rich Gold Fringe , lined with black Damask , flowered with Gold. From Crema it is thirty Miles to Bres●ia , which is a great Town , and full of Trade and Wealth ; here they make the best Barrils for Pistols and Muskers of all Italy : there are great Iron Works near it ; but the War with the Turk had occasioned an order , that none might be sold without a Permission from Venice : They are building a Noble Dome at Brescia : I was shewed a Nunnery there , which is now under a great Disgrace ; some years ago , a new Bishop coming thither , began with the Visitation of that Nunnery ; he discovered two Vauits , by one , Men came ordinarily into it ; and by another , the Nuns that were big , went and lay in of Child-bed : when he was examining the Nuns severely concerning those Vaults , some of them told him , that his own Priests did much worse . He shut up the Nuns , so that those who are profefsed live still there , but none come to take the Vail : and by this means the House will soon come to an end . The Cittadel lies over the Town on a Rock , and commands it absolutely . Both here , and in Crema , the Towns have begun a Complement within these last ten or twelve years to their Podesta's , which is matter of great Ornament to their Palaces , but will grow to a vast charge ; for they erect Statues to their Podesta's : and this being once bogun , must be carried on ; otherwise those to whom the like honour is not done , will resent it as a high affront ; and the Revenges of the Noble Venetians are dread●ul things to their Subjects . This name of Podesta is very ancient ; for in the Roman times , the chief Magistrates of the lesser Towns were called the Potestas ▪ as appears by that of Iuvenal , Fidenarum Gabiorumve esse Potestas . From Brescia , the beauty of Lombardy is a little interrupted ; for as all the way from Milan to Brescia is as one Garden , so here on the one side we come under the Mountains , and we pass by the Lake of Guarda , which is forty miles long , and where it is broadest , is twenty miles over : The Miles indeed , all Lombardy over , are extream short ; for I walkt often four or five Miles in a walk , and I found a thousand paces made their common Mile ; but in Tuscany and the Kingdom of Napels , the mile is fifteen hundred paces . We pass through a great Heath for seven or eight miles on this side of Verona , which begins to be cultivated . Verona is a vast Town , and much of it well built ; there are many rich Chur●hes in it : but there is so little Trade stirring , and so little money going , that it is not easie here to change a Pistol , without taking their Coyn of base Alloy , which doth not pass out of the Veronese : for this seems a strange Maxim of the Venetians , to suffer those small States , to retain still a Coyn peculiar to them , which is extream inconvenient for Commerce . The known Antiquity of Verona is the Amphitheater , one of the least of all that the Romans built , but the best preserved ; for tho most of the great Stones of the outside are pickt out ; yet the great flopping Vault , on which the rows of the seats are laid , is intire ; the rows of the sea●s are also intire , they are sour and forty Rows ; every Row is a foot and half high , and as much in breadth , so that a Man sits conveniently in them under the feet of those of the higher Row : & allowing every Man a foot and a half , the whole Amphitheather can hold twenty three thousand Persons . In the Vaults , under the Rows of Seats , were the stalls of the Beasts that were presented to entertain the Company : the thi●kness of the Building , from the outward Wall to the lowest Row of Seats , is ninty foot : But this Noble Remnant of Antiquity , is so often , and so copiously described , that I will say no more of it . The ne●t thing of value is the famous Museum Calceolarium , now in the Hands ●of the Count Mascardo , where there is a whole Apartment of Rooms , all furnisht with Antiquities , and Rarities . There are some old Inscriptions , made by two Towns in Africk , to the honour of M. Crassus : There is a great Collection of Medals and Medaillons , and of the Roman Weights , with their Instruments for theit Sacrifices ; there are many Curiosities of Nature , and a great Collection of Pictur●s , of which many are of Veronese's Hand . There is a noble Garden in Verona , that riseth up in Terrasses the whole height of a Hill , in which thete are many ancient Inscriptions , which belongs to Count Giusto . As we go from Verona to Vin●enza , which is thirty miles , we return to the Beauty of L●mbardy ; for there is all the way as it were a Succession of Gardens : the ground is better cultivated here , than I saw it in any other place of Italy : But the Wine is not good ; for at the roots of all their Trees they plant a Vine ; which grows up winding about the Tree , to which it joyns ; but the Soil is too rich to produce a rich wine ; for that requireth a dry ground . There is near the Lake of Guarda a very extraordinary Wine , which they call Vino Santo , which drinks like the best sort of Canary , it is not made till Christmaes , and from thence it carries the Name of Holy Wine ; and it is not to be drunk till Midsummer ; for it is so long before it is quite wrought cleat ; but I have not ma●ked down how long it may be kept : we had it there for a Groat an English quart ; I wondred that they did not trade with it . All the Cattel of Italy are gray or white , and all their Hogs are black , except in the Bologn●se , and there they are red . I will not inquire into the reasons of these things : it is certain , Hogs-Flesh in Italy is much better than it is in France and England , whether the truffs on which they feed much in Winter , occasion this or not , I know not ; the Husks of the pressed G●apes is also a mighty nourishment to them ; but Cattel of that grayish colour , are certainly weaker : The Carriage of Italy is generally performed by them ; and this is very hard work in Lombardy , when it hath rained ever so little ; for the ground being quite level , and there being no raised High-wayes or Cause-wayes , the Carts go deep , and are hardly drawn . Vin●enza hath still more of its ancient liberty reserved than any of thes● Towns , as Padua hath less ; for it delivered it self to the Venetians ; whereas the other disputed long with it , and broùght it often very low : one sees the marks of Liberty in Vincenza , in the Riches of their Palaces and Churches , of which many are newly built : they have a modern Theater , made in imitation of the ancient Roman Theaters . C●unt Velarano's Gardens at the Port of Ver●n● , is the finest thing of the Town ; there is in it a very noble Alley of Oranges and Citrons , some as big as a Mans Body , but those are covered all the Winter long ; for in this appears the sensible difference of Lombardy●rom ●rom those parts of Italy ; that lie to the South of the Apenins , that here generally they keep their Oranges and Citrons in great Boxes , as we do in England , that so they may be lodged in Winter , and defended from the Breeses , that blow sometimes so sharp from the Alps , that otherwise they would kill those delicate Plants : whereas in Tuscany they grow as other Trees in their Gardens ; and in the Kingdom o● Naple● , they grow wild , without any Care or Cultivation . We were at Vincenza upon a Holy day , and there I saw a preparation for a Procession that was to be in the afternoon : I did not wonder at what a French Papist said to me , that he could hardly bear the Religion of Italy , the Idolatry in it was so gross . The Statue of the Virgi● was of Wood , so finely painted , that I thought the head was Wax ; it was richly clad , and had a Crown on its Head , and was set full of Flowers : how they did when it was carried about , I do not know ; but in the morning all people ran to it , and said their prayers to it , and Kissed the Ground be●ore it , with all the appearances of Devotion . From Vincenza it is eighteen m●les to Padua , all like a Garden : here one sees the decays of a vast City ; which was once one of the biggest of all Italy ; the compass is the same that is was , but there is much uninhabited ground in it , and Houses there go almost for nothing ; the Air is extream good , and there is so great a plenty of all things , except Money , that a little Money goes a great way . The Vniversity here , tho so much surported by the Venetians , that they pay fifty Pro●essors ▪ yet sinks extreamly : there are no men of any great Fame now i● it : and the quarrels among the Students have driven away most of the Strangers that used to come and study here ; for it is not safe to stir abroad here after Sun set : The number of the Palaces here is incredible , and tho the Nobility of Padua is almost quite ruined , yet the Beauty of their ancient Palaces shews what they once were . The Ve●etians have been willing to let the ancient Quarrels that were in all those conquered Cities continue still among them ; for while one kills another , and the Children of the other take their Revenges afterwards , both comes under the Bando by this means , and the Confisca●ion goes to the Senate . At some times of Grace , when the Senate wants Money , and offers a pardon to all that will compound for it , the numbers of the guilty persons are incredible . In Vincenza , and the Country that belongs to it , I was assured by Monsieur Patin , that learned Autiquary , that hath been ●any years a Professor in Padua , that there were five and thirty thousand pardoned at the last Grace ; this I could hardly believe , but he bid me write it down upon his word . The Nobility of Padua , and of ●he other Towns , seem not to see what a profit their Quarrels bring to the Venetians , and how they eat out their Families : for one Family in the same mans time , who was alive while I was there , was reduced from fourteen thousand Ducats Revenue , to less than three thousand , by its falling at several times under the Bando ▪ But their Jealousies and their Revenges are pursued by them with so much vigour , that when these are in their way , all other things are forgot by them . There is here the remnant of the Amphitheater , tho nothing but the outward Wall stands : There is here , as well as in Milan , an inward Town , called the City , and an outward , without that , called the Burgo ; but tho there is a Ditch about the City , the great Ditch and Wall goeth about all , and Padua is eight miles in compass ; it lies almost round : The publick Hall is the Noblest of Italy : The Dome is an ancient and mean Building : But the Church of S. Anthony , especially the Holy Chappel in it , where the Saint lies , is one of the best pieces of modern Sculpture ; for round the Chappel , the chief Miracles in the legend of that Saint are rep●esen●ed in Mezzo Rilievo , in a very surprizing manner : The devotion that is paid to this Saint , all Lombardy over , is amazing : he is called by way of excellence il Santo , and the Beggars generally ask Alms for his sake : But among the little Vows that hang without the Holy Chappel , there is one that is the highe●t pitch of Blasphomy that can be imagined , Exaud●t , speaking of the Saint , quos non au● it & ipse D●us ; he hears those whom God himself doth not hear . St. Iustina is a Church so well ordered within , the Architecture is so beautiful , it is so well inlightned , and the Cupulo's are so advantageously placed , that if the outside answered the inside , it would be one of the best Churches of Italy ; but the Building is of Brick , and it hath no Frontispiece ; there are many new Altars , made as fine as they are Idolatrous , all full of Statues of Marble . This Abby hath a hundred thousand Ducats of Revenue , and so by its Wealth one may conclude that it belongs to the Benedictine Order . Cardinal Barberigo is Bish●p here ; he seems to set St. Carlo before him as his pattern ; he hath founded a Noble Seminary for the secular Priests ; he lives in a constant discipline himself , and endeavours to reform hi● Clergy all he can ; but he is now in ill terms with his Canons , who are all Noble Venetians , and so allow themselves great liberties , of which they will not be willingly abridged : he is charitable to a high degree , an● is i● all respects a very extraordinary man. In the Venetian T●rritory their subjects live easie and happy , if they could be so wise as to give over their Q●arrels ; but tho the Taxes a●e not high , they oppress thei● Tenants so ●everely ▪ that the Peasants live most miserably , yet on all hands round about them , the Oppressions being more intolerable , they know not whither to go for ease ; whereas on the contrary , the miseries under which their Neighbours groan , chiefly those of the Ecclesiastical State , send in an increase of people among them , so that they are well stoekt with people ; but the Venetians are so jealous of their Subjects understanding Military matters , which may dispose them to revolt , that they never make any Levies among them for their Wars ; this jealousie is the true ground of that maxim , tho another is pretended , that is more plausible , which is , their Care of their own people , whom they study to preserve , and therefore they hire Strangers , rather than expose their Subjects . It is certain , a revolt here , were no hard matter to effectuate ; for the Garrisons and F●rtifications are so slight , that those great Towns could easily shake off their yoke , if it were not for the Factions that still reign among them , by which one party would chuse rather to expose the other to the rigor of the Inquisitors , than concur with them in asserting their Liberty ; and the Inquisitors in such cases proceed so secretly , and yet so effectually , that none dares trust another with a Secret of such consequence ; and the oppressed Nobility of those States , retain still so much of their old and unsubdued Insolence , and treat such as are under them so cruelly , that the Venetians are as secure in those Conquests , as if they had many strong Cittadels , and numerous Garrisons spread up and down among them . From Padua down to Venice , all along the River Brent , there are many Palaces of the Noble Venetians on both sides of the River , built with so great a variety of Architecture , that there is not one of them like another ; there is also the like diversity in the laying out of their Gardens ; and here they retire during the hot months ; and some allow themselves all the excesses of dissolute Liberty that can possibly be imagined . From Lizza Fucina , which is at the mouth of the Brent , we pass for five or six miles on the Lagunes , or shallows , to Venice ; these shallows sink of late so much , that the preserving Venice still an Island , is like to become as great a charge to the Venetian● ▪ as the keeping out the Sea is to the Dutch ; for they use all possible industry to cleanse the Channels of their Lagune● , and to keep them full of Water : and yet many think , that the Water hath failed so much in this last age , that if it continues to abate at the same rate , within an age o● two more , Venice may become a part of the Terra firm● It is certainly the most surprizing sight in the whole World , to see so vast a City , scituated thus in the Sea , and such a number of Islands so united together by Bridges , brought to such a regular figure , the Pilotty supplying the want of earth to build on , and all so nob●● built , which is of all the things that one can see the mo●● amazing . And tho this Republick is much sunk from what is was , both by the great Losses they have suffered in their Wars with the Turks , and by the great decay of Trade , yet there is an incredible Wealth , and a va●● plenty of all things in this place . I will not offer to describe neither the Church nor the Palace of S. Mark , which are too well known to need a long digression to be made for them ; the painting of the Walls , and the roofs of the Halls , and publick Rooms in the Palace , are of vast value ; Here I saw that Story of Pope Alexander the III. treading on the neck of the Emperor Frederic● Barbarossa . The Nobleness of the Stair-●ases , the Riches of the Halls , and the Beauty of the whole Building ▪ are much prejudiced by the Beastliness of those that wal● along , and that leave their marks behind them , as if this were rather a common House of Office , than so Noble a Palace : And the great Hall , where the whole body of the Nobility meet , in the Great Council , hath nothing but the roof and walls that answers to such a● Assembly ; For the Seat● are liker the benches of an Auditory of Schollars , than of so glorious a Body . Whe● the two sides of this Palace are built as the third , which is the most hid , it will be one of the gloriousest Palace● that the World can shew . The two sides that are mo●● seen ▪ the one facing the square of St. Mark , and the other the great Canale , are only of Brick , the third being all of Marble , but the War of Candy put a stop to the Building . St. Mark 's Church hath nothing to recommend it , but its great Antiquity , and the vast Riches of the Building , it is dark and low ; but the pavement is so rich a Mosaick , and the whole roof is also Mosai●k , the outside and inside are of such excellent Marble , the Frontispice is adorned with so many Pillars of Porphiry and Iasper . and above all with the four Horses of Corinthian Brass , that Tiridates brought to Tiberius , which were carried afterwards to Constantinople , and were brought from thence to Venice , and in which the gilding is still very bright , that when all this is considered , one doth no where see so much cost brought together . I did not see the Gospel of St. Mark , which is one of the valuablest things of the Treasure ; but they do not now open it to Strangers ; yet Doctor Grand● , a famous Physitian there , told me ▪ that by a particular order , he was suffered to open it ; he told me ▪ it was all writ in Capital Letters , but the Characters were so worn out , that tho he could dis●ern the Ends of some Letters , he could not see enough to help him to distinguish them , or to know wheter the M.S. was in Greek or Latin. I will not say one Word of the Arfenal ; for as I saw it in its worst State , the War that is now on foot having disfurnished a great deal of it , so it hath been o●ten described , and it is known to be the Noblest Magazine ▪ the best ordered , and of the greatest variety , that is in the whole World : its true , it is all that this Stat● hath ; so that if the Magazines of other Princes , which lie spread up and down in the different Places of their Dominions , were gathered together , they would make a much greater shew . The Noblest Convent of Venice is that of the Dominicans , called Saint Iohn and Saint Paul ; the Church and Chappels are vastly rich : there is one of Saint Luke's Madona 's here , as they pretend ; the Dormitory is very great ; the Room for the Library , and every thing in it , except the Books , is extream fine . But Saint George's , which is a Convent of the Benedictines ; in an Isle intirely possessed by them , over against Saint Marks square , is much the richest : the Church is well contrived , and well adorned : and not only the whole Building is very Magnificent ; but which is more extraordinary at Venice , they have a large Garden , and noble walks in it . The Redemptore and the Salute , are two Noble Churches , that are the effects of Vows that the Senate made whe● they were afflicted with the Plague , the latter is much the finer , it is to the Virgin ; and the other is only to our Saviour : so naturally doth the Devotion of that Churc● carry it higher for the Mother than the Son. It is true , the Salute is later than the other , so no wonder if the Architecture and the riches exceed that which is more ancient . The School of Saint Roch , and the Chappel , and Hall , are full of great pieces of Tintore●● : a Cena , of Paulo Veronese in the Refectory of St. George , and the Picture of St. Seter the Martyr of Titians , are the most celebrated pieces of P●saro's Tomb in the Friary is the Noblest I ever saw . B●● if the riches of all the Convents , and the Parish Churches of Venice amased me , the Fronts especially , many of which are of white Marble , beautified with several Statues ; the meanness of the Library of S. Mar● did no less surprize me . There are in the Antichamber to it , Statues of vast value , and the whole Roof of the Library is composed of several pieces of the greate●● Masters put in several Frames : but the Library hath nothing answerable to the Riches of the Case ; for the Greek Manuscrips are all modern ; I turned over a great many , and saw none above five hundred years old I was indeed told , that the last Library-keeper was acc●sed for having conveyed away many of their Manuscrips , and that four years ago being clapt in prison for this by the Inquisitors ; he , to prevent further Severities , poisoned himself . I went to the Convent of the Servi ; b●t I found Father Paul was not in such consideration there , as he is elsewhere . I asked for his Tomb , but they made no account of him , and seemed not to know where it was ; it is true , the person to whom I was recommended , was not in Venice , so perhaps they refined too much in this matter : I had great Discourse with some at Venice concerning the Memorials out of which F. Paul drew his History , which are no doubt all preserved with great care in their Archives ; and since the Transactions of the Council of Trent , as they are of great Importance , so they are become now much controverted , by the different Relations that F. Paul , and Cardinal Pallavicini have given the World of that matter ; the only way to put an end to all Disputes in matter of Fact , is to print the Ori●inals themselves . A Person of great Credit at Venice , promised to me , to do his utmost , to get that Proposition set on foot , tho the great Exactness that the Government there hath alwayes affected , as to the matter of their Archives , is held so sacred , that this made him apprehend , they would not give way to any such search . The Affinity of the matter brings into my mind a long Conversation that I had with a person of great Eminence at Venice , that as he was long at Constantinople , so he was learned far beyond what is to be met with in Italy ; he told me , he was at Constantinople when the Inquiry into the Doctrine of the Greek Church was set on foot , occasioned by the famous Dispute between Mr. Arnaud and Mr. Claude he being a zealous Roman Catholick , was dealt with to assist in that business ; but being a Man of great Honour and Sincerity , he excused himself , and said , he could not meddle in it : He hath a very low and bad Opinion of the Greeks ; and he told me , That none of their Priests were more inveterate Enemies to the Church of Rome than those that were bred up at Rome ; for they , to free themselves of the prejudices that their Countreymen are apt to conceive against them , because of their Education among the Latines , do affect to shew an Opposition to the Latin Church beyond any other Greeks . He told me , that he knew the Ignorance and Corruption of the Greeks was such , that as they did not know the Doctrines of their own Church , so a very little Money , or the hope of Protection from any of the Ambass●dors that came from the West , would prevail with them to sign any thing that could be desired of them . He added one thing , that tho he firmly believed Transu●stantiation himself , he did not think they believed it , let them say what they pleased themselves ; he took his measures of the Doctrine of their Church , rather from what they did , than from what they said : For their Rites not being changed now for a great many ages , were the true Indications of the Doctrines received among them ; whereas they were both ignorant of the Tradition of their Doctrine , and very apt to prevericate when they saw Advantages or Protection set before them ; therefore he concluded , that since they did not adore the Sacrament after the Consecration , that was an evident sign that they did not believe the Corporal Presence ; and was of a force well able to balance all their Subscriptions : He told me , he was often scandalized to see them open the Bag , in which the Sacrament was preserved , and shew it with no sort of respect , no more than when they shewed any Manuscript ; and he looked on Adoration as such a necessary Consequent of Transu●stantiation , that he could not imagine that the latter was received in a Church that did not practise the former . To this I will add what an Eminent Catholick at Paris told me ; he said , the Originals of those Attestations , were in too exact and too correct a stile , to have been formed in Greece ; he assured me , they were penned at Paris , by one that was a Master of the Purity of the Greek Tongue , I do not name these Persons , because they are yet alive , and this might be a prejudice to them . One of the chief Ornaments of Ve●ice was the famous young W●man that spake five Tongues well , of which the Latin and Greek we●e two ; she passed Doctor of Physick at Padua , according to the ordinary Forms ; but which was beyond all , she was a person of such extraordinary Vertue and Piety , that she is spoken of as a Saint ; she died some Months before I came to Venice : she was of the noble Family of the Cornaro's , tho not of the three chief Branches , which are Saint Maurice , Saint Paul , and Calle , who are descended from the three Brothers of the renowned Queen of Cyprus , but the distinction of her Family was Piscopia . Her extraordinary merit made all people unwilling to remember the blemish of her descent of the one side ; for tho the Cornaro's re●kon themselves a size of Nobility beyond all the other Families of V●nice , yet her Father having entertained a Goudalier's Daughter so long , that he had some Children by her , at last for their sakes married the Mother , and payed a considerable Fine to save the forfeiture of Nobility , which his Children must have undergone , by reason of the meanness of the Mothers birth . The Cornaro's carry it so high , that many of the Daughters of that Family have made themselves Nuns , because they thought their own Name was so Noble , that they could not induce themselves to change it with any other ; and when lately one of that Family married the Heir of the Sagredro , which is also one of the antientest Families , that was extream rich , and she had scarce any portion at all , ( for the C●rnaro's are now very low ) some of their Friends came to wish them joy of so advantagious a Match ; but they very coldly rejected the Complement , and bid the others go and wish the Sagredo's joy , since they thought the Advantage was wholly of their side . There are of the truly Ancient Noble Families of Veni●e , four and twenty yet remaining , and even among these , there are twelve that are thought superior to the rest in rank : since the first Formation of their Senate , they have created many Senators . In their Wars with Genua they conferred that honour on thirty Families : several of their Generals have had that honour given them as a reward of their service : They have also offered this honour to some Royal Families ; for both the Pamilies of Valo●s and Bourbon , were Nobles of Venice ; and Henry the III. when he came through Venice from Poland , to take possession of the Crown of France , went and sate among them , and drew his Ballot as a Noble Venetian : many Popes have procured this honour for their Nephews . Only the Barberines would have the Venetians offer it to them without their asking it , and the Veneti●ns would not give it without the others asked it , and so it stuck at this . But during the War of Candy , Cardinal Fran●is Barberi●e gave twelve thousand Crowns a year towards the War , and the temper found for making them Noble Veuetians was , that the Queen Mother of France moved the Senate to grant it . In all ●he Creations of Se●ators before the last War of Candy , they were free ; and the Considerations were , either great Services , or the great Dignity of those on whom they bestowed this Honour . Those new Families are divided into those that are called Ducal Families ; and those that were called simply New Families ; the Reason of the former designation is not rightly understood ; but one that knew all that related to that Constitution particularly well , gave me a good account of it . That which naturally occurs as the Reason of it , is , that all those Families , that are called Du●al , have had the Dukedom in their House : But as all the old Families have had the same Honour , though they carry not that Title , so some of the n●w Families have also had it , that yet are not called Ducal . Others say , that those Families that have had branches , who have been made Dukes , without their being first Procurators of S. Mark , or that have been chosen to that Honour , without their pretending to it , are called Ducal : But the true Account of this is , that from the year 1450. to the year 1620. for a hundred and seventy years , there was a combination made among those new Families to preserve the Dukedom still among them : For the old Families carrying it high , and excluding the new Families from the chief Honours , nineteen of the new Families entred into mutual Ingagements to exclude the ancient Nobility : It is true , they made the Dukedom sometimes fall on some of the new Families that were not of this Association ; but this was more indifferent to them , as long as the ancient Famillies were shut out , and that it appeared , that they bore the chief sway in the Election , This Combination was a thing known to the very people , tho the Inquisitors did all they could to break it , or at least to hide it , so that I never met with it in any of their Authors . But this failed in the year 1620. when Memmio was chosen D●ke , who was descended of one of the ancient Nobility , which was so great a mortification to the Case Ducale , that one of them ( Veniero ) hanged himself , by the Rage to which that Disgrace drove him , yet his man came into the room in time , before he was dead , and cut him down , and he lived long after that in a better mind . Since that time , one of the Bembo's , two of the Cornaro's , and one of the Co●tarini's , and the present Prince , of the Iust●niani , the first of that family that hath had that honour , have been Dukes , who are all of the ancient Families : So that this Faction is now so intirely buried , that it is not generally known ( even in Veni●e it self ) that it was ever amongst them ; and thus time , and other Ac●id●nts bring about happy Events , which no Care n●r Industry could produce : For that which all the Endeavours of the Inquisit●rs could not compass , was brought about of it self . It is true , the Factions in Veni●e , tho violent enough in the persons of those who manage them , yet are not derived by them , as an Inheritance to their Posterity , as it was among the Florentines ; who tho they value themselves as a size of men much above the Venetians , whom they despise as a phlegmatick and dull race of people , yet shewed how little they understood with all their vivacity , to conduct their State ; since by their domestick Heats they lost their Liberty , which the Venetians have had the wisdom still to preserve . This Faction of the Case Ducale was perhaps willing to let the matter fall ; for they lost more than they got by it ; for the Ancient Families in revenge set themselves against them , and excluded them from all the other advantagious Imployments of the State. For the others being only united in that single point relating to the Dukedom , the Ancient Families let them carry it ; but in all other Competitions they set up alwayes such Competitors against the Pretenders that were of the Ducal Families , that were much more esteemed than these were , so that they shut ●hem out of all the best Offices of the Republi●k . Such a Faction as this was , if it had been still kept up , might in Conclusion have proved fatal to their Liberty . It is indeed a Wonder to see , the Dignity of the Duke so much courted ; for he is only a Prisoner of State , tyed up to such Rules , so severely restrained and shut up as it were in an Apartment of the Palace of S. Mark , that it is not strange to see some of the greatest Families , in particular the Cornaro's decline it . All the Family , if ever so numerous , must retire out of the Senate , when a Du●e is chosen out of it , only one that is next to him of kin . sits still , but without a Vote : And the only Real Priviledge that the Duke hath , is , that he can of himself , without communicating with the Savii , propose matters , either to the Council of Ten , to the S●nate , or to the Great Coun●il ; whereas all other propositions must be first offered to the Savii , and examined by them , who have a sort of Tribunitian Power to reject what they dislike ; and tho they cannot hinder the Duke to make a Proposition , yet they can mortifie him when he hath made it ; they can hinder it to be voted ; and after it is voted , they can suspend the execution of it till it is examined over again : And a Duke , that is of an active Spirit , must resolve to indure many of these A●flictions ; and it is certain , that the Savii , do sometimes affect to shew the Greatness of their Authority , and exercise a sort of Tyranny in the rejecting of Propositions , when thy intend to humble those that make them : yet the greatest part of the best Families court this Honour ●f Dukedom extreamly . When Sagredo was upon the point of being chosen Duke , there was so violent an Out-cry against it over all Veni●e , because of the Di●grare , that they thought would come on the Republik , if they had a Prince , whose Nose had mi●carried in some unfortunate Disorders ; the Senate complyed so far with this Aversion , that the people testified , that tho the Inquisitors took care to hang or drown many of the chief of the Mutineers , yet they let the design for Sagredo fall : Upon which he was so much disgusted , that he retired to a house he had in the Terra firma , and never appeared more at Venice : During which time of his Retirement , he writ two Books , the one Memorie Ottom●niche , which is Printed ; and he is accounted the best of all their mordern Authors . The other was Memoires of the Government and History of Venice , which hath never been Printed ; and some say , it is too ●incere , and too particular , so that it is thought it will be reserved among their Archives . It hath been a sort of Maxim now for some time , not to chuse a married man to be Duke , for the Coronation of a Du●hes● goes high , and hath cost above a hundred thousand D●●ats . Some of the ancient Families have affected the Title of Prince , and have called their branches , Princes of the Blood ; and tho the Cornaro's have done this more than any other , yet o●hers upon the account of some Principalities , that their Ancestors had in the Islands of the Archipelago , have also affected those vain Titles : But the Inquisitors have long ago obliged them , to lay aside all those high Titles ; and such of them as boast too much of their blood , find the disl●ke which that brings on them very sensibly ; for whensoever they pretend to any great Imployments , they find themselves alwayes ex●luded . When an Election of Ambassadors was proposed , or of any of the chief O●●ices , it was wont to be made in those terms , that the Coun●il must chuse one of its Principal Members for such an imployment : But because this lookt like a term of Distinction among the Nobility , they changed it five and twenty years ago ; and instead of Principal , they use now the term Honourable , which comprehends the whole body of their Nobility , without any distinction . It is at Venice , in the Church , as well as in the State , that the Head of the Body hath a great Title ; and particular Honours done him ; whereas in the mean while this is a meer Pageantry , and under these big words there is lodged only a lig●t shadow of Authority ; for their Bishop has the glorious Title of Patriarch , as well as the Duke is caled their Prince , and his Serenity , and hath his name stampt upon their Coyn ; so the Patriarch with all this high Title , hath really no Authority : For not only Saint Mark 's Church is intirely exempted from his jurisdiction , and is immediately subject to the Duke , but his Authority is in all other things so subject to the Senate , and so regulated by them , that he hath no more power , than they are pleased to allow him : So that the Senate is as really the supream Governour over all persons , and in all causes , as the Kings of England have pretended to be in their own Dominions since the Reformation : But besides all this , the Clergy of Venice have a very extraordinary sort of Exemption , and are a sort of a body like a Presbytery independent of the Bishop : The Curats are chosen by the Inhabitants of every Parish , and this makes that no Noble Venetian is suffered to pretend to any Cura●y ; for they think it below that dignity , to suffer one of their body , to engage in a competition with one of a lower order , and to run the hazard of being rejected , I was told , the manner of those Elections was the most scandalous thing possible ; for the several Candidates appear on the day of Election , and set out their own Merits , and defame the other Pretenders in the sowlest Language , and in the most scurrilous manner imaginable ; the secrets of all their Lives are publisht in most reproachful terms , and nothing is so abject and ridiculous , that is not put in practice on those occasions : There is a sort of an Association among the C●rats for judging of their common concerns , and some of the Laity of the several Parishes assist in those Courts , so that here is a real Presbytery . The great Libertinage , that is so undecently practised by most sorts of people at Venice , extends it self to the Clergy to such a degree , that tho Ignorance and Vice , seem the only indelible Characters , that they carry generally over all Italy , yet those appear here in a much more conspicuous manner than elsewhere ; and upon these popular elections all comes out . The Nuns of Venice have been under much scandal for a great while ; there are some Nunnerys that are as famous for their strictness and exactness to their Rules , as others are for the Liberties they take : chiefly those of Saint Zachary and Saint Laurence , where none but Noble Venetians are admitted , and where it is not so much as pretended , that they have retired for Devotion ; but it is owned to be done meerly , that they might not be too great a Charge to their Family : They are not vailed , their neck and breast is bare , and they receive much company : but that which I saw , was in a publick Room , in which there were many Grills for several Parlors , so that the conversation is very confused ; for there being a different company at every Grill , and the Italians speaking generally very loud , the noise of so many loud Talkers , is very disagreeable . The Nuns talk much , and very ungracefully , and allow themselves a liberty in Rallying , that other places could not bear . About four years ago the Patraiarch intended to bring in a Reform into those Houses ; hut the Nuns of S. Laurence , with whom he began , told him plainly , they were Noble Ven●tians , who had chosen that way of life as more convenient for them , but they would not subject themselves to his Regulations ; yet he came and would shut up their house , so they went to set fire to it ; upon which the Senate interposed , and ordered the Patriarch to desist . There is no Christian State in the World , that hath expressed a Jealousie of Church mens getting into the publick Councils so much as the Veneti●ns : for as a Noble Venetian , that goes into Orders , loses thereby his right of going to vote in the great Council ; so when any of them are promoted to be Cardinals , the whole kin●red and family must ( during their lives ) withdraw from the great Council , and are also incapable of all imployments : And by a clause , which they added when they received the Inqu●sition , which seemed of no great consequence , they have made it to become a Court absolutely subject to them ; for it being provided , that the Inquisitors should do nothing but in the presence of such as should be Deputed by the Senate , to be the Witnesses of their proceedings , those Deputies either will no● come but when they think fit ; or will not stay longer than they are pleased with their proceedings ; so that either their absence , or their withdrawing , dissolves the Court : for a Citation cannot be made , a Witness cannot be examined , nor the lea●● point of Form carried on , if the Deputies of the Senate a●● not present : and thus it is , that tho there is a Court of I●quisition at V●nice , yet there is scarce any person brough● into trouble by it ; and there are many of the Protesta●● Religion that live there without any trouble : and tho there is a Congregation of them there , that hath their exercises of Religion very regularly , yet the Senate gives them no trouble . It is true , the Hosty's not being carried about in Proc●ssion , but secretly by the Priest to the Sick , makes that this uneasy discrimination of Protesta●● and Papist , doth not offer it self here , as in other places ; for the straitness of the streets , and the Channals through which one must go almost every foot , makes that this could not be done in Venice as it is elsewhere ; and from Veni●e this Rule is carried over their whole Territory , tho the like Reason doth not hold in the Terra Firma . The Venetians are generally ignorant of the matters of Religion to ● scandal , and they a●e as unconcerned in them , as they are Strangers to them ; so that all that vast pomp in their Ceremonies , and wealth in their Churches , is affected rather as a point of Magnificence , or a matter of Emulation among Families , than that Superstition hath here such a power over the Spirits of the People , as it hath elsewhere : for the Athe●sm that is received by many here , is the dullest , and cou●sest thing that can be imagined . The young Nobility are so generally corrupted in their Morals , and so given up to a most supine Ignorance o● all sort of knowledge , that a man cannot easily imagi● to what a height this is grown ; and for Military Co●rage , there is scarce so much as the Ambition of being thought brave remaining among the greater part of them . It seemed to me a strange thing , to see the Bro●lio , so full of graceful young Senators and Nobles , when there was so glorious a War on foot with the Turks ; but instead of being heated in point of Honour to hazard t●●ir lives , they rather think it an extravagant piece of Folly , for them to go and hazard it , when a little Money can hire Strangers , that do it on such easie term● ; and thus their Arms are in the hands of strangers , while they stay at home managing their In●rigues in the Broglio , and dissolving their spirits among their Courtisans . And the Reputation of their Service is of late years so mu●h sunk , that it is very strange to see so many come to a service so decryed , where there is so little care had of the Souldiers , and so little regard had to the Officers ; the Arrea●s are so slowly pay'd , and the Rewards are so scantly distributed , that if they do not change their Maxims , they may come to feel this very sensibly ; for as their Subjects are not acquainted with Warlike matters , so their Nobili●y have no sort of Ambition that way , and strangers are extreamly disgusted . It is chiefly to the conjuncture of affairs ●hat ●hey owe their Safety ; for the Feebleness of all their Neighbours , the Turk , the Emperour , the K●ng of Sp●in , the P●pe , and the Duke o● Mantua , preserves them from the apprehension of an Invasion ; and the Quarrels , and Degeneracy of their Subjects , save th●m from the Fears of a Revolt ; but a formidable Neighbour would put them hard to it . One great O●casion of the Deg●neracy of the Italians , and in particular of the Venetian Nobility , is a Maxim that hath been taken up for some considerable time , that for the preservation of their Famili●● , it is fit t●at only one of a Famil● should marry ; to which I will not add , that it is generally believed , that the Wife is in common to the whole Family . By this means the younger Brothers , that have Appointments for ●ife , and that have no Families that come from them , are not stirred up by any Ambition to signa●ize themselves , or to make Families , and so they give way to all the Laziness of Luxury , and are quite enervated by it . Whereas the best Services done in other State● , flows from the Necessities as well as the Aspirings of younger Brothers , or their Families , whose blood qualifi●s them to pretend , as well as their Pride and Necessities push them on , to acquire first a Reputation , and the● a Fortune : But all this is a Mystery to the Venetians , who apprehend so much from the active Spirits of a necessitou● Nobility , that to lay those to sleep , they incourage them in all those things that may blunt and depress the●● Minds ; and youth naturally hates Letters as much as it loves Pleasure , when it is so far from being restrained , that it is rather pushed on to all the Licentiousness of unlimitted Disorders . Yet I must add one thing , that tho Venice , is the place in the whole World , where pleasure is most studied , and where the youth have both the greatest Wealth , and the most leisure to pursue it ; yet it is the place that I ever saw , where true and innocent Pleasure is the least understood ; in which I will make a little Digression , that perhaps will not be unpleasant . As for the Pleasure● of Friendship , or Marriage , they are Strangers to them ; for the horrible distrust , in which they all live , of one another , makes ; that it is very rare to find a Friend in Italy ; but most of all in Venice : and tho we have been told of several Stories of celebrated Friendships there , yet these are now very rare . As for their Wives , they are bred to so much ignorance , and they converse so little , that they know nothing but the d●ll Superstition on Holy-dayes , in which they stay in the Chur●hes as long as they can , and so prolong the little Liberty they have of going abroad on those dayes , as Children do their Hours of play : They are not imployed in their Domestick Affairs , and generally they understand no sort of Work ; so that I was told , that they were the insipidest Creatures imaginable : They are perhaps as vitious as in other places , but it is among them downright Lewdnes● ; for they are not drawn into it , by the intanglements of Amour , that inveigle and lead many persons much farther than they imagined or intended at first ; but in them , the first step , without any preamble or preparative , is downright beastliness . And an Italian that knew the World well , said upon this matter a very lively thing to me , he said , their jealousy made them restrain their Daughters , and their Wives so much , that they could have none of those Domestick Entertainm●nts of Wit , Conversation , and Friendship , that the French or English have at home : It is true , those he said hazard a little the Honour of their Families by that Liberty ; but the Italians , by their excessive Caution , made that they had none of the true Delights of a Married Sta●e ; and notwithstanding all their uneasy jealousy , they were still in danger of a contraband Nobility ; therefore he thought they would do much better to hazard a little , when it would produce a certain satisfaction , than to watch so anxiously , and thereby have an insipid Companion , inste●d of a lively Friend , tho she might perhaps have some ill moments . As for their houses , they have nothing convenient at Venice ; for the Architecture is almost all the same ▪ one Stair-case , a Hall that runs along the Body of the House , and Chambers on both hands ; but there are no Apartments , no Closet● or Backstairs ; so that in houses that are of an excessive Wealth , they have yet no sort of convenience ; Their Bedsteads are of Iron , because of the vermin that their moisture produces , the bottoms are of boards , upon which they lay so many Quilts , that it is a huge step to get up to them ; their great Chairs are all upright , without a slope in the back , hard in the bottom , and the wood of the Arms is not covered : they mix Water with their Wine in their Hogsheads , so that for above half the year , the Wine is either dead or four : they do not leaven their bread , so that it is extream heavy , and the Oven is too much heated , so that the Crum is as Dough , when the Crust is as hard as a Stone ; in all Inns they boil meat first before it is roasted , and thus as indeed they make it tender , so it is quite tastless , and insipid : And as for their Land-carriage , all Lombar●y over , it is extream inconvenient ; for their Co●ches are fastned to the pearch , which makes them as uneasie as a Cart : It is true , they begin to have at Rome , and Napl●s , Coaches that are fastned to a sort of double Pearch , that runs along the bottom of the Coach of both sides , which are so th●● , that they ply to the motion of the Coach , and are extream easy , but those are not known in ●om●ardy ▪ and besides this , their Caleshes are open , so that one is exposed to the Sun and Dust in Summer , and to ●●e Weather in W●nter : But tho they are covered as ours are , on the o●her side of the Appenins , yet I saw none that were covered in Lombardy : and thus by an enumeratio● of many of the innocent pleasures , and Con●eniences o● Life , it appears , that the Veneti●ns pursue so violentl● Forbidden Pleasures , that they know not how to find out that which is allowable . Their constant practices i● the Broglio is their chief business , where those that are necessitous , are suing for imployments of Advantage , and those that are sull of Wealth , take a sort of pleasure in crossing their pretentions , and in imbroiling maters . The Wall in which the Nobility tread , is left to them : for no o●he●● dare walk among them ; and they change the side of the square of Saint Mark as the Sun and the weather direct them . Perhaps a derivation that Mr. Patin gave me of Broglio from the Greek Per●bola●on , a little corrupted , is not forced ; and since they make all their pa●ties , and manage all their intrigues in those Wolks , I am apt to think that Broils , Brovillons and Imbroilments are all de●ived from the Agitations that are managed in those Walks . As for the last created Nobility of V●ni●e , I came to know some particulars that I have not yet seen in any Books , which I suppose will not be unacceptable to you . It is certain , that if the Venet●ans could have foreseen a● the beginning of the War of Candy , the vast Expence in whi●h ●he length of it ingaged them , they would have abandoned the Isle , rather than have wasted thei● Treasure , and debased their Nobility . This last was extream sensible to them ; for as the Dignity of the rank they hold , is so much the more Eminent as it is restrained to a small number ; so all the best Imployments and Honours of the State belonging to this Body , the admitting such a number into it , as must rise out of seventy e●ght Families , was in effect the sharing their Inheritance among so many adopted Brothers . This had been less infamous , if they had communicated that Honour only to the ancient Citizens of Venice , or to the Nobility of those States that they have subdued in the Terra Firm● ; for as there are many Citizens , who are as ancient as the Nobility , only their Ancestors not hapning to be of that Co●n●il , that assumed the Governme●t about ●our hundre● years ago , they have not been raised to that Honour , so there had been no Infamy in creating some of them to be of the Nobility . It had been also brought under consultation long ago , upon the Reduction of those State in the Terra Firma , whether it was not advisable , according to the Maxims of the Ancient Romans , to communicate that Dignity to some of their chief Families , as being the surest Way to give some contentment to those States , it being also a real , as well as a cheap Security , when the chief Families in those Cities , were admitted to a share in all the Honours of the Republick . It is true , some of the Nobility of those States thought they had Honour enough by their Birth , and so Zambara of Bres●ia refused to accept an Honour from those that had robbed his Countrey of its Liberty , yet his posterity are now of ano●her mind ; for ●hey came and bought in this last sale of Honour that which was freely offered to their Ancestor , and was rejected by him . When the Senate found it self extreamly pressed for Money , during the War , it was at first proposed , that some Families , to the number of five , might be Enobled ; they offering sixty thousand Ducats if they were Venetians , and seventy thousand if they were Strang●rs : There was but one person that opposed this in the S●nate , so it being passed there , was presented to the Great Council ; and there it was like to have passed without any di●ficulty , but one person opposed it with so much vigor , that tho the Duke desired him to give over his Opposition , since the Necessities of the War required a great supply , yet he persisted still ; and tho one of the Savii set for●h with Tears the extremities to which the State was reduced , he still insisted , and fell upon one Conceit that turned the whole Coun●il ; he said , they were not sure if five Persons could be found , that would purchase that Honour at such a rate , and then it would be a vast Disgrace , to expose the offer of Nobility first to sale ; and then to the Affront , of finding no Buyers when it was offered to be sold ; and by this means he put by the Resolution for that time : But then another Method was taken , that was more honourable , and was of a more extended Consequence . Labia was the first that presented a Petition to the Great Council , setting forth his Merits towards the Republi●k , and desiring that he might be thought worthy to offer a hundred thousand Du●ats toward the service of the State : this was understood to be the asking to be made Nobl● at that price . Delfino said , he thought every man might be well judged worthy , to offer such an assistance to the Publick , and that such as brought that supply , might expect a suitable acknowledgement from the Senate , who might afterwards of their own accord bestow that Honour on those that expressed so much Zeal for the Publick : and this would in some fort maintain that degree , which would be too much debased ▪ if it were thus bought and sold : but it seems the Purchasers had no mind to part with their Money , and to leave the Reward to the Gratitude of the Council , so the Petition was granted in plain terms : and the Nobility so acquired was not only to descend to the Children of him that was enobled ; but to his Brothers , and the whole Family to such a degree . After Labia , a great many more came with the like Petitions , and it was not unpleasant to see in what terms Merchants , that came to buy this Honour set forth their Merits , which were , that they had taken care to furnish the Republick with su●h things as were necessaty for its preservation . There was a sort of a Trium●irat●ormed ●ormed , of a Iew , a Greek , and an Italian , who were the Brokers , and found out the Merchants : and at last brought down the price from a hundred thousand , to sixty thousand Ducats ; and no other qualifications were required , if they had money enough : For when Correge said to the Duke , that he was afraid to ask that Honour for want of Merit , the Duke asked him , if he had a hundred thousand Ducats ? and when the other answered , the Sam was ready ; the Duke told him , that was a great M●rit . At last seventy eight pur●hased this Honour , to the great regret of Laebia : who said , that if he had imagined , that so many would have followed him in that demand , he would have bid so high for it , that it should have been out of ●heir power to have done it . It is true , many of the Purchasers were Ancient and Noble Families ; but many others were not only Merchants , but were of the lowest sort of them : who as they had inriched themselves by Trade , did then impoverish themselves by the acquisition of an Honour , that as it obliged them to give over their Trade , and put them in a higher Way of living , so it hath not brought them yet in any Advantage to ballance that Lofs : for they are so much despised , that they are generally excluded , when they compete with the ancient Nobility ; tho this is done with that Discretion , that the old Families do not declare always against the new ; for that would throw the new into a Faction against them , which might be a great prejudice to them ; for the new , are much more numerous than the old . Another great Pr●judice that the R●p●bli●k feels by this great Promotion , is , that the Chief Families of the Citizens of V●nice , who had been lo●g practised in the Affairs of State , and out of whom the Envoyes , the Secretaries of State , and the Chancellour , that is the Head of the Citizens , as well as the Duke is the Head of the Nobility , are to be chosen , having purchased the Chief Honour of the State , there is not now a sufficient Number of capable Citizens left for serving the St●te in those Imployments ; but this defect will be red●est with the help of a little time . But if this increase of the N●bility , hath leslened ●he dignity of the ancient Families , the●e is a Regula●ion made in this age , that st●●l preserves a considerable distinction of Authority in their hands . Crimes against the State , when committed by any of the Nobility , were alwayes judged by the Inquisitors , and the Council of Ten ; but all other crimes were judged by the Council of Forty . But in the year 1624. one of the Nobles was accused of Peculat , committed in one of their Governments , and the Avogadore , in the pleading ▪ as he set forth his crime , called him a Rogue and a Robber : yet tho his Crimes were mani●est , there being but six and twenty Iudges present , twelve only condemned him , and fourteen acquitted him ; this gave gre●● O●fence ; for tho he was acquitted by his Judges , his Crimes were evident , so that his fame could not be restored : for the Depositions of the Witnesses , and the Avogadores ( or the Attorney Generals ) charge , were heard by the people ; so it was proposed to make a Difference between the Nobility , and the other Subjects ; and since all Tryals before the Forty were publick , and the Tryal● before the Ten were in Secret , it seemed fit to remit the Nobility to be tryed by the T●n ▪ Some foresaw , that this would tend to a Tyranny , and raise the Dignity of the ancient Families ( of whom the Council of Ten is alwayes composed ) too high ; therefore they opposed it upon this ground , that since the Coun●il of Forty sent out man● Orders to the Governours , it would very mu●h lesse● their Authority , if they were not to be the Judges of those , who were obliged to receive their Orders : but to qualify this Opposition , a Proviso was made , that reserved to the Cou●cil of Forty a Power to judge of the Obedience that was given to their Orders ; bu● all other Accus●tions of the Nobility were remitted to the Coun●il of Ten ▪ and the Body of the Nobility were so pleased with this distinction , that was put between them and the other Subjects , that they did not see , that this did really insla●e them so mu●h the more , and brought them under more danger ; since those who judge in secret have a freer scope to their Passions , than those whose proceedings are Publi●k , and so are in effect judged by the Publick , which is often a very effectual restraint u●on the Judges ●hemselves . But the Council of Ten being g●nerally in the hands of the great Families ; whereas those of all sorts are of the Council of F●rty , which was the chief Iudicatory of the State , and is much Ancienter than shat of T●n : it had been much more wisely done of them to have been still Judged by the Forty : And if they had thought it for their Honour , to have a di●ference made in the way of Judging the Nobi●ity , and the other Subjects , it had been more for their Security , to have brought their Tryals to this , that whereas the Forty judge all other Offenders with Open Doors , the Nobility should be judged the Doors being shut , which is a thing they very mu●h desire now , but without any hope of ever obtaining it . For this pow●r of Judging the N●bility , is now considered as the Right of the Ten ; and if any man would go about to change it , the Inquisitors would be pe●haps very qu●ck wi●h him as a Mover of Sedition , and be , in th●t case , both Judge and Party ; Yet the Inquisitors being appr●hensive of the distast , that this might breed in the Body of the Nobility , have made a sort of Regulation , tho it doth not amount to much ; which is , that the Nobility shall be judged before the Council of Ten for attrocious Cases , such as Matters of State , the Robbing the Publick , and other enormous Crimes ; but that for all other matters , they are to be judged by the Forty : yet the Coun●il of Ten draws all Cases before them , and none dare dispute wi●h them . But this leads me to say a lit●le to you of that part of ●h●s Constitution , which is so mu●h censured by Strangers ; but is really both the greatest Glory , and the chief Security of this Republick , which is , the un●imitted Power of the Inquisitors , that extends not only to the Chief of the Nobility , but to the Duke himself , who is so subject to them , that they may not only give hi● severe Reprimands , but search his Papers , make h●● Process , and in conclusion , put him to death , witho●● being bound to give an Account of their proceedings , except to the Council of Ten : This is the Dread not onl● of all the Subjects , but of the whole Nobility , and o● all that bear Office in the Republick ; and makes the greatest among them tremble , and so obligeth them 〈◊〉 an exact conduct . But tho it is not to be denied , tha● upon some occasions , they may have been a little too sudden , particularly , in the known story of Fo●carini ; 〈◊〉 such unjustifiable Serverities have occured so seldom , that as the wisdom of this body in making , and preserving such an Institution , canno● be enough admired , so the dextrous conduct of those who manage this 〈◊〉 Tru●t , so as not to force the body to take it out of the●● hands , is likewise highly to be wondered at . In short , the Insolence , the Factions , the Revenges , the Necessitie● and Ambition , that must needs possess a great many Members of so vast a body , as is the Nobility of Venice ; mu●● have thrown them often into many fatal Convulsions , 〈◊〉 it were not for the Dread in which they all stand of th●s Court ; which hath so many Spies abroad , chiefly among the Gondaliers , who cannot fail to discover all the secre● Commerce of Venice : besides the secret Advices that a●● thrown in at so many of those L●ons mouths , that are i● several places of St. Mark 's Palace , within which there are Boxes that are under the keys of the Inquisitors ; so th●● it is scarce possible for a man to be long in any design ●gainst the State , and not to be discovere● by them ▪ And when they find any in fault , they are so inexorable , and so quick , as well as severe in their Justice , that ●he very fear of this is so effectual a restraint , that perhap● the long preservation of Venice , and of its Liberty , is owing to this single piece of their Constitution . A●● the Inquisitors are persons generally so distinguished fo● their Merit , who must be all of different Families , and their Authority lasts so short a while , that the Advantages of this vast Authority , that is lodged with them , are constant and visible ; whereas the unhappy instances of their being imposed on , and carrying their suspicions too far , are so few , that whenever the Nobility grows weary of this Yoke , and throws it off , one may re●kon the Glory and Prosperity of V●nice at an end . It was terribly attackt not long ago by Cornaro , when Ierom Cornaro was put to death for his correspondonce with Spain ; he was not near akin to the great Family of that name , yet the Family thought their Honour was so much toucht when one of its remotest branches wa● condemned of Treason , that they offered a hundred thousand Crowns to have saved him , and by consequence to have perserved the Family from that Infamy ; but tho this was not accepted ; ( for he suffered , ●s he well deserved ) yet it was so visible , that none of the Family were concerned in his Crimes , that it did not at all turn to their Prejudice . But upon the first occa●ion that offered it self after that , to quarrel with the proceedings of the Inquisitors , they laid hold on it , and aggravated the matter extreamly , and moved for the limiting of their Authority ; but the Great Council was wiser than to toucht so sacred a part of the Government , so they retain their Power very intire , but they manage it with all possible Caution . A Foreigner that hath been many years in their service , told me , that the Stories with which Strangers were frighted at the Arbitrary Power that was rested in those Inquisitors , were slight things , in comparison of the Advantages that they found from it : and alter eleven years spent in their service , he said , he never was so much as once sent for to receive a Reprimand from them . And if the Nobelity , that have any Commerce with Strangers , confess it sincerely to the Inquisitors , they are in no danger by it ; but if they conceal it , or any main Circumstances of it , their Process will be soon dispatched . These are the most remarkable things that I could pick up , during my stay at Venice . 〈◊〉 have avoided to say any thing relating to their several Councils , Offi●ers , and Iudicatories , or to the other parts of their Government , which are to be found in all Books ; and the Forms by which they give their Votes by Ballot are so well known , that it were an abusing of your time , to inlarge my se●● concerning them ; nor was I suffi●iently informed , concerning the particulars of the Sale of Nobil●ty that is now on foot , since this last War with the Turks , which hath made them willing to take up once again this easie way of raising of Mony : No● could I give credit to that of which a person of 〈◊〉 Eminence there assured me , that there was a Po●soner General in Ve●ice , that had a Salary , and 〈◊〉 imployed by the Inpuisitors to dispatch those , again●● whom a publick proceeding would make too great 〈◊〉 noise ; this I could not believe , tho my Author protested , that the Brother of one that was solicited t● accept of the imployment discovered it to him . The●e is no place in the World where Strangers live wit● more freedom ; and I was amazed to see so litt●● Exactness among the Sear●hers of the Customhouse for though we had a Mullets-load of Trunks , an● Portmantles , yet none offered to ask us , either coming or going , what we were , or what we ca●ried with us . But the best and Noblest Entertainmen● that Veni●e afforded while I was there , was the Company of Mr. de la Hay● , the Fren●h Ambass●dor , who as he hath spent his whole life in public● Embassies , so he hath acquired so great a Kno●ledge of the World , with so true a Judgment , an● so obliging a Civility , that he may well pass 〈◊〉 a Pattern ; an● it is no wonder to see him 〈◊〉 ingaged in a constant succession of publick Imployments ; and his Lady is so wonderful a person , th●● I pay them both but a very small part of wh●● I owe them , in this Acknowledgment , which I ●udge my self bound to make of their extraordinary Civilities to me : and indeed , without the Advan●age of such a Rendezvous as I had there , a fortnights stay at V●nice had been a very te●ious mat●er . From Venice we went again to Padu● ; From ●hence to Rovigo , which is but a small Town , and so to the Po , which divides the Territory of the R●publick from the Ferrarese ▪ which is now the Popes Country ; and here one sees what a difference a good and a bad Government makes in a Coun●ry ; for tho the soil is the same on both sides of ●he River , and the Ferrarese was once one of the ●eautifullest spots of all Italy , as Ferrara was one o● its best Tow●s , while they had Princes of their own , who for a course of some Ages were Prin●es of such Eminent Vertue , and of so Heroical a Nobleness , that they were really the Fathers of ●heir Country ; nothing can be imagined more changed than all this is now . The soil is abandoned , and uncultivated , nor were there hands enough so much as to mow their Grass , which we saw withering in their Meadows to our no small wonder . We were amazed to see so rich a soil thu● forsaken of its Inhabitants , and much more when we passed through t●at vast Town , which by its extent shews what it was about an age ago , and is now so much deserted , that there are whole sides of Streets without Inhabitants ; and the Poverty of the Place appears signally in the Churches , which are mean , and poorly adorned ; for the superstition of Italy is so ravenous , and makes such a progress in this Age , that one may justly take the mea●ures of the Wealth of any place from the Churches . The Superstition , or Vanity of this Age , is so much beyon● that of the past ( tho the contrary to this is commonly believed ) that all the vast Buildings of great Churches or rich Convents , and the surprising Wealth that appears in them on Festival dayes , are the Donatives of the present Age ; so that it is a vulgar error that some have taken up , who fancy , that Superstition is at a stand , i● not in a Decay ; unless it be acknowledged , that the cra●● of the Priests hath opened to them a new method to support their riches , when the old ones of Purgatory , and Indulgences were become less effectual in an Age of more knowledge , and better inlightned ; and that is , to ingage men to an Emulation and a Vanity in Enriching the●● Churches , as much as other Italians have in the enrichin● their Palaces ; so that as they have a Pleasure as well as 〈◊〉 Vanity , in seeing so much dead wealth in their houses , they have translated the same humour to their Churche● : and the vanity of the present Age , that believes little or nothing of those contrivances , of Purgatory , or the like , produceth the same , if not greater effects , in the building and enriching their Churches . and so carries it ▪ in Expence and Prodigality , from the superstition of the former Ages , that believed every thing . But to return●● Ferrara , I could not but ask all I saw , how it came , that so rich was so strangely abandoned ? some said , the Air was become so unhealthy , that those who sta● in it were very short lived ; but it is well known , th●● fourscore years ago it was well peopled ▪ and the ill Air 〈◊〉 occasioned by the want of Inhabitants ; for there no● being people to drain the ground , and to keep the Ditche● clean , this makes that there is a great deal of water th●● li●s on the ground and rots , which infects the Air in th● same manner , as is observed in that vast and rich , 〈◊〉 uninhabited Champaign of Rome ; so that the ill Air is t●● effect , rather than the cause , of the dispeopling of t●● Popes Dominions . The true cause is the Severity of the ●●vernment , and the heavy Taxes , and frequent Confisotions , by which the Nephews of several Popes , as the● have devoured many of the Families of Ferrara , so the● have driven away many more . And this appears mo●● visibly , by the different State as well as the Constitutio● of Bologna , which is full of people that abound in Wealth ; and as the Soil is extream rich , so it is cultivated with all due care . For Bologna delivered it self to the P●pedom upon a Capitulation , by which there are many Priviledges reserved to it : Crimes there are only punished in the perfons of those who commit them ; but there are no confiscations of Estates ; and tho the Authority , in criminal matters , belongs to the Pope , and is managed by a Legate and his Officers ; yet the Civil Government , the Magistracy , and the power of Judicature in Civil matters , is int●rely in the hands of the State : And by this Regulation it is , that as the Riches of Bologna amazes a Stranger , it neither being on a Navigable River , by which it is not capable of much Trade , nor being the Center of a Soveraignty , where a Court is kept ; so the Taxes that the Popes fetch from thence are so considerable , that he draws much more from this place of Liberty ; than from those where his Authority is unlimited and absolute , but that are by those means almost quite abandoned : for the greatness of a Prince or State rising from the numbers of the Subjects , those Maxims that re●ain the Subjects , and that draw Strangers to come among them , are certainly the truest Maxims for advancing the greatness of the Master . And I could not but with much scorn observe the folly of some Frenchmen , who made use of this Argument to shew the Greatness of their Nation , that one found many Frenchmen in all places to which one could come , whereas there were no English nor Dutch , no Switzers , and very few Germans ; but ●his is just contrary to the right consequence that ought to be drawn from this observation . It is certain , that few leave their Country , and go to settle elsewhere , if they are not pressed with so much uneasiness at home , that they cannot well live among their Friends and Kindred ; so that a mild Government drives out no swarms : whereas it is the sure mark of a severe Government that weakens it self , when many of the Subjects find it so hard to subsist at home , that they are forced to seek that abroad , which they would much rather do in thei● own Country , if Impositions and other Severities , di● not force them to change their Habitations . But to return to the Wealth of Bologna , it appea●● in every Corner of the Town , and all ●ound it , tho i●scituation is not very fa●ourable ; for it lyes at the foot of the Appenins , on the North-side , and is extream cold in Winter . The Houses are built as at Padua and Ber● , so that one walks all the Town over , covered under Pi●zza's ; but the walks here are both higher and larger than any were else , there are many Noble Pala●es all over the Town , and the Churches and Convents are incredibly rich : within the Town , the richest are the Domini●ans , which is the chief House of the Order , where their Founders Body is laid in one of the best Chapp●●● of Italy : and next to them are the Franciscans , the Servites , the Iesuites , and the Cannons Regular of St. Salvator . In this last there is a Scrowl of the Hebre● Bible , which tho it is not the tenth part of the Bible , they fancy to be the whole Bible : and they were made believe by some Iew , that hath no doubt sold it at a high rate , that it was written by Ezra's own hand ; and this hath past long for current : but the Manuscript is only a fine Copy , like those that the Iews use in their Synagogues , that may be perhaps three or four hundred Years old : that part of it on which I cast my eye , was the Book of Esther ; so by the bulk of the Scrowl , I judged it to be the collection of those small books of the Old Te●●●ment that the Iews set after the Law ; but those of the House fancy they have a great treasure in it , and perhap● such Iews as have seen it are willing to laugh at their ignorance , and so suffer them to go on in their Error . The chief Church in the Town is St. Petrone's , and there one sees the curious and exact Merid●onal-line , which th●● rare Astronomer Cassini laid along a great part of the Pavement in a ●ras● Circle : it marks the true point of mid●ay from June to Ianuary , and is one of the best Performances that perhaps the World ever saw . In the grea● square before the Church , on the one side of whi●h is the Legates Palace , among other Statues one surprized me much , it was Pope Ioans , which is so named by the people of the Town ; it is true , the learned men say ▪ it is the Statue of Pope Nicolas the IV. who had indeed a youthly and womanish face . But as I looked at this Statue very attentively , through a little prospect that I carried with me , it appeared plainly to have the face of a young Woman , and was very unlike that of Pope Nicolas the IV. which is in St. Maria Maggiore at Rome : For the Statue of that Pope , tho it hath no beard , yet hath an age in it , that is very mu●h different from the Statue at Bologna . I do not build any thing on this Statue ; for I do not believe that Story at all ; and I my self saw in England a Manuscript of Martinus Polonus , who is one of the ancient Authors of this matter , which did not seem to be written long after the Authors time , in it this Story is not in the Text , but is added on the margin by another hand . On the Hill above Bologna stands the Monastery of St Michael in Bosco , which hath a most charming scituation and prospect , and is one of the best Mon●steries in Italy ; it hath many Courts , and one that is Cloistered , and is Octangular ; whi●h is so nobly painted in Fresco , that it is great pity to see such work exposed to the Air : All w●s retou●hed by the famous Guido Reni , yet it is now again much decayed : The Dormitory is very Magnifi●ent ; the Chappel is little , but very fine ; and the Stalls are richly carved . On the other side of Bologna , in the Bottom , the Carthusians have also a very rich Monastery : Four miles from Bologna there is a Madona of Saint Lukes ; and because many go thither in great Devotion , there is a Porti●o Building , which is already carried on almost half way ; It is walled towards the North , but stands on Pillars to the South , and is about twelve foot broad , an● fifteen foot high ; it is carried on very vigorously ; for in eigh● or ten years the half is built , so that in a little time , the whole will very probably be finished ; and this may prove the beginning of many such like Portico's in I●aly ; for things of this kind want only a beginning , and when they are once set on foot , they do quickly spread themselves in a Cou●try that is so intirely subdued by Superstition , and the Artifices of their Priests . In Bologna they reckon there are seventy thousand persons . I saw not one of the chief Glories of this place ; for the famous Malphigius was out of Town while I was there . I saw a Play there , but the P●●s● was so bad , the Farces so rude , and all was so ill acted , that I was not a little amazed to see the Company expres● so great a Satisfaction in that which would have been hiss'd off the stage either in England or Fran●e . F●om B●logna we go eight miles in a Plain , and then we ingage into that range of Hills that carry the name of Appen●●s , tho that is strictly given only to one that is the highest : All the way to Florence this track of Hills continues , th●● there are several bottoms , and some considerable little Towns in them , but all is up hill and down-hill , an● Florence it self , is just at the bottom of the last Hill. The high-ways all along these Hills are kept in so very goo● case , that in few of the best inhabited Countrys doth one find the High-wayes so well maintained , as in those forsaken Mountains : but this is so great a Passage , that 〈◊〉 that are concerned in it , find their account , in the expence they lay out upon it . On the last of these Hills , tho in a little bottom , in the midst of a Hill , stands Pratoli● , one of the great Dukes Palaces , where the retreat 〈◊〉 Summer must be very agreeable ; for the Air of thos● Mountains is extream thin and pure . The Gardens in Italy are made at a great cost ; the Statues and Fountains a●● very rich and noble ; the Grounds are well laid out ; a●● the Walks are long and even : But as they have no G●●vel , to give them those firm and beautiful walks that we have in England , so the constant greenness of the 〈◊〉 doth so much please them , that they , preferring the sigh● to the smell , have their Gardens so high sented by 〈◊〉 made with them , that there is no pleasure to walk 〈◊〉 them ; they also lay their walks so between Hedges , that one is much confined in them . I saw first in a Gard●n at Vin●enza , that which I found afterwards in many Gardens in Italy , which was extream convenient , there wen● a course of Water ●ound about the Walls , about a foot from the ground is a channel of stone , that went along the side of the Wall ; and in this there were holes so made , that a pipe of white Iron or Wood put to them , conveyed the Water to such plants , as in dry sea●on , needed watring , and a Cock set the Water a running in this course , so that without the trouble of carrying Water , one person could easily manage the watring of a great Garden . Floren●e is a beautiful and noble Town , full of great Palaces , rich Churches , and stately Convents . The streets are paved in imitation of the old Roman High-wayes , with great S●one , bigger than our common pavement Stone , but much thicker , which are so hollowed , in their joynings to one another , that horses find fastning enough to their feet : There are many Statues and Fountains in the streets , so that in every corner one meets with many agreeable Objects . I will not entertain you with a description of the great Dukes Palace and Gardens , or of the old Palace , and the G●llery that joyns to it , and of the vast Collection of Pictures , Statues , Cabinets , and other Curiosities , that must needs amaze every one that sees them : the Plate , and in particular , the Gold Plate , and the great Coach , are all such extrao●dinary things , that they would require a very copious description ▪ if that had not been done so often , that it were to very little purpose to Copy what others have said : and these thi●gs are so exactly seen by every Traveller , that I can say nothing that is more particular of these subjects , ●han you will find in the common Itinerarys of all Travellers . The great Dome is a magnificent building , but the Frontispiece to the great Gate is not yet made . The Cupulo , is after St. Peters , the greatest and highest that I saw in Italy ; it is three hundred foot high , and of a vast compass ; and the whole Architecture of this Fabrick is very singular , as well as regular . Only that which was intended to ad● to its Beauty , lessened it very much in my thoughts : for the Walls that are all of Marble , being of white and black Marble , laid in different figures and orders , looked too like a Livery , and had not that air of Nobleness which in my opinion becomes so glorious a Fabr●●k . The Baptistery , that stan●s before it , was a Noble Heathen Temple ; i●s Gates of brass , are the best of ●h●t sort that are in the World : There are so many History , so well represented in Bas Reliefs in them , with so much Exactness , the Wo●k is so natural , and yet so fine ▪ that a curious man could find entertainement for many dayes , if he would examine the three Gates of this Temple with a critical exactness . The Annunciata , St. Marks , St. Croce , and St. Maria Novella , are Churches of great Beauty and vast Riches ; but the Church and Chappel of S. Laurence exceeds them all , as much in the Riches within , as it is inferiour to them in the outside , which is quite flea'd , ( if I may so speak ) but on design to give it a rich out-side of Marble . In a Chappel within this Church , the Bodies of the great Dukes lye deposited : till the famous Chappel is finished , But I was much scandalized to see Statues with Nudities here , which I do not remember to have seen any where else in Churches . I will not offer at a description of the Glorious Chappel , which as it is without doubt , the richest piece of building that perhaps the World ever saw , so it goes on so slowly , that tho there are alwayes many at work , ● yet it doth not seem to advance proportionably to the number of the hands that are imployed in it . Among the Statues that are to be in it , there is one of the Virgin 's , made by Michael Angelo , which represents her grief at the Passion of her Blessed Son , that hath the most life in it of all the Statues I ever saw . But the famous Li●rary , that belongs to this Convent , took up more of my time than all the other Curiosities of Florence ; for here is a collection of many Manuscripts , most of them are Greek , that were gathered together by Pope Clement the VII and give● to his Country : there are very few Printed Books mixed with them ; and those Books that are there , are so rare , that they are almost as curious as Manuscrips . I saw some of Virg●ls P●ems in old Capitals . There is a Manuscript , in which some parts both of Tacitus and Apuleius are written , and in one place , one in a different hand had writ , that he had compared those Manuscripts , and he adds a date to this in Olibrius's time , which is about twelve hundred Years ago . I found some dipthongs in it cast into one Letter , which surprized me ; for I thought that way of writing them had not been so ancient : but that which pleased me most was , that the Library-keeper assured me , that one had lately found the famous Epistle of St. Chrysostome to Cesarius in Greek , in the end of a Volume full of other things , and not among the Manuscripts of that Fathers Books ; of which they have a great many . He thought he remembred well the place where the Book stood ; so we turned over all the Books that stood near it , but I found it not : he promised to look it out for me , if I came back that way : But I changing my design , and going back another way , could not see the bottom of this . It is true , the famous Magliabecchi , who is the Great Dukes Library-keeper , and is a person of most wonderful Civility , and full of Candor , as well as he is learned beyond imagination , assured me , that this could be no other than a mistake of the Library-keepers ; he said , such a discovery could not have been made , without making so much noise ; that he must have heard of it . He added , there was not one man in Florence , that either understood Greek , or that examined Manuscripts ; so that he assured me , I could not build on what an ignorant Library-keeper had told me : So I set down this matter as I found it , without building much on it . Florence is much sunk from what is was ; for they do not reckon , that there are above fifty thousand ●ouls in it : and the other States , that were once great Republicks , such as Siena and Pisa , while they retained their Liberty , are now shrunk almost into nothing : It is certain , that all three together , are now not so numerous , as any one of them was two hundred years ago . Legorn is full of pe●ple ; and all round Florence there are a great many Villages ; but as one goes over Tuscany , it appears so dispeopled , that one cannot but wonder to find a Country , that hath been a Scene of so much Action , and so many Wars , now so forsaken , and so poor , and that in many places the Soil is quite neglected for want of hands to cultivate it ; and in other places , where there are more people , they look so poor , and their Houses are such miserable Ruins , that it is scarce accountable , how there should be so much Poverty in so rich a Country , which is all over full of Beggars : and here the stile of Begging was a li●tle altered from what I found it in Lombardy ; for whereas there they begged for the sake of St. Anthony , here all begged for the Souls that were in Purgatory ; and this was the stile in all the other parts of Italy , through which I passed . In short ; the dispeopling of Tuscany , and most of the Principalities of Italy , but chiefly of the Popes Dominions , which are more abandoned than any other part of Italy , seemed to flow from nothing but the Severity of the Government ; and the great Decay of Trade : For the greatest Trade of Italy being in Silk , the vast Importation of Silks that the East-India Companies bring into Europe , hath quite ruined all those that deal in this Manufacture : Yet this is not the chief Cause of the dispeopling of those rich Countrys ; the Severity of the Tax ▪ is the true Reason : notwithstanding all that Decay of Trade , the Taxes are still kept up . Beside this , the vast Wealth of the Convents , where the only people of Italy are to be found , that live not only at their Ease , but in great plenty and Luxury , makes many forsake all sort of Industry , and seek for a retreat in one of those Seats of Pleasure ; so that the People do not increase fa●t enough to make a new race to come instead of those , whom a hard Government drives away . It must needs surprize an unattentive Traveller , to see not only the Venetian Territory , which is indeed a rich Country , but the Bailiages of the Switzers , and the Coast of Genoa so full of People , when Tuscany , the Patrimony , and the Kingdom of Naples , have so few Inhabitants . In the Coast of Genoa , there is for many miles as it were a constant tract of Towns and Villages , and all those are well peopled , tho they have scarce any Soil at all , lying under the Mountains , that are very barren , and that expose them to a most uneasy Sun ; and that they lie upon a boistrous Sea ; that is almost alwayes in a Storm , and that affords very few fish : and yet the Gentleness of the Government draws such multitudes thither , and those are so full of Wealth , that Mony goes at two per cent . But on the other hand , to ballance this a little , so strange and wild a thing is the nature of Man , at least of Italians , that I was told , that the worst people of all Italy are the Genoeses , and the most generally corrupted in their Morals , as to all sorts of Vice ; so that tho a severe Co●ernment and Slavery , are contrary to the nature of man , and to human Society , to Iustice and Equity , and to that essential Equality that Nature hath made among men ; yet on the other hand , all men cannot bear that Ease and Liberty that become the Human Nature . The superstition of Italy , and the great wast of Wealth that one sees in their Chur●hes , particularly those Prodigious Masses of Plate , with which their Altars are covered on Holydays , doth also sink their Trade extreamly ; for Silver , being in Commerce , what blood is in the body , when so much of that is dead , and circulates no more ; it is no wonder if such an extravasa●ion ( if I may use so long and so hard a word ) of Silver , occasions a great Deadness in Trade . I had almost forgot one remark , that I made in the last Hill of the Ap●enins , just above Florence , that I never saw such tall and big Cypresses any where as grew over all that Hill , which seemed a little strange , that Tree being apt to be starved by a cold Winter among us , and there the Winters are severe . All the ways in Tuscany are very rugged , except on the side● of the Arne . But the uneasiness of the Road is much qualified by the great Care that is had of the Highways , which are all in very good case : The Inns are wretched ; and ill furnished both for Lodging and Diet. This is the plague of all Italy , when once one hath passed the Appen●ns ; for , except in the great Towns , one really suffers so much that way , that the Pleasure of Travelling is much abated by the Inconveniences that one meets in every Stage through which he passes . I am SIR , Yours . THE FOURTH LETTER . From Rome , the 8th of December , 1685. I Am now in the last stage of my Voyage over Italy ; for since my last from Florence , I have not only got hither , but have been in Naples ; and have now satisfied my Curiosity so fully , that I intend to leave this place within a day or two , and go to Civita vecchia , and from thence by Sea to Marseilles ; and so avoid an unpleasant Winters Journey over the Alps. It is true ; I lose the sight of Turin , Genoa , and some other Courts : but tho I am told , these deserve well the pains of the Journey ; yet when one rises from a great meal , no Delicacies , how much soever they might tempt him at another time , can provoke his appetite : So I confess freely , that the sight of Naples and Rome have so set my stomach that way , that the Curiosity of seeing new places is now very low with me ; and indeed , these that I have of late seen are such , that places which at another time would please me much , would now make but a slight and cold Impression . All the way from Florence , through the Great Dukes Country , looked so sad , that I concluded , it must be the most dispeopled of all Italy : but indeed , I changed my note when I came into the Popes T●rritories , at Pont Centino , where there was a rich bottom , all uncultivated , and not so much as stocked with Cattle , But as I passed from M. Fiascone to Viterbo , this appeared yet more amazing ; for a vast Champian Country lay almost quite deserted . And that wide Town , which is of so great a compass , hath yet so few Inhabitants , and those look so poor and miserable , that the people in the ordinary Towns in Scotland , and in its worst Places , make a better appearance . When I was within a days Journey of Rome , I fancied that the Neighbourhood of so great a City must mend the matter ; but I was much disappointed ; for a Soil that was so rich , and lay so sweetly , that it far exceeded any thing I ever saw out of Italy , had neither Inhabitants in it , nor Cattel upon it , to the tenth part of what it could bear : The surprize that this gave me , increased upon me as I went out of Rome on its other side , chiefly all the way to Naples , and on the way to Civita Vecchia ; for that vast and rich Champian Country , that runs all along to Terracina , which from Civita Vecchi● is above a hundred miles long , and is in many places twelve or twenty miles broad , is abandoned to such a degree , that as far as ones eye can carry one , there is often not so much as a house to be seen ; but on the Hills , that are on the North-side of this Valley : and by this dispeopling of the Country , the Air is now become so unwholsom , that it is not safe to be a night in it all the Summer long ; for the Water , that lyes upon many places , not being drained , it rots ; and in the Summer this produc●● so many noisom Steams , that it is felt even in Rome itself ; and if it were not for the breeses that come from the Mountains , the Air would be intolerable : When one sees all this large , but wast Country , from the Hill of Marino , twelve miles beyond Rome , he cannot wonder enough at it . In a word , it is the rigour of the Governme●t that hath driven away the Inhabitants ; and their being driven away , hath now reduced it to such a pass ; that it is hardly possible to repeople it : for such as would come to drain and cultivate it , must run a great hazard , and few can resolve on that , when they can hope for no other Reward of their Industry , but an Uneasy Government . It is the greatest Solicism in Gov●rnment for the Prince to be El●ctive , and yet Absolute ; for an Hereditary Prince i● induced to consider his Posterity , and to maintain his people , so that those that come after him may still support the rank which they hold in the World : But an Elective ●rin●e hath nothing of that in his eye , unless he hath a pitch of generosity , which is not ordinary among men , and least of all among Italians , who have a passion for their Families , which is not known in o●her places : and thus a Pope , who comes in late to this Dignity , which by consequence he cannot hope to hold long , do●h very naturally turn to those Councils , by which his Family may make all the Hay they can during this Sun-shine : And tho anciently the Cardinals were a check upon the Pope , and a sort of a Council , without whom he could do nothing even in Temporals ; yet now they have quite lost that ; and they have no other share in affairs , than that to which the Pope thinks fit to admit them ; so that he is the most absolute Prince in Europe . It is true , as to Spirituals , they re●ain still a large share , so that in Censures and Definitions the Pope can do nothing regularly without their concurrence ; tho it is certain , that they have not so good a Title to pretend to that , as to a share in the Temporal Principality . For if the Pope derives any thing from Saint Peter , all that is singly in himself , and it is free to him to proceed by what method he thinks best , since the Infallibility , according to their p●etensions , rests singly in him ; yet because there was not so much to be got by acting Arbitrary in those matters , and a Summary way of exercising this Authority , might have tempted the World to have enquired too much into the grounds on which it is built ; therefore the Popes have let the Cardinals retain still a share in this Suprema●y over the Church , tho they have no claim to it , neither by any Divi●e nor Ecclesiastical Warrants : But as for the endowments of the See of Rome , to which they may justly lay claim , as being in a manner the Chapter of that See ; there is so much to be got by this , that the Popes have ingrossed it wholly to themselves : and thus it is , that the Government of this Prin●ipality is very unsteady . Sometimes the Popes F●mily are extreamly glorious , and magnificent ; at others times , they think of nothing but of establishing their Hou●e Sometimes the Pope is a Man of sense himself ; Sometimes he is quite sunk , and as the last Pope was , he becomes a Child again through old age : Sometimes he hath a particular Stiffness of Temper , with a great Slowness of Understanding and an insatiable desire of heaping up Wealth , which is the Character of him that now reigns . By this diversity , which appears eminently ●n every new Po●tificate , that commonly avoids those Excesses that made the former reign odious , the Councels of ●he Popedom are weak and disjoynted . But if this is sensible to all Europe , with relation to the general concer● of that Body , it is much more visible in the Principality it self , that is subject to so variable a Head There hath been in this Age a succession of four ravenous reigns ; and tho there was a short Interruption in the Reign of the Rospigliosi , that coming after the Barb●rins , the Pamphili , and the Ghi●i's , did not inrich it self ; and yet it disordered the Revenue , by the vast Magnificence in which he reigned , more in twenty nine Months time , than any other had done in so many years . The Altieri did , in a most scandalous manner , raise themselves in a very short and despised Reign , and built one of the Noblest Palaces in Rome . He that reig●● now , doth not indeed raise his Family avowedly , but he doth not ease the People of their Taxes : and as there is no Magnificence in his Court , nor any publick Buildings now catrying on at R●m● ; so the many vacant Caps , occasion many empty Palaces : and by this means , there is so little expence now made at Rome , that it is not possible for the People to live and pay the Taxes , which hat● driven , as is believed , almost a fourth part of the Inhabitants out of Rome , during this Pontificate . And as the preemption of the Corn makes , that there is no prof●● made by the Owners , out of the cultivation of the Soil , all that going wholly to the Pope , so there are no waye● lest here of imploying ones Mony to any considerable Advantage : For the publick Banks , which are all in t●e Popes hand , do not pay in effect three percent , tho they pretend to give four per cent of interest : The settlement is indeed four per cent , and this was thought so great an advantage , that Actions on the Popes Bank were bought at a hundred and sixteen the hund●ed . But this Pope broke through all this , and declared , he would give all Men their Mony again , unless they would pay him thirty percent for the continuing of this Interest ; and thus for a hundred Crow●s Principal , one not only payd at first one hundred and sixteen : but afterwards thirty : in all one hundred six and forty for the hundred , which is almost the half lost : For whensoever the Pope will pay them back their Mony , all the rest is lost : And while I am here , there is a report , that the Pope is treating with the Genoeses for Mony at two per cent ; and if he gets ●t on those terms , then he will pay his Debts : and the Subjects , that have put in Mony in this Bank , will , by this means , lose six and forty per cent , which is almost the half of their Stock . A man of quality at Rome , and an eminent Church-man , who took me likewise for one of their Clergy , because I wore the Habit of a Church-man , said , that it was a horrible Scandal to the whole Christian World , and made one doubt of the Truth of the Christian Religion , to see more Oppression and Cruelty in their Territory , than was to be found even in Turky ; tho it being in the Hands of Christ's Vicar , one should expect to find there the pattern of a mild and gentle Government : and how ( said he ) can a Man expect to find his Religion here , where the common Maxims of Justice and Mercy were not so much as known . And I can never forget the lively reflection that a Roman Prin●e made to me upon the folly of all those severe Oppressions , whi●h as they drive away the Inhabitants , so they reduce those that are left to such a degeneracy of Spirit by their Necessities , that the Spaniards , whose Dominions look so big in the Map , are now brought so low ; and if they had kept still the possession they once had of the Vnited Netherlands , they would signifie no more towards their preservation , than their other Provinces did ; which , by their unskilful conduct , they have both dispeopled and exhausted . Whereas by their losing those Seven Provin●es , those States hav● fallen upon such wise Notions of Government , and have drawn so much W●alth , and such numbers of People together , that Spain it self was now preserved by them , and was saved in this Age by the loss it made of those Provinces in the last ; and those States , that if they had remained subject to Spain , would have signified little to its support , did that now much more considerably , by being Ali●●s , than they could have done , if they had not shaken off their Yoke . Indeed , if Spain had been so happy as to have such Viceroys , and Governo●rs , as it has now in Naples , their affairs could not have declined so fast as they have done . The Marquis of Carpy , in his youth intended to have take● so severe a Revenge of an Injury , that he thought the late King of Spain did him in an Amour , that he designed the blowing him up by Gun-powder , when he was in the Council-Chamber ; but that Crime was discored in time , and was not only forgiven him in consideration of the greatness of his Family , he being the Son of Don Lewis de Har● , but after that he was made for several years Ambassador ●t Rome : He is now Viceroy o● Naples , and is the only G●vernour of all the Places th●ough which I Passed , that is , without exception , beloved and esteemed by all sorts o● People ; for during the few years of his Ministry , he hath redressed such abuses that seemed past cure , and that required an Age to correct them : He hath repressed the Insolence of the Spaniards so much at Naples , that the Natives have no occasion to complain of the haughtiness of their Masters : sor he proceeds against the Spaniards with no less severity , when they give cause for it , than against the Neapolitans : He hath taken the Pay of the Souldiers so immediately into his own care , that they who before his coming , were hal● naked , and robbed such as passed on the Streets of Naples in day light , are now exactly payed , well disciplined , and so decently cloathed , that it is a pleasure to see them : He examins their Musters also so exactly , that he is sure not to be cheated by false lifts : He hath brought the Markets and Weights of Napl●s to a true Exactness : And whereas the Bread was generally too light , he has sent for Loave● out of the several places of the Markets , and weighed them himself ; and by some severe Punishments on those that sold the Bread too light , he hath brought this matter to a just Regulation : He hath also brought the Courts of Iudicature , that were thought generally very corrupt , to Reputation again ; and it is believed , he hath Spies to watch in case the trade of Bribes is sound to be still going on : He hath fortified the Palla●e , which was before his time so much exposed , that it would have been no hard thing to have made a descent upon it , But the two things , that raise his reputation most , are his Extirpating of the Banditi , and the Regulation of the Coin , which he hath taken in hand . It is well enough known , what a Plague the Banditi have been to the Kingdom ; for they going in Troops , not only robbed the Country , but were able to resist an ordinary Body of Souldiers , if they had set on them : These travelled about seeking for spoil all the Summer long ; but in Winter they were harboured by some of the Neapolitan Barrons , who gave them Quarter● ; and thereby did not only protect their own Lands , but had them as so many Instruments ready to execute their Revenges on their Enemies . This was well known at Naples , and there was a Council that had the Care of the reducing the Banditi committed to them , who as they catched some few , and hanged them , so they fined such Barons as gave them harbour ; and it was believed , that those Fines , amounted to near a hundred and fifty thousand Crowns a year : And thus the disease went on ; only now and then there was a little Blood let , which never went to the bottom of the Distemper . But when the present Vi●eroy entred upon the Governm●nt , he resolved to extirpate all the Banditi ; and he first let all the Barons understand , that if they harboured them any more , a little Fine would not save them , but that he woul● proceed against them with the utmost severity ; and by this means the Banditi could find no Winter Quarter● : So they betook themselves to some fastnesses among the Hills , and resolved to make good the Passes , and to accommodate themselves the best they could amidst the Mountains . The Viceroy sent a great body against them , but they desended themselves for sometime vigorously , and in one sally they killed five hundred men : but at last , seeing that they were like to be hard prest , and that the Viceroy intended to come against them in Person , they accepted of the terms that he offered them , which was , a pardon for what was past , both as to life and Gallies , and six pence a day for their entertainment i● Prison during life , or the Viceroys pleasure ; and so they rendred themselves . They are kept in a large Prison , and now and then , as he sees cause for it , he sends some few of them up and down to serve in Garrisons . And thus , beyond all mens expectation , he finished this matter in a very few months ; and the Kingdom of Naples , that hath been so long a scene of Pillage and Robbery , is now so much changed , that in no place of Europe do the Subjects injoy a more entire Security . As for the Coin , it , as all the other Spanish Mony , is so subject to Clipping , that the whole mony of Naples is now light , and far below the true value ; so the Viceroy hath resolved to redress this : he considers , that the crying down of Mony , that passeth upon the publick Credit , is a robbing of those in whose hands the mony happens to be , when such Proclamations are put out ; and therefore he takes a method that is more general , in which every one will bear his share , so that none will be crushed by it . He hath laid some Taxes on the whole Kingdom , and hath got a great many to bring in some Plate to be coyned : and when he ha●h thus prepared such a quantity , ●s may se●ve for the circulation that is necessary , be intends to call in all the old Mony , and to give out new Mony for it . Thus doth this Viceroy set such a pattern to the other Ministers of the Crown of Spa●n , that if many would follow it , the State of their affairs would be soon altered . The Kingdom of Naples is the richest part of all Italy ; for the very Mount●ins , that are near the half of the Soil , are fruitful , and produce either Wi●e or Oil in great abundance . Apulia is a great Corn Country , but it is excessive hot , and in some years all i● burnt up . The Iesuites are the Proprietors of near the half of Apulia ; and they treat their Tenan●s with the same rigour that the Barons of this Kingdom do generally use towards their Farmers : for the Commons here are so miserably oppressed , that in many places they dye of hunger , even amidst the great plenty of their best years ; for the Corn is exported to Spain : but neither the Spaniards nor the Neopolitans understand Trade so well as to be their own Merchants or Carriers , so that the English do generally carry away the profit of thi● Trade . The Oil of this Kingdom is still a vast Trade , and the Manufacture of the Wool and Soap of England , consumes yearly some thousands of Tuns . The silk Trade is so low , that it only serves themselves , but the exportation is inconsiderable : the Sloth and Laziness of this people renders them incapable of making those Advantages of so rich a soil , that a more industrious sort of people would find out : For it amazes a Stranger to see in their little Towns , the whole men of the town walking in the Market places in their torn Cloaks , and doing nothing ; and tho in some big towns , such as Capua , there is but one Inn , yet even that is so miserable , that the best Room and Bed in it , is so bad , that our Footmen in England would make a grievous Outcry if they were no better lodged ; nor is there any thing to be had in them : the Wine is intolerable , the Bread ill Baked , no Victuals , except Pidgeons , and the Oil is rotten . In short , except one carries his whole Provision from Rome or Naples ; he must resolve to indure a good deal of Misery in the four days journey that is between those two places . And this is what a T●●veller , that sees the Riches of the soil , cannot comprehend : but as they have not hands enough for their soil , so those they have are generally so little imployed , that it is no wonder to see their soil produce so little ; that in the midst of all that abundance , that Nature hath set before them , they are one of the poorest Nations of Europe . But beside this which I have named , the vast and dead Wealth that is in the hands of the Churchme● , is another evident cause of their misery . One that knew the State of this Kingdom well , assured me , that if it were divided into five parts , upon a strict survey , it would be found , that the Chur●hmen had four parts of the five : which he made out thus , they have in Soil above the half of the whole , which is two and a half ; and in Tythes , and Gifts , and Legacies , they have one and a half more : for no man die●● without leaving a considerable Legacy to some Church o● some Convent . The Wealth that one sees in the City of Naples alone , passeth imagination ; there are four and twenty Houses of the Order of the Dominicans , of both Sexes , and two and twenty of the Franciscans , seven of the I●suites ; besides the Convents , of the Olivita●es , the Theatines , the Carmelites , the Benedictines ; and above all , for scituation and riches , the Carthusians , on the top of the Hill that lieth over the Town . The riches of the Annunciata are prodigious : It is the greatest Hospital in the World ; the Revenue is said to be four hundred thousand Crowns a year : the number of the Sick is not so great as at Milan : Yet one convenience for their Sick● observed in their Galleries , which was considerable , that every Bed stood as in an Alcove , and had a Wall on both sides , separating it from the Beds on both hands , and as much void space of both sides of the Bed , that the Bed it self took up but half the Room . The young Children that they maintain are so many , that one can hardly believe the numbers that they boast of ; for they talk of many thousands that are not seen , but are at Nurse : a great part of the wealth of this House goeth to the inriching their Church , which will be all over within crusted with inlayings of lovely Marble , in a great variety and beauty of colours : The Plate that is in the Treasury here and in the Dome , ( which is but a mean building , because it is ancient , but hath a Noble Chappel , and a vast Treasure ) and in a great many other Churches , are so prodigious , that upon the modestest estimate , the Plate of ●he Churc●es of Naples amounts to eight millions of Crowns . The new Church of the Iesuites , that of the Apostles , and that of S. Paul , are surprizingly rich ; the gilding an● painting that is on the Roofs of those Churches have cost millions : And as there are about a hundred C●nvents in Naples , so every one of these , if it were in another place , would be thought well worth seeing , tho the riches of the greater Convents here , make many of them to be less visited . Every year there is a new Governour of the Annun inta , who perhaps puts in his own Pocket twenty thousand Crowns ; and to make some Compensation when he goeth out of Office , he giveth a vast piece of Plate to the House , a Statue for a Saint in Silver , or some Coloss of a Candlestick ; for several of those pieces of plate are said to be worth ten thousand Crowns ; and thus all the Silver of Naples becomes dead and useless : The Jesuites are great Merchants here ; their Wine-Cellar is a vast Vault , and holds above a thousand Hogsheads , and the best Wine of Naples is sold by them ; yet they do no retail it out so scandalously as the Minims do , who live on the great square before the Viceroys Palace , and sell out their Wine by reta●l : they pay no Duty , and have extraordinary good Wine , and are in the best Place of the Town for this retail . It is true , the Neapolitans are no great Drinkers , so the Prof●s of this Tavern are not so great as they would be in colder Countries ; for here men go only in for a draught in the mornings , or when they are athirst . Yet the House groweth extream rich , and hath one of the finest Ch●pp●ls that is in all Naples ; but the Trade seems very unbecoming men of that Profession , and of so strict an Order . The C●nvents have a very particular priviledge in this Town ; for they may buy all the Houses that ly on either side , till the first street that discontinueth the Houses ; and there being scarce a street in Naples in which there is not a Conv●nt , by this means they may come to buy in the whole Town : And the progress that the Wealth of the C●ergy makes in this Kingdom is so visible , that if there is not some stop put to it , within an Age they will make themselves Masters of the whole Kingdom ▪ It is an amazing thing to see so profound an ignorance , as reign● among the Clergy , prevail so effectually ; for tho all the Secular persons here , speak of them with all possible scorn , yet they are the Masters of the Spirits of the People . The Women are infinitly Superstitious , and give their husbands no rest , but as they draw from them great presents to the Church . It is true , there are Societies of men at Naples of sreer thoughts than can be found in any other place of Italy : The Greek Learning begins to flourish there , and the n●w Philosophy is much studied ; and there is an Assembly that is held in D. Ioseph Vallet●'s Library ( where there is a vast Collection of well chosen Books ) composed of Men that have a right tast of true Learning and good Sense : They are ill looked on by the Clergy , and represented as a set of Atheists , and as the Spawn of Pomponatius's School : But I found no suc● thing among them ; for I had the Honour to meet twice or thrice with a considerable number of them , during the short stay that I made among them : There is a learned Lawyer , Francisco Andria , that is considered as one of the most inquisitive Men of the Assembly : There is also a Grandchild of the Great Alciat , who is very c●rious as well as learned . Few Churchmen come into this attempt for the reviving of Learning among them : O● the contrary , it is plain , that they dread it above a●things . Only one Eminent Preacher , Rinaldi , that 〈◊〉 Archdeacon of Capua , associates himself with them : ●e was once of the Iesuits Order , but left it ; and as that alo●● served to give a good Character of him to me , so upon ● long conversation with him , I found a great many other t●●ngs that possessed me with a high value ●or him . Some Physicians in Naples are brought under the Scandal of Atheism ; and it is certain , that in Italy , men of searching understandings , who have no other Idea of the Christian Religion , but that which they see received among them , are very naturally tempted to disbelieve it quite ; for they believing it all alike in gross , without distinction , and finding such notorious Cheats as appear in many parts of their Religion , are upon that induced to disbelieve the whole . The Preaching of the Monks in Naples are terrible things . I saw a Iesuit go in a sort of a Procession , with a great company about him , and calling upon all that he saw , to follow him to a place where a Mountebank was selling his Medicines , near whom he took his Room , and entertained the people with a sort of a Farce , till the Mountebank got him to give over ; fearing lest his action should grow tedious , and disperse the company that was brought together . There are no famous Preachers , nor men of any reputation for learning among the Iesuites : I was told , they had not men capable to teach their Schools ; and that they were forced to hire Strangers : The Order of the Oratory hath not that reputation in Italy , that it hath gained in France ; and the little Learning that is among the Clergy in Naples , is among some few Secular Priests . The new Method of Molino's doth so much prevail in Naples , that it is believed , he hath above twenty thousand Followers in this City : And since this hath made some noise in the World , and yet is generally but little understood , I will give you some account of him : He is a Spanish Priest , that seems to be but an ordinary Divine , and is certainly a very ill Reasoner , when he undertakes to prove his Opinions : He hath writ a Book , which is intituled , il Guida Spiritual● , which is a short abstract of the Mystical Divinity ; the Substance of the whole is reduced to this , That in our Prayers , and other Devotions , the best Methods are to reti●e the mind from all gross Images , and so to form an Act of F●ith , ●●d thereby to present our selves before God : and then to sink into a silenoe and cessation of new Acts , and to let God act upon us , and so to follow his Conduct . This way he prefers to the multiplication of many new Acts , and different form● of Devotion ; and he makes small Account of corporal Austerities , and reduces all the Exercises of Religion to this simplicity of Mind : He thinks this is not only to be proposed to such as live in Religious Houses , but even to Secular persons , and by this he hath proposed a great Reformation of mens Minds and Manners ; He ha●h many Priests in Italy , but chiefly in Naples , that dispose those who confess themselves to them , to follow his Method : The Iesuites have set themselves much against this conduct , as foreseeing , that it may much weaken the Emp●●●● that Superstition hath over the Minds of People , that 〈◊〉 may make Religion become a more plain and simple thing● and may also open a door to Enthusiasms : they also pretend , that his conduct is Factious and Seditious ; that thi● may breed a Schism in the Chur●h . And because he saith , in some places of his Book , That the Mind may rise up 〈◊〉 such a Simplicity in its Acts , that it may rise in some of its Devotions to God immediately , without contemplating t●● Humanity of Christ , they have accused him , as intending to lay aside the Doctrine of Christ's Humanity ; tho it 〈◊〉 plain , that he speaks only , of the purity of some sing●● Acts : Upon all those heads they have set themselve● much against Molinos ; and they have also pretended that some of his Disciples have infused into their Peniten●● That they may go and communicate as they find themselv●● disposed , without going first to Confession ; which they thought weakned much the yoke , by which the Pri●●● subdue the Consciences of the People to their Conduc● Yet he was much supported both in the Kingdom of Nap●●● and in Si●ily ; he had also many Friends and Followers 〈◊〉 Rome , So the Iesuites , as a Provin●ial of the Order a●●●red me , finding they could not ruin him by their o●● force , got a great King , that is now extreamly in the I●●●rests of their Order , to interpose , and to represent to the Pope the danger of such Innovations . It is certain , 〈◊〉 Pope understands the matter very little , and that he is po●sessed with a great opinion of Molino's Sanctify ; yet upon the Complaints of some Cardinals , that seconded the Zeal of that King , he and some of his Followers were ●●pt in the Inquisition , where they have been now for some Months , but they are still well used , which is believed to flow from the good opinion that the Pope hath of ●im , who saith still , that tho he may have erred , yet ●e is certainly a good man : Upon this Inprisonment , Pa●quin said a pleasant thing ; in one week , one man had been condemned to the Gallies for somewhat he hath said , ●●●ther hath been hanged for somewhat he had writ , and Mali●●s was clapt in prison , whose Doctrine consisted ●●efly in this , that m●n ought to bring their minds to a state of inward qu●etness , from which the name of Quie●●●●● was given to all his followers : The Pasquinade upon all this , was , Si parliamo , in Galere , si scrivemmo Im●i●cati , si stiamo inquiete all' Sant ' Officio , ●e che bisog●● for● : If we speak , we are sent to the Gallies ; if 〈◊〉 write , we are hanged ; if we stand quiet , we are clapt dapt in the Inquisition : what mus● we do then ? Yet his Followers at Naples are not daunted , but they believe , he will come out of this Tryal victorious . The City of Naples , as it is the best scituated , and i● the best Climate , so it is one of the Noblest Cities of ●●rope ; and if it is not above half as big as Paris or London , yet it hath much more beauty than either of them : The Streets are large and broad , the Pave●ent is great and Noble , the Stones being generally above a foot square , and it is full of Palaces , and great Buildi●g● : The Town is well supplied by daily Markets , so that Provisions are ever fresh , and in great plenty ; the Wine is the best of Europe ; and both ●he Fish and Flesh is extream good : it is scarce ever cold in Winter , and there is a fresh Air comes , both from the Sea and the Mountains in Summer . The Viceroy's Palace is no extraordinary building , only the Stair-case is great : But it is now very richly furnished within , in Pictures and Statues : There are in it some Statues of the Egyptian Deities of Touchstone , that are of great value : There are no great Antiquities here , only there is an Ancient Roman Porti●● , that is very Noble before Saint Pauls Chur●h . B●● without the City near the Church and Ho●pital of S●i●● Gennaro , that is without the Gates , are the Noble Catacombs , which because they were beyond any thing I saw in Italy , and to which the Catacombs of Rome are not to be compared , and since I do not find any accoun● of them , in all the Books that I have yet seen concerning Naples , I shall describe them more particularly . They are vast and long Galleries cut out of the Rock ▪ there are three Stories of them one above another : ● was in two of them , but the Rock is fallen in the lowest , so that one cannot go into it , but I saw the passage to ●t ▪ These Galleries are generally about twenty foot broad , and about fifteen foot high : so that they are Noble and spacious places , and not little and narrow as the Catacombs at Rome , which are only three or four foot broad ▪ and five or six foot high . I was made believe , that these Catacombs of Naples went into the Rock nine mile long ; but for that I have i● only by report : Yet if that be true , they may perhaps run towards Puz zolo , and so they may have been the burial places of the Towns on that Bay ; but of this I have no certainty . I walked indeed a great way , and found Galleries going off on all hands without end , and whereas in the Rom●● Catacombs there are not above three or four rows of Niches , that are cut out in the Rock one over another , into which the dead Bodies were laid ; her● there are generally six or seven rows of those Niches●●nd ●nd they are both larger and higher ; some Niches are ●or Childrens Bodies ; and in many places there are ●n the Floors , as it were great Chests hewn out of the Rock , to lay the bones of the dead as they dried , in them ; but I could see no ma●ks either of a cover for these holes , that looked like the bellys of Chests , or of a facing to shut up the Niches when a dead Body was laid in them ; so that it seems they were monstrous unwholesome and stinking places , where some thousands of Bodies lay rotting , without any thing to shut in so loathsome a sight , and so odious a smell : For the Niches shew plainly , that the Bodies were laid in them only wrapt in the dead Cloaths , they being too low for Coffins . In some places of the Rock there is as it were a little Chappel hewen out in the Rock , that goes off from the common Gallery , and there are Niches all round about ; but I saw no marks of any Wall , that shut in such places ; tho I am apt to think , these might be burying places appropriated to particular Families . There is in some places on the Walls and Arch , Old Mosaick Work , and some Painting , the Colours are fresh , and the Manner and Characters are Gothick ; which made me conclude , that this might have been done by the Normans , about six hundred years ago , after they drove out the Saracens : In some Places there are Palmtrees painted , and Vines in other places . The freshness of the Colours , shew these could ●ot have been done while this place was imployed for burying ; for the Steams and Rottenness of the air , occasioned by so much Corruption , must have dissolved both Plaister and Colours . In one place , there is a man painted with a little Beard , and Paulus is written by his head : there is another reaching him a Garland , and by his head Land is written : and this is repeated in another place right over against it . In another place I found a Cross painted , and about the upper part of it these Letters ● . C. X. O. and in the lower part NJKA . are painted : A learned Antiquar● , that went with me , agreed with me , that the manner of the Painting and Charact●● did not seem to be above six hundred years old : but neith●● of us knew what to make of these Letters : The low●● seemed to relate to the last word of the Vision , which it is said that Constantine saw with the cross that appeared to him : But tho the first two Letters might be for Iesus , it being ordinary in old Coyns and Inscriptions to put a C. for an S. and X. stands for Christ , yet we knew not what to make of the O , unless it were for the Greek Theta , and that the little line in the bosom of the Theta was worn out , and then it stands for Theos ; and thus the whole Inscription is , Iesus Christ God overcometh . Another Picture i● the Wall had written over it Sta. Iohannes , which was a clear sign of a barbarous Age : In another place there is ● Picture high in the Wall , and three Pictures under it , th●● at top , had no Inscription ; those below it , had these Inscriptions , S Katharina , S. Agape , and S. Margarita , these Letters are clearly modern ; besides that , Margaret and Katherine are modern names : and the add●tion of t●● a little above the S. were manifest evidences , th●● the highest Antiquity that can be ascribed to this Painting is six hundred years . I saw no more Painting , and I ●egan to grow weary of the darkness , and the thick A●r ●f the place , so I stayed not above an hour in the Catacom●● . This made me reflect more particularly on the Catacom●● of Rome , than I had done ; I could image no reason why so little mention is made of those of Naples , when there i● so much said concerning those of Rome ; and could give my self no other account of the matter , but that it being a maxim to keep up the reputation of the Roman Catacombs , as the Repositories of the Reliques of the primitive Christians , it would have much lessned their credit , if 〈◊〉 had been thought , that there were Cata●ombs far beyond them in all respects , that yet cannot be supposed to have been the work of the primitive Christians ; and indeed , nothing seems more evident , than that these were the common Burying Places of the ancient Heatbens . O●● enters into them without the Walls of the Towns , according to the Laws of the twelve Tables , and such are the Cata●ombs of Rome that I saw , which were those of S. Agnes and S. Sebastian , the entry into them being without the Town ; this answers the Law , tho in effect they run under it ; for in those dayes , when they had not the use of the Needle , they could not know which way they carried on those works , when they were once so far ingaged under ground , as to lose themselves . It is a vain ●magination to think , that the Christians , in the primitive times , were able to carry on such a work ; for as this prodigious digging into such Rocks , must have been a very visible thing by the Mountains of Rubbish that must have been brought out , and by the vast number of Hands that must have been imployed in it ; so it is absurd to think , that they could hold their Assemblies amidst the annoyance of so much corruption . I found the Steams so strong , that tho I am as little subject to Vapours as most men , yet I had all the day long after I was in them , which was not near an hour , a Confusion , and as it were a boyling in my Head , that disordered me extreamly ; and if there is now so much stagnating Air there , this must have been sensible in a more eminent and insufferable manner while there were vast numbers of bodies rotting in those Niches . But besides this improbability , that presents it self from the nature of the thing , I called to mind a passage of a Letter of Cornelius , that was Bishop of Rome , after the middle of the third Century , which is preserved by Eusebi●s in his sixth Book , Chapter 43. in which we have the State of the Church of Rome at that time set forth . There were forty six Presbyters , seven Deacons , as many Subdeacons , and ninety four of the Inferior Orders of the Clergy among them : there were also fifteen hundred Widows , and other poor maintained out of the publick Charities . It may be reasonably supposed , that the numbers of the Christians were as great when this Epistle was writ , as they were at any time before Constantine's dayes ; for as this was writ at the end of that long Peace , of which both S. Cyprian and Lactantius speak , that had continued above a hundred years ; so after this time , there was such a succession of Persecutions , that came so thick one upon another , after short intervals of quiet , that we cannot think the number● of the Christians increased much beyond what they were at this time . Now there are two particulars in this State of the Clergy , upon which one may make a probable estimate of the numbers of the Christians ; the one is , their Poor , which were but fifteen hundred : now upon an exact survey , it will be found , that where the poor are well looked to , their number rises generally to be the thirtieth or fortieth part of mankind ; and this may be well believed to be the proportion of the Poor among the Christians of that Age : For as their Charity was vigorous and tender , so we find Celsus , Iulian , Lucian , Prophiry , and others , Object this to the Christians of that time , that their Charities to the Poor drew va●● numbers of the lower sort among them , who made themselves Christians that they might be supplied by their Brethren : So that this being the State of the Christia●s then , we may reckon the Poor the thirtieth part , and so fifteen hundred multiplied by thirty , produce five and forty thousand : And I am the more inclined to think , that this rises up near to the full sum of their numbers , by the other Character of the numbers of the Clergy ; for as there were forty six Presbyters , so there were ninety four of the inferior Orders , who were two more than double the number of the Priests : and this was in a time in which the Care of Souls was more exactly looked after , than it has been in the more corrupted Ages , the Clergy having then really more work on their hands , the instructing of their Catechumens , the visiting their Sick , and the supporting and comforting the Weak , being Tasks that required so much application , that in so vast a City , as Rome was in those dayes , in which it is probable the Christians were scattered over the City , and mixed in all the parts of it we make a conjecture that is not ill grounded , when we reckon , that every Presbyter had perhaps about a thousand Souls committed to his Care , so this ri●es to six and forty thousand : which comes very near the sum that may be gathered from the other hint , taken from the number of their Poor . So that about fifty thousand is the highest account to which we can reasonably raise the numbers of the Christians of Rome in that time : And of so many persons , the Old , the Young , and the Women , make more than three fourth pa●ts ; so that men that were in condition to work , were not above twelve thousand : and by consequence , they were in no condition to undertake and carry on so vast a Work. If Cornelius in in that Letter speaks of the numbers of the Christians in excessive terms , and if Tertullian in his Apology hath also set out the numbers of the Christians of his time , in a very high strain , that is only to be ascribed to a pom●ous Eloquence , which disposeth people to magnifie their own Party , and we must allow a good deal to a hyperbole , that is very natural to all that set forth their Forces in general terms . It is true , it is not so clear when those vast Cavities were dug out of the Rocks . We know , that when the Laws of the twelve Tables were made , Sepulture was then in use : and Rome being then grown to a vast bigness , no doubt they had Reposit●ries for their Dead : so that since none of the Roman Authors mention any such work , it may not be unreasonable to Imagine , that these Vaults had been wrought and cut out from the first beginnings of the City ▪ and so the later Authors had no occasion ●o take notice of it . It is also certain , that tho Burning came to be in use among the Romans , yet they returned back to their first Custom of Burying Bodies long before Constantines time ; so that is was not the Christian Religion that produced this change . All our modern Writers take it for granted , that the change was made in the times of the Antonius : yet there being no Law made concerning it , and no mention being made in an Age full of writers , of any orders that were given for Burying-places , Velseru●'● opinion seems more probable , that the Custom of Burning wore out by degrees ; and since we are sure , that they once buried , it is more natural to think , that the Slaves and the meaner sort of people were still Buried , that being a less expenceful , and a more simple way of bestowing their Bodies , than Burning , which was both pompous and chargeable ; and , if there were already Burying places prepared , it is much easier to imagin how the Custom of Burying grew universal without any Law made concerning it . I could not for some time find out upon what grounds the Modern Criticks take it for granted , that Burying began in the times of the Antonins , till I had the happiness to talk of this ma●ter with the learned Gronovius , who seems to be such a Master of all the Antient Learning , 〈◊〉 if he had the Authors lying alwayes open before him : he told me , that it was certain , the change from Burni●g to Burying , was not made by the Christian Emperours ; for Ma●robius ( lib. 7. chap. 7. ) sayes , in plain terms , that the Custom of Burning the ●odies of the Dead , was quite worn out in that age : which is a clear Intimation , that it was not laid aside so late as by Constantine ; and as there was no Law made by him on that head , so he and the succeeding Emper●urs , gave such an entire toleration to Paganism , admitting those of that Religion to the greatest Imployments , that it is not to be imagined , that there was any order given against Burning ; so that it is clear , the Heath●ns had changed it of their own accord : otherwayes we should have found that among the Complain●s that they made of the Grievances under which they lay from the Christians . But it is more difficult to fix the time when this change was made . Gronovius shewed me a passage of Phlegons , that mentions the Bodies that were laid in the Ground ; yet he did not build on that ; for it may have relation to the customs of Burying that might be elsewhere . And so Petronius gives the account of the Burial of the Ephesian Matrons husband ; but he made i● apparent to me , that Burying was commonly practised in Commodus's time ; for Xiphilinus tells us , that in Pertinax's time , the Friends of those whom Commodus had ordered to be put to Death , had dug up their Bodies , some bringing out only some parts of them , and others raising their entire Bodies . The same Author also tells us , that Pertinax buried Commodus's body , and so saved it from the Rage of the People ; and here is a positive Evidence , that Burying was the common practice of that time . The same learned person has since my first conversation with him upon this subject , suggested to me two passages of Festus Pompeius , that seem to determiné this whole matter ; and that tell us , by what names those Catacombs were known in the Roman time , where-abouts they were ▪ and what sort of persons were laid in them ; we have also the designation by which the Bearers were commonly known , and the time when they carried out the Dead Bodies : and it appears particularly by them ▪ that in the Repositories , of which that author makes mention , there was no care taken to preserve the bodies that were laid in them from rotting . His words are . Puticulos antiquissi●um genus sepulturae appellatos , quod ibi in puteis s●pelir●●ter homenes : qualis fuerit locus quo nunc cadavera projici solent , extra portam Esquilinam : qua quod ibi putesc●r●nt , inde prius appellatos existimat puticulos Aelius Gall●s , qui ait antiqui moris fuisse , ut patres familias in lo●●m publicum extra oppidum mancipia vilia projicerent , atqu● it a projecta , quod ibi ●a p●tescerent , nomen esse factum puticuli . The other passage runs thus . Vespa & Vespillones dicuntur , qui funerandis corporibus officium gerunt , non ● minutis illis volucribus , sed quia vespertino tempore cos efferunt , qui funebri pompa duci propter inopiam nequeunt . All this agrees so exactly to the thoughts , that a general view of those Repositories give a man , that it will not be hard to persuade him , that those Burying places , that are now graced with the pompous title of Catacombs , are no other than the Putecoli mentioned by Festus Pompeius , where the meanest sort of the Roman slaves were laid , and so without any further care about them were left to rot . It is true , it is very probable , that as we see some of the Roman Families continued to Bury their Dead , even when Burning was the more common Custom ; so perhaps others continued after this to hurn their dead , the thing being Indifferent , and no Law being made about it ; and therefore it was particularly objected to the Christians after this time , that they abhorred the Custom of Burning the Bodies of the Dead , which is mentioned by Minutius Felix ; but this or any other evidences , that may be brought from Medalls of Consecrations after this time , will only prove , that some were still Burnt , and that the Christians practised Burying Universally , as expressing their belief of the Resurrection ; whereas the Heathens held the thing Indifferent . It is also clear , from the many genuine Inscriptions that have been . found in the Catacombs , which bear the dates of the Consuls , that these were the common Burial-Places of all the Christians of the fourth and fifth Century ; for I do not remember , that there is any one da●e that is Antienter ; and yet not one of the Writers of those Ages speak of them , as the Work of the Primitive Christians . They speak indeed of the Burial-Places of the Martyrs ; but that will prove no more , but that ●he Christians might have had their Quarters , and their Walks in those common Burial-places , where they laid their Dead , and which might have been known among them , tho it is not likely , that they would in times of Perseoution make such Inscriptions as might have exposed the Bodies of their dead Friends to the Rage of their Enemies . And the Spurious Acts of some Saints and Martyrs , are of too little credit to give any support to the common Opinion . Damasus's Poetry●s ●s of no better Authority . And tho those Ages were inclined enough to give credit to Fables , yet it seems this of those Catacombs , having been the work of the Primitive Christians , was too gross a thing to have been so early Imposed on the World. And this silence in an Age , in which Superstition was going on at so great a rate , has much force in it ; for so vast a Work , as those Catacombs are , must have been well known to all the Romans . It were easy to carry this much further , and to shew , that the Bas Reliefs , that have been found in some of those Catacombs , have nothing of the beauty of the Ancient Roman time . This is also more discernable in many Inscriptions that are more Gothick than Roman ; and there are so many Inscriptions relating to Fables , that it is plain , these were of later times ; and we see by Saint Ierom , that the Monks began , even in his time , to drive a trade of Reliques ; so it is no wonder , that to raise the credit of such a heap , as was never to be exhausted , they made some miserable Sculptures , and some Inscriptions ; and perhaps shut up the entrys into them with much care and secresy , intending to open them upon some Dream or other Artifice , to give them the more Reputation ; which was often practised in order to the drawing much Wealth and great Devotion , even to some single Relique ; and a few being upon this Secret , either those might have dyed , or by the many Revolutions that hapned in Rome , they might have been dispersed before they made the discovery : And thus the knowledge of those places was lost , and ca●e to be discovered by accident in the last Age ; and hath ever since supplied them with an inexhaustible Magazin of Bones , which by all appearance are no other than the Bones of the Pagan Romans ; which are now sent over the World to feed a Superstition , that is as blind as it proves expensive . And thus the Bones of the Roman Slaves , or at least , those of the mea●●● sort , are now set in Silver and Gold , with a great deal of other costly Garniture , and entertain the Superstition of those who are willing to be deceived , as well as they serve the ends of those that seek to deceive the World. But because it cannot be pretended , that there was such a number of Christian● at Naples , as could have wrought such Catacombs , and if it had been once thought , that those were the co●mon Burial-places of the ancient Heathens , that might have induced the World to think , that the R●man Catacombs were no other ; therefore there hath been no care taken to examin these . I thought this deserved a large discourse , and therefore I have dwelt perhaps a little too long on this subject . I will not enter upon a long description of that which is so well known ▪ as Mont Vesuvio , it had roared soloud about a month before I came to Naples , that at Naples they could ha●dly sleep in the Nights , and some old Hous●s were so shaken by the Earthquake , that was occasioned by this convulsion of the Hill , that they fell to the ground : And the great Convulsion above fifty y●ars ag● , was so terrible , ●hat there was no small fear in Naples , tho it lyes at the distance of seven M●les from the Hill , yet the storm was choaked under ground ; for tho it smoakt much more than ordinary , yet there was no eruption : It was indeed smoking not only in the mouth of the little Mount , that is formed within the great wast that the fire hath made , but also all along the bottom that is between the outward mouth of thi● Mountain ( which is four miles in compass ) and that inward Hill. When one sees the Mouth of this fire , and so great a part of the Hill which is covered some foot deep with ashes and stones of a metallick Composition , that the fire throws out , he cannot but stand amazed , and wonder what can be the Fuel of so lasting a Burning , that hath calcined so much matter , and spewed out such prodigious quantities . It is plain , there are vast Veins of Sulphur all along in this Soil , and it seem● in this Mountain they run along through some Mines and Rocks ; and as their slow consumption produceth a perpetual smoke , so when the Air within is so much ratified that it must open it self , it throw● up those masses of Mettle and Rock that shut it in ; but how this Fire draws in Air to nourish its Flame , is not so easily apprehended , unless there is either a conveyance of Air under ground , by some undiscovered vacuity , or a more insensible transmission of Air , through the pores of the Earth . The heat of this Hill operates so much upon the Soil , that lyes upon it towards the foot of it , that it produceth the richest Wine about Naples ; and it also purifieth the Air so much , that the Village at the bottom is thought the best Air of the Country , so that many come from Naples thither for their health . Ischia , that is an Island not far from Naples , doth also sometimes spew out fire . On the other side of Naples to the West , one passeth through the Cave that pierceth the Pausalippe , and is four hundred and forty paces long ; for I walked it on foot to take its true measure ; it is twenty foot broad , and at first forty foot high , but afterwards it is but twenty foot high ; the Stone cut out here is good for building ; so that as this opened the way from Puzzoli to Naples ; ●t was also a Quarry for the building of the Town : All along the way here , one discovers a strange boiling within the ground ; for a little beyond this Grot of Pausalippe , as we ●ome near the Lake of Aniano , there is of the one Hand , ● Bath , occasioned by a Steam that riseth so hot out of the ground , that as soon as one goeth a little into it , he finds himself all over in a sweat , which is very proper for some Di●eases , especially that which carries its name from Napl●s : And about twenty paces from thence , there is another little Grot , that sends out a Poysonous Steam , that as 〈◊〉 put out a Candle , as soon as it cometh near it , so it infallibly killeth any living Creature within a minute of time ; for in half that time a Dog upon which the Experiment is commonly try'd ( the Grot being from thence called Grotto di Cane ) fell into a convulsion . From that one goeth to see the poor Rests of Puzzoli , and of all that Bay , that was once all about a tract of Towns , it having been the retreat of the Romans , during the heats of the Summer . All the Rarities here , have been so often , and so cop●ously described , that I am sensible I can add nothing to what is so well known . I will say nothing of the Amphitheater , or of Cicero and Virgils Houses , for which there is nothing but a dubious tradition ; they are ancient brick buildings of the Roman way , and the vaults of Virgil's House are still intire : The Sulfatara is a surprizing thing ; here is a bottom , out of which the force of the Fire , that breaks out still ●n many places , in a thick steaming smoke , that is full of Brimstone , did throw up about a hundred and fifty years ago , a vast quantity of Earth , which was carried above thre miles thence , and formed the Hill called Monte Novo , upon the Ruins of a Town , that was overwhelmed with this Eruption ; which is of a very considerable height ; they told me , that there was before that time a Channel , that went from the Bay into the Lake of Averno , of which one sees the beginnings in the Bay at some distance from the shore , it carrieth still the name of Iulio's Mole , and is believed to have been made by Iulius Caesar. But by the swelling of the ground upon the Eruption of the Sulsatara , this passage is stopt , and the Averno is now fresh Water ; it is eighteen fathom deep On the side of it is that amazing Cave , where the Sybil is said to have given out her In●pirations : the hewing it out of the Rock , hath been a prodigious Work ; for the Rock is one of the hardest Stones in the World , and the Cave goeth in seven hundred foot long , twenty foot broad , and as I could guess , eighteen foo● high : and from the end of this great G●llery , there is a narrow passage of three foot broad , two hundred foot long , and seven high , to a little apartment , to which we go in a constant sloping descent from the great Cav● ; here are three little rooms , in one of them there are some Rests of an Old Mosaick , with which the Walls and Roof were laid over ; there is also a spring of Water , and a B●th , in which it is supposed the Sybil bathed her self ; and from this Cave it is said , that there runs a Cave all along to Cuma , which is three long miles , but the passage is now choakt by the falling in of the Rock in several places : This piece of Work amazed me ; I did not much min● the popular opinion that is easily received there ▪ that all this was done by the Devil ; the marks of the Chizzel in all the parts of the Rock sheweth , that this is not a work of Nature . Certainly they had both much leisure , and many hands at their command who set about it ; and it seems to have been wrought out with no other design , but to subdue the People more intirely to the conduct of the Priests that managed this Imposture ; so busie and industrious hath the Ambition and Fraud of the Priests been in all Ages , and in all corrupt Religions . But of all the S●enes of Noble Objects that present it self in the Bay of Puzzolo , the Rests of Caligula's Bridge are the most amazing ; for there are yet standing ei●ht or ten of the Pillars that supported the Arches , and of some of the Arches , the half is yet intire . I had not a line with me to examine the dep●h of the Water where the ●urthest of those Pillars is built ; but my Waterman assured me , it was fifty Cubits . I have since my being in Naples , instructed one that was going thither in this particular , and have received this account from him ; that he had taken care to plum the water at the furthest pillar of Caligula's bridge , on the Puzzolo side ; and sound it was seven fathom and a half deep : but he adds , that the Watermen assured him , that on the other side before Baia , the water was twenty six fathom deep : but as he had not a plummet long enough to try that , so he believed a good deal ought to be abated ; for the Watermen had assured him ▪ that the Water was ten fathom deep on the Puzzoli side , tho upon tryal he found it was only seven and a half : and by this measure one may suppose that the water is twenty fathom deep on the other side : so that it is one of the most astonishing things that one can think of , that pillars of Bri●k could have been built in such a depth of water , and for the carrying off of the Sea , that seems yet more impossible . It is a Noble Monument of the profuse and extravagant Expence of a Brutal Tyrant , who made one of the vastest Bridges that ever was attempted , over three or four Miles of Sea , meerly to sacrifice so great a Treasure to his Vanity : As for Agripina's Tomb , it is no great matter , only the Bas Reliefs are yet entire . The marvellous Fish-Pond is a great Basin of Water , wrought like a huge Temple , standing upon eight and forty great Pillars , all hewed out of the Rock ; and they are laid over with four crusts of the old Plaister , which is now as hard as stone ; this is believed to be a work of Nero'● : and about a quarter of a mile from thence , there is another vast work , which goeth into a Ro●k ; but at the entrance there is a noble Portico built of Pillars of Brick ; and as one enters into the Rock , he finds a great many rooms regularly shaped , hewed out of the Ro●k , and all covered over with Pla●ster , which is still intire , and so white that one can hardly think that it hath not been washed over since it was first made ; there are a vast number of those Rooms , they are said to be a hundred ; from whence this Cave carrieth the name of the Centum Camera : This hath been as expensive a work as it is useless ; it is intituled to Nero , and here they say he kept his Prisoners . But there is nothing in all this Bay that is both so curio●● and so useful as the Baths , which seem to flow from the same reason that is the cause of these Eruptions in he Vesuvio and Sulfatara , and the Grottos formerly mentioned , that as this heat makes some Fountains there to be boiling hot , so it sends up a steam through the Rock , that doth not break through the pores of the Stone where it is hard ▪ but where the Rock is soft and spungy , there the steam● come through with so melting a heat , that a man is soon , as it were , dissolved in sweat ; but if he stoops low in the passages that are cut in the Rock , he finds no heat , because there the Rock is hard . Those Steams , as they are all Hot , so they are impregnated with such Minerals as they find in their way through the Rock ; and near this Bath there are Galleries hewed out the Rock , and faced with a building ; in which there are , as it were , Bedsteads made in the Walls , upon which , those that come thither , to sweat for their health , lay their Quilts and Bed-cloaths , and so come regularly out of their sweats . It is certain , that a man can no where pass a day of his life , both with so much pleasure , and with such advantage , as he finds in this journey to Puzzoli , and all along the Bay : but tho an●iently this was all so well built , so peopled , and so beautifully laid out , yet no where doth one see more visibly what a change Time brings upon all places : for Naples hath so intirely eat out this place , and drawn its Inhabitants to it , that as Puzzoli it self is but a small Village , so there is now no other in all this Bay , which was anciently built almost all round ; for there were seven big Towns upon it . Having thus told you what I found most considerable in Naples , I cannot pass by that Noble remnant of the Via Apia , that runs along thirty miles of the Way between it and Rome , without making some mention of it : this Higb-way is twelve foot broad , all made of huge Stones , most of them blew , and they are generally a soot and half large of all sides : the strength of this Causeway appears in its long duration , for it hath lasted above eighteen hundred Years ; and is in most places for several miles together , as intire as when it was first made : and the Botches that have been made for mending such places , that have been worn out by time , shews a very visible difference between the ancient and the modern way of paving . One thing seems strange , that the ●ay is level with the earth on both sides : whereas so much weight as those Stones carry , should have sunk the ground under them by its pressure : Besides , that the Earth , especially in low grounds , receives a constant increase , chiefly by the dust which the Winds or Brooks carry down from the Hills , both which Reasons should make a more sensible difference between those Wayes and the So●l on both sides : and this makes me apt to believe , that anciently those Wayes were a little raised above the level of the ground , and that a course of so many Ages hath now brought them to an equality : Those Wayes were chiefly made for such as go on foot : for as nothing is more pleasant , than to walk along them , so nothing is more inconvenient for Horses and all sorts of Carriage ; and indeed Mulets are the only Beasts of burthen that can bold out long in this Road , which beats all Horses after they have gone it a little while . There are several Rests of Roman Aniiquities at the Mole of Cajeta ; but the Isle of Caprea , now called Crapa , which is a little way into the Sea off from Naples , gave me a strange Idea of Tibe●ius's Reign , since it is hard to tell , whether it was more extraordinary , to see a Prince abandon the best Seats and Palaces of Italy , and shut himself up in a little Island , in which I was told , there was a tradition of seven little Palaces that he built in it ; or to see so vast a body as the Roman Empire so governed by such a Tyrannical Prin●● , at such a distance from the chief Seat , so that all might have been reversed long before that the News of it could have been brought to him . And as there is nothing more wonderful in Story , than to see so vast a State , that had so great a sense of liberty , subdued by so brutal , and so voluptious a Man as Anthony , and so raw a Youth as Au●●stus ; so the wonder is much improved , when we see a Prince at a hundred and fifty Miles distance , shut up i● an Island , carry the Reins of so great a Body in his hand , and turn it which way he pleased . But now I come to Rome , which as it was once the Empress of the World ; in a succession of many Ages , so hath in it at present more ●urious things to entertain the attention of a Traveller , than any other place in Europe . On the side of Tuscany , the entry into Rome is very surprizing to Srrangers ; for one cometh along for a great many miles , upon the remains of the Via Flamminis , which is not indeed so entire as the Via Appia ; yet there is enough left to raise a just Idea of the Roman Greatness , who laid such Causewayes all Italy over . And within the Gate of the Porta di Populo , there is a Noble Obelisk , 〈◊〉 vast Founta●n ; two fine little Churches , like two twins , resembling one another , as well as placed near one another , and on several hands one sees a long Vista of Streets . There is not a Town in these parts of the World , wher● the Churches , Convents , and Palaces are so Noble , an● wbere the other Buildings are so mean ; which indee● discovers very visibly the Misery under which the Rom●● groan . The Churches of Rome are so well known , tha● 〈◊〉 will not adventure on any description of them , and indee● I had too transcient a view of them , to make it with th● degree of exactness which the subject requires . S. Pet●● alone would make a big Book , not to say a long Lette● ▪ Its length , height , and breadth are all so exactly propo●tioned , and the eye is so equally possessed with all these that the whole , upon the first view , doth not appear● vast as it is found to be upon a more particular attentio● and as the four Pillars , upon which the Cupulo rises are of such a prodigious bigness , that one would thi●● they were strong enough to bear any superstructure wha●soever ; so when one climbs up to the top of that 〈◊〉 height , he wonders what Foundation can bear so hug● a weight ; for as the Church is of a vast height , so 〈◊〉 Cupulo rises four hundred and fifteen big steps above 〈◊〉 Ro●f of the Church . In the height of the Concave of 〈◊〉 Cupulo , there is a representation , that tho it can hardly be seen from the floor below , unless one hath a good sight , and so it doth not perhaps give much scandal , yet it is a gross indication of the Idolatry of that Church ; for the Divinity is there pictured as an antient man compassed about with Angels . I will say nothing of the great Altar , of the Chair of S. Peter ; of the great Tombs , of which , the three chief are those for Paul the III. Vrban the VIII . and Alexander the VII . nor of the vast Vaults under this Church , and the Remains of Antiquity that are reserved in them : nor will I undertake a description of the adjoy-ning Pala●e , where the painting of the Corridori , and of many of the Rooms , by Raphael and Mi●hael Angelo are so rich , that one is sorty to see a wo●k of that value laid on Fresco , and which must by consequence wear out too soon , as in several places it is almost quite lost already . I could not but observe in the Sala Regia , that is before the famous Chappel of Sisto V. and that is all painted in Fresco , one corner that represents the Marther of the renowned Admiral Chastilion ▪ and that hath written under it those words , Rex Colinii necem probat : The vast length of the Gallery on one side , and of the Library on another , do surprize one ; the Gardens have many Statues of a most excessive value , and some good Fountains ; but the Gardens are ill maintained both here , and in the Palace on the Quirinal . And indeed , in most of the Palaces of Rome , if there were but a small cost laid out to keep all in good case , that is brought together at so vast a charge , they would make another sort of shew , and be looked at with much more pleasure . In the Apartments of Rome there are a great many things that offend the sight : The Doors are generally mean , and the Locks meaner , except in the Palace o● Prince Borghese , where as there is the vastest collection of the best Pie●es , and of the hands of the greatest Masters that are in all Europr , so the Doo●s and Locks give not that ●istast to the eye , that one finds elsewhere . The ●looring of the Palaces is all of Brick , which is so very mean , that one sees the disproportion that is between the Floors and the rest of the Room , not witho●● a sensible perception and dislike . It is true , they say , their Air is so cold and moist in Winter , that they cannot pave with Marbl● ; and the heat is sometimes so great in Summer , that Flooring of Wood would crack with heat , as well as be eat up by the vermin that would nestle in it . But if they kept in their great Palaces servant● to wash their Floors , with that care that is used in Holland , where the Air is moister , and the Clima●e is more productive of Vermine , they would not find such effects from wooden floors , as they pretend . In ● word , there are none that lay out so much Wealth all as once , as the Italians do , upon the building and finishin● of their Palaces and Gardens , and that afterwards besto● so little on the preserving of them : another thing I observed in their Palaces ; there is indeed a great series of Noble Rooms one within another , of which their Apartmen●● are composed ; but I did not find , at the end of the Apartments , where the Bed-Chamber is , such a dispositio● of rooms for Back-stairs , Dressing-rooms , Closets , Servants rooms , and other Conveniences as are necessary for accommodating the Apartment . It is true , this is not so necessary for an apartment of State , in which Magnifice●● is more considered than Convenience ; but I found the fam● want in those Apartment● in which they lodged ; so that notwithstanding all the Riches of their Palaces , it canno● be said , that they are well lodged in them ; and their G●●dens are yet less understood , and worse kept than th●● Palaces . It is true , the Villa Borghese ought to be excepted , where , as there is a prodigious collection of Bas ●●liefs , with which the Walls are , as it were , covered al● over , that are of a vast value ; so the Statues within , of which some are of Porphiry , and others of Tou●hstone , ar● amazing things : The whole ground of this Park , which is about three miles in compass , and in which there are 〈◊〉 or seven Lodges , are laid out so sweetly , that I thoug●● I was in an English Park when I walked over it . The Villa Pamphilia is better scituated , upon a higher ground ▪ and hath more Waterworks , and twice the extent of the other in Soil , but neither doth the House nor Statues approach to the Riches of the other , nor are the grounds so well laid out and so well kept . But for the Furniture of the Palaces of Rome , the publick Apartments are all covered over with Pictures ; and for those Apartments in which they lodge , they are generally furnished either with red Velvet , or red Damask , with a broad gold Galloon at every breadth of the stuff , and a gold Fringe at top and bottom ; but there is very little Tapistry in Italy . I have been carried into all this digression , from the ●eneral view , that I was giving you of the Popes P●lace . I ●amed one part of it , which will ingage me into a new di●●ession , as it well deserves one , and that is , the Library of ●●e Vatican . The Case is great , but that which is lodged in i● , is much greater ; for here is a collection of Books that filleth a mans eye : There is first a great Hall , and at the end of it there runs out on both sides , two Galleries of so vast a length , that tho the half of them is already furnished with Books , yet one would hope that there is room left for more new Books than the World will ever produce . The Heidelberg Library stands by it self , and filleth the one ●●de of the Gallery , as the Duke of Vrbi●s Library of ●●●uscripts filleth the other . But tho these last are very 〈◊〉 & beautiful , yet they are not of such Antiquity as those of Heidelberg . When it appeared that I was come from ●●gland , King Henry the VIII's Book of the Seven Sa●raments , with an Inscription writ upon it with his own Hand to Pope Leo the X. was shewed me ; together with a collection of some Letters that he writ to An●a Bolen , of which some are in English , and some in French. I , that ●●ew his Hand well , saw clearly that they were no Forgeries . There are not many Latin Manuscripts of great Anti●●●ty in this Library ; some few of Virgils I saw writ in Capitals . But that which took up almost half of one day ●●at I spent at one time in this place , related to the present ●●●pute that is on foot between Mr. Sch●lstrat the Library-keeper , and Mr. Maimbou●g , concerning the Council of Constance . The two Points in debate are the Words of the Decree made in the fourth Session , and the P●pes Confirmation . In the fo●rth Session , according to the Fre●c● Manuscripts , a Decree was made , subjecting the Pope , and all other Persons whatsoever , to the Authority of th● Council , and to the Decrees it was to make , and to the Reformation it intended to establish both in the Head and the Memb●rs ; which as it implyes , that the Head was corrupted , and needed to be reformed , so it sets th● Council so directly a●ove the Pope , that this Session being confirmed by the Pope , putteth those wbo assert the Pop●● Infallibility to no small straits : For i● Pope Martin , that approved this Decree , was infallible , then this Decree 〈◊〉 good still ; and if he was not infallible , no other Pope wa● infallible . To all this Schelstrat answers from his Man●scripts , that the words of a Reformation in Head and Members , are not in the Decree of that S●ssion ; and he did she● me several Manuscripts , of which two were evidently writ during the sitting of the Council , and were not at all dashed , in which these words were not . I know the han● and way of writting of that Age too well to be easily mistaken in my judgement , concerning those Manuscripts ▪ but if those words are wanting , there are other words i● them that seem to be much stronger for the superiority o● the Coun●il above that Pope . For it is Decreed , that Popes ▪ and all other persons , were bound to submit to the Decisions of the Council , as to Faith : which words are not 〈◊〉 the French Manuscripts : Upon this I told Mr. Schelstr●● that I thought the words in these Manuscripts were stro●ger than the other , since the word Reformation , as 〈◊〉 was used in the time of that Council , belonged chiefly 〈◊〉 the Correcting of Abuses , it being often applied to t●● Re●ulations that were made in the Monastick Orders , whe● they were brought to a more exact Observation of 〈◊〉 Rules of their Order : So tho the Council had Decreed Reformation both of Head and Members , I do no see th●● this would import more , than that the Papacy had fall●● i●to some Disorders that needed a Reformation : and this 〈◊〉 not denyed , even by those who assert the Popes Infal●i●ility : but a submission to points of Faith , that is expressly asserted in the Roman Manuscripts , is a much more positi●e Evidence against the Popes Infallibility : and the word Faith is not capable of so large a sense as may be justly a●cribed to Reformation . But this difference , in so main a ●oint between Manuscripts concerning so late a trans●●tion , gave me an occasion to reflect on the vast uncer●●●nty of Tradition , especially of matters that are at a ●●eat distance from us ; when those that were so lately ●ransacted , are so differently represented in Manuscripts , ●●d in which , both those of Paris , and Rome , seem to ●arry all possible evidences of sincerity . As for the Popes●●●firmation ●●●firmation of that De●ree , it is true , by a General Bull , ●●pe Martin confirmed the Council of Constance to such period ; but besides that , he made a particular Bull , 〈◊〉 Schelstrat assured me , in which he enumerated all the Decrees that he confirmed , and among those , this De●ree concerning the Superiority of the Council is not na●ed ; this seemed to be of much more importance , and therefore I desired to see the Ori●inal of the Bull ; for there seems to be just reasons to apprehend a forgery here : He promised to do his indeavours , tho he told me , that ●ould not be easy ; for the Bulls were strictly kept ; and ●he next day when I came , hoping to see it , I could not ●e admitted : but he assured me , that if that had not ●een the last day of my stay at Rome , he would have proc●red a War●ant for my seeing the Original : so this is all I can say as to the authenticalness of that Bull : But sup●osing it to be genuine , I could not agree to Mr. Schel●●●t , that the General Bull of Confirmation , ought to ●e limited to the other , that enumerates the particular ●●crees : but since that particular Bull was never dis●overed till he hath found it out , it seems it was ●ecretly made , and did not pass according to the forms of the Consistory ; and was a fraudulent thing , of which no noise was to be made in that Age , and therefore in all the Dispute that followed in the Council of Basil , between the Pope and the Council , upon this very point , no mention was ever made of it by either side : and thus it can have no force , unless it be to discover the Artifices and Fraud of that Court : That at the same time in which the Necessity of their affairs obliged the Pope to confirm the Decrees of the Council , he contrived a secret Bull , which in another Age might be made use of , to weake● the Authority of the General Confirmation that he gave : and therefore a Bull , that doth not pass in due Form , and is not promulgated , is of no Au●hority ; and so this pretended Bull cannot limit the other Bull. There were some other things , relating to this Debate , that were shewe● me by Mr. Schelstrat ; but these being the most important . I mention them only . I will not give you here a la●ge ●ccount of the Learned Men at Rome , Bellori is deservedly famous for his knowledge of the Greek and Egyptian A●●iquities , and for all that belongs to the Mythologies , an● Superstitions of the Heathens ; and hath a Closet richly fu●nished with things relating to those matters . Fabretti i● justly celebrated for his Understanding of the Old Roma● Architecture and Fabricks . Padre Fabri is the chief Honour of the Iesuits Colledge , and is much above the common Rate both for Philosophy , Mathematicks , and Churc●-History . And he to whom I was the most obliged , 〈◊〉 Nazari , hath so general a view of the several parts o● Learning , tho he hath chiefly applied himself to Philosop●● and Mathematicks , and is a man of so ingaging a Civility and used me in so particular a manner , that I owe him ▪ as well as those others who● I have mentioned , and who● I hath the Honour to see , all the acknowledgments 〈◊〉 Esteem and gratitude that I can possibly make them . One sees in Cardi●al d' Estrè all the advantages of a hi●● birth , great Parts , a generous Civility , and a meas●●●● of knowledge far above what can be expected from a person of his rank ; but as he gave a noble Protection to 〈◊〉 of the most learned Men that this Age hath produced ▪ Mr. Launnoy , who lived many years with him , so i●●●visible , that he made a great progress by the conversation of so extraordinary a person ; and as for Theogicol Lear●ing ▪ there is now none of the Colledge equal to him . Cardinal Howard is too well known in England to need any c●●racter from me : The elevation of his present condition hath not in the least changed him ; he hath all the ●●eetness and gentleness of temper that we saw in him in England ; and he retains the unaffected Simplicity and Humility of a Fryer , amidst all the Dignity of the Purple : and as he sheweth all the generous care and concern for his Country-men that they can expect from him ; so I met with so much of it , in so many obliging marks of his good●ess for my self , that went far beyond a common civility , that I cannot enough acknowledge it . I was told , the P●pes Confessor was a ver● extraordinary man for the Oriental ●earning , which is but little known in Rome : He is a Master of the Arabick Tongue , and hath writ , as Abbot Nazari told me , the learnedst Book against the Mahomet●n Religion , that the World hath yet seen , but is not yet Printed : He is not so much esteemed in Rome as he would be elsewhere ; for his Learning is not in vogue ; and the School Divinity and Casuistical Lear●ing , being that for which Divines are most esteemed there ; he whose ●tudies lead him another way , is not so much valued as ●e ought to be ; and perhaps the small account that the Pope makes of Learned Men , turns somewhat upon the Confessor ; for it is certain , that this is a Reign in which Learning is very little incouraged . Upon the general Contempt that all the Romans have , for the present Pontificate , one made a pleasant reflection to me , he said ▪ Those Popes , that intended to raise their Families , as they saw the censure that this brought ●●on them , so they studied to lessen it by other things , that might soften the Spirits of the people . No man did ●ore for beautifying Rome , for finishing St. Peters and the Library , and for furnishing Rome with Water , than Pope Paul the V. tho at the same time he did not forget his Family ; and tho the other Popes , that have raised great Families , have not done this to so eminent a degree as he did , yet there are many remains of their Magnificence ▪ whereas those Popes that have not raised Families , have i● seems thought that alone was enough to maintain their Reputation , and so they have not done much , either to recommend their Government to their S●bjects , or their R●ig● to Posterity ; and it is very plain , that the present Pope taketh no great care of this . His life hath been certainly very innocent , and free of all those publi●k Scandals that make a noise in the World : and there is at present a regularity in Rome , that deserveth great commendation ; for publick Vices are not to be seen there : His personal Sobriety is also singular . One assured me , that the Expence of his Table did not amount to a Crown a day ; tho this is indeed short of Sisto V. who gave order to his Steward , never to exceed five and twenty Bajokes , that is , eighteen pence a day , for his Diet. The Pope is very careful of his Health , and doth never expose it ; for upon the least disorder , he shuts himself up in his Chamber , and often keepeth his Bed for the least indisposition many days ; but his Gover●ment is severe , and his Subjects are ruined . And here one thing cometh into my mind which perhaps is not ill grounded , that the Poverty of a Nation , not only dispeoples it , by driving the People out of it , but by weakning the natural fertility of the Subjects ; for a● men and women well cloathed , and well fed , that are not exhausted with perpetual Labour , and with the tearing Anxieties that Want brings with it , must be much more lively , than those that are pressed with Want ; so it is very likely , that the one must be much more disposed to propagate , than the other : and this appeared more evident to me , when I compared the Fruitfulness of Genev● and Switzerland , which the Barrenness that reigns over all Italy . I saw two extraordinary instances of the copious productions of Gen●va ; Mr. Tron●hin , that was Pro●ess●● of Divinity , and Father to the Iudicious and worthy Pro●essor of the same name ; that is now there , dyed at the age of sev●nty six Years , and had a hundred and fifteen Persons all alive , that had e●ther descended from him , or by marri●ge with those that descended from him , called him Father . And Mr. Calendrin , a pious and laborious Preacher of that Town , that is descended from the Family of the Calendrini , who receiving the Reformation about a hundred nnd fifty ●●ars ago , left Lucea their Native City with the Turre●●● , the Diodati , and the Bourlamacchi , and some others that came and setled at Geneva : He is now but seven and forty years old , and yet he hath a hundred and five Persons that are descended of his Brothers and Sisters , or ●arried to them ; so that if he liveth but to E●ghty , and the Family multiplieth as it hath done , he may see some hundreds that will be in the same relation to him ; but such things as these are not to be found in Italy . There is nothing that delights a stranger more in Rome ; than to see the great Fountains of Water , that are almost in all the corners of it : That old Aquaduct which P●●l the V. restored , cometh from a collection of S●●rces , five and thirty Miles distant from Rome , that ●●ns all the way upon an Aqueduct in a Cannel that is vaulted , and is liker a River than a Fountain : it breaketh out in five several Fountains , of which some give water about a foot square . That of Sixtus the V. the great Fountain of Aqua Travi , that hath yet no decoration , but dischargeth a prodigious quantity of Water . The glorious Founta●n in the Piazza Navona , that hath an air of greatness in it that surprizeth one , the Fountain in the Piazza de Spagna , those before S. Peters , and the Palazzo Farn●●● , with many others , furnish Rome so plentifully , that almost every private House hath a Fountain that runs conti●ually . All these , I say , are noble Decorations , that carry an ●sefulness with them , that cannot be enough commended : and gives a much greater Idea of those who have taken care to supply this City , with one of the chief Pleasures and Conveniences of Life , than of others ; who have laid out ●illions meerly to bring quantities of Water to give the eye ● little diversion , which would have been laid out much ●ore nobly and usefully , and would have more effectually enterniz●● their Fame , if they had been imployed 〈◊〉 the Romans did their Treasures , in furnishing great To●● with Water . There is an universal Civility that reigns among 〈◊〉 sorts of people at Rome , which in a great measure flo● from their Government ; for every man being capable of 〈◊〉 the avancements of that State , since a simple Eccl●siastick may become one of the Monsignori , and 〈◊〉 of these may be a Cardinal , and one of these may b● chosen Pope , this makes every man behave himself towar● all other persons with an Exactness of Respect : for 〈◊〉 man knows what any other may grow to . But this mak● Professions of Esteem and Kindness go so promiscou●●● to all sorts of persons , that one ought not to build to● much on them , the conversation of Rome is generally upo● News , for tho there is no news Printed there , yet in the several Antichambers of the Cardinals ( where if they mak● any considerable figure , there are Assemblys of those th●● make their Court to them ) one is sure to hear all the 〈◊〉 of Europe , together with many speculations upon what p●●seth . At the Queen of Swedens , all that relateth to Germany or the North is ever to be found ; and that Princess , tha● must ever reign among all that have a true tast either o● Wit or Learning , hath still in her drawing Rooms the be●● Court of the Strangers ; and her Civility , together with th● vast variety with whi●h she furnisheth her conversation ▪ maketh her to be the chief of all the living Rarities that on● sees in Rome ; I will not use her own words to my self ▪ which was , That she now grew to be one of the Antiquiti●● of Rome . The Ambassadors of Crowns , who live here in another form than in any other Court , and the C●●dinals and Prelates of the several Nations , that do all m●●●●nd center here , make , that there is more news in Rome , than any where : For Priests , and the men of Religious O●ders , write larger and more particular Letters , than any other sort of men . But such as apply themselves to mak● their Court here , are comdemned to a loss of time , that 〈◊〉 need be well recompenced ; for it is very great . As for 〈◊〉 ●hat Studies Antiquities , Pictures , Statues , or Musi●k , ●●ere is more entertainment for him at Rome , than in all ●he rest of Europe ; but if he hath not a tast of these things , 〈◊〉 will soon be weary of a place where the Conversation is ●●ways general , and where there is little Sincerity or Open●●●● practised , and by consequence , where friendship is 〈◊〉 understood . The Wom●n here begin to be a little more ●●●versable , tho a Nation naturally jealous , will hardly ●●ow a great liberty in a City that is composed of Ecclesia●●icks ; who being denyed the priviledge of Wives of their 〈◊〉 , are suspected of being sometimes too bold with ●●e Wives of others : The Liberties that were taken in the Constable of Naples's palace , had indeed disgusted the Ro●●ns much at that Freedom , which had no bounds . ●●t the Dutchess of Bracciano , that is a Fren●h Woman , ●ath by the exactness of her deportment , amidst all the innocent Freedoms of a Noble Conversation , recovered in a great measure , the Credit of those Liber●ies , that La●i●● beyond the Mountains practise , with all the strictness of Vertue : For she receiveth visits at publick hours , and in publick Rooms ; and by the liveliness of her Conversa●●on , maketh that her Court is the pleasantest Assembly o● Strangers , that is to be found in any of the Palaces of the Italians at Rome . I will not ingage in a description of Rome , either ancient or modern , this hath been done so oft , and with such ●●actness , that nothing can be added to what hath been already published . It is certain , that when one is in the Ca●●tol , and s●es those poor Rests of what once it was , he is s●rprized to see a building of so great a fame sunk so low , that one can scarce imagine that it was once a Castle , sci●●ated upon a Hill , able to hold out against a Siege of the G●●ls : The Tarpeian Rock is now of so small a fall , that a man would think it no great matter , for his diversion , to leap over it : and the shape of the ground hath not been so much altered on one side , as to make us think it is very ●uch changed on the other . For Severus's Triumphal ●rch , which is at the foot of the Hill on the other side , is not now buried above two foot within the ground , as ●he vast Amphitheater of Titus ▪ is not above three ●oot sunk under the level of the ground . Within the Capitol one ●ee● many Noble remnants of Antiquity ; but none is more glorious , as well as more useful , than the Tables of 〈◊〉 Consuls , which are upon the Walls : and the Inscription on the Columna Rostrate in the time of the first Punick War , is without doubt the most valuable Antiquity in Rome . From this all along the sacred way , one findeth such remnan●● of Old Rome in the Ruins of the Temples , in the Triumph●l Arches , in the Portico's , and other Remains of that Glorious Body , that as one cannot see these too often , so every time one sees them , they kindle in him vast idea's of that Republick , and make him reflect on that which he learned in his youth with great pleasure . From the height of the Convent of Araceli , a man hath a full vie● of all the extent of Rome , but literally it is now seges ubi Roma suit ; for the parts of the City , that were most inhabited anciently , are those that are now laid in gre●● Gardens , or , as they call them , Vineyards , of which some are half a mile in compass : The vastness of the Rom●● Magnificence and Luxury , is that which passeth imagination ; the prodigious Amphithe●ter of Titus , that could convenienly receive eighty five thousand spectators ; the great extent of the Circus Maximus ; the vaults where the Waters were reserved that furnished Titus's Baths ; and above all , Dioclesi●n's B●ths , tho built when the Empire was in its decay , are so far above all Modern Buildings , that there is not so much as room for a comparison . The extent of those Ba●hs is above half a mile in compass : the vastness of the Rooms in which the Bathers might swim , of which the Carthusians Church , that yet remains intire , is one , and the many great Pillars , all of one stone of Marble , beautifully spotted , are things of which these latter Ages are not capable . The beauty of their Temples , and of the Portico's before them , is amazing , chiefly that of the Rotunda where the Fabrick without , looketh as mean , being only brick , as the Architecture is bold , for it riseth up in a Vault , and yet at the top there is an open left , of thirty foot in Diameter , which ▪ as it is the only Window of the Church , so it filleth it with light ; and is the hardiest piece of Architecture that ever was made . The Pillars of the Portico are also the noblest in Rome , they are the highest and biggest that one can see any where all of one Stone : and the numbers of those ●ncient Pillars , with which , not only many of the C●urches are beautified , chiefly S. Mary Maggiore , and 〈◊〉 Iohn in the Lateran ▪ but with which even private houses are adorned , and of ●he Fragments , of which there are ●●ch mul●itudes in all the Streets of Rome , giveth a great idea of the Expencefulness of the old Romans in their buil●●ngs ; for the hewing and fetching a few of those Pillars , ●ust have cost more than whole Palaces do now : since ●ost of them were brought from Greece : Many of these Pillars are of Porphiry , others of Iasp , others of grana●ed Marble , but the greatest number is of white Marble : The two Columns , Trajans and A●tonius , the two Horses that are in the Mount Cavallo , and the other two Hors●s in the Capitol , which have not indeed ●he postures and ●otion of the other : The brass Horse , that as is believed carrieth Marcus Aurelius ; the remains of N●ro's Colossus ; the T●mple of Ba●●hus near the Catacomb of S. Agnes , which is the intirest and the least altered of all the ancient Temples : The great Temple of Peace ; those of ●he Sun and Moon : that of Romulus and Remus , ( which I considered as the ancientest Fabrick that is now le●t ; for it is little and simple , and standeth in such a place , that ●hen Rome grew so costly , it could not have been let alone unchanged , if it had not been that it was reverenced for its Antiquity ) the many o her Portico's , the Arc●es of Severus , of Titus , and Constantine , in the last of which one sees that the Sculpture of his Age ▪ was much sunk from what it had been , only in the top there are some Bas Reliefs , that are clearly of a much ancienter time , and of a better manner . And that which exceedeth all the rest , the many great Aqueducts that come from all hands , and run over a vast distance , are things which a man cannot see oft enough , if he would form in himself a just idea of the vastness of that Republick , or rather Empire : There are many Statues and Pillars , and other Antiquities of grea● value , dug up in al● the quarters of Rome , these last hundred and fourscore years , since Pope L●o the tenth's time ▪ who as he was the greatest Patron of Learning and Arts , that perhaps ever was , so was the generousest Prince that ever reigned ; and it was he that first set on foot the inquiring into the Riches of Old Rome , that lay , till his tim● , for the most part , hid under ground ; and indeed if ●e had been less scandalous in his Impiety and Atheism , of which neither he nor his Court were so much as ashamed , he had been one of the most celebrated persons of any Age. Soon after him Pope Paul the III. gave the ground of the Monte Palatino to his Family : But I was told , that ●hi● large piece of ground , in which one should look for the greatest collection of the Antiquities of the highest value , since this is the Ruin of the Palace of the Romun Emperors , hath never been yet searched into with any exactness : So that when a curious Prince cometh , that is willing to imploy many hands in digging up and down this Hill , we may expect new Scenes of Roman Antiquities . But all this matter would require Volumes , and therefore I have only named these things , because I can add nothing to those copious Descriptions that have been so oft made of them . Nor will I say any thing of the modern Palaces , or the Ornaments of them , either in Pictures or Statues , which are things that carry one so far , that it is not easie to give bounds to the Descriptions in●o which one findeth himself carried , when he once enters upon so fruitful a Subject . The number of the Palaces is great , and every one of them hath enough to fix the attention of a Traveller , till a new one drives the former out of his thoughts : It is true , the Palestrina , the Borghese , and the Farnes● have somewhat in them that leave an impression which no new Objects can wear out ; and as the last hath a noble Square before it , with two great Fountains in it , so the Statue of Hercules and the Bull , that are below , and the Gallery above stairs , are unvaluable ; the Roof of the Gallery is one of the best pieces of Painting that is extant , being all of Carrachio's hand ; and there are in that Gallery the greatest number of heads of the Greek Philosophers and Poets that I ever saw together : That of Homer and that of Socrates were the two that struck me most , chiefly the latter , which as it is , without dispute , a true Antick , so it carrieth in it all the Characters that Plato and X●nophon give us of Socrates ; the flat Nose , the broad Face , the simplicity of Look , and the mean Appearance which that great Philosopher made , so that I could not return oft enough to look upon it , and was delighted with this more than with all the Wonders of the B●ll , which is indeed a Rock of Marble , cut out into a whole Scene of Statues ; but as the History of it is not well known , so there are such faults in the Sculpture , that tho it is all extream fine , yet one seeth it hath not the exactness of the best times . As for the Churches & Convents of Rome , as the number , the Vastness , the Riches both of Fabrick , Furniture ▪ Painting and other Ornaments amaze one , so here again a Stranger is lost ; and the Convent that one seeth last , is always the most admired : I confess , the Mi●e●va , which is ●he Dominicans , where the Inquisition sitteth is that which maketh the most sensible impression upon one that passeth at Rome for an Heretick , tho except one committeth great follies ▪ he is in no danger there ; and the Poverty that reigns in that City maketh them find their interest so much in using Strangers well , whatsoever their Religion may be , that no man needs be affraid there : And I have more than ordinary reason to acknowledge this , who having ventured to go thither , after all the liberty that I had taken to write my thoughts freely both of the Church and Se● of R●me , and was known by all with whom I conversed there , yet met with the highest Civilities possible among all sorts of people , and in pa●ticular both among the English and S●ottish Iesuits , tho they knew well enough that I was no friend to their Order . In the Gallery of the English Iesuits , among the P●ctures of their Martyrs , I did not meet with Garnet ; for perhaps that name is so well known , that they would not expose a Picture , with such a name on it , to all strangers ; yet Old-corn , being a name less known , ●is hung there among their Martyrs , tho he was as clearly convicted of the G●●-powder Treason , as the other was : and it seemed a little strange to me to see that at a time , in which , for other Reasons the Writers of that Communion have not thought fit , to deny the truth of that Conspiracy , a Iesuit convicted of the blackest crime that ever was projected , should be reckoned among their Martyrs . I saw likewise there the Original of those Emblematical Prophecies , relating to England , that the Jesuits have had at Rome near sixty years , and of which I had some time ago procured a Copy ; so I found my Copy was true . I hapned to be at Rom● during St. Gregory's Fair and Feast , which lasted several dayes . In his Church the Hosty was exposed ; and from that , all that came thither , went to the Chappel , that was once his House , in which his Statue , and the T●ble , where he ser●●d the poor , are preserved : I sa● such vast numbers of people there , that one would have thought all Rome was got together . They all kneeled down to his Statue , and after a prayer said to it , they kissed his foot , and every one touched the Table with his Beads , as hoping to draw some vertue from it . I will add nothing of the several Ob●lisks nnd Pillars that are in Rom● , of the celebrated Chappels that are in some of the gre●● Churches , in particular those of Sixtus the V. and Paul the V. in Santa Maria Maggiore , of the Water-works in the Quirinal , the Vatican , and in many of the Vineyards : Nor will I go out of Rome to describe Frescati , ( For Tivoly I did not see ) The young Prince Borghese , who is indeed one of the Glories of Rome , as well for his learning as for his vertue , did me the Honour to carry me thither with those two learned Abbots , Fabretti and Nazari , and entertained me with a magnificence that became him better to give than me to receive . The Water-works in the Aldobrandin Palace have a Magnificence in them beyond all that I ever saw in France , the mixture of Wind with the Water , and the Thunders and Storms that this maketh is noble : The W●ter-works of the Ludovisio , and the Monte Dragene , have likewise a greatness in them that is natural ; and indeed , the Riches that one meets with in all places within doors in Italy , and the P●verty that one seeth every where abroad , are the most unsuitable things imaginable : but it is very likely , that a great part of their movable Wealth will be ere long carried into Fra●●● ; or as soon as any Picture or Statue of great value is offered to be sold , those that are imployed by the King of France , do presently buy it up , so that as that King hath already , the greatest collection of Pictures that is in Europe , he will very probably in a few years more , bring together the chief Treasures of Italy . I have now given you an account of all that appeared most remarkable to me in Rome . I shall to this add a very extraordinary piece of Natural History that fell out there within these two years , which I had first from those two learned Abbots , Fabretti and N●zari , and that was afterwards more authentically confirmed to me by Cardi●al Howard , who was one of the Congregation of Cardinals that examined and judged the matter . There were two Nuns near Rome , one as I remember was in the City ; and the other not far from it , who , after they had been for some years in a Nunnery , perceived a very strange change in Nature , and that their Sex was altered , whi●h grew by some degrees to a total alteration in one ; and tho the other was not so entire a change , yet it was visible she was more Man than Woman ; upon this the matter was looked into : That which naturally offereth it self here , is , that these two had been alwayes what they then appeared to be ; but that they had gone into a Nunnery in a disguise , to gratifie a brutal App●tite . But to this , wh●n I proposed it , answer was made , that as the Breasts of a Wom●n , that remained still , did in a great measure shake off that Objection , so the proofs were given so fully , of their having been real Females , that there was no doubt left of that , nor had they given any sort of Scandal in the change of their Sex ; And if there had been any room left to suspect a Cheat or Disguise , the proceedings would have been both more severe and more secret ; and these persons would have been Burnt , or at least put to Death in some terrible manner . Some Physicians and Chirurgions were appointed to examin the matter , and at last , after a long and exact inquiry , they were judged to be absolved from their vows , and were dismissed from the Obligation of a Religious Life , and required to go in mens habit . One of them was a Valet 〈◊〉 Chambre to a Roman Marquess , when I was there : I heard of this matter only two dayes before I left Rome , so that I had not time to inquire after it more particularly ; but I judged it so extraordinary , that I thought it was worth communicating to so curious an Inquirer into Nature . And since I am upon the subject of the Changes that have been made in Nature , I shall add one of another fort , that I examined while I was at Geneva : There is a Minister of S. Gervais , Mr. Gody , who hath a Daughter , that is now sixteen Years old ; Her Nurse had an extraordinary thickness of hearing ; at a year old , the Child spoke all those little words , that Children begin usually to learn at that age , but she made no progress ; yet this was not observed , till it was too late ; and as she grew to he two years old , they preceived then that she had lost her hearing , and was so deaf , that ever since , tho she hears great noises , yet she hears nothing that one can speak to her . It seems , while the milk of her Nurse , was more abundant , and that the Child suckt more moderately the first year , those humors in the Blood and Milk had not that effect on her , that appeared after she came to suck more violently , and that her Nurse's Milk being in less quantity , was thicker , and more charged with that vapour that occasioned the deafness . But this Child hath by observing the Motions of the Mouths and Lips of others , acquired so many Words , that out of these she hath formed ● ●ort of Iargon , in which she can hold conversation whole days with those that can speak her own language . I could understand some of her words , but could not comprehend a period ; for it seemed to be a confused noise : She knows nothing that is said to her , unless she seeth the Motion of their Mouths that speak to her ; so that in the Night , when it is necessary to speak to her , they must light a candle : Only one thing appeared the strangest part of the whole narration ; She hath a Sister , with whom she has practised her language more than with any other ; and in the Night , by laying her Hand on her Sister's Mouth , she ●an perceive by that , what she says , and so can discourse ●ith her in the night , It is true , her Mother told me , that this did not go far , and that she found out only some short period in this manner , but it did not hold out very long : thus this young Woman , without any pains taken on her , hath meerly by a natural sagacity , found out a method of holding discourse , that doth in a great measure lessen the Misery of her Deafness . I examined this matter critically , but only the Sister was not present , so that I could not see how the conversation past between them in the dark . But before I give over writing concerning Rome , I can●ot hinder my self , from giving you an account of a conversation that I had with one of the most Celebrated persons that lives in it ; I was talking concerning the credit that the Order of the Iesuites had every where ; It was said , that all the World mistrusted them , and yet by a ●●range sort of Contradiction all the World trusted them ; and tho it was well known that every Iesuite was truer to the Interests of his Order than he could be ●o the Interests of any Prince whatsoever , yet those Princes that would be very careful , not to suffer Spys to come into their Courts , or into their Coun●els , suffered those Spys to come into their Breasts and Consciences : and tho Prin●es were not generally very tender in those parts , yet as they had oft as much G●ilt , so they had sometimes as much F●ar as other people , which a dextrous Spy knew well how to manage . Upon which , that Person , that pretended to be a zealous Catholick , added , that for their part , they considered only the Character that the Church gave to a Priest ; and if the Church qualified him to do the functions of a Priest , they thought it very needless to enquire after other personal Qualities , which were but common things , whereas the other was all divine . On the Contrary , they thought it was so much the better to have to do with a poor Ignorant Priest ; for then they had to do only with the Church , and not with the Man. Pursuant to this , that persons Confessor was the greatest , and the most notorious Blo●khead that could be ●ound ; and when they were asked , why they made use of so weak a man ; they answered ; hecause they could no● find a weaker : and when ever they found one better qualified that way , if it were a Groom , or a Footman that got into Pri●sts Orders , they would certainly make use of him . For they would ask counsel of a Friend ; but they knew no other use of a Confessor , but to confess to him , and to receive Absalution from him : and in so doing , they pretended they acted as became a true Catholi●k , that considered only the Power of the Church in the Priest , without regarding any thing else . So far have I entertained you with the short Ramble that I made , which was too short to deserve the name of Travelling , and therefore the Inquiries or Observations that I could make , must be received with the Ab●tement that ought to be made for so short a stay ; and all will be of a piece , when the Remarks are as slight , as the Abode I made in the places through which I past was short . As I have avoided the troubling you with things that are commonly known , so if I have not entertained you with a long recital of ordinary matters ; yet I have told you nothing but what I saw and knew to be true , or that I had from such hands , that I have very good reason to believe it : and I fancy , that the things which made the greatest impression on my self , will be acceptably received by you , to whom , as upon many accounts , I owe all the expressions of Esteem and Gratitude that I can ever pay ; so I had a more particular reason , that determined me to give you so full an account of all I saw and observed , for as you were pleased at parting to do me the Honour , to desire me to communicate to you such things as appeared most rema●kable to me , so I found such a vast advantage in many places , but more particularly at Veni●e , Rome and Naples , by the Happiness I have of being known to you , and of being so far considered by you , that I could give a copious account both of your Person and Studi●s , to those in whom your curious Discoveries had kindled that esteem for you , which all the World payeth both to you and to your immortal Inquir●es into Nature , which are among the peculiar Blessings of this Age ; and that are read with no less care and pleasure in Italy than in England . This was so well received , that I found the great advantage of this Honour I did my self in assuming the glorious Title of one of your Friends ; and I owe a great part of that distinction which I met with , to this favourable Character that I gave my self ; so that if I made any progress in the Inquiries that so short a stay could inable one to make , I owe it in so peculiar a manner to you , that this Return that I make , is but a very small part of that I owe you , and which I will be indeavouring to pay you to the last moment of my life . THE FIFTH LETTER . From Nimmegen , the 20th of May , 1686. SIR , I Thought I had made so full a Point at the conclusio● of my last Letter , that I should not have given you the trouble of reading any more Letters of the volum of the former : But new Scenes , and new matter offering themselves to me , I fancy you will be very gentle to me , if I ingage you again to two or three Hours reading . From C●vita Vecchia I came to Marseilles , where 〈◊〉 there were a Road as Safe , as the Harbour is Covered ; and if the Harbour were as Large , as it is Convenient , it were certainly one of the most important places in the World : all is so well defended , that it is with respect either to Storms or Enemies , the securest Port that can be seen any where . The Freedoms of this place , ●ho it is now at the mercy of the Cittadel , are such , and its Scituation draweth so much Trade to it ; that there one seeth another appearance of Wealth , than I found in any Town of France ; and there is a new Street lately built there , that for the Beauty of the Buildings , and the Largeness of the Street , is the Noblest I ever saw . There is in that Port a perpetual heat , and the Sun was as strong in the Christmas week , that I was often driven off the Key . I made a Tour from thence through Province , L●nguedo● , and Dauphine . I will offer you no account of Nismes , nor of the Amphitheatre in it , or the Pont du Gar near it ; which as they are stupendious things , so they are so copiously described by many , and are so generally known to the English Nation , that if you have never gone that way your self , yet you must needs have received so particular a relation of them , from those that have seen them on their way to Montpelier , that I judge it needless to enlarge upon them : Nor will I say any thing of the Soil , the Towns , or any other rema●kable things that I found there ▪ I have a much stronger inclination to say somewhat concerning the Persecution which I saw in its Rage and utmost Fury ; and of which I could give you many In●●ances , that are so much beyond all the common measures of Barbarity and Cruelty , that I confess they ought not to be believed , unless I could give more positive proofs of them , than are fitting now to be brought forth ; and the particulars that I could tell you are such , that if I should relate them with the necessary Ci●cumstances of Time , Place , and Persons , these might be so fatal to many that are yet in the power of their Enemies , that my regard to them restrains me . In short , I do not think that in ●y Age there ever was such a Violation of all that is Sacred , either with relation to God or Man : And what I saw and knew there , from the first hand , hath so confirmed all the Idea's that I had taken from Books , of the Cruelty of that Religion , that I hope the impre●●ion that this hath made upon me , shall never end but wich my Life : The Applauses that the whole Clergy give to this way of proceeding , the many Panegyricks that are already writ upon it , of which , besides the more pompous ones that appear at Paris , there are numbers writ by smaller Authors in every Town of any note there ; and the Sermons that are all flights of flattery upon this subject , are such evident Demonstrations of their sense of this matter , that what is now on foo● may be well termed , the Act of the whole Clergy of France , which yet hath been hitherto esteemed the most moderate part of the Roman Communion . If any are more moderate than others ; and have not so far laid off the humane nature , as to go in intirely into those bloody Practices , yet they dare not own it , but whisper it in secret , as if it were hals Treason : but for the greater part , they do not only magnifie all that is done , bur they animate even the Dragoo●s to higher degrees of Rage : and there was such a Heat spread over all the Country , on this occasion , that one could not go into any Ordinary , or mix in any promiscuous conversation , without fin●ing such effects of it , that it was not easie for such as were toucht with ●he least degree o● Compassion for the Miseries that the poor Protestants suffered , to be a witness to the Insulting● that they must meet with in all places . Some herhaps imagin , that this hath not been approved in Italy , and it is true , there were not any publick Rejoycings upon it at R●me ; no Indulgen●es nor Te Deums were heard of : And the Spanish Facti●n being so prevalent there , it is not strange if a course of proceedings , that is without a● example , was set forth , by all that were o● that Interest , in its proper colours ; of which I met with some instances my self , and could no● but smile , to see some of the Spanish Faction so far to forget their Courst of Inquisition , as to argue against the Conversions by t●e Dragoons , as a reproach to the Catholick Religion . Yet the Pope was of another mind ; for the Duke d'Estrées gave him an account of the Kings Proceedings in this matter very copiously ; as he himself related it . Upon which the Pope approved all , and expressed a great Satisfactio● in every thing that the King had done in that matter ; and the Pope added , that he found some Cardinals ( as I remember the Duke d'Estrées said two ) were not pleased with it , and had taken the liberty to censure it ; but the Pope said , they were too blame : The Duke d'Estrées did not n●me the two Cardinals , tho he said , he believed he knew who they were ; and it is very like that Cardinal Pio was one ; for I was told , that he spoke freely enough of this matter . I must take the liberty to add one thing to you , that I do not see that the French King is to be so much blamed in thit matter as his Religion i● , which , without question , obligeth him to extirpate Hereticks , and not to keep his Faith to them : so that i●stead of censuring him , I must only lament his being bred up in a Reli●ion that doth certainly oblige him to ●ivest . himself of Humanity , and to violate his Faith , whensoever the cause of his Ch●rch and Religion requi●e●h it : Or if there is any thing in this conduct , that can●ot be entirely justified from the Principl●s of that R●ligion ▪ it is this ● that be doch not put the Hereticks to Death 〈◊〉 of hand , but that he forceth them , by all the Extremi●●es possible , to sign an Abju●ation , that all the World must needs see , is done against their Cons●iences : And t●is being the only End of their Miseries ; those that would think any sort of Death a happy conclusion of their Suffer●ngs , seeing no prospect of such a glorious issue out of their Trouble , are prevailed on by the many lingring Deaths ▪ of which they see no end , to make Shipwrack of the Faith : This appearance of Mercy , in not putting men to Death , doth truly verifie the Character that Solo●●● giveth of the tender Mercies of the wicked , that they 〈◊〉 cruel . But I will stop here , tho it is not easy to retire from so copious a subject , that as it affordeth so much matter ▪ so upon many accounts , raiseth a heat of thought , that i● not easily governed . I will now lead you to a Scene that giveth less passion . I past the Winter at Geneva , with more satisfaction than I had thought it was possible for me to have found a●y where out of England : tho that received great allayes from the most lamentabl● Stories that we had every day from France : But there is a Sorrow by which the Heart is made better . I ought to make the most publick aknowledgments possible for the Extraordinary Civilities that I met with in my own particular : but that is too low a Subject 〈◊〉 entertain you with it . That which pleased me most , was of a more publick nature ; before I left Geneva , the ●umber of the English there was such , that I ●ound we could ●ake a small Congregation ; for we were twelve or four●een ; so I addessed my self to the Council of 25. for Liberty to ●●ve our own Worship in our own Language , according to the English Liturgy . This was immediately granted in so obliging a manner , that as there was not one person that made any Exception to it , so they sent one of their Body to me , to let me know , that in case our number should grow to be so great , that it were fit for us to assemble in a Church , they would grant us one , which had been done in Queen Maries Reign : but till then ▪ we might hold our Assemblys as we thought fit . So after that time , during the rest of my stay there , we had every Sunday our Devotions according to the Common-Prayer Morning and Evening : and at the Evening Prayer , I preacht in a Room that was indeed too large for our small Company ; but thete being a considerable number in Geneva that Understand English , and in particular some of the Profess●rs and Ministers ; we had a great many Strangers that met with us : and the last Sunday I gave the Sacrament according to the way of the Church of England ; and upon this occasion , I found a general joy in the Town , for this , that I had given them an Opportunity of expressing the respect they had for our Ch●rch ; and as in their publick Prayer● they alwayes prayed for the Chur●hes of Great ●rittain , as well as for the King , so in private Discourse they shewed all possible esteem for our Constitutions ; and they spoke of the unhappy Divisions among us , and of the Separation that was made from us , upon the account of ou● Government and Ceremonies , with great regret and dislike . I shall name to you only two of their Professours , that as they are Men of great Distinction , so they were the pe●sons with whom I conversed the most . The one is Mr. T●●retin , a Man of great Learning , that by his Indefat●gable Study and Labour has much worn out , and wasted hi● strength ; amidst all the affluence of a great plenty of Fortune to which he was born , one discerns in him all 〈◊〉 Modesty of a humble and mortified temper , and of a● active and fervent Charity , proportioned to his Abu●dance , or rather beyond it : And there is in him such ● melting Zeal for Religion , as the present conjuncture 〈◊〉 for , with all the seriousness of Piety and Devotion , whi●● shews it felf both in private conversation and in his most edifying Sermons , by which he enters deep into the Consciences of his Hearers . The other is Mr. Tron●hin , a Man of a strong Head , and of a clear and correct Judgment ; who has all his thoughts well digested ; his Conversation has an engaging charm in it that cannot be resisted : He i● a Man of Extraordinary vertue , and of a Readiness to oblige and serve all persons , that ha● scarce any measures : His Sermons have a sublimity in them , that strikes the Hearer , as well as it edifyes him : His Thoughts are noble , and his Eloquence is Masculine and exact , and has all the Majesty of the Chair in it , tempered with all the Softness of Persuasion , so that he not only convinces ●is Hearers , but subdues them , and triumphs over them . In such Company it was no wonder , if time seemed to go off too fast , so that I left Geneva with a concern , that I could not have felt in leaving any place , out of the Isl● of Brittain . From Geneva , I went a second time through Switzerland to Basil : at Avanche I saw the Noble Fragments of a great Roman Work , which seems to have been the Portico to some Temple : the Heads of the Pillars are about four Foot square , of the Ionick Order ; the Temple hath been dedicated to Neptune , or some Sea-god ▪ for on the Fragments of the Architrave , which are very beautiful , there are Dolphins and Sea-horses in Bas Reliefs ; and the Neighbourhood of the place to the Lakes of Iverd●n and Morat maketh this moré evident : there is also a Pillar standing up in its full height , or rather the Corner of a Building , in which one seeth the Rests of a regular Archi●●cture in two ranks of Pillars : If the ground near this were carefully searcht , no doubt it would discover more ●ests of that Fabrick . Not far from this is Morat ; and a little on this side of it is a Chappel , full of the Bones of ●he Burgundians , that were killed by the Switzers , when this place was besieged by the famous Charles Duke of ●urgundy , who lost a great Army before it , that was ●ntirely cut off by the besieged ; the Inscription is very extraordinary , especially for that Age : for the bones being so piled up , that the Chappel is quite filled with them , the Inscription bears , that Charles Duke of Burgundy's Army having besieged Morat , Hoc sui Monume●tum reliquiet , had left that Monument behind it . It cannot but seem strange to one that views Morat , to imagin how it was possible for a Town so scituated , and so slightly fortified , to hold out against so powerful a Prince , and so great an Army , that brought Canon before it . I met with nothing remarkable between this and Basil , except that I staid sometime at Bern , and knew it better ; and at this second time it was , that My Lord Advoyer d' Erlach gave Order to shew me the Original Records of the famous Process of the four Dominicans ; upon which I have retoucht the Letter that I writ to you last year , so that I now send it to you with the Corrections and Inlargements , that this second stay at Bern gave me occasion to make . Basil is the Town of the greatest extent of all Switzerland , but it is not inhabited in proportion to its extent . The Rhine maketh a Crook before it ; and the Town is scituated on a rising ground , which hath a noble effect on the Eye , when one is on the Bridge ; for it looketh like a Theater . Little Basil on the other side of the Rhine , is almost a fourth part of the whole : the Town is surrounded with a Wall and Ditch ; but it is so exposed on so many sides , and hath now so dreadful a Neighbour within a quarter of a League of it , the Fort of Hunningen , that it hath nothing to trust to , humanely speaking , but its Vnion with the other Cantons . The Maxims of this Canton have hindred its being better peopled than it is ; the Advantages of the Burgership are such , that the Citizens will not share them with Strangers , and by this mean● they do not admit them . For I was told , that during the last War , that Alsatia was so often the Seat of both Armys , Basil having then a Neutrality , it might have been well filled , if it had not been for this Maxim. And i● were a great Happiness to all the Cantons , if they could have diffecent Degrees of Burgership , so that the lower Degrees might be given to Strangers for their Incouragement to come and live among them : and the higher Degrees , which qualifie Men for the advantagious Imployments of the State , might he reserved for the Ancient Fa●ilies of the Natives . Basil is divided into six●een C●mpa●ies , and every one of these hath four Members in the little Council , so that it consisteth of six●y four : But of those ●our , two are chosen by the Company it self , who are called the Masters , and the other two are chosen by the Council out of the Company ; and thus as there are two sorts of C●un●ellors , chosen in those different manners , there are also two chief Magistrates . There are two Bur●ermasters , that Reign by turns , and two Zunft . Ma●ters , that have also their turns , and all is for life ; and ●he last are the Heads of the C●mpanies , like the Romans Tribunes of the People . The Fabrick of the State House is ancient ; there is very good paintin● in fresco upon the Walls ; one piece hath given much offence to the Papists , ●ho they have no Reason to blame the Reformation for it , since it was done several years before it , in the year 1510. ●t is a Representation of the Day of Iudgement , and after Sentence given , the Devil is represented driving many ●efore him to Hell , and among these there is a Pope , and ●everal E●clesiasticks . But it is believed , that the C●un●il , which sate so long in this place , acting so vigorously ●gainst the Pope , ingaged the Town into such a hatred of the P●pacy , thas this might give the rise to this Repre●entation The more learned in the Town ascribe the be●inning of the Custom in Basil of the Clocks anticipating ●he time a full Hour , to the sitting of the Council , and ●hey say , that in order to the Advancing of business , and ●he shortning ●heir S●ssions , they ordered their Clocks to be set forward an Hour , which continueth to this day . The Cathedral is a great old Gothick Building ; the Cham●er where the Coun●il sate , is of no great reception , ●nd is a very ordinary Room : Erasmus's Tomb is only ● plain Ins●ription upon a great Brass Plate : There are many of Holbens's Pictures here , who was a native of Basil , and was recommended by Erasmus to King H●nry the VIII . the two best are a Corpo or Christ Dead , which is certainly one of the best Pictures in the World : There is another Piece of his in the Stadt-House ( for this is in the publick Library ) of about three or four foot square , in which , in six several Cantons , the several parts of our Saviours Passion are represented with a life and beauty that cannot be enough admired ; it is valued at ten thousand Crowns ; it is on Wood , but hath that Freshness of colour still on it , that seems particular to Holbens's Pencil . There is also a Dance , that he painted on the Walls of an House where he used to drink , that is so worn out , that very little is now to be seen , except shapes and Postures : but these shew the exquisiteness of the Haud . There is another longer Dance , that runneth all along the side of the Convent of the Augustinians , which is now the French Church , which is Deaths Dance ; there are above threescore Figures in it at full length , of Persons of all ranks , from Popes , Emperors and Kings , down to the meanest sorts of Peopl● , and of all Ages and Professions , to whom Death appeareth in an insolent and surprizing posture ; and the several Passions that they express , are so well set out , that this was certainly a great design . But the Fresco being exposed to the Air , this was so worn out some time ago , ●hat they ordered the best Painter they had to lay new Colours on it ; hut this is so ill done , that one had rather see the dead shadows of Holbens's Pencil , than this course work . There is in Basil a Gun-Smith , that maketh Wind-Guns , and he shewed me one , that as it received at once Air for ten shot , so it had this peculiar to it , which he pretends is his own Invention , that he can Discharge all the Air that can be parcelled out in ten shot at once , to give a home blow . I confess those are terrible Instruments , and it seems the interest of mankind to forbid them quite , since they can be imployed to Assassinate Pe●sons so dextrously , that neither Noise nor Fire will discover from what hand the Shot comes . The Library of Basil is b● much the best in all Switzerland , there is a fine collection of Medals in it , and a very handsome Library of Manuscripts ; the Room is Noble , and disposed in a very good Method . Their Manuscripts are chiefly , the Latin Fathers , or Latin Translations of the Greek Fathers , some good Bibles ; they have the Gospel in Greek Capitals , but they are vitiously writ in many places ; there is an infinite number of the Writers of the darker Ages , and there are Legends and Sermo●s without number . All the Books that were in the several Monasteries , at the time of the Refor●ation , were carefully preserved ; and they believe , that the Bishops who sate here in the Council , brought with them a great many Manuscripts whi●h they never carried away . Among their Manu●cripts , I saw four of Huss's Letters , that he writ to the Bohemians the day before his death , which are very devout , but excessively simple . The Manuscripts of this Library are far more numerous than those of Bern , which were gathered by Bongarsius , and left by him to the publick Library there : they are indeed very little considered there , and are the worst kept that ever I saw : But it is a Noble Col●ecti●n of all the ancient Latin Authors ; they have some few of the best of the Roman times , writ in great Characters , and there are many that are seven or eight hundred Years old . There is in Basil one of the best collections of Medals that ever I saw in private hands ; together with a Noble Library , in which there are Manus●ripts of good antiquity , that belongs to the Family of Fesch , and that goeth from one learned man of the Family to another ; for this Inheritan●e can only pass to a man of Learning , and when the Family produceth none , then it is to go to the publick In Basil , as the several Cempa●ies have been more or less strict , in admitting some to a Freedom in the Company , that have not been of the Trade , so they retain ●heir Privil●dges to ●his day . For in such Compa●ies , that have once received such a number that have not been of the Trade , ●s grew to be the majority , the Trade hath never been able ●o recove● their Interest . But some Companies have been more cautions , and have never admitted any but those that were of the Trade , so that they retain their Interes● still in Government . Of these the Butchers were named for one , so that there are alwayes four Butc●ers in the Council ▪ The great Council consisteth of two hundred and forty ▪ but they have no power left them , and they are only assembled upon some extraordinary occasions ; when the little Council thinketh fit to communicate any important matter to them . There are but six Bailiages that belong to Basil , which are not imployments of great advantage ; for the best of them doth afford to the Baili● only a thousand Livres a Year : They re●kon that there are in Basil three thousand Men that can bear Arms , an● that they could raise four thousand more out of the Canton ; so that the Town is almost the half of this State and the whole maketh thirty Parishes . There are eighteen Professors in this University ; and there is a Spirit of ● more free and generous Learning stirring there , than I sa● in all those parts . The●e is a great decency of Habit i● Basil ; and the Garb both of the Councellors , Minister● and Professors , their stiff Rufs , and their long Beards ▪ have an Air that is August : The appointments are but smal● for Councellors ; Ministers and Professors , have but ● hundred Crowns a piece : It is true , many Minister● are Professors , so this mendeth the matter a little : B●● perhaps it would go better with the State of Learnin● there , if they had but half the number of Pro●●ssors ▪ and if those were a little better incouraged . No wher● is the rule of St. Paul [ of Womens having on thei● heads the Badge of the Authority under which they ar● brought , which by a phra●e that is not extraordinar● he calleth Power ] better observed than at Basil ; fo● all the Marri●d Women go to Church with a Coi● o● their Heads , that is so ●olded , that as it cometh dow● so far as to cover their Eyes , so another folding covereth also their M●uth and Chin , so that nothing 〈◊〉 the Nose appears , and then all turns backward in a ●oling , that hangeth down to their midleg . This is alw●●● White ; so that there is there such a sight of White Heads in their Churches , as cannot be found any where else : The Unmarried Women wear Hats , turned up in the brims before and behind ; and the brims of the sides being about a foot broad , stand out far on both hands : This fashion is also at Strasburg , and is worn there also by the Married Women . I mentioned formerly the constant danger to which this Place is exposed , from the neighbourhood of Hun●ingen ; I was told , that at first it was pretended , that the French King intended to build only a small Fort there , and it was believed , that one of the Burgomasters of Basil , who was thought not only the wisest man of that Canton , but of all Switzerland , was gained to lay all men asleep , and to as●ure them , that the suffering this Fort to be built so near them , was of no importance to them ; but now they see too late their fatal Error : For the place is great , and will hold a Garrison of three or four thousand Men ; it is a Pentagone , only the side to the Rhine is so large , that if it went round on that side , I believe it must have been a Hexagone ; the Bastions have all Orillons , and in ●he middle of them there is a void space , not filled up with earth , where there is a Magazine built so thick in the Vault , that it is proof against Bombs : The R●mparts , are strongly faced ; There is a large Ditch , and before the Cortine , in the middle of the Ditch , there runs all along a Horn work , which is but ten or twelve foot high ; and from the bottom of the Rampart , there goeth a Vaul● to this Horn-w●rk , that is for conveying of men for its defence ; before this Horn-work there is a half Moon , with this that is peculiar to those new For●ifications , that there is a Dit●● that cuts the hal● Moon in an Angle , and maketh one half Moon within another ; beyond that there is a Counterscarp about twel●e foot high abo●e the Water , with a covered Way , and a Gla●y designed , tho not executed ; the●e is also a great H●rn-work besides all this , which runs out a huge way with its Out-works towards B●sil ; there is also a Bridge laid over the Rhine , and there being an Islan● in the River , where the Bridge is laid , there is a Horn-work that filleth and fortifieth it . The Buildings in th●s For● are beautiful , and the Square can hold above four thousand Men ; the Works are not yet quite finished , but when all is compleated , this will be one of the strongest place● in Europe : There is a Cavelier on one or two of the Bastions , and there are hal● Moons before the Bastions , so that the Switzers see their danger now , when it is not easy to redress it . This place is scituated in a great Plain , so that it is commanded by no rising ground on any side o● it . I made a little Tour into Alsace , as far as Mountbelliard ; the Soil is extream rich , but it hath been so long a Frontier Country ; and is , by consequence , so ill peopled , that it is in many places over-grown with Wood● ▪ In one respec● it is fit to be the seat of War , for it is full of Iron-works , which bring a great deal of Money into the Country . I saw nothing peculiar in the Iron-Works there ( except that the sides of the great Bellows were not of Leather , but of Wood ; which saves much mony ) so I will not stand to describe them . The River of the Rhin● , all from Basil to Spire , is so low , and is on both sides so covered with Woods , that one that cometh down in a Boa● hath no sight of the Country : The River runneth sometimes with such a force , that nothing but such woods could preserve its Banks , and even these are not able to save them quite ; for the Trees are often washed away by the very Roots , so that in many places those Trees ly along in the Channel of the River : It hath been also thought a sort of a Fortification , to both sides of the River , to have it thus faced with Woods , which maketh the passing of M●n dangerous , when they must march for some time after their passage through a d● filépunc ; The fi●st night from Basil we came to Brisac , which is a poor and mi●erable Town , but it is a noble Fortificati●n , and hath on the West-side of the River , over which a Bridge is laid , a regular Fort of four or five B●stions . The Town of Brisac riseth all on a Hill , which is a considerable height ; there were near it ●wo Hills , the one is taken within the Fortification , and the other is so well levelled with the ground , that one cannot so much as find out where it was ; All the ground about for many Miles is plain , so that from the Hill , as ●rom a Cavalier one can see exactly well , especially with the help of a Prospect , all the motions of an Enemy in case of a Siege : The Fortification is of a huge compass , above a French League , indeed almost a German Lea●ue ; the Bastions are quite filled with Earth , they are faced with Brick , and have a huge broad Dit●h full of Water around them ; the Counterscarp , the covered Way , which hath a Palisade , with●n the Parapet , and the Glacy , are all well executed ; there is a half Moon before every Cortine : the Bastions have no Orillons except one or two , and the Cortines are so disposed , that a good part of them defende●h the B●stion . The Garrison of this Place in time of War must needs be eight or ten thousand Men ; there hath not been much done of late to this place , only the Dit●h is so adjusted , that it is all defended by the Flanks of the Bastions . But the noblest place on the Rhine ▪ is Strasburg ; it is a Town of a huge extent , and hath a double Wall and Ditch all round it : the inner Wall is old , and of no strength , nor is the outward Wall very good ; it hath a Faussebraye , and is faced with Brick twelve or fifteen foot above the Ditch : the Counterscarp is in an ill condition , so that the Town was not in case to make any long resistance ; but it is now strongly fortified . There is a Ci●tadel built on that side that goeth towards the Rhine , that is much such a Fort as that of Hunningen , and on the side of the Cittadel towards the Bridge , there is a great Horn-work , that runs out a great way with Out-wo●ks belonging to it ; there are also small Forts at the two chief Gates that lead to Alsace ; by which the City is so bridled , that these can cut off all its communication with the Country about in case of a Revolt : the Bridge is also well fortifyed ; there are also Forts in some Islands in the Rhine , and some Redoubts : so that all round this place , there is one of the greatest Fortifications that is in Europe . Hitherto the Capitulation , with relation to Religion , hath been well kept , and there is so small a number of new Converts , and these are for the greatest part so inconsiderable , they not being in all above two hundred , as I was told , that if they do not imploy the new-fashioned Missionaries à la Dragonné , the old ones are not like to have so great a harvest there as they promised themselves , tho they are Iesuites . The Lu●herans for the greatest part retain their Animosities almost to an equal degree both against Papists and Calvinists . I was in their Church , where , if the Musick of their P●alms pleased me much , the Irreverence in singing , it being free to keep on , or put off the Hat , did appear very strange to me : The Churches are full of Pictures , in which the ●hief passages of our Sa●iour● Life are represented ; but there is no sort of religious respect pay'd them , they bow when they name the Holy Ghost , as well as at the Name of Iesus : but they have not the Ceremonies that the Lutherans of Saxony use , which Mr. Bebel , their Professor of Divinity , said was a great happiness ; for a similitude in outward Rites might dispose the ignorant people to change too easily . I found several good people both of the Lutheran Ministers and others , acknowledge , that there was such a Corruption of Morals spread over the whole City , that as they had justly drawn down on their heads the Plague of the loss of their Liberty , so this having toucht them so little , they had reason to look for severer strokes : One seeth , in the ruin of this City , what a miscievous thing the popular pride of a free City is : they fan●ied they were able to defend themselves , and so they refused to l●t an Imperial Garrison come within their Town : for if they ha● received only five hundred m●n , as that small number would not have been able to have opprest their Liberties , so it would have so secured the Town , that the French could not have besieged it , without making War on the Empire : but the Town thought this was a Diminution of their Freedom ; and so chose rather to pay a Garrison of three thousand Souldiers , which as it exausted their Revenue , and brought them under great Taxes , so it proved too weak for their defence when the Fren●h Army came before them . The Town begins to sink in its Trade , notwithstanding the great circulation of Mon●y that the expence of the Fortifications hath brought to it : but when that is at an en● , it will sink more sensibly ; for it is impossible fo● a Place of Trade , that is to have alwayes eight or ten thousand Souldiers in it , to continue long in a Flourishing State. There was a great Animosisy between two of the chief F●milys of the Town , Dietrick and Obr●cht ; the former was the Burgomaster , and was once almost run down by a Faction that the other had raised against him : but he turned the tide , and got such an advantage against Obrecht , who had writ some what against the Conduct of their Affairs , that he was Condemned and Beheaded for writing libels against the Government . His Son is a learned man , and was Professor of the Civil Law : and he to have his turn of revenge against Dietrick , went to Paris last Summer , and that he might make hi● Court the better , changed his Religion . Dietrick had been alwayes looked on as one of the chief of the Fren●h Faction , tho he had been at first an Imperialist , so it was thought , that he should have been well rewarded ; yet it was expected , that to make himself capable of that , he should have changed his Religion ; but he was an ancient man , and would not purchase his Court at that rate : so without any reason given , and against the express words of the Capitulation , he was confined to one of the midland Provinces of Fran●e , as I remember , it was Limosin , and thus he , that hath been thought the chief cause of this ●own's falling under the power of the French , is the first man that hath felt the effects of it . The Library here is considerable ; The Case is a great Room , very well con●rived ; for it is divided into Closets all over the body of the Room , which runs about these as a Gallery , and in these Closets all round there are the Books of the several Professions lodged apart : There is one for Manuscripts , in which there are some of considerable Antiquity . I need say nothing to you of the vast height , and the Gothick Architecture of the Steeple and of the great Church , nor of the curious Clock , where there is so vast a variety of motions ; for these are well known . The Bas Reliefs upon the Tops of the great Pillars of the Church are not so visible , but they are surprizing ; for this being a Fabri●k of three or four hundred years old , it is very strange to see such Representations as are there . There is a Procession represented , in whi●h a Hog carrieth the Pot with the Holy Water , and Asses and Hogs in Pri●stly Vestme●ts follow to make up the Processi●n ; there is also an Ass standing before an Altar , as if he were going to Consecrate , and one carrieth a Cafe with Reliques , within which one seeth a Fox ; and the Trains of all that go in this Procession , are carried up by Monkies . This seems to have been made in hatred of the Monks , whom the Secular Clergy abhorred at that time , because they had drawn the Wealth , and the following of the World after them , and they had exposed the Secular Clergy , so much for their ignorance , that it is probable after some Ages , the Monks falling under the same contempt , the Secular Clergy took their turn in exposing them in so lasting a Representation to the Scorn of the World. There is also in the Pulpit a Nun cut in Wood , lying along , and a Fryer lying near her with his Breviary open before him , and his hand under the Nuns habit , and the Nuns feet are shod with iron shoes . I confess , I did not look for these things ; for I had not heard of them ; but my Noble Friend Mr. Ablancourt viewed them with great exactness , while he was the French Kings Resident at Strasburg , in the company of one of the Magistrates that waited on him ; and it is upon his credit , to which all that know his eminent sincerity , know how much is due , that I give you this particular . From Strasburg we went down the Rhine to Philipsburg , which lyeth at a quarter of a Miles distance from the River ; it is but a small place , the Bastions are but little : there is a Ravellin before almost all the Cortines , and there ly such Marishes all round it , that in these lyeth the chief strength of the place . The Fren●h had begun a great Crow●-work on the side that lyeth to the Rhine , and had cast out a Hor●-work beyond that ; but by all that appears , it seems they intended to continue that Crown-work quite round the Town , and to make a second Wall and Ditch all round it ; which would have inlarged the place vastly , and made a compass capable enough to lodge above ten thousand Men : and this would have been so terrible a Neighbour to the Palatinate , and all Franconia , that it was a Master-piece in Charles Lewis , the late Elector Palatine , to ingage the Empire into this Siege . He saw well , how much it concerned him to have it out of the hands of the Fre●ch , so that he took great care to have the D●ke of Lorrain's Ca●p so well supplied with all things necessary , during the Sie●e , that the Army lay not under the least uneasiness all the while . From thence in ●hree Hours time we came to Spire , which is so naked a Town , that if it were attacked , it could not make the least resistance . The Town is neither great nor rich , and subsisted chiefly by the Imperial Chamber that fitteth here , tho there is a constant dispute between the Town and the Ch●mber concerning Privile●g●s ; for the Government of the Town , pretends , that the Iudges of the Chamber , as they are private men , and out of the Court of Iudi●ature , are subject to them ; and so about a year ago they put one of the Iudges in Prison : on the other hand , the Iudges pretend , that their persons are sacred . It was the consideration of the Chamber that procured to the Town the Neutrality that they injoyed all the last War. I thought to have seen the forms of this Court , and the way of laying up , and preserving their Records , but the Court was not then sitting . The Building , the Halls and Chambers of this famous Court are mean beyond imagination , and look liker the Halls of some small Company , than of so great a body ; and I could not see the places where they lay up their Archives ; The Government of the City is all Lutheran ; but not only the Cathedral is in the hands of the Bishops and Chapter , but there are likewise several Convents of both Sexes ; and the I●suites have also a Colledge there . There is little remarkable in the Cathedral , which is a huge building in the Gothick manner , of the worst sort . The Tombs of many Emperors , that ly buried there , are remarkable for their meanness ; they being only great Flagstones layed on some small St●ne-ballisters of a foot and a half high : There are also the marks of a ridiculous Fable concerning St. Bernard , which is too foolish to be related , yet since they have taken such pains to preserve the remembrance of it , I shall venture to write it . There are from the Gate all along the N●f of the Church up to the Steps that go up to the Quire , four round Plates of Brass , above a foot Diameter , and at the distance of thirty foot one from another , laid in the pavement , on the first of these is ingraven , O Clemens ; on the second , O Pia ; on the third , O Felix , and on the fourth , Maria ▪ The last is about thirty foot distant from a Statue of the Virgins : so they say that St. Bernard came up the whole length of the Church at Four Steps , and that those four Plates were laid where he stept : and that at every Step he pronounced the word that is ingraven on the Plate ; and when he came to the last , the Image of the Virgin answered him , Salve Bernarde , upon which he answered , Let a Woman keep silence in the Church ; and that the Virgins Statue has kept silence ever since ; This last part of the Story is certainly very credible . He was a Man of Learning that shewed me this ; and he repeated it so gravely to me , that I saw he either believed it , or at least that he had á mind to make me believe it : and I asked him as gravely , if that was firmly believed there ; he told me , that one had lately writ a Look to prove the truth of it , as I remember , it was a Ies●it : He a●knowledged , it was not an Article of Faith ; so I was satisfied . There is in the Cloister an old Gothick Representation of our Saviours Agony in stone , with a great many Figures of his Ap●stles , and the Company that came to seize him , that is not ill S●ulpture , for the Age in which it was made , it being some Ages old . The Calvinists have a Church in this Town , but their numbers are not considerable . I was told there were some ancient Manuscripts in the Library , that belongeth to the Cathedral : but one of the Prebendaries , to whom I addressed my self , being , according to the German Custom , a Man of greater Quality than Learning , told me , he heard they had some ancient Manusc●ipts , but he knew nothing of it ; and the Dean was absent , so I could not see them ; for he kept one of the Keys . The lower Palatinate is certainly one of the sweetest Countryes of all Germany : It is a great Plain till one cometh to the Hills of Heidelberg : the Town is ill scituated , just in a bottom , between two ranges of Hills , yet the Air is much commended : I need say nothing of the Castle , nor the prodigious Wine-Cellar , in which , tho there is but one celebrated Tun , that is seventeen foot high , and twenty six foot long , and is built with a strength liker that of the ribs of a ship , than the Staves of a Tun ; yet there are many other Tuns of such a prodigious bigness , that they would seem very extraordinary , if this vast one did not Eclipse them . The late Prince Charles Lewis shewed his capacity in the peopling and setling this State , that had been so intirely ruined , being for many Y●ars the Seat of War ; for in four years time he brought it to a Flourishing condition : He raised the Taxes as high as was possible without dispeopling his Country , all mens Estates were valued , and they were taxed at five per cent of the value of their Estates ; but their Estates were not valued to the rigour , but with such abatements as have been ordinary in Engla●d in the times of Subsidies ; so that when his Son offered to bring the Taxes down to two per Cent of the real value , the Subjects all desired him rather to continue them as they were . There is no Prince in Germany that is more ab●o●●te than the Elector Pal●tine ; for he laye●h on his S●bject● what Taxes he pleaseth , without being limited to any forms of Go●ernment . And here I saw that which I had alwayes believed to be true , that the Subjects of Germany are only bound to their particular Prince ; for they swear Allegeance singly to the Elector , without any reserve for the Emp●rour ; and in their Prayers for him , they name him their Soveraign . It is true , the Prince is under some ties to the Emperour ; but the Subjects are under none . And by this D● Fabritius , a learned and judicious Professor there , explained those words of Pareus's Commentary on the Romans , which had respect only to the Princes of the Empire : and were quite misunderstood by those who fancied that they favoured Rebellion ▪ for there is no place in Europe where all rebellious Doctrine is more born down than there . I found a great spirit of Moderation , with relation to those small Controversies , that have occasioned such heat in the Protestant Churches , reigning in the University there , which is in a great measure owing to the Prudence , the Learning , and the happy Temper of Mind of D. Fabritius , and D. Mick : who as they were long in England , so they have that generous largness of Soul , which is the Noble Ornament of many of the English Divines ; Prince Charls Lewis saw that Manheim was ma●ked out by Nature to be the most important place of all his Territory , it being scituated in the point where the Neckar falleth into the Rhine ; so that those two Rivers defending it on two sides ; it was capable of a good Fortification : It is true , the Air is not thought wholsome , and the Water is not good , yet he made a fine Town there , and a Noble Cittadel , with a regular Fortification about it ; and he designed a great Palace there , but he did not live to build it . He saw of what advantage Liberty of Con●cience was to the peopling of his Country ; so as he suffered the Iews to come and settle there , he resolved also not only to suffer the three Religions , ●olerated by the Laws of the Empire , to be professed there , but he built a Church for them all three , which he called the Church of the C●ncord , in which both Calvinists Lutherans and Papists had , in the order in which I have set them down , the exercise of their Religion ; and he maintained the peace of his Principality so intirely , that there was not the least Disorder occasioned by this Toleration : This indeed made him to be lookt on as a Prince that did not much consider Religion himself : He had a wonderful application to all affairs , and was not only his own chief Minister , but he alone did the work of many . But I were Injust if I should not say somewhat to you , of the Princely Vertues and the Cele●rated Probity of the present Pr. Elector , upon whom that Dignity is devolved by the extinction of so many Pr●nces ; that in this Age composed the most numerous F●mily of any of that rank in Europe . This Prince , as he is in many respects an honour to the Relig●on that he professes , so is in nothing more to be commended by those who dif●er from him , than for his exact adhering to the Promises he made his Subjects with relation to their Religion , in which he has not ( even in the smallest matters ) broke in upon their establisht Laws ; and tho an Order of Men , that have turned the world up-side down , have great credit with him , yet it is hitherto visible , that they cannot carry it so far as to make him do any thing contrary to the established Religion ; and to those ●acr●d Promises that he made his Subjects . For he makes it appear to all the world , that he does not consider those , as so many words spoken at first to lay his people asleep , which he may now explain and observe as he thinks sit ; but as so many Ties upon his Conscience and Honour , which he will Religiously observe . And as in the other parts of his Life , he has set a Noble Pattern to all the Princes of Europe , so his exactness to his Promises , is that which cannot be too much commended : of which this extraordinary Instan●e has been communicated to me since I am come into this Country . The Elector had a Proc●ssion in his Court last Corpus Christ● day , upon which one of the Ministers of Heidelberg prea●ht a very severe Sermon against Popery , and in particular taxed that Procession perhaps with greater plainness than discretion : Th●s being brought to the Electors Ears , he sent presently an Order to the Ecclesiastical Senate to suspend him . That Court is composed of some Secular men and some Churchmen , and as the Princes Authority is delegated to them , so they have a sort of an Episcopal jurisdiction over all the Clergy : This Ord●r was a surprise to them , as being a direct b●each upon their Laws and the li●erty of their Reli●ion : so they sent a Depu●ation to Court , to let the Elector know the reasons that hindred them from obeying his O●ders , which were heard with so mu●h Justice and Gentleness , that the Pri●ce , instead of ex●ressing any Displeas●●e against them , recalled the Order that he had sent them . The way from Heidelberg to Fra●kfort ▪ is , for the first twelve or fifteen Miles , the beautifullest piece of ground that can be imagined ; for we went under a ridge of little Hills that are all covered with Vines , and from them , as far as the eye can go , there is a beautiful Plain of Corn-fields and Meadows , all sweetly divided and inclosed with rows of Trees , so that I fancied I was in Lombardy again , but with this advantage , that here all was not of apiece , as it is in Lombardy ; but the Hills , as they made a pleasant inequality in the prospect , so they made the Air purer , and produced a pleasant Wine : The way near Darmstat , and all forwards to Frankfort , becometh more wild and more sandy : There is a good Suburb on the South-side of the Main over against Frankfort , which hath a very considerable Fortification ; there is a double Wall , and a double Dit●h , that goeth round it ; and the outward Wall , as it is regularly fortified , so it is faced with Brick to a consi●erable height . The Town of Frankfort is of a great extent , and seemed to be but about a third part less than S●rasburg : The three Reli●ions are also tolerated there ; and tho the number of the Papists is very inconsiderable , yet they have the great Church , which is a huge rude building ; they have also several other Churches , and some Co●ve●ts there . There are several open Squares for Market places , and the Houses about them look very well without . Among their Archives they preserve the Original of the B●lla Aurea ; that which is shewed to Strangers , is only a great Parchment writ in High Dutch ; but the Original is preserved with more Care , and is in Latin : yet since I made a short stay there , I was not at the Pains of desiring to see it ; for that is not obtained without difficulty . The Lutherans have here built a new Chur●h , called St. Katherines , in which there is as much painti●g as e●er I saw in any Popish Church ; and over the high Altar there is an huge carved Cru●ifix , as there are painted ones in other places of their Church : The Pulpit is extream fine , of Marble of different co●ours , very well polished and joyned . I was here at Sermon , where I understood nothing ; but I liked one th●ng that I saw both at Strasburg and here , that at the end of Prayers , there was a considerable interval of silence left , before the conclusion , for all peopl●s private Devotions . In the House of their publick Discipline , they retain still the old Roman Pistrina or H●nd-mill ; at which lewd Women are condemned to grind , that is , to drive about the Wheel that maketh the Milstones go . There is a great number of Iews there , tho their two Synagogues are very little , and by consequence , the Numbers being great , they are very nasty . I was told , they were in all above twelve hundred . The Women had the most of a tawdry Imbroidery of Gold and Silver about them that ever I saw ; for they had all Mantles of Crape , and both about the top and the bottom , there was a border above a hand breadth of Imbroid●ry . The Fortification o● Frankfort is considerable ; ●heir Ditch is very b●oad , and very full of Water ; all the Ba●●ions have a Countermine , that runneth along by the brim of the Ditch ; but the Counterscarp is not faced with Brick as the Walls are , and so in many places it is i● an ill condition ; the covered Way and Glacy are also in an ill case : The Town is rich , and driveth a great Trade , and is very pleasantly scituated . No● far from hence is Hockam , that yieldeth the best Wine of those parts . Since I took Frankfort in my way from Heidelb●rg to Mentz , I could not pass by Worms , for which I was sorry . I had a great mind to see that place where Luther made his first appearance before the Empe●our , and the Diet , and in that solemn Audience express●d an undaunted Zeal for that Glorious Cause in which God made him such a blessed Instrument . I had another piece of Curiosity on me , which will perhaps appear to you somewhat ridiculous . I had a mind to see a Pi●ture , that as I was told , is over one of the Popish Altar , there , which one would think was Invented by the Enemies of Transubstantiation , to make it appear ridiculous There is a Windmill , and the Vir●in throws Christ into the Hopp●r , and he come● out at the Eye of the M●●n all in Waters , which some Priests take up to give to the People . This is so course an Emblem , that one would think it too gross even for Lapland●rs ; but a man that can swallow Transubstantiation it self , will digest this likewise Mentz is very nobly scituated , on a rising ground ▪ a little below the conjunction of the two Rivers , the Rhine and the Ma●n ; it is of too great a compass , and too ill peopled ●o be capable of a great defence : there is a Cittad●l upon the highest part of the Hill that commandeth the Town ; it is compassed about with a dry Ditch , that is considerably deep . The Walls of the Town are faced with Bri●k , and regularly fortisied , but the Counterscarp is not faced with Brick , so all is in a sad condition ; and the Fortification is weakest on that side where the Elect●rs Palace is . There is one side of a new Palace very nobly built in a regular Arch●tect●re , only the Germans do still retain somewhat of the Gothick manner ; It is of a great length , and the design is to build quite round the Co●rt , and then it will be a very magnificent Pala●e , only the Stone is red : for all the Quarries that are upon the Rhi●e , from Ba●il down to Co●lentz , are of r●d stone , which doth not look beautiful . The Elec●or of Mentz is an absolute Prince : his Subjects present Lists of their Magistrates to him , but he is not tied to them , and may name whom he will. The Ancient Demeasn of the Electorat is about ●orty thousand Crowns : but the Taxes rise to about three hundred thousand Crowns ; so that the Subjects here are as heavily taxed as in the Palatinate : The●e is twelve thousand Crowns a ye●r given the Elector for his privy Purse , and the State bears the rest o● ●is whole expence : It can Arm ten thousand Men , and ●here is a Garrison of two thousand Men in Mentz : this Elect●r hath three Coun●ils , one he is Ch●●c●llour of the Empire , consisting of three persons : The other two are for the Policy and Iusti●e of his Principality . He , and ●is Chapter have Months by turns for the Nomination of the Prebends . In the Month of Ianuary he names if any dyes , and they chuse in the Room of such as dye in Fe●ruary , and so all the year round . The Pre●endaries or Dome-Heers have about three thousand Crowns a year a●iece . When the E●ector dieth , the Emperor sende●h one ●o see the Election made , and he recommendeth one , but ●he Can●ns may chuse whom they please ; and the present Elector was not of the Emper●rs Recommendation . Be●ides the Palace at Mentz , the Elect●r hath ano●her near ● rankf●rt , which is thought the best that is in those parts ●f Germany : The Cathedral is a huge Gothick Building ; ●here is a great C●pul● in the West-end , and there the Quire singeth Mass : I could not learn whether this was one only because the place here was of gr●ater reception ●han at the East-end , or if any burying place and indowment obliged them to the West-end . Near the Cathedral●here ●here is a huge Chappel of great Antiquity , and on the North Door there are two great Brass Gates with a long Inscription , which I had not time to write out , but I ●ound it was in the Emperor Lothariu's time . There are a vast number of Churches in this Town , but it is poor and ●ll inhabited . The Rhine here is almost half an English mile broad , and there is a Bridge of Boats lay'd over it . From Mentz all along to Baccharach ( which seems to cary its name [ Bacch● Ar● ] from some famous Altar that the Romans probably erected by reason of the good Win● that grows in the Neigbourhood . ) There is a great number of very considerable Villages on both sides of the River : Here the Rats Tower is shewed , and the People of the Country do all firmly believe the Story of the Rats eating ●p an Elector , and that tho he fled to this Island , where ●e built a small Tower , they pursued him still ▪ and swimmed after him , and eat him up : and they told us , that there were some of his Bones to be seen still in the Tow●r . This extraordina●● death makes me call to mind a very particular and unlooked for sort of Death , that carried off a poor La●ou●er of the ground a few dayes before I left Ge●eva The Foot of one of his Cattel , as he was ploughing , went into a Nest of ●asps , upon which the whole Sw●rm came out , an● set upon him that held the Plow , and killed him in a very little time ; and his Body was prodigiously swelled with the poison of so many Stings But to return to the Rhine ; all the way from Baccharach down to C●blents , there is on both sides of the River hanging G●ounds , or little Hi●ls , so laid , as i● many of them ha● been laid by Art , whi●h produce the rich Rhenish Wine . They are indeed as well exposed to the Sun , and covered from Storms , as can be imagined : and the Ground of those Hills , which are in some place● of a considerable height , is so cultivated , that there i● not an inch lost that is capable of improvement , and thi● bringeth so much Wealth into the Coun●ry , that all along there is a great number of considerable Villages . Cohlent● is the strongest place that I saw of all that belong to th● Empire ; the scituation is N●ble , the Rhine running befor● it , ●and the Moselle passing along the side of the Town ; it is well fortified , the Ditch is large , the Counterscarp is high , and the covered Way is in a good Condition , both Wall● and Counterscarp are faced with Brick , and there are Ravelines before the Cortines ; but on the side of the Mosell● it is very slightly fortified , and there is no Fort at the en● of the Stone Bridge that is laid over Moselle , so that it lieth quite open on that side , which seemeth a strange defect in a place of that consequence . But tho the F●rtifi●ations of ●his place are very considerabl● , yet its chief de●ence lieth in the F●rt of Herm●nstan , which is built on the top of a very high Hill , that lyeth on the other side of the Rhine ; and which commandeth this place so absolutely ▪ that he who is Master of Hermanstan , is alwayes Master o● Coblents . This belongeth to the Elector of Triers , whos● Palace lyeth on the East side of the Rhine , just at the Foot o● the Hill of Hermanstan , and over against the point ●here the Mose●●e fa●leth into the Rhine , so tha● nothing ●an be more pleasantly scitua●ed ; only the ground begins ●o rise just at the ba●k of the House with so mu●h stee●ness , ●hat there is not Room for Gardens or Walks . The House ●●keth a great shew upon the River , but we w●re told , ●hat the Apartments within were not answerable to ●he o●●side . I say , we were told , for the Princ●s●eep ●eep such forms , that , without a great deal of ado , one ●annot come within their Courts , unless it be when they ●re abroad themselves ; so that we neither got within the Pala●e at M●n●z , nor this of Herm●nstan . It is but a few Hours from this to Bonne , where the Elector of Collen kee●eth his Court : The Place hath a regular Fortification ; the Walls are faced with Brick ; but tho the Ditch , which is ●ry , is pretty broad , the Counters●arp is in so ill a condi●ion that it is not able to make a great defence . This 〈◊〉 is the Noblest born , and the best provided of all the ●erman Clergy ; for he is Brother to the Great Maximilian Duke of Bavaria ; and besides Collen , he hath Liege , Mun●er , and Hildelsh●im , which are all great Bishoprick● : He hath been also six and thirty years in the Electorate : His Palace is very mean , consisting but of one Court ; the half of which is cast into a little Garden , and the Wood-yard i● in the very Court ; the lower part of the Court was a Stable : but he hath made an Apartment here , that is all fur●ished with Pictures ; where , as there are some of the hands of the greatest Ma●●ers , so there are a great many foils to set these off , that are scarce good enough for Signposts . The Elector has a great many Gold Medalls , which will give me occasion to tell you one of the Ex●ravagantest pieces of Forgery that pe●haps e●er was ; whi●h hapned to be found out at the last ●iege of Bonne : for while they were clearing the ground for ●lanting a ●att●ry ▪ they discovered a Vault , in whi●h there was an Iron chest that was ●ull of Medalls of Gold to the value of 100000 Cr●wns ; and ●f which I was ●old the Elector bought to the value of 30000 Crowns . They are huge big , one weighed 800. Ducat● and the Gold was of the fineness of Du●at Gold : but tho the● bore the Impressions of Roma● Medalls , or rather Medail●ons , they were all C●unterfeit , and the im●tation was so coursely done , that one must be extream Ignorant in Medalls to be deceived by them . Some few that seemed true , were of the late Greek Emperors . Now it is very unaccountable , what could in●uce a man to make a forgery upon such Mettle , and in so vast a quantity , and then to bury all this under ground , especially in an Age in which so much Gold was ten times the value of what it is at present ; for it is judged to have been done about four or five hundred years ago . The Prince went out a hun●ing while we were there , with a very handsome Guard of about fourscore Horse , well mounted ; so we saw the Palace ; but were not suffered to see the Apartment where he lodged : There is a great Silver Casolette gilt , all set with Emeralds and R●bies , that tho they made a fine appearance , yet were a Composition of the Princes own making : His O●ficer● also shewed us a Bason and Ewer , which they s●id were of Mercury fixed by the Prince himself ▪ but they added , that now for many years he wrought no more in his Lab●u●atory . I did not easily believe this , and as the weight of the Plate did not approach to that of Quick-Silver , so the Medicinal Vertues of fixed Mercury ( if there is any such thing ) are so extraordinary , that is seemed very strange to see twenty or thirty pound of it made up in two pieces of Plate . A quarter of a mile without the Town , the best Garden of those parts of Germany is to be seen , in which there is a great variety of Water-works , and very many Noble A●i●s in the French manner , and the whole is of a very considerable extent ; but as it hath no Statues of any value to adorn it , so the House about which it lyeth , is in Ruins : and it is strange to see , that so rich and so great a Prince , during so long a Regency , hath done so little to inlarge or beautifie his Buildings . Bonne and Cobl●ntz are both poor and small Towns. Collen is three hours distant from Bonne , it is of a prodigious extent , but ill built and worse peopled in the remote parts of it : and as the Walls a●e all in an ill case , so it is not possible to fortify so vast a compass as this Town maketh , as it ought to be , without a charge that would eat out the whole Wealth of this little State. The Iews live in a little Suburb on the other side of the Riv●r , and may not come over , without leave obtained , for which they pay considerably . There is no Exercise of the Protestant Religion suffered within the Town , but those of the Religion are suffered to live there , and they have a Ch●r●h at two miles distance . The Arsenal here , is suitable to the Fortificat●ons ; very mean , and ill furnished . The Quire of the Great Church is as high in the ●oof , as any Church I ever saw ; but it seemes the Wealth of this place could not finish the whole Fabrick , so as to answer the height of the Quire ; for the Body of the Church is very low : Those that are disposed to believe Legends , have enough here to overset even a good degree of Credulity , both in the Story of the Three Kings , whose Chappel is visited with great Devotion , and standeth at the East ●nd of the Great Quire ; and in that more copious Fa●le of the eleven thousand Vrsulins , whose Church is all over full of rough Tombs , and of a vast number of Bones , that are piled up in rows about the Walls of the Church : These Fables are so firmly believed by the Papists there , that the least sign whi●h one giveth of doubting of their truth , passeth for an infall●ble Mark of an Heretick . The I●suites have a great and Noble Coll●dge and Chur●h here . And for Thaul●r's sake I went to the Dominicans House and Church , which is also very great . One grows extream weary of walking over this great Town , and doth not find enough of entertainment in it : The present Subject of their Dis●ourse is al●o ●ery melan●holy : The late Rebellion that was there , is so generally known , that I need no● say much concerning it . A report was set about th● Town , by some I●●en●iarys , that the Magistrates did eat up the publick Revenue , and were like to ruin the City ; I could not learn what ground there was for these reports ; for it is not ordinary to see reports of that kind fly , through a body of men , without some Foundation : It is certain , this came to be so generally believed , that there was a horrible disorder occasioned by it ; The Magistrates were glad to save themselves from the storm , and abandoned the Town to the popular fury , some of them having been made sacrifices to it ; and this rage held long : But within this last year , after near two years disorder , those that were sent by the Emperor and Diet to judge the matter , having threatned to put the Town under the Imperial Bann , if it had stood longer out , were received ▪ and have put the Magistrates again in the possession os rheir Authority , and all the chief Incendi●rys were clapt in Prison : many have already suffered , and a great many more are still in Prison : they told us , that some executions were to be made within a week when we were there . Dusseldorp is the first considerable Town below Collen , it is the Seat of the Duke of Iuliers , who is Duke of Newburgh , eldest Son to the present Elector Palatine . The Palace is old and Gothick enough : but the Iesuites have there a fine Colledge , and a noble Chappel , tho there are manifest faults in the Archi●ecture : the Protestant Religion is tolerated , and they have a Church built here within these few years , tbat wat procured by the intercession of the Elector of Brandenburgh , who observing exactly the Liberty of Religion that was agreed to in Cleve , had reason to see the same as duly observed in his Neighbou●hood , in favour of his own Religion . The Fortification here is very ordinary , the Ramparts being faced but a few foo● high with Brick . But Keisersw●rt , some hours lower on the same side , which belongeth to the Elector o● Collen , tho it is a mu●h worse T●wn than Dusseldorp , yet is much better fortified : it ha●h a very broad Ditch , and a very regular Fortification : the Walls are considerably high , faced with Brick , and so i● the Counterscarp , which is also in a very good Condition . The Fortification of Orsoy 〈◊〉 now quite demolished . Rhineberg continueth as it was but the Fortificati●n is very mean , only of Earth , so that it is not capable of making a great Resistance . And ●esel , tho it is a very fine Town , yet is a very poor Fortification , nor can it ever be made good , except at a vast expence : for the ground all about it being sandy , nothing can be made there that will be durable , unless the Foundation go very deep , or that it be laid upon Piloty . In all ●hese Towns one sees another air of Wealth and Abundance than in much richer Countrys , that are exhausted with Taxes . Rees and Emmerick are good Towns , but the Fortifications are quite ruined . So that here is a rich and a populous Country , that hath at present very little desence , except what it hath from its scitua●ion . Cleve is a delicious Place , the scituation and prospect are charming , and the Air is very pure ; and from thence we came hither in three hours . I will not say one word of the Country into which I am now come ; for as I know that is needless to you on many accounts , so a Picture that I see here in the Stadthouse , puts me in min● of the perfectest Book of its kind that is perhaps in being ; for Sir William Temple , whose Picture hangeth here at the upper end of the Plenipotentiary , that negotiated the famou● Treaty of Nimmegen , hath indeed set a pattern to the World , which is done with such life , that it may justly make others blush to copy after it , since it must be acknowledged , that if we had as perfect an account of the other Places , as he hath given us of one of the least , but yet one of the Noblest parcels of the Vniverse , Travelli●g would become a needless thing , unless it were for diversion : since one findeth no further occasion for his curiosity in this Country , than what is fully fa●issyed by his rare performance ; yet I cannot give over writing , without reflecting on the Resistance that this Place made , when so many other Places were so basely delivered up , tho one do●h not see in the ●uins of the Fortificati●n here , how it could make so long a resistance ; yet it was that that stem'd the tide of a progre●s that made all the World stand amazed ; and it gave a little time to the Dutch to recover themselves out of the constern●●io● ▪ into which so many blows , that came so thi●k one 〈◊〉 another , had struck them . But then the World saw a change , that tho ●t hath not had so much Incense given to it , as the happy conjuncture of another Prince hath drawn after it , with so much excess , that all the topicks of flattery seem exhausted by it , yet will appear to posterity one of the most surprizing Scenes in History , and that which may be well matched with the recovery of the Roman State after the Battel of Canne . When a young Prince , that had never before born Arms , or so much as seen a Campagne , who had little or no Council about him , but that which was suggested from his own thoughts , and that had no extraordinary advantage by his Education , either for Literature or Aff●irs , was of a sudden set at the Head of a State and Army , th●t was sunk with so many losses , and that saw the best half of its Soil torn from it , and the powerfullest Enemy in the World , surrounded with a Victorious Army , that was commanded by the best Generals that the Age had produced , come within sight , and settle his Court in one of its best Towns , and had at the same time the greatest force both by Sea and Land , that hath been known , united together for its destruction . When the Inhabitants were forced , that they might save themselves from so formidable an Enemy , to let loose that which on all other occasions , is the most dreadful to them , and to drown so great a part of their Soil , for the preservation of the rest ; and to complicate together all the Miseries that a Nation can dread , wh●n to the general consternation , with which so dismall a S●e●e possessed them , a distraction within doors seemed to threaten them with the last strokes ; and while their Army was so ill disciplined , that they durst scarce promise themselves any thing from such feeble Troops , after a Peace at Land of almost thirty Years continuance ▪ and while their chief Ally , that was the most concerned in their preservation , was , like a great paralitick body , ●iker to fall on those that it pretended to support , and tho crush them , than to give them any considerable assistance : When , I say , a young Prince came at the Head of ●ll this , the very prospect of which would have quite dampt an ordinary Courage , he very quickly changed the Scene , he animated the Publick Councils with a generous vigour : he found them sinking into a feebleness of hearkning to Propositions for a Peace , that were as little safe as they were honourable ; but he disposed them to resolve on hazarding all , rather than to submit to such Infamous Terms . His credit also among the Populace seemed to Inspire them with a new life ; they easily persuaded themselves , that as one WILLIAM Prince of ORANGE had formed their State , so here another of the same name seemed marked out to recover and preferve it . It was this Spirit of Courage which he derived from his own Breast , and Infused into the whole People , as well as into the Magistracy , that preserved this Country . Something there was in all this that was Divine . The publick Councils were again setled , and the people were at quiet , when they saw him vested with a full Authority for that time with Relation to Peace and War , and concluded they were safe , because they were in his hands . It soon appeared how faithfully he pursued the Interest of his Countrey , and how little he regarded his own . He rejected all Propositions of Peace that were hurtful to his Country , without so much as considering the Advantages that were offered to himself , ( in which you know that I write upon sure grounds . ) He refused the offer of the Soveraignty of its Chief City , that was made to him by a solemn Deputation , being satisfied with that Authority which had been so long maintained by his Ancestors with so much glory , and being justly sensible , how much the breaking in upon established Laws and Liberties , is fatal even to those that seem to get by it . He thus began his publick appearance on the Stage , with all the disadvantages that a Spirit aspiring to true Glory could wish for ; since it was Visible , that he had nothing to trust to , but a good Cause ; a favourable Providence , and his own Integrity and Courage● nor was success wanting to such Noble Beginnings ; for he in a short time , with a Conduct and Spirit beyond any thing that the World hath yet seen , recovered this S●ate , out of so desperate a distemper , took some Places by main force , and obliged the Enemy to abandon all that they had acquired in so feeble a manner . And if a raw Army had not always success , against more numerous and better-trained Troops , and if the want of Magazins and Stores in their Allys Country , which was the chief Scene of the War ; made that he cou●d not Post his Army , and wait ●or favourable circumstances , so that he was sometimes , forced to run to Action , with a hast that his Necessitys imposed upon him ; yet the forcing of the beginnings of a Victory out of the hands of the greatest General of the Age , the facing a greeat Monarch with an Army much inferior to his , when the other was too cautious to hazard an ingagement ; and in short , the forming the Dutch Army to such a pitch , that it became visibly Superior to the French , that seemed to have been sed with Conquests ; and the continuing the War , till the Prince that had sacrificed the quiet of Eur●pe to his Gl●ry , was glad to come and treat for a Pea●e in the Enemies Coun●ry , and in this very place , and to set all Engines on work to obtain that , by the Mediation of some , and the Jealousies of other Princes : all these are such Performances , that Posterity will be disposed to rank them rather among the Idea's of what an imaginary H●ro could do , than with what could be really Transacted in so short a time , and in such a manner . And in conclusion , every place that belonged to these States , and to their Neighbours along the Rhine , together with a great many in Flanders , being restored , these Provinces do now see themselves under his happy Co●duct , re established in their former Peace and Se●urity . And tho some scars of such deep wounds do still remain , yet ●hey find themselves considered on all hands , as the Bulwark of Christ●ndom , against the Fears of a new Monarchy , and as the Preservers of the Peace and Liberty of Europe . Here is a Harvest , not for forced Rhetorick , or false Eloquence , but for a severe and sincere Historian , capable of affording a Work that will far exceed all those luscious Panegyricks of mercenary Pens : but a small or a counterfeit Iewel must be set with all possible Advantages , when a true one of great value needs only to be shewed . I cannot end with a greater Subject ; and I must acknowledge my self to be so inflamed with this hint , that as I cannot after this bring my pen down to lower matters , so I dare not trust my self too long , to the heat that so Noble an Object inspires , therefore I break off abruptly . YOURS . An APPENDIX , Containing some Remarks , that have been sent to me by a Person of Quality . A Person of great Rank , that is of Italian extraction , and that by consequence knows the Countrey well , having spent much of his time in it , had heard that I was giving the World an account of the Reflections that I had made on the present State of Italy , and upon that he writ the following Paper to one of his Friends ▪ to be communicated to me ; for I have not the honour of any Commerce with himself : The Observations that he had made , agreed so exactly with my own , that I thought it would be no small Advantage towards the supporting the Credit of those that I had made , to find them confirmed by so extraordinary a Person , whose Character ( as those who know him well have assured me ) is so undisputed , that if I durst name him , this alone would serve to establish the belief of the most critical parts of my Letters in the minds of all that that should read his Paper : but since I cannot adventure on this , without obtaining his Leave , and since he is now at such a distance , that it is not easie to get his Friend to write to him , or to receive an Answer from him time enough , therefore I have added this Memorial . There are two Particulars in which He and I differ , and in so great a Variety of Observations , that are so Critical , and so much out of th● Common road , it will not appear strange , if there should be some disagreement , when he mentions the Tax that the Pope has laid on the Corn ; he does not ad one thing which I mention , and that is , that the Measure , by which the Pope ●ells , is by a fifth part less than that by which h● buys : The o●her is more considerable ; for in the Account that he gives of the pre●ent Pope's breaking in upon the settlement of the Bank , tho it is upon the matter very near the same with that which I give , yet there is a differen●e of some Importance as to the manner of doing it ; but as to that , all I can say , is ▪ that the first Account I had of that Transaction , was the same that is in this Gentlemans Paper ; but afterwards I had occasion to talk of this matter very Copiously with one , that has lived many years in the Popes Dominions , and that has dealt much in those Affairs ; he has now a Character upon him , and so it is not expedient to name him : It was from him that I had the particular recital of this matter , and therefore I thought it surer to go upon the Information that I had from him , than upon the general Report that all Strangers may find at Rome . This Paper had been more copious , if the person that writ it , had not been restrained by some particular Considerations from saying any thing relating to the Government of Venice . REMARKS . Vpon SWITZERLAND . IT is very surprising when one comes out of France , ( which is an Extraordinary good Country ) into Switzerland , which is not near so fertil , and yet to see so great a difference between the People of ●ho●e two Countries . The People in France , and especially the Peasants , are very poor , and most of them reduced to great Misery and Want. The People in Switzerland cannot be said to be very Rich ; but yet there are very few , even amongst the Peasants themselves that are miserably poor ; the most part of them have enough to live upon , from their Labour , and the Fruits of the Earth . Every where in France , even in the best Citys , there are Swarms of Beggars ; and yet scarce any to be seen throughout all Switze●land . The Houses of the Peasants , or Country people in France are extreamly mean , and in them no other Furniture to be found besides poor nasty Beds , straw Chairs , and Plates and dishes of Wood and Earth : In Switzerland the Peasants have their Houses furnished with good Feather-Beds , good Chairs , and other Housholdstuff for their Convenience , as well as their Necessity ; their Windows are all of glass , always kept mended and whole , and their Linnen very neat and white , and as well for their Be●ding as their Tables . Of the GRISONS Country . THe Grisons Country is much more Barren than Switzerland ; because 't is wholy upon the Mountains , which produce nothing at all ; yet notwithstanding ( all Excess and Luxury being banished from amongst them , and the Inhabitants being extreamly Laborious ) there are none to be seen there that are very poor and needy , but they live at Ease and there are a great many ; Gentry of good Estates . Their Government is altogether Popular ; there are but three or four Royalties belonging to Nobility in all the Country . All the rest of their Lands are in Demeane , which may yet well be called Royalties too , because exempt from all dues and payments whatsoever . There is nothing at all to be pay'd for bringing into the Country any sort of Goods or Merchandises , or for exporting of them thence ; every one there fully enjoys the Fruit of his own Labours , and the Revenues of his Land ; although the Wine they drink is brought upon Horses four or five days Journey , yet they have it cheaper there than in most parts of It●ly or France , where it so plentifully grows . There are Villages upon the very tops of the Mountains , consisting of 150 and 200 Houses apiece ; and altho' they have no Co●n or Grain that grows there , and but very little Grass , yet the Peasants keep three or four hundred Horses , which they imploy to carry Goods and Merchandises , which turns to so good account that they live very well , and want nothing either for the Necessity or Convenience of life . The Inns upon the Mountains are very good ; and there is always to be had , besides good Bread and Wine , great quantity of Game and Venison , according to the Season of the Year , goo● Trouts , very good Chambers , and Beds after the manner of the Country . When you leave the Grisons Country , and are ●ome into the Country of Chavenne , the People begin to speak broken Italian : altho' this latter is a more fertil Country , yet the Inhabitants and P●asants do not live so well as in the Grisons Country , for that the Natives are more slothful and lazy : and here again there are abundance of poor People , as you will find in all parts of Italy Of the Bailiages of LUGANE . THere are on the other side of the Mountains four Bailiages , which were formerly part of the Dutchy of Milan ; Lewis XII . when he lost that Dutchy , gave these Bailiages to some of the Switz Cantons . These Bailiages are called , Lugane , Lucarno , Mendris , and Belinston . I shall only take notice of the Bailiage of Lugane , which contains ninety nine Villages ; The Territories of this Bailiage and of the others , are not near so good as that of Milan , to which it joyns ; yet the Villages of this Bailiage are very populous ; the Land is very fruitful , because it is well cultivated ; and all the Inhabitants live contented and well ; there are no Beggars amongst them , nor hardly any Object of Misery and Want : Their Houses are all good , well built , and kept in good repair . The Territory of Milan is certainly one of the best in all Italy ; it produceth Wine , Corn and Oyl in abundance , very great quantity of Silk , and ( generally speaking ) all sorts of Fruits ; there is also excellent Pasture for Cattle , and yet the Peasants there do not live so well by much as in the Bailiage of Lugane ; for there is a great deal of Land that lyes unmanur'd , and the Country is not near so populous as in Lugane . There can be no other Reason given for this Difference , but that Milan is under the Dominion of Spain : That the People are loaden with Imposts , Subsidies and Taxes , which makes them very poor ; whereas the People of Lugane are under the Government of Switzerland , who put no Taxes or subsidies upon them . Remarks upon the LAKES . I Do not know that in the Kingdom of France , as it was thirty years since , there were any Lakes , except perhaps in the Mountains of Dauphiné . From the Lake of Iour to the Lake of Garde , which is at Desenesan , between Bresse and Veronne , in the Territories of Venice , there are a great number of Lakes ; one of the most considerable is that of Geneva ; then there is the Lake of Newchattel , the Lake d'Yverdun , the Lake of Morat , the Lake of Bienne , the Lake of Quinti , the Lake of Lucerne , the Lake of Constance , the Lake of Valestat , and many others in the Mountains of Switzerland . There is on the other side the Mountains a great and considerable Lake , called Come , also the Lake of Lugane , the Lake Major , which is above 60 miles long , and likewise the Lake de Gard● : All these Lakes are replenish'd with most excellent Fish , and particularly Trouts ; but in the Lake de Garde there is found an admirable Fish , called Carpion , which is far more delicate than either Trout or Salmon , but they are not so great ; for those of the largest sise do not weigh above fifteen pounds . I do not think that in any part of Europe there are so many fine Lakes to be found in so narrow a Compass , as those which I have here mentioned . Concerning the Dutchy of FERRARA . THe Duke of Ferrara hath always been but a little Prince , because his D●minions are not very great ; yet there have been several of the said Dukes for above 150 years ago , and since , that have made a handsome Figure , and held a considerable Rank amongst the Princes of Italy . The Country was formerly very populous , and the Lands being fertil , and well cultivated , the Revenue of the Prince were considerable , and he kept a good Court. But since that Dutchy i● devolved upon the See of Rome , by the Death of the last Duke , who dyed without Issue Male , the Country is almost depopulated ; the most part of the Lands are desolate ; and for several Years last past the Dutchy is infected with Diseases , purely for want of Inhabitants . There wer● formerly in the Time of the Dukes of Ferrara , more than one hundred thousand People , and at present there are not 15000. The Grass grows in the Streets and most of the Houses are void , Polesino is one of the best parts of Italy ; and that part of it which is possessed by the Venetians , is very well cultivated and populous ; and 't is one of the best of their small Provinces . As soon as you pafs the great Arm of the River Po , which is called the Lagoscouro , which separates that part of the Polesino which belongs to the Venetians , from that which belongs to the Pope ; although the Land and Country is the very same , yet the most part of those Lands of the Polesino , which belongs to the Ecclesiastical State , are desolate and ●ast : The Grass lyes withered and rotten upon the ground , because there is no body takes care to mow it ; and in passing through great Villages , you 'l find all the Houses abandon'd , and not one Inhabitant to be found . It is not easily to be imagined how it is pos●ible , that a Country so populous and flouri●hing , should in less than 80 years be so entirely ruined and dispeopled : by this it is very apparent , that no Subjects are so unhappy , as those that live under the Domination of the Clergy . Concerning the Estates of BOLOGNIA . IF the Popes had been able to have made themselves masters of Bolognia , as they have done of Ferrara , they would thereby have reduced it to the same miserable condition ; but Bolognia hath always preserved their Priviledges and the Civil Government , by means of the Gonfalonniers , under whom they are governed ; they have t●e right of sending Embassadors to the Pope , who injoy the same Prerogatives as do the Embassadors of the other free Princes and States : The P●pe cannot confiscate the Goods of any Subject of B●lognia for any Crime whatsoever . The great Mischiefs which too frequently happen here , more than in other parts , are Assassinations and Murthers ; those that commit them fly for shelter to some of the Churches , as to an inviolable Afylum , from whence the Legats themselves cannot bring them to be punished ; or perhaps they retire into the Country , into some Strong hold , or into the Territories of a Neighbouring Prince , where they are certainly secure , and there remain until the Legation of the then C●rdinal be finished , and afterwards make an agreement with the Successor , who for Money pardons them ( having Power so to do ) all the Crimes and Murthers they have committed : In other respects the People of Bolognia are very happy , and live in great plenty , for that the Country is mighty fruitful ; and they pay no Taxes to the Prince . Remarks upon the Country of the Great Duke of TUSCANY . THere are in th●s Great Dukedom three considerable Cities , Florence , Pisa , and S●enna . All those who have read the Hist●ry of Italy , do know , that P●sa was formerly a very powerful Commonweal●h , that it flourished in Trade and Commerce , and that there were a great many weal●hy Citizens belonging to it ; there needs no other proof of this , than what we read , that upon a certain occasion a hundred of the Citizens equip'd each of them a Gally at their own Charges , whi●h they maintained during all the War. The great Actions are well known whi●h they have done in the Levant by their Fl●ets , and how they a long time opposed the Duke of Floren●e , who at length subdued them by the Assistance of the Spanish Arms. Pisa is one of the largest and most beautiful Cities of Italy ; the Buildings are stately and fine ; & so is one of their Churches , which with its Dependencies is one of the finest in all Italy The City is built upon the River of Arne , which divides it in the midst ; it is navigable for Vessels of a great burthen ● and at Ligorne , which is twelve Miles distance , it falls into the Sea. It is one of the best scituated Towns in all Italy for Trade , with which it flourished extreamly whils● it was a Republick : at present not only the City , but ●he Country belonging to it , is wholly depopulated . Writers say , that there were formerly above one hundred and fifty thousand Inhabitants , whereas now there are not twelve thousand . The Grass grows in most of the Places & Streets of the City , and most of the Houses are deserted , and lye void . I was my self in a fair large Pallace which was let for six Pistoles per annum ; the greatest part of their Lands lye wast , and the Air is very unhealthy in most parts , because of the small number of Inhabitants . The Duke of Florence thought there was no way to secure himself of this great City ; but by depopulating of it , and ruining the Trade , which rendred it so potent , so that at present there is not any Trade there at all . The City of Sienna was also formerly a very fine Common Wealth , and had in it many noble , rich , and powerful Families ; but since that the Duke of Florence hath reduced it to his Obedience , he hath ruined most of the Nobility and Gentry , many of them retiring into France , and into the territories of some of the Princes of Italy . As to the City of Florence it self , it is extreamly decayed to what is was since it came under the Government of the House of Me●icis . It is plain from the History of Machiavil , and other Italian Authors that lived in those times , that it was three times more populous when it was a Republick , than it is now . The Great Duke keeping his Court and residence there , one would think should make the City flourish the more ; yet it wants a great deal of that Luster and Splendor it had when it was a Commonwealth . Remarks upon the Temporal Government of the POPE . THere are certainly very few People so miserable , a● those who live under the Dominion of the Pope : most of the States of Italy , and where there are the most Subsidies and Impositions , have not put any tax upon Corn and Grain which make Bread , because there is no person , tho never so miserable , that can subsist without it ; there is that humanity and regard had to the People , in not laying Taxes upon Bread , because 't is the common Nourishment and absolutely necessary even for the most Indigent and Poor ; tho Impositions are laid without scruple upon Wine and other Merchandises , because thy are not so necessary as Bread yet the Pope makes no scruple to lay very great Imposition● upon Corn and Bread throughout all his Dominions , except in those places that have yet preserved their Liberties . It was Donna Olimpia , that during the Pontificat of Innocent the X. began to put Taxes and Imposts upon Corn , and made such Laws which have ruined the most part of the great Nobility and Gentry , that live under the Ecclesiastical Government , who had their revenues consisting in Corn. All the Popes who have reigned since Innocents time , have found such a great Advantage to themselves by these Laws of Donna Olympia , that they have continued them ever since ; and it is at present a very Considerable part of the Ecclesiastical Revenue . The substance of which said Law or Ordinance is this , That no person whatsoever is suffered to sell Corn to any Strangers ; but all those that have any , are obliged to sell it at a price certain to the Ecclesiastical Chamber ; which is not at the most above one moiety o● the real Value ; and then the Ecclesiastical Chamber sells it again at double the price In Italy there is no person , either in City or Country , in the Popes Dominions , who is permitted to make their own Bread , but eve●y one is obliged to buy it of the Bakers , who are appointed by the Chamber ; in each Village and Burrough there is but one Baker Established by the Chamber to make and sell Bread ; the Baker is obliged to take the Corn of the Chamber at a certain price , and to make the Bread of such a quality and weight , and to sell it at a price Certain . In the great Cities , as at Rome , there are Very many Bakers , who are all obliged to buy a certain quantity of Corn of the Ecclesiastical Chamber for a whole Year to come , which they pay for beforehand , and give ten Crowns the Salme or measure , when at the same time the Chamber bougt it of the particular persons for five Crowns , at the beginning of the year , all the Bakers are obliged to take the same Quantity of Corn for the Year ensuing , altho sometimes they have a great deal of the last years Corn upon their hands , which they must deliver to the Chamber for five Crowns the Salme or measure , and then the very same Corn is sold them again for ten Crowns . I do not believe that there is any Country in the World , that draws more profit from their Subjects for Corn , ●●an the Pope doth in his Dominions , which hath been partly the Cause of the ruin of the Ecclesiastical Estate , since the Establishment of the said Law , which was about thirty years since : the Country is unpeopled , and great part of the Lands lie void and uncultivated , because it is not worth while to manure them , when the greatest advantage and profit , arising thereby , goes to the Pope . In travelling through the Ecclesiastical Territories in Romania , and between Rome and Naples , there are vast quantites of Land unmanured . A Traveller passing through the Estate of a Roman Prince , told the Prince upon his return to N●ples , he would if he pleased send him Husbandm●n that should manure his Land ; thinking that it had been for want of Labourers that the Lands lay yoid and wast . The Prince told him , that he did not want people to Cultivate his Lan●s ; but because they were obliged to sell all their Corn and Grain to the Chamber at a Very Low Price , it would not quit Cost to Manure and Cultivate it . Touching the Reduction of the Interest of mony Due by the MONTES at Rome from 4 to 3 per Cent. EVery body almost knows what 't is which in Italy , & especially at Rome , they call the Montes ; it it is much like the Rents upon the Town house at Paris . The Popes having occasion of money , borrow great sums of particular Persons at 4 per Cent Interest ; This they call at Rome the Establishment of the Monte , that is , the Creation of certain Officers , and the assignment of several Rents for the payment of those who have lent Mony to the Pope . The present Pope , finding the Chamber engaged to the annual payments of I know not how many Millions of Roman Crowns Interest , to those that had ient Money upon the Monte , resolved in part to reduce and lessen the great Sum of Money which the Interest amounted to , and having for this purpose raised several Millions of Roman Crowns , he acquainted those that had money upon the Monte , that they should come and receive their principal money , unless they would take 3 per cent Interest for the 4 per cent which they formerly received ; w●ereupon , there being really no Trade in all the Ecclesiastical Territories , and the Lands worth nothing , and that the Estates of the Nobility were all sold to a penny , all Persons who had Money upon the Monte , not knowing how to Imploy it to advantage elsewhere , let it there remain , contenting themselves with three per cen● instead of four per cent , which they had before ; So that by this means every one concerned lost a fourth part of their yearly Income , and the Chamber got I know not how many Millions of Crowns yearly by this Retrenchment of one per cent . It is almost incredible the Immence Sums the Pope hath raised by retrenching of many superf●uous Expences , and extinguishing several Offices to which great Salleries were payd by the Ecclesiastical Chamber , and b● divers other means . Those who are well informed in the●e matters , do for certain affirm , that all the Subsidies which the Pope hath remitted to the Emperor and King of Poland , to carry on the War against the Turks , are not the thirtieth part of the Money which he hath treasured up ; altho likewise he hath pay'd many Debts of the Chamber , which were not chargeable upon the Montes . I ought not here to omit relating , that the Inns , especially in Tuscany , in Romania , and between Rome and Naples , are very sordid and incommodious , one may give a pretty good guess at the prodigious Wealth belonging to the Clergy in the Kingdom of Naples by the great quantity of plate , Vessels and Statues of Silver in the Churches ; and by the riches and magnificent Furniture of their Habitations , and Vestments of the Priests . One may upon the whole matter make this Important Reflection , that if the King of Spain doth not think of some expedient , to hinder the Clergy from Increasing their Estates in Lands , which they do daily , they will in a very little time become Masters of the greatest part of the Kingdom of Naples ; for they are already possessed of more than the half of the Lands of that Kingdom , besides the other vast profits they make continually under pretence of Service to the Church , for their Masses , Buildings , Burials , Marriages , Confessions , and by their Indulgences , and the Legacies left them by Will. Tho these are Remarks made in hast ▪ yet they may be of use to the Author . I know several very pleasant Stories of the Iesuits at Naples . The Prince of Salerme gave them the moiety of a great House which he had at Naples , and thereupon an Inscription was engaven in Capital Letters upon the Frontispice of the House , of the Donation thereof given to the Iesuits by the said Prince ; within these few years the Iesuites have turn'd the Heires of the Prince of Sal●rme out of possession of the other Moiety of the said House , and have defaced the Inscription upon the House : and all this they have done by Colour of Law and Justice . Upon the first Establishment of the Society of Iesuits , the Carthusians of Naples , who are very rich , voluntarily assigned them a yearly Pension of several thousand Ducats ; but the Carthusians perceiving that of late years several of the Iesuits were grown mighty rich , resolved to withdraw the said Pension ; the Iesuites hereupon went to Law with them , and obtained Sentence , that the said Pension should be continued . The Iesuits have got a very considerable part of the Lands of the Nobility in the Kingdom of Naples . All the Religious , of what Order soever they be , who have Houses at Naples , have the Priviledge of purchasing all Houses that are contiguous to them on the one side or the other to the very end of the Street , in order to make their Houses entire and to stand alone like an Island ; and for this purpose they have no more to do , than only pay the Proprietor for his House , not according to the present Value , but as it was last sold , perhaps 50 , 60 , or 100 years ago , and so hath descended from Father to Son successively to the person then in possession . Many other very considerable Remarks might be made of the divers Triks and Methods the Clergy of this Kingdom make use of to wheed●e and trapan the Laity out of thei● Estates . FINIS 
A49620	----	The voyage of Italy, or, A compleat journey through Italy in two parts : with the characters of the people, and the description of the chief towns, churches, monasteries, tombs, libraries, pallaces, villas, gardens, pictures, statues, and antiquities : as also of the interest, government, riches, force, &c. of all the princes : with instructions concerning travel / by Richard Lassels, Gent. who travelled through Italy five times as tutor to several of the English nobility and gentry ; never before extant. Lassels, Richard, 1603?-1668. 1670 Approx. 921 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 369 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2007-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A49620 Wing L465 ESTC R2418 12040167 ocm 12040167 52976 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A49620) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 52976) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 569:10) The voyage of Italy, or, A compleat journey through Italy in two parts : with the characters of the people, and the description of the chief towns, churches, monasteries, tombs, libraries, pallaces, villas, gardens, pictures, statues, and antiquities : as also of the interest, government, riches, force, &c. of all the princes : with instructions concerning travel / by Richard Lassels, Gent. who travelled through Italy five times as tutor to several of the English nobility and gentry ; never before extant. Lassels, Richard, 1603?-1668. S. W. (Simon Wilson) 2 pts. ([44], 251; 447, [4] p.) [s.n.], and are to be sold in London, by John Starkey ..., Newly printed at Paris : 1670. Marginal notes. "A table of the names..." [i.e. index]: prelim. p. [7]-[9] and p. [2]-[4] at end. Part 1 has added t.p., engraved. Part 2 has special t.p. which reads: The voyage of Italy ... Opus posthumum: corrected and set forth by his old friend and fellow traveller S[imon] W[ilson]. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Italy -- Description and travel. 2006-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2006-08 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2006-09 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2006-09 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2007-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion THE VOYAGE OF ITALY . PRINTED AT PARIS . Anno dn̄i . M.DC.LXX THE VOYAGE OF ITALY , OR A Compleat Journey through ITALY . In Two Parts . With the Characters of the People , and the Description of the Chief Towns , Churches , Monasteries , Tombs , Libraries , Pallaces , Villas , Gardens , Pictures , Statues , and Antiquities . AS Also of the Interest , Government , Riches , Force , &c. of all the Princes . With Instructions concerning Travel . By Richard Lassels , Gent. who Travelled through Italy Five times as Tutor to several of the English Nobility and Gentry . Never before Extant . Newly Printed at Paris , and are to be sold in London , by John Starkey at the Mitre in Fleet-street near Temple-Barr , 1670. TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE AND MOST TRVLY NOBLE LORD RICHARD LORD LVMLEY VICOVNT WATERFORD &c. MY LORD It were needlesse to tell you , by how many titles this little Orphan booke , claimes the honour of your Lord ps protection . First , by the law of nature , its parent dying in your seruice , you stand bound to bee a foster father to it ; againe it haueing been my fortune to contribute something to the bringing it forth to light , it hath a new relation to you vnder the title by which I haue long agoe consecrated all my endeauours to your seruice . But to passe by these two , there is yet a third reason , wherby it will appeare , not the effect of choise , but of necessity , that it should come forth vnder the fauour of your name : The wellgrounded experience which you haue gained in your trauells ; the exacte and iudicious account you are able to giue of the places you haue seen , which make a great part of the subiect of this booke ; the mature iudgment of the interests of states , and manners of people wherof it treats , which in you is not the after fruit of age ; the Gentile and courteous behauiour which you haue acquired , and which charmes all those who haue the honour to conuerse with you : These , I say , are vertues so peculier to your Person , and so conspicuous in the eyes of all the world , that the designe of this Booke being to forme the like in the rest of the Gentry of our Nation that pretend to trauell ; It would bee a wrong to the publike to let it appeare vnder the Patronage of any other then of him that is the Idea of an accomplisht and consūmate Traueller . And this , I doubt not , was the reason , why the Author haueing had the honour to haue been a Gouernour to so many of the flower of our Gentry , made choise of your Lordship to bequeath this worke vnto , by his last Will and Testament : And which imposeth vpon me a necessity , both in compliance to the memory of my worthy friend and fellow traueller , and to the duty I owe vnto your Lordship , by the honour I haue to succeed vnto him in his last engagement , to offer vp this his last worke to you , as an euerlasting monument of esteeme and gratitude , of him who while hee liued euer was , and of him who liueing euer is . MY LORD Your Lordships most humble & most obedient seruant S. Wilson . A TABLE OF THE NAMES OF THE CHIEF TOWNES contained in this first part . A. AIguebelle . 69 Aiguebellet Mt. 66 Aix . 42 Alexandria . 103 Apennins Mts. 154 Aquapendente . 241 Auignon . 38 B. S. Baume . 43 Beauuoysin . 66 Berlin . Mt. 58 Bologna . 141 Bolsena . 242 Briare . 32 Briga . 6● C. Caprarola . 247 Cassale . 103 Castelfranco . 141 Chambery . 67 Cenis . Mt. 70 Coire . 57 D ▪ Deuedra . 65 Domodoscela . 65 F. Florence . 155 Fontainbleau . 27 Fort-Vrban . 140 G. Geneua . 48 Genua . 82 I. S. Iohn Morian . 69 Isere . Riu. 68 L. Lake of Geneua 49 Lake of Bolsena . 243 Lakes of Wollinstade and Isee . 59 Lake Maior . 65 Lasneburg . 69 Lausanna . 50 Ligorne . 232 Lodi . 133 Lucca . 225 Lyons . 32 M. Marseiles . 42 Marguzzi . 65 Marignano . 133 S Maurice . 59 S. Maximin . 44 Milan . 112 Modena . 138 Monferat . 103 Montargis . 32 Montefiascone . 243 Monterosa . 249 Montmelian . 68 Murat . 52 N. Neuers . 32 Noualese . 71 Noui 10● P. Parma . 135 Pauia . 105 Piacenza . ●4 Piemont . 72 Pisa . 228 Pistoia . 225 Po. Riv. 72 Poggibonzi . 235 Pont S. Esprit . 38 Pougues . 32 R. Radicofino . 241 Regio . 238 Riuiera di Genua . 82 Roanne . 32 S. Sampion . M. 63 Sauona . 80. Sauoy . 76 Sesto . 66 Siena . 235 Sion 62 Soleur . 52 Splug . Mt. 58 Susa . 71 Swisserland . 51 T. Terrara . 32 Ticinum . 105 Tortona . 104 Tournon . 38 Turin . 72 V. Valance . 38 Valtaline . 57 Valetians . 59 Veij . 250 Vienne . 38 Viterbo . 246 Y. Yssonne . ●● . Z. Zuric . 54 A PREFACE TO THE READER , CONCERNING TRAVELLING . WHEN I first set pen to Paper to handle this subject , I had not the least thought of the presse ; nor of erecting my selfe into an Author . J onely discharged my memory hastily of some things which J had seen , in Italy ; and wrapt vp that vntimely Embrio in fiue sheets of paper , for the vse of a noble person , who set me that taske . Yet this Embrio likeing the person for whom it was conceiued , obliged me to lick it ouer and ouer againe , and bring it into better forme . Second thoughts , and succeding voyages into Italy , haue finished it at last ; and haue made it what it is ; A compleat Voyage , and an exact Itinerary through Italy . And here I thought to haue drawne bridle and rested , after so long a iourney ; when a learned friend hauing perused this my Description of Italy , desired much to see a Preface to it , of my fashion , and Cōcerning Traueling . I could refuse nothing to such a freind ; and haue done it here willingly , both for my owne , and my countryes sake . For my owne sake ; to preexcuse some things in my booke , which some perchance may dislike . For some , I feare , will quarrel with my English ; and justly , seeing three long voyages into Flanders , six into France , fiue into Italy , one into Germany , and Holland , haue made mee , liue half of my life time in forrain countryes , to the disturbance of my owne language . Yet if J bring not home fine language , J bring home fine things : and I haue seen great Ladyes , both in France , and England , buy finde things of chimney-sweepers , and Pedlars , that spoke but course Lombard language , and grosse Scotch . Others perchance will finde fault , that J write merrily sometimes : And why not ? Seeing I write to young men , and for them : and mirth is neuer so lawfull as in traueling , where it shortens long miles , and sweetens bad vsage ; that is , makes a bad dinnar go downe , and a bad horse go on . Others will say , that I fill my booke with too much Latin : But these must be minded , that I am writing of the Latin country ; and that I am caruing for Schollers , who can disgest solid bitts , hauing good stomacks . Others will say , J ieere now and then : And would any man haue me go through so many diuers countries , and prayse all I see ? Or in earnest , do not some things deserue to be ieered ? when things cannot be cured but by ieering , ieering , sayth Tertullian , is a duty : and I thinke the Cynick Philosophers struck as great a blow at vice , as the Stoicks . Others will say , I change stile often , and sometimes ru●n smoothly , sometimes joltingly : Tru●●raueled not allwayes vpon smooth ground , and paceing horses : Swisserlande and Sauoye , are much different , from Campania , and Lombardy ; and its one thing to describe a Pleasant garden , an other thing to describe a Venerable Cathedrall : and if in the one , and the other , we haue seueral lookes ; much more ought we to haue seueral words in describing them . Others will say , I affect a world of exotick words not yet naturalized in England : No , I affect them not ; I cannot auoyd them : For who can speak of Statues , but he must speak of Niches ? or of Churches , Wrought Tombes , or inlayd Tables ; but hee must speak of Coupolas ; of bassi rilieui ; and of pietre commesse ? If any man vnderstand them not , it s his fault , not mine . Others will say , I hunt too much after Ceremonies , and Church antiquityes . No , I onely meet them . And as a man cannot speak of Hercules , but he must speak of clubbs , of combats , of Labours , and victories : so I cannot speak of Rome the Christian , but I must speake of Relicks , Ceremonies , and Religion . Yet I beleeue , I giue my Reader a full drought to● of prophane antiquityes , Mascarades , Shews , dressings , and passetimes . Others in fine will say , that I do but a thing done allready ; seeing two others haue written of this subiect in English. Well ; if others haue written vpon this subiect , why may not I ? They did the best they could , I beleeue ; but they drew not vp the ladder after them . The one writes much of Italy , and says little : the other writes little and leaueth out much ; which I impute to the ones writing out of old Geographers , long after he had been there : and to the others short stay in Italy , when he was there . And if these ingenious gentlemen haue painted out Italy in busto onely , and profile ; why may not I paint her out at full face , and at her full length ? If they , like ancient Statuaryes , haue represented Italy vnto vs like a naked statue ; I haue set her out in all her best Attire , and Iewels . And thus much for my owne sake . For my countryes sake ; To read to my countrymen two profitable Lessons . The first , of the Profit of traueling . The second : of Traueling with profit . 1. For the first , to wit the Profit of Traueling , its certain , that if this world be a great booke , as S. Augustin calls it , none studdy this great Booke so much as the Traueler . They that neuer stirr from home , read onely one page of this booke ; and like the dull follow in Pliny , who could neuer learne to count further then fiue , they dwell allwayes vpon one lesson . They are like an acquaintance of mine , who had alwayes a booke indeed lyeing open upon a deske ; but it was obserued that it lay allwayes open at one and the same place , and by long custome , could lye open no where else . He then that will know much out of this great booke , the world , must read much in it : and as Vlysses is setforth by Homer as the wisest of all the Grecians , because he had traueled much , and had seen multorum hominum mores & Vrbes , the Cittyes and customes of many men : so his sonn Telemachus is held for a very shallow witted man : and Homer giues the reason , because his mother Penelope , instead of sending him abroad to see forrain countryes , had allwayes kept him at home , and so made him a meere Onocephalus , and a homeling Mammacuth . So true is the saying of Seneca , that Imperitum est animal homo , & sine magna experientia rerum , si circumscribatur Natalis soli sui fine . 2 Traueling preserues my yong nobleman from surfeiting of his parents , and weanes him from the dangerous fondness of his mother . It teacheth him wholesome hardship ; to lye in beds that are none of his acquaintance ; to speak to men he neuer saw before ; to trauel in the morning before day , and in the euening after day ; to endure any horse and weather , as well as any meat and drink . Whereas my country gentleman that neuer traueled , can scarce go to London without makeing his Will , at least without wetting his handkercher . And what generous mother will not say to her sonn with that ancient ? Malo tibi malè esse , quàm molliter : I had rather thou shouldst be sick , then soft . Indeed the coral-tree is neither hard , nor red , till taken out of the Sea , its natiue home . And I haue read that many of the old Romans put out their children to be nurced abroad by Lacedemonian nurces , till they were three yeares old ; then they put them to their Vncles , till seauen , or tenn ; then they sent them into Toscany to be instructed in Religion ; and at last into Greece to studdy Philosophy . 3. Traueling takes my yong nobleman four notches lower , in his self-conceit and pride . For wheras the country Lord that neuer saw any body but his Fathers tennants , and M. Parson , and neuer read any thing but Iohn Stow , and Speed ; thinks the Lands-end to be the Worlds-end ; and that all solid greatness , next vnto a great Pasty , consists in a great Fire , and a great estate . Wheras my traueling yong Lord , who hath seen so many greater men , and Estats then his owne , comes home farre more modest and ciuil to his inferiours , and farre lesse pufft vp with the empty conceit of his owne greatness . Indeed nothing cured Alcibiades his pride so much , as to see in a Map ( shewd him for the nonce by Socrates ) that his house and lands , of which he was so prowd , either appeared there not at all , or onely a little spot , or dab : and nemo in pusillo magnus . 4. Traueling takes off , in some sort , that aboriginal curse , which was layd vpon mankind euen allmost at the beginning of the world ; I meane , the confusion of tongues : which is such a curse indeed , that it makes men , who are of one kind , and made to be sociable , so strangely to fly one an other , that , as great S. Austin sayth , A man had rather be with his dog , then with a man whose language he vnderstands not . Nay , this diuersity of language , makes the wisest man passe for a foole in a strange country , and the best man , for an excommunicated person , whose conuersation all men auoyd . Now , traueling takes off this curse , and this moral excommunication , by making vs learne many languages , and conuerse freely with people of other countryes . 5. Traueling makes vs acquainted with a world of our kinred we neuer saw before . For seing we are all comne from one man at first , and consequently all akinn to one another ; it s but a reasonable thing , that a man should , once at least in his life time , make a journey into forrain countries , to see his Relations , and visit this kinred : haueing allwayes this saying of young Joseph in his mouth ; quaero fratres meos 6. Traueling enables a man much for his countryes seruice . It makes the merchant rich , by shewing him what abounds , & wantes , in other countryes ; that so he may know what to import , what to export . It makes the mechanick come loaden home with a world of experimental knowledge for the improueing of his trade . It makes the feild officer , a knowing Leader of an army , by teaching him where an army in forrain countryes , can march securely , passe riuers easily , incamp safely , auoid ambuscades and narrow passages discretly , and retreat orderly . It makes the Common soldier play the spy wel , by making him speak the ennemyes language perfectly , that so mingling with them , he may find their designes , and crosse their plottes . In fine , it makes a nobleman fitt for the noblest employment , that is , to bee Ambassador abroad for his king in forrain countryes , and carry about with him his kings person , which he represents , and his kings word , which he engageth . 7. Traueling brings a man a world of particular profits . It contents the minde with the rare discourses we heare from learned men , as the Queen of Saba was rauished at the wisdome of Salomon . It makes a wiseman much the wiser by making him see the good and the bad in others . Hence the wiseman sayth : Sapiens in terram alienigenarum gentium pertransiet : bona enim & mala in hominibus tentabit . It makes a man think himself at home euery where , and smile ●t vniust exile : It makes him wellcome home a gaine to his Neighbours , sought af●er by his betters , and listened vnto with admiration by his inferiours . It makes him sit still in his old age with satisfaction ; and trauel ouer the world againe in his chair and bed , by discourse and thoughts . In fine its an excellent Commentary vpon historyes ; and no man vnderstands Liuy and Caesar , Guicciardin and Monluc , like him , who hath made exactly ●he Grand Tour of France , and the Giro of Italy . 8. Trauelling makes my young Nobleman returne home againe to his country like a blessing Sunn , For as the Sunn , who hath been traueling about the world these fiue thousand and odd yeares , not onely enlightens those places whi●h hee visits ; but also enrich●th them with all sorts of fruits , and mettales : so the nobleman by long traueling , hauing enlightened his vnderstanding with fine notions , comes home like a glorious Sunn ; and doth not onely shine birght in the firmament of his country , the Parlament house ; but also blesseth his inferiours with the powerfull influences of his knowing spirit . 9. In fine , Examples ( the best Philosophy ) shew vs , that the greatest Princes Europe hath seen , these many years , to wit , Charles the V. and the King of Sueden , Gustauus Adolphus , where both of them great trauelers ; the first had been twice in England , as often in Africk , four times in France , six times is Spayne , seuen in Italy , and nine in Germany : The second had traueld incognito ( as M. Wats writes of him ) into Holland , France , Italy , and Germany in his youth : which made him say afterwards to the French Ambassador Mareshal Brezé , in a kind of threatening way , that he knew the way to Paris , as wel as to Stockholme . Adde to this , that the wisest and greatest among the ancien● Philosophers , Plato , Pythagoras Anaxagoras , Anacharsis , Apollonius , Architas , and Pi●tacus , ( which last left his supreame Command of Mytelen to trauel ) were all great trauelers ; and that S. Hierome ( who being no Bishop , and consequently not obliged to residence ) hauing traueled into France , Italy , Greece , and the Holy Land , purchased to himself such rare acquisitions of learning , by his trauels and languages , that among all the ancient Fathers and Doctors , The Church , in her Collect on his day , calls him onel● , Doctorem maximum , the greatest Doctor . And so much for the profit of Traueling . Now for as much as concernes the second Lesson , to wit , the Traueling with profit , diuers things are to be taken notice of ; some by the Parents of those that trauel ; others by those themselues that trauel : of all which I will speak breefly . As for the Parents , their greatest care ought to be of prouideing there children ( I speak to men of high condition ) a good Gouernour , to trauel with them , and haue a care of their Persons , and breeding : that is , play the part of the Archangel Raphaël to yong Tobie , and Lead them safe abroad , and bring them safe home : Ego sanum ducam & reducam filium tuum . Tob. 5. v. 20. And here I could ▪ wish indeed that Parents could be as happy in their choyce , and finde men Angels for Gouernours to their children , vpon condition they should requite them , as yong Tobie offered to requite the Archangel his Gouernour , whom he tooke to be a man. For the education of children is a thing of that high concerne to the Commonwealth , that in this , Parents should spair no coste whatsoeuer ; but rather imitate the old Lacedemonians , who tooke more care of their youth , then of any thing els in their Commonweath . In so much that when Antigonus a●d of them fifty yong youths for hostages , they answered him , that they had rather giue him twice as many made men . Seing then yong youths are the future hopes of families , and Commonwealths , their education ought not to be committed but to men of great parts and excellent breeding . For I haue allwayes thought , that a yong Noblemans train ought to be like his Clothes ; His Lacquais and footmen are like his Galoshes , which he leaues at the dores of those he visits : His Valets de Chambre , are like his night gowne , which he neuer vseth but in his chamber ; and leaues them there when he goes in visits : His gentlemen attendants , are like his seueral rich sutes , which he wears not all at once , but now one , now an other , and sometimes none at all of them : His groome is like his rideing cloake , and neuer appears neare him but vpon the road : But his Gouernour ▪ is like his shirt , which is allwayes next vnto his skinn and person ; and therefore as yong Noblemen are curious to haue their shirts of the finest linnen : so should they haue their Gouernours of the finest thread , and the best spunn men that can be found . Hence the ancients as they were carefull in honouring the memory of those that had binn Gouernours to great Heroes , as of Chyron , Gouernour of Hercules , Iason , Paris , Achilles , and other braue heroes ; Miscus Gouernour of Vlysses ; Eudorus of Patroclus ; Dares of Hector ; Epitides of Iulus , Connidas of Theseus ; all of them choyce men : So they were in chooseing the rarest men for that great employment , to be their childrens Gouernours ; that is in their language , Custodes & comites iuuentutis Principum & magnatum . For not euery honest and vertuous man ( as some Parents think ) is fit for this employment ▪ Those parts indeed would do well in a Stuard and a Soliciter ; but many things els , besides these , must concurre to make vp a good Gouernour . I would haue him then to be not onely a Vertuous man , but a Virtuoso too : not onely an honest man , but a man of honour too : not onely a gentleman borne , but a gentile man allso by breeding : a man not onely comely of person by nature ; but gracefull allso by art in his garbes and behauiour : a good scholler , but no meere scholler : a man that hath traueled much in forrain countryes ; but yet no fickleheaded man : a man of a stout spirit , but yet of a discreet tongue , and who knowes rather to waue quarrels prudently , then to maintain them stoutly : a man cheerfull in conuersation , yet fearfull to offend others : a man of that prudence , as to teach his pupil rather to be wise , then witty ; and of that example of life , that his deeds may make his pupil beleeue his words : in fine , I would haue him to be an Englishman , no stranger . I speak not this out of an enuy to strangers , but out of a loue to my owne countrymen . For J haue knowne diuers English gentlemen much wrongd abroad by their Gouernours that were Strangers . Some I haue knowne that led their pupils to Geneua , where they got some French language , but lost all their true English allegiance and respect to Monarchy ; others I haue knowne who , being marryed and haueing their setlements and interest lyeing at Saumur , kept yong gentlemen there all the time they were abroad ; and made their parents in England beleeue , that all good breeding was in that poore towne , where their wife 's were breeding children . Others I haue knowne who hauing their mistresses in the country , perswaded their yong pupils , men of great birth , that it was fine liuing in a country house , that is , fine carrying a gunn vpon their necks , and walking a foot . Others haue been obserued to sell their pupils to Masters of exercises , and to haue made them beleeue , that the worst Academyes were the best , because they were the best to the cunning Gouernour , who had tenn pound a man for euery one he could draw thither . Others I haue knowne who would haue marryed their pupils in France , without their Parents knowledge ; and haue sacrificed their great trust , to their sordid auarice . Others J haue knowne who haue locked their pupils in a chamber with a wanton woman , and taken the Key away with them . Nay , this I can say more , that of all those strangers that I haue knowne Gouernours to yong Nobleman of England ( and I haue knowne seuen or eight . ) I neuer Knew one of them to be a gentleman borne ; but for the most part , they were needy bold men , whose cheif parts were , their owne language and some Latin ; and whose cheif ayme was , to serue themselues , not their pupils . But to returne againe to our subject , the Parent hauing found out such a Gouernour for his sonn , as we haue described here aboue , he must resigne ouer vnto him his full Authority , and command his sonn to obey him : otherwise let the Gouernour be the wisest , and the most compleat man in the world , if his pupil do not obey him , and follow his counsel , all will go wrong . I haue seen great disorders befall for want of this . Hence I haue often thought of great Clemens Alexandrinus , who sayth wisely , that our Sauiour Christ is the onely true Pedagogue , or Gouernour , because he can not onely giue the best instructions to yong men , but also can giue them grace to execute those instructions : whereas other Gouernours ( Cassandra like ) telling their pupils many excellent truths , are not beleeued by them ; nor can they force their inclinations to execute them , except the Parents commands come in to their assistance : and it is but reasonable , that as Gouernours are the Seconds of Parents , in the breeding of their children , so Parents should second Gouernours too , in makeing their children obey them . And so much for the Parents care . For the son̄s care , it must bee this . First to take a view of England before he enter into forrain countryes . This will enure him to trauel , to see company , to obserue townes and rarityes , and sharpen his appetite for forrain curiosi●yes . I would wish him withall in traueling ouer England , to fall in , as often as he can , with the Iudges in their circuits , not onely to see how his country is gouerned in point of judicature , but allso to see the gentry of seueral countryes , who flock to great townes in the assise week . It would be allso profitable to him , to cast to be at all the cheif Horsraces , where he will easily see allso the gentry of the seuerall counties in a compendious view . Haueing thus seen his owne country in a summers space , and haueing got his Majesties licence to trauel beyond the seas ( in which Licence I could wish this clause were inserted , That all yong gentlemen should at their returne , present themselues to his Majesty , to giue him an account of their trauels and obseruations ) I would haue him depart England about the beginning of October . 2. At his going out of England , let him take his ayme right ; that is , let him ayme altogether at his profit , and not at his pleasures onely . J haue knowne many Englishmen who for want of right ayming , haue missed the white of breeding , whole heauens breadth . For some in traueling , ayme at nothing but to get loose , from their Parents , or schoolmasters , and to haue the fingering of a pretty allowance ; and these men when they come into France , care for seeing no court , but the Tenniscourt ; delight in seing no Balls but Tennisballs ; and forsake any company , to tosse whole dayes together with a tattered Marker in the Tripot . Others desire to go into Italy , onely because they heare there are fine Curtisanes in Venice ; and as the Queen of the Amazons , in Iustin , went thirteen dayes journey out of her country , onely to haue a nights lodgeing with Alexander the Great , so these men trauel a whole month together , to Venice , for a nights lodgeing with an impudent woman . And thus by a false ayming at breeding abroad , they returne with those diseases which hinder them from breeding at home . Others trauel abroad , as our ship-boyes do into the Indies : for whiles these boyes might bring home Iewels , Pearles , ad many other things of valew , they bring home nothing but firecanes , parots , and Monkies ; so our yong trauelers , whiles they might bring home many rich obseruations , for the gouerning themselues , and others , bring home nothing but Fire-canes , that is , a hotspur humor , that takes fire at euery word , and talkes of nothing but duels , seconds , and esclaireissements : or else parots , that is , come loaden home with rubans and feathers of all colours like parots , and with a few borowed compliments in their mouths , which make them talke like parots : or els Monkies , that is , some affected cringes , shrugs , and such like Apish behauiour . 3. At his embarking let him haue a special care not to carry Himself abroad with Himself in traueling . Many men , sayth Seneca , returne home no better then they went out , because they take themselues along with themselues in traueling : and as a man in a feauer , findes himself no better then he was , by changeing his bed ; because he carryes his feauour with him wheresoeuer he lyes : so many yong men returne home tyred , and dirted , but not better and wiser ; because they caryed abroad their bad customes and manners with them . I would then that my yong traueler should leaue behinde him all willfulness , and stubborness ; all tenderness , and seeking his ease too much ; all effeminatnesse and delicateness ; all boyish tricks with hands or mouth , and mocking of others ; all delighting in being the best man in the company ; all familiarity with seruants , and meane men ; all Tauernes , and intemperancy of eating and drinking ; hauing that saying of Seneca often in his mouth , and minde ; Major sum & ad majora natus , quàm vt mancipium sim corporis mei : I am too great a man , and borne to too great things , for to become the slaue of my body . In fine I would haue him imitate that yong gentleman of whom S. Ambrose speaks ; who returning home from forrain trauels , and meeting with his old mistresse , a wanton woman , seemed not to know her ; whereat she wondering , told him that ●he was such an one : it may be so , sayd he , but I am no more I. A rare Apothegme , which I would wish my yong Traueler to take for his motto , as well as this yong man for his exemple . 4. Being thus got out of England , it s a great question into what country he should first go , to make his aboad . The common course is , to go first into France , and then into Italy , and so home by Germany , Holand , and Flanders , as J did once : but my opinion is , that its better for a yong man to go first into Italy , and returning by Germany , Holland and Flanders , come into France , to giue himself there the last hand in breeding . And my reason is this ; For seing the intention of traueling , is to make a man a wise man , not a finical man , it s better to season his minde betimes with a stayd wise breeding , then to fill it vp to the brime at first , with a phantastical giddy breeding , which hauing once gotten possession of the minde , bolts the doore on the inside , locks out all staydness , and makes my yong man delight in nothing but vanity , clothes , danceing , liueryes , bals , and such meere outsides . I would therefore haue my yong noblemans Gouernour to carry him immediatly into Italy at fifteen or sixteen , and there season his minde with the grauity , and wise maximes of that Nation , which hath ciuilized the whole world , and taught Man Manhood . Hauing spent two , or three yeares in Italy in learning the language , viewing the seueral courts , studdying their maximes , imitating their gentile conuersation , and following the sweet exercises of musick , painting , architecture , and mathematicks , he will at his returne , know what true vse to make of France . And hauing spent three yeares more there , in learning to fence , dance , ride , vault , handle his pike , musket , coulors &c. The Map , history , and bookes of Policy ; he will be ready to come home at twenty , or one and twenty , a man most compleat both in body , and mind ; and fit to fill the place of his calling . 5. I say , make true vs of France : For I would not haue my yong traueler imitate all things he sees done in France , or other forrain countryes . I would haue him learne of the French a hansome confidence ; but not an ●mpudent boldness . He must learne of them to come into à Roome with a ●onne mine ; but not to rush into a mans chamber , as they do , without so much as knocking at the doore . He must learne of them to dance well , to get a good grace in walkeing , and saluting , as they do : but he must not dance as he walkes , as many of them do . He must learne of the French , to become any clothes well ; but he must not follow them in all their Phantastical and fanfaron clothings . He must learne to fence well , as they do ; but I would haue his sword stick faster in the scabbard then theirs do . In fine , I would haue him open , ayry , and gallant , as they are : but not affecting to be the Gallands of all Ladyes , as they do . So in Italy , J would haue him learne to make a fine house ; but J would not haue him learne of the Italians to keep a good house . He may learne of them to be sober , and wise : but I would not haue him learne of them be gealous and distrustfull . I would haue him learne of the Italians , to receiue those that visite him , with great ciuility and respect ; but I would not haue him stand vpon all their little formes and incommodious puntiglios . I would haue him to be free of his Hat , as they are : but I would haue the heart to go to the Hat , as well as the hand . Jn Germany I would haue him learne to offer a man a cup of wine at his comeing in ; but I would not haue him presse so much wine vpon him , as he shall not be able ●o go out againe , as they often do . I would haue him learne of them to go freely to warre for the defence of his country : but I would not haue him learne the custome of those vendible souls there , who carry their life 's to market , and serue any Prince for money . I like well their shakeing hands with you , when you first enter into their houses ; but I like not their quarreling with you for not pledgeing a health of a yard long , which would ruine yours . I like very much their singular modesty and chastity , which allowes not bastards to be freemen of the most ordinary trads : but I like not their endlesse drinking in feasts , which is able to make them freemen of all vices . In Holland allso I would haue him learne to keep his house and harth neat , but I would no● haue him adore his house , and stand in such awe of his harth , as not to dare to make a fire in it , as they do . I would haue him learne of them , a spare dyet ; but I would not haue him drink so much , as would keep him both in good dyet and clothes , as they do . I would haue him learne of them their great industry , and oeconomy : but not their rude exacting vpon Noblemen strangers in their Inns , for their Quality sake onely , as they do . I would haue him learne of them a singular loue to his country : but he must take heed of their clownish hatred of Nobility . Thus in all countryes I would haue my yong Traueler do , as men do at a great feast , where ther is no feare of staruing ; that is , not eate greedily of all that 's before him , but fall to the best meats , and leaue the worst for the waiters . 6. That he may follow the foresayd rule the better , and pick out of euery country what 's the best in it , let his Gouernour lead him betimes into the best company ; for there the best lessons are to be learned . Now by the word best , I do not meane the greatest men in birth , but in parts . For the world is not so happy , as that the greatest men are allwayes the best : but by the word best , I meane those that a●e the wisest , the best bred , the best principled , the best behaued , and the most cryed vp by ciuil persons : for of such men much is to be learned : Their life is a perpetual lecture ; their words so many oracles ; their discourses so many wise maxims : and though yong men be not able to bring their dish with them , and clubb wit equally with these men , yet it s a great matter to sit still in their company , and be a respectfull catechumen to them . For if it be true which Quintillian sayth of those that loue Cicero , Ciceronem amasse , profecisse est , it s allso most certain , that a man that loues good company , must be good himself in time . 7. And that he may be able to appeare in good company without blushing , his Gouernour must get him , as soone as he can , to speak the language of the place in hansome tearmes , and with a good accent . Next he must haue a care that he be well adjusted and set out in apparel . For if anciently Iewels were called the Vshers of Ladyes , because all doores flew open to them that presented themselues so richly adorned : so now a dayes good clothes may be called mens vshers , seeing they make way for them into all companyes . He must haue a care that he know his Congies perfectly , and haue a free garbe or carriage ; a Cauallier way of entering into a Roome ; a gratefull manegeing of his mouth and smiles ; a chyronomie , or decent acting with his handes , which may humour his words grauely and freely , yet not affectedly or mimically : in fine , a liberty or freedome in all his actions , which The French call liberté du corps ; and it must appeare to be à la negligence , and yet must be perfectly studdyed a fore hand . And though these things be but the Elements and Alphabet of breeding , yet without them he can neuer spel gentleman rightly , though his inside be neuer so good . Indeed its long ago , that great men dwell no more in thatched houses . 8. But it is not enough to get him into Language and Garbes , if he get him not into Coach and Liueryes , without which he can neuer appeare at Court , or in good company , especially in Rome and Paris ; the two cheif townes of long abode abroad . For let a man be of a Race as ancient as the Autocthenes of Athens , who sayd they were as ancient as the Earth ; and let him quarter his coat of Armes with the three Lyons of England , and the three Flower de-lys of France , as I know a gentleman of little Britany doth , ( by the grant anciently of both those kings ) yet I dare boldly say this , that in Paris no colours blazon a mans nobility behind his coache so much , as three Lacquais and a Page , in a hansome Liuery . In other townes of France , where yong gentlemen vse to liue at first , till they get the language , a couple of sadle horses would be very vsefull , both to take the ayre on , as allso to visit the gentry in the country at their summer houses , where a Man will fine great ciuilityes , and diuertisments . Besides rideing out so in the fresh euenings of summer , will not onely weane my yong gentleman from little company , and the crowd of his countrymen who will be then pressing vpon him ; but will allso afford his Gouernour many fine solitary occasions of plying him alone with good counsels and instructions . 9. And seing J haue touched something aboue of his seruants , and Lacquais , I will adde this , that seing it is none of the least blessings of a yong gentleman to haue good seruants about him , it belongs to his Gouernour , not onely to choose him good ones , but allso to haue power to turne away bad ones . Many men carry ouer with them English seruants , because they were their schoolfellowes , or their tennants sonns : and these are little vsefull for a long time , and euen then when a man hath most need of seruants . Besides , they are often too familiar with their masters , their old play-fellowes ; and as often troublesome to their Gouernours , by takeing their yong masters part against them ; and by raueling out at night , as they get their masters to bed , all that the prudent Gouernour hath been working in the day time . Others carry ouer Frenchmen with them ; but these often , by reason of their prerogatiue of language , which their masters want at first , get such an ascendent ouer them , that they come oftentimes to be too bold , and sawcy with them . For my part , I would haue his Gouernour , to take him new seruants in euery place he comes to stay ; and those sightly , rather then too sprightly youths : Dull people are made to tugg at the oare of obedience , sayth Aristotle , w●iles witty people are fitter to sit at the helme of command . 10. But I am to blame to giue aduice to Gouernours whom I suppose to be wiser men then my selfe ; and therefore will end here , by wishing them a good journey , and safe returne : To the effecting of both which , I found no better secret , them that in my last journey , which was to be mounted vpon our owne horses , ( fiue of vs together ) and to spare for no cost : for by this means , we went at our owne rates , and eat to our owne mindes : so true is the Italian Prouerbe ; Picole giornate , egrandi spese , ti conducono sano al tuo paese . In fine , I would haue my yong traueler make the same prayer of God , as Apollonius Thyanaeus made to the Sunn , at his going out to trauell , that is , that hee would bee so fauourable to him as to shew him all the Brauest and Best men in the world . THE VOYAGE OF ITALY . BEFORE I come to a particular description of Italy , as I found it in my Fiue seueral voyages through it , I think it not amisse to speak something in General , of the Country it self , its Inhabitants , their Humours , Manners , Customes , Riches , and Religion . For the Country it self , it seemed to me to be Natures Darling , and the Eldest Sister of all other countryes ; carrying away from them , all the greatest blessings and fauours ; and receiuing such gracious lookes from the Sun and Heauen , that if there be any fault in Italy , it is that her Mother Nature hath cockered her too much , euen to make her become Wanton . Witnesse luxuriant Lombardy , and Campania antonomastically Foelix , which Florus , Trogus , and Liuy think to be the best parts of the world , where Ceres and Bacchus are at a perpetual strife , whether of them shall court man the most , she by filling his barnes with corne ; he by making his cellars swimme with wine : Whiles the other parts of Italy are sweating out whole Forests of Oliue-trees , whole woods of Lemmons , and Oranges , whole fields of Rice , Turky wheat , and Muskmillions ; and where those Bare Hills , which seem to be shauen by the Sun , and cursed by Nature for their barren̄es , are oftentimes great with child of pretious Marbles , the ornaments of Churches and Palaces , and the Reuenews of Princes : witnesse the Prince of Massa : whose best Reuenues are his Marble Quarries : Nature here thinking it a farre more noble thing to feed Princes , Then to feed sheep . It abounds allso in silks and silkwormes ; out of which they draw a notable profit ; and for the feeding of them they keep a world of Mulberry trees whose leaues are the food of those little wormes , whose excrement is our pride ; thus , Adam like , we are clade in leaues againe , but leaues once remoued . It s rich allso in pasturage and cattle , especially in Lombardy , where I haue seen cheeses of an excessiue greatnesse , and of a Parmesan goodnesse . The surface allso of the earth is couered with many curious simples , ād wholesome hearbs : Hense so many rare essences , cordials , parfumes , sweet waters , and other odoriferous distillations so common here , that ordinary Barbers , and Landresses will spinkle them in your face and parfume your linnen with them , ouer and aboue your bargain . Hence none of the meanest things to be seen in Italy , are the fondaries or stilling houses of the Great Duke of Florence , the speciarie or Apothecaries ●hops , of the Dominicans of S. Marco , and of the Augustins of S. Spirito in Florence ; of the Roman Colledge , and of the Minimes of Trinita di Monte in Rome : where euen death it felf would find a cure in nature , if it were not a curse from the author of nature . In fine , it excells in all kind of prouisions , either for dyet , or sport ; and I haue seen in Rome whole cartloads of wild boares , and Venison , brought in at once to be sold in the market ; and aboue threescore Hares in Florence brought in , in one day by the two companyes of Hunters , the Piaceuoli and Piatelli , on a general hunting day . Yet after all this , some cryout against Italy , for being too hot ; and paint vs out its ayre as an vnwholesome pestilential ayre ; its sun , as an angry Comet , whose beames are all pointed with plagues and feauers ; and the country it self , as a place , where staruing is the onely way to liue in health ; where men eat by method and art ; where you must carry your body steddily , or els spill your life ; and where there are so many prouincial sicknesses and diseases ; as the catarres of Genua , the Goute of Milan , the Hemorrhoids of Venice , the falling sicknesse of Florence , the Feauers of Rome , and the Goistre of Piedmont . For my part , when I am told that there were in Plynies time , fourteen millions of men in Italy : when I read , that there are now aboue three thousand Cittyes in Italy , and most of them Cittyes of Garbo : when I meet with national diseases in euery other country , as the Kingseuil in Spayne , the Poxe in France , the consumption in Portugal , the cholick in England , the dessentery in Gascony , the headacke in Tolouse &c. when I reflect , how this Sun hath blessed Lombardy , and made Campania Happy : when I call to mind , that it hath filled the Cellars of Italy with aboue Thirty seueral forts of wines : when I remember , what health it hath powred into seueral hearbs here , what admirable fruits it furnisheth the markets with all , what ornaments it affords to Gods houses , ouercrustting allmost all the cheif Churches of Italy , with exquisit marbles ; when I consider in fine , how this Sun hath helpt to make so many braue Soldiers , and Schollers , I dare not speak ill of the Sun , or ayre of Italy , least Balzac check mee , as Gracchus did him who spoke ill of his mother , with a Tu Matri meae maledicis , quae Tiberium Gracchum genuit ? Darest thou speak ill of that Sun which helpt to make Caesar ? Yes , yes , it s this great blessing of God , warme Sun , which hath so throughly baked the Italian wits , that while ( according to the obseruation of Charles the V ) the French appeare not wise , but are wise : the spaniards appeare wise , but are not wise : the Dutch neither appeare wise , nor are wise ; The Italians onely both appeare wise , and are wise . Hence the Italians anciently afforded vs those prodigies of wit and learning , and set vs those fair coppies in liberal arts and sciences , which all men follow , but none attain vnto so much , as those that write the Italian hand ; that is , the moderne Italians themselues . For if the Italians anciently had their Virgil , their Ouid , their Horace , their Persius , and Propertius in Poëtry ; the moderne Italians spurr close vp to them , and haue their Taso , their Petrarck , their Sannazarius , their Marino , and Guarini . If the old Italians had their Salust , Liuy , Tacitus , and Valerius Maximus in history ; the moderne Jtalians haue their Guicciardin , Bentiu●glio , Dauila , Strada , and Baptista Fregosus , surnamed the second Valerius Maximus . If the ancient Italians had their pompous Orators , their Cicero , Hortensius , Porcius Latro , Iunius Gallio , Aulius Fuscus &c. The moderne Italians haue their Panigarola , Manzini , Varchi , and Loredano . If the ancient Italians had their Vast knowing Varro ; the moderne Italians haue their omniscious Baronius , who red allmost all that other men had written , and wrot more allmost , then other men can read . If the ancient Italians had their Diuines , writing of the Number and Nature of their Gods , to wit , Varro and Tully ; the moderne Italians haue their Diuines too , their inimitable S. Thomas of Aquin , and his learned second Cardinal Caïetan . If the ancient Italians had their Philosophers , their Pliny , their Cato , their Seneca &c. the moderne Jtalians haue their Ficinus , their Cardan , and their Picus Mirandula . If the ancient Italians had their rare Architects , Statuaries , Painters ; the moderne Jtalians haue their Brunelleschi , Palladio , Fontana , and Cronaco , in Architecture ; their Bandinelli , Donatello , Oli●●ri● , and Bernini in Sculpture ; their Raphael , Michel Angelo , Titian , and Sarto , in painting . If in fine , the ancient Italians had their braue Captains , their Scipio , Duilius , Marius , and Cesar , the moderne Italians haue their Scipio too , towit , their Alexander Farnese , whose true actions make Romances blush , hauing done that really , which Fables can scarce faigne in galantry : Their Duilius too , towit , their Andrea Doria , the Neptune of the Ligurian Seas , who alone taught his country not to serue : Their Marius also , towit , their braue Castruccio , who from a Comman soldier mounted vp by deserts to the highest military commands in the Emperors army ; and so stitched his fortune as he went along to honours , that it neuer raueled out againe , or failed him : In fine , their Caesar too , towit , the Marquis Spinola , or rather , the Achilles of Jtaly , who tooke that Troy , of Ostende , after three years Seige . This Seige was farre more famous then that of Troy , because farre truer . For in the Seige of Troy , it was Poëtry onely that made the warre , that framed and filled the woodden horse with worthyes ; that draged Hector round about the walls . It was pen and inck that killed so many men somno vin●que sepultos ; and Troy was easily burnt , because it was built of Poëts Paper . But at Osten all was reall , and all Europe allmost , who had their forces , or eyes there , were witnesses of it ; and all this done by Spinola an Jtalian . As for the Jtalian humour , it is a midling humour , between too much grauity of the spaniard , and too great leuity of the French. Their grauity is notwithout some fire , nor their leuity without some fleame . They are apish enough in Carneual time , and vpon their stages , as long as the visard is on ; but that once off , they are too wise to play the fooles in their owne names , and owne it with their owne faces . They haue strong fancies , and yet solid iudgements ; A happy temper , which makes them great Preachers , Politicians , and Ingeniers ; but withall they are a little too melancholy and gealous ; They are great louers of their brethren and neare kinred , as the first freinds they are acquinted withall by nature ; and if any of them lye in passe and fair for aduancement , all the rest of his relations will lend him their purses , as well as their shoulders , to help him vp , though he be but their younger brother . They are sparing in dyet , both for to liue in health , and to liue hansomly : making their bellyes contribute to the maintenance of their backs , and their kitchen help to the keeping of their stable . They are ambitious still of honours , remembering they are the successors of the masters of the world , the old Romans ; and to put the world still in mind of it , they take to themselues the glorious names of Camillo , Scipione , Julio , Mario , Pompeo &c. They are as sensible allso of their honour , as desirous of honours ; and this makes them strickt to their wife 's euen to gelousy , knowing that for one Cornelius Tacitus , there haue been ten Publij Cornelij ; and that Lucius Cornificius is the most affronting man. They are hard to be pleased , when thy haue been once read hoat with offence ; but they will not meet reuenge in the face , and feild ; and they will rather hire it , then take it . In fine they affect very much compounded names , as Pi●colomini , Capilupo , Bentiuoglio , Malespina , Boncompagno , Maluezzi , Riccobono , Malatesta , Homodei , and such like marryed Names . As for their Manners , they are most commendable . They haue taught them in their bookes , they practise them in their actions , and they haue spred them abroad ouer all Europe , which owes its Ciuility vnto the Jtalians , as well as its Religion . They neuer affront strangers in what habit soeuer they appeare ; and if the strangenesse of the habit draw the Jtalians , eye to it , yet he will neuer draw in his mouth to laugh at it . As for their apparel , or dresse , it s commonly black , and modest . They value no brauery but that of Coache and horses and Staffiers ; and they sacrifize a world of little satisfactions to that main one of being able to keep a Coache . Their Points de Venice , ribans and goldlace , are all turned into horses and liueries ; and that money which we spend in treats and Tauernes , they spend in coache and furniture . They neuer whisper priuately with one another in company , not speak to one another alowd in an vnknowne tongue when thy are in conuersation with others , thinking this to be no other then a lowd whispering . They are precise in point of Ceremony and reception ; and are not puzzeled at all , when they heare a great man is comeing to visit them . There 's not a man of them , but he knowes how to entertain men of all conditions ; that is , how farre to meet , how to place them , how to stile and treat them , how to reconduct them , and how farr . They are good for Nunciatures , Embassies , and State employments , being men of good behauiour , lookes , temper , and discretion , and neuer outrunning their businesse . They are great louers of Musick , Meddales , Statues , and Pictures , as things which either diuert their melancholy , or humor it : and I haue read of one Jacomo Raynero a shoomaker of Bolognia , who gathered together so many curious Meddals of Gold , siluer , and brasse , as would haue becomne the Cabinet of any Prince . In fine , they are extreamely ciuil to one another , not onely out of an awe they stand in one towards another , not knowing whose turne it may be next , to come to the highest honours ; but allso out of a natural grauity , and ciuil education , which makes euen schoolboyes ( an insolent Nation any where else ) most respectfull to one another in words and deeds ; treating one another with Vostra Signoria , and abstaining from all gioco di mano . Nay masters themselues here , neuer beat their seruant , but remitt them to justice , if the fault require it , and I cannot remember to haue heard in Rome , two women scold publickly , or man and wife quarrel in words , except once ; and then they did it so priuatly and secretly , and scolded in such a low tone , that I perceiued the Italians had reason about them euen in the middst of their choler . As for their particular customes , they are many . They marry by their eares , oftener then by their eyes ; and scarce speake with one another , till they meete before the Parish Priest , to speake the indissoluable words of wedlock . They make children go barehead till they be four or fiue years old , hardening them thus against rhumes and catarres when they shall be old . Hence few people in Italy go so warme on their heads , as they do in France ; men in their houses wearing nothing vpon their heads but a little calotte ; and women for the most part , going all barehead in the midst of winter it self . Women here also wash their heads weekly in a wash made for the nonce , and dry them againe in the Sun , to make their hair yellow , a colour much in vogue here among Ladyes . The men throw of their hats , cuffs , and bandes , as well as their cloaks , at their returne home from visits , or businesse , and put on a gray coate , without which they cannot dine , or supp ; and I haue been inuited to dinner by an Italian , who before dinner , made his men take of our hats and cloaks , and present euery one of vs ( and we were fiue in all ) with a coloured coate , and a little cap to dine in . At dinner they serue in the best meats first , and eat backwards ▪ that is , they beginn with the second course , and end with boyld meat and pottage . They neuer present you with salt , or braines of any fowle , least they may seeme to reproach vnto you want of wit. They bring you drink vpon a Sottocoppa of syluer , with three or four glasses vpon it ; Two or three of which are strait neckt glasses ( called there caraffas ) full of seueral sorts of wines or water , and one empty drinking glasse , into which you may powre what quantity of wine and water you please to drink , and not stand to the discretion of the waiters , as they do in other countrys . At great feasts , no man cuts for himself , but seueral caruers cut-vp all the meat at a side table , and giue it to the waiters to be carryed to the ghests ; and euery one hath the very same part of meat carryed vnto him , to wit , a wing and a legg of wild fowle &c. least any one take exceptions that others were better vsed then hee . The Caruers neuer touch the meat with their hands , but onely with their knife and forke , and great Syluer spoone for the sauce . Euery man here eats with his forke and knife , and neuer toucheth any thing with his fingers , but his bread : This keeps the linnen neat , and the fingers sweet . If you drink to an Italian , he thanks you , with bending , when you salute him , and lets you drink quietly , without watching ( as we do in England ) to thank you againe when you haue drunk : and the first time he drinks after that , will be to you , in requitall of your former courtesy . They count not the houres of the day as we do , from twelue to twelue ; but they beginn their count from sunset , and the first houre after sunset , is one a clock ; and so they count on till four and Twenty , that is , till the next sunset againe . I haue often dined at sixteen a clock , and gone abroad in the euening , to take the ayre , at two and twenty . They call men much by their Christen names , Signor Pietro , Signor Francesco , Signor Jacomo &c. and you may liue whole years with an Italian , and be very well acquinted with him without knowing him , that is , without knowing his distintiue surname . People of quality neuer visit one another , but they send first , to know when they may do it without troubleing him they intend to visit : by this meanes they neuer rush into one anothers chambers without knocking , as they do in France ; nor crosse the designes , or business of him they visit , as they do in England with tedious dry visits ; nor find one another either vndressed in clothes , vnprouided in compliments and discourse , or without their attendants , and traine about them . In the streets men and women of condition seldome or neuer go together in the same coache , except they be strangers , that is , of an other towne , or country : nay husbands and wifes are Seldome seen together in the same coache , because all men do not know them to be so . In the streets , when two persons of great quality meet , as two Embassadors , or two Cardinales , they both stop their coaches , and compliment one another ciuily , and then retire ; but still he that is inferiour must let the others coache moue first . If any man being a foot in the street , meet a great man , either in coache , or a foot , he must not salute him in going on his way , as we do in England and France , without stopping ; but he must stand still whiles the other passeth , and bend respectfully to him as he goes by , and then continue his march . In fine , of all the Nations I haue seen , I know none that liues , clothes , eats , drinks , and speaks so much with reason , as the Italians do . As for their Riches , they must needs be great . That which is visible in their magnificent Pallaces , Churches , Monasteries , Gardens , Fountains , and rich furnished Roomes , speaks that to be great which is in their coffers : and that which the King of spayne drawes visibly from Naples euery yeare , shews what the other parts of Italy could do for a need , if they were put to it by necessity . Nay , I am of opinion , that the very Sacristy of Loreto , the Gallery of the Duke of Florence , and the Treasory of Venice , would vpon an emergent occasion of a Gothick , or Turkish inuasion , be able to maintain an army for fiue yeares space ; and the Plate in Churches and Monasteryes , would be able to do as much more , if the owners of it were soundly frighted with a new Gothick irruption . As for the Riches of particular Princes in Italy , I will speak of them , as I view their Stats here below . In fine , as for their Religion , it s purely that which other countrys call by its true name , Catholick ; and which in England they commonly call , the Religion of the Papists . And though there they think to nickname the Catholick by calling him Papist , yet the well instructed Catholick knowing that the name of Papist , comes not from any Sectmaster , as Caluinist , Lutheran , Socinian , and Brownist doe ; nor from any Sectary meeting place , as Hugonots from the Gate of Hugo in Towers in France , neare vnto which they mett priuately at first to teach and dogmatise : nor from any publick sectary action , as Anabaptists , Dippers , Quakers &c. do : but from the word Papa , which signifies Father , and is not the name of any one man , or Pope , but onely signifies his Fatherly office of Pastor ; tho Catholick I say , is no more troubled at this name of Papist , then he was when hee was called in the late troubles , Royallist ( for adhearing to the king , which is not the name of any of our kings , but his office onely ) and not Cromwellist , which was the name of one adhearing to a particular man called Cromwell , and an vnlawfull vsurper of Power . As for the true name indeed , which is Catholick , it is so knowne to belong to those of the Roman Church , that besides that all those of that Church haue euer called themselues by no other name then this of Catholick , the wisest of Protestants also acknowledge it publikely to be their distinctiue name : witnesse that solemne meeting at Munster , some yeares ago , about the General Peace of Christendome , where the Publick Jnstrument of that Peace sheweth plainly how that the Protestant Plenipotentiaries ( the wisest men of that Religion ) treated with the Papists , as some call them , vnder the name of Catholicks : and though in many other titles and denominations , they were very wary and scrupulous , euen to the long suspension of the Peace , yet they willingly concluded , subscribed , and signed that Peace made with them , vnder the name of Catholicks . I say this onely , for to make men vnderstand , what the true name of the Religion practised ouer all Jtaly is , to-wit , Catholick . Haueing sayd thus much of Italy in Generall , I will now come to a particular Description of it , according to the ocular obseruations I made of it in fiue seueral Voyages through it . In which Description if I be a little prolixe , it is because I rid not Poste through Italy , when I saw it ; nor will I write poste through it in describing it ; being assured , that Epitomees in Geography are as dissatisfactory , as Laconick Letters would be in state Relations ; and that the great Atlas , in nine great volumes in folio , is not onely Atlas Maior , but also Atlas Melior . The seueral wayes by which a man may go into Italy . THE ordinary wayes which an Englishman may take in going into Italy , are fiue : to wit , either through Flanders and Germany ; and so to fall in at Trent , or Treuiso , and so to Venice . Or els by France , and so to Marseilles , and thence to Genua by Sea. Or els by land from Lyons through Swisserland , the Gris●ns country , and the Valteline , and so pop vp at Brescia . Or els from Lyons againe through the Valesians country , ouer Mount Sampion , the Lake Maior , and so to Milan . Or els in fine , from Lyons still , ouer Mount Cenis , and so to Turin , the nearest Posteway . I haue gone , or come , all these wayes in my fiue voyages into Italy , and though I preferre the last for speed and conueniency ; yet I will describe the others too , that my yong Traueler may know how to streere his course , either in time of plague or warre . My first Voyage into Italy . MY first voyage was through Flanders and Germany , and so to Trent . The way is , from England , to Dunkerque ; from thence to Furne , Newport , Ostend , Bruges , Gant , Brussels , Louain , Liege , Colen , Mayence , Francfort , and so crossing to Munichen , the Court of the Duke of Bauaria , and from thence to Ausburg , and Inspruck , you come soone to Trent , which stands vpon the confines of Germany , and lets you into Italy , by Treuiso belonging to the Venetians . To describe all these foresayd places would take me too much time from my designe of describing Italy , and therefore I content my self onely to haue named them . My second Voyage . MY second Voyage was by the way of France , where I started from Paris , and made towards Lyons ; in the way I tooke notice of these places . Yssone a neat house belonging then to Monsieur Essolin . The house is so pritty , that I think it worth the trauelers seeing , and my describing . It stands in the shade of a thick groue of trees , and is wholly built and furnished al' Italiana . Vnder the side of the house runns a little brooke , which being receiued into a Basin of freestone , iust as long as the house , and made like a ship , ( that is , sharp at both ends and wide in the middle ) it is clouen , and diuided in two , by the sharp end of this ship , and conueighed in close channels of freestone , on both sides of the ship or basin , into which it emptyes it self by seueral tunnels , or pipes : so that all this water spouting into the open ship on both sides , by four and twenty tunnels , makes vnder the windowes of the house such a perpetual purleing of water , ( like many fountains ) that the gentle noise is able to make the most iealous man sleep profundly . At the other end of the house this water yssueth out of the other end of the sayd ship , and is courteously intreated by seueral hidden pipes of lead , to walke into the house , instead of running by so fast : Which it doth , and is presently led into the Cellars , and Buttery ; and not onely into these , but also into the kitchen , stables , chambers , and bathing roome , all which it furnisheth with water either for necessity , or pleasure . Then being led into the curiours garden , it s mett there by a world of little open channels of freestone built like knots of flowers ; all which it fills brimfull , and makes euen Flowers of water . Then running vp and downe here and there among the fragrant delights of this garden , as if it had forgotten its errand to the Sea , it seems to be so taken with those sweet beds of flowers , and so desirous of resting vpon them , after so many miles runing , that i● offers to turne it self into any posture , rather then be turned out of this sweet place . From Yssonne I came to Fontainbelleau , where I saw that Kingly house , the Nonesuch of France . It stands in the midst of a great Forrest full of Royal game , and was the place of delight of Henry the Fourth . The house is capable of lodgeing four kings with their seueral Courts . The Court of the Cheual blanc is a noble squaire of building ; but the lowness of the buildings and lodgeings shews , they are for the lower Sort of people , and the seruant-lodgings to the Royal appartiments . The Oual Court is a good old building . The Kings and Queens lodgings with their Cabinets groane vnder their rich guilt roofes . The Gallery of staggs heads is a stately roome , then which nothing can be more Caualierly furnished ; except such an other gallery hung with Turkish standards wonne in warre . The other long Galleries of Romances and Fables , painted by Simon Voyët and other , are much esteemed : the onely pitty is , that such true painting should not haue been employed vpon true histories . The Salle of the Conference , is a stately Roome , where the Bishop of Eureux ( afterwards called the Cardinal du Perron ) in presence of king Henry the Fourth , the Chanceler , fiue Iudges of both Religions , and the whole Roome full of learned men , so confuted Monsieur Plessis Mornay , the Achilles of those of Charenton , that after the first dayes Conference , he durst neuer enter the list againe , as he promised ; but dyed soone after fuller of shame , then yeares . The Hall for maskes , and the Lodgings of Madame Gabrielle with her picture ouer the Chimney like a Diana hunting , are fine Roomes : yet the fair picture cannot hinder men from blameing her foule life ; nor from censureing that solaecisme of the painter , who made chaste Diana looke like Madame Gabrielle . There are also here two Chappels , the old , and the new . The old one is a poore thing ; and seems to haue been built for hunters : but the new one is both neat and stately , and built vpon this occasion , as a Bishop in France told me . A spanish Embassador resideing in Paris in Henry the IV. his time , went one day from Paris to Fontainbleau , to see this French Escurial . Arriueing , he lighted after his countryes fashion , at the Chappel doore ( the old Chappel ) and entring in , to thank God for his saif arriual , he wondered to see so poore and dark a chappel , and asking with indignation whether this were the Casa di Dios ? The house of God ? he turned presently a way with scorne , Saying , No quiero Veer mas ; I care for seeing no more : not staying to see that place , where the king had so a fine a house , and God so poore a Chappel . This being told the last king Lewis the XIII . he commanded forth with the new Chappel to be built in that sumptuous posture we now see it . Going out of the house , you finde a hansome Mail , and Rare Ponds of water , which euen baptize this place with the name of Fontainbelleau . In these Ponds , as also in the moat about the house , are conserued excellent Carps ; some whereof were sayd to be a hundred years old : which though we were not bound to beleeue ; yet their very white scales , and dull moueing vp and downe , might make men beleeue that there are gray scales , as well as gray haires ; and decayed fishes , as well as decrepit men : especially when Columella speaks of a fish of his acquaintance , in Caesars fish ponds neare Pausilipus , which had liued threescore years ; and Gesnerus relates , that in a fishpond neare Haylprum in Suabe , a fish was catched anno 1497 , with a brasse ring at his gills , in which were engrauen these words : I am the first fish which Federic the second , Gouernour of the world put into this Pond the 5 of October 1203. By which it appears , that this fish had liued two hundred and sixty odd yeares . But to returne againe to our Carps of Fontainbelleau , it s an ordinary diuertissement here to throw a halfpenny loaf into the moat among the Carps , and to see how they will mumble and iumble it to and fro ; how others will puff and snuff and take it ill , not to haue part of it ; and how in fine , they will plainly fall to blowes , and fight for it . You would wonder , how such hoat passions should be found in cold water : but euery thing that liues , will fight for that which makes it liue , its Vittails . Hauing seen Fontainbelleau , I saw on extraordinary thing in the rest of the way to Lyons , but an old Inscription in letters of gold , vpon a woodden Fabrick , a mile before I came to Montargis , importing , that the English being encamped here , had been forced to rayse their Seige before Montargis , by reason of great raynes and suddain inundations . Some of the French historians will haue it , that it was the Count de Dunois , that forced the English to rayse the Seige here : but I had rather beleeue publick inscriptions , then priuate flattery : and it was more honourable for the English to be ouercome by God , then by men . From hence I passed through Montargis , a neat pleasant towne ; in the great Hall of whose Castle , is painted the history of the dog that fought a Duel with the Murderer of his Master ; and it is not strange that the Dog , that had put on humanity , ouercame him that had put it of , to espouse the deuouring humour of a Dog. This is the chief towne of the Gastinois . From hence I went to Briare where I saw the cut channel that ioynes Loire and Sene together in trafick , whose bedds oftherwise stand wide from one another in situation . From thence to Cosne , la Charité , Pougues famous for wholesome stincking waters ; Neuers , famous for glasse houses ; Moulins , famous for kniues and Cizars : la Palisse where they make excellent winter bootes : Roanne where Loire beginns to be nauigable : and so ouer Terrara hills to Lyons . Lyons is one of the greatest and richest townes in France . It stands vpon the riuers Saone , and Rhosne , ( Araris and Rhodanus ) and intercepting all the merchandize of Burgondy , Germany , and Italy , It licks its fingers notably , and thriues by it . It expresseth this in its looks : for here you haue hansome people , noble houses , great jollity , frequent balls , and much brauery : all markes of a good towne : and could it but intercept either the Parlament of Aix , or Grenoble , it would be as noble as its name , or as its Catedral Chapter , whose Deane and Prebends are all counts , and noble of four descents ▪ they got the title of counts thus : A great contest arriseing between the Chapter of S. Iohns Church , and the Count de Forests called Guigo , for some rights ouer the towne of Lyons which they both pretended to ; at last anno 1166. they came to an agreement , vpon this condition , that the Count should leaue to the Chapter his County of Forests ; which he did ; and so euer since the Decane and Prebends haue been called Counts of S. Iohn . The cheif things to be seen in Lyons are these . 1. The great Church , or Cathedral , called Iohns Church . It s the Seat of an Archbishop , who is Primat of Gaule . S. Irenaeus was a great ornament of this Church , as was also Eucherius . Vpon solemne dayes the Canons officiate in Miters like Bishops . They sing here all the office by heart , and without booke , as also without pricksong musick , organs , or other instrumens , vseing onely the ancient plainsong . The High Altar is like those of Italy , that is , open on all sides , with a Crucifixe and two little candlestiks vpon it . I neuer saw any hangings in this Church , not vpon the greatest dayes , but Venerable old walls . The clock here is much cryed vp for a rare peice . 2. The stately new Towne house , of pure white freestone , able to matche that of Amsterdam ; and indeed they seemed to me to be twinns ; for I saw them both in the same yeare as they were in building . The curious stair-case , and Hall aboue , are the things most worthy taking notice of , the owne for its contriuanc ; the other for its painting . 3. The Jesuits Colledge and fair Library . 4. The Carthusians Monastery vpon a high Hill. 5. The Minimes Sachristy well painted . 6. The rests of the old Aqueduct vpon the Hill. 7. The Mail , and the sweet place of Belle Cour. 8. The Heart of saint Francis de Sales in the Church of the Visitation in Belle Cour. 9. The Charité where all the poore are kept at worke with admirable oeconomy : It looks like a little towne , haueing in it nine courts , all built up with lodgeings for the poore , who are about fifteen hundred , and diuided into seueral Classes , with their seueral Refectories and Chappels . 10. The Head of S. Bonauenture in the Cordeliers Church . 11. The Castle of Pierre Ancise , built vpon a rock . 12. Nostre Dame de Fouruier standing vpon a high hill , from whence you haue a perfect view of Lyons . 13. Lastly the rare Cabinet of Monsieur Seruier a most ingenious gentleman ; where I saw most rare experiments in Mathematiks and Mechanicks ; all made by his owne hand : as the sympatheticall balls , one springing vp at the approach of the other held vp a pretty distance off : the demonstration of a quick way how to passe an army ouer a riuer with one boat , and a woodden bridge easily to be foulded vp vpon one cart : the mouse dyall , where a little thing , like a mouse , by her insensible motion , markes the houres of the day . The Lizard Dyal is much like the former , onely the mouse moues vpon a plain frame of wood which hath the houres marked on it ; and the Lizard creeps vpward from houre to houre . The night dyall , shewing by a lighted lamp set behinde it , the houres of the night , which are painted in colours vpon oyled Paper , and turne about as the time goes . The Tortoise dyall , where a peice of cork cut like a Tortoise , being put into a puter dish of water , which hath the twelue houres of the day marked upon its brims , goeth vp and downe the water a while , seeking out the houre of the day that is then ; and there fixeing it self without stirring . The Rare engine teaching how to throw Grenados into beseiged townes , and into any precise place without fayling . The way how to set vp a watch-tower with a man in it , to looke into a towne from without , and see how they are drawne vp within the towne . a way how to change dineing Roomes three or four times , with their tables , the Seats and ghests being by the turning of a wheele transported sitting , out of one Roome into another ; and so into three or four more Roomes variously hung with tables couered . The Desk dyall , which throwes vp a little ball of yuory without rest , and thereby marketh the houre of the day , and sheweth what a clock it is : the Dyall of the Planets representing the dayes of the week by seueral figures in iuory of the planets : the Oual dyal in which the needle that markes the houres , shrinketh in , or stretcheth out it self according as the oual goes : the dyall shewing to euery one that toucheth it his predominant passion ; with a world of other rare curiosityes , all made by this ingenious gentleman . Leauing Lyons , I embarked in a Cabanne , or little couered boat , and descending the rapid Rhosne , I came poste by wather , to Vienne ; were Pontius Pilate , bannished hither , threw himself off a high Tower , and killed himself . The Cathedral of this towne is a faire Church dedicated to God , in the honour of S. Maurice : there are neither Pictures , nor hangings in this Church . From hence I went to Tournon , where I saw a good Library in the Colledge . Thence to Valence in Dauphiné , where Law is taught . From whence I came to Pont Saint Esprit famous for its long bridge of therty three arches , and for the bones of a Gyant which are conserued in the Dominicans Conuent here ; And from hence to Auignon . Auignon is the head towne of a little country , called Vulgarly the Le Contad d'Auignon . It belongs to the Pope , hauing been purchased by one of his predecessors anciently of Iane Queen of Naples and Countesse of Auignon : and it serued for a saif retreat to diuers Popes consecutiuely , during the troubles of Italy which lasted aboue seauenty yeares . At last , Italy , and the Popes territories there , being cleared by the admirable courage and conduct of braue Cardinal Albornozzo , who conquered againe all the Popes estate , The Pope , Greg. the XI , returned home againe to Rome ▪ of the foresayd Cardinal Albornozzo I cannot omit to tell one thing ; that after his great seruices rendered to the Pope , being enuyed by some of the Court , who had perswaded his Holyness to call him to an accompt for the great sommes of monye he had spent in reduceing againe the whole state of the Pope vnto its obedience ; he brought the next morning a cart laden with chaines , bolts , locks and keys belonging once to those townes which he had retaken for the Pope , and place-ed it vnder the Popes window : then going vp , and desiring his Holiness to draw to a window to see his accompts the better , he opened the window , and shewed him below , the Cart laden with chaines , bolts , locks and keys , saying : Holy Father , I spent all your money in making you master againe of those townes whose keys , locks , bolts and chaines you see in that cart below . At which the Pope admireing , desired no more accompt of him , who proued his honesty by whole cart loads of seruices . Euer since that time , Auignon hath belongd to the Pope ; and he gouerneth it by a Vice-Legat immediatly , the Popes Nep●ew pro tempore being allwayes Legat of this towne . The things I saw here were these . 1. The Cathedral Church with diuers tombes of Popes in it that dyed here . 2. The Church of S. Didier , with the tombe of Peirus Damianus who followed the Pope hither : He was famous for his learned works , and his knowne sanctity . 3. The Church of the Celestins , with the tombe , and neat Chappel of Cardinal Peter of Luxenbourg , a yong man of a great family , and of a greater sanctity . 4. The Carthusians Monastery in the bourg of Villeneuue , where you shall see much good painting . 5. The Dominicans fair Conuent , with the Chappel and true Picture of S. Vincentius Ferrerius a holy man of this Order . 6. The Cordeliers Church famous for its widenesse , and yet not supported by any pillars . Here lyes buryed Madame Laura rendered so famous by Petrarchs Verses : not that the was a dishonest woman , but onely chosen by him , to be the poëticall mistresse of his sonnets . 7. The Church of the Fathers of the Christian doctrine , with the body , yet entire , of the Founder of their order P. Caesar de Bus , a man of such singular sanctity , that Cardinal Richlieu banished hither , whiles he was onely Bishop of Luson , offered and vowed a syluer Lampe to God at the tombe of this holy Bea●● . 8. The fine freestone walls of this towne , the admirable Bridge , many hansome Pallaces , and curious gardens . 9. The trading of this towne , which consists much in silkstuffs , parfumed gloues , rubans , and sine paper . 10. The inhabitants here , who loue to go well adiusted and appeare in fine clothes . From Auignon I went by Land to Aix in Prouence , an Vniuersity , a Parlament towne , and one of the neatest townes in France : of the Parlament of this towne Monsieur du Vair was the first President , and a singular ornament , by reason of his famous eloquence . This towne is the seat of an Archbishop ; and is now possessed by Cardinal Grimaldi who is Archbishop here . From hence I went to Marseilles . Marseilles is a very ancient towne , built 633 yeares before our Sauiours time , and so famous anciently for learning , that it was compared with Athens . It stands vpon the Medeterranean Sea , and hath a most neat hauen and harbour for ships and gallyes . I stayd here eight dayes to wait vpon the returne of two Gallies of Genua , that had brought an Embassadour from thence into France , and were to returne within a few dayes . In this time I had leisure to make a little excursiue Voyage to the famous place of deuotion called La Sainte Beaume , where S. Mary Magdalen liued a most penitential life in these mountains and deserts , euen after she had been assured of her pardon by out Sauiour himself . The place it self is able to make any man that considereth it well , melt into some pennance too , and sigh at least , to see how much she ( a woman ) did , and how little he ( a man ) doth ; for excellentissima animaduertenti , ne mediocria quidem praestare , rubori oportet esse , saith a great Author . In Marseills it self there remaine some prints of her begunn pennance : but she that had been a sinner in the Cytie ( and perchance by that occasion onely ) thought the Desert a safer place ; and so shewed her conuersion to be true , by flying the occasions of her former sinns . If you aske me , how Mary Magdalen came hither ; I must aske you , how Ioseph of Arimathia came into England : and learned Baronius will answer vs both , by telling vs , that vpon a persecution raysed against the Christians in Hierusalem ; Mary Magdalen , her Sister Martha , her brother Lazarus , with Ioseph of Arimathia and diuers others of the first Christians , were exposed to Sea in a ship without sayles , without rudder , without anker , without pilot , and yet the ship came happily to Marseills ; where Lazarus preaching the faith of Christ , was made the first Bishop of this towne ; and Ioseph of Arimathia came into England . Neare to Saincte Beaume stands , the towne of S. Maximin famous for the Church of S. Maximin gouerned by Dominican Fryers : In this Church are to be seen many famous Relicks of S. Mary Magdalen ; as her head in a Chrystal case enchased in gold : her body in a guilt chasse , and diuers other rich things . Haueing seen Marseilles , I embarked in the forsayd Gallies , and was nine dayes in them before I arriued at Genua ; haueing seen in the way , Toulon , Nice , Antibo , Monaco , and Sauona . Thus I passed , though tediously , yet securely from France into Italy by Sea : and I could allmost wish my Traueler to take the same course , if he were sure to finde two Gallies well manned as I did , to carry him thither . Otherwise to venture himself ( as men ordinarily with extraordinary danger do ) in a little Feluca , a boat little bigger then a pair of oares , is a thing I would wish none to do , but Pyrrhonians , and Indifferents who think danger and security to be the same thing . For my part , though I dare not say with that cowardly Italian , who being laughed at for running away in a battle , answered : I was not affrayd , but onely had a mind to try , how long a mans skinn , well kept , would last : yet I dare say with Generous Cato , that I repent me soundly , if euer I went by water , when I could haue gone by Land. My third Voyage . MY third Voyage into Italy was againe by the way of Paris and Lyons : but now by Geneua and Swisserland . Parting then from Lyons I passed ouer the Grand Credo , a smart hill ; through Nantua standing vpon a Lake , and in two dayes came to Geneua . Geneua , like a good sinke at the bottom of three streets , is built at the bottom of Sauoye , France , and Germany , and therefore fit to receiue into it the corruption , of the Apostatas of the Roman Church . The things which I saw in Geneua were these : 1. The great Church of S. Peter , the Cathedral anciently of the Bishop of this towne . In the Quire I saw yet remaining the Pictures of the twelue Prophets on one side , and the pictures of the twelue Apostles on the other side , all engrauen in wood . The pictures also of the Blessed Virgin Mary , and S. Peter , in one of the windows . Here also I saw the Tombe of the Duke of Bouillon General of the army of Germans , called then in France the Reiters , who in the battle of Aulneau were beaten by the Duke of Guise and forced to fly to Geneua , haueing last 1800 of their men vpon the place , most of them with charmes about their necks , which they thought would haue made them shott free . Mounting vp to the steeple , I saw a fair Bell with a Crucifix cast vpon it , shewing whose it was ; and four good peices of ordinance , that none may say , the Church of Geneua wants Ecclesiasticall Cannons . And a little below in the Belfree , there liue in seueral Chambers , three or four families of husbands and wifes and sucking children begotten there ; contrary to the Canons of any other Church , except those of Geneua . From the top of this Church you haue a fair prospect vpon the lake and neighbouring countryes ; which makes them brag here , that they can see from their steeple , into six seueral principalities , to wit , their owne , France , Sauoye , Swisserland , the Valesians , and the Franchecounty : But I told them , it would be a greater brag , to say , that they could see into no other country , or dominions but their owne . 2. I saw the Arsenal , little , but well stored with defensiue armes . They neuer forget to shew the Ladders of the Sauoyards , who attempted to surpize this towne by scaleing , but were themselues taken and beheaded à la chaude , least some Prince should haue interceded for them . 3. The Towne house with the Chamber where the Magistrats ( something like the Hogen Mogens of Holland ) sit in Counsel . 4. They shewd me here a Library but none of the best . 5. The admirable Trouts here , able to make the poore Apostatas wish for their Lent againe ; were it not , that the Capons here are full as good in their kinde . As for the Gouerment of this towne , it was anciently Monarchical , and the Bishop was Prince of it vnder the Duke of Sauoye : but Farel and Caluin comeing hither with their anarchical Presbyterie , droue the Bishop Peter de la Beaume out of the towne ; and established there a kinde of Democratie , or rather , a kind of Aristocratie , mingled of Laymen and Ministers . Yet the Bishop keeps still his title , and the Chapter its reuenews and Lands , which happily lye in Sauoye out of the reach of the short iurisdiction of Geneua . Both the Bishop and Chapter reside in Anisy in Sauoye , and officiate in the Cordeliers Church . of this Seat was Bishop the late Canonized Saint , S. Francis de Sales , a man of singular sweetness and piety , mingled with zeale and discretion . I haue red of him , that in his life time , he made four thousand sermons to the people . Hauing thus seen the little All of Geneua , I made towards Swisserland , leauing the Lake on my right hād ; or rather takeing it on my right hand ; for it would needs accompany me to Lausanna , where it tooke leaue of me , or I of it . This Lake is absolutly the fairest I haue seen : it s fairer then either the Lake Maior , the Lake of Como , the Lake of Zuric , the Lake of Walenstat , the Lake of Jsee , the Lake of Murat , or the Lake of Garda . In some places this Lake of Geneua is eight miles broad , and well nigh fifty miles long . I haue red of a stranger , who traueling that way alone in winter , when the Lake was all frozen ouer , and couered with snow , tooke the Lake for a large plain , and rid vpon it eight , or ten miles to the towne : Where lighting at his Inn , and commending the fine plain ouer which he had ridden , was giuen to vnderstand , that he had ridden , if not in the air , at least fifteen fathom aboue ground ; at which , the poore man reflecting vpon the danger he had been in , fell downe dead with the conceit of it . Thus we are troubled not onely at euils to come but at euils past ; and are neuer so neare the danger of death , as when we are newly past it . No animal but man , hath this folly . Leauing then , as I sayd , the Lake I came soone after , to Lausanna in Swisserland , belonging to the Canton of Berne . Here I saw an ancient Church of a noble structure , and once a Bishops Cathedral , but now possessed by Ministers of Caluins communion ; and the man that shewed vs the Church ( though no Catholick ) assured vs , that the records of that Church bore , that Masse had been sayd in it thirteen hundred yeares agoe . From Lausanna I went towards Soleur , skirting through the Cantons , sometimes of Berne , sometimes of Fribourg , and sometimes in one dayes iourney , I passed into a Catholick Canton , and by and by , into a Protestant Canton againe : for here Catholick and Protestant Villages are mingled together , and make the country looke like the back side of a pair of tables checquered with white and black . In one Village you haue a Crosse set vp , to signifie that it is Catholick belonging to the Canton of Friburg ; by and by in an other Village , a high flag with the picture of a Beare in it , to signifie , that it belongs to the Canton of Berne , and is Protestant : and yet they liue ciuilly and neighbourly together without quarreling about Religion . Passing thus a long , I came to Soleur ( Soloturrum in Latin ) a neat towne and Head of a Canton . They are all Catholicks here : and here it is that the French Embassadours to the Swissers , alwayes reside , as the Spanish Embassadors do at Lucerna . This towne is very ancient , as the golden Letters vpon the clock testifye ; for those words make Soleur to be onely yonger then her Sister Treuers , which , as Aeneas Syluius writes , was built 1300 yeares before Rome . As for Soleur , I find in good Cronologers that it was built 2030 years after the creation of the world . From Soleur I went to Murat , a little towne famous for a great battle fought hard by it , by the Duke of Burgondy , and the Swissers . For the the Duke of Burgondy beseiging Murat , the Swissers came vpon him with a great army , and defeated him . I was told here that the Duke seeing his army defeated , and himself enuironed on one side by the Lake here ; and on the other side , by the enemyes conquering army , chose rather to trust himself to the Lake , then to his ennemyes . Wherevpon spurring his horse into the Lake , one of his Dages , to saue himself also , leaped vp behind him as he tooke water . The Duke out of feare either perceiued him not at first , or dissembled it till he came to the other side of the Lake which is two miles broad : The stout horse tugged through with them both , and saued them both from drowning , but not both from death . For the Duke seing in what danger his page had put him , stabbed the Page with his dagger . Poore Prince ! thou mighst haue giuen an other offering of thanks giueing to God for thy escape then this ; nay , thou mighst haue been as ciuil as thy horse , and haue spaired him , whom beasts and waues had saued : At least by that means , thou mighst haue saueed thy owne honour , by saueing that poore page who offended rather out of feare of death , then out of malice ; and thereby thou mighst haue truly sayd , that thou hadst not lost all thy men in that battle . But passion is a blind thing : Nothing is so dangerous to man , as man ; and , as I obserued aboue , we are neuer in greater danger , then when we think we are past danger . Thebones of the Burgundians slain in this battle , are seen in a great Chappel , which stands a little distant from the towne , and vpon the road , with an inscription vpon it touching the time and circumstances of this defeat . From Murat I made towards Zuric , a head towne also of a Canton . It stands most sweetly vpon a Lake whose crystalin waters would delight any body else but Swissers . They are all here , Swinglians ; and when Mareshal D'Estrée the French Embassadour to Rome , passed that way , and lodged at the great Jnn of the Sword , as he was combing his head one morning in his combing cloth , with his chamber window open , some of the townes men , who saw him ( from an other opposit window ) putting on that combeing cloth , and thinking it had been a Priest putting on the Amice and vesting himself for to say Masse before the Embassadour in his chamber , began with a Dutch clamour to stirre vp the people to a mutiny about the Embassadours house , and to call for the Priest , that was saying of Masse : The Embassadour at first , not vnderstanding the cause of this vproare about his house , rann downe with sword in hand , and in his combeing cloth , to check the first man that should darre to enter his lodgings : but vnderstanding at last , that his combing cloth had caused this iealousy , hee laughed at their folly , and retired away contented . The best things to be seen in Zuric are these . 1. The neat Arsenal furnished with store of fair Cannons and armes of all sortes . 2. The great Library , but in this much lesse esteemed by mee , because a woman had the Key of it , and let vs in to see it . This peice of false Latin at the entrance , disgusted me with all that I saw there , and made me hasten out quickly : Good Libraries should not fall en quenoüille . 3. The Wheeles which draw vp water from the Lake of themselues , and empty it into seueral Pipes , & so conueigh it all ouer the towne . 4. The publick great drinking hall , where there are a world of little tables for men of seueral corporations or trayds to meet at , and either talk there of their business , or make drinking their business . Ouer euery table hangs the signe of each trad , as a Last for shoomakers , a saddle for sadlers , a sword for cutlers &c. There is a great Bell that rings to this meeting place euery day at two a clock , and when I heard so solemne a ringing , I thought it had been to some Church deuotion , not to a drinking assembly . From Zuric I went by water , that is , vpon the lake a whole dayes iourney , and passed vnder a bridge of wood which crosseth quite ouer the lake for two miles . It s entertained at the cost of the King of Spayne , to passe the soldiers which he often rayseth in the adiacent countryes . From hence I went to Coire , or Cear , the head towne of the Grisons . The Bishop and the Clergy of the great Church , with some few others liuing within the precincts of the Cloister of the great Church , are Catholicks , and performe their deuotions in the Church without controll : the rest of the inhabitants are Swinglians , and possesse the towne ; yet they suffer the Bishop , and his Clergy to liue quietly in the midst of them . They shewed me here in this Church , diuers fine Relicks , especially the Head ( enchased in syluer ) of our ancient Brittan King Lucius , the first Christian king that euer made profession of Christian . Religion , and the first who helpt to plant it here . The ancient Church office here relates all this , as their Church bookes shewed me . From the Grisons I went to the Country of the Valtaline ; a country subiect to the Grisons and keeping its fidelity to them euen when it would not haue wanted assistance from Spayne and Italy , if it would haue been false to its Superiors the Grisons vnder the colour of Religion : those of the Valtaline being all Catholicks , and their souuerains the Grisons Caluinists . In a little towne of the Grisons ( called Herberga ) I was shewed a cheese ( and giuen to taste of it too ) by myne hoste , the Maior of the towne , a Caluinist in Religion , and a Venerable old man , who assured me seriously , that that cheese was a hundred years old ▪ a Venerable Cheese indeed ! and well nigh as old as his Religion . Between these two countryes of the Grisons and the Valtaline , stands the great Hill Berlino : ouer which I passed ; and fell from thence upon Posciauo a little bourg , and so to our Ladyes of Tirano a neat Church with a fair Inn hard by it . Others , to auoyd the snow of Berlino , are forced now and then ( as I was once ) to passe ouer the mountain Splug , which is hill enough for any traueler . From our Ladyes of Tirano I went vp a smart hill called Mount Aurigo , and so makeing towards the Lake of Wallinstade , I passed it ouer in boate ; as I did also soone after , that of Isee ; and so fell into the territories of Brescia in Italy belonging to the state of Venice . My fourth Voyage . MY fourth voyage into Italy was from Lyons againe and Geneua , where I now tooke the Lake on my left hand , and passing along the skirts of Sauoye , I came to Boueretta , a little Village , and so to S. Maurice the first towne in the Valetians country , This towne is so called from S. Maurice the Braue Commander of the Theban Legion , in the primitiue times , and who was martyred here for the profession of Christian Religion together with his whole Legion . Hence an Abbey was built here by Sigismond King of Burgondy , and called S. Maurice . Now , this country is called the country of the Valesians , from the perpetuall Valley in which it lyeth . The people haue for their Prince the Bishop of Sion the cheif towne of the country . Their Valley is aboue four dayes iourney long , besides their hills which are two more : Most of their little townes and Villages stand vpon hill sides , leauing all the plain country for tillage and pasturage . Their houses are low and darke , many of them hauing no windowes , and the rest very little ones . Sed casa pugnaces Curios angusta tegebat . As for the people here , they are all Catholicks , sinceare honest men , of stout courage , yet of innocent liues , much snow quenching their lust , and high mountains staueing of from them all luxe and Vanity , the harbingers of Vice. They haue short hair on their heads , but beards in folio . They are got so farre into the grande mode , as to weare breeches and doublets ; but that 's all : for otherwise their clothes looke as if they had been made by the Taylors of the old Patriarcks ; or as if the fashion of them had been taken out of old hangings and tapistry . In fine , both men and women here are great and massiue , and not easily to be blowne away : so that I may iustly say of this people , as Cardinal Bentiuoglio sayd of the Swissers , that they are good for the Alpes , and the Alpes for them . One thing I obserued particularly in this windy country , which is , that they haue many natural fooles here , which makes me thinck it no vulgar errour , which is commonly sayd , that the climats that are most agitated with winds produce more fooles , then other climats do . As for their strength , vpon a defensiue occasion , they can assemble forty thousand men together vnder their knowne Commanders , who are often times the Innkeepers in whose houses we lodge ; but out of their owne pit they are not to be feared , haueing neither spirits , nor sinnews : that is , neither ambition , nor money , to carry on a forrain warre . From S. Maurice I went to Martigni a great Inn in a poore Village , and from thence to Sion . Sion ( anciently Sedunum , ) is the cheif towne of the country , and stands in the center of it . Here the Bishop , who is Prince , resideth with his Chapter and Cathedral on one hill , and his Castle stands on another hill hard by . The Court of this Prince is not great , because of his , and his peoples quality . A good Bishop hath something els to do , then to be courted , and good plain people must follow their trads , not Courts . This Prince hath no Gards , because no fears : and if danger should threaten him , his people , whose loue is his onely Arsenal , haue hands enough to defend him . So that the Prince and People , that is ▪ the Body Politick of this state , seemed to mee like the Body natural in man , where the soul and the body being freinds together , the soul directs the body , and the body defends the Soul. From Sion I went to Lucia , but lodged a quarter of a mile from the towne ; and from thence I reached Briga at night . Briga is a little Village standing at the foot of great hills ; where haueing rested well all night , at the Colonels house ( the best Inn here ) we began the next morning to clime the hills for a breakfast . For the space of three houers our horses eased vs , the ascent not being so surley as we expected from so rugged a brow of hills : but when wee came to the steep of the hill it self Mount Sampion , ( one of the great Staircases of Italy ) we were forced to compliment our horses , and go a foot . It was towards the very begining of October when we passed that way , and therfore found that Hill in a good humour ; otherwise it s froward enough . Haueing in one houres time crawled vp the steep of the Hill , we had two houres more rideing to the Village and Inn of Sampion : where arriueing , we found little meat for our great stomacks , and cold comfort for all the hot stincking Stone . At last haueing payd for a dinner here , though we saw nothing we could eate , we were the lighter in purse , as well as in body , to walke well that afternoone , rather then that afterdinner . To describe you the rough way we had between Sampion and Deuedra , downe hill alwayes , or fetching about hills vpon a narrow way artificially made out of the side of those hills , and sometimes sticking out of them , as if it had been plaistered to them , were able to make my pen ake in writing it , as well as my leggs in walkeing it . And here I found the Prouerb false which saith , that its good walking with a horse in ones hand : for here we could neither ride , nor lead our horses securely , but either the one , or the other were in danger of stumbling , that is , of falling fiue hundred fadome deep . For here , as well as in warre , semel tantum peccatur , a man need but stumble once for all his lifetime : Yet by letting our horses go loose with the bridle on their necks , and makeing a man go before each horse , least they should iumble one another downe ( as I once saw the like done by horses in Swisserland ) we arriued safely at Deuedra that night . You would do well also to light from horse at the going ouer all the little trembling Bridges of wood which you will finde there , remembring the Italian Prouerb , which saith : Quando tu Vedi vn Ponte , falli piu honore che iu non fai a vn Conte . Haueing reposed all night in the house of the Signor Castellano , we went the next morning to Domodoscela a litle garrison towne of the state of Milan , troublesome enough to trauelers that passe from Milan this way , and carry pistols and gunns without licence . From Domodescela we passed through a fine plain country to Marguzzi , a little Village standing vpon the Lake Maior ( anciently called Lacus Verbanus ) where making our bargain with our boat-men ro carry vs in one day from thence to Sesto , & keep aloof of from the command of all the Castles , which now and then warne boates to come in ; and vnder pretence of searching them for marchandize , stopp passingers till they haue screwed a peece of monny out of them . Arriueing saif at Sesto that night we tooke Coache the next day for Milan , and dineing at Ciuita Castellanza , arriued be times at that great towne which was called anciently Altera Roma : a second Rome . My fift Voyage . MY fift voyage into Italy was still from Lyons , but now by the way of Mount Cenis , and Turin , the ordinary Post rode , and I think the easyest way of all the rest . Parting then from Lyons on horseback , we passed through Verpillier , La Tour du Pin , Beaunoysin ( whose bridge parts France , and Sauoy ) and came in two dayes to the foot of Mount Aiguebellet , the threshold of the Alpes : This is a pretty breathing hill , and may be called , the Alpes foule ouer , or the Alpes in a running hand and not in that fair Text hand which I found Mount Cenis to be in . It hath all the lineaments and shapes of the great Alpes , that is , much winding and turning ; deep precipices , Marons , or , men with little open chairs , to carry you vp and downe the hill for a crowne ; and much stumbling worke . In fine this hill ressembles Mount Cenis , as a proper man may do a Gyant . Hauing passed this Hill , and by it through the very clowds , we fel as it were out of the skyes , vpon Chambery the cheif towne of Sauoy , and where the Parlament resides , We cast to be there at the solemne Entry , which this Duke made for his new Spouse the third daughter of the late Duke of Orleans , when she came first into this country . To describe all the Triumphal Arches in the Streets , with their Emblems and mottos rarely painted ; the stately Throne a litle out of the towne , where the Duke and Dutchesse receiued the compliments of their subiects ; the rich liueries of the young townesmen on horsback ; the gallantery of the Noblemen and gentlemen of the country ( 800 in all ) their horses at fine as they ; the Parlament men , and other officers of Iustice all in black veluet gownes ; the Clergy and Religious marching in the mean time humbly a foot and in procession ; the Dukes two companies of horse in veluet coats of crimosin colour embrodered with gold and syluer ; The Pages and footmen of the Duke and Dutchess in crimosin Veluet layd thick with gold and syluer lace ; in fine , the Duke and Dutchesse on horseback as brillant as the sun , would fill a book alone , which I haue no mind to do , seing there is one extant already in a iust volume . Leauing then Chambery the next day after the Shew , we went to Montmelian to dinner . This is a strong Castle vpon a high rock , ouerlooking the riuer Isere , and commanding the passage here which is straight between the hills . The strength of this Castle appeared when it withstood the Royal army of Lewis the XIII of France for fifteen months , and made him rayse the Seige when he had done . Here is still a strong garrison in it , and store of ammunition , and all things necessary for the defence of a strong place . They shewed vs in it their deep well for fresh water in the midst of a high rock ; their excellent peeces of Artillary , one whereof is sayd to carry four miles , that is , to Fort Barreau a little Fort belonging to France , which is two leagues from hence , and which you see from this Castle . From Montmelian we had rough way to Aiguebelle ; thence to S. Iohn Morian , to S. Michel , and at last to Lasnebourg , which stands at the foot of Mount Cenis the highest of all the hills I passed ouer in my seueral voyages into Italy , or out of it ; to wit , Sampion , Berlin , Splug , and S. Godarde . This Hill of Mount Cenis parting Sauoy and Italy , shall be the place where I will now begin my Description of Italy , haueing hitherto onely described the seueral wayes into it . The description and Voyage of Italy . ARRIVEING then , as I sayd before , at the foot of Mount Cenis , anciently called Cinisium ; and resting all night at Lasnebourg we agreed with the Marons , to carry vs vp the hill , and downe the Hill , as also euer the plain , and in fine , all the way to Noualese it self . All this is to be expressed in your bargain with then , otherwise they will cauil with you , and make you go ouer the plain a foot . The price is , a Spanish pistol for euery man that 's carryed . Those that are strong and vigorous , ride vp vpon mules , and walke downe a foot . We began to mount at our going out of our Inn at Lasnebourg , and hauing passed by La Ramassa ( where men are posted downe the Hill vpon the snow in sledges with great celerity and pleasure ) after two houres tugging of our chairmen , or Marōs , we came to the top of the hill , and a little after to the Posthouse , and the little Hospital vpon the plain : Thence passing by the Chappel , of the Transis ( that is , of those who are found dead of cold in the snow , and are buryed here ) we came to the great Crosse and Tauerne , where we began to descend . This Hill of Mount Cenis is four miles in the going vp , four miles vpon the plain , and two in its descent to Noualese . Arriuing about noone at Noualese , we dined , horsed , and went that night to Susa . Susa , anciently Segesium , is a strong towne , and one of the gates of Italy . For this reason , the French in their late long warre with Spayne , kept it a long time in their hands , as well as Pignorola , which they still keep vpon treaty , to let them into Italy , when they haue a mind . It s strength consists wholly in a Castle built vpon a high rock close to the towne , and commanding all the passage betwixt the two mountains . This towne is famous in the latter history , for the smart action of the French , when they beat downe the twelue seueral Barriers , whereby the Duke of Sauoy thought to haue choaked their passage . This ●action is famous in history , by the name of le Pas de Suze . Here at Susa begins Piedmont . From Susa we went to S. Ambrosio , & passed by Riuolle a fine house of the Dukes , standing in good ayre , and at night we came to Turin . Turin , anciently called Augusta Taurinorum , is situated in a plain neare the foot of the hills and vpon the bancks of the riuer Po , which begins here to be nauigable , and from hence carryes boats to Ferrara , Chiosa and Venice . This Po is a noble riuer , and very large in some places , especially a little below Ferrara ; yet I haue read that in a great drouth which happened in the yeare of the world 2470 it was dryed vp and rendered innauigable . This Turin is the Seat of one of the greatest Princes in Italy , the Duke of Sauoy , and Prince of Piedmont , who is also treated with the title of Altezza Reale , and Vicario Generale del Imperio in Italia . This house of Sauoy which now gouerns here , came anciently from Siguardo King of Saxony , in the yeare of Christ 636 , and hath conserued it self euer since , that is , for a thousand and odd years in a continual series of heroical Princes , whose Pedegree was neuer vitiated nor interrupted by any degenerate offspring . Fiue Emperors , and four Kings haue yssued out of this house . Anciently the Dukes of Sauoy kept their Court at Chambery , or els at Bourg en Bresse , a country now belonging to France , vpon exchang with the Marquisat of Saluzzo ; as many of their tombes curiously cut in marble in the Augustins Church there yet shew . It was Amadeo the Vof that name , Duke of Sauoy , that transferred the Court to Turin . It was also this Amadeo who in memory of his Granfather Amadeo the IV , who had defended Rhodes so brauely , instituted the kinghthood of the Annunciata , with this single motto in the collar of the order F. E. R. T. signifying , that Fortitudo Eius Rhodum Tenuit . The subiects of this Prince are sayd to be about eighteen hundred thousand souls . His whole country with Piedmont and all , is iudged to be two hundred miles long , and fifty broad . His forces thirty three thousand foot , and fiue thousand horse : and his Reuenews to be about a million of crownes , besides what he can now and then rayse out of that fat country of Piedmont . His Jnterest is , to keep well with France , and not fall out with Spayne . As for the towne it self of Turin , it s almost squar , and hath four gates in it ; a strong Cittadel with fiue bastions to it ; it s well furnished with good prouisions in the market ; it stands in a fat soyle , which makes it a little too durty in winter , and it is an vniuersity . The cheif things which I saw here , were these . 1. The Domo , or Great Church , in which is kept with great deuotion the Holy Syndon , in which our Sauiours body was wound vp and buryed : of the Verity of this Relick see Baronius in his Ecclesiastical History ad an . 34 num . 138. It s keept in a Chappel ouer the High Altar and showne publickly vpon certain dayes , and priuatly To Embassadours and Prelats , as they passe that way . The late Duchesse Madame Christina , began to make a fine Chappel for to keep it in , but is was not quite finished when I passed that way last . The Chappel is all of black marble adorned with stately black marble pillars : indeed winding sheets ( such as this Relick is ) are things of mourning , and are best set out in a mourning way . 2. The Cittadelle standing at the back of the towne , and keeping it in awe . This Duke and his mother found the conuenience of this Cittadelle , when by factions within the towne against them , they were forceed to this Cittadelle , and there weather it out stoutly , till succour comeing to them from France , made them masters againe of the towne , and their enemyes . 3. The Dukes new Pallace hansomely bu●lt with a fair Court before it , a great Piazza , and a large open street leading vp to it . The Chambers are faire , and hung with hangings of cloth of Tyssue of a new and rich fabrik , with rich embrodered beds , chairs , stools , cloth of State , and Canopies . The Dutchesses Cabinet , the curious bathing place aboue , hund round with the true pictures in litle of the prime Ladyes of Europe : The curious inuention for the Dutchesse to conuey her selfe vp from her bedchamber to that bathing roome , by a pully and a swing , with great ease and saifty : the great Hall painted curiously : the Noble staircase : the old long Gallery 100 paces long , with the Pictures in it of the Princes and Princesses of the house of Sauoy , with the Statues of the ancient Emperours and Philosophers in marble , with a rare Library locked vp in great cubbords , are the cheif rooms and ornaments of this Pallace . I saw also the Appartiments or lodgeings of the old Dutchesse Madame Christina , which ioyne to the old Gallery , and in her Cabinet I saw many choyce pictures . 4. The new street , which runeth from the Pallace to the Piazza Reale , is a fair street and built vniformly . The shops below afford great conueniency to the townes men , and the fair lodgings aboue to the noblemen and Courtiers . 5. The Piazza Reale is built hansomly vpon Pillars , like our Couent Garden , and is full of nothing els but noblemens houses . 6. The Augustins Church called S. Carlo , standing in this piazza , adornes it much , being a neat Church and the best contriued that I saw in this towne . 7. The Capucins Church vpon a hill out of the towne , is aboue the rate of Capucins : but you must know who gaue it , not who haue it . From hence I had a perfect view of Turin with the country about it . 8. Some three miles out of the towne I saw a neat house of the Dukes , called La Venerie Royale . The Court set round with stagg● heads ; the chambers full of good Pictures ; the Hall painted with great Pictures of the Duke , his mother , his sisters , and other Ladyes all on horseback as if they were going a hunting ; the place where they keep pheasants , partridges , and other such like birds , the stable for 100 horse , and the neat dogkennel , are the best things to be seen in this house . 9 On the other side of the towne , about a mile of , I saw the old Dutchesses house called La Valentine . It stands pleasantly vpon the banks of Po , and is adorned with great variety of pictures . In fiue or six roomes , on the right hand of the house , they shewed me a world of pictures of all sorts of Flowers : on the left hand , as many of all sorts of birds , with other pictures curiously painted . The four pictures representing the four Elements , with all that belongs to them , as all the birds that fly in the air ; all the beasts that are found vpon the Earth ; all the fishes and shells that are found in the water ; and all things that belong to fire , are so curiously painted in their seueral particular shaps & colours , that these four peeces are and abridgment of all nature , and the admiration of all that behold them . There are some other good peeces here too ; as the Magdalen fallen into an extasie : the rapt of the Sabins ; and diuers others . The others houses about the towne , as Millefleur belonging to the Duke ; the Villa of the Princesse Marie ; with diuers others which shew themselues vpon the Hill side , are very stately , and worth seeing . Hauing thus seen Turin , we left the ordinary road , which leads to Milan ( to wit , by the way of Vercelle and Nouara , two strong townes frontier to one another , through which I passed in another voyage ) and to auoyd two armyes which lay in the way , chose to steere towards Genua by the low way of Sauona . And passing through a melancholy country by Altare and other little townes for the pace of three daies , we came at last to Sauona . Sauona ( anciently called Sabatia , or Sabatium ) is the second towne , or eldest daughter of Genua ; and like a good daughter indeed she stands alwayes in her mothers presence , yet keeps her distance : it being within sight of Genua , yet fiue and twenty mils off . It stands vpon the Mediterranean Sea , or , as they call it here , vpon the Riuiera di Genoa . It s fortified both by art and nature , thar is , by regular Fortifications towards the Sea , and by lusty Apennin hills towards the Land. Yet whiles Sauona feared no danger from either Sea , or Land , it was almost ruined in the yeare 1648. by fire from heauen , to wit , ligthning ; which falling vpō a great Tower , in the midst of the towne , where gunpowder was kept , blew it vp vpon a sudden , and with it , threw downe two hundred houses round about it , and houses of note . For passing that way six months after , and walking among the ruines , I saw in many of the houses , which were but half fallen downe , curious painted chambers and fine guilt roofes , which shewd me of what house many of these houses had been ; and of what weak defence guilt roofes and painted walls are against the artillery of heauen thunder and lightning . This towne is famous in history for the interview of two great kings here , to wit , Lewis the XII of France , and Ferdinand King of Naples . This interview passed with demonstrations of mutuall ciuilityes , not ordinary in interviews of Princes . For Lewis feared not to go into the Gallyes and ships of Ferdinand without gards and vnarmed : and Ferdinand remained for many dayes together in this towne belonging the● to Lewis , whom he had lately stipt of the kingdome of Naples , and beaten him to boot in a battle . Of this towne were Iulius Secundus , and Sixtus Quartus , two Popes of the house of Roueri : and two great Cardinals , Peter , and Raphael Riarii . Embarking at Sauona in a Feluca we rowed along the Shoare ( called la Riuiere di Genoa ) vnto Genua it self ; and all the way long we saw such a continual suburbs of stately Villas and Villages , that these scantlings made vs in loue which the whole peece it self , Genua . I confesse , I neuer sew a more stately abord to any Citty then to this : and if we had not had Genua full in our sight all the way long , we should haue taken some of these stately Villages for Genua it self ; and haue imitated Hostingus the leader of the Normans , who comeing into Italy about the yeare 860 with a great army , and finding Luna ( a towne in the confines of Genua ) so sumptuously built , thought really it had been Rome , and there vpon takeing it , he gloryed that he had sacked the mistresse of the world ; Gratatur tenere se Monarchiam totius Imperii , per vrbem quam putabat Roman● , sayth his Historian . Sayling thus along this pleasant coast , we came betimes to Genua . Genua is one of the chief townes that stand vpon the Mediterranea● Sea , and one of the best in Italy . The common Italian Prouerb , calls it , Genua la Superba : and if euer I saw a towne with its holy day clothes alwayes on , it was Genua . It stands upō the side of a hill , and riseing by degrees , appears to those that looke vpon it from the Sea , like an Amphitheater . Heretofore it was only fortified by marble bullworks , that is , great hills of marble which backt it vp : but some forty years ago , it was enuironed , with new-walls , carrying six miles in compasse , and yet finished in eighteen months . The Hauen heretofore was very vnsafe , and many ships which had tuggd through the most dangerous Seas abroad , were seen to sink here in the hauen at home ; the French then masters of Genua , not suffering her to shut vp her hauen , least she should shut them out . But since shee hath shaked off the French yoak , she hath loked vp her Treasures , and bolted the doore on the inside , by that admirable Mola which crossing almost quite ouer the baye , or , hauen , doth not onely bolt out all enemyes , but euen locks vp the boisterous Sea it self , and makes it tame in the hauen . It s a prodigious worke , and able to haue puzzeld any two Kings in Europe to haue done it . At one end of this Mola stands the Pharos vpon a little rock , with a Lantern vpon it , to giue notice , by knowne signes , what ships , how many , and from what side they Come : or els to guide their owne ships home safely in the night . At first it was onely a little Fort for to help to bridle Genua , and it was built by Lewis the XII of France . As for the towne it self of Genua , its most beautifull to behold : many of the houses being painted on the outside , and looking as if they were turned inside out , and had their Arras hangings hung on their outsides . The tops of their houses are made with open galleries , where the women sit together at worke in clusters , and where also they dry their haire in the Sun after they haue washed it in a certain wash a purpose for to make it Yellow , a colour much affected here by all women . The streets are very narrow : so that they vse here few coaches , but many Sedans and Litters . This makes the noyse in the streets lesse , and the expence in the purse smaller . But for want of ground and earth , they make heauen pay for it ; taking it out in the height of their houses what they want in bredth or length . So that Genua looked in my eye like a proad yong Lady in a straight bodyed flowered gowne , which makes her looke tall indeed and fine , but hinders her from being at her ease , and takeing breath freely . Yet I must except the Strada Noua here , which for a spirt , surpasseth all the streets I euer saw any where else for neatness and proportion ; and if it had but breath ynough to hold out at the same rate , a little longer , it would be the true Queen-street of Europe : Ordinary houses are so out of countenāce here , that they dare not appeare in this street where ther 's nothing but Pallaces , and Pallaces as fine as art , and cost ; or as Marble , and Painting can make them . Haueing sayd thus much of Genua in general , I will now come to the particulars that are to be seen in it . 1. The Domo , or great Church of S. Laurence presents it self to my sigth : It s the Cathedral of the Archbishop , who , when I passed that way last , was Cardinal Durazzo , a man of great Vertue and Piety . This Church is of a noble structure , all of black and white marble intermingled , and all massiue squair stones . In a Chappel ouer against the Pulpit , is kept reuerently an authentick Relick of S. Iohn Baptist , vnder the Altar ; and the great Dish of one Emmeraud , in which they say here that our Sauiour eat the Paschal Lambe with his disciples . Both these where giuen to the Genuesi by Balduin King of Hierusalem , for their great seruice done against the Turks in the Holy Land. Of the Relick of S. Iohn Baptist , Baronius , speaks credibly in his Ecclesiasticall History ▪ but for the dish of Emmeraud , I find no authority for it , either in Baronius or any ancient author , that our Sauiour vsed it . Especially seing Venerable Beda writes , that the Dish in which our Sauiour eat the Paschal Lambe was of syluer . 2 After the Domo , I saw the Church of the Annunciata , which draweth vp the Ladder after it for neatness . It s still in building , and not quite finished . It s thus beautifyed at the cost of two Brothers Rich Gentlemen and merchands of this towne who allow the third part of their gaynes to the adorning of this Church . The roof of it is all guilt , and set with curious pictures in Platfound . The Altars round about the Church , are cheeked with exquisit pillars , and adorned with rare pictures . The two rowes of Vast Pillars , which hold vp the roof of the Church , are so beautifull , being of a red and white marble , that they looke like Iasper , and rauish the beholder : They are curiously wrought and chanelled . 3. The Churh of S. Ambrosio , belonging to the Jesuits is neatly ouercrusted with marble and guilt aboue in the roof . It wants a little lenght , for want of roome to build on : it being too neare the Doges pallace , and not daring to aduance a step further for feare of treading vpon his heels . 4. The Church of the Theatins called S. Cyro , is very hansome , with its double row of white marble pillars , which set it out very gracefully . The Cloister also is very neat , and the Fathers very ciuil . 5. The Pallaces here are most sumptuous . Those of the Strada Noua are the best , and the best of those , is that of the Prince d'Oria : it s built vpon white round marble pillars , which support its Galleries , and those galleries let you into noble roomes adorned with all the Abellimenti of Italian Pallaces . The other Pallaces too , in this street , deserue particular mention in this my description of Genua , and may take it ill I say nothing of them ; but they must excuse my breuity , and impute the fault partly to themselues ; seeing admirable things are lyable to this inconuenience , that they are also vnexpressable . 6. I saw also the two Pallaces of the Signori Balbi , in the Street of the Annunciata . In the one whereof ( on the left hand ) I saw , among other rich things , a Looking Glasse valued at threescore thousād crowns . It s much of the size of those Looking glasses , which Seneca calls , specula toti corpori paria , that is , as bigge , and brickle , as those that looke themselues in them . The frame of it is all of syluer , set thick with a thousand little armed figures , like Cupids : as if the plain Mirrour of this Looking Glasse were the plain field where Cupid pitcheth his Tents , and begins his conquests ouer fair Ladyes . The round pillars set in the porch of this house , and the Giuochi d'acqua in the garden , will make themselues be taken notice of . 7. The Pallace of the Doge , or biennial Prince here , with the Seueral Chambers of Iustice , and the Armory in it for thirty thousand men aught to be carefully seen . In one of the great Halls of this Pallace , are seen twelue Statues of white marble , representing twelue famous men of this towne , who had rendered great seruice to the Common-wealth . In the foresayd Armory you see a halbard with two pistol barrels in the lower end of it . You see also the Armour of the Genuesian Amazones , who went to the warre in the Holy Land , and carryed themselues gallantly . Here 's also a cannon of Leather so light , that a man may carry it . 8. But that which is the most taking in Genua , is that which is out of Genua ; I meane , the stately Suburbs of San Pietro in Arena , where for a mile together , Villas adorned with marbles , painting , statues , Gardens , Arbours of Gelsomin , Orange , and Limon trees , grotts , ponds , Giuochi d'acqua , fountains , high wales , with shades borne vp by Marble Pillars &c. compose of many pallaces and gardens , such a beautifull Landskip , that the whole place seemed to mee , to be the charming Paradise of the King of the Mountains anciently ; and I was almost going to say , that we durst not blesse our selues , least this enchanted place should haue Vanished . The best Villas , or Pallaces here , are those of Hieronymo Negro , and that of the Imperiali : the first beautifyed with all the graces of Italian furniture , as also with Gardens , Walks , Ponds , Water works , Allees &c : the other , besides all these , hath an excellent Prospect : for the master of this house can see out of one window of it , twelue thousand crownes a yeare of his owne , onely in let houses . The other Pallaces here expect I should say something of them , and they deserue it well ; but realy to giue them their full due , I can onely say this of them , that they aught to be seen by the eye , not described by the pen. 9. As you returne from San Pietro in Arena to the towne not farre from the Gates , stands the Villa , or Pallace of the Duke d'Oria . I reserued this for the last , pour faire bonne bouche . It stands vpon the Seaside , and its garden towards the Sea is built vpon three rowes of white marble Rayls borne vp by white marble pillars , which ascending by degrees , is so beautifull to behold from the Sea , that strangers passing that way to Genua , take this garden for a second Paradise . In the midst of it stands the rare Fountain of Neptune , representing the true lookes of Braue Andrea D'Oria the Neptune of the Ligurian Sea , and the man who put his country out of Liuery , and taught it , not to serue . All along one side of this Garden , stands a Cage of Iron , about a hundred paces long ; and so high that it fetcheth in a world of laurel & other trees , clad with chirping birds of seueral sorts ; and to make the poore birds beleeue that they are rather in a wood , then in a prison , the very Cage hath put euen the wood it self in prison . Then entring into the Pallace , we found it most curiously adorned with rarityes , and riches , sutable to the countrys humour , and the masters purse . It s true , when this Queen of Spayne passed from Germany into Spayne , by the way of Milan and Genua , the Gouernour of Milan told her , that she should see in d'Orias pallace here , many fine things , but all borrowed of the townsmen . Which d'Oria hearing of before hand , caused to be written ouer the great Gates of the Pallace , where the Queen was to enter and lodge , these words in Spanish , By the grace of God , and the Kings fauour , ther 's nothing here borrowed . It may be , the cunning Gouernour of Milan thought by telling the Queen this , to oblige the Duke D'Oria to present some of his best things to the Queen , to shew her that they were his owne ; as it s sayd , the late Duke of Buckingham did in France , by breaking his dyamond hatband among the Court Ladyes , who sayd he had onely borrowed it ; but the wise Italian by this trick , both kept his owne , and yet satisfyed the Queen . Indeed he hath things here both too good to be giuen away , and too great to be carryed away : witness those rare Syluer tables which are in his Warderobe , one whereof weigheth twenty-four thousand pound weight . From the Pallace we were led ouer the street to his great garden vpon the hillside , where all the graces that can make vp a garden , are found . As for the Gouerment , fashions , Wealth , strength , and Interest of Genua , I found them to be thus . Their Gouerment , is Democratical , or Popular , by a Dog● ( chosen euery two years ) and eight Senators , who liue with him in the Pallace , and assist him with their counsell . The great Counsell here , which is the foundation of the Gouerment , consists of four hundred men chosen indifferently out of all the families of the towne . These deliberate with the Signoria of all things that belong to warre or peace . Anciently , as I hinted before , Genua was vnder the French domination , till Andrea D'Oria set it free . Histories write of it that Berengarius the third , and the Sarazins , so ruined Genua , that they left it swiming in its owne blood : Which ruine was forewarned by a prodigie of a fountain of blood which rann in the very streets of Genua . It had like to haue swmme a second time in its blood , when Lewis the XII of France entering into Genua victoriously with sword in hand , threatning the vtter ruine of that people ; was pacifyed by the mournfull cryes of four thousand little Children , who clad in sackcloth and placed in the great Piazza cryed out to the King in a piercing accent , Misericordia e Pieta , Mercy and Pitty . But since Genua shooke off the French Yoke it hath liued perpetually Gealous of the Frēch , especially since it discouered , some years past , diuers attempts of France against it , whiles the French had Portolongone and Piombino . For this reason , the Genuesi leane much to the Spanish Faction ; and Fashions following Faction , they leane also much to the Spanish Fashion both in humour and apparel . Hence I found here broad hats without hat-bands , broad leather girdles with steel buckles , narrow britches with long wasted doublets and hanging sleeues , to be à la mode , as well as in Madrid . And I found all the great Ladyes here to go like the Donnas of Spayne in Guardinfantas , that is , in horrible ouergrowne Vertigals of whale-bone , which being put about the waste of the Lady , and full as broad on both sides , as she can reach with her hands , beare out her coats in such a huffing manner , that she appears to be as broad as long . So that the men here with their little close britches , looked like tumblers that leap through the houps : and the women like those that danced anciently the Hobby-horse in country Mummings . Two of these Ladyes meeting one another in these narrow streets , make as great an Embarras , as two carts of hay do vpon London bridge : and I haue seen their Ladiships strangely puzzled , how to iuggle themselues into a narrow Sedan , or Littar : indeed half of my Lady hangs out . For my part I admire that this iealous Republick doth not feare , least some of these Ladyes ( vpon a disgust ) should carry a set of little short gunns vnder her coats , and vnder pretence of preferring a petition to the Senate assembled , giue them a broad side or two , and make a horrible confusion in the Republick . If all this bulk of clothes , which make the women here looke like haycocks with armes and heads , be allowed them by their wise husbands , to render them more visible , and lesse able to go priuately into any suspected houses , its good policy : otherwise , most certain it is , that the wifes gownes cheat horribly the Husbands britches , of almost all the stuff . I haue onely heard ( and it was from a Nobleman of Genua ) of one Lady here that made right vse of these Guardinfantas ; and it was shee , who seeing her onely sonn ( a yong nobleman of Genua about eighteen years old ) already condemned to prison , and ready to be condemned to the scaffold for a heynous crime , got leaue to visit him in prison as often as she pleased ; and at last , by meanes of a good Guardinfanta of steele , instead of whale-bone , she tooke vp her sonn vnder her coats in that Guardinfanta , and marching out of the prison grauely , as she vsed to do , by leaning vpon two ancient women , as the Fashion is here for great Ladyes to do , she carryed him home so ; and being there deliuered of him a second time , without a midwife , she sent him presently out of the country to be nursed and kept . Thus she saued her families honour . Was not this a true Guardinfanta , which preserued thus the life of a child ? But was not this also a gallant mother that went with a child who was full eighteen years old when his mother bore him ? The onely pitty was , that this gallant mother had not the happiness once to be mother of a gallant sonn , seeing she had had the trouble of bringing forth such a sonn twice . As for their Riches , I am told they passe not a million and two hundred thousand crownes a yeare . Indeed the King of Spayne Philip the II aboue a hundred years ago , borrowed of this Republick the summ of eleuen millions , and keeps them still in his hands , to keep this Republick in awe ; yet paying the interest duly vnto them . So that the Common purse here is nothing so rich as that of Venice , though the particular men here are farre richer then those of Venice . They haue great trading both with France and Spayne , and are great Banquiers makeing the Chāge , in all the bancks of Europe go as they please . Besides , they vtter a world of Taffetas , Veluets , Sattins , Points of needle worke and diuers other things of Value . As for their Strength , it s enough to defend themselues , scarce enough to offend others . For Genua is backd vp by the Apennins , where all passages are easily made good against inuaders ; and it is so well fortifyed on the other side by the Sea it self , twelue or fourteen good Gallyes , twenty ships of warre , and its incomparable Molo , that they could scuffle notably in their owne defence . Besides , Genua is fortifyed not onely with its Hills and Sea , but also with its new walls and bull-works of stone ; nay , and with its Bonewalls too , that is , with a Lacedemonian wall of a world of inhabitants , and with the Illustrious Families of d'Oria , Spinola , Grimaldi Sauli , Durazzi , Catanei , and others , whose seueral names would go almost for seueral armyes . Yet for a need , they can rayse thirty thousand men , and arme them well out of their Arsenal . I confesse heretofore they were strong enough to offend others ; For they made warre against the Pisani , and worsted them : They set also vpon the Iland of Corsica , distant from Genua about a hundred miles , and tooke it . This Iland gaue the Republike of Genua more honour then profit : for it being once a Kingdome , giues still to Genua the title of Serenissima , and a Close Regal Crowne ouer its Coat of Armes . In fine , the Genuesi were strong enough heretofore , to lend great succours to Godfrey of Bullen in his holy conquest of Hierusalem . Hence vpon the very Arca of the Holy Sepulcher in Hierusalem , are written these words : Praepotens Genuensium praesidium . As for their Interest , it seemed to mee to be farre more Spanish , then French , by reason of the great profit they draw from Spayne , which corresponds with the rich State of Milan in men and monyes , by meanes of the Gennesi : yet they are well with all Christian Princes , except with the Duke of Sauoye who pretends to Sauona . As for the Learned men of this towne , I find them not to be so many . The rich Banquier is more esteemed here , then the learned Diuine . Yet I finde here also some famous for learning , to wit , Baptista Fregosus , or , Fulgosus , who for his singular parts being chosen Doge of Genua , and by his owne disloyal kinred chased from Gouerment and country , comforted himself in his studdyes ; and haueing obserued many particular things in history , he reduced them to heads , and left vs a iust volume of Memorable sayings and Deeds of the ancients : for which work he is stiled by Alberto Leandro , the Valerius Maximus of Italy . He wrote in Italian , and dedicated his booke to his Sonn . The other learned men of this towne are Iustinianus , Balus , Mascardi , and Christopher Columbus . Genua also hath giuen to the Church three Popes , Adrian the V. Innocent the IV , and Innocent the VIII . Here is an Academy of Wits called the Adormentati ; which together with the other Academyes of the like nature in all the townes of Italy , I would wish my Traueller to visit particularly , that he may see how farr the Jtalians excell vs in passing their time well , and how it s much better to spend the week in making of Orations and Verses , then in drinking of Ale and smoaking of Tobacco . He that desires to know more of Genua , let him read Augustinus Iustinianus of the History of Geuua . Hauing spent six dayes in Genua we agreed with an honest Vetturino to conduct vs to Milan which is about four little dayes iourney from hence . In another voyage I went from Genua to Turin by Monferat and saw in my way Noui ( of which by and by ) Trino , Cassale one of the strongest places of Italy ; hauing a strong Cittadelle , a strong Casile , strong towne-walls and ditches ; and Alexandria della paglia a strong towne standing vpon the Po. But now at this time , leaving Genua , and intending for Milan , we rid through San Pietro d'Arena , by the Carthusians Monastery , ouer the Apenniu Hills , and in a day and a half , came to Noui. Noui is a little strong towne belonging to the Genuesi , and Frontier to the Milanesi . It s some twelue miles distant from Tortona the first frontier towne of the State of Milan : and because these Frontiers were then pestered with Bandits , a noble man of Genua , who was in our company , beggd of the Gouernour of Noui , a Couuoy for himself and vs to secure vs to Tortona : The Gouernour presently granted vs a Conuoye of eight or ten horsemen : but those very men he gaue vs for our Conuoye , were Bandits themselues , who being banished from the State and towne of Genua for their misdemenours , had two months a yeare allowed them to come freely into frontier townes , and negotiate with the State. These men were thought by the Gouernour to be our safest gards in danger , who were the onely men that caused danger . Hauing been thus conuoyed safely by out honest rogues past all danger , we payed them some three Pistoles ; and feard no more danger , till we should meet with such seruants as these another time . I confesse , it seemed at first à fearfull thing , to see our selues in the hands of those , who had their hands often in blood : yet there is such a charme in a Gouernours parole , that we thought our selues as well armed with it , as if we had been shot-free , and had had all the Spells of Lapland about vs. We had no sooner parted from these our guards , but passing ouer a little riuer on horsback , we entred into the Milanese , land came at night to Tortona a strong frontier towne of the Milanese , where Charles the VIII of France , in his returne from the conquest of Naples , beat the Venitians and the Milanesi in a battle . From Tortana we went the next day to Pauia , the second towne of the state of Milan , and once the Seat of twelue Kings of the Longobards . It stands vpon the riuer Ticinum , and hence it s also called in Latin Ticinum . Here 's an Vniuersity , either founded or furnished at first , with readers , or by readers of the Vniuersity of Oxeford . The Cheif Colledges are , that of Pius Quintus , and that of S. Charles Boromaeus . The other remarkable things here , are . 1 The Domo , in which lyeth buryed the body of a holy Bishop of this towne , called Sauli , who was contemporary to S. Charles Borromaeus and of the same Pastoral spirit and zeale . Neare the great doore of this Church ( on the inside ) they show you a little mast of a boate which they make ignorant people beleeue ( for sport ) to haue been the Lance of Orlando Furioso . 2 Neare the Domo , in the Piazza , stands A Brazen statue , which some affirme to be the Statue of Constantin the Great ; others , more probably , of Antoninus Pius . It was brought from Rauenna hither by victory ; and it had like to haue been carryed back againe to Rauenna by Victory . For Lotrech the French general in the takeing of this towne haueing granted this Statue to a soldier of Rauenna ( who serued vnder him , and who haueing mounted the breach first , asked nothing for his recompence , but that statue taken anciently from his natiue towne ) Yet afterwards moued with the generosity of the townsmen ( who hauing left all things else with some patience , to the prey of the soldiers , burst into tears when they heard that this statue was to be taken from them ) Lotrech changed his gift to the soldier , & left the Citizens of Pauia their deare Statue . 3. I saw the Augustins Church , where the body of that great Father of the Church S. Augustin lyeth buryed . It was translated hither out of Sardinia by Luitprandus King of the Longobards ; an arme of which S. Augustin a King of England redeemed at a great rate , and yet cheap too , if it where his writeing arme , wherewith he wrote such admirable bookes . The new Tombe in the Sacristy is all of white marble most exquisitly carued with historical statues representing the most remarkable actions of that Doctor . 4 In the same Church we were showne the Tombe of Seuerinus Boëtius author of that great little booke de Consolatione Philosophica which he wrote in his exile , to comfort himself . He was a Consul of Rome for dignity , an other S. Denys for learning & loosing his head ; and held a Martyr by many . 5 In the Cloister of this Conuent of the Augustins , lye buryed two Englishmen of note , the Duke of suffolke , and an English Bishop called Parker of the house of Morley , I read their seueral Epitaphs vpon the wall of this Cloister neare the little doore that goes from hence into the Church , but haue forgot them since . 6 The Chappel where the Bones of the Frenchmen killed in the Battle of Pauia are kept and showne to strangers . 7 In the Franciscans Church here , lyes buryed Baldus the famous Iurisconsult . 8 The long wodden Bridge couered ouer head with a perpetuall penthouse , to deffend men as well from the Sun , as from the rayne . Of this towne were Ennodius Ticinensis , and Lanfrancus Archbishop of Canterbury , who wrot so learnedly against Berengarius for the Reall Presence . He that desires to know the particular history of Pauia , let him read Antonio Spelta , and Sacco . From Pauia we went to Milan same twenty miles off ; and in the way , saw the famous Monastery of the Carthusians , neare vnto which , vpon S. Mathias his day ( a day fauorable to Charles the V , seeing he was borne on that day ; crowned Emperour on that day ; and got this Victory on that day ) was fought that memorable battle between the sayd Emperours forces , and the French King , an . 1525. where Francis the I. of France was taken prisoner , haueing lost the day , not for want of courage , but conduct : for he had a little before , sent away halfe of his army to the conquest of Naples ; by which he so weakened the rest of his army here , that he both lost the day , and did nothing against the kingdome of Naples ; A great fault , obserued by one that was present there , to wit , Monsieur Monluc . Francis being thus taken prisoner was presently conducted to the Carthusians Monastery , which was hard by . Entering into the Church , and finding the Monks singing in the third houre this verse of the Psalme , Coagulatum est sicut lac cor eorum , egovero legem tuam meditatus sum , he struck up with them at the next verse , and sung aloud with a piety as great , as his losse , or courage , Bonum mihi quia humiliasti me , vt discam iustificationes tuas : that is , it s well for mee , that thou hast humbled me , that I may learne thy iustifications . After he had heard Masse here , he was carryed to dinner in the Monastery , and was serued by three Generals of the Spanish Army , Launoy , Bourbon , and the Marquis of Vasti : the one holding the basin , the second powring water vpon his hands ; and the third presenting him the Towel . Some say he refused to bee serued by Bourbon , looking vpon him as a revolted Trayter , rather then as an ennemy : indeed the braue Frënch Knight Bayard ( surnamed , the Cheualier sans peur who died in this battle , ) being found expireing in the feild , by Bourbon , who sayd to him , Poore Bayard ! I pitty thee ; answered him with all the courage and life that was left him ; No , Traytor , J am not to be pittyed , who dye nobly seruing my King and country : but thou rather art to be pittied , who liuest à Traytor to thy king and country . As for the King he was led prisoner into Spayne , where he was kept at Madrid till he payed his ransom . Hence the Spaniards brag , that they had once a French king prisoner , and the French had neuer any King of Spayne prisoner : but the French answer , that their King had not been prisoner had he fought as the Kings of Spayne do of late , that is , by Proxie , and not in person . Howeuer this Francis the first deserued better fortune , being A Prince of great courage and honour , and a great louer of his souldiers . For not long before , he had beaten the Swissers in the battle of San Donato , where his souldiers fought for him with singular courage and zeale . And hee had deserued it all : For he was so good to his souldiers in that expedition , that he would ride vp and downe the campe in the night , to visit the wounded souldiers , and help them to all necessaries ; commanding euen His owne sheets to be cut in peeces to binde vp their wound● . As for the Monastery it self of the Charthusians , it s one of the most stately Monasteries of Jtaly , and I beleeue , the second of that Order . The great Cloister is all couered with lead . The Church is one of the hansomest of Italy , though built a la Tedesca . The Frontispice of it is adorned with a world of heads and figures of white marble . The Chappels within are richly adorned and painted . The Tabernacle is worth fourscore thousand crownes . The tombe of their founder , Iohn Galeazzo Visconti Duke of Milan , which stands a little without the Quire , with the cumbent statues of Ludouico Moro the last Duke of Milan and his wife , lyeing vnder the other , is a stately Monument . In the Sacristy we were showne many fine Relicks , much rich Church-plate , and a curious back of an Altar of Yuory cut into histories after a rare māner . Passing from hence we came to Milan . This towne is surnamed the Great ; and rightly , seing it carryes full ten miles in compasse within the walls . It hath ten gates to it ; two hundred Churches within it , and three hundred thousand souls dwelling in it . Hence it was anciently called Altera Roma a second Rome , both because of its greatness , and because of its other titles , which made it looke like Rome . It s the Head of the best Dutchy in Europe , which is a hundred miles long from North to South , and containeth four hundred townes in it . It s called Milan quasi Midland , being a pure Mediterranean Towne , and hauing ( which is a wonder ) not so much as a riuer of its owne running by it ; but is onely serued by two Channels cut out of the Ticine and the Adder . This towne hath heretofore suffered much by warre ; great townes being the fairest Markes to shoot at , and Milan hath been forty times shot at by Sieges , and twenty times Hit and taken , haueing had the misfortune to haue been vnder diuers factions and Rulers : as the Emperours , the Turriani , the Visconti , the Sforze , the French , and the Spaniards , who now keep it , mercè al Castello , which staueth of all tempts of strangers . France pretends to this Dutchy as heire of Valentia Visconty , who was marryed to Lewis Duke of Orleans , whose house was excluded from this Dutchy by Francis Sforza , who possessed himself of this State. As for the things which I saw in Milan , they are these . 1. The store of Gentry and Nobility here , which I perceiued to be very numerous , because of a hundred coaches ( no hackneys ) which I saw standing before a Church vpon a priuate Festiual day of that Church . 2. Great store of Artisans , as Goldsmiths , Armourers , Gunsmiths Weauers , silk stocking makers , Refiners of Gold , those that worke in Crystal , and a world of others : which giue occasion to the Prouerb , which sayth , that hee that would improue all Italy , must destroy Milan first : for if Milan were destroyed , the many artizans that are there , would spread ouer all Italy , and furnish the other townes , which want artizans . 3. The Churches here , and first that of S. Ambrose , where that glorious Father of the Church refused stoutly to Theodosius the Emperour , entrance vnto that Church , because of his passionate commanding the Massacre at Thessalonia , where seauen thousand men were murdered for the fault of a few . Vnder the high Altar of this Church lyeth the body of S. Ambrose ; as also the bodyes of S. Geruasius and Protasius , two primitiue Saints , whose bodyes were found whiles S. Austin liued at Milan , and who also relates a famous and knowne miracle to haue been wrought by God , at the Translation of those holy Martyrs bodyes into this Church . In this Church also is seen vpon a high Pillar of a round forme , a Brazen Serpent , like that erected by Moyses in the Desert and commanded by God himself to be made . I imagin it was set vp here for the same end , for which it was commanded by God to be set vp mystically in the desert , that is , to put men in mind of our Sauiours exaltation vpon the Crosse for mankind , the frequent memory of which is a Souerain antidote against the stings of the infernal serpent the Diuel . 4. Neare vnto the foresayd Church of S. Ambrose , stands the little Chappel , where S. Augustin with his little Adeodatus and his freind Alippius was baptized , as the words ouer the Altar testify ; and from this little Chappel S. Ambrose and S. Augustin ( now a Christian ) going processionaly to the Great Church , made the Hymne Te Deum , as they went ; one makeing one Verse , the other another . 5. The other little Chappel on the other side of S. Ambrose his Church , is built vpon the place where S. Augustin was first conuerted by a voyce which sayd to him , Tolle lege : Tolle lege : meaning S. Paul Epistles : which he doing , pitched iust vpon those words to the Romans , Non in cubilibus & impudicitiis , sed induimini Iesum Christum &c. And so of an impure Manichean , hee became a chast Christian . 6. I saw adioyning to this Church of S. Ambrose the Stately Monastery , with two curious Cloisters built vpon round pillars . This Monastery , as well as S. Ambrose his Church , belongs to the Cistertian Monks . 7. Then I saw the Church of S. Victor belonging to the Oliuetan Fathers ; with the admirable picture of S. George killing the Dragon , of the hand of Raphael Vrbin . This is a neat Church when it is adorned in its best hangings , as it was when I saw it . The double Cloisters here of the Monastery built vpon round pillars ought to be seen . 8. In the Church of S. Nazarius are to be seen the Tombes of the Triuultii : stately Monuments . 9. In the Church of S. Eustorgius I saw the Arca , or old Tombe , in which reposed the bodyes of the three Magi who came to adore our Sauiour in Bethleem , whose bodyes were translated from hence to Colen in Germany , where I haue seen them , by reason of the Destruction of Milan . 10. I saw also the Church of S. Laurence , built like that of Sanctae Sophia in Constantinople . Here lyes buryed Placidia the Sister of Honorius the Emperour . 11. There are diuers other Churches here , all worth particular visiting , by reason of some rare thing in them : as in that of S. Mark , the rare peece of Simon Magus his fall from the skyes . In that of the Passion the rare picture of the last Supper , by Christophoro Cibo . In that of S. Celso , a rare picture of Raphaels hand in the Sacristy . The Theatins , and the Iesuits Churches are very neat . 12. But the best of all the Churches of Milan is the new Domo , in the midst of which lyeth buryed the new S. Ambrose of Milan ; I meane S. Charles Borromaeus , an other S. Ambrose in Pastoral dignity , zeale , and sanctity . This Church I take to be the second in Italy for solid worke ; being built all of white marble , with Iles and Pillars , Each Pillar worth ten thousand crownes , & there are a hundred and threescore such Pillars in all , of massiue white marble ; not candied and frozen ouer with a thin crust of marble , as most of the other fine Churches of Italy are . There are also six hundred white marble statues set round about the outside of this Church , each of them cost a thousand crownes . That of S. Bartholomeus with his skin vpon his arme ; and that of Adam , are two peeces much admired , and are of the hand of Christophero Cibo . The Frontispice is not yet finished : but if that be the true designe of it , which I haue seen in pictures , in the Capucins Cloister in Rome , it will be most stately . The Church it self is sayd to be 250 cubits long . Neare the Quire , and almost in the middle of the Church , lyeth the body S. Charles Borromaeus in a low vault , turned now into a Chappel , open at the top with low rayles round about it ; The inside of this Chappel is hung with hangings of cloth of gold , ouer which runns a cornish of syluer plat nayled to the wall . Vpon the Altar , lyeth the body of S. Charles at length in a fair Crystal coffin made of seueral great squars of cristal , through which ( the wodden Caze being opened by special leaue from the Archbishop ) we saw his body lyeing all a long in his Episcopal robes . His face , hands , and feet , are onely seen , and his nose and lipps are shrunck and parched . The true picture of this Saint Hangs at the entrance below into this Chappel ▪ and his history and wonderfull actions are hung vp in painting round about the Church on high . Ouer the high Altar , in the Very roof of the Church , is kept one of the Nailes of the Crosse of our Sauiour , giuen anciently to the Milanesi by the Emperour Theodosius . There burne alwayes before it a number of little Lampes , set in crosse wise , and drawne vp thither with a pully , to shew the people where that holy Relick is . In fine The Steeple of this Church is not to be Forgotten . It s not quite finished yet , but its high enough to tyre any man , and to shew him from the top of it , the whole towne of Milan , the whole compasse and circumference of the rare Castle ; and the whole country round about for Twenty miles on euery side : a sight to pleasant , that I would wish my Traueler , not onely to mount vp to the top of this Steeple , but ( for this Steeples sake ) to make it his constant practise ( as I did ) to mount vp the chief Steeple of all great townes . 13. The great Hospital built in a quadrangle vpon arches and round pillars is a most magnificent thing . Really if sickness where not a little vnwholesome and troublesome , a man would almost wish to be a little sick here , where a King , though in health , might lodge hansomely . The place where the sick people are kept , is built crossewise , and in the middle of that crosse , stands an open Altar where all the sick people from their seueral quarters and from their very beds , may heare the Diuine seruice at once . Four thousand men are entertained dayly in this Hospital , and therefore it hath great reuenews . S. Charles was a great benefactor to it , and gaue away to it , and other pious vses , in half an hour , fiue and twenty thousand crownes of inheritance , which were fallen to him ( being a man of eminent birth ) half an houre before . Indeed he had no other wife then his Church , nor other children then the poore . 14. The stately Seminary ; and the Colledge for the Swissers , are noble buildings , and the Eternal workes of the foresayd . S. Charles . 15. The Lazzaretto is a Vast building , carrying in compasse a thousand and eight hundred yards . It stands neare the towne walls , yet out of the towne , and it is to receiue into it Those that are sick of the plague . There are as many chambers in it , as there are dayes in the yeare . In the middle of the squar of this vast court , or quadrangle , stands a round Chappel , couered at the top , but open on all sides in such a manner , as that all the people from their seueral chambers and beds , may behold the Priest saying diuine seruice , and joyne their deuotions to his . I haue read in the life of S. Charles Borromaeus , that in a plague time , he visited those that were infected , and ministred the holy Sacraments to them himself in person ; and went in a solemne Procession in the head of the Clergy , with a rope about his neck , and barefoot vpon the stones , to moue stony hearts to repentance , and to appease the wrath of God angry with his people . 16. The Biblotheca Ambrosiana is one of the best Libraries in Italy , because it is not so coy as the others , which scarce let themselues be seen ; wheras this opens its dores publikly to all comers and goers , and suffers Them to read what book they please . It was begun to be builded by S. Charles , and continued by his Nephew Cardinal Federico Borromaeo : but it was much augmented since by the accession of Vincentius Pinellis books , which after his death , being shipped by his heirs for Naples , and taken by the Turks , were many of them throwne ouer board by those analphabet Rogues , who looked for other merchandize then books . Yet many of them were recouered againe for money , and set vp here . Ouer the heads of the highest shelues , are set up the pictures of learned men , a thing of more cost , then profit ; seing with that cost many more books might haue been bought , and learned men are best ●een in their books and writings . Loquere , vt te videam . 17. Behind the Library stands the Gallery of pictures , where I saw many choyce Originals of prime masters , and some exquisit Coppies , as those four peeces of the four Elements , which certainly are coppied after those that I described aboue in the house of the Dutchesse of Sauoy neare Turin , called la Valentine . But the rarest peece of all , either in the Library , or here , is the rare Manuscript kept here , of Alberto Dureo . Three hundred pounds haue been refused for it . 18. The Dominicans Library is very considerable too . But you must not omit to see the Refectory here , where you shall finde an admirable picture of the last supper , made by Rare Laurentius Vincius . The painted Cloister here deserues a visit too . 19. The Monastery also called the Gratie , is one of the best in Europe , in whose Church is a rare picture of Christ crowned with thorns of the hand of Titian . 20. The famous Gallery and curiosities of Canonico Setali , farr better then that of Monsieur Seruier in Lyons , of which aboue . And here I wish my pen were as ingenious to describe all the rare things of this Gallery , as the noble Canon setali hath been in gathering them , and courteous in shewing them : some of these curious things I yet remember , for my Readers sake ; as a great variety of burning glasses , and yet not Conuexe , as ours ordinarily are ; one of them set fire presently to a peece of board an inch thick that was brought forth . 2. A Mandragora . 3. a bird without feet called by Aristotle Apodes . 4. a stone out of which is drawne a thread , which being spun and wouen , makes a stuff like linnen indeed , but of an incombustible nature : The stone is called Asbestos , and the stuff Amyanthus , which being fowle and soyled , is not be made cleane by washing in water , but by throwing into the fire . Baltazar Bonifacius in his Historia Ludicra tells of many who had such stuff . 5. a world of rare Meddals of the old Consuls and Emperours in syluer , gold , and brasse , makeing diuers series . 6. a world of woodden things , as also fruits , and fungi , all petrifyed and turned into stone ; and yet no metamorphosis neither , the things retaining their pristin formes . 7. Diuers curious clocks , whereof one shews the time of the day ( strang ) euen in the night by a quadran . 8. The little round Cabinet flat aboue , like a childs drum , with a smooth glasse : The master setting little ships , coaches , &c. vpon the glasse , they wheele and moue vp and downe as it were of themselues : when all is done by a sympathetical vertue and by the masters turning secretly a little wheele where there is fastened some loadstone , and the little ships and coaches hauing also some peece of iron in their bottoms which touch the glasse ; and so the iron running after the loadstone moued by the wheele , makes these shipps and coaches seem to moue of themselues . 9. A peece of a thunderbolt , which the Canon himself sayd he had cut out of a mans thigh strucken with it . 10. Diuers peeces of Coral iust as it growes in the Sea. 11. A little Pillar two handfull high of marble , so carcked , that it gapeth wide on one side with the crack , and yet holdeth together fast on the other side , as a great stick of green wood doth , when it is bent so farre on one side as to gape , and yet sticks together on the other . 12. A world of rich iewels , strange stones , cameos , pictures , crystals , little infants in waxe in glasse cases , and many other exotick rarityes , which are better seen then described . 21. Some Pallaces here : as that of the Gouernours , rather vast then curiours ; and fitter to lodge Regiments of Gards in , them Viceroys . The Pallace of Marini is of a noble structure . That of the Archbishop is very hansome . I saw also the Pallace of the Borromaei painted within at the entrace , with the Motto of S. Charles ( who was of this family ) HVMILITAS . It s related in the life of this Holy Prelate that in twenty years space that he was Archbishop and Cardinal here , he went but twice to visit his owne neare Relations in this Pallace , and descended but twice into his owne garden in his Archiepiscopal Pallace : so much worke found he it to play the part of an Archbishop well . The Pallaces also of the Visconti of the Sfortii , of the Triuultii , and many others , deserue to be seen exactly . 22. The Castle , or Citadelle , one of the best in Europe , in the opinion of the Duke of Rohan a competent jugde . It stands within and without the towne , that is , at the back of the towne , like a rod tyed at the childs back , to keep him in awe . It s garded by a garrison of fiue hundred natural Spaniars with a special Gouernour of its owne , independent of the Gouernour of Milan . It lookes more like a towne , then a Castle ; being a mile and a halfe about , and furnished withall conueniences a soldier can require . The large streets in it ; the stately houses and Pallaces for the chief commanders ; the neat piazzas ; the number of well furnished shops in all kindes , euen goldsmiths too ; the fiue fountaines , or Wells , not to be dryed vp ; the Mill ; the Hospital ; the Church ; with eight or ten Chaplains in it , and a Curate ; the faire place of armes capable of six thousand men ; two hundred great peeces of Cannon vpon the walls ; the six Royal bastions , the regular fortifications or outworks ; the vnderground way from one bastion to an other ; the infinit heaps of Cannon bullets , some whereof weigh 800 pound weight ; the three large and deep ditches round about the Castle ; the stately entrance gate , and two strong towers , make this Castle one of the most Caualier curiositys a man can see in Italy . They shewed me here the Cannon which killed Mareshal Crequy before Breme , and for that seruice its allowed to rest here for euer . 23. The shops of Crystals , where you haue a world of curiositys in crystal : as watch cases , twizercases , little boxes , pictures cut in crystal , crosses and beads of crystal &c. The shops also of silkstockings which are hugely esteemed in Italy because they are twice as strong as ours , and very massiue . The shops , in fine , of embroderers , whose embroderie in gold and syluer is the best in the world , and the cheapest . 24. Here is an Academy of wits , called the Nascosti , or Hidden men . But Why Hidden ? seing Wit , like the Sun , should shine publickly , and not bury it self ; except it be to shew vs , that as the Sun neuer shins brighter , then after he hath been hidden in a Cloud : so wit neuer shins more , then after it hath been hidden in Study . Hence was that saying of a graue Philosopher , Absconde vitam ; that is , lye hidden a while , at the dug of the booke . Indeed Demosthenes caused his hair to be shaued off , that by that deformity he might be ashamed to go abroad , and so bee obliged to study at home . As for this Academy , it helps much to animate with wit this great towne , which otherwise would looke like Polyphemus ( hauing lost his eye ) great , but blinde . Tumor , non est magnitudo . 25. The most famous men of this towne for learning , haue been these : Valerius Maximus for history : Alciatus , Decius , and Iason for Law : Cardan for Philosophy : Panigarola , and Paulus Aresius , for Sermons : Bonacina for Canon Law ; and Octauius Ferrarius ( whom I knew lately in Padua ) for belle lettere . 26. Two other men here are famous for other things ; to wit Vberto Crucio , and Gulielmo Pus●erula ; the first so strong , that he could stop a horse in his full gallop with one hand ; lift vp vpon his back a horse loaden with corne ; and stand so stifly vpon his leggs , that no man , though running against him with all his force , could push him out of his place or posture . The other without any learning at all , except his first Grammar Rudiments , could with his natural wit onely , decide law cases , and make such good orders , that the best Lawyers could not finde what to adde to them , or what to diminish from them . It s pitty these two men had not been melted into one , to haue made one excellent man , by their clubbing wit and force together , and their mingling of Sana mens , with Corpore sano . The Reuenues that Spayne dawes from Milan yearly , are two millions and four hundred thousand crownes : besides the thirds , to which they are obliged in time of warre . This state for a need , can rayse fifty thousand men . He that desires to know the History of Milan , let him read Corio of the history of Milan : Ripamontius , Scipio Barbono , of the liues of the Duks of Milan ; and Paolo Morigi . Hauing this seen Milan in six dayes time , we tooke horse for Bologna , six dayes journey from hence , and passed through Marignano , Lodi , Piacenza , Parma , Regio , Modena , Fort Vrbano , and so to Bologna ; of each I will say something . Marignano is a little towne about ten miles distant from Milan , and from thence to Lodi the way is most pleasant , and leuel as an alley . Neare to this towne Francis the first of France fought with the Swissers a famous battle , and killed 16000 of them ; and tooke Ludouicus Sforza the Duke of Milan , who thought to haue escaped in Swissers clothes , but was discouered . Lodi is a good iust towne , and frontier vpon the Venitians , the riuer Adda runs vnder its walls . It s called Lodi either because it s built vpon the ruines , or neare to old Lodi , which was called Laus Pompeia , because Pompey had restored it . This towne is famous for excellent neats tongues , and cheeses as big as mils●ones . A gentleman of this towne , caused four cheeses to be made each one weighing 500 pound weight . The people here mow their Hay three times a yeare ; and I am affrayd they are powled as often with taxes . Piacenza , or Pleasance , deserues its name , by reason of its sweet situation in a rich country neare the Po and Trebia , two great riuers . Neare the last of which Hannibal ouercame Sempronius the Roman Consull . The country round about this towne , is very rich in pasturage : Hence their excellent cheeses and rare creame . It aboundeth also in Saltpits which afford no small profit . This towne belongs to the Duke of Parma . The best things to be seen here are , the Equestris statua of the second Alexander the Great , or the first Alexander of Parma . It s in brasse in the market place . The old Fountain made by Augustus Caesar . The rare picture of Raphaels hand , in the Benedictius Church behind the high Altar . The Churches of the Dominicans , and the Canon Regulars are no contemptible ones . I obserued in this towne , a notable peece of thriftiness vsed by the Gentlewomen ; who make no scruple , to be caried to their country bouses neare the towne , in coaches drawne by two Cowes yoaked together : These will carry the Signora a pretty round trot vnto her Villa , Ther afford her also a dish of their milk , and after collation , bring her home againe at night without spending a penny . He that desires to know more of Piacenza , let him read Vmberto Loccati , Of Piacenza where , Cornelius Musso Bishop of Bitonti a great Preacher and a Trent Father ; as also Ferrante Pallauicini . Parma belongs also to the Duke of Parma , of the house of Farnese . This Dutchy was giuen to Pier Luigi Farnese by Paulus III , vpon condition it should hold of the Pope , and pay him yearly ten thowsand crownes . It s worth to the Duke two hundred thousand crownes . This towne of Parma is three miles in compasse , hath the riuer Parma running through it , ouer which is built a hāsome stone bridge . The country round about the towne is most fertill , and begets such credit to the Cheeses , that Parmesan Cheeses are famous ouer all the world . The Chief things so be seen in Parma , are these . The Dukes Pallace , with the gardens , fountains , wildbeasts , the admirable Theater to exhibite Operas in . The exquisite Coaches of the Duke ; one whereof is all of beaten syluer , with the Seats and crutains embrodered with gold and syluer ; an other so well guilt and adorned , that it s almost as rich as the former ▪ lastly the stables where I saw horses sutable both in strenght and beauty to the foresayd● coaches . Then I went to the Domo , whose Cupola was painted by the rare hand of Corregio . Lastly to The Capucins , in whose Church lyes buryed my noble Heros , Alexander Farnese Duke of Parma , whom I cannot meet in this my voyage without a compliment . He was the Third Duke of Parma , but the Tenth worthy . Indeed his leaping the first man into the Turks Galleys in the battle of Lepantho , with Sword in hand , and in the eighteenth yeare onely of his age , was such a prognostik of his future worth ; his reduceing Flanders againe , with the prodigious actions done by him at the takeing of Antweep , was such a makeing good of the prognostick ; and his comeing into France in his slippers and Sedan to succour Rouen beseiged by Henry the IV , was such a crowning of all his other actions , that his history begets beleefe to Quintus Curtius , and makes men beleeue , that Alexanders can do any thing . The Reuenues of this Prince are sayd to be six hundred thousand crownes a yeare . Hee is now of the French faction ; and in all his territories hee can rayse 28000 men . Here is an Academy of wits called the Innominati , as they that had rather be wise , then be talked of , or famed for such . This towne hath furnished Italy with two excellent Painters , Corregio , and Parmigiano . He that would know the particular history of Parma , let him read Bonauentura Arrighi . From Parma we went to Regio a towne belonging to the Duke of Modena ▪ here is a neat Cathedral Church , of which Church S. Prosper was Bishop . Of this towne were these three learned men , Guido Pancirola , Cardinal Tosco , and snarling Casteluetro . Modena is the towne where the Duke keeps his Court. It s a hansome towne , and by its high steeple shews it self to trauelers long before they come to it . It hath also a strong Cittadel , which lyeing flat and euen with the towne , showeth the towne that indeed it can be euen with it , whensoeuer in shall rebell . The Pallace of the Duke hath some rooms in it as neat , and ri●h , as any I saw in Jtaly ; witness those Chambers hung round with the pictures of those of his family , and wainscotted with great Looking Glasses and rich guilding . This Duke is of the Family of Estè , but not of the true line . Wherfore , for want of lawfull heirs male , Ferrara and Commachio fell to the Church , in Clement the VIII time , and remain there euer since . Of the true house of Estè , was the braue Countesse Matilda , the dry-Nurse , as I may say , of the Roman Church . For it was she defended Gregory the VII , against the Emperour Henry the VI , and brought him to aknowlegde his fault , and cry the Pope mercy . It was she also that by Will and Testament left the Pope , Parma , Regio , Mantua , and Ferrara . Hence Vrban the VIII , out of gratitude to this Princesse caused her Statue and Tombe to be set vp S. Peters Church in Rome . The will and Testament of this Princesse , are kept in Lucca to his day . Hard by Modena was fought the famous battle , where Hirtius and Pansa being Consuls , the Senate lost in them its authority . Of Modena were these famous men in learning , Cardinal Sadoletus , Carolus Sigonius , and Gabriel Falopius . In Modena are made the best visards for mascarads ; and it s no small profit which they draw from this foolish commodity , seing stultorum plena sunt omnia . The Reuenues of this Duke are three hundred thousand crownes a yeare ; and he is now of the French faction . He can rayse 30000 men . From thence passing the riuer we came soone to Fort Vrban , a Cittadel most regularly built by the command of Pope Vrban the VIII , from whom it s called . It s so strong , that it is not afrayd to stand , night and day , alone in the fields , and vpon the frontiers of the Popes Estate . Passing from hence through Castel Franco , anciently called , Forum Gallorum , we arriued betimes at Bologna . Bologna is one of the greatest townes of Italy , and one of the hansomest . It s the second of the Popes Dominions ; and the Chief Vniuersity of Italy for Law. Hence the Iurists say it is Musarum domus , atque omnis nutricula Iuris , and the very common coyne of the country tells you that Bononia docet . It s named , by the Common Prouerb , Bologna la grassa , because of the fertill foyle in which it stands , to wit in the very end of Lombardy ; and the many springs which humect it from the Apennin hills , at whose feet it stands . This country was anciently called Felsina , Gallia Cisalpina , Gallia Togata , to distinguish it from Gallia Braccata , The country in France neare Narbonne , And from Gallia Comata , The Country in France called la Guienne . In midling ages it was called Romagnola , because Bologna , Rauenna , Cezena , Forli , Faenza , and Imola stood constant to the Citty of Rome against the Lombards , for a long time . As for the towne of Bologna now , it s excellently well built ▪ and for the most part , vpon arches , like the Couent Garden in London ; onely the pillars are round . These Arches bring great conueniency to the inhabitants who can walk all the towne ouer coole and dry , euen in Iuly and Ianuary . It s fiue miles in compasse , and an excellent sommer towne , were it not that the ayre is not altogether so pure , and the wines heating . It s gouerned By a Legat a Latere , sent hither by the Pope , and in change , it sends an Embassador to Rome , to reside there : so that Bologna is treated by Rome , rather like a Sister , then à Subject ; and deseruedly , seing Bologna fell not to the Church any other way but by her free giuing her self to the Pope ; reseruing onely to her self some particular Priuileges ; as power to send Embassadors to Rome ; and that if any towesman kill another , and can but escape away , his goods cannot be confiscated . I stayd six dayes here , in which time I saw these things . 1. The Dominicans Church and Conuent . In the Church , I saw the tombe of S. Dominick , Founder of that Order . It s all of white marble cut with curious figures relating to his life . In this Church is kept a famous manuscript , to wit , the Bible it self written in parchment by Esdras himself , sayth Leandro Alberto the Camden of Italy , and a Fryar of this Conuent . They shew you also here a curious Lampe sent to S. Dominicks tombe by the new conuerted Indians . It s of a most rare workmanship . Behind the high Altar stands the Quire so famous for the Seats , which are of a rare Mosaick work of coloured wood inlayd into pictures representing the old and new Testaments , and all wrought by one Laybrother called Fra Damiano di Bergamo . This kind of Mosaick work in wood was anciently ( sayth Vasari ) called Tarsia , and in this kind of worke Brunelleschi and Maiano did good things in Florence . But Iohn Veronese improued it much afterwards by boyling wood into seueral colours , and then inlaying it into what postures and figures he pleased . This Quire is showne to strangers as a rare thing ; and worthily , since the Emperour Charles the V , had the curiosity to see it , and with the point of his dagger to try whether it were inlayd , or onely painted ; and the peece which he picked out with his dagger , was neuer put in againe for a memorandum . In this Church , as also in the Chapterhouse and Cloister of this Conuent , lye buryed many Readers of the Law , who hauing liued here by the Law , dyed here also by the Law of Nature . 2. The Conuent here is one of the fairest in Europe , in which 150 Fryars constantly liue and study . The little Chappel , which was once S. Dominicks Chamber ; the vast Dorm●tory ; the fair Library ; the great Refectory , and the curious Cellar are showne courteously to strangers . 3. The Nunnery of Corpus Christi . It s of S. Clares Order , and famous for the body of Beata Catherina di Bologna ▪ a most holy Nun of this Order and Conuent . I saw her body sitting straight vp in a chair , in her Religious habit : She holds her Rules in her right hand ; and we see her face , and and feet plainly , but those black and dryed vp . 4. From hence I went on to the towne Gate , a little out of which gate lyes a faire street where they make the Corso of coaches in sommer euenings . 5. Turning from hence on the left hand , I went to S. Michael in Bosco a stately Monastery of Oliuetan Fathers , standing vpon a high hill . From this Hill I had a perfect view of Bologna vnder me , and of all the country about it ; which being leuel and strowed with a world of white houses and Villas , looked like a Sea loaden with ships vnder sayl . Entring into this Monastery , I saw the Oual Court painted by seueral prime masters , of which Guido Rheni of Bologna was one . Then mounting vp to the Dormitory , I found it to be one of the fairest I had euer seen . 6. The Monastery , or Conuent of the Franciscans , with the rare row of pillars , and portico towards the street , the excellent Cloisters , and the curious Cellar . 7. The Monastery of S. Saluatore with its two Vast Courts or double Cloister built vpon galleries aboue , it s a noble building . 8. The Monastery of the Seruits , that of the Augustins , and that of the Carmelits are all of them such stately buildings , that I may boldly say , that no towne in Europe is comparable to Bologna for fair Monasterys . 9. Then I visited San Petronio standing in the end of the great Piazza , of which Church Leandro Alberto writ a hundred years ago , that he thought it would not be ended but with the worlds end . And I am half of his opinion : for when I passed that way last I found the scaffolds yet standing , which I had found there one and twenty years before ; and yet in all my fiue Voyages into Italy , I found them alwayes knocking and making as much noise and dust , as if this Church should be finished within half a yeare , when as yet half of it is onely finished . In this Church Charles the V. was crowned Emperour by Clement the VII . 10. The Domo , which is not yet half funished neither : yet that which is finished promiseth fair for the rest . 11. The new Church of S. Paul hath a curious High Altar . In the Church of S. Giouanni in Monte is the rare picture of S. Cecily of the hand of Raphael Vrbin . The Iesu is Church , the Church of S. Stephen , and that of the Passion deserue to be seen . 12. After the Churches and Monasterys , we went on with visiting the rest of the towne , and saw the Pallace of the Popes Legate : in this Pallace I saw the rare Cabinet and Study of Aldrouandus , to whom Pliny the Second if he were now aliue , would but be Pliny the Sixt , for he hath printed six great volumes of the natures of all things in nature , each volume being as big as all Plinyes workes . They shewed me here two or three hundred manuscripts , all of this mans owne hand writeing , and all of them Notes out of the best authors , out of which Notes hee compiled his six great Volumes which are now in print . Seeing these Manuscripts I asked whether the man had liued three hundred years , or no , as it s sayd Ioannes de Temporibus , In Charles the greats time did : but it was answered me , that he liued onely fourscore and three : a short age for such a long work : but it sheweth vs how farre a man may trauel in sciences in his life time , if he rise but betimes , and spurr on all his life time with obstinate labour . Certainly had he wrote before Salomons time , Salomon would haue changed his saying , and instead of sending the slothfull man to learne of the pismire how to labour , he would haue sent him to Aldrouandus his study and example : Vade ad Aldrouandum piger . 13. The Great Schooles here where the Doctours of the Vniuersity read are stately both within , and without . 14. The Spanish Colledge founded here by noble Cardinal Albornozzo , deserues to be taken notice of . It s well built , with a hansome Church and fiue Priests to serue it . The intention of his Colledge is to furnish all the King of Spayns dominions in Italy with able Magistrats and officers of Iustice . None can liue in it but Natural Spaniards ( except the Chaplains ) and those Spaniards must be Doctors of the Law before they can be admitted here ▪ they onely learne the language and customes of the countryes , and perfect themselues in the study of the Law , that they may bee fitt to fill vp the first vacant places of Iudicature that fall either in the State of Milan , in the kingdome of Naples , or in Sicily . They haue a reuenew of twelue thousand crownes a year . They keep two Coaches , liue very nobly , and lodge all Spanish Embassadors , Cardinals , and Prelats of their nation that passe this way . In the Colledge you see the pictures of many great Statesmen and Cardinals , and others , who haue been of this Colledge : but no picture pleased me like that of their braue founder noble Cardinal Albornozzo which is in the Church , and representing him in the same posture he was in , when he recouered all the Popes state in Italy , vnto the Pope then at Auignon ; of which I haue spoken sufficiently aboue in describeing Auignon . 15. The two Towers here in the midst of the towne , the one very high and straight called , de gli Asinelli ; the other low and bending , called la Carisenda . They would make vs beleeue that this bending tower was made crooked a purpose ; and its strang to see how most men make it their business rather to see this low crooked tower , then the other , which is hoth higher and straighter . But ther 's no mastery to make things ill , and to misse of our aymes : and I rather think the Carissenda or low Tower , went not vp higher , because the Architect perceiued it went vp awry . But we strangers admire euery thing in strange countryes , and that makes that none admire vs : Vpon which occasion I would wish my yong traueler neuer to admire any thing in outward shew , but to looke curiously at euery thing without crying out , ô che Belae Cosa ! This will get him and his Nation farre more honour , for Admiration is but the daughter of Ignorance ; and Magnanimus , ( saith Aristotle ) nihil admiratur . 16. Then the Houses here , which are generally well built , and in Sommer time , setting open their dores & gates towards the street , you may looke quite through their courts , entryes , portches , houses , and a huge way into their gardens , which euen from thence , will salute your eye with dainty perspectiues , fountains , and fresh verdure ; and your nose too with curious smells of Iesmin , and Orenge flowers , as they did mine often . Now the best Pallaces here are those of Maluezzi , Campeggi , Pepoli , Fachinetti , Cespi and others . 17. These fine houses are full also of Nobility , and I remember to haue seen here at a Corsodi Paglio vpon Midsommer day the long great , street lined quite through with coaches on both sides , & those coaches double lined with Ladyes and Caualiers of Garbo . Indeed it would be pitty , that such a stately towne as Bologna , should like Leyden in Holland , be full onely of Hanses and Boren . 18. Their traffick here consisteth much in silks , veluets , oliues , leather bottles , gellies , wash balls , and little doggs for Ladyes , which here are so little , that the Ladyes carrying them in their muffs , haue place enough for their hands too . 19. Their markets here are also exquisitly good for all prouisions of mouth , witness their salsiccie onely whith are a regalo for a Prince . 20. But that you may not think them better fed , then taught ; they haue erected here an Acadamy of wits called , Gli Otiosi , or , Jdlemen , by a figure of Rhetorick called a Lye , or per antiphrasim , because they are not idle . It s this Academy ( I beleeue ) which hath helpt to set out three rare moderne writers of this towne , Cardinal Bentiuoglio , The Marquis of Maluezzi , and Iohn Baptista Manzini ; the first , the Titius Liuius of his age , the second , the Lucius Florus of his age ; and the third , the Marcus Tullius of his time . To whom I may add Leandro Alberti , the Chamden of Italy . 21. He that desires to know the particular history of Bologna , let him read Bartholomeo Gal●otti , and Giouanni Garzo , where hee shall finde how Bologna suffered much anciently by the two opposit factions of the Lambertazzi and the Geremei . But now they enjoy quiet and repose vnder the Pope . Hauing thus seen Bolognia , and being armed with a Bolettina di Sanita , taken here , to make vs be let passe into the State of Florence , we steered on horseback towards Florence and reacht it in two dayes . The first dayes journey by Pianora , Loiano , Scarga L'Azino , Pietra Mala , and ouer the Apennins , was long and tedious enough , till the night came , at which time we were much recreated with the sight of a Fire which appeared some two miles off in the side of a montain on our left hand . This fire appears here frequently especially in clowdy wheather : and it appeared to mee for an hour together as I road along , to be still of the same bignesse , and of the same glowy colour ( fornace like ) and of a perfect round forme , and not pyramidal , as other flames are . The country people here call this fire , La Bocca d' Inferno , Hells mouth ; and I knowe not why they may not as well call this fire so , as Tertullian calls Vesuuius and Aetna ( two burning montaines ) Fumariola inferni , Hells chimneys . Taken in fine , with this fixed meteor , we forgot the tediousness of the way and came to Fiorenzuola . The next morning passing by Scarperia and Il Ponte wee arriued betimes at Florence I confesse , I stirred not out of my Inn that night , because fair Florence ( as the Prouerb calls her ) is not to be seen in fowle linnen , and rideing boots : but getting vp betimes the next morning , I gaue my eyes such a breakfast as Princes eyes would bee glad to feed vpon . But before I come to the particulars of what I saw in Florence , I will consider it in great , and then come to the Detail of it . Diuers good Authors are of opinion that this towne was first built by Syllas soldiers , to whom he had giuen this soyle for their seruices done him in his Ciuil warrs . They built it neare the current of two riuers ( Arno and Munio ) and from thence it was called at first Fluentia ( as Coblentz in Germany , from the meeting of riuers , is called Confluentia . ) Afterwards by the Inhabitants it was called Florentia , by reason of the fruitfull soyle which made it florish with all delicacies ; as also for the florishing wits of the inhabitants , who were so famous anciently in point of witt , that the very Romans vsed to send their children first into Toscany , to be bred in learning and Religion , and then into greece to learne Greek and Philosophy . Haueing enquired the name of this towne , I began to desire its better acquaintance , and attained it easily in a months space which I spent here : The things I obserued most were these . 1. The Chappel of S. Laurence , which is the nearest thing that euer eye beheld . All the inside of it is to be ouercrusted with Iasper stones , of seueral colours and countryes , with other rich stones , all aboue marble , and all so neatly polished and shining , that the Art here exceeds the materials . This Chappel is round , and round about are to by fixed within the walls , as high as a man can reach , the Tombes of all the Great Dukes of Florence , in a most gallant manner , and of most exquisit polished stones , with a great cushen of some richer stone , and a Ducal crowne of pretious stones reposeing vpon that cushen . Ouer these Tombes the Statues of all the Great ●ukes , at full length , and in their Ducal habits , all of brasse guilt , are to be placed in Niches round about the Chappel . The roof is to Vaulted all ouer with an ouercrusting of Lapis Lazuli ( a blew pretious stone with vaines of gold in it ) which will make it looke like heauen it self . Between each tombe are inlayd in the walls , the armes , or Scutchions of the seueral townes of the Great Dukes dominions , all blazoned according to their seueral colours in herauldry , by seueral pretious stones which compose them : and these are not made in little , but are fair great Scutchions made purposely of a larg sise for to fill vp the voyd places between the Tombes . The townes are these ; Florence , Siena , Pisa , Liuorno , Volterra , Arezzo , Pistoia , Cortona , Monte Pulciano &c. which contributed ( I suppose ) something each of them to this costly Fabrick in fine , this Chappel is so rich within with its owne shining bare walls , that it scorns all hangings , painting , guilding , mosaick work , and such like helpers off of bare walls , because it can find nothing richer and hansomer then its owne pretious walls . It s now aboue threescore years since it was begun , and there are ordinarily threescore men at work dayly here , and yet ther 's onely the Tombe of Ferdinand the Second perfectly finished . The very Cushen which lyeth vpon his Tombe , cost threescore thousand crownes , by which you may gesse at the rest ▪ indeed these stately Tombes make almost death it self looke louely , and dead mens ashes grow proud againe . As for the Altar and Tabernacle of this Chappel , I will speak of them by and by , when I describe the Gallery of the Great Duke , where they are kept till the Chappel be finished . 2. The Church of S. Laurence , which belongs to this Chappel , or rather to which this chappel belongs ; is a very hansom church designed by Brunellischi himself . The things that grace this church are the neat double row of round pillars which hold vp the roof of this Fabrick . The picture ouer the Quire painted in the roof , representing the genaral judgement , It s a bold peece and of Pontorno : The two Brazen pulpits wrought into hystorys by rare Donatello : The curious designed picture of S. Anne and our Blessed Lady , in chiaro e oscuro , by Fra Bartolomeo , commonly called Del Frate , is so wel a designed peece , that a Duke of Mantua , haueing seen it , offered to buy it at any rate , but was refused . The new Sacristy ( made to serue the fine Chappel described aboue ) deserues to be carefully visited , because of the bodyes of the Princes of the Family of Medices , which are depositated here , till the Chappel mentioned aboue , be finished . In this new Sacristy also are seen , the four statues made by Michael Angelo representing The Day , the Night , Aurora , and the Euening ; the four parts which compose Time , by which all men are brought to their Graues : That which represents Night , is a rare statue , and hugely cryed vp by all Sculptors and Virtuosi . See also in the Wall of the old Sacristy the neat Tombe of Iohn and Peter Medices sonns of Cosmus surnamed Pater Patriae ; It s the worke of Andrea Varochio . In the midst of this Church , before the High Altar , lyes buryed Cosmus Pater Patriae the Rayser of the Medicean family . In the Cloister ioyning to this Church , is erected the Statue of Paulus Iouius the Historian ; and neare to this statue you mount vp a pair of stairs to the rare Library of Manuscripts called , Bibliotheca Laurentiana , the Catalogue of whose bookes is printed at Amsterdame an : 1622 , in octauo . 3. The Gallery of the old Pallace . This is that Gallery so famous , and so frequently Visited by all Strangers . At your entrance into this Gallery , you see a Vast long roome made like an L : on the left hand of this Gallery , there runns a perpetual glasse window ; on the other side are set a row of pictures in great , of those of the Medicean Family : vnder the windowes , and also vnder the sayd Pictures stand a row of curious Marble statues , ancient ones all , and of prime hands . Ouer the sayd windowes and Pictures runns a close row of lesse Pictures , representing to the life , the most famous men of later times for learning , and Armes ; the soldiers being on the right hand , and the schollers on the left . The statues aforesayd are well nigh a hundred in all , but all rare ones : Some whereof I yet remember , and they are these : That of Leda , of Diana , of Bacchus , of Hercules , of the Gladiator standing on his gard , of Scipio Africanus in brasse , shewing the ancient habit and dresse of the old Romans , farre different from our modes : that of a little yong youth in brasse with his sword in his hand : that of a little boy sleeping vpon a touchstone : The head of Cicero in marble : that of Seneca : the Head of Michael Angelo Bonarota in brasse of his owne hand makeing : in fine , the head of Brutus one of Caesars murderers ; It was begun in marble by Michael Angelo , but informedly ; and so left by him : If you will know the reason why he finished it not , read the distick written in brasse vnder this head by the sayd sculptor himself , thus : M. Dum Bruti effigiem Sculptor A. de marmore ducit , B. In mentem sceleris Venit , & F. abstinuit . The four corner letters signifying that Michael Angelus Bonarota Fecit . Among the pictures , I tooke particular notice of these Souldiers , of Hannibal that frighted Rome : of Scipio that tooke Carthage and vanquished Hannibal : of Pyrrhus that made the Romans glad to make peace with him : of Scanderbeg that made the Great Turk afrayd to fight with him : of Venerius that helpt to winn the battle of Lepento : of Alexander Farnese that neuer lost battle : of Cortesius that found out new countryes : of Magellanus that found out new Seas ▪ of Andrea D'Oria who beat the French by Sea : of Gaston de Foix who had beat the Spaniards by land if he had but knowne how to vse his Victory : of the Duke of Alua , who onely lamented deying that he had neuer fought a pitchd battle with the Turks : of Anne de Montmorency who dyeing was glad to dye in a pitchd batle against the Hugonots : of Eccelino the Paduan Tyrant , of whom no man can Speak any good : of Castrucio of whom no man can speake any ill ; with a world of other braue Heros with whose true lookes I was very glad to be acquainted . Among the pictures of the learned men I tooke particular notice of these Italians , to wit , Petrarck , Ariosto , Ioannes Casa , Poggio , Macchiauel , Guiciardin , Paulo Iouio , Sannazario , Bocaccio , Platina , Brunelleschi , Michael Angelo , Raphael Vrbin , Columbus , Americus , and Galileo , with many others too long to relate , and too many to be rememberd . Hauing thus gazed our fill at these statues and pictures , and by particular taking notice of-them , complimented the great Worthyes they represent , we where let into the great Cabinets , or Chambers which joyne vpon this Gallery . First , we saw the Armory , that is , three or four great chambers full of exotick curiosityes : as , the habits of two Indian Kings made of Parrats Feathers sowed together : the habits of some Ianissaryes in Turky , of read veluet set thick with little nayles of gold , which they can take out and dresse vp other sutes with : the habit of the King of China : the skin of a horse pasted vpon a woodden horse , the mane of which horse is kept there in a box all at length , and it is aboue fiue elles long : This horse had been sent to the Great Duke by the Duke of Lorraine . Then we were showne Hannibals Helmet : the Helmet of Charles the V ; the sword of Henry the IV of France ; a curious Helmet thin and light , and yet of musket proof ; a huge heauy Helmet and sword of one of the old Paladins of France ; the true sword of Scanderbeg , a world of Cimetars , scabards , capps , saddles and other Turkish furniture set thick with Turquoises in gold ; a great gunn , whose thick barrel is of pure gold , and yet as long as an ordinary fowling peece , and as heauy as a strong man can well leuel with : it s valued at 1500 pistols , and shoots twice as farre as another gunn of iron doth , but kills ( I beleeue ) with the same payne that others do , though with a little more honour . Here is a great pistol of gold . Then the buona notte , or set of pistols ( fiue pistol barrels set together in an iron Frame ) to put into your hat , and to be all shot off at once from thence , as you seem to salute your enemy and bid him , Good night . The pistol with eighteen barrels in it , all to be shot off at once and scattering desperatly about a Roome ▪ six little cannons set in starre wise . The little Brasse Cannon which may be taken in peeces presently , and set together as soone , and so be carryed easily into any steeple , or tower : such Cannons as these might easily be carryed in deep countryes , and ouer high mountains , euery Soldier carrying a peece . The statue in brasse of the King of Spayne , Philip the fourth on horseback , iust of the bigness of that of gold which the Great Duke sent to the sayd King of Spayne for a present ; It was made by rare Iohn di Bologna . Then I saw the armour for horse and man of two Kings of Persia . The armour of the Great Duke Ferdinand , a goodly man. The King of Swedes Cornet taken in Germany in a battle . The buckler with the Medusas head on it , painted by Michael Angelo . A Turkish Bell to ring in time of battle . A horne vsed in Turkey to call men to their Moskyes instead of bells , as we haue . The head of a halbard ringing like a bell . A halbard to fould vp in three , and to carry vnder your cloake priuatly . A staff of a white cane , in which are curiously engrauen in black , the hystoryes of the Apocalipse . It was the Duke of Vrbins . In fine , the loadstone holding vp threescore pound weight of iron , and holding one key to an other , for a matter of fiue , or six keyes . After the armory , we were let into the fiue Cabinets full of pretious iewels , pictures , and other rare curiosityes . In the first Cabinet , I was showne a curious Clandlestick to hang vp in the middle of a roome with seueral branches spreading from it , and all of yellow Amber , including within it a world of little figures of white marble or waxe , neatly cut in little , and appearing through the transparent yellow amber : This Candlestick was giuen by the Duchesse of Lunebourg , to the Duke of Saxony , and by him to Prince Mathias brother to this Great Duke of Florence . In the same Cabinet I saw a Table of polished stones of seueral colours and lustre , inlayd into birds and flowers . The head of Tiberius Caesar in one Turky stone , as big as a Ducks egg , and of an inestimable value . A curious cabinet , or two , of yuory cupps brought out of Germany by Prince Matthias . In the same Cabinet I saw the picture of Cardinal Bembo in a neat Mosaick work ; and an other peece of diuers birds in mosaick also , rarely done by Marcellus Prouincialis . I saw also there diuers little old Pagan Idols in iron ; and brasse . A designe of Raphaels owne hand ; and some good pictures . In the 2 Cabinet I saw two great Globes ; which were made in this roome , being too great euer to be carryed out , or brought into it by the doore . I saw also here a curious table of polished stones representing a towne in Bohemia , w●th diuers pictures of men , horses , and Landskips : where there is a tree represented most naturally , because it is represented by the very wood of a tree Petrifyed into stone , and looking like wood as it was ; and shinning like polishd stone , as it now is . The statues , or bustos of three or four of the Great Dukes , in Porphyry . A curious looking glasse ouer the inside of the doore , which placed directly ouer the picture of a man , contracts into it the picture of a woman ( that mans wife ) which you see plainly in it : drawing thus Eue out of Adam againe by a curious reflexion . In the 3 Cabinet I was showne a curious table of polished stones representing perfectly the towne and hauen of Ligorne . A great Cabinet of Ebeny beset with pretious stones on the outside , and with the history of the holy Scriptures curiously expressed in miniature in seueral little squars of rich stones set here and there . In the top of it , there is a German clock , now out of order , and no man dare mend it . Within this great Cabinet I saw the passion of our Sauiour curiously cut by Michael Angelo in yuory ( say they ) but I beleeue it s in white waxe . There is also in it the figures of our Sauiour and his twelue Apostles in yellow amber with their heads in white amber : All these seueral peeces are not seen at once , but come vp into sight one after another , as the man turns them . This Ebeny Cabinet was sent ●o the great Duke by the Duke of Bauaria , and it s valued at fourscore thousand crownes : I beleeue , if it were to be sold , it would not yeeld forty thousand crownes ; but its hansome , sayth Seneca , for those that receiue courtesies , to value them high . Here are also some pictures of great value , as the Adam and Eue of the hand of Alberto Dureo , an original peece valued at 1500 crownes . An original Venus of Titian , that in the Poggio Imperiale here ( of which below ) looking but like a good coppy of this . Here are also seueral Persian chairs , and other good originals of prime hands . In the 4. Cabinet , called Jl Tribuno we saw more riches then in all the others . This Tribuno is a great roome built roūd with a Cupola , whose vault is painted with a deep sanguin red , set full with the shells of Mother of pearle . The walls of this roome are hung with green silk , and loaden with excellent pictures of the prime masters of the world , Titian , Raphael , Andrea del Sarto , Vinci , Hans Holbain , Vandike and others . The S. John Baptist is of Raphaels hand ; as is also that of Leo the X. with two Cardinals , Iulio Medici , & Cardinal Rossi behinde him . The picture of Southwell priuie Counselour to Henry the VIII , is of the hand of rare Hans Holbain . The picture of our Lady with our Sauiour in her armes is of the hand of Andreo del Sarto . The picture of Cardinal Bentiuoglio sitting in a chair , is of the hand of Vandike . There is also a rare picture in miniature of Giulio Glorios hand , and three fair peeces in miniature of an Augustin Friar yet liuing , and a man of great esteeme ; hauing taken the right course to be famous , that is , to make but few peeces , but these finished with all the patience which miniature requires . In this tribuno I saw also the famous Nayle half gold , half iron , made by the famous Alchimist Thurnheuser . They shewed me also a great lump of gold , not yet stamped into coyne ; two shells of Mother of pearle with their two pearles still sticking to them , and iust as they grow : The Pearles , are rich pearles and round . The two peeces of Emmeraud-rock , the one scarce formed yet into perfect Emmeraud , but onely begun : the other quite finished and green . Then two close cupbords within the walls of this roome , in which I saw a world of curious cupps and Vases of crystal , Agate , Lapis Lazuli , and other such curious , but brickle matter , yet of rare fabrick and shape : They value them at two hundred thousand crownes . The Vnicorns horne , and the alabaster pillar are not to be forgotten . The great Cabinet of Ebeny standing at the further end of this Tribuno , full of ancient meddals of gold syluer , and brasse , of the ancient Consuls , and Emperors , all digested into their seuerall series ; and yet this Cabinet is almost as rich without , as it contains riches within ; being set without with pretious stones of a vast biggness and value ; to wit , a Saphir as broad as a twenty shilings peece , and half an niche thick ; a ruby full as great , but farre richer ; an emmeraud not inferiour to the rest ; a pearle as big as an ordinary wallnut ; a world of Diamonds and other lesser stones , but all of so great value , that this Cabinet , with that which is in it , is valued to be worth fiue hundred thousand crownes . Lastly , I saw here the great round table made of inlayd pretious stones , polished neatly ; a table able to make the most hungry stomack forget its gumbing , to feed its eyes vpon the vnroasted birds which together with curious flowers compose this admirable table ; Pearles , Rubies , Saphirs , Cornelians , Emmerauds , Lapis Lazuly &c. are employed here artificially to the makeing of these birds & flowers . You l conceiue better of this table when I shall tell you that it is worth a hundred thousand crownes , and that it was fiftheen yeares in makeing , and yet thirty men wrought at it dayly . In the midst of it is the great Balle of the Armes of the Duke of Florence in pretious stones . The 5. Cabinet standing at the further end of this Gallery , containeth the Altar and Tabernacle , which are to be set vp in the new Chappel of S. Laurence described aboue . Hauing viewed them six seuerall times exactly ( as I did ) you will perchance be of my opinion , that this Tabernacle made for to keep the Blessed Sacrament in , is able , or nothing is able , to make a mends in same sort , to our Sauiour for his course lodgeing in Bethleem , when he was borne in a stable and lodged in a manger . The crystal pillars curiously wrought , and being a full elle long , with their Capitelli of pure gold : the four like pictures of pretious stones which were fiue yeares each of them in cutting : the Variety of other pretious stones set thick here and there , and of great size : the neat contexture of other polished stones of seuetall colours and lustre : the pictures of inlayd pretious stones , which compose the Antependium of the Altar : the variety of rich Cameos which are set here and there , and cut into pictures : in fine , the whole composure of this Altar and Tabernacle , being the height of wit and riches , I can neither describe enough , nor you admire sufficiently . 4. Hauing thus seen the Gallery and adioyning Cabinets , I was presently led into another quarter of this Pallace , where I saw the Great Dukes Argentaria , or Plate . Entring into this great squar room , I saw twelue great cupbords as high as the roome , sett with excellent plate in all kindes . In one of them they shewed me a whole seruice of beaten gold , as dishes , plats , forks , spoones , knifes , with a world of other rich vessells set in gold ; also little pictures in miniature ; curious little Cabinets beset with gold and iewels ; a Turkish Cimetar whose handle and scabbard of gold , are thick set with diamonds and pretious stones ; two other swords with their hilts of gold curiously wrought with Diamonds ; a Dagger sutable to one of them and of the same richness ; a great Crosse set think with Diamonds , and other pretious stones ; a rare cup of one great Emmeraud , with a couer to it of the same ; a basin and Eure of gold set very thick with Turky stones . In another Cupbords I saw great variety of syluer plate in all kindes . In an other , they shewed me a saddle and bridle with stirops of gold , all set thick with Turky stones , Diamonds , Pearls , and other rich stones , with the saddle clot● , or housse , all embrodered with Gold and Pearle : this was a present from the Emperour to the Grand Duke . In an other cupbord they shewed me the four great syluer bedposts enameld here and there , and set with polished stones of diuers colours : They were made for the marriage bed of the now Great Princesse daughter to the late Duke of Orleans . In an other they shewed me a curious Antependium for an Altar , all of beaten gold set with Pearle , pretious stones , and the picture of Cosmus the second in the middle of it , of curious enameled work , with his Ducal crowne set with Diamonds very richly ; all along this Antependium aboue , runns an Inscription in letters composed of many rubies , each letter being two fingars long , and importing these words : COSMVS II DEI GRATIA MAGNVS DVX ETVRIAE EX VOTO . In another cupbord I was showne the foot of an Elan , and a Visard all set , and couered with Turky stones . 5. Descending from hence , we where led into the great Hall of this pallace , a vast roome painted on all sides of the Walls with bold painting , representing the Victoires of the Florentins anciently . Here it is that on midsommer day , the country people come and dance before the Great Duke , and the best dancers are recompenced with an honorable reward . 6. From hence I was let into the long Corridor , or close Gallery which runns from the new Pallace to the old , ouer the riuer , and ouer the topps of houses ; for the space of half a mile , with many turnings and windings . It s very vsefull for the Prince when he will go see his pretious Treasure in the old Pallace , or els go priuately and heare how iustice is ministred there . For the Great Duke Francis gaue order to Buontalenti , a rare Architect , to break a window from this Corridor into the great roome in the old pallace , where the magistrats render iustice , but yet so priuately that none should perceiue it . The Architect did it , by setting vp there the Dukes armes at large , and breaking a window behinde them so imperceptibly , that the Great Duke through the little holes made in the six boules of his armes , could both heare and see how Iustice was rendered there by his officers . And one day hearing a poore woman oppressed by an vniust sentence , he sent for the Iudges , and reprehending them seuerely , he reuersed the former sentence , and hearing the cause a new himself , pronunced Sentence for the poore woman . 7. This long Corridor led vs to the new Pallace , called the Palazzo di Piti , because it was begun to be built by Luca Piti , after the designe of Brunellischi : but the expences growing too great for Pitis purce , it was bought by the mother of great Cosmus the II , and afterwards carryed on by her to that perfection we now see it in , and which makes it one of the prime pallaces of Europe . The designe of it ( for it is not yet all quite built ▪ is to be a perfect Roman H , with double roomes on all sides . As you ascend vp to it , by an easy ascent from the street , it presents you with a fair broad side of building , in which I counted two and twenty great windows all in a row , and all a like , and all of them cheekt vp on either Fide by Sine stone pillars . The fashion of building in this pallace , as in most of the best pallaces of Florence , is that which they call in architecture , la maniera rustica ; where great freestones are made aduanceing a little one ouer the other . Entering into the Pallace , we saw the fair court ; and in the end of it , the Grotta or fountain with a larg basin , in which they keep fish for present vse . This Court is squar , and open onely on one side towards the garden , but hedged in with a high terrasse of stone , whose top is leuel with the ground of the garden . Beyond this terrasse and court , lyes a fine green spot of ground leuel with the first story of the pallace , and half compassed about with a demicircle of laurel trees high and thick . Vnder these trees of the demicircle , rise vp stone seats , six rowes high , like the seats in an Amphitheater ; and capable of two thousand men , who may all sit here with ease , and behold the sports of Caualry which are often exhibited vpon this fair green spot of ground by the nobility : the Great Duke and the Court beholding all this from the windows of the pallace , while the rest of the nobility and Ladyes are seated conueniently in the Amphitheater vnder the trees . The rest of this garden is curiously setforth with thickets of bayes , close shady walkes , fine high open walkes ouer looking both the towne and country , great ponds of water , a world of statues of marble and stone , a rare round basin of water , with fountains and much wetting sport ; the place for birds and beasts ; the curious Ice house and coole Cellar vnder it , where the melting ice dropping downe vpon the barrels of wine , refresh it so exceedingly , that in all my life time I neuer drunck so coole , as I did at the tap in this cellar . But to returne againe to the pallace , from whence this garden hath led me ; from the garden , we ascended into the chambers of the Great Dukes appertiment , and found them most sumptuous , both for contriuance and furniture . Some of them are painted ouer head by Pietro di Cortona the prime painter now liuing : others expect his returne againe from Rome , and scorne to be painted by any hand but his : in another chamber , we were showne the history of Saleucus giuing to his onely sonn Antiochus ( languishing and pincing away with the loue of his mother in law ) his owne beloued wife Stratonica ; shewing by this strange , and vnick example , that paternal loue is greater then Conjugal . All this is rarely painted vpon the wall ouer the hangings . In another chamber ( the Great Dukes chamber of Audienc ) I saw a sute of hangings Valewed at a hundred and fifty thousand crownes : The Ground of them is cloth of gold , vpon which are embrodered a world of birds , beasts , flowers , trees , riuers , Land-skips in silk and syluer ; and in such a rich manner , that I take this to one of the fairest sutes of hangings in Europe . In an other chamber here , I saw a rare collection of pictures , all originals , and of the best hands in the world , Titians , Raphaels , Michael Angelos , Andrea del Sartos , and many others . The best of them is that of Raphael , and painted by his owne hand . This is the best collection of pictures that euer I saw , and it belongs to Prince Leopold the Great Dukes brother , and a great Virtuoso . In the Great Dutcesses chamber , I saw half a dozen of excellent peeces of Raphael and others . In another chamber ( The Dukes Bedchamber ) we saw his curious Thermometers , or weather glasses , which are most curious . In an other chamber ( the doores being set open for the Nonce ) we looked through sixteen chambers at once , and all of them faire great roomes vpon one floore . And after all the roomes of this house ( as , the coole low sommer roomes , the masking roome , the seueral appartiments of the Great Prince sonn of the Great Duke , and of Cardinal Iohn Carlo , Prince Matthias , and Prince Leopold all three brothers of the Great Duke , and all lodgeing at once in this great Pallace ) by special fauour , we got the sight of the Great Dukes faire Diamond , which he alwayes keeps vnder lock and key . It s absolutly the fairest in Europe , It weigheth 138 charats , and it s almost an inch thick : and then our iewellers will tell you what its worth . I am sure Monsieur Simonet in Lyons ( a famous ieweller ) to whom I shewed the weight and thickness of it , valewed in to be richly worth a hundred thousand crownes between marchant and marchant , and a hundred and fifty thousand crownes between Prince and Prince . 8. Going from the Great Dukes Pallace , we fell presently vpon the Augustins Church . This is a neat Church designed by Brunelleschi , and much beautifyed with hansome pillars . The Tabernacle and High Altar cost a hundred thousand crownes , and yeeld to few in Italy for neatness and state . Behinde the High Altar in the very end of the Church , is a rare picture of our Sauiour absoluing the poore woman catched in adultery . The confusion that appeares in the face of this woman , makes it appeare what a rare painter Allori was , who made this picture . 9. Passing from hence ouer the bridge ( where foure white marble statues representing the four seasons of the yeare stand , all made by Michael Angelo ) we came to the Piazza of the Gran Duca , where I saw the Equestris statue of Cosmus the Great in Bronze , with his Victoryes and prime actions in the pedestal , of the same mettal . At the corner of the old pallace in this Piazza , stands the braue Fountain , with a Neptune , Tritons , and Nereides . Neare the gates of the pallace here , stand two statues of more then Gygant can bulk : that of Dauid is the hand of Michael Angelo : and that of Hercules killing Cacus is of the hand of Bandinelli . The other statues here in the Portico hard by , are much cryed vp for rare peeces , as that of Perseus in brasse ; that of the rapt of the Sabins , in marble ; and that of Iudith in brasse holding a sword in one hand , and Holofernes his head in the other . 10. Looking vp from this Piazza to the top of the pallace , I beheld the high Tower mounted thereupon . It s a hundred and fifty yards from the ground , and which is the wonder , it hath no other foundation then the wall of the pallace and the top of the house : Hence it s sayd , that the Florentins haue three wonderfull Towers : one in the ayr'● to wit , this Tower : an other in the water , to wit the Fanal of Ligorne : and the third in the Earth , to wit , the Campanile of Florence , whose foundations are exceeding deep in the ground . 11. Going from the Piazza towards the Domo , we were presently stopt by the Church of S. Michael a square flat Church , whose outside is adorned with rare statues , if not of gold , yet worth their weight it gold . The best are ▪ that of S. Matthew in brasse made by Laurentius Cion : that of S. Thomas in brasse thouching the side of our Sauiour with great demonstration of diffidence in his lookes , is of Andrea Varrochios hand . That of S. Peter in marble is excellent for the Drappery of it . That of S. George in marble , is compared to to the best in Rome , and hath been praysed both in Prose and verse : that of S. Marke hath so graue and honest a countenance , that Michel Angelo ( a competent iudge ) stopping one day to behold it , and being asked what he thought of it , answered : if S. Marke had Such a countenance as this , as its likely he had , a man might almost , for his lookes sake , beleeue all that he wrott : for neuer did I see ( sayd hee ) any man haue more the lookes of a good man , then this . 12. Going from hence we were presently at the Domo . This , I beleeue , was the finest Church in Italy when it was built . It was anciently called S. Reparatas Church ; but since it is called Santa Maria Florida , a fit name for the Cathedral of Florence . The foundations and architecture of it were contriueed by Arrolfo di Lapo , a Dutchman , and a la maniera rustica , sayth Vasari of it , In his life 's of painters . It s one of the neatest Churches without , that I euer beheld ; being elad in white , red , and black marble , but it s onely white plastered within , with pillars of a darke coloured freestone . What if the Architect of this Church were somewhat of Diogenes his minde ? and as Diogenes thought the world would be turned vp side downe one day ; so this Architect thought that the world would be turned inside out one day , and that then his Church would bee the fairest in the world , and all lined with marble : As it is , it lookes a little hypocritically ; though the structure within be of a notable contriuance . On the top of it stands mounted a fair Cupola ( or Tholus ) made by Brunelleschi a Florentin . This was the first Cupola in Europe ; and therefore the more admirable for hauing no Idea after which it was framed ; and for being the Idea of that of S. Peters in Rome , after which so many yong Cupolas in Rome , and els where , haue been made since . Hence it is sayd , that Michael Angelo comeing now and then to Florence ( his natiue country ) whiles he was makeing the Cupola in Rome of S. Peters Church , and viewing attentiuely this Cupola of Florence , vsed to say to it ; Como te non voglio : meglio di te non posso . It s sayd also that Brunelleschi makeing this Cupola caused Tauerns , cookeshops , and lodgeings , to be set vp in it , that the workmen might finde all things necessary there , and not spend time in going vp and downe : and he had reason : for this Cupola from the ground below , to the top of all the Lanterne , is two hundred and two Braccie , or yards high . The straight passage from the top of the cupola to the round brasen ball , is thirty six yards high . The Ball is four yards wide , and capable of four and twenty men : and the crosse at the top of this ball , is eight yards long . The straight passage vp to the Ball is neatly contriued , like a round chymney of white marble , with hols on both sides , and brazen steeps crosse those holes , to climbe vp easily , by hand and foote , the passage being clane and smooth . From the top of this Cupola , takeing a perfect view of Florence vnder vs ▪ and of the whole country about it , with the sight of two thousand Villas or country houses scattered here and there , round about the towne , we came downe againe to view the inside of this Church . It is about three hundred foot long , from the great doore to the Quire , and from thence to the end almost two hundred more . The Quire is round , and perpendicularly vnder the Cupola , being of the same bigness : and vpon solemne dayes when the wax candles are lighted round about it , it lookes gloriously : otherwise in wintertime it seems too dark . The High Altar , which stands in this Quire , is plain , like those of ancient Cathedrals , and adorned with a rare statue of a dead Christ in white marble made by the hand of Bandinelli . Looking vp from the Quire to the Cupola , you see it painted on the inside with the representation of heauen , hell and Purgatory . The painters were Georgio Vasari and Thaddeo Zucchari . Behinde the high Altar are the rare statues of Adam and Eue , by the hand of Bandinelli . neare the doore of the Sacristy , you may read an inscription , importing how that in this towne of Florence had been held a General Ceuncell , where the Revnion of the Latin and Greek Church had been made . The golden Diploma of this vnion written both in Latin and Greek , and subscribed vnto by the hands of the Pope and Cardinals on the one side ; and by the Emperour of Constantinople with the Patriarch of Constantinople and the Greek Bishops on the other side ; and authenticated by the leaden seale of the Pope , and the golden seale of the sayd Emperour , is kept in the Archiuiis or Registers of Bologna . In this Council both the Pope of Rome Eugenius the IV. and Paleologus the Emperour of Constantinople , were present , with the creame of Bishops , both of the Easterne , and Westerne Churches ; and in this Councell not onely the Procession of the Holy Ghost from the Father and the Sonn was vindicated ; but also Purgatory was proued to the Greeks out of their owne Greek Fathers , as well as out of the Latin Fathers ; and diuers other points of coremony and practise were asserted and made good . Vnto all which the sayd Emperour and Patriarch , and the other Greek Bishops ( except restless Marcus Ephesinus ) subscribed ; as did also the Armenians , Ethiopians , Georgians , and Iacobites , who all hereupon were admitted to Communion by the Roman Church . In fine , in this Church you see the statues of diuers Saints who haue been Archbishops of this towne ; and the Tombes of diuers famous men ; as of Marsilius Ficinus the Platonick Christian Philosopher : of Dante the Florentin Poët , whose true picture is yet to be seen here in a red gowne : of Ioannes Acutius an English Knight and General anciently of the Pisani , as the old Gothick letters set high vpon the wall vnder his picture on horseback , told me . Yet Verstegan will not haue him to haue been called S r. John Sharpe , but Sr. John Haukwood . But it imports little to me what his name was , seing he was a braue Englishman , and deserued to haue his tombe and inscription here , and his picture among the other worthyes in the Dukes Gallery . Here 's also in this Church the tombe of Brunelleschi , or Philippus Brunaltius , who made the Cupola of this Church : as also the tombe of Giotto , who made the Campanile , or fine steeple here . In fine here lyes also Cimabue the famous painter of his time . It was hee that first restored painting again which had been lost for many years in Italy , and taught it to Giotto , Gaddi , Taffi and others who carryed it on to a great height . 13. Neare to the Domo stands the Campanile , or high Steeple of Florence made by Giotto . It s a hundred and fifty braccie , or little yards high , and half as deep in the ground . It s flat at top , and crusted all ouer with curious little polished marble stones , marble pillars , and statues : so that ( as Charles the V. sayd of it ) if it had a case to couer it withall and hinder it from beeing seen too frequently , men would flock thither at the takeing off of this couer , as to see a wonder . Indeed it s a kind of wonder to see , that in three hundred years space , not the least part of that steeple ( all crust●d ouer with marble ) is perished . There are diuers good statues on all sides of it , but the best of them all is that of the Zuccone , or bald man , made by Donatello , which hee himself esteemed so much , that when he would affirme any thing seriously , he vsed to say : Alla fe ch'io porto al mio Zuccone : and the same Donatello hauing finished it , spoke to it in iest , and sayd : Fauella , horsu , fauella ; o ti venga il ca●asangue : such good conceits haue fantastical men of themselues and their owne works . 14. Neare to the Domo also , standes the Baptistery , or round Church of S. Iohn , where all the children of the towne are baptized . The brazen dores of it ( three in all ) are admirable , especialy that which lookes towards the Great Church , of which Michel Angelo being asked his opinion , answered , that it was so well made , that it might stand at the entrance of Paradise . These dores are all of Brasse historied into figures , containing the remarkable historyes of both the Testamen●s . They were the worke of braue Laurentius Cion , who spent fifty yeares in makeing them : a long time , I confesse ; but this is it which Apelles called aeternitati pingere , to worke things that will out-last brasse and be famous for euer . Within this Baptisiery , I saw a statue of S. Mary Magdalen of the hand of Donatello ; and it s a rare peece ; if you consider Magdalen in her pennance . Here 's also a neat Tombe of Baltassar Cossa , once called Iohn the XXIIII , but deposed in the Council of Constance , for the peace of the Church . The Tombe of this Baltassar looking something like a cradle , may be called the cradle of the greatness of the Medicean Family . For some writers say , that Cosmus Medices surnamed afterwards , Pater Patriae , being heire of this Baltassar Cossa ( who died at Florence , In the house of Iohn Medices ) With the money that he found belonging to him after his death , did such good deeds to the people , that he wonne to him self the name of Pater Patriae ; and to his Family , that credit , which got it afterwards the supreame command . 15. I cannot omit here to take notice of a little round pillar in the Piazza , neare this Baptistery , with the figure of a tree in iron nayled to it , and old words engrauen vpon it importing , that in this very place stood anciently an Elmetree , which being touched casualy by the hearse of S. Zenobius , as they carryed it here in procession , the tree presently hereupon budded forth with green leaues of sweet odour though in the month of Ianuary . In memory of which miracle , this pillar was set vp in the same place for a memorial . 16. From thence going to the Church of S. Mark belonging to the Dominicans , I saw there the Tombe of S. Antoninus Archbishop once of this towne , and a Fryar of this order . The Tombe is vnder the Altar in a neat Chappel on the left hand , made by Iohn di Bologna . In this Church also I saw a rare picture of S. Mark , made by Bartholomeo del Frate , it stands full in your sight as you enter into the Church ; and a man must be blind not to see it , and dull not to like it . On the left hand , as you enter into the Church is the Tombe of Picus Mirandula commondly called the Phoenix of Princes , with this Epitaph written vpon the side of the Wall , Ioannes iacet hîc Mirandula , caetera norunt Et Tagus & Ganges , forsan & Antipodes . Neare this tombe is a fine picture vpon an Altar , where two Little Angels are made playing vpon Musical instruments . These Angels are held to be the rarest peeces that can be seen in painting . They are of the hand of Bartholomeo del Frate . In the Conuent of these Fryars I saw often their still house , where they make , and sell , excellent extractions and cordiall waters . There is also a neat Library here filled with good books . 17. Turning from hence on the seft hand , I came presently to the Annuntiata , a place of great deuotion . The pictures of Faith and Charity ouer the Arch in the Antiporto , or open portch built vpon pillars , are of the hand of Iacomo Pontorno being but yet nineteen years old ; which when Michel Angelo first saw , he sayd : This Iacomo if he continue thus , will carry vp painting to the skies . Entring into the little court that stands before the Church dore , you see it painted round about in Fresco by rare hands . Those peeces that Andrea del Sarto made , are the best , and his head in white marble , is set in the wall . In the cloyster , ouer the dore that goes into the Church is seen a rare picture in fresco vpon the wall● of the hand of Andrea del Sarto . It represents our B. Lady with our Sauiour vpon her knee , and S. Ioseph in a cumbent posture leaning upon a sack full stufft , and reading in a booke . The picture of the Blessed Virgin is admirable for sweetness and majesty . This picture is called La Madonna del Sacco , it got Andrea such credit , that Titian himself preferred it before all the peeces he had euer seen , and vsed often to say : that it grieued him , that he could not often satiate his sight with the beholding of so rare a picture : and Michel Angelo talking once in Rome with Raphael Vrbin concerning painters , sayd thus to him : There is vn huom●e●tto , a little fellow in Florence ( meaning this Andrea ) who had he been employed in great matters as thou art , would make thee sweat againe . Virtuosi make a great dispute which of those three painters was the most excellent : Raphael Vrbin , Michel Angelo , or Andrea del Sarto . But the wisest giue euery one his particular praise or excellency : Raphael was excellent in colori : Michel Angelo in designe : and Andrea in makeing things seeme to be of rilieuo , and looke as God made them , that is , pulpy and riseing vp like liuing flesh . Haueing thus admired the worke of Andrea we entred into the Church of the Annunciata , and there saw the curious syluer Altar , behind vpon the wall , is kept the miraculous picture of the Annunciation which giues the name of Annunciata to this Church . The little picture of our Sauiour , about a foot and a half long , which is seen vpon the outside of the Tabernacle , is of the foresayd Andreas hand , & much esteemed . In this Church lyeth buryed Baccio Bandinelli a famous Sculptor , in a curious marble tombe , with his owne , and his wifes picture , engrauen in marble by his owne hand . Behinde the Quire lyes buryed Ioannes di Bologna , a famous Sculptor also , as his seueral works in Florence shew him to haue been ; as the Rapt of the Sabins , Before the old pallace . The Centaure in the streets . The Chappel of S. Antoninus in S. Markes Church . This Chappel in the Annunciata here ; and the golden horse and man spoken of aboue in the Dukes Armory , do wittness . 18. From hence hauing first seen the Statue of the Great Duke Ferdinand on horseback in brasse , which stands in the piazza before the Annunciata , I went to the Church of the Franciscans , called Santa Croce . This Church is of a large bulk and height , but somewhat too darke . The side Altars are many , and cheeked with round pillars , and adorned with excellent pictures . The pulpit would become A Chrysostome , or A Chrysologue : It s of white marble , in which are grauen the most notable actions of S. Francis in a basso rilieuo . I neuer beheld it , but I found some new graces in it . Somewhat behinde it , neere to a little doore , is the Tombe of Michel Angelo , the Trismegist of Italy , being the greatest Painter , the greatest Sculptor , the greatest Architect of his time . Hence ouer his tombe , and vnder his picture , are placed three women in white marble , representing Architecture , Painting , and Sculpture , holding in their hands the seueral instruments belonging to these professions . If you aske me whether of the two , Painting , or Sculpture , is to be preferred , though a blind man being chosen iudge once of this question , when he was giuen to vnderstand that in the smooth painting there were head , armes , leggs , hands and feet , as well as in the bulky statue which he had felt , iudged presently for painting ; yet Michel Angelo himself preferred Sculpture before painting , as the body is to be preferred before the superficies of a body . But to returne againe to the Tombe of this great artist , I found some words vpon the tombestone , but those so dull and hard to be read in that darke corner , that one in the company chose rather to make him a new Epitaphe , then read that which is written there : and it was this : Cur indignemur mortales morte perire ? Ecce , stupor mundi ! hîc Angelus ipso perit . And I think the moderne Roman was of the same mind too , when he chose also to make him this Epitaph : Roma mihi mortem tribuit , Florentia vitam . Nemo aliis vellet nasci , & obire , locis . In the midst of this Church I found buryed an English Bishop called Catrick , who had been Embassador here from England , and likely in the time of the Council of Florence . His armes were three catts argent in a sable field . In fine , at the very end of this Church , on the left hand , stands a neat chappel with a painted Cupola , belonging to the family of the Nicolini , in which Chappel there are excellent statues and pictures . 19. Not farre from hence stands the Abbadia , an Abbey of Benedictin Monks . In the Church is the tombe of the Founder of this Abbey a German nobleman called Conte Hugo , who commanded Toscany vnder the Emperor Otho the III. The occasion of building this Monastery and many others by this Hugo , is too long to tell , and perchance would not finde beleef euery where . It s told publickly euery yeare vpon S. Thomas his day in high Masse time here , by some one or other of the chief witts of the Academy of the Crusca ; and he that 's curious to know it , may heare it there , as I did , with great satisfaction . 20. From thence I went to the Church of Santa Maria Nouella belonging to the Dominicans . Here it is , that the Councell of Florence , spoken of aboue , was held . There are many good pictures in this Church , as also diuers neat tombes of holy men and women , and others : among which that of Ioseph Patriarch of Constantinople , who had been the blessed occasion and instrument of reduceing the Greek Church to the right faith againe , is remarkable . It s on the right side of the Church . 21. Returning from hence along the riuer side , we came to the high pillar with the Statue of Iustice in porphyry vpon it . It was erected here , because it was in this very place where Cosmus the great , heard the news of the reduction of Siena . A witty nobleman seeing this statue of Iustice vpon so high a pillar , sayd that Iustice here was too high place-ed , for poore men to arriue to it . An other obserued , that Iustice there turnes her back to the Courts of Iustice , which stand not farre from thence . 22. Hauing thus visited the chief things in the towne , I visited some places out of the towne ; and chiefly , the Poggio Jmperiale , a Villa belonging to the Great Dutchesse , and about a good mile distant from the towne . In this house I saw rare pictures , and great store of them , the house being furnished with nothing els . In one gallery are the true pictures of diuers late Princes of the house of Austria , of the house of Medices , and of other Princes their Allyes . In other roomes we saw a world of rare pictures , as the Venus of Titian , though I think it be but a coppy : the admirable S. Hierome of Alberto Dureo : a Magdalen of Raphaels hand : a S. Iohn Baptist of Carauagios hand : an Adam and Eue of Alberto Dureo : the Piety of Pietro Perugino , that is , the picture of our Blessed Lady with our Sauiour dead vpon her knee ; S. Iohn Euangelist and three other persons standing , or kneeling by , with weeping faces and most sad lookes ; it s one of the most moueing peeces that I euer beheld . Then the picture of the Assumption of our Lady in the Chappel , of the hand of Andrea del Sarto ; with a world of other most exquisit pictures . The little neate Oratory in this house , called the Oratory of the Great Dutchesse , curiously inlayd into flowers by polished stones of diuers colours ; that is , a whole closet of shineing marble inlayd into flowers , is the neatest little roome that euer I saw . In fine the little Grotte , and the Statue of Adonis made by the hand of Michel Angelo are much esteemed . 23. An other day we went to Pratolino a Villa of the Great Duke , some six milles distant from Florence . Here we saw in the garden , excellent Grotts , Fountains , water works , Shady walks , groues and the like , all vpon the side of a hill . Here you haue the Grotte of Cupid with the wettings stooles , vpon which sitting downe , a great spout of water comes full in your face . The Fountain of the Tritons ouertakes you so too , and wassheth you soundly . Then being led about this garden where there are store of fountains vnder the Laurel trees , we were carried back to the grottes that are vnder the stairs , and saw there the seueral Giuochi d'aqua : as that of Pan striking vp a melodious tune vpon his mouth-organ at the sight of his Mistress , appearing ouer against him : that where the Angel carryes a trumpet to his mouth , and soundeth it ; and where the country clowne offers a dish of water to a serpent , who dinks of it , and lifteth vp his head when he hath drunck : that of the mill which seems to break and grind oliues : the paper mill : the man with the grinding stone : the Sarazins head gapeing and spewing out water : the grotte of Galatea who comes out of a dore in a sea chariot with two nymphes , and sayleth a while vpon the water , and so returnes again in at the same dore : the curious round table capable of twelue or fifteen men , with a curious fountain playing constantly in the midst of it , and places between euery trencher , or person , for euery man to set his bottle of wine in cold water : the Samaritan woman comeing out of her house with her buckets to fetch water at the fountain , and hauing filled her buckets , returns back againe the same way : in the mean time you see smiths thumping ; birds chirping in trees ; mills grinding : and all this is done by water , which sets these little inuentions a worke and make them moue as it were of themselues : in the meane time an organ playes to you while you dine there in Fresco at that table , if you haue meat . Then the neat bathing place : the pillar of petrifyed water : and lastly the great Pond and Grotta before the house , with the huge gyant stooping to catch at a rock , to throw it at heauen : This gyant is so big , that within the very thigh of him , is a great grotte of water , called the Grot of Thotis and the shell fishes , all spouting out water . 24. I went also to Lampeggio a Villa some fiue miles distant from Florence , belonging to Prince Matthias . It s curiously adorned with pictures , especialy battles of the hand of Tempesta . Here I saw a curious cabinet of Corall and enamelled worke . The fine Giuoco di Mecha , or Turkish play . The curious glasses ; & little Armory . 25. Returning to the towne againe , we sawe the Great Dukes stables full of excellent well maneged horses . 26. Neare to the stables stands the serraglio where the wild beasts are kept , which they make fight often against one another . Here I saw Lyons , Leopards , Tygers , Beares , Woolfs , wild boares and foxes , all which they can let out seueraly at the dores of their seueral denns , into a fair court to fight , and when they haue done , they can bring them back againe into their denns by a fearfull machine of wood made like a great Green Dragon , which à man within it rowles vpon weeles ; and holding out two lighted torches at the eyes of it , frights the fiercest beast thereby into his denn . The Prince and the Court in the mean time , standing high aboue may see the combats of these wild beasts with ease , and without danger . I haue read , that a Lyon here one escapeing out of this place by chance , and running vp and downe the streets , met at last ( all others flying into houses ) a little child , who had neither feare nor wit enough to retire ; and seazed vpon him . The mother of the child hearing in what case he was , ranne out presently , and casting her self vpon her knees with teares in her eyes , and humble postures of supplication , she moued so the Lyon to pitty , that he rendered her the child without hurting it , or the mother of it . 27. I sawe also here diuers Pallaces of noblemen vpon occasion of their Festine . For it is the custome here in winter , to inuite the chief Ladyes of the towne ( marryed women onely ) to come to play at cards in winter euenings for three or four hours space ; and this one night in one pallace , another night in another pallace . Thither the Ladyes go , and finde the house open to all comers and goers both Ladyes and gentlemen , that are of any garbe . In euery chamber the dores are set open , and for the most part you shall see eight , or ten chambers on a floore , going out of one an other , with a squar table holding eight persons , as many chairs , two syluer candlesticks with waxe lights in them , and store of lights round about the roome . At the houre appointed , company being comne , they sit downe to play , a Caualier sitting between euery Lady , and all the women As fine in clothes and iewels , as if they were going to a Ball. The dores of all these roomes being open , the light great , the women glittering , and all glorious , you would take these pallaces to be the enchanted Pallaces of the Old King of the Montains . Any gentleman may come into these pallaces and stand behinde the gamesters , and see both how modestly they play , and how little they play for . In the mean time ther 's a side chamber alwayes open for gentlemen to go in to , and refresh themselues with wine standing in snow , or with limonade , or some such cooling drinks , which are also offered to the Ladyes . In a great roome bellow , at the entrance of the pallace , there is a long table for gamesters that loue to play deep , that is , that loue to play onely for money . The Florentins enioying by the goodness and wisdome of their excellent Princ , the fruits of peace , haue many other recreations , where the people passe their time chearfully and think not of rebellion by muttering in corners . For this reason , both in winter , and sommer , they haue their seueral diuertisments . In winter their Giuoco di Calcio ( a play something like our football , but that they play with their hands ▪ ) euery night from the Epiphany till Lent , with their Principi di Calcio . This being a thing particular to Florence , deserues to be described . The two factions of the Calcio , the Red , and the Green , choose ecih of them a Prince , some yong Caualier of a good purse . These Princes being chosen , choose a world of Officers , and lodge , for the time , in some great pallace ; where they keep their courts , receiue Embassadors from one another , and giue them publik audience in state , send poste to one another , complaine of one anothers subiects , & take prisoners from one another ; heare their counsellers one after another , disswadeing from , or perswadeing to warre ; giue orders for setling their affairs at home , heare the complaints of their subiects , ieere their enemy Princes in embassyes ; and at last resolue to , fight , with proclayming warre . Dureing these serious treatyes which last for many nights the Secretaryes of state ( two prime witts ) read before their seueral Princes bills for regulating and reforming the abuses of their subiects ; and read openly petitions and secret aduises : in all which they ieere a world of people in the towne , and show prodigious wit. In fine , hauing spunn out thus the time till neare Carnauale , or shroftide , the two Princes resolue on a battle at Calcio , to be fought in the Piazza of Santa Croce , before the Great Duke and Court. Vpon the day apointed , the two Princes of the Calcio come to the place in a most stately Caualcata with all the yong noblemen and gentlemen of the towne , vpon the best horses they can finde , with scarfs , red , or green , about their Armes . Haueing made their seueral Caualcatas before the Great Dukes throne or scaffold , they light from their horses , and enter into the lists with trompets sounding before them , and accompanyed with a stately train , and with their combatants in their seueral liueryes . Hauing rancked themselues a prety distance one from the other , their standard bearers at sound of trumpet , carry both at once , their standards to the foot of the Great Dukes scaffold . This done , the Ball , or Ballon is throwne vp in the midst between them , and to it they go with great nimbleness , sleight , and discretion ; and sometimes they fall to it in deed and cuff handsomely : but vpon payne of death , no man must resent afterwards out of the lists , what euer happened here ; but all animosities arriseing here , end here too . At last , that side which throwes , or strikes the Ballon ouer the rayles of the other side , winns the day , and runns to the standards , which they carry away till night , at what time the conquering Prince enterteins them at a Festino di Ballo at Court , made to some Lady ; and where all his chief Officers and combatants dance alone with the Ladyes at the Ball , none els being permitted to dance with them that night . Besides these passtimes , they haue once a week , danceing at the Court from twelfth day till Lent , at which Balls , all the Ladies of the towne are inuited , to the number sometimes of two hundred , and these all marryed women , and all inuited by a particular ticket . Then their seueral Operas , or musical Drammata acted and sung with rare cost and arte . Lastly their publick running at the ring , or at the facchin , for a peece of plate . And in sommer , they haue their seueral danceing dayes , and their frequent Corsi di Palio vpon certain knowne days & for knowne prizes , and all before the good Prince , who countenanceth all these sports with his presence , thinking wisely , that ther 's lesse hurt in puplick mirth , then in priuate mutinyes : Hauing sayd thus much of Florence , I will now say something of the Court , the Gouerment , strength , Gentry , Riches , Interest , Language , and Learned men of this towne . For the Court it s clearly one of the best of Italy . Great riches make it looke plump , and giue it an excellent en bon point . The noble Pallace the Prince , his Title of Serenissimo , his Train and Retinew of noble Officers and gentlemen , his store of Pages , Palfreniers , Gards of Swissers with halbards , his Troupe of horse wayting vpon him , make this Court appeare splendid . The Duke himself also who makes this Court , makes it a fine Court. His extraordinary Ciuility to stangers , made vs think our selues at home there . He is now aboue fifty , and hath a Austrian looke and lip , which his mother Magdalena of Austria Sister to the Emperour Ferdinand the II. lent him . He admits willingly of the visits of strangers , if they be men of condition ; and he receiues them in the midst of his audience chamber standing ; and will not discourse with them , till they be couered too . It s impossible to depart from him disgusted , because he pays your visit with as much wit as ciuility : and hauing enterteined you in his chamber with wise discourse , he will entertein you in your owne chamber too with a regalo of dainty meats , and wines , which he will be sure to send you . The Great Dutchesse too is an other main pillar of this Court. She is of the house of the Duke of Vrbin , once a Souerain Prince in Italy , but now extinct in her Father who was the last Duke : and she had been souerain of that Dutchy , had she been of the Souerain sexe : but what nature refused her in sexe , it hath giuen her in beauty , and so made her a greater souerain , euen of Florence . In a word , Florence the Faire , was neuer so faire , as was the faire Dutchesse of Florence when I saw her first . Of her the Great Duke hath two sonnes . Cosmus the Prince of Toscane hath married one of the Daughters of the late Duke of Orlians . Hee is a great Traueller and hath visited most of the Princes courts of Christendome . The name of this family is Medices ; a family which h●ah giuen to the Church four Popes , and to France two Queens . This family is ancient , and came first out of Athens . It was alwayes considerable dureing the Republick of Florence , but farr more since it hath got the start of all the other families to farre , as to become their Souerain . The beginning of the greatness of this family came from Cosmus Medices surnamed Pater Patriae . This man being very rich and of a liberal mind , spent four hundred thousand crownes in publick and priuate buildings , and one hundred thousand crownes more in loane monyes to the poore citizens . These generous actions which should haue got him the loue of all men , purchased him the hatred of some of the great ones , who accuseing him of affecting Souerainty , raysed a strong faction against him . The heads of this faction where Rinaldo Albizzi , Pala Strozzi , Ridolfo Peruzzi , and Nicolo Barbadori . These men corrupting the suffrages of the Senate , caused Cosmus to be clapt vp , with an intention to take away his life . Cosmus in prison , fearing poyson , abstained from meats four dayes together , and dyed almost for feare of being killed : At last hee was rescued from this melancholy humor by his honest keeper ; who gaue him such assurances , that he should not be poysoned , that he tooke meat againe , and kept in his vital breath which was almost come to his lips . Then his keeper ( not content to be half courterous ) haueing recouered his body , stroue to recouer his mind too , which was sore spent with feares and melancholy ; and for this purpose , brought vnto him the buffon of Bernardo Guadagni then Confaloniero , The chief Magistrate of the Republick , who with his witty ieasts , so cheared him vp with mirth , that he began not onely to think of liuing againe , but also of getting out from thence , that he might liue long . To this end he works with the buffon to carry a promise in writeing from him to the Confaloniero , of 1000 crownes of gold , vpon condition he would free him . The buffon vndertakes it , and money takes with the Confaloniero , who vnder pretence of examining the cause to put him to death , finds him onely worthy of bānishment ; to which he condemns him ; and the place of his banishment was Venice . This was it that he desired . For being at Venice , he wrought so well by Freinds with the people , that loued him , that he was restored againe to his country , and got the title of Pater Patriae by a publick decree . By this title his family grew into that esteem , that it ouertopt the rest , and in time wrought it self into Souerainty . For the Gouerment of Florence , it is now Monarchical , and despotical , the Great Dukes will being absolute ; all great businesses passing through his knowledge and likeing : so that he wants nothing of a King , but the name ; and that too he almost hath vnder the name of Great Duke . As for the Strength of this State ; it hath 20 Episcopal cittyes ; 500 litle walled townes ; strong Forts on the confines : and can make an army of forty thousand foot , three thousand horse , twelue Gallies , two Galleasses , two Galleonies , and twenty ships of warre . For the Gentry , it is a Gentry dyed in graine , that is , it s both witty , and rich . The subtil ayre of this country , and the Academy of the Crusca haue sharpened them into much wit : and their good husbandry , and vnder-hand traffick hath put them notably into purse . For they think it no disgrace to haue a banco at home , and meet dayly at the exchange about traffick and trayding ; while their wifes Lady it in coach with their hansome liueries . This makes them hold vp their nobility by the chinn , and not onely preserues their familyes from sinking ; but rather makes them swime in a full sea of honour : they being enabled thereby to buy great offices for their children in other courts , whereby they often make them mount to the highest dignityes : when they are there , no man reproches vnto them the way they tooke to come thither , whether by water , or Land ; by traffick , or by the sword ; by the schoole-booke , or count-booke . If the French gentry would follow this way , they might haue shoos and stockings for their children ( which some of them want in the country ) where with to keep their noble blood warme in winter . For the Riches of this Prince , they are about a million and a half of Piastri , or crownes . These are his annual reuenews ; besides his iewels ; forfeitures ; and his Datij : which last , are of vast profit to him . The Interest of this Prince is much Austrian , and consequently Spanish : yet not so farre , as to break with France , to which he opens his ports and passages for his owne sake . He loues to haue no warre in Jtaly , because he hath something to loose : and though he loue to haue the Pope his freind , yet he cares not for hauing any of his subiects Pope . A Pope of his family , Clement the VII , hauing made him what he is , he is affrayd a Pope of some other Florentin family would striue to make him what he was . As for the Language of Florence its pure , but in their books , not in their mouths : They do so choke it in the throat , that it s almost quite drownd there ; nor doth it recouer it self againe till it come to Rome , where Lingua Toscana in bocca Romana is a most sweet language . The Academy of the Crusca hath much contributed to the enriching of this language with choice words . The rich Dictionary made by this famous company , and called from them , the Crusca , was forty yeares in compileing , but it will be in vogue as long as men shall speak Italian . Finally , for the Learned men of of this towne in later times , they are these ; Marsilius Ficinus the Christian Platonick ; Dante and Petrarck in Poëtry : Guicciardin in History : Poggio in raillery : Vesp●cius in Geography : Accursius in law : Michel Angelo in painting : Ioannes Casa in practical morality : Naclantus in diuinity : Galilaeo in Astronomy : Doni , Luigi , Alemanni , and others in belle lettere . He that desires to know the History of Florence , let him read Giouanne Villani , Matthaeo Villani , Scipione Ammirato , and the life of Gran Cosimo . Hauing thus seen faire Florence , we desired to see Ligorne , and make an excursiue iourney by Pistoia , Lucca , and Pisa . Pistoia is an ancient towne in a plain country . Of this towne is Clement the IX , this present Pope , of the ancient Family of Rospigliosi : ād that is all I can say of it . For it looks baldly of it , either out of pure old age , els by reason of our neighbourhood to Florence , which hath fleeced it , or which I rather think , by reason of its ciuil factions heretofore , which almost ruined it quite . Lucca is a prety little Commonwealth , and yet it sleeps quietly within the bosome of the Great Dukes State. But that State may wisely feare none , which no State feares ; and the great Duke is vnwilling to measure his sword , or take vp the cudgels against little Lucca , least the world should cry shame vpon him , and bid him meddle with his match . This little Republick looked in my eye , like a perfect mapp of old Rome ▪ in its begining . It s Gouerned by a Confaloniero and the gentry . The great Counsel consists of 160 citizens who are changed euery yeare . It s vnder tho Emperors protection ; and it hath about thirty thousand souls in it . Approching vnto it , it looked like a pure low-country towne , with its brick walls , large ramparts set round with trees , and deep moates round about the walls . It hath eleuen bastions , well garded by the townesmen , and well furnished with Cannōs of a large sise . The towne is three miles in compasse ; it hath thirty thousand muskets , or half muskets in its Arsenal , eight thousand pikes , two thousand brest peeces of musket proof , and store of great artillery . The whole State , for a need , can arme eighteen thousand men of seruice , and it hath about fiue hundred thousand French liures a yeare . It was in this towne that Caesar , Pompey , and Crassus met , and agreed among themselues that all things in Rome should passe as they pleased . The chief things to be seen here are , The Cathedral , called S. Martins , whose Bishop hath the ensignes of an Archbishop , to wit , the vse of the Pallium , and the Crosse ; and whose Canons in the Quire weare a rochet and Camail , and miters of silk like Bishops . 2. The towne house , or Senate house , where the Confaloniero liues dureing the time of his charge . 2. The Church of S. Frediano belonging to the Canon Regulars , where , in a Chappel on the left hand , is the Tombe of S. Richard King of England , who dyed here in his pilgrimage to Rome . 4. The Augustins Church , where is seen a hole where the Earth opened to swallow vp a blaspheming gamester . Of this towne was Pope Lucius the III. the two famous men of this towne , the one for soldiery , the other for learning , were , braue Castrucio , and Sanctes Pagninus a great Hebrician . There are fiue townes more belonging to Lucca , to wit , Ca-magior , Viareggia , Montignoso , Castilione , and Minucciano . From Lucca we went to Pisa , some ten miles off . This was once the head towne of a florishing Republick , and then the Numantia of Florence , and scorning its yoke : but now it croucheth to it . It stands in no very good ayre , and therfore hath been vexed with diuers plagues . The grasse in the streets of this Vniuersity , read me this lecture , and I beleeued it . Wherupon I resolued to stay here one day onely , in which time I saw . 1. The Domo , whose Canons officiate in Scarlate like Cardinals . This is a neat Church for structure , and for its three brazen dores historyed with a fine basso rilieuo . It s built after la maniera Tedescha , a fashion of building much vsed in Italy four or fiue hundred yeares ago , and brought in by Germans or Tedeschi , sayth Vasari . 2. Neare to the Domo stands , ( if leaning may be called standing ) the bending Tower , so artificialy made , that it seems to be falling , and yet it stands firme : Ruituraque semper , stat ( mirum ) moles . 3. On the other side of the Domo , is the Campo Santo a great square place cloistered about with a low cloister curiously painted . It● called the Campo Santo , because therein is conserued the Holy earth brought from Hierusalem in 50 Gallies of this Republick , an . 1224. These Gallies were sent by the Republick of Pisa , to succour the Emperour Aenobarbe , in the Holy Land ▪ but hearing of his death when they came thither , they returned home againe loaden with the earth of the Holy Land , of which they made this Campo Santo . 4. Some good Colledges there are but vnfrequented then by reason of a late plague : none running faster from the plague then schollers , especialy when it comes neare to the schools . 5. The publick Library is much enriched with the accession of Aldus Manutius his Library . 6. The garden of Simples may be rare , but wee not vnderstanding this hearbe language : hastened to the house of the Knights of S. Steuen . 7. This is the onely Order of Knighthood that I perceiued in Florence ; and it s very common . They weare a red crosse of satin vpon their cloaks ; and professe to fight against the Turks . For this purpose they haue here a good house , and maintenance . Their Church is beautifyed without with a hansome faciata of white marble ; and within with Turkish Ensignes and diuers Lanterns of capitanesse gallies . In this house the Knights liue in common , and are well maintained . In Their Treasory they shew you a great buckler all of Pearle and Diamonds , wonn in a battle against the Turks . Indeed bucklers of Diamonds , do but show our enemyes where we are , and what they may hope for by killing vs. They haue in their Cancellaria , a Catalogue of those Knights who haue done notable seruice against the Turks ; which serues for a powerfull exhortation to their successors , to do , and dy brauely . In fine , these Knights may marry if they will , and liue in their owne particular houses , but many of them choose celibate , as more conuenient for braue soldiers : wifes and children being the true impedimenta exercitûs . Heretofore , during the great disorders of the Guelfs and the Gibelins , Anno 1282 , this towne was gouerned by Vgolin a proud man , who ruled here despotically . This man inuiteing one day all his friends to a great feast , began in the midst of it to brag , that nothing was wanting to him : yes ( sayd on of his best friends , because on who flattered him not ) ther 's one thing yet wanting to thee , Vgolin , to-wit , the Anger of God , which is not farre from thee . And it proued true , for presently after , the Gibelins russhing into the pallace of Vgolin ( chief of the Guelfs ) killed in his sight one of his sonns and his nephew , and taking him with two other of his sonns and three nephews they shut him vp in a strong Tower , and threw the Keys into Arno : where the poore man that braged euen now in a feast , dyed soon after of hunger ; hauing first seen his children and nephews dye of hunger in his armes . A rare example to teach proud men , that ther 's often but one day between a powerfull man , and a poore man : between a great Feast , and a great Fast . Here in Pisa were called two Councils , the one 1409. the other 1511. From Pisa we went to Ligorne , ( Portus Liburnus in Latin ) through a pleasant forrest . This is the onely hauen the Great Duke hath ; and the mouth which letteth in that food which fatteneth this State. We stayd not long here , the season pressing vs to be gone , and this towne , being soone seen . For the towne it s but little , yet one of the neatest hauen townes a man can see . Heretofore it was not sufferable by reason of the bad ayre ; but since Ferdinan the first built it a new , and dryed vp the neighboring Fenns ( gathering much of the water into a cut channel , which goes from hence to Pisa , and carryes great boats ) the towne is twice as wholesome , and thrice as rich as it was . The things I saw in this towne were these . 1. The Mole which shutts vp the hauen . 2. The Lanterne which with seauen lights guides in ships in the night , 3. The Hauen it self where ships lye safe , and the little hauen within that , which serues for a withdrawing roome to the great hauen , where the Gallyes retire themselues . 4. The statue of Ferdinand the first in marble , with the Statues in bronze of four slaues at his feet . These are the 4 slaues that would haue stolne away a galley and haue rowed here themselues alone ; but where taken in their great enterprize . 5. The Greek Church . 6. The Castle . 7. The Tower in the Sea where they keepe gunpowder . 8. The Iews Synagogue . 9. Two windmills which are rare things in Italy , and therefore must haue a place here among the rarityes of this towne . I found not any Academy of wits here , nor any records of any learned men of this towne . All the Latin here is onely , Meum , and Tuum , and their wits are exercised here , how to make good bargins , not good Bookes . Indeed what should the Muses do here amongst the horrible noyse of chaines , of carts , of balling Sea men , of clamorous porters , and where the slaues of Barbary are able to fright all learning out of the towne with their lookes , as all Latin with their Language . Yet I must confesse , they study here belle Lettere : for if the true belle Lettere bee Letters of exchange , your marchand here , if you present him a Letter of exchange from his correspondent , will read it ouer , and ouer againe , and study vpon it , before he giue you the contents of it in money . Hauing finished this excursiue journey , we returned againe to Florence ; and hauing rested our horses a day or two , we tooke a new rise from thence to Rome which seemed to becken en vs , and whither the main torrent of our curiosity hurryed vs. Some three miles Beyond Florence we passed vnder a Monastery of Carthusians seated vpon a round hill ; whose seueral celles and little gardens ( walled about ) branching out on all sides , like seuerall Bastions , made this Monastery looke like a spiritual Fort , or deuout Cittadel . From hence passing through san : Cassiano we arriued at night at Poggi-Bonzi a little towne famous for perfumed Tobacco in powder , which the Italians and Spaniards take farre more frequently then we , as needing neither candle nor tinderboxe to light it withall ; nor vseing any other pipes , then their owne noses . From Poggi-Bonzi we came at dinner to Siena . This is the second towne of the Florentin State. It was heretofore a powerfull Republick commanding threescore miles into the country , and now and then , beating the Florentins : but a last , after much strugling , this woolf receiued the muzzle , and Siena is now the humble seruant of Florence . This happened an● 1555. This towne is seated in a very wholesome ayre and soyle , and therefore much frequented by strangers . It s called Senae in Latin from the Senones , people of Gaule , who comeing into Italy with Brennus , built this towne . The streets are all paued with bricks set vp edgeway , which makes the towne alwayes dry and neat . It s built high and low , with many high towers in it , built anciently in honour of its well deseruing citizens who had done some special seruice in the Republick ; and this makes it seen thirty miles off on Romes side . The people here are very ciuil , and euen sociable too ; which together with the good ayre , the good exercises for gentlemen , the good language , and the great priuiledges , make many strangers draw bridle here , and sommer it at Siena , the Orleans of Italy . The prime things I saw here were these . 1. The Domo , one of the neatest Cathedrals of Italy , though it be built a la maniera Tedescha . It s all of black and white marble within and without . The Fontispice is carued curiously and set thick with statues . Yet it wants a larger piazza before it , to giue it its full grace . The inside of this Church is very takeing . Vnder the roof immediatly runns a row of white marble-heads of all the Popes till this time . The Pauement is the best in the world ; and indeed too good to be trode on ; hence they couer a great part of it with bords hansomely layd together , yet easy to be taken vp , to show strangers the beauty of it : It s of marble inlayd into pictures , and those very great ones : seueral great marbles of seueral colours makeing the shadows and the lights , and composeing all together such a new kind of Mosaick worke , as all men admire , but none dare finish . This worke was begun by Duccio Sanese , and afterwards carryed on by Domenico Beccafumi , but not finished by him , sayth Vasari . They told me here that is was Meccharini , that made this pauement ; but I had rather beleeue Vasari . That part which they vncouered for vs , represented the history of Abraham going to sacrifice his sonn Isaac ; and the history of the Machabees ; and the like . I confesse , I scarce saw any thing in Italy which pleased me better then this pauement . On the left hand ( within the Church ) stands the Library painted with a rare Fresco which is yet rauishing and liuely after two hundred yeares : Indeed the braue actions of Aeneas Syluius ( afterwards Pope Pius II ) which these pictures represent , deserue to be painted by the sun beames . The pictures are of the hand of Pietro Perugino , Raphaels Master : but when all 's done , giue me bookes in a Library , not pictures . In the Church you see the statues of Alexander the III , of Pius II , of Paulus V , & of Alexander the VII . all Popes , and natiues of Siena . 2. I sawe here the seueral places which S. Katharine of Siena had made famous by her deuotions : as , her Chamber , where she receiued the holy stigmats , now turned into a Chappel : the Chamber where she liued : with other memorials of her deuotions , in the Dominicans Church ; where they also shew her head , and finger : her body being transferred to Rome , and lyeing in a little Chappel within the Sacristy of the Dominicans , at the Minerua . 3. The other things ordinarily showne here , are the great Hospital : the house of Pius II , of the family of the Piccolomini : the great Piazza : the pillar with the woolf of brasse vpon it : the marble Pillar as you come into the towne from Florence , with the armes of the Empire and of Portugal vpon it ; because here it was , that the Emperour met Eleonora of Portugal and marryed her in presence of Aeneas Syluius then Archbishop here , and afterwards Pope Pius II. I saw here the Academy of wits called gli Intronati : why they should take that ambitious name I knowe not , vnlesse it be in reference to the saying of à Philosopher , who sayd , that then finally kingdomes should be happy , when either Philosophers should be chosen Kings , or Kings playd the Philosophers . Indeed Aristotle holds that they that are strong of body , are made to serue , and tug at the oare of commands : and they that are strong in wit , are borne by nature to sit at the helme , and command others . 5. This towne hath furnished the Church with a General Council of a hundred and thirty Bishops , called by Nicolas the III : with three great Saints , S. Bernardin reformer of the Minorits ; S. Katharine the holy Virgin ; and Beatus Colombanus Institutor of the Order of the Iesuati , a man of great learning and Sanctity : with fiue good Popes , to wit , Alexander the III of the house of Bandinelli ; Pius II , of the house of Piccolomini ; Paulus V , of the house of Burgesi ; and Alander the VII , of the house of Chisi : And in fine , it hath furnished the world with two champions in learning Ambrosius Politi ( or Catharinus ) who wrote learnedly against Luther and Erasmus ; and Adriano Politi who wrote against Ignorance by his learned Dictionary . He that would know in particular the history of Siena , let him read Orlando Maleuolto . From Siena we went to Bon Conuento , Tornieri , San Quirico , inconsiderable places vpon the rode , and so to Radicofino a strong Castle vpon a high hill built by Desiderius King of the Longobards . This is the last place of the Florentin state , but not the least in strength . Dineing here at the Great Dukes Inn at the bottom of the hill , we went to lodge at Aquapendente , which is some 12 miles off , and the first towne of the Popes state . This towne stands vpon a hill , from which the waters trickling downe softly are sayd to hang there , and giue it the name of Aquapendente . Of late this towne is made a Bishops Seate by the Demolition of Castro , and the remooual of the Bishops Seat from thence hither , which happened vpon this occasion . Castro was a towne belonging to the Duke of Parma , Thither Pope Innocent the X. sent a good Bishop to gouerne that flock ; but the Bishop vpon his arriual being killed there , the Pope sent Conte Vidman ( General then of the Church ) with order to demolish Castro ; and he himself transfered the Bishops seat from thence to Aquapendente , and all this according to the Canon law , which ordains , that that Citie which kills its Bishop should be depriued of the Bishops seat euer after . From Aquapendente we came to a little towne called San Lorenzo , and not long after , to Bolsena , anciently called Vrbs Volsinensium . Here it was that happened the famous Miracle in confirmation of the Real presence of Christs body and blood in the Blessed Sacrament , which happened an 1263 , and which gaue occasion to Pope Vrban the IV to command that the Feast of Corpus Christi should be kept holyday euer after . The Miracle is related by Leandro Alberti the Camden of Italy , and by learned Onuphrius Panuinus in the life of Vrban the IV. We passed also that morning by the side of the Lake of Bolsena ; in the midle of which is a little Iland in which Amalasuinta Queen of the Ostrogoths , a woman of singular parts , was miserably murthered by her nearest kinred . Here 's also a little Conuent of Capucins . Hauing passed along this Lake a great while , we entered at last into a wood called anciently Lucus Volsinensium , and now , Bosco Helerno . It was formerly a dangerous passage for Bandits : but now its free from danger , since Sixtus Quintus purged the Ecclesiastical State of that Vermin , by makeing a Law , that whosoeuer should bring in the head of a Bandit , should haue pardon , impunity , & recompence too of some hundred crownes , wher vpon the Bandits soone destroyed one another . From this wood we soone came to Montefiascone standing vpon a hill . It s a Bishops Seat , and famous for excellent Muscatello wine ; and this wine is famous for hauing killed a Dutchman here who drunk too much of it . The story is true , and thus . A Dutchman of cōdition traueling through Italy , sent his man before him alwayes , with a charge to looke out in the Inns were the best Wine was , & there write vpon the Wall of the Inn the word , EST , that is to say , Here it is . The seruant comeing hither a little before his Master , and finding the wine excellently good , wrote vpon the Wall EST , EST , EST , signifying thereby the superlatiue goodness of this wine . The Master arriues , lookes for his Mans hand-writing ; and finding three ESTS , is ouer ioyed . In he goes , and resolues to lye there ; and he did so indeed : for here he lyes still ; buryed first in wine , and then in his graue . For drinking too much of this good wine , he dyed here , and was buryed by his seruant in a Church here below the Hill , with this Epitaph vpon his Tombe , made by the same seruant , Propter EST , EST , EST , herus meus mortuus est . It was here also , that the gallantry of the braue Roman General Camillus appeared very much . For while he was besieging this towne , called then P●aliscum , or Phalerii , a treacherous schoolmaster hauing brought vnto him the chief of the yong youths of the towne , whom he had deceitfully drawne vnto the Roman Camp , vnder pretence of takeing the ayre a broad : by which means Camillus might haue frighted their Parents to an vnworthy rendition : the braue Roman who scorned to ouercome by any other way then that of Gallantry , caused the schoole master to bee stripped & his hands to be tyed behind his back , and to be led into the towne againe , with the little youths whipping him as he went , till he had brought them home againe . This nobleness of Camillus tooke the towne presently , because it tooke with the townesmen ; who admireing the Romans Generosity , submitted willingly to Camillus , who had chosen rather to take towns By this owne Valour , then by other mens iniquity : Indeed ( as Valerius Maximus sayth ) it did not become Rome built by the sonn of Mars , to take towns otherwise then Martially . From Montesiascone we went downe the Hill by an easie descent vnto Viterbo . This is an Episcopal Seat , standing in a wholesome ayre , and therefore called Viterbium , as it where , Vita Vrbium . Here are excellent fountains of water , and store of them : but its pitty none of them runn with good wine , to make a mends for the bad , which are most of them Vini cotti . The two factions here of the Gatti & the Maganesi ( these standing for the Vrsini , those for the Colonnesi ) ruined heretofore Viterbo ouer & ouer againe . In the Domo there are the tombes of 4 Popes , as also in the Franciscans Church some tombes of Popes , and of S. Rosa : you see the body of that Saint yet entire though buryed aboue 100 years ago . She lyes along in her tombe , and is seen by the drawing of a curtain from before her . Here 's an Academy of wits called Gli Ostinati , to shew perchance , that a man cannot be learned without obstinate labour and paynes . Hence the Poët makes his learned man to be one who multum sudauit & alsit : and Persius tells vs , that his delight was to grow pale with obstinate night study : Velle suum cuique est &c. At me nocturnis juuat impallescere chartis . About a mile from Viterbo stands a neat Church and Conuent called Madonna del Querco , and as farre againe beyond that , à fine house with a garden of water works and Fountains , worth seeing . From Viterbo ( being vpon our owne horses ) we went to see Caprarola a stately House belonging to the Duke of Parma . The house is held to be one of the finest in Italy for Architecture . Its stands a little out of the trauelers rode , but not of his way : for it s much in a mans way to see such a louely house as this . It stands vpon the side of a hill , and from one of the Balconies it shews you Rome some two and thirty miles off . It s built in a Pentagone ( if I remember well ) without , and round within . The chambers for all that , are square , and well proportioned . The chief of these chambers are painted by the hand of Pietro Orbista , flourishing thus vpon the noble actions of Paulus III. Among the other chambers , the whispering chamber is curious : for four men here standing each one in one of the four corners of this great chamber , heare distinctly what any of them whispers in a low tone in his corner , their faces being turned to the wall ; and yet those that stand in the midst of the chamber cannot heare it . The other chamber is no lesse curious where standing in the midst of it , and stamping hard with your foot , those that are without at the dore think they heare the cracks or reports of Pistols . The other roomes here also , as the kitchin all of one stone , the low Caue also with the pillar in it , cut likewise out of a rock , and bearing vp the whole pauement of the round court which lets light into this Caue by diuers round grates of iron , are worth the beholding : Then the Garden vpon the Hillside with the great variety of waterworks , grottes , and wetting sports , are all curious things . Hauing walked this garden about , you l deserue after so much water , a little wine , which will not be wanting to you from the rare cellar lyeing vnder the great Terrasse before the house : and perchance you l think the wineworks here as fine as the waterworks . From Caprarola we fell into our way againe at Monterosa , from whence passing by Bacano , and the Hosteria del Storto , we came at night to Rome . All the way from Monterosa to Rome almost , belonged anciently to the Veientes ( so called , sayth Berosus , from their carrying about with them in carts , all their goods ) Neare to Bacan is a lake out of which runns the riuer Varca , anciently called Cremera , neere vnto which the Veientes killed in one battle , three hundred Fabii , that is , the whole family of the Fabii ( who had vowed themselues to death for the commonwealths seruice ) except one little boy not able to beare armes , from whom Fabius Maximus , The terrour of Hannibal , and Romes buckler descended . Vpon this rode also stood anciently the towne Veii , a towne which held out tenn sommers against the Romans , and stood in need of no lesse man then Camillus to take it . This towne was once so great , that Rome being destroyed almost by the Gauls , the Senators held a consultation in the Comitium , whether they should retire to Veii , and leaue Rome quite , or rebuild againe Romes walls : but during this consultation , the troops returning out of garrison arriued by chance into the Comitium , where the Centurion entring , and not thinking the Senators had been there , cryed out to the Standardbearer , Signifer Statue signum , hic optime manebimus : which words the Senators hearing , cryed out to one an other ; Accipimus omen ; and presently layd aside all further thought of retireing to Veii . Some twelue miles before we came to Rome , we saw the Cupola of S. Peters Church , and were as glad to see it a farre off , as the weary Troians in Aeneas his company , were glad to see Jtaly after so much wandering . Some few houres after , hauing passed by an old tombe , which some call Neros Tombe , and ouer the Ponte Molo ( of which more in my 2. part ) we entred into Rome by the Via Flaminea , and Porta del Populo . The end of the First Part. THE VOYAGE OF ITALY : OR A COMPLEAT IOVRNEY THROVGH ITALY . THE SECOND PART WITH THE CHARACTERS OF THE People , and the description of the chief Townes , Churches , Monasteries , Tombes , Libraries , Pallaces , Villas , Gardens , Pictures , Statues , Antiquities : AS ALSO OF THE INTEREST , Gouerment , Riches , Force , &c. of all the Princes . By RICHARD LASSELS Gent. Opus posthumum : Corrected & set forth by his old friend and fellow Traueller S. W. PRINTED AT PARIS By VINCENT DV MOVTIER , M.DC.LXX . THE SECOND PART OF THE VOYAGE OF ITALY . BEING arriued at Rome , we lodged in an Inn for three , or four days , till we had found out , and furnished , a house to our satisfaction . That done I began presently my Inquest , and made Hue and Cry after euery little thing which time seemed to haue robbed vs of . But as we approach not to great persons in Italy without informing our selues first of their titles ; that we may know how to stile them : so before . I bring my Reader acquainted with Rome , I think it not a misse to tell him how this great Citie is comonly called . And although Rome were anciently stiled the Head , and Mistresse of the world ; an Earthly Goddesse ; The Eternal Citie ; The Compendium of the World ; The Common Mother , and Nurce of all Vertues ; ( while she was yet Heathen ; ) Yet sinc hir Ladyship was Baptized and became Christian ( though she haue had great Elogies made of her by the Holy Fathers , ) I find no Title so honorable to hir as that of Roma la Santa , Rome the Holy ; which is giuen hir by the Common Prouerb ; and common Prouerbs are nothing else but the obseruation of common Sense : For wheras the other Cities of Italy are Prouerbially called either Faire , Gentile , Rich , Proud , Fatte , or Great ; as Florence , Naples , Venice , Genua , Bologna , Milan ; Rome only is stiled the Holy : and this deseruedly , for many reasons . First , For being the Seat of Christs Vicar vpon Earth , S. Peter and his Successors , to the number of 240 and odd Popes . 2. For hauing been watered at the rootes by the preaching and blood of the two glorious Apostles S. Peter and S. Paul. Which made S. Leo , speaking to Rome of these two great Apostles , make her this Apostrophe . Hi sunt qui te ad hanc gloriam prouexerunt , vt gens sancta , populus electus , ciuitas Sacerdotalis & Regia , per sacram Beati Petri sedem caput orbis effecta , latius praesideres religione diuina quam dominatione terrena . 3. For hauing been looked vpon in all ages , as the Center of Catholick Communion : and the place where the Matrix and Radix Ecclesia , the Mother Church and the Radical Church ( as S. Cyprian calls hir ) did flourish alwayes . 4. For hauing been washed and purged in the blood of so many thousand Martyrs in the primitiue times , which euen baptized Rome a new , and made it be called by Holy Fathers Nona Sion : a New Sion . 5. For hauing so many Saints bodyes lyeing in its Churches ; and so many Churches within its precincts , which are aboue there hūdred in all . 6. For hauing been the happy occasion of conuerting most of the Nations of Europe , and many others out of Europe , vnto the faith of Christ , by Prachers sent from thenc . 7. For haueing been the Depositary ( as S. Irenaeus calls her ) of the Holy Apostolical Traditions and doctrine , which haue alwayes been conserued in her Church . 8. For hauing alwayes conserued the Symbole of the creed inuiolably ( saith S. Hierome ) and for neuer hauing runn in a by-channel of errour . Besides these foresayd reasons , Rome may deseruedly be called Holy , for the many & singular acts of Charity which are done there dayly more then in any other place . Charity is the Queen of Vertues ; and if euer I saw this Queen in her throne , it was in Rome . For there I saw no euil , either of body , or mind , but it had its remedy , if curable ; at least its comforts if incurable . For the first , to wit , Euils of body , it hath is Hospitals , and those many , and many of those are Hospitals in folio . Besides no Pilgrim comes to Rome , but he findes Rome , as Adam did Paradise , with the table couered , and bed made ready for him . Poore yong girles finde portions either for husbands or nunneries , according to their choice ; Infants whom cruel & vnlawfull mothers , like wolfes , expose to death , Rome receiues to life ; and thinks it but a sutable Antipelargesis to nurrish wolfes children , seing a shee wolfe nurrished her Founder being exposed by men . Fooles too and Madmen , so much the more miserable , as not being so much as sensible of their condition ( for saepe calamitatis solatium est nosse sortem suam ) haue here those that take care of them . Poore men finde Hospitals when they are sick ; and gentlemen , whom nature hath not exempted from common miseries , Rome exempts from common Hospitals ; and not being able to giue them better health , she giues them at least better accommodation in their sickness . Here you shall finde an Apothecaries shop , founded by Cardinal Francis Barberin with an yearly reuenue of twelue thousand crownes , and this for euer ; to furnish the poore with physick gratis . Here you shall finde the Hospital of the Holy Trinity which in the Jubily yeare of Clement the VIII , is found to haue treated at table in one day fifteen thousand pilgrims : and in the whole yeare fiue hundred thousand . The last Iubily yeare 1650 , I my self was present one day , when the sayd Hospital treated nine thousand Pilgrims that day : the Pope himself ( Jnnocent the Tenth ) and many of the Cardinals hauing been there to wash the feet of the pilgrims , and to serue them at table . Adde to this , that euery nation hath here its seueral Hospital and Refuge , with Church and Churchmen to serue it . As the English Colledge , once an Hospital for the English : That of the Anima , for the Germans : That of the S. Lewis , for the French : That of S. Iacomo , for the Spaniads : That of S. Antony of Padua , for the Portuguesi : That of S. Iulian for the Flemmings : That of S. Ambrose for the Lombards : That of S. Iuo for the Britons : That of S. Hierome for the Illyrians : That of S. Marie Egyptiaca for the Armenians : That of S. Stephano for the Hungarians : That of S. Stanislaus for the Polonians . Besides a world of others . Nay almost euery corporation or body of artisans haue their Hospital among themselues , which they maintaine . In the Church of the 12 Apost . they choose yearly 12 noblemen & one Prelat who is called their Prior : These go into every corner of Rome to seeke out poore men who are ashamed to beg , & yet are in great want . These bashfull poore men put their names into a coffer well locked vp and standing in a publick place , by which meanes these charitable noblemen finde them out and relieue them . What shall I say of the publick charity of the Pope himself well knowne to all ? Besides a world of priuate charities which he giues by his Secreto Limosini●ro to those that are ashamed to beg publickly . The like do many Cardinals by their owne hands ; and in that high measure , that Cardinal Montalto ( to name no more ) is found by his books of Accounts , to haue giuen away aboue a hundred and seuen thousand crownes to the poore . Of which pious Cardinal I cannot omit to write this following story , as I haue learned it from very good relation . A poore widdow of Rome mother of one onely daughter both yong and hansome , got her liuing honestly by her owne , and her daughters labour ; and rubbed out poorly , but yet honestly : Now it happened , that this widdow falling sick , and her daugther haueing enough to do to tend her , their wrork went on so faintly , and their gains came in so slowly , that at her recouery ▪ she found her purse as much spent , as her person . Whereupon being called on for the quarter rent of her chāber , and not knowing what to doe , she was aduised by her Confessarius to go to Cardinal Montalto ( who gaue publick audienc thric a week to all the poore in Rome ) and to beg as much of him , as would pay her little debt . Pressed therefore by her great necessity , & emboldened by the fame of the charity of this good Cardinal , she entred the pallace , and found him in his great hall , giuing care and almes to all those that could giue him a good account of their wants . In her turne she , and her yong daughter approached vnto him sitting at his tables end ; and expresing modesty her wants caused by her three months sickness , she humbly besought his Eminence , to giue her fiue crownes for to pay the rent of her chamber , and pacify her Landlord who otherwise threatened to put her out of dores . The Cardinal seeing as much modesty in her looks as sickness in her countenance ; and likeing well , that she did not go about to fright him into charity , by vrgeing the danger of being forced one day to expose her daughter to lewd courses ( a common Rhetorical figure of begars in all contryes ) wrote downe in a little paper , 50 crownes to be giuen to her ; and folding vp the paper , he bid her carry it to his seruant below at the entrance of the pallace , who kept the Cardinals bills and payed the contents of them . She did so with humble prayers of thankfulnesse ; and the seruant vpon sight of the paper , presently threw her out 50 crownes , and bid her make an acquittance for it . The poore woman seing 50 crownes counted out for her who had asked but 5 ; and fearing least the seruant vpon sight of her hansome daughter , might haue done this by way of bribery , told him smartly , that though she were poore , yet she was honest , and that she scorned to go by one corruption to an other . The honest seruant ciuily replyed , that he vnderstood not her words : nor I your deeds , sayd she , I asked the Cardinal 5 crownes , he granted me my request , and why then do you offer me 50 crownes ? The honest seruant , to shew his innocency , shews his masters hand writeing importing 50 crownes . Then your masters hand , sayd she , for haste , out shot his intentions : I asked him for 5 crownes , and more in conscience I cannot take . The seruant , though he knew his masters generosity , yet to take all scruple from the poore woman , locked vp his monye and papers , and desired the poore woman to go vp with him to the Cardinal againe , to cleare this doubt . The Cardinal hearing from his seruant the whole passage and that the poore woman was affrayd his hand had been mistaken in writeing 50 crownes instead of 5 ; t is true , sayd he , my hand was mistaken indeed ; and calling for his pen againe , as if he would haue corrected the cypher which made the bill 50 , he put in an other cypher , and so made it 500 crownes ; reading it now a lowd to his seruant and the poore woman ; commanding her to bestow her daughter with that money ; and if it where not enough , to come againe to him , and he would make it vp . A true Roman Charity . As for those Charityes which concerne the mind , if a Great King of Egypt wrote ouer his Library dore , Medicina Animi , Physick for the mind : here in Rome I finde store of such Physick in Libraryes , Colledges , Monasteries , and deuout companies . And first for Libraries ; you shall finde here ( beside the Libraries of euery Religious house ) the incomparable Library of the Vatican : ( of which more below ) those also of Cardinal Barberin ; of the Duke of Altemps ; that of the Sapienza ; and that of the Augustin● ; the last two being open to all men euery day , with a courteous gentleman to reach you any booke , and a learned Manuscript in folio adressing you to the authors that treat of any subiect you desire to be informed of , which affords great help to the painfull student . Then the Colledges and Seminaries of almost all nations where youths are both fed and bred vp in learning for nothing . Adde to this , the Variety of Monasterys and Conuents , both of men and women , where they may hide themselues securely donectranseat iniquitas . Then the taking away of yong girles , at ten or twelue yeares old , from their poore suspected mothers ; and the bringing them vp vertuously vnder carefull matrons of knowne Vertue , till they either choose the Nuptial Flammeum , or the sacred Velum . Then the Remedies for ill marryed women , whose vnaduised choyce ( marriages being often made for Interest ) or incompatible humours force to a corporal separation ▪ and least such vnfortunate women should either liue incontinently indeed , or giue suspicion of it they are prouided here with a house where they liue retiredly vnder Lock and Key , till they either reconcile themselues againe to their husbands ; or vpon iust occasions , leaue them for euer . Ouer the dore of this house is written , Per le donne mal maritate , Then the Conuent of Penitent whores ( that none may perish in Rome who haue a mind to be saued ) called Sancta Maria Magdalena in Corso ; where many of those poore Magdelens haue led such penetential liues ( as the bloody walls of their Celles , caused by their frequent disciplining , shewed to all Rome in a conflagration of that monastery ) that Paulus Quintus himself being informed of it , would needs be carryed thither , to see those bloody chambers from the street ; and hauing seen them , wept for ioye ; and I can scarce hold from cryeing out : O foelix culpa ! What shall I say of the Congregregation of Aduocats and Attorneis , instituted in Rome , where they meet once a week to examin poore mens law sutes ; and either dehort them from proceeding in bad causes ; or prosecute good causes for them at the cost of this Congregation ? What shall I say of seueral pious Clergy men ( especially the good Priests of the Oratory , happy in this employment , who make it their taske to reconcile disagreeing families , and with great zeale and piety exhorte first the one , then the other of the partyes , interuene between them , speake well of the one to the other , cleare and take away iealous misvnderstandings , and in fine , peece againe broken neighbors ? What shall I say of the four Sermons dayly in the Chiesa noua by the most learned and good Priest of the Oratory , who being most of them learned men , as Baronius , Bosius , Iustinianus , Renaldus &c and able to flye high , yet in their sermons stoup to a low pitch , and a popular facile way , which aymes rather at conuersion , then ostentation ; and doth great good , though it make little noyse ? Dominus in le●i aura . What shall I say of the weekly sermon to the Iewes vpon Saturday ; where they are bound to be present to the number of three hundred , and where the Pope entertains a learned Preacher to conuince them out of their owne scriptures ; and those that are conuerted , are prouided for in the Hospital of the Catechumens , till they be throughly instructed ? I haue seen diuers of them baptized . What shall I say of the Scholae piae in Rome , a company of good Religious men , who looke like Iesuits , saue onely that they go barefoot in sandals ? These good Fathers make a profession to teach poore boyes gratis their first grammar radiments , and to make them fit to bee sent to the Jesuits schools ; and hauing thaught them thus in the schools , they accompany them home in the streets , least they should either learne waggery as they go home , or practise it . Nay these humble men make it their profession not to teach higher schools , where there might be some profit and honour , at least some satisfaction and pleasure : but they content themselues to go bare foot , and teach onely the lower schools and first rudiments ; by which they neither grow wiser , nor richer : A strange mortifyed trade ; But Beati pauperes spiritu . What shall I say of the Fathers of the Agonizants , whose vocation is to be the Seconds of those who f●ght against death in self ; that is ▪ whose profession is , to assist those that are in the agonie of death ; and to help them to make then those pious Acts which Christians should most of all then rouze themselues vp to ? What can be sayd more ? yes Rome not content , to haue fed , to haue bred , to haue conuerted , baptized reconciled the liuing ; and assisted the dyeing ; she extends her charity euen beyond death it self , and hath institued a pious Confraternity called , La Compagnia de' Morti , whose office is to bury the dead , and to visit those that are condemned , and by praying with them , exhorting them , and accompanying them to the execution , help them to dye penitently , and bury them being dead , and pray for their souls being buryed ; After which , charity can do no more to man : and therefore I will conclude , that seing such singular acts of charity , both for body and minde , are practised no where so much as in Rome , its true which I assumed aboue , that Rome deserues to be called , The Holy. Haueing sayd thus much ●f the title of Rome , I will now , make my Reader better acquainted with her , by describing the particularyties which I obserued here . And that I may not ramble in writeing of Rome , as most men do in visiting of it , I will begin at the Bridg called now Ponte Angelo , and from thenc make the whole gyro of the Citie in order . Arriuing then at the Bridg called anciently Pons Aelius because it was built by the Emperor Aelius Adrianus , but now called Ponte Angelo , because it was vpon this Bridg that S. Gregory the Great saw an Angel vpon the Moles Adriani sheathing his sword after a great plague : here wee saw the stately new decoration of Iron worke with the twelue Marble statues set vpon it by this present Pope Clement the IX . and looking downe into the riuer on the left hand , wee saw the ruines of the Triumphal bridg . This bridg was called the Triumphal Bridge , because over it , Triumphs were accustomed to passe anciently to the Capitol . This made it so proud , that it scorned that any rustiks , or country fellowes , should passe ouer it ; and got a Decree of the Senate for that purpose . But pride will haue a fall ; and the proud Triumphal Bridg hath got such a great one , that ther 's but iust so much of it left , as to shew , where it was once ; so true is the saying of Ausonius , Mors etiam saxis nominibusque venit . At first the Romans were modest enough in their Triumphs , as in all other things : hence Camillus was content with four white horses in his Chariot ; but afterwards luxe and excesse banishing out of the Citie , old modesty , they began to striue who should be the most vaine in this point . Hence Pompey was drawne in triumph , by four Elephants ; Mark-Antony , by four Lyons ; Nero by four Hermaphrodites , which were all four both horses and mares : Heliogabulus by four Tygers ; Aurelianus by six staggs ; and Firmicus by eight Austridges . At the end the Ponte Angelo stands the Castel Angelo , so called because , as I sayd before , S. Gregory in a solemne Procession during the plague saw an Angel vpon the top of Moles Adriani sheathing his sword , to signify , that God's anger was appeased . Before this Miracle happened , it was called Moles Adriani because the Emperour Adrian was buryed here . It was built anciently in a round forme , of vast stones , going vp in three rowes , or storyes lesser and lesser , till you came to the top ; where stood mounted that great pineapple of brass guilt , which we see now in the garden of the Beluedere . Round about it were set in the wall great marble pillars , and round about the seueral storyes stood a world of Statues . This Moles being found a strong place , Bellisarius put men into it to defend it against the Gothes ; and they defended themselues in it a great while , by breaking the Statues in peeces , and throwing them vpon the heads of the Gothes that besieged them . Since that time , Diuers Popes haue turned it into a formal Castle . Boniface the VIII , Alexander the VI , and Vrban the VIII , haue rendered it a regular Castle , with fiue strong bastions , store of good Cannons , and a constant garison maintened in it . From this Castle I saw diuers times these Fortifications ; and below diuers great peeces of artillary made of the brasse taken out of the Pantheon ; and they shewed vs one great Cannon which was made of the brazen nayles onely that nayled that brasse to the walls of the Pantheon ; the length and forme of those nayles , is seen vpon that Cannon , to shew vnto posterity how great they were , with these words vpon it , ex cla●is trabialibus Porticus Agrippae . In this Castle are kept prisoners of State ; the 5 milions layd vp there by Sixtus Quintus ; the Popes rich triple crownes called Regni , and the chief Registers of the Roman Church . From the top also of this Castle you see distinctly the long Corridor , or Gallery , which runns from the Popes Pallace of the Vatican to this Castle , for the Popes vse in time of danger . It was made by Pope Alexander the VI. and vsed by Clment the VII . who by it got safe into the Castle from the fury of the German Soldiers , who being many of them Lutherans , swore they would eat a peece of the Pope . From hence entring into the Borgo , we went towards S. Peters Church , and in the way stept into the Church of the Carmelits called Santa Maria Transpontina , were in a Chappel on the left hand as you enter , are seen two pillars of stone enchased in wood , to the which S. Peter and S. Paul were tyed when they were whipped before their death , according to the Romans custome . Here 's also the Head of S. Basil the Greek Father surnamed the Great . Here 's also a curious picture of S. Barbara in the Vault , by Caualier Gioseppe . Going on from hence , we came presently to the Pallace of Campeggi , so called because it belonged to Cardinal Campeggi the Popes Legat in England , to whom Henry the VIII gaue it . Heretofore it belonged to the English Embassadors , and was one of the best in Rome , both for being neare the Popes Pallace , and also for that it was well built by famous Bramante . It belongs now to Cardinal Colonna . Ouer against it stands a little Piazza , with a fine fountaine , and ioyning to it , a little Church called , San Jacomo Scozza Caualli , in which , vnder an Altar on the right hand , I saw the stone vpon which Abraham offered to sacrifice his Sonne Isaac : and vnder an other Altar on the left hand , the Stone vpon which our Sauiour was placed when he was presented in the Temple . Both these were brought , or sent to Rome , by Helen mother of the Emperor Constantin the Great , Presently after , you come to the Piazza of S. Peter , built round about with a noble Portico of free-stone borne vp by four rowes of stately round pillars , vnder which not onely the Procession vpon Corpus Christi day , marcheth in the shade ; but also all people may go dry , and out of the sun , in sommer , or winther , vnto S. Peters Church , or the Vatican Pallace . This Portico is built in an oual forme , and fetcheth in the great Piazza , which is before S. Peters Church , and therefore can be no lesse then half a mile in compasse . This noble structure was begun by Alexander the VII , and half of it finished , and the other half is now almost finished . I neuer saw any thing more stately then this . The number of the pillars , and of the statues on the top , I do not justly remember . In the midst of this Piazza stands the famous Guglia ; which was brought out of Egypt in the time of the old Romans , and dedicated to Augustus Caesar and Tiberius , as the words vpon it import . It lay hid long in Neros Circus , which was there where now S. Peters Sacristy is ; and at last Sixtus Quintus hauing proposed great rewards to him that would venture to set it vp here without breaking , it was happily vndertaken , by Dominico Fontana a rare Architect of Como ; and so placed as you see it now . The manner of bringing it out of Egypt , and of erecting it here are both painted in Fresco vpon the Walls of the Vatican Library : This Gulia is all of one stone except the basis ; and it hath no Hieroglyphes vpon it . The stone is a Granite , or speckled marble , which together with its Basis , is a hundred and eight foot high . It rests vpon four lyons of brasse guilt ; and at the top of it is planted a crosse of brasse mounted vpon three Montains with a starr ouer them ( the armes of Sixtus Quintus whose name was Montalto . ) Within the Crosse is a peece of the Holy Crosse of our Sauiour , encluded here by Sixtus Quintus . The whole Guglia is sayd to weigh 9●6148 pound weight . I wōder what scales they had to weigh it with . On each side of this Guglia is to stand a faire Fontaine , one whereof is that which is seen there now ; which throweth vp such a quantity of water , that it maketh a mist alwayes about it , and oftentimes a a rainbow , when the Sun strikes obliquely vpon it . This Piazza is capable of two hundred thousand men , and deliuers you vp to the Stairs which lead you vp to the Church of S. Peter . Comeing therefore neare to S. Peters Church , I was glad to see that noble structure , where greatnesse and neatness , bulk and beauty , are so mingled together , that it s neither neat onely , like a spruce gallery ; nor vast onely , like a great hall ; but it s rather like a proper man , and yet well proportioned . You mount vp to this Church by an easy ascent of four and twenty steps of marble stairs , as long as the frontispice of the Church is wide ; These stairs where those of the old Church of S. Peter ; and Baronius obserues , that when the Emperour Charlemagne mounted vp those stairs first , he kissed euery step as he went vp . These Stairs lead you vp to the Frontispice of the Church , which hath fiue dores in it , letting you into the Porch ; and these dores are cheeked with vast round pillars of freestone twenty four foot in compasse , and eighty six in height . Ouer these pillars runns the architraue , and ouer it , the Lodge or great Balcone , where the Pope is crowned , and where he giues his Benediction vpon Easterday . Ouer this Lodge runns a continuall Baluster or row of rayles , vpon which stand thirteen vast statues of our Sauiour and his Apostles cut in stone . Entring into the Porch , you will admire the length , breadth , and height of it . For the length of it , it s two hundred eighty nine foot : the breadth forty four foot : tho height , a hundred thirty three foot . It s adorned on both sides with great marble pillars , and a curious guilt roofe . In fine , this Porch any where els would be a hansome Church . Ouer against the fiues dores of this Porch , stand the fiue dores of the Church ; one whereof is called , the Porta Sancta , and onely open in the Iubily yeare : the others are dayly open ; and the two principal dores are called , Valuae Sancti Petri , and are couered with brasse by the command of Eugenius the IV , whose memorable actions , to wit , th● crowning of the Emperor Sigismond , and the reunion of the Greek Church with the Latin , are expressed in them . These Valuae are thirteen foot wide , and forty fiue high ; and to them all Popes Bulles are nayled at their publication . Entring into the Church , I found it to be built in crosse wise ; containing in length fiue hundred and twenty foot , and three hundred eighty fiue in bredth . So that it passeth in greatness the famous Temples of antiquity , to wit , Salomons Temple , long threescore cubits : the Temple of Diana in Ephesus , long four hundred twenty fiue foot ; and the great Mosky at Fez , long a hundred and fifty cubits . The roof , or vault of this Church , is arched with great squar● , and each squar is adorned with a great guilt ●ose , which almost fills the squar . This roof is borne vp by great pillars of freestone of a squar forme , whose capitelli are curiously wrought after the Corinthian order , and ioyned to one another aboue by arches & a perpetual cornice , ouer which are cut in stone the statues of seueral moral vertues . These pillars are a hundred and fiue foot in compasse , and distant forty foot one from another . On that side of them which lookes towards the body of the Church ; they are to be ouercrusted with white marble , with two rowes of niches in them for great statues of Brasse guilt . The other sides of these pillars are already adorned with a neat ouercrusting of a redish marble beset with the heads of the p●imitiue martyred Popes , held vp by two Angels , and with the pigeon of Innocent the X , ( who made this decoration ) and all these are in mezzo rilieuo , and of pure white alabaster . Behind these pillars is a large I le , or passage , and behind that I le immediatly , stand fair Chappels which flanck vp this Church notably , and each Chappel is graced with a little Cupola of its owne . In the midst of the Crosse building of this Church is mounted the great Cupola , which lookes like a great crowne wherewith this Queen of Churches is crowned . It rests vpon four Pilastri or great pillars which make the corners of the crosse of this Church , and from them it riseth into such a high Vault , that it seems to walke into heauen . It s full as round as the Pantheon in Rome , that is , it carryeth the compasse of an hundred and seauenty paces , as you may easily measure vpon the circle of white marble in the pauement , which enuironeth the Altar of S. Peter , and is made there a purpose perpendicularly vnder the Cupola to shew its greatness . The inside of this Cupola is curiously painted with pictures in Mosaick worke representing a ●eauen : indeed nothing but heauen it self can be finer , or higher . So that I may say truly to Rome with Rutillius , Non procul a coelo per tua templa sumus . In a word this Cupola is the boldest peece of Architecture that perhaps the world hath seen ; and it was the last and greatest worke of Sixtus Quintus his purse . The four Pilastri vpon which this Cupola resteth , are vast squar pillars a hundred and twenty foot in compasse , and capable of stairs within them , and large Sacristyes aboue , for the Holy Relicks that are kept in them ; to wit , the Volto Santo , or print of our Sauiours face , which he imprinted in the handkercher of S. Veronica : The peece of the Holy Crosse : the top of the lance wherewith our Sauiours side was pearced : and the Head of S. Andrew the Apostle● translated hither into his Brothers Church by Pius secundus . Hence in these great pillars , are cut Niches and in them placed four vast Statues of white marble . Vnder the Relick of the Volto Santo stands the Statue of the Veronica : vnder the peece of the Holy Crosse , the statue of S. Helen . Vnder the top of the lance , the Statue of Longinus : vnder the Head of S. Andrew , The statue of S. Andrew . These statues are of Colossean greatness , and made by masters as great as themselues . In the midst of the Crosse of this Church , and perpendiculary vnder the very Cupola , stands the High Altar of this Church . This Altar may well be called , the High Altar ( Altare quasi alta Ara ) or the Altare mains , being the noblest Altar in the world , both for matter and forme . The Altar it self stands ouer the Tombe S. Peter , half of whose body , together with half of S. Pauls , lyes buryed here ; and the other half of their bodyes in S. Pauls Church . Ouer this Altar four stately pillars of brasse beare vp a Canopie of the same mettal , wrought about the edge like a Canopie indeed , with Valances and a guilt fringe , yet all of brasse . Ouer the corners of this Canopie stand four great Angels of brasse guilt , and in the midst of it , is mounted high a round ball of brasse guilt , and a faire Crosse vpon it of the same mettal . These four pillars are as great in compase ( I speak by experience hauing taken the measure of them vpon their model ) as three ordinary men are thick . Their forme is is serpentine , wreathed about with vinetrees and leaues ; but all of brasse ; as also adorned with little Angels of brasse clambering vp those leaues and branches , and with Bees here and there also , relating to Pope Vrbans armes , who made them . These pillars are fifty foot high from the ground . Euery on of them weigheth fiue and twenty thousand pound weight ; and all of them together make this Altar , The Altar antonomastically , as this Church is The Church of the world . So that if the Climax be true ( as ●rue it is ) that Churches are for Altars , Altars for Priests , Priests for God , I know no Religion which payeth such honorable Tributs of worship to God , as the Roman Catholik religion doth , which hath the noblest Church , the noblest Altar , the noblest Priest , the noblest Sacrifice , and all this to the noblest God ; Deus Deorum Dominus . Hence the Pope may say with Salomon : Domus quam aedificare cupio magna est , magnus est enim Dominus noster super omnes Deos. Behind this Altar ( not in respect of him that comes into the Church by the great dore , but in respect of him that stands at the Altar ) stands the Confession of S. Peter ; so called because that in the primitiue times , the place where the bodyes of Saints and Martyrs where kept , was called Confessio , and in the Greek Church , Martyrium . For in ancient writers the word Confessor was taken often for a martyr , who had confessed Christ so farre as euen to dye for him : so that martyrs were sometimes called Confessors , and Confessors Martyrs , though they did not actually dye in tormens ; as you may see plainly in the Anotations of learned Pamelius vpon Tertullians booke ad Martyres . Now , this place because it conserues the body ( at least , half of the body ) of S. Peter , is called , the Confession of Peter . As for this Confession , it s made like a hollow caue open aboue , and rayled about with low rayles , so that the people kneeling , may looke downe to the iron dore and grate , behinde which the Tombe of S. Peter stands vnder the Altar : for these rayles fetch in a demi-circle from one corner of the Altar to the other . There are also a double pair of open stairs , of some twelue steps a peece , for those to descend by who officiate , and there are two little half dores which let them in to those stairs . And I conceiue , at the bottom of these little dores , the Limina Apostolorum to bee . For though I know its generally held , that to visit the Limina Apostolorum ( which Bishops by the Canon law are obliged vnto ) is to visit S. Peters Church ; and that diuers learned Authors think the Limina Apostolorum , to be the very steps of the entrance of the great dore of the Church ; yet I am of opinion , that these little half dores , and the steps about the Altar are most properly the Limina Apostolorum , because I found these very words written in golden letters in the bottom of the like little dores which stand about the High Altar in S. Pauls Church , where the other half of the bodyes of S. Peter , and S. Paul are intombed . Round about this Church stand side Chappels , some six and twenty in all , called ancienly Cubicula , and those whom we call Chaplains , were anciently called Cubicularii : hence the title of Cubicularius S. Petri. Now these Chappels haue , for the most part , some remarkable thing in them . In one of them , is alwayes reserued the B. Sacrament for the dayly vse of Pilgrims that desire to communicate in S. Peters Church , and other deuout people . In that of S. Gregory Nazianzen , is the body of that Saint translated hither out of the Church of the Nunns of Campo Marzo . In the Chappel of the Canons , reposeth the body of S. Chrysostome . In the Chappel called the Clementina , reposeth the body of S. Gregory the great , who being Pope of Rome and moued by Godly instinction ( as Iohn Stow sayth ) sent Augustin , Iustus , Melitus , and other Monks liuing in the feare of God , to conuert the Angles , or English to the faith of Christ ; and therfore I tooke particular notice often of his tombe , as being ( as Venerable Bede calls him ) our Apostle . In a Chappel at the very further end of the Church , is set vp the Chair of S. Peter ; held vp by four Doctors of the Church , all cast in brasse in a stately posture . This Chair is of wood , but much spent with old age ; and therfore Pope Alexander the VII , caused it to be set vp here and enchased curiously , to preserue it . I once saw it neere at hand , being exposed to publick view in the middle of the Church vpon the Feast day of S. Peters Chair in Rome . In an other Chappel , is the Crucifix made three hundred yeares ago by rare Pietro Caualino . In an other Chappel , you see cut in white marble the history of S. Leo's meeting Attila out of Rome , and his deturning him from comeing any nearer to the City . As for the Relicks and bodies of Saints which are in this Church , besides those mentioned already , there are the bodyes of SS . Simon and Iude , of S. Petronilla , of SS . Processus and Martinianus , of ten first Popes after S. Peter ; with a world of other precious Relicks Kept in the Sacristy . As for the Tombes which are in this Church aboue ground , they are these . That of Sixtus IV. of Paulus III ; of Vrban the VIII ; of Leo the XI . of Innocent the VIII ; of Gregory the XIII ; of Innocent the X ; and lastly that of the Countesse Matilde , the onely secular person that I finde to haue a Tombe in this Church aboue ground . Indeed she deserues well to lye in S. Peters Church who deserued to be called S. Peters daughter ; and she deserued this surname , for hauing defended the Church so galantly it is greatest conflict Against Henry the IV. Emp. and hauing endowed it with a good part of its Patrimony . Her body was translated from Mantua hither in the yeare 1633. by the command of Pope Vrban the VIII . Neare the Confession of S. Peter , is an old brazen statue of S. Peter sitting , with his hand vp as giuing his blessing ; and holding his right foot a little out , to be kissed . At first , some wonder to see deuout people flocking thither , and kissing the fotte of that statue , and puting their heads vnder that foot when they haue done ; but when they are well informed , that all this is done onely to testify , that they submit themselues to the authority which was giuen by our Sauiour , to S. Peter , and his Successors , they rest satisfyed . Ouer the Holy water pot on the left hand as you enter into the Church is seen fastened to the wall , an old inscription vpon a squar stone , importing , that that was the very stone vpon which the bodyes of S. Peter and S. Paul where diuided , when half of their bodyes was buryed here and the other half in S. Pauls Church , by S. Siluester . As for the prime pictures that are in this Church ; they are these : That of S. Michel in Mosaick work is of the designe of Caualier Gioseppe : as also the designe of the Masaick worke in the Cupola . That of S. Iohn Euangelist , and S. Luke iust vnder the Cupola are of the hand of Giouanni de Vechi . The picture where S. Peter cures the lame man , is of the hand of Ludouico da Ciuoli . That of the fall of Simon Magus is of the hand Vanni of Siena . That where S. Peter is painted with Annanias dead before him , is of the hand of Caualier Rancalli . That of the Altar of S. Gregorie , is of the hand of Andrea Sacco Romano . That of the creation of the world , is of Pietro Berettino de Cortona . That of Medica fidei , is of the hand of Lanfranco . Hauing thus seen the Church I went to see the Sacristy of this Church where by expresse leaue from the Monsignor , who hath the chief care , as wel as the Keys of it , I saw the Holy Relicks , and neat Church plate belonging to this Church . The Relicks are many , and richly enchased in gold and syluer . The Church plate is both plentifull , and of great valew , as many Chalices of pure gold set with iewels , hugo syuer Candlestiks with a Crucifix of the same as heauy as a man can lift , with a world of other such like plate . But that which pleased me most here , was the ancient Picture of S. Peter and S. Paul , which saint Syluester shewed to Constantin the Great to confirme the truth of his Vision . The Picture is very old , yet the faces are perceuable , and that is all . It s set in a frame of syluer . The history of it is both long and knowne : & if any man be ignorāt of it , let him read it in Baronius . There is also in the sayd Sacristy an other picture nayled high vpon the wall , which was made by N. Carpi with his fingers insteed of a pencil . Being now in the Sacristy , I got leaue to go downe into the Grotte vnder this Church , with a practical Clericus with a lighted torch to shew me and explicate vnto me the most considerable things that are there : as the Tombe of S. Peter with an Altar ouer it , at which any Bishop or priest may say Masse : a world of ancient statues ( set in the low Chappels , and in the wall of this Grotte ) which belonged to the old Church of S. Peter , and shewing the antiquity of pictures in Churches : the Tombe of the most honorable Churchman of our Nation , Pope Adrian the IV , the onely English Pope that euer was : the Tombe of the Emperor Otho the second , in a great porphiry shrine : the Tombes of diuers other great Popes and Cardinals : and in sine , the tombestone of Charlotte of Luzignan , Queen of Ierusalem , Cyprus , and Armenia , who hauing been driuen out of her kingdome by her Bastard Brother , came to Rome in Sixtus Quartus his time , and there dyed . She transfered before her death , her right to the kingdome of Cyprus , to the Duke of sauoy her brother in law ; which makes that Duke giue a close crowne ouer his armes , and be stiled by his subjects , Altezza Reale , Royall Highnesse . Hauing thus seen this Church both within and vnderground , I was desirous to see it also aboue . Ascending therefore by a fair staircase I arriued at the great terrasse ouer the Lodge , and there saw the thirteen statues of our Sauiour and the twelue Apostles neare hand , which seeme below little taller then the stature of our tallest men , and yet here aboue are eighteen foot high . There also I saw the seuerall little Cupolas , which giue light to the side Chapels of this Church , and looke like the yssue and spawne of the Great Cupola . Then mounting a little higher . I beheld the rare fabrick of the mother Cupola , both within and without . The staires to mount vp into it : the double vault in it , and stairs between the two vaults : the lanterne vpon the Cupola : the narrow stairs in one of the pillars of that Lanterne vp to the Ball : lastly the straight neck of the passage into the Ball , and the Ball it self , are all worth particular obseruation , as being the height of Architecture . The Ball it self of brasse guilt is capable of thirty men , though from below it lookes onely as big as twice a mans head . We were eight in it at once ; and I am sure we could haue placed thrice as many more . Vpon the round Ball is mounted a great Crosse of yron guilt to signifie , that the Vertue of the Crosse by our Sauiours passion , hath triumphed ouer the world , of which this round Ball is the expresse emblem . From this Cupol● we had a perfect View of Rome vnder vs , and of all the Villas about it . But nothing was so wonderfull , as to see S. Peters Church and Pallace , looke like a towne vnder vs , which we knew to be but one Church and house . You will wonder perchance too , when you shall heare that this Church is the eight wonder of the world , that the Pyramids of Egypt , the walls of Babylon , the Pharos , Colossus , &c. were but heaps of stones compared to this fabrick : that it hath put all antiquity to the blush , and all posterity to a Non plus : that its seueral parts are all incomparable Master-peeces : its pictures all originals : its statues perfect models : That it hath a reuenue of aboue twenty thousand pounds a yeare onely for the fabrick : that it hath cost till the yeare 1654 , ( The accounts being then summed vp ) Forty millions of crownes : that most of the Popes since Iulius the II his time ( and they haue been twenty three in all ) haue hartened and aduanced this work ▪ that the prime Architects of the world , Sangalla , Bramante , Baldassere , Buonarota , Giacomo della Porta , Giouani Fontana , Carlo Maderno , and now Caualiero Bernino , haue brought , it on to this perfection : that the whole Church it self is nothing but the Quintessence of wit and wealth strained into a religious designe of making a hansome house to God , and of fulfilling , the diuine oracle which promised ; that magna erit gloria domus istius nouissimae , plusquam primae . Going at last out of this Church , and summing vp in my thoughts all the rarityes I had seen in it , I began to think of Ammonius ( a holy primitiue Saint and afterwards Bishop in the Council of Sardis ) of whom it s written , that comeing to Rome with S. Athanasius , he desired to see nothing there but S. Peters Church , and knew not the way to any place els ; I think , that if this good man had seen S. Peters Church as it is now , he would neuer haue cared for seing any thing els in the world , and would euen haue forgot his way home too . Neare to the Church of S. Peter , stands the Vatican Pallace , where the Popes use to winter . To describe it to you all at length , would take me vp too much time ; nor indeed is it fit for me to dwell there . I will therefore passe through it quickly , and rather point you out what 's to be seen there , then paint you out in words what I saw there . 1. From the Church of S. Peter you ascend into this Pallace by an easy & stately pair of stairs capable of ten men a brest . These stairs render you vp at the great Hall ; called Sala Regia , because the Pope receiueth here Embassadors of Kings in their Embassies of state . It is beautifyed with rare pictures in a great volume : as that of the Emperour Frederick kissing the Popes foot , of the hand of Gioseppe del Saluiati Garfagnino . That of the Ligue in France : that of Coligni : that of the Pope condemning heresy : That of the Pope returning from Auignon , are all of the hand of Georgio Vassari . That of the Emperour Charles the Great signing the Brief of the donation , is of the hand of Thadeo Zuccari : that of the battle of Lepanto with the picture of Fayth at the side of it , is of the hand of Donato Formello . 2. This great Hall stands between two Chappels , the Paulina and the Sista . In the Paulina is seen a rare picture of the crucifying of S. Peter by Michel Angelo . The roof of it also was rarely painted by Federico Zuccari , but the smoke of the candles vpon Manday Thursday , when this Chappel serues for the Sepulcher , hath so defaced these pictures , that a farre worse hand would haue serued there . 3. The Chappel of Sisto is that in which the Pope holds Capella vpon certain dayes , and were all the Cardinals interuene . In the end of this Chappel vpon the wall , is painted the last Iudgement by Michel Angelo , a peece famous ouer all the world . The green garments of S. Katharine and the ●ead of S. Biagio are of the painting of Daniel of Volterra , who was presently set a worke to make those garments , when the Pope had giuen expresse order , that this rare picture should be defaced , because of some nakedneess in it . Vpon great dayes this Chappel is hung with a rare sute of hangings of the designe of Raphael Vrbin wrought with gold and silk , containing the Acts of S. Peter and S. Paul. 4. Beinde this Chappel stands the Popes Sacristy ; a place scarce knowne to strangers , and therefore seldome seen by them ; though very well wroth the seeing . It s kept alwayes by a Prelat , who is alwayes an Augustin Fryar , and a Bishop , and called Monsignor Sacrista . In authors of high times we finde mention of this officer vnder the name of Cimiliarcha , or chief Sacristan . Here I saw rare Church ornaments for the Popes vse . These in particular I cannot let passe without mentioning : The cope of saint Syluester Pope , thirteen hundred yeares a goe . The neat Chasuble of cloth of tyssue with the pictures of the ministring the seauen Sacrements , all embrodered in it in silk and gold so rarely , that the late Lord Mareshal of England Tho. Earle of Arundel . got leaue to haue it painted out , and so much the more willingly , because it had been giuen to the Pope by King Henry the VIII a little before his Schisme . Then the incomparable sutes of ornaments for Priest , Deacon , and Subdeacon , to be vsed in high Masse , which were giuen by King Sebastian of Portugal , and set all ouer with pearle , and these pearles were the first that came out of the Indyes , and were in all eight hundred pound weight of pearle . The other rare things here were the Head of S. Laurence , which I saw neare at hand , through a crystal : a peece of the spunge , in which the Jewes gaue our Sauiour gall to drink : the Camisia of S. Prisca a primitiue Saint martyred in it 1400 yeares ago : the Crucifix in which is set vnder a crystal , a peece of the Holy Crosse carued with the passion of our Sauiour in it : a thorne of our Sauiours crowne of thornes , which belongd to Pius Quintus : a crosse set with Diamans and Pearles , which the Pope wears at his brest in great functions : a great ring which he also weareth in such functions ; it s set with a fair Saphir , and four great pearles : a fair Crucifix enameld and beset with store of pearle and Iewels : the Popes Pallium which he wears in great functions : the fistula , or pipe of gold wherwith the Pope receiues the consecrated blood of our Sauiour in the Chalice vpon great dayes : the rare Chalices of gold set with pearle , and yet more pretious for their workmanship then for their matter : the great Chalice of gold , into which the Cardinals put their written Votes in chuseing the Pope by scrutiny : the fiue triple crownes called Regni , four wereof are set thick with pretious stones and pearle of great value , and therfore ordinarily kept in the Castle Angelo : two miters of the same richness : the chrystal Pixe in which the Blessed Sacrament is kept in the Sepulcher vpon Manday Thursday : in fine the booke of the Ghospels painted in miniature by the famous Giulio Glorio , for whose first picture here ( of the last Iudgement ) Paulus Tertius sent him fifteen hundred pistols , as Monsignor Sacrista assured me . 5. Passing from hence through the Sala Regia againe , I was led into the great roome hard by , where the Pope washeth the feet of thirteen Pilgrims vpon Manday Thursday ; and then giueth euery one of then a great Meddal of Gold with four pistols , and an other of syluer . 6. Thence I was led into the open gallerie which looketh vpon the court ; I meane , the second lodge , ( for there are three such open galleries ) where the histories of the Bible are painted most curiously in the roof of it by prime masters . That of Adam and the Creation : that where Adam sowes : that where the sheep drink : that were Jacob saw the ladder : that of the last Supper of Christ with his Apostles : that where Moyses shews the Laws , are all of the hand of Raphael Vrbin . That of the Deluge : & of the adoration of the golden Calf , are of the hand of Raphael dal Borgo . That where Josue commands the Sun to stop : that of Bersabee , and the like , are of the hand of Pierino del Vago . That of the Chariot , and some others are of the hand of Carauagio . That of Moyses strikeing the Rock ; that of the iudgement of Salomon ; and some others are of the hand of Iulio Romano . That of the Baptisme of Christ , with other such like , are of the hand of Pellegrino da Modena . Yet because in all these pictures Raphael Vrbin giue either the designe , or some touches , this Gallery is called Raphaels Gallery : indeed nothing but the diuine history it self can be finer then this painting of Diuine Raphael . And it belongs onely to Rome to haue the Bible set out thus in its owne colours : and if pictures be the best bookes for ignorant people , who can say that the Bible is kept from the people here , seing its painted and printed here in the most Vulgar tongue , and knowne language , pictures ? In a word Raphaels colours seemed to me to illustrate the text very much , and to be an excellent Comment vpon the Holy scripture , 7. From this gallery I was led into the great chamber , where Constantins Victory ouer Maxentius is so rarely painted vpon the walls by Raphaels owne hand , that this painting serues this chamber not onely for a rich Tapistry ; but also for an eternal Trophee to that Emperour . The seueral postures here of men and horses , all in confusion , yet all in such due proportion make this picture ( in the judgement of Monsieur Poussin a famous painter ) the rarest thing in the world for designe . In the other fellowing rooms there are diuers other rare peeces of the same hand ; as that of Attila and Pope Leo : that of S. Peter in prison , a peece much admired for the perspectiue of it : That of the B. Sacrament : that of the burning of the Borgo : that of Aeneas carrying his Father Anchises out of the flames , are of Raphaels hand . The history of HoHeliodorus ouer the chimney , is of the hand of Iulio Romano , Raphaels scholler . 8. Going vp from hence into the highest open gallerie , you l finde it painted with Geographical Maps of the hand of Antonio da Varese . The roof of it is also well painted by Pomerancio , Paris Romano , and Bronzini , excellent painters all . 9. Then comeing downe , I saw the Sala Clamentina a noble roome . The rare perspectiues in the roof , and in one of the corners , both of them expressing the armes of Clement the VIII are worth your attentiue consideration . 10. Then the diuers Chambers of his Holyness hung all with Damask hangings in sommer , and veluet hangings in winter , are very neat . In the Popes bed chamber I saw the graue picture of our Lady with her Sonne in her armes , called Saint Mary Maior , it s painted curiously vpon a white transparent stone three fingers thick , and yet shewing the picture on both sides if held before the sun . 11. The great roome guilt ouer-head , where the Pope treats at dinner great Princes when they come to Rome . 12. The old appartament of Pius Quintus ; with the great wodden bed , or rather , the little wodden chamber of Paulus Quintus . 13. The rare peece of perspectiue ouer the dore of the long roome leading to the Gallery of Maps . At the first looking vpon it , you see nothing but certain types , or figures of the Blessed Sacrament out of the old Testament , but being placed directly vnder it , and looking vpwards , you see all the foresayd types contracted into the forme of a Calice and an hoast ouer it ; so shew , that those old types and shadowes prefigured onely the body and blood of our Sauiour in the holy Sacrifice of the Altar . 14. The long gallery of the Maps of Italy painted vpon the walls on both sides by Paulus Brillus a Flemming , and others ; and that so distinctly , that you see plainly euery State , Prouince , City , Riuer , Village , Castle , highway of Italy , and where any famous battle was fought either in the Romans time , or since : A Gallery which I wish I had spent as many houres in , as I spent dayes in going vp to Rome . Diuers other Galleries there are in this house which I passe ouer in silence . 14. But I cannot passe euer so the long Gallerie leading to the Beluedere , in which is kept the Conclaue of all Popes : in this one great roome fifty , or thresecore , Cardinals lodg , and haue euery one two chambers , one for himself , and the other for his Conclauist . Ex vngue Leonem you may judge by this what the whole house is ; or els by this what they assure you , when they tell you , that there are fiue thousand Chambers in that Pallace . 15. From the middle of the foresayd Gallery , you enter into the Vatican Library , famous all the learned world ouer , for hauing in it , besides the Registers of the Roman Church . the choycest manuscripts of rhe world in holy languages . This Baronnius found , who drew from hence notable succour for the maintaining of this Ecclesiasticall history against the Centuriators of Magdebourg , who wanting these assured aymes , and being otherwise wrongly biassed , made faults in their history , as many as their Centuries , and as great as their Volumes . The description of this Library hath been made by learned Angelus Rocca in Latin , and by Mutius Pansa in Jtalian : yet for the sactisfaction of my curious countrymen I shall say something of it . First the roome is a vast long roome speading it self in the furter end , into two wings of building , which are all full of presses where the manuscripts are kept carefully from mice and rats , and moist weather . At the entrance into this Library , you are let into a fair chamber full of desks for a dozen of writers , who haue good stipends to copie out bookes in all languages ; and they are bound to be writeing so many houres in a morning . Round-about this roome hang the Pictures of all the Cardinals that haue been Bibliothecarii since Sixtus Quintus his time . Then entr●ng into the Library it self , I saw the vast wide roome supported ( like a Church ) by great squar pillars , about which are as many cupbord were the manuscripts are conserued . On the wall on the right hand , are painted in Fresco the General Councils of the Church , with the Bible in the midst laying open vpon a stately throne , and with the order and place of precedency obserued in them : as also some notable accidents in Ecclesiastical history . On the left hand are painted all the famous Libraryes anciently mentioned by authors : and vpon the great pillars are painted the first Inuentors and promotors of learning . This long roome spreads it self at last into two wings on each hand ; both which are full of curious bookes , both manuscripts , and printed bookes ; diuers of which were showne me with great ciuility , by Monsignor Holstenius then keeper of this Library whom I had formerly knowne . The chief of these bookes were these . A vast Hebrew Bible too heauy for any man to lift vp . An ancient copie of the Septuagints translation in Greek , after which the Bible hath been printed both in Rome and London . The Acts of the Apostles in Greek curiously written in golden letters . The Ghospel written by S. Chrysostoms owne hand . An Hebrew Bible written in sheets of parchment pasted to one another , and rowled vp : hence the word Volumen , for a booke . A little booke written in barke of trees : hence the word folium , for a leaf in a booke . Certain old Roman Table bookes . A China Tablebooke of wood , in which they wrote with a pointed steele . A curious China booke all in Hieroglyphs , and folded vp in many folds : our Purchas in his curious nauigations hath both printed and deciphered it . Polidor Virgils history of England written with his owne hand . An old booke of Sermons in Latin in whose margin S. Thomas of Aquin had made notes with his owne hand . An old Virgil with the pictures of the history in old painting . An old Terence written twelue hundred yeares a goe , and the ancientest that euer Politian saw , as he testifyeth vnder his owne hand in the inside of the couer of this booke . Baronnius his Annals in his owne hand writeing . The rare quotations out of the ancient Fathers , painfully and faithfully collected out of the best copies , by learned Cardinal Sirleto in the time of the Council of Trent , and sent by him weekly , by the Poste , from Rome , to the Fathers in the Council , who proceeded to their definitions by the ancient tradition of the Church , found so plainly and vnanimously in those Fathers . Those quotations make six Volumes in folio : and this was it , which out aduersaryes call , the sending downe of the Holy Ghost to Trent in a cloak-bag ; when it was onely the seding downe of these faithfull testimonies of the Tradition of the Church , gathered out of the most ancient and authentick copies . The letters of Henry the VIII of England to Anne Bolen his mistresse then , in his owne hand writeing , Some in English , some in French , but all amatory . It is easy to imagine them written by him , if you compare the hand-writing of these letters , with those two Verses written by the Kings owne hand in the frontispice of the following Booke , to wit. The booke which the sayd Henry wrotte against Martin Luther , and dedicated it by a couple of Latin verses written with is owne hand in the Frontispice of it , to Pope Leo the tenth : which booke purchased to King Henry the honorable title of defender of the faith . Then I was showne the Library of the Duke of Vrbin , who dyeing without heires male bequeathed his Library to the Vatican Library here . In this , I saw many rare manuscripts written in parchment , and painted in miniature : especialy that booke in whose margins are painted by a rare hand , and wonderfull diligence , all the insects in nature , in their liuely colours and true resemblance . Ouer against this Library , they shewed me , in the same roome , the Library of Heidelberg , sent to Rome by the Duke of Bauaria after he had dispossessed the Elector Frederick Prince Palatin of Rhein , of his country , as well as of the kingdome of Bohemia which he had seazed on , at the instigation of Bethleem Gabor and others . See the Mercure François . They shewed me here , among diuers other bookes , the booke of designes of the sayd Prince Elector Palatin , which he had designed being yong . Happy Prince if he had not designed to himself an other mans crowne . In the great roome of this Library , there is an iron dore which leteth you into a more secret roome , where the Registers of the Church of Rome are kept : the keeper of which Registers was anciently called Chartularius ; an office much like to that in the Greek Church , called Cartophylax . In fine , I was showne here diuers letters of great persons and Princes , written with their owne hands , as of S. Charles Boromaeus , to Cardinal Sirleto who had had a hand in his education : of Queen mary of England : of King Philip the second of Spayne hir husbād , stileing himselfe King of Spayne , England , and France ; of Francis the First of France : of Margaret of Parma that Gouerned Flanders when it reuolted : of President Vargas a Spaniard , and a great statesman in Flanders , but no great Latinist , as it appeared by his answer to the Doctors of Louain ( petitioning him in Latin for their priuiledges ) when he se sayd ; Non curamus vostros priuilegios . Mali faxerunt templa , boni nihil faxerunt contra : ergo debent omnes patibulari : the tearmes of the expostulation being as harsh as the Conclusion of it ▪ and some old polite Orators had rather haue been hangd indeed , then threatened in such bad Latin. A little before I went out of this Library I sawe neere the dore , the Statue of Hippolitus Bishop of Portua , ( who liued 1400 yeares ago ) sitting in a chair of stone , vpon which is cut in Greek letters the ancient Canon Paschalis , vpon which Scaliger and others haue written . It s a curious peece of learned antiquity , and worthy to he taken notice of . 16. Hauing seen the Library we were led on by the long Gallery mentioned before , vnto the Beluedere , were we descended into the Popes priuate garden , full of orange trees , fine walkes , and fountains . Here are three or four , vnauoidable wetting places to those that are not acquainted with them . Henc you goe downe to see the rare fountain of the iron ship . In this garden I saw the Pineapple of brasse guilt , which is as great as three men can fathom about , and twice as high as the tallest man can reach . Here also stand by it the two great Peacocks of brasse guilt , which stood anciently vpon Scipio Affricanus his tombe , and are some three or four yeards long . 17. From hence we were led hard by to see the Beluedere of the Maschere , which Michel Angelo called , his Studie . It s a squar Court sett with Orange trees , in whose walls are great Niches , with leaues to them of wood , where the choyce statues of the world are conserued vnder lock and key , and free from ill weather . The chief statues here , are these : that of the riuer Nilus , and that of Tyber , both in cumbent postures : That of Antinous , minion of the Emperor Adrian ; it s of pure oriental marble , and rarely cut : that of Cleopatra : that of Venus comeing out of a bath : that of Commodus the Emperor : that of Laocoon and his sonns inuolued about with serpents . This statue of Laocoon is the master peece of sculpture . That in the middle of the Court , of Hercules without armes , leggs , or head , is so rare a trunck , that Michel Angelo professed , he had learned more skill out of that broken statue , then out of all the whole ones he had euer seen . Hence you see alwayes a world of sculptors designeing it out : A peece of the Lions skin yet appearning made me not doubt but that it was the statue of Hercules . 18. From hence we stept into the great garden of the Baluedere , full of exotick trees , curious fountains , shady walks , and great variety of Grottes and wetting sports . 19. Lastly , in our returne againe through the Vatican palace , we saw the Armory full of armes , for thirty thousand men , horse and foot , and well kept . Hauing thus seen the Vatican Pallace , I went on with the rest of the curiosityes of the towne , and tooke them in order as they lay . Henc going from S. Peters , and leauing the Pallace of the Santo Officio on my right hand , I came presently to the Hospital of San Spirito which is hard by . The situation of this Hospital neare to S. Peters Church , was not done casually ; but without doubt , vpon designe and for this end , that men might learne by the very situation of Hospitals neare vnto great Churches ( as I obserued in many other places both in Italy , and France ) that Christians after they haue performed their dutyes to God , ought to pay in the next place their dutyes to their neigbour ; and let that faith , which they came from exerciseing in the Church towards God , be made appeare by good works exercised presently in Hospitals towards men . Now this Hospital of San Spirito , is one of the fairest in Europe both for bignesse , and reuenues . It hath a thousand beds in it for the sick : a Prelate to gouerne it : store of Priests , Physitians , and vnder Officers , to attend on them , and a reuenue of seauentie thousand crownes a yeare . There is also a Monastery of women in it , in a place separated from the rest , capable of 500 yong girles . In the appartiments aboue stairs there is hansome accomodation for poore gentlemen , founded by the gentleman like charity of Pope Vrban the VIII , to this end , that those whom Fortune had priuiledged by better birth , might not be inuolued in common miseries . There is also a grace towards the street , where little infants are put into a squar hole of a Turne , and so turned in by night by their vnlawfull mothers , who not dareing to owne them , would otherwise dare to destroy them . Constantin the Great founded such hospitals for exposed chrildren . The person that brings the child in the night rings a little bell whose rope hangs at the outside of that grate , & an officer within comes presently and receiueth it ; & hauing first asked whether it be baptised or no , carrieth it presently away , and recommends it to a Nurse , of which there are alwayes store in readiness entertained there at the cost of the Hospital on the womans side of the house . When the children are growne fit for instruction , they are set to trads . The girles are carefully brought vp by religious women there , till they be fit for Mariage or a Nunnery , according to their vocation . From hence I went to S. Onofrios Church vpon the hill , where I saw the Tombe and picture ouer it , of rare Torquato Tasso , whose warlike Muse is able to inspire mettle into his Readers breast , and dispose him to the engagement of a new Croisade against the Turks . This I can say of him , that if Virgil hindered him from being the f●rst of Poëts , he hindered Virgil from being the onely Poët . Returning downe againe , and going along the Longara , I saw the stately pallace of the Duke of Saluiati on the right hand , and the Villa of Chisi ( now called the garden of Farnesi , on the left hand . In this Villa I saw rare painting attributed to Raphael Vrbin . Ouer against this garden , liues now the Queene of Suede , in whose Pallace besides the rare hangings of cloth of gold , & of arras hangings of silk and gold , I saw a curious collection of pictures , originals all , and of the prime masters of the world : That of S r Thomas Moor● is , without doubt , of Hans Holbains hand , and a rare peece . Passing on the Longara still , I came to the Porta Septimiana , so called from Septimius Seuerus who built here his Therme ; and so vp the Hill to Saint Pancratius his Gate , and to the Church of that Saint possessed now by discalced Carmelits . Vnder this Church is the Caemeterium Calepodit , where many Martyrs bodies were buryed . Here was buryed Crescentius the tyrant , who seazing vpon the Castle Angelo swayd all in Rome for a while . From hence I went to the Villa Pamfilia , which is hard by . It s a new Villa , but seated high , and from the terrasse vpon the top of the house , you haue a fine prospect . There are diuers good pictures and statues in the house , and fine waterworks , and a grotta in the garden . The best pictures here are , the Crucifixion of S. Peter , and the Conuersion of S. Paul , of Michel Angelos hand . The entry of the Animals into the Arke of Noe , is a rare peece the best statues are the wrastling of Jacob with the Angel in white marble : Senecas statue : and the Busto of Innocent the X of porphyry : and his head in brasse . Returning again into the towne the same way we came , I saw the braue Fountaine made by Paulus Quintus , who caused the water to be brought thither from the Lake of Bracciano aboue thirty miles off , by a stately Aqueduct ; and from hence it is dispersed into the City and there makes new fountains . Hard by stands the Conuent of Franciscans vpon a Hill , called S. Pietro Montorio , where S. Peter was crucifyed with his head downeward , in that very place of the court where ther 's now a round Chappel ▪ entring into the Church I was much taken with the picture for the high Altar representing our Sauiours Transfiguration . It was the last and best peece of Raphael Vrbins making , and then I may say , it is the best in world : I gesse it to be the best of Raphaels peeces , because dyeing he commanded that this picture , of all his pictures , should be set vp at his feet after his death . In this Church lyes buryed the Earle of Tyrone who fled from Ireland hither in Queen Elizabeths time . Here are two fine statues in marble of S. Peter and S. Paul , of the hand of Michel Angelo . Going out of this Church , you haue a fair sight of Rome under you from this hill . This Hill was anciently called Ianiculus ; and vpon it was buryed Statius the Poët ; and at the foot of it Numa Pompilius . Neare the foot of this Hill stands the Church and Conuent of the Scala , belonging to the Discalced Carmelits . The High Altar is very ●eat ; and the good Fathers shewd vs in a little Chappel within the Conuent the foot of S. Theresa , which ●s plainly seen through a crystal in which it s kept . Not farre from hence stands Santa Maria Trasteuere , the first Church built in Rome ( sayth Baronius ) and built there where anciently stood the Tabernae meritoriae ; where the maimed soldiers receiued their pittance dayly . The Guilt roof , and the two rowes of marble pillars , do much beautify this Church . Vnder the High Altar is yet seen the place where oyle yssued out , as from a Fountain , a little before our Sauiours birth , as denounceing his birth to be at hand , who was to be called Christus , that is annointed . In this Church lye buryed Cardinal Hosius a most learned Trent Father , and Cardinal Campegius the Popes Legate in England in Henry the VIII time . You see here the stone that was tyed about the neck of S. Calixtus Pope when he was throwne into a Well . Here also you see great round stones which where hung at the fee● of the Martyrs to torment them . The Conuent of Franciscan Fryer● called S. Francesco in Ripa Grand● is hard by ; where I saw the Chamber where great S. Francis lodged when he liued in Rome . It s now turned into a Chappel . In the Church there is an excellent picture of Piety , made by Caraccio . Here in the Church is the tombe of Beata Ludouica Mathei of the the third order of S. Francis. I tooke the Ripa grande in my way , and saw there the boates of marchandise which come to Rome from Ligorne , Giuità Vechia , Naples , and other places , and disembark their goods here . From the Ripa I went to S. Cicilies Church built where her house was , and where she was put to death for the Christian religion . Vnder the High Altar of this Church is the tombe of this primitiue Saint , with her statue in a couchant posture , and iust as her body was found in Clement the VIII time , wrapt vp in vayls stayned with blood ; and couered with a robe of gold . The neat decoration before the High Altar , with the syluer lamps burning before the Tombe of this Saint , was the foundation of Cardinal Sfondrati . At the end of this Church , as you come in , are seen yet the stoues in which S. Cicily was shut vp in her owne house , to be stifled , but that failing , she was beheaded . The stoues are yet entire , and shewing the manner of the ancient stoues . In the Church portch I found the Tombe of one Adam , an English Bishop of London , and Cardinal of this tittle ; who dyed in Rome an . 1397. it hath these verses vpon it . Artibus iste pater famosus in omnibus Adam Theologus summus , Cardinalisque erat . Anglia cui patriam , titulum dedit ista Beatae Aedes Caeciliae , morsque suprema Polum . Not farre from this Church stands S. Chrysogonus his Church , a neat Church repayred some yeares ago by Cardinal Burghesi . The four pillars of the High Altar , looke as if they were of sand and cristal petrifyed together . On the left hand of the wall neare the great dore , lyes buryed Robert Archbishop of York , and titular of this Church but this was all I could learne out of the Tombstone . Hauing thus wandered ouer the Trasteuere , I made towards the I le of S. Bartholomew in , which stands a good Hospital and a Conuent of Franciscans , in whose Church reposeth , vnder the High Altar , in a faire porphyrie Tombe , the body of S. Bartholmew Apostle . This Ile was anciently called Insula Tiberina , and it was first made by the corne of Tarquinius Superbus , which being ( after his ejection out of the City ) pluckt vp by the rootes , and throwne into the riuer , by reason of the quantity of earth that stuck to the rootes , stopped here where the water was low ; and this stoppage once begun , all the mud of the riuer came afterwards to stop here too , and so in time , to forme a little I le in the midst of the riuer . Going out of the I le by the bridge of four heads ( anciently called Pons Fabricius ) which ioynes this I le with the City , I looked downe the riuer on my right hand , to see the Pons Sublicius , which Cocles alone defended against an army , till the bridge was cut downe behind him : which he perceiuing , leapt into the riuer armed , and swome safe to his fellow Citizens , who were as glad to see him come off safe , as to finde themselues safe . It was called Pons Sublicius , from the word Sublica in Latin , which signifies great beams of wood , of which it was made : it was afterwards built of stone by Aemilius . From this bridge the wicked Emperor Heliogabalus was throwne into the riuer and drowned with a great stone about his neck . No sooner was I ouer this bridge , but I saw on my left hand , the great back dore of the Jewry ; for here the Iews liue all together in a corner of the towne , and are locked vp euery night . I entred into their Synagogues here ( which they call their schooles ) where they meet vpon Saturdays and sing and pray . I wondered at first , that they had learned no more manners in these their schooles then to enter into them to pray , without either puting of hats , lifting vp eyes , or bending of knees , to the Great Iehoua , whom they rather feare then loue . Moses going to him , put of this shooes , and I expected , that these men should , at least , haue put of their hatts at the entrance into their Synagogues : but they are Archclownes ; and their fowle towels , at the entrance into their Synagogues , told me as much . I once saw a circumcision , but it was so painfull to the child , that it was able to make a man heartily thank God that he is a Christian . And realy If the little child could speak and wish , I beleeue he would wish him selfe the greatest curse in the world , and to be a woman rather then a man vpon such termes . I saw also a marriage here performed with many ceremonyes . Returning out of the Jewry by the same gate I entred , I saw on my left hand , the Pallace of Princ Sauelli : its built vpon the ruines of the Theater of Marcellus , built by Augustus in honour of his Nephew Marcellus : it was capable of fourscore thousand men . Passing on , I came to an ancient Church called Santa Maria in Cosmedin , or in Schola Graeca , where S. Austin before his conuersion , taught Rhetorick . In the portch of this Church stands a great round stone cut into the face of a man , with a great wide mouth , commonly called , La bocca della Verità , The mouth of Truth ; but this not being affirmed by the Mouth of truth , I dare not beleeue it . I rather beleeue it serued in some old building for a gutter spout : I know , truth may speake lowd , and haue a wide mouth ; but he that takes euery wide mouth for the mouth of Truth , is much mistaken . The next Church I came to was Santa Maria Egyptiaca : it was the Temple of the Sun and Iupiter . This Church is neatly adorned with curious chanelled pillars . It belongs to the Armenians , who haue an Hospital also here belonging to the Catholick Pilgims of that country : and the Pope allowes them to celebrate Masse here after their owne Armenian rite . On the other side of the great piazza , stands the Church of S. Steuen . It s rounded with chanelled pillars also . It was anciently the Temple of Iuno Matutina morneing Iuno , or Alba Dea , the Breake of day Goddesse : a Goddesse which our Ladyes , that neuer rise till noone , would neuer haue been deuout to . Close by this Church ( which stands by the riuer side ) the great Sinke of Rome , called Cloaca Maxima , emptyed it self into Tyber . And though this were but a Sinke , yet it deserues to be mentioned among the rare magnificencies of ancient Rome . For it was noblely built by Tarquinius Priscus , of freestone , arched ouerhead , with a world of springs running into it : and it was so great , that a Cart might haue gone in it . This sink was one of the evident tokens of the greatness and magnificence of Rome anciently ; and indeed a farre greater euidence then that of Heliogabulus , who caused all the spiders webbs of Rome to be gathered together and weighed , that by so many poundweight of Spiders-webbs , the greatness of Rome might the better be conjectured . Going on from hence by the riuer side , I came to the foot of the Mount Auentin and left on my left hand a Chappel belonging to the Knights of Malta . Our antiquaries tell vs , that neare to this place stood the Temple of the Bona Dea , into which no man was to enter : and that Cacus his denn was also in the side of this Hill , into which he dragd Hercules his oxen by the tayles , that no man should finde out his theft by the footsteps . Vpon the side of this hill stood also the Scalae Gemoniae , downe which criminal persons were tumbled into Tiber. Going vp this Hill I went to S. Alexius his Church , where I saw , the wooden staires vnder which this Saint lodged for seauenteen years in his owne Fathers house ( after fifteen years absence ) without being knowne to any body , till after his death . The body of this Saint lyes vnder the high Altar , together with that of S. Bonifacius the Martyr . Hard by vpon the same Hill , stands S. Sabinas Church , whither the Pope comes vpon Ash wensday in a solemne caualcata accompanyed with the Cardinals . Here also vpon this Hill , stood anciently the Temple of Liberty and the Romans Armilustrium . Descending from hence I made towards S. Pauls Gate ; and in the way I saw on my right hand the Hill called Mons Testiacius , which was made of the broken pots throwne there in the Romans time by the Potters . It s half a mile about , and 160 foot high . A little nearer the Gate of S. Peul I saw the Tombe of Caius Cestius , built like a Piramid of Egypt , and all of pure white marble . This is the most entire worke of all the ancient Roman works . This Cestius ( as the words vpon his Tombe importe ) was septemuir epulonum , that is , one of those seauen men called Epulones anciently , because they had the deuouring of those banquets which were set before the Gods in their Lectisterniis , in the Temple of Jupiter Capitolinus . Passing thence through the Gate of S. Paul , anciently called Porta Tergemina ; and Porta Ostiensis ; I went to S. Pauls Church a little mile from the towne . In the way I tooke notice of a little Chappel on the left hand , where S. Peter and S. Paul tooke leaue of one another ; before they were led to Martyrdome . Soone after I came to S. Pauls Church ▪ here S. Paul was buryed by Lucina a Roman Lady , and therefore Constantin the Great built this Church in the honour of S. Paul as he had done that of S. Peter mentioned aboue . It s built crosse-wise , and the body of it is 477 foot long , and 258 broad ; with a hundred pillars in all , set in four ranks , all of them ancient round marble pillars taken out of the Baths of Antoniuns , sayth Vassari . Yet in all this vast body of the Church there are no Chappels , nor any decoration , except at the very end of it , neare the great dore , where there is an Altar with these words in a stone ouer it ; Hic inuentum est caput S. Pauli . The most remarkable things which I saw here , were these . 1. The high Altar , with a Canopy of stone like a Tabernacle , borne vp by four porphyry pillars , and adorned with statues . Vnder the Altar reposeth half of the bodyes of S. Peter and S. Paul ( as I obserued before in S. Peters Church ) and as the inscription vpon the side of the Altar here affirmes in these words : Sub hoc altari requiescunt gloriosa corpora Apostolorum Petri & Pauli pro medietate . Behind this Altar stāds the Confession of S. Paul like that of S. Peter described aboue . Vnder the little low dores which let the Priest into the steps of the Altar are written these words in golden letters , Limina Apostolorum , which make me bold to hold against some moderne writers , that this was the precise place , and not the dore of the Church , which was called Limina Apostolorum . 2. In the old Arche in the top of the roof , is yet seen a peece of Masaick worke representing our Sauiour in the midst of the four and twenty Elders of the Apocalypse . This peece was made there twelue hundred yeares ago in the time of S. Leo the great ; and at the cost of Placidia Galla ( daughter of Theodosius , and sister of Honorius ) as the two verses in that Arch testify thus : Placidiae pia mens operis decus homne reportat , Gaudet Pontificis studio splender● Leonis . 3. The famous Miraculous Crucifix ( standing in a Chappel on the Epistle side of the High Altar ) which spoke to S. Bridgit . This Crucifix fauours the opinion of those who affirme that there were two nayles in our Sauiours feet . 4. The neat Chappel and Tabernacle of the B. Sacrament ; with the rare pictures relating there vnto , made by Caualier Lanfranco . 5. The picture of the Altar of S. Steuen made by a Lady of Bolognia called Lauinia Fontana . 6. The chief Relicks kept here are , the Head of the Samaritan woman conuerted by our Sauiour : the Arme of S. Anne mother of our blessed Lady : and the Chaine of S. Paul. From S. Pauls Church I went to the Tre Fontane aboue a mile and a half off , and in the way , I passed ouer the place where S. Zeno , and ten thousand Christians were martyried at once by the command of Diocletian the Butcher . Their blood made this way holy all along . Arriueing at the Tre Fontane I saw there three Churches standing within a place anciently called , Ad Aquas Saluias . The first of these three Churches is that of S. Vincent and Anastase , because of their Relicks sent hither . For about the yeare 627. the Emperor Heraclius sent the Head of S. Anastasius with the picture of the same Saint vnto Pope Honorius the First . A courteous Father , of S. Bernards Order here , did me the fauour to shew me neare the high Altar , this Head , and this Picture . These two are most authentical things ; for the attestation of them is in the very Acts of the second Concil of Nice held an . 789 , where to prooue the lawfullness of sacred Images against the Iconoclasts , ●●e sacred Council cites a miracle wrought by this very picture of S. Anastasius : and Baronius quotes diuers others wrought by the same picture . In the second Church here , to wit , the little round Church on the righ● hand , there is a famous picture of S. Bernards Extasis . Vnder this Church I was led into a Vault where many of the bodyes of the foresayd ten thousand Christians , who were martyred with S. Zeno , are buryed . This vault goes a mile vnder-ground . In the third place stands the little Church of the Tre Fontane , so called because S. Paul was here beheaded , and where his head iumpt thrice , three fountains gushed out . Vpon an Altar on the left hand , is an excellent Picture of S. Peters crucifixion , of the hand of Guido Rheni . On the other side is seen a little block ( within an yron grate ) vpon which they say S. Pauls head was cut off . Going from hence I went ouer the fields to the Church of the Annuntiata one of the nine Churches of Rome visited by Pilgrims ; and from thenc to S. Sebastians . S Sebastians Church , is one of the seauen Churches , and of great deuotion by reason of the Catacombes which are vnder it . Here I saw the Tombe of S. Sebastian vnder an altar on the left hand : many relicks kept ouer an altar on the right hand : and the Vault vnderneath where Pope Steuen was beheaded in his owne Seat of stone , and where S. Peters and S. Pauls bodyes were hidden many yeares . Thenc I was let into the Catacombes which are vnder this Church , and which from thenc running many miles vnder ground , made anciently a Christian Rome vnder the Heathen . There were divers of these Catacombes in the primitiue times , and they were called diuersly : Arenaria , Cryptae , Areae , Concilia Martyrum , Poliandria , but most frequently Caemeteria , that is , dormitoria , because here reposed the bodyes of the holy Martyrs and Saints qui obdormiuerunt in Domino . But the greatest of all these Caemeteria was this of Calixtus . In these Catacombes dureing the persecutions raysed against the Christians by ten Heathen Emperors , the faithfull beleeuers , together with their Popes and Pastors , vsed priuatly to meet to excercice their Religion , and steale their deuotions ; that is , to heare Masse in little round Chappels painted ouer head poorely ; Minister the Sacraments ; bury the dead Martyrs and Confessors in the walls of the long alleys , preach , hold conferences ; and euen celebrate Councils too sometimes . I descended seueral times into seueral parts of these Catacombes with a good experienced guide ( which you must besure of ) and with waxe lights ( torches being too stifeling ) and wandered them vp and downe with extraordinary satisfaction of minde . The streets vnder ground are cut out with mens hands and mattocks . They are as high as a man , for the most part , & no broader then for two men to meet . All the way long , the sides of these Alleys are full of holes , as long as a man , and sometimes there are three rowes , one ouer an other , in which they had buryed their Martyrs and Confessors : and that posterity might afterwards know which were Martyrs , which Confessors ; they engraued vpon the stone which mur'd them vp , or vpon one of the bricks , a Palme branch , in signe of a Martyr ; and a Pro Christo in Cyphers for a Confessor . It s recorded , that during the forsayd persecutions , a hundred seauenty four thousand Martyrs were buryed here in this Cametery of Calixtus : among whom were nineteen Popes Martyrs . Hence these Catacombes haue alwayes been esteemed as a place of great deuotion , and much frequented by deuout persons . The words ouer the dore , as you descend into them from the Church of S. Sebastian , tell you , how S. Hierome confesseth , that he vsed euery Sunday and Holyday , during his stay in Rome , to go to these Catacombes . And a picture hung ouer the same dore sheweth how S. Philip Neri vsed to frequent these holy places in the night ; and from whence , I beleeue , he sucked that true spirit of the primitiue Church , which reigned in him , and still reigneth in the breasts of his most vertuous children , the pious Priests of the Oratory of Rome , whom I must alwayes prayse wheresouer I find them , because I alwayes find them either writeing holy things , or liuing them ; that is , either writeing books fit to be liued , or liuing liues fit to be written . Indeed its incredible how much the presence of these Holy Martyrs bodyes , hath sanctifyed this place : in so much that no man enters into the catacombes but he comes better out , then he went in . Catholicks come out farre more willing to dye for that faith , for which so many of their ancesters haue dyed before them . The Aduersaryes of the Roman Church come out more staggered in their fayth , and more milde towards the Catholick Religion , to see what piety there is euen in the bowels of Rome ; Atheists come out with that beleef ▪ that surely there is a God , seing so many thousands of Martyrs haue testifyed it with their blood . From S. Sebastians I went to the place hard by called Capo di Boue standing vpon the Via Appia . It is a great building faced about with marble stones . It was the Sepulcher of Metella wife of rich Crassus . It s now called Capo di Boue because of the oxe heads cut in marble which compose the cornice that runns about the top of this Moles . Entering into it you will wonder at the thickness of the walls which are aboue eight ells thick . It was begun to be pulled downe , especialy the great marble stones on the outside of it , to make vp the Fontana di Treui ; but Cardinal Barberino would not suffer it to be so defaced . Close by stand the ruines of the Pretorium , the Quarters of the Pretorian Bands , which the Emperours lodged here , a little out of the throng of the towne , that they might not occasion so easily tumults ; and that they might exercise themselues often in the Circo of Caracalla which was hard by . This Circus was made by the Emperor Caracalla , and is the most entire of all the Circos that were in Rome . You see where the Carceres , or starting place was , where the Meta ; where the Guglia were . You see how long it was , and the walls yet show you what compasse it carryed . In the midst of it stood that Guglia which now stands in the midst of Piazza Nauona . I saw it lye here broken in three peeces , and neglected quite till the Earle of Arundel our late Lord Mareshal , Offering to buy it & hauing already depositated threescore crownes in earnest for it , made the Romans begin to think that it was some fine thing , and stop the transporting of it into England . At last it light vpon a good stone-setter , who joyned it so well together that it now stands streight againe vpon a rare basis , and adornes the very heart of Rome : Thanks to that ingenious architect Caualier Bernini who set it vp there in the anno Sancto , & whom it set vp too againe in the Popes fauour Innocent the X. which he had lost , by a crack in the roof of the Portch of S. Peters Church , caused by the heauy steeple which he had placed vpon it . Neare the end of the Circus of Caracalla , stands an old round Temple , with an other little Ante-Temple , close ioyned to it ; and out of which you go into the other . what if this were the Temple of Honour ? into which there was no passage , but through the Temple of Vertue , which was ioyned close to it , as this is : to manifest , that Vertue is the way to Honour . Now its certain that these two Temples stood not farre from the Porta Carpena ( now called S. Sebastians gate ) as these two do . But I declare , that this is but ghesing . Hard by the forsayd old Temple there is an Eccho which heretofore ( as they say ) would repeat after you a whole verse of Virgil , but if so , it was my fortune to finde her when she had catched a cold : for I could get nothing from her but the two last words of a sentence . Indeed Ausonius calls the Eccho , the tayle of words ; and symposius sayth , that the Eccho is like a modest Virgin : which speaks nothing but when she is asked . Returning from S. Sebastians towards the towne againe , I passed by a little Chappel called , Domine quo Vadis ? and ancienthy called , Sancta Maria ad passus . It s called Domine quo vadis ? because our Saviour appareing here to S. Peter flyeing out of the prison of Rome , was asked by Peter , Domine , quo vadis ? Lord whither go you ? And he answered : Vado Romam vt ibi iterum ●rucifigar . J am going to Rome , there to be crucifyed againe : which words Peter vnderstanding rightly , of Christs suffering in his members , the faithfull beleeuers , returned againe to Rome , and was soone after crucified . In the middle of this Chappel are seen the prints of our Sauiours feet in a white marble stone with an iron grate ouer them . Entring into the towne by S. Sebastians gate , I went on streight to the Church of S. Nereus and Achilleus , of which Church Baronius was Cardinal . The bodyes of these Saints are vnder the High Altar . Cardinal Baronius caused this Church to be painted with the histories of Saints and martyrs , to excite others to deuotion by their exemples Almost ouer against this Church , stands the Church of S. Sisto with its monastery made famous by S. Dominick , who made it his habitation , and by whom God rought many miracles here . It stands in a most vnholesome place called anciently the Piscina publica , because the people vsed to wash themselues here . Here are buryed S. Sixtus , Antherus , Lucius , Lucianus , Sotherus , & Zepherinus , Popes and martyrs . Here 's a fine picture of S. Vincentius Ferrerius . From thence I went towards the the Porta Latina , and there saw the Church where S. Iohn Euangelist was put into a caldron of boyling oyle . Then Following the walls of the towne for a good while , I came at last to S. Iohn Laterans Church , the mother-Church of all Churches in the world , and the Popes Cathedral . In saying this , I haue sayd enough ; and I say this after the words which are written in the architraue ouer the Portch of this Church , and after the Bull of Gregory the XI . who declared this Church to be the Popes chief seat , and to haue the preeminency ouer the other Churches , Orbis & Vrbis ; euen ouer S. Peters Church too by name . It was built by Constanti● the Great vpon mount Caelius , and dedicated to our Sauiour himself , for whose sake it deserueth the headship ouer all the other Churches in the world , as he , to whom it is dedicated , is the Head of all the Elect. yet it is called diuersly by Ecclesiastical Authors , Sometimes Basilica Constantiniana , because Constantin built it : sometimes Basilica Saluatoris , because it was dedicated to our Sauiour . Sometimes Basilica S. Ioannis , because it was neare to the two Chappels dedicated to the two S. Iohns , in the Baptistery of Constantin : sometimes it was called , Basilica S. Ioannis in Laterano , or S. Iohn Laterans Church , because it was built vpon the place where Plautius Lateranus the designed Consul , had a fair house and a garden , which Nero the Tyrant made bold withall , hauing first made bold with their master , by killing him . Now this , and the other great Churches of Rome are called Basilicae , either because they are built after a Royal and stately manner , or els because they are built to the King of Kings . As for this Church of S. Iohn Lateran , It is here that the Pope taketh possession of his Papal charge , after he hath been chosen , and consecrated Bishop ( yf he were none before ) in S. Peters Church . For this reason all the chief Episcopal functions of the particular Diocese of Rome , are performed here ; as the consecrating of Bishops and Priests , the conferring of the Sacrament of Confirmation : the Baptizeing of conuerted Iewes and Infidels . For this reason its looked vpon by the Popes with great respect , and hath been not onely beautifyed by them with costly decorations , such as those , that Clement the VIII , and Innocent the X made ; but also fauoured by them with great prerogatiues ; one declareing by his Papal Decree , that this is the Mother Church of all Churches ; another fixeing her the euery altar it self ( of wood ) on which S. Peter and the primitiue Popes had offered Sacrifice ; another allowing the Clergy if this Church the precedency ouer the Clergy of all other Churches in publick processions , and to carry before them two Crucifixes ; another fixeing here the Heads of Saint Peter and Saint Paul. As for the things most to betaken notice of here , they are these . 1. The Soffita or roof of this Church most richly guilt . 2. The body of the Church all made new almost by Pope Innocent the X , as to the inside of it . 3. The rare painting that runns crosse the Church from the stately Organs to the Altar of the B. Sacrament , containing the chief actions of Constantin the Great , and other histories . That of the Ascension of our Sauiour , with the Apostles looking vp after him , is of the hand of Caualier Gioseppe . The Histories and figures about the Chariot of Constantin , are of the hand of Bellardino . That of the apparition of our Sauiour , that of Mount Soracte , that oueragainst Constantins Baptisme , are all of the hand of Paris Romano . That of the Baptisme of Constantin is of the hand of Caualier Ricelli . In the Quire of the Canons the picture of the S. John is of the hād of Cauallier Gioseppe . In fine , the picture of our Sauiour in the very Tribuno , or Abside , was the first picture that appeared publickly in Rome , and which was miraculously cōserued in the burning of this church There are diuers in others pictures in that Vaulted Tribun in Masaick worke ; and some simbolical figures relating to our Sauiours life and passion , which were much vsed anciently in Churches , as you may see in many other Churches , and in the rare booke called , Roma Soterranea . 4. The High Altar here , within which is shut vp the Woodden Altar which S. Peter and the primitiue Popes made vse of in saying Masse vpon it during the persecutions , and before they had any setled Churches . S. Syluester in the dedication of this Church , fixed it here , and none can say Masse at this Altar , but the Pope , or dureing the Popes indisposition some Cardinal , with a particular dispensation , or Apostolical Brief which must be fastened to one of the four pillars of the Altar , during the Cardinals saying Masse there . Ouer this Altar stands a great Tabernacle of Marble borne vp by four pillars , not onely seruing for a Canopy to the Altar , but also for an Arca to the Heads of S. Peter and S. Paul which are kept within it , and showne there to the people vpon great dayes through an iron grate which enuirons them . 5. The Altar of the B. Sacrament adorned by the cost of Clement the VIII , With a curious and pretious Tabernacle of rich polished stones , and with four pillars of brasse guilt , about fifteen foot high . Ouer this Altar is the Table it self vpon which our Sauiour eat the Paschal Lambe before his Passion , and then presently instituted the Holy Sacrament , of which the Paschal Lambe was but a figure . 6. The brasen Tombe of Martin the V , of the house of Colonna , who was chosen Pope in the Council of Constance . 7. The Tombe of Alexander the III , of the house of Bandinelli in Siena , neatly adorned by Pope Alexander the VII , who tooke his name of Alexander from him . 8. The Tombe of Laurentius Valla a learned Roman , and Chanon of this Church ; of whom , as the restorer of pure Latin language after Gotick Barbarousness , Latonius sung thus : Romulus est Vrbis , Valla est idiomatis author : Hic reparat primus , primus vt ille str●it . 9. In old Gotick Letters vpon the Architraue of the portch of this Church you read these Leonine verses , Dogmate Papali datur ac simul Jmperiali . Quòd sim Cunctarum Mater & Caput Ecclesiarum . 10. In the Cloister of this Church , I saw the Chaire of Porphiry , which vseth to be placed neare to the Great dore of the Church on that day the Pope taketh possession of his charge in this Church ; in which Chaire the Pope is placed a while , and at his riseing from it againe , the Quire sings this verse of the 112 Psalme , Suscitat de puluere egenum & de stercore eregit pauperem : and this Ceremony and pierced Chair are onely to put the Pope in minde of his humane infirmityes , amidst His glorious exaltations , and the peoples applauses . For so also the Greek Emperors on the day of their coronation , had a great many marble stones , of seueral colours , presented to them , to choose which of them they would , to make their Tombe of . This was , to put them in mind of their mortality admidst those great honours . But it s strange to see how the enemies of the Popes , giue out maliciously , that this Chair ( whose vse we see so plainly in the vety Ceremonial of Rome ) was onely intended , ad explorandum sexum , and to hinder the inconueniency of another Pope Ioanne . For this reason I think it not amisse to examin a little this fable of a shee Pope , or of a Pope Ioanne . I am not affrayd at all to call this a fable , both for the vnlikelinesse of it in generall ; as also for the suspected authority of its first broachers ; the contrarietyes in the story ; and the little credit giuen vnto it by the learnedest aduersaryes of the Roman Church . First , what can be more vnlikely then that a woman should surprise such a wise nation as the Italians are , and so grossely ? what more vnlikely , then that a woman should passe her youth in those seuere studyes , which are required in Popes , without being knowne to have wrongd , or discouered her sexe ; and that she must just do it , when she was in a declineing age , at which age Popes ordinarily are chosen ? What more vnlikely , then that a woman findeing her self great with child , should venture to go so farre a foot in a procession ? What more vnlikely , then that , if there had been such a shee Pope , the Greek Church ( which then was at odds with the Roman Church ) should haue passed it ouer in silence , and not haue obraided her with such a disgracefull Pastor , especially seing the Roman Church had obraided the Greek Church with hauing an Eunuch for her chief Patriarch ? What in fine more vnlikely then that there should haue been such a shee Pope so publikly conuinced to haue been a woman , & that Anastasius Bibliothecarius who worte the liues of the Popes some thirty yeares after that pretended time , and who must haue liued in her time , speaks nothing of any such woman , or any such strange accident ? Secondly , the first broachers of this story make it Very much suspected , seing Martinus Polonus , and some others of the Emperors faction ( then at Vari●nce with the Popes ) are the first that mentioned this fable : and Platina , who quotes no higher authors for it , grounds a story of this consequence vpon no better authority then a weake , si dice , us fayd . Thirdly , the apparent contradictions in the Tale , conuince it of falsity : as that this Ioanne was an English woman borne in Mentz , which all men know to be a Rhenish towne in Germany : and that she had studyed at Athenes in Greece , which long before this time had been destroyed . Fourthly , the little credit giuen to it by the learnedest aduersaryes of the Roman Church , to wit , four prime Ministers of France ( who take this history for a meere fable ) proues sufficiently that its worse then an old wifes tale . For M. Blondel a French Minister ( whom I knew in Paris aboue twenty yeares ago ) and a man of that account there , that he was chosen to answer the learned booke of Cardinal Peron : this Blondel , I say , made a booke in French ( printed at Amsterdam by Bleau Anno 1647 in octauo ) On purpose to shew , that this story of a shee Pope called Joanne , was a meere fable . And that we may not think that Blondel alone of all Protestant Ministers , held this for a Fable , Monsieur Serrauius a great Caluinist and Counselor of the Parlament of Paris , in a letter of his to Salmasius , hauing mentioned to him this booke of Blondel , addeth these words : Noli autem credere primum aut solum è nostris Blondellum ita sensisse : quamuis Fortassis nemo vnquam fortius & pressius istud solum conclaueait . Fuere enim in eadem sententia non incelebres inter Reformatos Theologi : & adhuc vigent in hac Vrbe insignes fide & pietate viri , qui audierunt ex ore Camerii , se istam historiam Vulgo creditam , fabulosis deputare . Vidi nuper scriptas literas docti & vegeti senis , tibique & mihi amicissimi , Petri Molinaei , quibus idem semper sibi esse visum affirmabat . Penes me sunt literae Samuelis Bocharti , quibus testatur sibi esse pro comperto vanum & fictitium , quicquid hactenus de ea sit proditum . Thus Monsieur Serrauius in a priuate letter ( though his sonn after his death printed his litters ) to a freind of the same religion : And thus you see , how this fable maintained highly a long time by the Aduersaries of the Roman Church , expired at last ( as all lyes do ) and was carryed to its graue vpon the shoulders of four French Ministers , Blondel , Chamier , du Moulin , and Bochart . If I haue been a little too long in this digression you will pardon me : We are all debtors to Truth ; and all men ought to be glad to see themselues disabused . Going out of the little back dore of this Church , I went to see the Baptistery of Constantin the Great , Our most Noble Countryman , and the first Emperour that publickly professed Christianity . This Baptistery is built round , and in the center of it , in a descent of four steps , stands the very Font , in which the sayd Emperor was baptized by Pope Syluester . It s enuironed with low rayles of marble , and adorned with ten , or twelue great pillars of Porphyrie ( the fairest in Rome ) which beare vp the painted Vault ouer the Font : so that people standin about these rayles , may see conueniently the baptizeing of Jewes and Infidels in the pitt below . Vpon the Walls of the round Chappel , are painted in Fresco , the most memorable actions of Constantin the Great : as his Vision of the Crosse in the ayre , with these words aboue it , In hoc signo Vinces : his ouercomeing the Tyrant Maxentius ; his baptisme here by S. Siluester : his burning the Libels against Catholike Bishops , preferred to him by the Arrians : his kissing the wounds of those good Bishop in the Council of Nice , who had either their fingars cut off , or one eye put out by the Tyrants . On the other side of S. Iohn Laterans Church , stands the Scala Santa , and the Sancta Sanctorum . The Scala Santa is called from the stairs , twenty eight in all , vp which our Sauiour was led in this passion to Pilats house . Vpon some of them you see the places where the pretious blood of our Sauiour had fallen : and for that reason they are couered with little grates of brasse , which let in eyes , but keep of knees : I say knees ; for none go vp these holy stairs otherwise then kneeling , and this out of reuerence to him who often fell vpon his knees , as he was draggd vp and downe these stairs . It s painfull enough to go vp these stairs vpon your knees ; yet I saw it done hourly in the Iubily yeare , by continual flocks of deuout people both men and women ; of great condition as well as of great deuotiō ▪ these holy staires were Sent from Hierusalem to Constantin the Great , by his Moter Queen Helen , together with many other Relicks kept in S. Iohn Laterans Church . They are of whit marble , and aboue six foot long . At the head of these stairs stands the Chappel called Sancta Sanctorum , because of the Holy things kept in it . Hence ouer the Altar in this Chappel , are written these words . Non est in toto Sanctior Orbe Locus . Vpon the Altar is kept the miraculous picture of our Sauiour , it represents him about thirteen yeares old , and onely his half body . It s about a foot & a halfe long : and it s sayd to haue been begun by S. Luke , but ended miraculously by an Angel. Others say , that S. Luke hauing onely prepared the ground , and before he had drawne one stroke , fell to his prayers to beg of God that he might draw his Son right , and riseing vp againe he found his picture already finished . Hence Domenico Magri ( a learned Antiquarie ) is of opinion , that this pisture of our Sauiour is that very picture which Anastasius B●bliothecarius in the life of Steuen the II , calls Achyropaeta , that is , made without hands . Round about this picture goes a set of great iewels enriching the frame of it . Vnder the Altar reposeth the body of S. Anastasius , of whose head and picture I spoke aboue in the description of the Church of this Saint at the Tre Fontane . Here are also kept the Heads of S. Agnes and S. Praxedes , with many other pretious Relicks . Anciently , ( as the Records here mention ) the Holy Prepuce , or Foreshin of our Sauiour was kept here too : but being taken away in the sack of Rome , by one of Bourbons soldiers , it was left in a a country towne called Calcata , some fifteen wiles distant from Rome by the same soldier , who could not rest day nor night , as long as he had that relick about him . I once passed by that towne ( Calcata ) by chance , and by the ciuilityes of the Lord of the towne , Count of Anguillara , at whose house we were nobly entertained all night , had the happiness the next morning , to see this pretious Relick through the crystal case : This Count keeps one key of it , and the Parish Priest the other , without both which it cannot be seen . Neare to the Scala Santa is seen a famous peece of Antiquity of Christian Rome , called Triclinium Leonis : where is seen a Mosaick picture of our Sauiour resuscitated , and holding out a booke to his Disciples , in which are written these words : Pax vobis : Peace be to you : Which picture Leo caused to be made eight hundred yeares ago , as an emblem of his peaceable returne againe to his seat , after he had been chased out by his enemyes . Vpon a pillar on the right hand , is painted our Sauiour sitting vpon a Throne , and giuing with one hand , the Keys of the Church to S. Peter , and with the other , the Imperial standard to Constantin the Great . Vpon the other pillar on the left hand , is represented in Mosaick worke also , S. Peter sitting in a Chair , and with one hand giuing vnto Pope Leo the III the Papal stole ; and with the other , the Imperial standard vnto Charlemagne , who had restored this Pope Leo to his seat againe . From hence passing againe by S. Iohn Lateran● Church , I saw first , the pallace of the Pope here , built by Sixtus Quintus : then the great Guglia ( with Egyptian Hyeroglyphes figured vpon it ) which had stood anciently in the Circus Maximus : it s aboue 100 foot high , & was brought from Alexandria to Rome by Constantin the Great ▪ lastly in a low roome ioyning to the Church , I saw the Statue in Bronze of Henry the IV of France , set vp here by the Canons of S. Iohn Laterans , for hauing caused ten thousand crownes a yeare to be restorest to this Church , which was due to it in France . I looked also into the faire Hospital which stands hard by the foresayd Church , and so well serued and tended , that many person of quality in their sickness desire to be transferred hither , that they may be better looked to , then they can be at home . Takeing the wall of the old Aquiduct of Claudius along with me I went to San Stefano Rotondo , standing vpon the Mount Caelius too . This Church now belongs to the Seminarists of the German Colledge . Vpon the round walls are painted curiously the martyrdoms of ancient martyrs , with the diuers instruments of the Heathens , wherewith they tormented the poore Christians . Ouer against this Church stands the Church of Santa Maria della Nauicella , so called from a little stone ship which stands before it , being a vow of certain boatmen . This Church in ancient authors , is called in Dominica , or in Ciriaca because of a holy woman called Ciriaca , in whose house here , S. Laurence distributed all the Church goods , hee as Deacon had in his hands , vnto the poore . Hard by stands the Villa of the Duke Matthei , where I saw the neat house full of curious statues , and crusted on the outside with rare anticaglie . Among the rest I tooke particular notice of the Heads of Brutus and Porcia , man & wife in one stone : the statues of Cleopatra : of Hercules : of three little boyes sleeping and hugging one another : the head of Cicero rarely wel cut : the statue of Marcus Aurelius . A rare table of pretious stones . In an other house here ( looking towards San Sisto ) I saw the incomparable Statue of Andromeda exposed to the Sea Monster , it s of pure white marble , and of the hand of Oliuiero . That other there of Apollo fleaing Marsias , is an excellent peece too , and in white marble : so is also that of the Satyre pluking a thorne out of his foot . The curious alley , waterworks , grotts , walkes , wetting places , and the intricate labyrinth , are all very delightsome . Descending from hence I went to the old Amphitheater , called now the Coliseo , because of a Colossean statue that stood in it . This is one of the rarest peeces of antiquity in Rome ; and though Rome be growne againe , by her new pallaces , one of the finest Cyties of Europe , yet her very ruines are finer then her new buildings . And though I am not ignorant how Rome , since her Ladiship gouerned the world , and was at her greatness , hath been six seueral times ruined , and sacked , by the enuy and auarice of barbarous nations ( Visegoths , Wandals , Erules , Ostrogoths , Totila who set fire on Rome 18 dayes together , and the Germans vnder Bourbon ) whose malice was so great against Rome , that of thirty six Triumphal Arches once in Rome , there remaine but four now visibly appearing ; that often Thermae anciently , but two remain any way visible ; that of seuen Circos , but one now appeares ▪ yet as of fair Ladyes , there remain euen in their old age , fair rests of comelinesse : so the very ruines of Rome which malice could not reach to , nor auarice carry away , are yet so comely , that they rauish still the beholders eye with their beautyes , and make good the saying of an ancient author , that Roma iacens quoque miraculo est : Rome is a miracle euen in its ruines . Bvt to returne to the Coliseo ; it s an other wonder of the world : and I wonder indeed , how such prodigious stones could either be layd together in a building , or being layd together , could fall . Vespasian began it ; but Domitian finished it ; and Martial flattered it as a wonder which outstript all the wonders of Egypt , and its Pyramids . It was of a prodigious height , as that part of it yet standing sheweth . The forme of it was round without , & oual within , and the out side of it was adorned with tho three orders of pillars ; great Arches below , open galleries aboue , both to walke in , and to let people into the Amphitheater , and out againe without crowding : so that two hundred thousand people could go in , or out , in half an houres time , with out crowding . Within , it went vp from below by steps of stone vnto the top : and afforded roome enough to all that world of people , to sit conueniently , and see the combats and sports that were exhibited in the Arena . Anciently the top of it was set rownd with Statues ; and in time of great heats or raynes , it was all ouerspred with great sayles . From its roundish forme it got the name of Amphitheater , from seeing on all sides . Vnderneth were the caues for the wild beasts , out of which they turned them loose to feight , sometimes against condemned men ; sometimes against innocēt Christians . Nero made the Christians be clad in the skins of beasts ; and so to be exposed to Lyons and Bears . Sometimes also gladiators fought against gladiators ; and one gladiator against twenty others : nay the very noble Romans themselues would now and then feight here publickly , either to shew sport . or valour . And all this was done by the politick Romans , to teach men not to be affrayd of bloodshed and death in time of warres , with which they had been so acquainted in time of peace . The old round rubbage of brick which is here neare the Anphitheater , was anciently a fine Fountain called Meta Sudans , seruing for the vse of those that came to the sports here . It was all faced with marble , and had a Statue of Jupiter of brasse vpon it . Hard by stands the Triumphal Arch of Constantin the Great . It s all of marble , with a world of curious statues anciently , but now headless , and with histories in bassi rilieui . It was erected to him in memory of his victory ouer the Tyrant Maxentius , as to the Freer of the Citie , and Founder of publick Quiet . As the words here import , Liberatori Vrbis , Fundatori Quietis . From hence I went to the Church of S. John and Paul ; and thene to S. Gregories Church , which anciently had been his house . They shew vs yet the place , and the table , where this holy man , in recompence of his charitable hospitality to the poore , deserued to haue an Angel , and the Lord of Angels for his guests . He treated dayly here 12 poore men , in honour of the 12 Apostles . In one of the Chappels you see a fine statue of white marble of S. Gregory , in his Pontifical robes ; it was erected to his honour by Cardinal Baronius , who was a deuout admirer of him . In the garden belonging to the monastery of S. Gregory , there is to be seen a Caue in which I saw vpon the wall some old painting of the highest times of Pagan Rome : pittifull stuff , yet considerable for its ancientness . From hence I went to the Bathes or Thermae , of the Emperour Antoninus , lookeing more like a towne , then a bathing place . Indeed Ammianus Marcellinus out throws mee , and calls these , and the other Thermae in Rome , Lauacra in modum Prouinciarum exstructa : Bathing places built like prouinces . And iudge whether of vs hath more reason , by that which we read in the Exceptis Olymp●odori , where it s sayd , that these bathes of Antoninus had a thousand six hundred seats of polished marble ; for as many persons to sit and bath in a part : nay , some of those bathing places were paued with syluer , and were adorned so curiously with syluer pipes for the water , with statues , pictures , and pretious stones , that Seneca cryes out : Eo deliciarum Venimus , vt nisi gemmas cal●●re nolimus ; we are comne to that delicacy that we scorne to trend vpon any thing but jewels : Now these bathes serue onely for the Roman Seminarists to recreate in . Returning from hence between the Mount Auentin and the Mount Palatin , I saw the place where the Circus Maximus stood . This was the greatest of all the Circos in Rome , as its name shews . It was begun by Tarquinius Priscus , but afterwards much augmented by Iulius Caesar , and Augustus . It was three stades long , and four akers wide ( The Roman stade was 625 foot , or 125 paces ) At last it was adorned with statues , and pillars by Traian and Heliogabulus . A hundred and fifty thousand men could sit conueniently in the three open galleryes . One of which was for the Senators , the second for the gentlemen , and the third for the common people . The two great Obelicks , to wit , that before Porta del Populo , and that before S. Iohn Laterans stood in it . Vnder this building were many Vaulted Caues called in Latin , Fornices , where lewd women prostituted themselues for money , and so from these Fornices came the word Fornication . Going from hence to S. Georges Church , I saw on my right hand , the goodly ruines of the Emperors pallace , called Palazzo Maggiore . It possessed almost all the Palatin hill , as the ruines shew . Stately ruines I confesse : but ruines , and Imperiall ruines . And here I could not but wonder to see , the pallace of the persecuting Emperors ruined quite , and the Church of the poore Fisherman standing still , more glorious then euer . Before I came to S. Georges Church I stept into S. Anastasias Church , which was anciently the Temple of Neptune : and from thence to the old square Temple , commonly held to be the Temple of Ianus Quadrifrons : and with some reason , because it hath four dores in it , and twelue Niches vpon euery side of the squar out side . The four dores represented the four Seasons of the yeare : the twelue niches , the twelue months of the yeare : yet others will haue it to haue been onely an Arche , or Portick ▪ or a Lodge : Georges Church hard by to which Church is ioyned on old Arche curiously carued in marble , which was erected here , by the marchants , or goldsmiths , to the Emperours Seuerus , and M. Aurelius . Neare vnto this Church of S. George came anciently the water of Tyber : and this water or creek of the riuer , was called Velabrum , because men passed ouer the riuer here by boat , and sometime with a little sayle , when the wind stood fair . From hence I went to the round Church of S. Theodoro standing in the Foro Boario . This was anciently the Temble of Romulus and Remus , because it was here that those two brothers where exposed , and nurrished by a shee woolf which found them here . Not farre from hence I stept into the Hospital of our Lady of Consolation . This was once the Temple of Vesta . And here it was that the Vestal Virgins ( instituted by Numa ) kept the Eternal fire ; the extinguishing of which was held by the superstitious Heathnes , fatal to the state ; and therefore they comitted the keeping of this fire to Virgins of great repute and honour . These Virgins were to be ten years in learning their profession , ten yeares more in exerciseing it , and other ten yeares more in teaching it to others . And for this reason , they had great priuiledges giuen them . For if in going vp and downe the City , they met by chance , a criminel man going to be executed , they had power to free him . If any of these Vestals forgetting her self had wrongd her Virginity , they would not , out of reuerence to her profession , lay Violent hands on her by the common executioner , but they buryed her aliue in a low vault made for the nonce . From hence I entered into the Campo Vaccino , and presently fell vpon three pillars of admirable structure : They helondg to the Temple of Iupiter Stator built by Romulus : The occasion was this . Romulus in a battle against the Sabins , seing his men giue back , made a vow presently to Iupiter that if he would stop their flight and make them stand to it , he would build him a Temble : Siste foedam fugam , sayd he to Jupiter : The men stood , and the Temple was built to Iupiter stator who made men stand . But this Iupiter Stator could not make his owne Temple stand ; for it s now so ruined , that antiquaryes are scarce sure where it stood . Close to these three pillars stands the Church of Santa Maria Liberatrice at the fott of the Pallatin hill . Why this Church is so called , both a long writeing in the Church , and Baronius in his Annals , tell at length . Neare to this Church stood the Lacus C●rtii , a stincking puddle which annoyd the Romans much , and which the Oracle assured was not to be stopt vp but by casting into it the most pretious thing in Rome . Hereupon the Ladyes threw in their best iewels ; and the noblemen euery one what he had the most pretious , but all in Vaine . At last Curtius a braue yong nobleman , thinking that there was nothing more pretious then a gallant man ; mounting on horseback in a braue equipage , in sight of all the people , iumpt into this Lake aliue , as a victime deuoted to his countries seruice ; and the hole hereupon closed . I confesse , a braue Caualier is a pretious iewel indeed : and I remember that a Roman Lady hauing shewed her iewels to Cornelia the mother of the Grachi , and hauing desired her to shew also her iewels , she called for her two yong sonns ( braue youths ) and sayd ; here Madame , are my iewels : and in my opinion , Curtius was somewhat vainglorious , to think himself to be the brauest man in the Citie : if the Votes and iudgment of all the people had declared him to be so ( as they did afterwards declare Scipio Nasita to be the best man of all the Romans ; and the matrons declared sulpitia to be the chastest matron of her time ) then he might haue deuoted himself more freely for his countrys safety . Going on from hence on the right hand still , I came to the dore of Farneses garden . This garden stands vpon the Mount Palatin where anciently the Emperors had their Pallace ; which tooke vp all the vpper part of this hill , but not all the skirts of it : for I finde , that the Goddesse Feauer , and the Goddesse Viriplaca had their Temples here , and Catalin and Cicero their houses . Entring into this Garden I found some pretty waterworks and grottes at the entrance , and fine high walks aboue , ouerlooking the place where the Circus Maximus stood anciently . The scholers of the English Colledge in Rome haue a peece of this Hill for their Vinia and recreation place , to breath on vpon dayes of Vacancy . Following still my right hand , I came to the Arche of Titus : a Triumphal Arche erected to him vpon his victory ouer the Iews . Hence you see here engrauen in mezzo rilieuo the sayd Emperour in a Triumphant Chariot : and on the other side , the Holy Candlestick of the Temple of Hierusalem , the Arke of the Alliance , and the Tables of the Law , which this Emperour brought with him after his takeing of Hierusalem , to grace his Triumph . This is the most ancient Triumphal Arche in Rome , and it stood in the Via Sacra which went vnder it . Wheeling about the Campo Vaccino , still on the right hand , I came to the Church of Sancta Francesca Romana , otherwise called Santa Maria Nuoua . Here I saw the neat Tombe of that Sa●nt in brasse guilt , made at the cost of Pope Innocent the X. Here 's also cut in white marble , and standing vpon an Altar the history of the Popes returning again to Rome from Auignon . I saw also here a rare sute of hangings belonging to this Church , and giuen by the Sister of Pope Innocent the X. Hard by , stands the Temple of Peace , that is , some remnants of that Temple . It was once the most noble of all the Temples ( as the pillar before S. Marie Maiors Great dore , which belongd to this Temple , shew●th ) It was 200 foot large , and 300 long : but now little signes of its beauty remaine : warres and time defaceing the monuments of Peace . It was built by Vespasian who placed in it the spoyles of the Temple of Hierusalem brought to Rome by Titus . Behinde this Temple stands a neat garden belonging once to Cardinal Pio , where I saw neat water works . It s now sold to another master . Going on still in the Campo Vaccino on the right hand , I came to the round Church of S. Cosmo and S. Damiano , anciently the Temple of Castor and Pollux : because the Romans haueing seen two men vpon sweating horses , that told them news of a battle wonn by their Consul , and so vanished , they imagined them to be Castor and Pollux , and thereupon decreed them this Temple . The Masaick work in the roof of the Tribune deserues your particular attention , for the Symbolical figures sake . Going on still , I came to the Church of S. Lorenzo in Miranda . It was once a Temple dedicated to Faustina the Emperesse by her husbād Antoninus Poore man ! he could not make an honest woman in her lifetime , and yet he would needs make her a Goddesse after her death . The Portch of this Church is stately still , by reason of its great marble pillars . A little further stands the Church of S. Adriano , anciently dedicated to Saturne who first taught the Italians to make Money , & therfore the Romans placed their Aerarium publicum , The Publick Treasory in this Temple , and had their Mint hard by it . S. Martinas Church followes the next ; and in a low Chappel , neatly adorned , I saw her Tombe ; Here stood anciently the Temple of Mars the Reuenger . Before this Church stands the Triumphal Arche of Septimius Seuerus rarely cut with figures in marble in mezzo rilieuo . Half of it is buryed vnder ground , the other half is sore battered with the ayre . Who would think the ayre and the Earth to be deuouring elements , as well as the fire and the water ? But why do I accuse the Ayre , when its onely Time ( which taketh a pride to triumph our Triumphs ) that hath bettered this Triumphal Arch , and moultered euen marble ? A little higher on the hill side stands the little Church of S. Joseph , where I saw in the low grotte vnderneth , the prison called anciently Tullianum , into which prison S. Peter and S. Paul where shut up . I descended into the low dungeon where S. Peter baptized Processus and Martinianus , his two keepers , with diuers others . The Fountaine of water that sprung vp miraculously for that holy function , is still seen there in the bottom of that dungeon . Many other braue buildings stood anciently in this Foro Romano , worth remembring , as the Comitium , or publick place of assembly ; so called a coeundo : it being the Great Hall of Iustice , in which was erected a large Tribunal , were the Praetor ( our Lord Chief Justice ) sat in an Iuory chaire , called Cella Curulis , and ministred iustice to the people . In this Comitium stood the Statue of Horatius Cocles ; and in the corners of it , those of Pithagoras and Alcibiades . In this Foro also , stood the Rostra ( a great Pulpit made of the Rostra or brasen snouts of the ships wonn from the Antiates ) where Orators vsed to plead , and were Tully thundered . Behinde the Rostra stood Romulus his Tombe , and before the Rostra , the Tombe of Faustulus the Foster Father of Romulus . Mounting vp from hence to the Capitol by the Coach way , I saw , vpon the side of the Hill , the pillars that belonged once to the Temple of Concorde , built by Camilus , and not farre from hence , three other pillars of neat Fabrick which belonged to the Temple of Iupiter Tonans , Thundering Iupiter , built there by Augustus Cesar , after he had escaped a thunderclap which killed his Litterman close by him . Arriuing at the Capitol , I was glad to see that place , so famous in the Roman story . It s name of Capitol came from the Head of a man ( caput in Latin ) found vnderground when they first layd the foundation here of the Temple of Iupiter Capitolinus . Iustus Lypsius , as if he had been the Godfather of that man whose head was found here , sayth , that his name was Tolus , and that from Caput Toli came Capitolium . This head found here portended , that Rome should one day be the head of the world . And this title is so vniuersally knowne to belong to Rome , that all authors affirme it , and euery petty artisan in Rome , will tell you so , though in false Latin , as one did me , when hearing me prayse Rome , and thinking that I did it not enough , cryed out to me , half in Italian , and half in Latin ; Caspitra , Signore , Roma est capus mundi ▪ which saying made me both smile , and say to my self , that such a Head as this fellows , found now vnder-ground , would portend the ruine of the Latin tongue . I went first to the highest part of that Hill , called anciently Rupes Tarpeia . It looks downe vpon the Theater of Marcellus ; and is nothing so high a hill as I conceiued when I first read Liuy . For I expected to haue found here a hill at least like that in India called Dorin , which Curtius describes , Munster paints out , and Hercules could not take ; but comeing to it , I found it to be a hill of that easy ascent , that I had ridden vp farre higher in Sauoy and Swisserland . 2. Then returning the same way again to the piazza of the Capitol , I saw there the famous Equestris Statua of Marcus Aurelius , once guilt ouer , but now appearing to be plain brasse . This is the noblest statue in the world ; and I was going to say , the noblest statue liuing ; for it seems almost to liue and breath by the workemans art : it is noble also because it represents a man so noble as Marcus Aurelius , who was a double Emperour , being both a great Emperour and a great Philosopher . Hard by this Equestris statue are seen two Colossean statues , powring out two riuers , the one representing Nilus , the other Tigris . Ouer them stands a statue of Rome something like Pallas , her face is of white marble , her garments of Porphiry . 3. I saw the Trophies of Marius cut anciently in stone in honour of that great General , who from a common soldier came by his warlike vertue , to be seauen times Consul . 4. I viewed the two great statues of Constantin the Great in white marble , with the Horses . 5. I saw the Milliarum , that is , a little pillar of stone with a great round brasen ball vpon it . This pillar stood anciently in the Fore Romano before S. Adrians Church and it was erected by Augustus Caesar . It was called Milliarium because from it the Romans counted the miles , that were from Rome to euery great City of Italy , or of the Empire , and the first mile distant from this pillar , was called primus ab Vrbe Lapis ; and so of the rest . 6. Then entring into the Conseruatorio , that is the pallace of the Conseruatori or Senators , I saw there the Statues of Iulius Caesar & Augustus Caesar . Then in the little court I saw marked vp vpon the out wall in a marble stone , the Roman measures , as their Canna , Palmo &c. ( as we haue all measured by the Elle , and yard . ) that all marchants may know where to finde whether his measures be lawfull and iust , or no. Then the foot , hand , thighs , and head , in marble scattered here and there in this court , yet all looking as if they had belongd to the great Colossus of Apollo , made by the command , of Lucullus . Then the rare statue of a Lyon tearing a horse . The Tombe of Mammea , and Alexander Seuerus her sonn , with the rape of the Sabines vpon it in a basso rilieuo . The little Egyptian Idol set high vp ouer this tombe . The head of the Emperor Commodus in brasse , with a hand of the same . 7. Hard by the stairfoot as you mount vp to the Chambers , stands the Colonna Rostrata , a marble pillar some twelue foot high , decked with stemms of ships cut in marble , and sticking out of the pillar , with an Inscription in the bassis below in scuruey old Latin. I found it spoke of a Sea Victory wonn ouer he Carthaginians , and of Duilius ; and I cared for no more , because Liuy , in better Latin , tells me the rest : to wit , that it was Dulius that of all the Romans got the first Naual Victory ; and then I easily concluded , that this pillar was erected to him for that seruice . It s almost as hard a thing to conster this old Latin , as to haue wonn that Victory ; and therefore I le leaue the words to Petrus Ciaconius a flegmatick spaniard , to comment vpon . Yet I learnt out of this left handed Latin , this obseruation , that the braue Romans of the highest times , cared more to do well , then to speak well ; and that the Roman commonwealth was turning towards her decline , when fine language was in vogue . 8. Hard by this pillar stand mounted two little quarter Cannons : a poore Arsenal for the Roman Senators now a dayes . 9. Then mounting vp some ten steps , I came into a little Court whose walls are all encrusted ouer with four excellent peeces of Marcus Aurelius his Triumph cut in marble . In one of them he triumpheth in his open chariot : in another he sacrificeth : in another he giueth largesses to the People . In the forth he receiueth the presents of the Romans . They are all so well cut that you doubt whether it be the Emperour , or the Sculptor that triumphs here . Indeed the Emperors Chariot hath got new wheels , of late , and his horses new shoos and feet , else all is old . 10. Then going vp the stairs higher , I saw an old plate of brasse , nayed vp , in which the Roman Laws of the ten tables , were written : good Lawes , but few . And I was glad to see them yet kept : if that bee to keep lawes , to keep them nayled fast to the Wall. 11. Then entring into the Chambers and great Hall , I saw the statues of Alexander Farnese Duke of Parma : of M. Antonius Colonna the Popes General in the battle of Lepanto : and of Don Iohn of Austria Generalissimo . I saw vpon the walls painted in fresco , the rapt of the Sabins , the duel of the tergimini Fratres , three brothers against three brothers , Horatii against Curiatii : Sceuola holding his hand ouer the burning coales : Cocles defending the bridge alone against an army of men : Scipio , and Hanibal with their seueral armyes , so rarely painted by Pietro Perugino that the Romans now are in loue with Hanibal . Then the picture of the first Consul Brutus commanding the death of his owne Son : that of the Tarquinii : that of the conquering of the Sabins &c. all peeces as bold as the very actions they represent . Here also in the other Chambers , I saw some fine statues , as that of Caius Marius ; that of Hercules in brasse being but yet a lad ; That of Iunius Brutus in brasse ; the heads in marble of Diogenes , Plato , Socrates : the Statues of Cicero , Virgil , and Plato ; the brasen statue of the Woolf that gaue suck to Romulus and Remus . But the best statue here , is that of the yong man picking a thorne out of his foot . It s onely of brasse , but worth its weight in gold . The story of it is this . A yong foot poste bringing letters of singular importance vnto the Senate , and pricking his foot as he ran , would not stay to pick out the thorne ; but hastening to Rome with all speed , deliuered his letters in full Senate prodigiously soone , as it appeared by their dates . But then claping himself downe vpon the ground before them all , he began to pick out the thorne , in the posture you see him here . The Senate seing the haste he had made , and the payne he had endured , decreed presently that his statue in that posture , should be erected in the Capitol . Thus the old Romans not hauing then recompences enough for well deseruing men , or else not willing to recompence them otherwise , persuaded men , that no recompence was like to that of a statue in the Capitol , or to walke vp and downe the streets with a crowne of Laurel , or Oake leaues vpon their heads . Poore fooles ! Was a crowne of leaues such an honour , when euen baudy houses and priuyes , Saith Tertullian , Were crowned too ? Or was it such a solid honour to haue a statue in the Capitol , when geese , and woolfes were honored so too ? But quod rarum , charum est . And as Alexander the Great hearing that the Corinthians would make him a Citizen of their towne , scorned it at first : but after he had been assured that they neuer offered that honour to any man but to Hercules and him , he was well pleased with that offer : so the rarity of hauing a statue in the Capitol being an honour granted to few , and those well deseruing men , made men think it the highest of recompences . Among those few , where Scipio , for hauing ouercomne Antiochus : Aemilius Lepidus for hauing , while he was but yet a boy , freed a Roman citizen in a battle : Metellus for sauing the Palladium out of the burning Temple of Vestae : Cornelia for hauing furnished corne to the people in a dearth , out of her owne moneys , and some few others . Hauing thus seen the Capitol , I went into the Noble Church of Ara Caeli which is joyning to the Capitol vpon the same hill , and built in the same place where anciently stood the Temple of Iupiter Capitolinus , or Jupiter Feretrius . Here it was the Sibylle shewed vnto Augustus Caesar , at the birth of our Sauiour , that a greater Lord then he was borne ; where vpon Augustus forbad , that any man should call him Lord from that time forward . In this Church is the Tombe of S. Helen Mother of Constantin the Great . Descending from hence by the marble staires , which are a hundred in all , and all so large , that twelue men in a breast may go vp at once , I came to the Jesuits Church and house called the Casa Professa . The Church is neate and capacious , the Chappels well painted , and the ornaments in the Vestery Very rich . Vnder the Altar where S. Ignatius his picture is , lyes the body of that Saint , Founder of the Order of the Iesuits . Neare the high Altar on the Gospel side is the Tombe of Cardinal Bellarmin . In the house of these Fathers I saw the Chamber of S. Ignatius , now turned into a Chappel : and a fair Library . Passing from hence , I stept into the Pallace of S. Mark , belonging to the state of Venice , and the lodgeing place alwayes of the Venetian Embassadors resideing in the Court of Rome . This pallace , as also that of the Cancellaria , and that of Farnese , are sayd to haue been built of the stones that were taken from the great Amphitheater ; and yet a great part of it remanes still ; and I I beleeue , as much as would make three more such pallaces . From S. Marks Pallace I went towards the Mount Quirinal now called Monte Cauallo , and as I went , passed through that part of the towne which anciently was called Forum Traiani , and there saw that which Traian himself neuer saw , to wit , the wonderfull pillar of white marble erected there to Traian , and therfore called Colonna Traiana , but neuer seen by him : for he dyed in forrain expeditions returning from Persia without euer seeing it . This pillar is made of four and twenty great stones of marble , in which are carued the exploits of Traian , especially in his warres against the Dacians . It s a hundred twenty eight foot high , without its basis which is twelue foot high . Within it there are a hundred fourscore and fiue stairs , which deliuer you vp to the top of it , and there are forty little windows which let in light enough for you to go vp . On the top of all this pillar where anciently buryed the ashes of Traian the Emperour : but Sixtus Quintus caused , in place of them , the statue in brasse guilt of S. Peter to be set vp here . Here to fore all the basis of it was buryed vnder ground in the ruines , but now they haue diggd about it and cleared it ; yet by this we may see how much the streets of Rome are higher then they were ; Rome now being built vpon the ruines of Rome . From hence going vp the hill I came to the Pallace and garden of Aldobrandini . The house is but little yet neatly furnished with statues and pictures . Some whereof are these : An old picture made in the time of the Pagans representing a mariage after the old Romans fashion . I take this to be the ancientest picture in Rome , and the r●rity of it is so great , that Caualier Pozzo ( a braue Gentleman and a great Virtuoso , ) got leaue to copie it out , and this copie is to be seen in the house of his brother , among other rare curiosityes , neare S. Andrea della Valle. Next after this , I was showne in the foresayd pallace , the true picture of Martin Luther : a rare S. Sebastian in the Chappel , of Raphaels hand : Vpon the stairs a statue of a man hanging by the hands , with great stones at his feet weighing him downe : a torment much vsed by the Heathens , and practised by them vpon Christians : with a world of other pictures and statues in the Chambers . From hence I went to Cardinal Mazzarinis Pallace ; and there saw in the garden , the famous picture of the Aurora made by Guido Rhent famous ouer all Rome . In the court of this Pallace I saw the best Rideing Masters of Rome teach yong Gentleman to ride the Great horse : but I found them here farre short of the masters in France , both for good horses , and good schollers , and gracefull rideing . In the same Court in the sommer euenings , they play at ballon , a manly exercice much vsed in Italy , and farre more gentile then our rude football sport . Neare to this pallace stand the Popes stables where I saw all the Genets that had been presented to the Pope , since his creation , by the king of Spaine for the kingdome of Naples ; euery yeare one , with a purse of gold . The other horses here were onely coach horses ; for when the Pope goes any whither abroad vpon publick ceremony , the Cardinals , and Prelats vpon Mules , and the noble men of Rome vpon their owne horses , wait vpon him : and when he goes out of towne his owne horse gards attend him . From hence I was presently in the piazza of Montecavallo , where I saw the two famous horses in marble , with each one a man holding him , they were sent to Nero for a present by Tiridates king of Armenia . In the Pedestal of the these statues are written , vnder The one of them Opus Phidiae : vnder the other , Opus Praxitelis . It s sayd that these two horses and men were made by these two ancient Sculptors of Greece to represent Bucephalus and Alexander the Great . Howeuer these horses giue name to this hill , and whereas it was formerly called Mons Quirinalis ; it s now called Montecauallo . Vpon this hill stood anciently the Thermae Constantinianae , or Bathes of Constantin the Great , of which there are seen some remnants in the Garden of Colonna which lyes behinde the wall of this piazza . Oueragainst the foresayd horses stands the Popes Pallace , where he ordinarily liues in Sommer . The house is of a noble structure , and the rooms stately : but I saw nothing rare in them but themselues . The Garden of this house is curious for fine walks , store of fountains , and the coole Grotta vnder great shady trees , where there are fine water-works , and an organ playing without any fingers to touch it . Ouer against the backdore of this garden stands the nouitiate of the Iesuits , with the ne a new Church , & fine gardens . Returning from hence , I stept into the Church of S. Syluester ouer against the Pallace of Mazzarini belonging to the Theatins ; and there saw the tombe of Cardinal Bentiuoglio the moderne Liuy of Italy . The garden here standing in a fair prospect , is very pleasant and delightsome . Descending from hence by a priuate street , I went to S. Agathas Church in the Saburra neare the foot of the Quirinal Hill. The body of S. Agatha lyes vnder the Altar . Before the dore of this Church , are some ancient s●atues of little boyes in the habit of the Praetexta , a habit belonging to noblemens children . From hence passing by the Church of Madonna del Monte ( a Church of great deuotion ) I went vp the Hill to S. Peters ad Vincola ; where I saw the famous statue of Moyses sitting . It s of white marble and adorning the Tombe of Iulius Secundus . It s enough to tell you , that it was made by Michael Angelo , and admired by all Sculptors . Here 's neare vnto the dore of the Church , an Altar with the statue of S. Sebastian , at the erecting of which , the plague ceased in Rome , sayth Baronius . In the Sacristy of this Church I saw the chaines in which S. Peter was fettered in prison ; and which make this Church be called S. Peter ad Vincula . S. Martino in Monte fellows the next , and is a neat Church now . In a caue below there were two Councils held by S. Syluester in the primitiue times of persecution , as the words vpon the wall , as you descend into the Caue , and Baronius , testify . It s sayd that in this place was exercised the first publick profession of Christian Religion . Then the Church of S. Praxedes , were I saw the pillar at which our Sauiour was whipped . It s a low round pillar of speckled marble . It stands within a little grate of iron . The old writeing ouer the dore of that Chappel tells you that it was brought to Rome from Hierusalem four hundred yeares ago by a Cardinal Colonna . In the mistd of the Church is a Well ( now couered ) where S. Praxedes hid the Relicks and bodyes of Martyrs . In an other Chappel I saw the Picture of the Descent of our Sauiour from the Crosse , made by Guido . In the Balcones aboue in the pillars , I saw , by special fauour , many curious Relicks . From hence I went to S. Mary Maiors Church , so called because it is the greatest of all the Churches of our Lady in Rome . It s built vpon the Monte Esquilino , and vpon the place which was couered miraculously with snow on the V of August . The history of it is knowne by the solemne Feast in the Kalender , called Sancta Maria ad Niues , and it is expressed in the old Mosaik pictures which are set here in the wall ouer the pillars that beare vp the roof . The most remarkable things I saw here , were these . 1. The Tombe of the founder of this Church , Patritius , whose body lies in a tombe of Porphyrie neare the great dore . 2. The noble guilt roof , or soffita , which was guilt with the first gold that came out of the Indies in Alexander the VI time , whose armes are set vp in this roofe . 3. The Mosaick pictures which runn along this Church containing the history of the old and new Testament , and the history of the building of this Church . 4. The High Altar vnder which reposeth the body of S. Mathias the Apostle , whose head is exposed vpon the Altar in a crystal vpon his day . 5. The Tombe of an Embassador of Congo to Paulus V. Its ouer against the statue in brasse of Paulus V. neare the Sacristy . 6. The little back Court there with the Eccho in the well , which answers you indeed , but like a sharp scold , too quick , and short . 7. The Rare Chappel of Sixtus V. made by Domenico Fontana , which cost seaven hundred thousand crownes . The most famous actions of Sixtus Quintus , and of Pius Quintus , who made Sixtus Cardinal , are carued in white marble round about the Chappel . S. Hieromes ashes are buryed here in a side Altar on the left hand : and where should we looke for S. Hierome , but neare our Sauiours Crib ? which is here enchased in crystal in a low Chappel vnder the high Altar of this Chappel . It s showne publickly vpon Christmasse day . The Tabernacle of brasse borne vp by four Angels of brasse with one hand , and holding each one a torch in the other hand , is most stately . 8. Oueragainst this Chappel , stands the Chappel of Paulus V. much like the other in all things , except that the chief Altar stands not in the middle , but at the end of it . This Altar is of a Very neat contriuance , and of as rich materials . Four great Pillars of Iasper polished , adorned with Capitels and bases of brasse guilt , hold vp the back of this Altar which is all of Lapis Luzuli , or Oriental blew azule stone ; in the midst of which is a little Nichio in the Wall , where the picture of our Blessed Lady with our Sauiour in her armes , made by S. Luke , is conserued and seen . This Nichio is surrounded with a row of rich pretious stones of great value set thick about it ; and shut vp with two little half dores , of two whole Agates , each of them two foot long , and a foot large . Theodorus Lector an ancient Author , makes mention of this picture , and sayth , Pulcherioe , Eudocia Imaginem Matris Christi , quam Lucas Apostolus Pinxerat , Hierosolymis misit : That is : Eudocia sent vnto Pulcheria from Hierusalem the picture of the mother of Christ which Luke the Apostle had painted . The picture it self is so old , and placed so high , that its hard to perceiue the lineaments of the faces , vnlesse you see it with a waxe taper at the end of a long pole , as I did . In fine , this was the picture which S. Gregory the Great a thousand yeares agoe , carryed in procession vpon Easier day , when he saw ouer the Moles Adriani , an Angel sheathing his sword in signe of the ceasing of the plague . The roof or little cupola of this Chappel is painted by the hand of Guido Rheni of Bologna . The side walls of this Chappel are of white marble cut in mezzo relieuo , and containing the chief actions of Clement the VIII , and Paulus V , whose statues are also here in white marble . 9. Without the Church stand two great pillars at each end of it : the one an Egyptian Guglia cut with Hieroglyphs ; the other a Roman Pillar taken out of the ruines of the Temple of Peace ; which is of a prodigious height , with the statue of our Sauiour & our Lady vpon it in brasse guilt . From S. Marie Maiors I went to the Church of S. Vito and Modesto . It s built neare the ruines of the Triumphal Arch of Galienus the Emperor . The great Keys that are nailed to the top of that foresayd Arch , were the Keys of the Citie Tusculum ( now called Frescate ) and hung vp here in memory of a Victory wonn ouer that towne , vnder Honorius the V. almost fiue hundred yeares ago . From hence I went to the Church of S. Eusebio built vpon the ruines of the Termae of the Emperor Gordiano , and his Pallace , whose court had fifty pillars on euery side . Neare vnto this Church were found the Trophies of Marius , which J spoke of aboue in the Capitol . Continuing on my way , I came at last to Santa Croce in Jerusalem . It s one of the seauen Churches of Rome , and built by the Emperor Constantin the Great . It stands neare the walls of the towne in the end of the Mount Caelius . Hard by it appeare some prints of the Temple of Venus and Cupid , which the sayd Emperor ruined , to build a Church in the place of them , in honor of the holy Crosse , and so repair the injury which the Jnfidels had done to the Holy Crosse in Hierusalem , by placeing the Statue of Venus vpon Mount Caluary , and striuing to blot out the name of Mont Caluarie , and bring in that of Mont Venerie . This Church is called Santa Croce in Hierusalem , because of the earth of Mount Caluarie , which was brought from Hierusalem and layd here . The things I obserued here , were these . 1. The painting in the Tribune or roof of the quire , containing the history of the Exaltation of the Holy Crosse . It looks like the painting of Pietro Perugino , or some of his schollers ; and it was thought fine worke before Raphael raysed painting to a greater height . 2. The Chappel below where the Holy Earth sent by S. Helen from Hierusalem , to her sonn Constantin the Emperor , was put . 3. The Relicks in the Sacristy aboue , to wit , three peeces of the Holy Crosse ; one of the nayles of the Crosse of our Sauiour ; two thornes of the holy Crowne of thornes ; a great peece of the title of the Holy Crosse , a finger of S. Thomas the Apostle ; and one of the thirty peeces of money for which our Sauiour was sold . Not farre from hence stands the Church of Santa Bibiana . This Church stands in the place called anciently Vrsa Pileata , because of the statue of a Beare with a hat on , which stood there . This place is also famous for the Church yards sake , or Caemeterium , called , inter duas lauros . Here is some good painting in this Church , of Campelli , and Pietro Cortonese . The statue of the Saint is of Berninis hand . From hence I found away that led me to the Gate of S. Laurence , through which , I went to the Church of that Saint called San Lorenzo fuori delle mura by reason of diuers others built in honour of that Saint within the Walls . This Church was built by Constantin too , and enriched by him with many presents and ornaments . It was built vpon the Caemeterium Sanctae Ciriacae , where that holy woman vsed to bury the bodyes of the holy Martyrs . It stands in the Via Tiburtina , and is one of the seauen Churches of Rome ; and one of the fiue Patriarchal Churches , and therfore is not titular of any Cardinal . The things that I saw here , were these . 1. The Tombe of S. Laurence , vnder the High Altar . 2. Behinde the high Altar the stone vpon which the gridiron stood vpon which S. Laurence was broiled . It s couered with a great glasse through which you see it . 3. In the roof of this Church I found these words cut in great Letters of wood ; Quam clarificata est Hierosolyma Stephano , tam illustris facta est Roma Laurentio , taken out of S. Leo in his sermon vpon the feast of S. Laurence . 4. The Catacombes vnder this Church , where many Saints bodyes were buryed anciently . Returning againe into the towne I stept into S. Antonyes Church and Hospital , neere to S. Mary Maiors ; before which Church stands a Pillar with a Crosse vpon it , erected here vpon the conuersion of Henry the IV of France . Passing behinde S. Mary Maiors , I went to Santa Pudentianas Church standing in the ancient street called Vicus Patritius . This Church was built vpon the place where the house of Pudens a Senator and Father of S. Pudentiana , liued . And here it was , that S. Peter at his first comeing to Rome lodged , hauing conuerted this Pudens and his two daughters Pudentiana and Praxedes . Here I saw these things . 1. The dry Well into which S. Pudentiana put many Relicks of Martyrs , to conserue them . I looked into it with a lighted taper let downe in a string , and saw many curious relicks desked vp in the side of the wall . 2. The woodden Altar vpon which S. Peter sayd Masse at his being here . 3. The two marble statues of our Sauiour and S. Peter . They are both excellently well cut , and perchance by rare Oliuieri . 4. The neat Chappel of the Caetani , with the back of the Altar in white marble curiously cut by Oliuieri in a bass● rilieuo , representing the adoration of the Magi. Neare the high Altar , is the picture of the forementioned Senator Pudens , in his Senators robes . From hence I went to S. Lorenzo in Panisperna . Here it was that S. Laurence was broyled vpon the gridiron by the command of the Emperor Decius whose pallace stood where this Church now stands . Vpon the wall of this Church is painted the martyrdome of S. Laurence in Fresco . Here lye buryed the bodyes of S. Bridgit a Holy Virgin of Scotland ; and of Cardinal Sirletus . Going from hence by a little vnfrequented street running vnder the foot of Mo●tecauallo , I came to the Church of S. Vitalis which stands ioyned to the garden of the Iesuits Nouitiat . It s sayd that the Temple of Quirinus , or Romulus stood here ; and that it was here that Proculus swore he saw Romulus after his death , who bid him go tell the Romans , that he would be adored by them vnder the name of Quirinus : when indeed it was thought , that the Senators had torne him in peeces in the Senate house , and carryed away vnder their gownes euery one a peece of him ; and findeing the people to mutter much at his not appearing ; had got this Proculus to depose as aboue ; and so quieted the people , who are as easily pacifyed againe with a vain tale , as stired vp with a found rumour . From hence I went to the Quatro Fontane , which stand at the head of four streets which meet here . These fountains yssue out from four statues which lye here in cumbent postures ; and they were made here by Lepidus . Then following that fair street , I went to Sancta Maria della Vittoria so called from the victory wonn in the battle of Prague . The flags and cornets taken in this battle are set round about the Church ▪ in one of the flags , ouer the dore , I found Crosse Keys , Cardinals Caps , Miters and Priests corned caps all turned topsy turuy , with this single motto , Extirpentor . Here are very neat Chappels especially that on the left hand , where is seen the representation of S. Teresa wounded by a Seraphin . It s an admiraole peece of Beruini . In the Conuent you see painted in a Sala , the battle of Prague , and in the Sacristy a sepulcher of our Sauiour all of Iuory extraordinarily well wrought . Before the dore of the forsayd Church , stands the great Fountaine , called Fontana Felice , where the Aqueduct of Sixtus Quintus ( who before his assumption to Ecclesiastical dignities , was called in his Monastery ●ra Felice ) disburdeneth it self into a great stone basin , and from thene is carryed into diuers parts of the towne . From hence I went to the garden of Montalto , which is hard by . This is one of the best gardens in Rome , and therefore deserues well to be seen . At your entrance into it , you see a round table of a blewish stone , vpon which the armes of the house of Montalto are engrauen ; at which while you gaze curiously and neare at hand , the gardiner , by pressing his foot vpon a low iron pump vnder the table , presseth out water on all sides of that round table , and well-cometh the strangers that come to see his garden . Then mounting into the little Pallace neare that dore , I saw diuers good pictures and statues , of the house of Montalto , and others . There also I saw a wooden organ , pipes and all , and yet of no vngreatfull sound . There also I saw the picture of Dauid killing Goliath : It turnes vpon a frame , and shews you both the foreside of those combatans , and their backsides two , which other pictures do not . Here are curious Vrnes ; the true busto of sixtus V. a tabernacle of richstones . There is a pictures in stones of seueral colours , which held one way , represents nothing but a bunch of hearbs ; but held vp an other way , it represents a mans head and face . in fine here is in this little pallace , a neat Library in a coole roome , ouer the dore of which , on the in side , are written these words : Medicina animi ; as if Libraries were nothing but phisick gardens for the minde . Descending againe into the garden I saw store of wetting sports , and water workes , most curiously cōtriueed : & most stately walkes . From hence we went to the Carthusians Church which is hard by . This Church and Monastery are built vpon the ruines of the Bathes of Diocletian . For this cruel Emperor with his associat Maximian , condemned forty thousand Christians to worke in this building for the space of fifteen yeares together , and afterwards condemned many thousands of them to death for their religion . Thus men work for Tyrants . But such is the wonderfull prouidence of God : Churches of Christians now stand where Christians were condemned to death and torments . The blood of these martyrs was but the seed of Christians ; and when Diocletian condemned Christians to worke here , me thinks he did but bid them go lay the foundation of a Monastery for Carthusians , and of a Church for the worship of that God he so much persecuted . Hauing seen this Church and Monastery , I went to see the Popes Graneries , vast buildings two stories high , and alwayes full of wheat for the present vse of the whole city . A world of officers and ouerseers belong to these Graneries , and are alwayes turning ouer , and keeping the vast heapes of wheat from spoyling and corrupting . By sticking vp canes in the heapes of wheat , they can tell , smelling at the ends of these canes , whether the wheat begin to moisten and corrupt , or no , and accordingly giue order either to turne it , and ayre it , or presently to giue it out to the bakers . These Graneries were also built vpon the ruines of Diocletians Baths . From these Graneries I went to the towne Gate , not farre off , called Porta Pia , and from thence streight along for a good mile , to S. Agneses Church . Vnder the high Altar reposeth the body of that tender Virgin , who being as innocent as her name , suffered martyrdome at thirteen , and triumphed ouer the world before she could know it . Close by stands the Church of S. Constantia an other holy primitiue Virgin. Here I saw the famous Tombe , commonly called Bacchus his Tombe , but falsely , seing it was the Tombe of S. Constantia . It s a vast arca , or Chest of one Porphyrie stone , aboue half a foote thick , and six foot long . It s all cut on the outside with a basso rilieuo in a most admirable manner . From hence crossing ouer the fields , I went to Borghesis Villa and garden , which are a little half mile from the towne . This is the greatest Villa that 's about Rome . For here you haue store of walkes , both open and close , fish ponds , vast cages for birds , thickets of trees , store of fontaines , a park of deere ; a world of fruit trees . statues of all sizes , banqueting places Grottas , wetting sports , and a stately pallace adorned with so many rare statues and pictures , that their names make a booke in octauo , which I referre you to . As for the pallace it selfe its compassed on both sides by a fair demicircle of statues , which stand before the two dores , like old Penates and Lares . The wall of the house is ouercrusted with a world of Anticallie , or old marble peeces of antiquity : as that of Curtius spurring into the Vorago : that of Europa hurryed away by Iupiter becomne a Bull , with a world of such like fables . Entring into the house I saw diuers roomes full of curiosityes . In the great hall stands the statue of Diana in Oriental Alabaster , which was once à Deity adored by Augustus Caesar . Here also hang two great pictures , the one representing a Caualcata when the Pope goeth abroad in ceremony ; the other a Caualcata when the Great Turke goeth abroad in pompe . 2. In an other roome stands the statue of one of the famous gladiators anciently , who fought alone against twenty others , and being wounded to death seems to threaten with his lookes all his beholders . It s terribly well made . 3. In one of the chambers aboue , is the head in profile of Alexander the Great cut in marble . 4. In an other roome below I saw the Statue of Seneca bleeding to death . It s of a black stone like Ieat , then which nothing can be blacker but the crimes of Nero the Magistricide , who put this rare man his master to death . 5. The statue also of Daphne and Apollo in alabaster ; Apollo running after Daphne , and she stiffening into a tree being ouer taken : her fingers shooting into branches , and her toes into rootes , are admirably well done . It must be Berninis worke . 6. The statue also of Aeneas carryeing his old Father Anchises vpon his back out of burning Troye . The yong man is brawny and strong ; the old man is made leane and weake : as also the yong man shews a great deale of tender affection towards his Father ; and the Father as much feare in his lookes . 7. The Statue also of Dauid slinging at Goliath . He frownes so terribly as he slings , that you would sweare he intends to fright him with his lookes , and then kill him with his sling . These two last statues are also of the hand of Caualier Bernini . 8. In an other chamber aboue I saw the Great Chair which locketh fast any man that sitteth downe in it . It s sayd to be a chair of reuenge , or a trap-chaire for an enemy : but me thinks it would be a fine chaire for a restlesse student , or a gossiping wife . I saw here also Some toyes for yong men ; as the clock which being wound vp playeth a tuneable dance , and little men and women of iron painted hansomely , dance in a ring to that tune by vertue of the wheeles . The fooles paradise , representing first a fine green garden of flowers , then a pallace , and lastly a neat Library , is made also to recreate children . Returning from this villa by the back dore which leadeth to the Porta del Populo , I stept into the Church of Madonna del Populo . This Church hath been much beautifyed of late by Pope Alexander the VII , because of some of his ancestors buryed here . Here I saw the famous statue of Ionas made by the command of Raphael Vrbin , who shewd the Sculptors of his time how perfectly he possessed the theory of Sculpture , if he would but haue durtyed his fingers with that durty art . In a chappel neare the Ghospelside of the High Altar I saw a good picture of the hand of Guido Rheui . Where now the High Altar stands , stood anciently the Tombe of Nero. Going on from hence on the left hand , towards the Piazza di Spagna , I first passed by the great Guglia , or Egyptian pyramid carued all ouer with Hieroglyphs . It s looked vpon by three streets , and seene a farre off . Then passing a little further , I came to the Greek Church and Colledge , where vpon certain dayes , I saw their Ceremonies , and heard the Masse sung in Greek after the Greek Manner . These Grecians are in vnion with the Roman Church , and haue a Seminary of yong students of their country maintained by the Pope to reurne to their country in Mission . Mounting from hence on the left hand , to the top of the hill by the coach way , I went into the Villa of the Great Duke , where I saw the neat garden , with fountains , two or three huge vessels of marble , and store of statues both in the pallace , and in the long gallery . That of the two gladiators wrastling ; that of the clowne , whetting his sythe and hearing the conspirators of Cataline speaking of their conspiracy , which he discouered , is one of the best peeces of sculpture in Rome . That of Cupid and Venus are admirable . From the chamber window of this pallace you haue a perfect sight of Rome vnder you . In the garden there is a little Guglia , with many other curiosities . Going out from this garden by the back dore , I crossed ouer the street , and was presently at the backdore also of the Villa Ludouisia , belonging to the Prince Ludouisio . This Villa stands in excellent ayre beeing seated high . There are two houses in this garden , and both furnished with exquisit rarityes . That which stands neere this backdore afforded me these curiosityes . A rare picture of the B. Vjrgin Mary made by Guido Rheni . It s the best picture of her that euer I saw . A rich cabinet with the picture of Pope Gregory the XV. in a Cameo , and other rich stones adorneing it . A neat little closet full of diuers rarityes ; as a true hydras skinn with seauen necks : a petrifyed fungus : the true picture of Francis the First of France with that also of his Physitian , both made by Laurenzo Vinci , and esteemed rare peeces ; with many other little curiosityes . In an other roome , the heads in white marble , of Gregory the XV , and his nephew Cardinal Ludouisio . A chamber full of curious glasses . Vpon the stairs a little Cupid so loaden with a quiuer of arrowes , that an other little Cupid is forced to hold them vp behind him . But that which is the most rare thing in this Villa , or perchance in any in Rome , is the incomparable Bedstead which is seen in one of the Chambers of this pallace . It s all of pretious stones , and valued at a hundred thousand crownes . The four bedposts are all of Oriental polished Iasper . The rest of it is of other rich stones : but the head of it exceeds farre the rest for riches and art , especially the midst of it , where the armes of the family of Ludouisio are curiously set in rich stones of seueral colours according to the colours of the coat of armes . Here you haue bunches of grapes , some red , some white , but all of rich stones . Here vast Amithysts , one square , an other round in pyramidal forme . Here Phaëton in his Chariot in a Cameo , with the wheels of his Chariot of pretious stones ; and a world of such rich worke , which makes this Bedstead the non plus of art and magnificence , I do not know for all that , why beds should be made of stones though pretious ones . If it be for the Princesse of this house to be brought to bed in , it po●tends vnto her a hard labour : if to lodge in it the euerlasting Fame of the greatness of this Family , it s a vaine labour ; seing pretious stones will moulter ●way in time , as other stones doe ●mnia mortalia mortalitati damnata . for my part , the best vse I know for it , is , to lay the petrifyed man in , whom we shall finde presently in the other pallace of this Villa : beds of stone are fittest for men of stone . Hard by this house stand the fountains and Waterworks , which with their shady trees , correct the hotest beames of the Italian Sun , and afford vnto the owner of this Villa , raine and clowds of his owne at will , euen in June and Iuly . From hence crossing through the garden , I went to the other house that stands in it , where I was showne in the seueral chambers many curious things : as , two braue old gladiators in stone sitting downe : four rare peeces of Guido Rhem , to wit a S. Francis , a Lucretia , a Iudith , and a Conuersion of S. Paul : Diuers curious pictures of the hand of Titian , Raphael , Michel Angelo , Carraccio and others : a rare head in marble of Scipio Affricanus : the head of Seneca in busto of great value . Ciceros head also in busto : some rich tables of inlayd stones : the little boyes in Iuory greater then I thought it possible for Iuory to haue furnished : two rare Apollos in white marble : the oracle of Porphyrie which spoake once : the statue of an old gladiator dyeing of his wounds in a great squar boxe lined with veluet , I saw the body of a petrifyed man , that is , a man turned into stone . One peece of the leg ( broken to assure an embassador doubting of the verity of the thing ) shewed me plainly both the bone and the stone crusted ouer it . The head and the other parts lye iumbled vp together in the boxe . If you aske me , why they do not put this body into some tombe , to bury it , I answer you , that it needs no other Tombe then this crust of stone . Indeed I neuer saw a body so neatly entombed as this : you would sweare that this Tombe is a pure Iustaucorps rather then a Tombe : it sitts as close as if a Tayler had made it . And that you may not think it an impossible thing . that men should be thus petrifyed , I must minde you what Ortelius sayth , that vpon the mountaines situated in the Werstern parts of Tartary are seen figures of men , cammels , sheep and other beasts , which by an admirable metamorphosis , were changed into stones about three hundred yeares ago . And Aristotle himself speaks of men petrifyed in the hollow caue of a mountain neare Pergamus . In an other chamber stands a great clock of brasse guilt , as tall as a man ; and it stands indeed ; for I think it hath not gone since it went out of Germany to Rome . They tell vs pretty things that this clock did , when it was yong : but now it cannot so much as stirre its hand : thus Time cashers at last , it s owne Heralds ; and breaketh the cloks by which we know her . In an other chamber of this house I saw a new statue in pure white marble , of the rapt of Proserpina : it s of the hand of Berninj . In an other roome I saw the rare statue of Cestius Marius killing himself with his dagger , vpon sight of his dead daughter who had killed her self for feare of falling into the hands of a lustfull Emperour . Descending from hence into a long low Gallery of statues I found here some very good ones , as that of Iunius Brutus , of Nero , of Domitian &c. But the best thing I saw there was the head of Olympias , ( mother of Alexander the Great ) in a basso rilieuo , and in a frame . Going out of this Villa by the great dore behind the Capucins , I stept into the Church of the sayd Capucins , and saw there in the second Chappel on the left hand , the Tombe of Santo Felice , a Lay brother of this Order , famous all Rome ouer for his knowne sanctity . Here lyes also buryed Cardinal Antonio Barberino brother to Pope Vrban the VIII , otherwise called Cardinal Sant ' Onofrio , who hauing been long a Capucin , was made Cardinal by his brothers expresse command ; and being Cardinal liued still a Capucin in the esteem of all that knew him . His humility would not so much as let his name be set vpon his tombe-stone ; but insteed of it , and his other titles , I found onely these words , hic iacet vmbra , cinis , nihil . This Cardinal , and Cardinal Mazat made by Clement the VIII , are all the Cardinals that the Capucins Order hath had . Ouer against the Capucins stands the Pallace of the family of Barberini possessed now by the Prince of Palestrina of that family . This is one of the noblest Pallaces in Rome , for its stately situation vpon a hills side ; for the two neat staircases ; the noble painting in the roof of the great hall by Pietro di Cartona ; the world of statues and pictures in the Gallery ; the rare sequens of chambers one going into an other ; the double appartimenti , each Capable to lodge any king in , and each rarely furnished ; in fine , for the rare Library of Cardinal Francesco Barberino . Descending from hence towards the Minims of Trinità di Monte , I stept into à little Church of Spanish Augustins called santo Ildefonso , which I cannot passe by without taking notice of ; because I think no body els doth , it is so little : yet haueing described the greatest Church of Rome ( S. Peters ) so exactly ; I cannot but say something of the least Church in Rome : dwarfs are men as well as Gyants ; and though this Church may seem rather to be a map , or model of a Church , then a true Church , yet seeng it hath not onely all the lineaments , features , and meen of a Church , but also all the noble parts of a Church , as High Altar , side Chappels , Cupola , Quire &c. I feare not to call it a Church , though for bigness , it would not make the little finger of S. Peters . From hence I went streight on to the Minims of Trinità di Monte belonging to France and S. Francis of Paula● Order . This Conuent is the best seated of any in Rome , and one of the noblest , being founded by king Lewis the XI . of France , ouerlooking all Rome , and looked vpon reciprocally by the best places in Rome . In the Church I saw diuers good peeces : as the Assumption of our Lady by Zuccarj : the picture of the takeing downe of our Sauiour from the Crosse , by Raphael : the picture of our Sauiours appearing to S. Mary Magdalen , by Julio Romano Raphaels Scholer , and imitating very much in this picture , Raphaels colours . See in the dormitory of this Conuent the curious perspectiue of S. Francis of Paula , and a rare sunn dyal ingeniously contriued . Descending from hence into the Piazza di Spagna , I saw the fountain of the ship , which in sommer nights they let ouer flow , to coole the Piazza and the neighboring streets . In this Piazza stands the Pallace of the Spanish Embassador , belonging alwayes to him who is Embassador here . In the end of the Piazza stands the Colledge de Propaganda Fede , of propagating the Faith , founded by Vrban the VIII to maintain diuers studens of the Easterne contryes , and euen of India and Ethiopia too , who hauing finished their studies in this Colledge , are sent back againe to their seueral countryes with great profit and aduantage to those poore Infidels who would sit still in the darkness of infidelity , were it not for the Popes care and Charity . From hence I steered to the Piazza of the Fontana de Treui , and in my way , saw diuers stately pallaces inhabited by Cardinals , because they stand neere the Foot of Montecauallo where the Pope resides . This Fontain of Treui is not yet finished as to the structure that was intended ; but onely the water is brought hither , and in that quantity , that it seemes to make three little riuers , at the three mouths out of which it gusheth . From hence I went nearer vnto the foot of the hill of Montecauallo , and stept into the Colledge of the Maronites , in whose Church , I heard them singing Masse in their owne language , and after their owne rites , as the Christians of Mount Libanus haue immemorably vsed to do . Their language is Arabick , and they haue alwayes kept themselues free from heresies ; and in Vnion with the Roman Church these 500 yeares . From hence I went to the Church of the SS . Apostoli built in honour of the twelue Apostles by Constantin the Great , who in honour of those holy Apostles , carryed out of the foundation twelue baskets of earth vpon his owne shoulders . In this Church lye buryed S. Philip and Iacob two Apostles . In the Piazza before this Church , stand four fine pallaces ; that of the Prince Colonna , that of Cardinal Ghisi , that of Cardinal Sforza , and that of the Signori Muti. Crossing from hence into the Corso I tooke an exact obseruation of this street , which is the fairest in Rome . It s called the Corso , because here it is that they make horses run against horses , Iews against Iews , boyes against boyes , and the like , in Carneual time . Here also it is , that the Mascarades march in Carneual time , and make themselues and others merry : and and all this is allowed the Italians that they may giue a little vent to their spirits which haue been stifled in for a whole yeare , and are ready els to choke with grauity and melancholy ; most men here liuing alone in their houses and chambers . If our Statesmen in England had gone on in the course their wise ancestours had shewed , and had suffered , as they did , some honest recreations to the people , as bowling , shooting , raceing &c , to giue vent to their actiue spirits , we had all been happyer : but while both the Tribunals , and the Pulpits thundered out against moderate recreations and assemblyes , out of feare and faction , they made the humour of the Englishmen grow so sowre and bitter , that nothing would please them , but flat rebellion , and fanatick heresies . Now here in Rome , once a yeare , In Carneual time euery one vents his humour according to his fancy , and ( as it seems ) according to his need . One playes the Doctor of the Law , and goes vp and downe the streets with his booke in his hand disputeing with euery man he meets and vttering pure raillerie : and if by chance two such Doctors meet , they make sport enough for half an houre by their abuseing one another . Four of these pretended Doctors , with their gownes and caps on , and their bookes of the Codex before them , got an Asse into their coach who had also an open booke before him ; and thus they went along the streets studyeing , and turning ouer their bookes . Another takes himself to be a Grand Cyrus , and goes a horseback with a rich Persian habit and Plumes highly mounted . One went a foot grauely with a cloake on , & cryed a secret against mice , and opening his cloake , shewd a cat that he had vnder his arme ? Another went vp and downe the street combeing his haire like a spaniard saluting the Ladyes and twirling vp his mustaches with a stayed grauity . Some go in coaches and there play on instruments : others go on great carts , with little stages of bordes throwne vpon them , and there act little playes as they go along , and abuse tradsmen . One rides like a physitian vpon a mule with a world of vrinals hung round about him . Others ride grauely through the streets with great clackbags behinde them as if they came from Polonia . Some Princes here make glorious Carro's , with four horses on a breast drawing them , and with rare pageants vpon them , and a great traine of horsemen and trumpeters , clad exotically , accompanying the Carro in a most glorious manner . Some noblemen of highest quality , as Dukes , and Princes , I haue seen going a foot pelting with sugar plums those that were in coaches and windowes ; and angering them with their sugar affronts . But neuer did any Mascarade please like that speculatiue Italian who mocked both the French and the Spaniards at once , by walking vp and downe the street clad half like a Don , and half like a Monsieur . Oneside of his haire hung downe in a long curled lock powdered white : the other side was black and sweaty Half of his beard was turned downewards : the other half was turned vp with yrons and twirled in like the hilt of an old dragger . One eye was bare : and the other had a glasse , or half spectacle before it held on by a small wyar from vnder his hat . Half his hat was a narrow three-fingered-brimd hat , with a little half feather vpon the brim : the other half of it was a broad brim with out so much as a hat band . One half of his band about his neck was of a broad bonlace startched white : the other half was made of course lawne startched blew and standing out vpon a picky illy of wyar . Half of his face looked white with meale and pouder : the other half looked black and tawny . Half of his doublet was white satin with an open sleeue and a world of shirt huffing about his wrist and half of his waste : the other half was of black freeze with a black taffetty sleeue close and strait to the arme , and a hanging sleeue of freeze . One half of his breeches was of scarlat and vastly wide at the knee , with a confusio of rubans of six colours : the other half was of black taffety close at th● knee . Vpon one leg he had a linenen stocking with a great laced canon turned downe to his half leg : on the other he had a black silk stocking drawne vp close . In fine , on one foote he had a white spanish-leather shoo , with a stiff knot of six coloured ruband a quarter of an ele long : on the other a little black flat soled shoo tyed with a short narrow ruband . Thus this moral Hermaphrodite and walking Emblem of peace betwen the two nations , walked vp and downe the Corso grauely ; yet laughing within himself , to see how he carryed about him two such antipathetical nations in one sute of clothes . By this you may gesse at their other fooleries in Carneual time , and see how innocently they diuert themselues : for you must know , that none are suffered to carry swords or armes while they go masked thus ; nor to enter into any house ; nor to be abroad masked after it grows darke ; nor to do , or speake any thing scandalously that may shok ciuility or publick view : for which reason here are alwayes gards set , and sargeants rideing vp and downe the street of the Corso , to keep all in order , and to make euen mirth obserue decency . In this street also of the Corso it is that noblemen and Ladyes take the ayre euery fair euening in their coaches . For this reason there are many fine pallaces built in this street ; as the Pallace of Signor Vitelleschi , where I saw tenn chambers on a floore , and all of them filled with a rare collection of pictures and statues . Among the statues I was pleased exceedingly with that of Cincinnatus , and with that of Brutus defaced by the command of the Senate , where the very markes of the punches of the Halbards wherwith they defaced it , are yet seen . Not farre from it stands the pallace of Prencipe Pamfilio , in which I saw more riches and rare furniture then in any house in Rome or almost in Italy . For here they shewed me excellent plate of gold and syluer : an Agate Crosse fixed vpon a foote of the roote of Saphir-stone , and vnder it a basis beset round with Cameos cut into pictures : a great syluer Crucifix vpon an ebeny frame , the whole worth 12000 crownes : a rare cabinet with the picture of our blessed Lady in it , the whole valued at 6000 crownes : a sword whose hilt is of three great Turky stones of great Value : a basin of gold set thick with Turky stones : three or four great Besoars stones as big as pearmanes , which had been presented to Clement the VIII from all parts because he stood in need of them : a rich miter set with pretious stones of great Value : a world of curious originals of the best painters hands : curious saddles , harnesse , liueryes of show embrodered with gold and syluer , with many other rich curiosities . The other pallaces in the Corso are these ; that of Prencipe Carboniano ; that of Cardinal Franciotti ; that of Don Augustino Chisi , that of Prencipe L●douisio , that of the Duke Caetano . There are also in this street some Churches worth takeing notice of ; as that of S. Maria in Via Lata . which stands neere the Pallace of the Prince Pamfilio . It s an ancient Church , and a Cardinals title . Baronius sayth , that it s built there where S. Paul lodged at his first comeing to Rome . It s sayd also that in the Oratory here S. Luke wrote the Acts of the Apostles . There is also in the Corso the Church of S. Marcello , a title of a Cardinal . It was built in the place where anciently stood the Temple of the infamous Egyptian Godesse Isis , which Tiberius himself caused to be pulled downe , the Idol throwne into Tyber , and all the Priests of it to be crucifyed , for hauing fauoured a great crime comitted by a Roman Lady . Behinde this Church stands the Oratory of S. Marcello , called the Oratory of the holy Crucifix , where there is a famous Confraternity in which many noble men of Rome are enrolled . Euery friday in Lent there is excellent musick , and one of the best preachers in Rome . From hence also in the Holy yeare I saw march a procession of 15000 men , all in black buckram coats to the heeles , with a white torch in their hands ; and they went from hence on the night of Manday Thursday vnto S. Peters Church . Then the Church of S. Carlo in Corso , where J saw the heart of S. Charles Borromeo in a Cristal case . This Church belongs to the Milanesi . Then the Church of S. Iacomo de gl'Incurabili , a neat round Church belonging to the Hospital here where they that are afflicted with incurable diseases , are entertained and well tended . Lastly the Church of the penitent whores with their Conuent ; where all those poore souls that repent themselues of their bad life , are receiued , and kept all their life time , at the cost of this Conuent . And here I found a great difference between this Conuent , and the house in Amsterdam , where whores are clapt vp . For here these poore souls are locked vp with their owne consent and desire : there they are lockt vp by force and violence . Here the poore women do great acts of austerityes and penance , as the bloody walls of their Celles layd open by a conflagration shewed vnto all the Citie : there the yong women laugh , and are merry . Here no man is permitted to speak alone with them , except their Confessor , & physitian : there many men go to prattle and passe their time with those wanton girles , at a separation of rayles . Here a Vayle hides these poore womens faces : there I saw diuers with black patches on their faces . Here all signes of true repentance are seen : there none . Here the loue of vertue and penāce locks vp these : there the Vice of Loue locks in those , and not true repentance . For really all the repentance I saw there : was , that it repented me , that I had suffered mine hoste ( who would needs shew me all the rarityes of Amsterdam ) to lead me thither . O but , sayd a Holander to me , the Pope allowes whores in Rome . To whom I answered : no more Sr , then your states do drunkenness , which is a greater sinn of the two , because it rides double , and carryeth luxury behinde it . Do not drink wine in which is luxury . Ephes . 5. But sayth an English writer ; I am told , that the Pope both permits them , and takes money of them too for that permission . You haue been told many other false tales by those who think it lawfull to tell vntruths , so they speak but against the Pope : in the meane time , I that haue been fiue times in Rome , can tell you the contrary , if by permitting you meane allowing and aproueing of them in that course . There 's a great difference between allowing , and permitting a thing . Moyses allowed not , but yet permitted the libel of diuorce to the Iewes for the hardness of their hearts . So vsury is permitted , but not allowed in diuers countries , for trades sake . But why takes he money of them ? This money is taken vp by you vpon credit not , the Pope . For the Pope is so farre from receiuing any money of these drabbs that he goes to great cost , to hinder their trading . No man perhaps hath told you this , and therefore , I le tell it you , know then that the Pope to hinder all yong women from being naught , hath founded Hospitals for poore girles , where they are carefully brought vp till they become either marryed wifes , or Nunns . Nay , he giues them dowries also to execute this their choyce , distributeing yearly vpon the Feast of our Ladyes day in Lent , in the Church of the Domicans supra Mineruam , a purse of money a peece , to three hundred yong mayds who are presented to him by the ouerseers of the foresayd Hospitals . Nor is this all : for he causeth yong girles of tender yeares , to be taken from their poore suspected mothers , least pouerty , quae cogit ad turpia , should make them sacrifice those tender virgins to rich mens lusts . In fine , he hath caused a Monastery to be built in Rome to receiue those poore vnfortunate women in , who would leaue that infamous course , if they had but meanes to liue on . Nay , he granteth Indulgences to any that will marry any of those women , to free them from that lewd course , and make them mend . All this the Pope doth ; and much more ; which would be a destroying of his owne trade and gayne , if it were true , that he countenanceth and alloweth of whores for his gayne . No miller euer deturned the current of water from his owne mill . But why doth not the Pope discountenance and punish whores that are knowne to be such ? He doth so . For is it not a discountenanceing of them , to forbid them to come to publick meetings , and assemblyes , where women of honour meet ? as , at the Corso , in the euenings ; at publick mariages ; at their sung operas ; and the like ? is it not a discountenanceing of them to forbid thē to go in coaches in the day time ; or to stirre out of dores in the night ? Is it not a punishment to them ; to forbid them to liue together , where they might encourage one an other , and passe their time more cheerfully ? But for the most part they liue alone , condemned to the melancholy horror of their crimes , and the solitude of seauen whole weeks in Lent , when vpon payne of rigorous punishments and imprisonment , they dare not admitt of any customers . The like rigour is vsed against them also in Aduent , that dureing the space of those holy times , these vnholy women may haue time to think of themselues , and admit of Gods holy inspirations for their amendment . Is it not a punishment to them to be obliged to enter their names publickly in the list of whores ? For , if Tacitus obserues that the old Romans , satis paenarum aduersum impudicas in ipsa professione flagitij apud Aediles credebant , thought it punishment enough against vnchast women , in their very profesing themselues to be such before the Aedils ; I cannot but think it a great punishment to Christian whores ( who are at least as sensible as the heathens , of the horrible disgrace of haueing their name listed ) to be thus defamed for euer , by remaining whores vpon Record . Is it not a punishing of them , to depriue them all their life time ( as long as they liue whores ) of the holy Sacraments ; and after their death , of Christian Burial ? Is it not a punishment , and a deterring of them from vice , to throw their bodyes when they dye , into an obscure place out of the walls of the towne , as if they deserued no other Burial place then that of Asses ? Is it not , in fine , a punishment to them , not to be allowed to make any Will , or Testament , but to leaue all their goods confiscated either to the Hospitals of poore honest girles , or to the maintaining of those gards , that are to watch ouer their deportments ? If these punishments both of body , soul , and honour , be inflicted vpon whores in Rome , as they are , do not vrge any more , that whores are not punished in Rome , nor discountenanced . But why doth not the Pope punish them home , and roote them quite out by banishment ? This hath been attempted by diuers Popes , and namely by Pius Quintus of happy memory ( as Thuanus in his history writes ) but seeing greater inconueniences , and greater sinns arose vpon it , prudence , which is the salt that must season all moral actions , thought it not fit to carry on that rigour ; nor yet allow of fornication neither . So that all the permission of whores in Rome that can colourably be imagined ; is onely a not punishing of them in all rigour ; and euen that too , for a good end ; and to hinder greater euils . But the Pope being both a Temporal , and an Ecclesiastical Superiour , is bound , in my mind , to break through all respects , and settle innocency in the world . It s zealously spoken ; and I wish he could do it : but difficilem rem optas , generis humani innocentiam : he wisheth a hard thing who wisheth for the innocency of mankinde , sayth a wiseman . And if Princes sometimes do not punish factious subiects ; when they see , that the punishing of them would pull the whole State in peeces ouer their heads , and put the whole kingdome in danger , as it did in Henry the Thirds time in France vpon his causeing of the Duke of Guise to be killed in Blois : If Generals of armyes take no notice of some treacherous commander , who is vniuersally beloued by the soldiers ; least the punishing of one man , loose them the affection of the whole army , as we saw latey in the case of Lubemirsky ( how truely guilty I know not ) and some yeares ago I remember in the case of Walstein , whose punishment had almost vndone the Emperor : why may not the Pope without approueing the sinn of whores , prudently waue the punishing of it with all rigour , when he sees that such rigour would cause greater disorders in that hot nation , and in that citie where all nations seeme to club vices , as well as vertues ? Hence learned Abulensis , a great Diuine sayth ; Licet leges humanae aliqua mala permittant non puniendo , nullum tamen malum permittunt statuendo . But the Pope should not gouerne according either to human policy , or human Lawes and Examples . You pretend zeale , but you would do well to take her sister Prudence with her , as our Sauiour did , who when he heard his disciples desireing him to let them call downe fire from heauen vpon the criminal Samaritans , answered them calmely , you know not of what spirit you are . Nay , doth not God himself , who being able to punish all criminal persons , and roote them quite out of the world , suffer both his Sun to rise and shine vpon sinners , and sinners to offend in this sunshine , and often by it ? Hence S. Thomas sayth much to my purpose : Humanum regimen deriuatur a diuino regimine , & ipsum debet imitari . Deus autem quamuis sit omnipotens , ac summ● bonus , permittit tamen aliqua mala fieri in vniuerso , quae prohibere posset ; ne iis sublatis , maiora bona tollerentur , vel maiora mala sequerentur . Humane gouerment is deriued from diuine gouerment , and ought to imitate it . Now God , allthough he be allmighty and highly good , yet he permits euils to be done in the world , which he could hinder , least by taking away them , greater goods should be taken , away or greater euils should follow . But I wade too farre into this puddle : yet remember who thrust me into it , and you l pardon me . Behinde the Church and Conuent of the foresayd Penitents , stands the Church of San Syluestro in Capite , so called from the picture of our Sauiours head and face , which our Sauiour himself made by miracle , and sent to Abagarus King of Edessa , as you may read at length in Baronius , and in Bosius in his rare booke called Roma Sotterranea . Now this picture is kept here in this monastery ; and with great probability , seing it was here that diuers Greek Monks driuen out of their country by Constantin Copronimus for the defence of sacred Jmages , were entertained by the Pope Paul the First ; and it s very likely that these good men brought with them this famous picture of our Sauiour to saue it from the fury of the Iconoclasts . Returning from hence into the Corso againe I went to see there the Colonna d'Antonino , the Great Pillar of Antoninus the Emperor . It s built iust like that of Traian described aboue . It was built by Marcus Aurelius Antoninus the Emperor in honour of his Father Antoninus Pius . It s all of white marble engrauen without with a basso rilieuo from top to bottom , containing the memorable actions of Marcus Aurilius . It s 175 foot high , & hath in it 206 stairs which lead vp to the top of it , and 56 little windows giuing light to those stairs : and yet this high Pillar was made of 28 stones of marble . The caruing that is vpon it , contains the braue actions of Marcus Aurelius ouer che Armenians , Parthians , Germans , Wandals and Sarmats , or Polonians : but age hath so defaced these bassi rilieui that its hard to decipher them . He that 's curious to know them , may buy them in the printed cutts sold in Rome . Vpon the top of this pillar stands mounted the statue in brasse guilt of S. Paul set vp here by Sixtus Quintus . From the top of this pillar I had a perfect view of Rome , and of almost all the Seauen hills vpon which it is built , and are within the wals : which are these . 1. The Capitolin hill where now Ara Coeli stands and the Conseruatorio . 2. The Palatin hill I could not see because it stands behind the former . It was so called from the Emperors Pallace that stood vpon it . 3. The Auentin hill so called from Auentinus king of Alba buryed here where now S. Sabinas is . 4. The Coelian hill beginning at S. Gregories and running to S. Iohn Laterans . 5. The Esquilin hill , exquilinus quasi excubinus , because of the nightly watch and gard vpon it . Here stands S. Mary Magiors . 6. The Viminal hill , so called from Vimina , that is , Osiers , where with it was anciently couered . Here stand the Thermae Diocletiani and the Villa of Montalto . 7. The Quirinal hill so called from the temple of Quirinus , or Romulus which stood vpon it . Here now stands Montecauallo . These were the Seauen ancient Hills of Rome , to which were added three more , to wit ; The Ianicule Hill , so called , from Ianus buryed here . Here stands S. Pietro Montorio . The Vatican Hill , so called from the Vaticinations and southsayings made here . S. Peters Church stands now vpon it . The Pincian Hill , now called Montrinita . Descending from hence I went to the Pazzorella , where they keep madmen and fooles ; and saw there strange variety of humours in folly : yet I was pleased to see with what charity and care those poore men were tended there . From hence I stept to consider , in the piazza di Pietra , the row of curious pillars which adorned the Basilica of the Emperor Autoninus who had his pallace here , and his Forum . Then turning by little vnfrequented streets , I came to the Roman Colledge belonging to the Iesuits . It s a faire building , and stands conueniently for concourse of schollers from all parts . Here I saw the schooles , & Gallery of famous Athanasius Kerkerius , full of pretty curiosityes and experiences both mecanical , mathematical , and hydraulical : yet in my opinion , it s farre short of Canonico Settalas gallery in Milan , or Monsieur Seruiers in Lyons . Here 's also a faire Library hauing no fault in it but the common fault of most Libraries , to-wit , Locks and keys to it . Good bookes should be as common as the sun , seing they are the lights of our mindes and made publick by the presse : and I camot but pitty a booke that 's emprisoned and locked vp in a Library , by saying vnto it : Odisti claues & grata sigilla pudicae , Paucis ostendi gemis , & communia laudas . In fine , I saw here the Apothecaries shop where a Lay brother maKes excellent Roman Treacle , and other odoriferous distillations of souerain Vertue . The Church belonging to this Colledge is designed to be a noble thing , but it s but half built for want of a whole founder . From hence I went to the Dominicans Conuent , called la Minerua , because it s built vpon the Place where anciently stood the Temple of Minerua . Hence also the Church is called Sancta Maria supra Mineruam . In this Church I saw many neat Tombes , as those of Leo the X , and Clement the VII , both Popes of the house of Medices : they stand in the Quire , and are neatly wrought by that great artist Baccio Bandinelli . Then the Tombe of Cardinal Pimentelli a moderne Cardinal . The tombe of great Cardinal Morone , Legate for the Pope in the Council of Trent , and a man who had been thirteen times Legatus a Latere . Here also lye buryed the ashes of Egidio Foscarari Bishop of Modena called in the Council of Trent , Luminare Maius . The tombe of a Lady of the family of the Raggi , is very neat for the new manner of spreading ( as I may say , and as you would think ) of black marble vpon an other coloured marble ; and both of them vpon a round pillar . Here on the gospel side of the high Altar standeth a statue of our Sauiour made by Michel Angelo , of white marble , a rare peece . At the entrance of the great dore of this Church , lyes buryed vnder a plain flat stone , Thomas a Vio Caetanus S. Thomas of Aquins Second , his Brother in Religion , his Namesake , his learned Commentator , and onely not hee . Out of humility he would not be buryed within the Church , but out of it . In the Sacristy of this Church , I saw the Chappel of S. Katherine of Siena , and this Chappel was once her very chamber in Siena : Cardinal Antonio Barberino Protector of this order , caused it to be transferred hither from Siena . Her body lyeth vnder the Altar of the Rosary in this Church . From the Minerua I went to Saint Andrea de la Valle , a fine Church belonging to the Theatins . It s built vpon the place where the Theater of Pompey stood anciently ; and where in latter times stood the Pallace of the family of the Picolomini ; and perchan● this was the reason why two Popes of that family , to-wit , Pius Secundus , and Pius Tertius are now buryed in this Church . The Cupola was painted by Caualier Lanfranco ; the three corners vnder the Cupola and the tribune are of the hand of Domenichini . The neat Chappel of the Barberini made by Pope Vrban the VIII while he was but yet Cardinal , is built vpon the very place where S. Sebastian was beaten , and throwne into a sink after he had been shot . There had been formerly a little Church built vpon this place , and ouer this sinke , but Sixtus Quintus gaue leaue it should be pulled downe , vpon condition a chappel of the new designed Church should be built in place of it . In fine , take all this Church together , and it is one of the neatest Churches ( except the Basilicae ) that are in Rome , being of the Architecture of Maderna . In the piazza , or rather , the street which goes before this Church , liued not long agoe , Pietro della Valle that ingenious Roman gentleman , who hauing spent great meanes in traueling , hath left vs three volumes in quarto of his curious relations of Voyages . In his house here he had three whole Mummies with their coffins or cases painted anciently , and adorned with diuers hyeroglyphs . He spent much money in buying many other rarityes , which he kept also here . Behinde this Church liued , when I first was acquainted with Rome , an other great Virtuoso and Gentleman of Rome , I meane the ingenious Caualier Pozzo with whom I was brought acquainted , and saw all his rarityes , his curious pictures , medals , bassi rilieui , his excellent bookes of the rarest things in the world , which he caused to be painted , copied , and designed out with great cost . From hence I went to the Pallace of the Duke Matthei , where I saw many good pictures and statues , especially that long picture representing fully the manner of Clement the VIII his going from Rome to take possession of Ferrara . Thence falling in at S. Carlo in Catenari , a neat round Church , I went to the Cancellaria . This pallace was built of the stones of the Coliseo by Cardinal Riarij . The chief thing I saw in it was the gallery of pictures of Cardinal Barberin , who being Vicechancelour , liueth alwayes in this pallace to exercise his charge the better . This pallace lookes into the Church of San Lorenzo in Damaso , a Collegiate Church . Vnder the high Altar reposeth the body of S. Damasus Pope . The walls of the body of the Church are rarely painted with the history of S. Laurence . Not farre from hence stands the Pallace of Farnesi belonging to the Duke of Parma . Before it stands a noble piazza with two rare fountains in it . The Pallace it self is one of the best in Rome , or elswhere . It makes an I le , that is , it hath no houses ioyning to it . The forme of it is square , and it hath in the midst of euery square , a great dore letting you into the court . This Courtis built vpon pillars and arches , with a faire open gallery aboue letting you into seueral appartiments . In this Court I saw the famous statue of Hercules leaning vpon his club , which was found in the Thermae of Antoninus Car●calla : one of the legs is moderne , the rest old , and made by Glyco an Athenian , as the Greek words vpon it told me . There is an other statue of Hercules opposit to it , and iust like it , but not so good , being but a copie of the former . The other statues here of the two Floras , the two Gladiators , and others , are excellent peeces . Mounting vp the great stairs to go into the chambers and open Gallery , I saw the curious Statue of the boy and the Dolphin : and at the dore of the great Hall , the statues of two Parthian captiue Kings . Entring into that hall I met presently with the rare statue of Alexander Farnesi , Duke of Parma , trampling vpon two prostrate statues representing Heresy and Rebellion ; while Fame crownes him . All these four seueral persons are of white marble , and of one entire stone . It s pitty that such a statue stands not in some more publick place , to teach men to beware of the mother and the daughter , Heresy and Rebellion ; and shew them , what long hands Kings haue . In the same Hall I saw the two excellent statues of Charity , and Plenty , in cumbent postures ; and they are the fellowes to those two statues which adorne the Tombe of Paulus Tertius , the rayser of this Family , in S. Peters Church . Round about this roome also stand a world of statues of gladiators , standing with their swords in their hands , and in seueral postures , vpon their gard . In the next chamber I saw rare pictures containing some actions of Paulus Tertius ; and they are of the hand of Saluiati and Federico Zuccari . There is also the picture of Luther disputeing with Caietan : and a picture of the four Latin Doctors of the Church , S. Hierome , S. Ambrose , S. Augustin , & S. Gregory , of the hand of Perdonini . In an other chamber , a world of ancient statues of Philosophers and Poëts : as Euripides , Plato , Possidonjus , Zeno , Seneca , Diogenes , Bacchus , Meleager , and others . An other roome full of pictures of choyce hands , and a curious table of pietre commesse about 12 foot long & 5 wide . Then the rare Gallery of statues , with the roof of it painted most admirably by the rauishing hand of great Hannibal Caraccio , and containing the representation of the loues of the Heathen Gods and Goddesses . This painting may be compared , yf not preferred , before all the Galleryes of Rome , or Europe ; and the very cutts of it in paper pictures , sold at the stationers shops , are most admirable , and worth buying . In the same gallery also stands the incomparable statue of Apollo in a flint stone . Here is also a curious Library in which besides the curious bookes , are many rare peeces of miniature , and rare pictures of Raphael , & Titian , and diuers excellent designes of the same Raphael , and of Michel Angelo ; that especially of his Iudgement . Returning againe through the same roomes , I could not but gaze againe at the statue of my fauorite . Heros , Alexander Farnesi , and began at last to think that I was mistaken euen now when I sayd , that Hercules his Statue stood in the Court below ; for vpon better reflection , I finde no statue in the pallace to resemble Hercules so much , as this of Alexander of Parma ; of whom I may say , as Sulla sayd of Caesar , In vno Caesare , multi sunt Marii : in one Alexander of Parma , there are many Herculeses . Then mounting vp into an appartiment ouer the former , I saw diuers chambers exquisitly furnished with pictures , and lesser statues . In the long gallerie there are diuers rare peeces of the hand of Caraccio . In the other roomes many ancient curious things , as an ancient peece of painting found in Adrians Villa and made fifteen hundred yeares agoe ; an other ancient picture of Eugenius the IV studyeing , and S. Bernard standing by him . A rare designe of Vassari representing a towne in Flanders taken by Alexander Farnesi . Michael Angelos true picture . The Venus of Michel Angelo . The little old picture of our Lady and S. Iohn Baptist in a small mosaick worke . A Crucifix in Iuory of Michel Angelos makeing . The designe , or rather the perfect model of the bridge throwne ouer the Sceld , by which Alexander Farnesi tooke Antwerp . A great cabinet of Medalls ; with a world of other rarityes too long to be related , but neuer enough to be seen . Then descending into a little back court , I saw there the famous Toro . It is a statue of a great Bull , to whose hornes a rope being tyed at one end and at the other end of it a womans haire , two lusty fellowes are striueing to push this bull from a promontory into the sea below , and the woman together with him , to make her away . The story is knowne , and it is of Amphion and Zetus , who to reuenge their mother Antiope , for the wrong done her by Dirce ( who had got Licus King of Thebes to repudiate Antiope for to mary her ) tooke this Dirce , and tyeing her to a bulls hornes threw them both , the Bull and the woman , into the Sea. The Bull , the two brothers , the woman , a little boy , and a dog , are all cut out of one marble stone . The snaffling fellow that keeps this Bull , or rather , whom this Bull keeps , will tell you another story of this statue through the nose : but seing he sells his story , as well as tells it , you had better giue him à Iulio betimes to be rid of him , then heare another long and new fable . Going from hence into the great Piazza againe , I stept into the house of the signori Pighini , which stands ouer against the Pallace of Farnesi , to see two statues , the one of Venus , the other of Adonis ; both ancient ones , and so rarely made , that the Earle of Arondel , late Lord Marshal of England , offered twelue thousand crownes for them , but was refused . Passing from hence towards the pallace of Cardinal Spada , I entred into it , and there saw many exquisit pictures . Thence I went to Ponte Sisto , and from thence to the Hospital of the Trinity , which receiues all Pilgrims comeing to Rome , for three dayes , and treateth them plentifully . I confesse , I went often hither , and as often admired the wonderfull charity which is done here dayly ; but especially in the holy week in lent , by the Confraternity of this Hospital , of which , most are gentlemen . Here Noblemen , Bishops , and Cardinals wash the Pilgrims feet , and then serue them at supper in the long Refectory , where there are frequently in the holy week , four hundred pilgrims at once , at table . Returning from hence I went to S. Girolamo della Charita , a Church , and house of good Priests , and most of them Gentlemen , liuing of their owne expences , yet all in community . S. Philip Neri instituted them , and liued among them thirty yeares . In the Church I saw vpon the High Altar , an excellent picture of S. Hierome . Hard by stands the English Colledge , once an Hospital for the English , and built by the English marchants in Rome , to receiue English pilgrims in ; because a poore English woman had been found worryed by dogs in the night , for want of a lodgeing . In the Church of this Colledge , lyes buried Cardinal Alan , the last English Cardinal of our Nation . From hence I went to the Chiesa Nuona belonging to the good Priests of the Oratory . This is one of the neatest Churches in Rome , and the best serued . It s all painted in the roof by the rare hand of Pietro di Cartona , and richly guilt . Here I saw the neat Chappel of S. Philip Neri , a primitiue Saint in all things but time . He was the Institutor of this holy Company of Priest , who are Religious men in all things but in vowes , and name . The Chappel and Altar of this great Saint is on the Gospel side the of High Altar , his true picture there , was made by Guido Rheni . Vnder this Altar , in a lower Chappel , or Vault , lyeth the body of this Saint in an iron chest : if you desire to know his merits and life , aske all Rome which lately saw them , and dayly feels them . On the other side of the High Altar within the rayles , lyes buryed Caesar Baronius , once a Priest of this house , and forced , after much reluctancy , to be made Cardinal by Clement the VIII . He deserued this honour in the opinion of all men , for hauing written his incomparable Ecclesiastical history ; and if Hercules , for helping Atlas to beare vp heauen one day onely , was faigned by Poëts to haue deserued to be taken vp to heauen ; I may iustly say , that Baronius deserued well the purple of the Church , for haueing alone borne vp the cause of the Church of God , against a whole troope of Centuriators . For my part , I reckon it among my felicities , to haue liued after Baronius , and to haue spent a good part , of three yeares study in reading his Sacred Annals , which cost him ten times three years study in writeing . And here I could enter into a fair field of his prayses ; and like the Eagle in the story , hauing nothing els to giue him , giue him a feather , that is , one cast of my pen ; but that I write of countyes now , and not of men ; and that his full prayses may be included in those three short encomiums ; Ecclesiae Cocles ; Caesar Christianus ; Orbis Locupletator . The house of these good Priests deserues also to be seen for the Libraryes sake , which is one of the best in Rome : and for the great Oratoryes sake , where there is euery Sunday and Holyday in winter at night , the best Musick in the world . From hence I went to the Church de la Pace , a neat Church and adorned with excellent painting and statues . Here many famous painters haue signalised their memoryes , as Peruzza of Siena , Vasari , Lauinia a Lady of Bolognia , Fontana , Gentileschi , Caualier Gioseppe , Rossi , and Raphael Vrbin himself , who painted the Prophets and Sibylls in the Chappel of Augustin● Chigi : and some think that he made the little boyes that are so well done . The statues of S. Peter & S. Paul , are of the hand of Michel Angelo . Going from hence through the street of the Stationers , I came to the Piazza di Pasquino , which is thought to be the very center of Rome . And here I cannot forget Pasquin himsefe , who forgets no man. This Pasquin is an old broken statue , something like that of Hercules in the Beluedere described aboue , and of some rare hand . And bcause it stands neare three , of four streets , whereby to escape when they haue fixed their Libells ●eering wits set vp here , and father vpon poore Messer Pasquino , their Satyrical ieasts , called from him , Pasquinades ; which Morforius , another statue neare the Capitol , vseth to answere . From hence passing on to the Church of S. Pantaleon belonging to the Fathers of the Scholae Piae , I was willing to enter into it , and see it , because four hundred yeares ago , it was a Collegiate Church , and possessed by English Priests , as may appeare by the Inscription vpon a Bell which was cast then . From hence I stept into Piazza Nauona , called so by corruption from Piazza d'Agona , because this piazza was anciently a Circus for sports , and it was called Circus Agonalis . In the midst of it anciently stood a great Egyptian pillar with hieroglyphs vpon it ; and now of late it hath gotten an other such pillar set vp here by Pope Innocent the X , with a rare fountain yssuing forth at the foot of it , and adorned with four great statues of white marble representing the four parts of the world . In this place also stands the new Church of S. Agnes built vpon the place where she was condemned to the stews . This Church is built at the cost of Prencipe Pamphilio , whose Pallace ioynes vpon it . This Pallace ouer looking the Piazza Nauona deserue not onely a glance of an eye , but also an houres inspection within . The chambers are many and faire , and the great Hall a most lonely roome , if painting , and variety of pictures in frames can make a house hansome . In this Piazza also I saw the pallace of the Duke of Bracciano , of the house of Orsini : and that of the family of Torres . The Spanish Church here , called S. Iacomos , is not to be forgotten : Here lyes buryed in it Petrus Ciaconius a learned Critick for a Spaniard . The picture here in oyle of San Diego is of Annibal Caracio . Oueragainst the back dore of this Church stands the Sapienza , a faire Colledge , where the publick Lectures are read . This Colledge was begun by Eugenius the IIII , but much beautifyed of late with hansome schooles and a neat Church , by Vrban the VIII . and a publike Library by Alexander the VII . We haue had , in my time , two Englishmen that were Readers here ; Doctor Hart ; and Doctor Gibbs a Noble Caesarean Laureat Poët , & the Horace of this age . From hence passing through the Piazza Madama , and before the Pallace of the Grand Duca , I went to S. Lewis his Church belonging to the French Nation . It s a hansome Church , and well serued with French Priests . There 's also an Hospital belonging to that Church and Nation . In the Church I found vpon a pillar on the left hand , the picture of great Cardinal Dossat a French man , whom I may iustly call Great , because he was both a great Statesman , and yet a very good man ; that is , he was a great seruant to his King ; and yet a great seruant of God. His rare Letters shew the one ; and his life written by Du Verdier , shews the other . Here lies also buryed in the middle almost of this Church , an English Priest of great vertue , by name , More , of the family of great Sir Thomas More , and heire of that family , if I mistake not . His yonger brother and hee striuing whether of them should be Priest , it was his prerogatiue of age , which makeing him to be four and twenty before his brother , made him enter into Orders before him and become Priest ; leauing the Estate to his brother . It was hee , that set vs out the life of Sir Thomas More in English : at last , retireing to Rome to be Agent for his brethren the Clergy , hauing ended his businesse there happily ( which was the procureing of a Catholick Bishop ) he ended his life so too , and was buryed here by his owne choyce . From hence I went to the Pallace of Iustiniani , which is hard by . Here I saw so many statues of the old Heathen Gods , and such roomes full of old marble feet of them , that you would almost sweare the Heathen Gods , when they were banished out of the Pantheon , had been committed hither as to a prison : or that some of the ancestours of this house , had been shoomakers to the old Gods , and therefore was obliged to haue their lasts and measures . For they had Gods of all sizes , seing ( as Varro sayth ) they had 30000 Gods ▪ a world of these statues are yet seen in the Gallery aboue , and in euery roome in the house , which they clog rather then adorne . And yet scarce one of them , but is a Palladium to this Family ; and would portend its sudden ruine if alienated . For , as I remember , the old Prince Iustiniani dyeing without heirs male , left this man his heire , with this prouiso , that he should not so much as alienate one statue vpon payne of forfeiting the whole house and goods . Iudge then , whether he had not need to keep these statues chayned vp , as the Tyrians did their Gods in a Siege : or whether the throwing of one of these statues out of the window , would not be properly a throwing the house out of the windowes . Vpon which occasion , I cannot omit to tell you how the ancient statues of Rome were growne at last to be so many in number , that ( as Cassiodore sayth wittily of them ) posteritas pene parem populum vrbi dedit , quàm natura procreauit , posterity had made almost as many men by art in the Citie , as were made by nature . And these statues grew to that excesse too , that marble ones were thought too Vulgar , and gold and syluer ones were erected by riotous men , who scorned to be like others in any thing but in being mortal . But to returne againe to this house , I cannot leaue it without minding you of some rare pictures , of Titian and other prime masters , which are showne in the Gallery aboue ; especially the rare picture of S. Iohn the Euangelist of the hand of Raphael Vrbin ; and that of our Lady and S. Joseph in an other roome , which is a rare copie of that famous picture in the cloyster of the Annunciata in Florence , of Andrea del Sarto . From hence I went to the Church of S. Eustachio , hauing seen in the way , the goodly ruines of the Therme of Alexander Seuerus . In the Porch of this Church I saw an Inscription in a stone , which told me that Alexander of Parma was Christened here with his brother , being twinns . This Church stands in the place where S. Eustachius with his wife Theopista , and his sonns Agapitus and Theopistus , were put into a brazen bull & martyred by the brazen heart of Trajan , whom Eustachius had serued twice as General of his Armies , and gained him as many Victories . From hence J went to the Rotonda , otherwise called anciently , the Pantheon , because it was dedicated to all the Gods. This is a bolder peece of Architecture then men think . For whereas other Vaults are strengthened and made good by being shut vp close at the top , and in the center of the Vault , which hinders the Vault from shrinking ; here this great massiue vault is left wide opē at the top , with a hole aboue three yards wide in diamenter . Indeed Sebastianus Serlius , an experience● man in Frabriks , thinks this Church to be the vnick example of perfect Architecture ; and Pliny in his time , placed it among the rarest works that were then extant . It hath no windows in it , nor any other light , but what comes in at the wide hole mentioned oboue . Anciently it was couered with brazen tiles , and those guilt too , as Lipsius thinks ; but now it s couered with great flatt stones . It s a hundred and forty foot high , and as many broad : and yet it hath no pillars to beare vp that great roof . Indeed it hath thrust all the Pillars out of dores , and makes them waite in the Porch ; where there are thirteen great pillars all of one peece , each one 53 foot high , and six in diameter , all of a garnite , or spackled marble . The Capitelli of these Pillars are the best in Rome of Corinthian order . Here is the Tombe of the incomperable Painter Raphael Vrbin . Ille hic est Raphael , timuit quo sospite Vinci Rerum magna parens , & moriente mori . In this Temple stood anciently the famous Minerua made by Phidias of which historyes ring . Here also was placed the Statue of Venu● , in whose eare that incomparable pearle of Cleopatra hung , which vpon a ryotous wager with M. Antony ( whether of them should make the most costly supper ) she was going to throw into a glasse of vieger to macerate it ( as she had done another before ) and drink it vp : But M. Antony stopping her hand , and confessing himself ouercomne , the Pearle , sayth Pliny , was put in the Eare of Venus in the Pantheon . In the round holes ouer the Altars , where set those heads of the Gods of the Heathens , which are now seen in the Beluedere of the Maschere . This Temple and its Porch , were so lined anciently with brasse , that there was enough of it to make diuers great Cannons , by Pope Vrbans command , and the great Canopy with the four pillars which adorne S. Peters High Altar . And though the People and Pasquin , two equaly sensless things , murmured much at the takeing away of this brasse , yet seing the Pantheon receiued no damage therby , and seing it was improued to that height , that it became Ecclesiae Ornamentum & Vrbi Munimentum , the wiser sort of men thought it well employed , and let the people and malice talke . I had almost forgot to tell you , that this Temple was made by Agrippa , who had been thrice Consul , as the words in the Architraue of the porch yet shew . From hence I went through the Campo Marzo , vnto the Church of S. Lorenzo in Lucina , which is serued by Cherici Regolari Minori . It s an ancient Church neatly repaired of late , and the greatest Parish Church in Rome . From hence I went to see the Pallace of Burghesi which is hard by . This is one of the noblest Pallaces in Rome . It giues you a faire broad-side of windowes , three storyes one ouer another ; and its lenght is prodigious . Mounting vp to the Chambers J found a fair open Gallery built vpon arches and pillars round about the Court. This Gallery lets you into seueral appartiments ; and on that side which ouerlooks the Piazza , J saw a row often or twelue great Chambers through which I looked at once . In these chambers and the other roomes , I obserued these things . 1. Rich hangings , and ouer them rare painting made by a Capucin Lay-brother . The history of the Queen of Sabas comeing to visit Salomons Court , and the rapt of the Sabines , which make this Fregi● ouer the hangings , are so rarely well done , that Raphael and Michel Angelo would not haue mended them for colours . 2. A great Cabinet of Ebeny , set with historyes cast in gold , and set with rich pretious stones ; it s valu●d at threescore thousand crownes . 3. A rare picture of Hercules and Anteus . 4. Raphaels owne picture . 5. The last supper by Titian . 6. The Terrasse and garden with boxe kotts and fountains of water , all at the very top of the house and ouer looking the street , riuer , meadows , and S. Peters . 7. The little back gallery of pictures , where among others , I was showne the pictures of Martin Luther , Nicolas Macchiauel , and Caesar Borgia ; There great Corruptors ; of Religion , Polioy , and Manners 8. The low coole gallery full of statues and pictures , especially of the Borghesian Family . That of Paulus Quintus in a small Mosaick worke is scarce to be discouered from painting : as also the Assumption of our Lady in the same worke . There I saw also Titians owne picture , and the rare Crucifix made by Michel Angelo , so to life , that some men haue fabulously giuen out that he drew it after a crucifyed man. From hence I went to see the Mausoleum Augusti , or the Tombe of Augustus Caesar , standing neere S. Rocks Church in a priuate place hard to be found out . It was once one of the neatest structures in Rome . And it was but fitting that the first of the Emperours should haue an honorable tombe ; and that hee who hauing found Rome built of brick onely , had left it all of marble , should haue a marble monument erected to him after his death . Vrbem Lateritiam inueni , marmoriam relinquo : sayd Augustus . The Mausoleum was a round building of white marble , going vp with four storyes set round with pillars , and each story growing lesser and lesser , with green trees set ab●●t euery story ; hauing at the top of ●ll , the brazen statue of Augustus , It was two hundred and fifty cubits high . But how it s much defaced , and we see something of the greatness of it , but little of its beauty . Going from hence to the Church of S. Antony of Padua belonging to the Portughesi , I saw the Tombe of the Great Canonist and Casuist Nauarre or Martin Aspelcuita , with his statue in busto ouer it . This good man hearing how his great friend Caranza was called to Rome to answer for himself in points of doctrine , which he was falsely accused of ; followed him thither of his owne accord , to deffend his cause and cleare his innocency , and hauing done it , died here . Neare to this Church stands the Church and Conuent of the Austîn Friers . In the Church I saw the Tombe of S. Monica mother to S. Augustin . Here also lyes buryed Onufrius Panuinus , a Fryer of this Conuent , learned in sacred antiquityes , and in the Hebrew tongue . In the Conuent I often saw the neat Library , called Bibliotheca Angelica , bec●se Angelus Rocca , a Bishop and Master of the Popes Sacristy , gaue it at his death to his Conuent ; with an obligation of letting it be open in the mornings . Among many curious bookes , I remember to haue seen there the Prophecies of Joachim , where among other things , he sayth , that the Turks shall be ouercomne and ruined by three nations : by the French , propter bonos equos : by the English , propter bonos marinarios : and by the Venetians , propter bonum consilium . These are his very words . Neare to the forsayd Church stands the Church of S. Apollinaris , and the Germā Colledge . Here the best singers of Rome meet constantly . Ouer against this Church stands the Pallace of the Duke of Altemps ▪ In which I saw the great Hall , and in it , the Triumph of Bacchus in a basso rilieuo cut in marble with exquisit arte . I saw also here the representation of a Towne cut in wood , an ancient and curious peece . The picture of our B. Lady with her son in her armes , valued at fiue thousand pistols ; it is of Raphaels hand . The neat Library full of diuers good manuscripts and other books . In fine the noble Chappel with the Tombe of S. Anaclet Pope vnder the Altar with the head of this Saint in the Sacristy , enchased in syluer and set thick with rich stones . The rich ornaments here for the Church seruice , cost the Duke a hundred and twenty thousand crownes . From hence , in fine , I went to S. Iohn Florentins a neat Church belonging to the Florentins , at whose cost it was built . Here is in one of the Chappels the picture of our Sauiours Resurrection made by Lanfranc a rare peece . And being lodged neare this Church , I found that I had wandered ouer all Rome , and was now come againe to the Bridg of S. Angelo , were I began my first dayes iourney through Rome . But seing that in such townes as this , there is alwayes something to be seen after all , I made many irregular excursions vp and downe Rome , to view many things , which I had not taken in my direct way before : as some pallaces , some rare fountains , diuers antiquities , studies of virtuosi , and the like , which I haue been forced , for methods sake , to passe ouer : yet because there are whole bookes of all the pallaces , fountains , statues , and antiquityes , set forth in cutts and pictures , I remit my Reader to them , while I aske one question . Where are now those rare peeces of antiquity which historyes rather mention , then we finde now in Rome ? as the Cymboum Marij ; the Gregostasis ; the Curia Hostilia ; the Golden House of Nero ; the Theater of Pompey , of which Tertullian sayth , Pompeius Magnus solo suo theatro minor ; the Forum Neruae ; the Theater of Statilius Taurus ; the Septizonium Seueri ; the Tower of Mecenas ; the Hippodromus ; the House of Gordianus ; the Circus Flaminius ; the Circus Maximus ; the Atrium Libertatis ; Scipios house ; the Triumphal Arch of Augustus Caesar , of Domitian ; and a world of other such rare buildings , whereby the Romans thought to haue eternized their memories ; if you aske for these things in bookes , you shal finde their names onely ; if you looke for them now in Rome , you shall finde no markes at all of them : which makes me cry out with Petrark ; Crede mihi aliis quam lapideis fundamentis eget gloria , vt sit mansura : beleeue me true permanent glorie stands in need of other foundations then those of stone . Hence Ianus Vitalis an ingenious Italian Poet , hauing obserued , that all the old massiue buildings of Rome are moultered away , and that Fluide Tyber onely remains still , cryes out with this sweet moral . Disce hinc quid possit fortuna ; immota labascunt , Et quae perpetuo sunt fluitura , manent . But I cannot leaue Rome without taking notice of the Deuotion , Musick , Ceremonies , shows , Gouerment , and the inhabitants of this place : of each of which I will giue a touch , both for my Trauelers sake , and my Readers . And first , for the Deuotion of Rome I found it to be very great and real in those places where the Quarante Hore and Stations are kept . For all the yeare long the Quarante Hore go from one Church to an other , through all the Churches of Rome ▪ and there you shall alwayes see a world of deuout people praying and meditating , and hearing the sermons , and giuing of almes , and all this with that profund respect and silence , with that assiduity and concourse , with that feruour and zeale , that you need not aske where the station is , but onely obserue where you see the people flocking so fast in the morneing , and where the poore make the greatest hedge and lane . In other Churches of Rome vpon their festiual dayes ( which happen almost euery day , in one place or other ) they haue the best musick can begot and though this seems to draw mens eares to the Church , rather then their hearts ; yet when I remember what eleuated thoughts it breeds in the minde ; and how innocently it detaines men from doing worse , I cannot but place Church musick among the acts of deuotion . Now , as for this musick , it is the best in the world , and in the best kinde , which is voyces . For my part , hauing read in a learned Author , that the hateing of musick is a signe of a soul quite out of tune , and not right strung for predestination ; and that the Scythian king , who held the neighing of his horse , to be farre better musick , then the pipe of famous Thimotheus , was held for an asse himself ; I thought it both comely and lawfull to loue musick : & being in a place where the best musick was , I frequented it often with singular satisfaction . Now the best musick I heard , was the musick of the Popes Chappel consisting of pure voyces , without any organ , or other instruments : euery singer here kowing his part so well , that they seem all to be masters of musick . Then the musick of the Chies● Noua ; of S. Apollinaris ; vpon S. Cecilyes day in the Church of that Saint the Patronesse of singers ; of the Oratory of S. Marcello euery Friday in Lent ; of the Iesuits dureing the Quaerante hore in Shroftide ; of euery good Church of Nunns vpon their patrons day ; especially that of the Nunns of Campo Marzo , where I heard often Fonseca sing sorarely well , that she seemed to me , to cheere vp much the Church in its combats ; & to make the Church Militant either looke like the Church Triumphant , or long for it . In a word , whosoeuer loues musick and hears but once this of Rome ▪ thinks he hath made a saueing iourney to Rome , and is well payed for all his paynes of comeing so farre . Haueing giuen my eares many a break-fast vpon the musick , I gaue my eyes many a Collation vpon the Ceremonies of Rome , which were chiefly these . The Ceremony of the Popes opening of the Porta Santa , of S. Peters Church in the Iubily yeare . The Ceremonies of the Popes Chappel , when he assists there , especialy vpon Candlemasse day , Palmesunday , Mandy Thursday &c The Ceremony of the Popes washing of thirteen pilgrims feet ; of his singing masse publickly in S. Peters Church vpon S. Peters day and other great dayes ; the Ceremony of Beatifyeing and of Canonizeing of Saints ; the Ceremony of his creating new Cardinals , and giuing them their capp in publick Consistory , the Ceremonie of the Masse sung in Greek and according to the Greek rites , in the Church of the Greek Seminary , vpon the Feast of the Epiphany , and S. Athanasius his day ; the Ceremony of baptizeing the Iews ; with a world of others . One ceremony I was not vnwilling to misse in my fiue seueral voyages , because it alwayes implies the death of a Spiritual Father , I meane , the Ceremony of a Sede Vacante : and of all the bad complimen●s that euer I heard made , I like none so ill as that of a noble man of Germany , who being asked by Pope Innocent the X , whether he had seen all the Ceremonies of Rome , answered , that he had seen all , but a Sed● Vacante , as if he had sayd ; Holy Father , I haue seen all the fine sights of Rome , but your death . A horrible Tramontane compliment , which put euen the Pope himself to a smile . As for the Showes , I saw diuers , both Sacred and Prophane . As the wipping Processions in the Holy week . The great Procession from S. Marcellos Oratory to S. Peters Church vpon Mandy Thursday in the Holy yeare . The Spanish Procession in Piazza Nauona vpon Easter day in the morning in the Holy yeare . The Procession of the Zitelle vpon our Ladyes day in Lent. The Procession of the Priests of the Oratory vpon shrof-tuesday to the seauen Churches ▪ with fiue or six thousands persons following of them , all whom they treat in an open field , giuing euery one a couple of hard eggs , and a slice of salsigia , with bread and wine . The seueral Caualcatas of the Pope and Cardinals . The Spanish Caualcata vpon S. Peters Eue , when the Spanish Embassador presents the purse of gold , and the Gennet . The Girandola and fire workes vpon S. Peters Eue , and diuers such like sacred triumphs . For the Prophane Showes , I saw the solemne Entryes of Embassadors , especially those of Obedience , wh●ere each Princes Embassador striue to out vye the other , and by excessiue expences make their masters greatness appeare aboue that of others . Their Caualcatas to Court vpon their publick audience : their reception in a publick Consistory : their audience of Leaue , are all stately . Then the curious Opere , or musical Drammata recited with such admirable art , and set forth with such wonderfull changes of Scenes , that nothing can be more surprizeing . Here I haue seen vpon their stages , riuers swelling , and boats rowing vpon them , waters ouerflowing their bankes and stage , men flyeing in the aire , serpents crawling vpon the stage , houses falling on the suddain , Temples and Boscos appearing , whole townes , knowne Townes , starting vp on the suddain with men walking in the streets ; the sunn appearing and chaseing away darkeness , sugar plumms fall vpon the spectators heads like haile , rubans flash in the ladyes faces like lightning with a thousand such like representations . In fine , the Carneual pompes in the streets exhibited by noblemen with great cost and glory . As for the Gouerment of Rome , I found it diuided into two parts : the Gouerment of the Citie ; and the Gouerment of the Church . That of the Citie is exactly performed by a Gouernour ( some Prelate of great parts ) constituted by the Pope to watch ouer the Citie carefully , and to render him an acount weekly of all that passeth . This Gouernour liueth alwayes in the heart of the Citie , and hath besides his owne gards , a Barigello or Captain of the Sbirri or Sergeants , to keep all in order and awe , both day , and night . This Barigello hath , Argus like , a hundred eyes to spy into the deportments of all that liue in Rome , and , Briareus like , as many hands , to carry to prison those that infringe the Lawes . Hence iustice here is as exactly performed , as orders are discreetly giuen out . The prices of all things are printed and affixed in publick places and shops ; Inns and Tauernes are bound to haue them set vp in their entrance , that strangers may know the rates of all prouisions , and blame none but themselues , if they be couzened . So that it s as hard a thing to be couzened here , as its hard not to bo cozened in other places . And for those that cannot read , or speake the language well , Sbirri wil aske of them , what they payd a meale , how much for a pound of meate , how much for a pinte of such and such wine , &c. and if they finde them to haue been cozened either in the quantity , weight , or price , they le right the stranger beyond his expectation , and punish the delinquent beyond his desire . The last Iubily yeare I was showne some of the Sbirri in Pilgrims habits on purpose , to mingle themselues with the other pilgrims , the better to obserue how they were vsed or abused by their Hostes in Inns and Tauernes , and accordingly punish them . In fine , iustice is so well administred here , and imprisoning cases so many , that the last Prince of Conde being in Rome , sayd he wondred much at one thing there , which was to see so many men go out of their houses in the morneing , and returne home againe to dinner without being imprisoned . A kinfe in a mans pocket , a darke Lanterne , a sword worne without leaue , &c. will suffice to make a man be sent to prison : and a pockes pistol found about you , or in your cloakbag , is enough to make you be sent to the Gallyes with tre tratti di corda , that is , the strappada thrice : yet they mitigate the rigour of these lawes to strangers who offend out of ignorance . As for the gouerment of the Church , that 's done partly by the Pope himself in seueral Congregations held before him : partly by his Vicar General , a Cardinal who hath vnder him a Vice-Gerent ( a Bishop ) to help him . There 's scarce a day in the week but the Pope holds one Congregation or other , about Church affairs , in which Congregations not onely Cardinals interuene , but also Bishops and Doctors ; and where all businesses are headed , as well as handled with great deliberation . Euery three weeks the Pope holds a Concistory , where all the Cardinals that are in Rome , meet his Holyness , as at a Grand Counsel , to aduise with him concerning the necessary affairs of the Church . And its pretty to see how like the motions of a well ordered watch , all businesses here moue at once , and yet neuer interfere or clash with one another . As for the Inhabitants of Rome , they follow the fortune of their Citie ; and as when Rome was but yet a new towne , the inhabitants where but three thousand in all , sayth Dionysius , and when it was comne to its full grouth , it had three or four millions of people , in so much that in a great plague the Bills of mortality came to ten thousand men a day , and this for many dayes together : so now Rome haueing been six times s●ckt and ruined ( as I sayd aboue ) is not the tenth part so populous as heretofore it was ; and euen those inhabitants that are now in Rome , are for the most part originary from other parts of Italy and Europe ; and haue been drawne to take vp here either by preferments or business . The Nobility it self is for the maior part forrain and sprung out of such families of Popes , Princes , and Cardinals as haue been forrain before their promotions and preferments . The true ancient and illustrious Roman families I found to be these few , Vrsini , Colonna , Sauelli , Frangepani and some few others . Hauing thus , as Painters do , taken Rome in all her postures , I confesse it happened to mee , as it did to Apelles takeing the picture of Compaspe ; that is , by looking so often and so attentiuely vpon Rome I began to be so farre in loue with it , as not onely to subscribe to Cassiodorus his opinion , who affirmes it to be akind of crime not to liue in Rome , when you can do it . Piaculi genus est absentem sibi Romam dintius facere , qui in ea constitutis possit laribus habitare ; but also to subscribe to our old Britain Kings , Cadwallader , Cedwalla , Coenred , offa , Ina and Burrhed , who thought Rome also to best place to dye in . For if those places be thought by all men , the best places to liue in , where a man may learne the most experimental knowledge , & how to menage great affairs ; where can a man learne more knowledge then in Rome ? where all languages are spoken , all sciences are taught , the ablest men of Europe meet , all the best records are found , all wits appeare as vpon their true theater , all forrain Embassadors render themselues , all Nuncios at their returne to Rome vnload themselues of the obseruations they haue made abroad ; and where euery stone almost is a booke ; euery statue a master ; euery inscription a lesson , euery Antichamber an Academy ? And againe , if those places be the best to dye in , where all comforts of the soul are best had ; what place can be better to dye in then Rome ? the very center and bosome it self of Catholick Communion ; and where there is so much Deuotion , and so much Vertue partised ; and where you haue this comfort also in you graue ; that you lye in a ground which hath been bathed in the blood of so many thousand martyrs . And thus much of Rome , in the describeing of which , if I haue been too Frolixe , remember that great Ladyes are long in dressing : if too short , remember that I onely relate what I saw there , not all that is to be seen there . Hauing thus seen Rome , I agreed with the Procaccio , to carry me to Naples . Others take with them a Vetturino , that lets them haue horses , and dyets them to ; I meane , defrayes a man for meat and drink and horst hire both going , and comeing , and your horse fiue dayes at Naples ( but not your dyet there ) and lets you haue his horses two dayes , to go see Vesuuius and Pozzolo ; and all this for fourteen , or fifteen corwnes a man. It s true , a man is ill lodged , and bad by treated in that iourney , but it doth a gentle man good to be acquainted with hardship . Parting then from Rome by the Gate of S. Iohn Lateran we passed through these places . Marino , a neat little towne belonging to Cardinal Colonna . It lookes like a painted towne . Veletri , famous for the birth of the ancesters of Augustus Caesar . Here 's a brazen Statue of Vrban the VIII , and a neat pallace and garden of Cardinal Ginetti . It s an Episcopal towne . The Tre Taberne where S. Paul was met , at his first comeing to Rome , by the Christians of Rome . Act. 28. v. ●5 . Peperno where Camilla the Amazon was borne . Fossa N●oua where S. Thomas of Aquin going to the Council of Lyons , fell sick and dyed . Taracina ( old Anxur ) the head towne of the Vols●ians , but now bare and bald ; showing nothing but some old ruines of the hauen which Antoninus Pius here adorned ; and of an old Temple . It s an Episcopal towne . Not farre from hence stood anciently the towne Amyclae , that Pythagorical , or Puritanical towne , which was ruined by Serpents , because none would kill them ; Pythagoras his doctrine forbiding men to to kill any liuing creature . An other time it was ruined by silence ; no man dareing to speak of the enemyes comeing ; too many false alarums haueing made the magistrats forbid vnder payne of death , that no man should speak any more of the enemyes comeing : so that when they came indeed , no man durst speak of it . Thus not onely Philosophy , but euen Silence it self and Obedience , two noble Vertues , are hurtfull to men , if they bee not accompanyed with discretion . From Taracina we went to Fundi to supper , hauing passed through a forest of baye trees , and through an open gate called Portello , which lets men into the kingdome of Naples . Fundi is so called because it s built in a low flat . It s ancient if you beleeue you eares , not your eyes . For it lookes yonger , then the other townes I had passed through before . The reason is , because this towne was burned some 130 yeares ago by Caradin Barbarozza , admiral of the Great Turk Solyman . It was this Caradin , who of á famous Pyrat , became King of Algiers , hauing perswaded those of Algiers to shake off the Spanish yoake . This Caradin being vpon the Mediterranean Sea , and hea●ing by his spyes , that Julia Gonsaga ( widdow of Vespasian Colonna , and the hansomest woman in the world ) liued here in Fundi , landed his men in the night , and sent them to catch her napping ; resolueing to make a fine present of her to his lewd master Solyman . But she leaping out of her bed , rid a way in her very linnen , escaped so narrowly , that had she stayd to put on any clothes , she had for euer , put off all liberty . The Pyrats missing of this fair Helena , fayled not to make a burning Troye of Fundi ; ransacking it and carryeing away the best of its inhabitants : such dangerous things are great beauties to weak townes . From Fundi we went to Mola , vpon the Via Appia , so called because Appius Claudius a noble Roman made it at his owne cost dureing his Consulat . This Cawsey is one of the greatest proofs of the Romans greatness and riches . For it was fiue dayes iourney long , begining at Rome , and reaching through the kingdome of Naples , to Brundusium . It was as broad as two carts might easily meet vpon it and passe : it was all of great black flint stones , each one as big as two men can carry , and layd so close together , that they haue held together these 1800 yeares , and Seeme , as Procopius sayth ingeniously , to be rather congeniti , then congesti , borne together , then layd together . The frequent passing of horses and mule● ( for so many yeares ) vpon this cawssey , haue made it both so smooth and shyneing , that when the Sunn shine● vpon it , you may see it glitter two miles of , like a syluer highway . Arriueing at Mola , called anciently Formiae , I went to see Ciceros Tombe which stands in a garden not farre off . And I the more willingly beleeue it to be his Tombe , because its certain , that Tully had a Villa in Formiis ( which was this place ) and thither he was going in his litter , when he was ouertaken by the executioners of the Triumuiri and beheaded . There are no words vpon his Tombe ; of which if you aske me the reason , I can onely tell you , that either words in prose could not speak , their Tully being dead ; or verses would not , out of enuy , prayse him , who had made prose so famous . Hauing seen this , some of our Company and I , tooke a boate and four lusty watermen , to row vs to Caëta and back againe , while the rest stayed at Mola to prouide dinner . Arriueing in little more then half an houre at Caëta , we went vp to the Castle , where we saw the skelleton of Charles Bourbon , once Constable of France , but afterwards takeing against his owne King vpon a disgust , he serued the Emperor Charles the V , and was made one of his Generals , and Gouernour of Millan . Where haueing borrowed mony of the Milanesi , and hauing layd a deep curse vpon Himself ( wishing the might dye in the first enterprise he vnder tooke ) if he payd not back the monye by such a time , he fayled in his word , but his curse did not . For his next enterprise was to go sack Rome : and there his curse met him as he scaled the walls ; & being shot with a musket bullet he was forced to pay his debt to nature . His body was carryed to Caëta , where it stands with its clothes , bootes and spurrs on , in a long boxe streight vp , with this Spanish Epitaph ouer his head . Francia mi dio la lecche , Fspagna los y Ventura , Roma mi dio la muerte , Gaëta la Sepoltura . France gaue me milk , Spayne great employments gaue , Rome gaue me death , and here Gaët a graue . This Castle standing vpon a Promontory ouer looketh the towne , and thirty miles of Sea. In the end of the towne , towards land side ( for this towne is a pure Peninsula ) I saw the Clouen Rock , which Tradition here holds to haue been thus clouen at our Sauiours death : The long stairs going downe between the two mountains in the very open gash , and rendering you to a neat chappel below , strike you all the way long with a sacred reuerence , and are able almost to rend also a stony heart in two , with the thought of our Sauiours passion . Vpon the top of all this Promontory there is an ancient monument of Manutius Plancus an old Roman , with a great deale of old Latin vpon it ; but my rideing boots put me out of all reading humour , and I was very willing to let Plancus lye quietly in his monument aboue , so I could but recouer againe our boate & there sit still . Of this towne was the famous Cardinal Caëtanus , of S. Thomas Aquinas his name , order , and almost learning . This towne was built by Aeneas in honour of his Nurse Caëta who dyed here . Returning againe to Mola we went after dinner to see Ciceros Grotte , and so away . We had not ridden three houre● but we came to the Ferry of Carigliano , neare to which J saw the fair rests of an old amphitheater standing alone in the fields , with the rests also of an Aqueduct . I wondered at first to see an Amphitheater standing alone , and farre from any great towne : but vpon enquiry , I found that here had stood once a noble towne called Minturna , but now so ruined , that not one stone of it appeareth . Indeed we are often at this fault in Italy , and looke for townes in corne fields . Luna , Populonia , Cuma , Baiae , and Minturna cheat thus our expectations , and leaue vs no monument of themselues , but a poore Fuit Jlium : which though it be Trauelers losse ▪ yet its mans comfort , that townes to dye as well as hee : Hence Rutilius : Non indignemur mortalia corpora solui ; Carnimus exemplis oppida posse mori . Hauing passed ouer the riuer in a Ferry boat , we entred vpon the medows , in whose fennes called ( the Fens of Minturna ) Caius Marius lay hid a while , and there with his sterne lookes and manly voyce , saying , Darest thou kill Caius Marius ? so terrifyed the slaue that was sent thither to kill him , that he let him escape to his ship , and so into Africk . He may speak big that speaks for his life ; and any lookes become a man , when he lookes to himself well in dangers . While we rod along these medows we saw before vs the mountain of Garo , anciently called Mons Massicus , famous for excellent wines ; as well as the country there about , which was called Ager Falernus , so famed by Poets for its Vinum Falernum . Passing thus along we came at night to S. Agathas , and the next morneing betimes we enterd into Campania Foelix , so surnamed because of its admirable ayre , wonderfull plenty of corne and wine , and pleasants prospects on all sides , which makes an Ancient call it , C●rtamen Cereris & Bacchi , the Strife of Ceres and Bacchus . It was this country which with its delights , broke Hannibals army ; which neither snow could coole , nor Alpes stop , nor Romans Vanquish , sayth Seneca . Indeed the pleasantness of this country made vs a full mends for all the ill way we had had before : nature hauing set that scuruie way there a purpose , that men might like her Fauorite Campania the better after it . I call this country Natures Fauorite , in imitation of Pliny , who calls it , Opus gaudentis naturae , that is , a country made by nature when she was in a good humour . It s a Heathen that speaks , and you must pardon him . We intended that day to haue gone to Capua to dinner , but when we came thither , we did not finde it at home . For this towne now called Capua is two miles distant from the place where old Capua stood . Indeed the old Capua was a towne of importance : for it was either the second , or third in the world ; and stood in competition , as Carthage did , with Rome : Nay , it demanded of Rome to be vsed like a Sister , not like a Subiect ; and stood high vpon it , that one of the annuall Consuls should alwayes reside here . But that Capua is vanished with its vanity ; and this Capua hath no reason to be so proud , being famous for nothing but that action of many noble women here , who to auoyd the insolencies of the French soldiers ( receiued into the towne friendly ) leapt into the riuer Vulturno to saue their Virginity & honour , from their lewdness : an action rather wonderfull , then warrantable . There is a Castle here of pretty strength , a good riuer , and an Archbishops Seat. From Capua we passed through Auersa , a sweat Seat of a towne , and once great , till Charles the I , King of Naples , almost ruined it . It s a Bishops Seat still . Here it was that Queen Ioanne of Naples strangled her husband Andreasso ; and was her self not long after , serued so too in the same place . Traueling some eight miles further we came to Naples before we could see it . This towne was anciently called Parthenop● from one of the Syrens . It s now called Neapolis , a new City ; because the inhabitants of Cumae hauing , out of iealousy , ruined Parthenope , were sore vexed with a plague , till they had built it vp againe better then before . This happened about the yeare of the world 1449. As for Naples , it s now the head of a great kingdome so called . This kingdome belongd once to the Emperor : but after that it had been ouerun by Sarazins , and freed by Pope Iohn the Tenth vnited with Alberic● Marquis of Toscany , it acknowledged the Church for its mistrésse , and the first man that was inuested by the Pope ( Innocent the Second , an . 1130 ) was Roger the Second , a Normand . Since that time , the French and the Spaniard haue strugled hugely for this kingdome : sometimes the one plucking it to him , then the other . But now it s vnder the Spaniard , who holds it of the Pope , and for it payeth euery yeare the purse of gold and the Gennet spoken of aboue . This kingdome is of great importance to Spayne . It makes his party too strong for France in Italy . It corresponds conueniently with Sicily , and Milan , and strengthens them both . In fine , it beareth vp notably the interest of spayne in the Court of Rome : and it squeizeth it self now and then , into huge summes , four millions of crownes , to send tribute into Spaynes coffers . For this kingdome is a thousand fiue hundred miles in compasse , four hundred and fifty wide . It hath in it twenty Archbishops Seats ; a hundred and twenty fiue Bishops Seats ; a thousand fiue hundred Bourgs ; two millions of soules : ten principalityes ; twenty three Dutchies ; thirty Marquisats ; fifty foure Countyes ; and about a Thousand Baronies , whereof four hundred are ancient . It can rayse a hundred and fifty thousand foot , and a hundred thousand horse . It s ordinary squadron of gallyes are but 20. As for the towne it self of Naples , if it be the third of Italy for greatness , it is the first for strength & neatness ; and therefore deseruedly surnamed , La Gentile , the Gentile . It hath Compania on one side of it , and the Mediterranean Sea on the other : so that its fed by Natures best duggs , Sea and Land. Its ayre was alwayes esteemed so pure , that the great men of Rome had either their Villas in Naples , or hard by . It s well built , well paued , well furnished with excellent prouisions , well filled with nobility , and the nobility well mounted . The chief street is strada di Toledo , paued with freestone , and flanckt with noble Pallaces and houses . We entered into some of them , and others we saw which had not recouered their embonpoint since they had been sick of Mazaniellos disease . Their very looks shewd vs that their sickness had been Conuultion-Fitts . The chief Pallaces are these : The stately Pallace of the Viceroy , that of Grauina , Caraffa , Vrsino , Sulmone , Toledo , &c. Most of the houses of Naples are made flat at top , to walk vpon : a most conuenient thing to breath vpon in the fresh Euenings , and easy to be imitated by other countryes . I saw here also the seueral publick places of Assemblyes of the nobility , according to their seueral rancks . These places are like open walking places , rayld about with high iron rayles , and painted within . Then the Molo running a quarter of a mile into the Sea , 〈…〉 and affording great refreshment to the townes men , who walk here in the euenings in sommer , where they are sure to coole their lungs with a sweet fresco . At the end of the Molo stands mounted the high Lanterne to direct ships home safe in the night ; and a fine fountain of fresh water . As for the Churches here they yeeld to none in Italy . The Domo is ancient , and therefore out of the mode a little : yet it hath a moderne Chappel , which is very beautifull : and is one of the finest in Europe , both for brazen statues & rich painting . The Cupola was painted by the rare hand of Domenichino . In this Chappel , is the tombe of S. Ianuarius Bishop of Beneuent , and now Patron of this towne ; whose blood being conserued in a little glasse and concrete , melts and growes liquid when it s placed neare to his Head , and euen bubles in the glasse . A French nobleman Count of la Val , was conuerted from Caluinisme to the Catholick Religion vpon sight of this wonder . On the left hand of this Chappel without , lyes buryed Pope Innocent the IV , who ordered first , that Cardinals should weare red hatts . The Verses vpon his Tomb● told me this . In the Sacristy are kept many pretious guifts of Princes , and diuers Relicks of Saints enchased in gold and syluer . The Annunciata is both neat and deuout : the Cupola and roof are well painted & guilt . The two Infants of Bethleem with their seueral wounds , one in the head , the other in the body , are showne here . The Hospital is ioyneing to it , and is of great reception . It maintaines two thousand sick and decrepid in it ; besides aboue 800 orphans & poore children . Neare the great Hospital stands S. Peters Church , and before it th● Altar , vpon which ( as the Inscription sayth ) S. Peter sayd masse at his first comeing to Naples . The Theatins Church called S. Pauls , is very neat : and if you saw it with its best hangings on , you would think it one of the neatest Churches in Italy . The roof is curiously painted and guilt . Here I saw the rich Tombe of Beato Caëtano a holy man of this Order ; and the Tabernacle of the High Altar , both ▪ very rich . In the Sacristy they ha●● as rich ornaments as in any Church of Italy . The Iesuits Church here is the best they haue in Italy , if it be not a little too wide for its length . In the Sacristy I saw the richest ornaments for the Altars , and the best syluer candlesticks , that I haue seen any where els . It s rich in painting , sculptures , & marble . The High Altar was not yet finished , but promiseth wonders . The Franciscans Church , called S. Maria Noua , is very trim with its neat Chappels , and Tombes , and guilt roof . Here I saw the Tombe of Lotrech , who commanded so long the French forces in this kingdome . His vertue in military affairs , was so great , that his very enemye● , admireing his worth , haue caused his body to be translated out of an obscure place , where it lay before , into this Church , and Tombe . I wonder they did not cause those words of Virgil to be put vpon it . Si Pergama dextr● defendi possent , etiam hâc defensa fuissent . The Church of the Dominicans is very hansome too , if you do not surprise it , and take it before it be dressed . I saw it once in its best attire , hung with a rare sute of embrodered hangings , which set it out with great aduantage . I saw also here the Crucifix , which spoke to S. Thomas of Aquin , the Doctor of this Order and Country , and sayd : Benè de me scripsisti Thoma . In the Sacristy of this Church are kept in seueral coffins ( some couered with white , some with black veluet ) the bodyes of seueral great persons , depositated here till their Tombes should be made : as of Alphonso the first , King of Naples and Arragon : of Queen Ioanne the vnfortunate : that of an Emperor of Constantinople : that of Durazzo : that of the Marquis of Vasti : with diuers others . The Church of the Oliuetan Fathers is stately : here lyes buryed Alexander ab Alexandro a great antiquary , whose ingenious booke Genialium dierum , giues light to many bookes by the vnshelling of a world of ancient customes of the Romans . In this Church also is the Tombe of braue Marchese di Piscara , surnamed the Thunderbolt of warre . The words vpon this Tombe are so ingenious , that ( though I professe not to set downe many Epitaphs in this my voyage ) I cannot but striue to carry them into other countyes . They are these . Quis iacet hoc gelido sub marmore ? Maximus ille Piscator , belli gloria , pacis hon●s . Nunquid & hic pisces cepit ? Non , Ergo quid ? Vrbes , Magnanimos Reges , oppida , regna , duces . Dic quibus haec cepit Piscator retibus ? Alto Consilio , intrepido corde , alacrique manu . Qui tantum rapuere ducem ? Duo Numina , Mars , Mors. Vt raperent quidnam compulit ? Jnuidia . Nil nocuere ipsi ; viuit nam Fama superstes , Quae Martem & Mortem vincit , & Inuidiam . The Church of S. Iohn Carbonare is considerable for it self , but much more for the stately Tombe in it , of King Robert. In the Church of the Nunnery which stands at the foot of the hill as you go vp to the Carthusians ; I saw a most curious Tabernacle vpon the Altar , of pretious polished stones . It s one of the richest I haue seen any where , but that of Florence described aboue , Then we mounted vp that windeing hill , to the Carthusians Church and Monastery called S. Martins . It s the most sumptuous thing in all Europe for a Monastery , whether you regard its situation , or its fabrick . It s situated vpon a high hil , lvnder the wing of the Castle S. Elmo ; to put Castles in mind , that they ought to defend and protect Religion . The whole quandrangle , or cloyster , of this Monastery , is of pure polished white marble , paued with marble squars , and adorned round with a baluster , and white marble pillars . Then entring into an open gallery we had as fine a prospect as Europe can afford , not excepting that of Greenwich , thought by Barclay , the best prospect in Europe . For here I saw all Naples vnder me , with the perfect sight of the two other Castles , with the hauen , the Molo , the Arsenal , the Ships , the country round about Naples , Mount Vesuuius , Pausilipus , the Ships at Sea , the Promontoryes of Misenum and Minerua , the I le of Caprea , with a world of other delightfull sights . Then I was led into the apartment of the Padre Visitatore , where I saw most neat roomes , and some good pictures . Then going to the Church I found it to exceed the cloyster , which before I thought to haue exceeded all other things . It s all of marble , guilding , and painting . The pauement is all of curious red and white marble squars , as is also the Sacristy . The Chappels and pictures match the roof , and the pillars , with their particular graces . The Sacristy is absolutely the richest I euer saw . The great cupbords are of such a rare mosaick woodworke inlayd into pictures , that it disputes hard with the Quire of the Dominicans in Bologna . Here they shewed me a great Crucifix of syluer , which had been fifteen yeares in makeing . The Remonstrance to expose the B. Sacrament in , is made like a sunn , whose beames are mingled with syluer and coral . The great Candlesticks of massiue syluer , and the great flower pots , are curiously wrought . Then I went to see the three Castles ; That of S. Elmo , which is hard by the Carthusians , was built by Charles the V. It stands well vpon its owne gard by reason of its high situation : but I doubt whether it can offend any enemy , except Naples it self which is vnder it . The Castle Vouo , was built by William the third of Normandy , vpon a rock in the Sea ; and from its oual forme , it s called Castel Vouo . There is a digue leading vnto it from the Land. The Castle Nuouo , was built by Charles of Anjou , designed King of Naples . It stands neare the Molo , and leuel with the towne and Sea , as if it could defend and offend both . These there Castles are garded by natural Spaniards ; and well furnished with great Cannons , by whose language ( which is vltima Ratio R●gum , Kings last arguments ) the Neapolitans are either catechized into duty , or threatened into obedience . Indeed such a people and towne , are not easily bridled : such a wanton Courser as Naples , is not to bee ridden with snaffles , it hath often plunged vnder the King of Spayne , but could neuer fling him quite out of the saddle , merce a gli tre Castelli . Then I went to see the markets here , and foūd them most admirable , especially those of fruit , which Campania sends hither : and where but the taxes taken off , or reasonably moderated , Naples would be the cheapest and richest place in the world . But the Kings officers if they suck in Milan , and Fleece in Sicily , they Flea in Naples : which vsage droue the people some yeares past , into such a desperate humour , that they tooke vp armes vnder the cōmād of Mazaniello : his true name was Thomas Angelus Maia , a poore fisherman without stokings or shooes , who for ten dayes together , swaggered here so powerfully in the head of two hundred thousand mutinous people , that when he commanded them to burne a house , they did it : when he commanded them to cast into the fire all the goods , papers , plate , beds , hangings &c. of the Gabelliers , they did it without reserueing the least pretious peece to themselues : when he commanded them to cry out : Downe with the Gabells , they did it : when he put his finger to his mouth , they were all silent againe ; as if this poore fisherman had been the soul that animated that great body of people . It was prodigious indeed that such a poore yong man ( not past 23 ) in wastcoat and drawers , and his fishers cap on , should finde such obedience , from such rich and witty citizens . But as tumultuous people make armes of euery thing their fury meets with , so they make Captains of euery man that will but head them ; and as the Prouerbe goes , In seditione vel Androclides belli ducem agit . They shewed me the house of this fisherman : but the other houses shewd me his fury . Thousands haue not yet recouered those ten dayes tumults . Thus we see , that when men are ripe for rebellion , Cromwells and Mazaniells are cryed vp for great men : or rather when God hath a mind to punish , flyes and gnats are powerfull things euen against Princes . Here are two Academies of w●ts the one called the Ardenti , to show their ardour in studyeing : the other the Otiosi , wisely instituted as an allay to the others heat . Some of the famous men for learning of this towne were , old Statius , rare Sannazarius , Alexander ab Alexandro , and Iohn Baptist Marini : three excellent Poëts , and one Antiquary . Naples hath furnished the Church with 18 Popes . Hauing thus seen the towne it self of Naples , I was most willing to see the wonders of nature which are neare vnto it . Horseing therefore betimes one morneing , we went with a guide to see Vesuuius the burning mountain , some seauen miles distant from Naples . Our honest guide had studyed the history of this hill , and could tell , how often it had broken forth into flames since the beginning of the world , that is , twenty times . Xiphilinus the Epitomist of Dio , relates at length one that happened vnder the Emperor Titus . But the last which happened in the yeare 1631 , he rememberd very well , and related it to me as we went along , with a sad preface , of Infandum Peregrine iubes renouare dolorem , because he could also say ; Et quorum pars magna fui , haueing been an Actor in that disorder . For he was sonn to a rich husbandman here , and with much a do , Aeneas like , he had rescued his old Father from the ashes of Vesuuius , which ouerwhelmed and buryed whole Villages . Here sayd hee , pointing to the place , stood a great vineyard one of the best of the Country ; but now three fathom deep in ashes . Here stood a Village full of rich husbandmen and goodly houses ; but now ruined by the stones shot at it from Vesuuius . Here stood once a pleasant Villa beautifyed with curious walks , orange trees , fountains , and arbors , but I am cinis est vbi Villa fuit . In a word , aboue two thousand people were burnt , lamed , or stifled in this eruption . Then he showed me the vast stones which ouerchargeing the stomach of Vesuuius , he had vomited vp , with such a boaking , that Naples thought the day of Iudgement had been at hand . Then he shewed me a channel , where a Riuer of fiery green matter mingled with brimstone , allum , iron water , and saltpeeter , had run from that spewing hill . The manner of this breaking out was thus . The hill began first to smoke more vehemently then before . Then it flamed and cast out a cloud of ashes , which , had the wind stood toward the Citie , had couered all Naples , and buryed it in those ashes . Then it began to roare as if Madame Nature her self had been in labour . Thunder was but pistolcrack to this noyse : and the mouth of a Cannon a full mile wide , must needs giue a great report . It bellowed and thundered againe : Naples trembled : the ground swelled : The Sea it self shiuered for feare ; when the hill tearing its entrals with huge violence , was brought to bed of a world of vast stones , and a fludd of Sulphurious matter which ran from the top of the mountain into the Sea for the space of three miles . All this he tould me , and this he shewed me afterward , in a publick inscription vpon a fair marble stone erected hard by . And all this made me but the more desirous of seeing this mountain . Wherefore spurring on , we came soone after , to the foot of the hill ; where leauing our horses , we began to crawle vp that step hill for a good mile together , to the midlegg in ashes . At last , with much a doe , we got to the top of the hill ; and peeping fearfully ( remembring Plinyes accident ) into the great hellow from the brinck of it , found it to be like a Vast Kettle , farre greater then those Hell Kettles near Deslington in the Bishoprick of Durham , made by earthquakes . For the orifice of this Kettle is a mile or two wide , and very nigh as deep . In the bottom of it is a new little hill riseing out of the hollow of the old , and fumeing perpetually with a thick smoke , as if it also would play tricks too in its turne . Hauing gazed a while at this Chimney of Hell ( for Tertullian calls Aetna and Vesuuius , Fumariola inferni ) we came faster downe then we went vp . Hee that is not content with this my short description of the burning of this Hill , let him read Iulius Caesar Recupitus , who hath made a little booke alone of it , called , De Vesuniano incendio Nuntius . Hauing recouered our horses againe , we came back to Naples ; and the next morning takeing a new guide , we went to see the wonders of Nature about Baiae and Puzzu●lo . Horseing then againe betimes in the morneing , we passed by the Castle Vouo , and soone after to Margelino , to see the Tombe of Sannazarîus the Poët , who lyes buryed in the Church of Santa Maria del Parto , which was once Sannazarius his owne house , which dyeing he left to be made a Church of , vnder that title : so that in his Testament he wrote de Virginis partu , as well as in his booke : and he might as well haue written vpon the Frontispice of this Church , as vpon the Frontispice of his Booke , opera Sannazarij de Virginis par●u . His Tombe here is adorned with marble figures and with this ingenious Epitaph made of him by Cardinal Bembo . Da sacro cineri flores . Hic ille Maroni Sincerus Musâ proximus , vt tumulo . His name was Iacobus Sannazarius , but he changed his name for that of Sincerus , at the request of Pontanus , who also changed his name too , and caused himself to be called Iouianus , as Iouius in Elogiis virorum Doctorum sayth . Not farr of this place , nor farr from the entrance of the Grotte of Pausilipus , in the Gardens of S. Seuerino , stands Virgils tombe , couered almost ouer with Laurel , or Ba●-trees : as yf that Poëts Laurel were growne into a Shadybower , to make a whole tombe of Laurel for the Prince of Poëts . From thence we returned againe into our way , and presently came to the entrance of the Grotte of Pausilipus . this Mountain lyeing at the very back of Naples , and rendering the passage to Naples extreamly inconuenient for carriages , it was thought fit to cut a cart way vnder ground , quite through the mountain : some say it was Lucullus , that caused it to be thus boared : others say , it was Cocceius Nerua . Certain it is , that it is ancient , seing Seneca makes mention of it . Entring into the Grotte of Paulisipus , we found it to be about forty foot high , and broad enough for two carts laden to meet with ease . They say here , that it is a full mile long ; but I thought it scarce so much . We rid some forty paces by the light of the wide entrance ; but that Vanishing , we were left in the darke a good while , till we came to the halfway , where there hangs a burning Lamp before the picture of our Sauiour in the B. Virgins armes . The light of this Lamp was very gratefull vnto vs ; and I am confident , a Puritan himself , were he here , would be glad to see this Lampe and Picture , and loue them better for it euer after . All the way of this Grotta is very euen and Leuel , but hugely dusty ; as a roome must be , that hath not been sweept these sixteen hundred yeares . The people of the country meeting here in the darke , know how to auoyd one another , by going from Naples on the right hand ; and returning on the left ; that is , by keeping on the moutain side going , and returning on the Sea side : and this they expresse by cryeing out often ; A la Montagna , or , a la Marina ; To the mountain side , or to the Sea side , to giue notice whether they come , or go . Our guide vnderstood the word , and he giuing it vnto mee , and I to my next man , it rann through our whole Brigade , which consisted of a dozen horsemen in all . Almost all the way we rid in it , we shut our eyes , haueing little vse of them ; and our mouths and noses too , for feare of being choked with the dust : so that our exteriour senses being thus shut vp , our interiour begā to worke more freely , and to think of this odd place . My thoughts , comeing newly from Sannazarius and Virgils tombes , fell presently vpon Poetry ( for all this country is a Poetical country ) and I began to think whether this were not Polyphemus his den , because Homer makes it to haue been neare the Seaside , as this is ; and capable of holding great heards of sheep as this also is . Sometimes I thought that it might haue been here , that Iupiter was hidden from his deuouring Father Saturne , who came into Italy for certain ; as also because Sophocles makes mention of Iupiter Pausilipus . But at last I concluded that this was the place where the merry Gods and Goddesses , after their iouial suppers , playd at hide and seek , without being hood-winckt . By this time we began to see the othe● end of the Grotte a farre off , by a little light which grew greater and greater till at last we came to the yssue of it . Being got out of this Cymmeran rode , we began to open our eyes againe to see if we could find one an other ; and our mouths too to discourse vpon this exotick place . Thus we rid discourseing vpon this wonder , till we came to the Grotta del Cane a new wonder . Arriueing there we presently had a dog ready ( though for the most part the doggs here runn whineing away when they see a troupe of strangers arriue ) and saw the experiment of that famous Grotta , which being but three yards within the side of the hill , may be seen without entring into it . The experiment is this . A man takes a dog aliue , and holding downe his head with a woodden forke to the ground , the dog begins first to cry , and then to turne vp the white of the eyes , as if he would dye . Then letting him hold vp his head againe , he recouers . And haueing thus , twice , or thrice , shewed vs the experience of this infectious place , he putts downe the dogs head againe , and holds it downe so long , till the dog seems to be dead indeed . Then takeing him by the stiff leg , and running with him to the Lake Agnano , some forty paces off , the throws him into the shallow water of this Lake , and presently he begins to recouer , and to wade out . They would make vs beleeue , that as it is the nature of this Grotta to kill : so it is the nature of this Lake to reuiue dead things againe . But if the dog were dead indeed , all the water of Agnano , though it were Aqua Vitae , would not recouer him : he is onely astonied with the infectious vapor which breatheth out of this Sulphurious ground below . The pestilent nature of this Grotte was shewd vs plainly by a lighted torch , which as long as it was held high from the ground , burnt clearly : but as it was approached by little & little , neare to the ground , it grew dimmer and dimmer , till at last it burnt blew , and being held close to the ground , it went quite out . Then we were showne hard by , the stones of S. Gennaro , which by a natural sulphurious vapour yssueing strongly from low causes , put a man presently into a sweat , and are excellent remedyes for the Neapolitan disease , called by some authors , Campanus Morbus : Nature , an indulgent mother , thinking her self bound to afford a remedy to the discorders which she her self hath enclined the Neapolitans vnto . Then fetching about the hills by a norrow vnfrequented way , we came to the Conuent of Capucins standing there where S. Ianuarius was beheaded . In a little Chappel on the right hand as you enter into the Church , they shewd vs the stone vpon which he was beheaded ; the blood is still vpon it . From hence we descended downe into the Sulphatara , where the burning Sulphur smokes out perpetually from vnder ground . This Sulphatara is a kind of pit enuironed on all sides with banks , and it is about 1500 foot long and 1000 broad . We rid downe into it on horseback , and it sounded hollow vnder our horses feet , as if we had been rideing ouer a woodden bridge . There are diuers spiracula , or Vents round about it , out of which the thick smoke presseth furiously , as out of a fornace ; and makes Poets and Potters finde matter enough ; those for their Fables calling it , Forum Vulcani : These for their Medicinal pots , which they make of this brinstony earth . Neare to Sulphatara stands a round poole of black thick water , which alwayes boyleth ; and what soeuer you throw into it , it comes out boyled indeed , but not entire ; something or other of it being alwayes diminished , sayth Leandro Alberti . One putting in four eggs in a long ladle , pulled out but three againe : I wonder Poets faigned not this Lake , to be that part of hell alotted to punish vsurers , seing it takes vse for euery thing that 's put into it . Descending from Sulphatara to Puzzolo , we wondered to see the very high way smoke vnder our horses feet , when yet we found not them so fiery vnder vs : but I found the smoke to come out of little chinks of the dryed ground : which shewd vs that the whole country was on fire vnder vs. Before we came to the towne , we saw the remnants of a faire Amphitheater , and Ciceros Academy . Immediatly after this we came to Puzzuolo , so called , either from the multitude of springs about it ; or els a putore , from the smell which this brinstony country affords . The towne is but little , yet anciently a Bishops Seat. Takeing boat here presently , we passed ouer the creek of the Sea to Baiae , which is three miles from hence ; and as we rowd along , I admired the wild designe of Caligula who built a bridge from Puzzuolo to Baiae : some of the Arches yet standing on both sides , show vs that his folly was real : and I beleeue Suetonius meant this worke , when he taxeth the insanas substructiones , the mad buildings of this Emperour . That which contributed much to the bold attempt ; was the nature of the sand of this country , which made into morter and let downe into the water , grows hard and solid , euen to petrify there at last . Puteolanus puluis , si aquam attigit , saxum est . Reaching the other side of the bay , and leauing our boate to attend vs , we rambled for an hour and a half among the Antiquityes of this ruined Paradise of Baiae : for you know , Nullus in orbe locus Baiis praeluxit amaenis . First we were led to the Mercato di Sabato , looking still like a street with ruines of houses on both sides . Thence we went to the Elisian Fields , which are much beholding to Poets for their fame : otherwise they are but a very common plot of ground without any gracefulness at all , except onely that if Baiae were a towne still , a man might make a fine Bowling ground here . But Poets who haue power and Licence to ●rect Ithacum into a kingdome , haue out-poëted it here , by erecting this little spot of ground into a Paradise . Thence we came presently to the Piscina Mirabili , a vast building vnder ground , borne vp by forty or fifty great squar pillars , lōg 150 paces , 40 wide , & 30 high . We descened into it by many steps , & it s so well walled with stone and lime on all sides , that water cannot sink through . and all this was onely to keep fresh water in , either for the Roman Gallyes that vsed to lye hereabouts in these harbours ; or els for the Romans gusto ; who hauing their curious Villas here abouts , had no mind to drink of the springs of this bituminous country . At the top of this Piscina Mirabili , I espied some spoutes of stone yet remayning , by which they vsed to let the water from aboue into this Vast Reseruer . Returning againe , we were showne the Promontory of Misenum a farre off ; and the Mare Mortuum hard by . Then we went into the Cento Camerelle , so called from a hundred little roomes that were built together like chambers within one an other , to keep slaues in , who serued the Gallyes . Going againe towards our boate , we were showne the place where Agripina should haue been drowned by a false bottomed boate : but that fayling , her sonn Nero caused her to be stabed here . Indeed breasts that had turned their blood into milk to giue suck to such a monster , could expect nothing else but to be emptyed of all their blood ; but she was designed to this ill vsage long before . For being foretold , when she was with child of Nero , that she had in her wombe a son who should be Emperor , but withall , who should kill her , she cryed out : Occidat modò imperet : Let him kill me , so he bee but Emperor ; and she had her wish . It s sayd also that this Parricide ( for , Nero nunquam sine publici paricidii praefatione nominandus est , sayth Valerius Maximus ) after his mother was killed , would needs haue her ript vp , that he might see where he had lodged nine months together : and I beleeue that nothing hastened more the conspiracy of the Romans against him , then rhat they could now no longer endure him , who could not endure his owne mother . Hard by the Shoare stands yet the Tombe of that vnfortunate Princesse . Then taking boate againe we rowed by the ruines of Marius , and Caesars Villas , and diuers others scrapps of antiquity , and all along in the water ( in a cleare day ) you may see the foundations of Baiae , and some Arches , and the pauement of the very streets ; all now in the Sea. Omnia fert aetas ; and Tim● , which in all other places , is called Edax rerum , may here be called Bibax rerum , haueing sipped vp here a whole towne . Rowing on still by the Shoare , we came to the foot of Neros Pallace neere to the ruines of which , stands mounted a strong Castle , built a la moderna , vpon a high Hill. Leauing here our boate againe , we were wished to put our hands into the sand of the very sea , which we found to burne vnder the cold water . Then we went hard by to Ciceros bathes , a great squar place , where anciently were written ouer head in old letters , the names of the diseases which these waters cured : which letters some Physitians caused to be defaced , pretending that they where superstitious characters ; when indeed they where vnwilling men should be cured by anything , but the strange characters in their recipes . Neare these foresayd Bathes , are those of Tritola , where we were led into the long Grotte , and presently put into a sweat by a stifling heat which mett vs violently in that long entry . I followed my guide , and findeing the steme to be choking , I stouped downe low behinde the guide , to let him break the hot ayre before me . As I thus stooped , I found out by experience , what others finde by hearesay , that the nearer the ground a man stoops here , the cooler he findes himself . Thus , Antëus like , fetching now and then succour from my mother earth , I found humility to be a safe remedy . In the middle of this long narrow Entry there 's a place , for those that stand in need of sweating , to stand on , stradling wide , and so sweat abundantly . They told me that at the end of this Grotta , there are bathes of souerain Vertue ; but I being well without them , had no minde to be choked in seeking out health . Returning from hence we had a huge walke of it to the Lacus Auernus , made by the Riuer Acheron , idest , sine gaudio : a fit name for the riuer of Hell. This Lake is famous for its stincking ayre , which was obserued to kill birds as they flew ouer here . On the further side of it , was the Temple of Apollo . Leauing this Lake on our right hand , we made towards the Grotte of Sibylla Cumaea , so called from the City Cumae , which stood not farre off ▪ this long Grotta was once a subterranean passage to the City of Cumae , ( as that of Pausilipus is yet to Naples ) and the Sibylles Grotte is that little darke Entry which stikes out of the long Grotta . This leads you to the Chamber of the sayd Sibylle and her bathes . It s a fine retireing place for a chaste mayd , that fears as well to see , as to be seen : Tam timet Videre , quam videri and such the Sybills were ; who for their Virginyties sake , had the guift of Prophecy giuen them , sayth S. Hierome . This Sibylla Cumaea prophecyed very particularly of our Sauiours birth , and for that reason Iulian the Apostata burnt her prophecyes , sayth Ammianus Marcellinus , a Heathen Historian of those times . As we returned againe from hence to our boat , we gazed vpon a great Mountain called Monte Nuouo , because it was cast vp in one night ( on Michelmasse night anno 1536 ) by an earthquake , which the Philosophers call Brasmarichus , that is , when the earth is throwne vp , and mountains are formed . Some hold this mountain to be three miles high but I think it enough to giue it a full mile . It couered ( at its riseing vp ) a great part of the old Lacus Lucrinus which was quite sucked vp by this great sop . Then takeing our boat againe we returned to Puzzuolo , and at night to Naples ; where we stayd but one day more , as well to rest our horses , as to see the silk shops , where they make curious silk wastcoats , stokings , scarfs &c. He that desires to know the History of Naples , let him read the booke called , Il Compëndio dell ' Historia di Napoli , di Collenuccio . Hauing thus seen Naples , we returned againe towards Rome the same way we came , without any danger of Banditi , but not with out some trouble caused vs by the officers of the Gabella at Fundi , who met vs a quarter of a mile out of the towne , and stopt vs vpon the rode to search vs , and see whether we had any thing lyable to the Gabella ; or more money of the country then the Law allows men to carry out . For my part , I had taken care of all this a forehand , and had nothing lyable to the greatest rigour . But some of our company that did not beleeue the rigour to be so great , found it . For to some they pulled of their bootes , searched their pockets , breeches , doublets ; nay , euen their saddles , horses tayles , and the very horses feet . From one gentlman they tooke four pistols of gold , because he carryed so much more then was allowed : though with much adoe we got the gentleman his money againe ; I haue knowe diuers that haue not escaped so well , hauing been stript in the open fields euen to their shirts &c. their watches taken from them , though they had brought them with them to Naples , and not bought them there . This is to learne my traueler to be inquisitiue in all his iourneys , of the Laws of the country where he traueleth , especially such obuious ones as concerne publick passages , bridges , ferryes , bearing of armes , and the like ; the knowledge of which customes will make thim auoyd many inconueniences , which I haue knowne others fall into . In an other voyage to Naples , in our returne to Rome we made little excursions , to take in some places about Rome , which we had not seen before , as Albano , Castel Gandulfo , Frescati , and Tiuoli , which lay almost in our way . Riseing therefore betimes at Veletri , we crossed ouer the hills , and came to Albano , ( anciently called Longa Alba ) and now one of the seauen Bishops Seats , about Rome which are giuen to the Eldest Bishop Cardinals , that they may be at hand alwayes , and ready to assist the Pope in his affairs of importance . The others are Porto , Ostia , Frescati , Tiuoli , Preneste , Veletri . In Albano , I saw nothing of moment , but an old Church , and some old houses : yet seing it stands in so good an ayre , I wonder the great men of Rome haue not built houses here , where the wine is so exquisitly good . Indeed this wine makes this towne bee much taken notice of by all strangers , as being the best wine that 's constantly drunck in Rome . Hard by Albano stands Castel Gandulfo , the Popes country house in sommer . It stands very pleasantly haueing on one side of it a Lake and woods , and on the other the Campania of Rome and the Citie it self in view . I stept into this Castel , but found nothing but bare walls , it beeing then vnfurnished . From hence We went to Frescati called anciently Tusculum . This is absolutly one of the sweetest places in Europe . The towne is but little ; but round about it , especially on the hill side , there are so many curious Villas , Pallaces , Gardens , Fountains , Shady walkes , and Sommer delights , that I wonder not if Princes , Cardinals , and other great persons retire hither in sommer . In a word , here Cato was borne , here Lucullus delighted himself , and Cicero studyed and wrote his Tusculans Questions . The first place we went to see here , was the Villa Aldobrandina . This Villa is also called , the Beluedere of Frescati , because it stands so pleasantly ; haueing the Campania of Rome , and Rome it self in sight on one side ; and on the other , the hill side all couered with Laurel trees , curious fountains , cascatas , and other delightsome water works , which afford here a coole season euen in the months of Iuly and August . The variety of these water works are so many and so curious , that I cannot but describe them . First then , the rare Cascata presents it self : and it s made thus . At the turning of a vast Cock , the water ( which is brought throught a great Hill , from a source fiue miles off ) spouts out of the top of two high windeing pillars of stone , which stand mounted vpon the head of a high pair of open stairs , and then falling downe vpon the same pillars againe , it follows the winding bent of them cut into channels and little gutters , and so warbles about these pillars visibly till it arriue at the foot of them . There findeing yssue , it falls vpon the foresayd stairs , and couers them all with a thin glideing streme , which mikes an open staircase of water . Besides , this water sets a number of little fountaeins on worke , which stand on either side of these stairs , and descends by degrees with them : so that in a moment the whole hill side is spowting out water , and filling the ayre with a sweet murmur . 2. Then the Gardener turneing an other cock aboue , giues at once , such store of winde and water to the great Girandola below the stairs in the Grotte of Atlas , that it imitateth perfectly Thunder , Hale , Rayne and Mist . 3. By this time , the great Statue of the Centaure with a hunters horne at his mouth , windeth it duely , and in perfect measure . 4. Pan also playes on his mouth-organ tuneably 5. Whilest the Lyon and the Leopard feighting together spit angerly in one anothers faces , though all passe in cold blood , because in cold water . 6. These waters also afford innumerable & inauoidable wetting places ; as the false stept in the stairs : the wetting place behinde Pan : the other wetting place behinde the Centaure ; and the little vnderground spowts on all sides . 7. Then the Hall of Apollo is opened , were he sitting vpon Mount Parnassus , and the nine Muses vnder him in a circle , with seueral winde instruments in their hands , strike vp all together melodiously ; whilest an vntouched organ vnderneath the hill , playes à soft ground to the Muses instruments . 8. During this melody , a little round hole in the midst of the roome bloweth out from below such a coole and stiff winde , that it bears vp a little hollow ball of copper , a yard from the ground . Ouer the dore is this distick . Huc ego migraui Musis comitatus Apollo . Hic Delphi , hîc Helicon , hîc mihi Delos erit . Then being led to see this hydraulick organ , and to view what fingers arte had lent vnto water ; I found the Organ to be made thus . First , the Pipes are like other organ pipes of lead , and set in a close frame as the manner is , with stops and touches to them . Close to these stops the force of water turnes a wee le , made like a great drum , and as long as the organ . This wheele hath in it , here and there , diuers peeces of brasse , about the thickness of a half crowne peece , and iust as broad as the stops of the organ . These brasse peeces sticking out iust so farre , as to reach the stops , in their turning about , and to presse them downe as the organists fingers do , and being placed here , and there , in that musical distance , as to strike their note in tune as they turne about leisurely , they all together compose a perfect and sweet harmony ; the winde pipe of this roome ( mentioned euen now ) serueth sufficiently for bellowes to his organ , as well as to the wind ●nstruments of the Muse● : & all is caused by force of water . But as we were taken with these water works , which make this organ play in tune , we were suddenly ouertaken with another watter worke , which playing terribly vpon vs put vs quite out of tune : so seldome doth winde come without water . Hauing seen this garden and Pallace , we went to the Villa of Prince Ludouisio which is hard by . The house is but little , but the garden is both large and adorned with store of waterworks : so that if the gardener befriend you not , you cannot escape without being soundly we● . One thing I obserued in this Pallace here , that the curtains of the beds are so wrought with little holes by neadle worke , that the ayre may enter by them , but not the gnatts . From hence we went to the Villa of Prince Burghese called Montedragone , from the Dragon in his armes . It stands a mile and a half from the Beluedere , and the way to it is through curious walkes of laurel trees . The house is stately , and capable of lodging a King with his whole court . The Chambers are neat and fit for both seasons , winter and Sommer . I saw diuers good pictures in them . The last Supper is of Alberto Dureos hand , and hugely esteemed . The story of Polyphemus is of the hand of Lanfranco . But that which pleased me best , was the hall below , full of the true pictures of famous men , both for learning and armes . It s an excellent schoole where a man may learne much true skill in physiognomy , and see how Worthyes looked . This Hall lets you out into the little neat garden where you finde water works , wetting sports , and a pretty girandola . Hauing thus seen Frescati , we went to Tiuoli some fifteen miles off . This is an ancient towne , standing vpon a hill some fifteen miles distant from Rome , and in sight of it . It was anciently called Tybur , and held by the Romans for a delicious place . We saw here the old Temple and the house of Sibylla Tyburtina . Then we saw the Cascata , much admired here by those that neuer were in Swisserland , or at Terni . This here is made by the Riuer Anio , which falls suddenly downe a stony rock , and fomes for anger to see its bed growne too short for it . Indeed it makes such a murmuring complaint against nature to the stones below , that it almost deafs , like the Catadoups of Nilus , all its neighbors . Thence we went to the Villa of Cardinal D'Esté . It stands high and ouerlooks the Campania of Rome . But the gardens of this Villa , is that which is here most looked after . They lye vpon the side of a hill , and are placed in four , rowes of gardens , with four degrees in in the descent , all furnished with Cascatas , Grottas , and other admirable waterworks ▪ the water is let in hi●her from the Riuer Anio , which runns behind this Hill. For they haue tappt the very Hill , and bored the rock quite through to the riuer ; so that the gardener here by turning a great cook , can let in as much water as fills the Fountains , the Cascatas , the Grottas , the G●randola , and the other rare water-works . Hence is made the great Fountaine of Leda ; the stairs of water ; the long walke of two hūdred paces , set all along with little stone fountains and bassins , purling in your eares , and casting out little iets of water as you walk along them . And here you shall see as rare things for sight and deligth , as the world can afford in this kind . Here a perfect representation of old Rome in a perspectiue : where you see the Capitol , the Pantheon , the chief triumphal Arches , the Circos , Theaters , Obelisques , Mausoleas , & euen Tiber it self : here curious groues of trees making a green spring in the midst of winter : here coole grottas and fountains , makeing a cold winter in the midst of Sommer : Here false birds chirping vpon true trees , euery one according to his true nature ; and all of them chattering at once at the sight of a false owle appearing and houling in a tree . Here curious Grottas , especially the Grotte of Nature , adorned with Nymphs , shelles , statues , and vnauoydable wetting places , and organs playing without any man touching them : there a fearfull Girandola of the Dragons , thundering as if they would set heauen on fire with cold water , and pelt Iupiter from thence with hailes stones . But I wrong these things which are rather to be seen , then described : and my traueler will wrong himself much , if hee staye not here three or four dayes , to view munitamente these wonders of arte . Hauing seen these famous places , we returned to Rome againe ; where we saw its chief rarityes ouer , and ouer againe : for Romam juuat vsque videre & all men that haue seen Rome onely once desire to see it againe : Hence the Romans takeing leaue of a stranger departing from Rome , after his first Voyage , say iestingly to him , a Riuederci ; that is , Farewel till I see you againe ; knowing that euery man who hath seen Rome but once , will desire to returne againe . For my part , I confesse I was of this sentiment in my first iourney ; but now hauing seen it fiue seueral times , I tooke a long leaue of it , and began to think of returning homeward by the way of Loreto , and Venice . And that we might be sure to be at Venice at the great solemnity of the Ascension , we left Rome the first week after Easter . We set out of Rome by the Porta del Populo , all along the via Flaminia , which rearched as farre almost on this side of Rome , as the Via Appia did on the other ; that is from Rome to Rimini . It s called Flaminia , because the Consul Flaminius made it by his soldiers in time of peace , least they should grow idle , and haue their strength to seek when the warre should break out . The rest of the way from Rimini to Bologna , was paued by Aemilius Lepidus the Collegue of Flaminius , and from him called Via Aemilia . This Via Flaminia led vs first to Ponte Molo ( Pons Miluius ) a good mile distant from the Gates of Rome , where Constantin the Great ouercame Maxentius the Tyrant , and droue him and his men , into the riuer . Here it was , I saw Tiber first ; and I wōdered to finde it such a small riuer , which Poets with their hyperbolical inke had made swell into a riuer of the first rate . Following on the way , we passed by Castel Nuouo , Ciuita Castellana , Vtricol● , & so to Narni : so called from the riuer Nar. It was anciently called Nequinum ( wicked towne ) because of the inhabitants , who being pressed with hunger in a Siege resolued to kill one another rather then fall aliue into the hands of their enemyes . They began with their children , sisters , mothers , wifes ; and at last fell vpon one another ; leauing the enemyes nothing to triumph ouer but bare walls and asshes . This towne is an ancient Bishops Seat , and S. Iuuenalis ( whose body lyeth in a neat low Chappel in the Domo ) was the first Bishop of it . A little out of the towne are seen high Arches belonging anciently to an Aqueduct . From hence we went to Terni a Bishops Seat too . It was called anciently Interamna , because of a world of little brooks here . This towne stands in a most pleasant soyle , and is famous for being the birth place of Cornelius Tacitus the great Historian . Arriueing here betimes we went four miles off to see the fomous Cascata , in the Mountains , which farre excells that of Tiuoli . From Terni we went to Spoleto . This is a neat towne , which giueth denomination to the Dutchy of Spoleto . Anciently the country hereabout was called Vmbria , but in aftertimes it was called , the Dutchy of Spoleto , vpon this occasion . The Emperor Iustin hauing called Narses ( the Great General ) out of Italy , he sent Longinus with the power and title of Exarch , in his place . This Longinus setled himself in Rauenna , and gouerned the rest of Italy by his Captains and Officers called Duces , or Dukes . Hence Rome lost her Consuls , Narses and Basilius being the two last Consuls ) and was gouerned by a Duke too , as well as Spoleto . This towne hath been famous anciently for holding out against Hannibal , euen then , when he had newly ouercomne the Romans at the Lake Thrasimene heare Perugia ; in which Siege of Spoleto , happened that famous prodigy ( which I may call in a manner , a Metaphysical transmutation , rather then a metamorphosis ) mentioned by Leandro Alberti , who coats Liuy for it ; of a man in Spoleto changed into a woman in the time of the Siege . Surely it was some notable Coward whom Nature disauowing , degraded him of his breeches . Hence I remember that Plato sayth , abiectori armorum maximè conueniret , vt in mulierem ex Viro translatus , sic puniatur : a man that casts away his armes in a battle , ought to the punished , by being changed from a man into a woman . This towne of Spoleto giues the name to the pleasant Valley of Spoleto , which lyes neare it . It s aboue thirty miles in compasse , surrounded on all sides with Hills , and those Hills , are clad with many fine townes : people willingly dwelling here were the ayre and the earth , our chiefest nurces , are so purely good . From Spoleto we went to Foligni ( Fulignum in Latin ) famous for Confectioners . Not farre from hence stands Assisium famous for S. Francis , Founder of the Franciscan Order ; The Conuent here is stately , and much visited by deuout Pilgrims : And Montefalco famous for the miraculous Heart of B. Clara. From Poligni , climbeing vp the Apennins , we came to Tolentino , famous for the Tombe and Reliks of S. Nicolas Tolentinas ▪ of this towne was Philelphus a learned and noble Knight , who desirous of possessing the Greek Tongue in perfection , was not onely content to go into Greece in person , and there visit the ruines of Athens , and the tombes of the ancient Philosophers ; but brought thence with him a Grecian Lady , whom he had marryed at Constantinople , by whose dayly cōuersation he might learne the pure accent of the Greek tongue . And this he did in such perfection , that he triumphed ouer the Grecians themselues in their owne language . Witness that dispute which he had with Timotheus a Grecian , about the force and accent of a Greek word , where both of them growing hot , and betting at last their beards , which they both wore then long , Philelphus wone the others beard ; and caused it to be shaued off immediatly , and kept it in his family as a Trophey : though the poore Grecian , would haue redeemed it with a considerable Summe of Money . Indeed they deserued both to loose their beards , that could be so hot about such a hairs matter , as the accent of a word . The statue of this notable shauer , victorious Philelphus I saw here in the towne house . From Tolentino we went to Macerata a neat towne of la Marca ; and passing through Recanata , another hansome towne of the same country , we came betime to Loreto . Resoluing but to stay here one day , we put out all our time to vse presently , and spent that afternoone , and the next day , in viewing exactly this sacred place which is so much frequented by the deuout Pilgrims of all Christendome . This place at first was nothing but a plain highway , till the Chamber of our blessed Lady ( in which the Angel announced vnto her the mystery of the Incarnation of our Sauiour in her wombe ) was translated thither miraculously by the hands of Angels , about the yeare 1294 , when Infidels and Turks ouerspreading the Holy Land , would otherwise haue profaned that holy place , which euen from the Apostles time had been turned into a Chappel . For my part , though this be no article of faith , yet when I remember what was sayd in this Chamber by the Angel to our Lady , to wit , non est impossibile apud Deum omne Verbum , nothing is impossible to God , I easily beleeue that hee , who placed this great world it self in a place where there was nothing before , can easily place a house there where there was no house before ; and that hee who makes an Angel wheele the primum mobile , and the vast machins of the heauenly orbs , quite round in four and twenty houres , may easily make Angels translate this little chamber of our Lady from one part of the world to another . Now that it was so translated de facto , both ancient records , solid depositions , constant tradition , and the beleef of all , almost , the Catholick of Princes of Europe ( who haue sent rich presents hither ▪ do testify . Besides , I can say this , that the walls are of such a stone as is not vsed in any house in all the country round about : a great presumption , that this wall is exotick . Againe , the Holy House here hauing no foundation in the ground ( as we see plainely ) it is not credible that it was built here by men , who would haue giuen some little foundation at least to walls of that thicknesse , and to a house of that bigness , especially standing alone in the fields , as it did at first , and exposed to all weather . Add further , that the very old painting which is seen vpon part of the wall on the inside , sheweth the high antiquity of this house . In fine , the whole country would haue giuen the lye to this Tradition at First , or as soone as men had begun , to cry it vp for a house brought thither miraculously . Now , as for the Holy House it self , it stands in the midst of a great Church , which hath been built ouer it in Later times , for the better cōueniency of the peoples deuotion , and the Church seruice : and round about it more immediatly , there hath been built a decoration of white marble , which stands half a foot distant from the Holy House , that men may see it was not intended so much for a prop , as for a decoration to it , as also to keep is from the hands of deuout pilgrims who otherwise would haue made no scruple to haue bine nibling at the stones of the walls here , and so in time , haue much defaced the Holy House , with their Pious thefts . This decoration is set round with two rowes of statues of white marble cut by the rarest workmen of Italy in those times , to wit , Sansouino , Bandinelli , San Gallo , Monte Lupo , and others . The lower row of these statues expresseth the figures of the ancient Prophets : and the other row aboue expresseth the Statues of the Sybills , who prophecyed among the Gentils and Heathens of our Sauiours birth of a Virgin ; and his Passion ; as you may read at large in Lactantius . As for the matter and forme of this house ; I found it to be of a hard red stone , like brick , but farre harder and bigger then our brick : the forme somewhat square about the bigness of a reasonable lodgeing chamber . There 's but one window in it ; and anciently there was but one dore : but now there are three ; one at either side , and one behinde the Altar , for the Chaplains that haue care of the lights and lamps which are allwayes burning here . Towards the vpper end of the house , there is an Altar , where the Holy sacrifice of Masse is offered from four in the morneing vntil one in the afternoone . This Altar is of siluer , & was giuen by Cosmus II. Great Duke of Florence . Before it hangs a Lampe of gold as great as two men could carry . It was the guift and Vowe of the Senate of Venice in a plague time . On either side of the walls , are fastened two great Clandlestiks of pure gold , made like Cornucopias and neatly wrought : they were the guife of the great Dutchesse of Florence Magdalena d' Austria , as her armes vpon them told me . On the Gospel side of the Altar , there 's an old cupbord within the wall , in which are yet kept some little earthen dishes , which were brought hither with the house , and therefore tradition holds them to have been our Sauiours plate , and our Ladyes Vessels . now this cupbord is adorned with a dore of syluer giuen ( if I remember well ) by a Duke of Parma . In the end of the Holy House , there is a window , where it is imagined the Angel entered when he came Embassador to the Virgin Mary concerning the great business of the Incarnation of his Lord and Master . This window is now cheeked and enriched with syluer . Round about aboue hang syluer Lampes ; and on the sides of the walls there remains yet some very old painting wherewith this Chamber was painted when it was first consecrated in to a Chappel in the primitive times . In the very bottom of this Chamber , they shewed me , by a lighted candle , how that it hath no foundation in the ground ; but stands here iust as if it had been let downe from the ayre , and set vpon the plain ground . Close behinde the Altar runns quite crosse the Chappel , a great iron grate , through which you see the Statue of Cedar of our blessed Lady , with her son in her armes . It s sayd to haue been made by S. Luke , and was brought hither together with the Chappel , or Holy House . It stands vp high in the Very farther end of the Chappel . It s about four foot high , and adorned with a particular kind of Vayle hung before it , looking something like a womans garment . They call these Vayles here , Vesti , and there are of diuers colours and stuffs ; but all rich and glittering ; witness that which I saw in the Treasory , which was giuen by the Infanta Isabella of Flanders , which is valued at forty thousand crownes . It s set thick with six rowes of diamands downe before , to the number of three thousand ; and it s all wrought ouer with a kinde of embrodery of little pearle set thick euery where within the flowers with great round pearle , to the number , of twenty thousand pearles in all . Vpon the Heads of our Sauiour and our Lady in that Statue , are set two rich crownes ( close royal crownes ) of diamands , giuen by the Queen of France Anne d' Austriche . Before the brest of this Statue hangs a Royal Tosone , or Fleece , of rich Iewels , giuen by a Prince of Transylvania : a Collar of Rubies , pearls , and diamonds , and a rich crosse hanging at it , all giuen by Cardinal Sfondrati . Round about the Niche , in which this Statue stands , there goes a close row of pretious stones of seueral sorts and Lustures , but all great , both in bulk , in Value , and in number ; being seauenty one in all , and all together composeing a rich Iris of seueral colours . Between this Statue of our Lady and the Iron Grate , hang a row of Lampes , ( about twelue in all ) of pure gold , and all as big as a mans head ; one were of exceeds the rest in curious workemanship ; and it was the guift of Sigismond King of Polonia . All the rest of the Chappel , where those Lampes hang , is loaden with the rich Vowes and Presents of great Princes . These I yet remember : to wit , The image in syluer of the eldest Sonne of Ferdinand the III Emperor with a chain of diamands about it . An Angel of sylver holding out , and as it were , presenting to our Lady a child of gold in swathing bands vpon a syluer cusben . It was the guift of the foresayd Queen of France being brought to bed of the Dolphin , now Lewis the XIIII . The picture of this Prince of Condé in syluer kneeling , a vowe of his mother when he went first to warre . The Busto of S. Barbara in sylver , set with iewels ; the guift of an Archduke of Austria . An other Busto of S. Girione , set with Iewels also ; a guift of a Queen of Bohemia . The Statue of S. Ladislaus in syluer ; the guift of Ladislaus the IV. King of Polonia . A fine kneeling stoole , or pew , of syluer giuen by Cardinal Colonna , with a world of other syluer presents wherewith this place is filled . In fine I saw there the very chimney which was anciently in this chamber ; it s vnder the statue of our Lady and now adorned with syluer . Haueing seen the Holy House , or Chappel , we were led the next morneing into the Treasory , where many other rich presents are kept . This Treasory is a larg roome 40 paces long & about 15 wide , like a long Chappel vaulted and painted ouer head . On the left hand of this roome , stand great cupbords , which opening aboue , haue little nets of strong wyar before them , which let in eyes to behold , but keep of hands from touching the inestimable Treasor contained within them . Some of these presents were giuen by Popes , some by Kings , Queens , Princes , Cardinals , Generals , Ladyes , and noblemen of seueral Nations . In one cupbord they shewd vs a whole seruice for the Altar , that is , Crucifix , Candlestiks , Cruets , Basin & Bure , and the foot of the Chalice , all of Amber . In an other , such a whole seruice , of Agate . An other such a seruice all of lapis Lazuli , giuen by Count Oliuares . An other all of coral giuen by the Archduke Leopold . In an other , such a seruice in Crystal . In an other such a seruice of syluer with flower potts neatly wrought , giuen by Don Thadeo Barberino Prefect of Rome . In an other , a stately Crucifix of Ebeny adorned with many curious pictures in miniature , giuen by Pope Clement the VII●I . In an other , the Spred Eagle of diamands , the guift of mary Queen of Hungary . Two crownes of gold enriched with pearle : the guift of a Queen of Polognia . A crown of gold set with great Rubies of extraordinary size ; the guift of a Dutchesse of Neuers . In an other , the Crowne and Scepter of gold enamelled , giuen by Christina Queen of Swede at her first comeing into Italy . In an other the enamelled Pigeon with a rich iewel in its breast , the guift of the Prince Ludouisio . The heart enriched with Diamands , with a great Emeraud in the middle of it , of an excessiue bigness the guift of Henry III. of France at his returne out of Polognia . In an other , the rich enamelled three cornerd iewel , with the picture of the Blessed Virgin in the middle of it ; the present of two Bohemian Counts and a Gentleman , who being throwne out of a high window in Prague by the Calumnists , and recommending themselues to Gods protection and our Ladyes intercession , fell downe all three gently without the least hurt . Their names were Count Martinitz , Count Slauata , and a Gentleman that was Secretary to Count Slauata , who being throwne out the last , and falling vpon the Count his master , cryed him mercey for his rudeness in falling vpon him ; a great argument that they were little hurt , when they could compliment with one an other . There are now three pillars before that house in Prague , out of which these three men were throwne . In an other cupbord I saw seueral great chaines of gold , giuen by great men ; and some of these by great Generalls . In an other , A great Heart of gold , as big as both a mans hands , enameled with blew , and set on the outside of it with these words in pretty big Diamands , IESVS , MARIA , and within it are the pictures of the blessed Virgin on one side ; and of the Queen of England Henrietta Maria on the other ; the Heart opening it self into two leaues . In an other , a neat little heart also of gold enameled , and set with iewels ; the present of Madame Christina Dutchesse of Sauoye , and sister to the Foresayd Queen of England , with her owne and her sonns picture in it . In an other , the picture of our blessed Lady with her sonne IESVS in her armes , cut in a great pearle , and set in gold . In an other cupbord , I saw a picture of our B. Lady wrought curiously in Indian Feathers of seueral colours , and cut short as plush , which picture changeth colours as often as you change its situation , or your owne posture . In an other , a great custodia of crystal giuen by Christina of Toscany . In an other , a custodia of Lapis Lazuli . In an other a Diamand valued at twelue thousand crownes , the guift of the Prince d'Oria in Genua . An other of almost equal price giuen by a German Prince . In an other a curious booke of gold couered with Diamands with the leaues of gold , but rarely painted in miniature , the guift of a Duke of Bauaria . In an other , the Samaritan ▪ Well of gold , with the pictures of our Sauiour , and the Samaritan woman in gold also ; the present of Cardinal Brancaccio . In diuers other cupbords I saw a world of Iewels of all sortes , which confounded my memory as well as dazeled my eyes . In other great cupbords , they shewed me excellent Church ornaments of most rich stuffs embrodered with syluer and gold , but one there was ( to wit a whole compleat sute for the Altar , Priest , Deacon , and Subdeacon ) so thick couered with an embrodery of pearle , and those no little ones , that I could not preceiue the ground of the stuff for pearle : all these were the present of Catherine Zamoisky wife of the Chancelour of Polonia ; and they are valued at a hundred and thirty thousand crownes . I know not whether this sute of Church ornaments , or that described aboue in the Popes Sacristy , be the richer . On the other side of this roome , are great windowes , betwixt euery one of which , are set vpon long tables , diuers great townes so precisely expressed in syluer , with theit walls , ramparts , Churches , steeples , houses , streets , windmills , &c. that whosoeuer had once seen these townes , would easily know them againe in their pictures here : they were all Vowes and guifts , and all ingenious German worke , as well as German townes . This is all I can remember , though not halfe I saw in this Treasory : and hauing thanked the ciuil Priest that shewed vs this fine place , we went out againe into the great Church ; where I obserued vpon the great Pillars that make the Iles of this Church , the history of the Holy House engrauen in stone , or written in patchment in a fair text-hand , in twelue or thirthen seueral languages , for the vse of the Pilgrims who flock hither from all countryes . Going out of the Church I saw before the Church dore the statue in brasse of sixtus Quintus : and a stately Fountaine . From hence we went to see the Celler of the Holy House which furniseth with wine , not onely the Gouernors house , the Canons and the Church men , the Colledge of the Penetentiaries , the Convent of the Capucins , the Seminarists , the Hospital and all those that belong to the Church any way ; but also furnisheth all Pilgrims , yea euen all Princes , Cardinals , Bishops , Embassadors , and great-men of knowne quality , with wine as long as they stay here vpon devotion . For this reason there belong large revenues to this Church , and this Celler is absolutly the best I saw in Italy . The Vessels are hugely great , and not to be removed from hence . They have away to take out a peéce of their broad sides , and so make them cleane . They are all hooped with iron , and some of them are so contrived , that they can draw three seueral sortes of wine , out of one Vessel , and by the same tap . The experience is pretty , but the wine is better . Now whether these Vessels be too many , or the revenues of the Holy House too great , you may easily coniecture , when so many persons are fed dayly , as I mentioned aboue , and so many thousand pilgrims passe so frequently that way . Turselinus * writs , that between Easter and Whitsontide , there haue flocked thither ; sometimes fiue , sometimes Six hundred thousand communicants ; and in two dayes space in September ( about the Feast of the Nativity of our Lady ) there haue appeared two hundred thousand communicants , most of which were pilgrims . Hauing refreshed our selues in this Celler , we went to the Apothecaries shop ▪ belonging to the Holy House also , and furnishing physick to sick pilgrims for nothing . There we saw those famours pots which make euen physick it self looke sweetly , and draw all curious strangers to Visit them . For round about a great inner shop , stand pots of a great size painted by Raphael Vrbins owne hand , and therefore iudged by Virtuosi to be of great Value , Witnesse those four onely , on which are painted the four Euangelists for the which were offered by a French Embassador in his Kings name , four pots of gold of the same bigness , and were refused . Braue Raphael , whose onely touch of a finger could , Midas like , turne gally pots into gold . But as Phidias his statues of clay were as much adored anciently , as his golden ones : so Raphaels hand is as much admired in the Apothecarys shop of Loreto , as in the Vatican Pallace of Rome . These pots were giuen to the Holy House by a Duke of Vrbin whose subiect Raphael was , and fo● whom he had made them with more then ordinary art . He that desires to know more of Loreto , let him read Turselinus his history of Loreto . For my part , my time being out , I must be gone . Takeing therefore horse againe , we made towards Venice , and saw these places in ou● way : Ancona the Capital towne of the Marca , and one of the best Hauens in the Gulph : corresponding with Slauonia , Greece , Dalmatia , and many other countryes . It s built vpon a Promontory , and backt vp land-way , with a good Castle . The Hauen was built by the Emperor Traian , whose triumphal Arch is yet seen here , and is the chief monument of this towne . Here is a M●lo strikeing 200. paces into the sea . Pius II. whilest he stayd here to animate in person , the great expidition against the Turks which he had zealously giuen beginning to , died . In the vaults of the Great Church are kept many saints bodyes , & pretious Relicks . It s called S. Ciriacos , Church & it is the Cathedral . From Ancona we went to Senegallia all along the Sea side . This towne is so called from the Senones Galliae . It s a very neat and pleasant towne standing in a sweet ayre . It s a Bishops seat . Here began anciently Gallia Cisalpina . From hence we went to Fano ( Fanum fortunae ) because of the Temple of Fortune built here in memory of a battle wonn by the Romans near the Riuer Metaurus hard by were Asdrubal Hannibals brother was slaine . Here 's an ancient Triumphal Arch yet standing . Not farre from this towne also Narsetes ouercame Totila . It s an Episcopal towne . From hence we went to Pesaro standing also most pleasantly by the Seaside . It s called Pesaro , and Pesaurum in Latin , from the weighing here of the gold which the Romans , beseiged in the Capitol , sent hither to be payd to the Gaules , sayth Seruius . It once belonged to the Dukes of Vrbin , but for want of heirs male , fell to the Church by right . From the bridge of stone , which is here , beginns the Marca d'Ancona . The ayre here is thought by Vranoscopists , to be the best in Italy ; as are also the figgs here . From hence we passed by Catholica a poore Village , adorned with nothing but a stately Name , and an Inscription vpon the wall of the Chappel , rendering you the reason why this towne is called Catholica , which was this . When the Emperour Constantius a fierce Arrian vsed violence to the Fathers that had been assembled in the Council of Arimini [ a towne not farre off ) and would not suffer them to depart ( their business being done , which they came for , to wit ; the Catholick Faith of the Council of Nice being here asserted and confirmed ) till they had complyed with the Emperors faction consisting of Arrians ; Many of them too weakly ( being weary of so long a stay from their Seats ) fell to an vnworthy complyance with the Arrian party . Which the zealous orthodoxe Fathers seeing , left Rimini , and came into this little Village , because they would not communicate with the Arrians : Wherevpon this Village got the name of Catholica , because the true Catholike and orthodoxe Fathers retired hither . If you aske me then , whether this Council of Rimini were good or no ; I answer you , that the Council was good and orthodoxe , and confirmed the Fayth of the Nicen Council against the Arrians ; which was the business it was called about . And what happened afterwards when the Council was ended by the oppression of the Emperor , is not to be imputed to the Council ; but to some weake Fathers as an error of conuersation , and a too vnworthy complance . From Catholica we went to Rimini , called Arriminum in Latin , this is a pretty towne , in which the foresayd Council was kept . In the market place I saw the stone ( set now vpon a pedestal ) vpon which Caesar stood when he made a speech to his soldiers to make them resolue to march vp to Rome . Hard by in the same market place , stands a little round Chappel famous for a miracle wrought there by S. Ant●ny of Padua in confirmation of the ●eall Presence . The History is too long , but seen here painted round the Chappel , with a cast of an eye . From hence we went through Cesena an Episcopal towne ; and Forli , Forum Liuij an other BP s . seat ; in the way before we came to Cesena we saw an old inscription in stone set vp by a little riuers side , which I found to be the very Decree of the old Senate of Rome , forbiding in general , any Officer , or soldier whatsoeuer to passe ouer the Rubicon vpon payne of being iudged an enemy to his country and guilty of High Treason . By which words I gathered that this little riuer here now called Pistatello , was Rubicon , mentioned in the Decree of the Senate ; and that this Decree pointed at Iulius Caesar and his army . Yet Caesar being resolued to march vp to Rome with his army , made aspeech to his soldiers ; and finding a compliance in their resolutions , passed ouer Rubicon , cryeing out : Iacta est alea : ●e must now either sink or Swim , and so passed on to Rome , which he soon possessed himself of & then of the world . When once powerfull men draw their swords , they throw away their scabbards : and when once they haue offended beyong pardon , they strike at the very throat of authority ; running vpon that horrid maxime , that scelera sceleribus sunt tuenda . From Forli we passed on the right hand to Faenza , Fauentia in Latin ▪ ( leauing the way on the left hand , which leads to Imola & Bolognia . ) Faenza is a neat towne as all the others we had passed by before : but hauing no considerable thing in it but white earthen pots , called Vessel of Faenza , we stayd not long in it , but made towards Ferrara . In the way I found little worth observation , except onely that as we traueled one night somewhat late , for cooleness , I saw millions of little flyes in the ayre , carrying a bright light about them like glowwormes , They continued all the way to our Inne for two houres after sunset , especially vpon the corne fields and high grasse . It was huge pretty me thought , to see heauen vpon earth all most , and flyeing starrs conduct vs to our lodgeing . A Po●t would haue sworne by all the cordes of Apollos harpe , that Iupiter then was makeing Vulcan paue the Vault of heauen with a Mosaick worke of Diamands , and that these were onely the sparks that fell from him : or that he was repareing the old caussey of the Via Lactea with fresh starrs , and that these were the old ones which he had throwne away . I catched some of these fiery flyes , to see where it was that they carryed their little Lanternes and candles , and I found it was in their tayles . The country people call them Lucciole . And I beleeue , these are those flyes which Pliny calls Cicindelas , and Aristotle calls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Passing thus along we came late to a little Village , and the next morning betimes to Ferrara . This towne of Ferrara was once the Seat of a Soueraine Prince of the house of Esté , but for want of heirs male after the death of Alf●nso the II. it fell to the Church , and Clement the VIIII tooke possession of it in person by an Entry and Ceremony worthy of the pen of Cardinal Bentiuoglio who was there . The towne stands in a plaine , carrying aboue four miles compasse ; it hath a good Citadell , strong walls , ramparts , bulworks : and a good garrison of soldiers . Here are fair streets , and very hansome Pallaces ; but people are somewhat thin : The things which I saw here where these ▪ 1. The D●mo , ancient rather then beautifull . 2. Oueragainst it , two Statues in brass of the Princes of the house of Esté ; the one Duke ; the other Marquis : the one Sitting , the other on Horseback . 3. Behinde these Statues is the House of Justice , or Towne house . 4. The strong pallace of the Dukes anciently , is in the middle of the towne , with a great mote about it , the court within is painted with the pictures of all the Dukes of Ferrara ▪ ●ere the Popes Legate lyeth . 5. The Diamand Pallace , as they call it , is of white marble without , whose stones are all cut diamant wise into sharp points . Hauing seen it without , I longd to see it within hopeing that a diamant pallace without , would be all carbuncle and Pearle within . But I was deceived ; for entring in , I found nothing worth the paynes of going vp the vgly stairs : and the poore woman that kept the house told me as much , as well as the cold kitchen . I wonder the master of this house doth not keep it alwayes lockt vp , that strangers might value it by its outside onely , which is admirable indeed . 6. The Monastery of the Benedictins is stately , in whose church I found the Tombe of Ariosto author of the long Poëme called Orlando Furioso . He was esteemed in his life time a great Poët , and as such was crowned Laureat Poët by the Emperor Charles the V. but he was oftentimes seen , euen in the streets , to be too much transported with Poëtick fury , and to become Ariosto furioso , while he was penning his Orlando He had a rich Vaine , but a poore purse ; and while his head was crowned with Laurel , his breeches were often out behinde , as well as those of Torquato Tasso , of whom Balzac sayth , that though he were a good Poët , yet he had des fort mauuaises chauses . 7. The Carthusians church is neat & full of good Pictures . 8. The Church and Conuent of the Carmelits is also neat , in whose Library I saw a Manuscript of Iohn Bacon , and an other of learned Thomas Waldensis , both Englishmen , and both Learnedmen . Here 's an Academy of Wits called Gli Elevati . of this towne was Hieronymus Sau●narola author of the Triumphus Crucis ; and Baptista Guarini author of the Pastor Fido. He that desires to know the history of Ferrara , let him read GioGiouanni Baptista Pigna , who hath written of it ex profess● . From Ferrara we went to Padua in two dayes , the season being good and dry ; otherwise in winter , it s too deep a way to go by Land ▪ therefore most men embarke at Ferrara , and go by boate to Venice . The first day , Passing ouer the Po in boat at Francalino , We reached Ruigo the first towne of the Venetian State. This towne is built neare where Adria ( from whence the Adriatick Sea is called ) once stood , and almost vpon its ruines . It s gouerned by a Podesta and a Capitano Grande , as the other townes of S. Mark are . Of this towne was Coelius Rodiginus a man of Various learning , as his books shew ; and Bonifacius Bonifacij an other learned humanist . From Ruigo we arriued at Padua betimes , but the desire of seing Venice made vs hasten away the next day ; deferring to see Padua till our returne from Venice . Embarking then betimes in the morning at Padua in a Pi●tta , a neat little barge , taken to our selues , and much more honorable then to go in the great tiltboate , where all sortes of loosy ruffians and idle people throng you vp ; we saw a world of stately Pallaces and gardens standing vpon the bankes of the riuer Brenta , and sewing vs that we were approching to a great towne indeed . Some fiue miles short of Venice , we left the riuer and the horses that drew vs , and ●owed through the Shallow Sea which enuironeth Venice on all sides for aboue fiue miles space . This low Sea is called here La Laguna ; and the water is so shallow , that no great ships can come to Venice : little vessels come by certain channels which are well fortifyed with castles , forts , & chaynes : so that no man can come to Venice but with Leaue , or knocks . We arriued there betimes ; and all the way we admired to see such a stately Citie lyeing as it were at anchor , in the midst of the Sea ; and standing fixed where euery thing els floats . Venice at first ▪ was nothing but a company of little dry spots of ground , which held vp their heads in a Shallow Sea furnished by Saeuen riuers , Piaua , Sila , Liuenza , Po , Adige , Brenta , and Tagliamento , Which runn into it . To these little dry spots of ground fisher men repayred anciently for their fishing , and built little cottages vpon them . But afterwards Italy being one runn by Goths , Huns , and Vicegoths , diuers rich men from seueral parts of Italy , as well as from Padua , fled hither with the best of their goods , to saue them and them selues in these poore cottages vnknowne to those Barbarous nations : and findeing by experience this to be a safer place then any else , they began to prouide against those frequent disasters of barbarous incursions , by building good houses here . This many men did : & made at last a fine towne here , and greater then her mother Padua . This happened twelue hundred years agoe , which makes Venice glory , that she is the ancientest Republick in Europe . To which purpose I cannot omit to tell here a pretty story which was told me in Paris of à Venetian Embassador , who resideing in the Court of France , and finding himself in a visite where there were many Ladyes , was seriously asked by a graue old Lady ( who heard him speak much of the Seignorie of Venice ) . Whether the Seignorie of Venice were fair or no ? yes Madame , sayd hee ; one of the fairest in Europe . Is she great ? sayd the Lady again : yes , Madame , sayd the Embassador , she is great enough . Is she riche ? sayd the Lady 〈◊〉 worth millions , replyed the Embassador . Me thinks then , sayd the Lady , she would be a good match for Monsieur the Kings Brother : yes , Madame , replyed hee againe , but that she is a little too old . Why how old is she I pray you ? sayd the Lady . Madame , answered the Embassador , she is about twelue hundred years old . At which the company smileing , the good Lady perceiued her errour with blushing , and Monsieur was vnmarryed for that present . Indeed Cosmography , and Topography are hard words ; and as the old saying is , aliud sceptrum , aliud plectrum , a looking glasse is not the same thing with a Map. As for Venice now , it s one of the fairest Cities in Europe , and called by the Proverbial Epithete , Venetia la Ricca , Venice the Rich. It s well nigh eight miles in compasse , and in forme something like a Lute . It hath no walls about it to defend it : but a mote of water that is fiue miles broad which surrounds it . It hath no suburbs , but a world of little Ilands close by it . The Streets of Venice are all full of water ; and for this reason they vse no c●aches here , but visit in boats . These boats they call here Gondolas , and there are aboue twenty thousand of them . For besides that euery noble Venetian or rich man hath two or there of his owne , there are alwayes a world of them standing together at seueral publick wharfs ; so that you need but cry out , Gondola , and you haue them lanch out presently to you ▪ these Gondolas are pretty neat black boats like ou● oares , holding six persons conueniently vpon the Seats , which are couered ouer head with a thick black cloath , with windows at either side , which in winter defends you from the winde , and in sommer from the Sun. The multitude of these Gondolas help to employ a great many poore men , and to make a world of mariners for publick seruice in time of need . Ordinary people here may go vp and downe the towne by little back allyes , which they call here Calle ; these by winding vp and downe , and deliuering them ouer seueral bridges , hugely puzzle strangers at first . Of these bridges there are aboue 1500 in Venice , all of stone and of one arch reaching from one side of a street to the other , while the Gondolas run vnder the Arch. The greatest of these bridges is called the Rialto , built ouer the Canal Grande , all of white marble . This is one of the finest bridges in Europe , because of the one arch onely , & of the vast widenesse and height of that arch ; the Chanel here being as wide as any man can throw a stone . This bridge bears vpon its back two rowes of shops , and little houses couered with lead ; and least this great weight should make the foundation sink , they built it vpon piloties , that is , great trees ramed into the ground , to the number of six thousand in all . In fine , this bridge cost two hundred and fifty thousand crownes . It were a fine sight , to see in a hard frost , the streets of Venice all frozen , and people walkeing vp and downe vpon diamant streets , or a crystal pauement . In the meane time it s no vnpleasing sight to see the streets full of water , and such stately pallaces on either side , especially the Canal Grande , which runns quite through the midle of the Citie , and is hedged in on either side with stately houses , among which are counted two hundred pallaces fit to lodge any King. The whole Citie hath in it 32 Monasteryes of Religious men , 28 of Religious women , 70 Parish Churches ; and about a hundred and fourscore thousand inhabitants . Hauing sayd thus much of the situation of Venice , I will now speak of the Gouerment , Strength , Riches , Religion , and Interest of this Republick , and then fall to the particulars I saw in it . For the Gouerment here , it s purely Aristocratical , by the Doge , and the Nobles . The great Counsel consists of two thousand Gentlemen . This is the basis of the state Gouerment : because that out of these are chosen all the other Magistrats , Podestas , Generals , Capitani G●andi , Prouidetori Generali , Embassadori , &c. This great Counsel assembles frequently in one great Roome of the Doges pallace , where their are seats for them all , and where businesses are voted by Baloting ; that is by puting into a close double boxe of two colours , a little ball , about the bigness of a button , which is made so soft , that no man can heare into whether part of the double boxe the ball falls . Euery Gentleman in this great Counsel hath two of these balls giuen him , one white , and the other red : the one signifyeing , the affirmatiue vote , the other the negatiue : so that they giue their votes secretly , and without being knowne afterwards for what party they stood ; or without giuing example to others to follow them in their votes , as leading men would do ; and so draw all into faction and cabals ; To run through all the Maegistrats and Officiers of this Republick , the Pregiadi , the saui Grandi , the saui di Terra ferma , the saui de gli Ordini , the consiglio de dieci , &c. would be aworke too long for a traueler , and too tedious for my reader . I will onely speake of the supreame Magistrate here , the Doge , or Prince , as they call him , who represents the head of this Republick . He is now chosen by the whole Senate , and is for life : heretofore he was hereditary till the yeare 1032. the manner of baloting in choosing the Dogé is such a puzzle , that I had rather you should read it in Sabellicus , then I giue my self the trouble of describing it . For the most part , they choose a man well strucken in yeares , and one who hath made his circle of Embassyes : that is , hath been fifteen years Embassador in all the chief courts of Europe , three years a peece in euery one : and so acquired vnto himself a perfect knowledge of all states and state affairs . Being chosen once , he cannot stirre out of the Laguna without leaue . Nor at home can he do all things of his owne head , but with the aduice of his Counselours , who are six , chosen out of the most honorable gentlemen of the Citie . These six sit with him in Counsel , & execute with him all businesses , as to giue audience , read letters , grant priuiledges , and the like : which cannot be executed by the Dogè , if there be not four Counselours with him ; and yet they can execute and act without the Dogè : and it s they that haue authority to propose in the Great Counsel , things of concerne . In giuing suffrages , his suffrage is no more then an ordinary Senators , in the Sanate ; but he hath two voyces in the Great Counsel . The Dogè and these Counselours are called Il C●llegio , but then in main publick affairs there enters into this Counsel , six Saui Grandi , fiue Saui di Terra Ferma , fiue Saui de gli Ordini , and tre Capi de Quaranta Criminali . This full Colledge distributs businesses to the other Magistrats to be handed , hauing been headed here . The Habit of the Dogè is ancient , and hath something of the Pontifical habit in it . His Pompe , Train , and Lodgeing , are all Princely ; and in publick functions he hath , carryed before him the eight syluer trumpets , the great Vmbrella of cloth of tyssue , the cusshen , the Chair , the guilt sword , and a w●ite wax candle carryed by a child . All letters of State are written in his name , and money is coyned in his name , but the impronto , or stamp of it , is alwayes the figure of S. Marke , or S. Marks Lyon. For the most part the Dogè is chosen out of those , whom they call here , Procuratori di S. Marco . These Procuratori are of high ranck and esteeme in this Republick . Heretofore there was but one Procuratore di San Marco , whose office was , to haue a care of all things belonging to S. Marks Church and the Treasor . But now there are twentyfiue , most of which haue made their circle of Embassyes in forrain Courts , and are fit wood to make Dogès of : though some of them of late haue been assumed to that dignity for money ; the State now makeing money of all men , as well as of all things . As for the Strength and Power of Venice , it s very Great ; their possessions in Italy , being full as great as the Popes ; and out of Italy , farre greater . In Italy they hold fourteen Prouinces vnder them . They are Lords of the Gulph , or Adriatick Sea. They possesse the coast of Dalmatia beyond the Gulph . They hold the Iles of Corfu , Cephalonia and Zante . Candia , or the I le of Creta , belongs to them by due . The kingdome of Cyprus also is pretended to by them ; and by it , and Candy , whose two crownes they shew vs in the Treasor , Venice is stiled Serenissima . The kingdome of Cyprus came to the Venetians by Katherine Cornaro ▪ who was made heire of it by her son the King thereof , who dyed yong and with out yssue about the yeare 1438. The stoty is this . Katherine was daughter of Marco Cornaro , and neece of Andrew Cornaro two noblemen of Venice . Andrew was sent Auditore Generale into the Kingdome of Cyprus , in the time of Iames King of that Iland , and helpt him to many thousand crownes , where by he setled his tottering crowne . One day as the King was talkeing familiarly with him , he let fall ( whether by chance , or designe ) a little picture in miniature , of a Very hansome Lady . The King curious to see it , called for it ciuilly , and viewing it well , fell hugely in loue with the Original of it , which Andrew assured him to be farre hansomer then the copie ▪ and withall added , that if his Maiesty liked her , she was his Neece , and that therefore he offered her freely to him , for his wife , with all the money he had already lent him , and a hundred thousand crownes more . The King bit willingly at these two baits , beauty and Money , and was not quiet till he had marryed her . Of her he had but one sonn , whom ( dyeing ) he left under his mothers protection : but he dyeing also not long after , left his mother heire of the kingdome ; and she at her death , left this crowne and kingdome to the Venetians by Will and Guift . This whole history I saw painted in the Pallace of Cornaro by the hand of Paulo Veron●se . As fo● the strong holds which the Venetians possesse in Italy , they are these : Crema , Bergamo , Brescia , Pesch●●ra , Chiosa , and Palma Nuoua in Fruth . This last is one of the best places in Europe Is hath nine royal bastions ; eighteen caualiers , which command all the neighboring campagnia ; it hath di●ches of water about it thirty paces broad , and twelue deep ; Its ramparts behinde the wall are high and couering , and they are alwayes fringed with a hundred peéces of Cannon , and ready to receiue six hundred more , which are alwayes in its magazin ready upon all occasions . And for men and armour , as the great Arsenal in Venice hath alwayes armes in readyness for a hundred thousand men ; so this State being peopled with three millions of men , would easily finde three or four hundred thousand men of seruice , and a hundred Gallyes : yet their ordinary militia is but of fourscore thousand foot , and some 6000 Horse ; and about thirty Gallyes . As for their Riches ; though their ordinary reuenues ( before these late warrs with the Turk ) exceeded not four millions , yet now they spurre themselues , and the country● , vp to excessiue summs . Few dye but they bequeath something to such a Christian seruice as this warre is . Besides this , the taxes are much augmented , and seizures & forfetures more narrowly looked into , to help publick expences . In fine , besides the great trading which Venice driues , ( Aleppo alone bringing in some yeares , four millions of gold ) the Venetiant haue found out a Very compendious way to rayse , in one quarter of an houre , and by one deash of a pen , fifty hundred thousand crownes , to help themselues withall at a dead lift , and incommodate no man. This they did An 1646 , when fifty rich familyes in Venice gaue to the State a hundred thousand crownes a peéce to be made noble Venetians . The like course they took to rayse money , about a hundred yeares ago , when they were set vpon by most of the Princes of Europe at once . As for their Religion , its Roman Catholick , and they haue neuer changed it since the begining of their Republick . Hence M r. Raymond in his Mercurio Italico page 188. sayth truly , that Venite hath this property aboue all other States ; that she is a Virgin , and more , from her first infancy , Christian : hauing neuer yet fell , from her Principles either in Gouerment , or Religion . It began to be built the Very same yeare , that S. Augustin dyed , ( as Baronius obserues . ) As for the Interest of this Republick , they are now well with the Emperor ; not out with Spayne , no● too secure of his Friendship ; kinde with the French , as long as they keep out of Italy ; well affected to England ; and iust friends with the Pope . Now for the particulars which I saw in Venice , they were these . 1. The men Themselues here , who looked like men indeed : and as a Philosopher anciently sayd , that when he came from Corinth to Sparta , he seemed to come from horses to men : so me thought , when I came from France to Venice I came from boyes to men . For here I saw the hansomest , the most sightly , the most proper and graue men that ever I saw any where else . They weare alwayes in the towne ( I speake of the noblemen ) a long black gowne a black cap knit , with an edgeing of black wooll about it , like a fringe ; an ancient and manly weare , which makes them looke like Senators . Their hair is generaly the best ▪ I euersaw any where ; these little caps not presing it downe as our hats do ; & Perywigs are here forbid . Vnder their long gownes ( which fly open before ) they haue hansome black sutes of rich stuffs with stockins and garters , and spanith leather shoos neatly made . In a word , I neuer saw so many proper men together , nor so wise , as I saw dayly there walking vpon the Piazza of S. Mark. I may boldly say , that I saw there fiue hundred gentlemen walking together euery day , euery one of which was able to play the Embassador in any Princes Court of Europe . But the misery is , that we strangers cannot walk there with them , and talk with them , but must keep out of their way , and stand a loof off . The reason is this : This state ( as all Republicks are ) being hugely gealous of her liberty and preseruation , forbids her Noble men and Senators to converse with Forrain Embassadors , or any man that either is an actual seruant or follower of an Embassador , or hath any the least relation to any Princes Agent , with out expresse leaue ; and this vpon payne of being suspected as a Traitor , and condignly punished . This makes them shy to all strangers , not Knowing what relation they may have to some forain states man of Agent . For the same reason they will not let their wifes visit the wife 's of forrain Embassadors resideing in Venice , for feare of being suspected to commit treason by proxie . They haue in the wall of the Pallace , in diuers places , certain wide mouths of marble stone , ouer which I found written these words : Denuncie secrete , Priuate informations , into which they cast secretly papers of accusations , by which they accuse secretly any officer , or nobleman , whom they durst not accuse publickly . This maKes men stand hugely vpon their garde , and be wary with whom they conuerse , and what they say . 2. As for the women here , they would gladly get the same reputation That their husbands have , of being tall and hansome ; but they ouer do it with their horrible cioppini , or high Shoos , which I haue often seen to be a full half yard high . I confesse , I wondered at first , to see women go vpon stilts , and appeare taller by the head then any man ; and not to be able to go any whither without resting their hands vpon the shoulders of two grave matrons that vssher them : but at last , I perceiued that it was good policy , and a pretty ingenious way either to clog women at home by such heauy shoos ( as the Egyptians Kept their Wifes at home by allowing them no shoos at all ) ; or at least to make them not able to go either farre , or alone , or inuisibly . As for the yong ladyes of this towne that are not marryed , they are neuer seen abroad , but masked like Moscarades in a strang disguise , at the Fair time , and other publick solemnityes or Shows , Being at other times brought vp in Monasteries of Nunns , till they be marryed . 3. Then I went to the Church of S. Mark the Euangelist , whose body lyeth here , hauing been translated hither from Alexandria , 820 & odd yeares ago ; hauing ever since been one of the chief Patrons of this state , as his Lyon hath euer-since been the Armes of the Republick , and its seale in all publicK writeings . This church is built a la Thedesca , as they call it , and as the best Churches built about those times , were . It s neither great nor high ; but so rich for the materials , that nothing but Mosaick worke and marble appeare in it . The roof and the walls a good way downe , are curioutly painted with Mosaick histories and pictures ; and the rest of the Wall is rare marble . Among those Mosaïck pictures , there are to be seen in the vault of the Arch , ouer the dore of the Treasory , two old Pictures , the one of S. Dominick , the other of S. Francis ; both made before they instituted their several Orders , and yet both in the religious Habits which those of their Orders weare ; and all this out of the predictions of Ioachim ( Abbat of Curacium , and not of S. Fleur , as some wrongly call him ) who lived before these Orders were instituted . The picture also of the Pope , neare to the Pictures of the foresayd Saints , is sayd to be a Prophetical picture of the sayd Abbats describing ; representing the last Pope that shall gouerne the flock of Christ , when all the world shall be of one Religion . The pauement of this Church is sutable to the rest , being in some places composed of vast marble stones naturaly representing the waues of the Sea ; in other places its curiously inlayd with stones of seueral colours expressing Flowers , starrs , birds , beasts and the like : among which stones I perceiued here and there some Turky stones of great value among vs , but here not scorning to be trod vpon . Thirty six marble pillars of a round forme , and two foot thick in diameter , hold vp the roof of this Church . The High Altar is a rare peéce , especially when you see the back of it open as I did vpon the Ascension Eue. This back of the Altar is richly adorned with diuers rowes of little enamelled pictures , a la Greca , set in gold , and enriched with braue pearle and pretious stones intermingled euery where between the pictures . This most rich ornament , or back of the Altar , was giuen by a Dogè of Venice , and brought from Constantinople● Behind the High Altar stands the Altar of the B. Sacrament , where there are two transparent round pillars four yards high . In the Sacristy which is hard by , I saw neat Mosaick work in the roof ; and an admirable picture of S. Hierome of the same worke also . Round about the inside of the Church , ouer the pillars , hang the Scutchions of Seueral Doges , in a large size . For the Dogès at their creation , cause three things to be made . First their picture which is set vp in the Sala of the Great Counsel : Secondly their Armes or Scutchion , which are sometimes of syluer & of a huge si●e ; & are set vp after the Doges death in the Church for euer . Thirdly they must make their Picture in the Collegio , or Pregiadi . 4. From the Church we were let in to see the Treasory of S. Mark , which ioynes to the Church . It was showne vs by special leaue from aboue , and by two Noble Venetians who are alwayes present when it is showne . We were first showne the Spiritual Treasor , and then-the Temporal ; that is , first the Relicks , and then the Iewels . The Reliks were these principaly . A great authenticall peéce of the Holy Crosse , aboue a span long . It is the greatest peéce I haue seen any where , except that in the Holy Chappel in Paris : and though some enemies of the Very Crosse of Christ , as well as of other Relicks , do ieeringly say , that there are so many peéces of the Holy Crosse showne in the world , that if they were all put together , they would make a carte Load of wood : yet I dare maintain more probably , that all the peéces any one man can say are showne in Europe ( and I haue seen a good part of it ) would not make so much of the Crosse , as one of those parts on which our Sauiours hands were nayled : seing the greatest part that we finde of it , is no thicker then an ordinary mans finger , & little longer then a span ; and that very part of it which I saw in the Popes owne Sacristy in the Vatican , is no longer then a mans little finger : and if the King of France ( S. Lewis ) in his two expeditions into the Holy Land , could get onely so little a peéce of it as that which is showne in Paris in the Saint Chappelle , and if the Pope himself could get no greater a peéce of it , then that mentioned aboue , I do not wonder if in other places , they shew such little shreds of it , as all together would not make two foot of timber , much less a Cart load . We saw also here a finger of S. Mark. His Ring with a stone in it , which our Lapidaries cannot tell how to name . Some of our Sauiours blood gathered vp in his Passion , with the earth it was spilt vpon . A thorne of the Holy crowne of thornes . A nayle which nayled the two peéces of the Crosse together . A finger of S. Mary Magdalen . A peéce of S. Iohn Baptists Cranium . A tooth of S. Mark. A peéce of S. Iohn Baptists habit . Some of our B. Ladyes hair . An anciet picture of S. Iohn Baptist , enamelled in gold . A peéce of our Sauiours white robe when he was scorned . A Very ancient picture of our B. Lady carryed about anciently by Constantin the Great , who had it alwayes with him . One of the Stones of the Torrent , wherewith S. Steuen was stoned . And in fine , the sword of S. Peter . Then leading vs to the Temporal Treasure in an other roome , they shewd vs ( by candle light , as they did also the Spiritual Treasure ) these things . First , the twelue crownes of gold , and the twelue brest and backpeéces ( like womens close Bodyes ) of beaten gold also , set thick , as well as the Crownes , with exquisit pearle , both round , and big : Twelue yong Virgins vsed to weare them anciently vpon a Feast day . Then three great Carbuncles , one whereof weigheth six ounces , and is bigger then an ordinary henns egg : They Value it at two hundred thousand crownes . Then the two Crownes of gold set thick with pretious stones ; one being the Crowne of the kingdome of Cyprus ; the other of the kingdom of Candie . After this they shewed vs the Doges Crowne , called here il Corno , because it s made somewhat sharp and turning in at the top , like a horne . It s set round with a close row of excellent pearle , each one as big as a hasel nutt , with a Vast Ruby in the front , of it , worth a hundred thousand crownes , say they , and one of the fairest diamants in Europe in the top of it . Then they shewd vs many other rich things , as the Flower de Luce of gold with a rich Diamant in it , giuen by Henry the Third of France at his passing by Venice when he came out of Poland . The two Vnicorns hornes , farre lesse then that at S. Denys in France ; but no lesse true . The two Crucifixes set with pearle and rich iewels , and in great number . The Great Candlesticks and Thurible of beaten gold , and curiously wrought ; each one being almost as heauy as a man can carry in both hands . The Great Chalice of gold , as great as a man can lift with both hands . A Saphir weighing ten ounces . A cup , or dish , as broad and deep as an ordinary caslotte ( or cap which we weare vnder our hatts ) and all of one Turky stone entire , and of huge value ; It was sent vnto this Republick by a King of Persia . A Vessel like a tankard , of a rich Cameo ; its handle being curiously engrauen with a diamant . A little Vase of the rootes of Emmeraud . An other of Sardonick . A great cup of Agate . An other of Roman Agate farre finer then the former , and more transparent . A rich Pax of Mother of Pearle . A Spanish Embassador , once viewing this Treasure , tooke a candle and looked curiously vnder the long tables vpon which these rich things are exposed ; and being asked what he looked for , answered : that he looked whether this Treasure had rootes or no , as his masters Treasure had , and therefore groweth yearly : meaning the India Fleet of Spayne which bringeth home yearly to the King of Spaynes coffers and Treasure , twelue millions . 5. Hauing seen this Treasure & thanked the two noble Venetians that stood by ; and requited the vnder officers that shewed it ; we went into the Dogès Pallace , which ioynes to S. Marks Church ; and mounting vp the open stairs into the open Gallery , we saw the two great marble Statues of Mars and Neptune , which stand at the head of these stairs , and signify the strength of the Venetians both by Sea and Land. They are excellent peéces , otherwise great Sansouinus would neuer haue owned them by writeing vnder them : Opus Sansouini . This open Gallery led vs into a world of Chambers of Iustice , and Clercks offices , all throngd with business and busy men . Going vp from hence into a higher story , we saw the Dogès Chamber of audience , his Antichambers , his dineing roome , and the like . From thence we were led into Seueral great Chambers of Counsel , all rarely well painted . After that we saw the Great Chamber , or Sala of the Senate house , where the Nobles meet vpon affairs as great as the Chamber . For here they meet about the chuseing of publick Officers , either for the gouerning of the Citie , or Army : and sometimes they haue been forced to stay there eight dayes ( sayth Sabellicus ) not being able to agree about the Elections ; they not being permitted to depart thence till they agree . This Senate house , or Great Chamber , is aboue threescore paces long , and thirty wide . It s full of Seats for the Noble Venetians , to the number of two thousand men , who haue right to enter in here . It s painted on all sides by the rarest painters that were in Italy when this roome was made . Ouer the Dogès Throne , is a rare peéce of painting couering the whole end of the roome aboue , and representing heauen in a glorious manner . It s of the hand of Tintoret . The great pictures vpon that side of the roome which lookes towards the court of the Pallace , containe the history of Pope A●exander the III , and the Emperor Federick Barbarossa . I saw also in this great roome , and in the next ioyning to it , the true pictures of all the Dogès of Venice . In the other Chambers of this Pallace , in the Churches , and other Pallaces of this towne , I saw so many , and so rare peéces of painting , of Titian , Tintoret , Bellino , Gentile , Castel Franco , Bassano , Paolo Veronese , Perdonone and others , that with Madame Romes leaue , I dare bodly say , that no place of Italy hath so many rare pictures in it , as Venice hath : and perchance , you will be of my opinion , if you read the curious booke of Rodolfi , who hath written the liues of the Painters of Venice , and the Venetean State ; and sets downe where their prime peéces are to be seen . 6. Hauing seen these Chambers of Iudicature , we were led about to the Sala of the Consiglio de Dieci , ( otherwise called , the little Arsenal ) in the Pallace still . It s a curious sight , and therefore not to be omitted by my Traveler . There are armes in it for a thousand men , ready vpon all occasions of sedition or reason . The muskets are alwayes charged and primed ; and euery six months they discharge rhem , to charge them a fresh . Pikes , and swords , are also so ordered here , that by plucking a string , they fall into the hands of those that should vse them : so that in lesse then half an houre , a thousand men may sally our armed . In the end of the great roome where the muskets hang , stands a great iron ball pierced through like a basket hilt , and four times as big as a soldiers helmet ; within which there is a spring , which being vncockt by the pulling of a corde , strikes fire into gunpowder which lyeth round about within this Ball in a train , and there are so many several ends of match as there are muskets here ; half of the match hanging out of the holes of the Ball , the other half being within , and reaching into the train of powder : so that the first man that should come in , and pluck the foresayd corde would presently strike fire , and light the matches all at once ; and then euery man catching a musket , and one of these matches lighted , they are armed in a moment . This armory is to secure the Dogè and the Senators ( while they are assembled in counsel ) from such like treasons as haue been plotted against them whilst they were sitting in counsel . And for this purpose , there 's a dore which openeth out of the Senate house into this Armory ; and the Keys of it are alwayes layd neare the Dogè when he sitts here in consultation : Nor is this so much an Italian Iealosy , as a prudent caution caused by past dangers . For they shew vs in the great Arsenal , the armour ( with one arme onely , to be worne vnder a Venetian gowne , while the other arme was showed bare , to take off all suspicion ) of Bajamante Theopoli and his complices , to the number of eight hundred men , who intended to kill the whole Senate while it was assembled ; and make Baiamante master of Venice . But the plot was dasht in the execution ; because Bajamantes brains were dasht out by a poore woman , who seing him march vnder her window in the head of his rebellious crew , threw downe from her window a great earthen flower pot vpon his head , and killed him dead . His party seeing this , retired , and were soone subded : and his house was turned into a Shambles for Butchers ; a fit disgrace for him who would haue been the Butcher of his Prince and countrymen . here also in this Arsenal we saw the sword and armes of braue Scanderbeg Prince of Albania , who wonne seauen battles ouer seauen the most illustrious Bassas the Great Turk had , and dyed after all , peaceably in his Estates , in spite of Amurath . It s sayd , that the great Turk hearing how Scanderbeg with his Sword , had clouen men in two , sent to him ; and desired him , to send him his sword , his cutting sword : which hee did ; the Turck tryed it vpon his slaues , and findeing that he could not cleaue men as Scanderbeg had done , sent him word , that he had not sent him his true sword : to whom scanderbeg replyed , that he had sent him indeed his sword , but not his arme . As for this sword , which they call here Scanderbegs sword , it s a broad thin blade , of a reasonable length , but light , and of as good mettal almost , as its master . We saw here many other curiosityes : as the standard of the Dogè Zani , who restored Pope Alexander the III vnto his Seat againe ; with his sword , Buckler , & Helmet . The standard of the great Turk . The standard of horses hayre belonging also to the great Turk , and which he hung out alwayes before battle , as a signal of combat : it was taken by a Franchman called Ciotar . The Statues of Ludouico Sforza Duke of Milan , and of his wife Visconti . The statue or head of Carara , whom they call the Tyrant , but how truly I know not . The Statue or head in brasse of brave Venerio , General of the Venetians in the battle of Lepanto . The head in brasse also of braue Bragadine , flead alive by the Turks for his countryes service . The picture of santa Iustina in a great case set with rich stones . This case was made for a great Lookeing glasse which the Venetians sent vnto the Sultanesse of the great Turk ; but the ship that carryed it , meeting in the way a Fregat which brought the news of a great Victory gotten ouer the Turks by the Venetians vpon Sancta Iustinas day , it returnd back againe with the present , and the Senate caused the glasse to be taken out , and Santa Iustinas picture to be set in place of it . Then we saw a rare Carpet , or rather a curious peece of stuff with figures in it , sent to the Republick of Venice by a King of Persia . The habits of two noble Chinesi who were baptized at Venice . The amour , of braue Gatta Mela , with the picture of a catt in his headpeece . The armour of some of the ancient Dogès of Venice , who to the number of forty or fifty , went to warre in person , and did such things there , as to make their very armour to be honorable . The habit , buckler , and sword of a King ef Persia ; the armes are set with rich stones . The armour of Henry the IIII. of France with his pocket pistol . The armour of the Duke of Rohan . The compleat armour of a little boy about ten years old , who was found dead in a battle feighting for the Venetians and his country ; and not knowne who he was . Poore braue child ! who being worthy neuer to haue dyed , doest not so much as liue in history ▪ Indeed I did not think till then , that Mars had his abortiues too , dyeing before their time , and before they were named . Then they shewd me Attilas Helmet , with the head peece of his horse . A Cannon shooting seauen shoots at once , as yf death with his single dart went too slowly to worke . An other Cannon shooting threescore thotts in ten barrels . A halbard with a barrel within it , shooting fourteen shotts . An other halbard shooting seauen shotts . A Cannon of iron carryeing two miles , and curiously wrought into flowers with the points of chizels . The collar of iron of the Paduan Tyrant ( as they call him here ) Carara . The little iron Crosbow of the same Tyrant , with which he is sayd to haue shot needles a spann long , and killed many men priuatly , who knew not how , or by whom they were hurt . Then the diuels Organs , or a trunck of leather with ten pistol barrels in it of a foot and a half long , and so disposed in oder like organ pipes , that vpon the opening of the lock of this trunck , all these barrels being charged with seuerall bullets , should let fly at once , and so seattering wide , kill all those that should be in the roome . This trunck was contriued by a reuengefull man , who hauing a minde to be revenged both of his enemy , and of his enemyes friends at once , sent him this trunck by an vnknowne bearer ( as a present from a friend ) while he treated his friends at a dinner . The holes through the sides of it , made by the bullets , shew the diuelish effect of this Trunck ; and how well it deserues the name of the Diuels organ . The boxe of botargos here is iust such another inuention . A pistol in a pocket booke here , is as bad as the others , which being charged and let off , would presently read your doome . Swords and daggers , with pistol and little gun barrels runing along their blades , which being held drawne with the broad side to a man , appeare to be onely plain swords and daggers , and yet they discharg thrusts not to be parried by any fenceing gard . I saw also here a fine Tabernacle of Cristal : a burneing Lamp found in Antenors tombe in Padua , a burning glasse , which burneth half a mile off : a rare Adam and Eue with the Serpent and the Tree , all cut out of one peece of wood by the rare hand of Alberto Dureo : and in fine , the picture of King Iames of England , the onely picture of any forrain Prince that I saw there . Hauing thus seen this Cabinet of Mars , we went out of the Pallace into the Piazza of S. Mark , vpon which both the foresayd Church of S. Mark , and the Dogès Pallace looke . This is one of the noblest Piazzas that a man can see in any towne . It runns from the Sea side vp along the Pallace to the Church of S. Mark , and from thence turning on the left hand , it spreads it self into a more large , and longer open place , most beautifull to behold : for the whole piazza , euen from the Sea side , to the further end , is all built vpon arches and marble pillars ; and raysed vp with beautifull lodgeings , fit to lodge all the Procuratori of S. Mark ; all the rich forrain merchants ; a world of persons of condition ; the Mint , and the famous Library . In that part of the piazza which lyes vnder the Pallace , the Nobili Venetiani walke altogether , twice a day , to conferre about business of State. This meeting here of the Noblemen is called the Broglio . And in the end of it , close by the Sea side , stand two great pillars of rich marble , the one bearing vpon it the Image of S. Theodorus ; the other , the Lyon of S. Mark , these two Saints , S. Mark and S. Theodore , being the two Patrons of this City . These two pillars were erected here by a Lombard , who required no other recompence for his paynes , then that it might be lawfull for dice-players to play at dice between these two pillars without being punished or molested , nay though they playd false play . Here also between these two pillars , they execute malefactors , to shew that they deserue not the protection of those two patrons , who break the orders of that towne which is vnder their protection . It s pitty that the Lombard himself was not whiped here at least , for makeing himself the Protector of idle rogues there , where the Saints are Patrons of honestmen . Ouer against the Pallace stands the Mint , in a place called La Zeccha , and from hence the gold coyned here is called Zecchino , a peéce of gold worth some seauen shillings fixpence of our mony . Hard by it , stands the Library famous both for the quantity and quality of the bookes that are in it . Petrark ( once Canon of the Church of Padua ) gaue his Library to it : and Bessarion a Greek Cardinal of great Learning and worth , gaue as many Greek Manuscripts vnto it , as cost him thirty thousand crownes : and yet by this Legacy , Bessarion was but euen with the Venetians , who honored him in such a particular manner , as to send out the Bucentauro it self to bring him into Venice , being sent thither Legat by the Pope . 8. Going from hence into the other part of the Piazza which stands before the Church , I espyed vpon the very out corner of the wall of the Church ( as you come out of the Pallace ) four Porphiry Statues of four marchants embraceing one another . Haueing enquired what those Statues were set for there , I was told by a graue old gentleman of Venice , that those , whom these Statues represent , were four marchants and strangers , who brought hither most of the Iewels mentioned aboue in the Treasury ; and that afterwards poysoning one another , out of couetousness , left this State heire of all . Iust before the Church stand three tall masts of ships vpon curiously wrought Piedestals of Brasse , and each mast bearing , vpon great dayes , a stately flag and streamers . These three mast● signify the three noblest parts of the Venetians dominions , to wit the kingdomes of Cyprus , and of Candy , and the State of Venice . In this Piazza I found alwayes a world of strangers perpetually walking and talking of bargains and traffick , as Greeks , Armenians , Albanians , Slauonians , Polonians , Iewes , and euen Turks themselues ; all in their seueral habits , but all conspireing in this one thing , to sell deare ; and buy cheape . Here also they haue euery night in sommer , a world of Montibancks , ciarlatani , and such stuff , who together with their drudges and remedyes , striue to please the people with their little comedies , puppet playes , songs , musick , storyes , and such like buffonnerie . It s strange to see how they finde dayly either new fooling , or new fooles , not onely to heare them but euen the throw them money too for such poore contentments . In this Piazza also stands the Campanile , or High steeple of Venice , distant some fifty paces from the Church of S. Mark. It s built forty foot squar on all sides , and two hundred and thirty six high . The top of it is couered with guilt tiles , which in a sunshine day , appeare gloriously a farre off . The foundation of it is almost as deep vnder-ground , as the top of it is high aboue ground ; a wonder , if you consider rhat it stands in Venice . From the top of this Campanile we had a perfect view of Venice vnder us , and of all its neighboring Ilands , Forts , Sea , and Townes about it ; as also of the outside of S. Marks Church , its Frontispice , its Cupolas and the four horses of brasse guilt which stand ouer the Frontispice . These horses came out of the shop , not out of the stable , of Lisippus a famous statuary in Greece , and were giuen to Nero by Tiridates King of Armenia . They were carryed by Constantin the Great from Rome to Constantinople ; and from thence they were transported hither . In fine , from the top of this steeple , we saw the compasse of the great Arsenal of Venice , which looked like a little towne in our sight . Indeed some make it three miles about ; but I cannot allow it so much . The sight of this Magazin of warre a farre off , made vs hasten downe from the steeple to go see it nearer hand . 9. Takeing therefore a Gondola , we went to the Arsenal , Where after the ordinary formalityes of leauing our swords at the dore , and paying the Porters fees , we were admitted , and led through this great Shop of Mars . It s so well seated neare the Sea side , and so well built , that it might serue the Venetian Senators for a Castle in time of danger : and in it there is a Well of fresh water , not to be poysoned , because of two peéces of Vnicornes horne set fast in the bottom of it . I confesse , I neuer saw any where such Oeconomie as is here obserued . Fifteen hundred men are dayly employed here , and duely payed at the weeks end , according to their seueral employments and works . The expences of these workemen amount to a thousand Ducats euery day in the yeare : so that they make accompt that they spend in this Arsenal four hundred & thirty thousand crownes a yeare : Enough almost to maintain a pretty army constantly . Euery workeman here hath wine twice a day , and that very good too , but that it is a little mingled with water . We were led through all the vast rooms of this Magazin , rooms like vast Churches . In one of them I saw nothing but great ●ares for Gallyes , seauen men going to one oare . In another , nothing but vast sternes . In another , nothing but vast nayles for Gallyes and ships . In another they were making nothing but Salpeeter for gunpowder . In another they were casting great Cannons , Morter peéces , and Chambers . In an other they had nothing but a pair of vast Scales to weigh Cannons with . In another , Masts for Gallyes and ships of a prodigious greatness and length ; and yet of such a rare timber , that one filipping vpon one end of them , you heare it easily at the other end , by applying your care to it . Some of these masts are worth fourscore pounds . In other vast roomes I saw store of Cannons of all sizes both for ships and Gallyes : where also I saw some Turkish Cannons with words vpon them in the Turkish Language . There I saw also one Cannon shooting three shotts at once : another fiue : one great Cannon found buryed in Candy-full of gold medals : the great Cannons cast here while Henry the III. of France dined in this Arsenal . They had heretofore a prodigious quantity of Cannons here , but now these roomes are much emptyed by reason of this warre with the Turks . In other great roomes I saw huge heaps of Cannon bullets of all sizes , with some Ensignes wonn ouer the Turks . Then mounting vp into the Chambers aboue , I saw in two vast roomes , armes for fifty Thousand men . in another , armes for twelue Gallyes : in another , armes for Fifty Gallyes . Here also I saw the sute of armour of Scanderbeg : that of the Dogè zani , the Lanterne of Don Iohn of Austrias ship in the battle of Lepanto : the Lanterne of a Turkish Galley : the armour of Baiamante Theopoli and his complices , with one arme onely : some armes taken from the Turks in the battle of Lepanto , other armes taken from the Genuesi ; a great Crossebow , shooting Vast arrowes of iron aboue fiue quarters long : an inuention of great vse before Gunne were found out . A cannon bullet with four long irons , like the tops of halbards , which shut vp close into it when you put it into the Cannon , but open againe of themselues , as soon as the bullet is out of the Cannons mouth ; and so spreading into four parts , cut all they meet , with strange fury : a dangerous inuention in Sea battles , to to spoyle cordage and tackling . Here also they shew vs the discription of the towne and Fort of Clissa , and how it was taken by the Venetians some 20 yeares agoe . Then descending from thence , we went to see the places where they make new Gallyes , and mend old ones . There I found a vast square court three hundred paces broad in euery square , and full of vast penthouses capable of holding in them , Gallyes of fifty paces long a peéce . In the midst of this Court is a vast square Pond of water , let in from the Sea , where the new Gallyes are tryed ; and the old ones are let into the Arsenal to be mended and rigged a new . Here I saw a world of Gallyes , and a world of men workeing about them most busily . There were heretofore diuers of these great Courts full of Gallyes , but now they are much exhausted ; the Gallyes being abroad in warre . Hence it is obserued that This Arsenal , before these warres , could arme 200 gallyes , and two hundred thousand men . Here it was that they made a Gallye , and set her out at Sea while Henry the III dyued here in the Arsenal ; which made that King say then , that he would giue three of his best townes in France ( except his Parlament townes ) for such an Arsenal . Indeed the Arsenals of Paris , Genua , Zurick , Naples , and Geneua , seemed to me to be little gunnsmiths shops in comparison of this . They were then makeing here two new Galleasses ( when I was last there ) of vast bulk and expences . In fine I saw here the old Bucentoro ; and presently after the new Bucentoro . This last is the Gally of State , of the Dogè , when he goeth forth vpon the Ascension day accompanyed with the Senate , to espouse the Sea , as they call it here . This is a noble Gallie all guilt without , and wainscotted round about the Deck , with guilt seats . There runns a partition of wood quite along the Deck of the Gallie , with seats on both sides and with a low open roof of wood , to let in ayre , and yet keep off the sun ; and all this is guilt and painted , and capable of fiue hundred Senators , who in their scarlat robes , wait vpon the Dogè that day . The Dogè fitts in the Puppe , in a Chair of State , with the Popes Nuncio on one hand of him , and the Patriarch of Venice on the other , and a place for musick behind them . The slaues are all vnder hatches , and not seen at all : but their oares , ( twenty on each side ) moue all at once like great wings which make the Bucentoro moue most maiesticaly . And this is all that I can remember in this Arsenal , except the Cellar of Wine , and the great roomes , ( as I came out ) where women onely are employed in mending old sayles ; and men ( a part ) in makeing great cables : and indeed those wast Anchors which lye neare the woodden bridge here at the entrance , stand in need of cables of the greatest size . 10. I happened to be at Venice thrice , at the great Sea Triumph , or feast of the Ascension , which was performed thus . About our eight in the morneing , the Senators in their scarlat robes , meet at the Doges Pallace , and there taking him vp , they walk with him processionaly vnto the shoare , wete the Bucentoro lyes waiting them ; the Popes Nuncio being vpon his right hand , and the Patriarch of Venice , on his left hand . Then ascending into the Bucentoro , by a hansome bridge throwne out to the shoare , the Dogè takes his place , and the Senators sit round about the Gallie as they can , to the number of two , or three hundred . The Senate being placed , the anchor is weighed , and the slaues being warned by the Capitains whistle and the sound of trumpets , begin to strike all at once with their oares , and to make the Bucentoro march as grauely vpon the water , as if she also went vpon cioppini . Thus they steere for two miles vpon the Laguna , while the musick plays , and sings Epithalamiums all the way long , and makes Neptune iealous to heare Hymen called vpon in his dominions . Round about the Bucentoro flock a world of Piottas and Gondolas , richly couered ouerhead with somptuous Canopies of silks and rich stuffs , and rowed by watermen in rich liueryes , as well as the Trumpeters . Thus forrain Embassadors , diuers noblemen of the country , and strangers of condition wait vpon the Dogès gallie all the way long , both comeing and going . At last the Dogè being arriued at the appointed place , throws a Ring into the Sea , without any other ceremony , then by saying : Desponsamus te , Mare ; in signum perpetui dominij : we espouse thee , ò Sea , in testimony of our perpetual dominion ouer thee : and so returnes to the Church of S. Nicolas in Lio ( an Iland hard by ) where he assists at high Masse with the Senate . This done , he returns home againe in the same state ; and inuites those that accompanyed him in his Gally , to dinner in his pallace : the prepatiues of which dinner we saw before the Dogè was got home . This ceremony of marrying the Sea , as they call it , is ancient , and performed yearly in memory of the grant of Pope Alexander the III , who being restored by the Venetians vnto his Seat againe , granted them power ouer the Andriatick Sea , as a man hath power ouer his wife ; and the Venetians to keep this possession , make euery yeare this watery Caualcata . I confesse , this sight is stately , and a Poēt would presently conceiue , that Neptune himself were going to be marryed to some Nereide . 11. Hauing seen this Ceremony in the morneing , we went after dinner to see the Euening Corso at Murano , where we saw those fine Gondolas and Piottas , which we had seen waiting vpon the Dogè in the morneing , now rowing in state vp and downe the great Canale of Murano to the sound of Trumpets ; and with all the force of the brauny watermen that row them . Sometimes meeting too thick in the arches of the woodden bridge here , they crack one an others Gondalas , breack one an others oares , ouerturne their boatmen , and are stoppt for an houre together without being able to vntangle . Embassadors themselues of Forrain Princes appeare in Corso this euening with all their brauery ( fiue or six Gondolas all in one liuery ) as well as all the gallants and gentry of Venice , who appeare here this euening at Corso . 12. The next morneing no sooner appeared , but new sights appeared too , and now vpon land , and the Scene was S. Marks place , where the Fayre opening this day , and lasting for ten dayes , drew all the gallants of Venice to come and behold all the gallantry and riches that either domestick , or forrain marchands could set forth to sale . But the most part of the yong Ladyes that came to see the Fayre , came in an odd dresse , with a false nose , and a little beard of black wool , disguiseing their mouth and nose : so that they could see all the Fayre , and be knowne to no body . Thus they go often to marriages , and other assemblyes when they haue no mind to be knowne . 13. Hauing thus seen these foresayd sights , we went on with visiting the other things in the towne . and one day we went to the Iland of S. George Major , where we saw a stately Monastery , Church , Cloister and Garden , which take vp this whole Iland . The Church is one of the best in Venice , and built by Palladio the famours Architect . In the Church I was showne the great syluer Lampe , as great as two men could carry . In a pillar of marble standing ouer a side Altar I was showne the picture of a Crucifixe , which was discouered , at the polishing of this stone , to haue been naturally in the Vayne of the marble . In the Refectory , I saw an admirable picture of the supper of Cana in Galilaea , made by Guido Rheni . I visited it often , and could never satiate my eyes with such a rare peece . It takes vp the whole end of the great Refectory . 14. From thence we rowed to the Pallace of Procuratore Nani which stands in an Iland beyond S. Georges . The Pallace is richly furnished with the true pictures of many moderne Princes and Ladys of France , England , and Germany . This Pallace , hath one strange thing belonging to it , beyond the Pallaces of Venice : to wit , a neat garden , for Gardens in Venice , are as wonderfull things , as Coaches : and I cannor remember , that looking vpon the whole city from the top of the high Steeple , I saw two places where there were any green trees . But the best thing that I saw here , was the Procuratore Nani himself , the greatest Ornament of the Venetian Senate , whose learned pen hath already given vs an exellent history of Venice . 15. From hence we walked to the Capucins Conuent which is in the same Iland , and Church neately built , and farre aboue the rate of Capucins ; but it was a Vow of the Senate in time of the plague ; and they regarded more , in building it , their owne honour , then the Capucins simplicity . 16. From hence returning againe towards the towne , we steered our Gondola to the Church of Madonna di Salute , a new round Church , vowed by the State in another plague time , and likely to be one of the finest Churches in Venice when it shall be ended . In the Sacristy I saw a rare picture of a feast by Tintoret ; and others in the roof by Titian . 17. From hence We went to the Church of the Canon Regulars , called La Carita , in whose Monastery Pope Alexander the III , lay hid priuatly like a poore Chaplain of this Church , vnknowne to the Very Fathers of this Place , till at last he was discouered by a Deuout Pilgrim , who haueing seen him often in Rome , and hearing him say Masse here , discouered him to the Senate ; and so , hee was both acknowledged by the Senate , and defended by them , as we sayd aboue . Ouer the entrance of the Quire , is seen the picture of Alexander the III receiuing the Emperor Federick to the kissing of his feet , by the meanes of the Dogè of Venice , who stands by . Here 's also a good picture of our Sauiours raysing vp Lazarus againe to life : it s of the hand af Bassan . 28. An other time I went to the Dominicans Church , called S. Giuanne & Paulo , where I found among the Tombestones , that of the Lord Henry Aubigni ( second brother to the Duke of Lenox and Richemond ) who dyed here in his trauels . Before the dore of this Church stands the Equestris statue in brass guilt of Bart●lomeo Coleone Bargamense a great Commander , to whom ( as the words beare , ob militare imperium optimè gestum ) the Senate decreed this statue to be erected . The Tabernacle and Altar are very stately . The Chappel of S. Hiacinth , & the miracles of this Saint are of the hand Bassan & Palmarino . the Martyrdome of S. Iohn & Paul is a Masterpeece of the hand of Titian . The Conuent also of S. Iohn and Paul is one of the most stately ones in Italy . The Refector● is famous for painting . 19. The Church of S. Saluatore is a fair Church , and well adorned with neat Tombes of diuers Dogès and great persons . Vpon the back of the High Altar is seen a picture of the Transfiguration , of the hand of Titian : Vpon an Altar on the right hand of the Wall , is a picture of the Annuntiation , vnder which Titian wrote these words , Titianus fecit , fecit , to assure men by this double affirmatiue , that it was a good peéce , worth his twice owneing . There 's an other picture of the Last Supper , made by Titians master . Vpon the Epistle side of the High Altar stands a little Chappel , ouer whose Altar is the Tombe of S. Theodorus with his body in it . He is one of the Patrons of this towne . 20. In the Church of S. Chrysostome I saw vpon a side Altar on the left hand , the statues in stone of our Sauiour and his twelue Apostles , neatly cut by Tullius Lombardus , whose rare statues adorne also S. Antonyes Tombe at Padua . His statues are easily knowne by the neat hands . 21. In the Church of the Apostoli I saw a rare picture of S. Lucie , but now somewhat old . 22. In the Church of the Iesuits I saw the Tombe of S. Barbara Virgin and Martyr . 23. In the Domo ( the Cathedral of Venice , but standing much out of the way ) I saw little considerable but the Tombe of S. Laurentius Iustinianus , a holy man , a great Preacher , and the first Patriarch of Venise ; the Patriarchal seat of Grado , being remoued hither in his time . 24. I saw also the Church of S. Iacomo , the first Church that was built in Venice , and built twelue hundred yeares ago in the infancy of Venice , as an old inscription here told me . Here are some good pictures of Lanfrancus , and Marcus Titianus , old Titians nephew and scholler . 25. And being in Venice vpon S. Georges day ( the 23. of April ) we went to the Greek Church , I meane to the Greek schismaticks Church , which is dedicated to God in honour of S. George , and therefore this day was one of their greatest solemnityes . Their ceremonies & Seruice differed little from the Catholicks Greeks : & if any one desire to know their tenents , and how neare they come to the Roman Catholiks , let him read a booke in a thin folio printed at Wittemberg an : 1584. vnder this title , Acta & scripta Theologorum Wittembergensium & Hieremiae Patriarchae . 26. We went after diner one Satturday , to see the Iews Synagogue . Among other things I heard here a Rabbin make a Homily to his flock . He looked like a French Minister , or Puritanical Lecturer , in short cloake and hat . The snaffling through the nose made all the edification that I sawe in it : It was in Italian , but the coldest discourse that I euer heard in any language . Indeed it was their Sabboth day , and they eat no other meat that day , but cold meat . 27. An other day we went to Murano againe , to see the glasse houses which furnish amost all Europe with drinking glasses , and all our Ladyes cabinets with Looking glasses . They vtter here fot two hundred thousand crownes worth a yeare of this brickle ware ; and they seem to haue taken measure of euery nations belly and humour , to sit them with drinking glasses accordingly ▪ For the High Dutch , they haue high glasses , called Flutes , a full yard long , which a men cannot drink vp alone , except his man , or some other , hold vp the foot of this more then two handed glasse . For the English that loue toasts with their drink , they haue curious tankards of thick crystal glasse , iust like our syluer tankards . For the Italians that loue to drink leasurely , they haue glasses that are almost as large and flat as syluer plats , and almost as vn easy to drink out of . And so for other nations . In one shop they were makeing a set of glasses for the Emperor , of fiue crownes euery glasse : They were drinking glasses with high couers made like spred eagles , and finely guilt . Sometimes to shew their art , they make here pretty things . One made a ship in glasse , with all her tacklings , gunns , masts , sayles , & streamers . An other made an Organ in glasse three cubits high , so iustly contriued , that by blowing into it , and touching the stopps it sounded musically . A third made a perfect Castle , with all its Fortifications , ramparts , Cannons , Sentry houses , and gates . Here also I saw them make those vast Looking glasses , whose brickleness sheweth Ladyes themselues , more then their reflection doth . In fine , in Murano you see the Pallace of signor Camillo Treuisano with the rare garden and fountains à la Romana . 28. After this , we went vp and downe the towne of Venice , sometimes a foot , to see better the Shops , as those of silks , clothes of gold ; of Bookes , and the Apothecaryes shops , where I saw them make their famous Treacle : sometimes in gondola , to View ouer and ouer againe , the Canale grande , and the braue Pallaces which hemme it in on bothsides : sometimes entring into the best of those pallaces , to see their rich furniture and contriuances . The best are , of Iustiniani , Mocenigo , Grimant , Priuli , Contarini , Foscoli , Loredano , Gussoni , and Cornaro . 29. Then I enquired what learned men had adorned Venice , and I found these to haue been the chiefe , Laurentius Iustinianus , Hermolaus Barbarus , Petrus Bembus , Aloysius Lippomanus , Paulus Paruta , Baptista Egnatius , Ludouicus Dolce , Paulus Manutius , with diuers others . I saw some years agoe the noble and ingenious Loredano , whose witty bookes make him famous ouer all the Academyes of Italy and Europe . As also the Procuratore Nani , whose excellent History hath got him immortal fame . 30. Here 's an Academy of wits called Incogniti , and for their armes , they haue the riuer Nilus , with this motto ; Incognito , e pur noto : vnknowne , and yet famous . He that desires to know the history of Venice , let him read Andrea Morasini , Paolo Paruta , Sabellico , Bernardino Tomasino , Corid● , and Nani . Hauing thus seen all Venice , ouer and ouer againe , in a months stay there , I was most willing to leaue it ; hauing found it true of Venice , what Socrates sayd of Athens , that is was melior meretrix , quam uxor ; a fine towne for a fortnight ; but not to dwell in alwayes ; and this , by reason of some stinking channels ; bad cellers for wine ; worse water ; and the moist ayre of the Sea not the most wholesome ; scarcity of earth euen to bury their dead in ; and little fewel for fireing . So that findeing the four elements wanting here in their purity , I was willing to leaue these polished Holanders , and returne to Padua . Padua is the second towne of the Venetian State , though once the Mother of Venice . It s old enough to be mother of Rome it self ; haueing been built by Antenor , whose Tombe is yet seen here . The towne is very great , and fuller of good houses , then of men of condition : taranny , and too frequent murthers haueing much depopulated it , in point of nobility . It stands in the Marca Treuigiana . The walls about it are strong , and backt vp with fine ramparts . It lyes neare the Euga●ian hills , in a fertile soyle , and plain , which makes the Prouerbe say : Bologna la grassa , ma Padua la passa . It s famous for the study of Physick , as many of our thrice worthy Physitians in England can testify . The chief things I obserued in it are these . 1. Antenors Tombe , with Gotick letters vpon it : which makes me doubt whether this Tombe be so ancient as they make it . 2. The publick Schooles , called here Il Bue , or Oxe ; what if the first Readers here came from Oxford , as they did to the Vniuersity of Pauia ? 3. The Physick garden , to acquaint the Students in Physick , with the nature of simples . 4. The Church of S. Antony of Padua , whose body lyes in the open Chappel on the left hand ; and this Chappel is adorned with curious figures of white marble representing the chief actions of this Saints life . Vnder the Altar reposeth his body ▪ and before it , hang some 27 great Lampes of syluer , or syluer guilt . Oueragainst this Chappel , stands iust such another open Chappel , called , the Chappel of San Felice , which is rarely painted by famous Giotto , who made the Campanile of Florence . In a side Chappel on the right hand , is the tombe of braue Gatta Mela , whose true name was Erasmo di Narni , of whom more by & by . The Tombe of Alexander Contareno General of the Venetians , and it is one of the best cut tombes I haue seen : It s fastened to a side pillar . The Quire of this Church is all of inlayd wood ▪ In the Cloister of the Conuent are seen many tombes of learned men : and in that quarter of the cloister , which lyes vpon the Church , I found written upon a black marble stone , these words : Interiora Thomae Howardi Comitis Arondeliae : The bowels of the Earle of Arondel , late Lord Marschal of England . No wonder if his bowels be enchased in marble after his death , who in his life time , loued marbles con todas sus entranias , with his whole bowels . His Marmora Arondeliana , commented vpon by learned M r. Selden , shew this sufficiently . This great man dyed here in Padua , and yet in a manner at home ; because he had made Italy familiar to him while he liued at home . 5. Going out of this Church I saw the Equestris Statue of Gatta Mela , the Venetians General , whose tombe I saw euen now in the Church . He was nicknamed Gatta , because of his watchfulness in carryeing business . 6. The Chu●ch of S. Iustina is one of the finest Churches of Italy ; and no wonder , seing its architect was Palladio . Vnder the High Altar of this Church , lyes buryed the body of S. Iustina . The fine Cupolas ; the curious Pauement of red and black marble ; the rich High Altar all of pietre commesse ; the curious seats in the Quire , with the historyes of the old and new Testament cut in wood in them ; the fine picture at the end of the Quire , ouer the Abbots Seat , containing the martyrdome of S. Iustina , by the hand of Paolo Veronese ; the Tombe of S. Luke the Euangelist ; and that of S. Matthias ; the Well , full of Relicks ; and the Tombe of S. Prosdochimus S. Peters disciple , and first Bishop of Padua , do all make this Church very considerable . Before this Church and Monastery , lyes the Campo Santo , and a faire field where they keep monthly a mercato franco , and where the euening Corso is kept , by Ladyes & noblemen in their coaches in sommer . 7. The Monastery here is also one of the fairest in Italy , and the second of that Order . The painted cloister , the neat Library , and the picture of S. Iustina in the Abbats chamber , made by Paolo Veronese , are all worth your curiosity . The Domo is not so well built , as it is endowed with rich prebendaries . A hundred thousand cownes a yeare go to the maintenance of a hundred Cleigy men , and officers belonging to it . The Prebends are 27 , and ordinarily gentlemen . 28. The Pallace of the Capitano Grandè is stately without : here stands the curious Library . 9. The great Hall called here , Il Palagio di Ragione , is a vast roome 180 paces long , & 40 broad , without pillars . It hath four great dores to it , and ouer euery dore the Statue of a learned Paduan . This Hall is also painted in the roof with astronomical figures , representing the influences of the superior bodyes ouer the inferior . At one end of it you see a round stone , with these words written about it , Lapis opprobrij , The stone of disgrace , vpon which whosoeuer will sit publickly , and declare him self not to be soluendo , cannot be clapt vp in prison for debt . At the other end of this Hall stands Liuys Head in white marble , and out of a little back dore there , ioyning to the wall of this Hall , stands Liuyes busto in stone , with this Epitaphe vnder it in old Gothick letters ; Ossa Titi Liuij Patauini vnius omnium mortalium iudicio digni , cujus prope inuicto calamo inuicti Populi Romani res gestae conscriberentur . 10. The picture of the High Altar in the Augustins Church , made by Guido Rheni ; and that of S. Iohn Baptist in the Sacristy , of the same hand , are both exquisitly well done . 11. The ruines of an old amphitheater are seen hard by the Augustins Church . There 's now a house built vpon the place , yet the Court is ouall still , and carryes the name of Arene . Here they tilt , and vse other sports of Caualry . 12. In the Dominicans Church there is a very stately High Altar of pietre commesse . Behind the Altar ( in the Quire ) are the neate Tombes of the Carari , once Signors and Princes of Padua , till they were put out by the Venetians . 13. In the Church of San Francesco Grande I saw a curious Altar of white polished marble , which pleased me vety much , and the tombes of Caualcante & Longolio . 14. In the little neat Church of the Oratorians , called the Church of S. Thomas of Canterbury , lyes buryed the Lady Katherine Whitenhall , in a vault made for the nonce , and couered with a white marble stone . She was daughter to the late Earle of Shrewsbury , and wife to the Noble and Vertuous Thomas Whitenhall Esquire . If you would know more of her , read here the ingenious Epitaphe written vpon her tombe , and made by her sad husband . For my part , hauing had the honour to see her often in her Trauels , I cannot but make honorable mention of her here in mine ; She haueing so much honoured my profession of Traueling by her generous humour of Traueling . She was as nobly borne as the house of Shrewbury could make her : as comely , as if Poets had made her . Her behauiour was such , that if she had not bien noble by birth , she would haue passed for such by her carriage . Her good qualityes were so many , that if they had been taken in peéces , they would haue made seueral women Noble , and Noble women happy . She was wise beyond her yeares ; stout aboue her sexe ; and worthy to haue found in the world all things better then she did , except her Parents and Husband . Her onely fault was that , which would haue made vp other Ladyes prayses , too much courage ; which befell her with the name of Talbo● . But whilst her onely courage haled her on to journeys aboue her sexe and force ( haueing seen Flanders , France , and Italy , accompanyed by her noble Husband , and a hansome traine ) In her returne back ; like a tall ship , comeing laden home and fraughted with pretious acquisitions of mind , she sunck almost in the hauen , and , alas ! Dyed . 15. Here are two Academies of wits ; the one called Gli Ricouerati : the other , Gli Infiammati . The most famous men of Padua for learning , were these , Liuy , Apponius , Paulus the Iurisconsult , Sperone Speroni , Antonius Querenchus , Iacobus Zabarella : and Titian the famous Painter . He that desires to know the History of Padua , let him read Angelo Portinari delle felicitade di Padua : Antonio Riccobono , de Gymnasio Patauino , & de eius praeclaris doctoribus : as also the booke called Gl'Origini di Padua . Hauing thus seen Padua , we steered towards Milan againe , to make the compleat gyr● of Italy . The first dayes journey was to Vicenza , a fine towne belonging to the Venetians , and standing vpon the two riuers of Bachilione , and Rerone . Here we saw , the neat Townehouse and large piazza : the house and fine garden of Count Valmerana , with the curious Labyrinth in the garden : the Arcus Triumphalis made by Palladio at the townes end , letting you into a fair field called the Champo Marzo , where Ladyes and Caualiers , in great store , meet at the Corso in their coaches euery sommer Euening : the admirable Theater for playes and Operas ; it was made also by rare Palladio , & is capable of three thousand people , who may all sit , and see with conueniency . The fine pallaces here , and those full of people of condition . Here 's an Academy of wits called Gl'Olympici , He that desires to know the History of Vicenza , let him read Iacomo Marzari , and Alfonso Loschi . From Vicenza we went to Verona , called Verona la Nobile , belonging to the Venetians also . It standt in excellent ayre , and no man euer saw it but liked it . It s watered with the riuer Addesis , which comeing out of Germani , runns by Trent and so to Verona . Hence this towne abounds with good prouisions , wines , and rich marchants : Which makes me of opinion , that Verona would be a bettet sommer towne for strangers to liue in , then Padua . The things that I saw here , were these : The three Castles , which with the new bulworks make this towne able to defend it self against any enemy . 2. The Cathedral , or Domo , ancient rather then stately . In it is buryed Pope Lucius the III , with this ingenious Epitaphe vpon his tombe : Luca dedit lucem tibi , Luci , Pontificatum Ostia , Papatum Roma , Verona mori . Imo Verona dedit tibi Lucis gaudia , Roma Exilium , curas Ostia , Luca mori . 3. The famous tombe of the Signori della Scala , who once were Masters here , and from whom Ioseph and Iulius Scaliger pretend to haue comne . This tombe is seen from the Street , and is much esteemed for its height and structure . 4. In the Monastery of S. George , the rate picture of S. George made by Paolo Veronese , for which the late Lord Marschal of England offered two thousand pistols . 5. The rare Am●hitheater , built at first by the Consul Flaminius , and repayred since by the townesmen ; and now the most entire amphitheater in Europe . Here 's also an Academy of wits called Gli Philarmonici . The famousest men for learning here , were these : Zeno Veronensis , an ancient Father and great Preacher . Cornelius Nepos , Pliny the sec●nd , Catullus According to that , Mantua Virgilio gaudet , Verona Ca●ullo . Fracastorius , Onuphrius Panuinus , Paulus Aemilius the historian : Francesco Pona ; Al●ysius Nouarinus ; and Paolo Veronese , the ingenious Painter . Neare Verona , vpon the Plains before you come to the towne , was fought a famous battle , where C. Marius defeated the Cimbers . Neare this towne also was fought a famous battle between Theoderick and Odeacer , where the latter was defeated . He that desires to know the history of Verona , let him read Torello Saraina , Girolamo di Corte Compendio dell Istoria di Verona ; and the Antiquitates Veronenses of Onuphrius Panvinus . From Verona we went to Brescia by the way of Peschiera and Disensan● . Peschiera is a strong Fort belonging to the Venetians , and garded by a constant garrison . It stands vpon the Lago di Garda , Lacus Benacus anciently , and is almost surrounded by its Crystalin waters . It s a most Regular Fortification , with fiue Bastions , and high Rampar●s , which couer the whole towne . Disenzano is a little towne vpon the Lake of Garda also . Here they haue excellent fish , and Vine ; that is , rare Carpioni , and muscatello , which they call Vino Santo . From hence after dinner , we arriued betimes at Brescia , another strong towne of the Venetians . We saw here the Castle ; the Towne house ; neat Churches ; the ramparts and walls of the towne ; the crystalin Brooks running through the streets ; and the shops of the gunnsmiths , especially that of famous Lazarino Comminazzo . The best Historians of the Brescian affairs , is Ottauio Rossi , in his booke called Memoria Br●scianae . From Brescia I went once to Crema and Bergamo , two strong townes of the Venetians , and both frontiers to the State of Milan . The first is very strong and famous for fine linnen made here . The latter is strong too , both by its Castle , good walls , and its high situation vpon a hill , which giues you a fair prospect into the Milanese for twenty or thirty miles . In the Church of the Augustins lyes buryed Ambrosius Calepinus author of the excellent Latin Dictionary , which learned Passeratius hath set out since with great additions . It s in six languages . From Bergamo I went to Milan , one days journey . An other time I went from Brescia to Milan by the way of Mantua , and Mirandola . Mantua belongs to a Soueraine Duke , or Prince , of the house of Gonsague . Its stands in the midst of Marshes which are nurrished by the riuer Mincius : so that there 's no coming to it but by two long bridges ouer the Lake . And yet this towne was taken some forty yeares ago : no towne being impregnable where an Asse laden with gold can enter ; or where faction keeps one gate . For about that time , the Emperors Army , by secret intelligence , presenting it self before it , was let in ; and sacked the towne . At the entrance of the towne gates , they obserue the fashion of many other townes in Italy , to make Trauelers leaue their pistols and carabins at the gate where they enter , and not see them againe till they meet them at the other gate where they goe out ; giueing them , for all that , a contrasegno or little talley , where of you keep one peéce , and the other is tyed to your pistols , where by you may clayme and challenge them . This is an ancient custome in the Romans times , as I finde in Valerius Maximus , who sayth , it was the practise of those of Marseilles ( then a Roman Colonie ) vt hospitia sua , quemadmodum aduenientibus humana sunt , ita ipsis tuta sint . As for Mantua it self , it s well built , and full of good houses . The Dukes Pallace was heretofore one of the richest of Italy . I was told that it had seauen changes of hangings for euery roome in the house ; besides a world of rare pictures , Statues , plate , ornaments , cabinets , an Vnicorns horne , an Organ of Alabaster ; six tables , each one three foot long , the first all of emerauds , the second of Turky stones , the third of hyacinths , the fourth of Saphirs , the fift of Amber , the sixt of Iasper stone . But the Imperialists swept all away . The origin of the house of Gonsague is from Germany . For a long time they were onely Marquises of Mantua , till Charles the V. made them Dukes . The Reuenues of this Prince are about fiue hundred thousand crownes . His Interest ( as that of the other lesser Princes of Italy ) is to ioyne with the stronger of the two Nations France , or Spayne . And he hath bine often forced to put now and then a French ga●rison , now and then a Spanish garrison into his strong towne of Casal , one of the strongest places I saw in all Italy : hauing an excellent Cittadel at one end of it ; a strong Castle at the other , and strong ditches , walls , and ramparts euery where . In fine , this Duke can rayse , about fifteen thousand foot , and two thousand horse . Of Mantua were these two excellent Latin Poets ; old Virgil , and moderne Baptista Mantuanus a Carmelit . He that desires to know the history of Mantua , let him read Mario Aquicola . From Mantua we went to Mirandola , being inuited thither by its wonderfull name . It is a principality farre more ancient then great ; and it is so called , from Three children borne here of a great Lady , at one birth . The story as it is pretty , so it is related by good authors , and therefore I will give it you here , in the end of this my Italian iourney , as a faire well . And t is this . Constantius the Emperor , Sonn of Constantin the great , had à daughter called Euridis ; who beeing growne vp in yeares , fell in loue with Manfred a courtier of her Vncle Constantin , à hansome well bred yong gentleman . Manfred was both courtier enough , and wise enough , to vnderstand this to be no small honour ; and therefore embraced her affection with a corresponding flame . In a word , they meet often ; talke of it ; giue mutual promises ; make all the money they can , and iewels , and flye away secretly . They come into Italy , land at Naples , from thence to Rauenna ; and at last pitch vpon this country where now Mirandula stands . It was then a place ouerspred with thickets and vnderwoods , and furnishing some pasturage for sheep , and cottages for shepheards . Here then they choose to liue priuately and conuerse with none but country swaines , and shepheards . Blind loue whither doest thou hurrey , Princesses , to make them preferre cottages before Courts ? At last with their money they buy land , and Manfred grows Soone to that authority among his neighbours , that they choose him for their Head ; and recurre vnto him , vpon all occasions for his aduise and protection : In the meane time ( haueing solemnly marryed Euridis at his arriual in Italy ) she brings him forth three sonns at once , Picus , Pius , and Papazzo ; and Manfred growes farre more considerable dayly in these parts . At last the Emperor Constantius comeing into Italy vpon his accasions , and being complimented by all the seueral provinces thereof , this Prouince among the rest , chose Manfred as their Embassador to the sayd Emperor , to carry to him the tender of their respects and homage . Manfred accepted of the employment , and carryed himself so gallantly in the Embassy , that the Emperor knighted him , and vpon further tryal of his worth , raysed him to high fauour . Manfred seing the realityes of the Emperor , thought it now high time to discouer himself vnto him . Whereforecasting himself one day at the Emperors feet , and begging his pardon , he discouered himself vnto him , and told him his whole story , and aduentures . At fitst the Emperor was a little troubled ; but findeing such freedome and gallantry in his carriage , mingled with such humble ingenuity in the Confession of his fault ; he not onely pardoned what was past , but presently sent for Euridis and her children to come to him , and liue at court with him . This done he makes Manfred Count and Marquis , of a great part of these countryes , and gives him leaue to build townes and Castles there : and for his armes giues him the black Eagle . In fine , in memory of the three children borne so wonderfully at one birth , he commands that the chief towne thould be called Miranda . After the death of Constantius , Manfred and his Lady returned with great riches vnto their old dwellind place , and there began to build Miranda , which in processe of time was called Mirandola . This true story if it looke like a Romance , you must not wonder ; seing Romances now a dayes , looke like true stories . The Prince of Mirandola receiues yearly fourscore thousand crownes . The greatest ornament of this country , was that famours Ioannes Picus Mirandulanus ; whose life S. Thomas Moore wrote , and hauing written it , liued it . From Mirandula I struck to Parma , and so to Piacenza , Lodi , and Marigno , described all aboue ; and at last to Milan againe , where I had been before , and where my giro of Italy ended , as now my Iourney and description doth . I takeing here a new rise from Milan , and crossing through Swisserland by the Lake of Como , and ouer mount S. Godart , came to Basil . Where embarking vpon the Rhene , I saw Strasbourg , Brisac , Spire , Philipsbourg , Openhem , Coblentz , Hamerstede , Wormes , Francfurt , Mayence , Colen , Dusseldorp , Skinksconce , Rais , Wesel , Arnehem and diuers such fine Rhenish townes . Then haueing Viewed Holand and Flanders , I came at last to Calais , and so home to my owne Deare Country England , by the way of Douer . FINIS . A TABLE OF THE NAMES OF THE CHIEF TOWNES Contained in this second part . A. ADria . 361 Albano . 306 Amiclae . 259 Ancona . 350 Assisium . 321 Auersa . 269 B. Baiae . 297 Bergamo . 440 Brecia . 439 C. Caëta . 263 Capua . 268 Campania . 267 Carigliano , River . 266 Casal . 442 Catholica . 352 Ceraualle . Cesena . 355 Crema . 339 Cuma . 303 D. Disensano . 439 E. Elisian fields ▪ 298 F. Faenza . 356 Fano . 351 Ferrara . 357 Foligni . 321 Forli . 355 Formiae . 262 Fossa Noua . 259 Firscati . 307 Fundi . 260 G. Gandulfo . 307 Grotta dell Cane . 292 Grotta di Posilipo ▪ 290 K. Kingdome of Naples . 207 Kingdome of Cyprus : 373 L. La Laguna . 362 Lacus Auernus . 302 Lago di garda . 439 Loreto . 322 M. Macerata . 322 Mantua . 44● Marino . 259 Minturna . 266 Mirandola . 443 Mola . 262 Mons Massicus . 267 Monte Falco . 321 Monte Garo . 267 Murano . 423 N. Naples . 269 Narni . 318 P. Padua . 426 Palma noua . 575 Pansilipus M t. 290 Peperno . 259 Pesaro . 352 Peschiera . 438 Puzzolo . 296 R. Recanatà . 322 Rimini . 354 Rome . 3 &c. Ruigo . 361 Rubicon , Riv ▪ 355 S. Senegallia . 351 Spoleto . 319 Sulphatara . 295 T. Taracina . 259 Terni . 319 Tiber , Riv. 318 Tiuoli . 313 Tolentino ▪ 321 Tres Tabernae . 259 V. Veletri . 259 Venice . 363 &c. Verona . 436 Vesuuius , M t. 284 Via Appia . 261 Via Flaminia . 317 Vicenza . 435 Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A49620-e1660 M. Warcupp . M. Raymond . The profit of traueling . Senec. Senec : Strada de Bello Belg. The Traueling with profit ▪ The Character of a good Gouernour . What to be learnt in France , and what not . What in Italy , and what not . What in Germany , and wha● not . What in Holland , and what not . Plutarch . Notes for div A49620-e6870 The Fertility of Italy . An obiectiō against Italy . Answer . Baltazar Bonifacius in hist . Ludicra l. 13. c. 1● . Sol & homo generant hominem . Plutarchus in Graccho . ●alzacin 1. volum : liter . The Inhabitāts and their wits . Poëts Ancient , and Moderne in Italy . Historians . Orators . Prodigies of learning . Diuines . Philosophers . Architects . Sculptors . Painters . Ancient and moderne Captains . See Verstegan in his restitution of decayed intelligence . The Jtalian Humour . Their māners . See Monsignor Caza , Stephano Guazzo , Baltazar Castigliōe Their Ceremonies . Their particular customes . Nomen , quasi no●amen . S. Aug. Their Riches . Their Religion . Rex est nomen officij . S. Ambr. Yssone : Fontainbelleau . The Court of the Cheual Blanc The Oual Court. The Gallery of staggs heads . The Galleries of Romāces . The Salle of the Conference . See the Publick Acts of this Conference printed an . 1601. Madame Gabriells picture . The Chappels . Old Carps De re Rust An old Inscriptiō concerning Englishmen . Montargis . Briare . The Coniunction of Loire and Sene. Lyons . A noble Chapter . S. Iohns Church . The Towne house . Other Rarities . The rare Cabinet of Monsieur Seruier . Vienne . Tournon . Valence . Pont S. Esprit . Auignon . The rarities . Aix . Marseilles . La saincte Baume . See Baronius ad an . 35. Gordons Cronology . Gerard of Nazareth in a treatise ex professo . Valer. Max. Mulier peccatrix in ciuitate . See Baron . an . 35 Genebrad Gautier . Chassanus . and Monsieur du Vair . S , Maximin . Pyrrho dicebat , nihil interesse , inter vitam & mortem . Geneua . The rarities . Petrus a S. Romualdo in Diario . The Lake of Geneua Lausanna . Swisserland . Berne signifies as much as Beare . Soleur , Petrus Romualdus in Cronolog . Tresor . to . 1. pag. 83. in fol. Murat . The Lake of Murat . A long Bridge . Coire . S. Lucius the first Christian King. The Valtaline . Mount Berlin . Le Splug . Mount Aurigo . The Lakes of wallinstade , & Jsee . S. Maurice . The Valesians . Their Strength . Martigni Sion . The best Gards of a Prince . Plus tutatur Amor Lucia . Briga . Mount Sampion . Deuedra . Domodoscela . Marguzzi . Lake Maior . S●sto . Ciuita Castellanza . Mount Aiguebellet . Chambery . The Entry of the Dutchesse of Sauoy . Montmelian . Isere . Aiguebelle S. so S. Iohn Morian . Lasnebourg . Mount Cenis . Noualese . Suza . Le pas de Suse . Piedmont S. Ambrosio . Riuolle . Turin . The Riuer Po. Petrus a S. Romualdo Cron. to . 1 The Duke of Sauoys titles , and greatness . His Subiects . His countryes extent . His forces Reuennues . His interest . The towne of Turin . The things to be seen in Turin . The Holy Syndon . The Citadelle . The Pallace . The bathing place . The old Gallery . The new street . The Piazza Reale . The Augustins Church . The Capucins Church . La Venerie Royale . La Valentine . From Turin to Genua . Sauona . La Riuiera di Genua . Dreido a S. Quintino lib. 1. de morib . & Act. Norman . Genua . The walls The Hauuen . The Pharos . The Cittye it selfe . The streets Strada Noua . The Domo . Baron . ad an . 1101. n. 13. Beda l. d● loc . sanct . c. 2. The Annunciata . Gli Signori Lomelini . S. Am●●sio . S. Cyro . The Pallaces . The Pallaces of Signori Balbi . The Doges Pallace . The Armory . San Pietro in Arena . The Villa of the Duke d'Oria . The Gouerment . Their Fashions . Guardinfanta signifies a Child-preseruer Their Riches . Their Strength . Their Interest . Their learned men . The Academy of Wits . Their Historian . Monferat Cassale . Alexandria . Noui. Tortona . Pauia . Ticinum . The Domo . The Equestris statua of Autoninus . S. Augustins body . Baron . an . 725. Baron . an . 1027. The tombe of Seuerinus Boetius . See Baron . an . 525. Learned men . The Historians . The Battle of Pauia . See Monlukes Commentaries The Carthusians Monastery . Milan . The Dutchy of Milan . Store of Gentry . Store of Artizans S. Ambrose his Church . S. Ambrose his Tombe . Read S. Augustin lib. 9 Conf c. 7. Numb . 21 v. 8. Iohn 3.14 . The Hymne Te Deum . The place of the Cōuersion of S. Austin The Cistertians Monastery . S. Victors Church . S. Nazario . S. Eustorgio . The Domo S. Lorenzo . The Holy Naile . The Hospital . The Seminary . The colledge of the Swissers . The Lazzaretto . The Library . The Gallery of pictures . The Dominicans . The Gratie . The Cabinet of Canonico Setaly . Some Pallaces . The Castle . The shops The Academy of witts . The learned Men. A strong body . Leandro Alberto A Strong mind . Its reuenues . It s strenth Its Historians . Marignano . Lodi . Piacenza Its Rarities . A peece of thrift . It s History . Parma . The Dukes Pallace . The Domo The Capucins . Alexander Farnese . Some Criticks hold Quintus Curtius to be a Romance The Dukes Reuenues . His interest . His forces The Academy of wits . It s History . Regio . Modena . The Family of Estè . Countesse Matilda . The last true Consuls . It s Learned Men. The Dukes Reuenues . His interest . His forces Fort Vrban . Castel Franco . Bologna . The towne it selfe . Jts Gouerment . Its Priuiledges . The Dominicans Church . The Dominicans Conuent . The Body Beata Catherina The Corso S. Michael in Bosco . Other stately Monasteries . S. Petronios Church . The Dom● Other Churches The Legats Pallace . Aldrouan dus his Study & Cabinet . The Schooles . The Spanish Colledge . The 2 Towers . The Houses in Bolognia . The Nobility . The Traffick . The Markets . The Academy of wits . The Learned Men. The Historians . Remember this Bolettina , Traueler . The Apennin Hills . Tertul. l. de Poenitent . c. 12. Fiorenzuola . My arriual at Florence . Florence . The Chappel of S. Laurence . The Church of S. Lorenzo . The Library . The Great Dukes Gallery . Pictures of famous Souldiers . Pictures of Learned Men. The Armory . The 1. Cabinet . The 2. Cabinet The 3. Cabinet . The 4. Cabinet . The 5. Cabinet . The Argentaria . The great Hall. The long Corridor . The new Pallace . The Garden . The Dukes Appartiment . A Rare sute of Hangings . The famous Diamond . The Augustins Church . The Piazza . Three admirable Towers . The Church of S. Michel . The Domo . The Cupola . Leandro Alberti in Descript : Jtal. The Councell of Florence . In his restitution of decayed intelligēce See Baker in Edward the 3. Vassari in the Liues of Painters , in Cimabue . The Campanile . The Baptisterio . Alfonso Loschi in his Compend Histo . The Church of S. Mark The Annunciata . Sancta Croce . The Abbey . S. Maria Nouella . The statue of Iustice . Poggio Imperialle . Prato-Lino . Lampeggio . The stable● . The Wild beasts . In the Cronology of Petrus Romualdus to 1. pag. 15. Their Sports . Jl Giuoco di Calcio . Other Pastimes . The Court. The Great Duke . The Great Dutchesse The Medicean Family . See Alfonso Loschi in his compendi . Histor . The Gouerment . The strength . The Gentry of Florence . Riches . Interest . The Language The Academy of Wits . The learned men . The Historians . Pistoia . Lucca . It s Gouerment . It s strength . Its Reuenews . Pisa . The Domo . The bending Tower. Some Colledges . The Library . The Physick garden . The Knights of S. Stephano . Ligorne . San : Cassiano . Poggi Bonzi . Siena . The armes of Siena , are a Woolf. The Domo . The rare Pauement . The Library . S. Katharine of Siena . Other Rarities . The Academy of Wits . The History . Radicofino . Aquapedente . Can. ita nos 25. qu. 2. Bolsena . The Lake of Bolsena Bosco Helerno . Montefiascone . Viterbo . The Accademy of Wits . Caprarola Monterosa . Varca . Veii . Valer. Max. l. 1. c. 5. Notes for div A49620-e56990 How Rome is stiled . Roma la Santa . Serm. 1. de Natal . Apost . Petri Paul. Great Charityes in Rome . Remedyes for euils of the body . Meretrices lupas vocabant vnde Luparia . Augustin . de Ciuit. Deil. 18. c. 21. Quint. Curt. Almost euery nation hath an Hospital in Rome . An ingenious peece of Charity . Remedies for euils of the mind . Osymunduas : apud Herodot . Publike Libraries Colledges . Monasteries . Houses for yong girles . Remedies for ill marryed women . The Conuent of Penitents . Charity of Lawiers in Rome . Broken-friend-setters . Four Sermons dayly in one place in Rome . Weekly sermons to the Iewes . The scholae Pi● . The Fathers of the Agonizants . La Compagnia de Morti. Ponte Angelo . The Triumphal Bridg. Vanity in Triumphs Castel Angelo . The long Corridor from the Pallace to the Castle . Santa Maria Transpontina . The English Embassadors Pallace S. Iacomo Scozza Caualli . The Portico of the Piazza of S. Peter , The great Guglia before S. Peters . The Fountains . The Piazza , S. Peters . The marble steps vp to S. Peters Ch. Baron ad an . 774. The Frontispice . The Porch The Church it self . Porta Santa . Valu● S. Petri , The inside of the Church of S. Peter , To roof . The four great Pilastri . The High Altar . The Tombe of S. Peter . The 4. brasse pillars of the Altar . 2. Paxalip . c. 2. The Confessio S. ●etri . num . 1. The Limina Apostolorum . Cubicularii S. Petri. Vid. Anastas . Biblioth . in Marcello . Paulin. Epist . 12. ad Seuer . S. Greg. Nazianzens tombe . S. Chrisostoms tombe . S. Gregories tombe . Stow in his Chronicles in Kentish Saxons . The Chair of S. Peter . The Chief Relicks . Some Tombes . Some prime Pictures . The Sacristy of S. Peter . An ancient Picture . The Grotte vnder S. Peters Church . Adrian the IV an English man. S. Peters Church aboue . The round Ball capable of 30 man. Prayse of S. Peters Church . The reuenue of S. Peters Church . Aggaē● 2.10 . Baronius an . 390 n. 5. The Vatican Pallace . The Sala Regia . The Popes Chappel . The Popes Sacristy . S. Laurence his Head. The Gallery painted by Raphael . Constantins battle with Maxentius . The best designed picture in the world . Sala Clementina . A rare peece of perspectiue . The rare Gallery of Maps . The Gallerie of the Conclaue . The Vatican Library . The Library it self . Some rare bookes here . K. Henry the VIII Letters to Anne Bolen . K. Henry the VIII booke against Luther . The Library of the Duke of Vrbin . The Library of Heidelberg . The place of Registers . Some Letters of great P●●sons . Harsh Latin. Canon Paschalis . The Belueder● The great Pineapple The two Peacocks . The Beluedere of the Maschere . Rare statues Michel Angelos study . The great Garden of Beluedere The Armory . The Santo Officio . The Hospital of S. Spirito . Lewis Guyon in diuer . lec . l. 2. c. 16. S. Onofrios . Church . The Tombe of Torquato Tasso . Longara . Villa Chisi . Queen Christinas Pallace . S. Pancratius his Church . Caemeterium Calepodii Villa Pamfilia . The Fountaine of Paulus V. San Pietro Montorio Mons Janiculus La Scala Santa Maria Transteuere . Tabernae Meritoriae . S. Francesco in Ripa Grande . Ripa Grande . S. Cicilies Church . S. Cicilyes Tombe . Cardinal Adams Tombe . For , fuit . S. Chrysogono . Cardinal Robert Archb. of Yorke . S. Bartholomews Tombe . Ponte quatro Capi. Pons Sublicius . The Iewry . Theatrum Marcells . Santa Maria in Cosmedin Bocca della Verità . S. Maria Egyptiaca . The Cloaca Naxima . Markes of Romes greatness anciently . The Temple of Bona Dea. Cacut his denn . Scalae Gemoniae . S. Alexius his Church . S. Sabinas Church . The Armilustrium . Mons Testacius The Tombe of C. Cestius . Epulones . The Gate of S. Paul. S. Pauls Church . In proaemio . Limina Apostolorum . The miraculous Crucifix . Baron . Baron ad Ma●●● Rom● ●●0 Mar●●● . Tre Frontane . The Church of S. Vincent and Anastase Baronius an . 627. Baron . An. 627 and an . 713. The round Church . Tre Fontane . The Annunciata . S. Sebastians Church . The Catacombes . Caemeterium Calixti . S. Hierom . in Ezechiel . c. 40. Capo di Boue . The Pretorium . Circus Caracalla The Temple Vertue & Honour . The Eccho . Domine quovadis . S. Nereus and Achilleus San Sisto . S. Iohn A● Portam Latinam . S. Iohn Laterans Church . The Popes Cathedral . Tacitus , and Iuuenal . sat . 10. The Heads of S. Peter and S. Paul. Apud ●um in Elog. doct●r . viror . Caeremia le Roma num l. 1 sect . 2. c. 3. Zenar . and Cedren . The Fable of Pope Ioanne . Vnlikeliness of this fable . Enemyes charge no proof . Hearsay no conuiction Contradiction in the tale , a signe of falsity . Aduersaryes confesse it to be a fable . Epist . Serrauii Chamier . Du Moulin . Bochart . The Bapistery of Constantine . The Scala Santa . The sancta Sanctorum . See Pancirola . Lib. Della Nottia de Vocaboli Ecclesiastici , in verbo Achyropoeta . Calcata . Menochio Centuria 1. c. 10. Triclinium Leonis The Hospitall of S. Iohn Laterans . S. Stefano Rotondo . S. Maria in Nauicella . Villa Mathei . The Amphiteat●r . Rome sacked six times . Vesari in prefa Pliny . Omnis Caesareo cedat Labor Amphitheatro ; vnum pro cunctis fama loquatur opus . Meta S The Thriumphal Arche of Constantin the great . S. Gregories Church . Antoninus his Bathes . Circus Maximus . The Emperors Pallace . Templum Iani. S. and while they dispute it ●lego on to S. Georges Church . The Velabrum . Forum Boarium . The Tomple of Vesta . The Vestal Virgins . See Plutark in Numa . The Campo Vaccino . The Temple of Iupiter Stator . Ad an 324 ▪ Lacus Curtij . See Tit. Liuius and others The finest Jewels . Farneses garden . The English Vineyard . The Arche of Titus . The Church of S. Frācesca Romana . The Temple of peace . The Church of S. Cosmo & Damiano . S. Lorenzo in Miranda . Messia in vita M. Aurelij : and Sabellic lib. 4. c. 11. S. Adriano . The Triumphal Arch of Seuerus . S. Iosephs The Tullianum . The Comitium . The Capitol . Rupes Tarpeia . The Equestris statua of Marcus Aurelius . The trophies of Marius . The Milliarium , The Conseruatorio . Colonna Rostrata . M. Aurelius his Triumph Leges Decem Tabularum . Tertul. de Corona Milit. Seneca l. 1. de Benefi . c. 13. Ara Caeli . The Iesuits Church . S. Marks Pallace . Colonna Traiana The Pallace of Aldobrandini . The pallace of Mazzarini . The Popes stables . Monte Cauallo . The Popes Sommer Pallace . S. Syluesters Church . S. Agathas Church . S. Peters ad Vincola . Baron . an . 680. S. Martino in Monte. S. Praxedes . The pillar at which our Sauiour was whipped . Santa Maria Maggiore The Chappel of Sixtus V. S. Hieromes tombe The holy Crib of our Sauiour . The Chappel of Paulus V. A Picture of our B. Lady made by S. Luke . Theodor. Lector in initio Collectaneorum . SS . Vito & Modesto . The Arch of Galienus . S. Eusebio ▪ Santa Croce in Hierusalem . See Baronius in his Annals . S. Bibiana . S. Laurence his Church . S. Antonio . S. Pudentiana . Baronius ad an : 44. S. Laurenzo in Panisperna . S. Vitalis See Plutarke . Quatro Fontane . Santa Maria della Vittoria . The Garden of Montalto The Bathes of Diocletian . The Popes Graneries The Church of S. Agnes . Burghesis Villa . Madonna del Populo . The Greek Colledge . The Villa of the great Duke . Villa Ludouisia . The first house The second house . A petrifyed man. Ortelius in Tab. Geograph Russiae . Aristot lib. de An. c. 50. The Capucins Palazzo Barberino S. Jldefonso . The least Church in Rome . The Church of Trinità di Monte Piazza di Spagna Collegiode Propaganda fede . Fontana de Treui . The Maronites Colledge . SS . Apostoli . The Corso Some Pallaces in the Corso . The Pallace of Pamfilio . Santa Maria in Via Lata . S. Marcello . S. Carlo in Corso . S. Jacomo de gl'Incurabili . The Conuent of the repented whores . Objection . Answer . Obiect . Answ . Fenton in his treatis of vsury l. 2. c. 9. Matth. 19.8 . Obiect . Answ . Petrus a S. Romualdo in his Cronologicall Treasur . Obiect . Answ . Tacit. annal . 2. Obiect . Answ . Obiect . Answ . Seneca . In c. 8. l. 1. Reg. Obiect . Answ . Luke 9. S. Tho. 2.2 . q. 10. art . 11. in corpore . S. Syluestro in Capite . Colonna Antonina . The Seauen hills of Rome . Mons Capitolinus Palatinus Auentinus Coelius . Esquilinus . Viminalis Quirinalia . Ianiculus . Vaticanus Pincius or Hortuorū . The Pazzorella . The Roman Colledge . Kerkerius his gallery . La Minerua . Sant Andrea della Valle. Pietro della Valle . Caualier . Pozzo . The Pallace of Matthei . The Cancellaria . San Lorenzo in Damaso . The Pallace of Farnese . The statue of Alexander Farnesi . The famous Bull. Ponte Sisto . The Hospital of the holy Trinity . S. Girolamo della Charita . The English Colledge . The Chiesa Nuona . Cardinal Caesar Baronius . The Oratory . La Pace . Pasquin . S. Pantaeleon . Piazza Nauona . The Church of S. Agnes , The Palazzo Pamphilio . S. Iacomo The Sapienza . S. Lewis . The Pallace of Iustiniani Cassiod . l. 7. S. Eustachio . The Rotonda or Pantheo● S. Lorenzo in Lucina . The Pallace of Burghesi . Mausoleum Augusti . Sueton. S. Ant. di Padua . S. Augustino . Bibliotheca Angelica . Ioachims Prophecie of the Turks . S. Apollinaris . The German Colledge . The Pallozzo d'Altemps . S. John Florentins Church . Tertull. Lib. de Spectac . c. 10. Petrarc . In Remed . vtriusq . Fort. Deuotion in Rome . The musick of Rome . The Ceremonies . The Shows of Rome . Sacred . Prophane The Gouerment of Rome . That of the Citie . That of the Church . The Inhabitants of Rome . Euseb . in Chronico . Cassiod . Epist . Rome a fine place to liue in . And a fine place to dye in . My iourney from Rome to Naples . Marino . Veletri . Tre Taberne . Peperno . Fossa N●ona ▪ Taracina Amiclae . Seru. in lib. 10. Aeneid . Amyclas silentium perdidit . Prouerb . apud S. Hieron . Fundi . Leo Afer ▪ The Via Appia . See Plutarch in Graccho . Procop. l. 1. d● bell . Goth Mola . Formiae . Val. Max. l. 1. c. 4. Caëta . The Bp. of Belley in his historyes . Bourbons Body . The Clouen Rock . Ciceros Grotte . The Ferry of Carigliano . Minturna . Plutark . Campania Foelix Capua . See S. Aug. c. 2. de morib . Eccles . And S. Thom. 2.2 . qu. 64. art . 5. Auersa . Naples . Petr. a S. Roma aldo in his Cronolog . Treasor . The Kingdome of Naples . It s importance to Spayne . It s Greatnesse . It s strenth The towne of Naples . The Churches of Naples Baronius . & Breuiarium Rom. Petrus a S. Romualdo in his Treasor Cronolog . ad an . 1604. The Annunciata . S. Paul● . The Iesuits Church . S. Maria No● The Dominicans Church . The Oliuetan The stately Monastery of the Carthusians . Barclay . Icon Animorum . Castle S. Elmo . Castel Vouo . Castel Nouo . The Markets . an . 1647 The Academies of wits . Learned men . The Moūtain Vesuuius . See Bakers Cronicle in Henric. ● Hells Chimneys Our iourney to Puzzuolo . Sannazarius his tombe . Virgils tombe . The Grotte of Pausilipo . Grotta del Cane . The stones of S. Gennaro . The Capucins . The Sulphatara . Puzzuolo . Pliny , and Vitrunius Baiae . Mercato di Sabato . The Elizian Fields . Piscina Mirabili . Promont : Miseni . Mare mortuum . Cento Camerelle . Agrippinas Tombe Ciceros bathes . The Bathes of Tritola . Lacus Auernus . The Grotte of Sibylla Cumaea . Tertull. Monte Nuouo . The History of Naples . Take heed of the Gabellers of Fundi . Albano . Castel Gandulfo . Frescati . The Villa Aldobrandina . Beluedere The Cascata . The Girandola . The Centaure . Pan. The Lyon and the Leopard . The Hall of Apollo . The water Organ . A terrible wetting place . Villa Ludouisia . Montedragone . Tiuoli . Old Tybur The Cascata . Villa d'Esté . Via Flaminia . Ponte Molo . Tiber. Narni . Terni . Spoleto . Plato l. 12 de Legib . The Valley of Spoleto . Foligni . Assisium . Montefalco . Tolentino . Macerata . Recanata Loreto . See Turselinus his history of the House of Loreto . The Holy House of Loreto . The Treasory . * In his hist . of Loreto l. 3. c. 25. The Apothecaries shop . Ancona . Senegallia . Fano . Pesaro . Catholica . Rimini . Cesena . Forli . Rubicon . Faenza . Plin. l. 18. c. 26. Arist . l. 1. de partib . animal . c. 3. Ferrara . The Rarities . The Di●mant Pallace . Ariosto Tombe . The Acadimy of wits . The Learned men . The history . Ruigo . Adria . La Laguna . The origin of Venice . Est-elle belle ? Est elle grande ? Est elle riche ? Quelle aige a elle ? Venice now . The Gondolas . Bridges in Venice . The Rialto . The Gourement . The Great Counsel . The Dogè . Procuratori di San Marco . Their Strength . Loschi in Compendi● Histor . Palma Noua . Their Riches . Their Religion . Their Interest . The noble men of Venice . The noble women of Venice● S. Marks Church . Baronius , an . 1190. The Treasory of S. Mark. The Spiritual Treasor . The Temporal Treasure . The Dogès Pallace . The little Arsenal . Sabellicus ●ec . 2 l. 1. The Piazza of S. Mark. The High steeple . The Arsenal . The Assensa . The Corso at Murano . The Fayre S. Georges . The Pallace of Signore Nani . The Capucins . Madonna di Salute . La Carita . Ss. Giouanne & Paulo . S. Saluatore . S. Chrysostome . The Domo . S. Iacomo . The Greeks Church . The Iewes Synagogue The Glasse houses at murano . The shops . The Pallaces . The Learned Men. The Academy of wits . The Historians . The Defects of Venice . Padua ▪ Antenors Tombe . S. Antonies Church . S. Iustinas Church & Monastery . The great Hall. S. Augustino . L'Arena . S. Dominico . S. Francesco . S. Thomaso di Cantuaria . The Academies of wits . The learned Men. The Historians . Vicenza . The Theater . The Academy of ●its . The Histo●ians . Verona . The Amphitheater ▪ The Academy of wits . The learnmened . The Historians . Peschiera . Lago di Garda . Disenzano Brescia . The History . Crema . Bergamo . Mantua . Valer . Maxim . l. 2. c. 1. The Dukes Family . His Reuenues . His Interest . Casal . His strenth . it s Learned Mem. It s History . Mirandola Franciscus Pius . Leander Albatus . Io Picus Miranduilanus . 
A56530	----	Politick discourses written in Italian by Paolo Paruta ... ; whereunto is added a short soliloquy in which the author briefly examines the whole course of his life ; rendred into English by the Right Honorable Henry, Earl of Monmouth. Discorsi politici. English Paruta, Paolo, 1540-1598. 1657 Approx. 867 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 116 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-09 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A56530 Wing P639 ESTC R19201 12350799 ocm 12350799 59987 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A56530) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 59987) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 220:1) Politick discourses written in Italian by Paolo Paruta ... ; whereunto is added a short soliloquy in which the author briefly examines the whole course of his life ; rendred into English by the Right Honorable Henry, Earl of Monmouth. Discorsi politici. English Paruta, Paolo, 1540-1598. Monmouth, Henry Carey, Earl of, 1596-1661. [22], 203 p. : port. Printed for H. Moseley ..., London : 1657. Translation of: Discorsi politici. Errata on p. [17]. Pages [17] and [18] are repeated three times. Reproduction of original in British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Political science -- Early works to 1800. Italy -- History. Rome -- History. 2003-06 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-06 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-07 Emma (Leeson) Huber Sampled and proofread 2003-07 Emma (Leeson) Huber Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-08 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Hen : Do : Cary Baro de Leppington Comes Monmouthen●is . et honble : Ord : Balni● Eques . Politick DISCOURSES ; Written in ITALIAN BY PAOLO PARUTA A Noble VENETIAN , Cavalier and Procurator of St. MARK . Whereunto is added , A short SOLILOQUY , In which the AUTHOR briefly examines the whole Course of his Life . Rendred into ENGLISH By the Right Honorable , HENRY EARL of MONMOVTH . LONDON , Printed for H. Moseley , and are to be sold at the Prince's Arms in St. Paul's Church-yard . 1657 : THE CONTENTS Of the Several DISCOURSES The First BOOK . DISCOURSE I. WHat was the true and proper Form of Government observed in the Commonwealth of Rome ; and whether she could be better ordered in Civil affairs , having Armed people on foot . pag. 1. II. What success the Roman affairs would have had , if Alexander the Great had turned with his victorious Army into Italy . 18 III. Whether was the better and more laudable advice ; That of the Carthaginians in offering to assist the Romans against King Pyrrhus ; Or that of the Romans in refusing their offer . 23 IV. Which of the two famous Roman Commanders , Quintus Fabi●s Maximus , or P. Scipio Africanus , brought more of 〈…〉 the Commonwealth of Rome in managing their War. 29 V. Whether war being to be made against the Romans , Hannibals counsel was good to carry it into Italy . 34 VI. Whether it was well done by the Romans , to carry the War against the Carthaginians , into Sicily and Spain ; and into Macedonia and Greece , against King Philip ; whilst Hannibal waged War with them in Italy . 39 VII . Whether the destruction of Carthage was the rise of the ruine of the Roman Republick . 45 VIII . Why Rome could not regain her liberty after the death of Julius Caesar as she had formerly done , by driving the Tarquin● first out , and then Appius Claudius and the other Decemviri . 50 IX . Which is the safer way to be taken , to arrive at Honor and Glory in a Commonwealth ; that which was held by Cato , or that which was pursued by Caesar. 55 X. To what Age of the City of Rome the greatest praise and merit is to be given , for the prosperity and greatness whereto she arrived . 59 XI . How the Roman Empire , though it fell oftentimes into the hands of base and wicked m●n , was notwithstanding able to maintain it self in the Reign of many Emperors , and how it came to be finally destroyed , 67 XII . Why the Commonwealth of Rome , though she suffered many Defeats in divers Battels , yet did still prove victorious at last . 78 XIII . Whether the City of Rome could have maintain'd herself longer in the glory and majesty of her Command , if she had preserved her Librty , and Form of Commonwealth , then she did under the Government of Emperors . 85 XIV . Why the Grecians did not much extend the Confines of their dominion , as did the Romans ; and how Greece came to lose her liberty . 93 XV. Whether Ostracism used by the Athenians ; be a just thing , or no ; and whether it be useful for the preservation of a Commonwealth . 104 The Second BOOK . DISCOURSE I. WHy the Commonwealth of Venice hath not so for enlarged her Pr●cincts , as did the Roman Commonwealth . 111 II. Whether or no the Commonwealth of Venice be to be blamed for having taken upon her the defence of the City of Pisa , when it was app●gne● by the Florentine● . 1●3 III. That the Commonwealth is not to be blamed for the unfortunate successes of War , after the routing of the Venetian Army in the actio● of Giaradada . 131 IV. Whether the Princes of Italy did well , or no , to assault the Army of Charl● the Eight , King of France , when after having gotten the Kingdom of Naples , he hasted to pass over the Mountains . 140 V. Whether or no the Forces of Leagues be fit for great Enterprises . 146 VI. Why modern Princes have not done actions equal to those which were done by the Antients . 156 VII . What the cause is why Italy hath enjoyed so long peace and quiet in these latter times . 164 VIII . Whether Citadels and Strong-holds , much used by our modern Princes , be commodious , and of true safety to a State , or no. 168 IX . Whether the Opinion of Pope Leo the Tenth were good , or no , and his counsel safe , of driving Foreign Nations out of Italy by the help of other Transalpine Forces . 179 X. Whether the Counsel taken by the Emperor Charls the Fifth , and by his Commanders , of not parting from the walls of Vienna , when Solyman was come with very great strength from Constantinople to assault it , deserve praise , or blame . 185 A TABLE Of all the more notable Things contained in the present Politick Discourses . A. ADrian the Emperor , why he resolved to go on progress over all his States , and to visit every part thereof — Pag. 71-91 . Where he set the bounds of his Empire — ibid. Agesilaus , though he were King in Sparta , was obedient to the Laws of the Country — 48 Alcibiades , by too much desire of glory , ruined his Country — 10. Had higher thoughts then the rest of the Greek Commanders — 95 Alexander the Great , the greatness of his enterprises — 19. His Militia — 20-83 An Indian Gymnosophist shews him how in a large Kingdom insurrections fall out — 71. How far he extended his Empire , and in how little time — 157. and how — 159. His artifices , and laudable way , for opening the way more easily to his great atchievements , and greater glory — 162 Ambition precipitated Rome into very grievous disorders — 15-16-51 . When discovered , makes men distastefull — 58. It , and Fear raise in Princes minds a desire of innovation — 164. The important mischief of it , if once gotten into mens hearts — 106. How it is to be cured in States-men — ibid. An Army keeping the field , how greatly beneficial — 169 Armies , maintained by the Romans to carry on the war in divers parts , taken only out of Italy — 64 Arragonian Kings of Naples , what they did for fear of the French forces — 138 Artillery , of what use in war●● — 160. That in their stead the Antients had miraculous Engines , called Tormenta — 173 Assaulting the Enemy in his own State , how advantagious — 34 Attalaricus King of the Goths descends into Italy — 76. is afterwards entertain'd for a Stipendiary to the Empire — ibid. Attila content to lose the day , so the Roman Commander might be slain in the battel — 89 Athens , why she soon lost her liberty — 5-13-54 Athenians of great power in Greece — 94. By what people followed and favour'd — ibid. Too hard for the rest in Sea-forces — ibid. Hinder'd by the Spartans from taking in Sicily , and from assaulting Persia — 95. Why they could not enlarge their Dominion — 98 Augustus Caesar , in many places enlarged the Empire — 68. Remained sole Lord of the whole World — 71. Reduced it all to Peace , though he was troubled with some Insurrections — 7● . See Octavianus . B. BAttails , subject to divers unexpected accidents — 31 When they are to be adventured upon — 192 Brutus , Junius Br. how he stirr'd up the people to Liberty — 51. Why he condemned his own sons to death — 52 Brutus , Marcus Br. why he could not preserve the liberty of Rome , recover'd by Caesars death — 51. That he endeavored it when 't was too late — 53 C. CArthaginians , why they came to aid the Romans against Pyrrhus — 23 For a long time friends to the Romans — ibid. Should rather have been afraid of the Romans then of Pyrrhus — 25. Were stronger at Sea then they — 36. Often subdued — 45 Cat● Major , causing sigs to be brought from Carthage into the Senate-house , gives counsel that that City should be destroyed — 45. How such counsel might be useful — 49 Cato Uticensis , what things they were which ingratiated him with the Senate and the People — 55. Did many times prevail against Caesar — ibid. Founded his greatness upon nobler courses — 57. What demonstrations he received from the People of their singular favour to him — 58. Because his manners were not suitable to the form of that Republick , he could not hold out his reputation among them to the utmost — 59 Charls the Great , having freed Italy from the slavery of the Northern Barbarians , made his son Pipin King of Italy — 183 Charls the Eighth , King of France , his passage into Italy for the conquest of Naples — 140. At his return assaulted by the Italian Princes ; and whether they were well advis'd in it , discoursed upon at large — ibid. Charls the Fifth , Emperor , compared with Solyman — 22. His great wars with Francis the First , King of France , and his famous expeditions — 157. Why his enterprises against the Kingdom of France proved vain — 158. Why he shunn'd hazarding a set battel with Solyman — 162. How the State of Milain fell to him — 165. Whether he was well advised in not parting from before the walls of Vienna , when Solyman was come to assault it — 185 A City well ordered , how it should be qualified — 10. For preserving of unity among the Citizens , whether the courses which Caesar took , or those used by Cato , were more available — 5● . When it is grown to a great height , 't is a hard matter to order it aright — 14. That which aspires to a large Dominion , must have two things — 1●1 . What is most necessary for its long continuance , especially such a one as is cast into the form of a Republick — 104 ▪ Of how great importance the situation is — 114 Citizens of singular quality banish'd from Athens for ten years — 3 — 104 To make them vertuous , three things necessary — 7. By what means they may acquire greatness — 56. That quietness and concord between them is of main importance for the felicity of the State , and how it may be preserved — ibid. & — 121 A Citizen very potent , how to be corrected , that he disturb not the common Quiet — 95 Cleomenes King of Sparta , accounted the riches of the Persians not worth the trouble they would stand his Soldiery — 98 Colonies , when first used by the Romans , and how beneficial to them — 63 & 172 Of the Venetians why sent into Candy — ibid. Constantine the Great divided the Empire between his three Sons — 67. Why he transferred the Empire to Constantinople — 71 Constantine son to the above-named , what part of the Empire fell to his share — 67 Consalvo Ferrante , why kept under by King Ferdinand — 106 Consuls , of what authority in Rome — 2-4-5 Customs , how profitable good ones are to Cities — 10 D. DAlmatians , with much difficulty subdued by the Venetians — 119 Decemvirate , held the form of a Republick — 50. Why Rome was able to free herself from its tyrannie — 51. Why driven out from thence — 52 Docius Emperor of Constantinople , routed by the Goths , flieth , and is drown'd in a Fen — 75 Discords sprung up in Rome from War , not from Peace — 48 Dictator , upon what occasions chosen by the Romans — 12. Of what relief to Rome , and who was the first — 62. Esteemed necessary in times of great danger , and what his dignity was — 86 E. EDucation good , how useful to a City or State — 9 Elephants imployed by Pyrrhus in his wars against the Romans — 26 Emperors of Rome , favour'd , assisted , and maintained by the Soldiers and the People — 69-72-73 . Thirty at one time assum'd that title — 70. Why some were chosen to be their Companions in their lives , and their Successors after their deaths — 72. When those of Caesars race ended ibid. Which were slain by the Soldiers , for desiring to reduce them to good discipline — 73 Empire of the Romans , when it began — 68. When it began to decline — 6● The causes of its declination and ruine — 71. When it was void of worthy men and valiant Commanders — 89. became tributary to the Goths — 76 Equality or parity of goods , why observed in Sparta — 3. Of all the Citizens in government , is not good — 6. What equality is convenient for a Common-wealth , that it may last long — 104 Event , the surest way to know what is likely to follow — 19. That War is far more subject to divers unexpected events , then any other actions of ours — 31 That it is the master of Fools — 38. Not the event of things , but the advice wherewith they were done , makes them either praise-worthy or blameable — 132 F. FAbius Maximus , his action and worth — 29 , &c. Deserved to be praised not only for Prudence , but for Courage — 31. Feared by Hannibal — ibid. overcomes Hannibal when Conqueror — ibid. Why he took a contrary course to that of Scipio's — 33 Fame and Reputation , of great importance in all our actions , but especially in War — 85 Ferdinand King , brother to Charls the Fifth , why it would have been far better for him quietly to have suffered John King of Hungary to be his neighbour , then to pull upon himself the Turks forces — 196 Ferdinand King of Spain , why he kept under Consalvo — 106. Not just in his league with the Venetians — 152 Florence , why she could not keep herself in a firm state of Government free from civil dissentions — 54 The Florentines succoring the Dukes of Milain and Ferrara with men and monies , hindred the Venetians in those enterprises — 124. Not well thought of , and indeed hated by the Italian Princes , for the correspondence which they held with the French — 128. How their Fortresses put them to much trouble and damage , when they were seised upon by the French brought in by their King Charls the Eighth — 171 Forts or Fortresses , of how great furtherance to a State — 148. The doubts for which it may seem they are not available — 168. Other more certain , and no less grievous — 171. Why called i ceppi della Toscana — ibid. Arguments and reasons to demonstrate the great benefit of Forts — 172. How to be rightly disposed and regulated — 176. The defence and praise of rearing Forts — ibid. The doubts and arguments against them resolved — ibid. Fortune , what is to be understood by that name — 18 The Fortune of the Romans overborn by Hannibal — 41. Why she easily rose up again , changing for the better — 45. When she proved cross , they still kept the same minds — 48 Fortune very cross to the Venetians — 106 France , the Romans put sore to it ere they could take it in — 48. Whence the late troubles and discords arose — 106 The French oftentimes assaulted Rome — 61-63 . How timorous they shewed themselves when the wars in Italy grew unlucky — 138. Why they have not been able to make great atchievements in Italy , nor to stay long there — 166 Francesco Foscari Duke of Venice , said , That the Republick could not much increase in power , unless she made some enterprises by Land — 115 Francis the First , King of France , how he palter'd in the League with the Italian Princes — 152. For endowments of the mind , and other qualities , most eminent — ibid. Though his fortune gave way to that of Charls the Fifth , whom yet he put to much trouble — 157. Why his furious endeavor to assault Spain prov'd bootless — 159. and as much in vain his enterprises in Italy — 161 G. GEnoeses conquer'd by the Venetians — 41. Whereupon it was that at first they entred into competition , and afterwards into a deadly fewd with the Venetians — 118 The Goths , famous for the destruction of the Empire , and of many Provinces — 76 Their original , and why they fell down into Italy — ibid. Other actions of theirs under divers Commanders — 77. They also took pay under the Emperors — ibid. Government , how the quality of every one may be known — 1-2 . What the right Form of it is — ibid. What it was in Rome — 2. What in Sparta — ibid. What in Venice — 54. Every Form is not convenient for every State — 2 The Form of the Government is , as it were , the soul of the State — 131 From a Popular government men come to Tyrannie — 54. The Change thereof in Rome , occasioned so much the sooner the end of her Empire — 90 and of the corruption of her Militia — 92 Greece , why the Romans strove to keep her from falling into Philips hands — 45 Had a general Council called the Amphictiones , like the Diets of Germany — 94 In many of her Cities had men of eminence for all manner of worth — 93 Not being at unity in herself , could not compass any great atchievements abroad — 95. By reason of her dissentions , could not make use of her victories against the Persians — 97. minded Arts more then Arms — ibid. Whence her victories against the Persians proceeded — 98. How she came to fall into the hands of the Macedonians — 100. then , of another Philip — 101 lastly of the Romans — ibid. Why after the death of Alexander , she could not recover her liberty — 100. For the same reasons , having afterwards the Empire of Constantinople , she could not preserve herself in that dignity — 103 How highly her Soldiers were esteemed by Philip of Macedon , and Alexander the Great — ibid. & 104 Guido Ubeldo Duke of Urbin , why he would allow of no Forts in his Dominions — 170-171 H. HAnnibal , upon what ground he made war upon the Romans in Italy — 34 What reasons should have removed him from that resolution — 35 Honorius the Emperor , his cowardise and simple saying — 77 Hungary , whence so called — 77. The occasion of the Wars for her , between the House of Austria and the Turks — 195 I. ITaly , how much she abounded in Soldiers — 84. The Romans meetly out of their own Citizens , and of their other Territories in Italy , were furnish'd with Commanders and Soldiers for all their Armies — 62. Was long obedient to the Western Emperors ; yet withdrew herself from under their command , and submitted to Lords of her own — 184 Italy , through her own Princes fault , at present , under the Command of Strangers — 140. Her late Quietness and Peace , and from what causes — 164 When it began — 165. How it may be continued — 167. Before the times of Pope Leo the Teath , in great misery for thirty years — 182 Italian Princes , whether they were well advised in setting upon Charls the Eight King of France , at his departing out of Italy — 140 Iugurth with a bitter saying , taxed the extreme grippleness and avarice of the Romans — 13 Iulius Caesar , what fierce people he conquer'd in France — 91. Why it was difficult and troublesome for him to tame them — 159. He would always charge his Enemy first — 187 K. KIngdoms large and ample , why apt and subject to Insurrections — 72 L. LAws , what benefit they bring — 17. They ought to be confirmed by good Customs — 11. Their aim ought to be , to take away the abuse of things , not the things themselves — 109 Leagues ( or Confederacies ) why they are made , their force and power — 146 Made by the Christians against the Infidels — 147-151-156-191 . Which are the firmest — 147. The defects which they may , and use to have — 148 For what causes they are made — 154. How and when men may with reason expect benefit by them — 154. Why they are no better esteemed — ibid. That famous one of Cambray against the Venetians , why made , how soon dissolved , and how unjust it was — 154-155 Leonidas , his famous victory against the Persians — 98 Lewis the Twelfth , King of France , his nature and qualities of minde — 135 Why he conspired against the Venetians ; and how injuriously — 132 — 135 Lodowick Sforza Duke of Milain , how fearful he shewed himself upon the League between the French and the Venetians — 139. He calls Charls the Eight King of France into Italy , and then to his own great damage repents himself of it — 140 Lycurgus , why his Laws proved good — 11. Had many means to help him in the setling of his Laws — 12. Ordered his Republick so , that it should not much increase its Dominions — 47 M. MAgistracies , the confirming of them proved very dangerous in Rome — 3 They ought to be of limited authority , and for a short time — 5 Malta , why it preserved it self against the assaults of Bolyman — 175 Marius , by what ways he began his greatness — 8. By his ambition he much endamaged the Commonwealth — 10-47 . His discreet carriage in the enterprise against the Cimbri , which were come down into Italy — 194 Medici , how that Family got the superiority in Florence , and kept it — 105 The Militia of the Greeks or Macedonians , what it was — 21. Of the Carthaginians , mercenary and incommodious — 39. Of the Romans , proved very profitable to the Commonwealth , by being in the hands of many — ibid. Well understood and practised by the Romans — 38-49-61-80 . Afterward grew corrupted and abject — 69-73-74-75 . Of the Turks , how numerous , well order'd , and in continual Pay — 186-193-195-196 . Of the Christians , much inferior to that of the Turks — 186. Naval , cannot of it self much enlarge the Dominion of a State — 113. The Forces thereof are increased and maintained by those of the Land — 114 N. NAtural inclination ought to be followed in the choise of our actions — 58 Nicolo Orsino , Count of Pitioliano , like Fabius Maximus , and not like him — 135 Nobles , why a● first of little authority in Rome — 2. Opposing the Communalty , and hated by it — 4. Authors of the destruction of Tyrannies — 12 O. OCtavianus , why easily entertained by the Army after Caesars death — 52 P. PEace , how it remains of it self , being brought into States — 164. How , in these last times it is established in the minds of the Italian Potentates — 165 How Peace , Concord , and Unity amongst Citizens ought to be preserved by Laws — 121 Plutarch , prefers Lycurgus before Numa — 11 Pompey , set up by the Senate to take down Caesar — 47. His triumphs — ibid. After the war with Mithridates , quitted the Army — 51. Subdued for the Romans above eight hundred Cities — 65. The laudable way and art by which he brought people to obey the Romans , and facilitated his enterprises — 163 The People of Rome , of what authority in the Commonwealth — 5. How from the beginning it was of great power , and increased it more and more — 15 Loving liberty , how it came to lose it — 51. Sought by seditions to obtain from the Senate all things , though never so unjust — 52 The People ; That to curb it , Severity prevails more then Meekness — 16. That out of its natural fickleness , it useth to favour a Forein Prince , and by seditions and violent attempts to plot against the present Power — 170 A Prince shall do well and wisely to have a care , that no Subject of his grow to be suspected for his greatness — 106. Must not for his own relief make use of Forein aids , that he may be too strong for his Native forces — 103 Princes , what sort of Militia it is best for them to make use of in their expeditions , and other matters of War — 155. Sage advice to them in points of War , and the choice of Commanders — 145. Those of Italy have used to imploy foreign Commanders , and foreign mercenary Soldiers — 122 See more in States . R. REpublicks , how their divers Forms may be known — 6. How their continuance may be known — 18. How at last they grow to be Tyrannies — 54. That a State deserves not the name of a Commonwealth or Republick , where the Decrees of the People , and not the Laws , carry all the command — 6. For the long preservation and quietness of them , nothing more necessary then a Parity — 104. A poor one cannot enlarge its Dominion — 112 Rome , was a mixt , but imperfect Commonwealth , and why — 3-11 . Was too Popular — 3. Why it could not free it self from many disorders — 14 How long it held its greatness — 68. When , and how she might have freed herself from her many bad qualities and defects — ibid. How she abounded in Soldiers and Commanders — 39-64-74-80 . How she made way for Monarchy — 39. She scatter'd her corruptions amongst the Nobles and the Communalty — 50. That those Citizens proved worst oppressors to her , whom for the meer conservation of her Liberty she had too much exalted — 51 Her first , second , and third Age — 59. Her first seven Kings , of what considerable benefit they were to her — 60. At what time she deserved the praise of good Government — 61 Romans , why they refused the Carthaginians aid against Pyrrhus — 26. Refused to have peace with Pyrrhus — ibid. For what causes chiefly they had the better of the Carthaginians — 39. They regarded not so much present dangers , as future — 45. Out of one War they still framed another — 46 Why they were invincible , according to Polybius — 78. The two pretences under which they made their most notorious acquisitions — 161. How by Colonies they kept their new Subjects in loyalty and obedience — 173 Romulus , a man fierce , ambitious , and desirous to enlarge his Estate , train'd up the People according to his genius — 113 S. SCipio Africanus , his worth and actions — 29-33 . Why he took a course differing from that of Fabius — 33. His passage into Sicily , of what benefit it was — 35 Scipio Nafica , when Carthage was taken , disswaded the Senate from destroying that City — 46. Whether that counsel of his were founded upon good reason — ibid. The Senate of Rome , what number it consisted of , and when first instituted — 14 Its authority — 4. The generous answer she gave to the Ambassadors of Pyrrhus — 26-89 . Little esteemed of by Julius Caesar — 46. Subject to corruptions — 50. Severity , in what sort of Commonwealth it doth good — 57. Was very great in Cato — ibid. Sylla , brought into Rome licentious living — 51. Increased the Order of the Senators , to counterpoise the Communalty , — Gave honors and riches to his Favorites — ibid. Soldan of Caire , how and why he lost all his Kingdom in a short time — 160 Solyman parallel'd with Charls the Fifth — 22. His endowments of mind and fortune — 157. His great atchievements — 158. Why he made no great progress in Hungary — 159. nor at Corfu against the Venetians — ibid. Why he made that expedition into Hungary — 195. Had under his command four Empires , and eighteen Kingdoms — 196 Sparta , a mixt Republick very excellent — 5. Her Laws not written — 11 That authority which the Kings had there , not prejudicial to it — 48. Many worthy men flourished in it , by reason of the form of its government — 58 For want of money , could not enlarge her Empire — 82 Spartans , when and why of great power in Greece — 96. By what people followed and favour'd — ibid. Stronger then the rest in Land forces — ibid. Why they would not have their Cities begirt with walls — 171 States ; whence their divers changes come — 53. How men grow desirous of their change — 72. Are augmented and preserved by the same things which gave them their beginning , and corrupted by the contrary — 73. Where they have been ruin'd by intestine discords , the over-great height of some of their own hath been the cause — 105. That they have their beginning , increase , stay , declination , and ruine — 86 S●ilico , a Barbarian , and by nation a Hun , called to the command of the Roman Army , betrays the Empire — 89 T. THebans much esteemed of for the discipline of their Soldiers , called the Sacred Band — 94. Pelopidas and Epaminondas , famous Commanders of theirs — ibid. Themistocles , what his advice was , and his Naval victory against the Persians — 99 Tiberius Gracchus slain by the Nobles of Rome , without any revenge from the People — 17 Tribuneship in Rome , of how great power , and its insolence — 6. Called Sacrosanctus — 52 Triumph in Rome , when first instituted , and to whom first granted — 62 Turks , their assistance refused by the Venetians , and yet sued for by other Christian Princes — 136. Why they cannot so suddenly nor easily do any signal enterprises by Land — 161. Are accustomed , for their own security , to destroy the inhabitants of such places as they take in , especially those of the better and richer sort — 172. Their chiefest strength consists in their Cavalry — 187 Their Law promiseth everlasting reward in heaven , to every one that loseth his life in their Soveraigns quarrel — 194 V. VAlerius Publicola , why in reforming the government of Rome , he yielded many things to the People — 14-15 . That he might have order'd the City better — ibid. Venice , in time brought her Government to perfection — 12. How she hath been able to preserve her Liberty thus long — 54. What her Government is — ibid. When it began — 77-116 . Her Founders lovers of Peace , and of an intent and end differing from that of the Founders of Rome — ibid. Her greatest and most difficult attempts have been either in their own Defence , or for Religion , or in Assistance of others — 115. What wars and efforts of fierce Nations she at her first beginning underwent — 117. Why she made use of Foreign Soldiers and Commanders — 121. That for having accustomed to imploy Foreign Commanders , she hath not been able ( by reason of their disloyalty ) to prosecute such Enterprises of hers as had been well begun — ibid. Venetians , what course they took to free themselves from the danger they were in of the Genoa-forces — 43. That the practice of Merchandising is not to be blamed in them — 116. Some of their illustrious and famous Princes — ibid. What title their Dukes assumed for the taking in of Constantinople — 118 How prejudicial to them the Ottoman Empire hath been — ibid. That , had it not been for the treachery of their Commanders , the State of Milan had been theirs — 121. Their weighty and glorious enterprises by Sea and Land against the Saracens , for the Emperors of Constantinople , and against the Genoeses — 129. Why they called Lewis King of France into Italy — 130 Why almost all Christian Princes entred into a League against them — 132-180 How discreetly they have continued Neutrals in the discords of Princes , that thereupon Peace might follow in these latter times — 167. Why they sent into Candy new Colonies of their own Gentry — 172 Vertue , what two vertues are necessary for him that proposeth great matters to himself , and aspireth after glory — 88 Vertuous , To make men vertuous , three things are needful — 11 W. WAR , brought home to the Enemies own doors , how advantagious — 28 When it ought to be carried on with protracting of time — 31. War , and not Peace , was the cause of Romes ruine — 46. It is subject to divers successes and chances , more then any other action of ours — 31-183-185 Wars , made by the Romans after the subduing of Carthage — 48. Made and maintained by them in many places at once — 65. Particulars most necessary for them — 149. The manner of Wars now used , is the chiefest cause why the enterprises of modern Princes prove not equal to those of the Antients — 148 The end of the second Table . ERRATA . Pag. lin . 4-45 AFter not read only . 5-7 Dele not . 8-17 For licence read licentiousness . 10-27 For temperance read temper . 11-38 For them read those . 15-25 Before what insert do . ib. 48 Dele more . 19-19 For of read and , for and read of . 25-38 Dele only ; 26 - ult . After obedience insert i● . 35-26 After ●ighting read they . 37-43 After these insert rather . 38-14 After of Insert all this . 39-12 Before the insert to . 43 - pen. After as insert if . 53-12 After 〈◊〉 insert the less . 55-31 After not insert only 60-3 After not insert only . 73-17 Dele and ( the first . ) Pag. lin . 74-27 Before Goths insert great valor of the ibid. 31 For Commanders read Soldiers . 82-50 For Rhodosius read Rhodanus . 89-30 For Soldiers read Commanders . 112-30 For where read were . 113-48 Dele then by . 116-20 For a read the. 124-7 For them into his , read him into th●● . 126-34 After mens insert thoughts . 152-25 Before Pope , insert with Francis King of France . 157-5 After if insert we . 158-45 For sadly read easily . 159-26 For Cor●●r read Corf● . ibid. 29 For Corfee read Corf● . 176-47 After thereof insert more . 199-2 Before not insert it . ibid. 3 Dele it . 20● — 19 Dele be . THE FIRST BOOK . The First DISCOURSE . What was the true and proper Form of Government observed in the Commonwealth of Rome ; and whether she could be better ordered in Civil affairs , having Armed people on foot . THere are many , who reflecting upon the Greatness of the Commonwealth of Rome , wonder at her so many prosperities , by which she flourished a long time , and at last obtained the mastery of all other Monarchies : And thinking that it is enough to admire her feats of Arms , and management in Peace , do not care for enquiring into the reason thereof ; so as ballancing thereby every of her several operations , they may know what they were that were truly worth praise and imitation , and what blame-worthy and to be avoided . But certainly these men seem not to know , to how many and how great and various accidents all humane works are subject , and what the true rule and measure is whereby the perfection of States is comprehended : For that is not simply the greatness of an Empire , to which she at the beginning riseth by Fortune , and which is increased by Injustice ; but that may well be said to be the true Form of Government , by which people living in peace and union , may work righteously , and obtain Civil felicity . He therefore who will judge aright of the actions of that Commonwealth , without suffering his eyes to be dazeled wi●h the splendor of the Roman greatness , let him consider them nakedly , as void of that reputation which Antiquity and the power of Empire purchased them , and he will find some things peradventure amongst the many for which she worthily deserved to be cryed up by all men , which are more to be observed for the amendment of present Governments by their example , then for imitation , out of hopes of attaining any true praise or apparent good . But as there is nothing of greater importance in a City , then the Form of Government , by which , as by the soul thereof , every good act is produced ; so of all other observations which may be had of the City of Rome , there is not any more worthy , or of more use , then to examine what was the truest Form of her Government , that we may afterwards see whether she might have been be●ter ordered in Civil affairs then she was , without disordering her Militia ; and whether she could keep together the People armed , and obedient to the Laws . To know then what the condition of her Government was , and thence to comprehend whether that supreme excellencie were in it , as hath been thought by some men ; following the Rule which Philosophy teacheth us , which says , that every Form of Republick is not convenient for every City , but that they must be varied according to the divers natures of the people , and according to other accidents ; we must examine what that State was in it self , and then what proportion it held with that City . But because it would be too difficult a business to assign any certain condition unto her , which may equally correspond to all times , she not having so punctually observed one and the same Form continually , but varied it somewhat accordingly as it inclined more or less to a Popular State ; we must have our eys most fixt upon that Age , whe●ein the glory of that Commonwealth did most flourish ; not so bearing notwithstanding to touch upon such things in other times , as may conduce to our purpose . He who would diligently consider all the parts of the Republick , will find not only so much diversity , but even contrariety in them , as he will not be able easily to resolve which was her properest Form of Government : For if respect be had to the great Authority of Consuls , especially in Armies , we may , not without reason , believe , that that City under the name of a Commonwealth , was governed with Laws befitting a Kingdom ; since that Form of Magistracie did use such Autho●ity in managing of Arms , in concluding Peace , and in agreeing differences between potent Kings , as one onely Prince could hardly have treated of those thing with more absolute power : differing from Monarchy only in this , that they kept this Authority but for a short time , and did acknowledg it to proceed from the will and favor of the People . But he who will consider what a share of the most important resolutions of the Commonwealth the Senate had , as that which governed the publick Treasury , the chief foundation of a State , and to which the priviledg did belong first to treat of , and then to resolve of such things as were to be propounded to the people , will be of opinion , that such a Commonwealth did lean more towards Aristocracie , then any other Government . Yet passing on to further Considerations , and finding the Authority of Consuls , Senate and Tribunes to be so often baffled and nullified , and the Supreme Magistracies oftentimes contaminated by the meanness of popular men who have had the exercise thereof , will vote otherwise , and think the Government to have been meerly Popular . Wherefore ●olybius being willing , in the sixth Book of his Histories , to assign some certain Form of Government to the City of Rome , would not restrain it under any one particular Form , but called it a mixt Republick , as was that of Sparta . Which opinion is sithence followed by some modern Writers , who treating of the differing Forms of Commonwealths , and particularly of that of Rome , do punctually agree with Polybius . And certainly they were thus far all in the right , to wit , That the divers manners of Rule by which that City was governed , could not be expressed by any one name . For what gives the true Form to a City , but the communication of Government ? which as it is participated by Citizens , makes such alteration or mutation in a State , as the Philosopher was of opinion , that though the City did totally remain the same , the variation of this only was able so to metamorphose it , as it cannot be said to be what it was before : For it is not the Walls , nor the Inhabitants , but the Form of Government which makes it be so . Therefore he who will determine the Form of a City , must have respect to whatsoever doth therein help to the attaining of Magistracie , that he may infold all parts that belong to the managing of a Commonwealth . So as since men of all conditions , according to the divers respects either of Liberty , Nobility , Wealth or Worth , were admitted into Government , these divers communications will not admit the ascription of any peculiar or particular form . Agreeing therefore herein with Polybius , we will now endeavour to find out what is more hard to know , and is better worth knowledg , to wit ▪ what sort of mixture this was . For though a mixt Commonwealth may be perfect , it follows not , that all mixtures may make her so ; nay rather where several differing parts are wound up together , so as a third kind of nature is produced by their connexion , such a composition will rather increase the imperfection of the State , and be the reason why it cannot long continue under such a disproportionate mixture . And as it falls out in our bodies , which being compounded of four Elements , continue so long in life , as that proportion is maintained , which when it is destroyed , they are likewise wasted and corrupted ; ( For that part which becomes too prevalent , changeth the rest into its self , and dissolves the form which they made when all together : ) So that Commonwealth which is composed of divers parts , may continue in one and the same State , as long as the Authority of Government is proportioned with equal temperament , as it ought to be , to each part . But as soon as any one part begins to domineer too much , it is apparent that she grows towards corruption : For the prevalent part by consuming the rest , doth by little and little reduce them all into its self , and alters the aspect of the City . Therefore such a disposition is required to this Form of Government , as no disorder may be therein found whereby that mixture may be broken or confused . Wherefore as divers Faculties concur together to the forming of Man , but are notwithstanding so well ordered in that union , as all of them partaking of some office or other , they have their several degrees of dignity ; so divers Citizens reduced to live together in one City , though all of them may in some sort participate of Government , yet the ●mployments must be diversly disposed of , so as some of them may hold the first place , and as certain primary Causes , must give motion to other things which are done in the Commonwealth . These considerations being applied to the City of Rome , will make it appear clearly that there was no such equality nor order in her , as is to be desired in a mixt Commonwealth to render it excellent , and long lived . For the immoderate Authority , which was by the Laws granted to divers Magistrates , but much more the extraordinary power which was intrusted in many Citizens , shews how ill that so necessary proportion was observed in her : And on the other side , the Peoples power , and the admittance thereof without any difference to all manner of Negotiations , gives manifest tokens of a confused disposition , all Orders being mixt together without distinction either of Office or Degree , and the baser sort being oftentimes exalted above the more worthy . Hence it was , that amongst such confusion , many customs might be introduced , which were not onely corrupt , but even contrary one to another ; as was that of prolonging the time of Magistrates , which was repugnant to the great Authority which was reserved to the people ; and that other of suffering the wealth of private men to increase to such a height in a City , where there was no prefixt boundeur of wealth appointed by the Laws for being a Citizen : Which Laws or Customs do some of them tend to the power of a few , and other some of them are proper for a Popular State. But if we proceed further , we shall find their disorders so far advanced , as not being able to consist together in one subject , they were the occasion of that Commonwealths dissolution . The confirming of their Authority , whose Magistracy was by the usual time appointed by the Laws exp●red ▪ was introduced at first with some appearance of advantage , but with very bad example , for that having begun important affairs in Countries far off , they might finish them , and weaken the Enemy before their return home . Thus was the charge of the Province lest to Marcus Fulvius , who fought in Asia against Antiochus , after he was out of the Consulship ; the which was done likewise to Gneus Manlius to bridle the daring Aetolians , and to appease the affairs in Greece , and the like upon many occasions was done to divers others , and very long in ensuing times , with very pernicious example , but the disorder ceased not here , for , without need , the City Magistrates were so far prolonged , as the same were seen to return ten times to be the peoples Tribunes . Which made the Citizens infinitely ambitious , and afforded them occasion by being so long in Power , of plotting many things , and of molesting the Common-wealth divers waies by the peoples Insurrections . Nor was it less prejudicial to permit private men to grow to such immoderate riches , as equalling therein the most Potent Kings ; there was a Citizen of Rome who arrived to such greatness , as he said , He ought not to be esteemed rich who could not out of his own Revenue maintain an Army : Whence it arose that the Nobility , being much envied and suspected by the people , the way was opened to the Gracchi to excite those hemous disorders which ended not but with the utter ruin of the Commonwealth . Provision was long before hand by the Law against such disorders , Licineus the Tribune having instituted , so to curb the Avarice and Ambition of the Nobility , that no Citizen should possess above Five hundred Acres of Land ; But these Orders in Civil Affairs were so weak and imperfect , as one Law might easily be broken , by introducing a contrary custom ▪ The Nobles therefore little esteeming the Licinean Law , did very much increase their wealth , and fraudulently usurping the publick Territories , which were wont to be kept for the benefit of the people , brought in Forainers to manure them ; so as the people being become very poor , and seeing the Nobility injoy all the fruits of the common labor of the Militia , did very unwillingly suffer such an injury , and did very willingly listen and adhere unto any one who would feed them with hopes of bringing things to a just equality ; wherefore such as were seditious took occasion to try Novelties , so as at last in the times of the Gracchi , recourse must be had unto Arms , and civil Differences must be thereby decided : which ( as shall by and by be more clearly shewn ) might have been long before foreseen ; for such Customs did much disorder the Commonwealth , not onely in that they partook not of civil modesty , but by their being clean contrary to the Laws of that City , which lent most towards a Popular State , all Authority being given by them to the People in their suffrages , and also in the most important State-resolutions . So as it seemed respect was only had to the liberty of dividing the Government amongst Citizens : All places of Magistracie were equally common to all , and small means kept not any one far from the Commonwealth ; they might marry togeth●r , Foreiners were easily made Free Denizens ; the Tribunes had power to nominate all Magistrates ; the manner of living was not free , but very licentious : And the supreme Authority of the Tribunes doth of all other things most cleerly shew what that Government was , who being greatly respected and reverenced by all men , and called by the superstitious title of Sacr●sancti , they were so insolent in their office , as a Tyrant could hardly have used more severity in his commands . See how boldly a Tribune of the People made Marius Viola●●● , a Nobleman , be seised on , commanding that he should be suddenly thrown head-long down the Tarpeian Rock , for no other reason , but that in a Speech which he had made , he used some harsh words against the People . But the Tribune Sulpitius using more violence , came one morning into the Piatza with many armed men and driving away the Consuls who would have opposed such an action , made Mar●●● be decreed for the undertaking against Mithridates , not caring though therein he went against the Laws , which not being in any thing observed , all good Institutions were made in vain , whilst the Laws were violated and destroyed by the Tribunes too great power . He then who shall consider these things , will not say that they tended not to the making of a Commonwealth totally Popular ; yet many things were contrary to these , as hath been considered in perpetuating the Government of the Armies , and in the excessive Riches of some Citizens . Some Popular Commonwealths , as that of Athens , used by a quite contrary advice , to ban●sh such Citizens ten years from the City , who did for some excellent quality far exceed the rest ; In some others , because they did in some sort partake of popularity , the equallity of means , or levelling was introduced , so to content , and please the people , as in Sparta ; and certainly to grant but a limited power , and but for a short time , to Magistrates are excellent precepts of such Legislators as will constitute a free City ; For so all the Citizens may have their share of Government , but none freely dispose thereof , to his own proper use , and then indeavour to bring things to an equality , or at least provide so , as they may not increase so immoderately , as any one Citizen may be envied or suspected by the rest , for his too great Power . It is then no wonder , if Rome were much divided , since these things were not observed in her ; for by such a diversity of Orders she became a Body with two Heads , and of two several shapes , which occasioned continual domestick disorders in her . For the Nobility glorying in the dignity of Consulship , wherein they used great Authority , and which they for the most part kept amongst themselves , and being also proud of their wealth , would usurp all the Government to themselves : And on the other side , the people , bearing so great a sway in all things , and relying much upon the Magistracy of the Tribunes were so insolent , as they would acknowledge no obedience , nor bear any respect to the Laws , or to the Magistrates thereof ; but would resolve all things according to their own fancy , and as made most for their advantage ; which made that City , which was so potent in Military and Foraign Affairs , very weak in such as were Civil and Domestick ; for such a division of power in men of contrary minds , keeps the forces of the City , with much prejudice divided ; whilst the one of them contesting with the other , they hinder the resolutions and executions of important Affairs , as it often fell out in Rome , for necessity urging to list Forces to march against the Enemy , the Tribunes were presently ready to incense the people , so as there was none that would give a name to the Militia , which Insolencies were increased by the peoples being able to do it safely . For , the Tribunes minding nothing else but how to make their Faction powerful , accepted of the Appeals of every popular man , though in unjust causes , to the end that the people might be the more respected by the Nobility , and more ready and bold to raise seditions , whereby they did always increase their power , and had by these means obtained many things from the Senate . The Nobles likewise , no less sollicitous to increase their authority , that they might keep back the Peoples insolencie , sought always to keep them low , and did with like endeavours maintain those of their own Order in all Judgments . So as in punishing or in absolving of faults , it was oftentimes a thing of greater consideration , whether the party concerned were a Nobleman or a Plebeian , then whether he were guilty or innocent : And hence great prejudice arose unto the Commonwealth ; for all Justice was soon corrupted , without which no good Order can be kept ; and each Party , valuing the publick welfare but a little out of a desire of their own greatness , the City was reduced oftentimes into eminent dangers . Thus the Roman Plebeians , thinking almost that they had not a common Country , but that it did only belong unto the Nobility , forsook it , and retired into the Aventine ; valuing more the increase of their own power , by necessitating the Senate to yield to their desires , then their putting the City into such a disorder . The Nobles likewise more sollicitous to abase the People , and to increase their own fortunes , then to preserve peace and union in the City , did nourish Civil discord by usurpi●g the Common goods , and by reducing the People to great Poverty through Usury . By this discourse it may be comprehended , how badly proportioned the Orders were in that mixt Government : But it may be more cleerly seen , by comparing this Commonwealth with that of Sparta , which proved more excellent then any other in that mixt Government , and preserved it a long time free from all discord , by vertue of her most excellent Laws . In Sparta , the Princes power ended not but with his life , to the end that he being preferred before all others for making the Laws be observed , he might the better do it , being detained by no self-respect from deposing of Magistrates , or from being judged by the People . But his Authority was notwithstanding so limited , as he was rather a Custos of the Common Liberty , then a true Prince in the City . The People had as great a share in Government , as their condition required : For it being they who were to make use of the Magistrates , it seemed they might better know their abilities ; as we see it falls out in other Trades , that the excellencie of the work is better known by him that is to use it , then by the maker thereof . The People had the power given them of choosing and of correcting Magistrates ; but greater authority was granted to the Senate , which was placed as in the midst to defend the Commonwealth from the Princes power , and from the peoples insolencie , to the end that thereby it might the better temper the one and the other . Now let us see how in the joint union of these three Governments , certain Conditions were appropriated unto every of them ; but neither so many , nor yet such as made them of clean contrary qualities , but so as they might very well be united in one and the same person . The Prince had perpetuity of power ; but this stood so corrected by the Laws , as it might easily consist with the other States . The Senate , which was made up of Forty eight of the prime Citizens , represented a true Aristocratical Commonwealth ; but because they acknowledged their Dignity from the People , their power was not such as bereft others of their Liberty . But the Peoples authority in ordering rewards and punishments , as it was not dangerous , so it afforded place for a modest Popular State , and rendred that Government more perfect , by mixture of all the three best . But above all things else , there was a miraculous proportion observed in Sparta , in sharing out those things , which use to cause Civil dissentions amongst Citizens : For the Noblemen had the greatest part in Honors , but the People were equal to them in Wealth , all the Revenues being in common ; so as the ambition of the one , and the necessities of the other were satisfied , and all of them being content , they enjoyed much Peace and Tranquility , so as that Commonwealth may endure longer then any of the antient Reipublicks . And if at the first she had been a little more large in communicating her Government , by encreasing the number of her Senators , so as there had been no occasion in Theopompus his time , for the better regulating their too great Authority , of introducing the Magistracy of the Ephori , whereby the City began to be a little too popular , and leaving Licurgus his antient Institutions , gave it self over to licentiousness , nothing could have been desired in that City to have reduced her to the highest p●tch of perfection . Therefore as far as the Roman Government differed from this , it must be confest it fell so far short of true excellencie . The Consuls of Rome had great Authority , and it may be more free then became any Magistracy in a Commonwealth , but the little durance thereof made it less beneficial to the the Republick : For their Power being soon to be given over , made them less diligent , and less bold in undertaking Publick Affairs : For Consulship being laid aside , the way was opened of revenging private 〈◊〉 by the Tribunes . So Cicer● , who freed his Country from Catalius Conspiracy , when he was out of Place , was banished . But the Senate , because it had not any Ordinary Magistracy , from whence no Appeal might be made , by which is might curb the Peoples Insolency , had not that respect given to it , by which the ignorant common people is Governed : So as the people , not being held back by this Bridle , ran into such l●centiousness , as they dared to commit divers Indignities even against the chief Magistracy of Counsulship ; as they did when they plucked the Consul Camillus Hestare from the Tribunal , that they might by force ob●a●● admittance to that Supream Magistracy . The weakness of the Senate was likewise the occasion of the increase of the power of some Citizens , for the peoples resolutions prevailing over the like of the Senate , the way of ariving at great power by the favour of the people , in despite of the Senate , was opened to such as were ambitious . Thus did Marius cause himself to be declared Consul , contrary to the Laws , and Caesar to be confirmed in his Province : And to suppress these mens immoderate greatness , which tended towards Tyranny , it was requisite ( since the Commonwealth had no usual means to do it ) to prefer other Citizens of the Nobilities side , whose greatness proved afterwards no less pernic●ous , then that of those whom they thought through their Authority to suppress , wherefore the City became wholly divided ; so that private injuries were with horrid cruelties revenged by Sylla , though he professed to vindicate the Common welfare : And Pompey , to maintain his Greatness put rubs in the Treaty of Agreement with Caesar : Wherefore betaking themselves to Arms , the Commonwealth could not at last but fall . These disorders were occasioned through the weakness of the Senate : But the people , possessing themselves of other mens Places , usurp● the best imployments of the Commonwealth , and being equall to the Nobility in p●●nt of liberty , would without any respect to other things purtake equally of Government . So the right disposure of the Honors and Orders of the City were confused , which require Geometrical , and not Arithmetical proportion , in such sort , as the same things be not granted to all men , but to every one that which is most convenient for him . And certainly to constitute a City of that form , as all her Citizens should be equal , would be no better then to make a Consort of Musick consisting all of the same voyces ; for as the latter produceth no true Harmony , so doth no good concord result from the former . Therefore care must be had , that every Order may keep its own state , and be neither too much exalted , nor too much abased , lest the too 〈◊〉 , or too sharp Tone occasion diss●nance , as it was seen to fall out in Rome , where this just proportion was but badly kept , people of unequal condition and worth , being oft times made equal in Dignity , which caused a Government full of confusion and disorder , not bounded in any one Form , but disposed to receive all Forms . But if we will assign any particular State to the mixt body of this City , as predominate over the rest , there can be none more properly given her then popularity . Which though it may be already comprehended , yet it will be better known by passing to some other more particular considerations . The state of the Commonwealth is known by observing in whom the chief command is found , but the majesty thereof appears clearly in the creating of Magistrates , in making new Laws , or repealing old ones , in making War , in disposing of Rewards or Punishment : All which things being by many examples seen to lie in the power of the People , do evidently witness that the State of this Commonwealth was Popular . The People were they who gave authority to Magistrates , nay even to the Senate it self , by authenticating and invigorating the Resolves thereof ; and as the soul of that Government , they did in divers manners move the other parts of the Commonwealth in their operations . So as her truest and properest Form can only be taken from them ; nay , it was seen that the resolutions of the Republick did bind the Senate , and were of equal force with the Peoples commands , prolonging Magistrates in their places , and by the authority thereof putting a period to begun Wars . Wherefore the corruption of a Popular State may be further seen , by the immoderate power of the meanest Citizens . Let us next view the ultimate end of that Commonwealth , which by a certain ordinary , and as it were natural change of condition , will shew us what her first Form was . For it being changed into Tyranny , which usually ariseth from a Popular State , it appears that that City was formerly governed by the People , and had by corrupt manners opened the way to Tyranny ; so as this Transition was easily made by the likeness of State : For , that City where the People commands with licence , may be said to be subject to many Tyrants ; nor admits it of any change , saving that one man becomes the master of those disorders , which a multitude were masters of . There were likewise always many popular Pick-thanks in Rome , who , like the Flatterers of Tyrants , tracing the People in their humors , went a birding after favors , whereby they won credit and preferment . Which , as the Philosopher says , is a manifest sign , that in such a City the People command , not the Laws . Which is seen by many experiences , of which Marius was an evident example ; who being born of very mean parents , and appl●ing himself from the begining to the Government of the Commonwealth , not guided by the glory of his Predecessors , or any noble action of his own which might first introduce him thereinto , but confiding in a certain greatness of spirit , began to think of acquiring great power , so as being become Tribune of the People he betook himself wholly to abase the authority of the Nobles , as he did in publishing the Law of Suffrages , threatening Consul Cotta to imprison him , if he forbare not to oppose him . By which boldness he won so much favor with the People , as he was able to dispose of them afterwards as he listed in any affair , how unjust soever , or in working revenge upon his Enemies ( as he did in banishing innocent Metellus ) or to aggrandise himself ; insomuch as he , contrary to the Laws , was created Consul , against the Cimbrians , being absent , and in a contumacious time ; and lastly in making the Province be assigned unto him , which belonged to Sylla . By such means the way was opened to the immoderate power of Citizens , which in the height of their prosperity brought that Commonwealth to its final ruine . For these disorders being long before begun , were afterwards by the spaciousness of the City so in●●eased , as the People being become powerful by reason of the numerousness of the Citizens , and growing more free and bold by their so many prosperities , not content to be equal to the Nobility , would become greater then the Laws . They banish'd many Citizens without hearing the cause ; they granted places of Magistracie before the usual time ; they confirm'd the Authority of those that were already out of it , and disposed of all things , not according to civil equity , but as they liked best . Which things do sufficiently manifest the imperfections of that Government : For the Philosopher says , that that State where the People command , and not the Laws , is so corrupt , as it deserves not the name of a Commonwealth , no sort of Government being to be thereunto assigned . Which easily happens in Cities which are very great and powerful , as was that of Rome . But i● we shall then consider the Conditions of those men into whose hands that Government was put , we shall thereby likewise find , that amongst the several Forms of Popular States , this may be thought the most corrupt , as that whereinto even Artificers were admitted : which being usually but ill conditioned , and frequenting Assemblies only that they may talk together , do constitute an imperfect State , and subject to alterations . And hence it may be deduced , that this part being most prevalent in that so corrupt and imperfect Commonwealth , the others must partake of the same imperfection : For no such union can be framed out of two good Governments , and one very bad one , as is requisite to give form to a good Government ; neither could they continue together for never so small a time . Whence it may be likewise inferred , that those other parts of the Commonwealth , which may seem to resemble Monarchy and Aristocracy , as the Consuls and Senate , came short of such perfection as is proper to those States , declining to the contrary party For many things may be observed to have been done by Consuls with more authority and boldness , then what became a Commonwealth . To pass by many other examples , Caesar being confirmed in that power which he had received as Consul , usurped the Liberty of the Commonwealth . There were likewise many corruptions in the Senate , which shew how subject that part was likewise to various disorders : For when the Commonwealth was at the very height of her perfection , Senators were become so mercenary , as Iugurth having corrupted many of them , and purchased his own sa●ety by monies , it may well be said , that the Citizens of Rome would have sold their City , if they could have met with a Chapman for it . Another Consideration may be added , to wit , That that Commonwealth cannot be said to be well ordered even in the very Popular State which she so much affected : For it is easie to frame any Government for a short time in any whatsoever Estate ; but the sufficiencie of a Law-maker , and the excellencie of Laws , is found by the long continuance thereof , Therefore those Orders by which the Peoples authority was too much increased , cannot be said to be truly Popular ; but such may be so esteemed , whereby the State is long preserved . Wherefore many things being ordered in Rome without this temperance , in favor of the People , they of themselves bereft the State of all solidity . Thus Licentiousness of living , frequent Meetings , Appeals to the Tribunes . Freedom in accusing , and other such things as seemed to be done in favor of the People , served for the building up of Tyranny , and wrought Romes final ruine . Which was formerly seen in Athens ; which being constituted by Solon in a too Popular condition , soon lost her Liberty , and was possest by a Citizen of hers named Pisistratus , who followed the same way which the Legislator himself had opened unto him , by attributing too much to the People . So what is intended for good , proves often , fatal , if not well understood . But having discoursed sufficiently of the Form of the Government , it will not be amiss to examine some other more general Conditions , by which the perfection of every State may be the better known . In ordering a City , respect is to be had to two things ; to what belongs to War , to what belongs to Peace ; to the end that she may not be governed by Chance in either of them , but by certain Laws , and may be equally preserved from forein plots , and from home discords ; and to endeavour , that as she cannot always enjoy Peace , so she should not be continually molested with War. But he who will consider the Actions of the Romans , and the Institutions of their City , will find them so seriously addr●st to Military affairs , as he may easily judge that they proposed no other things to themselves , then how to increase Empire , by making one War beget another ▪ wherefore many Armies were instituted , and many rewards for military valor , to make men bold and valiant against the Enemy ; but not any thing wereby to accustom them to Justice , Temperance , and to other civil vertues , whereby the City might be maintained in peace and unity . 'T is therefore no wonder if that Commonwealth won so much Empire , and such Glory in times of War ; and in times of Peace , like rusty Iron , lost all her lustre : So as troubles from Enemies abroad were no sooner ceased , but much greater were excited at home by dissentions amongst the Citizens , which did not terminate till things were recalled by occasion of War to the same Warlike order and discipline in which the City was excellently well instituted : Which might for a while preserve her ; but when through the want of occasion of War , she could not by that means correct her many disorders , nor reduce herself to any setled condition for any space of time , being still agitated by storms of Civil sedition , she must at last be miserably lost , when it was time to begin to enjoy her greatness and prosperity . For this cause Scipio Nasica , a very wise man , would not consent to the destruction of Carthage , knowing that that Commonwealth which was ordered onely for war , could not last long in idleness . How can that Government then be termed good , which is so ill disposed towards the attainment of a Cities chief end ? And who can doubt but that the true end of a City is to have her Citizens live vertuously , not the inlarging of her Empire ? Therefore the Philosopher said well ; That true civil Felicity was not to be expected from astions which relate to things abroad , but from those which are used amongst Citizens . It argues not then an excellent Government in that Commonwealth , that she overcame the whole world , since the perfection of Government lies in making a City vertuous , not in making her Mistress of many Countries . Nay the increasing of Territories , as it is commonly coupled with some injustice , so is it remote from the true end of good Laws , which never part from what is honest . Governments which aim at Empire are usually short lived ; which denotes their imperfection : Which happens not onely because they were not better accommodated in times of Peace , but that for the great inlarging of Confines , it is necessary to nourish ambitious thoughts in Citizens , and such as are too desirous to domineer , which are easily turned to the prejudice of the Commonwealth its self . For it is not to be affirmed that the same thing can be good in respect of the publick , and bad in private Affairs . For the general felicity of the whole City , and the particular good of every Citizen , is one and the same thing , they onely differ in some certain respects . Then taking ones argument from these things , the end of this great Commonwealth might easibly be conjectured , which ( as one said well ) was overthrown by the wait of its own bulk . But grant , that the lives of such States may be prolonged , it cannot certainly be done without falling upon many other troubles and dangers . Let Marius his example serve us to see what advantage Citizens got by the immoderate desire of Glory and Dominion ; who being alwaies bred up in Arms , and having wone Credit and Preferment thereby , finding that his antient Reputation began to fail by ensuing Peace , raised Mithridates King of Pontus , against the Commonwealth , to the end , that being to make use of his Vallor , he might recover his former Repute . Thus Athens who once in●oyed a peaceful condition , under Pericles his good Government , when she turned her endeavours of Peace and Quiet , to Arms and Dominion , and would change her manner of life , she reaped the like Fruits of Ambition , which by such Orders she had sowed in the minds of her Citizens . For Alcibiades out of too immense a desire of Glory , was he , who of himself did incite the Lacedemonians against his Country , by whom she was afterwards robbed of her Liberty and Empire . For all this , you hear me not say , that the study of Arms ought to be neglected , which are very necessary in what soever State , to defend ones self against the Injuries of Neighbors , and to preserve Freedom and Liberty : Nay , Aristotle reprehends Plato , for that he thought Cities had no need of Arms at the first ; but onely when they began to have Dominion . But though they may be useful for some other respects , Citizens ought not to fix their studies so much upon Military Exercises , as not to know nor value any other praise but that of the Militia , and to place their greatest and chiefest Good , and the welfare of their City therein ; But they must know , that a man must travel further to find out felicity , which is derived onely from vertuous actions , reserved in Peace , as the true fruits of the labours of War. Let us then conclude , that this part which was very excellent in Rome , lost much of that praise , which otherwise it might have deserved for the exquisiteness of its Orders , because true use was not made thereof , as a means to obtain the true intent of the City . For if Aristotle laught at those who praised the Lacedemonian Commonwealth , because she had made her Citizens so valiant in War , by her excellent Military Discipline , because she exceeded the other Cities of Greece in the largeness of her Confines ; What would he have said of the Commonwealth of Rome , where certainly Military Exercises were studied much more , to the end , that she might vanquish the furthest distant Nations : For in Sparta , too boot with such Institutions as appertained to the Militia , there were excellent customs for the breeding of Citizens in Civil Vertues : And it is seen that Licurgus his intention aimed not so much at Empire , as did that of Romulus ; the former much more respecting the peace of the City , and the agreement among Citizens , minding Military Affairs onely so far forth as they are necessary for the preservation of Liberty against Forreign Forces . Another consideration to be had , in regard no less then these , is , that in a well-ordered City , the Laws ought to be confirmed by the Manners and Educations of the Citizens , the which is of more force to make men honest , then is the fear of punishment ; nay , from hence Actions arise according to true Honesty and Vertue ; for they proceed from a vertuous Habit , which is only acquired by Exercise . Therefore where good Institutions of life are wanting , the severity of Magistrates is not sufficient to make Citizens obedient to the Laws . For when the appetite hath already gotten power , and is accustomed to vice , 't is too hard a matter to overcome her by force . Therefore Aristotle said , That Laws , though very useful , do but little good , if men be not endued with such Customs and Discipline as fits with the state of the City . Wherefore teaching in the eighth of his Politicks , how Citizens are to be made good and honest , he proposed three things requireable , joyning Reason and Custom to Nature . But Custom may be thought so much more necessary then the other two , as that a mans natural inclination to Vertue , makes him not vertuous , unless he confirm his natural disposition by habit , accustoming himself to do well . Nor can Reason force Appetite , but must first find it well reduced by good Education , if she will make use thereof in vertuous operations . As much more then , as this part is necessary , so much more failing will be found in that Commonwealth , where such orders were not taken by a civil way , for the good Education of Citizens : Whence it arose that their Laws met not with such due observance , as did them of Sparta , not written in paper , but ( as it were ) ingraven in the hearts of every one by the force of custom ; wherefore she proved truly miraculous , by reason of the excellent customs introduced by Lycurgus , to breed up Citizens in a vertuous and civil life . Therefore Plutarch comparing Lycurgus with Numa , preferred Lycurgus , for that his having confirmed Citizens by good customs in those orders which he had introduced into the City , was the reason why they were long observed ; Whereas Numa , contenting himself with bare written Laws , though good , and tending to peace , not taking any further care for the education of Citizens , could not make them be observed for so short a time , but that they terminated together with his life . And it is found by experience , that Lycurgus his Orders were of such force , as they preserved the Liberty of Sparta longer then the like of any other of the antient Commonwealths . Wherefore Philopomenes having overcome the Lacedemonians , yet would he not totally tame them , and reduce them under the Achaean Commonwealth , till he had cancelled all the antient Institutions of their City , wherein whilst young , they were so bred up to Liberty , as they could by no means be brought to undergo servitude . From this discourse it may then be concluded , That the Government of the Roman Commonwealth was of a mixt Form , but ill proportioned within its self , too much inclining towards the corruption of a Popular State ; and that she came short of the Spartans in three things : In the excellencie of Government , in the endeavours of Peace , and in good Customs . The other part remains now to be discussed ; Whether the City of Rome might have received a better Form of State ? For the good Orders of a City depend not always upon the Legislators wisdom , but upon many other joint Accidents . The first thing to be had in respect , is the Nature of the People , with which the Form of Government ought to have a just proportion . Wherefore Polititians say , that the Legislator ought not only to consider which is the best Form of Government , but what best befits every City , and such other Accidents which make so many alterations in States , as it cannot be denied but that Fortune hath a share therein . Lycurgus was justly esteemed an excellent Legislator ; but many things concurr'd in him which helped him very much to put his thoughts in effect : He was a King , and using force at first , as it was fit to do , he might introduce such a Form of Government as would bridle the Peoples insolencie , and increase the au●hority of the Senate ; it made likewise much for his purpose , that wealth of the City lay but in a few mens hands , so as by bestowing Honors upon them , he could as it were by the way of bartering the easilier dispose them to content themselves with an equality of Goods , whereby he satisfied the people of Sparta's desire , who were but few in number , and consequently but weak , and the more easie to be ordered in any sort of Government . Hence it was that the Legislators of other Cities , though they were wise men , could not notwithstanding form a Republick throughout so well ordered as did Lycurgus , because they found not a Subject apt to receive such a Form , and because they wanted that authority and power which was thereunto needful , or for other such like accidents , which did not correspond well with what they did . Therefore Solon , though he had had the same intents , could not have introduced such a Government in Athens ; because he was a private Citizen chosen by the Nobility , and consent of the People , to reform the City ; so as it behoved him to comply in many things with the one and the other , and his small Authority took much of that respect and reverence from the Laws ordained by him , which ought to have been given them . Wherefore many blamed him and his Institutions ; so as at last , to shun such ve●ation , he was forced to part from his ungrateful Country . He met also with another difficulty ; He found the City divided , the People much accustomed to enjoy Liberty , and at that time much incensed against the Nobility by the oppressions of Usury under which they suffered ; so as he was compell'd , to the end that they might rest content with their new Government , to ease them in their Debts , and give them a share in the Government ; which he could not do without much injury to the Nobility . The Commonwealth of Venice hath gotten an excellent Government ; but was not at first governed by those Laws which she now is : But diversity of Occasions have opened the way to the wisdom of many of her Citizens , who adding new Orders to the old , have brought her to such a height of perfection . Which might the easilier be done , because that City was free-born , and was from the very beginning ordered according to the true Civil end , to wit , to Peace and Concord , and to the Union of her Citizens . But on the contrary , other modern Republicks , the Cities wherein such Governments were formed , having been formerly long accustomed to obey Emperors , since they got their Liberty by many Accidents , they knew not , as not being well acquainted therewith , how to use it , by reason of the Citizens various dispositions of mind : So as wheeling often about with an uncertain Form of Government , they in process of time return'd under the command of one . These Considerations being applied to the City of Rome , will prove that the prudence of her Citizens , though they were very wise and valiant men , was not sufficient to reduce her to a perfect Form of Commonwealth ; but they might have amended many great disorders in her , which did much shorten her life . For he who will consider the conditions of the people of Rome , will find them to be such , as no Form of Government could better agree with them then a Popular State ; for they were all warlike men , bred up even from the very first foundation of the City in the exercise of Arms. And though a Commonwealth may be formed amongst these , which may have a certain similitude to an Aristocratical State , when the Citizens being governed by certain Laws , partake every man more or less of that Government according to their worth ; ( For , Military discipline hath a certain species of Vertue , though it be none of those that do immediately serve to purchase the ultimate end of a City ) yet this Government is very seldom met with ; and though it want the true and proper Form , is commonly called by the usual name of a Commonwealth . So as though at first the City of Rome leaned much thereunto , in a short time the People had a great share therein ; who not knowing how to moderate themselves , made it grow licentious . But he who will look back even to her first beginning , will find that the Peoples authority did thereby ever increase together with the City : For the Peoples power and liberty was great not only after the driving out of the Tarquins , but even when it was commanded by Kings ; that City seeming even from that time to be naturally more disposed to the Form of a Commonwealth , then of a Kingdom . For , after the death of Romulus , the People being powerful , as having the weapons in their hand , and as being the first Founders of that City , usurped the authority of choosing Kings : who on the contrary side , that they might the better confirm themselves in their new Kingdom , endeavoured to accommodate themselves to the nature of the People , and to purchase their love by granting them many considerable things . So as even under the Kingly government it had the power of Appeals , as appeared in Horatius his case , who being condemned by the Magistrates for his Sisters death , appealed to the People , and was by them freed . In favor of them likewise the City was divided into Centuries , with a certain Order of a very small Tax , according to which the Degrees of the Militia , and the Authority of the Publick Courts ( things which did all of them appertain to a Popular State ) were to be distributed . To boot with these Laws , the great number of Citizens , which did even then arise to One hundred and thirty thousand , made the Peoples party very powerful ; as also their having been so ready and so successful in engaging themselves in so many enterprises for the Commonwealth , without receiving any pay for their pains . But the Nobility was a long time very weak , and in but little esteem : For the first Founders of the City being Shepherds , and all of the same condition , there was no distinction of degree amongst them , save what was soon after brought in 〈◊〉 Romulus ; who choosing the Senate out of all that former number , that they might be assistant to the King in providing for things requisite for the State , by this order he divided some of the worthiest of the People in this new City from the rest , who gave the rise to the Roman Nobility . But even this Order was very weak ; for it was at first instituted by Romulus but of a small number of men ; and though others were afterwards added thereunto , yet till such time as the City got her liberty , 〈◊〉 never exceeded the number of Two hundred Senators ; nay , even these were much lessened by the cruelty of Tarquinius Superbus , and their Authority narrowly bounded by the Counterpoise of Regal power . So as when the City put herself into Liberty , there were not Noblemen enough to form a State of Optimati : in this case did Publius Valerius find the City of Rome , after the driving out of the Tarquins , when he through Brutus his death , rema●ning sole Consul , was to constitute Laws , and new mould the Commonwealth . Wherefore desirous to introduce a State differing from the former , under the name of Liberty , it behoved him not to lessen , but to encrease the Authority of the People : For else they would not have indured it ; and by fiding with the Tarquins , they might easily have confounded that Government , and reduced the City again under the power of Kings . For which reason also , Brutus , though he was first created Consul , not willing to lose the favor and assistance of the people , without which he thought the new Orders of the City could not be well established , perswaded his Colleague Tarquinius Collatinus , that to give satisfaction to the People , to whom the name of Tarquin was become odious , and suspitious , to lay down his Consulship : By these Reasons it appears , that Valerius was compelled to ordain many things in favour of the People , as were the Appeals from the Consuls ; The order , that upon pain of death no man should enter into any place of Magistracy without the Peoples approbation ; the petty punishment appointed for them who should not obey the Consuls commands , which was no more but to pay five Oxen and two Sheep . Moreover he eased the poor of many grievances , and made many other very Popular Laws , whence he purchased the name of Publicola . But which 't is understood , that in ordering of the Commonwealth , respect was to be had in many things to necessity and to the condition of those times : yet if we shall consider other Accidents , we shall find them much contrary to such a necessity ; for the new Legislator was not Prince , as was Licurgus , but possest a place of Magistracy for a short time , the Authority whereof was hardly yet well known , and not much valued : So as he could not use force to withdraw the people from a Popular State , as it would have been needful , finding the People so disposed , as hath been said . Therefore the City being after a while to be reformed again , the Magistracy of Ten was chosen , with greater Authority then was that of the Consuls , which took away all Appeals , to the end that being more feared and reverenced by all , it might without any respect constitute new Laws with great firmness . And if Appius his ambition had not ruined the business , that Commonwealth might perhaps have been reduced to some better condition : but yet not to any very perfect one , it being too hard a thing to order Cities well , which are already much augmented ; just as we see it falls out in every particular man , who in his tender years may be easily made to undertake any manner of life , but when by practise he is settled in , as it were , a certain proper nature of his own , he cannot easily be altered from it . And if there have been any one , who hath been able to order a City already well grown , yet we shall find that that City was not so great nor potent , as was the City of Rome , at this time of the new Reformation ; and therefore the difficulties were much less , it being a very hard thing , and which , as saith the Philosopher , 〈◊〉 almost exceed humane power , to dispose of a great multitude in an excellent 〈◊〉 of Government . Then as these things were the reason why this Common-wealth was not well ordered at first , so did they in time bring her to great disorders and seditions , and finally to her destruction . For it is usual , that the further he advanceth that is once out of the way , so much doth he return backwards , is so much the more pusled , and the further from the place he intended to go to . So the Authority of the people being by these new Institutions alwaies to increase together with the greatness of the City , she swarved the further from the end , true Liberty , to which she seemed to address her self . And because this Common-wealth was born with this infirmity , the worth of none of her Citizens , though it were never so great , was sufficient to cure her thereof , or to prolong her life , As it happens in our humane bodies , which contracting some ill disposition of humours at their first entring into the World , are soon thereby opprest and brought to death , no natural vertue , though of force for other things , being able to afford any cure . 'T is notwithstanding very true , that though such like accidents rendred the City uncapable of any excellent Government , by inclining her to a Popular State , yet had they not so determinately disposed of her , but that she might have freed her self of many of her bad qualities , had not the ambition of her Citizens by increasing these her natural imperfections , made her fall into greater disorders . Let us begin to consider what Publicola's actions were from the very beginning of the Commonwealth , and we shall easily discover his ambitious thoughts by which he was moved to study so over-much how to please the peoples appetite in every thing . These his intentions were apparently seen , by taking his being refused in the Election of the Consuls so heinously , as that he kept a good while from the Republick , as if he had put his hand to the Government , for his own Greatness , not for the common Good : But much more for that having compast that Degree , and finding the People jealous of him , for having built his house in a high and strong scituation , fearing lest together with the Peoples Love he might loose his own Authority and Power , he chose so to humble himself , as forgetting the dignity which belonged to the Supreme Magistrate of so great a City ; he made the Fasces , the ensigns of Consulship , be held in a posture of Homage , whilst he made his Oration , to shew , ( as he himself said ) That the Authority of the Consuls was subject to the Authority and Dignity of the People . This his desire of being esteemed Popular , was the reason why in this new Reformation , he went not about to what was very necessary ; to amend in part those defects which could not totally be taken away ; to wit , to give a just counterpoise to the Authority of the people , tempering it with that of the Senate , by very much increasing the number of the Senators , and by apropriating the weightiest affairs of State , to that Order , which how necessary it was , was afterwards seen , but too late put in execution ; to wit , in Sylla's time , by whom the first number of Senators was doubled , yet but to little purpose , the Peoples Authority being already too mightily increased , and many seeds of corruption being by this means sown abroad in the minds of the people . But Valerius added but one hundred to the uumbea of the Senate , neither did make any Law in savour of them , both of which he might at that time easily have done . For being at the time of the new Reformation to chuse new Senators of the Equestral Order , or of some other of the people , he would not onely have been content , but would have wone much honour , by exalting many of his Friends to that Dignity , as it was seen he did by those few that were chosen : And the People would have had sufficient power in the Commonwealth , if without communicating the weightiest Affairs of the Kingdom unto them , the indemptnity of chusing and of correcting Magistrates had been reserved to them : And then that Appeals might have been granted them , by which means they would not onely have had a hand in the City Affairs , but likewise they might have secured themselves from being injured by the Nobility ( a thing much desired by the People ) and from danger of loosing their Liberties . And the Authority and Reputation of the Senate being by this means augmented , the Peoples Insolency might the more easily have been moderated in those accidents which afterward happened . Which though it seemed ( as hath been said ) more harder to have been done in that City , for another respect , yet the revolutions of Government in the first birth of this Republick , did a little lessen ordinary Difficulties . For passing from Monarchy ( which in the Tarquins time was almost become Tyranny ) to a new condition ▪ the L●gislator might have made it an Aristocracie ; it being as it were natural in the change of States , that the Government which had wont to be in the power of a Tyrant , passes into the hands of the Nobility , who are usually the first who lay hold in pulling down Tyranny , as in Rome , where Tarquin and Brutus were the first Founders of Liberty . Therefore if the People deserved to be made partaker in the new Government , for having assisted herein , much more ought the Nobility to have their dignities and priviledges increased , this common benefit of the City having had its chief rise from them ; nor would the People have had any reason to complain thereof . But Publicola , in stead of increasing the honor of the Senate , introduced by a very pernicious example , small respect to the Magistracie of Consuls ; which occasioned many disorders , which might easily have been corrected by a just fear , as is cleerly seen by many examples , but chiefly by this ; that the People being in insurrection , and contumacious against the power of Consulship , the creating of a Dictator , a Magistracie of supreme authority and reverence , proved a sure remedy to asswage the Tumult . And what more manifest sign could there be given , that the people might have been tamed and made obedient by fear and by respect unto the Magistrates , then that which was given upon the occasion of Appius his Decemvirate ? For being so ill dealt with by him and by his Colleagues , as they wanted not reason to apprehend Tyranny ; yet the authority of this Magistracie , from which there was no Appeal to be made , and the severity wherewith it was administred ▪ did so bridle the people , as they patiently endured all injuries ; nor durst they go about to shake off that slavery , till the Senate interposed it self , and that Horatius and Valerius declared themselves Heads of the Insurrection against the Decemviri . There ought therefore either greater respect to have been given to the Consulary Authority ; or else , if the more severe and free power of an ordinary Magistrate seemed not to be convenient for the state of that Commonwealth , the respect and reverence due to the person of the Magistrate ought to have been transferred to the authority of certain Laws , of which the Magistrate should have been chief Guardian , inflicting severe punishment upon the not observers thereof : For by this means the People would have had no occasion to be off●nded with the Nobles , when their insolencie should be punished by vertue of the Laws ; this arising amongst many other be●efits from the Laws , that he who is punished for his faults cannot complain of any one , being condemned by order of Law , not by the Judge his will. But what hath been noted of Publicola in this first beginning , may also be known at all other times , and in many other of the chief Roman Citizens ; who through ambition siding with the People , were the cause of their pride and insolencie . So the Consuls Valerius and Horatius , not being able to obtain Triumph from the Senate , sought to have it from the People ; and the whole Senate ( not to multiply examples ) by creating a Dictator to suppress the authority of the Consuls Titus Quintus Cincinnatus , and Geneus Iulius Mento , who opposed them therein , had recourse unto the Tribunes , who by threatening imprisonment forc'd them to give way to the resolution : And those Noblemen did usually take another course then what is to be held with the People , with whom grave and severe proceeding doth avail more then humble and mild demeanor . But they were so blinded by Ambition , as not knowing , or not caring for such errors , they strove who should most ingratiate themselvs with the the People , by Presents , Shews , and submiss comportment . And this instruction might be learn'd by the example of the People of Rome themselves : For it was ofttimes seen , that greater respect was given to those few who had known how to use severity to the People , then to those who carried themselves submissly unto them . And certainly , amongst other things , the Judgment which followed upon the cause between Menimiu● and Spurius Servilius , was very remarkable : who being both of them accused of the same fault by the Tribunes , to wit , that being Consuls they had opposed the Agrarian Law ; Menimius , who by intreaties and submiss carriage endeavoured absolution , was condemned ; but Spurius Servilius stoutly withstanding the Tribunes fury , and speaking severely to the People , was acquitted . And Furius and Manilius , who had both of them been Consuls , being not long after accused , the Nobles being willing totally to free them from such danger , kill'd the Tribune in his own house who had impeached them ; which did so affright his Colleagues , and the People , as none of the Tribunes would afterwards reassume the same cause : And all the Insurrections which were then in the City being suddenly appeased , all of them did willingly subscribe the Militia . Appius Claudius was always very severe against the People ; and amongst other of his actions , the punishment which he took upon the Armies insolencie was very observable , for he made them be decimated , very tenth man be put to death ; which was submitted unto without any the least tumult , by reason of the antient opinion of the Captains severity , and for the fear infused into the Soldiers by the sentence of death against some Centurions who were accused for having been Authors of that Insurrection . Which was sufficient so far to curb them all , as though they were all of them then in Arms , every of them stood peacefully spectators of the death of so many Kinsmen and Friends , and of their own doubtful chance ; and ( which peradventure is a greater wonder , and doth the better confirm this truth ) Appius being accused for this sentence by the Tribunes , after he had laid down the Consulship , using the same severity in defending himself , he was not held less guilty for having been formerly Consul : So as the People neither willing to absolve him , nor daring to condemn him , the cause was put off , and he suffered to depart . And in the latter times , when the Peoples power was greatest , Tiberius Gracchus endeavouring to propound the observance of the Licinian Law , the Nobles , changing their habits , and shewing great humility , labored to win favor from the People ; but since they saw they could do no good by this means , they resolved for their last refuge to use force , and kill'd the Author of those seditions . Which action of theirs did so astonish the People , as they suffered the Tribunes death , whom they had so dearly loved , and who had lost his life in defence of their cause , to go unrevenged . And soon after , Caius Gracchus reassuming the cause which his Brother had in vain endeavoured , the Nobles , using the same cunning , sought first by fair means to deprive him of Popular favor , making use of another Tribune to this purpose , by causing other popular Laws to be propounded by consent of the Senate . But humility avail'd no more at this time , then it had done formerly ; so as it behoving them to betake themselves again to Arms , they slew Caius Gracchus in the Aventine , and after the death of two Brothers , annull'd all the Laws made by them ; nor did the People ever seem to resent it . Which if it might have been done by an usual way of a Magistrate , as hath been touched upon , doubtless these ruder remedies , as better suiting with the infirmities of that Commonwealth , might have freed her from many mischiefs . This is likewise confirmed by many other experiences : For as long as the Senate kept up the authority thereof , threatening to create a Dictator , it kept the Terentilla Law from being made , of creating a Magistracie of five men , who were to correct the Consuls power . But when it chose to appease the People by giving way to their importunities , it did only invite them to endeavour more novelties ; so as Humility made them not more quiet , but more insolent . Wherefore having obtained Appeals , they would have a Magistrate of their own , endowed with supreme authority ; and having gotten the power of the Tribunes , they could not stop there , but would be admitted into the Consulship , into the Dictatorship , and to all other sort of Dignities ; and having obtained all sort of Honors , they began to aspire to the Estates of the Nobles ; who being too late aware of their Error , to keep themselves from being quite dis-robed of every thing , and not being able to remedy themselves by the Laws , or by Magistracy , they were forced to have recourse to Arms , to moderate the Peoples Insolencie . Whence it may be concluded that the Romans not having used those means , neither at the first making of their Laws , nor almost at any other time , in any of their Actions , which were proper to overcome certain bad qualities , which they had contracted even from the birth of the Commonwealth , was the reason why , remaining alwaies , as it were a distempered body , wherein ill humours did continually encrease , she was alwaies sickly , perplext by so many civil Discords , and and came to a shorter period of life , then she ought to have done for many other of her most noble conditions . The example of this powerful and famous Republick , if we will well obserserve her civil Orders , and what proceeded from thence , and if they shall be measured by truer and more general Rules , may instruct us excellently well , how to discern the perfections and imperfections of Modern States . And say it will not serve to correct Errors , already too much confirmed by corrupt Customs ; it will at least be of use to know what value ought to be put upon every Government , and what length of daies may in reason be allotted thereunto , holding notwithstanding that Disorder , for a truer Rule then all Orders , which is oft times introduced by various and unthought of Acciden●s upon which our civil Actions do depend , not onely regulated by humane wisdom , but subject ( for ought that appears to us ) in many things to a certain casualty ; though they be indeed directed by assured , though hidden causes , reserved in the bosom of Divine Providence , whereunto our Reason cannot reach . Therefore if following the usual manner of speech , we shall in these our Discourses , make often use of the names of Chance and Fortune , let them be understood in this true and pious manner . The Second DISCOURSE . What Success the Roman Affairs would have had if Alexander the Great had turned with his Victorious Army into Italy . THE Republick proved more fortunate then any other State in many things , so as he had reason on his side , who said ; That Fortune , who was usually an Enemy to vertue , had made Truce with her , that she might exalt that City to the highest pitch of Greatness . But this may chiefly be acknowledged from her , being freed from the necessity into which the course of time had brought her , of making trial of her Forces , against those of Alexander the Great , who after having conquered Darius , and subjugated Persia , together with other Nations , did not bethink himself of turning into Europe ; and chiefly into Italy , rather then into the utmost parts of the East : Or that from having accomplished so many famous Interprizes in Arabia , and in the Indies , being as yet but in his youth , he lived no longer to carry his Victories over the other parts of the world , not as yet concerned in his Forces , though invaded by his immense desire of Dominion . It will certainly be worth the consideration , whether if Alexander had at first had any such thought , or that he had had time afterwards to put it in effect , to think what influence he would have had upon the Affairs of Rome . This doubt was put by Livy , who in the Ninth Book of the first Decade of his Histories , betook himself to discourse of what might have happened , if the Roman Commanders had been to have made War against Alexander . But without considering any thing which might make against his opinion , he bends all his reasons to prove that the Roman Forces would have proved Victorious if they had chanced to have fought against those of Alexander the Great ; which he resolves for as great a certainty , as if the effect had ensued . Yet many Arguments to the contrary may be taken out of divers of those things , which Livy relates of his Romans . We can take no surer way to know what would have been the success of things not done , then to consider what hath been done ; which may guide us by conjecture to penetrate into what might have happened in other things , if occasion should have served . Let us then cast an eye upon what Alexanders actions were in those times , and what those of the Roman Commonwealth ; and we shall see what might have been expected from the worth of Force , and either of them , if trial had been made thereof . Alexanders Enterprizes were sufficiently famous , and known to all men , since the recounting of them hath wearied so many Writers . And Plutarch who writ the Lives of the valliantest , and most magnanimous men of so many ages ; In his Preface to that of Alexander , excuseth himself ( with he doth not in relating the lives of any others ) if he be not able sufficiently to write all his actions , by reason of their number and worth . But the Romans Enterprizes in that age , were not in themselves very great , nor very greatly cried up by others . Though those which they afterwards performed , did for glory out-do , what ever was done by any other Potentate ; So as Reputation and Fame ( which bear so great a sway in all our operations , but chiefly in what belongs to War ) was without all doubt greater in Alexander , then in those Roman Captains who flourished in his time , when the greatness of the Roman Commonwealth was but in its rise , and first beginning . But let us come to some further particular . The Commonwealth had not as then inlarged her Confines , further then into Latium , into some parts of Umbria , and into Picenum , amongst people who were very near the Volsci , and the Aequi. Their Armies were not yet marched out of Italy ; which they did not till they made War with the Carthaginians . Whence it is to be gathered , that the Commonwealth was as yet but weak , and not accustomed to those more weighty and important Actions of War , wherein in after Ages it must be confest she did great and wonderful things . But at this time many vertues in the Citizens of Rome , and the customs of the City , not as yet corrupted , were more to be exalted then their Military valour , which though their souls might be full of , yet they wanted illustrious occasions to exercise it . And those so many famous Commanders , which as Livy says , may be paralelled with Alexander ; Fabius Maximus , Valerius Corvinus , Lucius Papyrius , Titus Manlius , Torquatus , and others of that Age , what great Fears of Arms did they ? The War was as yet made , as it were , underneath the City Gates ; Nor did these as Consuls , or Dictators lead Armies to fight against any save the Aequi , Sanniti , Toscani , and other neighbouring Nations , which were but weak Commonalties , whose Dominions extended no further then their own Cities , and the Territories thereof : None of all those Countries being as then reduced under the power of any one Lord. Yet Livies words , and the deed it self , of having had recourse so often to the Dictator , and having had War so many years with the same Nations , shews how much so weak Potentates were feared by the Romans , who cannot notwithstanding be said to have been much superior to them , either for strength , and worth of their Militia ; since it behoved to fight so often with them , and hardly could they after so many dangers , and a long course of time extinguish them , or rather make them their Companions and Friends . Who can then justly compare these things to Alexanders great atchievements , to his so many Victories won over the greatest and most potent Kings of Asia ? What though Darius his men may be said to have been rude and base ? it cannot be denied but that they were Three hundred thousand armed men , and of that Nation wherein the Monarchy had long been : And Alexanders victorious Forces overran more Countries in little more then ten years , then did the Romans in a much longer time , when they were at their greatest . The before-named Roman Commanders are deservedly praised for divers vertues : But what could there be desired more in Alexander , to make him be an excellent Commander ? Who had his share in more Battels then he ? Who shewed more boldness in undertaking enterprises , greater constancie in prosecuting them , more hopes in effecting them ? What other Commander was ever more highly esteemed , and dearly beloved by his Soldiers ? Those vertues which divided amongst many men , have made many Captains worthy to be praised , met all of them abundantly in him . Would Alexander peradventure have been afraid to pass into Italy , who shewed his undauntedness in entring into the Desarts of Arabia , without any other hope of bringing himself and his Army safe back , save what his courage and his happy Genius promis'd him ? But how easily might he have passed into Italy ; Greece , which was formerly conquered by his Father King Philip , being at his devotion ; and to boot with the abounding commodities which that Country and his own Forces might have afforded him , might not he have hoped to be received and assisted by so many people who were express enemies to the Roman Commonwealth ? who would not have refused to have obeyed so great a Prince as was Alexander , so to avoid submitting themselves to the Dominion of a City like to one of theirs , and with which they had long and grievous contestations : Nay , the hatred and envy which they bore to the Romans greatness , would have made them all have sided with Alexander against them . Was not Pyrrhus invited into Italy for this purpose by the S●mniti and Tarentini ? and did not many of the Cities which were under the Romans obedience , put themselves for the same reason under the power of Hannibal , being thereunto moved rather out of their hatred to be commanded by the Romans , then their fear of being supprest by the Carthaginian Forces ? It now remains , that we consider some things of Alexanders Militia , and of that of the Romans . By which it will not be hard for him who will not willingly be deceived , to know on which side the advantage , and the disadvantage might have been : Since , if the numher of Combatants be to be valued , who can doubt but that the Armies of which he was Lord , who was Lord of so many Provinces as was Alexander , were much to exceed those which one only City , though very populous , and very watlike , as was that of Rome , could put together : And if Alexander would do most of his famous Actions with his Macedonians only , it was out of his choice and judgment , not out of any weakness ; for he thought an Army of a few valiant and expert Soldiers fitter to undertake a great enterprise , then a great mult●tude , which oftentimes bring more confusion then aid . So as having , when he had overcome Darius , made that so memorable Order of his Soldiers of Thirty thousand young men , chosen out of the Flower of many subjugated Provinces , and made them be instructed in the Macedonian Militia , he little regarded his own Macedonians ; whom ( as it is written ) he permitted out of favor , and in reward of their former service , and at their own requests to follow his Ensigns , and to pass with him into India to new undertakings . But the so many Battels which he so successfully made , may sufficiently witness the excellencie of his Discipline in the Militia , as also his taking of so many Cities , his long Voyages , the perpetual exercise in military works : By which things it may be conceived , that no more Veteran Army could be found in those times , which was more expert in all that belonged to the Militia , more obedient to their Captains , and more observant of all Military order then then was that of Alexanders , The ordering of Soldiers used by Alexander , which was called Phalanx , is at this day celebrated ; in which the Ranks of Soldiers standing close , being as it were woven together , and covered over with great shields , they made a solid and safe body of an Army , able to sustain whatsoever charge of the Enemy . Livy does afterwards consider , that the Counsel of a wise Senate , as was that of Rome , would have prevailed over any one mans Resolves , such as was Alexander ; but he considers not on the contrary side , how that in affairs of importancie , and chiefly in matters of War , the supreme authority and command of one alone is requisite . The Romans themselves were of this opinion , who in cases of great difficulty had recourse to a Dictator , whose Commissions were not limited , but he was only charged to take such care as that the Commonwealth might undergo no loss nor prejudice . Nor for all this is the authority or reverence due to a Dictator , who is Magistrate but for a short time , and subject to give an account for what he does , in this to be compared with the majesty of a Kings command , and of so great and so esteemed a King as was Alexander . How often fell it out in Rome , that when supplies were to be sent to an Army , discords were importunately sollicited by the Tribunes , and the Army hindered from being listed ? Was there any such thing in Alexander , in whom supreme Authority and Empire did consist ? Nor did he yet want some more confiding Friends , whose counsels he was accustomed to make use of , and those but a few , wise , and wholly intent upon the good of that Prince , upon whom all their greatness did depend ; as Counsels ought to be in business of great weight , to the end that they may be maturely resolved upon , and readily executed . Which happens not where any command with equal authority , and oft-times with much differing thoughts and ends . But it may yet be more cleerly seen what success the Romans would have had against Alexander , by looking a little forward , and considering the affairs of the ensuing Age. The first Carthaginian war lasted for the space of four and twenty years , in which time the Carthaginian power was weakened by the Romans ; but not so quenched , but that it could soon get up again and trouble the very Romans that were Conquerors . And when Hannibal passed with his Army into Italy four and forty years afterwards , Rome being much increased in power and reputation , was not the Commonwealth of Rome not only robb'd of all the State which she possest , but the very City of Rome reduced into great straits ? And yet Hannibal was not Alexander ; he had not the Fortune , the Forces , nor Authority which Alexander had : He led his Army a long way by Land , and the Sea was blockt up by the possession which the Romans had in Sicily , and by their powerful Fleets at Sea , to keep him from receiving succor : Nor were his own Citizens a less impediment to him , ( who envied his glory ) then were his Enemies , in keeping out his Army . But there was no such thing in Alexander , who by a short cut at Sea might have brought his Army to the Italian shores , and have easily been accommodated with all things necessary . Nor can that be objected to Alexander , which lessened Hannibals honor , to wit , That be knew how to overcome , but not how to make use of Victory : But amongst many of his singular endowments , he was very ardent and sollicitous in prosecuting Victories ; so as no difficulty nor danger whatsoever did ever retard him the least of time , from making good use of his prosperous Fortune . Which afforded Plutarch occasion to introduce Alexander , speaking of himself , in such manner as he challenged all the Praises which was given unto him , as more due to his own merit and worth , then to the favour of Fortune . For these Reasons then , that which was first said , may be asserted , that is , that it may be numbered amongst Romes greatest good Fortunes , that Alexander the Great bethought himself not sooner of coming into Italy , or that he lived not long enough to do it afterwards ; For had he done so , that Commonwealth must either have been oppressed by so much greater a Power , or if we will speak more mildly , and with more respect to the Roman Greatness , she must have run great hazard in her Fortune . And certainly , that happy Genius which guided both these Empires to such a height of Greatness and Prosperity , kept them at such a distance , as that their Forces should not meet together , which had they done some one of their Armies must either have been totally routed , or at least their Fame and Glory must have been much obscured . The like may be said to have happened in these latter Times , between Two Great and Fortunate Princes , The Emperor Charls the Fift , and the Ottaman Sultan Solyman , who did both of them flourish in one and the same time , and being both of them ( if it be lawful to make this comparison by reason of their diversity of Faith ) endued with great Emulation , grandeur of Spirit , and Warlike Worth ; it seems that either their own Election kept them from encountring one another , or else that they were alwaies kept far assunder by some certain occult cause , so as they might not hazard that Glory which with so much labour and danger they had won in the Wars , against other Princes . But it was particularly observed by all men , and not without great wonder , and it was attributed to the same respect ; That the numerous and powerful Armies of both these Princes being brought into Austria , and come very near one another , with an intention , as it seemed , to try by Battle the force and worth of themselves and Armies , so great a preparation for War proved altogether vain : Solyman not advancing with his Camp to challenge the Germans to joyn Battle , as he had first professed he would ; nor Caesar not budging with his men from the walls of Vienna , though before the approach of the Enemy , he had proudly boasted that he would assault him to revenge the former Injuries done to his Brother , and to all Germany . But because these considerations sute not with our present purpose , and for that we may peradventure have occasion to treat thereof hereafter ; we will hear end this our present Discourse . The Third DISCOURSE . Whether was the betrer and more laudable Advice , That of the Carthaginians in offering to assist the Romans , against King Pyrrhus , or that of the Romans , in refusing their offer . AMongst many Wars made by the Romans , that was of very great weight and danger , which she had to sustain against Pyrrhus , King of Epire , when he past with a powerful Army into Italy in behalf of the Tarentines . Other Wars were made for the most part by the Romans against others , this was made against them by a King of greater power then was theirs , and of greater worth in himself , and of better experience in Affairs of War. Insomuch as he deserved after Hannibal , to be e●eemed the prime Commander of his , and of former Ages . This War was likewise commenced when the Commonwealth had not so well confirmed her Power as she did afterwards ; this being before the first Carthaginian War , which brought the Romans first to make war out of Italy . But as the Romans upon this occasion gave many examples of their undoubted worth , so , opportunity of handling some State Affairs , from whence useful precepts for Civil Government may be drawn , to him who shall discourse upon their Actions . Whilst Pyrrhus was with an Army in Italy , the Carthaginians sent their General Mago with One hundred and twenty Frigats to assist the Romans ; But the Romans , thanking the Carthaginians for this their readiness to assist them , sent their General back , with all the Carthaginian Forces . This being the matter of Fact , it deserves consideration , whether the Carthaginians , or Romans are more to be praised for their Wisdom and Magnanimity . To proffer and lend assistance to one who stands in need thereof , especially to one who hath formerly been very fortunate , is a thing befitting Great and Generous Princes , and to refuse it , so it be done modestly , and without Arrogancy , shews no less Generosity , since men do thereby appear to conside in themselves . So likewise to maintain War in anothers Territories , so to keep it far from ones self is a wise and useful counsel , and not to value present dangers so much , as altogether to neglect things of a further distance , is no small sign of discretion . But let us come to a more particular consideration of these things , that we may the better see into them , and know what judgement to give of them , either in praising or dispraising them . The Romans were at this time in Amity with the Carthaginians , and had often formerly renewed their Confederacy with them : The Confines of their Dominions being as yet far distant one from another , whereby the occasion of offence was taken away , did ratifie the Peace and Amity between those two States : So as it was a thing well-beseeming so great a Principality , as was that of the Canthaginians , not to forgo their friends in time of danger , though they were not bound by any particular Obligation , to assist them . And as the failing in such a duty might have cast some blut upon their City , so deserve they no small praise for their reediness in performing it . But these things are peradventure of less force , and estimation amongst Princes ; Whence it may be worth consideration , Whether the Carthaginians were not perswaded out of other reasons to assist the Romans in this War. Great was the Fame of King Pyrrhus his Valor , and Forces at this time ; and no less the report of his Ambition , and of his vast Designs of assaulting Sicily , and Affrica , when he should have overcome the Romans . Wherefore the Carthaginians had reason to use all their endeavours not to make trial of their Forces and Fortune with this Prince : And nothing was more opportune for them , to keep such dangers far from them , then to keep Pyrrhus in Italy ; who finding himself more withstood by the Roman Forces , thorough the assistance of the Carthaginians , would be necessitated to make the longer abode in Italy , and ( as it falls out in long Enterprises ) to waste many of his People there , and lessen that Reputation and Terror which usually accompanies great Armies , in their first and unexpected Assaults . To make war in another mans Country is alwaies good Advice ; but best for those that are farthest off , especially when it may be hoped that such a fire may be long fed in another mans Country . The Forces of the Romans were sufficiently strong of themselves , but much stronger being joyned with those of the Carthaginians , and fitter to withstand Pyrrhus his Forces : Who on the other side , having undertaken this Enterprise , with vaste thoughts , and being resolved to hazard his whole Fortune , out of a desire of new Glory , and greater Empire , and being himself a valiant Commander of a valiant Army , it was not easily to be beleeved that he would quit Italy , unless Victorious , or else quite over come and destroyd . If Pyrrhus should have overcome the Romans , when they were abandoned by the Carthaginians ; and being afterwards big with Reputation of his Victory , should have passed into Sicily , to molest the Affairs of the Carthaginians , as his Design was to do when he left his Country , what danger would they have been in , or what succour could they have expected from the Romans , since they had not been aided by the Carthaginians in their great necessity , and must have been much weakened by the Defeat given them by Pyrrhus ? But if the Romans had been assisted by the Carthaginians , and Pyrrhus , weary of trying his Fortune in Italy , should have turned his Forces upon the Carthaginians , how could the Romans have refused to have assisted the Carthaginians , in like manner as they had done them ? Whence it follows , that those men which the Carthaginians should have sent into Italy , should have fought not onely for the safety of Italy , but for the like of Sicily and Affrica , and with no less advantage to Carthage , then to Rome . But though it had been apparent , that the Romans might of themselves have resisted Pyrrhus , and have got the Victory , it had made no less for the Carthaginians , to make use of this occasion , thereby to oblige the Romans , whose Power was then very great , and their Worth very much esteemed , and their intentions of inlarging their Empire , being already known : So as it became the Carthaginians for their own safety sake , to have an eye to the greatness of this new Potentate ; and not being able to quell him , they had all the reason in the world to keep him their Friend , to the end that he might turn his Forces somewhere else , and not upon them . But what Friendship is more firm then that which is bound with the Tye of great Benefits ? For the receiver , must by an occult force of Nature incline to love his Benefactor , and the doer , loves this the noble Product of his good turn in another , and by so doing makes himself be the better beloved . Great was the Romans need at this time , who had not as yet met with a more formidable Enemy then Pyrrhus , and therefore the occasion was likewise great , which offered it self to the Carthaginians to contract a near Friendship and Confederacy with the Romans . But to this it may be objected , That by succouring the Romans , the Carthaginians would draw anothers War upon themselves ; Nor was it so easie a thing to overcome the Romans , as that Pyrrhus could end that War so suddenly , or with so entire Forces , as the Carthaginians had cause to fear them : Nay , rather the irritating of Pyrrhus by Injuries , might provoke him to revenge , and make him forgo the Romans , and fall upon the Carthaginians . But say that the Affairs of Rome , though assisted by the Carthaginians , should have succeeded amiss ( as things of this nature are alwaies subject to variety of Accidents ) what hopes had the Carthaginians to defend either what they possessed in Sicily , or even the African coasts , when they should have sent the greatest part of their Shipping and Souldiers to assist the Romans ? And why should the Carthaginians rather fear Pyrrhus his Greatness , then that of the Romans ? Pyrrhus his Dominions lay further off , and more incommodious to molest the Carthaginians , then did the Romans ; he was but one man , and though valiant , yet his life was subject to various mischances ( as it proved afterwards , he being slain by a stone , thrown by a poor old woman ) But Rome abounded in valiant Commanders , and was come to the pass , a man may say , of preserving herself still the same : So as all other Princes ought rather to have had a care to keep the Romans from growing stronger , then any other Potentate : For Romes power was more stable , aud therefore like to cause longer , and greater dangers to others . Wherefore to keep the Romans long busied in the War against Pyrrhus , by which their Forces must have been weakened , was the means to preserve other States from that Ambition of Dominion which was already discovered to be in the Romans . On the other side ; To assist the Romans in ridding themselves of the Troubles of War , especially if this should have happened by their obtaining any signal Victory , what was it but to increase the Reputation and Courage of others , so to hasten their own dangers ? For being freed of such incumbrances , and aspiring after greater things ( a thing which is always occasioned by good success ) it was not likely the Romans would stand idle , but ready to imbrace any Enterpise , as it happened afterwards . For the first Carthaginian War ensued soon after the War made with Pyrrhus : For the Romans meeting with no resistance in Italy , after the Honor which they had won in their Victory over Pyrrhus , they began to march with their Forces into other Countries ; they past into Sicily , being invited in by the Mamertini , as Pyrrhus was first called ito Italy by the Tarentini . And the weakness of Pyrrhus his Forces did not so much occasion the Victories won in the War , asdid his inconstancy in prosecuting Enterprises once begun , which though it was a natural defect in him , yet may it be believed , that his sudden departure from Italy might be occasioned by the injury done him by the Carthaginians , who unprovoked had taken up Arms against him , and were ready to come and find him out in other mens Countries . But it may be another greater respect might have moved him to assault the Carthaginian State , to wit , That he might onely have to do onely with the Carthaginians , as he had at first fought onely with the Romans ; beginning to suspect , as having already discovered the Carthaginians good will , that if he should tarry longer in Italy , and that the Romans danger should encrease , that Confederacy might be made between them and the Carthaginians , which was first refused : So that whatsoever he should afterwards undertake against either of them , might afterwards prove more difficult . This was then the reason why Pyrrhus , whilst the business in Italy was not yet finished , nor the danger of the Tarentines not well secured , marched to go for Sicily ; which caused so much trouble and danger to the Carthaginian Affairs , as if he had known how to make good use of his Victory , the Carthaginians might peradventure have been brought then to those final Extremities which were deferred for another time , more for the Romans Glory , then for their Welfare and good Fortune . Thus what hath been already said , may suffice for what concerns the Carthaginians . Let us now see what the Romans did , and consider whether they did well or no in refusing the help which was voluntarily offered them , nay brought home to them by the Carthaginians . The War which was made by Pyrrhus against the Romans , must be thought to be both great and difficult , being made by a Warlike Prince , who brought many many men with him , well trained up in Arms , so as by the very Name and Fame of his Forces , he had almost brought many Cities of Italy to his devotion , withdrawing them from the obedience of the Romans ; and though he were a stranger , yet having firm footing in Italy , whither he was called by the Tarentini , he was not likely to undergo those dis-accommodations , which Armies use to suffer in another Country ; but his Forces appeared the more formidable by reason of that terror , which things of great Fame , and not formerly known , use to bring with them . And the Elephants were a great cause of fear , the Romans not being formerly acquainted with that manner of Militia . In so much danger therefore , when the whole Rest was at Stake , to presume too much upon ones self , and upon ones proper Forces , and to dream onely of Glory , when they were to have been more sollicitous of Safety , hath the appearance rather of Rashness , then of mature and wise Counsel . And why should the Romans promise so much unto themselves against Pyrrhus , as to despise the Carthaginians help , being as then accustomed to fight with the Tarentini , a weak Nation , given over to delights , of which they were reprehended by Pyrrhus himself ; and being now to fight with true Souldiers , expert in all sort of sufferings , and all military Discipline , in the recent Wars made by Pyrrhus in Macedonia . And when nothing else , but even Fortune ( which in matter of War is so uncertain ) should have proved averse unto them in any thing , to whom could they afterwards have had recourse for succour , having despised so great helps , readily sent by so great a Power , of so great esteem and Authority , as was then the Commonwealth of Carthage ? Yet on the other side , it may seem no ways to agree with the Romans Greatness and Generosity , to confess themselves so terrified by Pyrrhus his Forces , as that they needed Foreign help to defend themselves . The Romans might have had Peace from Pyrrhus , who when he came into Italy , sent his Ambassadors to Rome , informing the Senate by them , that he was come to compose the Difference between them and the Tarentini , with whom , if the Romans would have Peace , he proffered them the like : To which , answer was made , That the Common-wealth of Rome had not chosen him for their Arbitrator , neither did they fear his enmity ; therefore let him first return to his own Kingdom , and then , as a Friend to the Commonwealth he might treat of Peace , and should be willingly listened unto . But the City of Rome did already begin to envy and emulate the Common-wealth of Carthage , which she did peradventure more esteem then open enmity with the Kingdom of Epire , wherewith she thought she should not so soon have to do neither in matter of Peace nor War , though Pyrrhus his ambition had then brought him into Italy . Therefore if the Romans would not accept of Peace from Pyrrhus , they oughtless to acknowledg their Safety from the Carthaginians . They likewise thought they might so much rely upon their own Forces , having valiant and well disciplined Souldiers of their own , as that there remained no doubt of Victory in that War , then what does never part from the uncertainty of Chance in War. They considered that the number of Armies or Fleets might be increased by Foreigners , and yet the power to resist an Enemy not be made the greater ; whilst either the differing ends of Princes , the little agreement between Commanders , or the contrary Custom and Discipline of Souldiers , do often occasion many discords in matter of War ; which are not found where one onely Chieftain commands , and disposeth of all things , and where better obedience shewn by Souldiers of one and the same Dominion . Therefore was it that the Romans did sundry other times refuse foreign aid ; as particularly , in the War against Antiochus , when refusing assistance sent unto them by other Kings of Africa , they with their own few , but valiant Souldiers , routed Antiochus his numerous Army , made up of many several Nations . Such respects as these might have been liable to consideration , even when their Faith and Friendship , who were to have lent assistance , had been for certain to be credited ; but who could secure the Romans , who having already extended their Dominions far into Italy , could not grow much greater without injuring Nations further off : from being jealous of the Carthaginians , who were antient and powerful Lords in Affrica , and in Spain , and possessed of the greatest part of Sicily ; and as there were none who could more hinder the increase of their Greatness then the Carthaginians , so was it necessary that they being apprehended for such by the Romans , should likewise fear them for the preservation of their own quiet and security . And what charity is this , might those wise and ancient Senators of Rome say , which hath moved these Affricans to be so careful of us , as without any obligation of Confederacy , and not sought unto , they should send so prime a Captain as Mago , with such a number of Frigats and Soldiers , to assist us , and to bereave their own State of such defence , to preserve the States of other men ? The greater the appearances seemed outwardly , the more might it be suspected that these things proceeded not from sincerity of heart : If the Carthaginians had done this , because they held the Romans to be so unworthy , as that they were to yeeld to Pyrrhus his first assault , and so their States might be exposed to the same danger , it was not good to nourish such an opinion in the Carthaginians , by which they should no sooner be quit of Pyrrhus , but the Carthaginians , who were as willing to keep the Romans low , as Pyrrhus was , might come and set upon them . So whilst they should endeavor to secure the War which was on foot , and from which , if they were the same men which they had always used to be against their Enemies , they had great hopes they might defend themselves , they might have raised another more dangerous and difficult ; if the Roman generosity had not suffered that by anothers fraud , whereunto they should , onely have given consent and some small reward , Pyrrhus should have been slain ( as they were offered by an acquaintance of his , he should be ) though thereby they were freed from all danger ; but rather to exempt the Commonwealth from such a blemish , the Roman Commander chose to acquaint the enemy with what was plotted against him ; how could they , or ought they to tolerate that the Carthaginians , who had sent aid , not out of any desire of Romes welfare , but as those that envied her glory , should boast themselves of being the preservers of the Roman Liberty ? If it should have so faln out by any adverse accident that Pyrrhus , who came to assault them , should have proved Conqueror ; nothing had been to be blamed but the Fortune of War , since they themselves should have carried themselves gallantly and advisedly in the maintaining of it : But if they should have accepted of the Carthaginian succour , men might think , that the Romans gave themselves for overcome , before a blow was given and that they were much inferior to the Enemy , not in Forces , but in Valor : That Pyrrhus had not undertaken that enterprise out of necessity , but onely out of a desire of novelty , and hopes of glory : That therefore if his first assaults should be stoutly sustained , he should have enough of it , and that being invited by another occasion , which he understood was already brewing against him , by the Sicilian Discords , being naturally of a fickle humour , he might readly turn to some other undertaking ; and that as he had come into Italy slightly , and upon no occasion , to make War against them , so he might easily be perswaded by any adverse Fortune to give over the Affairs of Italy , and fall upon something else ; had he been so strong in Men and Forces , as it seems men thought he was , he would not have sent his Orator Cineas to seek friendship with the Senate and people of Rome , and to endeavour that by words which he might easily have obtained by force , which was , to grant peace to the Tarentines his Confederates . Something like this we may believe was said by that Appius , a Senator of experienced wisdom ; who was imployed in answering Pyrrhus his Ambassador , and in readily accepting the intimated War. And whosoever shall duly consider these so many and so sprightly reasons which they had to dismiss the Carthaginian assistance , must needs be perswaded that it did agree with the Roman wisdom and generosity . Yet he who will ground his judgment aright , and justly weigh what the Carthaginians did , must reflect upon divers respects , by which such actions are usually governed . If then the advantage of the business be only considered , it will appear to consist well with what the Carthaginians did then advise upon : For , to hazard those few Forces which they sent to assist the Romans , tended towards the preservation of their own State from Pyrrhus his incursion ; and it appeared rational enough , that the war made against him by the Roman forces , joined with those of the Carthaginians , might draw on to a length of time : For it was believed by the resolution which Pyrrhus took when he went from his Kingdom , that he should not have so soon given over his attempt ; and the Carthaginians being with a considerable strength in the Roman Armies , might at their pleasures , and in divers manners have so prolonged the War , and spun it out into such a length , as they might have so weakened both their Forces , as they needed not for a long time to fear either Pyrrhus or the Romans . But in the Romans resolutions to refuse the Carthaginian succor , the magnanimity of their minds is chiefly to be praised : For the War was not slighted by those who refused to make Peace with their Enemies , and to accept of assistance from their Friends ; but full of dangers , which if they should be able to overcome , they thought it would be an action of great worth , but of greater difficulty . But this resolution , out of the aforesaid reasons , made not so much for their advantage for the present , as for the future . And it was known , that Fabritius his generosity in preserving Pyrrhus his life ( though his Enemy ) from the Treachery of other men , made no less for the overcoming of Pyrrhus , then did the military discipline of Valerius Corvinus , and the Roman Armies which fought against him . Wherefore he sent Cineas to Rome to grant liberty to such prisoners as he had taken , and to desire peace with the Romans , being moved thereunto rather by that noble act , then by any loss he had received in the conflict . And it may be believed , that it was this which made him resolve to forego Italy the sooner , and leave the Roman affairs quiet . Yet such a Consideration may appear to be very weak , being compared to the advantage which might thereby have been gotten : For it had regard to things of uncertainty , and to dangers far off ; whereas the Carthaginians help might have made for the good of present affairs . Wherefore the Romans might be herein convinced ; if it were not to be said , that the desire of Glory was so great in them , as aiming only and chiefly thereat , they put on their resolutions with such fervor , as they did not only exceed all others , but even themselves . They thought they should make their condition the worse by accepting of Forein assistance , whatsoever should befall them : For if they should overcome Pyrrhus , assisted with the Carthaginians , the military valor would be much lessened , which otherwise did belong to so great an undertaking , and to the so great hazard which they ran ; but if they should be overcome , their shame would be increased ; the Roman Forces , though assisted by so great a strength of Foreiners , not being able to resist Pyrrhus his Army . They might likewise peradventure doubt , lest by reposing some part of their hopes upon Forein aid , they might make their own Senators less fervent and sollicitous in providing things fitting for the War , and their Captains and Soldiers less diligent in their military imployments ; as it often falls out in what is recommended to the care of many , that whilst one to ease himself a little , seeks to lay load upon another , the burthen is more weakly sustained by many , then it would have been by a few : But the truth of these things can but only be discuss'd by probable Arguments , to delight our selves in the variety of affairs which present themselves in the ballancing of several reasons which may happen in these great actions : For to give a determinate sentence therein , we want the ground work of those particulars , which we cannot take notice of now in things done so long since , and by which all our works , especially such as are subject to so many alterations as are all Civil and Military affairs , can be only best regulated . It is most certain , that the Romans , who were formerly full of high and glorious thoughts , got so much boldness and reputation after having driven Pyrrhus out of Italy with their own proper Forces , and overcome him in so many Battels , as they did the easilier undertake any War , and no Nation in Italy durst ever after oppose their designs , whereby they soon opened the way to a large Empire . The Fourth DISCOURSE . Which of the two famous Roman Cammanders , Quintus Fabius Maximus , or P. Scipio Africanus , brought more of advantage to the Commonwealth of Rome in managing their War. FAbius Maximus , and P. Scipio Africanus , descended from noble Roman Families , and endued with excellent parts , did flourish in the same Age ; which happening to be at the time when the Commonwealth of Rome was much molested by the Carthaginian Forces , they had occasion to shew their valor in the behalf of their Country , and to purchase much glory to themselves . They had alike zeal to the common good ; their love to their Country , their strength of mind , and knowledg of military affairs was alike ; but they differed in opinion concerning the management of the War , and different was the occasion which they had in exercising it . Great was the service which the City of Rome received from these two ; but they differed much in their ways and ends . Fabius led the Armies through Italy against Hannibal , for the safety of the City of Rome : Scipio fought in Africa against the same Hannibal , for the glory and grandezza of Rome , being already freed from so many dangers of the Carthaginian Forces . The former brought succor and help in a very seasonable time to the affairs of Rome when they were much distressed , and raised up the tottering fortune of the Commonwealth : The latter , by discomfiting many of the Carthaginian Commanders , and even Hannibal himself , did not only put his Romans in perpetual safety from the Carthaginian forces and stratagems wherewith they had been so long molested , but brought whole Africa under their obedience . Fabius preserved Italy from the slavery of Forein Nations , into which she had certainly fallen , had it not been for his actions and advices , Hannibal having already possest himself of all the chief Cities : But Scipio did much enlarge the Roman Confines , and made the Africans confess they were overcome by Italian valor , and submit their necks to the yoke of the Roman Empire . These excellent Commanders shewed great worth , and great experience in military affairs by these their actions , each of them using therein their proper qualities and endowments : Fabius loved constancy , gravity , followed late taken resolutions , but such as were secure . Scipio , measuring all things according to the greatness of his conception , did wilingly imbrace new Enterprises , nothing that was glorious seemed hard to him . Fabius feared Hannibal out of wisdom , not out of any cowardly mind ; Scipio despised him , confiding in himself and in the valor of his Army . Wherefore Fabius thought he had ended the business , if Hannibal being reduced to much hardship , should be forced to forgo Italy : But Scipio as if he had been sure of Victory , refusing all offers of Agreement how advantageous soever , made by the Carthaginians , would hazard the day in that famous place of Zama , where the height of Empire was to be decided between two powerful Nations . And truly it seems , that it was Romes good Fortune , which made these two so excellent men be at this time Coetaneans , though with different thoughts applied to the Safety and Glory of that Commonwealth : For the one , with much patience overcoming the bitterness of Fortune , and the Insolency of the Enemy , freed her from so many dangers into which she was faln : the other , finding the Commonwealth already restored , and knowing how to make better use of his good fortune then Hannibal , did by his noble daring add greater splendor , and glory to her . But here it may be worthy consideration , which of these two may be thought to have done things which were better , and of more use for the Commonwealth . Fabius his actions tended to the safety of his Country , when she was reduced into great danger , and put a period to her troubles more by good Counsel , then by many Forces : But the Affrican proposed unto himself the increase of Glory , and of Empire of the City of Rome . Wherefore not satisfied with what he had succesfully done in Spain , he resolved to pass into Affrica , where refusing all conditions of Peace , he would needs joyn battel with Hannibal , wherein his prosperity continuing , he won a great and glorious Victory . On the one side then , Fabius deserts appear to be very great , he having preserved the City when it was in a desperate condition , so by saving it from the utmost of dangers , he made himself a sharer of that praise which is given to the first Founders of Cities : And certainly such was Hannibals fortune at that time , the worth and reputation of his Army such , as all Force indeavoured against him , would have proved not onely vain but prejudicial ; and his being judged by the Senate and People of Rome to be a Commander fit to cope with Hannibal , and onely fit to suppress his Forces , even then when Scipio that valiant and famous Captain , did live and flourish , shews that Fabius worth was so highly esteemed , as it was not to be exceeded . And this is afterwards confirmed by the grave testimony of Paulus Aemilius , famous among the most celebrated Romans ; who being , as Consul , to go into the Camp against Hannibal , highly extolling things formerly done by Fabius , whilst he was Dictator , said that he would rather be praised in matters of War by him alone , then do things which might differ from his actions , though they pleased all the people of Rome therein . Fabius was indeed excellently well advised in all he did ; for he was no less valiant in withstanding the Enemy in Battle , and in correcting the error and rashness of Minutius , Master of the Cavalry , who had importunely , and contrary to his opinion begun the Skirmish , then he was formerly wise in foreseeing the danger , and in endeavouring to keep it off . His constancy of mind in adversity witnessed his no want of Courage , but out of abundance of Wisdom he shunned the hazard of giving Battel . Wherefore after the discomfeiture at Cannae , no man was more constant , and ready then he to take a resolution . It is therefore said , that in the dejection of souls , and confusion of all things , the Citizens had recourse to his Counsel , as to an Oracle : And the comparing the actions of others , in what concerned the administration of War against Hannibal , made Fabius his worth appear the more ; for before he took upon him the Dictatorship , the Consul Flaminius was routed at the Lake Thrasymenus , and when he laid down the Dictatorship ; Terentius taking other courses then did Fabius , gave occasion for that famous and grievous overthrow which the Romans received at the Battel of Cannae ; whereby it may be known , that wise Commanders ( just like understanding Physitians when they meet with weak bodies , do oftentimes make use rather to prescribe quiet and good government , free from all disorder , then Physick ) when they know the Forces of the Commonwealth to be but weak , as were those of the Romans at that time , ought also to free the State from great and eminent dangers , by temporizing , and by proceeding leasurely with all advantage , then by using Force of Arms and hazarding a Battel . Which made Hannibal say , That he feared Fabius his fearfulness more , then the daring of the other Roman Captains : And finding all his Designs at other times frustrated by Fabius , he affirmed that the Romans had also their Hannibal . Nor could his cunning be indeed overcome otherwise then by cunning , and by knowing how to make use of fitting occasions , and how to bereave the Enemy of the like , which indeed was peculiar to Fabius . It may moreover be said for Fabius , and in praise of his advice , that as no humane Action is more subject to divers unexpected Accidents , then in Battle , wherein great Effects are often produced from very small Accidents , so cannot a Commander attribute at any time so much praise unto himself in Victories , but that good Fortune will challenge a great share therein : Wherefore it is numbered amongst the chief qualities which are to be desired in him who would prove a good Commander , that he be fortunate . Besides , no Victory is ever won by meer fighting , without much blood , and much loss of ones own men ; so as to overcome an enemy by such means as Fabius knew how to do , and without exposing himself to the danger of a set Battle , to overthrow an Enemies Army by reduceing it to great hardships , is a thing of more rare vertue , and which makes the Commander more praise-worthy . By these cunnings were Hannibals cunnings deluded , by these was his fierceness tamed , and the reputation won from him , and from his Army , which he had won in Battel , by having so often worsted and overthrown the Romans . So as it may be said , that Fabius conquered Hannibal a Conqueror ; but that Scipio overcame him when he was already conquered . For Fabius had to do with him , when he was in Italy with a puissant Army , and in the height of his greatest prosperity ; But Scipio made not trial of his Forces against those of Hannibal , till he was returned to Africa , with his Army beaten and wasted by sufferings , and when by the usual change of humane Affairs the state of things between the Carthaginians and Romans was sufficiently altered . Wherefore Hannibal , who had formerly endeavoured nothing more then to fight his Enemies in a pitch'd field , when he was returned to Africa , perswaded the Carthaginians to Peace , and proposed all conditions of Agreement to Scipio , so to shun joyning Battel with him ▪ in which , as if he had foretold his own misfortunes , he lost the remnant of his Army which he had brought from Italy . Wherefore should it not then be thought , that it was harder for Fabius to stop the course of Hannibals Victories , then it was for Scipio to overcome him in Battel , when the Carthaginians were at their greatest loss , and 〈◊〉 ? Nay , it was objected to Scipio , when he endeavoured to lead his Army into Africa , that he did it to shun encountring with Hannibal in Italy . It is a very common , but a very true saying , Non minor est virtus quàm querere , parta tueri . Fabius preserved the Glory , Reputation and state of the Commonwealth , which his Ancestors had won ; Scipio increased them . So as had it not been for Fabius , the Name , at least the Fame of Rome had been almost lost : But she had onely been less glorious without Scipio . On the contrary , who will consider Scipio's great actions , how can he judge him to come short of any other Roman Commander whatsoever , either for glory or dedesert ; since he may be said to have been the first who opened the way unto the Romans of conquering the whole World , as they did in a short time ? For by his means Africa was conquered , and a curb put to the greatest and most powerful Enemies that ever the Romans had ; so as none ever after durst withstand the Roman greatness by force , or did disdain to humble and submit themselves to their worth and fortune , whom the most powerful and fortunate of all other Nations did already obey ? Scipio brought all Spain under the Roman obedience , driving away the Carthaginians from thence , whom he overcame in four several battels : Nor did he make the way easie to greater acquisitions , less by his excellent gifts of mind , then by force of Arms ; making those people affectionate , and faithful to the Romans . And yet as not much valuing these his great deeds , being returned to Rome full of glory , he endevaoured to return again with his Army into Africa , knowing that the Carthaginians could not keep quiet at home , but must be troubling and endangering the the Romans : Nor had he less difficulty to overcome Fabius his obstinate opinion in the Senate , who blamed this advice , then in routing the Enemies in the Field . But if Fabius be to be esteemed , because he in a short time freed the Romans from the danger of the Carthaginians ; what must we say of Scipio , who did for ever secure them from these their Enemies , bereaving them of their Land-Forces by taking the Flower of their men away from them in Battel ; and the like of their Maritime strength , having by agreement forced them to burn all their Ships ? Which won him so great respect from all persons , as at his return from Africa people ran from all parts , only that they might see him . To say truth , what can be said of Fabius , save that he did not lose ? But in Scipio's Victories , what can be desired to make them greater or more glorious ? In the space of forty five days he raised a powerful Army ; and followed by more Voluntiers for the fame of his worth , then he carried Soldiers with him by Decree of Senate , he marched into Africa : He conquered People and Cities , that were enemies to the name of Roman ; he overcame Asdrubal and Hanno , two famous Carthaginian Commanders ; he discomfited Hannibals Army , and ending the War with the overthrow of the Enemy , he returned time enough to Rome to lay down his Magistracie . Hannibal being withdrawn from the walls of Rome , and kept at gaze by Fabius his cunning , stayed in Italy , expecting succor from Africa , to renew the War with greater Force . Scipio's advice and actions were only able to draw him out of Italy ; so as carrying the War elswhere , at the same time he freed his own home from the troubles and danger thereof . He who should have asked Fabius , what the signs were , what the fruits of his Victories ; what could he have shewn ? No Enemies taken , no Cities won , no Gold nor Silver brought into the Comon-Exchequer . But many things prove the glory and deserts of Scipio : So many Prisoners taken , amongst which Syphax , the great and famous King of Numidia ; so many Cities subjugated in Africa , and in Spain ; the annual Tribute imposed upon the Carthaginians ; the rich Pillage brought ●●me from the Enemy . What is there then 〈◊〉 like , not to name equal , between these two , which may make them contend for military glory ? But certainly it may be affirmed for truth , that the one and the other of them are come to the height of glory , though they took several ways to arrive at it : For each of them shewed wisdom and valor in their actions , becoming advised Statesmen , and great Commanders . Divers accidents concurred in their several actions , which perswaded them to proceed after a differing manner : For Fabius being to withstand Hannibals violence , who being already advanced into the very bowels of Italy , and being drawn veryneer to Rome herself , had filled all things with fear , did not think it fitting in this confusion of affairs to hazard all the fortune of the Commonwealth in a day of battel : For the neerness and power of the Enemy did not allow time to recruit and stop the course of Hannibals Victories , in case that Army wherein the chief hopes of Romes welfare did consist , should have been beaten . But Scipio having to do with the same Hannibal , when he and his Army were in Africa , and neer the City of Carthage , knew that if any thing of ill should befall him , he should only lose those men that were with him ; which loss might easily be recovered , the condition being considered wherein the Common-wealth then was : And it being his fortune to overcome Hannibal , he reduced the affairs of the Carthaginians ( whom he had worsted in divers other battels ) to the utmost of dangers : Wherefore by the victory he got great rewards for himself , great glory , and increased the Empire of his Commonwealth . Scipio had also other reasons which perswaded him to fight ; his being in a forein Country , his keeping of the Enemy from recruiting after their late losses , and he being shortly to lay down his command ; so as to spin out the War in length , was to deprive him of his conceived hopes of victory , and to lessen what he had already done . Scipio therefore had as much reason to engage in battel , as Fabius formerly had to refuse fighting . This is confirmed by the several ways of proceeding of the same Hannibal , an excellent Commander ; who at first , when he was in Italy , desired nothing more then to come to a pitch'd battel , out of the aforesaid reasons ; so afterwards being withdrawn with his Army into Africa , shunn'd encountring Scipio as much as he might , the different condition of affairs advising him differently . And it is a general rule , That those things ought to be avoided which please the Enemy ; for the respects being different , that which makes for the one , must needs be bad for the other . It must afterwards be considered , that if Fabius had pleased , when he was made Dictator , after the unfortunate Fight at the Prassemine Lake , to lead that Army into Africa which was destined for the safety of the very City of Rome , it must have been exposed to apparent dangers of the Enemies victorious Forces , with uncertain hope of success in Africa ; nor would this diversion have been then peradventure a sufficient means to have freed it from danger , as it did afterwards when Scipio's counsel was followed in an opportune time , when after divers bad successes both in Spain and Africa , Hannibal was sent for back to assist the much weakned affairs of his Commonwealth . He therefore who will go about to imitate the actions of these two Captains , if he will reap good thereby , must first very well consider every particular of those things which he goes about , and therein accommodate himself , either by hazarding battel , and hasting on to the end of the enterprise with sudden and resolute Parties , or else must harass and overcome the Enemy by drawing things out to a length , and by reducing him to many inconveniencies . He also who will advise wisely touching the assaulting of another mans Country , to keep his own from danger , or who will else make good his own affairs only by way of defence , must have divers respects in consideration , which lead to the knowledg what in his case is fittest to be done ; and by so doing he may hope for the good success which these two famous Roman Commanders had . But howsoever , though their affairs fall out less prosperously , he will win the praise of being either a wise and circumspect , or else a valiant and bold Commander ; as befell Scipio and Fabius , because each of them knew how to manage the War so , as the condition of Times , the quality of their own and of their Enemies Forces , the diversity of the Place , and other respects and accidents , which in such cases ought to regulate our actions , did advise them to do . The Fifth DISCOURSE . Whether War being to be made against the Romans , Hannibals Counsel was good to carry it into Italy . HAnnibal , a cried up Carthaginian Captain , intending to wage War with the Romans , resolved to lead the Army which he had already raised in Spain into Italy by land , passing first over the Pyrenean Mountains , and then over the Alps , that he might approach as near as he could to the City of Rome , the Seat of the Empire . This is thought by all men to be a bold and generous advice , but it is much doubted whether it were advantagious for the Carthaginians , and for Hannibals own defigns . He thought , that being to quell the Roman Power , he must shake it in those parts where it had taken deepest root : That the Romans would be furnished with Soldiers , Victuals , Moneys , and all things else from Italy , wherewith they were wont to maintain War against several Nations , and to encrease their own Glory and Empire : that whilst they were Masters of this , they could not be much prejudiced by any thing that could be attempted against them in other parts : That usually his advantage was very great who assaulted another at his own door , because he keeps the perils , and greatest losses of War far from him : He increaseth courage in his own men , and takes in from the Enemy , and makes the way more easie to Victory , not onely by Forces but by Reputation , and also by the fear which he infuseth into the Enemy : but the farther off the War is catried , and the nearer the Enemy is assaulted in the Centre and very heart of his State , the more are such advantages got . If the Romans , who were alwaies wont to molest other mens Affairs , should be forced to fight within their own Confines , and were to wage War , not to inlarge their Dominions , but to defend themselves and what they held deerest , they would prove less then themselves , because their courage would fail them , and the splendor of the Roman name would be obscured , which did so much help to the atchieving of their Enterprises . Therefore the Romans knowing by experience the disadvantage of making War at home , and open enmity being professed between them and Phillip King of Macedon , fearing least the Carthaginian War being ended , he would assult Italy , as Hannibal had done but a little before , would be the first who should pass with their Army into Greece , and carry the greatest trouble and danger of War into the States of others . But the longer and more difficult the way was for Hannibal to conduct his Carthaginians into Italy , so much greater Honor would he win when he should have overcome these difficulties : That without great constancy and worth in the Commander and Soldiers , so hard an Enterprise could not have been undertaken , such craggy mountainous feats passed over , and their way be made by the Sword amidst an Enemies Country . To this was added , that there were many in Italy , who were not pleased with the Romans Empire , by whose Colonies sent by them into other peoples Countries , they were robbed not onely of their Goods but of their Liberty : That the fame given out that Hannibal would free these from the Roman slavery , and the whole world from the fear of their ambition and power , might alienate the minds of such as were Neighbors to the Romans , and reconcile them so much the more to him . Hannibal did likewise consider , as he whose intention it was not to make In●odes into the Roman Territories , to make a sore and long War with them , that there were many in the Carthaginian Senace who were not well pleased with this enterprise , some being moved by respect of the contrary Faction , others by envy to his glory , and others by zeal they bore to their Countries quiet . That if he should be with his Army in some neighboring Country , and that the Romans should be but weakly invaded , and not soundly set upon , it might in likelihood fall out he should be sent for home , and Peace be concluded . He feared likewise lest his Army , which was composed of divers Nations , when his Soldiers should find themselves near their own houses , they might the more easily disband . Being therefore onely intent to come with his Forces into Italy , he would shun all occasions of trying his men against the Romans in a pitch'd Field , when Publius Scipio went to encounter him at the Banks of Rhodanus . Moreover it would not satisfie the high and magnanimous end which he had prefixt unto himself , of freeing Carthage , his Country , from the Tribute to the which she was made liable by the Romans , to molest them in any part further from the State , but he must march against the very City of Rome , the Seat of the Empire , to allay , or at least to weaken much their power . Other smaller things might have given some trouble to the Romans , and have retarded their greatness ; but in the same danger and uncertainty of War , whereby she had provoked so powerful an enemy against her , the reward , and the benefit were not equal in both the cases . Very great and difficult undoubtedly was such an enterprise , but befitting Hannibal , who , as it was said , had through the magnanimity of his spirit , proposed unto himself to imitate the deeds of Hercules , and had taken up arms against the Romans , not out of any hatred he bore them , but for the dignity of Empire . So as what would have infused fear into another , did set his mind the more on fire . He thought likewise by force of necessity to infuse into his Soldiers that strength and constancy of mind , which was as an excellent vertue in himself , whilst fighting should be enforced , all occasion of flight being taken away , to put all their hopes of safety in their Swords . This most expert Commander knew likewise wherein his Forces did exceed , and therewithal he would make trial of their worth . Wherefore passing with his Army safe over the Mountains , he foresaw he should find large Plains in Italy , wherein he might fight the Romans upon great advantage , his Army abounding in Horse , and the Infantry being the Romans chiefest strength . Then as this counsel was taken by Hannibal with reason , so if this action be particularly considered , it may be said , that he was very successful therein : for the first time that he had to do with the Roman Armies in Italy , thought the Armies of two Consuls were joyned together against him , that which was first sent against him into France , and that which was destined to encounter him when he should have descended the Mountains , he came off with such victory as he put Rome into great terror , both for that the City was not wont before to hear such bad news from their Captains , as also for having so powerful , and so victorious an enemy so nigh at hand . But what can be added to the victories gotten at the Lake of Thrasymenus and at Cannae , ( places made famous for the calamities which the Rom●ns suffered there ) to make his glory greater ? and the good thereof was answerable to the greatness ; for those of the Empire rebelling every where , and flying from the Romans distressed fortune , to Hannibals favor and obedience , he soon made himself Master of almost all Italy , and put the very City of Rome to great danger and confusions . So as it was either his noble daring which begot such prosperous effects , or else it was thereby accompanied . Yet there wanted not other reasons , and respects , which may make Hannibals advice of leading his Army into Italy appear less useful , and less praise worthy ; and it may be said , that if he had passed into Italy with almost all the whole Carthaginian Forces , bringing along with him Veteran Soldiers , and the greatest strength of the Carthaginian Empire , he ought to have considered , that undertaking to make War against the Romans , a warlike , powerful , and fortunate Nation , the Carthaginian State was not likely to keep unmolested by their Forces ; Reason not permitting it to be believed , that they who formerly , not provoked by any injuries , but rather excited by a desire of Government , had happily waged war with the Commonwealth of Carthage , would now stand only spectators of their own misery , and repulsers of offence , but that they would rather endeavour to carry that fire which was kindled in their own houses , either into Africa or Spain , to keep the Carthaginian Forces from succouring that part where their own danger was increased . And so did the effect ensue ; for the Romans having first assaulted Spain , and after Africa , and finding them both but badly provided of Garrisons fitting to withstand so potent an Enemy , they reduced the first under the obedience of their Commonwealth , driving all the Carthaginians from thence , and did put the other into so great confusion , as little more then the bare name of a Republick remained to the very City of Carthage . But how could Hannibal hope to tarry long in Italy , and to be able to receive such succors and supplies as he must of necessity stand in need of ? The way was shut up by Land by the craggy mountains , and by the Enemy ; and the Sea was less open to them , the Romans not being only masters of the Sea , but of Navigation ; for their Fleet was greater then that of the Carthaginians : whence it was , that the succor came neither time enough to Hannibal for him to prosecute his Victories ; neither when it was sent , could it come safe to him , his brother Asdrubal , who conducted it , being cut in pieces , together with all his men by the Consul Claudius . Out of these respects it may be thought , that it had been better and safer for Hannibal to have commenced the War against the Romans in Sicily or Sardinia . The pretence of taking up Arms against the Romans , for the recovery of such things as were granted out of great necessity to them by his Commonwealth , was more just . Wherefore he might have bethought himself of not provoking the disfavor both of God and man against him ; as it appeared on the contrary , that his breach of Articles , and his too bold design of driving the Romans out of Italy , their own proper seat and dominion , made all things prove cross unto him . The business would likewise have proved more opportune and easie , by reason of the ill satisfaction which the people of those Islands received from the Romans power , which occasioned in them a great mind to rebel , as was afterwards found . The Carthaginian Commonwealth was strong enough by Sea ; and though Fortune had not been propitious to them in their Naval conflict with the Romans , yet was their experience in Maritime affairs greater ; and the City was then so well provided of Shipping , as we read that they were above five hundred Ships which they were forced to burn by command from Scipio , after Hannibals Rout in Africa . If Hannibal would then have put his Army into these Bottoms , and have turned with powerful Forces upon Sicily and Sardinia , and being also assisted with the Peoples inclination , he could not almost have doubted to have reduced them in a small time under the Carthaginian power . And having won these Islands , what way would he have made for the enterprise of Italy ? He might have made use of this situation , and of his Fleet , to have kept the Sea open to himself , and block'd up to the Romans : whereas doing the contrary , it happened otherwise ; for the Carthaginian Fleet being very weak , the greater part whereof were imployed in other places , it was overcome by the Romans , their Navigation and Succor was hindred , and finally all Hannibals designs were frustrated . But the advantage which Hannibal might have reaped by such an enterprise , and by the getting of Sicily , may easily be known by what Scipio got , who being to pass with his Army into Africa , putting in at Sicily , he thereby got great assistance and accommodation . And the Carthaginians themselves were aware , that the War ought to have been handled thus : For after the death of Hier● , Lord of Syracusa , they sent their Fleet to regain Sicily ; but the counsel was too late and unopportunely taken ; for Fortune beginning now again to smile upon the Romans , and the enterprise being undertaken with but weak Forces , they did little else but raise Tumults , with more of loss to those that had rebelled against the Romans , then any advantage to the Carthaginians . It seems likewise that Hannibal , when he first endeavoured to joyn in league with Philip King of Macedon , whose strength by Sea was very great , and his jealousies of the Romans likewise very great , as also his desire to secure himself therefrom , had laid a better foundation for his designs , and might have had better success in his endeavours against the Romans ; which because out of vainglorious ambition he would accelerate , he overthrew them . Let us then bound Hannibals praises within straiter precincts , though his fame sound very gloriously in the memory of all Ages , for the greatness of his attempts , and his success therein at first ; since that advantage ceaseth which might first have counselled him to the affairs of Italy : And let us only see whether he may have purchased any true glory by his so great daring , and by the readiness wherewith he buckled to battel . He who will weigh things with reason and experience , will find that Wisdom ought to be of greater consideration in a worthy Commander , then force of Arms. Which may be seen in Hannibal ; for the wisdom of Quintus Fabius did that against him with safety , which the War waged with much loss , and more danger , by Flaminius and by Sempronius , and afterwards by Gaius Terentius , all of them Consuls , and Commanders of the Romans Armies , could not do ; who rashly hazarding the doubtful events of Battel , were overcome by Hannibal , and brought the affairs of Rome to almost utter despair . The praise then which is given to Hannibal , is great eagerness of mind against dangers : which though of it self it may make him worthy some admiration , yet such a vertue fals easily into vice , and in stead of Boldness , may be termed Rashness . But if we will consider Hannibals Actions yet a little more narrowly , we shall the better discover , that Hannibal having undertaken this War unjustly , and violated the Articles made between the Carthaginians and the Romans , he cannot deserve to be truly named valiant , the vertue of Valor not consisting in the maintaining of an unjust Cause . And if Hannibal ought to glory of his having routed the Romans , his glory will prove the less , since the Captains whom he overcame were not so much cryed up , and were of lesser experience and worth then many other Romans , who never had to do in any great enterprise ; and that it was not his own worth , and the worth of his Soldiers which made way to his Victories ; more then did the ignorance , rashness , and chiefly the discord of the Roman Commanders ; to whom , through some unlucky Star , it was the misfortune of the Commonwealth at that time to commit the guidance and command of her Forces . But when he met with Fabius , Marcellus , or Scipio , the face of affairs altered . And yet Hannibal ought to have believed he should have met with these , or at least such as these , then with the others , or such as them : For the Carthaginians had experienced much to their loss , in the preceding War , what the worth of the Roman Commanders was . Hannibal might likewise have considered , how hard it would be for him to vanquish so many Cities , so many Roman Colonies , defended by Citizens who did partake of the Roman name and vilor . But this was seen afterwards by experience , when he first began to undertake the taking in of Cities , and when entring into Umbrid ▪ and being incamped about Spoletum , he spent much time there to little purpose ; and finding how strong defence was made by a little Roman Colony , he saw how vain his designs would be of stom● 〈◊〉 City of Rome . And though many of the chief Cities of Italy fell into his hands , this happened through the renown of Victories which he had won ; which working upon many people who did accommodate themselves to the Victors fortune , they gave themselves willingly over to the Carthaginians , and rebelled against the vanquished Romans . But to besiege Cities required time , and time afforded means to the Romans , who were at their own homes , to recruit their Forces , and reduced Hannibal , who was a stranger , into many inconveniencies and necessities . Insomuch as it is a●●rmed by Writers , that when Hannibal had the means of fighting afforded him ( which he so much desired , but had little reason to hope for ) by Terentius the Consuls rashness , who was afterwards routed and overcome ; his affairs were reduced to so great and desperate straits , as manifest signs of revolting over to the enemies Camp were discovered , and in himself a mind to save himself by flying away into Africa by Sea. But let us take the end of War into consideration , which we will be better able to judge by , then by its beginning : And though it is usually said , that Event is the fools Schoolmaster , yet it often falls out , that things are known by the event , which would never have been formerly thought upon ; and the best instruction is that which is learnt by experience . Hannibal , after having with various and uncertain success , but with very great and certain dangers , oftentimes tried the event of sundry Battels with the Romans , was constrained , not so much out of obedience to the Carthaginian Senate , as out of necessity to forgo Italy , and to lead the remainder of his Army , which was already very much lessened , back into Africa , to relieve the City of Carthage , which was by Scipio reduced into great danger ; and with his like former boldness , though not with the like prosperous success , come to a day of Battel with his enemy : Wherein his Army being overthrown , and with that Army , which was the strength of the Empire , all hopes lost of ever being able to make head against the Romans , the War was finally ended upon new conditions , and by the agreement , but in effect by the ultimate ruine of the Carthaginian Commonwealth : And together with the loss of her Liberty , she was bereft of all her maritime Forces ; for amongst other grievous conditions , she was injoyned to burn all her Ships , whereof she had great store ; so desirous were the Romans to keep her from attempting any novelty . But how can we pass over these great actions , without reflecting upon the wonderful variation of humane affairs , and without marvelling at the several fortunes of these two powerful Nations ? For the Carthaginians having as Conquerors over-run all Italy , and bereft the Romans of almost all their Forces , when it seemed as if their Commonwealth , following this her miraculous prosperity , was in a short time to mount to a supreme greatness of Monarchy , they fell from these high hopes into the extreme of misery , being bereft not only of the gallantry of Command , but of Liberty . And on the other side , the Romans , who having not many years before her Armies so notably defeated by Hannibal , as they were glad to imploy all their care about the safety of the very City of Rome , did on such a sudden rise to such a height of reputation , and power , as driving the Carthaginians out of Spain and having put the affairs of Africa into great confusion , they forced them to recieve their Laws from the Romans . This victory of the Romans was that which opened them the way to that Monarchy , at which they afterwards did in a few years arrive ; for having quell'd the Carthaginians , and increased their own Power by the ruine of the Forces and Dominion of others , there was not any other Potentate who could long resist them . Other people seemed not to be ashamed to yeeld to them who had conquered the Carthaginians , and made themselves Masters of their Commonwealth . No truer , nor better reason can be 〈◊〉 for this indeed so miraculous diversity of condition and fortune which 〈◊〉 two great and powerful Commonwealths , then the excellency of Military Discipline , which was better ordered , and understood by the Romans , then by the Carthaginians . For hence it rose , that every Citizen being amongst the Romans imployed in the Militia , they had greater store of Commanders and Soldiers . So as though they were oftentimes worsted by Hannibal , they could notwithstanding soon muster other Armies , and get new Forces : Which the Carthaginians could not do ; who having had a notable rout at Zama , were totally opprest , not being ever able to rally again , because they had no other Soldiers nor Commanders under whose conduct they might hope for better events . But when the Romans were overcome , they wanted not Fabius Maximus , Marcellus , Claudius , Scipio , and many others , who behaved themselves more fortunately in that War , and did better service the Commonwealth ; and they could easily send Recruits unto their Armies , and supply the places of such as were slain in Battel , out of their own Citizens of Rome . Which was caused by the committing of the Government of the War to their Consuls , which place of Magistracy enduring but a year , occasion was offered to many other Citizens , to get experience in military affairs , and all others were so obliged to the Militia , as after the Carthaginian War was ended , they who had not served in the Wars for the space of four years at the least , were by the Censors noted of Infamy , and blotted out of the publick Muster books . But the Carthaginians having through the power of the Barchinian Faction , transferred the Supreme Authority of administration of Arms , upon some few Citizens , as it was formerly upon Hannibal , the Father to this man , and after him upon this Hannibal , and his brother Asdrubal ; when Asdrubal was slain in Italy , in the conflict which he had with Claudius , and when Hannibal the Son was abandoned by his former good Fortune , and by the reputation he had formerly gotten ; and the Commonwealth being also wonted to make use of mercinary Souldiers ; the Army of antient Soldiers being lost in the Battel of Zama , they could not recruit it with their own Citizens , nor withstand the blow of so dire a mischance . These , and such like things may be argued , concerning this great action of Hannibals , and these important successes of War ; but rather out of probabilities , then any certain demonstration . Yet these very considerations , may serve for useful instructions in hard and difficult resolutions , to foresee what end is likely to befall the undertaking of great Princes . The Sixth DISCOURSE . Whether it was well done by the Romans , to carry the War against the Carthaginians , into Sicily and Spain , and into Macedonia and Greece , against King Philip ; whist Hannibal waged War with them in Italy . AS amongst all the Wars made by the Romans , none was more long or troublesom , then that which they made with the Carthaginians , especially when their Commander Hannibal did flourish , so from hence chiefly may noble matter of discourse , and useful Instructions for matters of State be gathered . Whilst Hannibal was in Italy , which was for the space 〈◊〉 Fourteen years , the Romans made War notwithstanding in other Countries 〈◊〉 Sicily , Spain and Africa against the same Carthaginians ; and against Philip King of Macedon ïn Greece . But as War was made against them in Italy , so were they the first Authors of these other Wars ; which affords occasion of no small wonder to him who considers , and doth well weigh this their proceeding . One would think , that the Romans being set upon at home by so powerful Enemies , as it was apparent that their whole Forces were not able to resist , should not have resolved by dividing the same Forces to make their defence weaker ; since the main of all their affairs depended upon the success of their Armies against Hannlbal , how can it be thought a good advice , to hazard with part of their Forces the whole Fortune of their Commonwealth ? A thing which when forced by necessity , is thought a great misfortune to the State wherein it happens . And when Italy should be lost , as it was in great danger to be whilst Hannibal was there with a puissant Army , to what purpose could any acquisition serve which should be made in Spain or elswhere , which must of necessity fall of it self ? And with what courage could the Romans fight in Forein parts , when their own Country was wasted with War , their houses , wealth , and all that they had exposed to utmost danger ? So as whilst fighting against Hannibal , and all their minds being inflamed , not only out of a military obligation , and out of charity to their Country , but out of the natural and powerful love which every man bears to his own affairs , one man stood for many : So when abroad , the unquietness and doubt of mind keeping them afflicted and in jealousie ▪ by reason of the dubious case wherein they left whatsoever was most dear unto them , would not permit many to stand in fight for one . Who can praise the suffering of danger to increase at home , out of hopes of purchasing abroad ? Had the Romans Armies been in another Country , and imployed about other affairs , reason would have advised them to have sent for them back into Italy , when they saw so powerful an Enemy upon their backs . For , Vis unita fortior ; Force when united is stronger , and better able to keep what is harmful afar off , Thus we see it falls out by vertue of mother Nature , in our bodies ; when the Heart is ill at ease , all the spirits of the body flock thither to defend it , as the most noble part , and whereupon life it self depends . Hannibal was a powerful Enemy , formidable for his excellent worth and military discipline , and for the many Forces which he brought with him ; and moreover Italy was as it wereunarmed at this time , and wanted her valiantest Commanders , and best Soldiers . What could the Carthaginians have more desired for Hannibals prosperity , then to see the two Scipio's , Gnus and Publius , on whom only the welfare of the Commonwealth ; now so much in danger , did rest , sent into parts afar off , so as they could not , in her very greatest extremity , return to succor her ? If Hannibal had had a mind to have lest Italy , was not this parting of the Roman Forces , and the want of their best Commanders , a powerful reason to make him stay ? And what advice was it to provoke other Princes and People to enmity , as must needs be done by sending Forces to molest Spain , whilst the Commonwealth was in such trouble and danger , as she ought to have made friends on all sides ? By which they incensed that Nation , and drew other African Princes upon their backs , who were Friends and Confederates with the Carthaginians . And the increasing power of the Romans being formerly apprehended by other People and Princes , the condition of those times should have rather advised them to have cloaked such thoughts , and not to draw hatred and envy upon them : For every one must needs hold , that if the Romans , being in such calamity and danger , would vex other Countries with war , no Province would have been free from their Forces when they should have been rid of Hannibal . Which made the Romans cause worse , and Hannibals better , with those in Italy , who did not much affect the so much greatness of the Commonwealth , and much 〈◊〉 forein Nations . Wherefore the French , who first opposed Hannibal whe●●●●●nt into Italy , did for these respects favor his brother Asdrubal afterwards , 〈◊〉 he past with succor through their Country ; nay , many of them joined with his Camp , and followe the Carthaginian Colors in Italy , to maintain the War with them . If the Romans did not know themselves to be sufficiently able to withstand Hannibal in Italy , where they had all conveniences , and he being a stranger wanted all , and could only come by them by force ; what reason could perswade them to maintain War in Spain at the same time ? which War must be as incommodious to them , as it was advantageous and convenient for their Enemies ; both for that that Province was at their devotion , for the neerness of the City of Carthage , and for the accommodation the Sea afforded them , in furnishing them with all things necessary to make War ; which certainly may be done better and more commodiously at home . Thus the Cimb●ians , after having given many defeats to the Romans in Gallia , were by them overcome in Italy . War is likewise made at home with less danger , out of the easiness of recruiting an Army , when Battels prove unfortunate . Thus the Romans being oft-times worsted by Hannibal , did maintain and raise up their abject fortune : And the Venetians being assaulted at their own homes by those of Genoa , by reason of the commodity they had of assembling all their Forces together , did not only wi●hstand , but did overthrow the Assailants , who were gotten even into their Washes , and were setled in the City of Chioggia . But if we will then consider the particular condition wherein the Romans were at that time , we shall find all their affairs in great disorder , and such as did advise them rather to lessen then to increase new Expences , by undertaking new Wars . The publick Treasury was sufficiently decreased by loss of the usual . Rents of so many places which Hannibal was possest of in Italy ; for that what they were masters of in Sardinia , was to cease paying usual and great contributions ; for that the people who were subject to the Romans , were so much wearied with continual Wars , as they were hardly able to maintain those few Soldiers which they had need of for their own defence , not in a case to furnish other Armies with monies , as Writers affirm . Others add , that the affairs of the Romans were grown to so great a strait , by maintaining so many Armies so long a time in several Countries , as that the Scipio's writing to the Senate , that they could no longer maintain their Soldiers who were grown needful of all things , the Commonwealth was faln to beg aid from those who had gained much in former times by publick Impositions , so to provide out of private purses for the paying and victualling of the Army : An example of much charity to their Country , which was brought to so great a necessity ; but withall of ill advice , and but little wisdom in those who had brought it to that pass . The Romans affairs were so weakned in Spain , as Gneus Scipio , contrary to the custom of the Romans , was forced to make use of many Soldiers of that Nation to recruit his Army : which though the deceit of those Barbarians , was the cause why he received a notable Defeat , wherein he himself likewise lost his life . It might at first peradventure be thought an useful advice to assault the Car●haginian States , so to remove Hannibal by diversion from Italy . But since experience proved the contrary , how can the increasing of danger at home , to carry it abroad , be praised ? 'T was already eight years that Gneus Scipio had made War in Spain , and Marcellus had labored long with various successes in Sicily , when Hannibal was notwithstanding still so powerful in Italy , as marching with his whole Army from Capua , he went to assault the very City of Rome , where all things were full of tumult and confusion : And had not the Romans had good fortune by the great store of rain and water , which falling from the skies , retarded the first assault of Hannibal , all the ho●●● of so flourishing a Commonwealth had been disparch'd . Who then in such 〈◊〉 ity of danger , in which with great uncertainty of success the Walls and Gate● of Rome herself were guarded , did not wish that Marcellus , the two Scipio's , and the rest that were at war in Sicily , and in Spain , had been there present , who if the City of Rome should be lost , must be made a prey unto the enemy ? The very fame and honor of such a Victory being sufficient to make all that the Romans in so long process of time had taken from the Carthaginians , return to their former obedience . On the other side , if so many Commanders and Roman Soldiers , wasted in wars so far off , had been all joyned together in Italy , how could Hannibal have so long withstood so great a power ? The first onset of the Carthaginian Army was great , when it advanced so far , as the fortune of the Romans began to give back , and the Romans to confess themselves overcome , having had many great routs . But when Fortune began to face about , and the worth of the Carthaginian Soldiers began to flag , who were deboished with the delights of Capna , ( which was the cause why Hannibal tarried long in Italy without doing any thing of note ) reason tells us that if he had been assailed by so many Roman Commanders and Soldiers , he must have been forced to have left Italy . And he being gone , and the danger removed to further distance from home , the Romans having a valiant , and an expert Militia , and having won great reputation by this Victory , the other enterprises which they should have afterwards have undertaken either against others , or against the Carthaginians themselves at their own homes , would have proved more easie , and more certain : And experience proves clearly , that the Affairs of Italy would have given the Law to all other proceedings ; and that upon the success thereof the whole War did depend ; for the Romans could never drive the Carthaginians totally out of Spain , till the rout given to Asdrubal , Brother to Hannibal , by the Consul Claudius , by which the power and fortune of the Carthaginians growing less in Italy , they fared alike in Spain . But the War undertaken by the Romans , against ●hilip King of Macedon , at the same time when Italy was all on fire with the Carthag●nian War , may peradventure be thought a business of greater importance . For Philip was a great Prince ; and might easily have troubled the Romans affairs , by reason of the neighborhood of Greece , whose people were his friends and confederates . And though Philip had shewed himself not to be very well affected to the Commonwealth of Rome , since he had first sent his Ambassadors to Hannibal , to treat of joyning with him in confederacy against the Romans , and had afterwards set upon , and taken the ( itics of Apolonia , and Orico , that he might have , ( as it was suspected ) the better opportunity to offend the Romans ; yet the present condition of Affairs seemed rather to advise them , to dissemble their injuries and suspitions , then by unimportunely revenging the one and assertaining the other , put their affairs in greater danger , and make him a certain and open Enemy ▪ who was as yet concealed and doubtful . And time might have opened the way u●to them to have made him their friend , and to have brought him into their parts ; which it was formerly known he had mind enough unto of himself ; but being put in fear and jealousie of his own affairs by Hannibals so great prosperity , he was diverted from it . And counsels which bring certain mischiess with them , ought not to be undertaken out of hope of evading another evil which is further off , and uncertain , when he who useth it is in so weak and dangerous a condition , as the addition of any new inconvenience how little soever , is sufficient to ruine him : and this was the condition of the affairs of Rome at that time . Yet it may be said that the very Authority of the Romans name was a thing of great moment , and so much the greater as the event approved of their counsel . For Hannibal could not have been drawn out of Italy , but by troubling the affairs of Africa , and by putting the Car●●●nians into the same hazard and dangers , as they had endeavored to put the 〈◊〉 to . They considered then , that Hannibal having shewed such constancy , and worth in leading so numerous an Army , consisting of divers Nations into Italy , and having found that Fortune ( according as is usually said ) favoured his boldness , their chief hopes of overcoming him lay in making him be his own ruine , and suffering his Army to moulder away through harpships . And this manner of warfaring , used by Fabius Maximus had saved , and restored the Commonwealth , which the different opinion on of other Commanders , by hazarding themselves upon the fortune of a Battel , had almost quite undone . Now to compass this , it was necessary to keep the Carthaginian Forces so imployed abroad by diversion , as they could not relieve Hannibal in Italy : For if so , many of the Carthaginian Armies might have passed safely into Italy , as the Scipio's did defeat in Spain , they would have so overflown Italy , as there could have been no escape for the affairs of Rome . This very advice was followed by the Venetians , when they had their Enemies at their own own homes , and were in the same danger and disorder by reasou of the rout given them by the Genuses , as the City of Rome was in , after the defeat at Cannae . For they joyned in confederacy with Barnaby Vis Coute , Duke of Millan , and making a great Effort , sent many Soldiers against the City of Genua , and did so molest their affairs by Land , as they kept off those succours , which otherwise would have been sent to their men who had taken the City of Chioggia , who missing of supplies , and being fought withal , and besieged by the Venetian Forces , of Conquerors became conquered , and fell into the hands of the Venetians . Moreover the Romans considered , that in the Wars which they made in Sicily and in Spain , they had this great advantage that they fought not with Honnibal , a Captain of singular and unparalleld valor . It was likewise held , that the Roman Commanders and Armies , might more securely make , trial of their worth and fortune , in Wars made out of Italy , as they had oftentimes done ; for when they had any loss abroad , they lost nothing but those men which the fortune of War bereft them of ; but if they should overcome , they got the Enemies Country ; just as it befel them in Spain . Wherefore it being disadvantagious for them to fight in Italy , it proved the better advice to temporize with Hannibal in Italy , and at the same time to fight with Mago Asdrubal , and other Carthaginian Commanders in Sicily , and in Spain . So as the losses in Italy were recompeased by acqusitions made in Spain , the which of all other Countries , was the first that was reduced into a Province , and did much inlarge the Confines of the Roman Empire . But if the Sea had been open for the Carthaginians , as it would have been if the Romans neglecting their Fleet , had not provided for the affairs of Sicily , Hannibal might easily have been furnished with things necessary from the Carthaginians , wherewith to reinforce his Army : So as no part of Italy should have been free from his forces , who unassisted or succored , could notwithstanding keep his Army so long together , and attempt so many enterprises ; they therefore thought they had done enough , in entertaining Asdrubal , a Captain of great authority and valor , so as he could not ( as they knew his design was ) pass with a new Army into Italy , to joyn with Hannibal , as he did after the Scipio's death , and after the rebellion of many of the Spanish Cities , the Carthaginians being moved to do their utmost , since they had lost Syracusa and Cap●a , which were both of them faln into the Romans power . So as no assistance being given unto Hannibal , all the labor was lost which he had so many years undergone in Italy . On the contrary , the Romans persevering in their first opinion , when the two Scipio's were dead , sent P●blius Scipio into Spain to keep Asdrubal from making his passage , diverting the Forces which were to pass over with him into Italy , by keeping the Carthaginians molested at home : It follows not therefore by a general rule , that what was good for one of the enemies , must be hurtful for the other ; so as it were good for the Carthaginians to wage War in Italy , far from their own homes , this very same thing must be harmful for the Romans . But since they could not be the first Assailant , Hannibal having faln upon them with such violence , it was reason , that the Romans taking the same course , should assault the Carthaginians Territories . We read also , that the same Hannibal , being still of the same opinion which once he was , being with Autiochus in the time of his Exile , whilst he was treating of making War against the Romans , he perswaded him to pass over as soon as he could , and with as great a strength as he could put together , into Italy ; affirming that all other enterprises would be to no purpose , whilst Italy was at peace and quiet , and that the Romans had means to maintain War abroad . This very same thing , for the same respects diversly considered , ought to have instructed the Roman Commanders and Senators in the Carthaginian war ; to wit , that they were not to suffer their Enemies to rest quiet at home , so as ●ree from all thoughts of defending themselves , they might the better turn all their Forces upon Italy , and the very City of Rome . And if they had taken that resolution at first , which they did afterwards by the advice of Publius Scipio , ( who from the conquering of Africa , took the name of African ) to wage War with the Carthaginians neerer their own home , they might peradventure have freed Italy sooner from the so many troubles and dangers which she underwent by Hannibals long abode . But it may be moreover said , that many other things did force , or at least perswade the Romans to undertake these Wars . Sardinia was first assaulted by the Carthaginians with those very Forces which were destined for Italy to relieve Hannibal ; so as it behoved the Romans to march with their Armies thither , not only to maintain and defend that Island , which was of such importance to the Commonwealth , but for that they therein defended the welfare of Italy , by keeping so many Warriers afar off , who if they were free , were ready to assault her . And this advice proved very fortunate ; for Quintus Fabius gave so notable a Rout to the Carthaginians in Sardinia , as they lost about Forty thousand of their Soldiers . The death of Hiere the Tyrant of Siracusa , occasioned the War made in Sicily , and the great commotions of that Island , by which it was comprehended , that if these their designs had not been hindred by the Romans , that great and famous City would have faln into the power of the Carthaginians , to the great prejudice of the Romans , who for the same reason ( being assisted by the Mamertines ) undertook the first Carthaginian War ; judging that if the Carthaginians should be absolute Masters of Sicily , it would be a step to pass into Italy . But this would have been the more incommodious at this time , for that by reason of the so many places which Hannibal had taken in Italy , they might have had a more easie and secure receptacle there . Moreover , the Romans were invited to make War with the Carthaginians in Spain , and to divert their Forces , by reason that they understood how that Province was but ill satisfied with the Carthaginian government , and that it was well inclined to the Romans ; which did much facilitate those enterprises which were boldly undertaken , and fortunately atchieved . The City of Saguntum was also the first rise of these Wars in Spain ; which they thought it did not become the generosity of Rome to leave in the power of the Carthaginians ; so as upon any other good success , they might seem to have lost the chief cause in this contest : Neither did they notwithstanding take Saguntum till after eight years War in Spain , when the other affairs of Rome began to prosper very much ; as if the City which was the beginning of so many Wars , had been reserved to be the end thereof . These and other such like reasons may be alleadged for the War undertaken against the Carthaginians ; but that which they made against Philip may be said to be caused rather by necessity then choice : For Philip , for his part , being already resolved to follow Hannibals fortune , and expecting large recompence , had sent his Ambassadors several times formerly to him , to conclude a confederacie with him : wherefore the Romans thinking it better to prevent the Enemy , then to be by them prevented , fell suddenly upon him with their whole Fleet and Army , hoping to suppress him , though they did not wholly effect their design . But they continued their War against him afterwards in Greece , incited by the commotions already raised in that Province by the Italians ; knowing that unless they should interpose themselves , Greece must either fall into Philips hands , whereby the power of a People that were Enemies to the Romans , and already very formidable of themselves , would be greatly increased ; or else they must have recourse to the assistance of King Attalus , as the Grecians had already protested to the Romans , and so they must suffer the neighborhood of another King , who was already powerful in Asia , and might at another time trouble the affairs of Rome . And the wisdom of the Romans was always such , as not being cast down by any adversity , they never seemed so much to apprehend present dangers , but that they had an eye to those which might ensue , and in time grow greater . And this peradventure was that which did prove the Romans power and worth more then any thing else ; since , when as they were as yet but masters of a small State , and that their affairs were reduced into great difficulties , both by their so many bad successes in battel against Hannibal , and by the risings of their Friends and Confederates , yet they resolved to maintain War at one and the same time in four several Countries , to wit , in Italy , Sicily , Spain , and Greece ; and they were able to manage them all . And certainly such advice was no less useful then generous : For he who should overcome the Romans in any one place , could not hope quite to subdue them , since they had other Armies and valiant Commanders who might make good their fortune , and raise it up again . So as things formerly alleadged for arguments to asperse this their resolution , may peradventure be allowed of in such States , and amongst such Princes , where there is not that worth , discipline , or power as was amongst the Romans ; but in them , or such as they , they are of no force ; and very Experience , by the issue of those Wars , seems to confirm and approve of the Counsels by which they were undertaken . The Seventh DISCOURSE . Whether the def●ruction of Carthage was the rise of the ruine of the Roman Republick CArthage , a glorious and famous City , both for the command she had in Africa and Spain and for being long Rival in glory with the Common-wealth of Rome , being at last to yield either to the great worth or happy genius of the Romans , was not notwithstanding made tribu●ary to Rome , but was burnt and destroyed even to the ground . The Carthaginians were oft times overcome in battel by the Romans ; and had severe Laws imposed upon them ; yet were those undaunted fierce minds never well quell'd , but beginning to heighten their hopes and augment their Forces , after the second Carthaginian war , they molested those that were friends to the Romans , and contrary to their Articles , began to sail upon the Sea with Men of War. These things being therefore treated of in the Senate of Rome , caused variety of opinions : Some were for the total ruining of the City of Carthage , since otherwise the Commonwealth of Rome could not be free from their injuries and molestations ; and Cato was very ●tiff of his opinion , who bringing some fresh Figs which were gathered in Carthage , shewed what dangers they were always subject unto by reason of their Enemies neigborhood . But others endeavoring the contrary , sought to prove that totally to extinguish the Carthaginians was no good advice ; and Scipio Nas●ica , a man of great authority , was greatly averse to this resolution , being thereunto moved ( as he said ) not through any pitty to the conquered enemy , but for the advantage of his own Citizens , who when they should be free from the fear of the Carthaginian Forces , would suffer many evils through Idleness . So as it was the common saying , and opinion , that the destruction of the Carthaginians would hasten on the ruine of Rome . And Salust in the beginning of his History of Catilines Conspiracy , describing the abusive customs of the City of Rome at that time , seems to be of opinion , that the overthrow of Carthage did more harm to the Commonwealth , by introducing idleness and pleasure , then the keeping of her flourishing and in arms , would have done . Yet there were other considerations which did thwart this opinion , shewing that it was not peace and idleness , but the continually being verst in Arms and War , which was the true cause of the Civil discords , and change of Government in Rome . This it was which fomented ambition in the Citizens , this it was that did too immensely increase their power . Finally , it was this that divided the City , and through discord brought it to utter ruine . And how can it be said that the City of Rome was ruined by Peace since she never tasted thereof ? Insomuch as for the space of Six hundred eighty five years , that famous Temple dedicated to Ianus by Numa Pompillius , that it might stand open in time of War , and shut in time of Peace , was onely twice seen to be shut ; once in the Consulship of Titus Manlius , after the end of the first Carthaginian War , and once more in Augustus his time , after the Naval Victory over Mark Anthony . Thus were the Romans , and chiefly the most valiant amongst them , great enemies to Peace ; not so much endeavoring to procure greater strength to the Publick Empire , as to encrease their own glory and power . Therefore one War was made to beger another , no time being ever to be found wherein the City was to injoy , honest and civil leasure . And Provinces , and the authority of administring War , was oft times confirmed to those who commanded their Armies , who either desired to continue in their command , or occasion requiring it to be so , that they might put an end the Wars begun : As it fell out in the second Carthaginian War ; where the time of tarrying in that Province , and the continuing of his command was prolonged to the Consul Scipio , who waged War in Spain , to the end that he might finish what he had begun . The like was done to Fabus in the Wars which he made against Hannibal in Italy , and upon other occasions ; a thing which being done contrary to the rule of Law , though it made somewhat for the Publick advantage at the present , yet was it cause of great disorders afterwards . Thus Marius whilst he was abroad in the Ju●urthan War , was created Consul , and made chief Commander against the Cimbrians , though he ought not in his absence , and in time of contumacy , to have been chosen to that Magistracy . Caesar , after having commanded the Roman Armies five years , when he was sent to wage War in France , had his place of command cont nued unto him for five years longer ; and not herewithal content , but being accustomed to rule , he asked leave of the Senate to keep abroad , and to continue in the Army ; which when the Senate would not give way unto , they too late opposed his desire , he being grown so powerful , by reason of his continuation in military command , as he valued not the Senates Authority , nor the being declared an enemy to the Commonwealth . But if we will consider the beginning of Civil Discords , how , and where the siding began , which insected the minds of the Citizens with pestiferous corruption , we shall find that this happened not in time of Peace in Cities , or by reason of Civil Affairs ; but in the Camp amongst Weapons , and when the Commonwealth was bufied in weighty Wars . For Marius being drunk with the desire of military glory , and not being able to endure that it should be taken from him , or diminished by Sylla , as he imagined it might happen by reason of Syllas happy success in the Jugurthan War , wherein having taken Iugu●tha alive , he had the glory to have put an end to that War ; He began to think of establshing yet more greatness in himself , by making many of the Order of Cavaliers , and of the people partial to him , and impudently corrupting the Citizens , first with moneys , and afterwards with open force of Arms ; making the Magistracy and command of the war be conferred and resolved upon in him , as he did in the Consulship , and Proconsulship against Mithridates . The Nobility being afrighted at this mans greatness , by reason of his authority and reputation with the Soldiers , they mightily encreased Sylla's power , who was an enemy to Marius ; till at last they came to taking up Arms and shedding of civil blood . But who knows not that Caesar , moved thereunto more out of a desire of his own greatness , then out of his alliance with Marius , raised and maintained his Fraction in Rome ; and that his power encreased not in Peace , and in the Market-place , but in War , and in the Camp ? So for the same reason for which Sylla was advanced a little before , it behoved the Senate to confer more greatness upon Pompey then became the condition of civil Government ; so as the whole City was divided ; and with those arms , by which , though taken up , and made use of against enemies , the first occasion of contention among private Citizens was given , the very Commonwealth must be wounded , which stood in the midst between them , so as her vit●l spirit of liberty being taken away , her throat was cut by those whom she had most favoured . But whence did the so many other corruptions of those times arise , save from the so many prosperous successes of war , by which the Citizens being much enriched and made proud , could not betake themselves to live parcimoniously , and with civil equality ? And it is said of Caesar , that he corrupted the people of Rome by moneys which he had got in the War , so to make them confer places of Magistracy as he listed , upon such as were his friends , and partial to him . Out of these respects the wise Legislator , Lycurgus , intending to lay the foundation of a long lasting Government in Sparta , though he introduced Military exercises , to the end that the Citizens might be able to defend their Country ; yet he ordered the City so , as it could not much increase its power by any Forgein War. But the Commonwealth of Rome not being ordered for peace , could never find out , not enjoy a peaceful condition . How is it then given out , that peace and idleness was the ruine of that City ? How should she beleeve that her Arms should remain idle , if she would have the whole world for her enemy , as Mari● said to Mithidates ; that who would not recieve Law from the Romans , must make themselves more powerful then they ? So as the counsel which Scipio gave to his Romans of not utterly destroying Carthage , might be good in another respect , for the preservation thereof might encrease that glory to their Commonwealth , which many of her valiant Citizens seemed greatly desirous of , to wit , to have easily pardoned their enemies , when they should have humbled themselves ; as the Carthaginians had then done , haveing not onely with great humility begged peace of the Senate by their Ambassadors , but given many of their chief Citizens for hostages to Scipio , and great store of Arms , to secure the Romans that they would keep their Articles . And truly the destruction of that noble City , did differ from the usual generosity of the Romans , who had wont , after Victory , to gr●●t the Cities and Kingdoms to those very enemies with whom they had fought , making both King and People in all parts or Tribu●ory , or Confederate to the Senate and People of Rome . But I see no reason at all why they should forbear the rooting out of these the Romans antient enemies , for fear lest they should be undone with idleness , and that civil discords should thereupon ensue . How many years were there between the second and third Carthaginian war ? and yet when was the Commonwealth of Rome free from Foreign war , though these her Enemies did not appear to be so ? The last Carthaginian war being hardly ended , did not they wage war in Spain with the Numantines for the space of fourteen years ? And yet in these times the bounds of the Roman Empire may be said to have been very narrow , in respect of what they were afterwards . France , which then was Mistress of more Provinces then now she is , was not as yet subdued ; nay , the difficulty and length of that War bringing along with it the prorogation of Command , since Caesar commanded the Armies for ten years together , did much increase those disorders which did at last prove the ruine of the Commonwealth . But how much did Pompey enlarge the bounds of the Roman Empire in Asia ? over how many conquered Kings and Provinces did he triumph ? Armenia , Cappadocia , Media , Iberia , Syria , Arabia , Phaenicia , and other Nations were reduced under the Romans power by this sole Commander . It will seem strange , and yet it is related by authentical Writers , that nine hundred Cities were made subject and tributary to the Roman Empire by Pompey , and almost as many more by Caesar : And he who will consider it well , shall find that the Roman Commanders did flourish most , and were most cryed up , after the destruction of Carthage . Rome wanted then neither means nor will to exercise her Arms : not to mention so many Wars , which were all of them famous , if not for the greatness of acquisition , at least for other weighty accidents ; and if not for their strength , yet for the wisdom of the Enemy : That of Tigranes , Mithridates , Iugurth , and so many others , where the then almost lost name of the Carthaginians did not concur . But if it had proved true , that the Commonwealth of Rome , when Carthage should be destroyed , should have remained in idleness , so harmful to her liberty , if Scipio's counsel had proved successful , and those evils had been taken away which be feared would befall the Commonwealth , Carthage was not only not to have been undone , but her power should have been suffered to increase ; for it is seen by what hath been said , that War of it self was not able to keep the Citizens united , but was rather that which did divide them . But this peradventure might have been done by War wherein their own defence had been only conceined , and the keeping of themselves from danger : And yet it is an absurd thing to say , that an Enemy must be preserved , and men must be continually in trouble and danger of War , for the conservation of a City . But say , I beseech you , was th●re not forty three years between the first and second Carthaginian war ? And yet though Rome was free from dangers , and from being troubled by the Carthaginians , nay , for some years every where more quiet then she ever was at any other time , yet fell she not upon those great mischiefs of civil contentions , which she afterwards incurr'd in the greatest heat of her ●orest Wars . This was occasioned , because the City was not as yet corrupted , as it was afterwards , because it grew old , and because there was not any that knew by correcting her disorders to return her to her first principles . What danger can ensue unto , or can harm the common liberty or authority of Citizens either in War or in Peace , whilst the Laws are observed ? And when the Laws are trampled under foot , what State can be free from the snares of the Enemy ? The Spartan Kings had not supreme authority in War ; but War being governed by good Laws , could never injure them . Power intrusted in Citizens with due measure and temper , was never prejudicial : And behold an example thereof . On the one side , Agesilam King of Sparta , being Commander in chief of the Army against Far●●bassus , and being entred Asia with great hopes of signal victories ; when he was called home by the Magistracie of the Ephori , readily obeyed . On the o●her side , Caesar , being already returned into Italy from the French enterprise , will , contrary to the will of the Senate , keep the Army together , and despiseth the authority thereof , Cato's counsel of destroying Carthage might then have proved good , not of it self , but when the Romans , being safe for these Enemies , and setled in a condition of not being to fear any Forein forces , could have ordered unto themselves a firm and quiet Civil State. It was known by experience , that the other agreement made with the Carthaginians had done but little good : For they keeping still the same mind , though not the same fortune , did not let slip any occasion of throwing off the yoke of slavery which the Romans had put upon them . So as the only means to rest secure from their Forces , since their words were not to be trusted , was to put them out of their antient nest , and to make them live far from the Sea , as they were commanded to do after that their Country was destroyed , so to bereave them of the opportunity of the Sea , by means whereof that Commonwealth was grown great and powerful . But wherein was the quiet of Rome bettered by the ruine of Carthage , if they would have to do with more barbarous Nations , and Nations further off , not moved thereunto through fear , nor provoked by any injury , thinking their Empire was only to be bounded by the Confines of the Earth ? What had the Parthians of common with the Commonwealth of Rome ? what injury had they then done her , to make the Romans take up arms against them ? yet Crassus had a mind to find them out in those far distant parts , whereby to draw upon himself and the Roman Armies so many great losses and ruines as they were to undergo in that War. The overthrow of Carthage should peradventure have taken from the Citizens of Rome their desire of continual warfaring , as it took from them the occasion of being in Arms ; but it did not so ; for the cause which produced and nourish'd these thoughts , was internal , not external . So as they were not provoked to Arms , but did rather provoke others ; and when they fought not for the welfare , they fought for the glory of the Empire : For all the Orders of that City consisted only in the exercise of the Militia . But how could a City be long preserved , which was wholly bent upon those things which were the means to bring her to her end ? how could she enjoy true civil felicity , if she knew not what it was , and did not value it , but did abhor that peace and quiet which begers civil felicity ? Therefore if that Commonwealth had been well instituted in civil Orders , and that when Carthage was destroyed , she had known ( which she did not ) how to lay down Arms , this had been the way to bring her to much good , nay , to the true and chief good of civil felicity , not to the ruine and perdition thereof . So as if Scipio doubted that the introducing of Idleness into Rome might bring with it such notable disadvantage , it was perhaps , because knowing the imperfections of that Government , he feared not that Idleness which the laying down of Arms is wont to produce , but that which is born , and doth increase with the corrupt customs of Cities , by which contrary , but wholly pestiferous effects are begot en ; as the making of some Citizens love pleasures , and hate labor and toil ; and others strangely proud , lovers of brawls and novelty . The Athenians endeavoring to banish this sort of Idleness from out their City , committed the care thereof to the chief and most severe Magistrate , called Areopagus . But that true and vertuous Quiet which is opposed unto Toil , and which as a thing to be desired ought to be sought for in a City , doth not banish , but doth nourish true generosity of mind , which makes men willingly enter , when need requires , into the dangers of War , for honesty sake , and for the defence of their Country , not out of ambition and desire of self-greatness : And to free the City from the fear of her powerful and bitter enemies , the Carthaginians , was not contrary to this . So as I may conclude , That it was not the destruction of Carthage , but the ill Government of Rome , which wrought her ruine . The Eighth DISCOURSE . Why Rome could not regain her Liberty after the death of Julius Caesar , as she had formerly done , by driving the Tarquins first out , and then Appius Claudius and the other Decemviri . MAny do not without reason wonder , why the City of Rome , which after having droven the Tarquins out , who had reigned for above Two hundred and forty years : And which having afterwards made App●us Clandius , and the other Decemvirl lay down their Magistracy , who usurp●d Tyranny , could put her self into a free condition ; why I say she could not do the like when Brutus , and Cassius had slain Iulius Casar : when it appears they ought rather to have done so now ; the people being more numerous and powerful , and the City in such greatness , as the liberty , nay rather power which the people had in ordering that Commonwealth , ought to have been more esteemed and held dear . To this may be added , that in the time of Kings the very name of Liberty was not well known , much less was the good thereof injoyed ; Wherefore a good which they had not known ought to have been of less power with them : And in the Government of Kings the City had been so successful , as it seemed she might run a hazard by chusing a new form of Government , which she had not formerly experienced . And in the time of the Decemviri the affairs of Rome were also in a very weak condition ; nor ought the Liberty , or command of that City be reputed a thing of such moment as it became afterwards by the wonderful felicity by which she marched to the height of all Glory and Greatness . Besides , the Government of Ten , retained a certain shew of a Commonwealth ; and many being therein interessed , she seemed to have thereby also a better ground for her subsistance ; Whereas in Caesars time , he having reduced the main of all affairs into himself , and begun to accept of the Title and Honors of a King , all Form of a Commonwealth and of Liberty was lost ; and he having maintained himself in that degree onely by his own Greatness , and in a City so full of Nobility at that time , and of so many generously minded men , his Principality must of necessity be the weaker , and easilier to be eradicated ; which when it should fall , it seemed that the former Government of Common-wealth must of it self rise up again . These and other such like reasons , afford occasion of seeking into the cause why contrary effects were seen to ensue . We will herein consider first , what the customs of the City of Rome were in each of these times ; and what effects were prevalent in the peoples minds , men not being accustomed to imbrace such things as are truly useful , but often such as by the predominate affection are held to be so . Whilst the City was in an humble condition , and that her Citizens were not begun to be corrupted by an immoderate ambition of Governing , there was no siding nor partaking studied amongst them , which crept on by little and little , and did so contaminate all orders , as it reduced the Commonwealth to such weakness , as wanting strength to rule her self , she must fall , and being once down could not rise up again . This corruption began amongst the Soldiers , in whom the Commanders did permit such unbridled licentiousness , to the end that they might dispose of them as they listed to oppres their particular enemies , and sometimes against the very Commonwealth : As Sylla did to lessen Marius his power , and Marins no less to counterprize Sylla by the same means , things growing into such disorder , as he made the servants of the Commonwealth to take up arms against his enemies the Syllania●s ; and this authority did so continue in great Citizens , and in the Commanders of Armies , as it seemed a wonder , that Pompey the Great , who had exceeded all others in Glory and Power , after his return into Italy , having prosperously ended his enterprise against Mithridates , should be content to quit the Army , when every one feared that he would enter Rome therewithal , and do even then with Rome as Caesar did not long after , assume unto himself the chief Government of all publick affairs : So great was the disorder , and so little was the Authority either of Laws or Senate esteemed . But his Design , who plotted tyranny in the succeeding time , prospered the better , for that this corruption which was first entred into the Soldiers , was past into the Nobility , and spread every day abroad amongst the people : For those who had been Generals of the great Enterprises of War , being grown exceeding rich , did several waies purchase the popular votes , turning and winding them as they liked best , to the end that the places of Magistracy might be conferred on them , or upon their Friends and Adherents . Neither was the very Senate free from this contagion , but being long before accustomed not to be at their own command , but to depend upon the power of those who were of supreme Authority in the Armies , they fell headlong into the same errors into which the people were faln , manifestly adhering by way of Faction , not by any civil favor , to particular Citizens who headed parties , and the authors of novelties ; which was at first done with some appearance of honesty , to maintain the Commonwealth , and to defend Liberty against those who had been too immoderately exalted by the peoples favour , to the injury of other more deserving Citizens , and to the prejudice of Liberty . But in the process of time and affairs , those who had taken up Arms in behalf of the Commonwealth , proved no less burthensom , much power thereby encreasing in one particular person , then those themselves against whom Arms were taken up . For an immoderate desire of encreasing in power and wealth , began to possess the souls of many who were already accustomed to rule longer , and with greater authority , then was sitting to be done in a Civil Government . So as all things were put into great confusion ; and now , not those who were worthy and valiant , but those who were most bold , & insolent found places of greatest honor in the Commonwealth . Hence it was , that it being observed that those who had adhered to Sylla's party ( when his Adversary being overcome , he was become almost the sole Arbitrator of all things ) had often gotten great riches , and preferments in reward of their wicked actions , the wealth of those who were proscribed by Sylla being given to these , and such being easily proscribed at his Favorites pleasure , whom they would rob of their Palaces or of what they valued most : Many allured by hope of getting better things , and more easily then they could have done in a well-governed Commonwealth ▪ loved confusion , and favoured the Government of one alone , thinking that they might obtain Honors , and many other favors , which are usually bestowed freely upon such as are partial to them , by those , who will preserve themselves in height of Power . Hence then it arose that Brutus and Cassi●s , the murderers of Caesar , were not so backed , nor met not with that general approbation from the City , to uphold their fact , and the common Liberty , as Iunius Brutus and Virginius did , when they raised ▪ the people to free themselves from the Tyranny of the Tarqui●s , and of the Decemviri : The latter had recourse unto the Camp , and kindled a servent desire in the Soldiers to vindicate the injuries , and msolencies used by the Tarqui●s and by Appi●s : But what favour could Bru●●i and Cassius expect from the Soldiers , themselves being contaminated , and more desirous to preserve the chief command in one onely person , that they might keep the power in themselves , then to remit the Commonwealth into Liberty , whereby their uncurb'd licentionsness was to be corrected ? Therefore as soon as Octavius , the adopted son of Iulius , and who afterwards took upon him the name of Octavius Caesar , and of Augustus , returned after Caesar's death into Italy , he was freely accepted by the Army , he being well beloved by the Soldiery , out of memory to Iulius Caesar , and out of hopes that if he should succeed him in power , they might share in the same favors and priviledges . But Brutus and Cassius were compell'd to gather together sufficient Forces to defend themselves , to have recourse for help to Forein Princes , and with their Soldiers to fill those Armies , which were to defend the Liberty of Rome . So much were the Customs of the City altered in those times , and those generous Roman spirits extinguished , who for a long time had loved the name of Liberty more then any other thing , and then any other Nation . And though the fact committed by Caesars Murtherers was approved of by the Senate , yet there were many chief men , and of great authority , who being Caesars friends , and depending upon him , did much de●est it ; amongst whom were Marcus Antonius , and Lepidus , Caesars intimate friends , who did openly and powerfully maintain , that Br●tus and Cassius were to be pursued by the publick Arms , as Enemies to the Commonwealth , and that Caesars death should be revenged . This diversity of inclination in the People , and in the Senate towards the former and these latter Vindicators of the Liberty of Rome , to boot with the diversity of Customs by which the City was swayed at these several times , were much furthered by the differing conditions of the persons interessed : For the name of the Tarquins was become hateful to all the common people of Rome , not only because they kept them always busied in laboring their own grounds , but because they were become hateful to all people by reason of their haughty carriage ; so as they had no Fautors who did desire or endeavour their return to Rome , but some few young Noblemen who were well pleased with that former Government , by reason of their intimacie with the Kings sons , which secured their insolencies . But these were not of themselves of any authority to disturb the peace and common liberty ; and those in whom the publick authority did reside , were so well disposed towards the good of their Country , and so uncontaminable by any other affection , as Brutus condemned two of his sons to suffer death , because they were of the number of those who had conspired in favor of the Kings sons . And in the time of the Decemviri , Appius was not held to be proud , but cruel ; and yet not so really , but in appearance , which by the common people is held to be as bad : For he had ordered many Lictors to walk always before him and his Colleagues , with many Fasces in their hands ; and having afterwards taken away Appeals , he seemed in all his actions to aim at Tyranny , which is always injurious to the People . So as it is no wonder if they did not afterwards resent that such men should be removed from Government wherein they had behaved themselves so ill , and did desire to return under the Government of Consuls and other Magistracies . To this may be added , that the People had then almost the same authority which some particular Citizens did afterwards usurp , and did go about to obtain all unjust things from the Senate by sedition , as these did in the ensuing times by force of arms . So as no such way being opened in the first State of the City , the People knew that when the Decemviri should be driven away , they might obtain many things of favor to themselves , as indeed they did . For , Appeals were not only again allowed of , but much amplified , and the Tribunes of the People were declared to be Sacrosancti . But Caesar , using therein either his natural endowments and worth , or some wonderful cunning , had wrought himself into much favor with the People , by his humanity , magnificence , liberality , by his familiarity with all men , by easily pardoning offences , making of noble and frequent Shews , by his sump●uous and costly Feasts , and by his rich Gifts ; and by these means secured his Tyranny upon the sound foundation of universal favor , and upon the favor of many partial Friends , whom he had made great , and by many singular favors bound them fast unto him , and interessed them in his own greatness and power . So as he who will consider these things duly , must confess , that in Brutus and Cassius the intention was more to be commended then the act ; for their danger could bring no true safety to the Commonwealth , as they themselves were soon aware of , by flying from that City , which they ought to have summoned to Liberty , and making themselves the Heads of those who should rise up in their behalf . But the business being inopportunely undertaken , miss'd of that success which opportunity might have brought it : For Caesar might easily have lost the Peoples favor , either for that thinking himself sufficiently setled in his Dominion , he might value it so much in the future ; or for that they being naturally given to love change , might grow weary of his too great power , which was already begun to be much suspected by his having accepted of the title of King , and of many other Honors which he had formerly refused : Things which made the People aware of their error , in being too conformable to the will of one sole Citizen . If such an occasion had been waited for , he who should have had a mind to have restored the Commonwealth to her Liberty , might have had some better foundations for the effecting of his desire . And if it shall be objected , that the City could not throw off the yoke of servitude after the death of Caligula and Nero , though they were very vicious , and much detersted by the People ; it may be answered , That then the power of the Emperors , and authority of the Soldiers were too strongly confirmed , who put Caligula and Nero , and other of their successors to death , not out of any desire of restoring the City to liberty , as Brutus and Cassius had done , but for that they were weary of their Empire , and hoped to be better rewarded by those who were by them cryed up for Emperors in place of those that were flain . The cause of such diversity of success may likewise be known , if we will consider some things more in general . Whilst the City of Rome was in such a condition by reason of her Laws and Customs , as she was of herself well given to Politick Government , it was impossible to introduce Tyranny , so as it could be continued there : For the Body of the City not being organised so as became such a Government , which is the Soul of the City , such a Union could not be setled there , as might assume vital Form : And as it falls out in natural affairs , every thing is not made of every thing , but from this or that other assigned matter , such , or such a thing is particularly generated , answerable to the quality of the said matter , and to the vertue of the generating cause ; so in our civil actions , every State cannot be fashioned out of every State , but these things are likewise determined by a certain order ; so as from Aristocracie we pass into the power of a few , from thence to a Popular condition , and at last to Tyranny . Yet are these Transitions very hard to be observed in the City of Rome ; for that her Government was always mixt with divers species of Regiment : yet it may be seen how divers Parties prevailed in divers Times , so as they came to constitute a different Form of Government . At the beginning Vertue was highly esteemed , the greatest Honors and chiefest Places were conferr'd upon some few that were the most famous , and most vertuous Citizens , though the People had always a share therein . But Ambition , and the desire of Rule and Riches , did afterwards mightily increase in the Nobility ; who deceiving the Multitude by several artifices , they reduced so much of the publick Authority into themselves , to maintain their private greatness , as the Laws having lost their efficacie , and the choice of the Magistrates , and the resolution in all weighty and important affairs , depending upon the will of some few powerful Citizens , the City wholly lost the resemblance that she had of an Aristocratical State ; and took the form of being governed by a few : And those very Citizens , that they might preserve the power amongst themselves , were forced to favor the multitude , by promising and permitting unto them things that were both unworthy , and unlawful . So these men , that they might domineer over more noble personages , were forced to obey the hase will of the Soldiers , and of abject and insolent Popular men , which reduced the Commonwealth at last to a base and corrupt Popular State ( though in former times the peoples Authority was always great , but better moderated notwithstanding by the Laws and certain considerations ) from whence it was more easie afterwards to pass to Tyranny , the Plotters using those very means , which it hath been observed Caesar made use of , to usurp unto himself the sole Government of the Commonwealth . Such changes have usually been seen in other Cities , and at other times , where the condition of Government hath given the same occasion . So Athens was alwaies subject to frequent alterations of Government , and particularly to Tyranny ; Insomuch as the wise Legislator Salon , who had the charge of reforming it , before his death saw it faln from the state whereinto he had reduced it , and tyranny brought in by Pisi●●atus : for the corruption which was amongst the Inhabitants , afforded matter and means to any one who had a mind to possess himself of the Liberty thereof . And it is likewise seen of Modern Commonwealths , that those wherein the people have had much authority , or rather licentiousness , they have not been able to keep in a constant Government , free from Civil Seditions , and have been but short-lived . As happened is the City of Florence , wherein for the consideration above said , it was easier for them who had a mind to suppress the liberty thereof , and hard for him who desired to preserve it . So as though the House of Medici hath by various accidents been sundry times driven from thence , and though Alexander the first Duke thereof lost his life ; the City , though otherwise noble and magnificent , being much infected with parties , and corrupted by popularity ; all endeavors of preserving it in the form of a Commonwealth , and in true liberty , proved vain : And on the contrary , the Commonwealth of Venic● , by reason of hen excellent Form of Government , which though it be mixt , hath little in it of Popular Government , and much of the Optimati , not having given way to such corruptions as use to trouble the quiet of civil life , nor afforded means to any who should goe about to plot against the publick Liberty , hath been able for a very long space of time to maintain her self in one and the same condition , and free from those dangers , into which other Commonwealths have faln , for not having a Government of equal temper with that of hers . The Ninth DISCOURSE . Which is the safer way to be taken , to arrive at Honor and Glory in a Commonwealth ; that which wa● beld by Cato , or that which was pursued by Caesar. JUlius Caesar , and Marcus Cato , who was afterwards called Uticencis , both of them very famous , and greatly cried up persons , both for their excellent indowments of mind , and for the great Authority which they held both with the Senate , and with the people , did both of them flourish at the same time in the Commonwealth of Rome : But they did so differ in Manners and Customs , as it may afford occasion of wonder , if we will consider how , stearing several courses , they happened both of them to arrive almost at one and the same end : And of doubt in him who shall propound unto himself the example of these two great Personages , to purchase Fame and Power in a Commonwealth , whether of the two he ought most to imitate . Caesar won much love by his great humanity , liberality and magnificence ; but Cato was reverenced for the austerity of his Comportment , by the integrity of his life , and for the zeal he shewed in the managing of all publick affairs . Those who were opprest either by poverty , or by enemies had recourse to Caesar for protection ; and those who hated wicked men , and the inventers of novelties , trusted that Cato would chastise and suppress them . Caesar never spared for any labour by which he might hope to purchase renown and glory ; and Cato by despising glory became glorious : Caesar desired to shew generosity , and greatness of spirit in all his actions ; and Cato delighted in nothing more then in modesty , and innocency of life : Caesar was much given to all acts of Grace ; and Cato constant in all acts of Justice : Caesar seemed to take delight in Sports , Feasts , and Banquets ; and Cato profest openly to scorn all favor , save what the merit of his own worth brought with it . So as the greatness wherein the Commonwealth then was , was said to be most resplendent in Caesar , so the preservation of the antient Form of the Commonwealth , and of the customs of her first age was held to be preserved in one onely Cato . These two so excellent Personages took these two differing ways , yet each of them acquired great Renown , Fame , and Authority . Great was Caesars glory by the many things he did in War , but Cato was no less celebrated for Civil Affairs . Caesar by his great Authority could make France be first assigned unto him , and then confirmed upon him , where he kept in chief command with his Army for the space of Ten years ; He also made use of the peoples favour , not to aggrandise himself , but to make the greatest honors be conferred on his Friends , and upon such as depended on him , which was that which made his faction so potent . And truly , he who will consider it well , will finde that as long as Rome retained any Form of a Commonwealth , Cato's power was no less then was Caesars , for he oftentimes bore it even against Caesar : As when the business of those that were Complices with C●iline in his conspiracy , was in hand in the Senate , they being accused by Cato , and defended by Caesar , were condemned to be put to death . And also another time , when he opposed the publishing of the Law proposed , and favoured by Caesar , touching the division of Lands in Latium , wherein Cato's authority appeared to be the greater , by making Caesars am●●tious designs fail of success is so popular things as were the Agrarian Laws . The same success had the things maintained by Caesar against Po●●pey , though he was more powerful then any other Citizen , for having stoutly opposed Metellus , who moved at the time of Cataline's conspiracy , that Pompey should together with his Army be recalled back to Rome , he carried the business ; which was the cause why these two prime Citizens endeavored the friendship and good will of Cato , for they doubted of compassing what they desired without his good will , so great was his Authority . Caesar , when Cato appeared to be his bitterest enemy , procured Cato's releasement , when he was imprisoned by order from the Senate : And Pompey , that he might be fastened to him by the bond of Alliance , endevored to have his Neece for Wife . Whence it is conceived , that Cato's austere behaviour had purchased him more Authority , though unarmed , in the management of the Commonwealth , then the reputation of having commanded Armies , and their so much obsequiousness to the people , had done to Pompey and Caesar. A just occasion then offers it self here of consideration , whether was the better , and safer course taken to arrive at Glory , and Civil Greatness , or that which Caesar , or that which Cato took ? Caesars comportments seem to have been more noble , and better defitting a Civil life , as also more easie to be imitated ; and what indeed is of more importance for the happiness of a City , then quietness and concord amongst Citizens ? What more proper to produce and preserve this , then Magnificence , Grace and Affability ? all which vertues were proper to Caesar , and which by a straight and speedy way guided him to the height of greatness and glory . He who desires to obtain this favour from Citizens , must abstain from doing any injury , must seek out all occasions of doing good , must attribute much to others , must speak moderately of himself , must do good things , and make them appear to be so , so as he may help not onely by his actions , but by his example . Rigor , Severity , the neglect of all other respects , where there is onely an upright mind to do well ( things which are sufficiently commendable in Cato ) may of themselves peradventure border nearer upon true vertue , but bear a less proportion with civil vertue , if respect be had to that which is found , not to that which is desired . Who does not value the love of his Citizens , or will not endeavor the acquisition thereof save by very upright ways , which are not always possible , meets with continual occasion of contention , from whence great and open enmities do often arise , which do at last put the City into confusion . So as such men do first ruine themselves , and then the Commonwealth . When laws are observed with such extremity of rigor , it seems to be done to oppress Citizens , not to preserve Justice ; Wherefore such a Government is but little acceptable , and therefore easier to receive alteration upon any accident that shall happen : This was seen in Cato's actions ; for his way of proceeding got him many enemies , who that they might make themselves able to bulk with his Authority , made themselves strong by Alliances and Friendships , and became not onely formidable to him , but even to the Commonwealth . If Cato had not despised the Parentage offered him by Pompey , Caesar had not joyned alliance with him by giving him his Daughter Iulia for Wife , which was the occasion of both their too excessive greatness , by which they ruined the Commonwealth . The people were not pleased with Cato's severe way of proceeding , which made them the more easily adhere to Caesar , and his Associats , and so not perceiving it , became enemles to the Commonwealth . Therefore Caesar might still continue in the peoples good opinion , and long preserve his Authority and Power : But Cato , though his counsels did sometimes prevail , yet was not his Dignity and Power grounded upon so sound foundations , as that he could alwaies keep himself in the ●●me condition : Nay , sometimes things were born against him in the choyce of Consuls , when people much more unworthy then he were Corrivals with him . The little pleasingness of his proceedings was also cause , though under pretence of honor , and publick imployment , why he was sent from the City , and in a manner banished , being sent by Sea to Cyprus for some concernments of that Kingdom ; so as the Common-wealth suffered by his absence ; and particularly Cicero , who was formerly upheld by Cato's authority , and held for a Defender of the publick Liberty , was banished . By these things the question seems cleerly enough decided , that Caesars way of proceeding is much more easie and certain to bring a man to dignity and greatness , then the way which Cato took . Yet he who on the other side shall examine Cato's manners and actions , as he will find them more praise-worthy , so will he think that they may lead by a righter and more direct way to true Honor , and to that greatness which is to be desired by him that lives in a Commonwealth . For he takes a safer and a more noble way to arrive at Dignity , who walks by the way of true Vertue , of Justice , Modesty and Temperance , then he who endeavors the like by Popular Favor : For that Favor which is won by a good repute , and by vertuous actions , is easily preserved by herself , and of herself ; nay , the cry'd-up Honor which ariseth from publick Imployments and Places , if it be not grounded upon true worth , soon vanisheth , and leaves that in obscurity which did before shine forth so bright . But he who deals uprightly , doth always advance as it were by a certain natural motion , and confirms himself more and more in the habit of well-doing . So that Favor which hath so good a leaning-stock , is more firm and stable ; whereas that which is purchased by extrinsecal appearances , as it is easilier gotten , so is it upon any slight occasion more easily lost . For those who are moved to favor for such reasons , are incited so to do rather out of their own humor , or for their own advantage , then out of any true affection that they bear to such persons : And therefore growing either glutted of the same things they did so like at first , or thinking that they may receive them in a larger proportion from others , they change their minds , and turn their liking elswhere . Moreover , he who does that which of it self is good , can never want a reward : For though he do not purchase those exterior demonstrations which are usually gotten by worth , and which do more illustrate it , he notwithstanding feels that true content within himself which springs from well-doing , and which is held by wise men to be the best reward of good actions . For he who loves and favors Equity and Justice , makes the Laws be observed , prefers the publike good before private interest , thinks nothing an injury wherein the Commonwealth is not offended ; this man may be truly said to be a great Citizen ; for that publick dignity and greatness maintains his private credit and estimation : Nay , such men as these , if by any ill fortune or bad accident they fall from favor , they find always , as it were by some occult power of Vertue , some others to protect them . As was seen in Cato , who having drawn upon him the enmity of the greatest part of the Nobility , and being but little befriended by the People for impeding the Agrarian Law , though he were for a while held low , he was notwithstanding created Consul in rivalship with Metellus , who was favored by Pompey . And by a more notable example , Murena himself , who was accused in Judgment by Cato , was not only not his Enemy afterwards , but defended him against Metellus ; and Cato's reverend authority prevailed over Metellus his fury , who being accompanied by a number of armed men , was come into the Piazza to promote the Law of making Pompey return with his Army to the City in the time of Catalines Conspiracie : And we read , that when he returned from Cyprus , the Magistrates , Priests , the whole Senate , and very many of the People went in such numbers to meet him , as the banks of Tybur were full of them on both sides , as if he had entred into the City in triumph . And another time being in the publick Assemblies put by the Pretorship , by the violence of the Consuls Crassus and Pompey , yet he , being but a private man , was accompanied home to his own house that very day with more men , then followed the Magistrates . If then we will know in this diversity of affairs , which of these two courses it is best to follow , since by what you have heard , equal credit may almost be given unto both , we must weigh what his natural inclination is who will set these examples before him to follow them ; what the true end is which he proposeth unto himself , and after what Form of Gornment that Commonwealth is ordered in which he is born , and which he serves : for without such considerations it is hard to know what course of life a man must take . He who seeks to win favor , must above all things shun affectation , as that which makes a man always suspected to be ambitious , and his actions not acceptable . For he whose genius is naturally given to humanity , and to a sweet and pleasant manner of conversation , if leaving that , he will put on a Socratical severity and gravity , he cannot hope to use it so , but that some other end being discovered to be in him , he will not onely not win credit , but will sometimes become ridiculous . So on the contrary , when a man is known not to be wittily or facetiously given , but that his nature is rather given to be grave , if he will appear to be civil and very familiar , fauning and flattering with humble words , and in a base manner , he incurs the same mischief ; for such forced behavior denotes affectation , and grows tedious . Cato was born with this sevetity , as he had witnessed all his life time , by all his actions . He was a Sloven in his feeding and in his apparel ; he went on foot to his Country-house , and sometimes when he was in place of Magistracy he would give Audience unshod , and in Garments unfit for the Bench. In fine , all his actions were unpollished , severe , despising such things as others did most value . The clean contrary was seen in Caesar , who was given to quaint behaviour , humanity and grace . They therefore by their several ways proved both of them great men , and famous , because they followed their natural genius and inclinations . In the next place , the end which a man propounds unto himself , who endeavors to get Honors and Imployments in a Commonwealth , is to be considered : for if he aim onely at the publick Service , and at his Countries good , it is fittest for such a one to lay aside all particular interest , and not valuing any private favor , to attend onely a punctual observance of the Laws , and the depression of such Citizens , who to the prejudice of the publick Liberty , will become too powerful as did Cato . But if one who is meerly byassed by ambition , propounds unto himself the becoming great and powerful , by any whatsoever means ; those arts and applications which are pleasing to most men , and which purchase applause , and universal liking , will certainly lead him more safely to that end , and conduce most to his purpose , as they did to Caesar ; who abasing himself that he might mount the higher ; giving , that he might get the more ; being subservient unto others , to the end that he might command over them , knew so well how to cover his most affected and ambitious thoughts , as at last he did not onely attain to the greatest Authority that is usually granted to any one in any Commonwealth , but drew all Dignity and publick Authority upon himself . Next it must be had in consideration , what the Form of that Commonwealth must be , in the which a man who lives therein , propounds unto himself the acquisition of place and honor . For if the Form be Optimatical , wherein vertue is esteemed above all things , certainly Cato's Manners and Customs will better sute with such a Government ; for in such a Commonwealth , the Magistrates in their dispensation aim chiefly at those things which were very eminent , and much commended in Cato : But if the peoples authority be great in the City , Caesars Manners and Artifices will be better beloved , and likelier to win approbation , and consequently the peoples savor in their s●●trages , which may carry them to the height of Civil preserment . Therefore in Sp●rta , which was an Optimatical Commonwealth , divers men did flourish , who in their lives and manners did resemble Cato ; as on the contrary , those Citizens were most esteemed of in Athens which was a Popular Commonwealth , who knew how to win the Peoples good will , after Caesars way : whence it was that she fell easily afterwards into the power of many Tyrants ; insomuch as the liberty of the Commonwealth was possest at one and the same time by Thirty such men . But in Rome where the Government was partly Popular , partly Optimatical , both Caesar and Cato might win renown , for divers Citizens were diversly minded , according to the diversity of Government in the administration of publick affairs ; but in that mixture , Caesar might get firmer , and more setled authority then Cato in civil dissentions , because the Popular Faction was much the greater . So that Cato siding with the Senate to the very last , and being , according to his wont , and worth , unwilling , to be exposed to the licentious will and pleasure of the Conquerors , he was born down , together with the Senate , and reduced to the necessity of making himself away . And Caesar being by the Soldiers suffrages , and by force , confirmed and setled in Power and Authority , which were already too immoderately granted him in the Commonwealth by the peoples favor ; he possest himself of the common publick Liberty , and destroyed all Form of Civil Government . The Tenth DISCOURSE . To what Age of the City of Rome , the greatest praise and merit is to be given , for the prosperity and greatness , whereto she arrived . SUch and so many are the Grandeurs and prosperities of the City of Rome , as the consideration thereof affords always new matter of discovering divers mysteries therein very well worthy to be examined and observed : but if we shall consider amongst many other things , how her prosperity did still from time to time increase both in state and reputation , a particular desire will arise in us , of knowing to what Age the chief pra●se and merit of that Cities arrival at such a height of Greatness and Glory , is to be attributed . Three Ages may chiefly be numbred wherein that great City did still more and more increase , and grow greater in Reputation . To wit , the first , which may be termed her Infancy ; from the foundation of the City till the driving out of the Tarquins , and to the first Consulship of Iunius Brutus , and of Tarquinius Collatinus which was the space of Two hundred twenty four years : The second , which shall be her Adolesence , from that time till the beginning of the second Carthaginian War ; betwixt two which times , there passed the space of Two hundred forty six years : The third , her Youth , which was the flowre of her years , and of her greatest prosperity , may be termed the rest of that time which past from the beginning of the said War , which was in the Consulship of Appius Claudius , sirnamed the Bold , till Caesars Dictatorship , the space of Two hundred and twenty years , which makes up the full number of Seven hundred and ten years , which the Common-wealth of Rome lasted , which might be so termed for the temperate Government of the first Kings , and for the authority which the Senate held therein also , as long as their Dominion lasted . For what concerns the times of Emperors , no mention needs to be made thereof , for what concerns our purpose : For to boot with the corruption which insued of the first ●orm of Civil Government , they enjoyed , and for the most part but unworthily , the labors of other men ; and though the City maintained herself in great height for the space of four hundred years , nay , though many gallant and magnifick things were by the Majesty of the Empire , and by the Emperors power , yet these did not concur to the first foundation of the Empire , which is that which is now particularly enquired into ; but the Emp●re did for the most part decline in divers parts , and in sundry times , till at last it began to hasten more headlong to ruine . The chief and greatest praise then of this most noble and most artificial Fabrick may be attributed to the first that laid the first foundation : For those that succeeded them , finding that they might thereupon safely erect the great structure of the Roman Empire , their Counsels were excited , and their work chiefly helped by those who did first think thereupon , and did so work , as the City being well ordered and disposed of with good principles , might rise to a greater degree of dignity and Empire . But those of the third Age , having noble examples of worth before them , and seeing so good and gallant a work already so prosperously increased and raised up , went more couragiously on to greater and more noble works , having framed a conceit unto themselves out of the former prosperous successes , that they might be able to make ( as they did ) their City the Mistress and Monarch of all Nations . The first Age was governed by seven Kings , of differing natures and customs for the most part , but well fitted to what concerned the service of the new City , and Romes rising greatness . For Romulus , the Father and Founder thereof , was excellent at Arms ; so as accompanied by other military men , he began the first habitation , and did so order things , as the new City might subsist of herself , without putting herself under the protection of any neighboring people . But Numa , who succeeded him , that he might give the form of a true City to the new Inhabitants , ordering them by certain Laws , and chiefly by Religious worship , did so behave himself , as in all succeeding times that City was always much given to Religious affairs ; which though they were false of themselves , yet did he thereout draw good advantage concerning Civil affairs . The third King , Tullus Hostilius , reassuming Arms , bridled the boldness of the neighboring people , who conspired the ruine of the City ; and getting many victories over them , began not only to think of such things as concerned the safety of the City , but to enlarge her Confines by way of Arms in her neighbors Territories . Anus Martius did study Civil affairs more , and minded the multiplying of people in the City , and the making of divers Orders which might reduce it to the form of a great and well-governed City . Tarquinius Priscus accustomed the People to know the majesty and dignity of Empire ; by which reverence he , to the great service of publick affairs , increased obedience in those who both then and afterwards were to command in the City , and in the Armies . But Tarquinius Superbus , the City being already got to her full growth , procuring his own ruine by his rashness and unbridled licentiousness , opened the way to the liberty of Rome , and to her greater greatness . By which things it may be conceived , that the second Age found the City already well instituted in Arms and Religion , much increased in People and Buildings , accustomed to know the dignity and majesty of Empire , she being esteemed and feared by the neighboring people , an Enemy to Tyranny , and finally fit to receive a good Form of Civil Government , and able to govern herself by her own Orders and Forces . So as those who followed in the ensuing Age , finding the way chalk'd out unto them to lead the City on to a greater degree not only of safety , but of glory , they found less of difficulty in all their undertakings : As it is usual in all things , whereunto it is harder to give a beginning , then to augment them . Wherefore the praise is due to those first Romans , which is given to the first Invertor of things , of knowing how to put on generous thoughts , and use good counsels , when the City was so weak as she knew not how to nourish them , nor had any example of her own men . Therefore in the following Age , the height of praise which was given to any one that had deserved well of the Commonwealth , was to honor him with the name of Pater Patriae , and to compare his actions to those of Romulus , and of those that followed next after him ; from whom , as from the first Founders of the City of Rem● , it was generally granted that the rest had received power and vertue to imitate them . The custom was therefore always observed in Rome , of honoring her Birth-day with solemn sacrifices , as that which by its happy Auspices had not only given excellent Auguries , but as it were a certain vigor to the so many other Felicities which did at all times accompany her . And it was particularly interpreted for an excellent Augury of the City of Rome's greatness , and of her increase in power and authority over all the Latines , that she was born and increased from the ruines of Alba , most of the Latines having been Colonies of the ruined City of Alba. Now if we shall consider what may be alleadged on the behalf of the second Romans , we shall find such and so many things to be said for them , as the first Garland of the glory of Rome's greatness may seem to be due to them , without offence to any others . For he who shall weigh things well , shall find that this Age brought forth more noble and truer Examples of real worth , then any other ; so as they did not only excell themselves , but even all Foreiners : For the military valor which flourished in the Citizens of Rome of this Age , was accompanied with other excellent vertues , and especially with vast charity towards their Country , not for their own glory , but out of love to her greatness and prosperity . Danger was so despised by some of them , as some famous men amongst them did even sacrifice themselves and their lives for their Countries welfare ; as the examples of Curtius , and of the two Decii do even at this day , much to their glory , shew . The generous Commanders in that Age did contemn riches as well as danger ; so as they overcame not only their Enemies , but even themselves ; things which were praised and admired in Quintus Cincinnatus in Fabritius , and in Paulus Aemilius . But how famous did they prove in matter of War , and worthy of that praise which is given to excellent Commanders ? He who shall consider how Enterprises were managed by the two Papyrii , the Father and the Son , against the Samnites ; what the Forces of the conquered Enemies were ; of what advantage their victory was to the Romans ; will confess that their merits came not short of any , neither in those , nor in the following times . This Age was often to withstand the Galls , who were powerful and bitter Enemies to the Romans , by whom the very City of Rome was assaulted and indangered ; for the delivery whereof Furius Camillus grew so famous . But this was not the only occasion of trying the Roman Forces against the French in those times : Quintus Servilius Ala , and Q. Fabius withstood them ; when the French returning more powerful then before neer to the City of Rome , by means of these illustrious Commanders , their whole endeavors proved vain . In this Age , divers P●ople of Italy did sundry times jointly conspire against the City of Rome ; which , the more formidable she grew to her neighbors , the more did a common apprehension make them arm against her : And notwithstanding , she did not only seem not daunted amidst those dangers , but having still the better of those by whom she was infested , she increased by the ruine of others . For these reasons Forein forces were called in by the very Italians , and Pyrrbus was received into Italy , that he might wage war with the Romans ; whose renown was so great , as the chief honor in matters of war was given by Hannibal to Pyrrbus . And he who in a few words will conceive the worth of the Commanders in this Age , let him say that Livy , who was much versed in the Roman affairs , did attribute so much to the Commanders of this Age , as he esteemed them not only equal , but superior to Alexander the Great : holding for certain , that if Alexander after he had conquered Darius , had turned into Italy , he would have left the glory that he won in Persia , when he should have met with the Roman Forces , commanded by Fabius Maximus , Valerius Co●vinus , Papyrius Cursor , and Titus Manlius . But above all things it is worth consideration , that in this Age , the City of Rome , was confirmed and established with more certain and useful orders , as well in Civil as in Military Affairs , whereby she long after was governed , and by vertue whereof , she chiefly arrived at such a height of greatness . Great were the rewards which were given in Rome to military worth , and those Citizens were much egg'd on by glory to great undertakings , and sharp sufferings . Triumph was a great ornament and glory to victorious Commanders ; which was first used to honor the Consul Post humius , for the Victory he wan over the Sabins . The first equestral Statu●s , were likewise an invention of this Age , which were granted to Consuls who overcame the Latins in Battel . In this Age the Mural and Civick Garlands were first used , to the end , that there might be rewards for every mans worth . The wintring of Soldiers in the Fields and under Tents , was begun to be used by the Romans in this Age : a thing which proved so useful and necessary afterwards in greater and farther distant enterprises . What did more advantage the City of Rome in her greatest dangers and weightiest occasions , then the authority of Dictator ; a Magistracy of reverend majesty , and which proved so often the true and onely remedy to maintain the affairs of Rome in their less prosperous times . This was first created in Rome , to resist the forces of Forty Populi Latini , who were joyned in league together against the Romans , and against whom Posthumius was created the first Dictator . But how reverend and unviolable the observance of military orders were with the Commanders of this Age , may be demonstrated by the famous examples of the severity of Posthumius , and of Manlius Torquatus against their own Sons , who for not obeying the command of their Superiors , though it were accompanied with noble daring , and happy success , was punished by death . And as this age was busied in perpetual Wars , new Wars being perpetually raised up by the same people of Latium and Toscany , whom they had often overcome , so to it that Fortitude , Vertue of mind , and Military Discipline is chiefly to be attributed , by which the people of Rome proved more excellent then all other Nations . For this so continual exercise of Arms for so many years together , did so accustom the City to Military Affairs , as it was not onely easie for those that followed after , to tread in the footsteps of these their Predecessors , but almost necessary for the preservation of the City ; which being long accustomed to labor and warlike occupations , could not , nor would not without intestine disorder , live in idleness . And as for the orders in Civil Affairs , certainly no small praise is likewise due to this Age ; for not to touch upon many particular Laws and Institutions ; the most famous Laws amongst the Romans of the Twelve Tables , made in the Decemvirate of Appius Claudius and his Colleagues , by which the City of Rome was chiefly governed , were Institutions of this Age ; industriously taking divers things from the Grecians , amongst whom more then in any other Nation , all learning , and all the most noble Arts did then chiefly flourish . Amongst other things , great was the wisdom of allowing the Latius to be free Denisons of Rome , for hereby the City was notably augmented , and her Empire established For she did not onely for ever free her self from the vexation which she had had for the space of Four hundred years by the Forces of these people , whom they had often subdued , and who had often rebelled against the Romans , and could not by Force be kept within the bonds of obedience ; but being hereby obliged so fast , and so interessed in the same Affairs with the Romans , she was much assisted by them in the so many Wars which the Romans made afterwards . The use of Colonies was of great advantage likewise to the Roman Empire ; for it served to ease the City when she was opprest with too many Citizens , and to keep others in obedience who were daily reduced under the Roman Empire . And this use of Colonies , though it had a certain weak beginning , when Romulus sent some to inhabit in the City of Fidena , yet was it oftener and more orderly introduced , and confirmed in this second Age ; So as experience shewing the good of this institution to those that came after , this custom was ever after followed by the Romans . This Age is likewise a great argument of the civil wisdom of the Citizens : for though there were therein important Insurrections often made , and so great broils between the People and the Nobility ; and though it were harder to keep those in obedience , who had continued to serve in the Commonwealth in her Wars for the space of a hundred years after the driving out of their Kings , without pay , yet were they able to appease all discords without the effusion of any civil blood , as it happend afterwards in the third Age , wherein great tumults arose from little ones ; so as Civil Wars , or at least dissentions and partakings continued amongst the Citizens for about Fifty years , from Sylla's Dictatorship to that of Caesars , thereupon the final ruine of the Commonwealth ensued . It also gives a great proof of the perfection of the orders observed in the City of Rome in these times , that she was twice able to shake off slavery ; First , that of the Kings , and then that of the Decemviri ; which the Third Age could not do , which being once faln under the command of Sylla , though he himself forewent the vast authority which was granted him , and left the City in Liberty , continued notwithstanding still in factions , which soon after brought her past all remedy under Caesars most express Tyranny . And certainly great was the endeavor after Liberty in this second Age , in respect whereof all things else were set at nought ; insomuch as Brutus did not pardon his own Sons life , it being suspected that he had had to do with Tarquin to the prejudice of Liberty ; and the whole people of Rome condemned Manlius Capitolinus to death , he who had saved the Capitol and the City of Rome , for being suspected his actions tended towards Tyranny . Those who lived in the hardest times of this second Age shewed their constant generosity , when the City of Rome being burnt and destroyed by the French , they would not abandon her , and go to live at Veij , as their forlorn fortune , and the condition of these times seemed to advise them to do ; but kept their hopes alive for better things , which if they had then abandoned , that name and fame of Rome had peradventure been for ever lost , which her happy genius promised her . So as he who shall consider the works and actions of those Citizens of Rome of this second Age , may with reason think them worthy of great praise ; so as it may seem they had nothing to desire , whereby to have been made as illustrious in the sight of the world , and their actions equal to those of the Third Age , then to have had occasion of greater enterprises , as they had . But on the contrary , these mens actions are more to be commended for the integrity of their manners , for their love towards their Country , and for their other noble vertues ; whereas in those of the last Age the splendor of their glorious actions in War , was oft-times obscured , and stained by other vices , by Ambition , Avarice , and immoderate Liberty ; to which things the Third Age was so addicted , as they brought her in the height of her greatest prosperity , to utter ruine . But before we pass this sentence , it will become us in justice to hear what those gallant Romans can say in their own behalfs , who by the cried up Fame of their stupendious actions , have filled the world with the glory , and wonder of the Roman greatness . And how much shorter the time was wherein the supreme Monarchy was founded and established , so much greater demonstration is thereof the generosity and worth of these men , who had the boldness to undertake so many Enterprises , and could bring them to a good end . For , the first time that the Romans carried their Forces out of Italy , was by reason of the Carthaginian War ; wherein amongst other things , it was not only a thing commendable , but much to be wondred at , that the Romans , being till then unexperienced in Maritime affairs , did so soon learn that manner of Discipline , as they overcame the Carthaginians in many Sea-fights , who for so long a time before had profess'd themselves to be Sea-men , and had the first place given them by all other Nations for their Naval preparat●ons . But whereby can the excellent Military Discipline of the Romans be better known , and their unvanquish'd worth , then by their deeds done in the second Carthaginian War ; wherein at one and the same time they were able to maintain so many Armies in Italy , Sicily , Spain , and Greece ? And yet one only City of Rome could furnish them all with Commanders and Soldiers out of her own Citizens , and Italian Colonies ; and that in so great a number , as that there was above Eighty thousand fighting men of the Roman Army in the Fight at Cannae . On the contrary , Carthage , though her Dominions were large and powerful , after she had been several times routed by the Romans in Spain , being willing to defend Africa , nay the very City of Carthage , the head of the Empire , was forc'd to recall that her Commander in chief , and those her Soldiers which she had in Italy . The Romans thrice overcome in battel by Hannibal , took still fresh courage , and assuming new Forces , did even face Fortune , whom they won at last to be their friend , and in a manner obedient to their deserts . But the Carthaginians , when once overcome by Scipio in Fight neer Zama , yielded , and humbled themselves to the Romans . But the last Punick War , as it ended in a shorter time , and with less trouble then the former two , so brought it more glory and security to the Romans ; for the very name of the formidable Roman Forces , was sufficient to put an end to that War ; and the final ruine of Carthage which ensued , did for ever secure the Common-wealth of Rome from the false faith of the Cathaginians . But other great and noble feats of Arms , undertaken at the same time with great courage and happy augury , as the War against Philip in Macedonia , and in Asia against Antiochus , did sufficiently illustrate the Roman Forces , and did enlarge the Confines of their Empire in farthest distant Nations . In the three Punick Wars , which lasted forty three years , with variety of fortune , they fought sometimes more for safety then for glory : But herein the People of Rome shewed not only the power of their Forces , but the generosity of their minds ; having undertaken the one War to revenge the injuries received from Philip , in his having supplied Hannibal with succors ; and the other to preserve some Cities in Asia , antient Colonies of Greece , in their Liberty , and from being injuriously oppress'd by Antiochus . And if it be said , that these so many Enterprises were made by the Italian Forces ; the first and chiefest difficulty consisting in the subjugating of Italy , the first and chiefest praise seems to be due to this Age : But take this for granted , it must be added , that a great share of this very praise is due to the last Age ; for the Insubri and Liguri were not assubjected by the Romans , till after the end of the second Carthaginian war ; the first being conquered by Marcellus , the second by Quintus Fulvius ; who wan so much the more glory thereby , for that these are very noble parts of Italy , and that the Country of the Ins●bri was possess'd by the Galls , who were at that time very potent in those parts , and Liguria was inhabited by a very fierce and warlike people . These are not then things altogether so great and glorious , as that they surpass all other things done by other men at other times : But if we shall look further into this very Age of Rome , we shall meet with other actions so great , and as miraculous , as their splendor will obscure the glory of those very Romans , who were so cryed up in comparison of other Nations , For when the City of Carthage was utterly ruin'd , with which the City of Rome had fought so long , and oft-times with variety of fortune , and those dangers being secured for ever , there not remaining any other Potentate who could of himself gave a just counterpoise to the Roman power , they march'd so fast on to Monarchy , as in the space of one hundred years , between that time , and the time of Caesars Dictatorship , they extended the Confines of the Roman Empire almost over the face of the whole Earth . Amongst the rest , great was that War which was taken against Mithridates , under pretence of defending Nicomedes and Ariobarzanes , who were Friends to the People of Rome , but in effect to oppose his vast designs , wherein aspiring at the dominion of all Asia , and of Europe also , he became formidable even to the ve●y Romans ; who though they had to do with this potent E●emy , who could put ●ogether in t●is War an Army of Two hundred thousand Foot , and Fifty thousand Horse , and a Fleet of Three hundred Ships , yet did they not only ●is●omfit Mithridates , but took occasion to make other Victories in Nations far off ; for they marched with their Armies into Armenia against ●igranes , because he had favored Mith●dates , and received him into his Kingdom , when he was driven away by the Romans . And he who will observe the Roman History , will have occasion of wonder , that though the Roman Commanders and Armies were often overcome in battel , yet in all the Wars that ever they made they have at last proved Victors . But the things that were done in the last years of this Age , do exceed whatsoever could a● first have faln into the thought of man , thereby to settle the Common-wealth in a flourishing and fortunate condition . To pass by so many oth●r glorious Victories and Triumphs , who can choose but admire the great deeds of ●●mpey and of Caesar ? the speed which the first made in finishing so m●ny Wars , his great good fortune chiefly in subjugat●ng so many Eastern Provinces in a very short time ; and the seconds constance and for●itude , demonstrated in so many battels , and in cu●bing so many Western Nations Insomuch as it ●s said of both thes● , that each of them won above eight hun●red Cities to the Roman Empire ; which certainly hath dimmed and obscured the glory and memory of a●l Ant●quity . What ●esolution shall then be given in this so doubtful question , in which so many reasons may be alleaged on al● sides ? It is a great matter certainly to give a begining to things , which being afterwards increased , are won usually to proceed on more easily : And yet on the otherside , according to the known saying , they are no less to be commended who add to things begun , and do preserve what is already go●ten , 〈◊〉 are the original Authors . But neither th●se nor those may be said to have won the Gole ; which they can only properly be said t● do , who br●ng things already begun , and since much augmented , to the highest pitch of p●r●ection w●●ch such a thing is capable of , or whereunto , being measured w●th due respect , it can arrive . And these degre●s are found in almost all things that are effected by ●umane industry ; that ●s , the beginning , the increase , and the perfection : After which two other things follow ; declination , and final ruine , whereof we do now treat . But these several degrees may clearly enough be obse●ved in Empires . In these then did the Citizens of Rome adoperate themselves in all the aforesaid Ages so worthily , and so much to the good of the City , as each of them may seem to lay claim to the chief Crown of the Roman glory . It may then be said , that though many things concur to the production of any thing , yet do they not all do it after the same manner , nor are they all of equal dignity in themselves , or of equal force for the constituting of that work . Thus in the foundation of Romes Mona●chy , certainly the Founders of the City did concur from whom she received her first ●utr●men● , which help'd so much to strengthen that body , and made it fit to sustain the weight of so great an Empire . Those also who did next succeed them , who did add to her Militia , her Government , to her good orders both for War and Peace , and made her ●itter for greater things , have their part therein ; and finally , those who by so many , and so signal Victories , placed her , as it were , with her own hands on the top of her greatest power and dignity . But in this connumeration of things , what can be affirmed , but that the last Age , which by her particular Acts , and labors saw the Commonwealth seated , as it were , in the Throne of Majesty , may with reason challenge the greatest part of this merit and glory , because she concurred as the nearest cause to the founding , and establishing of the City in that state and condition , wherein she was in her greatest excellency and glory amongst all Nations . It is true , that he , who in another respect , will more consider the necessity then the dignity of the thing , may peradventure be of another mind ; for it is most certain , that had not the City of Rome been first founded by Romulus , and maintained by other Kings in her beginning against her insulting enemies , if the Capitol had not been saved afterwards from the Gauls , if the so many conspiracies made by the people of Italy against her rising greatness had not been repulst , there could have been no such thing as the Victories and Triumphs of the Scipio's , Marcellus , Fabritius , Metellus , Pompey , and Caesar , and of so many others ; who atchieved those things by the strength of the City , already happily begun , and encreased with much industry and valor . But as it usually falls out in natural things that their augmentation , changing as it were that first Form , proves the corruption thereof , so as that subject being reduced to another condition , little count is held of precedent affairs ; so in these things which are formed by mans industry , as a more unpolished Form is succeeded by another , which renders that subject more excellent and perfect , no man values the former , or considers it with a thought of praise or imitation : So we see it falls out in the more noble Arts , as in Painting , Sculpture , Architecture , and the like , which daily grow to more perfection , those are most commended in them who therein prove the greatest Masters ; so as their particular praise walks hand in hand with the perfection which by their industry they have brought to that Art , wherein they have with much industry and study spent their time . Cincinnatus his poverty was praised , and the like of some others of those Commanders , who were called up from the Plough to be Consuls and Dictators , because they bore a certain proportion to the condition of those things , and of the City . But the magnificence of Crassus , and of Lucullus , had more coherence with the greatness to which the City of Rome did afterwards arrive . It seems then that neither can there be any comparison made between these ages , for as they were sufficiently different between themselves , so different thoughts , studies , and exercises did become them : which things , if they had any thing of conformity between them , it was rather by likeness , or figure , or rather some dispositions of those first weaker operations , to the other greater and more noble . And as it is seen in every individual man , the same things are not proportionate nor proper to all Ages , but divers things do accommodate themselves to divers Ages , though the one be subordinate to the other , so as the exercises may both be the same , and different , because they are accommodated to the same aim , and end , but are notwithstanding otherwise put in use , in Childhood , Youth , and Manhood ; just so in the point we are now upon , things suit not with a City in the second Age , which were proper to her in the first , neither could the second do those things which were reserved to the third , and which would not be praised in the third , had it not done more then either the first or second . So to end this Discourse , it may be said , That the City of Romes happy genius produced men well adapted to her three conditions , and very excellent for what each Age and condition brought forth . For if the first would have made too much hast in agrandising , and making the City famous , they might rather have disordered themselves , and by making many enemies , have encreased the difficulty of effecting those things , which when riper , proved afterwards more safe and easie : And likewise if the second should have imbraced things disproportionable for her strength , and have carried her Forces out of Italy , before she had therein setled the Roman power , it might have proved rather the corruption then the perfection of the Commonwealth . The first therefore , and the second are very much to be praised , for such things as became that Age and state of the City wherein they were done . But by how much more the adoperating cause doth work upon a more noble a perfect subject , by so much doth the work prove more perfect and excellent . Therefore those of the third Ag● having occasion to act in greater matters , as finding the City already very spacious and powerful , the off spring of their industry and labour hath proved more noble , and they have won such praise to the Commonwealth , as greater is not to be pretended unto . The Eleventh DISCOURSE . How the Roman Empire , though it fell oftentines into the hands of base and wicked men , was notwithstanding able to maintain it self in the reign of many Emperors , and how it came to be finally destroyed . AS amongst all humane actions ; those Commands and Powers are noblest , and of greatest worth , by which a man gets to be above other men , and doth govern them in a manner as God doth rule and govern the world , so of all Dominions and Commands that ever were , the Roman Empire was greatly remarkable , and held in great esteem and reverence by all Nations ; and did so far extend her self , as it may almost be said with the Poet , That her Confines were those of the whole world which was known to antiquity . Which may be comprehended by this , that Constantine the Great having divided the Empire between his three Sons , the elder Constantine , to whose third part fell the Provinces of Spain , France , and the greatest part of Germany , together with the Island of Great Britain , made War with his Brother Constantine , to whose share many other Countries fell , to come to a better aggiustment of division , wherein he thought his Father had dealt unequally with him . But now this so stupendious Fabrick erected in the concourse of many years , by the worth and labor of so many gallant men , must finally run the fate of all humane things , must be dissolved and fall to the ground , and by her ruine occasion vast revolution of things . Hence it was that so many noble Cities were ruined , and the ground-work of some others laid , which proved afterwards very noble Structures . Hence it was that many intire Regions , had their antient Inhabitants driven away , and were possest by new Citizens had new Customs , new Laws , new Tongues and new fashions brought in ; and hence it was that Italy , which had been the Seat of so great an Empire , was subject to greater alterations , and more heavy calamities then other Provinces . It will not then be an unacceptable labor ( man being so naturally given to the desire of knowledge ) to seek out how , and for what causes chiefly these things happened . For that general rule , That whatsoever hath had a beginning , must have an end ; will not satisfie our inquisitive understandings . Empires , as all other earthly things , have their beginning , increase , perfection , declination , and last ruine and destruction , all of them ordained and disposed of by certain causes : And though they may be seen to vary according to the variety of Accidents , that is not notwithstanding Chance which appears to us to be so , when we cannot penetrate into the true causes of things . In the beginning , the Roman Empire was governed in the form of a Common-wealth , her first Founders having begun to enlarge her Dominion amongst her neighboring people . She continued in this her infancie , as I may call it , many years , till the times of those famous Scipio's , who brought Spain and Africa under her dominion . But afterwards in the ensuing Age , wherein Caesar , Pompey , and so many other famous Commanders did flourish , she mounted to the height of her greatness and glory : Neither did Augustus Caesar degenerate from the worth of them , though the Form of Government was changed ; but he likewise did much increase the Empires Confines in the Eastern parts amongst the Indians , and other exterior Nations , and establish'd excellent Orders both Civil and Military in the Empire But this Monarchy may be said to sta●d at a stay at this time , being constituted in a Throne of Majesty , reverenced and obeyed by all Nations ; and in this condition she preserved herself for well nigh three hundred years , wherein though many and great Wars were made by the so many Emperors who governed in those days , yet were they rather made for the preservation , then for the enlarging of the Empires confines : For there was not almost any of the barbarous and far distant Nations , as well of the East , as of the West , which those Emperors were not forc'd to vanquish and overcome several times , and reduce them to the obedience of the Empire , from which they had rebelled . And if any one did enlarge the Empire in furthest remote parts , as did the Emperor Trajan in Armenia , India , and some others in other Regions and Provinces , it was notwithstanding at the same time lessened in other parts by new Rebellions . But in Galienus his time , who was the thirty fourth Emperor , the Empires supreme greatness began to decline : For though she received her mortal wound afterwards in the time of Arcadius and Honorius , which was above a hundred years after , yet in this intervening time , the Empire being in her decaying age , grew weak , yet sustein'd herself , and like a Tree whose root hath been for a long time very deeply fix'd , could not be easily eradicated ; so as though she were oftentimes shrewdly shaken by Armies of sundry Nations , yet was she able to resume her strength , and keep herself on foot . Thus stood the Roman Empire then , wherein many miraculous things offer themselves to our consideration , and invite us to seek out the true occasion thereof . For on one side it appears a strange thing , that an Empire arrived at such a height of greatness , when she once began to decline , hasted so fast to her ruine , there not being any other Potentate left in the World , which was able to counterpoise her power , yea , which did not obey her , as subjugated by her Armies ; having also so many Soldiers to defend her , desirous for their own advantage to preserve the Empire . But on the other side , he who shall consider , into the hands of how many base and wicked men this so great Empire fell , he may very well wonder how so violent a thing could endure for so many Ages , and how a Dominion governed by so many Tyrants could pass from hand to hand through the series of so many Emperors , whereof there were above five hundred between Caesars time , and that of Arcadius and Honorius , in whose days the Roman Empire began visibly to fall , by the taking of Rome , by the ruine of Italy , and of other Provinces belonging to the Empire : And yet 't is known , that the Persian Monarchy , which was of so great esteem amongst the antient Kingdoms , was quickly ruined by its falling into the hands of Princes given to idleness and pleasure , and was by Alexander carried to another Nation ; whereof there are many examples seen almost in every Age. Let us then say that another violence helped very much to sustain this violence ; of such a force is the union of alike things . Thus did the corrupt Customs of the People and Militia of Rome help to maintain the State and Power of these Tyrannous Princes : For since People lived in Rome with much licentiousness , and were ente●tained with many Pastimes and publick Shews made by the Emperors , wherein those appeared to be most splendid who were most overgrown with vice , as were Caligula and Nero , who did not only make the wonted sports of Hunting and of Comedies be often represented with more then usual magnificence , but introd●ced new Shews , as Naval battels , Chariots drawn by Camels and Elephants , and permitted all licentiousness to the Soldiery , no man desired to change condition ; and the Pretorian Soldiers enjoying all things of use and priviledg neer unto the City , did not greatly care to be commanded by generous men : And when such Princes grew tedious to them , they put them to death , proclaiming a new Emperor , and receiving from the new Prince many gifts in reward of their wickedness : And the disorder grew so great ▪ as sometimes the Empire of the World was by the Soldiers sold by Outcry to who would give most for it , and at low rates , as it fell out in the time of Didius-Iulianus . Nor was the authority of the Senate able to correct this so great inconvenience ; as well for that being trodden under foot by force , it was grown very weak , as also for that the antient Roman generosity was wanting in them . So as the Senate having resolved , after the death of Caligula , to free the City and Empire from the like Tyranny , and to restore her to her liberty , they could not be constant iu their resolution ; but being abased by fear , submitted soon to the obedience of Claudius , of Caesars linage , and accepted of him for their Emperor , as soon as he was cry'd up by the Pretorian Soldiers . The like to which happened afterwards in many Emperors ; those being confirmed by the Senate , which were chosen by the Army . This licence was diversly used by the Soldiers themselves : For the Pretorian Bands ; and that Army wherein the Emperor was at the time of his death , pretended a particular priviledg in the choice of the new Emperor . Yet Emperors were so often cry'd up by other Armies also , which were in several Provinces of the Empire , as all of them desirous in Galienus his time to usurp this authority , there were thirty two , who at one and the same time made use of the name and title of Roman Emperor . So as it seems it may be truly said , that the Roman Empire was preserved , not in respect to unity , or to the same form of Government , but only in respect of that Authority which Roman Armies held of making Emperors , whom by reason of the said Armies all Provinces were to obey , there being no Militia like to that of the Romans , or which could resist them , or withdraw themselves from their yoke . But great was the diversity in all things , almost in all Ages ; for the height of Empire was arrived at by several ways : Some got it by Inheritance , as Tiberius , Caligula , Nero ; and in the following , Constantinus , Constantius , and many others ; some , though very few , were c●●sen by the Senate , many by the Emperors themselves , who in their life-time chose some one for their Companions and Successor in the Empire , calling him Caesar , to whom after the former Emperors death , the Title of Emperor , and of Augustus was given : But their number were most , who got the Empire through favor of the Sol●iery ; wherein one and the same respect did not always prevail , but many much different considerations ; regard sometimes being had to the birth and affinity that any one had to the former Emperors , sometimes to worth , and to some singular action of War , sometimes to favor , which Commanders knew some way or other how to come by from their Armies , and sometimes to some other such like things : Whence it was that persons not onely of much differing condition , but even of divers Nations , were made Emperors of Rome ; Trajan and Theodotius were Spainards ; ●robus , Giovinianus , and Valentinus , Hungaria●s ; Dicclesian a Dalmarian , Cato a Slavonian ; and some others . But that which made the difference greater , was that this Empire as it was diversly gotten , so was it diversly administred : By some so tyrannically , as there is no so infamous and wicked vice , whereof you find not shameful examples in the lives of Tibe●us , Caligula , Nero , Commodus , Caracalla , Heliogabolus , and other of those Emperors ; whereas the Empire was governed by some others with such Wisdom and Justice , as no more perfect Regal Government can almost be imagined . And what excellent vertue ( not to speak of Augustus ) was there to be desired in Vespatian , Titus , Trajan Adrian , Antoninus , Marcus Aurelius , Alexander Severus , and such like ? Whence it was , that there having been good and bad Emperors in divers Ages , as much of Dignity , Authority and Power as this Empire lost through the bad Government of those wicked Princes , it recovered as much by the valor and good Government of these good and vertuous Princes . And this may be alledged for the first reason , why the Empire was able to preserve it self for so long a space of years . For being for a while run into many disorders , s●ch as were introduced by the baseness and negligence of other their Predecessors , were by the worth of generous Princes amended , and returned to their first channel . The Romans antient and confirmed use of good military orders , did likewise help well towards this : Wherefore though the Empire were in the hands of unworthy persons , yet finding the usual Armies already raised , and ready for any enterprise , they were able by means of their Commanders , to wage war successfully , and to quiet such rising , and rebellions , as continually arose in so great an Empire . Thus Tiberius did not onely return France , which had rebelled to obedience , but subjugated Comagena , and Cappadocia and driving out their Kings , reduced them to Provinces . Nero drove the Parthians out of Armenia , and placed King Tigranes there , making that Kingdom Tributory to the Empire . Claudius did not onely reduce Mauritania , which by means of her Commanders made insurrection against the Empire ; but did himself in person pass with his Army into England , to appease the Risings of that Island ; and yet these Princes were not thought to have of themselves any great worth in them . These and some other such like causes may perhaps be alleadged why this Empire could maintain it self in that greatness to which it was arrived . But to come to that which men are more curious in inquiring after , as a thing very strange of it self , as also for many other notable consequences ; to wit , to the causes of its declining and ruine , Three may , in my opinion , be chiefly alleadged ; The immeasurable greatness of the Empire , the simplicity and wickedness of those who governed it , and the corruption of customs , which were far different from those with which it was first founded , and wherein it grew great . Humane imperfection is the cause why mans vertue , as it is not onely finite , and bounded , but weak ●●d brittle ; so hath it to do with things not onely finite and bounded , but circumscribed within no very large limits ; which were it otherwise , it would loose it self in an Ocean from whence it would not know how to escape safe . And of this , to omit the examples of many other of our actions , we will onely consider , for as much as appertains to what we have now in hand , That his worth must be exceeding great , who is to rule , and command over others . Phylosophers have affirmed , That such a one ought to exceed others as far in Wit and Worth , as he doth in Dignity and Power ; nay that his worth and vertue ought to we●gh against that of all those that he will rule over . But let us pass by these supreme Eminences , which are rather to be desired , then ever hoped to be found . 'T is very certain , that it is very hard to govern an Empire well , and the greater it is , the greater is the difficulty of governing it . Wherefore Lycurgus , a very wise Legislator , knowing that the quiet of a City , and the long preservation thereof in one and the same condition , and with a certain Form of Government , ought to be the true cause of ordaining good Laws , would of his own election so dispose of his Spartans , and of the orders of that Commonwealth , as she should not be able much to enlarge her Confines . But on the contrary , Rome , as all the constitutions of the City , and the Cities Armies aimed chiefly at the enlarging the power of the Common-wealth , so did she never know what belonged to the enjoyment of Peace , not onely by reason of foreign Forces , but not by occasion of discord between the Citizens . The bounds of her Empire grew to be almost immense , and she marcht with her Forces to the utmost parts of the Earth , subjugating the farthest distant and most barbarous Nations . But at last , not having almost any foreign Enemies to fight with , her Citizens begun to make use of their Armies which had conquered other Nations , in long and deadly contentions amongst themselves ; till at last the worth and fortune of Caesar prevailed , so as Augustus remained sole Lord of the World , and Tiberius , who succeeded him , entered peaceably into so great an Empire , wherein were an infinite number of Soldiers , train'd up in a perpetual Militia , and by reason of Civil Wars , accustomed to live very licentiously . The greatest acquisitions of the largest and farthest distant Provinces were very lately made , there having been above 1700 Cities taken by two onely Commanders , Caesar and Pompey , and powerful Nations vanquished . So as it behoved to keep a great number of Soldiers in those Garisons , to keep the people in obedience , which were in pares farthest distant from the Senate of the Empire . But the very same thing which was introduced to provide against those dangers , was cause of others , by reason of the Authority which the Armies had already usurped , and out of hopes afforded to the Commanders of attaining this supreme dignity , by being by the Soldiers cried up Emperors . Wherefore one onely man , though of never so much worth , not being able to supply all places , and provide for so many things as so great an Empire stood in need of , and less able to correct the disorders , which in so many States , as civil humors in members farthest distant from the heart , did daily more and more encrease , the Empire must needs be continually ●ext both by foreign Nations , and by its own Soldiers ; so as it was hardly ever free from such troubles ; nor was War sooner ended in one place , but it broke forth in another ; nay for the most part , divers Roman Armies fought in several places , at one and the same time , each of them endeavoring to sustain him whom they had chosen to be their Emperor . Therefore Adrian to remedy so many disorders in the Empire , which he thought did onely arise by reason of the Emperors being so far off , and the largeness of the Confines , resolved not to keep his certain abode in Rome , but spending his whole time in travelling to visit all the parts of his Dominions , to keep his Subjects in their duties ; and knowing how hard a thing this would be to do , and almost impossible in so large Confines , he resolved to shorten them in the Eastern parts , making the River Euphrates the utmost boundeur of the Emire , and rest●ring all the people of the higher Provinces to their Liberty , even to India ; who being by his successors reduced under the obedience of the Empire , and many rebellions ensuing thereupon , and much difficulty , not onely in the further dist●n● parts , b●t even in those that were nearest at hand ; Constantine the Great , knowing that these evils could not otherwise be help● , but by carrying the seat of the Empire nearer those parts , chose the City of Byzantium to be the place , which being rebuilt by him , took from him the name of Constantinople . And hence it is that the Indian Gymnosophist , being desirous to shew Alexander the Great , that whil●t being born away with a desire of Rule in far distant Regions , he was gone so far from his own Kingdom , as he gave it occasion of rebelling against him , made a hard and stiff Oxe-hide be laid upon the ground , and walking upon the utmost skirts thereof , shewed him , that when the part that was trod upon gave way to the foot , another part rose up : And that so it befell many great Princes , who whilst they seek to keep one part of their States low and quiet , the rest , which they keep far from , rise up in rebellion . Hence it was , that many Emperors , not only such as were unfit for Government , but even the wisest and most valiant , knowing and confessing themselves to be opprest by the weight of so great a mass , c●ose others who in their li●e-times were to be their Coadjutors in Government , and who should succeed them after their deaths in the Empire , which was seldom quietly possest by one alone , the Armies of far distant Provinces re●●sing oft-times to obey those who were chosen to succeed in the Empire by other Armies , though they were with all solemnity allowed and accepted of by the Sen●te , as befell Galba , who being created Emperor by the Spanish Army , was not accepted of , nor obeyed by the German Army . The like befell many others ; so as sometimes it was not well known who was the true Emperor . And certainly , tall●in●es of the great●st height of this Empire it may be known , that no one man , though of never so great worth , was able to govern it in peace and quiet . And even Augustus himsel● made trial of many Insurrections in Spain , Germany , and in the Eastern p●●ts , amongst the ●cythians and Parthians ; though at l●st , through his sin●ular worth and great good fortune , the whole World being reduced to an universal Peace , he was able to shut up that famous Temple of Ianus , which was kept always open afterward , his Successors having always occasion to modest themselvs with war. So as the sa●ing is made true , that Suis & ipsa Roma viribus ruit . But his her ruine was certainly accelerated by the lewd conditions of those into whose han●s t●e Empire often fell : For through their fault , the internal causes of the States corruption were either occasioned , or much increased ; since by their ignorance , baseness avar●c● cruelty , lust , and other enormous vices , they drew on contempt and injury , the first and chief roots of all change of Government : For by contempt the Subjects take occasion to rebel , and chiefly the richest and noblest and from injury comes hatred , and desire of change of Government . And it was the grea●er misfortune for this Empire , in all other respects more fortunate then all other Empires , that in those very times wherein there was greatest need of a continued succession of wise and generous Princes to confirm the State , which by vertue of the great Augustus was reduced from War and past disorders into Peace and good Government , should after him fall into the hands of three very lewd and base Emperors , Tiberius , Caligula , and Nero ; from whose enormous vices those chief evils arose to the Provinces of that Empire , which we but now mentioned , the contempt of that supreme dignity , both amongst For in and her own Soldiers . The former , by rebelling , strove to free themselves from their obedience ; the other , through insolence , bere●t them of Empire and life . Ha●red , and desire of change arose likewise in the Senate , which was deprived of its authority ; and particularly in those who were offended , or had any thing of generosity in them . Hence ●t was , that soon after , to wit in ●ero's time , Caesars linage ended ; and tha● the Soldiers accustomed to much licentiousness under such Princes , usurp'd the authori●y of making Emperors , as they did in Galba after Nero's death , in Otho after Galba , and so in many others . His worth who commanded in chief , and his good fortune who was to succeed in the Empire , was sometimes able to make a Successor , but not to take this authority totally from the Soldiery , through confidence of whose favor many aspired , though by bad means , to usurp the Empire ; and amidst these contentions the Empire must needs be divided , shatter'd , and weakened . From this root another disorder arose , which was cause of many heinous mischiefs , to wit , the general corruption of Customs in all the Orders of the City of Rome : For Subjects following , as usually they do , their Princes inclinations and exercises , men began to give themselves over to an idle life ; and Vertue being neither nourished , nor at first maintained , still languished more and more ; so as the Art of Commanding failing , good Obedience was also wanting ; every body made his will his law ; nor was there any sort of wickedness , how infamous soever , from which the Commanders or Soldiers were restrained by any respect borne to the Majesty of the Prince . All reason was reduced to the sword , and every one dared to attempt as much as his power encouraged him to compass . Such and so great were the vices which crept daily into men of all degrees and qualities , as it would be too laborious a thing to number them up all . This one example may suffice to shew , to what dissolu●eness and licent●ousness The affairs of Rome were reduced , when Galba having chosen Piso Lasinianus , a man very famous for his civil behaviour and military worth , his election was neither accepted of by the Army , nor by the Senate , because it was thought that if he should come to the Empire , he would correct the many misdemeanors both of Citizens and Soldiers : But both of them being kill'd , and in stead of him Otho was made Emperor in Rome , and Vitellius at the same time cry'd up Emperor by the Army in Germany . the affairs of the Empire were then governed with such confusion , and grew so much worse in the succeeding Age , the disorders growing to be confirm'd by a bad habit , as when any Emperors should go about to correct the immoderate licentiousness of the Soldiers , by reducing them to their antient discipline , were they never so good and wise Princes , they were slain by the Armies ; as was Alexander Severus , Probus , and some others . So as no certain Form could be given to such a Government , wherein the Soldier had so great a stroke in Authority , making and unmaking Emperors at their pleasure ; so as it might seem to resemble a Popular State ; and yet the Emperors commanding with supreme authority in so ample a Dominion , Monarchy might appear to be there formed . It is not much to be wondred at then , if this monstrous body of the Roman Empire being composed of almost incompatible , ill-govern'd , and m●sproportioned parts , should be sick of divers infirmities , and must at last suffer dissolution , sooner then otherwise her greatness and power promised . The negligence and pusillanimity of some Emperors were likewise cause why the City-Soldiers , who kept still about the City , as it were the Life guard of the Princes person , and who were the flower of all the rest both for valor and discipline , being long kept idle , grew so effeminate , and so unaccustomed to labor and military exercise , as when some more valiant Prince would make trial of them , they found themselves deceived in the hopes they had of their prist●ne worth . Wherefore the Empire having already received great losses and damages in divers battels , things grew to that height , as ( not to mention many almost innumerable particulars which in this case might be produced ) when the States of the assaulted Empire would defe●d themselvs against the Northern nations ( as you shall shortly hear ) they were forced to take others of the same Nations to oppose their violence : To so great a want both of Power , Soldiers , and Military discipline was the Empire reduced before it was so rent and so bereft of many Provinces , as it was afterwards . Then , as the Roman Empire was got to that height of power and greatness by the worth of those first antient Romans , and by the excellencie of their military discipline , so her good Orders being afterwards corrupted , she took so clean contrary a way to her first beginning , as it behoved her soon to fall to ruine ; it being a certain and true rule , That States do increase and are preserved by the same means by which they had their first beginnings , and are corrupted by the contrary . And he who shall consider the antient ways and works of those who laid the first foundations of this Empire , and shall compare them with those which insued in the time of Emperors , will find such difference therein , as the necessity of coming to such an end may soon be seen . The Roman Armies and their Leaders , were once excellent examples of worth and discipline . Who does not praise and wonder at what Titus Manlius did , who punisht his victorious Son with death , because he fought the enemy before the sign of Battel was given ? Very remarkable were the severe punishments which were oft-times imposed upon the Soldiers disobedience , even for slight causes , whose tumultuous proceedings were oft-time punished with decimating the whole Army . But how different from these examples were those which were afterwards in the following Age shewn by many of those , who waged War , and commanded the Roman Armies ? The Commanders indulgence towards the Armies , the Soldiers uncurb'd licentiousness , the authority and boldness which they assumed unto themselves , both over the people , and over the very Emperors , whom they were to obey , are not they monstrous things in a well ordered State ? Those antient Romans did so study Military Affairs , and so frequent were the exercises of the Militia with all Citizens , as when the ●●ity of Rome had not extended her bounds beyond Italy , she had so numerous Armies , as she was able to maintain at one and the same time , but in several parts above One hundred thousand men in Arms ; and yet when so many calamities and ruines befel her by the Barbarians , when she commanded over so many Provinces and Kingdoms , her antient Discipline was so lost , as for want of Soldiers she was forc'd to make use of mercinary Barbarians , who getting at last to be very powerful , did joyntly turn their Arms against that Empire , for whose defence they were called in , and whose pay they took . Nor is the vanquishing and beating of the Roman Armies , which was for so many years unconquerable by other Nations , to be attributed to the Goths , or those other Northern people ; but rather to the corruption of their Customs , to the loss of their good Discipline , and to the discord and baseness of the Commanders , and Soldiers of those times . For were not the French a valiant and stout Nation ? to overcome whom , it behoved Caesar to fight so many Battels , and to make so often trial of the Romans worth and fortune , and that not without much danger . Did not the Romans wage War in Spain for the space of almost Two hundred years together , before they could well conquer that Nation , and get quiet possession thereof ? How often did the Saxons , Bavarians and other people of Germany take up Arms to molest the States of the Empire ? Yet all their commotions were still supprest . And had not the Roman Empire almost continual War by reason of their so many Insurrections , with many other Eastern Nations , and chiefly with the Persians ? And though sometimes they tasted of adverse fortune , yet their loss was always recovered , as also the prejudice of the reputation of the Romans Forces by their own Commanders and Soldiers , so as they were always forc'd to keep within their own Confines , and under the obedience of the Empire . But when they stood in greatest need , when the Empire recieved so sore and so irreparable blows from the Barbarians , it was brought to such weakness in the Eastern parts by reason of the many great disorders which were in the Head , and in all the Members , which were now become incureable , ●s it was not able to sustain the force of the fierce and warlike Northern Nations . And beginning once to fall , when its worth was but little , it could not get up again , as it had done at other times . Now if we will apply these more general considerations , to some particular chances of this Empire , the true cause of its declination will the more easily be known . The Affairs of the Empire were almost at all times greatly molested by divers of the Northern People , many of which were never reduced to the obedience of the Empire , some of which had not been known till they took up Arms , but of all the rest the Goths proved the most famous for the ruine of the Empire , and for the so many calamities of Italy , and of many other Nations ; and he who shall consider their beginnings and their progress , must needs wonder very much , and through confusion lose the discourse of humane wisdom ; To think how this barbarous people , and so far remote from our Regions , and unknown by them , insomuch , as at this day their original is not by Authors agreed upon , without or Kingdom , or Military Discipline , falling down tumultuously at first , to possess themselves of other mens Countries , should soon become so powerful , and formidable , as that they should overcome the Romans , who had overcome the world . Who could have imagined that a new , and unknown people , were to come from forth the utmost Northern parts , to destroy so vast an Empire , by which so many powerful Kings , and famous warlike Nations were subjected ? The most general opinion is , That these men who destroyed the Empire , came from Scythia into Europe where they were possest of many large Regions , differing amongst themselves in name and habitation ; those who lived more towards the East being called Estern-Goths , and others , more Western-Goths . But they were thought to be but new Inhabitants of that Country , into which they were first come from certain Islands in the Sarmatian Ocean ; and that being worsted by some of their neighboring people , after many contestations had with them , their Country being moreover of two smal a circuit for their abounding numbers , they betook themselves to seek out new seats , and other habitations . And thus they passed over very many times in very great numbers into the Provinces belonging to the Empire , possessing and indamaging many Countries : The things a little before mentioned , being the cause why these evils , and the greater ruines which ensued were not remedied . For the Empire being of a very vast extent , was continually troubled with sundry commotions in sundry parts . The Princes who commanded were of little worth , and the former antient valor and discipline was no longer found in their Armies , which were given over to licentiousness . Hence it was that whenin the time of Philip , the first of that name , but in order the Nine and twentieth Roman Emperor , the Goths fixt themselves in Mysia and Thrace , such forces were not sent against these novelties , as might appease them , and quell the then but small strength of these tumultuous people . For there being no loyalty in the Commanders , nor valor in the Soldiers , those who were sent by the Empeor against such enemies , intended their own particular interest more then the service of the Empire . Insomuch as Macrinus and Decius being sent the one after the other to be chief of the enterprise , made themselves be cried up Emperors by the Army , having first permitted much licentiousness in the Soldiers , that they might win their good will. And when the same Decius was truly possest of the Empire , after the death of Macrinus , and of Philip also , joyning battel with the Goths , he found the effects of nourishing sedition in Armies , and in winking at their disobedience , and at the non-performance of their military duuties ; for his Army was routed and put to flight by the Goths , and he seeking to save himself by running away , was drowned in a marrish ground . And when after these losses , the Empire ought to have been restored , and the honor thereof vindicated by the Successor with new Forces ; Gallus who had obtained this supream dignity by the Souldiers rashness , and who was a poorly spirited man , and had come by the Empire by indirect means ; That he might enjoy his leasure time in Rome , which he leudly spent , he was easily perswaded to make a shameful peace with the Goths , not onely permitting them to ●arry in the Provinces which they were possessed of , but obliging himself to pay them a certain sum of money yearly . Thus the City of Rome , which was Mistress of the whole World , became tributary to a Barbarous people , who knew not till then what belong'd to Imperial dignity , to Wealth , nor to Military glory : This base Agreement gave a great blow to the reputation of the Roman Empire ; so as in Galienus his time , who soon after succeeded in the Empire , so many mutinies and insurrections arose , as Italy it self was hardly kept in obedience ; and the Goths grew so insolent , as breaking the Peace which they had made with the Gauls , they took many Cities in Bythinia , in Thrace , and in Macedonia : By which prosperous successes others of the Goths being encouraged , who had tarried all this while at home , where they lived in narrow precincts , they sent to the Emperor Valens to demand abode in the Provinces of the Empire ; with whom fear prevailing more then the antient honor of the Empire ; and the Roman generosity , gave way to their request , allotting Bulgaria and Servia for these new Inhabitants to live in ; suffering the Northern Nations thus to get footing , and to increase in strength , which had always been the greatest Enemies to the Empire , and from whom the Emperors had received such injuries and shame . These easie acquisitions , and the hopes of greater matters , made Alaricus King of the Goths march not long after with a numerous Army from his own Kingdom towards Italy , demanding that a place of residence might be allowed him by the Emperor Honorius in France ; and receiving a denial , did in his fury do greater mischief . But the same Emperor Valens soon felt the harm of this his ill-taken advice : For the same Goths increasing through the baseness and negligence of others , and the Huns , Alani , and other Northern people conspiring together with them , they besieged the City of Constantinople , and other noble Cities were endangered : which made Gratianus choose Theodosius for his Companion in the Empire , for the great repute which was had of his valor , though he were a Spaniard by Nation . But though he behaved himself gallantly against these Enemies , and wan some brave victories ; yet since they had already got great strength , and were governed in obedience under their valiant Masters and Commanders , and for that the Empire was still busied in other Wars , it was thought expedient to come to peace with Alaricus King of the Goths , leading him and a great number of his men under the Empires pay , to make use of them in other undertakings . For the Goths being kept in continual pay by some former Emperors , amongst other Soldiers which served the Empire , and being of themselves conversant in many Wars , they were become a valiant People , and had learn'd the Roman discipline , though not the corruption which overthrew it , in the Roman Camp. Which , though it might be good for the present occasions , it did certainly prove very pernicious afterwards . For though by this Peace Theodosius was safe from any fear of this Nation , whilst he governed together with Gratianus , and also afterwards when he held the Empire alone by himself , he being a person of singular worth , and one who by his industry had somewhat renewed the antient discipline amongst the Soldiers , yet after his death the Forces of the Empire beginning again to flag , and the Empire falling into the hands of his two sons , Arc●dius and Honorius , who succeeded their Father whilst they were but young , and proved not to be of such gallant parts as the condition of those times required , many of those who commanded under Theodosius in several parts rebelled , who were all of them cryed up Emperors by those Armies wherein they commanded ; by which occasions being invited , the Goths did not only return to rise up in Arms against the Empire , but also other Northern Nations who did then inhabit Germany , as the Alani , Franks and Vandals , took up Arms , and did at one and the same time assault the States of the Empire in several parts ; many of them marching more particularly towards Italy , and against the very City of Rome , which after divers passages remained in prey to these Barbarians , the antient Roman worth being so decayed , as there was not any one who did so much as provide for the welfare of so stately a City , which was the Queen of the World. And the Emperor Honorius ( a thing which is not to be mentioned without much marvel ) whilst Italy and other Countries were wasted with War , and the very City of Rome was reduced to the utmost extremity , remained in Ravenna an idle Spectator of his Subjects so great calamity , and of the ruine of his State , in so base and stupid a manner , as being told he might do well to provide for the preservation and safety of so many of the Empires Provinces , which being miserably torn in pieces , were falling into the power of the Barbarians , answered , That he could live without them . After the ruine of Rome , these victorious Barbarians past into France , and into Spain , where being recruited with other people of their own Nations , and the Roman Armies being busied in Civil seditions , and in maintaining those Emperors which each of them had chosen , they had leisure to fix themselves there , and to take possession of those noble Provinces , the greatest part of whose antient Inhabitants being extinguished , they setled themselves there , and did long govern those Dominions ; and others of them passing into Africa , and having won large Territories , did with the same Fortune and same thoughts institute their proper Kingdoms . But on the other part , other People called the Huns fell into Pannonia , called now by their names , Hungaria , and possessing themselves likewise thereof , fixt their abode and dominion there . So as there was hardly any Western Province of the Empire which was not at this time troubled by this fury of War , the Roman Princes and Soldiers not having sufficient worth to withstand them : Insomuch that when Attila marched with a furious Army to destroy Italy , the Empire not having any Soldiers that they durst confide in to impede his passage , the Romans were forced to take King Theodoricus with a good number of his Goths into their pay ; by whose assistance that cruel Enemy was at that time kept off . But the Empires weak Forces being at last tyred , and some Commanders being lost in whom there remained yet some worth and discipline , the greater , and almost fatal ruines of Italy began ; whereinto when these cruel Barbarians entred , they put all to fire and sword , bringing total destruction to many noble and populous Cities . Which ( according to the natural order of all things mortal , wherein Corruptio unius est generatio alterius ) gave occasion to the birth of the City of Venice , whereunto the remainder of the Italian Nobility had recourse , and saved themselves . The Twelveth DISCOURSE , Why th● Commonwealth of Rome , though she suffered many Defeats in divers Battels , yet did still prove Victorious at last . HE who shall narrowly consider the great actions of the Romans , will still discover new things therein not onely worthy of praise but of admiration . Their prosperity was certainly very great , but proceeding , as it is to be beleeved , from their worth , and from certain and ordinary causes . The People of Rome made more Wars , then ever any Potentate hath been known to do , but that which occasioneth the greatest wonder is , that their success in all of them was prosperous . And that though the Roman Armies were in many Battels overcome , yet still in the conclusion of every War the Victories sided with them : It will then be worth the while to seek out the truest , or at least , the most truth-like causes thereof , by reasoning thereupon . The City of Rome waged continual Wars from the first foundation thereof till Augustus his time , which was for above Seven hundred years . The gates of that famous Temple of Ianus , which were never to be shut but in time of Peace , stood always open , unless it were once in the Consulship of Titus Manlius ; nor was there almost any Nation known in those daies ▪ with whom the City of Rome hath not at some time made trial of her forces and worth . That Commonwealth in so many , and so long contentions of War , was likewise sometimes favored , sometimes frowned upon by fortune ; so as sometimes she was brought into very great danger ; yet still she prevailed at last , and triumphed over her formerly victorious enemies . Long and heavy was the dispute ▪ which in her very beginning she had with so many people of Italy , and chiefly with those that were nearest , who singly by themselves , and joyntly with others , did conspire against the Romans , and did by all their best endeavors seek how to keep the powea of the Empire low , which was ordained , as was afterwards seen , to the height of all greatness . Nor was the Commonwealth of Rome secure from the efforts of foreign Nations ; nay many times she was to withstand the fury of the French , who assailed her with great Forces , that they might totally subdue her , and possess themselves of her Territories , as they had done of so many other parts of Italy . The Commonwealth made trial of her Forces , even in the beginning of her greatness with other Kings ; till beginning with the first Carthaginian Wars , to wage War further from her Confines , she proved at last a terror even to the most remote foreign Countries , which she at last subjugated assuming always greater and better courage , as her Empire did encrease , and her Military Discipline bettering by exercise , as did also her worth by prosperous success . Who will not then admire these so great and unparellel'd things ? Who can consider them without endeavoring to know the reasons thereof ? Polybius , whilst he recounts some of these wonderful things , terming the people of Rome invincible , adds ( that he may in a manner give the reason thereof ) that these people brought whatsoever enterprise , how hard and difficult soever , after many and various successes , to a good and desired end , because they were modest in prosperous , and constant in adverse fortune . These two excellent vertues are certainly requisite to whosoever propounds true and perpetual Glory for his end , and does aspire thereunto : for the variety of humane affairs does not tolerate that man should arrive at the height of power , and at supreme honors by a streight and short path of continued prosperity ; therefore constancy , or let us rather term it Magnanimity or Fortitude is requisite for him , to the end that he may persevere in the same gallantry and grandeur of spirit , wherewith he did propound any great action to himself , without being weary or quiet till he hath effected it . And modesty is likewise necessary for him , that is to say a temperate affection , so as he may not lose himself in prosperous successes , and being puft up with pride and vain glory , may not think he is come to his journeys end , when he is not gotten half way thither ; which is the cause why many have lost their good fortune , and not reaped the true fruits of many worthy and well begun labors . So as it may be numbred amongst those things which made great Kings amongst them , and which brought them to so great an Eminency of power , and command , that they were endowed with these two excellent Vertues , whereby they knew how to make use of both fortunes . But these may peradventure be but general rules , and not such as may give satisfaction ; for if we will look into the Commonwealth of Greece , we shall find many eminent examples of both these vertues , yet were they not able to carry them half the way so far towards the Goal , whereat the Romans arrived ; therefore are not their actions worthy that high esteem which is deservedly put upon the Roman Affairs . There have likewise been many famous Princes in several ages , who neither wanted generosity of mind , constantly to prosecute noble actions by them begun ; nor modesty and temperance in all other affections , meerly out of a desire of glory ; and yet their enterprises have not alwaies succeeded well , nor have they inlarged their Power and Dominions , as did the Romans . Let us pass on then to other considerations wh●ch shall hereafter be looked upon , how the Romans governed themselves and their counsels in their Militia , what their military orders and institutions were , what state they were at first possest of , which served as it were for a ladder for them whereby to climb up to the height of such greatness and command , and we shall find that these were such amongst the Romans as were not all of them together , or in such excellency in other Principalities and Nations , so as they were with reason to produce such effects as they did . All the Offices of War were admin●stred amongst the Romans by their Citizens ; varying sometimes the condition of the persons , together with the names and authority of those who commanded the Armies ; for they made sometimes use of Noblemen , sometimes of Plebeians . But they still kept amongst their own Romans , all the degrees of the Militia , and afforded occasion to many to exercise themselves therein , so as there was not any witty Citizen , or hopefull Young-man of noble extract , who was far from them . Nay , it is seen , that those who were more given to the study of speculative Learning , when the places , and Governments committed to their charge , did so require , betook themselves , as others did , to the managing of Arms , and to warlike Affairs ; in such sort as even Cicero , wholly given to Philosophie , and the study of Eloquence , when he went Pro-consul into Cilicia , waged War with the Parthians . Hence it was that they never wanted Commanders , and if at any time the Roman Armies suffered any thing by the imprudency or infelicity of one Commander , they knew quickly how to make amends by the worth and fortune of another , as it fell out at all times ; For in that Commonwealth , by reason of her orders , and by her being still imployed in War , the way was alwaies open to many Citizens to imploy themselves in Arms , and in commands of the Armies . Nor was the obedience which is due by Soldiers to their Commanders the less for this . For a Consul , or Dictator had the like authority in the Camp , as the person of an absolute Prince could have had , who commanded his Army personally . Therefore by descending to more particulars , the benefit may be the more easily discerned which redounded to that Commonwealth , by means of these her good orders : For if any disorder did at any time happen ( as usually there doth in any , how well soever ordered Government ) through the fault of any particular Citizen , whereby the Commonwealth suffered prejudice in the administration of War , this might soon be amended , and the prejudice received from the enemy , might quickly be restored by the presence and worth of some other Citizen . Thus it fell out , that when the Roman Armies , whilst the bounds of the Commonwealth were but smal , were overcome by the Sabins , by the Equi , by the Capennati , by the Falisci , and by others of their neighbors , with whom they waged War , they could easily stop the course of that their bad fortune , and shun runing into greater dangers . The rout which was given by the Equi , and Sabins , and which was the greatest given in those times , was known to be occasioned through the distaste which the Army took at Appius the Decemviri and at the injustice , and cruelty which he used towards the Soldiery . Wherefore returning to the former Government of Consuls , Quintius the new Consul had the means given him of recovering the Militia's formerly lost honor and credit ; by giving a great overthrow to those very enemies , who were grown so proud and insolent for their victories had over the Roman Army . Thus likewise , when the Roman Armies were shamefully put to slight another time by the ●qui , ●idenates and Falisci , first through the defeat of Papyrius Mugelanus ; and then by the like of Genutius , and Titinius the military Tribunes , who were mean and unexpert Plebeians , and who without much authority had the care of the Army ; When Quintus Servilius was created Consul , and after him Furius Camillus , they won the most famous victories that the Romans had ever gotten till that time ( which was Three hundred and fifty years after the building of the City ) against the Aequi , and other of their Enemies . But this may be better conceived in greater affairs , when the Commonwealth was much increased . The Roman Armies rec●ived so notable defeats in the War which Pyrrhus made against them , as the whole affairs of the Commonwealth seemed to be in no little danger , having so potent and victorious an Enemy within their bosoms : yet at last not being dismayed for any adverse fortune , but treating freely with their Enemy , rather as vanquishers then vanquished , they reduced their affairs to such a condition , as Pyrrhus thought it his best course to quit Italy , and leave the Romans quiet . It is herein to be considered , that the Romans being so long accustomed to continual Wars with their neighbors the Italians , and particularly with the Samnites a little before this time , against whom the Romans marched with numerous Armies , and had good success winning many famous victories ; insomuch as Val. Corvinus kill'd above thirty thousand Samnites in one day , made much for their withstanding so great an Enemy as Pyrrhus , and for their maintaining themselves against Forein Forces , against the use of Elephants , and other new ways of warfaring , which Italy had not known before ; whence it was that the City of Rome did at this time abound in valiant men , and who were expert in the Militia . So as Cynneas who was sent by Pyrrhus to Rome , told him , that he had seen a City so very full of Inhabitants , as he feared if his Highness should continue his war with the Romans , he should go about to overcome an Hydra : And Pyrrhus himself hath more then once admired the worth of the Roman Commanders . Who doth not even with wonder consider , how many Commanders , and how many Armies the Commonwealth of Rome could set out in the War with the Carthaginians , and especially in that with Hannibal , which did more endanger the affairs of Rome then all the rest ? since it main●ained War in so many several parts at one and the same time , in Italy , Spain , Africa , and Greece . Which they were able to do by reason of the infinite number of men wherewith Italy was then inhabited , who were all well disciplined , by reason of their long exercise in War. We read , that when the Romans made War with Hannibal , they had sometimes , what of their own proper Soldiers , and what of their Associates , who did all neighbor neer upon them , twenty three Legions , which made about an hundred thousand Soldiers , for defence of their Empire . Moreover , whilst the Common-wealth kept her Forces divided in several parts , as she did with wonderful judgment in the Carthaginian war , which was the sorest of all the rest , though she tasted of adverse fortune sometimes in some parts , yet were not all her Forces utterly destroyed ; for that part of their Forces which was yet safe and entire , was able to make good the fortune of the whole Commonwealth . Thus after those notable Routs which the Roman Armies had , the one by the Tygurian Gauls , when the Forces were commanded by Lucius Cassius ; the other by the Cymbrians , when they were led on by Caius Servilius Cepio , in which two Battels the Romans lost above Eighty thousand Soldiers , they were able notwithstanding to recruit themselves , and defend their affairs ; because they had another victorious Army at the same time , commanded by Marius , who had just at that time gloriously ended the War against Iugurth . Thus when the Commonwealth of Rome seemed to be utterly ruined by reason of the two discomfitures given them , the one at Thra●ymenes , the other at Cannae , she was restored again by her prosperoussuccess in War with Spain . Thus when two of her Armies were worsted in Spain , the Common-wealth was preserve in safety by fortunate success of their Wars in Sicily and in Italy . When the Romans were in greater danger then ever , there being at the same time two great Carthaginian Armies in Italy , and two most valiant Generals , Hannibal and Asdrubal ; yet would not the Romans keep all their Warriors in Italy , but did at the same time maintain and reinforce their Armies in Sardi●ia , Sicily , France , and Spain . And though by reason of so many Wars which begot one another , the Commonwealth must needs oftentimes run great hazards , especially since she oft-times exposed her Armies to the doubtful event of Battel ; yet did they thereby receive this of good and safety , that by reason of their continual exercise of Arms , they were the more easily provided of valiant and experienced men , and were the better able to govern themselves in adverse fortune . The Carthaginians , on the contrary , not being able to make use of many good Commanders or Soldiers , ( for they did not make use of their own peculiar Militia , as did the Romans , but did imploy some few of the chief of their City-Factions in commanding their Armies ) could not so easily recruit and reinforce their Armies , when they were weakened by any adverse fortune ; nor had they whereout to pick better or more fortunate Commanders , when any of theirs were faulty . Insomuch as when the Carthaginians were overcome by Scipio in Africa , they were forc'd to recal Hannibal from Italy , suffering the Romans to take breath in those parts where they were most molested ; and Hannibal himself not having means to recruit his Army , which he had brought with him from Africa , and which was wasted and weakened by long march , and adverse fortune , was necessitated to give way to the valor and fortune of the Romans . It made not a little likewise for the Government of the Roman Commonwealth , and for the maintaining of her in her weak beginnings , that the Militia was exercised for many years without any pay to the Soldiers . So as wh●lst their means was yet but small , and yet they must still be in Arms , by reason of their being still infested by many of the neighboring Nations , the want of monies was no cause of not maintaining their Armies , as it hath been the ruine of many Stat●s ; but if they happened to receive a Rout , the Army might be recruited by other chosen and commanded men . But afterwards when the City was much better peopled , and much stronger , so as she was able to make greater undertakings , the publick Exchequer was so enriched , answerable to what became a well-ordered Government , and which aspired to the heighth of Empire , as she was not for this cause so incommodated , as that she must yield under the weight of War , nor yet for any her greatest mifortune . Whereas in some other Commonwealths , as in that of Sparta , the poorness of the Exchequer introduced by Lycurgus his Laws , hindred her from enlarging her Empire ; and when she aspired thereunto , she was forc'd for want of things requisite to flie for help to the Kings of Persia ; so as in lieu of domineering over the rest of the Grecians , she became a servant to Barbarians , because she exceeded those Terms and Rules wherewith her Government was founded and established . After these considerations , some things may be added which proved likewise very advantagious for the securing of the Romans greatness : As the continuation of the Militia , out of a duty imposed upon every Citizen , of spending almost all the best years of his life in the Camp , every one being bound to militate till he had advanced fifteen Pays at least : So he who had fought in one or two Battels , was not permitted to sit down and rest , but continuing in the Militia , by reason of the experience he had gotten , became more useful and advantagious in the Wars . Amongst others , we have a notable example of one L. E. Siccius , who was slain in the Camp in the time of Appius his Decemvirate , after he had followed the Wars for Forty years together : and after having been in above a hundred Battels . It is also a thing of great consideration , that the nerve of the Roman Armies consisted in their Infantry , though they had some Horse to strengthen them ; whence it was , that they were sooner recruited , and reinforced after a rout , for that men are sooner recruited then horses : there being greater store of them : And which the Romans could the better do , because they made use of men of one onely Country for their Soldiers , that is to say , of their own men , and those of their Associates who were at hand and ready to be joyned together , and be imployed in any action ; which doth not fall out so when Armies are to be raised and recruited out of many Nations , and from Far distant places . But it was a great help to the Romans above all other things , for the maintaining of themselves in all events of so many Wars , which they made with so many powerful Kings and Nations , that they were possest of Italy ; a Province , which in those times did more abound in men and arms , then any other Country ; as may be known by many things , but chiefly by this , That the Commonwealth of Rome had labored very long ere she could subjugate Italy , which was not wholly subdued , in all the parts thereof , till after the Commonwealth had extended her Precincts very far : when afterwards by the Forces of the same Italy , she in a few years overcame all other Provinces , and Nations . Therefore the War which was made against the Romans by the neighboring People , the Piceni , Pel●gni , Marusini , Lucani , Marci , and others , which was called Bellum Sociale , because they termed themselves fellow●companions to the People of Rome ; though there were but a smal part of the Italian Forces in it ; yet that Country being excellently well inhabited with warlike men , it was thought to be one of the hardest , and most dangerous Wars , that ever the Common-wealth of Rome made ; nor could it be ended out by allowing those People , the Franchise and Liberty of Roman Citizens , which was as much as to grant them the thing they fought for ; for the obtaining of that , was that for which they fought . And we read , that a muster being made throughout all Italy of all the Soldiers which might be assembled to withstand the danger which was threatned by the Barbarians , when the ●ransalpine Gauls which dwelt about the Rhodosius , were ●●mmoned by the other Gauls , who were already possest of some parts of Lombardy , that they might prepare to assault Italy ; the Muster role of such as were able to bear Arms , amounted to Seven hundred thousand Foot , and Threescore thousand Horse , who were fit to serve upon such an occasion . And yet the greatest part of Lombardy , which was possest by the said Gauls , nor some other of those Provinces which are now comprehended within the Confines of Italy , were not numbered in this Muster-roll . Which is so much the more to be wondred at for that this happened after the Carthaginian War ; to wit , when the Common-wealth of Rome was not yet gotten to that height of Power whereunto she arrived afterwards ; people multiplying through the greatness and felicity of the Empire , and many men having been consumed in that long and sore War. To these things may be added the excellency of Military Discipline , which as it was in great perfection with the Romans , so was it of great advantage to the obtaining of so many Victories , and to the compleating of so many enterprises . For though the Grecian , Macedonian , and Roman Militia were of great esteem at one and the same time , yet that of the Romans did so far exceed the others , as that it was not onely stronger , and more secure , but better fitted then the rest for all places ; and times . Amongst other Orders of the Grecian and of the Macedonian Militia , wherewith the Armies of Alexander the Great did in particular so miraculous things , the Phalanx was much celebrated ; but this , though it were in it self of very great strength , it oft-times proved not so serviceable , if upon any occasion it became to be divided , or disordered : But the Roman Orders were not onely firm and stable , as was the Phalanx , but were more adapted to every place , and every season , and proved very congruous for all warlike actions ; so as to their own great advantage , and to the prejudice of their enemies , making use of their own Soldiers , the Romans performed the Office of whatsoever military Discipline by their own men , fighting in all postures , either in whole bodies altogether , or Squadron to Squadron , or man to man , so as not any man was idle or useless in their Camps , or Battels . For whilst they minded fighting , and not flying , or free-booting , the routs which their Armies did oft-times receive , were not such , but that they did in some places make their party good against their enemy , and keep some part of their Army safe ; which proceeded principally from the exquisite orders of that Militia . Insomuch as Hannibal when he came first into Italy , having after his first conflicts learn'd the excellency of this Militia , made his Soldiers use the Romans Arms ; and Pyrrhus did not onely betake himself to use these Arms , but did mingle many Italian Soldiers , the better to accommodate his Militia to the Roman Ordinances ; saying , that that Discipline of the Barbarians ( a name given by the Grecians to all other Nations ) was not at all barbarous . So when it happened that the Romans receive any rout , as they did in the Battels made against the two aforesaid Commanders Hannibal and Pyrrhus , very experience in other successes made them know that it was not the goodness of any forein military Discipline which bereft the Romans of the Victories which they were wont to bear away , but for that the Romans wanted such excellent Commanders as those two were . Therefore when the worth of the Commanders came to be equal , the goodness and excellencie of the Roman Military Ordinances prevailed before those of those very Armies , which for some other respects had the better of the Romans . But to proceed upon our late consideration , we must say that the Arms used by the Romans were thought very convenient , and better then those of other Nations , as Launces which were usually given to Soldiers of the first Files ; whereby they received much benefit , as well to withstand the first fiercest efforts of the Enemy , as to weary them in cutting those arms in peeces , being to come to closer fight ; and then whole bodies of fresh and well armed Soldiers succeeded in the Roman Armies . For their bodies were covered with their Bucklers , which were very large ones , and the short , but very sharp swords and finely tempered , used by the Romans , were of great advantage to the Soldiers , who might wield them in a long fight , as well to defend themselves from their Enemies blows , as to let flie upon them ; which was not practised in other Militia's of those times ; particularly not amongst the French , with whom the Romans had often and dangerous fights , for they used very little Bucklers , and long heavy swords , very sharp at the point , so as they were easily wrested , and made unuseful . Therefore the routs which the Roman Armies received , were very few in comparison of those they gave their Enemies ; and being but seldom worsted , and often victorious , the state , strength , and reputation of the Empire did still increase ; so as when some adverse fortune happened , it was not sufficient to extinguish , no nor so much as long to weaken the greatness of that Commonwealth . Divers particular good rules observed in the administration of War , were likewise of great moment for the carrying on of the Roman affairs . Amongst which the diligence which was used by publick constitutions in dividing of the prey , may be numbred for one ; for they used to place the prey or booty first in publick , and did then so divide it amongst the Soldiers , as those who were upon the guard shared as well thereof , as those that were forwardest in the action , and who had sackt the Enemy . Whereby occasion was not given for those notable disorders which have been observed to happen in these latter times , wherein upon such an occasion the loss of the whole Army hath ensued . The faith also which was so exactly observed , and the fair proceedings with such Cities as were subject to that Dominion , won the Romans the good affection of the people ; by whose favor Empires are usually more upheld upon any adverse accident , then by any other thing . Of these we read of many notable examples ; it being as far from that good Military Discipline , to bear with the insolency of Soldiers , as it is introduced in these our last Ages to the great prejudice of people , though friends and subjects . For such faults as these were severely punish'd ; the which is observable amongst so many other actions , for what the Romans did to those people , to whom they did not only restore the goods and liberty which had been by the Soldiers wickedly taken away , and so their grievances were redrest , but those were severely punish'd who had committed such things . To this may be added , that the Romans , to the end that the power of the Commonwealth might still prevail , and might upon any occasion be made use of , endeavored as soon as they bent their minds to greater matters , to accompany their Land-forces with Maritime-aids , so as the one might help the other , and the one not only be made more powerful by the other , but more secure , as it fell out , and as it may be observed in many of their actions ; but chiefly when seeing their affairs succeeded but ill with the Carthaginians , who prevailed by reason of their antient Maritime profession , and had likewise great advantage in their Land-Militia by their use of Elephan●s , which the Romans had not as yet well learned how to resist ; they bent themselves wholly to Naval preparations , wherein they did afterwards behave themselves with such valor and prosperity , as they overcame these their so fierce and cruel Enemies in a Naval fight , and raised their fortune . Let us in the next place observe , that the greatness and generosity of the Romans was such , as not content to secure their neer neighboring dangers , and out of a desire of quiet to leave the sparkles of those Wars unquench'd , from whence another fire might soon be kindled , they always endeavored to see the last sparkle quite put out . The Roman Army was overcome , and much endamaged by the Galli Gessati after the death of Consul A●ilius , where their liberty being exposed to much danger upon this so sad accident , the Romans would once more try the fortune of battel , wherein they had good success , and cutting in pieces above Forty thousand of that Nation , they did vindicate their former injuries . Nor yet did they then lay down their Arms , though they were freed from that their greatest danger ; but knowing that there remained yet other powerful Armies of the same Gauls is other parts of Italy , they would continue war against them , and of assailed become assailors ; which afforded them occasion of those Marcellus his notable victories , and of making themselves masters of the chiefest Cities of Lombardy , which were possest by the Gauls . The Commonwealth of Rome was never in greater danger , then when Asdrubal passing over the Alps with a numerous Army , entred Italy , whilst his brother Hannibal was there likewise with another powerful Army . They fought Asdrubal , and to their great joy their Consuls were victorious : which notwithstanding , they forbare not to continue war in Spain , though they were free from their greater and neerer dangers ; but with the Forces they had there , went to find out , and to fight other Enemy-Armies of the Carthaginians which were in that Province ; for they knew if those Armies should remain entire , the War might easily be renewed , and other impediments being removed , Hannibal would be the more easily succored with necessaries which he wanted , and so might still molest the Romans in Italy . Thus not allowing of any Peace , then what might be purchased by either having totally quell'd , or at least very much weakened the Enemy , the Romans never laid down Arms but when they were entire Victors : which other Princes not being able to do , have deferred their ruine for a short time , but have not totally kept it off . Many other things might likewise be thought of , by which it might be evidently proved , that the Romans did always prove victorious at last , and did perpetually increase their State and strength . But what we have already said , may suffice to teach such Princes and Nations as shall aspire to the highest degree of glory , whither it is that they ought to bend their thoughts , and which are the best means to arrive thereat : And when all other necessary accidents shall correspond , those who shall imitate the excellent worth and discipline of the Romans , will not find themselves any whit deceived . The Thirteenth DISCOURSE . Whether the City of Rome could have maintain'd herself longer in the glory and majesty of her Command , if she had preserved her Liberty and Form of Commonwealth , then she did under the Government of Emperors . AFter that Caesar had robb'd his Country of her liberty , and changing the antient form of Government , reduced the Commonwealth of Rome into a Monarchical form , she continued therein in a continued series of many Emperors , safe and entire , or at least without any remarkable alteration or declining , for the space of about four hundred years , till the time of Arcadius and Honorius , wherein Italy underwent many miserable ruines , as did also the very City of Rome , which was the Metropolis of the Empire ; so as she could not resume her antient greatness , as formerly she had done after some adverse events . It appears to be , and truly is a thing worthy of deep discourse and consideration , how this so great and well-founded Empire , after it began to totter , did so soon precipitate into final ruine . If the time of this its duration be measured in respect to the ordinary mutation of humane things , and more particularly of State-Governments , the time of its continuance may appear to have been long enough : but if the greatness and power of the Empire be taken into consideration , which was such as that there was no other Potentate that could weigh against it , or rather no Country which was not in some sort subject thereunto , it may very well invite us , so far as may be probably conjectur'd by so great success , and where so many various accidents concur , and have a share , to conjecture whether the Roman Empire would have been longer or shorter lived , if it had been still governed in the form of a Commonwealth , then it did when it fell into the power of one onely man , under the government of Emperors . Many things may perswade us to beleeve that in whatsoever condition or form of Government , this Empire must have run the same fortune , and walked on with some little variation of time to the same end it did . First the vicissitude of humane affairs , which by reason of their natural imperfections , will not suffer sublunary things to be still in the same state of being , but will have it so , as being carried about in continual motion , they must sometimes be raised higher , fall sometimes lower . Other People , and other Nations , besides the Romans , have flourish'd in other times , though not so much , nor so highly cried up . Other Ages have seen other great Empires , so as the rise of the one hath been the fall of the other ; and it is a great truth , that Lordships and Empires , as do mens lives , nay as befals every thing that is born , in time wax old , and proceeding on by ordinary and natural gradations , have their beginning , increase , time of perfection , declination , and final ruine . Till Honorius his rule , at which time the Empire began palpably to wander from its grandeur and dignity , it had continued for so many years , as the longer duration thereof would have almost exceeded the common condition of other things ; this may well be a general reason ; but one that is so approved of by other reasons , and continual experience , as it may be reputed certain in particulars , though sometimes we ignore the proximate reason . But to proceed to more particular considerations , why should we beleeve that the Roman Empire should have been of longer duration if it had been governed by a Commonwealth , then under Emperors ? Not onely reason , but experience shews , that 〈◊〉 Government of one alone is fittest to keep up supream power in large Dominions ; since all other great Powers and Lordships have been founded and governed by one onely King or Emperor . The City of Rome is the onely example of a Commonwealth which hath purchased large Dominion ; nay , we may therein also observe , that as soon as she grew to be Mistress of many Provinces , that Form of Government behoved to be altered , as not fit to sustain so great a weight . In the very times of the Commonwealth , when any thing was to be agitated or treated of , especially in Wars of great importance and difficulty , they ran to create a Dictator ; because the supreme authority which by vertue of that Magistracie was granted to one man alone , was held requisite for the good administration of the most difficult businesses . The Magistracy of the Dictator did punctally represent the Majestie , and Dignitie which the Roman Emperors did after retain ; Wherefore Caesar , when he made himself the Master of the Commonwealth , made himself be declared perpetuall Dictator ; And the name of Emperor was taken from the very name used by the Roman Commanders , and shewed the Authority which they had of Emperor , which is to command over Armies . And certainly the uniting the power of many in one alone , doth not onely not weaken , but doth much to the strength and power of a Government or State : For it encreaseth obedience , facilitates resolutions , and hastens the execution of weightiest affairs . So as had not the Roman Forces , when military Discipline flourished most amongst them , been with-held oftentimes , as if opprest by internal seditions , sprung from that sort of Government whereof they did so much partake , and which did oft-times retard great enterprises , it may be argued that the City would have sooner gotten to that height of greatness and Empire , which she arrived at , born even even by main force against all these difficulties , by the great worth of her Citizens . Let us observe in the next place , that though the Empire of Rome had changed the Form of Government , and reduced the supreme power into one alone , yet we finde not , that she was bereft of those arms , and helps wherewith she had been preserved whilst she was a Commonwealth ; but did rather encrease them , and did very much establish Forces ; for the Emperors kept alwaies about their persons a great number of Soldiers , for the defence of Imperial Majesty , which were therefore called Pretorian-bands , and Armies in the Garrisons of Provinces , which might defend , and keep them from any commotion which might be raised , either by their own Subjects , or by foreign Nations . Nor were the Emperors themselves wanting in taking order for Arms and all things belonging to War ; nay , not onely those that were held valiant , but even who for all things else were esteemed cowards , and given over to all manner of vice , did either by themselves , or by their Commanders undertake and finish many Wars . So it seems likliest that the Roman Empire might govern her self , and so long preserve her greatness as she did , chiefly for being sustained by the chief Authority , and reverent Majesty of one onely Lord , which was of such force , as it for a long time did overcome that weakness , which otherwise might have befaln the Empire , by the abject baseness of many Emperors ; where on the contrary , whilst it was a Commonwealth , it was divided , rent , weak , and easie to have been opprest , if it had then met with the power of any great , and valiant Nations , which would have supprest it , as did so many Northern People do to the Empire . And if the corruption of antient customs may be judged to have been the readiest and truest occasion of the ruine of this Empire , the Commonwealth was never free from the like , but even as for this very cause , of having faln from her good Principles , that first Government was altered , and the City lost her Liberty , so might she have done , though she still kept the Form of a Commonwealth . Avarice , ambition , immoderate ●ensuality , were the maladies wherewith the City of Rome began to be infected , not when she was governed by Emperors , but whilst she was ruled by her Citizens in Civil Government ; And if it be objected that this did not hinder her from giving the greatest testimony of her valor in War , since in the last Age of the Commonwealth , when these vices and corruptions were rifest among the Citizens , Military Discipline did flourish most , and greatest actions were done : It cannot then be said , that neither the corruption of manners in the times of Emperors , did destroy the Empire , nor that the integrity thereof could have longer preserved the power of the Commonwealth . But so much the less for that the Empire did not fall to ruine ( though it was sufficiently agitated by home-disorders ) in such sort , as that either the Subjects did vindicate their Liberty , or the Commanders of Armies divide the Empire amongst them , as did Alexanders Commanders after his death ; but the roman Commonwealth , though it was oft-times thrust at by such commotions , was still notwithstanding able to subsist , and to raise it self up again when it began to fall . But barbarous and foreign Forces overthrew it at last ; with whom the famous Commanders in the time of the Commonwealth , not having had any occasion to t●y their worth , it cannot be said what would have succeeded upon such an occasion if the Government of the Commonwealth had continued till that time . It is likely , that the disorders and factions increasing much more , whereof so many p●stifero●s seeds had been sowed in all the Orders of the City , the City , and Territo●ies belonging thereunto being to remain the weaker , and the more exposed to the injuries of foreiners , would have been the easilier opprest , if she had been to have withstood the terrible shock of these fierce and wild Northern Nations , which the Emperors Forces did notwithstanding long resist ; insomuch as the Roman Empire maintained it self for the space of two hundred years after it was molested by these sorts of people ; nay , it maintained it self in dignity and majesty for about si●ty years after it was shrewdly shaken , till in the time of the Emperor Leo the First , Rome and Italy being totally abandoned , the name and power of the Western Empire did totally terminate . It may therefore be thought a gallant and well-advised action , that the Emperors did so long temporise , and keep the Arms of these so powerful Nations from the more inward parts of their State , of Italy , and chiefly of Rome herself , like so much venom from their hearts ; with which if they should have tryed the fortune of War ; hazarding one Battel or more , as upon other occasions those antient Roman Commanders had done , they might peradventure have brought the Empire sooner to its ruine , since they had to do with a very warlike people , and whose condition was such , as they must either die , or overcome . And certainly they had done worse , if they had therein trusted and relied upon Fortune , since they could have gotten nothing by the victory when they should have won it , were it not the saving of themselves for the present against those Armies , who might have been succeeded by others of the same Nations , and so the War to have been renewed more hotly and direfully then before , out of a desire to revenge the death of their friends ; whereas the loss of a Battel or two on the Romans side , might have drawn along with it the ruine of a most noble Empire . It was then fortunate for the Common-wealth of Rome , that she met not with these people in such necessity and danger ; for if that had befaln her , which hapned in the time of Emperors , that Fame might peradventure have been obscured which she was happy in , of being glorious and victorious in all Wars ; and the course of her so many prosperous successes might have been interrupted or broken off by this unfortunate end . Yet if we will look on the other side , we may peradventure meet with other no less prevalent reasons which peradventure perswade us to the contrary . Experience shews us how good the Orders were wherewith the Commonwealth was founded , to make great acquisitions : But it is a general rule , That States are preserved by walking in the same ways wherein they were founded ; for every thing is preserved and maintained by alike things , and are corrupted by the contraries . If the Roman Arms , governed by her own Citizens with Civil authority , were sufficient to reduce so many States and Kingdoms under the power of the Commonwealth , what reason have we to believe that they should not still be as able to preserve what they had gotten ; which is more easily done ? The baseness and carelesness of many of those Emperors did doubtlesly open the way to the Empires ruine ; for they oftentimes suffered those Northern people to settle themselves in divers Provinces of the Empire . Alaricus was permitted by Honorius to inhabit with his Goths in France ; and soon after becoming his Colleagues , they likewise obtained some Cities in Spain from him . Valentinianus granted likewise Servis and Bulgaria to other Goths ; and before these , Gallus had bought peace of the Goths ; so as becoming more bold and insolent , they made themselves masters of Thrace , Thessaly , and of Macedonia . Thus the very Emperors themselves having through their pusillanimity suffered mischief to increase at home , and these their fierce Enemies to grow powerful , they could not afterwards drive them out of those places which they had possest themselves of , nor keep them long out of Italy . This would not have been suffered by the generosity of the Roman Commanders and Citizens , who when they were in a much worse condition , would by no means agree with King Pyrrhus , who had assailed Italy , unless he would leave them , and return to his own Kingdom . And that they might draw Hannibal out of Italy , they betook themselves to molest the Carthaginians in Spain and in Africa , after they had for so many years generously withstood their Forces . And whilst that State continued in the form of a Commonwealth , as if Liberty had infused noble and generous thoughts into them , the City of Rome was an example to all the world of all sorts of vertue , chiefly of Magnanim●ty in undertaking great enterprises , and of Fortitude and Constancie in managing them , and in bringing them to a happy end . But when the Commonwealth was ●uin'd , and a new sort of Government brought in , that antient Roman worth went astray by little and little , till at last it was quite lost . So as the ensuing Ages gave as many examples of ignorance and baseness in the very Emperors themselves , and in others who were of greatest degree and authority in that Empire . Hence then it was , that the good and antient Customs being corrupted , both in Civil government , and chiefly in the Militia , the State being reduced to great faintness , and growing old , had not strength enough to govern it self when it met with stout opposition . The Roman Empire was brought to so miserable a condition when it was set upon by the Northern Nations , which wanted all manner of order and military discipline , as well in their Commanders , as in the Soldiers of their own Nations , whereof the Roman Armies had been for a long time full ; insomuch as for above twenty years together , before the Goths pass'd into Italy , they put themselves into the usual pay of some of the Roman Emperors : And when Theodosius the Second , who was to make head in France against a valiant and numerous Army led on by Attila , it was found that the Army which he had then got together retained only the bare name of a Roman Army , being totally composed of Barbarians , Vizigots , Franks , Burgonians , Alani , and others , who notwithstanding bore away the victory for the Roman Emperor . The like hapned in Gratianus his time , who being set upon by Atalaricus King of the Goths , was fain for the defence of Italy to make use of Goths , Huns , and other Soldiers of those Nations . But the antient valor of the Romans was no less lost in their Soldiers then in their Commanders : For so great an Empire was grown to so great a scarcity of valiant men , and such as were fit to command the Armies , which were to withstand the raging violence of these fierce and barbarous Nations ; as Honorius found none to whom he could commit such a charge , but one Stilico , who was himself a Barbarian , a Hun by Nation , and very perfidious ; who moved by his own interest and designs , sought to maintain his authority , and to the end that he might place his Son in the Empire , whilst he commanded over those Forces which were raised to extinguish the Gothish Armies , he did not only not beat them when he might have done it , but sollicited other Northern people to assault divers Provinces of the Empire , and so procured them more Enemies . And Theodosius the Second , having placed all authority and hope of defending the Provinces of the Empire from the fury of Attila , in one Etius , when he had lost that Commander , he had not any one fitting to undergo that charge , but was forced to leave the passage into Italy free unto him . That which is reported of Attila , doth greatly witness the weakness of the Empire , and in what need it stood of valiant and faithfulnes ; that being fore told by his Southsayers , that if he should come to a day of 〈◊〉 with the 〈◊〉 Army in France , he should lose the day , but that his los● would cost the Empirs dear , for they should lose one of their best Commanders , ●e did put so high 〈◊〉 esteem thereupon , as notwithstanding such an 〈◊〉 , he r●fused 〈…〉 battel . The Wars made by the Empire many years before the times of this greatest calamity and ruine , were made against their own Roman Commanders , who commanded over their Armies in several places , and who being in far off Provinces , rebelled against the Emperors , hoping that they might usurp the Empire , to the which every one of them did aspire , since they saw that all ways , even the most indirect , lay open to a succession therein , so as the Discipline and worth was alike in both the Armies , and still the Romans got the victory , that is to say , those who had the greatest Power and Authorety in the Roman Empire . But as soon as occasion was offered of trying the worth of those Soldiers who served the Empire against foreign Forces , and that whatsoever the Roman Empire lost , proved an addition to their cruel and mortal enemies , the weakness thereof was soon seen , and what a loss it had suffered by the total corruption of Discipline , and good antient orders . Which could not have happened , if the Commonwealth had still continued ; for it is not likely that valiant Commanders would be found wanting in that City , where by the vertue of good military Institutions , Soldiers did so much flourish ; since those who had betaken themselves to other imployments , when once they took upon them the Government of Provinces , behaved themselves so in the Militia , as they deserved commendations , for there was a certain spirit of glory in them all , and a desire of propagating the common good , as also an aptness for all things which did befit Roman spirits . But as soon as the Form of Government being changed , the same Romans began to degenerate from their antient worth , and that the chief imployments , nay the Empire it self fell into the hands of foreigners , all things else must likewise suffer alteration ; and in particular , disorders in the Militia , and the licentiousness of the Soldiers grew to be such , as so great an Empire seemed sometimes to be governed by chance : There not being any one therein who took care for the common good , nor for the observance of good Orders , neither at home nor abroad . And the making of the Militia mercinary , was cause of the going less in worth and discipline , as also of treachery ; Insomuch as those very Soldiers , who served the Emperors , favored the Enemy ; as it happened in Theodosius his time , when those who were to guard the Pirentian Mountains , were bribed to let the Vandals and Sweeds pass into Italy , without making any opposition ; which was the occasion of other mischiefs . And the treachery of his Commander Gallus hindred the Emperor Decius from pursuing a famous victory gotten of the Goths , when not being so well flesht as they were afterwards , nor yet so powerful , they might have been the easilier kept back . But in time of the Commonwealth , the Roman Commanders , and Soldiers , fought for their own Grandezza ; the Nobility grew famous and powerful , and the people in whose name , and in that of the Senate all Wars were made , got honor and advantage by those things which by their Arms they added to that Dominion : So as amongst other actions of the Commonwealth , it is not without wonder to be considered , how she could maintain so many and so numerous Armies as she did , meerly out of Roman Soldiers . But when these respects began to fail , and that the Militia grew mercinary , and that the Soldier grew past all measure insolent , by reason of their Commanders leudness , who permitted them to do all manner of foul things , to the end that they might have their assistance in their usurping the Empire : The Roman Empire which had formerly wont to be so formidable to their Enemies , so obedient to their Commanders ; began to behave themselves poorly against their Enemies , and insolently against their Lord and Master , troublesome to their friends whom they were sent to assist , and too unable to defend them against foreign Forces : which things , as they were begotten by the change of Government , so is it most apparent that they were the occasion of bringing the Empire to a sooner and more miserable end . So many , and so heinous disorders could not have risen , if the City had continued in a Form of Common-wealth , or of Civil Government ; for though all the Citizens might not have peradventure proved good and valiant , yet amongst so many there would still have some one been found , of such excellent worth and charity towards his Country , as would have been able , if not totally to cure such disorders , at least so far to have bounded them , as they should not have run into so great a precipice . And though amongst the Emperors , there were some who were endowed with excellent vertues , yet could not the affairs of the Empire revert to its beginning , because there past sometimes a whole Age betwixt one and another of these good ones : And the Empire , for a continued series of many Emperors was administred by base men , plunged in a multitude of vices ; Insomuch as it became almost impossible for those who succeeded to reduce the affairs to any good condition , which had so long run to the worse . Moreover no one mans abilities , though never so excellent , were able to govern so great a body , as was the Roman Empire , much less those of such as were so unfit , even for Governments of less importance , as were many of the Roman Emperors . Whence it was that Adrian , a wise Emperor , thought it fit for the welfare of the Empire , to go in his own person , and consolidate it with his presence , and visit in perpetual progresses , sometimes one , sometimes another Province ; for the good Government whereof , they being so many , and so remote , the example of so many rebellous Commanders and Armies , shewed how false and unworthy the Ministers had been who had been by the Emperors sent thither . But in the Commonwealth there were a great many Citizens who were interessed in the Government and Greatness thereof , so as though some valiant man went to the Wars , the City remained not without Government or Obedience ; nor did the appointing a Commander in chief over one Army , bereave them of others who might command more Armies , if they had need to wage War at one and the same time in several places , whereof the Commonwealth of Rome did in all Ages give notable examples . Nor can it be affirmed , but that the Commanders , and Armies of the Common-wealth have made War with people as powerful in Arms , as were those Northern Nations , whose fury the Roman Empire could not resist . For , not to mention so many bitter Wars made by those antient Romans , the enterprises done by Iulius Caesar in France , were they not undertaken against people , in whom all the respects met which were considerable in those Northern Nations ? very numerous Armies ; for we read , that one onely Army , amongst many sundry people whereinto France was then divided , which was venquish'd and wholly overcome by Caesar , consisted of above Three hundred thousand ●ighting men . 〈…〉 went over the Mountains to encounter them ; so as those Barbarians began to be routed , and met with a rub to their greatest Forces : And afterwards those who had advanced by another way , being gotten safe into Italy , they sent to desire Marius the General of the Roman Armies , that he would assign them some Territories where they might live quietly , and they would therewithall rest contented , without endeavoring to advance their Fortune any further by their Arms. But they did not then obtain it of the Roman General , as did the Goths and other Foreiners afterwards from some of the Emperors , who not trusting in themselves , nor in their Armies , permitted those Barbarous hostile Nations to live peacefully in those Provinces of the Empire , whereof they had injuriously possessed themselves . Nay , though there were not above Fifty thousand Foot in the Roman Army , and that they were to fight with six times as many of the Enemy , the Roman Commanders did not refuse to join battel with them , and did totally overthrow the Enemies Army , thereby securing Italy for that time , and for many years after , from Transalpine incursions . But 't is seen , that neither the number of the Enemy , nor the desperate-mindedness of them with whom they fought , nor the discipline nor induration in Armies and military duties , ( all which things were in these barbarous Armies overcome by the Romans ) were sufficient to discourage the Roman Commanders and Soldiers , whilst the Commonwealth did nourish generous thoughts in them , and in their Forces . And in Augustus his time also , because Discipline in War was observed , Drusus and Tiberius Nero were able to drive away the Vandals , who were then called Borgondi , and to frighten other People of the furthermost Northern parts from coming to infest Italy , as they were preparing to do . No good argument can then be inforced from what hath been said , nor can there be any rational judgment given of what would have befaln the Roman Empire , if it had still been kept under the antient government of a Commonwealth , till the great combustions made by these Northern people , by whom it was destroyed . Certainly the acquisition , or preservation of States , does not depend upon the Form of Government , whether it be of one alone , or of a few , or of many ; for we have examples cleer enough of great Empires which have been won , and preserved by a King , by the Optimati , by a People , and by a Commonwealth mixt of divers sorts of Governments . But the strength or weakness of every State depends upon particular Orders , chiefly in point of the Militia , wherewith it is instituted , and the force and vertue whereof useth to be such , as even Tyrannical Governments , which carry with them so much of violence , ●●ve risen to a great height of power , and have preserved it long , as by woful example to others we may this day discern in the Ottoman Government . As then the City of Rome grew great and powerful , not for being either formed of an Optima●ical , or Popular , or mixt Government , but for her good Orders and Institutions in military affairs ; whence it was , that when at any time the Romans had ●●d success in their battels , yet all their enterprises did still end in victory : So cannot it be alleged for a true and immediate reason of the ruine of that Empire , that is fell under the government and obedience of one alone . For this Supreme Authority , were it either by succession , or by election , if ( as it hath been for a long course of time in so many other Countries ) it had p●ssed in a setled and usual manner from one Prince to another , whereby the Soldier should have had no occasion to have usurped a very ●●due and harmful licentiousness in all things , and that the antient discipline , obedience , and military worth had been observed in the Roman 〈◊〉 , a● it might have been , under one only Lord and Master , it may be safely said and believed , that that the Roman Empire would have suffered no more by the fury of those Northern ●●undations , than it would have done if the State had continued 〈◊〉 a Commonwealth ; but as the Ci●●bri , 〈◊〉 , Ambr●●● , all of them people of the same Nations , were formerly withstood by the Roman Arms , so the violence of Goths , Huns , V●ndals , and all such like might have been stopped . It is only so far true , that the change of Government afforded occasion to the ruine of the Empire , forasmuch as the good orders and Roman discipline were peradventure easilier corrupted , when recommended to the care and diligence of one only Prince , who was oft-times unfit for Government , then it would have done , had it been guarded by many Citizens at once , as it was in the Commonwealths time . But it is very hard to penetrate into the true causes of so great events , and so remote from our memory , which are reserved to the deeper judgment of him who is the true and Supreme LORD , and who governs and doth dispense States and Empires by ways and ends , which are unknown to humane reason . The Fourteenth DISCOURSE . Why the Grecians did not much extend the Confines of their Dominion , as did the Romans ; and how Greece came to lose her Liberty . OF all other antient People , there are two that have been greatly famous ; so as their names , and the glory of things by them done , hath been conveyed over to the memory of Posterity with large acclamations ; to wit , the Romans and Grecians ; alike for notable examples of all worth and vertue , but sufficiently unlike for the greatness and duration of Empire . For whereas the Grecians did not extend their Confines beyond the bounds of Greece herself , nor did she long flourish in the same splendor of dignity , nor greatness of fame and dominion ; the Romans did command over almost the whole World , and their Empire , although the Form of Government was changed , endured for many Ages ; for there past above eleven hundred years between the building of Rome , and the time wherein she was taken and sackt by the Goths . They then who shall consider these things , may with reason desire to know why these two Nations did differ so much in fortune , since they were equally worthy . It was not in any one City alone , that choise men for both all civil and military worth did flourish in Greece , as in Italy they did in Rome ; but many Cities did at the same time produce Citizens excellent in all manner of things . It would be a tedious thing to number vp the gallant Actions of Miltiades , Themistocles , Aristides , Phocion , Alcibiades , Age●ilans , Cimon , Leonida , Epaminondas , and of so many others whose ●●me rings loud amongst us : And Plutarch , when he writes the lives of the most excellent Romans , finds as many Grecians almost to parallel to them , who are as highly cry'd up for the same vertues . Yet did never any of their Cities , nor Gre●●e herself the Country common to them all , ever rise by any of their actions to that high pitch of Fortune and Command , as did the City of Rome , and whole Italy , by the illustrious deeds of the R●mans . This diversity of success ought not to be attributed to Fortune , but their certain and natural causes . If Greec● should have enlarged the 〈◊〉 of her Empire into the farthest distant Regions , as did Italy through the power and gallantry of the 〈◊〉 she must either have been reduced under the power of one only 〈◊〉 or they must all of them have been joined in an uniform 〈…〉 designs : But so many difficulties discover themselves in both the●e things , when they are considered the wonder ceaseth , why she could not encrease her Dominions , answerable to the Fame , Vertue , and Glory of things done by that Nation . Greece was divided into many several people , who were all of them totally , or for the most part governed by proper Laws , and Civill Institutions in the Form of a Commonwealth , though they were of divers States . And though they had a general Councel , which was called the A●phictyo●●s , wherein men met , who were sent from all the chief Cities , to treat of the most important affairs , and such as did concern the common interests of all Greece , yet did not this Councel give one onely and certain Government to all Greece ; but it was such an Assembly as are the Diets which are in these times sometimes call'd in Germany upon some particular Occurrences ; wherein many Princes , and free Cities of that Province meet , which do much differ in State , Dignity , and Form of Government , and who have free votes in counselling and in resolving upon such matters as are therein treated . But amongst other people of Greece , the Spartans and the Athenians , antient people of Greece , and who for a long time , had by their worth purchast much authority , were very numerous and eminent when Greece did flourish most , both for publick power , and for the admirable worth of particular Citizens . For though the Corinthians , the Argives , the Achaeans , and some other people , were of greater consideration , in respect of other lesser Cities , yet they for the most part did rather follow the fortune of the Lacedemonians , and the Athenians , then their own . And the Thebans , who for a while were in better esteem then the rest , by reason of their Soldiers Discipline , whom they called by a particular name , of the Sacred Cohort , yet because of all her Citizens , onely two arrived at any celebrated honor , to wit Pelopides and Epaminondas , and for that her Militia consisted but of Five hundred men , their City never arrived at that degree of Dominion and Glory , as did Sparta and Athens . But as much as these were greater then the others , so much did they the more emulate one another , both for private worth and glory , as for publick Dignity and Reputation . To these did the other people of Greece adhere , some being by them commanded , others by vertue of particular considerations . These two Cities were highly esteemed for the orders of the first Founders of such Commonwealths , to with Lycurgus in Sparta , and in Athens , Theseus ; so as these people who did long before inhabit the same Country , began to take name , and authority over the rest : Those who did inhabit the Terra firma , held for the most part with the Spartans ; and those of the Islands with the Athenians . But yet every City was free , and hugely intent not to let the power either of the Spartans or Athenians encrease too much , but to keep the strength of these two chief Cities so equally ballanced , as when the one of them should go about to oppress the other people of Greece , the oppressed might have recourse to the other . It is therefore to be observed in all the actions of the Grecians , that the rest of the people were never firm in their friendships , either to the Spartans alone , or alone to the Athenians ; but when the one of them began to exceed the other , they sided with the weakest ; not valuing any tie of friendship or confederacy , when they met with any such respect : So as for a long time the affairs of Sparta , and of Athens marcht hand in hand , though each of them both gave and received many routs , and partook both of good and bad fortune in War. Sparta was strongest by land , and Athens by Sea ; so as they did counterpoise one another ; and therefore , and for that ( as it hath been said ) they had each of them many dependants , and confederates , they kept the forces of whole Greece divided , nor was there means afforded to either of them , much to exceed the other . Wherefore neither of them could busie themselves in far off affairs , nor against strangers , because they were still at contestation between themselves . And if at any time they went about to do it , they were either hindred or diverted , as were the Athenians , when they past with their Fleet above Sicily under pretence to assist the Leontinians , but in effect , to get the Island to themselves ; aspiring , by advice of Alcibiades ( who had higher conceptions , then any former Greciah had had ) to pass over into Africa against the Carthaginians ; the Spartans having discovered the design , and not being able to endure , that the Athenians should to their prejudice , grow more powerful , resisted their Forces , and succor'd Messina , when the City was ready to be lost , and also assailed the Athenians in their own Territories , to divert them from that enterprise . The same thing , for the same occasion fell out , when the Athenians passing with their Fleet into Egypt , had induced the Egyptians to rebel against the Persians ; and very powerful Forces were already brought by Sea from Greece to Cyprus , to assault the King of Persia's Territories ; But the Lacedemonians growing jealous of their greatness , frustrated that design , opposing them so many waies , and by so many Forces , as if the business had been not to have abased , but to have exalted the power of the Persians , the common , and continual enemies of Greece . But these things were done by the Spartans , as they gave out , onely to curb the immoderate ambition of the Athenians , and to maintain , and defend the liberty of whole Greece ; upon which pretence they undertook , and for many years maintained that famous War , of the people of Morca , which did much molest whole Greece , and kept their Forces very low . Therefore in the time when these two greater and more famous Commonwealths did flourish , they made use of their Forces more against themselves then against foreiners ; and in domestick War , which was the cause why Greece grew weaker , not more powerful : For whatsoever of prejudice befel either of the parties , was prejudicial to Greece her self , and the fame and glory of their victories was blemish'd and lessened by the loss of those Grecians that were overcome . Therefore she never became formidable to other Nations , as did Italy , where when the fame and worth of the Romans began to prevail , and the other neighboring Potentates were extinguished , her force and power being all of a peece , the Roman Arms were dreadful to all people , nay they were all finally overcome by them . But Greece never having been able to reduce her self to a condition , that all her forces should be under the power of one onely Potentate , and that War was administred under the Auspice of one onely Commonwealth , she was of necessity to be alwaies too weak and impotent to inlarge her Confines much . So as that which made the Grecians be much esteemed , to wit , her having so many Commonwealths , did much diminish the glory and dignity of Empire , to which otherwise her many signal vertues might have carried her , if her Forces had been in the power of one onely or Prince , or Commonwealth ; or at least if there had been a greater union , and better intelligence amongst the so many Commonwealths that were in her . But too great a desire of Liberty , which made it harder for one People to be obedient to another People , was directly that which made them injoy it the lesser while . For being weak , and divided amongst themselves , the way lay open to any who who would assault , and oppress them . But the better the Grecians were accommodated with all vertue and discipline , which made them esteem all others besides themselves barbarous , so much the more were they born away with too much vivacity of spirit , to such an el●tion of mind , as none of them could indure to see themselves equall'd either in publick , or in private by mother , nor any City to his , nor any of his Citizens to himself . So as every more valiant man , and every more generous action grew suspici●●● to others and were more envied , and disturb'd then the rest , all their ambition 〈…〉 upon themselves . It is reported that Pausanias , who was 〈…〉 against the Persians , did in token thereof present the Temple of Apollo in Delphos with that famous golden Trevet ; whereat the rest of the Grecians being greatly scandalized , made Pausanias his name be raced out , and placed in stead thereof the names of all the Confederate Cities , whose People were present at that Victory . And 't is said of Alcibiades , that full of vexation , he had wont to say , that he could not sleep for thinking of the Triumphs of Miltiades . But there are a thousand examples of such like things , which shews how fervently they did contend one with another in point of glory . Themistocles and Aristides were profess'd Enemies ; so were Alcibiades and ●icias , and many others of the most famous and valiantest Citizens of Athens : Where there was such contention amongst themselves , and so great care was had that no one man should exceed another very much , notwithstanding any action which might make him more glorious and potent , as Ostracism was ordained , which was , the banishment of such Citizens for ten years , who were very remarkable either for excellency of parts , or prosperous fortune , more then were the rest ; by which means they lost their best Citizens , nay sometime made them bocome their Enemies , as was seen in Alcibiades , Themistocles , Pericles , and some others , who were born for the aggrandising of that Commonwealth , and yet through the corruption of the Orders thereof proved prejudicial to it . Whereupon Xerxes , who favored , and gave entertainment to such men , had wont to say , that he prayed God that his Enemies might still banish such Citizens . The divers Forms of Government made likewise much against the union of the people of Greece . Some of their Cities were much for Democracie , as Athens ; and some others lean'd more to Aristocracie , as Sparta . Such d●versity of Governments produced diversity of Customs and cogitations ; so as they could hardly be all of them pleased with one and the same thing , every one measuring their actions with peculiar respects divided from the rest . So as when in the time of Lysander King of the Spartans , the City of Athens was taken , to the end that they might master it the better , they changed the Form of Government , reducing it from a Popular condition , the form of its former Government , under the authority of a few , as that which did more resemble the Spartan Government . And in the following times , when the Spartans ran the same fortune with all the other Grecians , and was compell'd to obey the King of Macedon , it was requisite to alter the Laws and Institutions of that City , which were at first ordained by Lycurgus . These things did beget and maintain so great a disunion in Greece , as she could not only not unite her Forces together to carry them against other Nations , but hardly could she defend herself with them : As was seen , when being mightily endangered by an Army of the Persians , which came with a great power to assault her , the War was diversly administred , they not agreeing what City should nominate the Commander in chief ; the Spartans would have reduced the defence to narrow passages by Land , and the Athenians would have put the whole fortune of Greece in their Fleet ; the situations of their Cities , and the condition of their Forces , would not permit that one and the same thing should be equally useful and commodious for them all . Nor was the eminent danger of the Persians so potent Army able to unite the Forces of all Greece , but that some of the chief People , as the Thessalians , Argives , and Thebans would be exempted from out the League ; and the Argives being requested to adhere to the Confederacie of so many other Cities , answered , that they would rather obey the Persians , then give way unto their antient Rivals and Enemies , the Spartans . Finally , the Grecians having obtained a great and unexpected Victory in the Sea-fight at Salamine , when they were to have pursued their Fortune , after having beaten the ●leet , and made the Enemy retire , they of themselves gave over all further hopes , and came home to their own Havens ; for that the Spartans envied the glory of the Athenians , and fearing by reason of their being stronger at Sea , that if they should have proceeded on in their success , they would not have spared their own Grecians , but have domineered over them ; and soon after being more moved by envy , and their antient home-contentions , then by any hatred to the Enemy , when they should have driven the remainder of the Persian Army out of Greece , the associate Cities fel upon the Thebans , because severing themselves in these common dangers from the Grecians , they had recourse for friendship to the Persians . So as Greece reaped no good by this prosperous success , because the Grecians knew not how to value it , nor knew they how to use the Victory when they had got it . Mardonius was overthrown at the Battel of Platea , together with his whole Army , which after Xerxes his flight he commanded in chief : But what advantage got the Grecians by so great a victory , save their dividing of the prey ? which made them return all of them the sooner to their own houses . Nay , there arose greater and more cruel civil wars between them afterwards , then had ever been before ; and the business grew to that height , as the Spartans who had always profess'd themselves more bitter Enemies to the Barbarians then all the rest , joined in league with them , and conspired with Tissaphernes , who was Governor of Libia for King Darius , to ruine Greece . Truces made between them were also often broken ; and out of too great proneness to adhibit faith to the suspitions which they had one of another , the publick faith was broken ; no tye being strong enough to keep those minds fast together , which were so divided by perpetual emulation . But of all the rest , two things are very considerable as touching this present Discourse , and the Judgment which is to be given thereupon ; to wit , of what strength the Grecians were in military affairs , and with what Princes they had to do , in the time when Greece did flourish most , and had most reason to aspire to enlarge her Empire . Certainly he who shall well consider it , will find that warlike Discipline was neither so highly esteemed of , nor of that excellencie and perfection amongst the Grecians , as it was amongst the Romans ; for the Romans valued nothing more then military valor and discipline ; nay , for a long time they studied no Sciences nor Liberal Arts , ( wherein those who took any delight , made use of Grecians ) but did wholly give their minds to military exercises , and sought for praise from nothing but from War. Whence it was , that more Soldiers excellently well train'd up in millitary affairs , were to be drawn out of the City of Rome , then out of other whole Provinces , whereas the Grecians did not give their minds to the study of War , but to Learning , and to the Liberal Sciences , which flourish'd a long time amongst them , as either born with them , or very well cultivated by them . There were as many of them that frequented Universities to become Philosophers , as of those who studied the Soldiers craft . How many Professors were there amongst them of Oratory and Poetry , wherein they proved so excellent , as all that ever desired to prove good therein since , have observed their rules , and trodden in their steps . How many rare Artificers have there likewise been of Grecians in all the most noble Arts , particularly in Sculpture and Picture-drawing ? The original , or at least the perfection whereof , knows no other beginning then from Greece : In the memory of all Ages , the names of Phidias , Polycl●●us , Alcamenes , Agl●●●hon , 〈◊〉 , Parrhasius Zeuxis , Apelles , and of so many others are celebrated . Wherefore Greece was more famous for the excellencie of Learning , and of the Liberal Arts , then for skill in the Militia . Yet was the City of Sparta better then the rest at millitary affairs ; and Athens was sufficiently famous for her Fleets by Sea , and her skill in maritime affairs : yet the Spartan Militia was bounded within 〈…〉 ere the Athenians did much mind their 〈…〉 mistocles his time . And certainly , 〈…〉 ordered for the acquirement of Empire : For Sparta , 〈…〉 tended to Arms , yet did they aim more at their own defence , and at the pres●rvation of Libertie , then at the acquisition of Empire ; not onely private Citizens , but even the publick weal being constituted in great poverty , and restrained to a small number of Citizens ; they were forbidden all commerce with foreiners , least they might corrupt the Laws and Customs of their Country , their lives were austeer , and they were contented with a little ; Whence . it was that those Citizens were a long time from desiring any further greatness , it being therefore propounded to Cleamenus King of Sparta , by one Anaxagoras of Miletum , who had caused many of the Cities of Ionia to rebel against the King or Persia ; to make use of that occasion , and take up arms ; shewing him that he might penerate even to the Cities of Susa , and possess himself of the wealth of all those Kings ; The Spartan laught at the proposition , and considering onely the length of the voyage , said , He would none of those riches , which were not worth so much labour . Yet because the Government of Sparta preserved it self for a long time without any great alteration or change , and grew therefore the stronger , it was able to get the Dominion of whole Morea , and had afterwards the prime place for dignitie , and Empire amongst the Grecians . On the contrary , Athens , which by the opportunitie of the Sea , and by divers of her institutions aiming at the increasing of the City , seemed as if she onght to have inlarged her Dominion beyond the Confines of Greece , could not make good use of her Forces , nor reap the fruit which became the worth of some of her most excellent Citizens , who were highly spirited , and were minded to raise their Country to further greatness , because she could never order her self so as to preserve herself long in one and the same Form of Government , but was busied in perpetual Civil disorders , precipitating herself sometimes into a corrupt Popular State , sometimes into the tyrannie of a few . But the Grecians seemed as if all their thoughts were usually bounded within themselves ; insomuch as it is said of some of their most famous Commanders , That they did more willingly exercise themselves in Wars made amongst the Grecians themselves , then in Wars against the Barbarians ; since come what would , the advantage and honor of the Victory did remain in Greece . But as for what belongs to the Militia , some may peradventure think , that it may be proved by some famous Victories that the Grecians won from the Medes and Persians , that they did much study Military Affairs , and were very good at Military Discipline , insomuch as for that part , there was no more to be wished for in them . To this it may be answered , That it is not to be denied , but that the Grecian Militia might be thought to be good and laudable when compared to that of the Barbarians , withwhom they had most to do ; But that it is no waies to be held comparable to that of the Romans , who did excellently well understand whatsoever belonged to the true Militia , better then did any other Nation in any whatsoever time . Insomuch as by reason of their good orders , and of the so many Victories which they wan , they propounded unto themselves the conquest of the whole world ; which out of the same reasons they effected . But it is observable in the Victories which the Grecians got against the King of Persia's Forces , that they were occasioned , not so much through the good ordering of their Militia , as by reason of a certain obstinate resolution which they had put on , to defend Greece from the eminent slavery of the the Barbarians , the fear whereof made them bold to encounter whatsoever danger . Many of their actions prove this , as amongst others , that of Leonid as was sufficiently famous , who being left with onely . Five hundred of his Lacodimonians to guard the Strieght of Thermopla , fell boldly with them one night into the Persian Camp , where were sundry Hundred thousands of men , not being perswaded thereunto out of any hopes of victory of safety , but onely out of a desire to revenge the injuries done by Xerxes to Greece , by the slaying of so many enemies , and by his own voluntary death . Who knows not that in the Naval fight at Salamina , it was necessity that made the Grecians so couragious ? Since the Athenians , who were of greatest power in that Fleet , were already without any Country , their City being burnt by the Enemy ; so that their ultimate hope of any good consisted in that daies good success . And to make the necesfity the greater , Themistocles , who was their Commander in chief , chose wisely to joyn Battel in a place which was far from any friends Territories , thereby to bereave every one of any other hopes of safety but by being victorious . And the great multitude of the Persians Fleet , served rather for confusion to them then for any strength , for of above a thousand Vessels which were therein , it is said that hardly Two hundred entred the Battel . And the Victory which was obtained not long after by land against the Army led on by Mardonius , was rendred the less difficult by the reputation which the Grecians had won by their Naval Victory , and by King Xerxes his running away , whose Soldiers proved no more couragious then did their Master , for whose glory it was that they were to fight ; whereas the Grecians fought for themselves , for the safety of their Country , their Houses , and of all that they had . But to boot with all this , it may peradventure not without truth be affirmed , That the actions of the Grecians have been transferred over to the memory of posterity , for greater then what indeed they were . For Greece had great store of excellent Writers , who according to the custom of the Nation , amplifying such deeds as might purchase glory to them , have studied very much to set them forth to the best , and to make them appear praise-worthy . Wherefore Salust in the beginning of his History , rendring as it were a reason why he took the pains to write , saies , That the Actions of the Romans may appear to be the less , out of the little care they had of putting them into writing , every one being more intent to do praise-worthy actions , then to celebrate the actions of other men ; whereas the Grecians actions were made to appear , not what they really were , but such as the most excellent wits of good Writers could by their adornments set them stately forth . Moreover there met many things in the Romans , much differing from what hath been said of the Greeks ; for their whole study was to make their City powerful by any whatsoever way , that they might , as they did , draw upo● any occasion great store of Soldiers from thence . This was the original of the sanctuarie , wherein wicked men driven out of other Countries were received , and afterwards People of many of the neighboring Cities , were allowed the priviledges of the City of Rome , the more to interess them in what belonged to the honor and greatness of Rome , as to that of their Common-countrie , yet was not the War administred under divers names or auspices , as it was in Greece , by reason of the several Leagues had between several People , but by the sole authoritie of the Roman Commanders ▪ and still in sole respect to what made onely good for the Common-wealth of Rome . Now if we will co●sider with what forein Potentates the Grecians had to make War , we shall find that this also made it the harder for them to acquire other mens Countries , for just when the Grecians , by reason of their having many gallant men amongst them , might have aspired at the aggrandizing of their Empire , the Persian Monarchie was grown so powerful as it ruled over all the East ; And was not onely got near to Gr●●a , by the possession of Lydia , but did also possess Ionia , an antient Colony of the Grecians ▪ So as it was a very great and difficult undertaking , to go about to possess the Territories of so great a Prince , who though he should receive a rout might easily recover his loss , and put himself in a safe posture of defence , by reason of the largeness of his Dominion , and the multitude of Soldiers that were at his command . So as join this outward impediment to the inward , which lay in their home discords , and we shall see that the Routs which the Grecians gave to the Persians , did no further incommodate the Persians , then the loss of those Armies ; nor did the Grecians receive any further benefit thereby , then the defending of themselves , and their safety for no long time from further dangers . But the Kingdom of Macedon , though of much less strength for extent of Empire , became very formidable by reason of its good Discipline in War , and for the great worth of some of her Kings , amongst which Philip the Father of Alexander , who as he proved a great Prince , and of deep designs , so was he very pernicious to Greece : For divers People of Greece having recourse to him for help against some other Grecians that were their Enemies , they were willingly received , and their request graciously listned unto , that so he might nourish their discords , and weaken all their Forces by continual Wars ; by which means he made himself Arbitrator of all Greece ; insomuch as there were not any of them who did not sometimes apply themselves unto him , either for Peace to themselves , or for help by War against others . Wherefore Philip discovering his intentions at last , that he was resolved to rule over all Greece , he entred thereinto with powerful Forces , and was no less grievous to those who first called him in , then to the rest against whom he declared his coming to be . So Thebes , which was the first City which made use of his Forces , and did it oftner then all the rest , was one of the first ( though with prejudice to all the rest ) that tasted the bitter fruits of her unadvised Councels , being ruin'd and destroyed by the same Philip ; who being much allured by the taking of that City , and by hopes of greater matters , resolved to make himself Master of other Cities of Greece : To which design whereas all Greece ought to have opposed themselves for the common interest , they went about , though by several and divided councels , to join themselves with him , and to place their own safety in his friendship and fidelity . Thus did all Beotia , Thessaly , and other Regions adhere unto him ; and the Athenians , who , encouraged by Demosthenes , took up Arms themselves , and endeavored to raise whole Greece against Philip , being but in weak condition after the so many defeats received from the Lacedemonians , they also had recourse to him for safety by the way of favor and peace , not only for themselves , but for all Greece . So as the Spartans being left almost alone to oppose Philips Forces , they proved much too weak to withstand such a power ; so as Greece being opprest by Forein forces , fell at last into the hands of the Macedonians . And when there was a likelihood , by the death of Philip , who had not as yet well confirm'd his government over them , that the Grecians might have shaken off their yoke of servitude , Alexander succeeded in the Kingdom , so valiant a Prince , as he was a terror not only to his neighbors , but to all the East ; who by his supreme greatness , and excellent worth , made all his Soldiers so inamor'd of him , as some of the Grecian Commanders , who had followed him in the Wars in Persia , stuck not to affirm , that there was not any one in Greece , who ought not to desire as the greatest happiness that could befall them , that Alexander might sit in the Throne , as King of Persia. But after Alexanders unexpected death , Greece seemed to have a better opportunity offered her to remit herself into her former liberty , being just at that time in Arms ; for the Athenians with many other people were rebell'd against Alexander , and had an Army on foot of Thirty thousand men , besides a numerous Fleet , discontented because he would have received into their Country a great many of Citizens , who had been banish'd for diversity of Factions . And moreover , the divisions of Empire made by Alexander among so many of his Commanders , and the contentions which suddenly arose amongst them , were things which gave Greece great opportunities of not being any more subject to be commanded by a Foreiner . Yet could she not lay hold thereon , either because their former valor and generosity began to fail in them , and their antient Customs to be corrupted , ( for many who had received favors from Philip and from Alexander , loved better to be governed by one man alone , then to restore their Country to her liberty ; and chiefly for that the People having for the most part had great authority in those days , the best and most valiant Citizens were rewarded with banishment and other injuries for their service : ) Or else it may rather be said , that the same reason of Civil discord which had at first made Greece weak , and not able to maintain herself in a free condition , did concur at this time likewise to make her relapse into slavery . Thus the Achaeans , and the Argives , who together with the Athenians had taken up Arms against the Macedonians , either out of fear of Antipaters Forces ( to whose share in the division of the Empire after Alexanders death , Macedonia and Greece fell , of which Provinces he was formerly Governor ) or else egg'd on by envy , they soon forewent the League which they had contracted , lest the City of Athens might have returned to her former greatness , and so suffered the Athenians to be made a prey of by the Macedonians . And the Spartans , out of their same antient respects , standing idle Spectators of other mens miseries , and not thinking that the same afflictions might befall them , minded more to secure their own City with new Fortifications , then to oppose themselves , as they ought to have done , to these Forces of the Enemy , and not have suffered them to increase by the Forces of Greece herself , and by those whom they had subjugated . After this , Greece enjoyed peace and quiet ; some of them enduring patiently the Macedonian government , and others not fearing ( as they ought to have don . ) the like mischief , because it was not as yet come home unto them . So when by the various accidents which befell the Macedonians in their own Kingdom , Greece might have kept them low , or at least have kept them from further domineering , permitting Cassander , Antigonus , and Demetrius to live peaceably and quietly for all them , and sometimes too much believing their flat●eries , and allured by a certain appearing Liberty wherewith those Princes thought good to keep the Grecians in obedience to them , they knew not how to make use of any of so many occasions , till at last in Philips time ( that Philip with whom the Romans had Wars so long , who proved so gallant a Prince , and possest himself of Macedonia together with other Provinces ) she returned to her antient revolts . And as Philip the Father of Alexander made himself Lord thereof , by the same means whereby he had got entrance thereinto ; for King Philip entred Greece , being call'd in by the Argives and Achaeans , who were made War upon by the AEtolians , with whom many of the Cities of Greece were so ill satisfied , as to shun being governed by them , they voluntarily put themselves into the power of King Philip ; who hae the way at last opened unto him ( to the end that no part of Greece might be safe from the Macedonian Forces ) to fall upon Sparta , with which City Philip was before upon good terms and in peace : For the Lacedemonians not being able to endure that the Achaeans , by Philips favor , should grow too great in Morea , the Principality whereof they had for a long time held , breaking their former agreement and confederacie made with Philip , were joined with the AEtolians , assisting them against the Achaeans , who were Friends and Confederates of the same ●hilip . And after many revolutions , the business came at last to that pass , as the Grecians being too late aware that they had suffered the authority of the Macedonians to grow too great over them , by which some of them had been formerly tyrannically dealt withall , and others apprehending the like imminent danger , not able to endure these yet greater mischiefs , they fled to the Romans , craving help and succor from them against Philip ; as did the City of Athens chiefly , as having suffered greatest injuries , and being wont to be the head of the greatest , and most important innovations in Greece . Nor was it hard for them to obtain it ; for the Romans , making profession , that they had made it their business that there should be no unjust power upon the earth , but that Reason , Justice , and Law should rule every where , did willingly imbrace the protection , and defence of the weakest , whom they found to be opprest by the more powerful : which thing under pretence of defending others , and of a noble peece of generosity , made the way to divers acquisitions the easier to them ; covering by these means their ambition of Government . But the Romans were very cunning herein , who in all their actions shewed as if they desired nothing but glory , by which they did miraculously win the hearts of all Greece : For in the Expedition which they made against Philip , their Armies having , at the instance of the Grecians themselves past over the Sea , run many hazzards , and endured much hardships ; when they had conquered Philip , and drove him out of Greece , they restored all those Cities which had been formerly under his Dominion , to their Liberty ; suffering them to live under their own Laws , but yet so , as made advantagiously for them , placing some of their own Roman Soldiers in some of the bordering Towns ; alleadging that they did this for the good of Greece , that being freed from the slavery of Philip , they might not fall into the like of Antigonus , a powerful King at that time in Asia , who might be the better kept out of Europe , for fear of not offending the Roman greatness , then for fear of the weak forces of Greece , which were already very low . But the truth was , that these places opportunely held by the Romans , served to secure them of the Grecians fidelitie , if at any time forgetting their obligation , and desirous of novelty , as they had alwaies appeared to be , they should have a mind , with prejudice to the Roman affairs , to joyn with any other stranger Prince ; for they desired that they might depend on the Authority of the Commonwealth of Rome . So as that Greece which had so many valiant Soldiers and Commanders , and was so famous amongst other Nations , not having known how to make use of time , whilst the name of the Romans was but obscure , and that their Forces were busied else-where , to make way for their further greatness ; was forc'd afterwards to follow the fortune of the Romans , and to confess themselves to be overcome by their more excellent worth ; and to acknowledge all that remained of good or safety to them , from their favor . But to rerurn from whence we have digrest ; and to proceed with the successes of Greece in divers Ages , let us say ; that it being the fa●e of Greece to fall upon two so potent neighboring Princes , as were the Kings of Persia , and Macedonia , it did not onely foment their Civil discords , but did hasten their final ruine , for if the Grecians had had less powerful neighbors , they would either not have had recourse unto them , or else the use of their Forces and assistance in their own Greece would not have proved so prejudicial to them : It being a true & general rule in State Affairs , that no foeign Forces are to be made use of , for a mans own safety , which are much greater then his own ; for by so doing , a man must depend upon another mans will ; which where rule is in question , is usually more ready to endeavor its own conveniency and greatness , then to keep word , and to consider another mans good , though he be a friend and confederate : Yet it may be affirmed , that Greece having for neighbors not onely one but two great Potentates , it was a thing which as it hindred her from making acquisitions abroad , so it might have been of great help unto her for the preservation of her self , and Liberty , if she could have made good use thereof . For if at any time she should be opprest by one of them , she had means to have recourse to the other , from whom she might safely build for help , since self-interest concurr'd therein , for it would be dangerous for either of them to suffer the others power encrease too much , by the ruine of Greece . So as if the Grecians , when they were threatned ruine by Philip , had known how to make use of the help which was offered them by the King of Persia , they might peradventure have escaped that bad fortune ; but being exceedingly jealous one of another , they had all of them recourse to the same Prince , because none of the rest might make use of his friendship and favor . Thus Philip the first had greatest opportunity offered him , of making himself by degrees , First , chief Captain , next , Arbitrator , and lastly , Lord of all Greece , by keeping some of her people quiet , and in peace , which he easily granted them for his own ends ; and by making War at the same time upon some others of them , and he who shall compare these antient successes of the Grecians affairs , with others of the ensuing age , and nearer unto us , shall and will find very like effects which have sprung from the same occasions . For Greece being once humbled , and as subjected by the Roman greatness , was afterwards returned to great honor and dignity in the time of Constantine who placed the seat of the Empire in the antient City of Biz antium ; but she knew not how to keep therein by reason of her discords . For after that the French and the Venetian , had taken Constantinople , though the Empire returned to the aforesaid Grecians , yet through many and various chances which happened afterwards , whole Greece was divided ; some of them following the Princes of the Grecian extract , and some of them the Latins , the people for the most part holding with the former , and the Nobility with the latter . So as recourse being had to Arms , for the deciding of so many controversies , they applied themselves for help unto the Turks , and causing a great number of them to pass over into N●tolia in Greece , Greeces ultimate ruine did ensue thereupon . For these Barbarians , who were accustomed to live among craggy Mountains , inamored of the beauty and pleasantness of this Country , and moved , as some say , by a certain good augurie , whereby they were advised to tarry there , promising them much happiness in that Region , whereinto they were come , and called , they possest themselves of divers parts and Cities of the Empire , sparing no● friends , nor enemies ; and placing their Regal Seat amongst them , they grew soon much more powerful , being favored therein by the great dissentions which still continued amongst the Grecian Nobility , and other neighboring Lords , as those of Servia , Bulgaria , and Albania , interessing themselves therein , they , together with their own interests , drew along with them the destruction of many other States , and gave just occasion to postery , for ever to blame their ill taken counsels . For if the Grecians had been at unity within themselves , and as solicitous to keep the Turks from advancing their power , as they were to abase that of the Latin Princes , they might certainly have hoped to have kept that fire a far off , which hath burnt and consumed so many noble parts of Christendom . Since it is seen that the Grecian Forces , whilst their Lords , after being driven from the City of Constantinople by the Latins , kept in the parts about Natolia ( which was for above fifty years ) although they had already begun to be governed by one alone Prin●e , under a just form of Empire , were yet able to keep them bounded within the mountains of Natolia , in barren places , not suffering them to make any acquisitions of moment , nor to enter into Europe , as they did afterwards . But it was the particular imperfection of this Province , and of that in all other respects , most noble Nation , that she understood not , or knew not how to make use of her many and valiant Forces ; Since if we will look back upon antient stories , when Philip had reduced Greece into his power , he put so high an esteem upon the value of those Soldiers as he undertook by them chiefly to effect his antient desire of making the enterprize of Persia , whch not being able ( as hindred by death ) to effect , was after so gloriously ended by his Son Alexander , And it is related , that being thus minded , Philip had already mustered Two hundred thousand Foot , and Fifteen thousand Horse in Greece ; and that Alexander desirous to prosecute his Fathers intentions , but by different advice , building his chiefest hopes in the body of an Army of but Thirty thousand valiant Soldiers , many of which he raised in Greece , did by their valor chiefly end so many glorious Enterprises . The Fifteenth DISCOURSE . Whether Ostracism , used by the Athenians , be a just thing , or no ; and whether it be useful for the preservation of a Common-wealth . IT was instituted by the Laws in some antient Commonwealths , that such as were very eminent above the rest either for Riches , Glory , Friends , or for any other Civil power , or who did exceed the other Citizens for any particular worth , should be banished the City ; not out of punishment or penalty , but for the common good , to the end that Equality being the better maintained , and as it were a certain Consonancie amongst the several ranks of Citizens observed , the Government might be the safer , and more durable . Which custom was for a long time observed by the Athenians , and chiefly then when their Commonwealth did flourish most ; and ten years was the limited time for this exilement . This Law was commonly called Ostracism , whereof Aristotle toucheth a little in his Third Book of the Politicks . But whether such a Law be just , or no , and whether it may make for the preservation of a Commonwealth or State , for which end it was instituted , is a Consideration of no small moment in point of Police ; there being much to be said on both sides , both in praise and dispraise of so strange a Law and Custom . In the behalf thereof , these things may be had into consideration : That nothing is more requisite for the long preservation of a City , especially of such a one as is governed in form of a Commonwealth , where the Government is in the hands of many , then Equality amongst Citizens ; whereof the more excellent the temper is , and the more it is tied fast by strict Laws , so as it cannot be exceeded on any side , the life of that City or Commonwealth will be so much the longer , more quiet , and more secure . A City may be resembled to a humane Body , compounded of divers Elements , and consisting of many Members : and that as that humane Body is more healthful and more handsom , wherein every elementary quality is better distributed , and every member better proportioned ; so that City or Commonwealth wherein every degree of Citizens hath a moderate authority , state and fortune , and well proportioned to the whole , doth preserve it self the longer , and keep freer from the contagion of civil seditions . Though the Head be the noblest part of the Body , and the Eyes the like of the Head , yet would they not be of ornament , when either that or these were bigger then their ordinary and natural form ; they would rather take away all Decorum and beauty , which is nothing but a due proportion in all things . Then , though it may seem a gallant thing to shew the greatness and nobleness of a City or Commonwealth that there be many very wealthy men therein , and of excellent civil gifts , and that the supreme Degrees and Negotiations of the Commonwealth be bestowed upon these ; yet another reason may perswade the contrary ▪ for this eminencie spoils the proportion of the whole , and doth not represent a City of Free-men , and partakers of the same Government , but the form of a Tyrannical Government , consisting of Lords and Servants , hateful names in good Governments . Therefore all the best Legislators have chiefly aimed at the reducing of all things , as much as may be , to an Equality , in that City where they would introduce a Politick Government , and a peaceful and durable condition . Insomuch as Plato , to take away all occasion of civil discord , would have all goods to be common , in that his Commonwealth which he propounded to himself for the most exact form of Government : So as there should be no such name as Rich , or Poor , but only that of Citizens of the same Country , and who live under the same Law. So as no man could out-doe another , by altering this so necessary and useful Civil Equality : which not being to be had where there is a Propriety of Goods , the Athenians would provide against those inconveniences which the unequal condition of Citizens produced , by driving at a certain time out of the City such as had caused the disorder , and who were suspected to be the Authors of Novelties , and of trouble to peaceful living . And truly , he who shall consider what the beginnings of those evils have been , which have inwardly vex'd and troubled both Commonwealths and other States as well in antient , as in these more modern times , shall find , that all the confusions and civil disorders which have after a long time brought many States to their ultimate ruine , have sprung from this root . How was partiality , and the corruption of good and antient Orders introduced in the Commonwealth of Rome , whence all great things may take example , if not from having suffered avarice , and the power of some Citizens to increase too much ? Who having made themselves so great by the continuation of military Commands , and for having many ways whereby to purchase popular favor , as the Commonwealth could not keep them within any bounds , nor could the Laws curb them , did totally subvert that Government : insomuch as it was said of Caesar , that he would not have any Superior to him in the City ; and of Pompey , that he would have no Equal . And Cato had wont to say , that Caesars immoderate greatness had enforc'd Pompey likewise to exalt himself above what otherwise became the publick service , to the end that the one might counterpoise the other . So grant one inconve●ience , others will easily follow : And as too great eminencie in any Citizen , although he be not ill-minded towards the Publick , ought to be suspected ; so it is hard to rid ones self thereof when it is once brought in and tolerated , where those usual means and institutions are wanting which the Carthaginians had , without falling upon violent courses , which in stead of Physick proves poison to that State. The House of Medici began to lay sound foundations for its greatness in Florence , by means of old Cosmo's great wealth ; it afterwards increased very much by the vertue and wisdom of Lorenzo ; and so by little and little getting to a great height of power , which exceeded the ordinary condition of a Civil State , it was no longer able to live under the Laws of the Country , but would assume unto it self the superiority of that Government : So as when the Florentines were too late aware thereof , they could not moderate that too immease greatness ; for the continued power of that Family , wherein there had been excellent men for worth , and eminent degrees and dignities , purchased by them both in their own Country , and elswhere , had got them so many to side partially with them , as their own Faction was able upon any occasion to sustain them . The like happens also in some States wherein there is not so express a form of a Commonwealth , but a supreme Prince , yet also many particular Lords of great authority . In such States , the too much greatness of B●rons hath oft-times proved too pernicious : For there being in all men naturally a desire of growing greater , and they having means to do so , where their power is not limited by the Laws and Customs of the State , they are easily induced to mount higher then stands with their degree , to equal their authority to that of the King himself , and to put for innovations prejudicial to the State. Amongst many others we have a notable example hereof , in the present troubles of France , which were occasioned by having suffered some prime Lords to grow too great in power , whence civil discords have risen in the Kingdom , and the better to foment and sustain their parties , and to perfect their designs , they had recourse to forein forces , and kindled that fire which is not well quenched yet . It hath therefore been thought a very wary and well advised course which hath been used by some Prin●es , to have an eye upon such , whose greatness and eminencie above others may render them suspected , and to allay th●s their greatness , by not admitting them into chief imployments , by taking away or lessening their Priviledges , and Immunities , and by lessening their authority , and universal favor by other means , according as occasions have counselled . Consalv● a great and famous Commander in the former age , had done excellent service to King Ferdinand● ; and when in all other respects he was to have looked for great rewards , as having by his own worth gotten , and preserved the Kingdom of Naples , he was taken off from all imployment , and brought back into Spain to spend the remainder of his years in a private condition : That prudent Prince was moved thereunto , as knowing that such a man who was so generally cried up , and who was so followed and appla●ded both by the common people and the Nobility , could not but be to be suspected : So as he knew it was requisite for his own security , and the like of his Dominions , not to suffer him to grow greater to his Masters prejudice , and therefore to take from him all Command and Imployment . The Instructions given to this purpose in a figurative way , first by Periander to Thrasybalus , and after by Tarqui● the proud to his Son S●xt●● are very observable , to wit , to cut off the tops of the highest Poppies , o● ears of corn ; whereby they would infer , that he who will rule in safety , must not suffer men to grow more eminent then others , for what concerns any Civil Power , which though it appear to be a thing proper to onely tyrannical Si●es , yet whe● it is used with discretion and wisdom , hath another aspect , for all particular interests ought to give way where the publick good , and the preservation of universal Peace and Quiet of the State ( which is of a●much greater concornment ) is in question . But when this may be done by any ordinary way , as by Law and Custom ( as it was among the Athenians and other antient people ) then this remedie proved the more just and secure . There is not any mischief in the City which stands in more need to be cured by the physick of the Law , then Ambition ; for Ambition is such a sickness in the mind of man , as where once it takes root it never leaves the mind free and healthful till it be torn out by main force ; but rather the maladie increasing by length of time , it makes men as it were frantic● , so as the ambitious man covets all things , and is not satisfied with any thing , having neither mean nor bridle . Honors , Dignities , Preferments how great soever they be , serve rather for tinder to make this inward fire flame the higher , then for water to quench it , insomuch as some of these vain-glorious men thought it a small matter to command the whole world , when they heard it disputed that there were more worlds then one . Now to this almost natural , and ordinary defect of humanity , and altogether as harmful to the quiet of all States , as it is of it self incorrigible , 〈◊〉 will prove a wholesome cure ; and which the Atheni●ns in particular 〈◊〉 their Commonwealth stood in need of . For as Greece did in that Age abound 〈◊〉 men , who were really valiant , so ambition seemed to have set up its rest amongst them . Wherefore miraculous things are written of that Nation in those times . But such as wherein it may be found that true worth was greatly con●●●isnated by an immoderate desire of glory , and haughtines● . The Laws of canvassing , and all other provisions thereunto tending have alwaies proved fruitless , for every little sparkle that remains of this fire , though it be covered over with ashes , may cause great Combustions . It seems therefore that no other remedy is sufficient for those evils which proceed from pride and ambition , then totally to rid the City or State of such men as are desirous to exceed all others . Plato said , that men who were truly wise would be as contented with not ruling over others , as most men do what in them ●ies to get pr●cedencie , and command over others . Therefore where such a desire is discerned , and where there is matter to occasion it , as are great riches , high places , and vain glory , a man may with reason suppose that there is there an unsound soul , which ought to be taken away lest it infect the whole Commonwealth . To take all Nobility , all riches , all civil preeminencie , totally away from a City or Commonwealth , as is now done in Turky , and as formerly it hath been d●●e by divers Princes , that they might rule the more securely , relisheth too much of Barbarism , and Tyranny , though it hath not proved an ill taken advice to them that have known how to use it , reputing it just , though not in self , yet as it hath suited well with such a Form of Government ; but to rid a City of such things , and of such men for a certain prefixt time , is such a provision as tends to the preservation of splendor and reputation , without either prejudice or danger . This is a means whereby vertue and other civil preheminences may be rewarded ; but not so , as the greater part be scorned , and opprest , for the haughtiness of some few . And he who shall well consider it , shall find that banishment from a mans Country is not a thing simply , and of it self evil , or at least not so great an evil , but that it may be easily and willingly born withall , by him who values the common good so well as he ought . But that which makes banishment be thought a mischief , is the bad quality which is thereunto annexed , when it is inflicted for punishment ; there being thereby imprinted as it were in indeleble characters , that such a one is leudly given , and hath committed some fault , which is a thing naturally abhorred even by the wickedest sort of men . But set this respect aside , to live out of a mans Countrie , hath no resemblance of evil , but is willingly imbraced by many as an advantage , and some endeavor it as a badg of honor , that they may have occasion to serve their Prince , and to deserve well abroad . He then , who to obey the Laws and Ordinations of 〈◊〉 Commonwealth or State shall live for a certain time from his own home , is so far from suffering thereby in his honor , as he merits thereby ; for he may say that by this his obedience he is ●erviceable to his Prince and Country ; though he do not act any thing . So then he receives no injury , and may , and ought to pass by any particular inconveniency , for the publick good . Nay it may so happen , that that very power and great●●ss , by which a man becomes liable to the Laws , is the longer and with less danger preserved unto him , though he cannot enjoy it without some parenthesis of 〈◊〉 . For we see by experience , that these greatnesses and continued prosperities do easily precipitate a man , either through the envy of others , or by being too immoderately used , and sometimes draw along with them the total ruine of the whole Family . It may in the last place be alleadged , that this exemption from publick imployments , and Court service , may make him retire to his private studies , and enjoy himself , which ought to be esteemed one of the chiefest blessings which man can attain unto in this life . Insomuch as the Philosopher said , that to be kept from preferments is a pleasant breath of wind which sweetly co●●eys the wise man to the Haven of peace of mind , and of his lawful studies , which many forbear to do of themselves , least they may be thought by the world to be vile , and abject men , and of no abilities . By these things it is concluded that Ostracism is a good thing , and to be praised , and that this custom of the Athenians is fit to be followed and ●●tated by others . But now let us face about . What is more necessary for the preservation of a City or State then Justice , without which no sort of Government can last long , nor merit the name of a Commonwealth or State : For , take away Justice , and you take away the very being thereof , and leave nothing but a mis-shapen matter , made up of corruption and disorders . But in distributive Justice , which imports so much towards good and quiet living , Reason doth advise it , and all good Customs do approve of it , that a Geometrical proportion , not an Arithmetical ought to be observed ; insomuch as it is not all men who ought equally and indifferently to share of Ho●er and Preheminencies in a City , but those who for some good qualities and endowments do deserve them . Therefore that Government where the Law of Ostracism is observed , must needs be subject to all change and revolts : For it cannot but be displeasing to the chiefest and best of the City , who seeing themselves whilst they are present , threatned with exile , and th● overthrow of their grandezza , and having recourse when they are absent to the favors of other Princes to revenge themselves for the injury they have received , may easily disturb the Peace of the City , and put the whole Government into a hazardous condition . Those who have been driven out of their Country by reason of any Civil faction , as it fell out long ago in divers Cities of Italy , have always been instrumental to the keeping of those Cities in perpetual troubles , and of reducing some of them to slavery , which had wont to enjoy liberty . And yet what was this banishment but a kind of Ostracism ? For in these civil seditions , none but such as were of greatest power and authority , and of whom the rest were most jealous , were driven out : Nor was this done by the will of one only , but by their Decree in whose hands the reformed Government was . So as it may be said , that these Cities used the Law of Ostracism ; which hath notwithstanding always proved prejudicial , and at long running mortal . And to say truth , to what purpose could such a Law or Custom serve , unless it were the more to exasperate Civil diffention ? Which the same Athenians having learn'd by experience , they did ann●ll this their Law ; for the business was come to such a height , as they drove ou● Citizens out of particular spleen , not out of any publick respect ; as was done by Hyparb●l● , a man of a mean condition , and no ways liable so Ostracism , who for being an Enemy to Alcib●●les and Ni●●as , was by their means banished by vertue of that Law. But say the Law were kept within its due bounds , and used only against such as bore greatest sway and were most eminent ; to reduce all things to an Equality , is ●●● only an unjust , but a violent action , and which doth even contradict Nature herself , which did not only make so many different species of things created in the w●●ld , but gave various instincts and hidden qualities to those of the same species , so as some might prove more generous and of greater worth , as is seen not only amongst Men , but amongst bruit Beasts , yea even amongst Vegetables . Then since this Equality is not to be found amongst Men , it is great injustice to distribute things equally in a Government to those whose parts and deserts are unequal : For in conferring of honors or p●eferments in a City or State , a Geometrical , not an Arithmetical proportion must be observed : It is the vertue and merit of every one that must be weighed . He who is richer then another , may be serviceable to his Country by great and frequent contributions to the Publick . He who hath many Clients and Friends , may by his power and authority dispose 〈◊〉 Peoples minds to believe ●ell , and act well in the Cities occasions and affairs . He who is advanced above others in glory , must have de●er●●d it well of the Commonwealth by some noble action , and 〈◊〉 confir●t himself therein by some other like action . And he Who is ●●●re generally given to any Vertue , be it or Warlike or Civil , is always 〈◊〉 then others to serve his Country and Prince upon all occasions . So as to drive 〈◊〉 men as these out of the City , is no better then to cut that member from the body which is loveliest , and fitter then the rest to be serviceable thereunto . Such an Insti●u●ion then can have no admittance but in Tyrannical governments : And the examples alleadged of Thras●●al●● and Tarquin , are examples of Tyran●● , who being resolved to preserve themselves by violence in their usurped dominionr , were to be jealous of all the best and most powerful men , and endeavor to be quit of th●● for their greater security . But a just Prince must not imiteate such examples , ●ay , even in a Politick Government , these Proceedings would be pernicious . For he who will thereby preserve himself , must change the Form of the whole Government , and reduce it to a Despo●ical and servile condition : with which such Orders holding some proportion and conformity , they may for a certain time prove useful for the maintaining of that Tyrannie ; as it hath done to the Turks in these later times , and formerly in some other Nations , wherein the whole Government hath related to the sole and peculiar accommodation of the Lord Paramount , without any respect to the good of the Subject , and more according to will then to Law. Nor is it true , that the power of Citizens , or greatness of Barons in a Kingdom , proves alwas harmful ; it may rather upon many occasions prove the safety of that City or State. But this may be ill u●ed , as many other things are ; the which notwithstanding whosoever should go about to take totally away from a City , would ruine it , not bring it to perfection . Therefore the Law ought to provide for taking away the abuse of things , not the things themselves , when they are not simply and in themselves evil . And if the Authority which the Roman Commanders held in their Armies had been well regulated , and their continuing is their military Commands moderated by a shorter time , Caesar could not have made use thereof as he did to the prejudice of the Commonwealth , he having continued so many years Commander in chief of the same Army , and in the same Province . Nor had they needed to have raised Pompey to such a height , to oppose Caesars greatness : But when when they had let it run on too long , to declare him an Enemy to his Country , and drive him out of Italy , proved a violent remedy , and mortal to the Common-wealth . Neither can that benefit be expected as is pretended , ( by the banishment of so many Citizens , who being become too great , are for suspition drives out of their Country ) of securing themselves from their power : rather Injury added to Ambition , serves for another incitement to make them endeavor some innovation in the City , and makes them the more sollicitous in plotting by the means of such as are their friends and adherents in their own City or State , to r●ise some revolt in it , for which they have easie recourse to the favor of other Princes : So as the trouble of being offensive to those States from whence such men are expell'd , is rather increased then diminished . We have infinite examples in all Ages of those , who being driven by banishment out of a City or State , have been the occasion of notable mischief and ruine thereunto : For though it cannot be denied , but that the ●o great power of Citizens in a City , or of Lords and Barons in a Kingdom , begets suspition , and is dangerous , and doth usually cause no small difficulties to the good and peaceful Government of that State ; yet some other remedy th●● 〈◊〉 may be used to obviate those disorders which such excesses do 〈…〉 For that is only to suffer a ●ore to grow old and to gangrene , that they 〈…〉 wards forc●d to 〈…〉 or sword to heal it . In a well-govern'd State , 〈…〉 be had , and ca●● taken both by the Law it self , and by the Prince who rules is chief therein , not to suffer any one to grow to too 〈…〉 And if any 〈◊〉 do arrive at such a condition , as he begins too far to overtop the re●● , the foundation and groundwork of his power must dexterously be taken away , and of his ploting thoughts , so as he may not thereby be able to work any novelties , or disturb the publick peace : Which may easily be done by his wisdom who commands in chief . the same men ought not to be suffered to continue long in the same imployments , and especially not to exercise them too long in the same place ; such things ought not to be left in their power , which may serve for fuel the more to kindle their ambitious though●● to the prejudice of the publick good , which may be done under a pretence of honor , so as the Princes may not be noted for injustice , nor can the particular pers●nages account it as an injury done them . If any one do abound in riches , let him have expensive imployments , that he may lessen that wealth , which made him appear more eminent then others . If he be of too great authority in the Court , or amongst the People , as having had the management of important affairs along time , send him to some place of Magistracie , or other imployment a far off , and change him often from place to place . If he be great and remarkable for glorious actions done by him , give him hard and difficult imployments , wherein if he succeed not well , his reputation will soon grow less with the people , who judge by the events . But if such a one appear too much ambitious , and be so , as many men are seen to be , out of a certain vain-glory , but without any malice of heart , he may be contented and kept quiet , by confering honors upon him of glorious appearance , but little profit . But the remedy will prove peradventure harder in those who boast themselves to be more nobly descended , and of better blood then others , f●r many several respects meet often times in them , to make them great and powerful ; yet even against these remedies may be found , without passing by a violent and illegal way to the driving them out of the City or State ; their friends or kindred , may be kept low and humble , whereby their power is lessened ; if they commit any excess in case of Justice , as such men out of arrogancie often do , be severe unto them , take their priviledges from them , declare them to be for a certain time uncapable of any Publick imployment , and do some other such like things ; which being done , upon some just occasion , although the parties concerned be therewithall displeased , yet not being disliked by the generality , their hatching of mischievous plots against the present Government and Weal publick , will have less fewel to feed upon . But what shall be said of him , whose worth and vertue doth exceed that of all others ? by what pretence can a just Prince , or a well-governed Commonwealth humble such a man , or keep him low , or aloof from partaking of their Councels ? To this it may be answered , that if this supposed personage be endowed with true vertue , he will not be subject to any suspition , nor will it be imagined that he will do any foul or wicked thing which may be prejudicial to his Prince or Countrie ; but that all his endeavors shall aim at the common good , and it is just and convenient that such a man should alwaies bear sway in every well-ordered Commonwealth . But if the vertues which render him so great and eminent , tend to policie , that is , when a man does that which is good and honest , having his mind bent upon some other object then meer worth and honesty , as most men use to do , out of hopes of glory , or of bettering themselves ; which things notwithstanding are so far vertue● as they are helpful to the State , and have a certain resemblance o● true worth ; it will not be amiss that such a one who may be suspected to misimp●y his good endowments , be proceeded against in manner aforesaid . We may then conclude that the custom of the Athenians concerning Ostracism ought neither to be praised nor practised in relation to the act it self ; but may admit of commendation and imitation as far as the intention thereof reacheth , viz. to provide that the ambition or malice of a few , rob not many of their quiet , nor do perturb or confound the whole State. The end of the First BOOK . THE SECOND BOOK . The First DISCOURSE . Why the Commonwealth of ●enice hath not so far inlarged her Precincts as did the Roman Commonwealth . MEN may be allowed to wonder not a little , if they take it into their consideration , why the Commonwealth of Venice , having so excellent Laws and Institutions , and having so long preserved her self in power and authority , hath not notwithstanding much inlarged the preci●cts of her Empire , as did the Common-wealth of Rome , in a lesser space of time and in a form of Government which was not void of many imperfections : The thought thereof hath made me oftentimes desire to search into the true causes of it . I find this hath been taken into consideration by some other modern Writers , but to b●ot that his discourses are already buried in oblivion , it may be the things by him alleadged have not been such , as may give full satisfaction to one who shall look narrowly into the ●arrtiage of our civil actions . He was of opinion that the greatness of the Roman Empires was ●oly to be attributed to the vertue of her Ordinations , and Form of Government ; from which since the Venetian Commonwealth doth differ●● he thinks that the cause why she hath not been able to make so great acquisitions . And he is so resolute in this opinion , as without distinguishing between things & things , between 〈◊〉 and times , he doth so equally extol all the orders and actions of the ●eman Common-wealth , as he doth propound some things for example to all 〈◊〉 Princes and Commonwealths , as are rather to be blamed then to be imi●ated , and which were the reasons of the ruine of that Commonwealth , as the di●●en●ions which was between the Nobility and the Common People , and other such things which are rather disorders then orders , and more apt to confound , then to establish States . Insomuch as his opinion is , That if there were a City at this day in Italy which had the same ●rom of Government as Rome had of old , that City might , as the other did , make herself Mistress of the World. As if the condition of times , and the so many variou● accidents upon which humane actions , and especially the augmenting and change of States do depend , were to be held for nothing ; and that it be in the power of a wise Legislator to give the Empire of the World to that City , which he knows how to govern by good Laws . But experience teacheth us much otherwise ; since we have known many antient Commonwealths founded by very wise men , and confirm'd with excellent Orders , equally for what concerns Peace as War , yet not any one amongst so many hath been able , I will not say to acquire so much Dominion as did the Commonwealth of Rome , but nor hardly able any ways to extend their Prec●ncts amongst their Neighbors . The int●insecal Orders of the State are not simply of themselves sufficient to make so great Atchievements , ( though they may peradventure concur very much thereunto : ) Nor ought the State of Venice her not being Mistress of larger Territories , be attributed to any defect in this behalf ; but many other things are to be taken into consideration , whereby the truest causes of such effects , which amidst the uncertainty of such like affairs can be found out , may be discovered by looking into . To know then whence such a diversity proceeds , we must take the business a little higher , and examine , First , what was the original beginning of these two Cities , Rome and Venice ; what their Founders were ; and then what their situation , what the inclinations , studies , and vertues of their Citizens ; and lastly the condition of times , and qualities of their neighboring Princes must be examined . All which things appertain to this Consideration , as well as the Orders of the Commonwealth , and their Form of Government . He then who shall look upon the first Founders of these two Cities , willfind them , even in these the●r first beginnings , not a little differing : which occasioned differing intentions , and differing ends ; and therefore peradventure a differing state , and differing condition . The first Erectors of Venice , where men who were peacefully given , as those who having been wearied by the so many calamities of Italy , occasioned by the inundation of the Barbarians , had withdrawn themselves , that they might shun the danger of War , into that piece of marish ground in the Adriatick Sea , which was then greater then now it is , and the chiefest of many small Islands , which by a common name were called Venetiae . So as they lived for a while without any Orders either Military or Civil ; those first Inhabitants contenting themselves to live in peace and quiet , without dreaming of any greater matter : For it neither stood with the end which they propounded unto themselves in this their new abode so to do , nor did the condition of those times permit it : And they were so fenced from the Arm sof Enemies as then , both by the natural condition of their situation , as also by the salt waters , as they needed not to arm themselves for their own defence . Therefore their Citizens being by long custom inured to these thoughts , they had no thought of taking up Arms , though the City were already much increased both in Forces and Authority , unless when they were provoked , and more to keep themselves from being injured by others , or to assist their Friends and Confederates , then out of ambition of Rule , and of enlarging their bounds . And he who shall consider what their greatest and and most difficult enterprises were in those first times , will see they aimed all at this end . The Venetians fought first with the French , and afterwards against the Huns , in defence of their Country , and of their Liberties ; and long after with the Genoeses , enforced thereunto by necessity , and provoked by many grievous injuries : For this very valiant and generous Nation would not rest quiet , out of an emulation of glory in Sea-affairs ; wherein though they were oftentimes worsted by the Venetians , yet they still found occasion of new Contests . The Commonwealth of Venice hath oft-times taken up Arms likewise , in times neerer this our Age , with greater preparation for War , and with more courage to defend their State in Terta firm● , which they had already gotten with much ado , and whereof they were justly possessed ; insomuch as they have sometimes valian●ly repulsed the fury of most powerful Leagues of Princes , who were resolved upon their ruine . But it becomes not the mo●th of a Venetian to say how oft they have taken up Arms in defence of their Friends and Confederates , lest he may seem to upbraid others with the services his Countrymen have done them . But divers People and Cities assisted and preserved by their Forces , do witness this . And to speak only of things of more recent memory , how great a desire hath this Commonwealth shewn to the common good ? and to this purpose how careful hath she been of the liberty and glory of Italy , in sustaining long and heavy War , to preserve the noble Neapolitan Territories in the Italian Princes , and the like of Milan ? But he who will look further back , and see what they have done , will find that the Venetians have undertaken and finished famous enterprises out of zeal to Religion ; as they did in the Wars of the Holy Land against the Saracens , and divers other times against other Princes , to preserve and increase the glory of the holy Church , and the Papal dignity : which amongst many other actions , is cleerly and nobly witnessed by the famous Naval victory won from the Emperor Frederick Barb●rossa ; for the which Venice doth at this day enjoy many great priviledges , in witness of her great worth and singular merit . But it is needless now to particularize in those things whereof all Histories are full : It will suffice to touch upon some things , whereby it may be conceived what the first beginnings of the City were , and what were the intentions and end of her Citizens . Romes ends were far different from these , who from her very beginning aimed only at Empire and greatness ; being built by Romalus , a fierce and ambitious man , who not content to have recovered his Kingdom to his Grandfather Numiter , and opened the way to the Lordship of Alba longa , resolved by the assistance of a great many young men who followed him , to purchase a better fortune and condition for himself , and to build a new City , which must have a warlike institution to keep the minds of those stirring youth busied in military exercises , and to defend himself from his neighbors ; who finding that the new City aimed at greater designs , thought to keep is low . Romulus might with reason promise himself to purchase more Dominion , and to enlarge his Confines ; for he built his City in a Country which was possest by many people , who were weak , and at odds within themselves , so as he needed not fear any potent Prince who might oppose his designs , or suppress his Forces before they were somewhat better established . This was the first foundation of Romes greatness ; for the City beginning soon to habituate herself to military discipline , and to turn her thoughts upon War , and aggrandising her State , she grew so confirm'd therein with time , and with continual military orders , as the Militia and all things thereunto tending did continually flour● sh in her . For those that came after , following ( as it falls out for the most part ) the example of their Predecessors , her Citizens were always desirous of warlike glory , and of Empire ; proving to be like Romulus , and those other valiant men from whom they had their beginning and increase . Thus they always made one War beget another , not being able to endure the suspected power of their Neighbors , nor yet the injuries done unto them by their Friends and Confederates ; under which two pretences they made first many notable acquisitions in Italy , and afterwards ( passing over the Sea ) in Africa , in Spain , and in many other Provinces . But to pass on now to another Consideration , let us affirm that the situation is of great moment for the Rule and Dominion which one City is to have over another , as that which affords security for self defence , and opportunity to subjugate others ; this helps likewise to make a City plentiful and wealthy , without which States are hardly acquired . For where there is scarcity of livelihood , povertie is more to be fought withall then Enemies , and want of wealth renders a City alwaies weak , and easie to be wasted and opprest . Hence it was that Sparta , though she had excellent Laws and Institutions , yet whilst she observed them , she could not much inlarge her Dominions ; for by them the City was bound for what concerned both the private and publick condition , to be kept poor , and far from any commerce with others ; and in our time the Cantons of the Switzers , though they be a very valiant Generation , yet being poor , and seated amongst Mountains , and for the most part in barren places , their Soldiers being fighting under the pay of other Princes , they have not been able to do any thing for themselves , or to make any acquisitions , but have onely preserved their Liberties . If we shall then consider the situation of Venice , we shall certainly find it very opportune for most things , and miraculously well for some things . For if we have respect to safety ; what City can be compared to this , which without any Bulwarks of Walls , or Garrisons of Soldiers , defended by her natural scituation , is of her self safe from all injuries , and inexpugnable ? So as she is the onely example after so many Ages of being untoucht by the Barbarians violence . If we respect abundance of plenty and wealth , the accommodation that the Sea affords her , and the so many Rivers which disgorge themselves , either into the neighboring Sea , or into sher own Gulf , are such and so many , both for the conveyance of victuals , and of merchandize , as it is no wonder that so great a multitude of people can live in her with such abundance of all things , and not onely her own Citizens , but even foreiners who inhabit there , grow rich therein . But as for Empire and command , as she is miraculously accommodated for the imployment of Forces in Sea enterprizes , so for what belongs to the like on land , she hath not those conveniencies which peradventure are requisite . Therefore it was long ere she bethought her self of purchasing any Territories in Terra firm● , minding onely Dominion at Sea , whereunto she was invited by her scitua●●on , and by the institution of her Ancestors ▪ touching which it is worthy consideration , that the Sea Militia and Discipline , upon which the Commonwealth was for a long time bent , are not such as can naturally give occasion of great command , because their Fleets cannot of themselves penetrate further then the Rivers which fall into the Sea ; wherefore all her acquisitions were onely Islands , or places on the Sea shore , because she had not then numerous and well disciplined Armies to dive into the hearts of Dominions , and to pursue victories . All Cities which have placed the pitch of their power in their Fleets , have had the like success . For though they may have purchased some reputation , and some precedencie by Sea , yet have they not b●en able much to inlarge the Confines of their command . Thus the Athenians and other people of Greece , though they were very strong in these kind of Forces , proper to that Nation from whence the art of building of Ships , and of Navigation is thought to have its original , yet have they alwaies been esteemed weak , and but little valued by such Nations , which they could not by their Forces make subject to their Dominions . But the City of Rome , which studied more the Militia by Land , then by Sea , and built her greatness more by Armies then by Fleets , having more field-room wherei● to exercise her Citizens valo● , made much greater enterprizes , and made many Provinces subject to her Dominion . Not did the Romans make use of Fleets by Sea before they were necessitated , that they might sail into Sicily and Africa , to oppose the power of the Carthaginians , which they had reason to be jealous of , by reason of their too great power , and vicinity But when they had occasion to make use of their Soldiers by Sea , they shewed no less forwardness and daring therein , then they had done by land : Insomuch as the skill and experience of the Carthaginians , who had long been Masters at Sea , was oft-times overcome and deluded by the valor and military Discipline of the Romans ; till at last that Nation which was held to be so powerful at Sea , was destroyed and beaten by the Romans , who had a long time been unexperienced in Maritime Affairs , but very expert in Land-Armies , and Military Discipline . So as the Empire of the World being contested for by these two Commonwealths , it was seen that it more availed the Romans to be a little superior to the Carthaginians by Land , then it did the Carthaginians to exceed the Romans much by Sea. For the good Orders of their Armies , the valor and discipline of their Soldiers , got them the victorie over the Carthaginians , and opened the way to the Monarchie of the World ; which had sundry times before been done by the same means , by the Assyrians , Persians and Macedonians ; Land-Forces having alwaies in great acquirements prevailed over those of the Sea , and the Discpline of Armies over the experience of Maritime Affairs . This is likewise more clearly seen by reason of the new Monarchie founded in a short time by the Turks in Asia , and in Greece , which was not done by Sea-Forces , wherein they were not any waies considerable , till of later times , but by the multitude of their Cavalrie , and more by the firm ranks of their Ianizaries . And to say truth , the very Forces by Sea are increased and maintained by those of Land , for larger Territories do easily furnish men , moneys , victuals , and other necessaries for the well ordering of Fleets at Sea. The which is likewise known by experience of the very Commonwealth of Venice , which before she had got any State in Terra firma , could never make so numerous Fleets , though she did very much study Maritime Affairs ; nor could she prevail in the important Wars against the Geno●ses , as she did afterwards , when her power was much increased and confirmed by her Land Territories . Thus in this last●Age , she hath been able to set forth at first above a Hundred nimble Galleys , and afterward more Galleys , and greater vessels of all sorts , as hath been seen by experience in the two last Wars against the Turks , wherein nothing more gallant and glorious could be desired on the Commonwealths behalf ; whereupon also , as the worthy and becoming fruit of such industry did the Victorie of Lepanto ensue , which will be memorable in all Ages . And it may suffice to know what the Maritime Forces of the Commonwealth are , and how they are abundantly supplied from Land with all things to make them powerful at Sea , yea , even then when the Sea was blocked up for what concerned them ; that they were able to maintain so great a Fleet in all seasons , for three years together . Wherefore Francisco Foscari , Duke of Venice , a Prince of singular wisdom , by whose advice , and under whose happy auspices , great acquisitions were made on firm land , was wont to say , that the Commonwealth could not have increased much in power , if she had not imployed her Forces on land enterprizes ; which because she had no● formerly done , was the cause why that greatness was much retarded and hindred , whereunto she might easily have arrived if such counsel had been sooner taken ; and by setting before her the example of the worth and glory of the Romans , she might have aspired to greater Empire . But those who governed the Commonwealth were a long time far from any such thoughts ; being more intent upon peace and quiet , or upon such Wars as might inlarge and secure her Dominion by Sea ; which may be clearly witnessed by what past with ●zzelino de Romano , with the Scalligers , the Carr●●si , and with others who ruled in the next neighboring Cit●es ; whereby it is seen that the Venetians being contented with defending their friends , and vindicating their own injuries , dreamed not on their Dominions , of which they might easily have berest them ; till when overcome by necessity , and by the insolencie of the Carraesi , and by other accidents of those times , they were compell'd to apply their minds and Forces thereunto , and to fix their Dominion there . Let us consider on the contrary , how opportunely Rome was s●●ted to for●ent her Citizens dispositions much to augment her Dominions , almost in the midst of Italy , just sitting for a principal City , being placed ( as may be said ) in the Center , to the end that she may equally extend her Power and Forces on all sides . The City of Rome stands on firm land , or Terra firm● , but so neer the Sea , as she may reap the commodity thereof , without being thereby endangered : she is apt to breed up Armies , and to nourish men in the exercise of the Militia ; not is she inconveniently seated for the transportation of her Forces by Sea into other far off Provinces . This diversity of situation hath begot diversity of inclinations in the Inhabitants . Thus doth Nature always adapt mens minds to those Arts which they are to exercise themselves in , or else Custom doth inform the Habit , and turns it into Nature . For as the Romans following exercises conformable to the situation of their City , were more inclined to Land-war , and in Peace to husbandry : So the Venetians invited to other things according to the diversity of place , applied their studies otherwise to defend their Liberty , and to increase their wealth , using the Sea ▪ Militia for the one , and Traffick and Merchandising for the other . Which whosoever shall upbraid our Citizens withall , seems , not to know , that without these a City could neither have long preserved it self , nor increase in state and wealth , as it hath done : For not having any particular Territories whereout to extract their livelihood , she would have been always poor and weak , and wanting other imployments , she would have been destroyed , if not by forein Forces , by her own Idleness , as many other Cities have been , the Citizens wanting wherein to imploy their thoughts , and to exercise themselves in quiet times . But if the Citizens of Rome were much commended for their husbandry , insomuch as of this day many famous men of that Commonwealth are as much celebrated for having been good Husbandmen as good Commanders ; as were Curtius Dent●tus , Quintius Cinci●●tus , Attalius Collatsinus , Marc● Regulus , Scipio Afric●●ons , and others ; wherefore should the Venetians be upbraided with their Merchandising , this being an exercise as fitting and requisite for the situation of Venice , as was that of Tillage and Husbandry to the like of Rome ? If the care of cultivating the Earth did not abase the minds of those antient and reverend Romans , who have left so evident examples of worth to all other Cities and Nations , why should the industry of Merchandising redound to the opprobry of the V●●●tians , seeing to the contrary with how much glory and how much publick benefit they have for so long a feries of years govern'd the Commonwealth ? The studies and actions of the Romans and Venetians have then been different , but notwithstanding alike in this , that they aimed at the same end , though they took several ways there unto ; to wit , a● Glory , at the Grandeur and Liberty of their Commonwealth . Many famous examples of Fortitude , of love to their Country , and of all other sorts of worthiness have been seen in each of them ; so as in our men nothing was more to be desired , unless 〈◊〉 and more frequent occasions wherein to have imployed themselves , that the greatness of their actions might have corresponded to the magnnimity of this minds . Yet do not we Venetians want 〈◊〉 of many 〈◊〉 who have been very famous for fortitude of mind and military worth , and he who stall examine the life and actions of many Princes of the Commonwealth , will find them to be such as deserve praise and celebration . Such have Ordel●so Faller● Vi●●l● , 〈◊〉 Mic●●li , and H●●●rico Dandule , 〈◊〉 bastione 〈…〉 Cantarem , Pietre 〈◊〉 , Andrea Grit●i , Sebastiano Veniero , and divers others been ; whose words might be 〈◊〉 to that of the Fabri●●i , Marcelli , Fabii , 〈◊〉 and others of their so much 〈…〉 then if they had had a larger field to exercise themselves in , or had the 〈◊〉 of their Common-wealth afforded them same equal to the merit and valor of those 〈…〉 But let us now come to consider those 〈◊〉 important 〈◊〉 of the condition of Times , and their Neighbors qualities . The City of Venice 〈◊〉 her beginning when Italy was possest by the wild Northern Nations , and when being perplex'd with all other sort of miseries , she fell finally into the slavery of Barb●●ians , wherein she lived for the space of many years : How then could a new City aspire to Empire , while the Forces of the Barbarians were so powerful in that Province , as the most powerful Roman Empire was not able to withstand them , which was shook and destroyed by their fury ? It rather seems a wonder , that a City in her first and weak beginnings was able to manage so great a War , and withstand ( as she did afterwards ) the violence of two fierce and potent Nations , to wit , the French , and Huns : The French , when their King Pipin being entred Italy with puissant Forces to drive out the Lombards , and being scandalised that the City of Venice had leaned to the friendship of Nicephorus Emperor of Constantinople , turn'd his Forces upon her to subjugate and destroy her : And the H●ns , when parting from Pannonia , ( which took from them the name of Hungary ) having overcome a very powerful Army of the Germans , and kill'd their King Lodovic●s , they fell to 〈…〉 again , their fury was withstood by the 〈◊〉 , which 〈◊〉 a powerful Prince , was forced to give way unto . But afterwards , the Forces of these Western Barbarians being in time weakned by Ch●●● the Great , the State of Italy fell again in to the Western Emperors who being then very powerfull , and masters both of Germany and France , the Forces of a weak Commonwealth were not likely to contest with so great Princes , with any hope of acquiring 〈◊〉 These difficulties being added unto by the Cities situation , withheld the Venetians a long while from thinking how to enlarge their Dominions in Terra sirms ; in which opinion being for a long time confirmed , and having very 〈◊〉 imployed their studies and Forces in Sea enterprises , ( though the 〈◊〉 of times did counsel them to the contrary giving them hopes of noble acquisitions on Land ) they either despised , or knew not how to make use of the occasions which afterwards were offered . Thus when the German Emperors , troubled with the domestick troubles of that Province , did forgo their possessions in Italy , the Venetians not minding then that opportunity , left the advantage to others , which they might easily have reaped : whereupon other Cities of Italy purchasing their 〈◊〉 from the Emperors at low ra●es , framed a peculiar Government unto themselves , as did Florence ; and others were possest by others powerful men , as 〈…〉 and other Cities of Lombardy : when if the Commonwealth of Venice , whole power was already much increased , had been minded to have 〈◊〉 themselves of any of the Imperial Territories , it is not to be doubted but they might in a short time have made notable acquisitions . But when they began very late , and more provoked by injuries then by ambition of dominion , to think upon Territories by Land , they found divers other Princes become very powerful both in 〈◊〉 , and Authority , and confirm'd in the States which they 〈◊〉 under 〈◊〉 a shore lawful 〈◊〉 . Wherefore they met with many difficulties , and amongst the test the Wars proved very heavy unto them , which they were forc'd to 〈…〉 did not joyn against them , because they saw that if that Dukes State fell into the power of the Venetian Commonwealth , the way would be laid open to her for much greate● matters in Italy ; whereupon a noble Victorie which was already almost gotten , was impeded . Hereby it may be then conceived how much the condition of the times was averse to the Commonwealths inlarging her Precincts by Land , partly by reason of her self , and partly through other various accidents ; which though they were somewhat more favorable unto her in what concerned the Sea , yet met she not with small interruptions therein to her enterprises . For the Eastern Emperors being Masters of Greece , and of other States and Countries , wherein the Commonwealth was to have inlarged the Confines of her command by Sea , she could not make any great acquisitions whilst they preserved themselves in such reputation and strength , as became their State. But afterwards , when that Empire began to decline , she began to increase and flourish gloriously , and her worth was waited upon by much prosperitie ; as was seen when the Venetians went in companie of the French to the business of the Levant , and after many noble warlike actions they took the City and Empire of Constantinople ; of which acquisition the Commonwealth had so great a share , as that their Dukes did then assume the title of Signoridella quarta parte , é Mezza , di tutto L' Imperio della Romania . And soon after with the like prosperous success , they did by sundry means reduce many Islands , and chief Maritime Towns under their obedience ; and the Commonwealth marched on apace to greater power and command . But this course of glorie and victorie by War was much slackened by the original Customs and Orders of the City ( as has been said ) which related more to Peace , and Merchant affairs , then to War. Insomuch as the Venetians seemed for a while to make use of these new acquisitions , rather for the better accomodation of their Navigation , and Traffick , then for any occasion of other enterprises , Their business did therefore infinitely increase at this time ; insomuch as there was not any City famous for merchandizing in the Levant , whither the Venetian Ships and Merchants did not flock . Nay , a great number of men of that Nation did usually remain in those Cities , through whose hands the most precious Merchandise of those Countries past , to the great advantage of the City , and of her private Citizens . So as the Genoeses plying the same places , at first a certain rivalship and emulation arose amongst them , as well for the profit of merchandizing , as for the expertness , and glory of Sea affairs , till at last they came to open and cruel War : which kept the Commonwealth so busied , and perplexed by disturbing Navigation , and even private affairs , as for a long while they had no leasure to undertake other enterprises , though they had met with opportuity for it , and that they had been thereunto disposed . For the Venetians having sundry times hazarded their Fleets upon the doubtful event of Battel , they tasted both prosperous and adverse fortune ; insomuch as they were to fight in their own Gulf , not more for Empire , then for the safety of the City . Thus whilst the Commonwealth spent her best years , partly in these private affairs , and merchandizing business , partly in the so long and troublesome Wars against , the Genoeses , another Power arose in the Levant , much greater , and more formidable then was the Grecian Empire . For the Ottaman Lords , beginning by divers accidents , but chiefly by reason of the discords among Christians , to make notable and successful progress in their rising Empire , grew quickly very great and powerful not onely by Land , but also by Sea , having reduced the City of Constantinople into their hands , a very fit place for Sea enterprises , whereby the Commonwealth of Venice was not onely bereft of all hopes of further increasing their Dominion by Sea , having so great and powerful an ●nemy to near at hand , but even what they had already got , was exposed to hazard ; so as being to maintain a bitter and difficult War , and to manage it with unequal Forces against this their sore and perpetual adversarie , she had more reason to think upon her own defence , then by force of Arms to win what belonged to others . Let us in the next place consider the conditions of the nearest neighboring people amongst which she was to inlarge her Confines , whereby we may also know what difficulties the Commonwealth met with ; for at the very first she was to overcome the Dalmatians , a Nation not onely very valiant , but of a quick wit , given to sedition , and desirous of novelties . Whence how great her difficulties were in quelling these , may be conceived by this , that the Commonwealth of Rome having so many , and so far distant Nations , yet could she never handsomely put the yoke upon Dalmatia , which never was under the Roman Empire until the time of Qctavius Augustus , but had still before notably indamaged the Roman Armies . It is then no wonder that the state of a Commonwealth should be less , which had to contend with such Enemies ; and who may not know by the actions of this Commonwealth , that she rather wanted occasion then worth for the further encreasing her State and fortune ? Let us now likewise consider the condition of the times wherein the Common-wealth of Rome had her happy beginnings , and made the first progress to her Empire . Which we shall find to differ much , and to be free of the so many difficulties , which the Venetians met with . Rome had not at her first rise any powerful neighboring Prince ; for the Assyrians had then the Monarchie , whose confines did not extend beyond Asia ; and after the concourse of many years it was carried by Cyrus amongst the Persians , with whom it remained for about Two hundred years , till it was destroyed by Alexander of Macedon , who though he made greater conquests , and made his Forces be felt and dreaded much further off , yet dying young in the height of his Victories , he could not get into Europe , nor afford the Romans occasion of making trial of their Forces with a powerful and valiant Prince . And by his death ( he having left no issue , either legitimate or illegitimate behind him ) that Monarchie was soon destroyed , and his Empire was divided between his chief Commanders ; so as several Kingdoms were thereout framed , with which severally the Romans did afterwards much to their advantage make War. So as Asia having then been the chiefest Seat of the Empire , the Provinces of Europe were not at that time any waies annoied by the power thereof ; and those that were further from thence , as was Italy , less then the rest . But Greece which was then in high esteem for the excellencie of her Inhabitants genius , for what concerned both Civil and Military vertues , was divided into many several Peopledoms , who contending within themselves for the dignitie both of the soveraigntie of that very Province , it so fell out that aspiring either wholly or chiefly thereat , they minded not the annoying of other Nations by their Forces . In Africa the Carthaginians were very strong , the power of Carthage being almost at the same times as much increased , as was the like of Rome in Italy : So as she had the Dominion of many provinces of Europe , and did possess the greatest part of Spain : but this power did not any waies molest the Romans first designs , not did it hinder them from making qcquisitions in Italy , not from confirming therein those Forces with which she afterwards did subdue the World. For the Carthaginians came not near the Romans for little less then Five hundred years , till such time as both the Commonwealths inlarging their Confines , they grew to be neighbors ; Whereupon at last they commenced War , out of the envy and jealousie that each 〈◊〉 of other . This was the condition and 〈◊〉 of times wherein the Commonwealth of Rom● had 〈◊〉 rise and encrease . Whence it may be observed , that though there might be some great 〈◊〉 then , yet was there none which might compare with the Roman Emperors , who had a greater Monarchy then all the rest ; besides they were so far off , as their greatness could not impede Romes increasing , though she were as yet but a new-begun City . But she met with the like prosperous condition both of affairs and times , in relation to her neerest neighbors : For Rome had not only not any great contestation with any powerlike Prince in her first and weakest beginning ; but for the space of three hundred and sixty years , till the first French war , she had no occasion of making trial of her Forces against any powerful people ; for then Italy was not only not subject to any one Prince alone , who might be greater by other Forces and other States , as it happened afterwards in the Venetians times , but being divided into many parts , as well in respect of dominion , as of other separations , each Country contained many people of differing government and power : So as Latium alone of herself , which is now called Campagna di Roma , contained four Nations , or rather Communalties , the Hernici , Latini , Volsci , and Equi ; with whom the People of Rome did for a long time make war. I mention not the Cecinensi , the Crustumeni , Antinati , Sabini , Albani , and other Nations of less esteem , against which in her beginning she exercised her Forces , whilst she learned ( as a man may say ) the first rudiments of her Militia . Tuscany , though being taken all together she were very powerful , and whose Confines were then much larger , yet was she divided into so many Signories or Lordships , as the Forces of every People apart by themselves must needs be weak and of small moment : which may easily be known by this , that bare Three hundred men of the Family of the Fabli were able to wage War with the Veienti , who were the chief of that Region , with whom they oft times fought with display'd Banners , and with dubious event , and were at last supprest more by the fraud , then force of their Enemies . So likewise the other parts of Italy which were neerer Rome were so weakly inhabited , as it is not much , that a new City , but yet well instructed in weapons , might get unto herself State and Dominion : Nay , he who shall consider what the increase of that Commonwealth was from time to time , will wonder how that People , who got afterwards the dominion of the whole World , was so late in enlarging the Confines of her Territories upon her Neighbors , when they were to contend in War with those that were weaker then they , and that the bounds of their Empire did extend to beyond Italy . For , for above the space of four hundred years , when the City was so much increased in Citizens , as she raised Armies of Forty thousand Foot , besides Horse , the affairs of Rome were notwithstanding in such condition , as they made War even under the Walls of Rome with the Equi , Volsci , and Veientes , her first Enemies . And this wonder is not a little increased , when you shall consider that Military discipline did flourish even from the very first in Rome , and was ever afterwards held in great esteem by her Citizens , who were bent with all their might to augment the power of their City , not being content , as were the Venetians , to enjoy peace and security . Wherefore the Romans gave easily way for friendship to all Foreiners , that they might by the multitude of their Citizens render their City more powerful , and fitter to worst Adversaries : And their first King Romulus set up a Sanctuary , where all sorts of men , whether free or slaves , good or guilty , might have receptacle . But that Commonwealth had also her imperfections , whereby being troubled with perpetual civil discords , she found many impediments , and much difficulty in effecting her Citizens generous designs . But being gotten to a great height of power , the Counterpoise of forein Forces ceasing by her own greatness , she was able for a time to bear with her so many discorders , till at last she was brought to her final ruine . We must now be permitted to take some other things into consideration which appertain to particular order of this Commonwealth . A City which aspires unto Empire , must above all things else be well provided of Arms , so as she want not any thing that is requisite for War : but she stand● no less in need of good Laws , which are for many respects of great importance in all Governments ; as also for that when the licentiousness of Arms , intrusted in the hands of Citizens , is not corrected by the authority of Law , that which was destin'd for the good and preservation thereof , it turns at last to her ruine . Therefore it is requisite that a City be constituted with such Laws as may result both to safety from foreign Enemies , and to union between her own Citizens ; by which civil agreement the strength and reputation of a Commonwealth is much increased . Of these two conditions which ought to make a City powerful , and so as that power may continue long , the Commonwealth of Rome had the first in perfection , but was very faulty in the second : On the contrary , excellent provision was made by the Founders of Venice for the second , but much remains to be wish'd for in the former . Thus then had Rome a naturally warlike people , which she kept continually exercised in Arms , observing exactly Military discipline and orders : But she was much disorderly and confused in Civil affairs , nor knew she how to keep any setled from of Government , leaving too much authority in the People , and wanting usual means to suppress the immoderate power of Citizens . Whereas in Venice , the form and order of Civil Government is in every particular well disposed of , and excellently well understood ; so as she is the only example which in so many Ages , and so many accidents both of good and bad fortune , hath never been troubled with any important domestick discords . But then , as for Military orders , they are not altogether such as are requisite for the acquiring of a large Command ; for at 〈◊〉 beginning , she applied herself ( as hath been said ) to maritime affairs , not with any intent of subjugating other Cities and Nations , but rather ( as the condition of those times and businesses did require ) for what concerned Traffick and Merchandising , to which the preservation of Peace did much condu●e ; and the keeping of open and free . Commerce with all men ; but having since had some such thoughts too late , they were not very sevently pursued neither , but only as necessary or some occasion did dictate : For the City was nor disposed and established with certain and perpetual Orders , not with any very ambition● ends for what concerned . War , and for Land● Militia , it hath already been said ▪ that for a long time the Commonwealth was totally a stranger unto it . And therefore when at last she made it her business , for want of any fitting preparation for it in her own people and Citizens , she had recourse for help to Foreiners , and this 〈◊〉 growi●g stronger by time , she hath always made use for the most part of Forein Commanders and Soldiers , brought under her Pay from elswhere : which , as experience shews ▪ hath turn'd much to her damage and disorder ; for her Forces being under the command and power of **** other men , she hath not bee●able upon many fi●●ing ccasions to make good use of the Victories ▪ which she with great danger and 〈◊〉 hath ●on . And not to mention many other things , it is a thing very well known , that had not the 〈◊〉 great fidelity of the Commandess 〈◊〉 the Commonwealth of her just hopes , in the 〈…〉 The Romans did not thus , who being to rig out Fleets against the Carthaginian , did not seek out Sicilians , or Grecians , or people of other Nations , to command over them , but made use of their own Citizens as well by Sea as by Land. Cinci●natu● was taken from the Plough , and made Dictator against the Subins ; Cicer● being taken from pleading at the Bar , was sent to the government of Cilicia , and to make War against the Parthians ; Scipio , who parted a fresh Soldier from Rome is said to have gotten the knowledge of the militarie Art , by the way , before he arrived at the Enemy ; Sylla , being sent Questor into Africa , with the Consul Marius , being till then Puney in the Militia , became in a few daies so well instructed therein , and raised so great an opinion of valor and military Discipline of himself , as the Commonwealth did very soon put their chiefest hopes in him , in all their weightiest affairs . In brief , people that are of a ready wit , and noble spirit , do easily accustom themselves by exercise to all things , and prove excellent therein ; the experience whereof hath been seen amongst our selves , for those few who have betaken themselves to Land-service , have given such proof of their valor ( which is witnessed by particular Histories ) as it may very well be known , that the Commonwealth might have promised unto her self all gallantries from her Citizens , if she had known how to make use of them . But she was run into this error , because she would ( as the conjuncture of times did almost require ) follow the example of the other Princes of Italy , who long before , and chiefly at that time when the Commonwealth did most apply her self to Land-affairs , made use of mercinary Militia's , which was then heightned to a great esteem by two famous Commanders of that Age , Braccio and Sforza , who were afterwards imitated by others in this sort of Militia ; Wherefore the Captain● whose Troops did ordinarily consist of horse , led them along to the service sometimes of one , sometimes of another Prince . So the Venetians who were but learners in this sort of Militia , saw that the Popes , and Kings of 〈◊〉 , the Dukes of Mi●an , the Florentines , who bore great sway and authority in Italy , made use of this sort of Forces , they began no follow the footsteps which were 〈◊〉 out unto them by others . Another respect may be added hereunto , which hath already been touched upon , that the Commonwealth having then put her self in a certain course , which she had for a long time observed , of making use of her people and her Citizen in Sea-affairs , it seemed dangerous to some to make such an innovation in a City ordained for civil Government , and which was greatly ●ixt therein by long custom . But it is not to be denied , but that when the aggrandizing of a State or Empire is in question , this which hath been spoken of is a great fa●lt in a City which doth aspire thereunto . And it is to be observed in the Roman Monarchy that the happy success of their famous victories is chiefly attributed , to the discipline of their Malitia , because it was excellent , and because it was exercised by their own Soldiers ; and particularly in the Carthiginian W●rs , which were 〈◊〉 then all the rest which the Romans did ever make ; it is observable , that the Carthaginians being equal to the Romans both for the re●●ration and w●rth of their Commanders , and superior to them in the numbers of their Soldiers , to boot with the strength of their Elephants , which they made use of in their Battels , yet th●ir Armies were overcome , which consisted of 〈◊〉 people , and assembled out of many 〈◊〉 , and yet not by the greater worth , but by the greater fidelity , constancy , and love of the Roman Soldiers towards their Countrie . But for such abuses as 〈◊〉 it may be alledged in behalf of the Commonwealth of 〈◊〉 , that she did it to 〈◊〉 th●se mischiefs into which 〈◊〉 Commonwealth of 〈◊〉 can by giveng these military commands to 〈…〉 ; yet he who will truly examine the state of affairs , will find that the 〈◊〉 which is granted , limited and corrected by the Laws , cannot be prejudicial to the publick good ; and the experience of the very City of Venice confirms this , where so great authoritie being so often granted in commands at Sea to her own Citizens , yet it was never known that the Commonwealth suffered any mischeif thereby , and certainly a great mistery lies in the well disposed orders of a City , by which Citizens are easily kept within their duties , wherein if any one chance to fail , he is soon chastised without any disturbance to the peace of the City . Which if by nothing else ▪ is sufficiently proved in the City of Venice , by the long duration of that Commonwealth . So as these things were very well understood and ordained by her ; and she might the more easily do it , by reason of the conditions of those her first inhabitants , as hath been said . But such freedom and licentiousness was given in Rome to that warlike people , together with the government of their Forces , as the Laws were not so reverenced as they ought to have been ▪ and the orders of the Militia being instituted by Rom●lus , before those of Religion and civility by Numa Po●pilius , military discipline was alwaies in greater esteem then the study of civil affairs . By all which considerations it is manifest , That the diversity of success in these two Commonwealths , hath sprung from this diversity of institutions , and from so many accidents , and not from any one reason , as was said at the beginning ; but in this diversity both of them have their praises , and all those perfect●ons and felicity , which is grantable to humane affairs . Rome was Mistress of the World , but could not long enjoy this greatness and prosperity , nor yet with the quiet of her Citizens . But Venice , though of much meaner Precincts , and condition , hath preserved her self ( as an onely example ) in her liberty for so many Ages , free from all domestick troubles , and with the miraculous union and concord of her Citizens . The Second DISCOURSE . Whether or no the Commonwealth of Venice be to be blamed for having taken upon her the defence of the City of Pisa , when it was oppugned by the Florentines . I Have often , not without some , to me appearing reason , wondred , that some Historians should so much blame the Commonwealth of Venice for having taken upon her the defence of the City of Pisa against the Florentines , whereby they may seem to reproach the counsels of those wise and stout Senators , who had then the managing of publick affairs in their hands , for those very things , for which other Princes and States , have been by other Writers much celebrated . He who will know the truth of such judgements ; must take unto himself more particular , and inward considerations , for it often-times falls out , that looking into the very pith and marrow of business , the clean contrary is found to what did first appear , and the face of things do seem to alter . Such actions may then be measured , either by the ordinary reasons of justice and equity else by the reasons of State , which are the more proper . If you consider 〈◊〉 action of the Commonwealth according to the first measure , what is it that 〈…〉 consciences of these so ●eruplous me● ? to take upon ones self 〈…〉 a pio●● action , and be●itting great and generous Princes ▪ and how miserable was the condition of the poor Pisans , how much it did deserve to be imbraced and favored both out of compassion and justice , is demonstrated ( to omit for the present other particulars ) by what was done at the same time by Charls the Eight , King of France , whilst he was in Italy , and by the so many favors afforded to the cause of Pisa by all the chief of his Court. Charls had promised the Florentines to keep the City of Pisa under their Dominion , being obliged unto them for their readiness in receiving them into his State , and for having afforded them all assistance and accommodation ; yet did the afflictions of the Pisans appear to be so grievous , as he was moved more by compassion then by his own interest , or by his promise made to the Florentines . A forein Prince used this charity to the Pisans , with whom he nor his Kingdom had never held any friendship or confederacie , his interests being not only separate from , but contrary to their welfare : And shall it be thought a strange and irrational thing , that the Commonwealth of Venice , which had had the Pisans for their friends and associates in divers enterprises , and who kept still friendship and commerce with that City , from whence also some of the noblest Families of the Commonwealth draw their original , and whose cause for the same respects was straitly annex'd unto their own , should interest herself in behalf of the Pisans , to comfort them in their great affliction ? Nor ought the Commonwealth of Venice to use greater respect to the Florentines , then they had used towards her , against whose designs they had so opposed themselves in the Wars formerly made against the Dukes of Milan and Ferrara , assisting their Enemies both with men and monies , as they were thought to be the chief hinderance , why the business undertaken by the Commonwealth with great hopes of good success , had no better an end . The Venetians were thereunto likewise moved by the example of others : For if the Duke of Milan , the Genoeses , the Lucheses , and those of Sienna had assisted the Pisans as much as they were able , how could the Venetians , whose Forces in Italy were much superior to theirs , stand idly looking upon the Pisans miseries , and upon the prosperity and greatness of the Florentines , whereby the common troubles of Italy were augmented , since they alone adhered to the French faction . But let us consider a little more particularly the cause which was undertaken to be defended by protecting the Pisans , and what it was that they did endeavour . Certainly nothing but the recovery of their antient liberty , whereof they were bereaved either by their several misfortunes , and by the violence of others , or at least ( as they said ) to reduce themselves to a less severe government then that of the Florentines ; under whose dominion being fa●n but a little before , and the City of Pisa being sold at a low rate by the Vis●onti , the Pisans pretended first by the favor of Charls the Eight , King of France , and afterwards by the like of Maximilian the Emperor , to be returned to their former liberty : The former having used his power , and the other his anti●nt pretences of the Empire , to put them into that condition . And grant that respect were to be had to the possession which the Florentines had of that City , which notwithstanding was but of later times , the Florentines were likewise to have released the Haven of Ligo●n to the G●noeses , from whom they had taken it by violence . The Venetians did not perswade the Pisans to forgo their obedience to the Florentines , as Lodovick Sfoza had formerly done ; for they minded 〈◊〉 the appeasing of the commotions of Italy , then the raising of more ; they did not free them from the bond of obedience to the Florentines , as did the Emperor and the King of France , because they 〈◊〉 such an action did not belong unto them ; they were not the first that did 〈◊〉 the 〈…〉 of that City , as the Genoeses and those of Sienna had done , because they had no intention to advantage themselves by the discord and ruine of others : But the City having already totally rejected the obedience of the Florentines , being thereof ●●eed by the authority of other puissant Princes , and assisted by other more petty Princes to maintain their liberties ; the Venetians being requested and conjur'd by the Pisans , when they saw them ready to fall into the depth of misery , if not assisted by them , and that their ruine would draw along with it great prejudice to the peace and liberty of all Italy , they at last took upon them their protection and defence . And I herein say nothing but what is most true , and confirm'd by the testimony of those who have written upon the passages of those times . But let us consider other more particular accidents , and more weighty respects . Charls the Eight , King of France , was at that time pass'd into Italy , to get the Kingdom of Naples ; an undertaking wherein he had prosperous success , which was an ill omen to Italy : All the other Princes of Italy opposed him afterwards in his designs , ( instructed by the fall of the King of Arragon , to have an eye to their own danger ) except only the Florentines , who still continued in adhering to the French , the counsel of the most po●ent Citizens prevailing over the opinion of the more wise . So as the French preparing to return with mighty Forces into Italy , they had friendship with none , nor had they any other receptacle , save with the Florentines , with whom they had already made a new agreement to be by them assisted with men and monies . Pisa was at the same time straitly beleaguer'd by the Florentines ; and had she not been succor'd by the Venetians , all her other aids were so weak , as she must speedily have faln into the Florentines hands ; who being freed of the expence and trouble of that Siege , would be more powerful , and more ready to assist the French , and to facilitate the enterprises which they were to attempt in Italy . Then if it were judged by the common opinion of all men to be just , honest and laudable to take upon them the defence of the safety and liberty of Italy against the French ; how can those actions be blamed , which did tend ( as it is seen ) necessarily thereunto , by keeping foreign Forces afar off , and by bereaving them of their ●riends assistance ? The affairs of the King of France did at this time ebb and flow , but for the most part ebb in the Kingdom of Naples : Great were the King of Arragons hopes of recovering the State , being therein assisted powerfully by the same Venetians : The King of France , though his Forces were in a readiness , was doubtful whether he should come into Italy , or no. So as at such a conjuncture of time , every least thing which tended either to the augmenting or lessening of his hopes , was of great moment . Pope Alexander moved by these respects , did much press the Venetian Senate to be resolute in assisting the Pisans , whilst he himself was somewhat doubtful and 〈◊〉 . The Venetian Senate had the Florentines in good esteem , and laying aside the memory of what was past ▪ would have had them for their friends , if they would have separated themselves from the French ( who were then the 〈◊〉 Enemy ) and have entred into that Confederac●e whereinto all the rest of the Princes of Italy were entred , and by whom they had many fair offers made them , particularly to 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉 of their State , if they would put on a generous 〈…〉 those Forts , which as 〈◊〉 Towns for their fidelity ●ere held by French garrisons , and do this by Force of Arms , not by Treaty 〈◊〉 Agreement . But if these things could not be listned unto out of a 〈…〉 such a resolution , that they might keep the Florentines busied about Pisa , and the French from those succors , whereby the troubles and dangers of Italy were increased . But I find that these transactions have been diversly interpreted , and the Senate blamed , who did not aim at succouring the oppressed Pisans , not at the common safety of Italy , but at their own thirst of bringing the City of Pisa under their Dominion . To this it is answered , that where the actions are evident , no judgement is to be given contrary thereunto ; nor ought the secrets of hearts to be searched , which is reserved to a more excellent power then what humane discourse can arrive unto ; it is certain that the defence of Pisa , which was oft-times denied them , was at last undertaken by the Venetians , when they being forsaken by all others , they were necessitated for the aforesaid reasons so to do . The Pisans offered to put themselves wholly into the power of the Commonwealth , and to set up her colours in their City , the Venetians would not yeeld hereunto , nor accept of this large offer ; but the Pisan Ambassadors were sent back with many thanks for their affection , and were heard in what they desired , though in a differing manner ; for the Commonwealth took upon her to defend the liberty of the City with the forces and authority of the Commonwealth , which she did for many years , with such fervencie and general consent , sparing neither expence , labor , nor danger , as she could hardly have done more in her own defence ; they sent both Foot and Horse several times to the Pisans under their best Commanders , as also moneys and victuals , and shipping to accommodate the City with all things necessary , and to free them from the siege of the Florentines by Sea. Yet to give a greater testimony of what their minds and intentions were in this , when it was propounded to put the City of Pisa into Caesars hands , and to remit the right of their cause to him , the Venetians did not onely not oppose it , but counseled them so to do , desirous that this controversie might be ended , whilst their faith , and the common interests were preserved safe ; and when there was yet some opinion , that the Florentines allured by this advantage , and hope , might have adhered unto the league ; but on the one side , in progress of time , the Florentines obdurate resolution was discovered of governing themselves by Counsels , apart from the rest of the Italians ; and on the other , the deep deceits of L●d●wick Sforza , who under the shadow of procureing peace and quiet , growing jealous of the greatness which the Venetians might a●●ive at by the acquisition of Pisa , and calculating other mens by his own , did in reality endeavor to secure himself from this his imaginary fear , by hindring the Venetians from pursuing that enterprise , to the which not long before he had exhorted them . The Venetian Senate was inforced to maintain the cause which they had undertaken , to keep from breaking their faith unto the Pisans , and to free themselves from the infamy and repute of weak advice , to which they should be subject , as if they had condescended for fear of L●d●wicks Forces , or else as not knowing his cunning ; when it was already known to all men , that the endeavor of agreement with the Pisans , which was agitated under the name of the Collegues , was managed onely by him , and according to his will and interests . But say I pray , is this the onely enterprise wherein the sincerity , and candidness of the Commonwealth is to be known in just things , and such as do concern the common good of Italy ? How often hath she maintained Wars , to the end that there might be a right , and an Italian Governor in the Dukedom of Milan ? which cannot be denied since the effects thereof be so appar●nt , as she would not lay down Arms before she had compast this her intent , as she did by that famous agreement which was made in the City of B●l●guia the year 1529. in which year , by means of the Venetian Senate Maximilian Sforza was restored unto his State , to whom the Dukedom of Milan did of right belong : and their end● in the business concerning Pisa may likewise be discovered , since when the agreement was come unto , the Venetians had no respect to their own advantage , but onely to the benefit of the Pisans , to the preservation of their liberty as much as might be , and to the right of what belonged to their Territories , which they were possest of when they put themselves into the Commonwealths protection , wherein the Venetians were alwaies very constant ; though the imminent War with the Turks might have made them forget the dangers and interests of other mens , for their own concernments . And at last , as they would yeeld to nothing which might be prejudicial to the Pisans , so to witness to the World that in reality they had no thought in maintaining this controversie , to any peculiar design of their own , in making themselves Masters of that City , they put the determination of these differences , into the arbitrement of Hercules Duke of Ferrara ; which though it had not any effect afterwards , the Pisans not consenting thereunto , yet it might be discerned , that the Pisans averseness thereunto , or the constancy wherein they persevered , was not fomented by the Venetians , but rose either out of the meer election or necessity of the Pisans themselves : But let us come to another consideration , more proper for this business , that is , to the reasons of State , wherein th● many of the same things do concur , yet they are clothed with other respects , wherewith Princes building either onely or chiefly upon what may most redound to their own advantage , do not advise with counsel of equity , or do not attribute thereunto what is requisite . It is most certain , being already reduced to the greatest extremity , if they should have been abandoned by the Venetians , they must have put themselves either into the power of the Duke of Millan , or of the Florentines ; but reason of State would not permit , that in this conjuncture both of times and affairs this City should be joyned to the Dominion of either of these . As for Sforza his vast and disordinate drifts were already known , and how he would be the sole Arbitrator of Italy ; so as if he should become more haughty , and p●ft up by this important acquisition , no part of Italy could remain quiet or secure either from his force or craft . And as for the Florentines you have heard how resolute they were not to part from the friendship of the King of France , by how much greater the danger of whose Army was in recent memory , so much the more were his friends and associats to be kept weak and under , to the end that they might not increase to the prejudice and apprehension of the rest . It was seen in what danger Italy was put by forein Forces , how soon the Kings of Aragon were driven out of their Dominion , how little resolute the other Princes of Italy were to withstand forein Forces , which having once found an open and easie way into Italy , it was to be imagined that they would be cause of greater dangers and molestations to her . So as the Commonwealth being to be put into a condition of being able to resist the Forces of greater Princes , and of not being exposed to their wills , she was necessitated to think upon increasing her power and reputation , that she might depend upon her own Basis , and be well esteemed of by others . She knew particularly that 〈…〉 was a State which might accommodate or dis-accommodate the French designs , accordingly as it was well or ill affected towards them . And the keeping of the City of Pisa dependant upon the Venetians , might several waies be helpful ●nto them in their intentions , in seeping the French from ●according the ●ingdom of Naples , and in securing themselves afterwards from the Florentines , as also in winning such strength and reputation to the Commonwealth with friends and 〈◊〉 , as she might provide for her own preservation , and for the like of 〈◊〉 other Italians , who had the like intentions with her to maintain peace in Italy , and to keep her safe from foreign Forces . It was not their onely useful , but necessary for the Venetian , in this conjuncture of affairs , to have footing in Italy , and to have the City of Pisa , if not subject to their dominion , at least dependent upon the authority of the Commonwealth . Now take it for granted , that that suspition might be true which they have so much divulged , who have endeavored to cast a blur upon the honor and dignity of the Commonwealth , to wit , that the Venetians intended to make th●mselves absolute masters of that City , only out of a design of increasing their dominion . Certainly the actions of a Philosopher , and those of a Prince , ought not to be measured by one and the same Rule ; nor must we fancy the condition of men , and of affairs , to be what peradventure they ought to be , but what they are for the most part . Magnanimity is the proper vertue of Princes , which makes them always busie themselves about great matters , and whereby they make themselves be dreaded and reverenced by others . Therefore the desire of Glory and Empire is highly praised in such Princes as have been greatest and most celebrated , as Alexander , Cyrus , Caesar , Charls , and all the rest of the most famous men , in whom a spirit of Grandure and Generosity , which did still egg them on to new and glorious enterprises , is not only commended , but even admired . If the Romans , whose actions are praised and celebrated by the general consent of all men , had been content to contain themselves within the precincts of Latium , their worth would have been hidden and obscured , nor would their names have been so highly cry'd up to the memory of posterity : And had not the Venetians had larger thoughts then to keep within their private merchandising affairs ( as it became them to do in their weak begining ) dispising or neglecting such occasions as they sundry times met with of enlarging the bounds of their Dominions , the Commonwealth would not only not have gotten such esteem and reputation as it hath got , but could not have kept herself so long in liberty , amidst so many revolutions of affairs , and such movings of Forein Armies . It remains now only to see whether the opportunity of the Times , and condition of Affairs did counsel them to purchase new glory and greater Empire to their Commonwealth . Which though it may be known by what hath been formerly said , yet it will more clearly appear by adding some other particular Considerations ▪ The Commonwealth was then in a more powerful condition then any Prince in Italy , being much stronger then them all both in Land and Sea-Forces ; the Pisans cause was generally well wish'd unto ; the Florentines were but little acceptable to the rest of the Princes of Italy , by reason of their friendship with the French , and for this and other respects were particularly much hated by their neighbors , the Genoeses , Seneses , and Lucheses , and all the actions of the Commonwealth seemed to be favored by a certain Genius . She had lately gotten the Kingdom of Cyprus ; she had enlarged her Confines in Friuli , by the acquisition of many Towns in the Country of Go●itia ; and she prospered greatly in all that she took in hand , and won much honor . So as in this happy conjunction , the Venetians ought not to abandon their good Fortune , lest they might too late repent for not having known how to make good use of their prosperity . They were to be ruled by the example of things past : For having oftentimes let s●ip many opportune occasions of increasing their Dominion by Land , whilst their Enemies were but weak and not well setled in their States , the like enterprises being by them undertaken afterwards in a less convenient time , proved more difficult unto them . Others thought , that for the like reasons the Venetians should have forborne to meddle with the affairs of Pisa ; for ( said they ) the City was so situated , as it could not be defended by them without much expence and inconvenience , they being to take a long compass about the Sea before they could furnish it with things necessary , and then the City it self was not so great a purchase , as deserved so much labor to purchase it . They added moreover , that at the same time , the friends of the other Princes did much envy the Commonwealth for her great prosperity ; so as it had better become the wisdom of that Senate to endeavour by concealing their thoughts of aspiring to greater things , to allay this envy , then further to increase it , as they did by attempting so great a novelty . No doubt but those wise Senators who sate then at the helm of Government , did reflect upon these doubts and suspitions ; but it is to be believed that they were easily free of them , considering that the Commonwealth , when she was not yet so powerful nor strong , had undertaken many difficult , but glorious enterprises in parts far off , and had gotten notable victories against the Sara●ens , who were then very strong both by Sea and Land , and had placed Trophies of singular worth , and great zeal to Religion , in the Holy Land ; that she had many times taken up Arms in the behalf of the Emperors of Constantinople , against divers other Potentates , and upon occasions , had reduced many Cities into her power , which had formerly belonged to that Empire ; and that likewise she had for many years maintained sharp Wars against the Genoeses , and had put a period to many other gallant affairs by apparent victories : So as they thought that the Commonwealth had reason to promise herself good success in this her noble design of taking upon her the defence of Pisa , and of the affairs of Tuscany . Wherefore then ought they to distrust that the Commonwealth might keep the City of Pisa at her devotion , in times when her power and authority was much increased , and being accommodated with so many Ships and Gallies which were usually upon the Sea , and having the Island of Corfu in the Gulfs mouth , to receive the Ships in the mid-way which sailed from the one Sea to the other ? But on the contrary , who does not know how very opportune this situation was for many other things , and of what use for the Commonwealth ? Their having got footing in Tuscany , might , according as occasions should be offered , open them the way to greater acquisitions ; and the Haven of Ligorn was extreamly commodious for the Navigation and Traffick which the City of Venice holds with the Western Provinces : which may the better be known now , for that since the affairs which had wont to be transacted in the East , being now turn'd to the West , Ships which come from thence laden with sundry sorts of Merchandise , putting into the Haven of Ligorn , to shun further Navigation , do there unload themselves , from whence their Loading is afterwards brought by Land to Venice . So as it seems those wise Senators did even then foresee what high esteem was to be put upon that situation . But their desires have at least prevailed thus far , as that this Country is possest by very wise Princes , who are great friends to the Commonwealth ; with whom an excellent intelligence being held , as hath been of late , and as it is to be hoped it will be for time to come , Commerce will always be open , safe , and free in those Countries . So as no reason can perswade , that the fear of being envied by other Princes , should keep the Venetians from attempting so beneficial a thing : For if these thoughts ( which ought not to be admitted of by any generous Prince ) should have been sufficient to have stopped the course of the Commonwealths good fortune , she must not only have abstained from this , but from other enterprises ; and so her Dominion and Fame would have been shut up within her own Washes , if that peradventure might have been permitted them . It was therefore necessary for the preservation of themselves , and of their liberty , to provide themselves of sufficient Forces ( which cannot be had without Territories ) to resist such as would offend them ; for the keeping of others well-affected , is not sufficient to keep off injuries . But War is not alwaies made out of fear of another Princes power , and with a mind to secure ones self therefrom , but most commonly out of contempt , and out of a beleef of being able easily to effect what you undertake against them ; and envy is oftentimes more supprest in the very height of good fortune , when a mans condition is raised much above that of others , then when it is kept within common and usual precincts . But what Princes envy ought the Commonwealth to have feared ? If you will say any Transalpin Princes , they had not as then any such firm footing in Italy , nor so ready Forces , nor peradventure had they their thoughts so interessed , as that they were to make War upon that account with the Venetians ; if you mean Italian Princes , every one of them were weaker then the Commonwealth , and the diversity of their ends and interests would be sure to keep them from joyning together . Nor was it likely that they would conspire with greater Princes against the Venetians , since it became all of them to apprehend forein Forces , lest they might all suffer in a common ruine . And if it be said , that notwithstanding it fell out so afterwards , as was seen by the league of Cambray which proved so pernicious to the Common-wealth , it may be answered , That things are not done ( especially among Princes ) as reason would perswade ; and no certain judgment can be given of Actions wherein Fancy reigns . But let it be said , that the condition of things , times and respects , were altered by reason of many much differing accidents and actions , when these more heavy Wars began ; but chiefly , because the French being become more powerful in Italy , by their acquisition of the State of Milan , and more desirous of subduing her , they resolved to leave nothing unattempted , which might bring this their design to effect ; so as it was from hence that all the troubles and dangers came upon the Commonwealth , whereas she ought rather to have expected thanks , and good offices from the Crown of France ; so as peradventure there may be more reason to blame the Commonwealth for having called the King of France into Italy , had she been thereunto moved out of a desire of inlarging her Dominions , and had not been thereunto compelled by the fraud and insufferable insolencies of Lodovico Sforza , to suppress the which she was inforced to have recourse to forein Forces , which afterwards turned themselves upon herself . But in the defence of Pisa things were otherwise ; the end was very honest , for the business was to comfort the oppressed , not to oppress others ; and enterprise which was to be approved of for the common welfare of all the Italians , whereby they onely were weakened , who favored the affairs of forein Princes . The reward , if the War succeeded well , was very great , for it made much for the advantage and reputation , especally at that time , of having the City of Pisa either her Subject , Friend , Dependant , or Confederate . The Third DISCOURSE ▪ That the Commonwealth is not to be blamed for the unfortunate successes of War , after the routing of the Venetian Army in the action of Giaradada . HE who hath sought out an occasion to blame the Commonwealth of Venice , out of envy to her glory , and particularly to the excellency of her Government , falling upon the times of her greatnest misfortunes , says , That when by her unfortunate success at the rout of Giaradada she lost her State by Land , she witnessed that there was neither worth , nor strength , nor power in her orders to govern an Empire ; and that she had had her increase , and had to this day maintained her greatness , more out of a certain appearance , and opinion , then by any excellency of power of counsel . I find these things written in some Authors , but chiefly amplified and affirmed by Nicholas Machiavel , a name which hath formerly been very famous for the curiosity of the matter which he took upon him to write on in his discourse ▪ but it is now so condemned to perpetual oblivion by the holy Apostolick Sea , as it is not lawful to name him . The misfortunes which the Commonwealth underwent in those days were certainly very great , but such notwithstanding as ought rather to move compassion in all mens minds , and shew the instability of humane affairs , then to afford matter of blame , and further oppression . It is said that the imperfection of the Common-wealth was discovered by these publick adversities ; and ( that I may give the very words of some men ) that there was no true worth or excellency in her orders ; yet prove they not this by any other reason then what is taken from the action it self , to wit , because she lost the day to the French , and that by the loss thereof the publick affairs were brought into exceeding great danger . But he who shall penetrate more inwardly into the truth of these things , will not rest satisfied with this judgement , framed rather from the event then out of any reason , and will speak much otherwise , and will take many other things into consideration , before he give his judgement . And if we will by this our Discourse penetrate into the more inward considerations , we shall find that the Form of Government is as it were the soul which gives a true being to a City . For a multitude of men assembled together could not have whereof to live , nor would their place of habitation deserve the name of a City , were it not for certain Orders and Laws . But as the sensitive soul , which informs the animated body , cannot always make equal use of all her sundry powers and faculties ; for though she preserve her self in her own purity , and perfection , yet needing the parts of the body , and ex●rinsecal objects for her operations , she must oft times cease operating , and sometime produc●th imperfect operations ; so will it happen in a City , that though the form of government , which is as it were the soul thereof , be of it self very vigorous and perfect , yet can it not always , nor in all things shew its force and excellency , by reason of the need it stands in of instruments , and by its encountring with many extrinsecal accidents , so as it must sometimes rest wholly idle , and other sometimes do but little good by its operating ; Whence I infer , that though a City be exceedingly well ordered for Civil and Military Affairs , yet cannot she promise herself to enjoy peace long , nor long to keep herself in one and the same condition save onely as long as she shal be permitted so to do by the condition of other things , which are out of the Legislators power . So likewise the adverse fortune of a Commonwealth or Kingdom , which may depend upon so many other occasions , is not sufficient to infer , that such States are ill ordered : But rather as he may deserve the name of a good Orator , who handles his cause so as he does perswade handsomly , though he he do not always attain his end ; so ought not the Legislator to be accounted less wise , nor those Laws less good , by which the Government is well regulated as touching Peace , and the preservation of the City or State , though various accidents may produce the contrary effects . These reasons and examples do cleerly shew , how ill-grounded those oppositions are , by which , without any consideration of so many other circumstances , men will conclude that the Orders of the Commonwealth of Venice were weak , and of no worth , because her Army was worsted in the Battel of Geradada ; and because after that Rout , the loss of the State , and so many other great losses did ensue . It is not the Event , but the Counsel by which things are done , which ought to give the true praise or blame to our actions . Let us then see in this Case which we are now upon , what the counsels were , what the hopes , what the condition of times were , and of Princes , and let us look into other such circumstances , and then we shall be able to give a better judgment . The times are three ; and the affairs which upon this occasion may fall under our consideration , are of three sorts ; to wit , such as did precede the action , those wherewith it was accompanied , and those which followed after . The Commonwealth , before this unfortunate accident fell out , was not only in a very prosperous condition , by reason of her happy success in the last War against the Emperor Maximilian , but also ( as it was thought ) in a condition of much safety , being joined in league and amity with the powerful King of France , when unexpectedly she understood that almost all the Princes of Christendom had conspired against her ; and almost at the same time she heard that the King of France had denounced War against her . Where will you find a mind so constant ; as will not be much disturbed at such an advertisement as this ? The affection must needs be moved at the novelty of the action , and Reason troubled by the greatness thereof . What had the Venetian Senate reason to fear at this time less then this ? The King of France , in league , friendship and confederacie with the Commonwealth for many years , out of observancie whereunto the Venetians had not only refused friendship with Caesar , which was offer'd them with so much advantage to themselvs , but had taken up Arms to defend and preserve for that King , their Friend and Confederate , the State of Milan ; little mindful of such a service , ( as the usual affections of other men are seldom found amongst Princes ) conspires her ruine , and tu●ns those Arms against her , which through their friendship were grown so powerful in Italy . What should move him thereunto ? Not desire of revenge ; for there appeared no injury : Not any fear of his own affairs ; for he had found them already very constant unto them : No self-interest ; for he ought to have been jealous of Caesars greatness , who had been his perpetual Enemy , and to have wished well unto the Venetians , who had been his antient Friends . But what shall I say of the rest ? Had not Caesar the like obligations to the Venetians , as the King of France had , which should have kept him from such a confederacie ? Nay , had he not peculiar respects which counsell'd him to the contrary ? The injuries which the French had done to the Empire ; the King of France his particular hatred to him ; the high aspiring thoughts of that King , pernicious to the dignity of the Empire ▪ and to the German liberty . Wherefore as he could never promise himself safe and firm friendship from the French , so be ought rather to have obviated their power , then have help'd to advance it . But who could have expected that such an action should have proceeded from the admired wisdom of Ferdinand King of Spain , so unusual , and so harmful to himself , by reason of the prejudice and danger which he was to receive , in not preserving the State which he had won in the Kingdom of Naples in peace and quiet ? For which cause , the greatness of the French , their fidelity , and natural desire of novelty ought to have been ●●spected by him ; yet he assented to the increase of their power , and of his own danger . But how did those generous thoughts which Pope Iulius the Second seemed to bear to the greatness and liberty of Italy , correspond with his joining in confederacie with the Transa●pine Princes who went about to oppress her by the ruine of that Commonwealth , which was confest by all men to be at that time the Maintainer of the Glory of Italy , and the hope that she might again rise to her antient greatness and reputation ? What safety could the Apostolick Sea expect , by increasing the power of those Princes in Italy , who were great of themselves , whom he feared , and upon whose authority he foresaw the Popes of Rome must depend ? These certainly were such things as did transcend whatsoever could have faln into the imagination of the Venetian Senators , or of any other men how wise soever : Nor was the immensity of the danger less , nor less able to molest and confound the minds of those who were to prepare for resistance against so great a War. The King of France his Forces were of themselves very powerful , that Kingdom being then more flourishing then it had been for many years before ▪ and become more formidable by the possession which the French had got of the Dukedom of Milan , which afforded them mighty conveniencies to assault the Co●fines of the Common-wealth . And though Caesars Forces were not of themselves greatly considerable , yet were they increased by the fame he gave out , that he led his Army into Italy to make a certain and noble prey thereof , and with a mind to restore the Empire to its almost lost greatness , whereby he reconciled the mindes of the German Princes and people , and got them to joyn their Forces with his . Moreover , the King of Spains Naval preparation was in particular to be feared ; to prevent the which , those Sea-Forces of the Commonwealth were to be imployed , which should all of them have been imployed in defending the State by Land from so fierce an assault . The Pope added no small reputation to the League by his authority ; and his Spiritual arms being accompanied with Temporal forces , became the more dreadful . And though the other petty Princes forces were but small , yet was their will to offend the Commonwealth great ; and the Kings of England , Poland , and Hungary were sought unto and sollicited by all these together to join with them , and to declare enmity to the Venetians . If then the Venetians had yielded to this so new and great preparation for War , which like Thunder made both its noise and harm be heard and felt at once , what could have been said unto them ? Ought not they to have been judged worthy of excuse , and their Commonwealth free from the imputation that their Orders were no ways good ? For as an object of immensurable force does not move , but corrupt the sense ; so the encountring with so weighty a conspiracie , was a thing not likely to incite the Commonwealth to shew her vertue , but rather to disorder and to confound her . Yet it is seen how she behaved herself upon such an occasion ; and whether it may be inferred from these her first counsels , as from a thing that was in her own power , that she was not worth much , or that she did any thing unworthy of herself , of her fame , or of the reputation which she held amongst other potent Princes of that Age. What appearance was there in her of any fear , or rather what greater sign could be desired in her of generous confidence and most noble daring ? What did she resolve to yield up of free-will ? What noise , what complaints were heard , which shewed that she would terminate that contention with vain words , which could not be ended but with Arms ? The Answer which was given to the French Herald who came to denounce unto them , that the King was upon his march in Arms against the Commonwealth , was onely , that that War was intimated them from the King , when they had more reason to expect Amity and Peace from him ; but that they would not be wanting to their own defence , being confident that they should be able to defend themselves by their own Forces , and through the right of their cause . The effects were answerable to their words ; for they betook themselves forthwith to provide for so great a War. The most expert Commanders were sent for from all parts , veteran Soldiers mustered in all places , in so great numbers , and so qualified , as it was agreed upon by the common consent of all , that neither that Age , nor any other , for many years before had seen such an Army of meer Italians in Italy . Great and very miraculous was the union and concord both in the Senate and City , wherewith men of all conditions and ages to lend their helping hand to assist their Country at so great a need . There appeared so great a zeal in every one to the common good , such resolution to maintain the state and liberty of the Commonwealth even to the last gasp , as those who have appeared to be no very good friends to the Venetians in other things , do praise these proceedings , being forced so to do by the power of truth . But let us come to those other things which accompany the action it self ; The Senate upon mature advice , resolved wisely how that War was to be managed ; they knew the enemy was very strong , the danger great , and that the wel●are of the Commonwealth depended upon the preservation of that Army which they had now got together . But as it would be a great rashness to hazard it upon a Battel , so to keep it onely to be a safeguard to the City , shewed timorousness in them , would discourage their men , and increase the courage and reputation of the enemy . Whilst they bethought themselves what to do in this great exigencie to evade both these inconveniencies , the Senate ordered their Commanders to march with their Army to those Confines of the State of Milan where the Enemy should appear to be likely to make their first assaults ; to the end that following their Army in near , but safe quarters , and that keeping them still incommodated , and in jealousie and fear of being assaulted , they might keep them from advancing further , and from falling upon any enterprise . The Commonwealths Army was very strong in Horse , amounting to the number of Ten thousand ; and in Foot , to boot with a great number of Soldiers of their own Country , commanded by their own Orders , they had Twelve thousand veteran Soldiers , under experienced famous Commanders , together with a great train of Artillery , and all other instruments for War ; so as the Senate had reason to beleeve , that they might effect their e●ds of maintaining the War , and of keeping the field ; and so spinning out time ( as it becomes those who are upon the defensive part , and find themselves to be the weaker ) secure their own Affairs , and keep further dangers from them . For it oftentimes falls out through various accidents , that the greater Armies be , they do so much the more easily moulder away of themselves ; and the Forces of many several Princes , though they be at first great and formidable , prove less fit for great enterprises , by reason of the Colleagues different ends and interests . And as learned Physitians use no strong and violent remedies when the sick party hath but some grudgings of an Ague , and when the disease is not yet well known ; So these wise Senators were of opinion , that the Commonwealth being set upon and almost opprest by the sudden violence of so many Enemies , it made not for their welfare and safety , to come to the violent remedy of a pitcht field , with enemies whose strength was not yet very well known . Together with these reasons , the Venetian Senate had for their example the success of the Commonwealth of Rome , which finding her self assailed by powerful Carthaginian Forces , and her Affairs being reduced to a great streight , preserved themselves from greater danger , by drawing out the War at length , and by keeping the Enemy incommodated ; but the Venetians had not a Fabius Maximus for their Commander in chief , as the French had an Hannibal , for there were many of those vertues in Lodowick King of France , which were praised in Hannibal ; chiefly a mighty thirst after glory , to purchase which he valued neither labor nor danger . ●ut Alvian● a famous and cried up Comm●nder , not more for his own worth , then for this misfortune of the Venetians , was of a nature much contrary to that of Fabius , in knowing how to make advantage of time ; and though he had many other noble qualities , as greatness of spirit in undertakings , unda●nted courage in executing what he undertook , and great experience in matter of War ; yet were these vertues little advantagious for the present occasion ; better befitting a Commander who was to assist a puissant Prince , desirous of glory , and in his most prosperous times , then a Commonwealth , which not making use so much of force , as of occasion , was slowly , but safely arrived at that greatness , and which was now , more then formerly to proceed by the like counsels . But it may peradventure be said , that the Venetian Army wanted not a Fabius , having Nicolo Orsino , Count of Pitigliano , who in his other actions may be truly said to resemble Fabius very much , for he alwaies proceeded with the slowest and safest advices ; but in this he appeared much different , and inferior to him , since he would not succour Alviano , who contrary to his order had given Battel , as did Fabius Maximus , who readily succoured Quintus Minutius , chief Commander of the Cavalry , though contrary to his opinion he had rashly exposed himself , and part of the Army to the danger of Battel . But on the contrary , Lodowick , King of France , was not onely like Hannibal , but did much exceed him ; for Hannibal knew onely how to overcome , but knew not how to make use of Victory , having spent much time to little purpose , after the rout given to the Romans at Cannae ; but Lodowick pursuing the Victory , stopt not till he had regained all that he pretended unto from the State of Venice . But the Forces of the Commonwealth did either prove less valiant , and less fortunate then formerly they had done , or else they were hurried by some occult cause upon this calamity . Yet can it not be said that the Senates advice was less good , who in their Orders to their Commanders , did alwaies lay before them the importance of the business with express and particular command to shun the necessity of joyning Battel with the Enemy . Those prudent Senators knew very well that that Army was not to be hazarded upon the dubious event of Battel , wherein consisted all the hopes of preserving her State by Land , and that the condition of affairs were such on their side , that if they came to the trial of a Battel , it must be upon too much disadvantage . The War was made at their own doors , so as if the Enemy should prove victorious , the conquer'd party could not have time to rally or recruit themselves , for preservation of their own affairs ; but if the French Army had been overcome , the War would not notwithstanding be at an end , the Forces of the other Colleagues remaining still intire : which were likelier to be ru●ned by their own disorders , and by the discords which use to happen in Leagues , then by force of Arms , which could not be made use of without danger . The bad advice of some Commanders , or else some fatal adversity of the Commonwealth would not permit that this advantage of time should be waited for ; whereupon they came to the conflict , not onely contrary to the so many aforementioned respects , but uppon such disadvantage , as with but half their Forces they hazarded the whole Fortune of the Commonwealth . How valiantly they fought is witnessed by the general consent of all men , nor do the victorious Enemies deny but that the victory was a good while doubtful ; but a few not being able longer to resist a much greater number , that notable rout ensued which drew after it so many losses and ruines ; For the French Forces did not more secure the way to their Army in all places , and facilitate their undertakings , then did the reputation of their victory . Amidst so great amazement and astonishment , nothing was left unattempted by Luigi Gritti , and Christofero Moro , who were the Provedatori del Campo , to uphold the Commonwealths fading fortune : They betook themselves to rally the remainder of the Army , they comforted the Captains and Soldiers with hope of better success ; they intreated the Nobility and people of Brescia , and of other Cities , that being mindful of their , Loyalties , and of other things done in service to the Commonwealth , in former Wars had with Philip Maria Visconte , they would be like themselves , and with like constancy keep themselves under the moderate command of the Venetians , and abhorring the severe Transalpine Dominion , they would with one onely inconvenience free themselves from many grievous mischiefs . But they were all so possest with a Panick fear , as no entreaties nor reason could be listned unto ; those who had escaped the Battel , were unfit either for strength or valor , to attempt any thing against the Enemy , no disposition to defence was found in the City , no not so much as to keep themselves from plunder ; there were but few Forts at that time in the State , and those few of no condition of holding out long . What was then to be done ? to whom was any recourse to be had ? If all Princes and Countries were become Enemies , who were to be trusted ? If all memory of former benefits were laid aside , so as least gratitude was found in those who had been most obliged , how could new men be raised , and provisions made for a new War ? The armed Enemy was already at the gates , nay , even within their houses , threatning assured ruine . What was to be done in such a general dispait , but to give way and suffer the cloud to pass , which they saw there was neither wit nor counsel sufficient to withstand ? And as sometimes it falls out in greatest Tempests , that the skill and labor of the Marriners being overcome by the malignity of the weather , they take down their sails and suffer the ship to drive up and down whithersoever the Sea carries it ; So in cases of greatest danger , into which States do sometimes fall , he that sits at the helm must comply with his fortune be it never so bad , till the fury of those tempests being past over , the Commonwealth , though born down , yet not quite sunk , may rise again , and make way for her pristine greatness . The Army being then to retreat , and the loss of the City drawing other losses after it , as one stone that gives against another , it was thought the best course to free the people from their former oathes , so to preserve them from sacking and plunder , which they must have undergone , if they should maintain their loyalties , and to free themselves from the tax of rebellion , if they should submit to the Enemy . Such a resolution might appear willing , and therefore less generous , but it was really necessary ; prejudicial to him who doth consider meerly the present condition of things , but which might prove useful in the future : At first sight , it appeared to proceed from rashness and fear , and yet it proceeded from wisdom , from charity , and in respect to the good of the State , and of the Subjects . The piety nor prudence of the Senate could not admit of the onely hope which was offered in this sad condition of times , to be used for withstanding so many enemies , wherefore the Venetians did magnanimously refuse those helps , and assistances , which were offered them by the Turks ; though but little before ( as some writers affirm ) they had been very much sought unto by other Christian Princes , as by Frederick of Aragon , and Lodovic●● Sforza , for the defence of their Dominions ; and not long after by the Emperor Maximilian , to be made use of against the Venetians , but neither did the justly conceived anger against so many conspiring Princes , nor the desire of recovering what was lost , prevail with those most wise and religious men , but that it was over-born with the zeal of Religion , and with a firm resolution of preserving the glory of their other atchievements against the Infidels , immaculate ▪ neither would the reason of State , if well-understood , considered in the example of others , suffer them so to do ; and especially in the unfortunate success of the Emperors of Constantinople , who having unadvisedly call'd in to their assistance the Ottoman Princes , who were much more powerful then they , had drawn a greater ruine upon themselves , which proved the occasion of the fall of that Empire . But being unwilling notwithstanding to give over all hopes of accommodating the afflicted condition of affairs with some ease , the Senate resolved to have recourse to the Pope , and to Caesar , ( though they had then appeared their bitter Enemies ) to treat of some Agreement . They were moved much hereunto by the respect and reverence due to that holy See , and the pious and religious apprehension they had of Ecclesiastical censures , to which they were subject ; and they trusted more in prevailing with Caesar , then with the King of France : For what hopes were there to do any good by intreaties with him , who being first bound to the Common-wealth by obligation and confederacie , had spurn'd at all those respects out of meer desire of novelties ? To these then they granted all that they pretended unto ; for being to make them quickly jealous of the King of France his greatness , they knew some way would be found out for the Commonwealths better fortune . But how is it possible to pass over here in silence another thing , not at all differing from this , by which such base aspersions have been endeavored to be cast upon the Venetians ; since by this our present discourse we go about to vindicate them , by searching into the truth ? We read in Guicchiardine , a Modern , and to give him his due , in many things an excellent Historian , an Oration published by him in the name of Antonio Iustiniano , sent by the Commonwealth to Caesar ; wherein it is said , that the Venetians begging pardon at Caesars hand , with much subjection and servility of mind , did offer to submit the Commonwealth to be perpetually tributary to the Empire , and to acknowledg to hold their liberty , lives and livelihood from him : with some other base unworthy expressions , not only not true , but not likely to be so . For first , it is very certain , that Iustinian being sent Ambassador to Maximilian , and finding him at Trent , was never admitted to have audience , peradventure for fear of offending the Confederates , and making of them jealous . Then , it is most certain that the Senate gave no such Commission : And let him who will not believe it , listen but to reason , and then he will be perswaded to the contrary . The Commonwealth had then lost all her Territories by Land ; but at the same time she enjoyed all her State by Sea , wherein were not only one or two Cities , but divers Provinces and noble Kingdoms ; their Naval accoutrements were very great , and equal , if not superior to those of whatsoever Potentate at that time ; all entire and whole , not having suffered any thing by this thunder of War , which had only overrun their Terra firma : their Treasure but little diminished from what it was at the begining of this War , which continued afterwards , and was maintained for the space of many years : The City of Venice , placed by her miraculous situation in compleat safety , all attempts which could be made against it being to prove rash and vain , as the effects proved afterwards : A great Train of Artillery , and of all things requisite for War ; a quiet People , and obedient at the beck of their Nobility ; and a constant and resolute mind in all the Nobles to demonstrate all the proofs of worth and love towards their Country . But that which followed afterwards in their defence of the City of Padua against the Forces of all the Princes of the League , will suffice to prove , that the Commonwealth was not so weak either in Counsel or in Power , as to have recourse to th●● last extremity of making that Ci●y tributary , which had maintained her first freedom for above the space of a thousand years . Say , I beseech you , was not the Commonwealth powerful by Sea , and sufficiently valued by all other Potentates , before she had any State in Terra firma ? Nay , she was oft-times seen to neglect occasions which were offered of making acquisitious in Terra firma , thinking her self safe and powerful enough without them What was it then which could move them to make themselves Servants and Subjects , who had no reason to doubt not onely their liberty , but nor their chiefest , most antient , and most proper Dominion , which was that of the Sea , for the preservation whereof , as affairs stood then , they had no reason to make such haste to Caesar for friendship ? Who can with reason blame the advice , as the condition of things went then , of giving and yeelding that up to Maximilian which could not as then be kept from him ; to wit , some of those Cities in Terra firma which he pretended right unto ; since some agreement ensuing with him by such concessions , and injuries ceasing on that part , the way might be opened to straiter , and more particular and advantagious conventions with the same Caesar , who was naturally desirous of novelties , whereby the Fortune of the Commonwealth was again to be raised up . And this counsel tried afterwards with others had good success , when they joyned in a new confederacy with the same French against Maximilian , who scorning their fr●endship , would not listen to their propositions . These were the counsels , these the actions of the Venetians , from whence , some would take occasion to detract from the praise and dignity of their Commonwealth , and particularly from the excellency of their Government . But we may better know how injuriously this blemish is laid upon them , if we will examine how other Princes and States did behave themselves , when they were in like adversity ; which I do not alleage as taxing any one , but to shew the usual course of affairs , by the example of others . Observe what art the King of Aragon used to preserve his State , when Charls the Eighth , King of France came against them in hostile manner . Alphonso who possest the Kingdom , having tried the extremity of fear before the danger grew near , out of the meer report of the French Forces , departed from Naples , leaving all things at six and sevens , whilst their Army was yet in Rome ; and Alphonso the Son , who had boasted that he would defend himself , and to that purpose had mustered a great many Soldiers , retired with them into the narrow passes of the Kingdom , without making any triall either of his fortune or of his valor , and yeelding rather to the Fame , then to the Forces of the Enemy , suffered them to take free and quiet possession of that most noble Kingdom . But Frederick of Aragon , who was reinvested in his State , by the favor of the people , and by the assistance of other Princes , with which the Venetians did readily joyn , what use did he make of other mens labors , and of his own fortune ? Soon after the Kingdom of Naples was assaulted , by Lodowick King of France , and by Ferdinando King of Spain , at which assault being much discouraged , he would not l● sten to the advice of his Commanders , who advised him to keep the field , but made some slender provisions for the Towns , and soon after , thinking more how to escape , then how to defend himself , he fled into Ischia , and went from thence into France , and put himself into the power of the same King his Enemy , contenting himself rather to live a private man in peace and safety , then to reign in trouble and danger . But what shall we ●ay of the French , who boast so much of their valor , and glory in War ? How easily when they met with the first misfortune , did they suffer themselves to be bereft of all they had before so happily acquired in the Kingdom of Naples ? And that so hastily , as it seemed that they had freely yeeled up the possession of so many , and so noble Cities to the victors , the Spainards , by agreement , and as it were in reward for the day which they had won . Nor is this the onely example ; since we have seen the same French , who were faln with such fervency with their Forces into Italy , and had with miraculous prosperity recovered the State of Milan but a little before , resolve suddenly to forgo all that they had won , and to retreat to beyond the Mountains , after the ro●● which they had received from the Swizzers at Novara ; the succour which they met withal by the way as they fled , not being able to make them halt . Who was more famous then for dexterity of wit for the managing of weighty affairs , then Lodorica Sforza Duke of Milan ? yet when a great deluge of War came upon him , what use could he make of all his Artifices ? Could he shew that constancy and generosity which he had many times before publickly boasted of ? The onely news of the league made against him , by Lodowick King of France , and by the Venetians , did so astonish him , as losing all understanding , and leaving his Affairs unprovided for , he resolved at very first , upon what ought to have been his last and most desperate advice , to fly into Germany , foregoing the defence of that State , which being once lost , he did afterwards in vain seek to recover . But in this point I may help my self in looking a little more backward , and trying whether the gallantry of the antients , so much commended , did produce other effects then those that I have spoken of . The Romans , who conquered the whole world , met sometimes with adverse fortune , wherein let us see how they behaved themselves ; for he is very timerous who is not bold and generous in prosperous affairs . In what peril and hazard did Brennus● Prince , and Commander of the Galli Senones put the City of Rome after the defeat given to the Roman Army , under the unfortunate conduct of the Fabii ? no man thought of making any defence , but sought how to save himself and the best things he had , in the Capitol ; their houses , and walls were abandoned , and the very gates left open to the Enemy by the Roman Soldiers , who fled into the City to save themselves ; and had not the good genius of that Commonwealth , which was preserved for greater things sent Carius Camillus to succour it , the rising glory of the Romans had even then been exst●●ct . But what shall we say of things that happened afterwards , when their Fame grew greater ? Did not the Romans lose possession of all Italy , after the rout given them by Hannibal at Cannae ? Did not the Cities belonging to their friends and confederates rebel every where ? And did not they themselves give over all hopes of defending them ? the resolutions taken by the Souldiers , shewed what the ●●ight , what the fear of the conquered was . For some , whilst they were yet in their own houses , rendred themselves prisoners to the Conquerors ; others withdrew to the Sea side , intending if they could have the benefit of shipping , to go to some other Prince , and seek out a new Country : But with what despair the Citizens of Rome were possest , when they heard the news of this misfortune , in how great confusion all their Orders were , may be conceived by what Livy relates , who undertook not onely to write the History of the Commonwealth , but to celebrate with perpetual praise the fame and merit of her Citizens . And it was credibly bel●eved ( for as much as we hear ) that those valiant men , unaccustomed to know what fear was , were strucken with such amazement , as if Hannibal had known as well how to make use of victory , as he did to overcome , the so great , and so long continued fortune of Rome , had not onely been hereby interrupted , but totally supprest . And these very self●same Carthaginians , who had so long , and so sto●●●y conte●●ed for glory , with their rival , the Commonwealth of Rome , when they tasted of adverse fortune , went astray from their former generosity , and suffered themselves to be born down by extremity of despair , for after the defeat which they had received by Sea by the Romans , they inclined to yeeld up unto them the Islands of Sicily , and Sardi●ia , and to make themselves 〈◊〉 for ever to the Senate and people of Rome , and afterward being overcome in Battel by Scipio Affricanus , they fell to find 〈◊〉 , But why do I instance in so many examples ? Are not these sufficient to prove , that the valiantest and wisest men are strangely te●●ified at great and unexpected misfortunes ; and that when Armies are lost , which are the instruments whereby States preserve themselves from the evils of War , good Counsels must cease , as not able to keep off other greater evils which do usually follow after that a Battel is lost . Therefore out of the above-mentioned reasons , and by what hath been done by others upon like accidents , every one may be cleerly satisfied , that the misfortune which the State of Venice underwent by reason of the ill-fought Battel of Giaradada , ought not to detract any thing from her other praises : For her subsequent actions , by which with singular constancie and generosity she recovered what she had lost , render her by the joint consent of all men truly glorious . The Fourth DISCOURSE . Whether the Princes of Italy did well , or no , to assault the Army of Charls the Eight , King of France , when after having gotten the Kingdom of Naples , he hasted to pass over the Mountains . AMongst those things of sad remembrance to Italy , the passage of Charls the Eight , King of France , to the Conquest of the Kingdom of Naples , may be numbred amongst the saddest , and most recent : For ever since that time , the Transalpine Nations have had a power in Italy ; and the greatness of the Italian name , which began at that time to be raised up again with hopes of greater glory , all the parts of Italy being under the command of our Italian Princes , return'd to such a declination by this blow , as it could never since recover its pristine majesty . But that which most afflicts the minds of those who are any ways generous , is to think , that this most noble Country fell into such misfortunes through the fault of her own men ; and that the Italian Princes , to satisfie their own disordinate desires and immoderate ambition , did call in Forein Nations to the prejudice of Italy ; and little valuing the truer and greater dangers , they stood basely looking on , and suffer'd this their common Country to be rent in peeces by Foreiners . The French Forces did at this time pass into Italy , by which she had not for a long time been molested , being called in by Lodovick Sforza , and maintained by other Italians : But ere long they were all aware of their ill-taken counsel , being touched by the danger more at hand , by rearon of the French-mens great felicity ; which as it might have been foreseen further off , so was it not now so easily to be remedied . They therefore joined all of them together afterwards in confederacie for the safety of Italy , and to oppose King Charls his designs : So as after the acquisition of Naples , as he would return into France by the same way which he had come in , with his Army , which was notwithstanding much less numerous in men , he was opposed by the Army of the confederate Princes , as he came to the banks of Tarus , who meant to hinder his passage , and to fight his Army . For a little before , the Pope , the King of the Romans , the King of Spain , the Commonwealth of Venice , and the Duke of Milan had joined in confederacie to this purpose ; the Venetians hav●ng been the first mo●ioners thereof , and express Ambassadors from all the aforesaid Princes had met in Venice , where the League was concluded and published . This resolution was at those times generally commended , as being ge●erous , and suiting with the honor of Italy : But notwithstanding , there wanted not those then who desired they had been more moderate ; nor will it be now from the purpose to examine this business , so to draw some secure document for times to come by a diligent examination of the things done , and to know whether they were really such as deserve praise and imitation , or whether there was any thing more to be desired therein : For they appear to be attended with that wisdom , without which no action , though perchance it may have good success , deserves either to be praised or imitated by wise men . The taking up of Arms to drive the French out of Italy , was doubtless a resolution as much to be commenped in the Italian Princes , as some of them were blamed for calling of them in , and others for assisting them to the common shame and prejudice . But how these Arms were to be made use of against them , and whether it was well done to hinder them when they were marching away , and to stop their passage , and force both the French and themselv●s to come to a Battel , is somwhat a difficult case , and which may admit of divers considerations . It is an antient and approved proverb , That a Bridg of Gold ought to be made for an Enemy that flies . And this is grounded upon solid reasons ; for no Battel can be fought without much hazard and uncertainty of success , since there may happen many unthought of accidents , wherein the use of wisdom is excluded . Therefore where to join battel is to be thought a good advice , the condition of affairs must be such , as that a man be not necessitated thereunto , but makes it his choice , and comes to it with greater hopes of overcoming , then fear of being worsted ; and likewise the advantage must be more that is to be expected from the Victory , then the prejudice which depends upon the loss thereof . By thus measuring the carriage of these affairs by these rules , we may the better know what judgment to give thereof . If we consider the state of affairs before the Armies drew near , there appears no necessity of fighting at that time : For the King of France led his men back over the Mountains to their own homes , without prejudice or injury to any one ; so as the meeting him to stop his passage , and give him battel , proceeded from election , and from the determinate counsel of the Princes that were Confederates against him : But what the end of the combat was like to be , and how the business was ballanced , might be guess'd at by many particulars , before a stroke was struck . The King of France led along with him an Army consisting of French and Switzers ; the former excellent for the Horse-Militia , and the latter excellently well disciplin'd in Foot-service : So as the Italian Militia was confess'd by all men to be far inferior to both these ; for they had wholly lost all their antient excellent institutions , and had wanted true discipline for many years , being by Foremers bereft of their antient military glory . But the much different impressions which were in the Soldiers themselves , was of great importance upon this occasion . The French were haughty , and puffed up by their success at Naples ; they slighted the Enemy , their very name seeming to have infused so much terror into all the Italians , as that neither Princes nor People had dared to oppose them , but afforded them free and safe passage every where . On the contrary , the Italians accustomed only to such Wars as were made in Italy , wherein little valor was shewen , and less discipline , without almost any loss of blood , as if it were for meer shew and sport , were to fear the unusual encounter with the French , and to boot with their valor to apprehend their prosperity , which had made the way so easie to them to so great and so noble an acquisition . The Kings party was likewise favored by the Kings own presence , and the danger which his own person was in ; which occasioned no small daring in the French Soldiery , some being thereunto stirr'd up by their natural love to their King , others by hopes of reward , and others for fear of punishment . But of all things else , the diversity of the cause ought to be of greatest moment . For the French had no hopes of safety , save what lay in their Arms , being in an Enemies Country , the way in their return home very difficult , by reason of the craggy Mountains though they should meet with no impediment by the Enemy ; the Army of the Colleagues suffered not under the like necessity , for being at its own home , it might be sure upon any adverse fortune to have safe receptacle in every City . Moreover , the Italians were incited to fight , onely out of a desire of honor , or of revenge , and this was much more in the Princes and Commanders , then in the common Soldier ; which things being well considered , might by reason of what is the usual issue of such actions , cause rather doubt , then hope of victory , if they should come to a day of Battel ; or at least might make it appear , that businesses were so equally balanced , and so doubtful , as where there was no inforcing necessity , to pursue a business so full of danger , was not worth the while . We must now consider the advantage , as also the disadvantage which might happen upon the good or bad success of the battel ; which though it be in all affairs doubtful and uncertain , yet out of the aforesaid respects it was now both those in extremity . We will say that the then chief moving cause was , to drive the French Army out of Italy , and to restore those of Aragon to their Kingdom , out of which they were driven by K. Charls . The confederate Princes might in all liklihood have compast this their intention by other more safe , and more secure means . For what disturbance might they meet withal , in the enterprise which they were to endeavor against the French in the very Kingdom of Naples , from that Army which hasted to pass over the Mountains , and was to dissolve of it self ? And say that those people should be routed and defeated , should therefore the Kingdom of Naples be disposed of according to the pleasure of the Italian Victors ? No certainly , for the King had already left strong Garisons there of his best Soldiers to secure it . The victory could not be so great , and favorable for the Italians , but that they must have lost some of their men ; so as if they had a mind to attempt any thing upon the affairs of Naples , it had been better for them to have gone with all their Forces upon that enterprise , then to give battel to those , who did not any waies oppose their design , since when they should have overcome them , they were to go with that Army , lessened by the Battel , and wearied with marching , to the main business of taking the Kingdom of Naples , where the things offered at by Ferdinand would have had easier success if he had entred the Kingdom with greater Forces , and as he was willingly received by the City of Naples , whither he might come at first with those few men he had , so would the rest of the Cities willingly have revolted from the French , and have put themselves under the obedience of Ferdinand , if they had seen he had Forces sufficient to defend himself , and to make good their rebellion . But say that the Colleagues would have secured themselves yet better from the French , to the end , that their intentions upon the Kingdom of Naples might not be hindred or diverted ; had it not been better for them to go with the Army of the league to find out Monsieur d' Orleans , who at the same time had possest himself of the City of Novara , to drive him out of Italy , together with those of his party who had setled themselves there , then to follow those , who did of themselves that which was most desired by the league ; to wit , hasten back over the mountains ? Nay , it may be further said , that unless the French should be necessitated , as seeing their King in danger , as also that Army which was pursued by the Italians , they would not peradventure have sent at that time more men into Italy , and Monsieur d'Orleans would not have had any occasion to have possest himself of Nevara , which did afterwards redound to the great prejudice of the Colleagues , and particularly to the business of Naples : For part of those Forces which were promised and intended to assist Ferdinand in the recovery of the Kingdom , marched to the recovery of Novara , out of desire whereof , Lodowick Sforza did at last draw himself out of the league . Whence it appears , that it was rather revenge , or vain-glory , then any just reason which the Princes proposed unto themselves in this their confederacy , that moved them to resolve upon fighting the French Army . But let us now consider more particularly , what of advantage , what of good the Colleagues might have got , if they had had the better of that Battel . The best which they could hope for , for all these their pains and dangers , could be nothing else but the routing of those Forces , which were not likely to make War any more in Italy ; and the Italians had as then no reason to think of any Transalpine Affairs . It may be the person of the King , who was then in the Army , might peradventure be considerable , if he had faln into the power of the Colleagues ; But both his life in that hurly burly was exposed to great danger , and say he had been taken prisoner , he might have found many waies how to eseape . And say althings had faln out according to the wish of the Colleagues , what would the Italians have gotten by having so great a Prisoner , but the drawing upon themselves an inundation of Foreiners , which would still have put them into greater troubles and dangers ? That warlike Nation , which was at this time more then at any other , devoted to their King , would not have sat down by such an indignity , such an injury without revenging it with their own Forces , and by drawing other Transalpine Nations who wished not well to the glory of Italy , especially in Military Affairs to joyn with them . Let us see an example of this in what followed the next Age after ; where we shall find that the imprisonment of King Francis , though taken by so great a Prince as was Charls the Fifth , to whom none of the Princes of the League , no not the whole League it self was to be compared , produced nothing , but longer , and more heavy Wars , which ended not till the conquerors had yeelded many things to the conquered . But on the contrary , let us imagine into what ruine Italy would have faln , if the Army of the League had been routed and defeated , the Enemy being in the State of Milan wherein are so many and so noble Cities , for defence whereof there were no other Forces on foot , then those which were to hazard themselves in that Battel ; and to raise another Army which might be able to make head against so powerful enemies , and so victorious , would be a business of some time , and very hard to do if not impossible . And if the very name of the French , and the fame of their Forces had made the way to so great a victory easie to them , and so easie the conquest of so noble a Kingdom , what mischief had they not reason to expect , if by the discomfeiture of that Army , the Forces , not onely as formerly , of the Kings of Aragon , should have been beaten of whole Italy , and also such forein Forces as could be ready to afford any succor , for in that Army were all the Soldiers , that the King of Spain had in Italy ? So as there was not any State which upon such an accident could promise it self security . Affairs then standing upon this foot , who can praise the advice taken by the confederates , of fighting the French ? But on the other side there want not other reasons to plead for the honor , wisdom , and maturity of the Italians in this action , to boot with that noble daring which can by no means be denied them , it is very likely that the flourishing condition , and prosperity of Charls King of France began at that time to make him be hated and suspected not onely by all the Italian Princes , but also not very acceptable to the King of 〈◊〉 ; insomuch as he who had called him into Italy did already repent his rash advice , and he who did not withstand him , blamed himself for his slackness , and irresolution : so as they agreed all together to abate the so great power of that King , and to curb his prosperity , and his thoughts of further achievements . If then the King had been suffered to return without any let , safe and triumphant into his Kingdom , was it not to be feared , that the French not content with their having got the Kingdom of Naples , would pass over the Mountains the next year again with greater Forces ? to what danger would the Dukedom of Milan and Tuscany have been exposed ? upon which States it was known that the French had set their minds , neither would they have spared the rest , if they had had any opportunity offered them of advancing further . And if the Italians should have seemed but to doubt their beating those Soldiers , who were but the remainder of an Army which had first past the Mountains , and ●ad left a good part of their Forces in several Garrisons in the Kingdom of Naples , many whereof were likewise dissipated through several accidents ; what hopes had they to withstand their entire , and much greater Forces , with which they were to return the next year on this side the Mountains to new enterprises ? Nor had they any reason to despair of victory , since the Colleagues had an Army for number of men much grea●er then the Enemy , commanded by experienced and valiant Officers , well provided both of Curasiers and Light horse , well disposed to all actions , and which were to fight with people opprest with fear , and who may be said to have almost run away already of themselves ; especially the advantage considered which the assai●a●ts for the most part have . It was further considered , that the French Army had done nothing whereby to be dreaded , or to cool the courage of other men ; since the French had not onely not met with any occasion of fighting , but had not so much as seen the face of an Enemy ; since the Enemy was the rather to apprehend this encounter , for that it was unexpected , they being accustomed to find all passages open , not needing to make their way by the sword . Nor was the advantage small which they might promise unto themselves , by beating a victorious Army , and a warlike Nation , the person of so great a King being also in that Army ; wherefore in such a case , the French-mens courage was rather to fail , then to avial them . And it was to be beleeved that the Enemies to that Crown would the sonner appear against them , as the Emperor Maximilian , Henry King of England , and that Ferdinand King of Spain would continue the more firm to the Italian confederacie . Then what courage , or what hope of succour would those French-men have , who were left behind for the defence of the Kingdom of Naples ? and the City of Novara , which though it were back'd with the Kings men , who to this purpose kept his Army a long time together after the Battel , was reduced to so great streights by the Colleagues , as the King was compelled to yeed it up upon Articles to Sforza ; would it not soon have been taken by the sole reputation of the victo●y ? Neither would this have been an occasion of dissention ( as afterwards it was ) amongst the Colleagues , and which bereft them of the chiefest advantage which that confederacie could hope for . These are the Considerations which we may conceive did move those Princes to resolve upon following the French Army , and to join battel with it . But that which amongst such diversity of reasons seems more answerable to reason , is , that the Battel was not occasioned out of an absolute resolution and resolute advice , but happened party out of necessity , both Armies being already drawn very near , and partly upon a resolution taken by the Commanders upon the very place . But the Princes of the Leagues truest intention was to necessitate the King of France , when he should see so great a preparation for War to be made against him , to hasten his departure the more , and to enforce him to draw so many more of his men from the K●ngdom of Naples , that so he might make his passage the surer . And that the Kingdom not having sufficient Garisons to defend it , might the more easily fall into the power of the Aragoneses , for whom the same Colleagues were preparing a Fleet by Sea to assault it . Nor was it judged by the example of things formerly past , that the States of Italy were free from the insolencies of the French , unless the Pr●nces of Italy should either put themselves into a posture of War , or if they should keep their Forces far distant from the way whereby the King was to return for France ; since in his former passage to the enterprise of Naples , though he was more necessitated to make hast , and ha● greater need of making himself Friends more by favor then by force , he had notwithstanding used strange novelties in Tuscany , which the Florentines did much ●esent . And who could have ascertained that he would not do the l●ke in his return , in all other parts , where meeting with no obstacle , he might meet with opportunity of pleasing himself , or procuring any thing of advantage ? The Colleagues seeking to provide for these mischiefs , & rather to shun new inconveniencies , then endeavor to repair their past losses , they thought it the best course that their Army should follow that of the Kings , so to keep him in perpetual jealousie and suspition , and hinder him if he should make any attempt ; hoping likewise , as they had like to have done , that this was the way to make the King come to some good agreement with them , which had been often endeavored , and not without hopes of good success , even when the Camps were very near together . But the Colleagues , incited either by the Armies being so near together , by the desire of glory , or hope of victory ; or perchance being inforc'd so to do , as it usually falls out when the Enemies Army is reduced to straight passages , they fought the French ; the Commanders of the Leagu●s Army , were then to have considered , that they had more reason to hope for victorie , then to fear loss in that daies fight , as the effect did in part prove , it being the common opinion , that had not their own men been put into great disorder , by their own light-horse , who fell too soon to pillage the Enemies Camp , they would have had a full and glorious victory . But though the business should have succeeded otherwise , they knew the state of affairs to be such , as the victory o● the Kings behalf could not occasion them those great mischiefs , which upon such an occasion have been considered , the Kings Forces not being so great when most entire , much less being much weakened by the conflict , as could prove very formidable . Such like events may teach us not to attempt such things in which it is hard to resolve , and wherein the profit which may accrue is very doubtful ; nor to bring our selves to such a condition , as the necessity of putting on another resolve , bereaves us of choice . Nor will it be a less useful precept for Princes , to have a great care , and to be very well advised in chusing their Commanders , which are to have the chief imployment in great enterprises ; for if their nature and customs be not conformable to the thoughts and intentions of the Prince , it is in vain to give them any Instructions or Commissions ; for oft-times a resolution is to be put on upon the main concern , wherein a mans natural inclinations may prevail over whatsoever strict command which the Commonwealth of Venice had experience of particularly in this daies fight , in the Marquis of Mantua , and some years after with much more danger and damage in Bartholomi● d' Alviano , at the Battel of Giaradada ; in both which personages , natural ardor and too vehement a desire of glory , prevailed over the Senates wise and moderate counsels . The Fifth DISCOURSE . Whether or no the Forces of Leagues be fit for great Enterprises . AMongst those things which fall into discourse when people talk of weighty State Affairs , and of War enterprises , one , and a chief one , is that of Leagues , and Confederacies , in which divers Potentates do joyn , either out of some particular design of their own , or for their better securitie , or to abate the power of others . And the weakness of Potentates who are wanting in the antient military worth and discipline , hath been the occasion why we read of more examples of such unions , in these latter times , then we have heard of formerly . So as now adaies , as also in some later times past , when any great enterprise is debated upon , recourse is forthwith had to Leagues , by means and vertue whereof , it is usually thought , that greater ends may be compassed , then can be hoped for from the peculiar power and vertue of any one onely State ; and chiefly to curb and keep under those Forces which do threaten whole Christendom with most danger and damage . Those who speak in the behalf of these Leagues , and who heighten the hopes thereof , use these or the like reasons . First , because reason , & natures self doth teach us , that the multiplication of the force and vertue of the movers , makes the motion the greater , and more powerful ; and that power and perfection which in humane affairs is denied to one alone , is easily found amongst many . There is hard●y any one so weak , or so little befriended by the gifts of nature or fortune , who may not be some help to another , by adding that little which he hath to the much more of the others . This is the cause why in humane actions , and especially in such as are of the nobler sort , the perfectest are those which are most compounded : The best harmonie is composed of differing ●ones of V●yces . The perfectest State Governments ( alwaies provided that they be essential and not meer Idea's ) are those which being composed of the Three best , do comprehend the perfections of all the Three ; and it is easie to observe the like in many other things . And Aristotle , when he would shew the perfection which proceeds in every thing from this concourse and union of many , doth instance in the example well known in those times of publick banquets and entertainments , where those wherein many were imployed , some in one thing , some in another , proved more noble and sumptuous , then those which were made by any one onely , though never so wealthy Citizen . Let us then gather by this , that such Forces likewise , wherein several Potentates do concur , for some noble and important action , where every one lends his assistance and advice , will be fitter to atchieve any great enterprise , then those of one onely , though never so great a Prince . In War there are several Offices , and several imployments , whereunto we see that one N●tion is not so proper ( be it either by reason of the several influences of the Heavens , or through custom which is a second nature ) as is another : So in this mistery of War , several people prove proper for several imployments . In pitcht Battels , the Dutch and Switzers have exceeded others , and have purchast most fame ; The Italians have been alwaies esteemed for making assaults , and storming of Cities ; and the Spainards are held better then others at defending a strong hold , by reason of their undergoing labor and disquiet , and for their dexteritie in military actions . Others are better at Horse-service then on foot , as the French ; others are good at Seafaring , and at Mariti●e Discipline , as the Gen●●ses , P●●tugeses , and Venetians ; and others have been p●●ticularly addicted to other exercises . So as those who are able to imploy several people , and several Forces , as Leagues may do , ( especially if they be made between puissant Princes ) may have great designs ; for they shall have wherewith to offend , and defend , both by Land and Sea , and numbers enough of Soldiers , ●it to undertake and accomplish whatsoever Enterprise . But besides this , many things are requisite for the maintaining a long War ; Arms , Ammunition , Victuals , Money , and other things , the which no one State can sufficiently furnish , at least not without much incommodity , for any long time : but where many joy● together , and every one furnisheth somewhat which they most abo●nd in , the enterprise is s●●e not to be impeded , nor retarded , for want of any thing , nor for the difficulties which are occasioned thereby . Moreover , for great enterprises , as they cannot be so soon effected , so are they subject to the hazard of ill success , when they depend upon one onely Commander , who when he is lost , there is never another of equal authority , valor and experience left to succeed him ; for there are but few of those that are fit for much pains-taking , and for management of great affairs . Insomuch as that State is very happy , which in more then one Age meets with a generous and warlike Prince ; and that Prince is very fortunate who when he will not follow the Wars in his own person , hath a Subject of his so qualified , as becomes him to be who is to command an Army , when the War is difficult , and of importance ; which is the cause why we often-times see great enterprises which are we●● begun , precipitate into great disorders and ruines . The death of Alexander the Great , without any legitimate Heirs fit to undertake the Government of such an Empire , and of so weighty affairs , kept the Macedonians and Grecians ( of which two Nations his valiant and unconquered Army did consist ) from following his prosperous course , and from conquering the Well , as he had done the East , and which whilst he was alive , he had proposed to himself to do . The Carthaginians chiefest ruine arose from the want of Commanders ; for having placed their hopes in one onely Hannibal , they were forced to send for him back out of Italy , to defend themselves in Africa against Scipio ; and his fortune forgoing him , when he was beaten they knew not whom to betake themselves unto , to uphold their tottering Commonwealth . But in Leagues there is no such hazard run ; since the best Commanders that are in any of the Confederate Princes States may be imploied , and the Princes themselves may serve upon an urgent occasion ; so as one Commander being lost , another may be found to succeed him , of as great excellency and worth . For every State hath usually in all Ages had some one man more eminent then the rest , unto whom is greatest extremities they have recourse . So as a League , if we suppose it to be like a well Fabrickt humane body , may , since it hath the strength of many Dominions united in it , be resembled to Briar●●● for strength ; for as he had a hundred hands , to make use of as he pleased in several actions , so many do lend help to such a League , and make it stronger and fitter for any undertaking . Moreover when we have to do with a very powerful Prince , as it falls out in great Enterprises , if we will weaken his strength , we may endeavor chiefly to keep his forces divided , and imploied in several parts , for so they are lessened , and become less apt to make resistance ; but as this will be hard for a single Prince to do , though a great one , for he who will drive another man from his own home must be much stronger then be ; so is it more easily done when many are confedrates together , and this not onely because several ●orces joyned together , prove the greater ( as hath been said ) and several Armies abounding with all things necessary may be thereout framed , but for the commo●iousness which several confederate States have , of assaulting the Enemies Country , at one and the same time , in several parts . Wherefore when any great and difficult enterprise was to be undertaken ( not to speak of antient times ) but of more modren ones , against the Saracens , and the Turks , two Nations , which have governed and domineered in these latter times with great fame and force , recourse was had to Leagues , to C●●sadas , and to the unions of Christian Princes , by means whereof notable things have been done against those cruel Barbarians . How many Princes , how many several Nations join'd together in the time of Pope Urban the Second , for the recovery of the Holy Land ? About Fifty thousand fighting men were raised , commanded in chief by Godfrey of Bullen , who gained so many and so famous Victories , and so worthy of eternal glory ; this holy League having regained more then a hundred Cities in Asia , which were possest by the Saracens . And in the t●me of Baldwin the Third , King of Ierusalem , when the Emperor Conradus and Lodowick King of France , joining together with other lesser Princes , went themselves in person against the said Saracens , did not they do excellent explo●ts , though couzened and be rayed by some Lords of Asia , they could not continue on their enterprise with like success as at the first . And hath not this last Age seen one of the most signal and illustrious Naval victories that was ever heard of ? which was the fight at Lepanto , which was won from the Turks by the League of the Christian Princes . But let us add somewhat more in pursuit of our former considerations . Greatest enterprises , though happily begun , are oft-times left imperfect , when they depend upon the Forces of one only Prince ; for the rest of his neighboring Princes , either out of envy , or fear of his greater prosperity , take up Arms against him to make him give over the hopes of further acquisitions , and bethink himself of defending his home-affairs ; and to keep the scales more equal between him and his neighbors , and to take away the jealousies of State , which are of all other things most dangerous , and whereof we have infinite examples . But when a weighty War is to be undertaken by the Forces of many Joint-Potentates , this suspi●ion ceases ; for Leagues are usually made with other Princes and neighboring States , or with such as are concern'd in common interest . And this Amity or Confederacie doth not only secure those States with whom the Confederacie is contracted , so as the one fears not the other ; but it preserves each of them from the injuries that any may go about to do to any of the Confederates . For one State supporting another by reason of their convention , things are so well and stoutly govern'd as People not being able to worst them , keep from molesting them , knowing that by offending any one Confederate , they shall draw upon them the Forces of all the rest , and hasten their own ruine . Every one of these Princes may then by reason of their strait conjunction and confederacie with others , more boldly and more resolutely undertake and accomplish any whatsoever enterprise , without danger of being diverted by any particular interest of his own . And all these Considerations are better confirm'd by many notable examples . Greece was assaulted by Xerxes , that powerful Prince of Persia , with an infinite number of men both by Sea and Land ; almost all the several People of that Province , united and confeder●ted together against this so great a warlike power : And such was the efficacie of this un●on , as that though one only Greece was to withstand the Forces of almost all the Eastern Nations who were flock'd together to that enterprise , but still under the Imperial command and conduct of one and the same King Xerxes , they did not only make their part good , but repulsed so puissant an Enemy , much to his own prejudice The associate War which happ●ned in the time of Marius and Sylla , wherein many Associates and Confederates of the Romans did conspi●e together against the Commonwealth of Rome ; though the Confederates were all of them but weak people , as the Maruceni , Vestini , Samnites , Lucans , and other of their neighbors , yet was this War held one of the most dangerous that the people of Rome did ever sustain : For these people had join'd themselves together with much fervor , to revenge themselves of the Roman Nobility , who had first promised them , and then denied them the liberty of being Citizens of Rome . And in these later Ages , whole Germany having confederated together against the Emperor Charls the Fifth , was able to raise so numerous an Army , though all the German Princes did not concur therein , as did much perplex and endanger Charls . Which examples prove what many Forces , though weaker being taken apart , can do when join'd together , against one potent Prince . These then may seem sufficient reasons and examples to ground a favorable conclusion in the behalf of Leagues , and to make them be held a strong and powerful means to order great enterprises by , and to bring them to a good end . Yet there be many good Considerations which may be alleadged on the contrary part ; so as he who shall mind realities , and not what the magnificencie of name or preparations do promise , will doubt much whether these Leagues and Confederacies do really prove what they appear to be . It is most certain , that as the truest perfection consists in union , and that whatsoever will partake of that , must be reduced to this ; so may all our humane actions prove the more successful and perfect , the more reducible they are to this unity ; and if it happen to some sometimes otherwise , it is because those some are not capable thereof either of themselves , or because their corrupted customs will not suffer them so to be : But it is not to be denied , but that in all humane actions , chiefly such wherein great affairs are concern'd , and more chiefly in matters of War , after mature advice taken , sudden execution is requisite ; and that it is necessary to reduce all things as much as may be to this unity : So as the soveraign authority consist in one only , and not in many ; for the multiplicity of those that concur ( especially by way of p●rity ) in the same action , doth not help , but rather disorder and confound . Then look how much harder it is to reduce things to an unity in a League , the less gallant do they prove , and less fit for prosecution of great affairs : For they contain , and almost naturally , such contrarieties , as must occasion the sudden corruption thereof . Several are the thoughts of several men , the customs of Nations different , and ( which in this case is of most importance ) the counsels and resolutions by which confederate Princes govern themselves , do not only differ , but are for the most part contrary , according as State-jealousies are apt to breed occasion of falling out . The powerful desire after Rule never suffers right to be known , nor people to be there with contented : It is therefore to be observed , that in all Ages the greatest and most signal actions in War have been done and accomplish'd by the worth and prosperity of one only Prince , or at least of one sole Potentate , with a series of divers Princes and Captains who have commanded therein . Alexander the Great , the Commonwealth of Rome , Charls the Great , and in these latter time ; the Ottoman Empire , not to mention many others who have been great and potent , though not altogether so highly cry'd up , did all of them arise to that height of glory and power by the power and worth of one only Command , with the true and proper military discipline of each of them , and under the conduct of one and the same Principality . On the contrary , Leagues shew their weakness at the very first sight : For company and multipl●city denotes always imperfection , and in this particular makes it be known , that those things which a Prince or a Commonwealth cannot by reason of their weakness do of themselves , and by their own Forces , they seek to effect it by the company and help of others . Wherefore ( as it hath been said ) in this respect Leagues have been more frequently used in these latter Ages , then of old : ●or many Princes and States are failing in military worth and courage , and not able of themselves to do any notable action ; so as one Nation , or one Prince not being able to overcome another ▪ and all of them wanting the excellencie of good Orders , he who hath at any time endeavored to advance himself by some design , hath been forced to have recourse to the advantage of Leagues ; of which Italy , since by reason of the declination of the Western Empire , she hath been divided into so many members , and Scignories , hath in particular afforded many examples , which may serve to teach whatsoever belongs to these Leagues : whereof we do not read of any great good effect which hath ensued at last , or at least which have continued long in their first prosperity ; for their Forces , though powerful enough of themselves , when met withal by contrary respects , and wearied in their first attempts , have soon gone but lamely off . And he who shall well consider such particulars as are most necessary in great undertakings , will easily see how badly they do correspond in Leagues . Deliberations would be wise and mature , but not slow and unseasonable ; execution would be speedy and bold ; counsels are oft-times to be taken upon unexpected accidents ; the end of all ought to be one and the same , though the Offices , Degrees , and Authorities be different ; the respect and aim one and the same , whereunto all resolutions do tend ; to wit , the safety , glory and the greatness of that Prince or State , for whom the War is made ; the reward and honor one and the same , and alike the loss and shame , so as the possibility of haveing means to lay the fault on another , do not retard the doing of what is ●itting . These are things which have alwaies been hard , and rare to be found ; yet they may the more easily be met withal in an enterprise which is undertaken by one onely wise Prince , or by one well governed Commonwealth ; But in Leagues all things run counter byass to these important affairs . It is not alwaies generositie , but fear which makes a Prince take up Arms , which likewise makes others joyn with him , who otherwise do much differ from him in desires , and interest : but that brunt being over , and every one being in their former particular , and more natural condition , he who dreads War bends to idleness , and willingly takes all occasions to change War for Peace ; and he who was become a friend by reason of some contingencie , not out of any good will , discovering his real affection upon some other occasion , or by reason of some change , returns to be not onely as formerly , an Enemy , but more inveterate then before ; so as these Ties of Common interests being soon loosened either by particular interest , or by some other affection , hatred , confusion , and disorder doth thereupon ensue . The Moralists ●ay , That friendship cannot long continue between those where one and the same thing is not interchangeably given and received ; and that therefore true friendship is onely found , where the end is not that which is advantag●ous or delightful ( because equal correspondencie is not usually there ) but what is honest , which alwaies is , and does still continue the same on all behalfs . In the Friendship or Leagues of Princes , every one hath his own conveniencie , and particular benefit for his aimed at end , and then the like of others onely so far , as by accident it may square with his . But it commonly falls out , that what makes for one , makes against another ; so as the ●ame things cannot please all : wherefore a thousand accidents do easiry cause diversity of opinions , contentions and breaches , so as hardly any League hath been able to preserve it self any long time . It is also usually seen that no man minds what is recommended to the care of many ; and therefore in Leagues , which are fastned together but with weak Ties , whilst one doth either trust upon anothers provisions , or is ill satisfied with others omissions , men neglect their own daties , and study more to pick a hole in anothers coat , then to mind his own business . The ignomi●y which may in●ue upon such defaults , and the loss of reputation , which use to be great incitements to a noble mind , are not so much valued in things which are undertaken and negotiated by many together , because the way lies fair to excuse ones self , by laying the fault upon another , or at least the fault is lessened by others being sharers therein . Thus that common benefit , which is so magnified and cried up , and which ought to be their onely object , is found onely in a certain fancied Idea , and in a potentia remota , or in a vain and useless appearance , whilst none endeavor to reduce it to its true , essential , and perfect being , by laying aside their own proper and peculiar advantage , and by directing his actions to the common good of his Colleagues . So as he who shall duly consider what the first intention is of making a League , and with what degrees it is proceeded in afterwards , and to what ends it is directed , will by many evident examples find it quickly so transformed , as though it meet not with any external forces , it easily dissolves and moulders away of it self . Leagues made by Christians against the Turks have oft-times in particular met with these impediments and difficulties ; the League between Pope Alexander the Sixt , and the three most powerful Kingdoms of Europe , the Kingdoms of Spain , Fance , and Portugal , and the Commonwealth of Venice , was stipulated with great hopes and noble intentions ; the Venetian and French Fleet came into the Archipelag● , where they had some prosperous success ; but the forces of the other Colleagues were in vain expected the first year , and it ended the second year before it had fully effected any thing , by reason of the discords which arose between the Crowns of France and Spain , which were occasioned by the division of Naples , so as these Princes turned their Arms each upon other , which were intended against the Infidels . The league made between Pope Paul the Third , the Emperor Charls the Fift , and the Commonwealth of Venice , against Sultan Soliman , likewise ended almost as soon as it was begun ; and it is too well known , as being of rescent memory , what occasions of victories were thereby lost , and out of what respects . But what greater thing could be expected from any League , then from that which God blest with the famous victory at the Curz●la●● Islands ? Yet how slight a matter was able to re●●●d the glorious atchievements which were with reason to be expected from thence , when a slight suspition of the Spainards , that the States of Flanders might be molested by the French , by reason of the going of the Duke of Alanson , the Kings Brother towards those parts , was sufficient to keep back the Fleet which was destied for so great affair in the Levant , and to make the best season of the year pass over without any advantage ; whereupon all other things ●ell into great disorders , and the League was quickly ●erminated . Neither can this natural motion of Leagues be so stopt by any means or endeavors , as that all the Colleagues may have the same intentions in preserving it . What greater reason can one Prince have to promise unto himself the continuance of friendship and fidelity from another , then had the Commonwealth of Venice to expect , first , from Lewis the Twelfth , and then from Francis the First , both of them Kings of France ? Since to keep from any waies violating the friendship and conjunction , which she held with the former ; she drew upon her the Forces of Maximilian the Emperor , and exposed her State to so much labor , and danger ; and did so long maintain a great part of the expence of a weighty War , first , to free the Seconds own person from Prison , and then his Sons ; yet ( as usually affection prevails more in the minds of Princes , then common reason , or justice by which private persons govern themselves ) Lewis , breaking off his antient Capitulation , which he held with the Commonwealth , was a great means to make all the Princes of Europe conspire against her ; and France , as soon as he had made what advantage he could by the agreement , laying aside all other respects , made peace for himself alone with the Emperor , leaving the Common-wealth exposed to great toil and danger of War. So as when any stedfastness is found in any Colleague , all that is to be said is , That as he that doth observe 〈◊〉 deserves to be praised for his fidelitie , so ●e that doth rely too much thereupon , is not to be much commended for c●vil wisdom . But it may be moreover considered , that many times the Colleagues began to square but badly in the very beginning of their agreement , which tends much to the prejudice of the common interest . Whilst the last League against Selinus the Turkish Emperor was in treaty , and when it was so high time to relieve Cyprus , it was long and importunately argued in Rome , where they were first to imploy the Forces of the League ; and some of the Spanish Ministers were so blinded with their particular interest , as they propounded and stifly maintain'd it to the very great prejudice and loss of time , that as soon as the League should be fully agreed upon , the Forces thereof should march to the Sea-coasts of Africa , to take in such places as they thought might make most for the advantage of Spain ; not weighing that whilst they should leave their Enemies powerful , with the Fleet safe and entire in the Levant , it was very vainly done to think of get●ing such things , which though they should succeed well , must be to no purpose , and must qu●ckly prove unfortunate , as experience shewed afterwards , and which reason could not perswade before . But if these peculiar respects be at first concealed , they break forth in the process of time , and work sometime worser effects in such of the Colleagues as are either weakest , or do confide most in the Confederacie . Ferdinand King of Spain , though falling off from the other Colleagues , he joined with great offers and prot●stations with the Commonwealth of Venice ; yet when the City of Brescia was recovered , he would keep it for himself , and appropriate the first fruit of victory to himself , which by the former , and by renewed capitulations was destin'd to others . Pope Clement the Seven●h , the Commonwealth of Venice , and the Duke of Milan join'd together in League against Caesar ; but their ends were , if not apparently contrary , at least intrinsecally different . The King of France desired by all means to free the Crown of France from some prejudice which he had done it by the former agreement with Caesar , and to set his Sons at liberty , who were left with him in nature of Hostages : But on the contrary , the other Confederates chief endeavour was , to take the Dukedom of Milan from Caesar , and to secure Italy from his power . The enterprise was begun with prosperous success , the Italian Princes doing readily what became them ; but the King of France , when he knew how to obtain his ends by another way , and began to suspect the Colleagues constancie , did neither make War on the other side the Mountains , nor did he send his Forces into Italy , as he was bound to do : Whereupon the League which was made with great preparation , with good beginning , and better hopes , ended in an agreement , which was voluntary and advantagious on the Kings behalf by the recovery of his Children , but inforced , and not over-secure on the behalf of the other Colleagues , who fell short of th●ir conceived hopes , being abandoned by their Friend and Confederate , the King. To know then the truth amidst this diversity of reasons and examples , we must distinguish and consider apart for what occasions , and with what respects every League is made , what the end therein proposed is , and upon what terms and conditions it is concluded ; for by these particulars we may the better know what good or bad may be expected by joyning together in League , and whether the League be likely to be of short , or of long duration . Sometimes Leagues are made by Princes or Popularities out of necessary defence , and to provide opportunely for their own safeties ; the Confederates obliging themselves by particular and stated obligations to defend each others State , when they shall be assaulted by any others from without : And such Leagues as these have proved profitable , as having respect to the preservation of Peace , and to a certain and honest end ; and whilst nothing but the common interest is treated of , so as they have all the same object , as well in maintaining , as in making the Confederacie . The Confederacie made between the Pope , the King of Naples , the Commonwealth of Florence , the Duke of Milan , and other lesser Italian Princes , did long preserve the Peace of Italy , and was for a while very advantagious for the Colleagues ; for the only drift thereof was to constitute some assured bounds to every of their powers , and to settle them in a just temperature , making the Confederates thereby the stronger and more able to withstand any one that should attempt any thing against them . Sometimes again Leagues are made for more necessary self-defence , and which must suddenly be actuated ; to wit , when a State is assaulted by one more powerful , and that the neighboring Princes , lest themselves might suffer if they should permit a neighboring power to grow too great by the ruine of that State , do take up Arms jointly for the defence thereof , in whose defence they know their own safeties are concerned , since they might soon incur the like danger , if they should not keep him at a further distance from the others home . And such a League may also at first do gallant and memorable things , if it so fall out that the condition of affairs being altered in the same League , and the Colleagues interests becoming different , they will advance further with those Forces , and with more full intentions to ruine that Foe-Potentate , and take occasion by joining in League to increase in State and power . When these respects , and their contraries already han●led are considered , these Leagues do usually lose all their efficacie , since they fail in their chiefest and surest ground-work , when the truest conjunction fails , which is that of Princes minds , thoughts and designs , whence conformable actions , and such as are of great efficacie and worth do arise . Almost all the People of Greece join'd together to defend themselves against Xerxes his Forces , a mighty King of Persia , who came to assault them with an innumerable Army ; and they got that famous Victory by Sea at Salamis , which furnish'd them at the same time with prosperous successes at Land , where they put the same King to flight : And Greece was preserved at that time by vertue of that League from so great a danger , against which it appeared almost impossible that she could defend herself . So likewise in these latter times , the Pope , and Philip King of Spain join'd with the Commonwealth of Venice in defence of the Kingdom of Cyprus , ( to whom that Kingdom , as part of her Territories , did chiefly belong ) when it was assaulted by powerful Turkish Forces ; and having put together a powerful and numerous Navy , they bore away that famous and singular Victory , which will be celebrated in all Ages ; the Turkish Forces were routed and shattered at Sea , and their honor and courage lessened : But when all this was done , what other thing did the victorious Grecians , answerable to the hop●s which were expected from that their so grea● Victory , the whole fruit whereof at their reurn home ended in the dividing of the booty ? So also the Christian League by Sea , did not only spend the rest of that Autumn , a fit time for any enterprise which they could have undertaken , after the honor they had won in the aforesaid Victory , in dividing the prey , and in other matters of small moment , but also spent all the next en●uing Spring and Summer idly , without being able so much as to keep together , so to keep the Enemy from recruiting , to the great , notable , and woful example of what we are now in treaty of , and to shew that the Forces of Leagues are weak , though made between potent Princes . The purchase which is got , or which is hoped for , cannot be so equally divided and agreed upon , but that some of the Confederate Princes will happen to have a greater share then the rest ; and every increase , b● it ●●'r so little , doth easily cause jealousie , or at least envy in the rest . Almost all the Potentates of Europe convened together in the famous League of Cambray against the Commonwealth of Venice , allured by the hopes of being able to divide her noble , rich , and flourishing State , which was so much a more prevailing object in the minds of the confederate Princes to make them endeavor by their joynt Forces to suppress the Commonwealth , and bereave her of all her riches . But as soon as the Colleagues first design began to discover themselves , and begot jealousies and suspition amongst them , insomuch , as the very same Princes who had conspired together to ruine the Commonwealth , did soon assist and succor her , being become bitterer Enemies one to another , and amongst themselves ( each others greatness becoming formidable and hateful to their companions ) then they had been before out of the same reason to the Venetians , against whom they had joyntly taken up Arms. It was not hard , though not very reasonable , for Lodowick King of France , and Ferdinand King of Spain , being blinded with the same desire of enlarging their Territories , to joyn together in driving the Aragonians from out the Kingdom of Naples , but afterwards they did as easily disagree , touching the dividing of what they had got ; So as the League might help to bereave others of that Kingdom , but other Forces were requisite for the appropriation of it to ones self , and thereunto the proper and peculiar vertue of the Militia , and of good counsel was likewise required . Leagues use likewise to prove advantageous when many Potentates take up Arms against one new Prince , who is yet but weak , and not well setled in his State ; as was seen by the example of the League made by the Princes of Italy , against the Scalligers , and certain other petty Lords or Tyrants ; for Leagues being of some validity in their beginning , and not meeting with any stout resistance , may at the very first effort have ruined the Enemy against whom such Legues were made , but when they have to do with a Potentate of esteem , though he be inferior of himself , to the power of the Colleagues , they have not produced any great effects ; as may be known by divers confederacies made by the Princes of Italy , against the Commonwealth of Venice ; against which , as being become formidable to them all , though all Italy hath more then once taken up Arms , yet she hath been able to defend herself against such forces ; for the first Efforts being withstood , the rest proved less difficult , by reason of the usual weakness which Leagues are soon reduced unto . And it might have succeeded so with her likewise , in the times of greater danger in the Leagues of Cambray , had not Alviano with his unseasonable resolution , of immaturely hastning on the the Battel , drawn that ruin upon the Commonwealth , which she might easily have escaped by temporising , and the League have been dissolved thereupon , as it was not long after . Now by reassuming all these considerations , these general and true Conclusions may be thereout asserted ; that Leagues may prove beneficial , either when they aim simply at defence , and at the maintaining of Peace , by the reputation of such an union ; or when one that is not able to defend himself by his own particular Forces , is actually assaulted by one that is more powerful then he , and whom he is not able to resist of himself . For if no other good be got by such unions , yet the business is spun out the longer , and there may be a way sound out to deviate imminent ruine , by diversion . But he who will conside too much upon such Unions , or be less diligent in negotiating those Affairs which of himself he is not able to do , will soon finde he is deceived ; nay if he be not the more cautious , and circumspect , he may become a prey as well to him who appears to be his friend , as to his formally declared enemies . Whence it is inferr'd that to make Leagues out of a meer and voluntary election of increasing Territories , is very uncertain , and falacious , yet may prove good if many who be strong and powerful joyn against one that is weak ; but at last the fire is greater which breaks out amongst the Colleagues themselves , then that which they carried home to another mans house . But that a State which is already grown great and powerful , may be opprest by the strength of Leagues , unless it begin first to totter by reason of its internal disorders , from what the experience of so many past passages teacheth , and from reason which is corroborated by custom , is a thing which no man ought to promise to himself , unless he delight in flattering himself with vain and prejudical hopes . There remains yet some things to be stated which have formerly been alleadged in the behalf of Leagues , lest they may get more credit amongst men then they deserve . To that then which was said , That the multiplicity of the movers , make the greater motion , and things are better done by many , especially things of the highest nature , then by reason of the imper●ection and weakness of our humanity , can be effected by a few , it may be answered ; That it is true , that the assistance of many is requisite to the affecting of great things ; but it is also as true , that for the right carrying on of affairs , it is requisite that the second causes ( to speak in terms of natural Philosophie ) should be subordinate to the first , as is seen in the Order and Government of the world : So doubtlesly no great enterprises can be effected without Armies , Commanders , and a thousand other necessaries ; but by how much the more all these are constituted under the power of one alone , by which their order and union is the greater , the work they take in hand will prove so much the more excellent and perfect . A Prince , though single in what he goes about , is not forbidden the making use of Soldiers of several Nations in his Militia , to the end that he may have an Army ( as hath been said ) fitter for any military action , in businesses which are at once undertaken against several States , so as all of them be to be understood as Enemies , though they be not confederates ; but the truest and securest rule in this case would be , to be so careful and diligent in training up , and in disciplining a Prince his own Militia , as that he may be able to provide for all actions of War , out of men of his own Dominions , as we see those have done who have done the most glorious actions . The same may be said of other things belonging to War , for which a wise Prince ought so to provide , as that he may rely upon himself , and not upon the friendship of others . As for the assertion , that Leagues do abound in Chiestains fit to command Armies ; this proves not alwaies true by reason of the scarcity of excellent men which hath been found in all Ages ; or say that such be to be found amongst confederate Princes , they use to cause more of discord and contention , by reason that every one pretends to have the supreme command , and chiefest honor in the Militia ; and more of prejudice to the Leagues , then of profit or advantage . And if it be found that some Leagues have effected great matters , it hath happened ( though but seldom ) where the particular respects , which we have mentioned , have concurr'd . But in the fore-named unions made by Christians against Infidels , no good reasons can be given which do sute well with the business now in hand , if we speak of Leagues according to the ordinary acception of reason of State ; for such Princes or People as were signed with the Cr●ciata had all of them but one onely respect and affection , which was more prevalent with them then any other , to wit , their zeal to religion ; therefore their Forces not being onely kept together by that so powerful bond , but even their souls , more heavenly then humane rewards being proposed to them , they might work miraculous effects : though they could not , even in this case , altogether sh●● those disorders which are caused by the association of so many , and by the multiplicity of sovereign Lords , and of Nations . The same may be said of other Unions , as of those that did associate the Romans , and of the Hans Towns of Germany ; for amongst these certain particular respects did concur , which were common to them all , no respects of States concerning differing interests , and other things , which have been considered in Unions which do truly and usually bear this name of Leagues : For when , though against Infidels , any enterprises have been attempted by Leagues , out of other reasons , and other humane respects concurring more principally therein , what success they have had , and how different , though usual to Leagues , may plainly be known by other examples already spoken of . The Sixth DISCOURSE . Why modern Princes have not done actions equal to those which were done by the Antients . THere are some , who praising only the actions of antient times , do equally blame all modern deportments , and hold them in little or no account ; as if the way were block'd up to those who are born in our days , to keep them from arriving at any height of glory . Others on the contrary labor to heap our present Age with all manner of praise , and to compare it to the most celebrated and most cry'd up former times ; affirming that the antient worth is sprung up again in these our days , and in our now modern men , which come no● short of , nor differ from the former times or men , save in the veneration which is given to Antiquity . They celebrate the ingenuity of modern men , for the excellencie and perfection unto which they have brought many noble Arts and Sciences , which were obscured and of no esteem in former times ; particularly that of the Militia . In which respect , by the so many new-found ways of Fortification , and expugning strong Holds by their Engines , and by other very miraculous Inventions , it appears that the industry of Modern men hath not only equall'd , but in many things much exceeded that of the Antients ; and that the glory of many excellent Professors of the most esteemed Arts shines cleerer in the present Age , for that they have not only sufficiently improved that of the Militia , but also Architecture , Painting , Sculpture , and other noble Arts and Disciplines , which are adornments to Civil life , and have drawn them out ● obscurity wherein they were hidden for a while . I do not differ so much from the opinion of these men ; nor do I think that other mens actions ought to be so much heightned , as that through a foolish modesty or ignorance we should undervalue our own , when they deserve praise . But as for Military actions , which as they are the most perspicuous to the eyes of all men , so are they most commended , or blamed by the universality of men ; when I call to mind the warlike actions done by the Antients , and those done by our Modern men , methinks that those do so far exceed these , as they can hardly admit of any comparison ; though these latter Ages , as they have produced more excellent Wits in other Disciplines , so also may they glory in the valor and generosity of some Princes , no less great in worth then in Forces . But that which peradventure affords no less cause of wonder , and which affords particular matter for this discourse , is to consider whence it is that modern Princes , though some of them have been generously minded , and of much experience and worth in military affairs , of great possessions , and strong in power , yet have they not been able to bring to pass such enterprises , as for their weighty consideration , for the shortness of time , or for the easiness wherewith they were done , can walk hand in hand with those of the Antients ; amongst whom we see one only Alexander , one Pompey , one Caesar to have subjugated many entire Provinces , and conquered many Nations . And not to go further in search of the like examples , since one Age alone , very neer this of ours , can easily furnish us with them : Were not the Emperor Charls the Fifth , Francis the First King of France , and ( if will pass by the errors of Religion ) Sultan Solyman Emperor of the Turks , Princes great , and valiant in all acceptations ? in whom so many endowments both of Nature and Fortune did concur , as hardly any thing remained to be desired in any of them , to make and constitute a potent Prince , and an excellent Commander , fit to undertake any action , how great or difficult soever . What was it that Charls with his undaunted and dreadless spirit did not undertake ? Who was ever known to be more ambitious of praise and military honor then Francis , never weary , nor satisfied with toiling in Arms , and in leading Armies ? Solyman was so fervently bent upon purchasing glory in the Wa●s , as his age , though very great , was not able to asswage it ; for he dyed in the Field amongst Soldiers , when he was eighty four years old . These great Princes were so puissant , and so remarkable for the number to Soldiers which they led to Battel , for military Discipline , and for all that belonged to War , as their Age had no cause to wonder at , nor to envy any preceding times , which were famousest for such affairs . Yet he who shall particularly examine their actions , will find they come far short of the famous acts of the Antients , and that they correspond not with the fame and opinion of such Princes and of such Forces . For if we we shall consider the deeds of those few aforesaid , not to mention so many others , what , and how many were the things done by Alexander the Great , who having in so short time vanquish'd the powerful Persian Empire , victoriously overran the whole East , and made the terror of his w●apons known to People almost unknown till then , and yet died whilst he was very young ? How many Cities and Provinces did Pompey and Caesar bring under the Roman Empire ? The first conquered and subjugated Pontus , Armenia , Cappadocia , Media , Hiberia , Syria , Cylicia , Mesopotamia , Arabia , and Iudaea ; things which though done , seem incredible : And the other , though he did not overrun so great a space of Land , did no less admired things , if we will regard the condition of the conquered ; He quell'd the warlike Switzers , French , and Dutch , and made so many and so fortunate expeditions , as by his means only above eight hundred Cities were brought under the Government of Rome . What can be alleadged on the behalf of these modern Princes , which may compare with these for military glory ? Charls the Emperor led sundry times puissant Armies upon several undertakings ; but what was the fruit that he reaped by his most famous Expeditions ? The greatest and most victorious Army which he ever put together , was that wherewith he withstood Solyman , when he came to assault ●ustria : yet he never departed with it from before the walls of Vienna ; so as all the Trophy of Victory which he got there for so much expence and labor , was only not being overcome ; for his Army never saw the Enemies face . The Wars of Germany were very difficult in this behalf ; yet therein he contended not with any Prince , whose Forces were of themselves equal to his ; nor were they made out of election , or hope of glory by new acquirements , but out of necessity , and for the defence as well of his own person , as of the Empire ; and all the good he got thereby , was only the restoring the affairs of the Crown to the former condition , so as the Empires authority might not be lessened . The Wars made so long between Charls the Emperor , and Francis King of France , with no less hatred then force , did oftentimes weary both their Armies ; but though Caesar had several times the better , yet at last the power of France was not diminished , nor the greatness of Charls his command made any whit the larger , so as he was master of so many , and so ample States rather by his right of inheritance , then by means of War ; th● enterprises of Tunis and Algier in Africa , might have some greater appearance of generosity , the business being very difficult , and attempted with great courage , and much danger , and wherein the glory appeared to be more then the advantage ; yet the unhappy success of the one , did much lessen the honor and praise won by the other ; and these undertakings did finally produce no greater effects then the acquisition of one or two Cities , and those none of the chiefest of Africa : whereas one onely Scipio subdued Carthage , the Head of so great an Empire , and brought all those Regions under the Roman Eagles . The Acts done by Solyman were somewhat greater then these , but not to be compared to those of old ; nor peradventure will they appear to be very famous , if we shall consider his power , and the long time that he lived Emperor . He consumed much time , and many men in Hungaria , making many expeditions against it , and yet got but one part thereof , which was none of the greatest Provinces neither . He wan the Island of Rhodes ; but what glory could redound to so mighty a Prince by overcoming a few Knights , who were weak of themselves , and who were not succoured by others ? And yet he was therein assisted more by fraud then by force . He past with his Army into Persia ; but though he might say with Caesar , ven● , vidi , yet could he not add vici ; for as he with great celerity over ran a great part of the Persian Empire , and came to the City of Ta●ris , so not being able to fix in any place , or establish any conquest , he retreated to within his own Confines , having lest the greatest part and the best of his men in the Enemies Country , routed and defeated by divers accidents . These things then , and many other the like , give just occasion of wonder , and incite curious wits to search out the truest causes of such diversity of successes . Amongst which , nay , in the primary place , the different means of warfaring in those times , and in these may come into consideration , wherein if we come to more particulars , we shall meet with the use of Forts and Strong Holds , which are become more frequent in these our Ages , then they were in former times , the art of building being doubtlesly in greater perfection with us then it was with them . There is hardly any State or Country now adaies , wherein there are not many Towns and Cities , either assisted by natural situation , or else by art reduced to much safety by many inventions found out by modern Professors of Fortification , so as almost every place is so fortified as it is able to hold out with a few men , against many ; and he who will in these times enter into another mans Country with an Army intending to possess himself thereof , must first win all the Castles and strong Holds upon the Frontiers ; for it were ill advised to advance forwards and leave such places behind them , since his victuals may be thereby hindred , and he may several waies suffer much damage and be greatly disturbed . Moreover to be ●aster of the field , & leave the Cities and strong Holds unreduced , would be but to labor hard to get possession for a few daies , which being founded only upon the Forces of a field-Army , when that should be worsted , all things formerly won , must of necessity fall of themselves . Hence it is , that since much time must be spent in lying before a Fort or Citadel , and that many men are requisite to take it , and all this often-times in vain , the attempts of modern Princes meeting with this difficulty , are not so soon nor so sadly compast , as they were by the Antients who met not with such obstacles . And how can it be expected therefore that many great victories should be won , since they meet with so many rubs by means of these strong Holds ? whereof we see many clear examples in the actions , of the aforementioned Princes . The Emperor Charls made War several times with numerous Armies against the King of France , propounding great matters unto himself , which proved all but vain at last , by his having met with strong Cities well munited , such as required much time and labor to take them ; wherefore though his success in War was sometimes prosperous , yet it came so late , as he hardly got any advantage or benefit thereby ; as was seen when after much time spen● , and m●ny men lost before the Fort of St. Desir which was sea●ed in the midst of France , whither he was fortunately advanced , though he reduced it to his own power , yet was he at last forced to come to agreement with the Enemy ( as finding his Forces much weakened by that acquisition ) that he might fall upon another Enterprise . The same , and for the same cause , befell Francis King of France , who having sent his Son the Dolphin with powerful Forces to the Pyrenean Mountains , to the end that he might break into Spain , promising himself easier success therein , by an unexpected assault , and because he had assaulted at the same time other parts of Caesars Dominions with other Armies : The Dolphin being at the very first to take Perpignano , a Fort placed upon those Frontiers , he there met with such , and with so many difficulties , as this sole encounter was sufficient to keep those Forces from pen●trating any further . Solyman being entred with a powerful Army into Hungarie , intending to pass into Austria , wasted so much time in expugning the strong Hold of Buda , as it proved the safety of that Country , and chiefly of Vienna ; before the which he was in that respect the longer a coming , and by this delay afforded the defendants the more time to provide for their own security , so as the City being of it self very renable , it may be said that she did not onely save her self , but by the preservation thereof , all Austria , and other Provinces of Germany , were preserved then , and several times since . So likewise in the War which was made by the same Solyman , against the Venetians , though he was come thither himself in person , with powerful Forces both by Sea and Land , yet his Forces being repulst by the Fort of C●rfir , which was forcibly , but in vain attempted by the Turks , he was forced to withdraw from before it ; whereas without the help and advantage of such a strong Hold , both the Island of C●rfee , and other places belonging to that State must have submitted to so great and warlike a preparation . By reason then of these difficulties , and such occasions , the undertaking of later times have proved less glorious for matter of action , then those of former daies . When Alexander had overcome in Battel Darius the powerful King of Persia , he soon made himself Master of his whole Kingdom , and passing further into the Country , even to the ocean Sea , he found the way so ope● , as the onely difficulty he met withal , was the overcoming of those Fortresses of Rivers and Seas which nature had furnished the Country with : Insomuch as those who writ his actions , speak but of two strong Holds of any importance , about which he was necessitated to spend some time amongst the Indians in his victorious over-running so many Countries . But Pompey made such way in following Mithridates , and in planting Trophies of victories , in all places whereby he past in so many Eastern Provinces , amongst people that he had rather march'd over , then over-come , as it may be easily conceived that he m●● no where with any impediments by strong Holds , which were able to stop the course of his victorious Forces . Caesar found it somewhat a harder business to subjugate those people of Europe , with whom he was to fight ; but this was more out of the nature of the situations and the savageness of the people , then by reason of any stout resistance made by any well fortified Cities ; yet in the space of Ten years he compleated so many victories , as he subjugated There hundred several sorts of People . It these , though great Princes , and most valiant Commanders , had been put to the expence of moneths and years in the taking of one only Fort , certainly their atchievements would have been fewer , and their glory not so much cry'd up . This was manifestly known by the example of other Ages : For it may be observed , that the so great progresses of War have been made chiefly in the Eastern parts , where at all times ( peradventure by reason of the largeness of the Country ) the use of strong Holds hath been least had ; so as not only Alexander the Great , and Pom●ey , both of them more famous then all other Commanders , but some of the Roman Emperors have by their Chieftains subjugated spacious Countries in a short time : And in later times , Selymus the Great Turk by the same reason was able totally to subjugate the Soldan of Caire's Empire ; For having had the better in many Battels , and not meeting with any strong Hold to withstand him , the whole Country which was under that Empire fell as a prey into the power of the Turks , who were Victors and Masters of the Field . But such acquisitions , as they are very easie to be made , so are they but seldom peacefully possest ; which was the cause why the Roman Emperors could never so govern those furthest Eastern parts but that either by the Inhabitants themselves , or by their neighboring Kings , ●umults were continually raised : So as it behoved them to subjugate the same Provinces several times . But if these difficulties of winning Forts and strong Holds did retard the course of Victories , certainly they ought not to lessen the praise of modern Princes and Commanders ; but when they deserve it by their own military worth and industry , as great discipline , cunning , constancie , and sufferance is discovered in this sort of Militia , and as such acquisitions are more stable , and less subject to the various fortune of War ; so the fewer actions of these men may for glory and praise be justly compared to the many of the others , wherein perhaps they would have equall'd them , had it not been for the concurrence of such differing accidents and respects . But if we shall continue to examine other parts appertaining to the Militia , we shall find that the diversity of effects hath proceeded from the diversity of other things . The invention of Guns is so new and so miraculous a thing , so out of the way of all War-Engines which were known and used by the Antients , as it may well be bel●eved that this must needs have made a grert alteration in the managing of the Militia ; and the use and invention of Gunpowder is so increased in these times , and so variously multiplied and perfected , as it may be said that men make not War now a days with steel and iron , as they were wont , but with fire . Then this formidable Instrument of Artillery , which makes so great and irreparable havock , is the reason why Commanders proceed with more caution in giving Battel , and seek to spin out the War in length , to reduce the Enemy to some necessity ; and that ●sing more Art , and trusting less to Fortune , they spend more time in bringing their enterprises to an end , but do it with more security . Wherefore we seldom hear of pi●ch'd Fields in these days , wherein whole Armies sight with all their Forces : And hence it is , that the Forces of such as defend an assaulted Country not being to be vanquish'd , nor much weakened but with time , unless they want fitting defence , no great p●ogress is made therein . which is not done more by time and industry then by open force . Where likewise it is to be weighed , that the necessity which is now adays put upon Armies of bringing along with them a great Train of Artillery , all their proceedings must be much more slow , and without them they can neither keep themselves from being offended by the Enemy , nor yet can they undertake any enterprise , wanting such Instruments without which no Town nor place of importance can be taken . Let us wind about a little , and see what hath been done by the Antients . What a voyage did Pompey the Great make in the pursuit of Mithridates ? He wi●h his Army overran abundance of new Countries , continually conquering and subjecting them , with as much ease , as if he had gone to visit them upon pleasure , and not to wage War with them . When Alexander the Great would go into India , he made his Soldiers leave all the Booty which they had got in Persia , and all their Baggage behind them , and choosing out some of his nimblest men , be with them made that long and difficult journy , and sent many back , thinking that a few ( but those valiant ) Soldiers , would suffice him for that purpose ; for in that Age , t was only worth and power which bore away the weightiest affairs . So as such Princes and Conductors of Armies as had a strong and able Militia , as was that of Alexander the Great , and that of the Romans , not meeting with any strong Holds to withstand them , nor with any Soldiers 〈◊〉 worth and experience as they were , not which could withstand their assaults , they suddenly bereft the Countries which they assailed of all defence , by worsting their Armies wherein their sole security lay , and so made themselves easily masters of them ; and by the reputation which their men won , and the terror which they caused in their Enemies , who had no where whereunto to flie or to have refuge , they made one Victory make way for another , so as they might in a short time lay the ground-works of those great Monarchies which the World doth now so much wonder at . To these things it may be added , That the chiefest strength of the Antients , and that wherewith they atchieved their chiefest actions , lay in their Infantry , which could easiliest and with greatest expedition winde about every where , and be made use of at all seasons . But changing their custom afterwards , so as those that commanded great Armies would have their Foot aided continually , and back'd by good store of Horse , they could neither begin , nor finish great enterprises , as made best for them ; being to consider the Season , the Country , and other conveniencies , and their Horses being to have meat , which they could not always , nor in all places come by . Wherefore now that by reason of the greatness of their Empire , the Turks Confines are so separated , and so far distant one from another , it may be hoped that other Princes may rest the quieter , and the more secure from their ●ncursions , for that their Land-forces consisting much in Cavalry , they cannot move so suddenly , nor lead on their numerous Armies so easily nor so commodiously , nor do such notable things by Land ; and which the self-same respect may make it be doubted that they may bend their studies more to Sea-affairs . Together with all these respects , the condition of Times and of Potentates is not slightly to be considered , if therein we meet with a generous Prince , and one that is desirous of military glory . For if he chance to make trial of his arms and worth with a Prince of equal , or not much inferior state , valor , and military discipline , he cannot hope by any power he hath to make any great acquisitions , because he will meet with a just counterpoise to his worth and power : For though he may peradventure be puffed up with some good success , yet is he not sure but that he may have some adverse fortune , whilst his Enemy is still strong , thou●h as yet wo●sted . What did Francis King of France leave unattempted to get footing in Italy ? how many Armies did he lead thither ? how much treasure did he spend in those attempts ? when was he ever weary or satisfied with warfaring ? Yet being withstood by the Emperor Charls the Fifth , who was of equal force and worth , and was resolute to keep the French out of Italy , all his endeavors proved vain , finding it very hard to get any thing , and impossible to keep what he had gotten , that State being befriended and back'd by too great Princes . Whence it was , that by reason of the resistance which each of these great Potentates made against the other , knowing that they could not much exceed one another , and each of them having an eye upon the affairs of Italy , they both of them did still much endeavor friendship and consederacie with the Princes of Italy , and chiefly with the Common-wealth of Venice . For , what neither of them could effect of themselves , which was to keep the others Forces suppressed in Italy , they thought they might the easilier do it , by joining with some other Italian Potentate ; so the many Wars which happened between them , and chiefly in Sav●y , and in the State of Milan , must at last be ended by agreement without any advantage to either party , both their Forces , being weakned , but neither of their hatreds or emulations slackned , though Charls the Fift , by the unexpected death of Francisco Sforza , did at last reduce that State to his Dominion . Hence it was also that Charls and Solyman , greatly fearing to encounter each other , did very much shun the having to do together , and to hazard that glory to the uncertain events of War , which they had ●●th so much labor arrived at . And this was the cause why Charls though he was a bold and valiant Prince , when his Brother Ferdinand was in great danger by reason of Solymans Forces , resolved importunately to pass into Africa ; for being resolute that he would not march against Solymans Forces , nor contend with them , he would witness to the world that it was neither labor nor danger , that kept him from turning to the defence of Hungary , and Austria , which were then assaulted by the Turks ; but because he esteemed the business of Africa very necessary . And when a greater necessity wrought it so that they were to take up Arms one against the other , and that numerous Armies had taken the field , yet they kept still aloof off , the fear , and apprehension which each had of the others power and fortune being alike ; so as at last so great an accumulation of Soldiers disbanded , neither party having seen the face of an Enemy ; whilst Charls would not give way that his Army should go from before the walls of Vienna , to go find out the Enemy , not would Solyman advance further to meet him , though he had at first publickly given out that he went from Constantinople to fight with Charls the Emperor before his own doors . So as you may clearly see , that it was the counterpoise of these two great Princes of one and the same Age , which kept their Forces confined within certain bounds , which for their valor and other respects might have carried the Trophies of victory into the furthest remote Countries . Now on the other side let us examine the condition of Times and Potentates with whom those famous Commanders of old had to wage War : Al●x●nder the Great , found the Kingdom of Persia , wherein he successfully made his first expeditions , for extent of Empire very rich and powerful , but wherein was an ill disciplined Militia , and commanded by unexperienced Leaders , and men of no valor ; wherefore exceeding the Persians in worth and discipline , though he came short of them in numbers , he may be said to have been better then they for matter of War , and therefore willingly imbraced all occasions of joyning Pattel with them . And for what concerns the Eastern Kings and Nations , which he afterwards brought under his power , who knows not how unfit they were for War , of themselves weak , not joyned in confederacie for common defence , nor sustained by strong holds , nor by the strength of a well ordered Militia ? Insomuch as the greatest glory that can be attributed to Alexander , is for the generosity of his mind , which moved him to venter upon so many enterprises , in desert and almost unknown Countries , rather then for that he overcame great difficulties in fight , and brought them to an end . The same almost may be observed by the things done in the Eastern parts by P●●pey the Great . It is true that Caesar met with greater difficulties in the things he did in France and in Spain , for he waged War with people who knew how to manage their Arms , and who were till then thought unvanquishable ; wherefore he spent more time there . Yet these Provinces were divided into many Kings and Popularities , none of which were very strong of themselves , nor were they very secure by the assistance of others to make them able to resist an Army of veteran , and excellently well disciplined Soldiers , as was that which was commanded by Caesar : So as it seems we may with reason conclude that if these cried up Commanders had met with powerful and valiant Armies , able to be compared with theirs , and that these had been guided and upheld by the experience and worth of great Commanders , their fames would certainly have been less , not would they have so easily have assubjected so many Countries , and erected their Trophies of victories in so many Regions as they did . But besides all these considerations , we may perhaps with reason weigh , the arts and waies which these an●ient Warriers made use of ( to boot with what belonged to the Militia ) to make their acqusitions and glory the greater : for he who shall consider their actions , may therein discern so inflamed a desire of praise and glory as it seems this was the onely thing which they propounded to themselves for reward of all their labor and danger , and for the end of all their undertakings ; for they have left many noble examples behind t●em , not onely of military valor , but of equity , clemencie , temperance , and of other glorious vertues which ●ssisted them very much in winning favor , and affection with the people , and likewise the love of many of those very Princes who were overcome by them . Thus we read of Alexander , that he confirmed their Kingdom● to many Indian Kings whom he overcame , and did inc●ease them to some others ; and being contented with obedience from them , and rec●iving such things as were necessary for his voyage , he seemed rather to aspire after the glory of new acquisitions , then to reap any advantage by what he had already won : But Pompey , not like a victorious Chie●tain in War , but rather like a Friend and Arbi●rator composed the differences between those Princes of the East , restored the antient Lords to their Kingdoms , and gave new States to such others as did deserve them . Insomuch as it was from his lib ral●ty that Phar●●ces was to acknowledge the Kingdom of Bosphorus , Antiochus , that of Sile●tia , Tygranes , the Kingdom of Armenia , Ariobarzanes , that of Cappadocia , Diotarus , the li●e of Galitia , and did onely reduce such Countries into Provinces , and made them im●edia ely subject to the Senate and People of Rome , wherein he found no legitimate Lords and Masters , as it fell out in Syri● , Iudea and some other Regions . It was by reas●on of these proc●edings , that many People and Pr●nces , did voluntarily submit to the Empire of Alexander and of the Romans . Wherefore Darius when he was overcome by Alexander , adm●●ing his great Continencie and Humanit●e , prayed the gods that if the fail of that Empire was destined , the glory and succession of the Kingdom of ●ersia might fall upon Alexander . All ●istories are f●ll of such examples of worth and vertue in things done by the Romans ; But now adaies Princes and Commanders do but little mind the imitation of these men and wage War , not out of a desire of glory , as did those magnanimous Artients ; but onely out of revenge and cruelty . or else to turn all the fruit and benefit of Victory upon themselves leaving nothing safe nor intire to the conquered . Whence it ensues that they who fears these extreams , desperately resolve to do their utmost , and hazard all , rather then to submit themselves to the power and discretion of those on whom they 〈◊〉 their ultimate ruine depends . ●y this means , proceedings march a slower pace , and all acquisitions become more difficult , so this immoderate desire of having all things for th●r own service , working a contrary eff●ct to their intentions , keeps the Confines of their Dominions more narrowly bounded , and the●eby lessens that glory which they seem to aspire so much at . If then our Princes and Chieftains will walk in the waies of the Antients , they will finde that Justice , Clemencie , and moderate Empire , are stronger and more secure Engins to take strong Holds , then those wh●ch they in these times make use of . And if they be not faulty in the tru●st worth , they will find sufficient valor and discipline in their Soldiers , to bring to pass wh●tsoever great Enterprises , and to exalt their name to such a height of glory , and so illustrate themselves and their Age as they may in all things be deservedly compared to the famousest and most cried up of the Antients . The Seventh DISCOURSE . What the cause is why Italy hath enjoyed so long Peace and Quiet in these latter Times . HE who shall call to mind what troubles Italy for a long time hath suffered under , which after the passage of Charls the eight , King of France , till the Peace made at Bolognia , was for the space of thirty five years continually infested with better Wars , and subject to all those greater evils which the wickedness of man hath found out to his own undoing , may justly think her very happy in this present , and the last preceding Age , wherein after so long a combustion she hath enjoyed so happy and quiet a Peace : For though in this time some little sparkles may have broken forth , yet have they not spread much , nor lasted long ; but being confined within some small circuits , the greater and more noble parts of Italy have remained safe and untouched by this flame . Wherefore those Princes who this mean while have had the government of the several States of Italy , are certainly much to be praised , and the people of Italy are chiefly to acknowledg so great a benefit from their wisdom and vigilancie . Yet because there have divers accidents happened , which have opened the way to Princes wherein to walk directly on to this right end of Peace and Concord , it may be worth the while , particularly to examine from what causes this good hath proceeded ; for thereby it may likewise be known how the like may be preserved . It is a Proposition sufficiently known , and indubitably true , that Sublata causa tollitur effectus ; Take away the cause , and the effect which proceeds from thence will cease . Wherefore by truly examining the causes from whence the Wars and molestations of Italy did proceed , we may perceive how these ceasing , she hath remain'd in that peace and quiet , which may be said to be the true , proper , and most natural condition of a State ; all other workings in a good Government , and even War it self being ordained for Peace : whereby as Ci●ies and Kingdoms enjoy Civil felicity , so must that State be most perfect , wherein the perfectest workings are exerc●sed to the most p●rfect end . Peace is of it self introduced into a State by taking away the impediments which do disturb it , just as health is introduced into our bodies by taking away those ill humors which keep them from their perfect and natural condition . Now if we will take into our consideration , whence as from the principal occasions , that H●rmony ( if I may so call it ) which the Concord of the Italian Princes had so long produced , and preserved with such liking and consolation of all men , was spoil'd and corrupted , we shall find that two affect●ons which do usually accomp●ny Empire , and which at this time grew very powerful in some Princes , were those roots from which so many mischiefs did afterwards put forth , to wit , Fear and Ambition ; Fear of losing ones own State , Ambition of possessing what belongs to another . The fear of the King of Aragons just indignation made Lodovic Storza think upon Novelties , made him have rec●urse for help to France , and made him believe that was best for him , which proved his ruine : But it w●s ambit●on of add●ng new Territories to that Crown , and glory to himself , which made Charls the Eight , King of France , but young both in years and experience , think upon nothing but how to effect his desires , by accept●ng of Sforzas proff●r of passing into Italy , which proved the Sepulchre of so many Soldiers , and of so many g●lant Commanders of that warlike Nation , by the so many Wars which arose from that Spring-head , and which brought no other advantage to the Authors . But let us make a little further enquiry . The so famous , and as it may justly be termed , so pernicious War to all Italy , made by the League of so many Christian Princes , who had all conspired the ruine of the Commonwealth of Venice , whence did it arise but from these two w●cked seeds , Fear and Ambition ? Many Princes apprehended the greatness of the Republick , which was already much increased by the prosperous success in War wherein she was associated by the French , whereby she was become very formidable , especially to the Princes of Italy ; wherefore they all desired her abasement for their own security . Nor was the Emperor Maximilian totally free from this fear , who had learnt by late experience how powerful the Forces of the Commonwealth were grown , which had bereft him of some Towns belonging to him . But Lodovick King of France ( the thir●t after Empire being always u●quenchable ) growing still more desirous to possess the whole State of Milan , whereof he had already gotten the greatest part , and repenting himself that the Cities of Cremona and Giaradada were fallen to the Ventians , was egg'd on by this spur of Ambition to join in conspiracie with the other Princes against the Commonwealth , which had so lately and so many several ways deserved so very well at his hands . After these ensued many long Wars , though not equally grievous , which had many various and uncertain events , and which were fomented and maintain'd by these seeds of all discord , fear and ambition . When the greatness and power of the Emperor Charls the Fifth was increased and confirm'd in Italy , the Commonwealth apprehended that her State in Terra firma would not by reason thereof be very safe : she therefore willingly took up Arms , accompa●ied by the French , to secure herself from the danger she conceived she lay under by reason of the continual neighborhood of a greater and more powerful neighbor , by having a particular Prince of that State , who might be Duke of Milan . Francis King of France desired likewise to see the Emperor bereft of that State , but out of other respects ; to wit , because his ambition was such as would never suffer him to give way to the fortune of Charls the Emperor , and to see Charls so much superior to him , especially in Italy , where his Predecessors the Kings of France , and he himself with no less fervencie , though with worse success , had labored so long , with such expence , and with the loss of so many men , only to retain and keep some Territories . This was the tree , from which the boughs or sprouts could not be so fast cut off , but that one War soon succeeded another ; wherewith Italy was long perplex'd , till in the year 1529. the Princes being tyred , and the People ruin'd , agreement was made in that famous Meeting at Bolognia , in which so sound foundations of the peace and quiet of Italy were laid , as they may almost be said to have continued till now , with fair hopes of longer continuance . For though f●r thus many years there have been some commotiens in Italy , made both by her own Inhabitants , and by Foreiners , yet in respect of the calamities she underwent in those former Ages , they may rather be termed uprores then wars . This condition of affairs and of affection● being changed , and the materials being removed by which the fire of war was fed , Italy remained in great tranquility . Soon after this introduction of Peace , the Stat● of Milan , by the imma●ure death of Francisco Sf●rza , who left no issue behind ●im , fell into the power of Charls the Emperor , and afterwards into his son Philip's ; in which Princes no such respect concurr'd as lately have been mentioned , whereby the peace of Italy might be troubled , as it had been before : For these Princes , by reason of their other great possessions , being peacefully Masters of so fair and noble a part of Italy , as is the Kingdom of Naples and Dukedom of Milan , they had no reason to trouble the peaceful condition of affairs , either out of any apprehension of their own businesses , or out of a desire to enjoy what appertained to others . They were treed from fear not onely by the friendship solemnly established , and ratified by the other Portent●tes of Italy , but much more by their own power and greatness , and th● knowledge that to intreach upon one , might easily move all the rest , and afford occasion of bringing ●orein Forces into Italy , whereby to disturb ●heir own setled possession of so large and nobe a share ●hereof , kept th●m from dreaming upon the possessing of other mens estates . So likewise the Commonwealth of Venice was at this time in such a condition , as being only to covet peace , she might hope to injoy it safely , because she was neither so great nor powerful , as to hope after new acquisitions , being counterpoised by greater Forces in Italy , who upon the least discovery in her of taking up Arms , would oppose her , and not suffer h●r to increase , to their prejudice ; neither was she yet so weak , as she might dread being easi●y opprest by others , so as to secure herself from such a danger , she might be constrained to think upon novelties , or to procure new friends The C●u●ch Territories , being secured no less by the reverence due to religion , then by force of Arms , remained safe and quiet ; nor had the Popes any reason either to fear their own affairs , not yet to desire a greater temporal ●state ; for having recovered many Cities which the Church had formerly lost , discords being ceased , and the faction wherew●th she had been troubled be●ng almost e●●inguished , and the authority of the Barons of Rome being moderated , that holy See was in a condition of as great dignitie and safety , as she had been at any time before ; and Duke Cos●o de Medici , Duke of Florence being allied to the favor and friendship of a potent Prince , wherein he was very fortunate , was safe enough ; and being likewise a new Prince in ●uscany , he was to think , as he wisely did , rather how to setle himself well in his noble Dominon , then to dream of becoming the Author of new Wars , and of increasing his State. Hence it was that the Forces of these greater Potenrates being ballanced and theit thoughts tempered , all occasions of making any great change or alteration of States in her was taken away , such as had hapned in the former Ages , through the commotions of the very Princes of Italy . As for such dangers as might happen from abroad , Italy was at this time secured by various accidents . If w● shall first consider the Empire , from whence her greatest troubles had often t●mies come , those Emperors knew very well , by what had succeeded to Charls in the Imperial dignity , that they had not Forces sufficient wherewith to betake themselves to forein enterprises out of any particular interest or ambition , without the help of Germany , which was but little inclined to increase their power and authority . But ( though the moderate minds of those Princes , which was alwa●es inclined to Justice and Equity must be greatly praised ) the eminent danger their States lay in by reason of the Turks Forces , was above all other things able to keep them from thinking of molesting other mens States ; which Turks , being so near and so powerful neighbors , have kept them busied and molested , and in a condition of thinking rather how to secure their own affairs , then to increase their fortune by new acquisi●ons , not onely when they were forced to take up Arms for the defence of Hungary and Austria , but even in time of peace , and greatest security . The French I must confess have been more intent to trouble the peace of Italy , on which they had a long time set their minds , out of a desire to get some footing there . But though the Forces of that flourishing and powerful Kingdom were very formidable before these Civil Discords , yet experience hath shewed that their attempts , when they have had none to receive and to uphold them in Italy , have caused more dread then damage ; for their Armies being to be furnished with all necessaries from a far off , they have been overcome by weaker ●orces , and oft-times by their own wants . Therefore because in these later times , when they past over the Mountains , they were not con●ederate , as formerly they had been , with any great Potentate in Italy , therefore have they been able to ●arry there but a while , nor have they made the noise of their Trumpets be heard a far off , though they havenever let 〈◊〉 any occasion out of a desire of Novelty and glory ; so as all those who have at any time been ill satisfied by the Imperi●lists , and then by the Spainards , have been easily received into friendship with them . This was the defence of Sie●na imbraced , a City opprest by the severe Government of Caesars Officers . Thus were the Ferne●s taken into protection , to keep them in their possession of Parma and Piacenza , out of which the Emperor would have driven them : Thus was the Prince of Salerno listned unto , who by his favor , and the insurrection of the people furthered the hopes of great acquisitions in the Kingdom of Naples . Thus Paul the Fourth met with good correspondencie in Henry King of France , as soon as he discovered himself to be ill affected towards Caesar , and that he would take up Arms against him ; for he hoped to attain those things by the friendship and conjunction of a powerful Prince , and one , who according to his desire , was apt to commotions , wherein he had had but ill success at the same time in Italy , by reason of the weak assistance of the Senesi ; but all this while , and upon all these ocasions , it may be truly affirmed that these were rather Tumults then Wars ; which ( as hath been said ) was occasioned chiefly , for that such a disposition of mind and of affairs , was found in the Princes of Italy , as they did not much , ●or all at a time interess themselves in these Wars . And though some of the Popes did busie themselves therein , yet since these Wars were not treated of as any thing belonging to the Church , or immediately appertaining to the Apostolick See , they were neither favored by the other Princes of Italy , nor yet imbraced by the succeeding Popes , with the same thoughts , because their ends , nor interests were not the same ; nay they did rather endeavor to appease , then to foment them . And those who were the raisers and furtherers of these novelties , and of the coming of forein Forces , being weak of themselves , and not being seconded by any , they could not long make good the War , not having sufficient Forces of themselves , nor being able to make such use of the Transa●●●ne Forces , but that they were exceeded by those who opposed them , and who were of greater force and friendship in Italy ; as was particularly seen in the Wars of Sienna , which lasted longest , and were the forest that happened in these latter times . For the ●rench having no other receptacle in Italy then what was given them by the Senest , who had called them in , and being stoutly opposed by Charls the Emperor , who was stronger by reason of the many opportune aids which he received from the Duke of Florence , they could not long continue , not fi● their abode in Italy . In which occurrences the State of Venice may justly challenge no smal share of commendation . For that notwithstanding the so many offers , and pressures made unto her , to take up Arms , and to make use of such occasions as presented themselves , to augment her fortune , she notwithstanding , with less aspiring thoughts , but certainly with very wise and safe advice , continuing in her newtrality did rather endeavor by her many good offices to withdraw fewel from the fire which had already burst forth in Italy , then to make it flame the higher by intere●●ing herself therein , and by joyning with either party . Whereby she did not undoubtedly advantage herself onely , but whole Italy , where she being one of the chief Potentates ; by keeping quiet and newrer , not inclining to either party was the reason why the Imperial and French Forces , counterpoising each other , could not effect any of their designs , which might have proved prejudicial to the liberty and peace of Italy . Hence then it ensues , that the best advice for the preservation of this peace and quiet of Italy , is to keep affairs so equally ballanced , as that the Princes who have Dominions there , may neither have reason of fear , nor of ambition , which ( as hath been said ) have in former times been cause of her perturbances . In which happy condition she will still continue , if the Princes of Italy shall know so to moderate their desires , and keep themselves so closely annexed together by an union of mind , and by good intelligence , that the one may not fear the other for any desire of novelty which may be found in them , nor discover themselves to be so weak by their divisions as out of the easiness of the prey , ambition may move others to aspire after their States . The E●ghth DISCOURSE . Whether Citadel● and Strong Holds , much used by our modern Princes , be commodious , and of true safety to a State , or no ? FOrts and strong Holds are of late grown into so great esteem , as Princes seem now adaies to mind nothing more then these for the security of their States . Yet this business may admit of such various considerations , as it is not peradventure easie to be discerned , whether a Prince that is thus advised be in the right way to effect that which he propounds unto himself , which is , the securing of his affairs . To know then what ought truly to be thought in this case , we must first consider what this art of Fortification is of it self , on which so much study , and expence is bestowed , and whether it be grounded upon such undeniable principles and reasons , as by means thereof the benefit at which it aims , of preserving Cities and States in safety , may be expected from it . Certainly this first consideration admits of no ● smal doubt or difficultie ; for we are taught by modern exper●ence , that all the waies whereby a strong Hold may be assaulted and take● , are not yet so well known , as being reduced under general terms , as that it may be asserted , that thereby an art is found out which contains all sorts of possible offence , and wh●ch is governed by a cert●in and true rule to effect the intent thereof , and to come to the perfection thereof . Nay , rather we find to the contrary , that the professors of this Art do not agree well in their principles ; and that time makes it subject to such alterations , by reason of the new waies which the wit of man finds out as well for offence as defence , as it seems it must be confest , that this is not in reality a true art , or at least , that it is so imperfectly known and used , as that strong holds are but a weak foundation for the safety of a State , though they be never so many , and be in esteem by military men . For , say nothing else does it , the experience of more then one Age doth evidently prove , that is a short time they become vain and useless ; since a Fort which was formerly greatly esteemed , and held to be almost impregnable , hath now by the invention of new engins , and wa●es of opugn●ng it , lost that reputation , and is thought little less then ridiculous : and it may be beleeved , that the same may befal any strong holds which are in these daies built , by reason of the new waies of offending which many do daily with much study and industry labour to finde out . Whence it is that Princes find they have often spent much time , workmanship and moneys , in a business , which in time of need can but little avail them ; and ● they wi●l reap any benefit thereby , they must continually be at new expence both of monies and men , keeping them continually busied in new works and Fabricks , adding alwaies , or altering many things about their Forts , to fit them to the use of the present times and Militia . But give it for granted , that such strong Holds may be brought to rather an imaginable , then a possible perfection and security , certainly they are no way serviceable of themselves , but are like dead and useless things , which have need to be as it were inanimated and be made useful by good Garisons , who may keep and defend them . And if otherwise , they serve for the conveniencie and service of the Enemy which makes it yet more questionable , whether strong Holds be a greater safety or weakening to a State ; and where there are many and very great ones , the doubt is made the greater ; since so many Soldiers must be imployed in their defence , as if the Prince be not very powerful , he shall hardly find Forces sufficient to keep several Armies ( as they may be termed ) on foot , some within the Forts , and some in the Campagnia . Nor can it be made good , that strong Holds are of themselves sufficient to secure the whole State ; for though they may entertain the Enemy for a while , and stop the first brunt of an impetuous assault , yet at last , unless they be back'd with Forces from without , and timely succored and relieved , being overcome either by power , length of time , or necessity , they must yield and fall into the power of the Enemy : which cannot be denied , no not by the very Professors and Favorers of Fortification . And yet it cannot be denied , but if a Prince have sufficient Forces to keep the Field in his own Country , he may thereby keep himself from being injured ; for men do not easily put things to hazard , where they think to meet with stout opposition ; and the only opinion and reputation of such Forces , is able to keep off the greatest dangers : For the Enemy who did design to assault such a State , becomes jealous and doubtful , nor is he bold enough to enter far into such a State as is guarded by a good Army , and chiefly in situations ( such as are almost in all Countries ) as are naturally fortified by Hills , Vallies , or Rivers ; where it is hard to enter , and harder to retreat . And if any well experienced Captain command over such Forces , he will be likely enough to defeat the Enemy , without endangering himself , by keeping him from victuals , and so imployed and busied in sun●ry ways , as he shall neither be able to keep long in the Country , nor much less imploy himself in the taking or sacking of any Cities ; since he knows he is hourly subject to surprisals , and to be ru●n'd ; and strong Holds securing nothing but those quarters where they are situated , they do not secure the State , if they be but a few ; and if many , they require all the Forces for their own defence , and leave the Enemy master of the Field , to the Prince his prejudice , and the Peoples despair . So also , if they be but little ones , and incapable of such Works , and so many men as are requisite to make them hold out long , they and the Soldiers which defend them are lost ; and if they be great , and contain large plots of ground , as is most in fashion in these days , they may be more perfect in themselves , but they need so many men to defend them , as those Forces which ought to be imployed for the safeguard of the whole Country , or a great part thereof , are bounded within a little compass , in defence of some City or Ci●adel . And yet these very Soldiers , when drawn out into the Field , may do much better service ; for being fashioned into the body of an Army , they become as it were a moveable Fort , which secures at once many Cities , and a great Tract of Country : nay , by these the Enemy is much ●●damaged , and the troubles and danger of War are kept far from a mans own home . For ( as hath been said ) diversions , and preventions may be made by these Forces , they may be carried into another mans State , and set another mans ho●se on fire , before it take head in ones own house ; but he who placeth his safety in strong Holds , puts himself into a condition of being at his Enemies disposal , in whose will it lies to choose what shall make most for his advantage , with great prejudice to the opposing party : For he may either pass by the For●s , over-ru● the Country , enrich his Soldiers by booty , impoverish the Subjects of that Country which is assaulted , and cannot be releived , by reason that the Forces thereof are disperst and imploid in the defence of the strong Holds ; or if he will make any certain archievement , he may sit down before any Fort , and without indangering his own men , whilst he shall live upon the Enemies Territories , he may in time , take it by siege , and effect his own desires ( for as hath been said ) no strong Hold can promise it self long safety where no succour is ready at hand . But let us come a little closer to the business , and let us suppose that these strong Holds may be brought to such a condition as they may be assuredly able to resist any open force which shall come against them , and not be deceived in that their beleef , as often times they are ; How can they secure themselves from treacherie , and from such dangers as they may be subject unto by the negligence of Soldiers , or falsehood of the Commanders that have the custodie thereof ? in which case the Princes danger is so much the greater , and more irreparable , for that his Enemy is in the Dominions , in a well munited seat , from whence he cannot hope to drive him , without much labor and difficultie . But in greater Cities wherein are a multitude of people , and where these cautions and suspitions are not to be found , others no whit inferior to these do arise ; for such quantities of victuals is requisite to feed the many men that are therein inclosed , as no Prince is able to provide for so , as may serve them for a long time ; and if this fail , to what end serves Walls , Weapons , or Soldiers ? To this may be added that the safety of such strong Holds , does in a great part depend upon the pleasure of the people , who being of themselves naturally fickle , do often favor forein Princes out of very slight reasons , and sometimes out of a meer desire of noveltie ; and plot by sedition , and by open force against the present State , and deliver themselves , and the City into another mans power : And though they may afterwards repent themselves of their folly , they know not how to mend it , when a powerful Army is within the City Walls ; nor can this be done by him who defends the State , because he cannot keep so many Forces together as are able to defend several places at ●nce , and because loving his Subjects , as a legitimate Prince ought to do , he is loath to destroy a City of his own though whole Armies be therein . But if the State be open and not pestred with Fortifications , though it may the more easily be lost by sudden assaults , or by ill affected Subjects , it will be the more easily regained , and as soon as the Prince who is deprived thereof , shall have means to rallie his Forces which by misfortune may have been beaten , he soon makes head again , and recovers what he had lost , the Enemy not having any safe hold wherein to abide . And of this there are many apparent examples . If the Commonwealth of Venice , in the times of her greatest calamitie , had had her State in Terra firma so well provided of strong Holds , as now it is , she might not peradventure have run so great a misfortune , she had not so soon lost so many and so noble Cities as she did ; but it may be alleadged on the contrary , that if in that evil Crisis of affairs wherein she was brought to such adversity , she had had so many important Forts as now she hath , and that they had faln into the power of the Enemy , she would not certainly have so soon recovered her losses , and restored herself into her pristine power and greatness as she did . We likewise see the State of Milan , which fell so often into the power of the French , it staid not long under their Dominio● , for not finding any strong and Royal Forts , wherein they could make any safe abode , nor having time to erect any by reason of their continual Wars , or for want of monies , the defenders of that State did often times prevail ; and every accident , either of the change of the peoples minds , or of their Enemies increase of Forces , were sufficient to drive them out : Which would not have happened if they had but once been Masters of any strong Holds , from whence they could not have been expel'd , without a long and hard siege . Guide Ubald● D. of Urbin , a Prince but of small Territories , but very wise , and well experienced in War , moved by these respects , after he had recovered his State which was formerly taken from him by Duke Valentine , he resolved to slight all the strong Holds that were there , knowing that they could not at first preserve his State unto him , and when hee should lose it , they would make the difficultie of regaining it the greater . When Charls the Eighth , King of France , going to win the Kingdom of Naples past through Tuscany , the Forts which the Florentines had built for their own securitie , were the very things whereby they were most indamaged , and these falling into the power of the French , whose Forces they thought they were not able to withstand , they put the Florentines to vast expence , and made them undergo great slavery , out of a desire of recovering them . Whereas if that State had la●n open , the King , who was bound upon other enterprises , passing forward , would no waies have troubled the affairs of that Commonwealth . The like , and almost out of the like respect , did afterward befall Duke Cosimo , when the Emperor Charls the Fifth would keep some Castles belonging to that State in his own power , which should otherwise have been left free to Cosimo ; and which was the occasion of that saying , Chele fortezza sonoi ceppi della Toscana , That strong Holds are the fetters of Tuscany . These are the greatest mischiefs which strong Holds use to bring with them ; but there are others not altogether so grievous , but more certain and irreparable . For who can deny but that the excessive charge which Princes are at , not onely in building Fortresses , but more in muniting , and guarding them doth sufficiently exhaust the publick Exchequer , and necessitate the disbursing of such moneys in times of peace , as ought to be kept for the more urgent occasions of War. And certainly he who could see what vast sums the Commonwealth of Venice hath spent for some late years past in making and muniting so many Forts both by Sea and Land , would be very much astonished , and would confess that so great a mass of treasure would ●be● sufficient to provide for any War how great soever , and to withstand for a good while any potent Enemy . It may peradventure likewise be said , and not untruly , that whilst a Prince reposes much confidence in being able to maintain his State by means of these strong Holds , and by the assistance of a few Soldiers , he is not so careful as he ought to be of other things which belong to the Mili●ia , which are notwithstanding real and secure foundations of a State. The Lacedemonians would not therefore suffer their Cities to be begirt with a wall because they beleeved that by the thoughts of such securitie , their Citizens would become more careless and negligent in managing their Arms , by sole means whereof they thought that the Forces of an Enemie might and ought to be kept afar off . Which that wise man would likewise infer who said , That the walls , which ought to secure a City should be made of iron not of stone . And a Spartan being demanded by an Athenian , what he thought of the walls of Athens ? answered , That he thought they were very handsome for a City which was to be inhabited by women ; inferring , that it is not necessarie , nor honorable , for able , valiant men , to secure themselves from their Enemies by such means . It is likewise usually seen , that a Prince , who thinks he shall be able to curb his Subjects , to gov●rn them and rule them as he pleaseth by means of Bulwarks and Castles , and that therefore he needs not the love of his Subjects , is much less mindful of those things which become a good Prince , and which purchase affect●on . Yet we are taught by many evident examples that the peoples love or hatred is that which doth most preserve unto him , or bereave him of his State , and makes them more ready or backward to render him obedient ; as is of late seen in Flanders ; which so many Fortresses ▪ and Armies hath not in so long a time been able to reduce to the devotion of its ligit●mate Prince . And it may generally be observed , that such Governments as have lasted longest , have been preserved , not by the advantage of strong Holds , whereof some have not had any , but by vertue of a good Militia , and of the Subjects love . The Romans were accustomed , when they had won any new Country , to send new Inhabitants thither , who being placed either in the antient Cities , or in others built by themselves , they called Roman Colonies ; and by these mens valor , as People devoted and obliged to the Senate and People of Rome , out of remembrance of their desert , and in gratitude for the good which they had received , they easily kept the new Subjects in loyalty to the Commowealth , and the Countries which they had won by their Arms , in obedience . The which , being moved thereunto by the same respects , the Venetians did likewise in Candia , sending many of their own Gentlemen thither to make Colonies , and to defend and maintain that Island . But the Turks , in a very violent manner , but answerable to the custom of their Government , do almost totally destroy the antient Inhabitants of their new-gotten Countries , chiefly the richest and the most noble , from whom they take their l●nds and possessions , and give the revenues thereof to be made use of by the Sold●ery , making Timari thereof ( as they term it ) which are Pays or Revenues assigned over to the Soldiers , upon condition that they are to maintain a certain number of Horse , by which means they keep a great number of Warriors continually on foot , who se●ving for Garrisons for the safety of the new acquired Country , are notwithstanding always ready to serve in any other place , and upon all occasions as they shall be commanded , to the greater benefit and safety of the State , then Forts and strong Holds can do to those other Nations which make most use of them . But other Princes , who have had greater abundance of Territories , if you will respect their Inhabitants , did use to leave great store of Land upon their Confines desert and unmanured , as at these times the Persians did upon their Confines towards the Turks , to render it more difficult for a numerous Army to pass through them to their prejudice , or in case they do , to make any long abode there : which hath often been of great use to them , as hath been seen , when very mighty Armies have been led on by the Ottoman Emperors against the Persians , they have most commonly been wasted and destroyed by their own sufferings and wants . From these things it appears it may be inferr'd , that there are other Arts and ways which may much better do that for which Fortifications were first found out , and for which they are now a-daies so much used , especially amongst Christian Princes . And yet if we will face about , some other , and those no contemptible arguments will be found , which will plead for the very great advantage which Princes and States receive from Fortifications . It is most assuredly certain , that to secure a mans self by all means possible from offence , is a precept not only taught by Reason , but dictated by Nature , which , as it were by some occult and miraculous counsel , hath pleased to divide those Nations by a long series of high tow'ring Mountains , and to secure them from the injuries which the diversity of Climate hath produced in their several affections and customs , and consequently a certa●n natural enmity ; and hath likewise provided in all parts more eminent seats amongst Mountains , and more inclosed ones amidst Vallies , wherein the Inhabitants may preserve themselves safe from the force and violence , which the stronger use to exercise upon the weaker . So as Fortification may be said to be an Art which doth imitate and help Nature , because her operations are like those of the others , and do sometimes reduce the workmanship of Nature to more perfection and use . And though this be not grounded upon so certain principles as those of the Sciences , yet doth she govern herself by a kind of Reason in such things wherein she is versed . And thus much may serve to prove that she deserves the name of Art ; neither ought she to be ever a whit undervalued , because new things and new rules are daily found out by the industrie of those that study her , since it is proper to natural and eternal things to keep themselves always in such a condition , as that they suffer not any alteration . But say what thing it is , which of all humane operations , wherein such certainty and constancie is to be found ? No man will notwithstanding say , that men are to live idly , or totally to betake themselves to Contemplation , and despise so many Arts , which are the ornaments of Civil life , because we cannot proceed therein by way of demonstration to one only and certain truth . Nor can it be said that this Arts of Fortification is of late invention , for it is very antient , and hath been known almost in all Ages , and by all Nations ; but sometimes in lesser , sometimes in greater perfection , according to a certain variety and vicissitude which Time causeth as well in Arts , as in all other things . The Antients had their Forts , and Engines of War to take them , which by a general name they called Tormenta : Amongst other Engines which served to batter down Forts , the Rams were much known and used ; and we find mention made of many other sorts of Instruments belonging to the offence and defence of Cities ; and of these some so miraculous , as their force may be said to cause no less wonder then do our Guns now-a-daies . To this purpose we read , that when Scipio would vanquish a certain City in Spain , the Defenders thereof threw certain Irons over the walls , so artificially ordered , as they therewith drew up such of the Enemies Soldiers as came neer the walls , to the top thereof . And it is related of that famous Archimedes , that he invented an Engine which was used in defence of his Country Syracusa , by which an armed Gally might be raised by force out of the water , and drawn up on the Town-walls . How can it be then said , that such Art of Fabricking was unknown to the Antients , if they used such study and industry in defending and in oppugning Forts ? Nay , many of their most cry'd up Commanders have been praised particularly for this ; and the Romans , who were very excellent at all things belonging to the Militia , were very good at this also , and did thereby preserve their State , which they had almost lost by fighting : For Hannibal in his prosperous course of victory , was forced to keep so long , and spend so much time before some small , but strong and well-walled Castles , and Colonies of the Romans , as the safety of the City of Rome was in a great part attributed thereunto . But to speak no more of these antient proceedings , do we not see that many Forts and Castles have been built in not many Ages ago in many places , and chiefly in Italy ? Which though the use of Cannon renders now of no use , yet compare such Fortresses with the manner of warfaring in those days , and they may be held almost equal to ours , or at least they shew that men did study as much then to secure themselves from being injured by the Enemy , and the better to maintain their States and Territories by that art , as they do now . The so many Sieges and beleaguering of Cities , whereof mention is made in all Ages , do cleerly prove that the use of Fortification is of very antient use , and hath been continued in all Ages , though it be now reduced to much greater perfection . Now if we shall consider what advantage is made by Fortifica●ions , we shall find them to be many , and of great importance : For it is sufficiently manifest , that a Country wherein are no strong Holds , is alwaies in apparent danger , and left almost at the discretion of the Enemy ; who whilst they may safely at unawares enter thereinto , not meeting with any obstacle , have it alwaies in their power , if not to prejudice the main affairs of that State , at least to vex the people by fire and rapine , of whose safety and preservation the Prince ought alwais to be careful . We may find sad example of this by the late and well known passages of the Country of Friuli in the late Wars which the State of Venice had in Terra firma ; being totally destitute of strong Holds , it became a prey to whosoever would assault it ; insomuch as it was not onely ruined and destroyd by regular Armies , but by such as passed tumultuously over the mountains ; the Inhabitants thereof being only so long secure , as the Venetian Army was permitted to remain amongst those Confines ; but as soon as being summoned from thence , upon other occasions , it behoved to be gone from thence , the Enemies returned again to fresh and secure depredations ; which will likewise befal any Region which is not defended , and maintained by Fortresses . And where the members of a State are far asunder , if it must be defended onely by the Soldiers sword , many Armies will scarcely be able to secure it ; whereas by means of strong Holds , the same people who are able to defend them , will likewise serve in a great part to preserve the Country ; as well because many of the Inhabitants may there finde safe refuge , as likewise for that is no good advice nor usually imbraced by good Commanders to advance forward , and to leave the Forts of the Enemy placed in fitting parts upon the Frontiers behinde them , the State is preserved from greater dangers . As on the contrary , the State wherein there are no strong Holds , though it be provided of a good and valiant Militia , yet must it depend upon the various chance of War , and hazard all upon the uncertain event of Battel ; and if any thing of misfortune befal , the whole Country is left to the discretion of the Enemy , and the Armies not having any safe place whereunto to retreat are totally defeated by one rout ; as it happened in the last Age in the Soldan of Cairo's most famost Empire , which Soldan being overcome in several Battels by Selymus Ottoman , and wanting time to rally his Army , and strong Holds whereunto to have refuge , did in a short time lose his whole Kingdom and the Empire of the Mammalucchi was overthrown ; which was before very famous for military discipline , and esteemed very secure , by reposing its safety in the valor of strong and able men . To this may be added , That strong Holds do not onely secure States from these utmost hazards of adverse Fortune , but make very much for the keeping it away , and often-times they reap the intention of true securitie , without any hazard ; for when he who intends to assault a State , shall consider that his attempts are likely to prove tedious and difficult , and that it is doubtful whether he shall be therein victorious or on , he does not so easily fall upon the business ; but when the War is once begun Fortresses do assuredly sufficiently keep from comming to join Battel ; for the assailant will not easily hazard himself upon the danger of a pitch'd Field ; because he sees he shall be debarr'd the chief fruits of Victorie ( which is the getting of some City or place of importance ) by strong Holds : And so also he who is assaulted , the more he sees his affairs in a good posture by the means of strong Holds , the more he endeavors to prolong the time , to the end that he may defeat him by his own incommodities , without much use of weapons : Whence ● . is that in these times , wherein the perfection of fortifying is much increased , field Battels are seldom fought ; for to fight makes not for the advantage of either of the parties out of the above said considerations ; Since the wit and industry of the Commanders seems to prevail over Fortifications and do in a great part take that uncertainty from War which useth to be found therein . In the condition of the present affairs and times , it is also seen that as much time is spent in the taking of one onely Fort , as in former Ages , and when another manner of Militia was in use , was spent in taking in whole Provinces . Which peradventure is likewise the cause why the Princes of these later Ages , though some of them have been very powerful and valiant , have not made any great progress in all the Wars which they have made : Wherefore it seems it may be affirmed that Fortification is a very noble and excellent Art , because it helps to compass the ultimate and true end which ought to be the aim of War in a well regulated State , to wit , peace and securitie . What is then to be resolved upon in this diversitie of allegations ? It is a true and general rule , that all things cannot suit with all things , nor ought we in the actions belonging to civil life to seek for that which is simply , and of it self good , for it would be in vain to do so ; divers things prove useful to divers ends , and to divers persons , and they ought to be accommodated to the condition of times , quality of customs , and to other particular accidents . Therefore the same manner of proceeding in the Government , and preservation of their States becomes not several Princes , but several waies . Such Princes as have large Dominions , and powerful Forces , may securely repose 〈◊〉 safety in their Militia , and Soldiery , they have no great need of Castles or strong Holds ; and if they will have any , it may suffice them to have them placed upon their utmost Confines , to secure their Country from sudden incursions , and for the opportunitie and securitie of such Garisons as such Princes use to keep in their provinces , which are furthest remote , and at a great distance from their Imperial Seate ; as the Roman Emperors did in former times , and as the Ottoman Lords do now , who trusting in their own power , do endeavor much more the taking of Forts which do appertain to other men , then the making of new ones themselves , which they stand not so much in need of , for that their greatness keeps them free from being injured by others . But lesser Princes ought to govern themselves by another rule , and stand more in need of strong Holds ; for not having any large Territories , nor much money to keep a great many Soldiers continually in pay , what they cannot do by force or reputation , they do by the advantage of Fortifications ; for they keep what belongs unto them so well guarded by a few Soldiers , as sometimes the Forces of any whatsoever powerful Prince are not able to pluck them out of their nest , nor yet to bereave them of any part of their State : Whereof we have had many examples in these later times . and amongst the rest , the defence of Malta is very remarkable , which being assaulted by the Forces of so great a Prince as was Solyman , the few Knights of Malta were so able to defend it , as the Turks were forced not without some shame , and much to their prejudice , to quit it , after having spent much time , and lost many men before that Fort. And the Turks having learned by the experience of others , the good of strong Holds being now to have a better esteem of them , then formerly they have had , especially in places furthest off from the Seat of the Empire , where all things necessaie cannot be provided for , but in a long time , and with much inconveniencie . They have to this purpose built many Forts in the parts which they have lately gotten in Persia ; and have therein done very wisely ; for whereas the former Ottoman Emperors , reaped no good by their enterprises upon Persia , but as soon as their Armies were withdrawn , the Country which they had over-run , but not gotten , returned to the obedience of its former Lords , now , by degrees from time to time , they have by their Forts so confirmed themselves in the possession of such places as they have once taken , as the Persians , being a people little verst in the expugning of strong Holds , have but small hopes of ever driving them out from such spacious Territories , first gotten by force of Arms , and afterwards by such means maintained by them , & by a safe possession secured unto them . So as the use of Fortresses are sometime according as place and occasion shall serve of no smal service , not only to pe●tie Princes , but even to the greatest . But as for the number of these strong Holds , for the time , form , and other accident , which ought to be observed in the building of them , no such certain rule can be given as can serve all men at all times . Only this may be said , that a wise Prince ought to consider herein , not only what he designs to do , but what his Estate , and what his Forces are ; otherwise that which was intended for a cure and sustenance , may prove poison and ruin to the State. As when a Prince will make such , and so many Forresses , as that by reason of too great and inconsiderate expence in time of Peace , in maintaining them , he must of himself consume ; then that will prove true which hath formerly been considered , that a Prince of no great fortune , not being able to garrisonise or furnish so many Fortresses with things necessary , not to draw forth the body of a well-adjusted Army into the field , in greatest danger of War , will find he hath not secured , but increased his own dangers , and hath put the total of his affairs in great disorder and confusion . Fortresses then , as all other things in a well ordered Government , ought to be disposed of with good judgment , and a well regulated temper ; 〈◊〉 as their number and greatness may be proportionable to the condition of the State , and of the Prince his Forces : They must not be placed idly in all places , but only upon the Frontiers , and in places fit for that purpose ; and so as the natural situation of the place may assist Art as much as may be , and be also thereby assisted ; for such Fortresses may be maintained in greater security , and with fewer Soldiers . But above all things , all possible care must be had , that in time of greatest need they may be succor'd ; for no Fort can hold out long against a great force , unless it be supplied by new Garrisons , Munitions , and with all other necessaries . It is also very advantagious for Fortresses , that there be good store of good Earth or Mould within them , whereby they may several ways accommodate themselves for defence , according as the approaches to take them are made ; and also to have ready opportunity to use the benefit of many retrears , and to gain time , which is the proper and grearest conveniencie for Fortresses . So as if fitting provisions and respects be had , Fortresses so built will prove advantagious for a Prince or State , not only in the opinion of Soldiers , but even of Statesmen . But when they are made without judgment or art , it is not the ●ault of the Work , but of him who knows not how to use it , if such good effects do not ensue thereupon as are desired : Which happens not only in strong Holds , but in all other things , which being ill used , lose their efficacie . Thus then those arguments are easily answered by these distinctions , and by what hath been alleadged in the behalf of strong Holds , which might at first occasion any doubt : For the Art of Fortification ought not to be despised , because it hath not alwaies been the same ; rather it ought to be so much the more esteemed , because we see it grows every day to greater perfection by new inventions , and by experiences . Thus it fares also with the Art of building of Ships and Houses , with that of Sculpture , Physick , Painting , and of all other excellent Disciplines , which ( Experience being the best Introductress ) did not arrive at such excellencie and estimation suddenly , but in process of time . And notwithstanding , this Art of Fortification hath in this our Age gotten some more setled Rules , and ( as a man may say ) more certain Principles , since the use of Batteries and of other manner of Attaques introduced by modern men , whereby she doth govern herself in the whole , and in every one of her particular members , in form , distance , proportion of parts , and in other things , which are alwaies the same , where the seat will permit it . Variety of noble Wits have added so much of ornament and of perfection of late to this noble Profession , as all doubts which may be put whether there be a true Art thereof , or no , are evidently cleered : And though sometimes she may vary by reason of the diversity of situations , or by any other accidents which cannot be comprised within one and the same Rule , this ought not to detract from the dignity of the Artificers thereof , then it doth from the Polititian ( who certainly is the chiefest Archi●ector in all our Civil operations ) to proceed by probable arguments , and oftentimes alter his advice , that he may fit his actions to the circumstances which do accompany them . Nor doth it follow , that such an Art should be the worse thought of , because it doth not alwaies compass its end , which is the preservation of such a City , or such a Country where such Fortifications are erected ; since that likewise depends upon various accidents , which no humane art or wisdom is able to foresee nor when foreseen , to provide alwaies by any industry a due remedy against them . It may as well be said , men ought to forbear building of Ships , and deprive themselves thereby of the Traffick and Commerce which is held with far distant Countries , because many Ships perish in the Seas . The Physitians care doth not alwaies cure the sick party ; the Orator doth not alwaies compass his ends by his perswasive oratory : Ought men therefore to forbear Navigation , Physick , or Perswasion ? If a wicked and persidious man betray a Fort unto the Enemy which was recommended to his trust , ought this to be attributed to the evil and imperfection of Forts ? What thing is there so good , as may not be abused by wicked men ? 't is only Vertue which hath this priviledg ; all other adorments of Humanitie would be ex●inct , and expell'd the World. If a Fort be lost for being badly garrisoned , ill defended , or by some other sinister accident ; ought the fault which is committed by the Prince his negligence , the Commanders ignorance , or by the Soldiers cowardise , be laid upon the defect of the Fort , which is of it self well made ? But say , I beseech you , are such disorders and dangers as may arise in a State , by want of care in a Prince , by the per●idiousness of Commanders , or cowardise of Soldiers , become so peculiar to Forts and Citadels , as the same by the same occasion may not happen in Armies , and in all other defences howsoever attempted ? Wherefore then by seeking for such perfection in Forts , as is not found in other things , shall we by the loss of that advantage which may be thereby received , and is often received , leave the State in the hands of Chance , and to the discretion of him who doth design to assault it . Nor ought it to be said , that strong Holds should be despised , and the whole safety of the State be placed in the Militia , as in a thing of firmer foundation , because it is not every Prince that can alwaies keep an Army in pay , nor would this be sufficient to keep a State from unexpected assaults , which hath many several Confines . Moreover , he who placeth all his hopes of securing his State in Armies , and in openly fighting his Enemies , must oftentimes ( as it hath been said ) hazard all to Fortune , and put himself upon the danger of a thousand accidents ; and unless Field-forces be back'd by strong Holds , and equal to those of the Enemy who doth assault them , they must remain idle and of no use : For not being able to withstand the shock , what can they do else but retreat , and suffer him who shall be stronger to make himself Master of the whole Country ? whereas by the help of Fortresses , a few are able to resist many , and to gain time , the only true remedy of him who is the weaker , and who is to resist and withstand the Forces of one that is more powerful . Nor ought the example of the Spartans be of any validity to perswade the contrary , who would not secure their Cities with Walls , or any other Fortifications ; because having only to do with other people of Greece who were weaker then they , they thought themselves safe without such helps ; and that by doing so , they purchased more praise and reputation : But when they were to wage war with the Persians and Macedonians , who were powerful Enemies , even they sought to put themselves in a posture of defence , by having recourse to narrow passages ; and to keep off the Enemy , assisting the natural situations of the places by Fortifications . Moreover , the Syartans had but small Teritories , and but a few places to guard , and were much given to the Militia ; so as they who will reap advantage by following their counsels , must be Lords of Cities , all the inhabitants whereof must be Soldiers , and all of them desirous to preserve the State , as were the Spartans . But the reason why the Duke of Urbin did slight some of his Forts , was peradventure because he knew himself too weak to defend them ; and besides , because he thought it better not to invite others to wage war with him , either out of a jealousie of them , or out of a desire to make themselves masters of them , he being to consider all Forces as they related to his , or if he would make use of other mens assistance he must depend upon them . And for what concerts the strong Holds of Tuscany , it may be said in the first place , that it was the imprudencie of Pietro de Medici , not the Castles which did trouble and disorder the Florentines : And secondly , that it may be Duke Cosimo would not so easily have gotten Caesar to have confirmed him in the possession of that State , had it not been that he might thereby secure himself of his faith in that new Dominion ; But the accidents which may occur are so many , as it is impossible to comprehend every particular under one and the same rule . And is it not a vain thi●g to affirm , that strong Holds ought not to be made use of , because if it so fall out as the State which wants them be lost , it may be the more easily recovered ? For that is no more then to expose a mans self to mortal wounds , out of hopes that when he is hurt he may find a cure . And what Prince can assure himself that though he hath been negligent in muniting his State with Forts , his Enemy when he shall have made himself Master of his State , will not fortifie such seats as he shall find commodious for his safety . But if it be said , that a Prince grows wicked , covetous , and cruel towards his Subjects through his too much confiding in strong Holds , it is no● easily to discern that these so far remote affairs have any thing to do with the vices of the mind , and if they ought to be taken into such consideration , the reason would reach no further then to Castles and Citadels ; but in greater and more important Fortifications , the Prince is so much the more bound to preserve the love and loyaltie of his Subjects , in that he stands in the more need of them for the safety of the City thus fortified , for if it should fall into the Enemies hands by the peoples rebellion , the loss would be the greater . But it may be the consideration of expence which that Prince puts himself unto , who builds many strong Holds , may seem to bear more weight with it then any of the rest , whereas his chief care ought to be , to accumulate treasure in time of peace , against Wars shall happen ; to which it may be answered , That States cannot be preserved without charges and expence ; and that if a Prince should go about to procure the like securitie to himself by his Militia , as he doth by his strong Holds : he must be at infinite more expence , and such as none but great Kingdoms and Empires are able to undergo . But if a Prince proceed therein with such temper and judgement as hath been spoken of , and which is also requisite in all things else , he can incur no danger by Fortifications , of running into those disorders and necessities , which many careless men , and such as know not how to govern do fall . We will then conclude , that Fortifications are very useful in all States , but chiefly in small ones , and those more then any others , which have many Confines , and powerful neighbors , for such States have need of good guards , and have not wherewith to keep Armies perpetually on foot , as the Turks do in these times , nor to make Desarts as do the Persians , nor to institute Colonies in several parts , as was the custom of the antient Romans ; and if the Commonwealth of Venice did imitate them therein , it was but once ; and with more desire to the self-inhabitants of the Island of Candia at her devotion , then to defend it from forein Forces ; But now that the Turks power is grown so formidable , it would be altogether unuseful , and not of any moment , without strong Holds , and a well paid Militia ; therefore the care and study which Princes take more in these latter times then they did formerly in Fortification must needs be praised by whosoever considers things with a right judgment . The Ninth DISCOURSE . Whether the Opinion of Pope Leo the Tenth were good or no , and his counsel safe , of driving forein Nations out of Italy , by the help of other Transalpine Forces . ITaly had been molested with Wars by forein Nations , almost continually for the space of Thirty years , when in the time of the Popedom of Leo the Tenth , she seemed to have some hopes of quiet , and of enjoying some better condition , after her so many and so grievous vexations and ruines , which had called to mind the unhappy memorie of the former calamities which she had undergone by the invasion of the Northern Armies . But the wounds of the late evils remained yet uncured ; for two noble members of this Province were faln into the hands of forein Princes , the State of Milan being at the devotion of Francis King of France , and the Emperor Charls the Fifth being possest of the Kingdom of Naples ; which Princes being now weakned and weary with so many Wars , so as the one could not exceed the other , and having at that time their thoughts elsewhere bent , being governed more by necessitie peradventure then by their own wills , they seemed to rest satisfied with what they did already posses in Italy , and that they would suffer her to enjoy at least some rest after her past molestations . In this posture of Affairs , Pope Leo , who had often negotiated with several Princes about the business of Arms , and had endeavored ( as he said ) the liberty of Italy , and chiefly the preservation of the Dukedom of Milan in the Government of the Sforza's , was much displeased to have the power of strangers any longer continued , and particularly that the Church should be berest of two noble Cities , Parma and Piacenza , which were become members of the State of Milan . Therefore with a haughty and generous mind , he resolved not to prefer an unsecure quiet , before some present troubles , so to shun other molestations and dangers , which he thought might grow the greater by such a peace , in future , if not to himself , at least to the Church . And knowing that he should not be able either of himself , nor by joining with other Italians , to drive forein Potentates out of Italy , he resolved to join with some foreiners against some other foremers , with design ( as he said ) that when some of them should be forced to forgo Italy , it might be the easier to expel the rest . Leo having thus put on this noble and generous resolution , it may seem to merit praise by all men , as to the intention ; but as for the means he took to compass it , it is not so easily to be agreed upon ; for many and weighty respects do concur thereunto ; for some of which , this action may seem to be as wise , as glorious ; and if we will reflect upon other some , there will appear much more of difficulty and danger therein , then of security and hopes . That all Transalpin●rs might be driven out of Italy , was a thing desired , and not without cause by all Italians , and which ought to be his chi●fest care and endeavor who had such Territories , degree and authority in that Province , as Leo had . The antient dignity of the Italian honor seemed to appear in the Pop●s majesty , and in the splendor of the Court of Rome . ●ut as for the effecting of this business , it did planly appear that all the power of the Italian Pot●ntates was too weak ; since two great Princes and warlike Nations , had fo● many past years , though with various fortune , got footing there , and still kept their possession , so as their power could suffer no disturbance , but must be confirmed and consolidated , and must become more formidable to the Church , and to all the Italian Princes , unless it were by some of the same forein Nations . If the sole Forces of the Italian Princes , when Italy by reason of a long Peace did flourish most , were not sufficient to stop the French Forces , which were then but new in those parts , and but meanly assisted ; what reason was there to believe , that this Province should ever be raised up again of herself , and should by means of her own Forces return to her pristine fortune and digni●y , after having been so long vexed by cruel Wars , and having lost two of her noblest Members . Wherefore though to administer fresh fuel , as it were , to this fire of War , as would be done by the authority and Forces of the Apostolick Sea , if they should jo●n with Caesar , or with the King of France , might be troublesom and dangerous , yet might it be beneficial , or at least hopeful , since it might so fall out , that the fortune of War being various , and subject to unexpected chances , some good effect might ensu● thereupon for the liberty of Italy ; the Forces of those Princes who did oppose her , growing much the weaker , or else by their growing weary of the work , and by their tu●ning themselves to some other undertaking . Whereas on the contrary , to suffer them to settle there , and to get in time greater authority over the people , and more love to the States which they had gotten , was a certain and irreparable ruine , and an utter abolishing of all hopes of ever restoring the States which were postest by strangers into the hands of the Italian Princes . But the fear lest both these Princes , who were grown so powerful in Italy , might join together against the Territories of the Church , or those of other Italian Princes , to divide them amongst themselves , as had happened not many years before , when the Emperor Maximilian and Lewis the Twelfth , King of France , who had been formerly at such great enmity one with another , grew good friends by dividing the Lands between them which belonged to the Venetians ; might chiefly perswade the Pope to quit neutrality , and to side with the one or the other of these Princes . Leo knew , that upon many past occasions he had done things not only of but little satisfaction , but of much disgust to both these Princes and Nations , more particularly to the French , who were alwaies jealous of his cunning ; so as great emulation growing in them both , and a desire of commanding over all Italy , and finding that affairs were so equally poised between them in this Province , as the one could not much exceed the other , nor make any new acquisition , it was with reason to be feared , that being void of all hopes of having the Pope to side with either of them , from whose friendship they might for many reasons expect very considerable assistance , they might at last convene together to the total oppression of the Liberty of Italy . Nor was Leo's Neutrality in this conjuncture of time and affairs able to secure him from such a danger , since he had formerly openly declared himself and taken up Arms in company with others ; and chiefly since the French knew , that he was no waies pleased with their Dominion in Italy , as well for the common affairs , as for his own particular dislike that they had possessed themselves of the Cities of Parma and Piacensa , which were returned to the obedience of the Apostolick Sea by his Predecessor Iulius . So as the Churches State , and that of the Florentines , which was under the same Popes protection and government , grew to be those alone which were exposed to the injuries of all men ; for the Venetians were still firm to the French , and the other lesser Princes adhered some to the fortune of the French , some to that of the Imperialists . It was then the most useful , safe , and requ●site counsel , to join in friendship by particular and reciprocal obligations , either with Caesar , or with the King of France : By doing which , to boot with security , many good effects might follow , to wit , that the adverse party being supprest and driven out of Italy , that party which should yet remain there as friend , and free from the jealousie or rivdship of any forein Prince , was likely to afford a long Peace ( a thing very necessary in respect of the many late afflictions ) and such accidents might the more probably happen in process of time , whereby Italy might more easily free herself from the se●vitude of one only Lord and Master , then she should have done from the like of two ; it being unlikely that two Principalities should meet with one and the same fortune , at one and the same time . But if nothing else of good had happened during this discord and contention between these two Princes , their States must be subject to the expences and troubles which do necessarily accompany War ; so as some revenge would be had upon these forein Nations , for the so many calamities which they had brought upon Italy ; and that saying of the Scripture would be verified , To revenge a man upon his Enemies , by other Enemies . The Emperors of Rome , when the Empire began to decline , and the antient Italian worth and discipline was almost lost , they not having Forces sufficient of their own to withstand the Northern nations , made use of the Soldiers of the same Northern nations to drive their Fellow-foreiners out of Italy ; as particularly of the Goths , of whom they had several times great numbers in their Armies . But say that one of these forein Princes could not have worsted the other , though assisted by the Apostolick Sea , even in this condition of affairs hopes would not be wanting , whilst War should continue between them : For after having long wrestled together , especially since the quarrel arose out of hatred and warlike emulation , it was not unlikely that they would rather quit the Terititories which they held in Italy to some third persons , then to yield one to another , so as it might remain in their own power : Concerning which surrender , particularly of the State of Milan , many Treaties had been formerly . Leo had likewise a very fresh example of councels taken by the Venetian Senate , which in the same case was confirm'd by experience to be very wisely done : For that Senate finding that their State was fallen into great misfortunes , and reduced to so low an ebb , as she was not able to recover of herself , they joined with some of their very Enemies , against other some of their Enemies ; whereby they did not only separate them , but did revenge themselves much to the prejudice of those that they had excluded from their friendship , and did thus recover the State which had been usurped from them . But Leo's advice was afterwards the better approved of by the particular issue of this very business : For having after many several cogitations of mind join'd in confederacie with Caesar , the City of Milan was taken from the French by their joint-forces , and the Cities of Pa●ma and Piacensa were recovered to the Church ; not without great hopes , had it not been for the unexpected and unfortunate death of Pope Leo , that the French should have then been totally expulsed out of Italy , and Maximilian Sforza reinvested into the State of Milan , according to agreements made by the Pope , which would have greatly secured the liberty of the Church , and of whole Italy . Which when it should have so succeeded , there was reason enough to hope , that the French would join in driving the Imperialists out of the Kingdom of Naples , being satisfied ( without any other reward ) with having revenged themselves for their received injuries , and with seeing the Imperialists reduced to their condition , for what concerned the affairs of Italy . And it might be hoped that this might the easilier be done , by reason of the far distance of Caesars Territories , and by reason of many ill humors which began already to grow in several places ; whereby be might be necessitated to bend his Forces and thoughts elswhere , and leave his affairs in Italy but weakly defended . Leo then may seem to have grounded his councels well , like a wise Prince ( as he was ) upon good foundations , for as much as may be effected by humane wisdom , where so many other accidents do concur . Yet were there not wanting some who did greatly blame this resolution of Pope Leo's , taxing him with inconsiderateness , because being led on by vain hopes , he had unnecessarily imbroil'd himself again in War : And if we shall look more narrowly into this business , we shall find that many Considerations were wanting ; which may raise at least some rational doubts , whether the Pope were more to be praised , or to be blamed for this action . It is most certain , that War in it self is troublesom to Princes , grievous to the People , and subject to many various and uncertain chances . So that as every wise Prince ought alwaies to avoid it , where there is no express necessity , it appears that this Prince ought to have had it in more horror then any other , in respect of the times , and of his degree and place , which ought rather to have made him endeavor peace and quiet between Christian Princes . The Dominion of the Church was by his Predecessors means arrived already to such a largness , as it might seem better to become the Succeeder to augment the safety thereof by procuring friendship with other Princes , and by a constant neutrality , then to expose himself to new troubles and dangers , by adding more States thereunto . Italy having been much afflicted , and brought in almost every of her parts to great misery and calamity , for having been the seat of War for the space of thirty years , did not onely much desire peace and quiet , but did chiefly expect it from the Popes councels and actions , by reason of his supreme authoritie , and of the zeal he ought to have born to the publick good . How could it then deserve praise , that when forein Princes seemed to be inclined to suffer Italy to remain quiet , he should afford them occasion and means of imbroiling her in new troubles and calamities ; which were certainly to insue by reassuming Arms , where the advantage which might 〈…〉 gotten was very doubtful and questionable ? But , that which in this case 〈◊〉 to be considered , is , that Leo's intention being to drive the foreiners out of Italy , and to vindicate her liberty , he should have chosen some good means to have done it . Many antient and modern experiences might have taught him , how hard a matter it might be to keep the French on the other side of the Mountains . The Romans were not more troubled with any other Nation then with the French , in freeing Italy from forein invasions ; for she was oft-times assaulted by them , and many of her parts possest by them , and the Empire it self was endangered by their Forces . And of late years since the passage of Charls the Eighth , though they had proved variety of fortune , yet kept they still the same resolution of waging war in Italy , and of keeping footing in this Province , not being frighted from this resolution by any misfortune how great soever ; but being once beaten back , they returned with great fury to seek out novelties ; and at this very time that we now speak of , they were possest of the Dutchy of Milan . Therefore to secure himself from the French , it was not sufficient to drive them once out of Italy ; for the Forces of that large Kingdom being still very powerful , and they being alwaies prepared for novelty , their desire bore them chiefly thereunto , where it had done formerly , so as Italy remained still exposed to new incursions , and subject to the miseries of War. Therefore this intention of Pope Leo's , of keeping the French long out of Italy , could not peradventure have been compassed but in a long process of time , and with much variety of success , no , not though Italy had been all of a peece , and in greater power and prosperitie then she then was . Whereas at this time the Commonwealth of Venice being now returned to great power , was joined in confederacie with the King of France by vertue of antient Capitulations ; nor was it to be hoped for , that out of any uncertain hopes , and of long expectation , she should easily forgo such a friendship : And as for other Princes , they were but weak , and their ends not constant nor conformable . And on the other side , Caesar was very bare of monies , and had many other irons in the fire , so as the greatest weight and care of managing this War was likely to fall unto the Popes share , wherein if he should slacken never so little , all that had been done would have been to no effect ; and those places , which by reason of this confederacie with the Church , were taken from the French , would quickly and easily have faln into their hands again . But say that Charls had been able to have imploted all his Forces about this business , the greater they had been , the greater share would he have pretended in the business : and the less able had the Pope or any others been to oppose his Forces . Charls the Great , a Prince of excellent worth , freed Italy from the slavish yoke of the Northern Barbarians , driving the Lombards from thence , who had had the chief command there for Three hundred years ; but he would therefore make the greatest advantage thereof unto himself , creating his Son Pipin , King of Italy ; nor ought any of Charls his promises to be thought sufficient to shun such a danger , to which it was known he was much more moved out of a fervent desire to draw the Pope into this confederacie of excluding the King of France , then that he had any waies quitied his desire to the Dukedom of Milan . What reason was there then to beleeve , that when Caesar should be become more powerful in Italy , and should have driven out the French , he should likewise be expell'd from thence , when his Territories and Authority should be there the greater ? It is rather to be beleeved , that by his increase of power , Italy should be in a worse condition , and the danger thereof the more , for whilst these two Princes stood upon equal terms , and with an invererate mind did counterpoise one another , the other States were the more secure , it being unlikely that any one of the parties would permit that the others should increase , or be heightned by the ruine of any of the Princes of Italy ; but he that should be assaulted by one was sure to be assisted by the other ; so as Leo ought chiefly to have endeavored in this conjuncture of affairs to have kept these scales even by his neutrality ; for whilst the business stood thus , it behoved the very Enemies of the Italians to value their Friendship , for their own good , and for the preservation of their States . It is not easie to decide whether it did really conduce more to the good of Italy , that the Pope should continue in his neutrality , or by his joining with some one of these forein Princes who at that time had so great an influence upon Italy , the success being to depend upon many very much differing accidents ; for since humane wisdom is not able to provide against them all , she cannot find any secure way which leads to that destin'd end . Let us say then ( still keeping our selves within some general rules ) in the first place , that to join in friendship and confederacie with a more powerful P●ince , and one who is a near neighbor , when the increase of power is intended by this conjunction , is never to be done without danger , nor ought such a resolu●ion ever be taken but out of great necessity ; especially not by such Princes , who are not so weak , as they need a leaning stock , not to depend in all things upon the event of anothers fortune . Now Leo had no such reason to forgo the little quiet which he had then purchast by plunging into a Sea of Leagues and Confederacies , which are very hard to be laid fast hold of with Princes of great powerl , desirous of glory , who pretend the same things , and between whom War is not so easily ended , as it is reassumed . The Churches Patrimonie was sufficiently secured by the majesty of Religion , by Pontifical power , by the moneys which by many waies she may be supplied with , and by her Dominions , being at this time much inlarged by Iulius the second . So as Leo's intention is to be praised for having his thoughts so carefully bent upon the Libertie of Italy . It is likewise to be desired that he had had either more judgement or temper , to know and chuse an opportune time , and a sitting occasion ; and yet it is likewise a general rule , that to wait for the advantage of Time , when Affairs are upon great strieghts , do usually bring notable advantages , and sometimes by new and unexpected waies . Italy was long under the obedience of the Western Emperors : If at that time when their power and authority was so great , the Popes would have call'd in forein Forces , and made use of them to reduce the Government of Italy under the Churches power , or else into the hands of some other Italian Princes , Italy would in the first place have certainly been given in prey to the insolencie of foreign Soldiers , and at last she would peradventure have been brought to a worse condition . But by temporising , such occasions arose , as the Church increased her Dominions by certain lawful Donations without the shedding of blood , and all Italy remained subject to her own proper and particular Lords ; and the Western Emperors being long vex'd and troubled by the Wars of Germany , were forced to forgo the affairs of Italy . Moreover , though Caesar's fortune and power was then very great , yet was it subject to great alterations , by reason that he was a new Prince in his Dominions , because that they were far divided one from another , and for that many were apprehensive of so fast increasing greatness . So as many more opportune and better grounded occasions might peradventure arise of compassing such an intent , and the War made against him by the Germans , which tended so much to his danger , might prove such a one . By making fit use of which accidents , Caesar's power might receive a rebuke as concerning the affairs of Italy , if the French forces had been any ways received , or that the Italians had been of the same mind as formerly they had been more unseasonably . Therefore to separate the friendship of the French totally from the Italians , as Leo did for as much as in him lay , discovering a double injury to them , since the King of France might think that fraud was join'd to ill will , could not be but an ill-taken advice . He had done better to have somewhat allaied their power as to the affairs of Italy , then to have quite extinguish'd it , till the Italians might get some better light how to recover their liberty . The Venetian Senate took another course , though they had therein the same intent : For whilst the affairs of these two Princes , Charls the Emperor , and Francis King of France , were in the greatest heat of War in Italy , they would apply themselves to each of their fortunes , and according to the condition of time and affairs , they often changed friendship ; being still constant in their aim , which was to keep their Forces as equally ballanced as they could , and that they should both be weakened by their contention one with another : But when occasion was offered of falling upon one without too much advantage to the other , ( as it did in the last Wars made by the Venetians in Italy , after King Francis was let out of Prison ) they stood firm and resolute , not being easily perswaded upon any conditions to lay down Arms. For on the one side , Caesars power did decline by reason of many adverse chances , and the affairs of Naples were in great confusion and danger : And on the other side , the affairs of France were not much bettered as to the prejudice of the liberty of Italy ; for a chief Article in this Confederacie was , That the State of Milan should be restored to Francisco Sforza , as at last it was . But Leo in this conjuncture of affairs did precipitate himself into friendship with the Imperlalists , and drew the enmity of the French upon him , so as his danger became almost equally the same , whatever event the War should have ; and the sequel did more demonstrate this by the imprisonment of Clement , and by the slavery which Caesars greatness threatened to all Italy . So as it appears to reason , and by the sequel , that a noble and magnificent fabrick , as Leo's proposition touching the freeing of Italy from the subjection of Foreiners , was really to be esteemed , was not built upon of true and solid a foundation as was able to support so great a weight . But for the present , after many various accidents , the condition of affairs may be esteemed either good , or at least less bad ; forasmuch as Italy , through Philip the King of Spains great wisdom and moderation of mind , hath enjoyed a long and peaceful condition , and flourisheth no was much as she hath done in many preceding Ages , to the Peoples great comfort , and to the singular praise of the late Princes . The Tenth DISCOURSE . Whether the Counsel taken by the Emperor Charls the Fifth , and by his Commanders , of not parting from the walls of Vienna , when Solyman was come with very great strength from Constantinople to assault it , deserve praise , or blame . AS two great and famous Princes , not only for the largeness of their Dominions , but for their particular warlike valor , the Emperor Charls the Fifth , and Solyman Ottoman the Grand Signior of the Turks , did both of them flourish in one and the same Age ; so amongst the most memorable things of those times , the stupendious preparations for War made by the above-named Princes in the year 1532. was most remarkable , and variously thought of . All possible means was used by both of them , and the whole World put into Arms ; so as the fortune of these two Empires was judged to depend upon the worth and prowess of these two Armies . But the success did no ways answer the fame of so great Princes , and the noise of the preparation ; for neither did the Imperial Army stir at any time from the walls of Vienna , nor did the Turkish Army come within many miles of them . Now since more recent businesses have recalled this to memory , it may prove no unuseful Consideration to represent what of praise , or of blame may be given to this resolution put on by the Emperor Charls , and his Commanders . Many were of opinion then , and the same may now be thought , that in this case , or in the like , the managing of War in this manner , standing only upon defence , and expecting to be assaulted by the Enemy , did much withdraw from the reputation of the Christian Militia , which was already much in the wane , and was sufficient to awaken fresh spirits and boldness in the Turks to undertake any thing the more easily against them in the future ; since the flower of all the Soldiery of all the strongest and most esteemed Nations of Christendom , being assembled under the conduct and auspice of a mighty Prince , the Head of all Christendom , and in a business of such weight , which had drawn the eyes of the whole World upon it , not any the least thing was put forth against these Enemies , no Army brought to face them , nor put in a posture of seeming really to desire battel ; none of their Forts were assaulted , no Country of theirs prejudiced : Why were so many valiant men brought from their own homes into far distant Regions ? why such expence ? why such preparation for War ? Was it that so strong and flourishing an Army should rot and moulder away about the walls of Vienna ? What could have better decided the question which till then was disputable , in behalf of the Ottoman Princes , and of the Turkish Militia , and against the true honor of War , which our Princes and Soldiers have long laid claim unto , and sometimes atchieved , then after so great a preparation of Arms , after so cried up an enterprise with intention to quell the Turkish forces , to halt so long , and to so little purpose , not knowing what resolution to take , but that that Camp , then which no former Age had for a long time seen a greater , nor a more noble one , should stand still , like an unmoveable Fort ? Being overcome by truth , we must confess that the hopes of Victory for Christian Princes was lost , or at least brought to this pass , as not to lose , must be termed Conquest ; but neither could this be done by taking this course . No Christian Prince had usually so great and so setled a Militia , as could continually maintain such an Army in the field , as was at this time put together with much pains and industrie ; so as by drawing out the War in length , they might think to weary and disorder the Enemy , and finally to overcome at last . But on the contrary , the Turks , who have continually a numerous well ordered Army , may easily upon whatsoever occasion send forth very powerful Armies to vex the Christian Princes , taking sometimes one place , sometimes another , without ever quitting them , or being driven out from them : whereof there hath been so many proofs already made , whilst we do nothing but make a defensive War against the Turks , as till this time hath most commonly been done in this very business , and by those very Princes who managed this War ; the experience whereof hath been too evident , and too much prejudicial , by the affairs which unhappily be●el King Ferdinand , whose whole Army being cut in peeces in Hungary , and the noblest Cities of that Province totally lost , might teach for certain , that wh●lst the Turkish Forces should remain safe and intire , the danger of Vienna , and of the other Cities of Austria and Hungary was not quite over , but onely deferred for a season , which delay might peradventure prove unfortunate , by reason of the weakness which is brought upon the Forces of Princes by long lying idle , and especially those of such Princes as keep not a continual Militia on foot . Whereas the Turks , who have an Army alwaies ready and well paid , and who by making one War continually spring from another , keep them alwaies well disciplined , might at another time with greater Forces assault the same Territories of the House of Austria , as it happened not many years after . So as had they not been freed from greater , and more eminent dangers by Solymans death , the authors of this advice might have repe●●ed it , and all the rest might have had cause of greater sorrow , for having lost so far an occasion of making trial of the valor of Christian Commanders and Soldiers in a pitch'd Battel ; whereas we want not clear and memorable exampl●s , how far the true zeal of Religion , and a noble forwardness hath been often favored from Heaven with prosperous success ; as when divers Princes of Europe crost the Seas to wage War with the Saracens , and to recover , as they did , the holy Land from the Infides , driving them out of divers Cities of Asia , whereof they were possest . But these are not the sole examples ; for he who shall call to memorie greater actions done by famous Commanders , will know that they were well advised when they assaulted the Enemy , not waiting for him at their own doors ; since the advantages , and damages are great and evident which do accompanie those who manage the War diversly in this principal point . He who assaults the Enemy within their own Confines , enheartneth his Soldiers , infuseth fear into the Enemy , carries all loss and danger from his own home to that of his Enemy : But he that staies expecting that the Enemies Forces should come home to him , minding onely to withstand him , encourageth the very Enemy , and makes him the more bold and insolent , puts his own Subjects in despair , by making them maintain their own Armies , and exposing them to the rapine of the Enemy . Moreover if any adverse chance befal whilst the Enemy is in the bowels of their State , all that they have is made a prey of , and irrecoverably lost . We read of Cyrus , in whom we have the character of a most excellent Commander , that King Cyaxares being encamped in his friends Country , and staying there to expect the Enemy , he advised him to change his resolution , and to enter the Confines of the Assyrians , and set upon them at their own doors , and shewing him the advantage he might make thereof , perswaded him to do so ; by which mean he got a notable Victory , worsting a great many of the Enemy with a much lesser number . It was alwaies Caesars course , who was the true Master of good Militia , both to pre-occupate the Enemy , and to be the first that should assault , when Battel was to be given ; thinking that the courage which the so doing infused into the Soldiers , did to boot with other benefits , help much to the getting of the victory ; wherefore he taxed Pompey of an error , because he did not so in that famous Battle of Pharsalia . The Romans understanding that Hannibal was coming with a powerful Army to prejudice them in Italy , though the first defence was made by mountains and craggy situations which he was to overcome , yet they thought fit to fight him before he could get into Italy , and so keepe the War the furthest off them that they could . But Scipio not being able to bring him to Battel , though he met with him at the banks of Rhodanus , as soon as they heard that the Enemy was got on this side the mountains , the Romans would not notwithstanding withdraw their Armies , as if they had been afraid to come before the walls of Rome , which Hannibal gave out he would assault , but sent their men with the same Consul Scipio to beyond the River Po to fight him , wisely knowing that the danger doth increase so much the more , by how much nearer the Enemy approaches to the heart of the Country . And the same Romans understanding afterwards that Asdrubal was coming with a great Army in Italy to assist his Brother Hannibal , they resolved to meet him beyond the River Metarus , to prevent the Enemy , knowing that to eschew this danger , was to occasion other great dangers . Thus the victory gotten over Asdrubal bereaved Hannibal of the victories which he was likely to have gotten , if the Romans had been slower , or less resolute in encountring the Enemy . The Imperial Commanders ought to have taken the same advice , and might have done it ; for the Turks must make a much longer march into Hungary and Austria , then we to assault their Confines , which are now grown too near us . Moreover the Turks chiefest strength lying in their Horse , which cannot march till the earth afford fodder for their Cavalry , and being to come out of hotter Countries into a colder Region , they cannot without much difficulty and incommodity march into the field in the first season of the year , as others may do , whose condition doth differ from theirs , both in the condition of Militia , and in the temperature of the Air , wherein the first skirmishes are to be made . So as it appears to be very strange , nay , indeed a very great wonder , that having made so great a preparation for War , they would not so much as in thought pre-occupate the Enemy , and enter into the upper Hungaria , from which Country they might have been furnished with many commodities , and upon occasion , secure themselves by a fortunate day , a long time from Turkish Incursions , for it was not likely that by Solymans departing that year without having done any thing , he should forsake the Guardianship and protection which he had taken upon him of the King of Hungary , but rather aspire to make himself Master of that Kingdom , as he did , being more encouraged thereunto by the weakness and backwardness of the Imperialists , who if when they had done their utmost , had done nothing at all , and the Turks knowing that Charls the Emperor being implo●ed in other very considerable Wars , would not be alwaies able to afford his Brother so great assistance , was not this a great incitement to them quickly to renew the War , to the greater prejudice and danger not onely of Hungary , which Ferdinand laid claim unto , but even to the like of Ferdinands own Territories ? and not long after the fact it self shewed what might have been foreseen by reason ; for Solyman could not onely not be perswaded to quit the protection which he had taken of his Pupil King Steven , but before he should come to any accord with Ferdinand , demanded tribute from Austria ; and the conditions both of the War and Peace growing daily worse and worse , the greatest part of Hungary being lost after the notable discomfitures of the German Armies at Essechlo and Buda , and the other part continuing still in great danger , the certain loss was known which did redound unto them by not hazarding a Battel at this time , when the fears and hopes were at least alike on both sides . But say that this had been too rash , or too difficult a thing to have been effected , what hindred them or disswaded them from passing through their own Countries , and marching with their Army to between Dava and Sava , a Country which had not at all been prejudiced by the late Wars , and therefore fit to furnish their Army with victuals , and where there are many mountainous seats , which were advantagious for the Imperialists , and incommodious for the Turks in respect of their Cavalry ; whereby they might have preserved two Provinces , which were Patrimon●al States of the House of Austria , and therefore ought to have been the more carefully kept , Carinthia and Stiria ; which being abandoned , were left a secure prey unto the ●urks , who utterly destroyed them by fire and sword , endangering likewise the loss of some of their chief Cities ; for the way would have been block'd up , and kept Solyman from coming thither , if it had been first possessed by the Imperialists , and Solymans reputation would have been much lessened , if he had tarried behind , leaving that Country untouched , which he was come to assault with so great an Army . But to do as the Imperialists did , to keep so many men with so great a Train of Art●llery and all necessaries for War , barely to defend one City , which lay not open , but was begi●t with walls , which was held to be a strong For●ress , and which being but meanly provided of men , had formerly repulsed great Turkish forces ; what was it , but by this new and prejudicial example to confirm the Turks , and even our own men , in the opinion , that the Christian Militia was inferior to that of the Turks , and that our Princes being intent upon their own defence , and not without some fear to imploy their utmost endeavors therein , were for their parts to suffer the Turks to enjoy their large Empire in peace and safety ? Which the Ottoman Princes have brought to so vast a greatness , not by letting their Forces lie idle , and by being content to defend that Title which they had gotten at first , but by going every where to find out the Enemy , fighting him upon all occasions , and by making their way by their swords into other mens Countries . How oft have the Turks entred into the Consinus of Persia , nay , wrought themselves in even to her inmost parts , chiefly intending to come to a day of fight with the Persians Armies , which they have often enected ? though the Persians were rather to be feared , then to be despised , for their antient honor in War , and for the manner of their Militia ; and yet at last they have in these last Wars got safe possession of the chiefest part of this most noble Kingdom . What then is more to be said , but that if this way of proceeding have proved prosperous to those that have walked therein , he who takes another way walks on towards destruct on , and either through ignorance , or too great a thirst after quiet and secu●ity , involves himself into greater troubles and difficulties ? And though the loss be made by peece-meal , which may peradventure make it appear the less , yet at last the whole falls into more certain , though a later ruine . And to speak of more modern affairs ; how had not only the Commonwealth of Venice , but several other States of Christian Princes been preserved from the Turkish power and insolencie , if the Leagues Fleet , shunning all occasion of fight , had retreated without that famous Victory of Lepa●●● ? But it was afterwards more cleerly seen , that Charls his intent on in this War was far from joining battel with the Turks , either that he would not hazard his glory and honor , or manifestly confess himself interior to Solyman in Forces , when Hungary and Austria being assaulted at another time by the same Solyman , in stead of succoring of assisting his Brother who was in emient danger , he went to try new adventures in Africa , of a much more inconsiderable nature . If a day of Battel be ever to be had , what else was there to be done to keep off the ruine which doth threaten Christendom every day more and more ? He who hazards , may lose ; but he may also win : And he who stands idly , and does nothing , whilst he endeavors security by useless means , does by degrees daily fall into new dangers , and doth as it were voluntarily ( but for certain , basely ) submit himself to the yoke of a grievous and unworthy slavery . If Germany and Italy had been so forward to furnish men and monies for this enterprise , ( the authority of so great a Prince who was the chief Author and Head thereof , being considered ) as upon other occasions which did happen not long after , these assistances might have been sooner hoped for . When were the whole Forces of Germany seen so united , as they were at this time ? Nay , it was rather to be doubted that many seeds of discord were to grow , which were already spread abroad throughout this Province , by reason of Religion and State-policie , whereby Germany might be weakned and divided . From whence then was there any good to be hoped for against this so formidable Enemy , if so great a preparation for war proved altogether vain and useless ? The condition of present Times , and of long Custom , will not suffer us now to hope that we may see what formerly fell out in that famous Councel of Clerement , that at the words of an Hermite , at the bare exhortations of a Pope , Christian Princes and people should readily take up Arms against the Infidels , being content for bond of firm union to be all of them signed with the sign of the Cross. But now when any such thing is treated of , such disputes are made upon every point , every one looks so much to their own particular ends ( not measuring things aright , nor minding the common interest in comparison of their own ) as Leagues and Unions being contentiously handled , slowly concluded , and untimely dissolved , there comes no good of them . Wherefore it cannot be said , that they thought by delay to reserve occasions prepared for Victory , to which the Cause which was then in hand ought not a little to have excited them ; to wit , the maintaining of King Ferdinand in his just pretences to the Kingdom of Hungary ; from whom , without any right , and unprovoked by any injury , it was attempted to be taken . Very shame should likewise have been able to have made them not suffer so miserable a spectacle of such devastations and ruines as were made by the Barbarians in Carinthia and Stiria , whilst they stood looking on with so great an Army ; at which the Imperial Commanders being at last moved , they went about ( though late ) to revenge these injuries ; and their boldness being assisted by fortune , the Freebooters were routed , and almost quite discom●●ted in all places where they were assaulted . So as it appears it may be pleaded by this late example , that they might have done greater things , if they had attempted it . Moreover , so many military men might very well have known what advantage might have been gotten by giving Battel , since in this posture of affairs great rewards were to be expected from the Victory , and but small loss , had they been beaten : For the Christian Army , if victorious , might have penetrated into the Turks Dominions , where there are no strong Holds , save some few upon the Frontiers ; and not meeting with any obstacles , might have marched even to before Constantinople , planting their Trophies in sundry places , by one sole Victory . Whereas on the contrary , the Imperialists , upon any adverse fortune , had many strong Holds whereunto to have retreated , and by maintaining them , might have retarded the course of the Turks victories , and have recruited their broken Forces . But say , I pray you , who could assure the Imperialists , that they should avoid the hazard of a Battel ? Was it not rather to be believed , ( especially if we will consider the boldness of the Turks , who are wont to meet but with weak resistances ) that answerable to what they gave out , they would advance and force the Christians to give Battel , as the Voyage taken by Solyman did promise , who kept not within his Consines , but was entred into the Imperialists Country , so far as some of his Horse Troops made inrodes even to Newstat a Town standing in the same Champaine Country , and not far from Vienna ? And say that being assaulted by the Enemy , they had been forced to fight , who can deny but that both before , and after the conflict , the business would have proved hazardous to the Imperialists , since they were to fight at their own homes , and in their own defence ? For great is that astonishment which is caused by the bold coming on of an Enemy , and men are alwaies readier to run away there where they have best means of saving themselves ; and in case of adverse Fortune , the danger is greater when the Enemy is in the bowels of the State ; and if the inhabitants overcome , the less good redounds by the victory , because the enemy hath time to rally , and to defend himself . These were therefore notable disadvantages , which were unaviodable whilst the Imperialists Camp remained fixt before the walls of Vienna , and thereby made themselves to depend upon the Enemies resolution . Notwithstanding all this , he who shall duely consider the present condition of the Affairs of the Empire , of the Militia , and of all other things which belongs to such a business , may peradventure be of a different opinion , and judge otherwise , and if not commend , at least excuse the resolution taken by the Imperialists , of not parting with their Army from before the walls of Vienna , and from the River Danubius . That the Turkish Empire is very great , and potent , is a thing too well known by us to our cost ; but the care how to prevent the maladie and weakness into which Christendom is fallen by the greatness of such an enemy , hath been so long in cogitat●on , as to use violent means , might bring ruine upon her , rather then procure her safety . Christian Princes have not in this age a setled , well disciplined , well ordered Militia , and kept in perpetual pay , as the Turks have , and as the Romans , and some other Empires have formerly had ; Whence it is that numerous Armes cannot be raised without length of time , and much difficulty ; and for want of continual exercise , by which the Soldiers of one and the same Nation have been known to be able to supply every military Office , recourse must be had to several Nations , for men fit for several actions in War ; so as it is thought that either by natural inclination ; or by antient Custom , or by meer opinion , every Nation is best , some for one thing , some for another ; as also because there are but very few in any place , who are well instructed in Military affairs . For no Militia is entertained except it be in time of need , or some few who are kept in Garrisons , with little or no exercise . The charge also of assembling Soldiers from several , and far distant Countries , as also all things which belong to War , is much the greater ; and whereof not any one State of our Princes is compleatly furnished . So as put all these together , it is from hence , that when any enterprise hath been to be taken against the Turks in these times , with numerous and powerful Forces , they have not been able to be got together in any reasonable time , nor well ordered ; which delay arising from necessity , hath hindred our preventing the Enemy , and our assaulting them at their own doors . But particularly , is it not very well known , that at this time whereof we now speak , Caesar was to assemble Soldiers from so many Nations , subject to other Dominions , and to joyn together the Auxiliary Forces of Germany and Italy , as in doing thereof so much labor and time was spent , as before the Imperial Army was mastered at Vienna , Solyman was already come to Belgrade ? so as , to have resolved upon preventing the Enemy , and of assaulting his Confines before the arrival of his Army , was impossible , though it had been thought expedient to have done so ; nor ought reason to prevail over experience ; and this so much the less , for that there wants not other reasons to prove that the Turks are readier at their counsel , and speedier at their executions , then we can be . But let us suppose that all prolixity and difficulties therein might have been helped , and that it had depended upon the free will of the Imperial Commanders to assault the Turks within their Consines ; say , I beseech you , what design could the Imperialists have had to euer into the Enemies Country ? Should they perhaps have stood idly expecting the shock of the Turkish Army , if it should advance towards them ? or if Solyman should not have advanced , but have shunned the encounter , should they have marched on and forced him to fight ? Or should they have endeavored to have taken some of the Towns , or Forts which were held by the Turks , by assault ; and carry the perjudice home to him , who would have brought it to them in the defence of another man ? Let us examine all these things , by considering the last proposition . In what place should the Imperial Army have incamped , which would not have been very incommodious for them , and far off ? they were not yet absolutely possest of divers Cities upon the Frontiers of Hungary , as they were afterwards . But let us argue the business in general ; if the place were weak which they should assault , what honor should they win thereby ? Or would the advantage of such an acquisition have been answerable to the expence , and to the expectation had of such an Army ? Besides , such purchases are to little purpose ; for such places are soon regained by him who is master of the field ; and if the Imperialists would have attempted the taking of any strong place , and should not have effected it soon and easily , to how great danger did their Army expose it self ? they must either raise their siege , with loss of honor , and with those other bad consequencies which follow in such like cases ; or else they must keep their station , and be cut in peeces , when a powerful Turkish Army should come , and find the Imperialists scattered and busied about the taking in of strong Holds ; as afterwards fell out upon the like occasion of Buda ; which might teach Commanders , with what temper they are to proceed when they fall upon such affairs , and when they have to do with a potent Enemy . But it may be yet more strongly urged , that whilst the Turkish Forces should keep themselves safe and inire , the Imperialists had but little hopes of keeping what they should happily have gotten . Were not Modon● and Corone recovered from the Turks by the Imperial Forces , under the Ensigns of the same Charls ? yet these very Towns were soon after abandoned , and forsaken , because they knew they were not able to maintain them against the Turkish pussant Forces . Have not the Imperialists and Spaniards made oft-times many attemp●s in Africa , and had good success therein ? Yet in whose possession are these very places now , which were gotten with so much charge and danger ? Did not the Turks soon repossess themselves of those places from whence they were driven ? The League made against the Turks in the year 1537. wherein the same and forces of the same Emperor Charls were interessed , did it not 〈◊〉 Castel 〈◊〉 a Fortress fit for their greatest designs ? But how long were we able to keep it , though it were strongly garrisoned ? These experiences may serve to shew , that the good gotten by such cost and labor , hath not at last proved any thing , save dishonor in forgoing what was gotten . But to fall upon the other head ; If the Imperial Army should have continued incamped in any strong situation of the Enemy which they might have taken , without attempting any thing more ; how would it have been in any better condition , then it was when incamp'd before Vienna ? rather on the contrary , the danger was greater and more evident of falling into mighty disorder , especially for want of victuals , by their going from the Banks of 〈◊〉 , from whence alone they could have been safely and oppor●●●ely furnished therewithal ; for they were to provide for the victualing of a great many , and the Enemy did abound in Horse , whereby their succors might have been cut off . It may peradventure be alleadged , that they might have preserved a great tract of Country from the inrodes , plunder , and firing made by the Turks . But first , they were not certain to make this advantage , the Country being large , and exposed to such accidents as these ; nor were they able , without dividing their Forces , to supply all places : And the Turks seeing this place well guarded , if they should have taken their way above the Danubius , as they did beneath it towards the Alps , finding the fields more large and open in those parts in Moravia , Silesia , and Austria , they might have made larger inrodes , and with less danger : whereas having quartered themselves in the mountainous situations of Stiria and Carinthia , they might at least revenge the injury , and in some sort preserve their honor by killing many of them , who being disbanded , were gone to pillage the Country . It is commonly advantagious to advance towards the Confines of a State , where the Passes are narrow and difficult , either by the ruggedness of the situations , or by reason of ●orts upon their Frontiers , so as the Enemy may be by these advantages kept afar off . But what was there in King Ferdinands States , which could perswade him to take this course ; the Country being large , open , and where many Armies would not have been sufficient to have kept out an Army which was resolved to enter , as these did ? But it may be said again , that this was not a loss which would counterpoise ( as might very well have happened by reason of their own inconveniencies ) the breaking up of that Army , whereon the defence of King Ferdinands States did relie , and which was of so great a concernment to all Christendom . And it may be also added , that the further the Imperialists had advanced , whereby they might the better have met with the Enemy , and have fought him , if they should not afterwards have done it , their fear would have appeared to have been so much the greater , and that they had repented to have proceeded so far ; whereby they should not only no have increased , but have lessened the reputation of the force and worth of that Army . But for what concerned their marching forward to encounter the Enemy , with a resolution of giving him battel at his own home at which the Considerations made to the contrary do seem chiefly to aim , it is business of so weighty , and so numerous consequences , as it deserves to be well examined . It is a general Rule , That it is requisite the Assailant should have greater Forces then he who is assailed , or at least equal Forces : And is there any one so blinded with desire , as that he does not see the Imperialists disadvantage in this behalf ? Solyman brought with him an Army consisting of One hundred and forty thousand fighting men , and almost as many men more for other Camp-occasions , furnished with Artillery and all other Requisites for War , an Army verst in Victories , and which was then to fight in the sight of their Lord and Master , a fortunate and valiant Prince ; and who are promised by their Law , that whosoever dies fighting for his welfare and glory , shall be eternally rewarded in heaven : An opinion which hath much advantaged the Turkish affairs in point of War. Entire obedience , excellent military discipline , patient undergoing all wants , and great toil and labor , are things whereunto the Turkish Armies are accustomed ; in vertue whereof it is , and not by chance , that they have had so many victories : And it was the opinion of all men , that these things did at this time abound in that Army . Now on the other side , the Imperial Army was far short of this in numbers , the fighting men not exceeding the number of Fourscore and ten thousand , whereof there were but Thirty thousand Horse . It is hard to say what men might promise to themselves from the Commanders and Soldiers gallantry , since no precedent nor subsequent trial hath been known to be made against this Enemy : Marry , such disorders as are usually seen in our present Mili●ia , might easily be therein seen ; the Spaniards mutinies before they were come to the Camp , the like of the Italians after their arrival , great and open hatred amongst the Nations which were in the same Camp , as if they had been in two Enemies Camps , insomuch as they were like to ●all together by the ears more then once , the Spaniards and Italians being jointly highly incensed against the Dutch ; the Commanders at variance amongst themselves , envying one anothers glory , raisers of commotions and disobed●ence amongst the Soldiery , as was seen by the last of punishments inflicted upon some of them . Now what the issue in likelihood might prove betwixt two such Armies as you have here described of the Imperialists and of the Turks , any man may judge , who is capable of ordinary reason , without any further experience of War. But to proceed to the other heads : What situation could there be chosen which was not disadvantagious for the Imperialists ? The parts of Hungary , Wallach●a , and of the neighboring places where the Armies were to m●et , consisted all of open Champaigns , where most assuredly the Horse ( wherein the Turkish Camp did so abound ) have the better of Foot ; and worth is overcome by numbers , where the lesser Army may be circumvented by a greater multitude , and better use may be made of Horse , which may either advance where they find advantage , or retreat without any prejudice where they cannot withstand the Enemy . Therefore the Imperial Commanders knowing the disadvantage thereof in that situation which they had taken , though they were secured by the City of Vienna , and by the River Danubius , yet they stood alwaies with their Squadrons in order for any assault ; their Foot was divided into three great Squadrons , whereof one stood firm in the midst , and betwixt this and the other two were the Horse quartered , so as they did inclose the whole body of the Army , which was surrounded and secured by great store of Artillery . Another reason may be added , which is , That in case of misfortune , the Imperialists Army might suffer a greater discomf●ure then that of the Turks ; for it would be harder for the former to keep any of their Foot entire , or Gens d' Arms , then for the Turks to preserve their Light-horse , which were always ready according as occasion should serve , either to charge , or sustain a charge , and save themselves . Wherefore it may be said , that the hazard was not the same , and therefore not to be put to the trial , as affairs stood . And if it be advantagious to assault an Enemy at his own door , the affording rest to Soldiers , whereby to be the better able to withstand and to repell with victory those who come to assault them , and are wearied by their long march , and the inconveniences thereof , hath also something of good in it . Nor must we be govern'd by examples wherein the same accidents meet not ; for general Rules are not to be observed at all times , and especially not in War , which is subject to so many variations . If Cyrus , and the Romans , when the first went to fight the Assyrians , and the other the Carthaginians , had been in that condition as those were of whom we now speak , we may perswade our selves ( such was their known wisdom ) that they would have done otherwise : And if the Romans chose to meet Hannibal first on the other side the Mountains , and afterwards at his first entrance into Italy , it may be said , besides the diversity of accidents which counsell'd them so to do , that our Princes have no such Militia , nor so ready , as the Romans had , nor had they means of recruiting their Armies so soon as the Romans could do in case of adverse fortune ; and that they were able to maintain so many Armies , not only in Italy , but in Spain , Africa , and Greece , at the same time when Hannibal was in Italy , shews , that as they were forward in giving Battel , so they knew how to supply themselves again : which the Imperialists could not at this time have done , if they should have lost that Army , which they had taken such pains to assemble together from so many several parts . It is acknowledged , that to put ones self upon the hazard of a Battel , is a thing which is done by wise Commanders when they are back'd with another Army , which may afford them means of fighting a second time , or at least whereby they may easily 〈◊〉 in case of adverse fortune ; else a whole State is adventured upon one only Battel . As for the success of the Battel of Lepanto , it was accompanied with some accidents which are seldom seen to happen : For the Turks gave ou● m●n battel , which was willingly entertained by us , because we might make use of the advantage of the Venetian Gallious , by whose Artil●ery their Fle●t was divided and scat●ered before they could come to a further conflict . But the next year , the condition of affairs being altered , they took another course : For the Turks , who were taught by their former bad success , not being willing to join battel with our greater Vessels , and our men being wisely well-advised not to divide nor separate their slighter Gallies from the greater , as finding themselves either weaker therein , or at least not stronger , there was nothing done , though the Fleets were several times very neer . In this point likewise , the Land-Militia , and that of the Sea doth differ ; for as for Sea-fights , the Christian Forces are in number equal in Shipping to the Turks , but sufficiently beyond them for matter of worth and discipline : Marry , in Land-Armies the Turks do far exceed the Christians in numbers ; and as for valor and good discipline , they cannot as yet be accounted inferior , unless we will , to detract from the Enemy , and to our own shame , as having been so oftentimes beaten by so base and unexpert men . But howsoever it be , we cannot but have a great esteem of the Turkish power , which their continued prosperitie hath made so . What reason was there then that a new Army , made up of so many several Nations , wherein the Soldiers did hardly know their Captains , and were much less known by them , who had not as yet done any military act jointly , nor well learnt how to know , nor follow their colours , not acquainted with the Country , and wanting all those things through which , by the true Art of War victories are gotten , should advance , and give Battel to an Enemy so formidable both for same and forces ? nor can the event of a set Battel be truly judged by what befel those of the Turkish Camp , who disbanding from the rest , went , though in great parties , to pillage the Enem●es Country , the business not being any thing alike ; the Turks had the disadvantage of the Countries situation , of being loaded with prey , of being in disorder ( as commonly befals those who go to plunder , not to fight ) and of other accidents . But besides all this , he who relates this business , mentions not any baseness in the Turks , but saies , That notwithstanding these disadvantages , they defended themselves generously to the utmost of their power . But what did the same Solyman ( who cannot be denied to have been very valiant , and greatly experienced in matter of War ) though he had all the advantages that have been mentioned ? he did not advance with his Army as near as , as he might have done , nor did endeavor to enforce others , nor to be enforced himself to fight , but rather went out of his direct way , which he had taken to come to Vienna , and kept for the most part in strong and commodious seats , as between the two Rivers of Sava and Drava ; and i● a powerful and van glorious Prince , who professed that he had undertaken that War meerly out of a desire of glory would make use of haesitatious counsels , where the consequences were so great and so heavie ; how would it have becomed Charls , a Prince no less wise then valiant , and who was necessituted by many other important affairs of some other States of his , to leave Germany suddenly , as he did , to have put himself upon the dubious events of Battel , whereby to indanger almost his whole Fortune ? When Marius was sent against the Cymbrians , who were faln down into Italy ( which was thought to be as considerable a War as any that the Romans had made ) the same circumstances concurring thereunto , whereby to infuse terror , as do now to make the Turkish Forces so formidable ; as crueltie , barbarism , the great number of the Enemy , and the fame of the victories which they had won ; the wise Commander would not ( though many occasions had offered themselves , and that he was taxed by the unexperienced , of timerousness ) come to a pitch'd field with such an Enemy till for many moneths space he had kept the Army accustomed to the performance of duties , and to Military actions , and chiefly till he had acquainted them with the aspect of the Enemy , and how to have the bett●r of them in light skirmishes , which were not notwithstanding attempted but upon great advantage . And if Caear used to prevent the Enemy , and to be the first that should assault ; it is to be considered that he commanded a veteran Army , of whom he had by long Wars had much experience . So as the same example is not to be made use of in a new and tumultuous Army , and of so different conditions . But let us likewise consider what were the reasons which made these two Princes take up Arms ; for by the first rise of Wars the reason of their administration , and the good means whereby to conduce them to a good end , is best known . The War was offensive on the Turks behalf , undertaken with great surquedrie , and with great hopes of victory and glory ; Solyman having propounded unto himself to revenge the injuries done by Ferdinand , then King of Bohemia , to Iohn King of Hungary , who reigned under his Guardianship and protection . But whether this was his true intention or no , or but pretended , that he might possess himself of the Kingdom of Hungary ( as afterwards he did ) it was most certain , that he could not compass his end of beating the Forces of these two Austrian Brothers , Charls , and Ferdinand . Caesar on the other side , being usually distracted and busied , as now in particular , in other Wars , had betaken himself to this , to defend the assaults which were threatned his Brothers Territories , as also the honor of his family , or rather that of all Germany ; or , to confine ones self to narrower bounds , it may be said , that this contention of War did pa●ticularly concern the oppugning , and the defence of the City of Vienna . So●yman , who had formerly little to his honor , been driven from before the walls of that City , professed to return thither with greater Forces , being firmly resolved to reduce it to his power , and to challenge the Emperor to a pitch'd Battel . Charls on the contrary , having brought his Forces about that City , had propounded unto himself the keeping of it , and to frustrate this so great furie and boasting of Solymans . Now then , whilst Vienna was preserved , and that she was kept free from all dangers , and that Solyman was so curbed and frightned by the Imperialists Forces , as that he du●st not advance , or make good his word which he had publickly professed , did not the Imperialists effect the business they had taken in hand , without the effusion of blood ? Did they not preserve their own honor , and do service to all Christendom ? If this Army ( as the success of Bittel is more uncertain and dubious , then any whatsoever other humane action ) had received any no●able defeat , when would this wound have ever been cured ? The afflicted body of Christendom must have its wounds long kept open , and have still ul●●cerated more and more . How would Caesars particular Enemies have been encouraged to fall upon his Territories , and to have endangered and molested his own particular affairs , whilst he should have shewed courage enough , but little good counsel in defending another mans right , which did not immediately concern himself ? Had the T●rks in former times been made retreat to their own Confines , as now they were , without having made any acqu●sition , they had not been masters of so many Christian Kingdoms , as now they are . And had their Forces proved still vain , their Militia would have been imbased , and they would have been discouraged from troubling others without any good to themselves ; which peradventure would have been the safest and securest way of weakning so great a power as that , by temporizing , affording them thereby occasion of growing idle , and of falling into domestick disorders , so as they might the more easily have received a blow , and have been overcome both by cuning and force . Nor will it avail to affirm the contrary , as if the future dangers and troubles had been certainly to have happened , or that they might have been made greater by a new commotion of War ; for it was more answerable to reason , that when Solyman should have done his utmost with his whole Forces , assisted by his own presence , he would have suffered the Estates of Austria , and of Germany to have remained quiet , if King Ferdinand had rested content with his own Patrimonie , and with the Kingdom of Bohemia , together with the hopes of succeeding in the Empire , without intricating himself in new troubles , by obstinately maintaining his pretences to the Kingdom of Hungary , drawing thereby the fury of the Turkish Forces upon him , as he often did . So as King Ferdinando and his Councellors are more to be blamed for those many mischiefs which ensued afterwards , and for those which we are still threatned with by the so near neighborhood of the Turkish Forces then Charls the Emperor and his Commanders . For they seeing King Iohn taken into so powerful a protection as that of the Ottoman Empire , so as it was impossible to put the Dutch in possession thereof by driving of him out ; all anger and ambition ought to have been laid aside , contenting themselves rather with the neighborhood of so weak a Prince as the King of Hungary , then with that of so powerful and formidable a Potentate , to whom four Empires and eighteen Kingdoms do yield obedience . These things may be on all sides variously considered , as various Judgments may be given on those actions which are not of a setled , ordinary , and natural condition , but which through various accidents do flote up and down , as it happens in counsels concerning War. The truth is , that the Forces , hope ; fears , and almost all other consequences of these two Empires were ( as it were ) equally ballanced in this behalf : So as it was a work not discernible by humane wisdom , or by any true grounds , whether to have come to a pitch'd field , or to abstain from doing so , would have been the better advice . In either of the Armies , the Flower of the Mil●tia of the warlike Nations both of East and West was assembled , a vast number of Soldiers , excellent Commanders , most valiant Princes , and of as great renown as any of whatsoever former Age , and who had both of them won famous Victories . Great were the rewards , great the inconveniences , which were proposed on all sides according to the various success of such a days fight ; immortal glory , shame not to be rased out , high hopes , greatest fears . So as it is no wonder if in this parity of objects which presented themselves before the eyes both of the Imperialists and Turks , a Battel , for which both parties were prepared and disposed , did not ensue . In which case he who will detract any thing from the Imperialists in not daring to fight , must praise their wisdom as much , and their mature advice ; it being a Rule generally approved of by the universal consent of all men , That where the business is doubtful and difficult , we must rather adhere to that which holds us from doing any thing , then to what eggs us on : For , Had I wist , comes too late , and is always to no purpose ; whereas whilst things are whole and entire , place is left for new Counsels . PAULA PERUTA A Gentleman of VENICE HIS SOLILOQUIE ; Wherein he makes and takes a brief examination of the whole course of his Life . WHAT do I do ? What think I ? What do I look for ? My Age hastens already apace to the end of my life , and I mind not that end of Glory to which I am ordained . Those good things which I must shortly for go , stand alwaies fixt before my bodily eies , and I turn not the eyes of my mind towards those things which are prepared for me to injoy eternally ; it is high time to know my error , and then to amend it . Old Age which useth to dead the affections of the flesh , ought now to quicken the zeal of the Spirit ? O my soul summon thy thoughts about thee , which have straid so long in the affairs of this world ; know thy noble condition , and the true end for which thou wert created ; Let all things that proceed from thee be worthy of thee . Throw from thee that vail , which as if thou hadst been blind , hath made thee go groping and groveling through the waies of worldly desires , in danger of falling into the ditch of some habitual sin ; wh●reby it would have been the harder for thee to rise again , and reassume the right way . Great are the acknowledgments which thou owest to thy Creator , who hath made thee out of nothing ; made thee so much more noble then the souls of all his other creatures , he made thee partaker of so many excellent gifts , chiefly of liberty , whereby thou maist increase the merit of thy good works , as he never suffers his grace to forsake thee , which thou mayst very often be aware of , finding remorse of conscience as often as thou fallest into any sin , and so many incitations to excite thee to the despisal of earthly things , and to the love of such as are celestial , as certainly thou art very much unworthy so great a benefit , if thou dost resist it any longer , or else a very bad friend unto thy self , if knowing the trust good , thou chusest to deprive thy self thereof . Assuredly , if I shall take a true scrutinie of my life , I shall find that I have made my self a receptacle of all vanity ; Thou who oughtest to have been a temple of perpetual prayer , of immaculate goodness , of pure love to divine things . I do not consider my first and tender Age , wherein the use of Reason being but weak , that which ariseth from thence is not much considerable ; yet the tears and crying to which those very years are subject , might afford me occasion when I was greater of contemplating the mistery , and of knowing that the condition of this worldly life . whereinto I was marching was but a valley of tears , a fountain of miserie ; Wherefore I should have taken the greater heed not to have suffered my self to be insnared in the love of those things , where Wormwood lies hidden under Honey , and where weeping attends alwaies nigh upon laughter . In the Pueritia , which succeeded mine In●●ncie , I did not accustom my self ( as I ought to have done ) to labor and sufferings , to humble and devo●t thoughts , whereby the power of the flesh might have been weakened , and the soul exalted ; but I was detained by pleasures and effeminacie ; I betook my self so to follow and love vanity , as I began to suck in what corrupt customs taught me , more then what was learnt me by my Tutors . I thought Riches , Honors , and all worldly Greatness , to be the garnishings wh●rewith men , and chiefly such as are nobly born , ought to adorn themselves ; I called the lives of such as lived better , and more retired from the world , meer madness . These conceptions grew more firmly fixed in me afterwards , when passing through the other Ages , I saw them praised and practised by mens common consent , and chiefly by those who were esteemed the wisest , and most happy ; so as it was harder for me to pluck out those thoughts from out my heart , which had in process of time taken so deep rooting . But if I reflect upon the years of my youth , which are as it were the Sp●ing of our Age , on which every thing seems to smile , and doth , as it were grow green , what can I remember which may make me satisfied with my self , or from whence I may affirm , that I have gathered such fruit , as I would now in my old age be fed withal ? As I first 〈◊〉 into my youth , I was , as it were challenged a●d defied to a gallant wrestling by the se●ces , and worldly delights , and parted from them very many times overcome , seldom with the victorie . I betook my self to my studie , and chiefly to that of Rherorick , and of Philosophie ; wherein having the luck to light upon excellent Masters , I made some advancement ; I will not say , that now I am sor●ie for it , for the fear least the time that I imploied therein might have been spent worse : but surely , I cannot deny but that I did thereby foment that affection which doth sometimes preva●c●●e better ; to wit , to the desire of praise , and of self-estimation . Knowledge doth oft-times puff up him that is master of it , so as he forg●●s to glory in the Lord : I dare not say I possessed it , for hardly could I taste the waters of the over-flowing fountains of learning , through the shallowness of wit , and other affairs that I was busied in ; yet man doth easily flatter himself , and attributes unto himself more then falls to his share . Which is the cause why ambition is seen to get into all places , yea even into their most secret retirements who forsake the world , being a vice which is the harder to be cured , for that it keeps close and hidden . But what shall I say more ? What could I answer , if I should be asked what fruit I reaped by these my studies ? I might peradventure say , that the little of Philosophie which I learnt hath more awakened my understanding in knowing the truth of things . But say I pray , what need hath he to have recourse to the candle light of humane knowledge , who hath the bright Sun-shine of Grace in him , and to whom infallible truth is revealed ? I did for a while give my self to study Moral●ie , wherein I took such delight , as I wrote a book thereof , which I was afterwards perswaded to print , and so to impart it unto others : I learned how to become morally good ; it is true I did ; but is not the first precept in this knowledge , that the doctrine of manners , is it of self very vain ? For it consists in doing , in action , not in knowing ; it had been much better , that setting his commandements before mine eies , who is the true and real Master of that Christian life which I live , and have yet to live , I should have imploied my time in observing the precepts of the divine Law , rather then in collecting the Documents of Philosophers ; who wanting the taste of that truest , chiefest , and most excellent vertue , which divine love doth so much the more afford , as it is the more ardently inflamed , applied themselves to a certain mediocritie , which is better discerned or known in their Idea , or in their writings , then in the affections or actions which they go about to moderate . Afterwards , when I was come to mans Estate , being commanded so to do by him whom I ought to obey , and it being a thing also which I my self did much desire , I betook my self to write the History of my Country ; a good and gallant work . But what proportion can the good reward which I hoped for thereby , bear with the pains I took , which was truly very great ? Had I spent part of the time and study which I imployed therein , in the reading of divine Books , I cannot doubt but that I should have been inflamed with the love of spiritual things , which for so long a time I did so little relish . And to pass by other things , I cannot deny , as best knowing mine own intrincecal affections , but that whilst I labored so much to celebrate the fame and glory of others by these my Writings . I often felt within my self a certain tickling and delight out of the hope which I flattered my self withal , and wherewith I nourished my thoughts , that by these my labors I my self might likewise reap some honor ; and ( as the Poets say ) live in my fame after my death . Oh gross vanity ! and when this affection ( with which I must confess I was sometimes drunk ) gives place to reason , I acknowledge , that amongst all vanities none is greater then wordly glory ; which is vain , because man glories of that which is none of his , for he hath received every good thing , especially the endowments of the soul , from God : Vain , because it is nothing of it self ; it hath no true existenc●e , it is made up of various opinions of men , and of theirs most , who know least ; Vain , because it reflects upon that which is not in us , upon that which is a trivial and common accident , to wit our Fame , the memory whereof we do with so much vanity desire to propagate . Tell me thou humane soul , which are so much ●●amored of this bare shadow of good , which doth not at all belong unto thee , if after thou art departed out of this world , thou couldst have any thing to do with humane affections , what good would this folse glory do thee , which thou dost so much do●e upon , as thou dost sometimes lose the way which leads to true heavenly glory : If thou shalt be damned , and in the eternal torments of Hell , thinkest thou that the satisfaction of this thy glory shall be able any waies to ease those immense and unconceivable Torments ? and in thou shall be fixt in heavenly bliss , what need in that abode hath he of worldly glory , who is glorified with eternal glory ? who is satisfied , who is content , who is for ever blessed ? But since I examine mine own waies , I return to consider my life . Some few years since I gave myself to the government of my Country ; wherein I found the way so plain and easie , and the savor and grace of my Country so far above my merits , as I soon got into great Honors , and into the chiefest Imployments , which I still containe in , and do imploy my time . But my Talent is so small , as though I spend it all , I know it is but little . And if I spend all , how can I , according to humane respect , be blamed ? Or what reason have others to complain more of me , then I have of my self ? Since so little a part of my life remains , or almost none at all , wherein I may recollect my thoughts , what time have I to think of my end ? to repent me of my sins ? to endeavor amendment ▪ and yet I see I am not diligent in doing any thing . The most troublesom , yea , and the most contented thoughts wherewith my mind is now incumbred , will vanish as a shadow , or as smoak before the winde , and shall be withered as flowers by the Suns beams ; and yet whilst this mind of mine is continually involved in these afficuous cares , it is so filled with the fantasms of those things wherein I imploy my self all the day long , as I most meditate onely upon them , and though unwillingly , have them alwaies before mine ties , at all times , in every place , and upon all occasions : So as all contemplation of nobler and better things which I sometimes turn my self unto , is alwaies mixt with these base affections , and troubled with these clouds of worldly thoughts . Alas , how hard is it to serve two Masters , God and the World ? The world measures its actions by its worldly respects ; he who makes that his stay , who lives acco●d●ng to that , can make no new laws to himself , but must govern himself by those which are commended , and practised by those who walk in the waies of the world . But how far different from these are Gods waies ? Patience , Humility , Poverty , Obedience , Self-denial , and the giving over of all worldly care , are things which are abhorr'd by the worldly wise , but otherwise to God. How badly do the fallacious rules of worldly wisdom agree with the instructions of true Christianitie , especially those of this corrupt Age , wherein heavenly and divine things are often troubled and confounded with a certain vain name of Reason of State. Crowns , Empires , Kingdoms , and all power is given by God ; and though the weakness of our reason be such as it cannot penetrate into the infinite abyss of his wisdom , yet does he dispose and order all things with certain and infallible ends , though unknown to us . Therefore unless that great , and omnipotent Lord God , by whom Kings do not onely reign upon earth , but the earth it self is sustained and held up with a miraculous equality of weight , do not keep the City , how vain is all this your learning , O ye wise men of the world ? and you Princes , how vain are all your Forces to maintain your Lordships and States ? Thou , whosoever thou art , who dost manage the weightiest affairs of Principalities , put thy heart into the hands of thy God , and he will infuse worthie and becomming thoughts into thee ; He will give thee true Wisdom and true Fortitude . The World builds nothing but Towers of Babell ; nor is it aware thereof , till its desig●s , and many years labors , being overthrown by its own confusion , it sees its rashness laid low ; and those thoughts which aimed at Heaven thrown , down to Hell. But I return again unto my self . I see that these many years past wherein I approach to old age , I imploy my time in studies , thoughts , and imployments , of differing natures in themselves , but all conformable to what tends to my prejudice . For they robb'd me of my rest , have still oprest me with many cares , and led me astray from more holy desires , to which , if I had bent my mind in time , I might hope now to sit and feed at the Table of those true good things which now I want . What do I then do ? What do I think ? What do I expect ? Why do I not change my thoughts and exercises , if I know that those wherein I have hitherto spent my time do me no good ; nor for all the labor I have taken , have made me ere a whit more happy then I was at first ? Nay , I may say , they have made me more wretched , since I have consumed the greatest part of my life wofully , and without any profit . Do I peradventure hope , that whilst I my self do not change , the nature of those things wherein I am verst should alter ? That trouble should turn to delight ? That the Affairs of the world , so full of anxious cares , should turn to the peace and solace of the soul ? That worldly good shall assume a new vertue of makeing their possessors well apaid and satisfied ? That these brackish waters of the pleasures of the Age , of which the more we drink , the more we are athirst , should become sweet and savory , and afford any true delight or content ? Men who are blind in what concerns their own good , are wont to pervert the nature of things ; to make them their Masters who are given to them to be servants . Such are the goods of Fortune , as the common people call them , because they know not how to raise themselves up to the knowledge of that mystery whereby their supreme Author and free Donor doth dispense them . But what greater misery is there then this humane felicity ? The true Lord and God is made known unto us , and yet we continue to adore the Idols of Avarice , Ambition , and Vain glory : Look but upon those huge ●eaps of ●uine which thou maist every day see in the City of Rome , who was once the Queen of the World : where are now her immense treasures ? Where the majesty of her Empire ? Where the pomp of so many Triumphs ? the memory of so many victories ? all these , being made the prey of time and death , 〈◊〉 buried in these ruines . But thou who livest by other precepts , and who hast a truer knowledge of thy eternal life , and eternal death , consider better what the nature of these goods are , to which thou hast been sometimes ●ar●ed , with a less moderate affection , by the torrent of continual custom . If they be not of great worth , as truly they are not , why dost thou so much love them ? Why endeavorst thou so much to be master of them ? Why dost thou dread the loss of them so much ? And if they have any thing of good in them , why dost thou not call to mind how soon thou art to forgo them ? How comes it to pass this our happie worldly man is not aware , that if the increase of these goods could make him happy , he makes himself miserable , whilst through overmuch loving them , he is more intent upon purchasing the little which he lacks , then in injoy●ng the very much which he possesseth , whilst the fear of loosing it doth continually molest his mind ? a greater vexation then which the so●l hath none , because it hath no bounds . We look upon their outside onely , and are enamored of a certain handsome , but vain appearance which is in them , taking them for the guids of our life . But if we would consider their infide , and discover the deceipt and cousenage which is woven therein , we would shun them , as some holy men have done , least we be by them , and with them hurried down into Hell and damnation . We have our happiness within us , and seek for it elsewhere . He who will search his own house well , what wealth shall he find there whereby to inrich himself with precious treasure , which is hidden from us because the darkness of our affections lead us astray . If thy heart be fraught with pure ●houghts , if thy soul be purged of all earthly passions , so as the rai●s of that true and lively Sun which is alwaies re●dy to illuminate thee , may pen●trate thereinto , thou shalt soon discover there j●w●ls of such vertue , price , and worth , as thou maist thereby purchase the worlds peace and heavens glory . Thou shalt find those affections which now rage tumu●tuously within thee , become quiet and obedient to reason ; and those dissonant sounds which do so perturb thy mind , will agree with so just proportion , as they will make a sweet harmonie in thy soul , and will prove a refreshing to the troubles of the world , a figure of heavenly m●lodie , and of the glory of Paradice . O you Fathers , you good and holy Fathers , who being within your Closter live in peace and quiet , f●r from the World , and the cares thereof , not onely in your person , but in your very thoughts ; if there may be any affection found without affection , and envy without sin , I do assuredly envy in you those your leasure times , wherein you giv● your selves wholly to prayer and meditation ; an idleness , which is true business tru● entertainment , and the true nutriment of the soul. What are Crowns , Scepters , and to be clothed in purple , but bo●ds whereby to keep those miserable ones , whom the world terms happy , fastned to perpetual vexation , and troublesom ●ar●s ? With you , O Fathers ! it is that peace doth inhabit ; peace which k●eps you at unitie within your selves , keeps your Affections obedient to Reason , and your Reason a devout hand-maid to God. How can he who lives in the worlds Militia , taste of these fruits of true peace ? So full of cares , and destracted with so many thoughts ? Who is continually to combate with those Enemies who wage within him , to wit the affections of worldly things , to the which we our selves , do as it were furnish Forces against our selves , by finding out new objects , and new materials whereby to increase them . We worldly men will feed the soul with meat which belongs not to her , wherefore it is no wonder if we be never satisfied , and if one appetite beget another even in infinitum ; You , you are they who teach us by your lives and examples , that nature is satisfied with a little ; and that man can never be said to be rich by abundance , nor poor by want ; other goods , other endowments , other ornaments are requisite then those the world seeks after ; the further a man advances therein , the further he finds himself entred into an intricate and confused Labyrinth , and after having made a long voyage , he findes himself further from his journies end then when he first set forth . But I perceive that I praise Mary , and follow Martha ; I know which is the right and safe way , and I take an intricate and dangerous way to lead me to my desired end . I am busied , sollicited , and troubled with many things , and yet I know that one thing is onely necessarie , that there is but one th●ng which can so become the companion of my life , as it will never forsake me . I serve the world , and being given over to cares I entertain them more and more ; love of Children , Houshold government , administration of goods , the Commonwealths business , are things which I would fain free my self of ; but I neither know how , nor when to do so . I endeavor to be less affectionate in having to do with worldly things ; to taste them for nutriment , not to be drunk with them ; but how hard is it to fix the slippery appetite so , as it fall not from the use to the abuse of those things , whereunto it is continually excited by the provocation of its perpetual companion , Sin ? He who stands alwaies near the fire , though he thrust not himself into it , so as he be burnt and consumed , yet he must feel a troublesom heat ; and which is worse , the soul which is outwardly warmed with these earthly affections , freezes inwardly for what concerns divine things : Prayers grow luke-warm , a●ms-deeds scarce , fastings not usual ; and in brief , the thoughts of the soul are choaked by the cogitations of the body . Yet I am much comforted , that I find in my self continually a desire of becoming better ; which is a sign that I have not lost the princi●les of well doing , and that I am not given over by the immen●e grace of my Creator . Though I sail through the troublesom Sea of this world ; though my actions and thoughts flote up and down , not knowing where to find a Haven to put into ; yet ( thanks be given to God ) this ship of my soul which contains many precious wares in her which were assigned over unto her , hath not made shipwrack . The integrity of communication , puritie of conscience the knowledge of the truest good , things which I have not used according to their worth , are yet preserved at their true price and value ; so as they may one day enrich my soul. Thou my Lord , thou my Creator , thou my Redeemer , to whom my thoughts are better known then to my self , let this my reverent affection be acceptable to thy charitie ; through thy great goodness pardon my imperfections , and supply my defaults by thy infinite merit , so as I may totally despise these earthly things ; free me from these fetters ; keep not mine eyes fixt upon the earth , but turn them unto thee that art the summum bonum , and my souls sole felicitie ; ●ince thou knowest far better then my self what way I had best walk in to purchase salvation . If I be called to take pains in this State , and to use my talent in this Civil life , do thou , O Lord , so assist my weakness by thy great grace and goodness , as that acknowledgments may onely be made to thee , the Author of all my goodness for all my happy succes●es ; thine be all honor and praise ; and suffer me not to lose that reward of my worldly labors , which thou thy self hast bin pleased that I should purchase by undergoing them in thy name , and by pi●ecting all my Actions to thee . Grant , O Lord , that I may so think upon my mortal Children , as that I may not forget thee my eternal Father ; govern thou all my Faculties so , as I may know thou gavest me them , that thou preservest them to me , and that it is my dutie to make use of thy Graces ; that I may love my earthly Country , yet not so , as to make less esteem of my heavenly Country ; that I may serve and obey my Commonwealth with integritie of conscience , with an intention to serve her , and not my self , and for thy glory , not for mine own . This is a miraculous work of thy hand , and which is onely to be acknowledged from thee . She is the onely example , in having for so long a series of years , preserved her self in Libertie , in Power , and in the true Religion : therefore if I cannot with fervor of spirit serve thee immediately , grant yet that I may serve thee not unworthily nor unusefully in this most excellent creature of thy making . And since it now falls to my share to serve my Country in this holy City of Rome , as her Ambassador to Pope Clement the Eighth ; Grant that by serving this thy Vicar upon earth , I may serve thee the better , who art the true and supreme Lord of Heaven . Of thy great goodness give me that which I do not deserve ; accept of my good will , for the good works which I ought to do ; and infuse thy Spirit into this thy Vicar , the common Father of thy People , and Shepheard of thy Sheep , who is so full of zeal and charitie ; so as that he may be able to draw this weathe●beaten ship of Christianitie out of the storming Sea of these troublesom times and that she be being gotten into the Haven of peace and safety , may with hands lifted up to Heaven say , This is the day which the Lord ●ath made , let us rejoyce therein , and let us always bless his most holy Name . FINIS . 
A62355	----	Italy in its original glory, ruine, and revival being an exact survey of the whole geography and history of that famous country, with the adjacent islands of Sicily, Malta, &c. : and whatever is remarkable in Rome (the mistress of the world) and all those towns and territories mentioned in antient and modern authors / translated out of the originals for general satisfaction, by Edmund Warcupp, Esquire. 1660 Approx. 1129 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 179 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-07 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A62355 Wing S891 ESTC R14486 12540830 ocm 12540830 62973 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A62355) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 62973) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 291:10) Italy in its original glory, ruine, and revival being an exact survey of the whole geography and history of that famous country, with the adjacent islands of Sicily, Malta, &c. : and whatever is remarkable in Rome (the mistress of the world) and all those towns and territories mentioned in antient and modern authors / translated out of the originals for general satisfaction, by Edmund Warcupp, Esquire. Schottus, Franciscus, 1548-1622. Warcupp, Edmund. [18], 327, [1] p., 2 folded leaves of plates : ill., map Printed by S. Griffin for H. Twyford, Tho. Dring and I. Place ..., London : 1660. Translation of Schottus's Itinerarii Italiae rerumque Romarum libri tres (Antwerp, 1660) and the Itinerario (Padua, 1629). Cf. NCBEL. First ed. in English. Cf. BM. Errata: p. [17]. Reproduction of original in Bodleian Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Italy -- Description and travel. Italy -- Description and travel -- Early works to 1800. 2003-03 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-04 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-05 John Latta Sampled and proofread 2003-05 John Latta Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-06 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion ITALY , IN ITS ORIGINAL GLORY , RUINE and REVIVAL , Being an Exact SURVEY Of the Whole GEOGRAPHY , AND HISTORY Of That FAMOUS COUNTRY ; With the Adjacent Islands of SICILY MALTA , &c. And what ever is Remarkable in ROME ( The Mistress of the WORLD ) And all those Towns and Territories , mentioned in Antient and Modern Authors . Translated out of the Originals , for General Satisfaction . By EDMUND WARCUPP , Esquire . LONDON , Printed by S. Griffin , for H. Twyford , Tho. Dring , and I : Place , and are to be sold in Vine Court middle Temple , at the George in Fleet street , and at Furnevals Inne Gate in Holborn , 1660. TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE WILLIAM Lord LENTHAL . My Lord. TO repeat your Lord-ships Tytles , and the Merits by which you atchieved them , and your just Administration under them , requires a larger volume then I here present you , nor had you received any other demonstration of my duty , till I had payed it in that kind , could I believe my self fit for so great an enterprize . To contract them into the narrow compass of an Epistle , is a diminution I dare not think of , since no Reader capable of this treatise can be ignorant of more then I could here tell him , should I extend it much beyond the ordinary limits : and Posterity can turn over no leaf in the English History ( during our last twenty years transactions ) wherein he will not find frequent mention of your Lord-ships name so involved in the principal affaires , that no alteration the Island can suffer ( whil'st inhabited by men ) can extinguish your memory . A change of language in our Nation by foreign Conquest or confusion like that of Babel , would for a short time obscure it ; but retained by all other parts of the knowing world in their memorials of our stupendious changes , how soon will the next commerce bring it back again ? and consecrate your name to the utmost extent of time . Amidst these considerations I make humble tender of all I can . The Itinerary of Italy , translated long after my return thence , in those vacant hours which I allowed to diversion , without farther intention then to renew that language by a retranslation ( which occasioned my so close keeping to the Italian names and Idiome ) and once more to travel that celebrate Countrey in this exact description , whither in my earlier years your Lordship addressed me . Taking wing therefore from your Lordships Hand , and persuit from your direction , the Quarry ( such as it is ) ought to be your Lordships at the retrive ; and though perhaps you will not esteem it fit to range in the first course of Books on your Lordships well furnished Table , yet it may deserve a share in the second , affording a pleasant repast even to those , who require a more substantial meal . To advance that thought a little , and call it Manna ( such in every mans mouth as he best liked ) though proper enough to the Countrey where it abounds in great perfection , and agreeable to this work , where all appetites , all tasts , may be delighted , would perhaps appear arrogance in me , who deliver it not pure from the tree ( on which it falls ) but as from an Apothecaries shop , where it may have received some taint . Yet those imperfections your Lordship will pardon , and for your Lordships sake this Nation , ( at least in some measure ) because devoted to you upon the score of publique gratitude as well as the particular obligation , of My Lord , Your Lordships most affectionate Nephew , and most obedient Servant EDMOND WARCUPP . A PREFACE TO THE READER . YOU have here the Itinerary of Italy , a guide to all that travel thither , a memorial after their return , a just entertainment to the learned , & a pleasing diversion to those who have not given themselves the trouble of unnecessarie letters ; whilst with easie Journies they pass through the most celebrate part of the habitable Earth , directed by this Treatise to the view or contemplation of all that is excellent in art , or nature . Such indeed is the scituation of the Country , such the nature of the soile , such the antient manners of the people , as gave them a just Prerogative to the Empire of the world : proportioned to their dominion were their actions , the great examples of ensuing ages in all that was imitable , their wonder and amazement in what exceeds the hope of imitation . Of both you have a transitory account so interwoven with the general survay , that it is scarce possible a volume of this size , can contain more , or more worthy remarques of persons , places , things , from the remotest of times to this instant . For beside the necessarie instruction in the number of miles , & conveniences of passage from Town to Town , through every part that can recompence the trouble of a journey , you find a breif and yet a lively description of their several scituations , a repetition of their Historie , Government , capital Families , eminent persons , ruined Amphitheaters , Arches , Bathes , old Temples , later Churches , Palaces of both sorts with their various ornaments ; what they have bin & what they are , when , and by whom founded , ruined , or restored . Not any thing antient or modern , which a man upon the place ought to understand , seems omitted , nor is there any thing inserted to the unnecessary burthen of his memory : no Treatise in the Italian tongue was everso acceptable to strangers , none on this subject deserved so well from the natives . Whatever therefore the success be in the translation , you cannot but commend this Gentlemans choice , who after many years return from that pleasing journey , intended only a recollection of the language , and review of the Countrey , without any designe of making his papers publique , till assured by his friends they would in all hands meet a favourable reception ; since the early progress of our English youth , and short abode there , seldom gives them opportunity to arrive to any perfection in that speech , till they are ready for departure , nor do many of them long retain it . Of those how few are there that prefer not discourses in their own ? especially on a subject which . admits no continued elegancie of stile , or contains any thing not easily reducible to another Idiome ▪ Such as have traverst the History only , will find in every leaf a new delight by the brief recitals of the best Authors , enlightned with Chronologie , & many doubtful passages reduc'd to certainty by the site and distance of the most memorable Cities , Fields , & villages celebrate in Latin & Italian stories . Those who are hitherto unacquainted with either , will here find enough to inform themselves , & satisfie others , that they are not ignorant of any thing worth knowledge in that Country . Nay even to them who little regard the History or Geography , devotion wil render it acceptable , the most important ceremonies of the Roman Church being briefly discours'd , and exposed to the different censures of those that read them with scorn or reverence . If there are any in the number of Readers who believe themselves unconcerned in all that is hitherto offred , there yet remains for them sufficient entertainment , in the magnificent buildings , elegant Gardens , Statues , Embosments , Paintings of all sorts , and in every sort more excellent then all the other parts of Europe pretend unto . Hence did the barbarous Britains , Gauls , Germans , &c. derive their first civility , and hence in all succeeding ages received their best supply . Who in these nations less barbarous then their Ancestors , can think of that Country without reverēce ? who can peevishly resolve to be ignorant of their story by refusing this Treatise ? though I confess the Originals whence this Gentleman derives it , are not without manifold errors by the translation of Greek and Latin names into Italian , and extreme negligenee in the impressions , so that the english version wants a double Apologie , whilst it oft-times follows those mistakes , and is in the phrase far from the perfection it had appear'd in , had our Translator intended it for publique view . Yet is there no real lapse in the main , & every where intelligible : the faults of the press are as carefully corrected as the Printers imporunate hast will permit . And whatever imperfections the curious Readershall after these reasonable excuses discover , it is to be hoped he will gently pardon , or vouchsafe to the Book-seller somthing of his own more excellent then what he now recommends to the Nobility , Gentry , and Merchants of the Nation . Farewell . A TABLE OF THE FIRST PART A ANcona . 125 Arezzo . 100 B BAssano . 3 Brescia 56 Bergamo 60 Bologna 87 Bresigella . 106 Brittonor●… . 119 C Crema . 62 Como , 75 Cotignola . 105 Cremona 107 Chioza 113 Cervia . 118 Cesena . 120 F Florence . 93 Faenza . 106 Ferrara . 111 Forli . 118 Forlimpopoli . 180 Fano 123 Fossumbruno . 124 Foligno . 131 G GEnoua . 138 I IMola . 105 L LOreto 127 Lodi . 80 Lake Garda . 55 Lu●…ca . 135 M MArostica . 4 Milan . 64 Modena . 85 Mautoua . 109 Macerata . 131 N NOcera . 124 Narni . 133 P PAdoua . 17 Pavia . 77 Piacenza . 81 Parma . 82 Pistoia . 99 Pisa. 99 Pesaro . 122 R REggio . 84 Ravenna . 114 Rimini . 121 Recanati . 130 S SCarperia . 98 Sienna . 101 Sarfina . 120 Spoleto . 132 T TReviso . 5 Trente . 1 Terni . 133 Territory of Verona . 53 V VEnice . 6 Vicenza . 39 Verona . 49 Valleys of Brescia . 58 Voyages or Journeys . FRom Trent to Venice . 1 From Milan to Pavia . 76 From Brescia to Milan . 59 From Milan to Bologna , by the Via Emilia to Florence and Rome . 79 From Bologna to Florence Sienna and Rome . 93 From Milan , to Cremona , Mantoua , Fer rara and Rimini . 107 From Ferrara to Venice . 113 From Ferrara to Ravenna and Rimini . 113 From Fano to Fuligno by the Via Emilia . 124 From Fano to Fuligno and Rome . 125 THE SECOND PART contains the Description of ROME : THE TABLE OF THE THIRD PART . A Aversa . 259 Attella de gli Osci . 260 Lake Avernus . 297 B BAia . 295 C CApua . 257 Cuma . 299 Catana . 323 F FOndi . 251 Formia . 303 G GAeta . 252 L LInterno 301 M MOnte Vesuvio . 268 Messina . 321 Minturne . 302 Malta . 327 N NAples . 260 P POzzuolo . 279 Port of Pozzuolo . 285 Promontory of Miseno . 291 Palaces of the Romans . 291 Pelestina . 306 Palermo . 323 S SUessa . 256 Sicilia . 318 Syracusa . 323 Synope or Sinvessa . 301 T TErracina . 249 Tivoli . 309 V Voyage from Naples to Pozzuolo and return to Tivoli . 247 Villa Academica Tullii Ciceronis . 293 Velletri . 305 THE POSTS and STAGES TO divers Parts of ITALY . Posts from Rome to Naples . The City Rome . Posts To the Tower Mezza Via , 1 To Marino , 1 To the City Velletri , 1 To Cisterna where pass the River Astura , 1 To Sarmonetta , 1 To Casa Nova , 1 To Badia , 1 To Fondi . 1 To Molla behind Marina , 1 To Garigliano where you ferry over the River Garigliano , 1 To the Bagni 1 To the Castle Castello , 1 There pass the River Volturnus , 1 To Patria , 1 To Pozzuolo , 1 To Naples a most famous City and fair Port , 1   Posts 16 Posts from Naples to Messina . The City Naples .   Near whereto pass asmall   Rivolett —   To the Torre del Greco , 1 To Barbazona , 1 There pass the River Sali .   To the City Salerni 1 To Taverna pinta 1 To Rivole , 1 To the Duchessa , 1 To the Castle Gole●…ta , 1 To Sala , 1 To Casal Novo , 1 Near whereto pass the River Molfe , 1 To Rovere Negra , 1 To Alpicia , 2 Pass the River Lavo ,   To Castelluccia , 1 To Val S. Martino , 1 To the Town Castro , 1 To Esaro , 1 To Regina , 1 Pass the River Busento , to the City Cosenza , 1 To Caprosedo , 1 To Martorano , 1 Pass a small River ,   To San Biasio , 1 To Aqua della Fica , 1 To Montelione , 1 To S. Pietro a Burghe , 1 To Rosa , 1 To Sant ' Anna , 1 Pass the River Mettauro , 1 To Fonego , 1 To Fumarade Mori , 1 Here embarque on the River Farto , for eight miles and four afterwards by Land , 2 To Messina a City and fair Port ,     Posts 36. Posts from Messina to Palermo . FRom the said City Messina to Palermo , there are not fixed posts from place to place as above named , but provide and hire Mules from Messina , there to be found for that service , accustomed to pass over those Mountains both speedily and securely ; this journey is 180 Miles ; wherfore ( with the greatest diligence ) it cannot be attained in less then two daies and a half : which voyage when any Messenger or other person is obliged to expedite , they pay for the said Mules as for twenty Posts P. 20 This journey leads over several Mountains , particularly , Namari , AErei , and Mondon .   And obligeth the passing of several Rivers , the chief whereof are , Castriregali , Oliverio , Trajano , Furiano , Salus , and Termini ,     P. 20. Posts from Naples to Lezze by Puglia , and the Province of Ottranto . The City Naples . Posts TO Marigliano , 2 To Cardenale 1 To Anellino a City and Principality , 1 To Adente cante 1 To Poracutio 1 To Ascoli , a City and Principality , 2 To Acquaviva 1 Traverse the Apenine Hills .   To the house of the Count 1 To Cirignola , 2 To Canossa , 2 To Udria , 2 To Ricco , 1 To Bisonto ; 2 To Caporto , 1 To Conversono , 2 To Monopoli , a City on the coasts of the Adriatick Sea , 2 To Fagliano 1 To Astone 2 To Sant Anna 1 To Busveglia 1. To San Pietro , 1 To Lezze a City of Puglia : Thence to Ottranto are 24 miles , reputed and payed for posts , 3   Posts 33. Posts from Rome to Na ples , by the Valmone and the Aglieri . The City Rome . Posts TO the Torre MezzaVia . 1 To the Cava del ' Aglieri , 1 To Volmontone 2 To Castel Matteo , 1 To Florentino Castello , 2 To Torci , 1 To Crepano , 2 To Ponte Carvo , where passe the River Garigliano , 1 To the Frate Villa 1 To Carigliano , 2 To Bagni , 2 To Castel Castello , 1 Pass the Riuer Volturno   To Patria and Pozzuolo , 3 To Naples ▪ 1   Posts 21. Posts from Rome to the holy house of Loreto . The City Rome . Posts TO Prima Porta , M. 7 P. 1 To the Castle Nova Castello ,   To Rignano , 1 Passe the Tyber ,   To the City Cività Castellana , 1 Passe the Tyber ,   To Ottiricoli , 1 To Narni , a City , 1 Repasse the Tyber   To the City Terni , 1 To Strettura , 1 To the City Spoleto , 1 To Passo di Spoleti , 2 To Varchiano , 2 Pass the River Trent in the plain of Dignano , 1 To the Mutia Castello , 1 To Valcimara , 1 To the City Tolentino , 1 To the City Macerata , 1 Here pass the Riveo Patenza and go to Recanati , whence to Loreto is , post 1   Posts 19. Posts from Loreto to Ancona . The City Loreto . posts TO the City Recanati 1 passe the River to the City Osmi , 1 To Ancona a City & Seaport 1.   Posts 3 Posts from Rome to Florence by the way of Valdarno , and Orvieto . The City Rome , posts TO the Isola Storta 1 To Ba●…ano , 1 To M●…nterosa : 1 Where ends the Ecclesiatical State   To Ronciglione a Castle , return into the state of the Holy Church . 1 To the City Viterbo , 1 To the City Monte Fiascon 1 To Gapafrica ▪ 1 To Nona under Orvieto , 1 To Ponte Carnaiolo , 1 To Castel della Pievi , 1 To Castigliori de Laco , 1 To Lorsaia , 1 To Castillon Artino , 1 To Bastardo , 1 To Ponte alle vane , 1 To Fighino , 1 To Treghi , 1 To Florence , 1   posts 18. Posts from Florence to Lucca The City Florence . PAss the River Bisenzi To Poggio Cajano , 1 pass the Ombrone to the City Pistoia , 1 pass the River Pescia to Borgo Bogia , 1 To the City Lucca , 1   Posts 4. Posts from Milan to Venice by the way of Brescia and Bergamo , § . The City Milan ,   pass the River Lambro to the Cassinadi Pecchi ,   pass the Navilio , to the Canonica Where pass the River Adda , 1 At two miles distance from whence begins the Venetians Dominion   To the City Bergamo , 1 pass the Rivers Serio and Oglio , to Palazznolo , 1 To Ospedaletto , 1 pass the river Mel to Brescia 1 pass the rivers Naviletto and Chies . To Desensano 1 To Ponte di . S. Marco , where pass the River Menze . To Castle Nuovo , 1 To the City Verona , 1 Here pass the Adice to Scaldere , 1 pass the River Agno to Montebello , 1 To the City Vicenza , and pass the River Bacchiglione 1 To the City Padoua , 1 There pass the River Brenta To Lizafusina , 2 Where imbarking after five miles on the Sea you arrive at Venice . post 1   Posts 18. Posts from Milan to Udine in Friuli . The City Milan .   TO Cassina di pecchi , 1 To Canonica where pass the River Adda . 1 aud there you leave the Milanese Territory and enter the Venetians .   To the City Bergamo , 1 Pass the Rivers Serio and Oglio to Palazuolo 1 To Hospedaletto , 1 Pass the River Mel to the City Brescia , 1 Pass the Naulietto and then Chies , to Desensano , 1 To Ponte S. Marco pass the Menzo . To Castel Novo , 1 To Verona where pass the Adice , 1 To Scaldere : 1 Pass the river Agno to Monte bello : 1 To the City Vicenza , 1 There pass the Bacchiglione and the rivers Tesena and Brenta to Citta Della , 1 At Castel Franco pass the M●…ton , 1 Pass the rivers Piave and Mondegan to Uderzo 4 To Motta where pass the Livenza to San Vito , 2 To Codroipo , 1 Pass the River Torre . To Udine the chief City of the Friuli , 1   Posts 23. Posts from Milan to Brescia . The City Milan .   To Cassina Bianca , 1 To the Castle Cassano : where pass the River Adda , 1 To Martinengo , 1 To Coccai , 1 To the City Brescia : 1   Posts 5 Another way from Mlian to Brescia , where heretofore the Posts were layed now not The City Milan Posts To Cassina Bianca , 1 To the Castle Cassano pass the River Adda , 1 Pass the River Serio . To Martinengo , there pass the Oglio 1 To Cocci , a 1 To the Cyit Brescia , 1   Posts 5. Posts from Mian to Venice by the way of Cremona and Mantoua . The City Milan .   To Meregnano , pass the River Lambro , 1 Pass also the River Muzza to the City Lodi , 1 To Zorlesco , 1 To Pizighitone there pass the Rever Adda , 1 To the City Cremona , 1 To La Plebe di san Giacomo 1 To Voltino the last post of the Milanese , 1 Enter the Mantouan Territory , and pass the river Oglio To Marcaria , 1 To Castelluc●…io ▪ 1 To the City Mantoua , 1 Here you pass the Lake over Bridges pass the River Teyone To Castellaro , 1 pass the River Tartaro To Langoneo in the Verenian Territory , 1 pass the River Daniella and at Legnano , the Casteludes to Bevilacqua : 1 At Montagnana , pass the River Lagno to Este , 1 To the City Padoua , whether a conveyance lies also by water , 1 To Lizafuzina , one may go by water , 2 To the City Venice by water 1   posts 18 Posts from Milan to Ferrara KEep the foregoing posts from Milan to Mantoua , which are , 10 To Governolo , where the Mens issues out of the Lake of Mantoua , 1 To Hostia , 1 To Massa of the holy Church 1 To Palantone , there pass the Poe , 1 To Ferrara there repass the Po , 1   posts 15. Posts from Ravenna to Ferrara the City Ravenne to Fusignano , 1 To the Casa deCoppi , 1 To Argento pass the Po , 1 To San Nicolo , 1 To the City Ferrara , 1   posts 5. Posts from Ferrara to Bolognia . The City Ferrara ,   To Poggio , ●… To San Piero in Casale 1 To Fun , 1 Xo the City Bologna , 1   posts ●… Posts from Milan to Ferrara by Parma . The City Milan .   To Meregnano : pass the Lambro , 1 To the City Lo●…i , 1 To Zolesco , 1 Leaving the Milanese territory and entring that of Placentia . To Fombi , 1 To the City Piacenza pass the Po , 1 Pass the Rivers Nuro and Reilo Arta , 1 At Fiorenzuola pass a rivolet , 1 To the Borgue San Donino , 1 Pass the Tarro then the Parma Rivers . To the City Parma , 2 To Sant ' Ilario , 1 Pass she River Lenza where the Territory of Parma ends and that of Modena begins .   ●…o the City Reggio , 1 Pass the Rivers Castrola and Secchia . To Marzaia , 1 To the City Modena , 1 To Bon Porto pass the Secchia , 1 To Vo , 1 To Bonizo , 1 To Finale pass the River Castrola , 1 To Bondinello , 1 Pass the river Reno , then the Po to the City Ferrara , 1   posts 20 Posts from Milan to Bolonia , by the shortest way . § posts Keep the above written way from Milan to Modena 14 Then pass the river Panara , where you quit the Territor●… of Modena , and enter that of Bolonia , pass the Imola . To Sumoggia , 1 Pass the rivers Canto and Reno to Bolonia a fair City , 1   posts 16. Posts from Bolonia to Rome by the way of Florence . The City Bol●…gna   PAss over the Bridge and afterwards to Guazzo pass the River Savona .   ●…o Pianoro , 1 Here begin the Apenine Hills ▪   To Loiano , 1 Here you determine the Territory of Bolonia , and Florentine begins . To ●…elagaia , 1 To Fiorenzuola , 1 To Zovo , 1 Pass the River Sien●… . To San Pietro a Sieno , 1 To Ucellatoio , 1 To Florence pass the River Arno , 1 To San Cassiano ▪ 1 To Le Tavernelle , 1 To Sagia , 1 To the City Sienna , 1 To Lucignano , 1 To Tornieri , 1 Pass the River Orcia to Scala , 1 Pass a rivolet , and then ascend the Mountains to Radicofani , a Castle and good Inn , 1 At the foot of the Mountains , pass a Rivolet . To Pontecentino , there pass a Rivolet troublesome in rainy weather , 1 Thence a little pass the Paglia by bridge . To Acqua Pendente of the holy Church , 1 To the City Bolsena , 1 To the City Monte fiascone , 1 To the City Viterbo , 1 To Ronciglione , 1 To Monterossa , 1 To Bacc●…na , 1 To Storta , 1 To the City Rome 1   Posts 26. Posts from Fossombrone to Perugia . At Fossombrone pass the River , TO Quaiana , 1 To Cantia pass the hills 1 To the City Giubileo ▪ 1 To the City and university Perugia , 1   Posts 4 Posts from Rome to Venice . The City Rome . posts TO Prima Porta , 1 To Castel , a new Castle 1 To Rignano pass the Tyber , 1 To Civita Castellana : 1 Repass the Tyber ,   To Otricoli , 1 To The City Narny , 1 pass the Tyber again to the City Terni , then to Strettura , 2 To Prote and to Sant Horatio 2 To Pontecentemsio and the City Nocera , 2 To Gualdo and to Sigillo , 2 To Sheggia , 1 To Cantiana & Acqualagna 2 To the City Urbine , the state of that Duke and a Sea Port , 1 To Foglia , & to Monte Fiore 2 § . To Coriano and to the City Rimini , 2 To Bellaere and Cesenatico , 2 To Savio , and to the City Ravenna , 2 To Primaro & to Magnavaca , 3 To Volani , 2 To Gorro pass there the Po ; 2 To Fornase repass the po , 2 pass the River Adice , 1 To the City Chioza , 2 There embarque for Venice , 3   posts 40. posts from Rome to Bolonia through the province Romagna The City Rome ,   § . KEep the same posts as above till arrived at this mark , that is to the City Rimini , 21 To Savignano , 1 To the City Cesena , 1 To the City Forli : 1 To the City Faenza , pass the river Lamone , 1 pass the river Senio to Imola ,   pass the River Santerno , 1 pass the rivers , Salerin , and Giana , 1 To San Nicolo , 1 Pass the rivers Adice and Savona , 1   posts 29. Posts from Rome to Perugia THe City , Rome , pass the Tyber , to Prima Porta , 1 To Castel , novo Castello , 1 To Rignano , pass the Tyber , 1 To Civita Castellana , 1 Pass the Tyber to Ottricoli , 1 To Narni pass the Tyber , 1 To the City Terni , 1 To Strettura , and to Proti , 2 To Sant Horatio , 1 To Santa Maria de gli Angeli , 2 To Perugia a City and University .     posts 12 Posts from Perugia to Florence . The City Perugia .   TO Tortè , and Orsaia , 2 To Castello Nartino , and to Bastardo , 2 To Ponte allè Valle , 1 To Fichini , and to Treghi , 2 To Florence , passing the Arno 1   posts 8. Posts from Milan to Pesaro . From Milan , you must go to Bolonia the way and posts whereto , you have before , 16 pass the rivers Savona and Adice 1 To San Nicola , 1 pass the river Salerno to Imola , 1 pass the river Santerno , then the Senio 1 In the City Senio pass the Amone , 1 To Forli , 1 To Cesena and then to Sevignano , 1 § . To the City Rimini , 1 To Cattolica , 11 To the City Pesaro , § 26 posts from Milano to Urbino . From Milan keep the above written posts to the City Rimini , 24 To Coriano , 1 To Monte Fiore , 1 To Foglia an Hostery , 1 To the City Urbine , 1   posts 28 Posts from Lucca to Genoua AT the City Lucca pass the River Serchio A Mazaroso in which stage , you leave theterritory of Lucca , entring the Florentine . 1 To Pietra Santa , 1 To Massa del Principe , 1 pass the River Versiglia to § Sarezana , a City of the state of Genoua , 1 pass the River Marca to L●…rci whence you may pass to Genoua by water as well as Land , 1 To San Simedio , 1 To Borghetto , and to Manterana : 2 To Biacco and to Sestri , 2 At Sestri , you may imbarque also for Genoua , being five posts by water but in an ill season pass on by Land.   pass the River Lugna . to Chiavara pass the River Sturla 1 To Repalo and to Recco 2 To Bolignasco , pass the River Besa●…na , 1 To Genoua a City , and Sea Port , 1   posts 15 Posts from Venice to Genoua by the way of Parma . At Venice imbarque for Lizafusina , 8 To Padoua , pass the River Brenta , 1 A Estè , 2 At Mont●…gnana , pass the River Lagn●… ▪ 1 To Bevilacqna , 1 Passe the River Daniello to Sangon●…to Ver●…nese , 1 Pass the River Tanaco To Castellaro , pass the Teyone , 1 To Mantoua , pass the Mantouan Lake , 1 To Borgo Forte , 1 To Mora , pass the Po , 1 To Guastallo , a Principality , 2 To Borsello , pass the River Lenza , 2 To Parma , pass the River Parma , 1 To Fornonovo , on the River Parma , 2 To Borga di val di tarro , 2 Pass the Hills , the Marca , & the River Pogliasco . To Varasi , and to Sestri , 2 Pass the River Lavagna To Chiavari , pass the Sturla , 1 To Repalo and to Recco , 2 To Bolignasco , pass the Besagna , 1 To Genoua City a Sea Port , 1   Posts 27 Posts from Milan to Genoua . To Binasco , 1 To Pavia a City and Colledge pass the Ticino , 1 pass the Rivers , Gronolone , and the Po , Pancarana , and to Voghera , 2 Pass the Stafora and Curone to the City Tortona , pass the Scrivia to Bittola , 2 To Seravalle , and to Ottagio , 2 Ascend the Zovo , andgo down it . To P●…nte Decimo , 2 Pass the River Soseria to Genoua , 1   posts 11 Posts from Genoua to Venetia , by Piacenza and Mantoua . The City Genova pass the River Seria To Ponte Decimo , 1 Ascend and descend the Zovo To Ottagio , 2 Near Gavio pass a small stream To Seravalle , a Castle of the Milanese , 1 To Betola , 1 To the City Tortona , 1 pass the Stafora to Voghera , 1 pass the River Coppa To Schiatezza , pass the River Versa 1 To Stradella , 1 Here you quit the Territory of Milan , and enter that of Piacenza to the Castle St. Gioanni : 1 pass the Riuer Tidone , To Rottofrenoa Castle , 1 pass the River Trebia to the City Piacenza , 1 pass the Rivers Nuro Relio , Vezeno , and Chier all in one stream , and near Cremona , pass the River Po , To Cremona a City of the state of Milan , 3 § From Cremona to Venice you will find the posts in the journy from Milan to Venice by Cremona and Mantoua marked as is here marked , 14   Posts 29 posts from Milan to Guastalla The City Milan pass the river Lambro to Merignano , 1 To the City Lodi , and to Zorlesco , 2 To Pizighitone Castello pass the Adda , 1 To the City Cremona , 1 To plebe di San Giacomo , 1 To Volti . 1 § . To Casal Maggiore , 1 To Barsello and to Guastallo , 2   posts 10 Posts from Milan to Corezzo by the aforenamed way The City Milan .   § Take the foregoing posts from Milan to Casal Maggiore , marked as in this place , 8 To Bersello pass the Po , 1 From Bersella to Corezzo are thirty five miles , which according to the custome of the Modeneses are divided into 4 posts     posts 13 posts from Milano to Trento . § The City Milan posts From Milan to Castelnovo the posts are set down in the posts from Milan to Venice , by Bergamo and Brescia 10 to Volgarna , 1 To Peri , 1 To Vo , 1 pass the River Adice   To Rovere , ●… To Trente a City of Italy and Germany , 2   Posts 16. FRom Brescia to Trento there is another way to wit , by the Lake Garda , but the posts are not layed that way nor is the Lake Garda , at all times passable without danger .   Errata . Page 2. l. 13. r. the Germans . p. 10. l. 32. r. behold . p. 12. l. 35. r. Grisons p. 20. li 9. r. cattel p. 33. l. 10. 11. r. when I was in Italy in honour of whom p. 38. l. 41. r. malignity if , ib. l. 42. r. i●… by . p. 46. l. 39. r. Vicenza , p. 48. l. 41. r. for , p. 50. l. 48. r. faith , p. 54. l. 38. r. likewise , p. 55. l. 25. r. viscounte . p. 59. l. 10. for sable r. pretend p. 59. l. 34. r. Rampar●…s p. 64. l. 31. r. form . 67. l. 2●… . r. many , p. 72. l. 2. r. me , p. 75 ▪ l. 7. r. dele re a , p. 76. l. 38. r Lake p. 81. l. l. r. as p. 83. l. 26. r. or , p. 84. l. 3●… . r. such as have , p. 87. l. 15. r. by for be , p. 89 , l. 4. r. tuines . ●…●…2 . l. 30. r. passing , p. 93. l. 36 r. in those , p. 98. l. 45. r. Florence . p. 99. l. 6. r. Ombrosa , p. ●…39 . l. 16 , 17. r. incomparablenesse page 144. l. 32. r. entire . p. 150. l. 1. r. and by . p. 163. l. 13. r. God. p. 163. l. 35. ●… . ●…ratorians reside . p. ●…65 . l. 22. r. P allas . p. 167. l. 45 ▪ r. Cardinal President , p. 170. l. 4. r. Martyr , i●… . l. 43. r. old ●…he Temple , p. 174. l. 18. r. Pliny in the , ib. l. 1 9. dele in , ib. l. 46 r. time . p ▪ ●…78 . l. ●…3 . r. depu●… him p. 179. l. 7. r. carcasses , p. 18●… . l 38. r. diseased , p. 183. l. 4. dele and , p. 191. l. 31. r. Tyter . p. p. 208. l. 39. r. ran into the , p 210. l , 18. r. denominated , ib. l. 32. r. Palme , p. 235. l. 47. r. Salutation , p. 236. l. 25. r. 1465. p. 292 l , 17. r. same , ib. l. 19. r. Tully , p. 245. l. 18. r. bring , p. 248. l. 10 , 11. r. Artemisio . THE HISTORY OF ITALY , BEING An exact Description of all the Cities , Towns , Castles , and Villages of ITALY , with the most remarkable particulars in each of them . The first PART . Wherein is conteined the Journeys , or Voyages , from Trent to Venice , from Venice to Milan , from Milan to Rome . The way from Trent to Venice . TRento , or Trent , is a City of the Province of Marca Trivigiana , or Marquisate of Treves , and is seated in a Valley on the confines of the said Province . It hath Walls round it , which are about the compass of a mile , and are washed by the River Ladice towards the North ; Large and Fair Streets , paved with Flint-stones , and stately Houses . Its Churches are very beautiful , though not large . There is one most sumptuous , and Royal Palace , which was lately restored by Bernardo Clessio , Bishop of the said City . Towards the East part thereof enters a little River , upon which are raised many edifices , to work Silks in , as also to grind Corn ; and from the said little River are brought many Rivolets , which run along the Streets , and into the Houses of the Citizens . Without the Gate called Saint Lorenzo , upon the Ladice , there is a magnificent Bridge , of one hundred forty & six paces in length ( but of Wood ) which conjoyns the Ladice with the other little River . The surrounding Mountains by , being continually covered with Snow , precipitous , and so high that the heads thereof seem to touch the heavens , are rendred inaccessable . Between these Mountains , are two wayes , the one goes towards the North , the other towards Verona . It hath but little Champaign , or Fields , but those are pleasant and Rich , planted with Vines , and fruitful Trees , amidst which passeth the Ladice . In this place , may be seen the Castle , and Fort , called Pelen , appertaining to the most Noble Family of the Troppi . The Citizens speak good Dutch , and not ill Italian . Trent is now reduced under the power of Germans , and is a refuge for all Italians , when any disgrace happens to them in their own Countrey . They gather but little Corn , but , in lieu thereof , they have good quantity of delicious Wines , both White , and Red. In the Summer , the Air is good , but the Sun beats upon it most vehemently on those dayes it remaineth in the sign Leo ; And in the Winter , 't is so very cold , by reason of the Frosts and Snow , that there is no living ; their Stoves are not sufficient to provide against it , because the cold is so fierce , that it turneth the Rain into Snow , before it can fall to the Earth ; and that which occasions the greatest wonder here , is , that in that time their Wells , or deepest Pits , are void , and empty of Water . In stead of Mules , Asses , and Horses of Burthen , they serve themselves of their Oxen , and Cows , with Charrets so easie to carry goods , that they run up by the Mountains , as if it were in a Plain ; though 't is very true , that the wayes are so well helped by the Cliffs , or Craggs , that the Beasts may go any where with little labour . This City was greatly illustrated , and enriched certain years past , by the General Council held here : for that there met then five President Cardinals ; Two Legats of the Council , for his Holiness , Pius the fourth , Chief Bishop , or Pope of Rome , being Cardinals also , that is to say , Cardinal Loreno , and Cardinal Madruccio ; Three Patriarchs , Thirty two Arch-bishops , Two hundred and thirty Bishops , Seven Abbots , Seven Generals of Religion , One hundred forty and six Doctors of Divinity , between Seculars , and Regulars ; The Embassadour of Ferdinand the Emperour , as well in the name of the Empire , as of the Kingdoms of Hungary , and Bohemia ; as also the Embassadours of the King of France , of the King of Spain , of the King of Poland , and of Portugal , of the Dukes of Bavaria , of Savoy , of Venice , of Florence , and of the other Catholique Princes . The Council was held in the Church of Saint Mary , where there is a very fair Organ . In the Church of Saint Peter are the Ashes of the blessed Simeon , Martyred by the wicked Jewes . In the Church of the Fryers Heremitans lies buried Cardinal Seripando ▪ who was Legate of the Council , a man famous for Holiness , and Doctrine . The Cannons are all illustrious persons , and have authority to choose the Bishop , Lord of the City , and Prince of the Empire , which dignity , three Cardinals of the most Noble Family of the Madrucci , have enjoyed successively , of which one named Altiprando lives at present , a religious Person , and a lover of Learned men . BASSANO . FRom Trento the way lies to Bassano , travelling towards the East by the Valley of Sugana , called by the Antients Euganea , because a People of that name dwelt there ; This Plain is eighteen miles in length , and two only in bredth , whence you may go to Venice , but 't is too long a journey . Five Miles forth of Trent , is situated the rich , and populous Countrey of Perzene . At the Head of the Valley , near Primolano , are the confines between the Venetians , and Germans . Upon the high Mountain of Primolano is there built a most strong Bulwark of the Venetians called Strada , where a few Souldiers can repel the Dutch , when ever they offer by violence , or force , to advance forwards . At twelve miles distance from thence towards the East , among the Alps , is the City of Feltre , by the which way at the right-hand-shore of the River Brent , three miles distance from Scala , is seated Cavolo , a Fort of the Germans , inexpugnable , in respect that 't is founded upon a great Rock directly hanging over the high-way , with a Fountain of living water in it , whereto neither Man , nor Goods can be mounted from the Earth , unless fastned to a Rope , and that wound up upon a wheel , from which ( because 't is a very narrow way underneath , between the Mountain and the River ) with small labour , may their enemies be slain with Stones cast on them , as they march along . Thence five miles distant , is the River Cisimone ( wch disembogues it self into the Brenta ) where the Dutch and Feltrini , daily load great quantities of Timber and Wood , as well for the use of Building , as for firing , which they afterwards transport to Bassano , to Padoua , and to Venice . Seven miles distant from Bassano , on the Right-hand-shore of the Brent , lies the Countrey of Valstagna , placed at the foot of the Mountains , and famous for the Sawes there made : thence distant three miles , lies the Countrey of Campese , where in the Church of the Fryers of Saint Benedict lies buried he that wrote la Macharonea . Bassano lies at the foot of this streight Valley , and is washed towards the West by the Brent , called antiently Brenta , or Brentesia , the which hath its Sourse , or head , beyond the Alps of Trent twelve miles , near Levego . Over the Brent , a little forth of the Gate of Bassano , is built a great Bridge of Wood , which conjoyns both the Rivers . Between the Alps , and this Castle , there are some Hills , which produce most abundantly all things requisite , as well for necessary living , as delicacy , but most particularly , they abound with Olives , and precious Wines . The River Brenta runs thorow the Territory of Vicenza , passeth by the City of Padoua , and in the end dischargeth it self , by the Fenny , or Moorish grounds , into the Sea. In this River , they take excellent Fish , as Trouts , Pollard , or Chieven , Eyles , Pyke , Tench , Lampreys , Barbel , and Crabfish . In no place are the men more ingenuous in Merchandize than in this : particularly in weaving of Cloth , in turning most neatly in Ivory , and in Carving in Nut-Trees . There is never a year , that they dress less than fifteen thousand pound weight of Silk , and notwithstanding that , that which is made in China is esteemed better than is made in any other part of the world , nevertheless 't is known , that this of Bassano is more subtile or thin , and more light . Hence the Family of the Carrareci drew their Original , and Eccellino the Tyrant , as also Lazaro , surnamed Bassano , a person not meanly learned , nor less acquainted in the Greek tongue than in the Latine : he lived a long time in Bologna , with great satisfaction to the learned , afterwards he rendred himself at Padoua , to the end that he might illuminate those who were studious of good Letters . At present Giacomo dal Ponte , an excellent Lymner , greatly illustrates this Country , together with four of his Sons , called vulgarly , the Bassani . Bassano hath under it twelve Towns , which with it self contein to the number of twelve thousand Souls . MAROSTICA . AT three miles distance from Bassano towards the West , is seated a strong place , named Marostica , a Castle built by the Lords of Scala , near the Mountain , and fortified with Walls , and two Sconce●… . Antiently this Castle stood in the neighbouring Mountain , which looks towards the East , where , at this time are to be seen the Foundation●… . Here the Air is most perfect , and the Countrey as pleasant , and produceth excellent fruits , in great abundance , but it most excels in Cherries of all sorts , which are so infinitely pleasant , and so well ●…elished , that therefore in many places they are called Marosticane . There are many Fountains of clear Water ; and thence about two miles , is a Lake called Piola , whose waters abate , and rise , in the same manner as they in the Golf of Venice , with great admiration to the beholders . The Inhabitants of this Castle are extreme contentious , whereupon an Elegant Poet wrote thus , Restat & in Civibus Marii discordia vetus , Quae cum Syllanis saevit in urbe viris . Within this Castle , are many Churches , among which is that of Saint Bastiano , where the Fryers of Saint Francis dwell , wherein lies the Body of the blessed Lorenzuolo the Child , Martyred by the wicked Jews , who antiently there inhabited . Francesco of the Family of the ●…reschi , hath much illustrated this Castle , who publickly Read the Civil Law in Padoua , and likewise Angelo Mateaccio , who hath composed some Books of the Laws . At this present , adds no small Fame to this his Countrey , Prospero Alpino , the most excellent Physician , publique Reader of the first matter of Simples , in the Academy of Padoua , who hath written De plantis AEgypti , De Opobalsamo , and De Praesagienda vit●… , & morte AEgrotantium , lately published , And is now employed ( besides his publick Reading ) in composing , and ripening some other noble Work for publick view . Thorow the middle of this Castle , runs the little River called Rozza , whence about a mile passeth the Sillano , so called , because in Antient Language , it signified a Stream of running water . 'T is believed , that the Antient Romans much frequented this Place , for that the Inhabitants to this day retain certain Latine words , though something corrupted . Before the Church of Saint Floriano , stand two Marble Stones of great antiquity , upon the one whereof is written thus , TI Claudio Caes. M. Salonius ⸫⸫ es Martina Chara Conjux quae Venit de Gallia per mansiones L. Vi commemoraret memoriam Mariti sui Bene quiescas duleissime mi Marite . TREVISO . THe Antient City of Treviso , is situated on the East of , and at the distance from Bassano twenty five miles . This City was founded by Osaride , the third King of the Gre●…ans , who being adopted Son of Dionisius ( therefore conceded unto him AEgypt ) and Reigned in Italy ten years : And because after his death , there appeared to the AEgyptians an Ox , they supposing it to be their King Osiris , worsnipped it as a God , and called it Ap●… , which in their language signifies an Ox , for which reason in many places of Treviso , is found an Ox painted with this Motto : Memor : in memorial of their first founders . Others say that Treviso was built by the Companions of Antenor ; Others by the Trojans , who went from Pastagonia ; but whosoever it was built it , imports not much , since 't is most certain , 't is a City of great Antiquiry . They oftentimes came to Warlike disputes with the Padouans , as also with the 〈◊〉 ●…or maintenance of their consi●…es , and although through their vigilancy , and victory over the power of their Enemies , they had much enlarged their T●…ritories , almost over the whole Champain , yet to secure themselves the better , they erected several Towers , whence they might discover their Enemies , obstruct them from too near approaches , and as necessitated therein , make their own retreat secure : and for this reason , was it along time called the City of Towers , ●…earing for its Aims three Black Towers in a white Field . This City either for that it was the most noble of all the other , or for that it became first under their Dominion , the Longobardi made the seat of their Marquesate , Marca signifying in their language , Confines : whence all this Province is called by the name of Marca ; Wherein antiently were six principal Cities , ( at present but four ) with many other Cities , and great Castles . It s Territory is in length from East to West forty miles , and from North to South , fifty miles . It was subjected to the Hunnes , to the Longobards , Then to the Hungarians , afterwards to the People of Scal●… , after them to the Carraresians , and lastly in the year of our Lord , One thousand three hundred eighty eight , it was reduced under the Dominion of the Venetians , to whom from that time to this day , they have maintained constant Faith and Obedience . This City was converted to the Christian Faith , by the Preaching of Saint Prosdocimo , Disciple of Saint Peter , from whence they took , a white Crosse in a Red Field for their Aims , in liew o●… their Black Towers . About Treviso runs the River Sile , with many other Rivolets , which incorporate with it , and towards the East , it hath the great River of Piave , wherein they take the largest Crabfish . The Countrey abounds in all things , but principally it breeds the Fatrest Calves . It conteins many sumptuous Pallaces , and not a few Noble Families . At eight miles distance from this City , stands Altino , which was founded by Antenor , but alterwards layed wast by Attila ; between Treviso , and Padoua presents it self the Rich and Civil Castle of Noale . Upon the Mountains towards the North , ●…ood the noble Castle of Asolo , heretofore a Colony of the Romans as 〈◊〉 saith , where with great delight , dwelt the Queen of Ciprus , having four miles off Asolo , built a most beautiful 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 as pleas●…t a Plain , with Gardens , Fountains , Fish-ponds , and all other recreations . Eloigned from thence ten miles stands Castel I ranco , a famous Castle , which was built by the Trivisani , in the year of our Lord , One thousand one hundred ninety nine . After which towards the East , between the Rivers Piave , and Livenza shewes it self Conegliano , part whereof stands erected upon the Hill , and part upon the Plain , which is replenished with beautiful structures , and a numerous People ; and enjoyes an Air so temperate , that it acquired the name among the Germans of Cunicla , which is as much as to say , a Residence for a King. This was the first place , that the Venetians possessed upon the firm Land. Adjacent hereto stand Colalto , Narvisa , and the Castle of Saint Salvadore , to the most Noble Family of the Collalti appertaining . A little further lies Oderto , whereto in the time of the Romans , the Adriatique Sea rise , which encouraged the Oderzesians to set a Fleet to Sea. Near thereunto ●…es , la Motta , the Countrey of Girolamo Alexandro created Cardinal , by his Holiness Paul the third Bishop of Rome , for his most excellent Doctrine ; being no less learned in the Greek , and Hebrew Tongues than in the Latine . Travelling from Treviso , over a large and 〈◊〉 High-way , at ten miles distance , is met the Castle of Mestre , and ●…wo miles off that Margherá , where taking Boat , after rowing the space of five miles , you arrive at Venice . VENETIA , la Ricca , or VENICE the Rich. HAving attained Le Lagune , or the ( MOORES , or SHOLES ) now the Streets of Venice , you behold many proud Pallaces , built of Marble , adorned with Columbes , Statues , and Pictures of great value , erected by those Noble Senatours , with inestimable Expence , and Artifice ; among which is Seated the Pallace of the Grimani , imbellished with Statues , Figures , Pourtraicts , high and great Colossuses , and Vaults ; some of Marble , and others of 〈◊〉 , very artificially Carved , and Engraven , being brought hither from Greece , and the Ruines of Aquileia . In the open Gallery , whereof are divers Marble Stones , with excellent Inscriptions , amongst the which we will hereunder set down some , which are engraven upon 〈◊〉 Altars dedicated in honour of Beleno , who was held in 〈◊〉 great veneration by the Inhabitants of Aquileia as the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 rodian , and Giulio Cap●…olino do averr and justifie ; The Titles 〈◊〉 which Inscriptions , I believe will be very welcome and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Lovers of Antiquity . Upon one four squared Altar , is inscribed . Beleno . Mansuetus . Verus . L●…ur : Lau : Et Vibiana Jantula V. S. Upon another . Apollini Beleno . Aug. In honorem . C. Petti . C. C. F. Pal. Fhiltati . Eq. P. Praef. AEd. Pot. Praef. Et. Patron . Collegiorum . Fabr. ●…t Cent. Diocles Lib. Donum . Dedit . L. D. D. D. D. Upon another . Belino . Aug. Sacrum . Voto suscepto . Pro. Aquillio C. F. Pomp Vatente IIII. V. I. D. Design . Phoebus Lib. V. S. L. M. Upon another . Beleno . Aug. Sacr. L. Cornelius L. Fil. Vell. Secundinus Aquil. Evoc . Aug. N. Quod. In. Urb. Donum . ●…ou . Aquil. Perlatum . Libens ●…osuit . L. D. D. D. Upon another . Beleno . Aug. In. Memor . Julior . Marcell . Et. Marcellae . Et In Honorem Juliarum , Charites . ●…t Marcellae . Filiar . Et. Licin . Macron . Iunior Nepotis . C. Iul. Agathopos VI. Vir. Aquil. L. D. D. D. Upon another . Beleno Sex Graesernius Faustus VI. Vir. V. S. L. M. Upon another Eonti . B. Upon another . VI. Divinae Sacrum C. Verius . C. F. Gavolus . The next object worth a view , is the Royal and Proud Pallace of the Duke of Venice , which was first begun to be erected by Ange●…o Participatio , in the year of our Lord , Eight hundred and nine , since when though six times burnt either in part , or in all it rise again ▪ and recovered much more beauty and lustre ▪ Its Form , is not altogether square , the length somewhat exceeding the Bredth . Towards the North of it , stands the Church of Saint Marco , towards the East , the Grand Canale , or Channell , towards the South the Sea Coast , and towards the West , the Piazza , or broad Place of Venice . From the principal Gate of this Pallace , to that Coign which st●…nds next the Bridge , called Paglia , or ( Straw Bridge ) towards the South : It hath an Arcade of 36. Arches , every one wherof are ten feet large , which space comprehending thirty three Pillars , ass●…rds in length three hundred foot , which Collumns have no B●…ses , but excellent HEADS . The two Frontispieces thereof , appear Pargetted with White and Red Marble , in the midst whereof are little Ascents or Hills , whereon are set thirty seven Collumnes , made in the Form of Pyramids , with seventy two Arches ; The Facade or Frontispiece backwards was lately beautified with Istrian Stone , and is contignous towards the North , with the Church of Saint Marco . The Roofs of this Pallace were heretofore covered with Lead , but the fi●…e that happened in the year , 1574. caused it to be covered instead of lead , with Sl●…t of a certain Mettle . Every Front hath one Gate , The principal which is conjoyned with the Church , ( of a Piramide Figure ) looks towards the Piazza , or broad Place , just before which stands the winged Lion , and the Duke Foscaro , Carved in White Marble . Next within on the right hand , is found a spatious Court , wherein are two Wells of sweet Water , whose mouthes are made with Brass , garnished with Spouts , and other Curiosities . At the end of this Court , is the Gate which answers to the Sea. Then having ascended the close Stairs called Foscara , on the left hand , you may go round the Pallace upon the Tarrace . The two Fronts backwards , the one whereof lo●…ks towards the Sea , the other towards t●…e Piazza , parallell them that are forwards , except that they have neither Arches , nor Collumnes below . The Front towards the East on the even ground , hath thirty six Arches , and as many Pillars of Istrian Stone , over the which , there is an open Gallery of fifty four Arches , and fifty five Col●…umnes . On the Top is drawn a Wall of Istrian Stone , adorned with beautiful Cornishes . Just against the Principall Gate , stands the large Stayer-case of the Pallace towards the North , which leads directly to the Lodging of the Prince , at the foot of this Stayer-case st●…nds two Colossuses , the one of Marse , the other of Neptune , Upon the ●…op thereof likewise , just opposite to them , stands two most excellent Statues , the one of Adam , the other of Fve . The Front below towards the Canale , or Channel ▪ hath two Stayer-cases , by the which , they ascend to that most Royal Corridor , or open Gallery , wherein stand many Tribunals , or Courts of Justice . Opposite to the Chief Stayer-case , is a Memorial of Henry the third King of 〈◊〉 , engraven in Marble with Letters of Gold. From the South East , they ascend that most splendid Stayer-case , which upon the left hand leads to the Chamber of the Prince ; and on the right hand to the Colledge . Where the Eye is wholly taken up with beholding the most sumptuous Vaulted , or Arched Roof , or Seeling , Richly garnished with Gold. This College stands towards the East , over the Chamber of the Prince , whose vaulted Roof ( as at Venice they call it ) is partly guilt , partly Carved with great Artifice , partly Painted , and wrought with Histories , even to Admiration ; At the upper end of this Hall , is exalted the Imperial Throne of the Duke , and the Images of Venice , figured by a Queen , who disposeth the Crown upon his Head. Here the Duke with the Senatours transact the affairs of State , and give Audience to Embassadours , as well such as have recourse to them from their own Territories , and Cities , as of Foreign Princes . Out of which leads a door into another great Hall , wherein are figured all the Provinces , which the Venetians possess upon the firm Land , where also are erected eleven most excellent Statues of Emperours . Issuing forth of these Places , and walking towards the Sea , you meet the dreadful Tribunals of the Counsel of Tenne , where every Place gloriously shines with Gold and costliness . A little more forwards is the spacious Hall , or Senate House of the Great Counsel , where they dispose the publique Offices , and Ballott the Magistrates ; which Counsel orders it self in this manner . First the Duke royally clad , sits on a Throne , raised a good higth from the Ground . On his Right Hand , he hath three Counsellors near him , accompanyed by one of the Chief of the Magistrates of forty , for Criminal Offences : Just opposite to the Prince at the other End of the Great Hall , sits one of the Chief of the Illustrious Counsel of the Tenne . A little from whence seats himself one of the Advocates of Comminalty . In the Angles , or Corners of the Great Hall , stands the Old and New Auditors . In the middle are the Censors . The rest of the Nobles of Venice sit promiscuously in other Seats less raised from the plain ground of the great Hall. Into which Counsel cannot be admitted any that is not Noble , and who is not above the age of twenty five years . Afterwards the Grand Chancellour ( having first recommended to every One their duty , to elect a Person fit for that Magistracy ) names the first Competitor . Then certain litle Lads , go up and down the Hall with double Boxes , the one wherof is white , the other green ; The White forwards , the Green more inward gathering the Balls , which Balls are small , and made of Cloth , that by the sound of the fall into the Box , may not be judged into which 't is cast , and before he casts in , the suffrage giver , must shew that he hath but one Ball , and also tell the name of that Gentleman who stands for those that perhaps have not well heard who 't was , do it ( many times ) over again ; He that would exclude the Stander casts the Balls into the Green Box , and he that would have him chosen casts them into the White Box , which are made in such a Form that none can discern into which of the Boxes they put their Balls , The Procurators of Saint Mark , never enter into this Great Counsel , Except at the Election of the Duke ) but stand under the Lodge with the Master & Officers of the Arsenal , while that great Counsel is gathered together for its Guard , dividing among themselves those dayes , whereon they ought to have this Charge . But of these things for further satisfaction we referr the Reader to such , who treat of them at large , herein intending only to glance briefly at the most remarkable things . This great Hall , is seventy three foot broad , & one hundred & fifty foot long , and was begun in the year , One thousand three hundred & nine . On its walls were drawn by the most excellent Painters of that Age , the victories of this Commonwealth , Its Princes , with many other famous Men of Italy , which being spoyled by the smoak of that Fire , which happened in the year , 1577. in liew thereof , was Painted the History of Alexander the third chief Bishop of Rome , and Frederick the Emperour , with the subjection of Constantinople , to the Venetian Republique . The Floors are wonderful neat : Towards the East , is seated the Throne of the Prince , over which is a Paradise Painted by the hand of Tintoretto ( which was formerly Painted by Guariento ) and fils up all that Front. In the Front over against that , within a square of Marble , is an Image of the Holy Virgin , holding in her Arms , her little Infant , compassed about by four Angels . The Windows of this Hall , look some into the Court , and others into the Sea. Near hereunto is the Magazine of the Pallace , which is never opened , but to Foreign Princes , wherein is provision of Arms , for fifteen hundred Gentlemen , more or less , and 't is divided into four spatious Portals , with the Doors thereof of Cipres Wood , which give a most sweet savour . On the other side of the Hall of the Great Counsel is beheld the Hall of the Inquisitors , with many and divers Pictures , amongst which is a Judgement , drawn by the hand of Tintoretto . Thence descending by the Foscaran Stayers , you enter the Dukes Chappel being the Cathedral Church of S. Mark , which is built with the fairest and finest Marble with great skill , and no less expence , whose Pavement is composed all of little pieces of Porphiry , and Serpentine , and other pretious Stones after the Mosaick manner , with divers Figures . Among others , there are some Figures Effigiated by Commission of Gionachino Abbat of Santo Fiore ( as is the common Fame ) by which is presaged and demonstrated the great ruine which will fall upon the People of Italy , with other strange misfortunes : Where you beheld two Cocks , very boldly to carry away a Fox ( wich signifies ( as some will have it ) that two French Kings should carry away , and force Lodovico Sforza out of the Seigniory of Milan . And also some Lyons Large and Fat appear as put in the Water , and some others set upon the shore very lean . Upon the Walls of the finest Marble , on the left hand , are two Tables of white Marble , somewhat weaved with black , which at their joyning , represent a Man , so perfectly figured , that 't is very wonderful to consider it . Whereof Albertus Magnus in a work called Meteora ( as of a great rarity ) makes mention . There are in this sumptuous Temple ( reckoned amongst the chief of Europe , ( though not so much for its vastness , as the design and pretious materials ) thirty six Collumnes of the finest Marble , which are large two feet Diamiter . The Roof of it is divided into five Cupoloes covered with Lead . From the plain of this Place , to the very Top of the Temple , are the Fronts wrought up in Mosaicke work , with Figures in a Field of Gold , and certain little Heads of Pillars , and Juttings out , or Eeves of Marble , upon which are set certain Images carved in Marble so perfectly , that they seem alive . There are also above this place on that part , which lies over the great Gate ( whereof this Part hath five made of Brass ) four Horses very Antique of Brass guilt , of an exact Proportion , and extremely beautiful , which the Romans caused to be cast , to put them in the Triumfal Arch of Nero , when he Triumphed over the Parthians , and they being afterwards transported by Constantine to Constantinople ; from thence ( the Venetians being thereof become Lords ) transported them to Venice , setting them upon the Temple of Saint Mark. In the Porch of the said Church , is seen a red square Marble Stone , upon which Alexander the third set his Foot upon the neck of Frederick the Emperour , whereon for that reason , are engraven these words : Super Aspidem , & Basiliscum ambulabis . After which mounting to the Top of the Quire , by certain Steps of the finest Stones , you come to the place where the Singers stand on the Chief Feast dayes . There upon the great Alter , is the rich and fair Pixe framed of Gold and Silver , bedecked with many pretious Stones , and Perl of an infinite price , which all persons admire that behold it . This Altar is covered over by one Arch , disposed into the form of a Cross , adorned with Marble , which the Antients called Tiberiano , supported with four Pillars of excellent Marble ; wherein are carved the History of the Old and New Testaments . Behind this Altar , arise four Pillars of the purest Alablaster , five foot in length , transparent as Glass , placed there for Ornament of the Sacred and Holy Body of Jesus Christ consecrated or the Eucharist . In this Church are preserved with great devotion , many Reliques : and among others the Body of the Evangelist , this Republiques Protector Saint Mark , with his Gospel written by his own hand . On the right hand of the Temple , in the midst thereof , is a large and high Gate , wrought all of Mosaique work , on the one side wherof stands the Effigies of Saint Dominick , and on the other that of Saint Francisco , which as 't is reported , were made by order of the above named Gionachino many years before the said Saints came into the world . Within this Gate is kept the most rich Treasure of Saint Mark so much spoken of ; wherein are twelve pretious Crowns , with twelve Brest Plates , all compassed about with fine Gold , and garnished with many Stones of great value . Among divers others , with Rubies , Emeralds , Topasses , Crisolits , and other pretious Stones , and Perls of numatchable bigness ; Two Unicorns Horns of a great length , with a third somewhat less . Many very large Carbuncles , Vessels of Gold , Scollops of Agat , and Jasper Stones of a good bigness . One Huge Ruby given this State , by Domenico Grimani , a most worthy Cardinal . An Emerald hower-glass heretofore presented to this most illustrious Seigniory , by Uscassano King of Persia , with many other pretious things ▪ Vessels , and Censores of Gold , and Silver . There also lies the Mitre or Bonnet ( as we call it ) with which every new Duke is Crowned . The which is traversed all over with the finest Gold , and pollish't , in whose wreathes , are many most pretious stones ; and at the very Top , a Carbuncle of inestimable valew ; I might also speak of the Candle-sticks , and Challices , with other things of such imminent valew , as may create wonder in the beholders , but would take up too much time and room to describe them in this Abreviation . Just opposite to this Temple , and distant from it about Eighty Paces , stands the high Steeple , which is 40. Foot square on all sides , and Two Hundred and Thirty high , with an Angel set upon the Top , which like a Weather-cock turning with the Wind to all corners where it blowes , ever hath the Face towards it . All the said Top or upper part thereof , is richly guilt , which presents it to the Eye of such as addresse to Venice , ( by reason of the reflection of the hot Sun thereon ) Lucidely shining at a great distance ; In the foundation of this Steeple was more expended ( as Sabellico declares ) than in all the other structure . They ascend to the uppermost part of this Steeple , by certain little winding steps within , where a most excellent Prospect discovers it self : as first , the City of Venice , divided into six Precincts , consisting of many little Islands , whose Bankes are conjoyned with Bridges , the Streets , the open Places , the Churches , the Monasteries , and other sumptuous structures ; Moreover , the small Islands seated round about the City to the number of sixty , with their Monasteries , Churches , Pallaces , and most beautiful Gardens ; Upon some of which Islands , are erected many Collumnes , by the Aquleiesi , the Vicentini , the Opitergini , Concordiesi , Altinati , and several other People , who to fly the Fury of Attila , King of the Hunnes , recovered this Place ; gives no small Imbellishment to this View . Between the said Moorish Grounds , now the Streets and the Sea , by Dame Nature is raised a Fence or Bank , to defend the City & the small Islands , against the furious Waves of the Sea , ( with which 't is invironed ) Which Fence is Thirty five Miles long , and bends in the shape of a Bow , opening it self in five several Places , for each of which is a Gate , as well to permit Barkes to enter in at them , as to maintain the said Channels full of Water . The profound Havens of Chioza , and Malamocco , with the Forts built at the Mouth of the said Havens , to keep any Armado or Fleet at a distance ; And lastly , the beholding the Mountaines of Carnia , and of Histria , and on the Right Hand , the Apenine Hills , with Lumbardy , together with the Famous Hills called Euganei , with the mouthes of the Rivers Adice , and Poe , and behind them the Alpes of Baviera , and of the Gerisons , alwaies covered with Snow , gives no small satisfaction , nor beauty to his Prospect . And now we come to the Famous Piazza , or broad place of S. Mark , whose platform resembles a Carpenters square , at the one end whereof stands the Admirable Church of St. Mark , and at the other , That of St. Geminian , wrought with excellent Stones , and round the said Place are built fair and sumptuous Houses all of Marble Stone , under which are large open Galleries , wherein are Shops for several Artificors . In this place daily appear an infinite number of Persons , of all Qualities and Countries , in their several Habits , as well for Newes and Discourses , as for Traffick and Merchandize . At the upper end of the said Place , upon the Channel called La Gi●…deca , are two Pillars admired for their Heigth and Bigness , which were transported heretofore from Constantinople , upon the one whereof , stands a Winged Lyon , the Republick Armes , in token of St. Marke their Protector , with this Motto , Pax tibi Marce Evangelist●…mens , and upon the other , is set the Statue of St. Theodore , between which Justice is done upon Traitorous Persons . These were brought from Greece to Venice , in the time of Sebastian Ciani the Duke , upon , certain Vessels of burden , together with another of equal Greatness , the which overcomming the Power and Industry of the Workmen labouring to lay it on the Earth , it fell into the Water , where at this time t is to be seen in the Deep : These vast Columns , were reared by an Engineer of Lombardy named Nicolo Berreterro , by the strength of great Ropes wet with water , retiring by little and little ; who asked no other reward for this his worke , but that it might be Lawful for Dice-Players to play there when they pleased without any penalty : This Piazza is not intirely one alone , but fower united together . Opposite to the Church are reared three Standards upon three high pieces of Timber which are fastened by Lead cast into the boared holes , they are wrought with figures to denote the liberty of this City , and have Brass Pedestalls . On the right side of the Church stands the Clock house adorned with the Celestial Signs gilt thereon , with the Sun and Moons monethly ingress into them , most exactly wrought and painted . Neer the Steeple is a sumptuous Palace built in this Age , after the Ionick and Dorick fashion , which reaches even to the Church of Sain Geminian , which for the excellency of the Marble , Statues , Casements , Cornishes , Frets and other ornaments , together with the most incomparable Architecture , gives not place to any palace of Italy . Next is the Zecca or Mint-house built all of flint Stone , and Iron Barrs , without any manner of Timber . Annexed thereunto Stands the Library , which had its Original from Petrarca , and was afterwards aggrandized by the Cardinals Niceno , Alexandro , and Grimano . Lastly , this Piazza is rendred so Proud and marvellous , by the Uniformity of Building , and other Imbellishments , that I cannot say all Europe affords its like . The Island Muran , must next be visited by taking Gondola , or Boat , which for its Furnaces of Glass is much admired through the World. This Island is distant from Venice about a Mile , and was begun to be inhabited by the Altinati , and Opitergini , for fear of the Hunnes . At present 't is very comely , and resembling Venice , as well in the structures , as in the Quantity of Churches , but much more pleasant and delightful , in respect most of the Houses have open and spacious Gardens , set with all sorts of fruitful Trees . Among others , is the Church of Saint Peter , with a Monastery belonging to the preaching Fryers , well built , wherein is a famous Library full of good Books . In this Place they make all sorts of Vessels of Glass ( called Crystal Glass ) whose variety & Workmanship surpass all others of the same materials of the whole world . And the Artizans ( except in excellency of the materials ) every day find out new Inventions to make them appear more desirable , with works divers from one another . I will not speak of the variety of colours which they give thereunto , because 't is so marvellous that I imagine it worthy all Peoples sight . They counterfet excellently several things of Agate , Calcidonian , Emerald , and Hyacinths , with other pretty Toyes so excellently , that I believe were Pliny to be revived , and should behold them , he would ( admiring them ) much more praise these mens workmanship , and these artificial things , than he does the vessels of Earth made and burned by the People of Aretini , or of any other Nation . Opposite to the Piazza of Saint Mark , and about half a mile dista●…t , is seen the Church of Saint George , the Greater , a stately structure of Marble . In which is beheld most curious Marble , both in the Pavements , and in the Statues , with rich workmanship of Silver , and most sumptuous Sepulchres of Princes . The Fryers of Saint Benedict have here a noble Monastery , wherein are long open Galleries , spacious Courts , ample eating-Rooms , and sleeping-Chambers , as also most pleasant Gardens , with a worthy Library . In Venice are seventeen Rich Hospitals , with a great number of wealthy Churches , adorned with the exactest marble Stone ; consisting of sixty seven Parish-Churches fifty fower Convents of Fryers , twenty six Monasteries of Nunns , eighteen Chapels , six Schools , kept within the Principal Fryeries or Monasteries . In all which Churches are fifty bodies of Saints , one hundred forty and three Organs , & many Statues made at the cost of the Republick , in remembrance of illustrious Persons , which have valiantly fought for her , or done some other signal piece of service , that is to say , 165 of Marble , and 23 of Brass , among which most worthily presents it self , That proud Statue on Horseback wrought with Gold , of Bartolomeo Coglione the most famous Captain-General of the Venetian Army , dedicated to him by this Republiek , before the Church of Saint John and Paul , in testimony of his Fidelity , and Valour . Moreover , there are fifty six Tribunals , and ten Gates of Brass . The Store-House of the Germans , which is five hundred and 12 foot in circumference , whose Front outwards hath many excellent Figures , and inwards two Galleries which go quite round the one above the other , wherein are two hundred Lodging Chambers . There stand also up and down this City , besides what are above mentioned , infinite more Statues , Pictures , and glorious Tombes . At all seasons it abounds plentifully with fruits and herbs of all sorts , and two hundred several sorts of Fish : furthermore there are four-hundred and fifty bridges of Stone , fourscore thousand Gondaloes or Boats , with twice as many Gondaloers or Watermen , with a vast number of Chanels , among the which the Principal is called the Grand Canale , or Chanel , one hundred and thirty paces in length , and forty in bredth , over which is built that most artificial Bridge , called the Rioalto , being one Arch which conjoynes both the Banks , to be accounted for its heighth , length , and bredth , amongst the most glorious fabricks of Europe ; whereon are erected twenty four shops covered all alike with lead , that is to say twelve of a side with magnificent Balustrades behind . They ascend this Brid Bridge by three degrees of steps , that in the midst consists of sixty six Steps , and thoseof each side , of one hundred forty five ; to these rarities , may be added the infinite concourse of People . And to the end we may remove that erroneous opinion that this City was built by Fishermen ; let us observe what Cassiodoro , who was Counsellor , and Secretary of Theodorick King of the Gothes speaks thereof . Vos ( saith he ) Qui numerosa navigia in ejus confinio possidetis , & Venetia plenae nobilibus , &c. which happening in the four hundred ninty and fifth year of our Salvation , and from the building thereof between 80. and 90. years , gives a fair presumption , that the Venetians could not acquire so great reputation , nor less possess so many Vessels on the Sea , had they not been somewhat rich and noble too sometime before . Your next visit must be to the Arsenal , or Magazine of War of this City , seated on the one side of it towards the two Castles , and Palace of the Patriark , which are compassed about with high Walls , and with the Sea. This Arsenal affords but one entrance by one only Gate , and by one only Chanel , where thorow are guided in all the shipping , and 't is about the quantity of two miles in circuit . Herein generally they make all their works , and engines of War , but most particularly their Charge is to prepare here these 4. Materials for that Service , Timber , Iron , Brass , and Hemp. Of which their charge of Timber-work , they are so provident , ( that besides what at first shewes itself to the view ) there is under the water a good quantity of Gallies , great and small , Gallefoists , Pinnaces , Brigantines , Masts , Main-yards , Oars , and Rudders , for their Sea vessels . And for the Iron work , Bullets of all sizes , Nayls , Chains , Anchors , with divers Plates of Iron , as likewise for Brass , all sorts of Ordnance , and of all proportions . And lastly , of their Hempen works , all sorts of Shrouds , Sails and Cables . To which several works , continually attend a vast number of Workmen , and excellent Handicraftsmen , who being as it were born in that Place , and from thence obteining their livelihood , Neither delight in any other Place , nor do no other thing , but what there by their several Callings they are directed unto . Therein are erected most ample Arches , wherein their several Vessels are kept dry , and built , some fully finished , some building , and others repairing . The next Curiosity , is their spatious Halls , full of Arms for defence in Maritine service , as great Celades , Cariages , and Breasts ; and no less provided of Offensive Weapons , as Pistols , Daggers , Bramble Sithes , Partisans , Javelins , Two Handed Swords , Cross-bows , and Long-bows ; Others of those Halls are filled with Artillery , as small and great Muskets , Falcons , whole Cannon , Demicannon , and Quarter Cannon , Sacres , and Culverins . There are some pieces of A tillery which have from Three Barrels to Seaven , which are called ( if I err not ) the Organs , Engines made more for a certain Greatnesse and Magnificence , than for use and service in War. To say no more , the whole is kept and governed with that order and neatness , that it doth not onely delight the Beholder , but would satisfie the most insatiable Appetite of gazers , and fill them with a certain spritely and Martial Ardour . In fine , the Common wealth hath in this place all sorts of Ammunition of Warr , as well for Land as Sea-service . All Engines for offence , all charges for defence , and lastly , all things whatsoever made ready , either to set in order an Armado for Sea service , or an Army for Land-service , which may be needful . And although from this place ( which may properly be called the Work-house and Store-house of War ) they every Day fetch Arms and Ammunition , as well for their force upon the firm Land , as upon the Sea ; Yet nevertheless , by the daily labours of the Artizans , 't is so restored , that it seems to no more diminish , than the Sea does by the many Rivers that issue out of it . Furthermore here is kept the stately Galley called the Bocentoro , adorned greatly with Gold and rich carvings , which never goes forth but upon solemn Feast Dayes , and particularly upon the Day of the Ascension of our Saviour , on which Day , the Prince in great state , with a Train of the principal Senatours enter herein , and being thence rowed to the Port of the two Castles near the Adriatick Sea , there after certain Ceremonies , the Duke solemnly marries the Sea , and casts therein a Gold Ring , in real assurance of this Republicks Dominion thereof . This Republick allow the Greck Church a full liberty in Venice , who use as much ceremony in their Religion as the Church of Rome , but less superstition . Nor have the Jewes mean privileges , ( for provided they alwais wear a red hat to denote the Blood they wisht and drew upon their own heads when they crucified our Saviour , and without which t is Lawfull for any one to kill them ) they have as great immunities in all things as the Naturals , and more power than the Common sort ; here also they have a Synagogue for every Nation , whereof they have nine in their Guetta or Court , which is assigned them for their habitation . Their concourse hither is from their immunities grown innumerable , which I suppose may give as great occasion as any other for this Cities vast Traffique whereof she is Mistress in these parts , as also for the rise and fall of the Exchange at the pleasure of her Merchants : in their Bank are managed vast sumes of money , and infinite exchanges dayly made , and yet a very small sum of money told out or payed through the yeer , such is the Reputation of those eminent Senators who are there the Bankers , where most of the Merchants accounts are kept for a small matter ; the Ducket de Banco , whereby they compute their greatest sums and govern their exchanges , is but an imaginary Coyn , rising and falling at their pleasure . The Citizens rich and poor , wear a black Cap edged with fur on their heads , and are habited commonly with a long black Gown with large sleeves with a kind of skirt to throw over one shoulder , and their Collar alwaies open . Their Ladies did formerly wear their own or a counterfet hair below the shoulders trimmed with gemms and flowers , and mounted in their Chappenes ( high as a mans legg ) they walk between two handmaids to distinguish themselves from the Courtezans , ( from whom the State for their free trade extract a great excise yeerly ) who go covered with a white veil of tiffany . But of late yeers they use the French freedome both in habit and conversation much differing from the Italian restriction through their Jealousie . We had almost forgot the Island of Zuecca ( distant from Venice one mile ) wherein vast Edifices as well for divine worship , as for the use of the Citizens , with stately Gardens discover themselves ; among the rest the Church ( del Redentore ) or of the Redeemer deserves a place even amongst the fairest of Venice for its splendor and sumptuousness , being designed by Palladius the famous Architect , and built by order and at the cost of the State by a unanimous Vow which they made in the yeer 1576 when they were infected with an extreme plague : Which to denote , over one of the Gates of the right side of the said Church , we finde it thus written . Christo Redemptori . Civitate Gravi Pestilentia Liberata , Senatus ex voto . Here also is shewed some of the Coyns in Silver , which were stamped by Duke Luigi Mocenigo , in the Seaventh Year of this Republick . The Journey from Venice to Milan , by the Province of Marca Trivigiana , and Lumbardy . PADOUA . TO goe from Venice to Padoua , first they take Boat at Venice , and row five Miles upon Sholes in the Gulf of Venice to Lizafusina , so called from a Dutch word corrupted : At which place the direct course of the River Brent , was heretofore by the Lords of Venice artificially locked up , to the end , that running through those Pools and salt Moors , it might not through time and continual running work down the neighbouring Grounds : which to prevent , there was an Engine erected ( called La Rota del Carro ) whereby with excellent Industry , the Barkes , with all their Lading and Merchandize , were drawn up and transposed from out of these Pools , or salt Moors , into the River , and out of the River in like manner into the Pools ; which at this time is taken away , and for supply thereof , the water is locked in with four several Flood-gates , the first at Strà , the second at Dolo , the third at Mirà , and the last at Moranzan . From Lizafusina to Padoua they account four Miles , whereby they travel either in Boats , which are drawn up against the stream of the River , or else by Land. On each side of which River throughout , appears a large and most fertile Campagna , with a rich soyl , embellished with stately and most sumptuous Palaces , and lovely Gardens , and no lesse beautified with the continual travelling of all sorts of People to and fro . First they arrive at the Country of Oriago , called in Latin Or a lacus , because to this place extend the Moorish Grounds or sholes , thence at Dolo , and then at Strà ; Upon the left Hand , stands the great Town of Gambarare , so infinitely populous , that t is almost incredible ; In the end they attain at Padoua . PADOUA the Learned . The ancient City of Padoua , is seated in the Province belonging to Venice , called Marca Trivigiana , in the midst of a spacious Plain , having the Sea at Twenty Miles distance on the East and South parts thereof : Towards the West , a large champion Country ; And towards the North , the Mountains Euganei ; It is of a triangular form , invironed with double Walls , and very deep Ditches ; The Venetians have fortified it very much , by the immense Walls and Bulwarks , built by them according to the modern way of Discipline and Judgement in Warr. We need not produce Testimony from antient Writers , to prove the Antiquity of this City , nor that it was founded by Antenor , Brother of Priam King of Troy , and that it was denominated heretofore Pado , either from Pò , or Patavio of Paphlagonia , because these things are notorious to all ; As also that Padoua was Head of the Province of Venice , now Marca Trivigiana , or Marquisate of Treves , and that it was ever Friend , and allied to Rome without any kind of subjection , being extremely beloved and estemed , not lesse for their Alliance or Parentage , having their joynt Original from the Famous Troy , than for the many services and kindnesse received from it . Nor find we in any Author , That Padoua was either subjugated , overcome , or molested by the Romans , but that it alwayes stood free from the Roman Yoke , and that it aided the Republick on many occasions ; And particularly , at that time when Rome was taken by the Galli Sireni , in the Warr against the Umbri , Boi , the Cimbri , and at several other times ; So that it well merited and obtained the Franchise and Liberty of Citizens and Comunalty of Rome , and to be inscribed in the Fabian Tribe of Rome , without sending thither new Inhabitants , or making it a Colony , from whence the Padouans derived equal voice both Active and Passive , and participated all the highest degrees of that great Sate ; And therefore we read in the Histories of Rome , and in those of Padoua , That many Padouan Houses transferred themselves to Rome , & as many Roman Houses to avoid the Civil dissentions translated themselves to Padoua . We may then conclude it to be no great wonder , that we find in so many ancient Writers , and upon so many Marble Stones , the Remembrance of so many Citizens of Padoua that were Roman Consuls , as Quinto Attio Capitone , Sesto Papinio Alenio , L. Arontio Primo , L. Stella Poeta , L. Arontio Aquila , Giulio Lupo , L. Giulio Paulo the Expounder of the Law , L. Ascanio Pediano , Trasea Peto , C. Cecinna Peto , Pub. Quartio , and some others . Another Peto was designed Consul , and Peto Honorato was Corrector of Italy , so also many were Ediles , Praetors , Tribunes , Censors , Priests , and chief Bushops . It was then so great and powerful , that they ▪ used to muster five Hundred Cavaliers or Horsemen , And Strabo writes , that they commonly sent to the wars , one Hundred and twenty Thousand Foot Souldiers . It maintained it self ever glorious and invincible , until the Barbarous Nations made themselvs to be felt in Italy , for at the time of the Roman Empires declination , Padoua also indured the smart , being by the most Potent Attila ( the Rod of God ) wholly ruinated , and cast down even to the very Foundations ; And though after that it was restored by Narsete , yet was it another time destroyed by the Longobardi . But afterwards under Charles the Great and his Successors , it began to fill it self , and to take some small restoration . This City was governed at first by Consuls , and after with a Podestà , or Provost , at such time as it became under the Power of Eccellino the Tyrant , who treated it most cruelly , which evidently appears ; For at this day , neer the Church of Saint Augustine , they shew a great Tower , wherein the Padouans were imprisoned , tormented and slain , nay the Cruelty of this wicked Tyrant so far exceeded , that in one day in the City of Verona , for no other cause than his fantastical humour , he caused twelve thousand Padouans to be Butchered . Out of the ruines of so many noble Palaces destroyed by him , he intended and begun near the Bridge a new Cittadel for his habitation and security , but he lived not to finish above a fourth part , which is built with walls of a vast thickness with flint-stones squared , with a fair Palace and a proud Tower , which in truth is the most beautifull in all Padoua ( and is possessed at present by Il Signor Conte Giacomo Zabarella . ) Many notable things are extant in this City , but in particular there is a vault under ground which passeth under the River , and goes even to the Piazza , to the Palace of the Captain , and to the other abovenamed Cittadel . After his death Padoua recovered her Liberty , and became very powerfull , so that she got under her dominion , Vicenza , Verona , Trento , Treviso , Feltre , Belluno , Conegliano , Ceneda , Saravalle , Chioza , and Bassano , with all their Territories , all the good ground among the Fennes , and the greatest part of the Friuli , and other important places ; then the Carraresi made themselves Lords thereof , and kept the power about one hundred yeers ; at last the Venetians got the possession , having slain Francesco Novello with all his Children , and extinguished the principality of the Carraresi . Through this City runs the River Brent together with the Bacchiglione , which dividing it self into many branches gives a great accomodation to the Citizens . One of which branches or Arms they have brought to pass thorow the dike round about the Walls of the City . It affords in great aboundance all necessaries for livelihood , from whence the Proverb arises , Bolognia ( Grassa ) or wallowes in good cheer , but Padoua ( surpassa ) sur-passeth it . The bread they make here is the whitest of Italy ; And the wine is by Plinie accounted amongst the most noble and excellent . This City hath about it seven gates , many Stone Bridges , five spacious Piazzaes , with many beautiful Edifices as well publick as private : Particularly the Palace used for the civil Law is the proudest in all Europe , if not in all the World , for so much as that it is covered with Lead , without sustaining either of Pillars or Beams , though its bredth is eighty six foot , and length two hundred fifty six . Which Palace after it had continued a foot 202 yeers being in part ruinated by fire , the Venetian Lords in the yeer 1420 rebuilt with greater splendour . The figure of this Hall is like a Quarry of glass with equal sides , but not right angled , not for the nearness of the Fabrick as some will have it , but because natural reason shewes , that a man standing bolt upright is with much more ease thrown down than when he stands a little drawn backwards , its site is turned to the fower Quarters of Heaven , so that at the Equinoctial the Beams of the Sun at his rising entring through the Eastern Windowes , beat upon the Western Windowes , between which is nothing erected to obstruct it : and so upon the contrary . And at the solstice or ▪ stay of the Sun , when it can neither go higher nor lower , the Beams enter thorow the Gates on the South part , and play upon the opposite part ; in sum , there is neither Gate or any other part without excellent Art and workmanship . The painting of it represents the influence of the superiour bodies upon the inferiour , divided with the signs of the Zodiack , in imitation of that Circle of Gold which stood in the Sepulcher of Simandio King of Egypt : In this Painting is to be noted the Antient Habits , and amongst others a Priest , who holds a Planet upon his back , which antiently they used large and of rich stuff , from whence it took its name . The Inventer of these Paintings averreth that this was Pietro d'Abano a Padouan , who was a most famous Philosopher and Astrologer , whom it may well be , since so many yeers before past , that these present Paintings copyed by the hands of certain Florentines , were drawn out from those which were preserved in the Antient Palace , by the hand of Giotto , and really these modern ones are very like to those which in the plain Astrolobe designed by the invention of Pietro d'Abano are treated on by Pierio in the thirty second and thirty ninth book of his hieroglificks . And if the Antients made such a noise and so much account of the Obelisk which in the Field of Mars in Rome shewed by his shadow the length of the Nights and Days , what shall we say of this Fabrick , wherein are collected so many noble secrets all worthy to be contemplated and admired ? Whosoever hath an appetite in Padoua to behold Paintings let them see the Church of the Confraternity of Saint Antonio , where they 'l meet Pictures upon boards drawn by Titian , and other famous Masters , the Chapel of Saint Luke in the Sanctuary , where may be seen the true effigies of Eccellino the Tyrant , as also in the Font of the Domo or chief Church by the hand of an excellent Lymner . In the remarkeable Hall of the Lords of Zabarella Veraria may be seen pourtrayed the first Subjects of this City , as Antenor its Founder , Volusio the Poet , T. Livio the Historian , Q. Ascanio Pediano the Grammarian , C. Cassio the Tribune , L. Orontio Stella the Poet , and Trasea Peto the Stoick , both Roman consuls , C. Valerio Flaccho the Poet , L. Giulio Paolo the Lawyer , Petro d'Abano the most famous Philosopher and Astrologer , Albetino Mussato the Poet , Doctor and Knight , Alberto Verimitano Theclo , Marsilio Santo Soffia an admirable Physician , Marsilio Mainardino a Philosopher , Astrologer , and a most learned Divine , Bonaventure Peraghino and Francisco Zabarella Cardinals , Bartolomeo Zabarella Arch-Bishop of Florence , and Giacomo Alvarato the famous expounder of the Law , with a fair history of the most Antient times of Padoua , and the Genealogie of the House of the Zabarelli , with this following subscription : Elogia haec virorum Illustrium Patavinorum Conditorumque Urbis cum Genealogiâ Nobilis Familiae Zabarellae ex Historiis , Gronicisque Quam brevissimè collecta Joannes Cavaseus fecit , Scripsit in Pariete Presb. Franciscus Maurus Pucivigianus cerebrosus , pinxit Gualterius cura Et impensa Comitis Julii Zabarellae aedium Domini , Omnes contivanei . MD. XLIX . Idibus Martii . In private houses may also be found most excellent curiosities , as with the Family of Mantoua , for Marco Mantoua a most eminent Lawyer built a fair Palace in the Street of the Hermits with a delicious Garden annexed , in the first Court whereof stands a great Colossus of Marble , being the figure of Hercules , and above is a stately Library no less replenished with Books , excellent Pictures , pourtraits of eminent men of the World , and singular sculptures , than with collections of Brass Figures , Marbles , Medals , and other exquisite things both natural and artificial , which with the said Palace are now possessed by Signor Gasparo Mantoua Doctor of Physick and Nephew of the abovenamed Marco . Luigi Coradino Doctor of Philosophy and of the Laws , heretofore Reader of the Digests or Volums of the Civil Law in the University , a man of a most quick wit and polite Learning , an excellent disputant , and particularly conversant in antiquities , made a noble collection of Books , Pictures , Sculptures , Medals , antique Brass and Marble Tablets , and other rarities , which for the most part are enjoyed by the Signor Andrea his Son , Doctor of Philosophy and Physick , and Reader in the College , a Virtuoso , who conserves them in their Antient House in the Street called Torecelle . Gio Domenico Sala Doctor of Philosophy and Physick , most renowned for having been so many yeers Reader in the University , and for having exercised his Profession of Physick with a known reputation , In his Palace which stands in the Street called San Lorenzo hath set up a Study replenished with Books , Pictures , Marbles , Brass pieces , Medals . and other pretious rarities , and in particular he hath there a large and neat Press with shelves all made with Walnut Tree , filled with Vessels of Christal , with all the simple minerals , and other rare and exquisite things , which were collected by the Signor Conte Giacomo Zabarella , Doctor , Reader of the College , and Canon of Padoua , after whose death coming to the hands of Signor Bonifacio Zabarella his Brother , they were by him given to the above-named Signor Gio : Domenico , in testimony of being his great Friend and Ally , as a gift of most singular estimation . Benedetto Salvatico Knight , a Philosopher , and Physician , and chief Reader of the University , a most signal person , no less for his Reading than eminency in Physick , hath restored near the Domo or chief Church , his Palace , making there a most stately Gallery , gardens with Fountains , Voleries , and a thousand other excellencies , besides his books and Pictures The Signor Conte Giacomo Zabaralla Count of Credazza and of the Empire , a most renowned and vituous Person , hath so much laboured in the study of History and Antiquities , that meritoriously by the Lear●…edst Pens he is styled the Restorer of Antiquity and renewer of things devouted by time , being as well read in the Genealogie of Princes and other Illustrious Families , a work as may be said without compare ; Besides that he hath found out the Invention to blason Coa●…s of Gentility to a great perfection , with the right Linage and the equal compartments . The works composed by him give a sufficient assurance that a high value is justly put upon him , whereof are extant the Genealogie of Antenore , Agamemnon , Trasea Peto , Orontio Stella , Brandeburgica , Polonica , Auraica , and the Universal Genalogie of those Princes , and of many Illustrious Families , the relation of so many Originals of Gentility , the Histories of Conterina , Cornera , Zena , Quirina , Bemba , Michiela , and other , his histories of the City , and Families of Padoua , the glories of Venice , with many discourses , Orations , Elogies and other workes much esteemed by the Learned ; He hath in the Street called Coda the whole length of his Palace erected a most noble Library , wherein besides that there are great Quantities of Books , of Histories , of Humanity , and other Learning all most choice , so also are there a good number of Manuscripts in Paper and Parchment , whereof many are set in gold with exquisite Limning in Vermillion , many whereof were never printed , whose very Originals he is Master of : Moreover , he hath the Chronicles of Padoua as well those that are in print as in manuscript ; as also many of Venice and other Cities : And besides these in a Press of Nut-Tree of a notable Largeness and Workmanship he hath collected many Marbles , Brass pieces and other things natural and Artificial , Antient and Modern , of great value , as also a quantity of antient Medals , and of the later Princes both of Gold and Silver , and other Metals , which are of a sufficient valew , besides many rare Pictures by the hand of the chief Men of the past Ages , and the authentique pourtraies of Francesco Cardinal , Bartolomeo & Paulo Archbishops , Orlando and Lorenzo Bishops , all of the house of Zabarella , and likewise of the Counts Giaccomo the elder , Giulio and Giacomo the Philosopher , and of other eminent men of his house ; He also preserves the great privileges granted to his house by many Popes , Emperors , Kings and Princes , with the Key of gold given by Massiminian the first , Emperor , to the said Count Giacomo his Ancestors , he likewise preserves many Antient and notable Seals of his Ancestors , wherewith they used to seal the privileges of those Counts , Knights , Doctors , and Notaries which were created by them , together also with many other most incomparable excellencies both concerning his own Family and many others . Monsignior Giacomo Filippo Tomassini Bishop of Citta Nova , in the Street called Ponte de Tadi , hath his Palace restored and signalized by the Signor Paulo his Brother long since Doctor of Laws and the first Advocate of his Age in his Countrey lately deceased with a universal sorrow . This Signor is generally esteemed for a most virtuous person , a Philosopher , a Divine , an Astrologer , an Historian , and a Humanist , in all which he hath justified his Judgment by those most Elegant Books he hath wrote upon all these subjects , so much approved by the Virtuous : His Study excels no less in Books , Pictures , Medals and other things of valew , Than in the signal Library of the works of the Lawes left him by his said Brother . The Signor Conte Giovanni de Lazara , Knight of the Order of Saint Stephen , Son to the Signor Conte Nicolo Knight of the same Order , hath no less honoured his Country by his Nobility and Virtue , than for his eminency in the knowlege of the Antiquities of it , and many other Countreys : whereto he hath added a Collection of divers manuscripts of great esteem , as also a good quantity of Medals and other things of price , among which the antient Seal of the Padouan Republick ( whereof Scardevone in the 12 folio takes notice ) is greatly valued : Besides on one side of his Palace ( which is one of the fairest of the City ) he hath drawn a Border whereon are set the Pourtraies of many Lords and Princes the Predecessors , and Parents of his Family . The Signor Sartorio Orsato Doctor in Philosophy and Physick , Son of the Signor Orsato Knight of Saint Mark , an eminent Subject in his Countrey , is a young Student not less read and expert in Philosophy and Physick than in History , Humanity , and Antiquities , and in his brave house in the Street of Saint Francesco , hath made a Collection of the best Books and squares , with a good number of Medals , Marbles , brass pieces and other singularities of great Price : who having composed several works both in Prose and verse , as well in the Latine as Italian Language , to add to the fame and beauty of this his house , collects all the Antiquities of Marble Stone that can be sound and obtayned in this Countrey . The Signor Francesco Orsato his Parent or Ally having his handsom structure near the Piazza Forzate , is a Gentleman virtuous and of no less noble Spirit , skilfull in the Mathematicks , in Maretine Affaires , History , and Horsmanship , and hath amplified a Study with Books , Tablets , Medals , Marbles , and Brass pieces , and other valuable and Antique Curiosities : Besides which in his Hall is drawn round a Frise , whereto are hung large Tablets made by the chief Lymners of this Age , with the Histories of the several illustrious Women in the holy Scripture mentioned . The Signor Giovanni Galvano Doctor of Lawes , Reader in the studies , and an excellent Disputant , is meritoriously at this time created Protector of the famous Nation of the Germans , being elected to that degree not so much for his singular Vertue and Intelligence in his profession of the Law , and defence in Criminal causes , as for his knowlege in Languages , Humanity , History & other the most worthy Studies , as appears by the most learned compositions made by him , which demonstrate his great Wisdome ; which also clearly appears by his skill in Antiquities , and in the Collections made by him of Books , Tablets , Marbles , brass pieces and other rare and exquisite things , wherewith in abundance he hath no less beautified his most signal Study , than with his Collection of antient Medals , both of Gold and Silver , and other singular Metals of great valew , in the knowlege whereof most Men of this Age will yeeld him a Precedency . The Signor Alessandro Estè a most worthy Patriot , and much honoured in his Countrey , hath in his house likewise near Santa Margarita got together a notable quantity of Medals and antient Seals , and other rare and estimable curiosities . With which we will end our account of the excellencies of private Houses . In the next place are presented to our view and admiration seaven marvellous things which are Temporal , and seaven that are Ecclesiastick , besides many others : For the first seaven are named il Pallazzo della Ragione or Hall of Justice , the Publick Schools , the Palace of Foscari alla Arena , the Court or Palace of the Chieftain , the Castle for the Munition , the Ponte or Bridge Molino and Il Pratto della valle or Meadow ; And for the Ecclesiastick these Churches , Il Domo , il Santo , Santa Justina , Santo Agostino , Li Carmini , Li Heremitani , and San Francesco . In the Palazza della Ragione or Hall of Justice abovenamed are standing fair Antiquities , among others is one of that immortal Treasure of History and Antiquity , Livie : in whose ever-living memory on that side of this Hall towards the West , is erected a Sepulchre or Monument with this old inscription or epitaph added thereunto . V. F. T. LIVIUS LIVIAE . T. F. QUARTAE L. HALTS CONCORDIALIS PATAVI SIBI ET SUIS OMNIBUS . Titus Livius 4o. Imperii Tib. Caesaris ano. vita excessit , aetatis vero suae , LXXVI . and not far distant from thence stands his Image . On the right hand of which is erected another Monument with an Image made of the whitest Marble of Sperone , Speroni , a man of an elevated Ingenuity , as may be known by his works , whichfor the most part he hath writ in the Italian tongue , with this Inscription following . Sperono Speronio sapientissimo , eloquentissimoque , optimo & viro , & civi , Virtutem , meritaque acta vitasapientiam , eloquentiam declarant scripta . Publico decreto . Urbis quatuor viri 1589. & Urbis 2712. Over every Dore of this great Hall ( whereof it hath four ) is a remembrance of those four most famous men who for their Birth challenge this City , and for their virtue have no less Illustrated this their Countrey than Italy it self with the whole Universe . The one is of the abovenamed and not to be too much honoured Titus Livius , the words whereof follow . T. Livius Pat. Historiarum Lat. nominis facilè princeps , & cujus Lacteam eloquentiam aetas illa , quae virtute pariter , ac eruditione florebat , adeo admirata est , ut multi Romam non ut Urbem rerum pulcherrimam , aut Urbis , & Orbis Dominum Octavianum , sed ut●…hunc Unum inviserent , audirentque , a Gadibus profecti sint . Hic res omnes , quas Pop. Rom. pace belloque gessit quatuordecim Decadibus mirabili felicitate complexus , sibi , ac patriae gloriam peperit sempiternam . Over another Dore. Paulus Pat. I. C. clarissimus , hujus Urbis Decus aeternum , Alex. Mammeae temp . floruit , Ad Praeturam , Praefecturam , Consulatumque evectus . Cujusque sapientiam tanti fecit Justinianus Imperator , ut nulla civilis Juris particula hujus legibus non decoretur . Qui splendore famae immortalis oculis posteritatis admirand . Insigni imagine hic merito decoratur . Over the third Dore. Petrus apponus Pat. Philosophiae , Medicinaeque scientissimus . Ob idque Conciliatoris cognomen adeptus . Astrologiae vero adeo peritus , ut in Magiae suspicionem inciderit , falsoque de Haerisi postulatus , absolutus fuit . Over the last Dore. Albertus Pat. Heremitanae Religionis Splendor , continentissimae vitae , sumpta Parisiis Insula Magistrali , in Theologia tantum profecit , ut Paulum , Mosen , Evangelia , ac libros Sanctorum laudatissimè exposuerit . Facundissimus ea aetate concionator . Immortali memoriae optimo jure datur . There is also in this Palace a Marble engraven after this manner . Inclyto Alphonso Aragonum Regi , Studiorum Authori , Reipub. Venetae foederato , Antonio Panormita Legato suo orante , et Matthaeo Victurio hujus Urbis Praetore constantissimo intercedente , ex historiarum Parente , & T. Liv. ossibus , quae hoc tumulo conduntur , Brachium Patavin . cives in munus concessere 1451. To conclude with this Palace or Hall of Justice , if considered as an upper Room , t is the fairest and most spacious of Christendome , of which there is no part but hath some Astronomical secret ; t is convered with Lead , and round about goes a stately corridor of Marble . Near the abovenamed Palace stand the Schools for all Learning ; which is the second Marvel , not only of Padoua but of Europe , within is a square Court , the building two stories high one over another , sustained with most fair Pillars ; and round about in every corner are the Arms of all such as have been Consuls or Protectors in that University ; some in colours only , some in colours and stone , with their Country , name , and yeer set up , at the Venetians charge , to make famous this Nursery of Learning . The Anatomick Theater erected in those Schools stands above , and is most neatly contrived , and most commodious both for the Professor & the Spectators . This University of Padoua is as it were the Market place of Learning ( and much approaches the Academy of Athens ) To this place from all parts of the World throng the most eminent in all the liberal sciences , and no small number of the Nobles as Scholars , not only from all parts of Italy and its neighbouring Provinces , but from the farthest parts of the World. In this City are ten Colleges , where are allowed honourable Pensions to many Scholars . The first College stands in the Street Santo called Prattense , deriveing its name from its Founder Pileo Conte di Prata , Cardinal , and Bishop of Padoua , in which are appointed 20 Scholars , Padouans , Venetians , Trivisans , and Furlans , with a Prior or Governor , who heretofore kept a Coach : The Scholars pensions were 20 Crowns per Moneth and more , but the Merchants Banke of Venice ( who usually payed them ) being of late lessened , at present , besides their Lodging and Service , they have but ten Crowns by the yeer . The Cardinal committed the Government thereof to Francesco Zabarella his Nephew , and after his death to the most antient of his house , and of that of the Family di Leone , recommending it also to the care and overseeing of the successive Bishops of Padoua , and to the Prior of the College of the Professors of the Laws . The second called Spinello à Ponte Corvo instituted by Belforte Spinello of Naples , is governedby the Priors of the Masters of Art , & by the most Antient of the house of Doctors , where are maintained four Scholars Masters of Arts for five yeers , two Padouans , one Trevisan , and another Stranger , each of whose allowance is twenty five Duckats by the yeer . The third named da Rio built in the street so called , and instituted by that Family , consists of 4 Scholars Masters of Arts , approved by the most antient of that family , their stay is permitted for 7 yeers , their allowance is , Lodging Rooms , Bread and Wine , with twelve Duckats , and they ought to be of Padoua or its Territories . The Fourth called del Campione situated in the borgo di Vignal is for nine Scholars in the Arts : two Padouans , two Trivisans , two Farraresians , two French men , and one other Foreiner , and for seaven yeers , they are allowed Wheat , Wine , Wood , Service , Lodging , and some moneys . The Patrone or Master is the Abbot of Saint Ciprian of Muran . The fifth named Santa Cantarina is submitted to certain Noble Venetians , and hath for Scholars in the Arts. 16 who have Corn , Wine , Money , Salt , Lodgings , and Service allowed in a handsome proportion for seaven years . The sixth dedicated to Santa Lucia by the Brescians conteyns 6 Scholars in the sciences chosen by the Communalty of Brescia , their allowance is 25 Duckats a peece with their Lodging and service defrayed . The seaventh called Feltrino founded in the Street Santo , is governed by the nobles of the family of Altini in feltre , the continuance of the Scholars ( who must be students in the Laws ) is seaven yeers , their number is but two Scholars and one-Artist , they have for allowance a quantity of Wheat being 16 measures for each , and 10 Mastellaes of Wine with their Lodgings . The eighth built in the Street San Leonardo named del Ravenna , is put under the tuition of Piavano di S. Giulano di Venetia , & the Scholars have Lodging Rooms , Services , and one Duckat allowed by the yeer for each . The ninth in the Viginali called Cocho is for Six Noble Venetians , each ones allowance , being Lodging , Service , and 40 Duckats yeerly . The tenth called Amulio , near the Pratto della vallae , is for 12 Scholars Noble Venetians , founded by Marco Antonio Amulio Cardinal , and every Scholar is allowed , Lodging Rooms , his services are payed , and six Duckats by the year . The third notable and marvellous Temporal Rarity of Padoua is the Piazza or place caled the Arena , which is a noble Court , round about which stands the old Arches , and Vestigia of a proud Theatre , which by the antients was called Naumachia , but of later yeers they use it to run a Tilt , and for all manner of horsemanship , with many other games ; the Ladies standing to behold them in the open Casements of that proud Palace , which stands at the head of the Court in a Lunary form , the Arena or Court being Oval . Backwards towards the Wall are gardens filled with Vines and pretious Fruits , as , also on that side which is towards the Church of the Hermits with a small Chapel dedicated to the holy Virgin , which is also a Priorate of the house of Foscarie and belonging to that serene Family of Venice . The fourth marvellous object is the Court of the Captain or Governour of the City , where the Proud Palace of the said Praefect , the Chamberlains and many other Citizens habitations , besides the dwelling of a world of other People are so contrived that it may not improperly be called a little Cittadel : This was the Kingly house of the Carraresi , Its Chambers may truly be said to be built for Princes , with two halls which for their Largeness and Nobleness could not be built for other ; the one is Called the Hall of Giants , wherein stands the publick Library : here are pourtrayed the most eminent Subjects of the Roman Republick , & of the World , with a representation of their most famous Acts , by the hand of Gualterio a most eminent Lymner , with their Elegies under each figure , heretofore composed by the most virtuous Giovanni di Cavazzi a gentlemā of Padoua , and inscribed in a signal Character by Pietro Francesco Pucivigiano called the Moor : The Books conteyned in the said Library are most excellent and in great abundance ; The signor Gio Battista Salvatico , Doctor , Knight , and a Gentleman of Padoua bequeathed to it , by his Testament , his Collection of the Books of the Laws of a great valew . The signor Giacomo Caino a Gentleman of Furlan Doctor and Reader in the College hath likewise given to it the Library of Pompeo Cacino a Physician his Uncle , of no less esteem ; The signor Conte Giacomo Zabarella hath added to it a brave quantity of Manuscripts , some writ in parchment , others in paper bound in Leather Lymned with Vermillion and Gold rarely and exquisitely : some whereof were never Printed , amongst which are the workes of Cardinal Zabarella , of the Count Giacomo Zabarella his Grandfather of Philosophy ; of the Count Francesco his Father , which are in rime and prose in the Tuscan Tongue very learned , and treating of many subjects concerning his own Family : Therein also are the Works of Cesare Cremonio the Philosopher , and many other bought at the Publick cost , and others added there by the Signor Ottavio Ferrari a Gentleman of Milan Reader of Humanity in the Schools , and the publick Library Keeper , which Library is every day so increased by the Nobility and others , that t is well hoped within a little time t will arrive to the Reputation of the richest and most famous in the World. The fifth wonder is the Castle for the Munition above named near the Church of Saint Agostino , which was built by the Tyrant Eccellilino for his safeguard , wherein he slew so many Noble Padouans , that he had almost destroyed the whole City : herein are the publick Granaries to maintain plenty in the City , and all sorts of Ammunition for its defence in time of need . The sixth admirable thing is the Ponte Molino ; so called from the thirty wheels of Mills there erected ( a most signal Object ) and the five Arches of flint Stone ; near which stands a Palace in manner of a Fortress built with those very Large squared & wrought Stones which were brought from the other ruinated Palaces and Forts by Eccellino the Tyrant , with a Fort and most fayr Tower , in the yeer 1250 And is now possessed by the Count Giacomo Zabarella , as is above said . The seventh wonderfull Object of Padoua is il Prato della , valle a Meadow so ample that t would alone contain a great City : It was antiently called Campo Marzo , the field of Mars , from the Martial exercises there used , and in this place were many Saints beheaded by the Pagans , to such a number that they are wont to say that part which is compassed by Water was emplastered with the blood of those Martyrs : Here every first Saturday of the Moneth is held a free Fayr or Market of all sorts of Cattel and other Creatures , and at the Feast of Saint Antonio is a famous Fayr there , which although it happens in the hottest Weather , being there kept for fifteen days in the midest of June , and that there are then many thousands of Creatures , yet there is never seen a Fly to molest them . If to these might be added an eighth Wonder , we would name the Vineyard or Garden of the Knight Bonifacio Papa fava , situate in the Street called Vanzo , where besides a most fair and adorned Palace , you beholds many statues of excellent workmanship , and infinite numbers of Cittron and Orange Trees , which forme lovely walks to the Passengers , for beautifying whereof , of those Trees are framed Arches and Prospects to delight the eye ; to whose confines is conjoyned a full stream of water brought from the main River by a curious Aqueduct , which being confined to one Gate under the Wall , gives at its utterance a sweet murmur , and with its clear gurgling on every side washes the Foot of the Palace : And the flowry bankes within which the said Rivolet is contained renders the Palace as it were in an Island of so specious delights and pleasant Savours , that what is added by Art to that of Nature may well cause it to be termed the eighth wonder . Hither flock for their Pastime the Ladies and Gallants of Padoua , inviteing with them also the Foreiners with their Musick and other Pastimes , where ( in the hottest Weather ) the shade of the Trees , the Ampleness of the Walks , the pleasantness of the Waters , and the beauty of the site add ( to their other joys and delights ) a fresh Ayr. And although these beauties shew themselves in perfection , yet that magnanimous Cavalier never ceases to illustrate it ( to his no small costs ) with greater delights ; and by this and his other Gallantries shewes himself to be born of that Family which for its Greatness and Dominion was no less formidable in Italy , than renowned in Europe . At this present resides here , this Noble Person with his Brother Scipio Papafava , Knight of the great Cross of the Order of Hierusalem , Prior of Messina , and the most worthy Primate of the whole Kingdome of Sicilia , together with the virtuous Roberto Son of the above named Cavalier Bonifacio , young in yeers , but his conditions a●…d practices may challenge the ripest Age , who is the Comendatory Abbot of Sebinico , being Doctor of Philosophy , of Divinity & of the Laws , a true Splendor to his Country and Family , being conversant in the Greek , Latine , and Hebrew Tongues , and well known in the Mathematicks , as was testified by the singular experiments of his Ingenuity some Moneths since . There flourishes likewise of this Noble Family at this time a numerous company of Cavaliers and great Subjects , who degrade not from their most famous and Antient Progenitors , of whom to speak but little will diminish from their Fame , and much is not opportune in this place : for their Ordinary dwelling , these Signors have a Palace in the Street San Francesco Maggiore , where they have Coppies of exquisite Books in all the Professions , left them by Monsignor Ubertino Papafava Bishop of Adria , Brother of Bonifacio , besides many antient Manuscripts and Authors not yet printed , which relate the Histories of this Family also the old coyning Press of the Carraresian Princes , with other pretious monuments of this House , preserved in the Chamber of Rowles of the said Palace , which may be termed the most large and worth seeing of this City . And now we come to the Spiritual wonders and Churches of Padoua , whereof the first is the Domo or Cathedral Church , situate ( near ) in the midst of the City . The Padouans were converted to the Christian Faith , by the predication of Saint Prosdocimo their first Bishopp authorized by Saint Peter , who ( among others ) baptized Vitaliono the Chief Man in this City , who therefore built the Church of Saint Soffia . Henry the fourth Emperor enriched this Cathedral , giving to it twenty seaven rich Canonicats , of so good a revenew that they may be styled so many Bishops ; among which are four dignities , that is to say , Arch - priest , Arch. Deacon , The Person that hath charge of the wax , &c. And the Deacon ; there are twelve under Canons , six Custodi or Rectors , and six Mansonary or Houskeepers , and more than 60 other Persons and Clerks belonging to the Chapel , besides the Masters of Grammar and Musick ▪ with many excellent Singers , so that this Clergy exceeds a hundred Persons , and their Revenew above a hundred thousand Duckats by the yeer , which makes it the most noble and Rich of Italy : and therefore t is that the Bishop of Padoua is styled a little Pope , and his Canons with some reason the Cardinals of Lombardy , for that their Chapter is alwaies filled with the Nobility of Venice , Padoua , and other Cities , whereof so many have ascended to the Miter , and Hatt , that t is worthily called to this day the Seminary of Cardinals and great Prelates . In this Church ( not elsewhere as is pretended ) lyes enterred the Wife of Henry the fourth , whose name was Berta , as is proved by this antique Inscription . Praesulis , & Cleri praesenti praedia phano Donavit Regina jacens hoc marmore Berta Henrici ●…egis Patavi , celeberrima quarti Conjunx tam grandi dono memoranda per aevum . Under the Chorus within a rich Monument of Marble , lies the Body of Saint Daniel , one of the four Tutelars . Two great Cardinals repose in this Church , who were both Arch priests of the same , that is to say , Pileo de Pratta , and Francesco Zabarella , with other eminent Persons . Pileo Conti di Pratta a Citizen of Padona and of Furlan was for his vertue created Bishop of Padoua , and afterwards Cardinal of Saint Prassede by Pope Gregory the 11th . and Apostolick Legate . But in the yeer 1378. the Schism being risen between Urban the sixth his successor , and Clement the Antipope , he was deposed by Urban , after whose death Bonifacio the ninth suceeding , he was again created Cardinal with the Title of the Tusculan Bishop , and Apostolick Legate , and finally he dyed at Padoua , and was buried in this Church in a sublime and most noble Arch with this memorial . Pileus Pratta Card. Stirpe Comes Pratae , praeclarus origine , multis Dotibus insignis , seclo celeberrimus Orbe : Defunctus statuit sic suprema voluntas , Hac Cardinalis Pileus tumulatur in urna . And this Arch was heretofore in the Chapel of the Holyest , on the right side of the Chorus , but being necessitated to make the door of the greater Vestry in that place , it was removed out of that Chapel , and adjoyned to the nearest Wall in a worthy and eminent Place . Francesco Zabarella , a Philosopher , Divine , and a sublime Lawyer , was esteemed the Prince of the wise men of the World in his Age , and his works left behinde him prove his desert of that Title : He was a most Learned man in all the sciences , and of a most holy Life , for which reason the Florentines and Padouans offered him the Episcopal Dignity , and other Princes not a few eminent Degrees . At last Pope John the 22d . created him Arch-Bishop of Florence ; then Caidinal of SS . Cosmo , and Damiano , in the yeer 1411 : and after that Legate of the Apostolick Sea & , Praesident of the Council of Constanza ; where being earnestly desired and designed for Pope , he dyed in the 78rh . yeer of his Age , in Anno 1477. For whose Body ( transported into his Countrey ) was erected a most fayr Mauseole a rich Monument , where it reposeth to this day in the Chapel of the Blessed Virgin , on the left side of the Chorus , in an Arch of pure white Marble with this Memorial . Franc. Zabarellae Flor. Archepis . viro optimo , Urbi & Orbi gratissimo , Divini Humaniquè juris Interpreti praestantissimo , in Cardinalium Collegium Ob summam sapientiam cooptato , ac eorundem animis Pontifice prope maximo Io. 22. ejus suasu abdicato Ante Martinum V. ob singularem probitatem in Constant. Concilio . Joannes Jacobi viri Clarissimi silius id Monumentum ponendum eur avit . Vixit Annos LXXVIII . Obiit Costantiae 1417. This Chapel was called of SS . Pietro , and Paulo , and was acquired and endowed by Bartol . Zabarella Arch-bishop of Spalatro for the use and name of his Family ; who thence are Patrons of it and maintain therein two Chaplains ; afterwards it took the name of the Blessed Virgin , when the Noble Matron Antonia Zabarella Sister to the Cardinal bequeathed to it by her Will that most holy Image , which was found in her house , then placed over the Altar of this Chapel , which Tradition saith was painted by Saint Luke : which Robert King of Naples gave to Francesco Petrarcha , by whome t was transported to Padoua , and left to Giacomo the 2. of Carrara its Lord. After whose decease it came to Marsilio his second Son , who gave it in portion with Fiordilige his Daughter , Wife of Pietro Zabarella , then it came to the hands of the said Antonia , by whom with other gifts t was left to the Domo , and is that most holy Image which in their Processions they carry when they would obteyn in their greatest necessity the Divine Assistance by her Intercession . In this Chapel are other Epitaphs and Monuments , of the Noble Family of Zabarella , whose Original is known to proceed from the most Antient Sabatini , of Eolonia ; whose Ancestors came from the Cornelii , Scipioni of Rome ; of whom were the most glorious Scipio , ●…inna , and Sylla Princes of Rome ; with many other Heroes , besides the holy Popes Pio , Cornelio , and Silvestro , and the Emperours Balbino , Valeriano , Gallieno , Tacito , and Florian , Celso , two Satarnini and Avito , and many other Saints and eminent Persons , in Bolonia , of that Family were also the Saints , Hermete , Aggeo , & Caio Martyrs , il B. Sabatino Apostolo di S. Francesco , Sabatino Bishop of Genoua , Elector of Carlo Calvo Emperour , with many other grand Persons who have illustrated and governed that City : Also their house being setled in Padoua by Cal●…rio Sabbatino Count and Knight of Bolognia , his posterity were called Sabarini and Sabarelli , from whence arose the sirname Zabarella , of which Family besides the Cardinals abovenamed , there have been Bartol . Arch-Bishop of Spal . and Florence , who dyed a designed Cardinal ; Paolo Bishop Argolicence ; and Arch-Bishop Parience , Orlando and Lorenzo , who dyed with the name of Blessed Bishops , the first of Adria , the second of Ascoli ; five Arch-Priests and seaven Canons of Padoua , many Doctors , most famous Readers of the University in all Ages , famous Counts and Knights , many valorous Captains , as , Andrea General of the Polentani , and Andrea the second , General of the Church , Giacoma the first made Count and Knight of the Dragon by Sigismond the Emperor , was by the Popes John the 22d . Martin the 5th . and Eugenius the 4th . constituted Governor of divers Cities , Senator of Rome , and called by a Bull , Apostolick Baron . Bartol the second , Doctor , Knight , and Praetor of divers Cities , Praefect of Florence and Roman Senator , who as also Giacopo the second Counsellor and Knight of the Golden Key were by Massin . the second Emperour created Counts , and Knights , to them and to the eldest Sons of their posterity for ever ; which was afterwards confirmed to Giulio his Son by Ferdinand the second , Father of Giacopo the third Zabarella the Philosopher ; of such grand Fame were these persons ; and these great men were known to be of this Family besides many others eminent both ln Letters and Arms. But having mentioned two Padouan Cardinals , it seems convenient to me to give some account of the rest , since they have adorned this their Country with such a dignity . Simone Paltanico was the first Padouan Cardinal , who being a person of great Knowledge , and the highest virtue , merited from Pope Urban the 4th . to be created Cardinal of S. Steffano & Martino in the yeer 1261 and afterwards Apostolick Legate . He dyed in the yeer 1276. His Family is extinct in Padoua , but in honour at Vicenza under the Noble sirname of Counts of Poiana . Pileo de Pratta was the second Padouan Cardinal , as is aboves●…id of this House are the Counts of Portid in Friuli . Bonaventura Bado●…ro of the Counts of Peraga , was a man of great Wisedom and goodness , and being a Hermitan Monk , he read Philosophy and Divinlty in his Schools ; who after the other degrees ascended to the Generalship , and thence by Pope Urban the 6th . in the yeer 1384. was created Cardinal of S. Cicilia , and deceased five yeers after . Of this House are the Badoeri , Noble men of Venice , and the Padoeri of Padoua . Bartolomeo Oliar io the Minikin , a famous Philosopher and Divine , was by the Florentines elected for their Pastor . after which by Pope Boniface the ninth he was called to the Cardinalship of S. Prudentiana in the yeer 1389. and deceased 7 yeers after . Francesco Zabarella , was the 5th . Padouan Cardinal and Arch-Bishop of Florence , as before is related . Lodavico Mezarota being a Philosopher and a Physician , deserted that his profession , and put himself under the command of Giovanni Vitelli General for the holy Church ; and behaving himself well therein ascended from one degree unto another , till in the end ( after Vitelli his death ) he was constituted his successor , and Patriark of Aquileia : wherein he made such progress as is not to be imagined ; let it suffice that he restored the Church to its Liberty , and delivered the Florentines and Italy , for which his Noble deeds he was by Pope Eugenius the 4th made Cardinal of S. Lorenzo , then Bishop of Albany , and Chancellor of the holy Church , he dyed in the yeer 1465 : at this day is his Family extinct . And besides these there were others of this City intended for Cardinals , who being overtaken by death could not possess that dignity , as Gabriel Capodelista , Aquensian Arch-Bishop was defigned Cardinal by Pope Clement the 5th , in 1304. Bartol . Zabarella Arch-Bishop of Florence , having been Apostolick Legate in Germany , France , and Spain , for weighty affairs , with the happy success of his Labours , and the great satisfaction of Pope Eugenius the 4th . was by him designed Cardinal , but upon his return , an indisposition seised him and deprived him of Life in Sutry , being but forty seaven yeers old , in Anno nostrae salutis 1445. Francesco Lignamineo Bishop of Ferrara and Apostolick Legate was by Pope Engenius the 9th . designed Cardinal , but he was prevented by his death in the yeer 1412. Antonio Giannotti a famous Lawyer , Bishop of Forli , and Arch-Bishop of Urbin , was Vice Legate in France and Bologna , where he dyed at his 65th . yeer , being then by Pope Clement the 8th . designed Cardinal Anno 1591. In the Palace of the Bishop these things are worth a sight , The most ample diocess of Padoua , drawn in a large square by Marco Cornaro Bishop of Padoua a Prelate worthy of eternal memory , and a great Hall where to the life ( as is believed ) are drawn the Pictures of 112 B●…shops of this most antient and Noble City . The Church of Saint Antonio of Lisbone merits the second Place amongst Padoua's fair Churches , as well for the design and artifice , as for the pretiousness of the Marbles and other Ornaments . The Roof of this Temple is distinguished into six marvellous Chapels covered with Lead . First must be seen the Royal Chapel of this Saint , adorned with the finest Marbles , and 12 Noble Collumns , in the nine spaces of which Columns between the one and tother , are engraven his Miracles by the most rare Sculptors of that Age , so well that it renders the spectators stupified . In the midst of which Chapel ari●…es the Altar of this Saint , and within it lies entered his body . Upon this altar stand seaven Figures of Brass of a just proportion , wrought by Tytian Aspetti , the excellent sculptor of Padoua , Its Roof is adorned with the fairest Frets and figures made of pargetting stuff guilt richly , and its Pavement exactly composed with Marble and Porphyry ●…heckerwise . This Saint having lived 36 yeers dyed the 13th of June 1231 , and was canonized by Gregory the 9th . in the City of Spoleto , in the yeer 1237. On which day in Padoua they go in procession carrying his Tongue in a little woodenBoul with great solemnity and superstition ; which is accompanyed with all the Fryers of Saint Francis , that is to say , by the Conventuals Capucines , and those that go uppon woodden Pattens called Zoccolani , and with all the Doctors of the Colleges , as well of the Laws , and Physick , as those of Divinity and Philosophy ; wherewith they also carry all the Vessels of Silver and other pretious things bestowed upon this their Saint , as also an infinite number of their holy Reliques preserved in curious Vessels : Among which are the Figures of ten Saints of pure Silver , 16 rich Chalices , 50 Vessels , 3 whereof are to contayn their Eucharist , many Silver Candlesticks , Lampades , Censores , and 50 Sylver Votaries or pieces dedicated by the vowes of several persons , which are as big as a small Child . Likewise a Shipp furnished with Masts , Sayls and Shrouds , together with a model of the City of Padoua both being neatly cast in Silver . In a fayr Reliquiary they preserve the Tongue of the glorious Saint Anthonio and in another his under Chap. In others all of Silver guilt framed with most exact workemanshipp , they keep a cloth dipped in the pretious blood ( as they say ) of our Saviour Jesus ▪ Christ ; three thornes of his Crown ; some of the wood of his Cross ; of the hairs and milk of the blessed Virgin ; some of the Blood issuing out of the five wounds given Saint Francesoo ; and many of the Bones and other rare reliques of infinite of their Saints , as may be seen in the Treatise published by Count Giacomo Zabarella Praesident and Treasurer of the Venerable Tombe of the glorious Saint Antonio : Who ( befides the revenue of the Convent wherewith the Fathers are maintein ed ) possesseth a great Revenue , together with much Silver and other pretious househouldstuff , all bestowed upon that Saint by Princes , and private Persons , which Wealth is governed by seaven Presidents , vulgarly called the Signori all' Archa di San Antonio ; three Ecclesiasticks and 4 Seculars , with a Casheer , who receives the Revenues , and pays the Musicians and other disbursements , which Officers are elected every yeer , and every Six Moneths two of them change . In the Convent is a fayr publick Library , much amplified by the reverend Father Francesco Zanotti , an eminent Person of Padoua , who alwaies governed his Convent with great prudence as Guardian , and his Religious Order whereof he was Provincial : whereto the most reverend Father Michael Angelo Maniere Guardian and Provincial also hath added his Industry with great success and evidence of his Prudence , Virtue and Goodness ; both whose good Actions have given ●… great Splendour to the Fame of this most Noble Convent . Near to this said Library is another Room wherein are kept the rare collections of Count Giacomo Zabarella , given to the said Saint ; which consists of many excellent Books and Manuscripts , and all the Histories ( in being ) of Padoua , Venice and other Cities which no where else are to be found , also of Medals , Marbles , brass Pieces and other notable Antiquities , with the Golden Key , and all his workes , all which being before fully related , are here abbreviated to avoid Prolixity . Opposite to the Altar of Saint Antonio is the Chapel of Saint Felix the Pope of like grandezza : where also repose his Bones ; ●…ound about which are hung Pictures excellently wrought by Giotto , wherof Daute , Boccacio and other writers take particular notice : In it are the Tombes of the Signori Rossi and Lupi Marqueses of Soragna ; and next the Chapel of Saint Antonio , with which it ▪ maintains like Grandure and Fame , it is the most eminent of all ; the greater Altar whereof is richly carved in Marble , and hath on the right side a Candlestick of a very great heighth , and wrought with many Figures , & over against it an artificial Chorus adorned with lovely Figures carved in wood : In this Church likewise are the Sepulchers of Fulgosio of Marin , and Ascanio Zabarella , the first famous in Letters , the second in Arms ; which are erected in the Chapel of Saint Catherine appertaining to their Family ; in another Tombe lies buried Andrea Zabarella with Montisia Polenta his Wife , Daughter of Bernardino Signor of Ravenna , with many other eminent persons , which would take up too much room and time to specifie . Before the said Church stands a noble Statue of Brass cast by Donato Fiorentino , and presented to the State of Venice , in memory of the Valour of Gattamelata da Narni , who was Captain General of their Armies : whose effigies is there erected on Horseback , and whose body with that of his Sons ly buried in the Chapel of Saint Francis with two fayr Epitaphs inscribed over them . The third ecclesiastick excellency of Padoua , is the sumptuous and ample Church of Saint Justina , where are kept with great devotion the bodies of Saint Luke the Evangelist ; Saint Matthias the Apostle , of the Innocents , of Saint Prosdocimo first Bishop of this City and Province , of Santa Giustina the Virgin Martyr , of Giulian of Massimo second Bishop of Padoua , of Urio the Consessor , of Felicita the Virgin , Arnaldo the Abbot ; together with an infininte number of Reliques , which they preserved ina most Antient Cemetery called in those days the Pit of Martyrs : there also stands a speckled stone , upon which certain Martyrs were beheaded , another stone whereon San Prosdocimo celebrated divine service : Herein likewise they conserve the Tablet of the blessed Virgin paynted by Saint Luke , and with great devotion brought from Constantinople by the blessed Urio . It s Chorus which compasseth the high Altar round , is made all of Walnut Tree , and upon it engraven by Richardo Francesco the History of the Old and New Testament . It hath much Silver Utensils and pretious vests ; to say no more , this Chapel for its structure and beauty , is an incomparable piece ; And not a little illustrated by that proud aod wealthy Monastery of Saint Justine now contiguous with it , which for its sumptuousness , Grandure , and Riches , may be reckoned one of the Fairest of Italy . On the Walls of the Cloysters amongst the Legend stories designed , they have inserted hundreds of old inscriptions , with the draughts of old stones and pieces of Urns dug up when the foundation of the Convent was first Layed . It hath for revenue 100000. Crowns yeerly . It keeps an Abbot with many Fryers of Saint Benedict ; And here began the Reformation of that Order , about two hundred yeers since . The fourth signal , is the Church of Saint Augufiino , of the Fathers Dominicans : which was first a Temple of Juno , wherein the Antient Padouans dedicated the spoils of Cleonimus the Spartan , as saith T. Livie . Thence it became the Particular Chapel of the Carraresi , who there fixed the Sepulchers for their Family . Where also are the Monuments of Marieta , Mother of James King of Ciprus , and F. Carlota his Daughter , with many Memorials of other Grand Persons , as well of this City as Strangers ; and in particular of Pietro da Abano , near the great Door . It hath a Stately Convent with a fayr Library , where are the Pictures of the chief Fathers of that Order . The fifth Marvel is the Church of the Carmelites , famous for its vast height , and grandure , with one only Arch , and a most high Cupulo ; Its Chapels are all of one resemblance , and in great perfection : Herein they keep an Image of the blessed Virgin , who , as they say , showrs down her continued favours upon those that devoutly by her intercession pray for them to God Almighty . In this Church are certain Monuments of the Naldi , Famous Captains , and many other Noble Families of Padoua . The Sixth Ecclesiastick wonder , is the Church of Eremitani , wherein lies buried Marco Mantoua , the famous Doctor of Lawes . Here are the Chapels of the Cortellieri , painted by Giusto an antient Lymner , and of the Zabarella , by the hand of Montegna . The seventh is the Church of Saint Francesco , wherein are the Tombes of Bartolomeo Cavalcante , Jeronimo Cagnolo an excellent Doctor , and of Longolio whereon Bembo composed the ensuing Verses . Te Juvenem rapuere Deae fatalia nentes Stamina , cum scirent moriturum tempore nullo Longolio , tibi si canos , seniumque dedissent . In the Church de'Servi , is enterred Paolo de Castro ; and near the Church of San Lorenzo stands a pure Marble Chest , erected upon four Columns which is concluded to be the Noble Heroe Antenors Tombe , from this Epitaph engraven upon it in old Characters . Inclitus Antenor patriam vox nisa quietem Transtulit huc Henetum , Dardanidumqne fugas , Expulit Euganeos , Patavinam condidit Urbem . Qu em tenet hic humili mar more caesa domus . In the Church of the Capucines , lyes buried Cardinal Commendone . The Chief Families of Padoua , and Cavaliers are Alvorati , Marquess of Falcino , a City of the County of Bolzonella ; Lazara Count of Paludo ; Leoni Count of Sanguineto ; Obizzi Marquess of Orgiano ; Zabarella Count of Credazza ; Buzzacarini Capidilista , Conti , Datti , Papafava , S. Bonifacii , and besides those aforenamed , these following , viz. Ascanio Pediano the Oratour ; Aruntio Stella ; Uallerto Flacco ; Uolusio Poeta ; Jacomo Zabarella a most worthy Philosopher ; with many others both valiant and Learned who have much added to the renown of this City . Between the Church del Santo and that of San Giustina , lies the Physick Garden filled with simples , and planted iu the yeer 1546. at the cost of the Students in Physick and Philosophy , to the end they might the more commodiously search into the nature & vertue of every Medicinal Herb : The chief care and custody of this Garden , is alwayes committed to some excellent Doctor in Physick , who Reads to the Students , the names and nature of every Simple ; in the latter times Melchior Guillandino , Giacomo Antonio Cortuso , and Prospero Alpino , three excelling Persons underwent this charge , but at present t is in the hands of the learned Giovanni Vestlinghi●… , or Westlingius , a Knight and Anatomy ▪ Reader in the University . A man allowed so great an esteem for his excellent knowlege , that he was become the Admiration of this Age , when I was in honour of Italy , In whom a worthy and Noble Person of our Nation , being casually at Padoua , at the proceeding of certain English , to the Degrees of Doctors , and having been an Auditor at some of his Lectures , composed these ensuing Verses upon the Anatomy . Learned Westlingius , had we but the Art , To tell the Treasures of the nobler part ; And could the Soul's high powers describe as well , As you , the Palace where that Queen does dwell ; In her Anatomy my Muse might finde , Praises proportion'd to your knowing minde ; To whose great art and industry we owe That all the wonders of our Frame we know : For not the inventory , we alone Of every Nerve , Vein , Artery , and Bone , Receive from thence , ●…t are instructed too What the wise Maker has design'd them to : The great importance of the s●…ndrest string , And use of every ( seeming useless ) thing : As if our first Creator you had seen , Or had of Counsel with Prometheus been , That all the Plagues which his rash Brother threw On wretched Man , might have their Cure from you . Ten miles out of Padoua , towards the Port of Malomocco , stands the Castle Pieve de Sacco , from which the Bishop of Padoua takes his Title of Count , a little beyond that , stands Polverara where are bred the largest foul , as Cocks and Hens , of all Italy . Near which begins the Sholes or Gulph of Venice , between which appears the most antient now deserted Cit●…y of Adria which formerly gave the name of Mare Adriaticum , to the Sea now called the Golph of Venice . Towards the North stands the Castle di Campo San Piero , whence that Noble Family took its name and Original . Between Padoua and Bassano is built a Cit●…adel . Towards the West is the City Vicenza ▪ with the famous Mountains Euganei , so called in the Greek tongue , for their excessive deliciousness ; whence the Padouans extract great quantities of Medicinal herbs . Which Hils are neither part of the Alps , nor part of the Apenines , a thing scarce credible : than which Constantiue Paleologo said ( as Rodigino reports ) that besides the Terrestial Paradice t was not possible the World could afford a place more full of delights . At five miles distance from Padoua , are extant the Baths of Albano , where is to be admir'd the different kinds of Waters : how out of a vast high cavernous Rock arises two sources of Water not above 2 foot one from the other , of a perfect different nature ; the one whereof encrusts & converts into a hard white stone , not only the Banks by which it runs , but what ever els is cast into it , in creasing the saidc rustment of what is thrown in , according to the time t is left in it , and that which is more , it begets Stone of the same nature upon the wheel of a Mill which is turned by its stream , which every Moneth enforces the workemen to beat it off with Pickaxes that their Mill may not be hindred ; the Water hereof is never drunk by any creature , being held very hurtfull ; but the other Water runs upon a light Sand , is much more light in weight than the first , and is divers times drank for sundty healthfull operatiōs : the people have dug the Earth in parts round the said Hill , and have found Sulphure , about the middle part , and at the root of them having dug towards the East and South parts they have found Salt. Abano at this day is nothing so much inhabited as we ought to believe it was heretofore ; by reason that upon any digging they often find underground , many Reliques of Antiquity ; some also will have it that here they spun the finest Linnen Cloth. On the other side of Abano stands the sumptuous and rich Monastery of Praia , with the black Monks of Saint Renedict : and near it the Church of Santa Maria di Monte Ortone . Approaching whereunto is the Convent of the Fryars Ermitans of Saint Augustine , called Scalci , or without Shoos in which are sources of boyling water , and mud , excellent for pains and shrunk sinews : though the difficulty with which they are come at , renders them of less common use than they would be , for they are a vast way in the Earth , and in small quantities too : but they are of a white colour , and stiff as well wrought clay ; not black and dirty as those which are commonly gotten out of the adjacent Montagnone . They pass from Padoua to Estè upon the River , and upon the way espy the noble Castle of Monselice , ( environed with most pleasant Hills ) also the foundations of a ruinated fortress , where they gather infinite numbers of Vipers , for the composing of that so much famed Venice Treacle : On the left side whereof is the Hill Arquato Contrada , much spoken of in memory of Franc ▪ Petrarca , whose habitation being long there , at length he gave up the Ghost , and was there honourably interred in a sepulchre of Marble , with this Epitaph enscribed , which himself made , as followes . Frigida Francisci , lapis hic , tegt ossa Petrarcae , Suscipe virgo Parens animam , sate Virgne parce , Fessaque jam terris , caeli requiescat in Arce . At this day also may be seen there his House , his Chair , and little Garden . Two miles distant from Arquato upon a little Hill , is Cataio , a large Town of the Signors Obici : thence they come to Battaglia a Parish near the River , seaven miles after which one arrives at Estè a noble Castle and antient : whence that Illustrious Family of Estè drew their Original . Whose Palace is transformed into a Monastery by the Dominican Fryers . From this Country they extract ( besides abundance of all other things for sustenance ) excellent Wines . It contains 100000 Souls , and the publick have 18000 Crowns of yeerly income . There they ascend the Mountain of Vende , where is a Monastery of the Fryers of Mount Oliveto , three miles whence stands another Mountain , where is the rich Abbacy and Monastery of the Fryers of Camaldol . Tenn miles beyond Estè is seated the noble Castle of Montagnana nothing inferiour to that of Estè neither in Riches nor Civility , where they much trade in Hemp. Eight miles farther is Lendinara , a very strong Castle & Town washed with the River Adice : but the Ayr is a little gross in the Winter time , it contayns 4000 Souls . Near which is the Castle Sanguienedo , in the Confines between the Venetians , and the Duke of Mantoua : where there is a fayr even way for eighteen miles length . Isuing out of the gate of Padoua called S. Croce , which leads to Ferrara , first you meet Conselve heretofore a Castle of the Signori Lazara , where stands the most delitious palace of the Count Nicholas of Lazara , a magnanimous and generous Knight , wherein Henry the third , King of France and Poland quartered : near it lies the Count Paludo , whence the said Signor derives his Lordship : t is a Country Noble and Fertile , is a Convent of the Fathers Hermitans founded by Giovanni de Lazara , Knight of S. Giacomo , and Lieutenant General of the Venetian Cavalrie in the yeer 1574. After which is met Anguillara , whereby the Adice passeth . Farther on they go to Rovigo , made a City by the Prince or Duke of Venice seated , 25 miles from Padoua and 18 from Ferara ; It was built out of the Ruines of Adria , whence t is not allocated above a mile ; t is hathed by an Arm of the Adice , where are erected noble dwellings , environed with a deep Ditch or Fosse , which in circuit are about a mile ; its Country is most Fertile , being compassed about with the 4 Rivers , The Poe , the Adice , the Tartaro , the Castagnaro . And so it borrowes the name of Polesine ( which signifies Peninsula , almost an Island ) from its length , and the circum volution of those Rivers . Many Illustrious Persons have added to the Glory of this their Countrey , as the Cardinal Roverella , Brusoneo the Poet , Celio , the Riccobuoni , and Gio Tomaso Minadoi a most learned Physician , who wrote the Persian History , with other famous men . It hath a Church dedicated to Saint Bellino , heretofore Bishop of Padoua , the Priests whereof with miraculous success restore to health such as are bit by mad Dogs , whom they as suddainly cure as indubitably , with a certain exorcism , which if malignity proceeded in a natural course of Physick , would not only require the best skill but length of time . Whosoever reads the 36th Ch. of the 6th . Book of Diosc. and those other Tractates writ on that infirmity , may comprehend how great this miracle is . Mathioli in the cited fol. of Diosc. owned the success , and willing to deduce it from some natural cause , saith , that possibly these Priests might intermix some medicinal herb or secret with that bread which they are wont to bless for Dog-bitten Mad Persons : but this may easily be answered , For this Church is governed by two poor Priests who many times desert it ; nor are they of a selected condition ; and t were strange if since the time of Saint Bellino to this day none should arrive therebut he must bring that medicinal secret with him ▪ Secondly they give but one little morcel of that blessed bread to a person , and it can scarce be imagined enough of the medicine should be conteyned in so small a parcel of Bread , for so wonderfully a dangerous disease . Thirdly the Nuns of Saint Fetro in Padoua , have an antient Key which was San Bellinoes , which Key heated ▪ and its sign made on the head of the mad Dogg ▪ he never after that is troubled with the least sign of madness ▪ Which being , t is necessarily conluded , and the Physicians must p●…r force confess , that t is a pure Miracle wrought by God at the intercession of San Bellino , who by the instigation of certain evil People , was torn in pieces by Doggs , and his glorious Corps layed up in the said Church of Polesene . Desiring to go to Ferrara , First they take the way Rosati , till they arrive at the Poe , which passing by Bark , they reach Francolino , a County some five miles from Ferrara . VICENZA . VIcenza is now seated in the Marca Trivigiana , or the Marquisate of Ireves , It was built ( according to Livie , Justine , and Paulo Diacono ) by the Galli Senoni , who fell down into Italy in the Reign of Tarquinius Priscus , in Rome , giving the name of Gallia Cisalpi●…a , to that part possessed by them : But Strabo , Pliny , and Polyb●…s will have it to be founded by the Antient Tuscans , and that it was one of the twelve Cities under their dominion , on this side of the Apenines , and that it was much encreased and amplified by the Galli Senones . When afterwards the Cities thereabouts performed good service for Omnipotent Rome , at the descent of other French men , in the yeer 366. into Italy , and at their Assayling of Rome , Vicenza being one of them , in recompence of their assistance so oportunely contributed , was created Municipal , a Free City : whence exercising their own Laws and Statutes they participated of the honours and dignities of Rome ; and thence t is we find so many of its Citizens in the Magistracy of that grand Republick , among others , Aulus Cecinna , the Consul , was General of the Army of Vitellius the Emperour , In whose honour ( because he so much surpassed the fame of an ordinary Citizen ) It will not be impertinent to place here this following antient inscription . A Caecinnae Felicis , Viteliani exercit . Imp. Ob Virtutem , & munus Gladi atorum apud se exhibitum Cremona . To it was allotted also the Title of Republick and City , as is to be seen in many antient Marble Stones up and down the Countrey , and t was assigned to the Tribe Menenia . It was under the protection of Brutus and Cicero , as appears in his familiar Epistles , and in this antient inscribed memorial : D. Bruto , & M. Tullio Viris in Senatu contra Vernas optimè de se meritis Viceut . All the time the Roman Empire continued in its Grandezza , it ever followed the victorious Eagle , which decaying , this also suf ▪ fered much Calamity , and underwent those mutations , which it and all the Cities of Italy gro●…ned under with miserable example : Not at all , nevertheless , declining from its antient Vigour and Reputation : Whence it was that the Longobardi held it very considerable , and assigned to it , It s own particular Dukes and Counts , Those Governours calling themselves by that Title , for that they continued for life , and to their Heirs masculines after them : Of one of whom Paolo Diacono makes a noble record in the life of Leon the Emperor , which was Peredeo Duke of Vicenza , who marched to Ravenna in assistance to the Pope , and there dyed fighting valiantly for his Holiness . This City was by Desiderio the last King of the Longobardi selected amongst all his , to place securely his Son Aldigerio , when himself was besiged in Pavia , by Charles the great ; but it avoided not its total destruction . The Reliques of its antient Theatre , which at this day demonstrate themselves in the Gardens of the Signori Pigafetta , and Gualdi ( wherein both the Kings of the Longobardi and those of France often sate to behold the publick shewes and Games ) And the fragments of the hot Bathes , with the Pilasters for the Aqueducts , give sufficient testimony that it had no defect of whatsoever , either for Ornament or magnificence , other famous Cities use to enjoy . And at that time when Lo●…arius the Emperor endeavoured in Rome , in the yeer 825 , to reform the occasion of the Feudes , and to that end convocated the principal Lawyers of the primary Cities of Italy , He also invited the Vicentine Counsellors with an honourable testimony of what esteem he had for the City Vicentia . Furthermore when Ottone King of Germanie ( the Berengarii being overcome and discomfited ) was by the Pope crowned Emperor , he remised the Italian Cities in Liberty , granting unto them Power to elect their Podestà or chief Governour , and to enjoy their own Laws , among the rest Vicenza participated of that so great a gift : Whence forming a Carrocio or Chariot which was the Badge of a free City , and acknowleging the Empire with the ordinary Tribute , it lived in the form of a Republick , ( although much perplexed with the most cruel factions of its own Citizens ) until the yeer 1143. When Federico Barbarrossa having gathered the utmost of his Power , forced all the Cities of Italy into servitude , and destroying Milan , in the rest constituted a German Podesta Vicenza endured not long this Tyranny , but united with Padoua and Verona , they shoke off the yoke , and sent the first Embassadors to the Milanesi to offer them assistance , and to perswade them to do the like ; and so they concluded the famous League of the Cities of Lombardy , by which Colleagues Barbarossa ( being overcome between Como and Milan ) was driven to the other side of the Alpes . Which victory the peace of Costanza followed , to the conclusion whereof came also the Orators of Vicenza , where they megliorated enough their Cities Condition , and the state of their Liberty , chiefly for that Henry the Son and successor of Federick confirmed the abovenamed Peace with all the conditions conceded by his Father : All the Embassadors of the Colleagued Cities randezvousing at Piacense , to that purpose , where also was the Emperor ; and Michael Capra a Vicentine was comissionated thither for the City of Bolognia . In those dayes the Republicks Library flourished in this City with infinite cōcourse of Forein Nations , abounding with the most worthy Professors in all the sciences and Arts , which it appears continued to the yeer 1228. In which yeer Federick the second being exalted to the Empire , an extream Enemy to the Pope and Cities of Italy , after many ruines whch he brought on others , in the yeer 1236 burnt and destroyed Vicenza ; exercising his greatest cruelty against the most potent Citizens , which reduced it with great ease under the wicked Tyrant Eccellino , continuing so until his death , when waving and debilitated , it by degrees crawled up the steps of its Antient Liberty ; yet not so strongly , but that after 46 yeers it underwent by the Citizens neglect , the Signory of the Scaligeri , who there governed under the shadow and name of an Empire : and that title not improperly taken , for that Can Grande at that time their head , was a most valiant and potent Lord. Vicenza was well treated under their government , and many publick Edifices restored , but the wheele of Fortune running round , and the Line of those Lawfull Signors extinct , Antonio the last of them and illegitimate , was first deprived of Verona , then of Vicenza , by Gio Galleazze first Viscount of Milan , by whom it was held very dear , and so much honoured for its fidelity , that he made it the Chamber of his Empire . He dead Catarina his Wife distrusting her own ability to maintain so great Dominions , by her Letters full of Courtesy , absolving their Oath of fidelity , gave the Vicentines ample Liberty to elect their own Government , who after divers consultations and many solicitations to colleague themselves with the Switzers , and to become one of their Cantons , having at large supervised the great calamities of the passed times , and fearing future miseries , At length the Advice of He●…rico Capra ( a wise and esteemed Citizen of great Interest both for his many adherents and riches ) prevailed to surrender themselves of their own free accords to the Republick of Venice , whose pleasing Goverment was then become famous through the whole world . Who accepting with all Gratitude this their free offer , confirmed unto them all such Jurisdictions , Statutes , & Prerogatives , as they knew how to demand ; and in particular the Consularship the most Antient Magistracy of this City , and received it into protection , styling it the first Born and most faithfull City , under whose Signory it hath ever since continued , dayly encreasing both their Wealth , and conveniences . Yet notwithstanding , at the Inroad of Gi●…radada , the State of Venice , ( though unwillingly ) gave way to the Signory of the whole firm Land ; by which means Vicenza fell into the hands of Massiminian the Emperor , who sent thither Leonardo Trissino , to receive possession thereof , as Vicar of the Empire , which he performed there , as also in Padoua : Who with Vicentia , through the great affection they bore the Republick of Venice , and the singular Prudence of the Venetian Senate within some few yeers after easily returned to their former Obedience under it . This City is four miles in circuit , in form like the figure of a Scorpion , & although informer times it had the Reputation of strong , from the double Walls which invironed it ; yet t is neither fortified nor capable of Fortification : it being situated at the bottome of a Hill that comands the Town ; however ( voluntarily living like the Antient Spartans ) the Citizens pro●…ess that the Walls of their Breasts suffice to maintain even to the death their Fidelity to their natural Prince , which preserves it with safety . It is washed by two Rivers Bacchileone ( by some Latines called also Meduaco Minore ) and Rerone Ereteno before mentioned , together with two other small Brooks , Astichello and Seriola , which serve them with many conveniences . All which united at a small distance from the City , form a Navigable River as well upwards as downwards , capable of Vessels of a huge burthen , who passing by Padoua reach Venice , and give the best occasion and reason for the riches of that Countrey . They account that it with the Burroughs conteyn 40000. Souls , being replenisht with Proud and Stately Palaces , Noble Temples and publick Structures built after the modern Architecture : the Hall of Justice ( wherein the Judges assemble to do Justice ) for its Antient and modern Structure may be compared with any in Italy : Upon the highest Tower raised to a Wonder ( which joyns to it ) is placed the Horologe which serves all the City within , and a mile out of it , most comodiously . The Piazza most capacious for all their Justings and Turnaments , ( where morn & even rēder themselves the Nobility ) is no less adorned with Open Galleries & the Fōrt of the said Palace , than with a fayr habitation , for the Seignor Capitano and the Fabrick of that mount Piety , which is so rich that they lend such sums as the poor Citizens require without any Usurie . Besides this ( which is called Piazza Maggiore ) there are five other Piazzaes for the publick markets , of Poultry , Grain , Wine , Wood , Hay , Fish , Fruits , and Herbs . And as the Splendidness of the Vicentians Spirits is apparent in profane things , so does their Piety and magnificense , no less shine in and towards the Divine worship : For which they number in the City 50. Churches accounted Stately , and beautified with antient and modern Pictures , whereof 14. are Parochials , 17. of Fryers , and 12. of Nuns , all well furnished with receptacles and other necessaries for subsistence : Among which the Mendicants or begging Fryers , by the Charity of the Citizens , have no mean Reliefs . In the Country are also 3. other Monasteries of Nunns , and above 20. of Fryers , besides Parochials , which are very ample in the Villages . They are well stored with Hospitals for the poor of all conditions , having nine , besides the Confraternities and other retreats of Godly pe●…sons who wait on works of Charity . In the Cathedral ( signal for the good Bishoprick of 12000 Duckats yeerly Revenue ) besides other Reliq●…es they keep the bodies of the Martyrs Carpoforo and Leoncio Vicentines . And in the Church of Santa Corona of the Dominican Fryers one of the thorns of the Crown of the Saviour of the World , given in the yeer 1260. by Lodovico or Lewis the Saint King of Franee , to Bartolomeo Breganze , Citizen and Bishop of Vicenza It received the Light of the Faith of Christ by the teaching of Saint Prosdocimo first Bishop of Padcua , Saint Paul yet living . Near the Domo stands l'Oratoria de Madonna , or the Oratory of our Lady , raised by those of that confraternity , in imitation of that of Rome , which possibly in magnificence and beauty it surpasseth . It s State under the Venetian Dominion is such , as certainly no City under their power hath greater privileges . The Consul the most antient Jurisdiction of this City judging all Criminal Offences , and its own Citizens all other civil Causes : For which end the Council chuseth a round of four Doctors and 8 Laicks , which change by fours every month . These form the process for Manslaughter , in their City and Territory , and being summoned to meet Morning and Evening , in the Congregation , the Antientest of the Doctors assuming and stating briefly the Case , first gives his Judgement , after whom all the rest , from one to the other , and last of all the Podestà who hath but one voyce , pronounce theirs , and the sentence passeth by the Major part of Opinions , whence there is no appeal : And their Justice hath been so duly administred , that hitherto the supreme Prince never violated nor revoked their Judgement . The said 4. Doctors have also their seat of Justice for Civil Causes , whence there is an appeal to one Judge ( who is therefore stiled the Judge for Appeals ) who must be of the same College , or to the Podefia or his Assessors , so that t is in the will of every person to determine his Cause before the proper Judges of Vicentia . The Deputies who represent the City consult and order those things which appertain to its honour and the publick good , and have absolute power in all their Cities Provisions : who chuse four of the chief Nobility , called the Cavalieri di Commun ; who with their Officers oversee the Weights and Measures , and that all the orders made for the benefit of the People be duly executed , and in case of any defect report it to the Deputies ; These Magistrates are every yeer created by the council of the 150 Citizens , and also are chosen every yeer , whereby to give occasion to every one to demean himself well and to live virtuously . It hath three Colleges , One of the Doctors of Lawes , where none is admitted , that cannot prove himself of a house of Nobility , of one hundred yeers standing , and Legitimate Issue for three Ages , besides that , he is examined of his knowlege at his entrance , and obliged to proceed Doctor in the University of Pado●…a . The second is of Physicians more modern , and the third of Notaries , most antient and restrained . It hath Six thousand duckets of Income by the yeer , which is expended in repairing the Bridges , Highways , and Palace , maintaining an Ordinary Resident at Venice , and other extraordinary charges . The Vicentines delight to go abroad in the World , ( an humour seldome met with in the Italians ) as well to learn good breeding , as to provide for their Families : So that returned home they live in all splendor and politeness , both within and without doors , go richly apparelled , as well Men as Women , and keep many followers ; which they may well do , by their abundance of Riches For which cause this City is reputed full of Gentry , and their common Title is , il Signor Conte . Nor are they less noble in their buildings , both publick and private , than in their garb : for by the industry of Palladi●…s a Vicentine and reviver of the Roman Architecture , it shewes it self most pompous , and equal to any other great City : The Vicentines are great Lovers of Strangers , liberally entertain with all sorts of Regalios , the acquaintance and friends they take knowlege of in other places , and willingly take the oportuninity to treat any great Prince . They erected a Theatre by the invention of Andreo Palladio the Renovator of the good and antient Architecture ( capable of 5000 persons in their Seats ) as by this inscription appears . Virtuti ac Genio Olympior : Academia Theatrum hoc a fundamentis erexit Paladio Archit . Anno. 1584. The Stage , or Scene , is a stupendious thing to behold , for the many Statues and Corinthian Pillars ; the Prospective represents a Royal City , where was first performed , with great Applause , and incredible satisfaction to the whole Province , in the yeer 1585 : the representation of Epidus Tyrant of Soffocles , acted with lordly pomp , as well in the habits , as musick , Chorus , and illumination of the Theatre : The Olympick Academy ( to whom we owe this work ) ought therefore to be thanked as the receptable of the Muses , and all other noble and elevated ingenuities . The Vicentines chiefly have the obligation for this work , to the memory of the Cavalier Chieregato Governour of all the Militia of the Kindome of Candy , and restorer of all the antient and good discipline for the Infantery . Besides that Olympick it hath another Academy more modern for Horse , founded , by the Count Oderico Capra Leader for his Highness of one hundred Men in Arms , not less usefull for the Exercise of the Youth , than for the manage it gives the Horses , with much profit to the Prince in warlike Occurrences , where good Masters Riders are well entertained . Which makes the City be filled with well managed Gennets and other the best Horses of Lumbardy . For instance , view the Stable of the said Count Oderico , furnished with 15. Coursers , of the best Races of Italy . Going out of the Gate , Del Castello , is the Campo Martio ( made in imitation of , that antiently in Rome , which was for the hunting of wild Beasts ) for the exercises of the youth , and Souldiery , watered round ; whither the Ladies and Gallants resort in the summer Evenings to participate the fresh Ayr , which the surrounding Hills afford . The Arch or entrance into this field will remain as a lasting monument of Palladius who built it . Opposite hereto is the Garden of the Count Leonardo Valmarana , which is very praise-worthy for the long and beautifull closs walk of Citron and Orange Trees , and plenty of all Fruits , together with the Labyrinth . At the head of the Burrough stands the Temple of San Felice and Fortunato the Martyrs , which some believe that Narsitze built , therein is preserved the Body of San For●…nnato and he●…d of San Felice , which were lately found in the Cloyster of the Bishop , miraculously in ●… Ch●…st of Lead , with Letters signifying so much : viz. The head of San Fortunato , and the Body of San Felice , of whose Martyrdom Cardinal Beronio makes mention . A mile further is the Oli●… , made famous by the overthrow which Alviano the Venetian General received from Cardona and Prospero Collonna , Captains of the Spanish Army . Somewhat beyond stands the Castle of Montecchi●… , with the Palace of the Co●…ti G●…aldi where Charles the 5th . Lodged . Whence by Mo●…tebella they pass to Verona , leaving on the right hand the pleasant Valley Dressina , with Valdagno and Arcignano , most populous and trading Villages , where they make Linnen Cloth , not ordinary , neither in quantity , or quality . And on the left hand Lo●…igo Podestaria , which for its white bread and good wine carries the Bell : famed also for the birth of Nicolo Leoniceno , a most renowned Physician , and very much endeared by Hercoles first Duke of Ferrara , near whom he lived and dyed , having long read in that University . Issuing forth of the Gate de Monte , one sees another Arch of Palladius , with a most high Stayr case , to the top of Madonna del Monte held in high vene●…ation for the continual Miracles wrought at her intercession , and much frequented by the Neighbouring People . A quarter of a mile farther by the River side which is navigable ; upon a little Hill ( as it were artificially separated from the other , and of a Facil ascent ) stands the Rotonda , of the Signors Counts , Oderico and Mario Capra Brothers , so called from the round ●…upola at the top ( or likeness it hath with the Pantheon at Rome ) which covers the Hall of the same Figure : They mount to it by four ample Marble pair of Stayrs , where are four spatious Chambers worth seeing for the fair Columns which seem of an excellent Marble called Paris . From each of which one may behold various prosp●…cts , from one an immense campagna , another the large Theatre and Town , the third mountains over Mountains , the Fourth Land intermixt with Waters , so that the eye rests marvelously contented . The round of the said Hall garnished with Figures of Plaister of Paris , and Pictures and bordered with gold , receives its Light from the Top like the Pantheon of Rome . The Chambers are all guilt & mingled with Histories of excellent Invention and Pictures drawn by the hand of Alessandro Maga●…a a Vicentine , Palladius made this his Masterpiece , for t is so contrived that it conteyn●… Geometrically a Round , a Cross , and a Square : And if in any place the Heavens seem to display their eternal Beauty , more than in other , t is there . They use to say that Apollo and the Sisters with their Chorus so journ there , And that Bacchu●… resides in his deep Seliars ; which are so vast , and filled with the best wines , and they with so much liber●…lity and bounty free to all persons , That they must not be passed without a visit : nor the Gardens filled with Citrons and all sorts of outlandish Flowers : all which are splendidly governed and freely shewed to all Strangers with all kind acceptance from the Patrons . The passage over the Park of Longara planted with incomparable fruits by the said Counts , will not appear tedious at your arrival at Custoza , beautified with the Acqu●…ducts for wind , which driving the Fresoo upon the Palaces exceedingly temperate the heat of the Sun in Leo , together with the most cool Wines , kept in those great Cavernes in Snow : whose dry and wholsome Ayr ( though as t were congeled ) makes them be infinitely frequented in the Summer , as a most singular delight and without a Parallel . On the right hand of Custoza having traversed the Bridge Bacchiglione and drawing some miles towards Padoua , is seen the Castle of Montegalda , formerly an important Frontier against the enemies , but now by the benefit of this Peace become more like to the Castle of Alcina , the storehouse for the Munition , being now applyed to conteyn waters for the use of artificial fountains , and the Ditches converted into walks planted with Citron and Orange Trees , whose blossoms afford a most pleasant odour into the Palaces ; but not to come to near Padoua already so fully visited , let us return by Custoza ▪ again to Vicenza , and in the way thereto leading by the River side , between it and the Mountains behold the Vicariate Barbatona , whose Hils called Alcini a little hanging and receiving the heat of the Sun at high Noon , afford those delitious wines esteemed only fit for the Palate of an Emperor called Monte Alcino . From Vicenza desiring to go to Ferrara , they travail by Poiana which terminates the confines on that side , where the most Noble Palace of the Count of Poiana most worthy of its Builder Palladius , and furnished with excellent Pictures , deserves a serious view . A mile forth of the Gate of Saint Bartolemeo , stands the Palace of Circolo , appertaining to the Count Pompeoi Triffino built after the modern Architecture by his Grandsir Giovan Ciorgio , a famous Poet , and no less skilled in this Art , than in all others , as well as the liberal Sciences , which deserves a visit for its compact structure and excellent Invention : whence advancing over a fair plain , one reaches at some miles distance the pleasant Country of Breganza , famous for its sweet and flavorous wines . Turning on the left hand a rough Country conducts one to Maarostica , a Seat for a Podesta , and a large Castle , the Country and Birth place of Angelo Mateaccio , a most learned Man , and Reader of the Civil Lawes for a long time in Padoua , at the same time , Alessandrio Massaria , was Chief Reader in Phisick , and of the Conte de Monte , both Vicentines , and the Escu●…pii of this our Age , and from Marostica , at three miles distance , is seated Bassano , now out of its Territories , heretofore comprehended in them , and to this day in Spirituals governed by the Bishop of Vicenza . On that part of Breganze , which is washed with the Aflico is Scituated Lonedo , and the Palace of the Signory Co●…to Alessandro , and Girolamo Godi , built at excessive expence on those Craggy places , whereto ascended ( though with much pains and some sweat ) t is compared to the Mount of Virtue ; for that having gained the Top , there is found what may restore one with such plenty and gentleness , that it may be said the Goddess Abondantia , there had emptied her Basket. The Architecture is most exact , the Pictures of excellent hands , the Prospects wonderfull , the Fountains Beautifull and the Cittrons and sweet Flowers for all seasons not despicable , but above all the affableness and Civilities with which the Padro●…i treat all Srangers , is most to be admited . Through the Gate Santo Croce , they travel to Trento , the Country whereto is bounded with a continued List of little Hills which afford most delitious Wines , till arrived at Schio , where they mount on very cragged waies . Schio is a principal Town , Seated at the feet of those Mountaines , at 15. miles distance from the City , filled with Merchandize and modities ; it conteins five thousand Souls , a People neat and civil as well as Warlike . It gave birth to Giovan Paolo Mamfrone , who from a private Souldier arose to the chiefest honors in Wars , and both he and his Son Giulio are not a little famed for their excellent Conduct and valour , in Histories . Through the same Gate taking the Strada militare , at ten miles Journey , presents it self Tiene , a noble Town , in a most pleasing scite , and not a little beautified by the Palace , of the Count Francesco Porta , which though built after the antient Architecture is nevertheless full of Majesty : beautified with springs of running water , Labyrinths , spacious Gardens , Citron and Orange Trees , and an Ayr pure and sweet , even to ravishing admiration . Two mile further , upon the raised Hillock of Carè , is lately erected the Romitorio , by the Charity and free gifts of the Peaseants of Romiti Camladolensi , whose situation with their quotidian industry and labour , must soon render the place such , and so beautifull , that it may dispute the Palm with the chief houses of Religion . From Piovene a large Town coasting the Monte summanno and the Torrent of Astice , by the confines of Furni , one arrives at Trento , by a very ill way , only capable of Horses : at 28 miles end . Along the Astico , ( where they take red Trouts , ) may be seen those Edifices , wherein is mrde writing paper , the Furnaces and Forges for Iron , and the sawes which being drove by the Waters , saw that Timber and reduce it to forms , which in great abundance grows on these Mountains , which also serve for the feeding their Flocks and Herds . The Summano is famed for its rare simples , and for the Temple of Mary the Virgin , which ( according to common belief ) was heretofore dedicated to the God Summano , which Idol being destroyed by Saint Prosdocimo , the Temple was consecrated to the Mother of God. Some yeers since was found there a most antique Stone engraven with Roman Letters , which by the Learned is intepreted thus . Palemon Vicentinus Latinae Linguae Lumen . And gives confidence that Palemon was buried there , which Rhemio Palemon the Vicentine , flourished in the time of Augustus , in Grammar and Rhetorick , when those professions , were in much more esteem than at this day , the very Emperours in those dayes not disdaining to assist therein . From Piovene you ascend to the Sette Communi , which are seven Villages filled with a great number of most fierce People dwelling on those Mountains , whom one would think created by Nature for a Parapet to the Vicentines , against the incursions of the Germans , Their Language is so strange , that though it approach the German as much as it can , yet the sharpness of their pronunciation , renders it unintelligible even to the Germans ; some think they were the Reliques of the Gothes : They enjoy many exemptions for their fidelity to their Prince and the City . Maximilian , the Emperour , in February 1508. attempted by this part to surprise Vice●… with a flying Army descending from Trento , but the noise thereof spread , and the Peaseants raised , by Girolamo , and Christofero Capra , with others of their Family in Piedment , who having possessed themselves of the narrow passes of Asiago , and the F●…rni with five hundred Souldiers of their party opposed his Army , compelling them with much slaughter to a dishonourable retreat : Their Readiness and Valour in which action was greatly acknowleged by the Venetian Senate , In Sum , All its Territories are most beautifull , the Hills contending with the Valleys , for fertility and goodness : The wines ( there growing in great Plenty ) are esteemed without compare the best of all these Countreys , which occasioned the Proverb , Vin Vicentin , &c. with that variety of Colour and Tast ( a rare thing ) that both Winter and Summer , the most delicate Palate may meet its full satisfaction : There being Wine sweet and sharp , which please and cut , Aromatick , and Fragrant , Stomachal and brisk , with a hundred other real differences , all most digestible healthfull and gratefull to the Palate . It produceth Corn of all sorts , Pears , Apples , and all other Fruits for every Moneth in great abundance . The Peasants have such infinite numbers of Calves and Kids that they supply half Venice , whither the conveniency of Water and cariage invites them to vent the superfluities thereof , as also their admirable Venison , Partridges , Pheasants , God wits , Quailes , and Quoists ; and although their Fining is not equal to their Fouling , yet they want not , either red or white Trouts , Lampreys or other Stone-fish , besides what certain Lakes afford of excellent sorts . They much inrich themselves by the Craft there much used , as well within , as without the City , of making Cotton Clothes , which are esteemed no loss for their goodness than whiteness . They have likewise great quantities of Silk-worms , and therefore t is that their Countrey is so well planted with Mulbery-Trees whereof the Wo●…s feed , and thereof they extract at least 500000. Crowns a yeer , distributing them to all Merchants that resort thither for them , which much adds to their Riches ; here also they fetch Fullers Earth for many uses into several Countreys , as also the Sand , wherewith at Venice they pollish their Looking Glasses . Trento affords them some mines of Silver , and Iron , but much Stone for all sorts of Structures , some whereof for their hardnese are compared to the Istrian Stone , and others for their fineness to the Marble of Carrara . The conveniences of Tymber , Stone , Sand , and unslacked Lime , considered with their active and ingenuous Natures , together with the laboriousness of the Peasants , and the beauty and variety of Sites , is that which nourisheth so much the Art and discipline in their Workmen of the Architecture of 〈◊〉 . Whence Botero deservedly accounts this Province for one of the four most delitious and rich Provinces of Italy . It s Ayr being so pure and healthfull , that they reach great Ages , besides that this Cli●…t in all Ages hath produced Men eminent , no less or Learning than Ar●…s , as appears in the Histories , and enclines the ordinary sort to a certain Spriteness and aptness to all occupations and exercises . In its Territory , they number one hundred and three score thousand Souls : which added to them of the City , amounts to two hundred thousand , dispersed into 250. Towns and Villages , which are governed by two Podesta'es , and eleven Vicariats , Noble Venetians , and Noble Vicentines , whose Jurisdictions , are limited to civil matters , only : Criminal Causes being wholly reserved to the Consulary . The Prince draws from Vicenza , eighty thousand Duckats annually without the least charge ; and makes the Province to maintain three thousand select , and well disciplined Foot , under four Captains , who alwaies reside at their several Quarters , and the City one thousand Muske●…teers : Also for the urgent necessity of War , they have made a new calculation of such persons as are fit to bear Arms from 18 yeers old to 20. and they have thereupon enrolled in a Book the names of 16000. flourishing brave Youths : Its Territory , is one hundred and fifty miles in circumference . Vicenza is distant from Padoua 18. miles , from Venice 43. from Verona , 30. from Mantoua , 50. from Trent , 44. from Treviso , 33. Thus for a conclusion , we may with truth affirm , that reflecting on their Political State , the strength of the City , which consists not so much in the circuit of the Walls , as the Liberty and amplitude of its Territory , Their riches and the number , Valour , and gallantry , of their People : Vicenza will find few Cities equal , and consequently will find no small esteem from a wise Prince . VERONA The Antient. T Is the Vulgar Criticism on this name , that syllabilzed , It comprehends the three first syllables of the three head Cities of Italy Ve Venetia , Ro Roma , Na Napoli , others more stricty interpret that whatecer may be found in those three Cities abounds there . Verona is reckoned amongst the most Noble Cities of Italy : Built long since by the Toscanes , & was one of the twelve , by them cmōanded on this side the Apenines , The Galli Cenomani peopled it having beat out the Toscanes . It s name ( as some other say ) was taken from an antient Noble Family of the Toscanes called Vera. It is seated near the Mountains towards the South , as t were in a plain , and is in form little less than a Square : In the time of Augustus Caesar , it was much larger , as many inducements make us believe , among others , That t is written they used to set forth 50000 Souldiers , which appears no great wonder since Cornelius Tacitus called Ostilia , a Burrough thereof , though now distant from it 30. miles , we may thence conclude , they numbred 200000. Souls , Martial calls her great , and Strabo most great . It s situation is very strong by Nature , yet the Venetians have made it now accounted impregnable , through the many wonderfull Fortifications of Bastions , Bulwarks , Castles , Towers , Counterscarpes , added by them , and the deep and large Dykes , kept full by the River Adice . It hath one Fort in the Plain Country near the River , and two in the Mountains , the one named San Felice the other a more modern , called San Angelo : the which guards the Plain , and aptly repels the furious assaults of any Enemies . It hath five Gates no less strong then adorned with Sculptures , Collumns , Statues , and other fair Marbles . Besides , in the City are many things from whence may be gathered . That it hath been a most antient and Noble City : Under the Castle of San Pietro , they yet shew the great foundations of a Theatre with the entire doors of the Scene , as also the Signal of that place which was antiently deputed for the Naval Fights , in that place , where now is the Orchards of the Fathers Dominicans . In the Piazza de 〈◊〉 , stands the most antique and great Fabrick , the Amphitheatre built of square Marble Stones , called by the Veronei the Arena . The outward wall , whereof had four fair Rows of Pillars Arches and Windows , composed of four forts of Architecture , that is to say , one Dorick , one Ionick , one Corinthian , and one mixed with good order , being a Structure not less fair than high , as may be credited from that little part which yet is a foot . The Barbarous who sacked Italy , disrobed it of all the Marble Stones and Ornaments of the exteriour circuit , even to the foundations wherewith to adorn their other Structures leaving that so Noble work , deprived of all its Majesty ; howbeit from those small reliques remaining , one may take a judgement of the grandure and quality of the rest , as easily , as from the nails may be guessed what creature a Lyon is , because the Reason and art of Architecture , and circular proportions make it easily comprehended ; that every one of the said Orders or degrees of the exteriour Wall , had seventy two parts or as one would say , Arches and as many Pillars ; and from the void places in the third order , which was the Corinthian , one may know that there were 144. Statues between the Arches , and Pillars ; Being entred at the Porches , which within encompass the whole Fabrick in three orders , one would wonder at the great number of Stayrs Steps & waies , which on every side were used by the Spectators to go in and out without disturbance . Who might altogether ( although a great multitude ) mount and descend with great facility and no trouble by those numberless ways In the midst is the Arena , and t is a noble sight to behold that spatious plain of an Oveal form , 34 perches long , and 22½ broad , environed with 42. Seats , which ly gradati●… , one above the other , still extending to the Top , and were capable of 23000. Persons , which might sit there commodiously ; under which Seats are the said Steps and wayes . The inward part also was despoiled by the barbarous of all its Marble Seats , though at present the Citizens of Verona , at their proper expence have restored that , and adorned it as formerly , and at certain times use to shew to the people Games , and huntings , after the Antient custom . We find not in authentique Histories who founded this Noble Fabrick , but Torello Saraino , a Venetian , and a most learned man , endeavours to prove by many arguments , that the Theatre , and the Arena , were built under Caesar Augustus , one whereof is that we evidently find in Suetonius Augustus , constituted many new Colonies through Italy , and fought to enrich and adorn many of the old , to which opinion adds , saith a certain Chronicle ( as saies Torello ) wherein t is written that the Arena was built in the twenty second yeer of the Empire of that Augustus ; with whom Ciriaco 〈◊〉 disagrees but little , who in his Itinerary of Selavonia collects many antiquities of Italy , and says that the Arena of Verona , called by him the Laberinth , was built in the 3●…th . yeer of the Empire of Augustus . But Magino the most excellent and celebrious Mathematician writes much otherwise , for in his description of the Marquisate of Treeves , under Tolemeo , fpeaking of Verona , he saith , that that Amfitheatre which was built by L. V. Flaminius in Anno. 53. After the building of Rome , &c. But let every one believe hereof as he pleaseth , t is sufficient that the Grandezza , the magnificencie , and nobleness of the work gives to understand , that it was erected in the most flourishing days of the Roman Empire , the Majesty , and greatness , whereof it much represents . T is known that a little distant thence was the place where the Sword players exercised , and to this day are to be seen , the footsteps of the Arch Triumphal erected in honour of C. Marius . for his victory over the Cimbrians , in the Territories of Verona , some part of the prospect or Front of the antient Piazza , yet remaining , shews it to have been of excellent Architecture , T is said that there was the Via Emilia , the Emilian Way , which lead to Rimeni , Piacenza , Verona , and to Aquilegia , where appears an Arch of Marble , Dedicated to Jupiter , who also had a Temple on the Hill , the foundations whereof are now extant ruinated by time , but adorned with carved Hierogloficks . In the Via Emilia , were many four squared Arches of Marble , three whereof , we now behold , one of which was built by Vetruvius and shews 't was framed with true rules of Architecture . In Verona are many other Signes , of Venerable Antiquity , as great Ruins of her Houses , with many Chambers adorned with figures , composed of several pieces of Stones , of Temples , of Arches , Triumphals , Palaces , Aquiducts , Collumns , Statues , Epitaphs , Medals , of Gold and Silver , Urns and the like , which by the firing that Attila King of the Hunns , put to it , were lost and destroyed : the aPvements , in some places being thereby become twenty foot under ground . This City , hath many sumptuous Palaces , and among them the Council house , or Chamber of Justice is the chief , of a square form , with 4. Halls , and one square low Court , wherein there is so much room , that they therein do Justice , and hold Council at the same time , comodiously : upon the roof whereof stand exposed to the ayr the Statues of Cornelius , Nepos , Emilius , Marcus , old Poets , of Pliny the natural Historian , and Vetruvius the Architecture , and in a very high Arch , the Statue of Hieronimo Facastrao , all which men graced their Mother Verona by their singular virtues . Besides which , there are two Palaces for the Governours and many others eminent enough of particular Veronians . They praise also the great Bell , which is in the high Turret , The Piazza frequented by the Merchants ; the Burrough where they teazlle wash and pr●…ss Clothes , and the Field called Campo Martio , where they exercise the Souldiery . There are also other Piazzaes for the Markets , and to walk in , one for the Nobility , and another for the Marchants : In the bigger whereof stands a Stately Fountain with a Statue representing Verona , with a Kingly Diadem at her Feet . The most beautifull River Adice runs by Verona , which comes just from the Alpes of Trint ▪ and sends two arms through the Streets of the City for its greater conveniency , by which River they convey to Verona divers Merchandices from Germany and Venice . There are many Mills within and without the City , and other Edifices for the Mecanicks . They have four Bridges over the Adice , all erected with excellent artifice and beauty , one whereof hath two spatious Arches , which give a Noble prospect , Europe scarce affording any more polite and truer built . This City abounds with all things necessary . Their fruits are all delicious , but the Figs Bardolini exceed all others . It hath Fish very sweet from the Lake Garda , Good Meat from the excellent Pasture , exquisite Wines from the Hills , good Corn from the Vales , and good health from the Ayr , though somewhat piercing . The Merchandize of Cloth and Silk , mantains above 20000. Handicrafts-men . Verona was under the Etrurians , the Euganei , the Heneti , the French and the Romans , with whom it was confederated and had voices in the ballottinges of Rome . The Romans never sent a Colony into Verona , but it was ascribed to the Tribu Poblilia , and the Veronians have had many Magistrates in Rome . Heretofore 4. Deputies had the clear and mixt government of this City , as the Roman Consuls , which 4. were created by the Citizens , together with the other Magistrates : whereof they yet retein some shadow by having Consuls , the wise men , the Counsel of twelve , the hundred and twenty , and the Prefect of the Merchants . Afterwards the Roman Empire declining , Verona became under the Command of certain barbarous Tyrants , but they being driven out by the Ostragoths and they by the Longobards who were Lords of it 200. yeers , it was finally freed from their Signory and fell into the power of the successors of Charles the great , that is of Pipin and Berengarius , and others who there made the Seat of their Empire , as Albano King of the Longobardi , had done formerly . In the Reign of Ottone the First , it again recovered its Liberty ; but discords arising among the Citizens , it was opprest by the Tyranny of Ezzelino , and the Scaligiri , it s own Citizens , who Lorded it for 200. yeers , Last of all being also opprest by others , it voluntarily rendred it self to the power of the Venetians who in those daies , were esteemed the Justest of Lords . It was converted to the Christian Faith by Euperius , commissionated to preach there from Saint Peetre . It had thirty six Bishops Saints , with S. Zenone its Protector , to whom Pipin Son of Charles the great , dedicated a Church with twelve pounds of gold for yeerly revenue . The greater Church , is a most noble one , and rich with a Chapter of Canons of much authority . In the Church of S. Anastassia is a fayr Chapel of Giano Fresco a Genouai Captain , filled with Marble Statues and his own effigies . The people of Verona are pious , and have alwaies had good Bishops , in particular lately Augustin Falerio a most upright Prelate and illustrious Cardinal as he was ever accounted by the most holy Fathers and Docters of the Chvrch. Nor will we forget Nicolo Hormanetto Bishop of Padoua , nor Giberto , who was the reformer of many Churches , the first of whom , brought into that Province Carlo Borromeo Doctor , and Head of all the holy men , and the most shining Star of the College of Cardinals . Nor that the Churches of Verona ( before the Conncel of Trent ) were reformed into that order they still observe They give divine honors to Lucius the third Pope , who going to Verona , there to call a Council , passed into a better Life , and was there interred in the great Church ; whence in Verona was created Urban the third his Successor . Verona is well peopled , and hath many noble Families : and hath produced signal Men in all exercises . It had some Consuls in Rome : It hath had many holy men and many blessed , among which is famous San Pietro the Martyr , of the Preaching order , buried in Milan , born in the Street of S. Stefano in Verona , where at present may be seen the house of his Nativity . The Veronians have sharp wits , and are much inclined to Learning , which hath occasioned that it in every Age hath brought forth Men of excellent esteem in all sciences . They were Veronians that have their five Statues set upon the publick Palace : So also was the learned Scaliger , for whose sake and his Family ( i Signori della Scala ) is erected in the heart of the City a Stately Marble Tomb , encompassed with Iron work , resembling a Ladder , which that name implies . It hath afforded some Women too , so well read in the Greek and Latin tongue , and the Sciences , that they have held disputes with many learned Men , among others Isotta Nogarola was glorious , it hath one Porphyre Tomb of a King of the Goths . In summ , Verona possesseth all those things that may render a Citty perfect , and its Citizens happy : So that t is no wonder that many Emperors ( induced by the beauty of the place ) spent some Moneths of the yeer there , as we read in the codicils of Justinian , and Theodosius , and that Alboino , first King of the Longobards , and Pepin Son of Charls the Great , and Berengarius , with other Kings ; of Italy , selected it for their own Residences ; and to the end no ornament might be wanting , instituted an Academy for good Letters , and Study of humanity in the house of the Signori Bevilacque , whereof Cota a good Poet of our times saies well thus . Verona , qui te viderit , & non amarit protinus amore perditissimo , is credo se ipsum non amat , caretque amandi sensibus ; & tollit omnes gratias . The Territory of VERONA . THe Territory of Verona , in our times is about 80. Miles large , from the Confines of Torbolo , a Castle of Trent , towards the South to the Polesene of Rovigo , and from the Eastern part from the confines of Vicentia to them of Brescia , which are towards the North 46. Miles , and 15. miles towards South-East , where it confines with the Padouan , t is 30. miles long , a fertile plain . towards the Northwest , it hath 25. miles of mountainous Countrey : Towards South and by East , thirty Mils to the Ferrarian or Mantouan confines , of most fertile Countreys , being no less pleasant than fruitfull of whatever can be desired . It hath Mountains , Hills , Woods , diverse navigable Rivers , clear fountains , oyl , good Corn , good Wine , Hemp , and great plenty of Fruit , and Trees bearing Apples , more sweet , fresh , and of longer keeping than any other Country : It hath Fowl , and Flesh of all sorts , divers sorts of Stone , and Chalk , Villages with fair Fabricks , and foundations of antient Towers : In sum it may well be called as fair and happy a Territory as any other , and more than some are . Going out of the Gate Vescovato , turning on the left hand , after having met with many fruitfull Hills , and the ruins of an antient Castle , you come to the Burrough S. Michael , which hath a fair Church dedicated to the blessed Virgin , wherein they have seen many miricles , and many Paper Mills , being 5. miles from Verona , then following the way a little on the right hand , one findes the Baths , helpfull for the Sterility of Women , and to refresh the Reyns , where the Learned Calderino was born , who after lived in Rome . T is reported , that there stood an antient Castle , and that the Church of Saint Matthew the Apostle , was a Temple of Juno . Opposite whereto upon a Hill is seen , il Castllo Soave , built in a lovely site by the Scaligeri ; a little forwarder is Monte Forte , a Town belonging to the Veronian Bishoprick , upon the very confines , as on the other side on the confines is the Burrough Saint Boniface . On that part which looks towards the North-East , are some plains well inhabited . That part looking towards the South , begins from the Porta Nova , and goes to Lonigo a Cologna , wherein is nothing remarkable , more than its fertility , and the head of the River Tartaro ; and on that side towards Mantoua , 17. miles distant from Verona , is the Island Scala , so well replenished with people and goods , that it hath in some sort the face of a City . Towards the West , before Verona , lies a Stony untild Champion or Downs , but famous for divers deeds of Arms there , performed by great Captains ; T is said , that Sabino Giuliano , who would have gotten the Empire , was there by Carino Cesare overthrown and flain , that Odouacro King of the Herlui , and Turcillingi , having by violence obteyned the Kingdome of Italy , forcing out Augustolo , and therein tyranized some yeers , was in this place discomfited in a Battel of three days , by Theodorick King of the Ostrogoths ; That Lamberto Son of Guidon King of Spoleto , was there overcome with 14000. Hungarian Souldiers by Berengarius . That some yeers after , by Gugone Arelatense , Arnoldo Captain of Baviera , with a potent Army of Germans , was there cut in pieces , whom the Veronians first called into Italy for King against Hugone , and had received into their City as victorious and triumphant . That there likeness was overcome and deprived of his Kingdom the second Berengarius by Rodolfus Borgondus ; and that in antient times in that place were fought many Battels ( of no less consequence than obaining or losing of the Kingdom of Italy ) with various success . But as to what Biondo saith , that in that Down C. Marius , vanquished the Germans and the Cimbrians , who made a furious incursion into Italy , 't is very uncertain , because Historians much differ in describing the place where that memorable Act was performed . Thence one may go to Villa Franca and Sanzeno , rich Villages confines to the Mantoua Territories , but if from those Downs one take towards the South , having passed many Villages , you arrive at Peschiero a strong Castle , but of ill Ayr , 14. miles from Verona , seated on the Banks of the Lake Garda , where the River Menzo hath its source , and on the left side of the Lake five miles further off ( most ill way ) stands Rivoltella , and two miles onward Desensano , the confines of Verona . On that part of Verona , towards the North-west , are many Hills placed in the form of a Theatre , where they are stocked with fertile Vineyards ; and so much adorned with beautifull Palaces and Gardens , that the prospect at a distance much pleaseth ; within these Hils is the Vale Paltena , inhabited and Fertil , and following the plain , appear many and stately Palaces , on the banks of the Adice , which runs through that Campagna . At 10. miles distance from Verona upon the ascent of certain little Hills , may be beheld the Valley Pulicella , replenish't with many Castles & great Towns , behind which begin the Mountains of Trento , they say that in the said Valley , there are two teats of Stone cut with a Chizel , which constantly distill a water , wherewith if a Woman having lost her Milk bath her Nipples , it will return in great abundance . Returning to Verona , by the Adice , on one fide is the foot of the Mountain Baldo , and many Castles and Burroughs : On the other fide a plain to Peschiera , and there begin the Mountains which are on the right hand-shore of the Lake : there stands Bardolino , where those incomparable Figs grow , whereof Soliman Emperor of the Turks delighted to discourse of , with the Christian slaves , as also , Gardo , which gives name to the Lake , and many other Castles : In this place is to be admired , the vastness of the Venetians Minds , who conveyed over those rough and mountainous places , both Galleys and Ships armed in all particulars , to fight in the Lake with Filippo Visconse Captain of the Milanesians , Mount Baldo , whereof somewhat is spoken formerly , ought here to be set before all the Mounts of Italy , being 30. miles in circumference , affording excellent and rare plants , and some veins of Copper . The Lake GARDA . ANtiently the Castle Benaco , gave name to this Lake , where now is Tusculano , but at present it takes name from Gardo aforenamed . This Lake from Peschiera , which lies on the South of it , is 35. miles long towards the North , and from Salo , on the West shore to Garda or Lacice on the East , is 14. miles broad : It is very tempestuous , and many times raises waves as high as Mountains , which at certain seasons of the yeer , makes it dangerous to navigate , and this they believe proceeds from the enclosure of the winds by the Mountains , hindring by their surrounding its issuing out , Wherefore Virgil saies , Fluctibus , & fremitu assurgens Benace marino . This Lake affords well-relisht fish , in great plenty , but chiefly Trouts , Carps , and Eels , whereof Pliny speaks at large . Eight miles from Peschiera , runs a neck of Land in to the Lake , two miles long , which seems to divide the Lake . Here antiently was Sirmione which gave birth to Catullus the Poet , but now remains nothing but a small Castle , though abounding with all delitiousness . On the same side is Rivoltella , and Disensano , a principal Market Town of those parts , not defective in any thing . But on the other shore there are many fair Castles , among others Salò & Prato di Fame , where the Bishops of Trent , Verona , and Brescia , may each ( standing in his own Diocess ) shake hands . The Country there is pleasant , bearing Olivs , Figs , Pomegranates , Lemons , Citrons , and other fruitfull Trees , which there flourish much , by having the River & Lake on one side , and the Mountains on the other , defending it from blasting winds , and affording the reflex of the Sun all day , from its rise to the setting , which renders it one of the beautifullest places of Italy . The number of the People inhabiting this Valley and Lake of Garda , shall be given in the Description of the Valleys . BRESCIA . BRescia by the Romans Brixia , is seated 20 miles from Disensano , which a direct Road leads unto , but something Stoney . Some will have it called Brescia from Britein , which in the Language of the Galli Senones ( the restorers of this City ) signifie rejoycing Trees , as if the quantity of Fruits wherewith they are yeerly hung , made them rejoyce . Livie and other grave Authors write , that Brescia was built by the Galli Senones , in that age when the Kings commanded in Rome , and that the Romans made themselves Masters thereof , after they had conquered all Lombardy . They further say , that it alwaies kept inviolable Faith with the Roman People , and particularly in that calamitous time , when Hannibal destroyed their Armies . Besides they say , that it was reduced into a Colony of the Romans , after the associated Warr , together with Verona , and the other Cities , on that fide the Po , by Cn. Pompeius Strabo , Father of Pompey the Great , and a little time after Caesar reckoned the Brescians in the number of the Roman Citizens ; under whose Empire it continued till its Majesty was at the height , when it was no less rich than potent , as may easily be conjectured from the many antient Marble Stones , and Statues , with the inscriptions and Epitaphs of illustrious Persons , and of divers famous deeds thereon which ly dispersed in the City and up and down its Territory . T is seated in a plain ( at the foot of certain Hills ) more long than broad ; although but three miles in circuit , yet well replenished with dwellings and inhabitants . It s vicinity to the Hills beautifies it with many Fountains , a commodity which many Cities of Lombardi want . In it are many Piazzaes , the greatest whereof is that where the publick Palace is erected ; which for its fairness , may be accounted one of the Noblest Edifices of Italy . Under which Palace are fair Porches , with shops affording well tempered Belly pieces of Armour , Swords , Muskets , and other military Arms , which hath nominated it Brescia the Armed : other shops are no less furnished with the finest Linnen cloth , a Commodity by which these Citizens acquire great Riches . A small River called Garcia passeth thorow the City , which at its issuing forth is artificially drawn on this and that side to irrigate their Fields . It hath five Porrs or Gates , and one impregnable Castle , built with Stone upon a Hill. The Torre de Pallada is of rare Tuscan work , and therein is the Great Bell of the City . It heretofore suffered much calamity through the Factions and enmity of its Citizens , whose fury was such that proscription and Death to their Enemies , without fyring and destroying their Houses and Goods , but trivally appeased : Which caused it to change in 28. yeers its Soveraign seven times , in the time of Lewis the third , and Otto Emperors , Its Citizens being much addicted to Arms. T is a most horrible thing to read the History of Capriole , o●… those calamitous times , representing the great slaughters of the Citizens , with their Proscriptions and Banishments , the sacking , burning , and ruining , of their Habitations , and the desolation of the City ; much resembling the times and Actions of Marius , and Scilla and the Triumviraie . At this day t is governed by the Venetians with great peace , and such increase of Riches , that its former smart is scarce perceptible . It received the light of the Christian Faith by the preaching of Sant Apollinare , Bishop of Ravenna , in the yeer of our Lord , 119. It hath some fayr Churches , among them the Domo , ( whose Bishop with a good Revenue hath the Tide of Duke , Marquiss , and Count ) where a Skie-coloured Cross called Oro Fiamma , is much reverenced by the People , who indubitably beleeve it to be the same which appeared to Constantine the Emperour fighting against Maxentius , The Motto , in hoc signo Vinces . Next is the Church of Santa Giulia the Martyr , built by Desiderius , King of the Longobards , in the yeer 735. adorned with rich Vests and pretious vessels , and honoured with the bodies of many Saints , together with those of Ansilperga , the Sister , and Hermingarda the Daughter , of that King : which ly in its noble Monastery : wherein two daughters of Lotario the first Emperor , one sister of Charles the the third , one Daughter of Berengarus the Userper of the Empire , with many other Virgins of Royal blood , have spent their days in the ●…ervice of God , under the Orders of Saint Benedict . Brescia is well replenished with People , and among them with many noble and illustrious Families , as the Gambari , the Martinengi , the Magi , the Avogradi , Averoldi , Luzaghi , Emilii and others . It hath given Birth to many Saints , of whom they name only San Giovita and Faustino , who suffered Martyrdom for the Faith of Christ , on the Walls towards Verona , whereof at this day appear some Marks of it . It hath had thirty Bishops canonized for Saints : Its Territory is so large , spatious , and long , that t is believed , the Bishop thereof hath the Cure of near Eight Hundred Thousand Souls : It abounds with all things necessary for human Sustenance , and the People are reputed of a quick-witted and elegant Ingennity : whereof an elegant Poet writes . Caelum hilarem , frons laeta Urbi , gens nescia fraudis , Atque modum ignorat divitis uber agri . The Territory of BRESCIA . THe Bresciau Territory , is one hundred miles broad , begining from Mosa 15. miles distant from Mantoua , and ending at Dialengo at the top of Alcamonica , and 50. miles long , extending from Limona on the Lake Garda to the Orzi Novi , the Countrey conteyning 450. Towns , Villages , and Castles well peopled , and affording all sorts of Corn , Grain , Wine , Oyl , and Fruite : Towards the East , on the Road leading to Verona , on the right hand , stand G●…di , Manerbio , Calvesano ; Calcina to , on the left , the Mounta●…ns , Bridigolo , Padengo ▪ and the Lake , with the fair Town of Lonato ▪ ●…5 . miles off ●…rescia . Towards the South by the way of Cremona , a●… seen Virola , and Asola , a strong Castle , Issuing sorth the Gate San Nazario , towards the VVest , on the right lies Priviato , on the left , Quintiano , a noble Castle . This is the way of the Orzi Novi , where stands a strong Castle 20. miles from Brescia , built in Anno 1134. Here they vant much of the excellency of their Linnen Cloth , near which passeth the River Oglio , which terminates the Venetians dominions . And going out of the Gates . Giovanni , you meet the Torrent M●…la , Coraio a rich Country , and Reato the most populous Town of the Brescian Territories ; a little farther a most fertile plain , beautified with many Castles , from the dwelling of the French there in t is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , but before you can reach Palazzolo , must be passed the Riv●… 〈◊〉 , over a stately Bridge , from whence they enter the Territories of 〈◊〉 . The BRESCIAN Valleys THis City hath three principal Valleys , the first called Valcamonica , lies towards the VVest , and is bigger than both the other ; extending it self 50. miles towards the North , is continued with surrounding Hills , among which , is a running current yeelding good Trouts , which River enters at the head of the ●…ake Isseo , running through it , and out of it with the same name , and passing through the Play●… , many A●…ms and Branches are drawn from it , to overflow the fields , whereby they become most productive of Grass , Hay , Corn , &c. It hath some minerals of Iron and Copper , It s chief Town is Brenna ; towards the end , this vale divides it self into two parts , one whereof exte●…s to the County of Tirol●… , the other reaches the valley Tellina . The second is the Vale Troppia , which takes its commencement 6. miles off the City , and extends it self 20. miles long , to the North , circumscribed with Mountains , and washed with the River M●…la . In some places t is narrow , and ●…is most 〈◊〉 nearest the City : wherein 10. miles off the City , is the rich and Noble Castle and Town Cardone , much talked off , for the good Harquebuses there made : It affords Iron Mine , and that gives cause of the Iron works there built . The last is the Vale del Sole 22. miles long , conjoyned with the other , through which passeth the River Chiese , which issues from the Lake Iseo , washing it for 10. miles space , affording good Fish , especially Trouts ; here also are some Iron works . This Vale divides it self into many Branches , by many 〈◊〉 t●… ; and in many places , is well and neatly planted with Vines and fruitfull Trees : These two last Vales are in the power of the Venetians , and produce So●…ldiers of great gallantry . The whole Brescian Territory affords neer 800000. Souls , besides what the City it self contains . The first and shortest way from BRESCIA to MILAN . Going out of Brescia by the gate San Giov●…nni for Milan , are seen ●…caglio Pontoi , so called from the similitude of Ponto Oglio , the River which washes that Castle Walls : Then Martinengo , Triviglio , and Cassano , much famed for the mortal stroke there received by Ezzelino the Tyrant of Padoua , from the Romans ; on the right hand the Campagna Giare di Adda , then the Castle Caravaggio , head of all the Giara di Adda , strong by site and Art , rich and abounding . Here in the yeer 1422. they fable an appearance of the blessed Virgin , where she reposed , they dugg a Well , whose Waters are good for all infirmities , there also , they erected a most stately Church . At Cassano , you repass the River Adda , then travaling 10. miles , arrive at Cassina , the white Hostery , then 10. more to Milan , this way from Brecia to Milan , is accounted 50. miles long . The second Voyage , but longer , from BRESCIA to MILAN . THis way is more straight and long , than the other , which they take out of the Gate San Nazario , and at 20. miles end arrive at the Orzi Novi , whence passing the River Oglio , they come to the most noble Castle Soncino , where in Winter time they make a certain pleasant Bread with Almonds , they also make Latten Candlesticks , the Inhabitants are both Civil and courteous . This Castle is endowed with the Title of a Marquisate , and belongs to the State of Milan , over the Gate whereof are set the Arms of Spain . In Soncino , the Tyrant of Padeua , Ezzelino , would needs dye , born of Saxon blood , and 70. yeers old , who having received a mortal wound in one Knee , from the Army in Cassano , would not permit them to dress the wound , nor apply any remedy , where he unhappily and Meritoriously abandoned this Life ; five miles farther lies Romanengo , and so much more far Crema , which on the East is washed by the River Serio . This Crema was antiently one of the four principal Castles of Italy , but is at present a City , and an Episcopal Seat , t is placed in an ample plain , fortified with Rampants and Ovals , well enriched , full of civil People , replenisht with Houses , abounding with human necessaries , and under the Government of the Venetians . The Domo , the Tower , the Piazza , and the Palace of the Podesta , are worth a visit . The Podestà which the Venetians commissionate thither , governs 46. other places ; here the women get well by whitening sowing thread , and weaving of Linnen Cloth. Thence ( passing the River Torno ) 10. miles farther is Lodi ( Laus Pomponia by the ●…omans ) a great City on the side of the River Ada , famous for the Cheese made there not much inferiour to the Parmisen ; then Malignano , a Castle honoured with the Title of Marquisate of the Noble Family of the Medici at Milan , and so to Milan , this way is 62. miles long . All which way is like a Garden , the high-ways streight , & Level on both sides whereof , run chanels of Water , on each side of which are planted Trees , up which run their Vines , and the Fields are some Meadows , and the rest yeeld plenty of Corn. The third Journey from BRESCIA to MILAN by the way of BERGAMO . PArting from Brescia by the Gate San Giovanni , passing the Torrent Mela , are seen the Castles Cacaglio , and Palazzuolo afore named , and on the other side of the River Oglio , the Village Malpaga , built in a fayr plain by Bartolemeo Coleone of Bergamo , who there ended his days , at 76. yeers of Age , and was buried in Bergamo . In honour of whome for having been the most valiant and faithfull Captain of the Venetian Army , is erected his Statue on Horseback gilt all over , with a Marble Basis , before the Church San Giovanni , and Paolo in Venice . On the left hand lies Orgiano and S. Maria of Basella a Church with a fayr monastery for preaching Fryers ; whence passing a Noble Bridge over the River Serio , you arrive at Bergamo 30. miles from Brescia . BERGAMO . THe City of Bergamo , is so antient that its founders are not known , yet some avert they were the Orobii which in greek signifies Inhabitants of the Mountains . Giovanni Annio of Viterba with Giovanno Chrisostomo Zancho , much labour to demonstrate and prove the Antiquity of Bergamo , and wherefore so named , by many etimologies of the word , as well in Greek , as in Hebrew , and in the end conclude it to be thus called in Hebrew , which in Latin sounds , Inonditorum clypeata civitas , vel Gallorum Regia Urbs , quae a Graecis Archipolis , a recentioribus autem Latinis tum princeps , tum Ducalis Civitas appellari solet . And a little further say . Igitur Bergomum Regalem ve terum Gallorum urbem extitisse , nomen ipsum manifestissime docet . Others are of opinion , that ●…was first built by the Tuscans , and afterwards restored and enlarged by the Galli Cenomani : Its Country towards the East is plain , sertile , and productive of Fruit. On the North and VVest , rugged , Mountainous , and barren . T is rendred a very strong City , by those thick walls which inviron it , and those bulwarks , and other engins of War , which for its detence against Enemies the Venetians have erected . T is small and seated on the side of the Mountains . It hath two Burroughs conjoyned with it , where they have raised stately edifices as well for Divine worship as private Citizens habitations . In one of which is yeerly kept a Fayr which begins on the day of Saint Bartolemo , and continues for many days , whither the vast quantity of Merchandize invites as much People , as Italians , Germans , Grizons , and Switzers : The Ayr is most serene there , and its Territory produceth sweet wines , Oyl , and many pleasant fruits . In some places ( for want of Land either fit for tillage or Vines ) the people employ themselves in working Woollen and Linnen Clothes , which they afterwards carry into all parts of Italy . Their Language is very rustick , but that renders not the People so , who are civil and ingenuous , and no less disposed to Learning than Trade , whence it took the surname of Bergamo the witty . It hath produced many noble Wits , who by their excellent virtues have added to its Lustre : Whereof were Alberico di Rosato , Doctor of Laws , and Ambrogio Calepino , whose works no ingenuous person neglects to have . Fryer Damiano , a convertite of the order of Preachers , was a man of so great Ingenuity ( in cementing pieces of several woods together , with such artifice , that they have been often mistaken for Pictures drawn with a pencel ) that his fellow hath not been known herein . Fryer Pagano of the same Order , gave excellent example of constancy at his death given him by the Hereticks . Hence also , have issued men of great Judgment and Counsel , to govern the Republick , particularly of the Family of Foresti , with many Cardinals , Prelates , and excellent Captains . The first Advancer of the Christian Religion in this City , was Saint Barnabas , a Disciple of Christ , in the 25th . yeer of our Salvation ; together with Anatolone the Greek , and Caio the Roman , giving it for Bishop Narino one of its Citizens ; who having governed it with great sanctity of Life and Religion for thirty yeers , deceased , and was there interred : whom many holy Bishops from one to another have succeeded . In the Domo of Bergamo , are 25. Bodies of Saints , kept with great devotion . Where near the high Altar stands the Sepulchre of Bartolomeo Coleone , a famous Captain , and Citizen of it , with his Effigies in Marble , which he caused to be cut for him by the Life , the Epitaph whereof follows . Bartholomeus Colleonus de Andegania virtute immortalitatem adeptus , usque adeo in re militari fuit illustris , & non modo tunc viventium gloriam longè excesserit , sed etiam posteris spem enim citandi ademerit , saepius enim à diversis Principibus , ac deinceps ab Illustrissimo Veneto Senatu accepto Imperio , Tandem totius Christianorum exercitus sub Paulo Secundo Pont. Max. delectus fuit Imperator : Cujus acies quatuordecim annos , ab ejus obitu solo jam defuncti Imperatoris , tanquam vivi nomine militantis jussa , cujus alias contempserunt . Obiit Anno Domini 1475. quarto nonas Novembris . In the Church of Saint Agostino is the Tomb of Fryer Ambrogio Calepino , who with great diligence and industry , collected all the Latin words in a form approved by the gravest writers : whose works are known to all the World , being divulged where ever the Latine Tongue is spoken . Bergamo , together with its Burroughs , contains a great number of Souls : Above it stands the Capella , or Chapel , a place strong by its site upon a high Mountain , and by the most impregnable Walls wherewith it was encompassed by Luchino Visconte Lord of Milano and Bergamo : but at this time t is wholly abandoned and half ruinated , being found by experience of little ayd to the City when need required : here at first was layed a foundation for a Monastery for the Order of S. Dominick , and a Chapel built , whence called Capello . Bergamo was long time subject to the Roman Empire ; after whose fall t was burnt by Attila ; then it was yoaked to the Longobardi , who styled themselves Dukes thereof ; then reduced under the power of Kings of Italy : and so continued till the daies of Filippo Turciano , who became Lord thereof Anno 1264. After it was Subjugated by Luchino the Viscount . Then Mastino della Scalla made himself Lord thereof . By whom some time after t was sold to Pandolfo Malatesta for thirty thousand Duckats of Gold. And after it had been some times occupied by the French , of its own accord it gave it self to the Venetians , under whom it peaceably reposeth to this day . If farther and more at large any one defires to be satisfied in the history of Bergamo , let him read the book entitled , La Vigna di Bergamo . Serio runs close by Bergamo , deriving its source from those Mountains , between which towards the North are 6 vales . The first is called La vale Seriana , from the River Serio's running through it , which is well peopled , who by Tolomeo are called Beccunni . The second is Vale Brombana , so named from its vicinity with the Banks of the River Brembo ▪ each of which are extended for thirty miles long . The third is Vale di San Martino , 15. miles long . The fourrh , Vale di Calepio , the fifth , Vale di Ohiusontio , the sixth , Val di Manca ; in which between Towns , Villages , and Hamlets , are numbred 200. Inhabited places , of which the chief are Calepio , Lever de Chiusonto , and Vertua , where they make excellent Woollen Clothes . On this side the Territory of Bergamo extends it self 28. miles . Upon Calepio is the strong Castle Leuco , where a Bridge conjoyns both the Banks of Adda . On the West Bergamo hath the City of Como , Monza , and the Hills of Brianza , towards the East Brescia , and towards the South Crema with the above-described Places . Bergamo is accounted 32. miles from Milan , having on the right hand the Rivers Brembo which dischargeth it self into the Adda , further on , near the Adda is the well-fortified Castle of Trezzo , reared by Bernardo Viscount of Milan , Anno 1370. together with that artificial Bridge , which on the left hand over the Adda discovers it self with the abovenamed Places . At twelve miles distance from Bergamo stands Colonica a small Village , where imbarking you psss 20 : miles in the Water and so arrive at Milan . CREMA . THe Relation of this City should have been placed between the narrations of Brescia and Bergamo , where in the second voyage from Brescia to Milan t is only briesly touched , but the Author having found himself tardy , in omitting an account of this esteemed one of the prime Cities of Lombardy , apollogizeth for his placing it here in the end of this Book , and promiseth a reformation in the next impress . Being then in the City of Brescia , and going forth the Gate San Nazario , after twenty miles travel you arrive at Orzi Nuovi : and having past the River Oglio find the Castle Soncino : and sive miles more forwards meets Romanengo , and so many more the City Crema , which is situated in the East shore of the River Serio , by which t is deliciously washed ; it lies in the Centre of fruitfull Lombardy , between five illustrious Cities , at thirty miles distance from each , which encompasse it like a Crown , whereof she may be termed the Cross , that is to say , Milan , Bergamo , Brescia , Cremona , and Piacenza , who affording it what it stands in need of , and expending its superfluities , concur in the rendring it a rich City , t is full of regard , and filled with Merchandize and a haughty self-conceited sort of men , but better illustrated by their gratious and loving Women , who flourish , are free , and most pompous in their array . It is adorned with sumptuous and magnificent Fabricks , among which the most conspicuous are the publick Palace , the Piazza and the Domo with its Tower ( wherein is a large Bell ) of fair and open Architecture , with two regardfull Chapels , one dedicated to the blessed Virgin , all over garnished with excellent pictures , the other to Saint Mark no less beautified with gilt Images . Two other not able things this Church owns , to wit , that Wooden crucifix , which in Anno 144●… ▪ was cast into the Fire by a certain man called Giovanni Alchini , of the faction of Gibellina Bergamesca , which would not burn ▪ but is still preserved with the one side a little singed in a particular Chapel , with great Veneration , the other is a Key of San Bellino , which hath the foretold miraculous curing virtue of such as are bit by madd Doggs . In the same Church are conserved certain trophies of Banners , and a Lanthern of a Gally , taken together with the Gally in a Naval fight against the Turks , by a Preacher of the most noble Family of Zurly , during the fight , being set at the head of the Gally . Besides the above named Fabricks and things worth seeing in this City , two Hospitals are valuable . One for the infirm , the other for the decrepit and outcasts : the sacred Mount of Piety is well endowed , and governed with great providence by the publick , to supply the necessities of the City and Country . There is also a noble Academy for Students , who under the name of Sospinti , employ themselves in good exercises with an impulse of generous emulation . Distant a quarter of a mile from the City stands ( towards the Castle ) a magnificent Temple of great devotion , named Santa Maria della Croce , of an admirable Structure , and adorned with many rare Pictures : To this noble and fair City , though Little ( as little best corresponds with little ) belongs a small but most fertil Territory , washed all over with current and Christalline waters , which affords the City good Fish , as Lobsters , Trouts , Gudgeons , and Eels , and the Country an enriching of their soyl by overflowings , whereby it yeelds great plenty of Corn and Grass , the first whereof they have for their own use and other Cities , and with the second they make incomparable cheese . But that wherewith it most abounds is Flax , which after made into the finest Drapery is spent all over Italy . In its territories though small , are contained fifty four Villages , and Towns , the chief whereof are , Monte dine , Stanengo , Camisano , Tetrore , Vaiano , Bagnelo , Madegnano , being all most populous . The Original of this City , was taken from its situation , for being invironed then with the three Rivers , Ada , Oglio and Serio , it was very strong , and that strength as is believed invited many noble men of the neighbouring Cities ( in the time of the Wars of Albonio King of the Longobards ) to retire themselves thither , and from Cremete one of the chief of those Nobles it took its name . For Forty yeers it maintained it self in liberty , but then she with the other Cities of Italy suffered shipwrack , being by the Longobards , Frederick Barbarossa and others , many times , taken , burnt , sacked , and destroyed , and subjugated sometimes to the Emperors , sometimes to the French , and sometimes to the Germans . But now t is governed by the most Serene Republick of Venice under whom it hath the privilege to keep every yeer a Fair beginning at the end of September being frequented with innumerable concourse of People , divers Merchandizes and Commodities , and great store of Cattle of all sorts . It ever was the Mother of illustrious persons , as well learned in all the sciences , as famous Captains , eminent Engineers , Generals of Armies , writers of Histories , as well Moral as Divine , Prelates of the greatest Negotiations , and Cardinals , some whereof have possessed the Pontificial Chayr . MILAN the great . MIlan was an antient and illustrious City , and for a long time ( through its beauty remained an imperial Seat. ) Behind its shoulders rise those Mountains which separate Italy . Before it is a long and spatious Plain which extending it self above 200. miles , reacheth the Church lands between Rimio and Pesaro on the one side , and Istria and Osia , on the other side . Whereof Polibius writes thus . There is a plain , between the Alps and the Apennines of a triangular Forn , wherein are pleasant Fields above all the Fields not only of Italy but all Europe . Of which Triangle , the Apennines form one side , the Alps another , and the Adriatick Sea or Gulf of Venice ( as it were the basis to the other two ) makes up the third side . And although Milan was heretofore a small Town , it was nevertheless much aggrandized and amplified by Belovese King of the Galls , having environed it with a Wall 24. foot broad , and 64. feet high , which compassed in all the Streets and round of the City : in which Wall were raised 130. Bulwarks , and Towers of immense bigness and heighth , which had six principal Gates . This was effected 270 yeers before Brenta King of the Senoni , fell down into Italy , who threw down and levelled it with the Foundations . But the Roman Senate having restored it to its first form and beauty , and being increased in Riches and People , Attila King of the Hunns descending into Italy , ruined it once more . Afterwards , t was again rebuilt by the Arch-Bishop Eusebius , rearing the Wall again , and re-edifying the ruinated Building . And one hundred yeers after , that is in Anno Salutis 577. the Goths exercised so great cruelty towards the Milanesi , that after they had cast down the Walls , and Edifices , they in one day slew thirty thousand Citizens . This City was likewise ill treated by Erimberto Brother of the King of France , and by Federick Barbarossa the Emperor : who with intendment of its perpetual desolation ploughed & sowed it w th . salt , but being afterwards reconciled to the Citizens , he restored it to its former beauty , encompassing it round with a wall , wherein were set out six principal Gates : At which time , viz. in the 1177. year , the circnit of it was six miles without the suburbs , but now there is a Wall drawn round , which comprehends therein the Suburbs also , which was done by Gonzaga Lieutenant of the Emperor Charls the 5th . and is in circumference ten miles , having very deep Fosses or Ditches , and ten Gates . This City , before the coming of Belloveso , as is aforesaid , was but a Town called Subria built by the Tuscans , then Belloveso coming from Gallia , beat out the Tuscans , aggrandized and much beautified the Town : As to the name Mediolano , as formerly called , diverse are the opinions , some say t was so called for that it was seated between two Rivers , the Adda and the Tesino . Others say , that name was imposed on it by Belloveso by the command of the Gods , giving him to understand , that he should build a City where he should find a Farrowing Sow , half black and half white , with Wool between her shoulders : Whence finding such a Sow in that place , and esteeming it a good augure and praesage , he built it , naming it Mediolana , as much as to say , Meza Lana , or half Wool , in remembrance of which thing we find in a Marble over the Gate of the Palace of Merchants the shape and figure of the said Scrofa or Farrowing Sow . The Galls kept the Dominion of this City , a long time , under Belloveso and his Successors , till they were beaten out by the Romans , who subjected it for a great while to them , under whom it augmented in riches and People , chiefly under the Emperors as well Greek as Latine ; some whereof much delighted to reside there , invited thereto by the beauty of the place , and the comodiousness of managing the Wars against the French and Germans , as necessity required . It so much humoured Trajan , the Emperor , that he there built that proud Palace which to this day retains his memory . Adrian , Massiminian , Hercules , Filippo a Christian Emperor , Constantine , Constanzo , Theodosio , with many other Emperors , dwelt there , left most stately Edifices , and caused four Wi-draughts or Common shores to be dugg , which continue to this day . Afterwards it became subject to the Goths , and to the Longobards , who being driven out by Charls the great , it came under the power of the Emperors . In which time Contado Suevio being Emperor , it began to take boldness and aspire to Liberty , when Justice was administred by the Captains and other Officers elected by the People uniting with them the Primate or Arch-Bishop of the City , by the Peoples election : In which time great discord arising between the Nobility and Plebeians , and thereby governing themselves very ill , they to prevent those disorders put themselves under the power of those of Torre , afterwards to the Visconti , who a great space kept the Dominion , whom the Sforzeschi succeeded , them the French , and last of all the house of Austria obtained it , and keep it to this day in good peace and tranquillity . Milan lies under the sixth Climate or Degree , which affords it a great benignity of the skies , yet the Ayr is somewhat thick . Chanels of water environ both the City and Suburbs , upon which by Barks they conveigh great abundance of goods and provisions of all sorts . In truth t is a wonderfull thing to behold the great plenty of all things , for the life or necessity of Man , which are there , and t is held for certain , that in no other part of Europe ▪ there is so great provision for the Belly , nor at less price , than is here : whence the Proverb is taken Solo in Milano si mangia . For whereas in other Cities one finds not above three Piazzaes at most , where are kept sueh publick Markets , in Milan there are a hundred , whereof 21. are principal , which every fourth day of the week are vastly laden with all sorts of Provisions : For wines they chiefly have Vernaccie of Montf●…rrat , and the Wines of Brianza so much spoken of : Moreover for that it is the Centre of Lombardi , hither they transport infinite quantities of Merchandize , from Germany , France , Spain , and Geneva . T is seated in a wide Plain , having about it green hills , delightfull Meadows , navigable Rivers and Lakes , which furnish them with delicate Fish. In summ , this Country affords in most plentifull measure whatsoever can be desired . T is so thronged with Artizans of all sorts , that the vulgar proverb goes . Chi volesse rassettare Italia rovinarebbe Milano But the chief of them are Gold-Smiths , Armourers , Gun-makers , and Weavers , who here exceed in these particulars , and in works of Christal , either Venice or any other part of Italy ; the Nunns work here likewise most exact and neat curiosities in straw works . It abounds likewise with most magnificent and Stately Palaces , among which the stupendious Palace of Tomaso Marini ( built with so vast expence and Artifice , that whoever beholds it stands amazed ) shines like the Moon among the Starrs . The Castle of Porta Zobbia , named among the chief of Europe , both for its site , greatness , beauty , and its plenty of Artiglery , Arms , and Ammunition , is so impregnable , that hitherto t was never taken by force , but through failer of provisions and Famine it hath been yeelded up . This Fort may be compared to an indifferent City , for within it are streets , Piazzaes , Palaces , Shops for Gold-Smiths , and all other Trades whatsoever , together with all sorts of Victuals and other provision in time of War , as well as Peace . Immense Bastions , with three large profound Dykes , environ it , through which run great Chanels of Water , with a most vast Wall , and spatious Ramparts , under which they walk by a close way made to that purpose . Upon the Battlements and through the Porteholes up and down , are drawn out great Mouths of Cannon , and other pieces of Artiglery set upon Iron Carriages , some whereof shoot Bullets of 800. pound weight , with such force that no obstacle can withstand them ; It hath one place to lay up , and dispose the Arms in a Capacious Arcenal , replenisht with infinite Arms of all sorts both for Offence and Defence . The Tower in the midst of it , is of a square form , and is in circuit ( not reckoning the Towers which one may call little Forts ) 200. paces . The whole Castle or Fort is 1600. paces in circum ference , besides the Trenches . In fine t is accounted by all Ingineers the fairest and strongest fortification of Europe . They unwillingly admit any Stranger to see the out-works , much less the interiour parts . It abounds with rare and excellent Pictures , among others there is one upon the Front of a Palace near the Fort , wherein are painted the Acts of the Romaus , by the hand of Trofo da Monza , so divinely , that t is impossible to add to it . The Images are done so exact to the life and so natural , that all the beholders rest astonisht , and expect speech from those inanimate ( but seeming breathing , and moving ) Pictures . To say no more , Art here hath overcome Nature . Towards the Gate Beatrice , is the Front of another Palace ( of the Lituadi ) painted so rarely well by the hand of 〈◊〉 , that it almost fascinates the eyes of the Aspicients . And at the Gate ●…osa , stands an admirable Statue made to the middle , at the Publick cost , in remembrance of a Strumpet , who principally caused Milan to gain its Liberty . Milan from the death of Belloveso continued ever head of the adjacent Countrey , which made the antient Emperors to send thither a Lieutenant with title of Count of Italy , who also was Captain General of the Empire , and remained there with Consular authority , and Captain of their Armies , that he might bridle the Fury , and shut up the passage from the Inroads into Italy of the Ultramontaneous People . Such is the wholsomness of the Ayr , the Beauty of the Country , and Copiousness of sustenance , that it hath tempted many Princes ( desirous to rest quiet ) to make this their Retreat , and Asylum , as also many other great Men that they might the more commodiously apply themselves to the Study of Learning : Of which were Virgil , Alipius , Saint Augustine , Hermolao Barbaro , Merula , Francesco Filelfo , Celio Rodigino , Alexander the sixth , and Pious the fourth Popes . And although too often this City was thrown down to the very foundations , and at last furrowed with the plough of the Enemies , yet it ever revived again , and that with more beauty and Splendor than at first , increasing still so much in Riches and People , that it ever kept a place among the chief Cities of Italy . Near the Church San Salavdore , there stood a proud Palace of the Emperors , with a Temple dedicated to Jupiter , made in emulation of the Campidoglio at Rome , and where now the Counsel is kept , was the Palace for Justice ; where also the Proclamations of the Dukes were accustomed to be publickly read , and the due punishments executed on Malefactors . There was also a Theatre to present Comedies , a place for Horse ▪ races , and a large Circle where now is Santa Maria Maggiore . The Garden near San Steffano , was an Amphitheatre , where they accustomed to fight Duels . The Church of San Nazario was an old Prison , where they condemned Malefactors to fight with the wild Beasts there preserved to that end in great number , The Common Field was then a Theatre , where the young men exercised themselves in taming and manning of Horses , and fighting . Where the Cathedral Church is , was a place with Stalls many waies where they made their Feasts to their Heroes and Houshold Gods. The Stalls now for the Cattel , then was a pleasant Garden , beautified and planted with many Fruit trees and plants brought from far Countries ; great store of odoriferous flowers ; Rivolets of Christalline waters , Statues and Sculptures of Marble . Where the Church of San Lorenzo stands now , were the hot Baths of Maximinian , Nero , and Nerva , the Emperors , nothing inferiour to them at Rome . Besides which antiquities , there yet is preserved a stately Armory in the Palace , replenished with most noble Arms , worthy any Prince for the value and fairness , being not onely inlayed with Gold and Silver , but engraven with greatest Cost and Workmanship ; where now is the Church San Lorenzo , was a Temple dedicated to Hercules , made in the form of the Rotunda at Rome , near which were erected 16. Marble Pillars , and upon them a Palace for the Emperours , part whereof was ruined by fire , the rest by time , nothing but the Pillars remaining All this Fabrick was raised by Maximinian Hercules , who ordained the Town should be no more called Milano , but Herculeo . At one end of those Pillars is this inscription put in . Imp. Caesari L. Aurelio vero Aug. Arminiaco Medico Parthico Max. Trib. Pot. VII . Imp. IIII. Cos. III. PP . Divi Antonini Pii . Divi Hadriani Nepoti . Divi Trajani Parthici , Pronepoti Divi Nervae . Apnepoti Dec. Dec. This Milan was alwaies a potent City , whence we read that it many times made opposition to the Romans , and often fought the Goths and other Barbarous People , and also against both the Federicks the first and second Emperours , obtaining a most glorious victory : It subjected to it Navara , Bergamo , Pavia , Como , Lodi , and Tortona , and freed Genoua from the hands of the Moors , The Romans were wont to say . Qui miseram citius cupiunt effundere vitam , Modiolanum adeant , gens ea dura nimis . It was so much prized by the adjacent Countreys ( that it being ruined by Federick Barbarossa the Emperor ) Cremona , Verona , Piacenza , advised how to restore it at their own cost and charges , and in all times t was very populous . It received the light of the Faith from S : Barnabas , sent thither from Saint Peetre , who then resided in Antiochia , which was in the 46. year after the coming of our Saviour , where he substituted for Bishop Anatalone the Greek his Disciple , whom in process of time succeeded many holy Bishops , among others that glorious pillar of the Church Saint Ambrose the most renowned Doctour ; who finding the Bodies of San Gervaso and Protaso the Martyrs , caused that Church to be built which is now called San Ambrogio . This was the Cathedral Church , where is seen the true effigies of the brazen Serpent made by Moses , brought hither by Theodosius the Emperor , as also the effigies of San Bernardo upon a Pillar , who in this Church said Mass , preached and wrought miracles . Likewise a sumptuous Sepulchre wherein lies Lewis the second Emperour , and Pepin King of Italy both Sons of Charls the great , there under the Altar within a deep Pit locked with four Gates of Iron , is kept with great reverence the body of Saint Ambrose , and a book writ with his own hand : Angelberto of the illustrious Family of Pusterly in the time of Charls the Great , being Arch-Bishop . The Emperor gave to this Altar a noble Pall , embroidered with Saints and Angels , in 20. several Squares , in the midst whereof is the Saviour of the World , as he rose from the dead , upon whose head is a Diamond set round with gemmes of inestimable valew . On both sides of which Altar are four other Images of Saints , in the middle is a Cross. The Vests are all over beset with many pearls and pretious stones ; behind the Altar is another Cross of silver two Cubits high , and one & an half broad , where are 23. figures of Saints of embossed work ; This so stupendious work cost in those days 28000. Scudaes , and is now worth 100000. Volvinio the excellent Sculptor of those times was the Artificer of it . Saint Ambrose stood at the Gate of this Church , when he excomunicated Theodosius the Emperor , commanding him not to enter therein . Contiguous with it is a noble and stately Monastery of the Fryers Celestines . At the issuing out of Saint Ambrogio , is a poor Chapel in a blind corner with a Well , where Saint Ambross baptized Saint Augustine : and t is known , that this was the way , which Saint Augustine , and Saint Ambrose took hand in hand to give thanks to God in San Gervaso , for the holy Baptism received , singing Te Devm Laudamus , as the Inscription testifieth . Hic beatus Ambrosius babtizat Augustinum , Deodatum , & Alippum , hic beatus Ambrosius incipit te Deum laudamus . Augustinus sequitur , Te deum confitemur . The meanness of the place makes it most credible to be true , the name of Carolus Boromaeus a Council of Trent Saint , highly cryed up at Milan , having too much extinguisht the memory and esteem of that learned Father . The Church of Santa Tecla , is replete with holy Reliques ; here rests Saint Ambrose , and among other Reliques a Nayl which was fixed and drove through a member of the Body of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ into the Wooden Cross whereon he was crucifyed , by the wicked Jewes , which . was bestowed on it by Theodosius the Emperor : This is the antientest Temple of Milan , and was first consecrated to the Saviour , after to the Virgin Mary , and lastly to Tecla , but antiently many yeers before the coming of the Messiias , they say there stood a most famous Temple of Minerva , where ( as Polybius averrs ) this goddess was adored and reverenced with the greatest and most particular devotion , whence many suppose this Ciry took its name , for that in the antient Celtique and German tongues Magdalant signifies the Land or Country of a Virgin , which opinion is likewise confimed by Andrea Alciato I. C. A veritable Author in all the sciences , who in his Emblems writ this Epigram . Quam Mediolanum sacram dixere puellae Terram , nam vetus hoc Gallica lingua sonat , Culta c Minerva fuit , nunc est , ubi nomine Tecla Mutato , Matris Virginis ante Domum . Santa Maria della Scala , was founded by Regina , Wife of the Visconte : and enjoyned to be so called , because she descended from the Family of the Scalaes of Verona . It stands where was antiently the Palace of the Turriani : And where the Church of Saint Dionigeis stood in old time a Dragon , which then greatly afflicted the Country and destroyed many , at last he was slain by Umberto Angiere , who was thereupon created Viscont . There are two Chapels in the Church of Saint Mark , in one whereof is the most excellent Pictures of Lomazzo , containing in one the Apostles , Prophets , Sibils , and many other pourtraies : In the other the fall of Simon Magus from Heaven , which it represent , as most horrible spectacle . The Church of San Nazario , contains certain proud Tombs of the illustrious Lords , the Trivultii chiesly that of Giacomo , of whom may be truly said : He that never was quiet lies still here : Near this Church they shew a red stone , which they term the holy Stone , wherein are cut the victories , and trophies which Saint Ambrose gloriously obtained upon the Arrians , in memory whereof , to him was erected a Statue at the Gate Vico. The Church of S. Fedele , is admirable , no less for its beauty , than for the Architecture of Pellegrino . The Church of San Paola and San Barnabas , for the Nuns is most noble , where was first founded the Order of the reformed Priests of the beheaded Saint John : They have one rare cross cut by Bramantino . The Church of Santa Rosa , is for the preaching Fryers , who have the keeping of the holy Rosarie . In the magnificent Temple of San Gottardo , are excellently drawn the effigies of the Visconte , where ly buried Azzone Visconte , and Gio Maria the second Duke . It s beautified with a stupendious Belfry , and a fair Garden . The Church of Saint Eustorgio the Bishop , shewes a stately and sumptuous Sepulcher , wherein ly the bones of San Pietro the Martyr . A rich Tabernacle where is kept the head of Saint Eustorgio , and the Tomb of the three Magi , with this inscription . Sepulchrum Trium Magorum , where lay the Bodies of those Magi , which were brought hither by Saint Eustorgio , in Anno 330. when he came last out of the East ; but many yeers after , this City being destroyed by Fedrick Barbarossa , in Anno 1163. These Bodies were conveyed to Colonia Agrippina by Rodolphus the Arch-Bishop , now they keep in that Sepulcher , the Body of Eustorgio with many reliques of other Saints , Martyrd there for the Faith of Christ. Here also are kept the Ashes of many noble Milanesians , inter alia of Matteo Visconte first Duke of Milan , and of Gio Merula a most Learned Man , who was interred with geeat pomp in the time of Ludovico Sforza , with this Epitaph on his Tomb. Vixi aliis inter spinas mundique procellas . Nunc sospes coelo Merula vivo mihi . Over the Gate of the Convent of the preaching Fryers ( from whom many excellent Theologians have issued ) is placed the Pulpit , wherein Saint Petre the Martyr being preaching to the People at noon day in Midsummer , obtained by his Merits and the instance of his Prayers , that a Cloud hung over the Auditors in manner of an Umbrella preserving them from that intollerable heat ; near the said Church gusheth out the fountain of Saint Barnabas , where though an unpolished ▪ place , he baptized and said Mass , of which water , who drinks is immediatly delivered from the malignity of any Feaver . The Temple of S. Lorenzo , formerly dedicated to Herode , was much more sumptuous than the abovenamed Churches , which in the yeer 1085. being in great part burnt , received great damage in the Mosaick of Gold , and in the destruction of many Brass figures about the Pillars . The royal Church of Saint Aquilino founded by ●…lacida , Sister of Honorius the Emperor , and wife to Constantine , shewes on its Front fair Marble Colums , and within as noble Pillars of Porphiry . In the Church of Stephano was flain with many stabs the Duke Caleazzo Maria Sforzo . In S. Giovanni lies the Tomb of Barnabo Visconte Prince of Milan . The Church of S. Statiro and Celso , is proud of the excelling Genius and Architecture of Bramante , the Limner of Urbin , in many works he wrought there ; The Front of that of Saint Mary , of its excellent Statues wrought with so much art , that all conclude it impossible to equal them : and that of the Peace or Pace of its rare painting of the history of the blessed Virgin and her Father by the hand of Gaudentius , and moreover the Virgin her self painted by Marco Uglono the Painter , which stand near the Cross , and lively expresseth a real sorrow . In the Church of Saint Francis , is a Tablet of the conception , together with Saint Gio , the Baptist , a Child adoring our Lord , so well done by the hand of Vincio , that they cannot be paralleled . In the Church della Passione , is a stupendious piece of the celebration of the last Supper , where is truly represented the amazement of the Apostles , by Christofero Cibo . In the Church delle Gratie , founded by Germano Rusca , and aggrandized by Ludovico Sforza , is painted in a Tablet the Picture of our Lord crowned with Thorns , by Titian the worthy of eternal memory , about the Cupula are Angels formed by Gaudentius , whose vestments are rarely wrought , and in another place Sain Paul painted , writing and contemplating , Herein lies buried Beatrice the Dutches , so well beloved by Ludovico her Husband , that he vowed never to sit at table again at eating , and lived so a yeer about : One Epitaph over the Gate of the Cloysters , artificially made , shall be here inserted . Infelix partus , amissa ante vita , quàm in lucem ederet , infelicior , quod matri moriens vitam ademi , & parentem consorte sua orbavi ; in tam adverso fato , hoc solum mihi potest jucundum esse , quod Divi parentes ne Ludovicus & Beatrix Mediolanen . Duces gennere , 1497. tertio Non. Ianuarii . In this Church lies Giovanni Simonetta , who wrote the history of the Sforzeschi , and Giulio Camillo a most Learned Man , whose Epi taph , placed on another door of the Cloysters , followes Iulio Camillo Viro ad omnia omnium scientiarum sensa mirificam eruenda , & adscientias ipsam in suum ordinem aptè constituendas natura mirè facto , qui apud Dominicum Saulium Idibus Maii 1544. repentino mortuus concidit . Dominicns Saulius amico desideratissimo posuit . Which Church is possessed by the preaching Fathers , with a stately Convent , to be reckoned one of the chief of Europe , for largness and beauty of building and the number of the learned and best Fathers , which that Order enjoys , where they shew in a refectory the Picture of our Saviour with the Apostles at the last supper , drawn by Leonardo Uinci with such vivacity and Spirit that they seem to move , and be sensible of the passions of Love , Sorrow , Joy , admiration , Suspition , &c. particularly in the Face of Judas one sees exprest that Treafon , which he had conceived in his mind ; Leonardo Vinci , having compleated all the Apostles , not wanting more to its finishing than the visage of our Savionr , it happened that he could never accomplish it , because he had expressed so great beauty and glory in the Faces of Saint James the greater and the less , that he had left no possibility for his fancy to draw any thing beyond them : Whence pondring the impossibility of the thing , he resolved to consult with Bernardo Zenale another worthy Painter of those times ; who its reported made him this answer . This Picture hath one Errour which God only can rectifie , for t is not imaginable that thou or any other Painter in the World can express more grace and Majesty , than thou hast presented in the one and t'other James , wherefore leave it as t is ; Lonardo did so , as appears at this day , yet not so demonstrable , because time hath in part defaced the glory of those Faces . There also are the effigies of Lodovico , Beatrice , and both their Sons afterwards Dukes , Massiminiano , and Francesco . In the Church of S. Vittorie of the Fryers of the Mount of Olives , is seen a Saint George , giving death to the Serpent , wrought by Raffael of Urbino . The great aud sumptuous Domo or Cathedral , was founded with infinite expence by the Duke Giovan Galeazzo , built with such industry , that for its greatness and Architecture , the pretiousness of the Marbles and workmanship , few Temples of the World can be paralleled unto it . T is all of white Marble , and about it are 500. Statues of the same . It s length from East to West is 250. Cubits , and breadth 130. It hath six Cupolaes , one 80. cubits high , two 50. another forty , and the others 30. The four Pilastres of the greater Cupola are 32 cubis distant one from t'other ; It hath three proportionated Isles with sive gates in the front ; the Casements , and Arches are of a Pyramid form , the Iron Bars which sustain this great work , are so hugely bigg , that the Architectors of Charles the fifth beholding them from the ground were amazed at them ; Among the other Statues , there are two most stupedious , the one of Adam , the other of S. Bartolomeo flleaed , divinely carved by Christopher Cibo , in one of which may be clearly discerned the whole Anatomy of Man , which is unparalleld . It hath two great Organs , in one of which stands David the Prophet , playing on the Symbal before the Ark , wrought with great artifice by Gioseffo of Monza . It hath two noble Vestries , wherein they preserve their Vestments , rich Ornaments , and Vessels given them by Arch-Bishops , and Dukes , with many reliques of Saints . It hath besides a stately Chorus , where the Dukes of Milan are intombed , and before the great Altar stands the Grave of Cardinal Carlo Borromeo , whose sanctity of Life , and the form of good living , prescribed by him to others , hath raised this opinion , that his Soul ascended immediately out of his Body into Heaven : In another part is the Tomb of Giacomo Medici , Marques of Melignano , a Captain of great valour , and his statue with his natural Visage , and Military habit in Brass , made by Leone Aretino . In this Church they reverently keep also one of the Nayls wherewith our Saviour was nayled to the Cross , given by Theodosius the Emperor . Among the other pious places , is the great Hospital of Milan , praisable , seated in an Island , and invironed with Columns , and Porches , t is 600. rods about , 150. of a side ; T is divided into four most capacious appartments , having underneath many little Shops made on purpose for the workers , employed for the use of the Hospitals : In the middle walk are 112. Beds for sick persons , all hung with Curtains , equally distant one from another , and accommodated in such manner , that at the saying of Mass all may hear . It s revenue is 50000. Crowns , somtimes exceeds 90000. Crowns per. Ann. It maintains 4000. Souls , and for its noble Structure may be fit for the greatest Prince . Five miles out of Milan on the Road of Come , is the Lazuretto of Saint George , ( for the infected of the Plague ) which edifice is four-squared , 1800 yards in circuit , round i●… runs a Channel ; and within it are infinite beds with sufficient provision of all necessaries . In this City are many Noble , Lordly , and magnificent Families , among others the Ancient house of the Pusturley , the Turriani , who came from Valle Sassiuo , and sometime governed here , from this Family came Matteo Turriano , who being Captain for Conradus the second Emperour , in Arabia against the Moors , was taken Prisoner , and Martyrd for the Faith of Christ. The Visconti , as some say , were descended from the Trojani , who built Angiera , near the Lake Maggiore , which City they long possessed , when being the most potent Family in Lombardy , Matteo Visconte was constituted imperial Vicar of Milan , and all Lombardy , and permitted to carry the Eagle in his ensignes . Others say this Family had its original from the Kings of the Longobards , Be it as t will , twelve Princes of the Visconti held the dominion of Milan 170. years Under Duke John Galleazzo it commanded 29. Cities besides Lumbardy , among others Genoua , Bologna , Pisa , Belluno , and Trento . From the illustrious Family of Sforzaes have descended six Dukes of Milan , Cardinals , Queens , and one Empress . And besides the aforenamed , the Families of the Trivultii , Biraghi , Medici , Ruschi , Mezenti , Bezzozzi , and others are of Milan . It produced 4. Popes , Urban the third , Celestine the fourth , Pius the fourth , and Gregory the 14th . Two Emperors , Didius Julianus , and Maximinianus Herculeus , who built the Hercolean hot Baths , and here in Milan deposed and quit the Emperial Diademme ; as also Virginius Rufus , thrice Consul , with many Cardinals , Bishops , Saints , with eminent scholars in all ages , as Salvio Giuliano , Grandsire to Giuliano the Emperor , Paulo Eleazarno , Gioan Lignano , Giasone del Maino , Filippo Deno , Andrea Alciato , Marco Massimo the Historian , and Astrologer , Cecilio the Comick Poet , the Cardinal Paulo Emilio Sfrondato Nephew of Pope Gregory the 14. a person worthy of much praise , for his goodness and integrity of life . The Arch Bishop of Milan hath the Title of Prince , and hath a long time enjoyed the primacy thereof : Its Jurisdiction extended it self heretofore to Genoua , Bologno , and some parts of Sicilia , and proceeded from its riches and pride , to that rashness , that for 200. years it with drew it self from the Roman Bishops , but Carlo Borromeo hath taken off much of that obliquy , by the splendour he hath given to that Arch Bishoprick by his holy conversation , whom Cardinal Federick his Nephew succeeded , a worthy imitator of his Uncle . Before a Palace near the Porta Lodivica , is an Altar of Marble Stones , where on one side is earve●… Diana Luci fera ( as Cicero calls her ) with a burning Torch , as Lucillus writes in his Satyrs . — Et Regyna videbis Maenia , tum Liparas , facelinae templa Dianae . For this Godess was in this manner adored in the Island , Lipari , and at its Feet is a Blood-hound with the eyes towards the Goddess , on the other fide is Apollo Medico , leaning on a Tripode , with a Bow in his right hand , and a quiver of arrows hanging at his shoulder , near his feet a Scepter , and the Serpent Pitone , who is therefore called by the Poets Pitio , & Citaredeo , before the said Altar may be read this inscription . AEsculapio & Hygiae Sacrum C. Oppius . G. L. Leonas VI. Vir. & Aug. Honoratus . In Tribu . GL . Patrum , & liberum Clientium . & Adcensus Patroni . Sanctissimis Communicipibus suis. DD. Quorum . Dedicatione Singulis Decurionibus * III. Augustalibus . * II. Et Colonis . Cenam . Dedit L. D. D. D. There are in Milan II. Collegiat Churches , 71. Parochials , 30. Convents of Fryers , and 8 of Regulars , 36. Monasteries of Nuns , 32. Confraternities or Fryeries , which with diverse others amount to 238. Churches , with 120. Schools , where Boys are instructed in Christian Doctrine and other Learning . It hath therefore worthily attributed to it the name of Milan the great , and the estimation of one of the four great Cities of Italy , that is , Roma , Venetia , Milano , Napoli , and Autonio Callo reckons it one of the ten greatest of Europe , it well may be accounted and taken for the greatest of any Metropolis in a Dutchy . Going forth of the Gate Camasina , towards the North , and the Mountains , at 25. miles distance one arivies at Como , which rea●… affords nothing worthy observation , but the Town Bersalina , where Saint Peetro the Martyr was slain by the Hereticks , and in that place where he wrote the 12. Articles of Faith , with his blood , there is a Grott where they continually digg Earth , and yet it appears no hollow ; Over that place they pretend likewise to see a great splendour , which God sheweth for the glory of that holy Body there inhumanly slain . COMO . COmo is a City famous for the genteelness of her Citizens and flourishing Muse of Paolo Giovo , is seated in a Plain environed with Mountains , and near the Lake Lario or Como , within which and opposite to Como is a small Town built as it t were in a Peninsula , and at the lower end thereof stands a Palace , where the abovenamed , Paolo , had embellished a Library with a noble collection of Books , and the pourtrays of the most illustrious persons , as is expressed in his books called gli . Elogii , but at present there remains nothing of it more than certain pictures upon the Walls , The Images , Books , Robes of Prete Janni King of AEthiopia , the Bowes and other Arms of the Antipodes , with many other curiosities not else where to be found , and of good valew , are removed thence to the Palace of the Giovii ; within Como in the Dome or Cathedral Church on the left hand is erected the sumptuons Tombe of Benedetto Giovo the famous writer , in the City likewise may be read many epitaphs and writings , testifying their antiquity and constant fidelity to the Rou●…an Common-Wealth . The Lake Como , is 36. miles long , and somewhat more than three miles broad , upon which ( when calm ) the Citizens in their boats recreate themselves , near the end stands the Fountain of Pliny , and Belacio , a Palace of the Signori Spondati , invironed with spatious Gardens , which are adorned with fair Arbours , and the Walls clothed with Gessamines , Roses , Rosemary , and other sweets , together with some Woods of Juneper Trees , which harbour all sorts of Birds . Ten Miles distant from Milan , and between it and Como , stands the stately Castle Monza , which is washed by the River Lambro , It was amplified by Thedorick first King of the Goths , and Teodolinae the Queen , there erected a magnificent Temple dedicated to Saint John the Baptist , endowing it with great riches , among others with a Saphyr of inestimable price , a Brood Hen and Chickens of Gold , and many other vessels of Gold , therein also are preserved many reliques in Vessels , given to it by San Gregory . Then appears Somasca upon the Mountains , a Town often named for the Original of the Religious order of the regular Priests of Somasca ; a little more forward , you see ( near the Banks of the Lake Como the impregnable Castle Leaco , whence you passe by water to Como , and then advancing a little farther , the Traveller cometh to the Country of the Grizons , through which runs the River Adda . On the left hand of Monza , rise the Mountains of Bianza , which afford most excellent Wines , and three miles distant from Monza on the right hand lies a well-manured Campagna , wherein Francesco Secundo Sforza , defeated the French Army , commanded by Lotrecco , where after the death of many thousand Souldiers , on both sides , he obtained a glorious victory . On this fide also ( before the arrival at the River Varo , the boundary of Italy , appears the small River Martesana , an Arm of the Adda , which runs under the Gorgongiola , over which stands a Bridge , whence they descend to Milan , and thus we have described the places on the Eastern Part. Issuing out of the Gate of Milan , Vercella , towards the West , you meet the compleat Town Ro , near by which , passeth an Arm of the Tesino to Milan , on the other side of which Rivolet , is Ensalaro with many other Castles , whence taking the right-hand way , you arrive at the Lago Maggiore , at the very source of the River Tesino , which goes to Pavia , near which stands Angiera whence the Signori d' Angiera , now Viscounts , take their rise . Then at 17. miles distance from Milan upon a Mountain , ( being as t were one of the Boundaries to the Lake ) appears the devout Temple of Santa Maria del Monte , whither resort great concourse of People , to obtain their requests from God at the intercession of the blessed Virgin Mary . Then passing the Tessino , you find Viglebia , a new small City but fair , where stands the magnificent Palace called the Ssorzesca , so named from Lodovico Sforza , Duke of Milan , who built and gave it to the Religious Order of the Dominican Fryers , who to this day possess it . From whence on the right hand way , lies Novarra , and the Country Lemellina , and on the left hand , the Castle Mortarra , heretofore called the fayr Wood , but afterwards from the great slaughter of the Longobards , there made by Charles the great , sighting with Desiderius their King , it was named Mortara . On the same side also is the Castle Valese , and the Town Vatalle under the Mountains , where in burnt Earth is effigiated the Sepulchre of our Saviour , with all the mysteries of his passion in divers little Chapels , to which much Application is made with great reverence by the neighbouring People ; near which begins the Loke Laguno , and the Country of the Grizons . The Journey from MILAN to PAVIA . BEtween Milan and Pavia stands the most noble Monastery of Certosa , built by Giovanno Galeazzo Visconte , first Duke of Milan , endowed with a great Revenue , in whose Temple himself lies buried , in a stately Marble Tombe , wherein is erected his Statue with his lively effigies , and inscribed a curious Epitaph , containing his famous notable Deeds , which Church hath many wonderfull Statues , Sculptures , and Pictures , fair Chapels , with Altars enriched with Gold , and pretious Stones , and a Vestry replete with Vests , and Vessels of Gold , and Silver of good valew , and many Reliqus of Saints . Near which Monastery is a Park , invironed with a Wall of twenty miles square , wherein are plowed Lands , Meadows , and Woods , and therein are preserved great quantity of Wilde Beasts , for the Chase , as Hares , Roe-Bucks , Stags , Fallow-Deer , with other Creatures , which was imparked by the same Galeazzo , but is in some places fallen to the ground . Here Francesco the first King of France , encamped his Army , when he besieged Pavia , in the year of our Salvation 1525. at which time himself with the King of Navarre , and many prime Barons of France , were taken Prisoners by Monsiguors , of Lonato , and Barbone , Captains of the Army of Charls the fifth Emperour . PAVIA . PAvia according to Pliny was built by the Levi , and Marini , a People of Liguria , not far from the Poe : But Entropius and Paulus Diaconus will have it to be founded by the Insubri and Boii , after the Declension of of the Roman Empire , to whom t was for some time subject . It was subjugated afterwards to Attila King of the Hunns , then to Odoacro , King of the Heruli , who having taken it by force , sacked it , burnt it , and levelled the Walls with the Earth : Then it became under the power of the Longobardi , who there fixing the Regal Scat , raised many sumptuous Edifices , as saies Paolo Diacono , among others , the Monastery of Santa Chiara , was built by Partarito , the Church of Santa Maria della Pertiche , by Theodolinda the Queen , the Monastery of S. Pietro in Cielo Aureo , by Lutruprando the King , who brought thither from Sardigna , the venerable Corps of Saint Augustine , there yet kept in a well-polisht Tombe of Marble , with great reverence , with many other Structures , which for brevity sake are passed over ; here also , one may see the Castle built by Giovan Galeazzo Visconte , and also that antique brass Statue on Horseback , called Regisole , which many conjccture to be made for Antonius , from the Lineaments of the Face add Beard . There were 22. Kings of the Longobardi , and they reigned 202. yeers , whose Nobles mueh adorned this City , making her the Regal Scat , and Mistris of their Provinces . It hath produced many illustrious men , among other Giovan the XVIII . Pope , and Tesore Baccaria , Abbot of Vall Ambroso , Martyred in Florence . It hath many noble Edifices . chiefly that Tower wherein the great Boetius quitted this mortal veil . It is seated in a well tilled Vale near the Appenine Hills , and the River Tesino , over which was carried a stately Bridge by the Duke Galleazzo Visconte . This City Pavia , as well in the forenamed Battel in 1525. as in several others before and since in latter times , when the French undertook invasions into Italy and beseiged it , hath fatally proved the overthrow of their Armies , the loss of their designs , and the Ruine of their Interest in that Country . In this City was instituted a famous University , not much inferiour to that of Paris , by the Emperour Charles the Great , whose zeal to amplifie the Christian Religion , caused him to send thither learned Theologians , to teach publiquely the true Doctrine , as also other eminent Doctors well read in all the Sciences , who were much encouraged to repair thither by their large Stipends and his signal favours ; Giacone the so much celebrated Doctor , among others , spent many years in this Academy , also Baldo , having here read for some time , dyed , and lies interred in the Convent of the Fryers Franciscans , and t is conceived that the sereneness of the Ayr , so much sharpens the Genius of the Students , that it hath thence acquired the name of a glorious University . The Faith of Christ was first preached and taught to the Pavians by the blessed Sirus of Aquleia , at the same time that the Apostle Saint Peter taught in Rome , from which time to this day they have constantl profest the same . Its Citizens coveting their own Liberty , presented themselvs to Philip Arch-Bishop of Ravenna Legate of the Roman Church , in the yeer of Christ 1259. whereby they were long time kept under the Apostolick Sea , no less in Spirituals than Temporals , which the more evidently appears by the Oath which the Podestà and other Magistrates solemnly took at their ingression into their several Offices , precisely in this form . Ego Potestas , vel Consul Justitiae Papiae , &c. Ad honorem Dei , & Virginis Mariae , ad honorem & reverentiam S. R. Ecclesiae , & Serenis . DD. Ludovici Romanorum Regis , & Civitatis Papiae bonum statum juro ad Sancta Dei Evangelia , corporaliter tactis scripturis , quod sum & ero fidelis S. R. Ecclesiae , & Rom. Imperii . The Emperour Charles the great , taking a Journey into France , left for his Lieutenants in this City , the Languschi , principal Gentlemen of Pavia , with the title of Vicars , which constitution the succeeding Emperoors successively approved , till the time of ●…edrick Barbarossa , who granted them power to elect their own Consuls to govern the City , whence it was that at the Treaty and Peace made by the said Frederick with the People of Lumbardy , this City there interven'd as ●…ree , and not subject to any others . The Pavians ( after the expiration of the 280. years wherein the Emperors enjoyed her ) elected Gio Galeazzo Visconte , for Count of Pavia , under which capacity the Princes Visconte , and Sforzeschi successively possessed it , as doth now the King of Spain , to whom they surrendred themselves with another title and jurisdiction , to shew that this City holding themselves not at all subject to the Dutchy of Milan , but Muncipal , they might be acknowlged particularly as Counts of the Roman Empire . No City in Lombardy can better extinguish any Novelties or Uprores than this of Pavia , and its Territory , which with the environing Rivers give limits to and divides the Milaneses , Novareses and other People of the hilly Countries , from the Genoveses , Tortoneses and those of Bobio Alexandria , and Casal , so that those several People can neither make league nor unite at their own pleasures without the consent of the Citizens of Pavia , which is duly called the Fatal Gate and Key of Lombardy , from its dominion over the Rivers Poe , and Tessino , and from its oportune site , being empowred to give or deny passage to or from either sides and shores of those Rivers . Hence we may go by Boat on the Tesino to Piacenza or Cremona . But journying by Land , you leave on the right hand the Castle Vichiera , Tortona , Allessandria , Montferrate , and then Piedmont . The Journey from MILAN to BOLOGNA by the VIA EMILIA , afterwards to FLORENCE , and Lastly to ROME . INtending to travel from Milan to Rome , you must proceed out at the Roman Gate , and after some space towards Lodi , you meet on the right hand in the Territory of Milan , the rich and famous Monastery of Chiaravalle , to which the Abbot Manfredo Archinto , among other Farms , gave the great Vineyard Pilastrello , which was formerly called the Vineyard of the Poor ; for that the wine there collected and thereof made , was usually dispenc'd among the Poor , being to that end preserved in one entire Vessel , the greatest in the World , which contayned 600. measures , ( each of which held about threegallons ) was conjoyned with great Beams , and encompassed with large Hoops , which when empty , hath for its grandure , been held a worthy object to many People , and to some Princes , Kings , and Emperors , among which was Charles the fifth who disdained not to enter therein . Somewhat further from whence in the Territory of Pavia lies the Town - Landiciano , and at tenn miles distant from Lodi the noble and rich Castle , Meregnana , and close by it runneth the River Lambro , which brings to it delight , and all sorts of provisions ; near it is the place where Francis the first King of France flew 16000. Switzers , by whose deaths Massimilian Sforza happened to lose his Seignory and liberty ; thence six miles stands the Castle S. Angelo , washed by the Lambro , where every Wednesday , is kept a fayr Market ; thence three miles you see the place where antiently stood Lodi the Old. On the left of this fair way lies Cremona , and other places , whereof we have formerly treated in the voyage from Brescia , to Milan ; on all fides , you behold this Country abounding with Fruit and manured with Vineyards . LODI . THis City was founded by Frederick Barbarossa , three miles distant from the old Lodi , at whose foundation laying , the said Federick with himself brought all his Princes , and endowed it with many privileges , which ( under the shadow of the Empire ) preserved it a long time in Liberty . Afterwards it chose for its Lords the Vestarini , it s own Citizens , and in the end submitted to the Dukes of Milan . The old Lodi was called antientiy Laus Pompeia , for that it was restored by Pompeius Strabo , Father of Pompey the great , and this new Lodi was made a City by Corrado the second , Emperour , at the request of Erimberto , Arch ▪ Bishop of Milan , and though at his instance yet it no way abated the envy reigning in the breasts of the Milanesi , for they in the yeer 1158. under Ussi , for the great hatred between them , destroyed it , being not at all satisfyed with their throwing down of the Walls , and driving away the Inhabitants , un till they had inforced the Citizens to live in villages separate one from another , at such distance that they might not assemble nor take Counsel how to restore their unhappy Country , prohibiting them traffick , and sale of any thing , or to joyn in allyance , under penalty of losing their patrimony , and banishment ; into the like punishment fell such of them as went out of the place they were confined to , under which misery and servitude they continued for 49. yeers . But the Milanesi , were severely chastized for this their cruelty , by God the just Judge . Their City Milan being not long after sacked and burnt by Frederick the Emperor . This City situate in a plain , is of two miles compass and a round form , having a pleasant and sertile Territory environing it , which produceth all sorts of Grain , delicious Wines , ane lovely Frui ●… : The Pasture , and Meadows , are alwaies in a flourishing green , being well preserved ( from the scorching heat ) by the overflowing of the Waters , which for that conveniency are conveyed in 4. or 5. Chanels , one above another almost to a wonder , and so much to their advantage that they mow their Meadows 4. or 5. times a yeer , which with their pasture affords them so much milk as is incredible to such as have not seen it , wherewith they make abundance of Cheese and some of them weigh 500. weight , here also they dry with salt those savory Calves Tongues ▪ so much admired every where . It hath many Rivers , and they afford excellent Fish , particularly most delicate Eels , The City contains 12000. Souls , and many noble Families , among others that of the Vestarini who a long time Reigned over it : It hath also given Birth to many Persons , no less eminent in Letters than Arms. It received the light of the Christian Faith , from the preaching of Saint Barnabas , at the time when Milan was therewith enlightned . S. Bassano , was Bishop of this City ▪ to whom a Church therein is dedicate , enriched with sacerdotal habits , embroideries of Gold , and Jewels , Cups , Crosses , Censors , and other valewable Vessels . T is washed with the River Adda , over which there is raised a Bridge of Wood , fix miles off which , is the rich Abbacy of Borgheto , and six miles thence stands mount Columbano , much celebrated for the delicate Wines , and fruit ; on the left hand of the Strada Ricca , lies the Town Samalia , with an Hospital , and the Abbacy of the Fryers of Saint Gyralamo , a little fartherly Lorlesco , and Pusturlingo , built by the noble Pusterli of Milan , whence ( crossing the River by Boat ) about a mile lies Piacenza . PIACENZA . SOme will have this City to take its name from the Pleasantness of its fite , and the beauty of its buildings , nor have we any other Original for Piacenza : T is seated near the Poe , in a delightfull place , having a flourishing Champagua , and fruitfull Hills , The first yielding plenty of Corn , and other things , for humane sustenance , the later incomparable Wines , delicate Fruits , and Oyl : The Meadows , ( alwaies green , by reason of the artificial flowing from the surrounding Rivers ) are continually stocked with great herds of Cattel , whence they extract that cheese which for its goodness is so much cryed up through Enrope , that when they would commend any Cheese , they call it of Piacentia ; It affords also certain springs of salt water , ( from which with fire they extract the whitest salt ) and some Mines of Iron , and Woods filled with Creatures for the Chase. It was reduced into a Colony of the Romans , together with Cremona ▪ in the 350th . yeer after the building of Rome , by their expulsion of the French out of that Country , as Livy saies , who of it makes an honourable mention in divers places , as well as divers other Historians , whence t is gathered , that t was very flourishing in the time of the Romans , since when it hath suffered many calamities , more by civil than forein invasions : In the 70th . year after the Nativity of our Saviour , when Vitellius waged War against Otho , the Amphitheatre standing without its Wall was burnt , which made Silio to say Quassata Placentia bello . It is embellished with noble structures : As the antient Fountain erected by Augustus Caesar , the sumptuous Church of Santa Maria the Virgin , the Church of Santo Antonio the Martyr , the fair Church of S. Giovanni officiated by the Fryers of S. Dominick , and that of San Sisto , with a worthy Monastery , but above all is resplendent the Temple of Sant Augustino , attended by the canonical Regulars , which at first was compassed about with a weak Wall , but afterwards so well fortifyed with strong Walls and a Fort built of Stone , that it acquired a place among the strong holds of Italy : The City is four miles compass , and the Ditches add one mile more , and is washed by the Rivers ▪ Trebia and Poe ; after it had a long time enjoyed its liberty , it became subject to the Scotti , Turriani , the Landi , the Dukes of Milan , the French , the Romans , the holy Church , but at present it remains in peace under the Signori Farnesi . Pliny drawes a conclusion of the goodness and temperature of the Ayr , from the old age the Inhabitants arrive to , who writes that in his time , one of its Citizens lived to be 120. yeers old , and in its Territory were six persons , who were 110 : yeers old a peece , and one that was aged 140. yeers . The City contains 18000. Souls , whereof 2000. religious , many noble Families of great name flourish there at this day , at the Scotta , Landa , and Ansusciola , who possess many Castles and Jurisdictions : Among many other illustrious and vertuous persons , it gave birth to T. Tinca the old fluent Oratour , and to Pope Gregory the tenth , who dyed in Arezzo in Tuscany where many signes appeared of his great merits . Going out of Piacenza , towards the East and North appears the mouth of the River Trebia , much spoken of by Historians , for the overthrow of the Roman Army , given by Hannibal , but afore it stands the Church of Saint Antonio , where the six Souldiers were miraculously burnt by fire , who blasphemed his name . Then you see Stradella and the Castle of Saint Giovanni and Vichiera . On the Ieftly the Apeni●…e Hills , among which stands enclosed the City Bobio thirty miles from Piacentia where Teodolenda Queen of the Longobardi , built a rich and sumptuous Monastery , at the request of San Colombano , assigning it great possessions for susteining the Monks who served God , from which Monastery have issued thirty two Saints . At Piacenza begins the Emilian Way , called Via Emilia , according to Livy , which was set out by Emilius the Consul , and extends it self from thence to Rimini , towards the South . On the right appears most sharp Mountains , wherein are built fair Castles , Towns , and Villages , but none of moment , except Corte Maggiore , belongi●…g to the Pallavicini , and Arquato , much named for the sweet Wines there produced . On the left hand of the Emilian Way , stands Cremona , whither you may go also by Water from Piacenza upon the Poe : Between Piacenza and Cremona at 12. miles distance on the Via Emilia , appears the Castle Fiorenzola , called Fidentia , by Tolomeo , and likewise Livy , wri●…ing in his 88th . Book , that Silla forced Carbone out of Italy , having overthrown his Army at Chinso , Faenza , and Fidentia . Here is that famous Abbacy , where with royal and splendid provision , Pietro Antonio the Abbot , received Francis the first King of France , Charls the 5th . Emperour , and Paulus Tertius the Pope ; more forward stands the Burgo Saint Donnino , sortifyed with new Forts , and created a City lately at the instance of Ranuecio Farnese , Duke of Parma , Having repassed the Poe , you arrive at the River Varro , whence to Parma is four miles , with a continued course of the Appenines on the right hand . PARMA . THis City is rich and adorned with stately Edifices , illustrious Families and many Inhabitants . It hath a delightfull and fruitfull Territory , yielding Corn , Fruit , Oyl , Wine , and Cheese known through the World , which hath acquired it a place among the rich and noble Cities of Italy . T is seated on the Via Emilia in a plain at five miles distance from the Apenines , between which and the Suburb on the West , passeth the River Parma , over which is raised a Bridge of carved Stone conjoyning both the Banks : T is not known whether this River took its name from the City , or the City from the River , no antient Author making mention of it , but Livy , Polibius , and Cicero with other grave Writers , speak honourably of the City . It was made a Colony for the Romans together with M●…dena , as Livy averrs , in his 39th . Book in these words . Eodem anno Mutina & Parma Coloniae Romaenorum Civium sunt deductae bina millia hominum in agrum , qui proximè Boio rum , ante Tuschorum fuerat , Octona jugera Parmae , quina Mutinae acceperunt . It s People are fayr , and of as noble and spritefull Genius , disposed not only for Government of the Republick , but also to Letters and Arms. It hath a fayr and large Campagna , which nourishing immense numbers of sheep , affords them plenty of fine Wool , whereof Martial saies , Tondet & innumeros Gallica Parma greges . and in another place . Velleribus primis Apulia , Parma secundis Nobilis , Altinum tertia laudat ovis . It s Ayr is so temperate , that Pliny saies in the time of Vespasian , there were two men 123. yeers old each . The Campagnia is so spatious that all behold it with wonder , where stands a Palace for the Dukes , embellished with Gardens and Fountains . It was subject to the Roman Empire , till the decay thereof , when it recovered its liberty in the yeer of our Lord 1248. it was straightly besieged by Frederick Barbarossa , determining not to depart thence , till he had destroyed it , which resolution caused him to build a City near it , called Vittoria , 800 els long , and 600. broad , with eight Gates , and large dykes , but this his design was prevented by a salley of the Parmezans , who assay ling his Army overthrew it , and destroyed Vittoria . The Domo of Cathedral Church is fayr and sumptuous , having many Canons and other Priests to officiate : In the Church of San Giovanni , dwell the Fryers of Saint Benedict : In the Church Steccata is stately Architecture , lovely Pictures and Images : In the Church of the Cupucines , lies buried Alessandro Farnese the invincible Captain and Madama Maria his devout Consort . Every Church hath some works of Parmegianino and Corregio , the famous Painters . In Parma are the noble Families of the Pallavicini , Torelli , Rossi , Giberti , Sanvitali , with others . It hath produced men eminent in Learning , Virtue and Arms , as Cassio the Poet , Macrobio a worthy Writer , with others ; It is subject to the most serene house of the Farnesi , who have therein raised many stately Fabricks , and lately the Duke Ranuccio erected a School for all the general sciences ; drawing thither by his large Stipends , the most eminent Doctors of Italy . It is four miles in circuit , and contains 22. thousand Souls . Forth of Parma towards the North is Colorno a well-governed Castle with other fair places , and towards the South , having passed the River Taro and travelled 35. miles you meet Borgo a noble Castle of the Dukes of Parma , from which Country besides great plenty of all necessaries for humane sustenance , they gather sometimes a hundred thousand bushels of Chesnuts , and when least 50. thousand . It also produceth Men disposed to Letters , Arms , and Merchandize , it stands in the midst of the Apenine Hills being surrounded with them , and hath 23. Towns under it . More forward is Pentremoli a fayr Town , twelve miles further is the strong Fort called la val di Mugello , then Bardo and Campiano , where the River Taro takes its source , and passeth at three miles distance by Borgo . Travaling on the Via Emilia , from Parma , at the foot of the Apenines , appears the Town and Castle Chiar●…golo , whereof the illustrious Family of the Torelli hold the Government , then in the plain Country Montechio , and San Ilario , seated on the banks of the River Lenza , over which the Countess Matilda , with great expence , built a Bridge of burnt Brick , then keeping the Emilian Way for 15. miles you arive at Reggio . REGGIO . THis City is built on the Via Emilia , and named Regium Lepidi , by Strabo , ●…icero , Cornelius Tacitus and other writers : By whom it was built , is not certainly known , many contending that Marius Lepidus one of the Triumvirate , ( who divided the Roman Empire ) was its first sounder , others that it was built long before his time , but by him made a Colony . This City being destroyed by the Goths , under Alarico their King , Its Citizens were constrayned to abandon it , and fly to more secure places , till the Longobardi were overcome and driven out of Italy by Charls the Great , when the Citizens returning by degrees to their desolate City , began to restore it , and immure it with a strong Wall. It was governed by it self for some time in liberty after the manner of the other Cities of Italy , then t was governed by others , till it delivered it self into the hands of the Marquess of Este ▪ T is a noble City , well peopled , and abounding with all things , although the ayr is not very good . It hath fair and large streets with sum ptuous Structures , as the magnificent Church of S. Prospero , Bishop of this City , where his Corps are devoutly kept , which hath a plentifull revenue , and is adorned with excellent Pictures , but particularly with some drawn by Coreggio , worthy of eternal memory : In the Walls of the Orchard of the R. R. P. P. de servi , was lately discovered an Image of the holy Virgin , where God doth many favours to such have recourse unto him through her merits . The City contains many noble Families , as the Canossi , Manfredi , Fogliani , and Sessi , who possess great Lordships and Castles . Near unto Reggio , stand certain Hills , who are no less beautifyed with Towns and Villages than delicate Vines and fruit Trees . Towards Parma one sees the Castle ( strengthned by its site ) where Matilda the Countess preserved Pope Gregory the seventh , from the snares of the Emperor Henry the fourth Enemy of the Roman Church , who afterwards repenting himself for that his crime , from thence went on his naked feet and with his b●…re Head in the midst of Winter through Ice and Snow to the said Pope , to obtain pardon for his offence , whom his Holness courteously received and pardoned , a remarkable instance of what power that Dignity heretofore was . At this day the most noble Family of Canossa are Masters of this Castle and the others surrounding it , from which a little distance stands the Castles and other places of the Signori Monfredo . Keeping the way of the Mountains , you arrive at the Countrey of Groffignana , where stands Castle Novo , which hath formerly given birth to many illustrious persons , and in our days to Giulio Urbano Doctor and Apostolick Prothonotary , who for his excellent doctrine was much esteemed by the Princes , and Cardinals of the Court of Rome , who after he had long exercised the Office of Vicar General for Cardinal Luiga Cornaro Bishop of Padoua , with grear praise in that quality , deceased in the yeer 1592. leaving an excellent example to all mortals . Whose Brother Urban , gave no less splendour to his Country , being Captain of the Militia for the Venetians . At present lives Filippo Urbano , their worthy Nephew , a Canon of the Domo or Cathedral Church of Padoua . Returning to the Via Emilia you meet the Castle Scandiano , honoured with the title of a Marquesate , subject to the Signori Tieni , noble Vicentines , on the left hand lies the Castle Roldo , belonging to the Family Sessi a feudatorie of the Emperour , Saint Martino , Gonzaga , and Nuvilara . Between Modena and Reggio , near the River Lenza , stands Correggio , a well-governed and honourable Castle , and well peopled , it was created a City by the Empire , and appertains to the most illustrious Family Correggio , formerly great in Padova , and called Giberto , from which heretofore issued a Cardinal , at this time Girolamo Bernero , of the preaching Order gives great honour to this Country , who was assumed to a Cardinalship by Sisto Quinto , High Bishop , for his incomparable virtue and goodness of Life , who continues a prudent lover of the virtuous , and a great Zealot for the Christian Religion . Then where the River Lecchia cuts in sunder the Emilian way , stands the ssrong Castle Rubiera , with a well-made Bulwark , enviroroned with Hills , whence travailing in a large Road , you arive at Modena . MODENA . THis noble City was reduced into a Colony of the Romans together with Parma , in the 570th . yeer after the building of Rome , as Livy and other Historians write , who in several places make thereof honourable mention , which testifies that in that time it was rich and powerfull , and this is also confirmed by the many inscriptions and antient Marbles which are extant up and down the same . It was enough illustrated by that notable battel which was fought near it , when Hirtio and Pansa were Consuls of Rome , the consequence whereof was the Loss of the Senates authority , and the peoples liberty , for then Mar. Antonius besieged Brutus in this City , who by the assistance of C. Octavins Caesar , obtained the victory against the said Antonius . Afterwards it suffered many ruines from the Barbarous , as Saint Ambross mentions , that he saw it with the other adjacent Places upon the Via Emilia , thrown down and derstoyed . It was layed waste by the Goths , and Longobards , who afterwards being driven out by the Emperor Charls the great , and he having established his Son Pipin King of Italy , the Sons of the Citizens of Modena assembled themselves together from their secure retirements , and took counsel how to rebuild this City , which in process of time they effected as is now seen , somewhat distant from the antient Modena , as Leandro more at large discourseth . The City is small , of an orbicular form , & seated in a plain abounding with fruits , and delicate Wines . The Dukes of Estè , Alfonso the second greatly amplified this City , and raised fair edifices . In the domo they devoutly preserve rhe bones of S. Giminiano , its Bishop , for whose merits God delivered many possessed with Devils . T is full of noble and ingenuous People , whence not only many famous Captains , Counts and Marqueses , have proceeded , but also many Cardinals , Bishops , and other prelates , with most learned men , of whom are Sadoleto and Segonio , whose works are of note to all . It continued a long time in liberty , as did the other Cities of Lumbardy , but is at present subject to the Dukes of Estè , who by their constant residence much ennoble and enrich it , they here Make Vizards and Targets , much esteemed through Italy . Forth of Modena towards the South under the Appenines stands Formegine , Spezzano , and ten miles off it , Sassulo , a noble and civil Castle , with a sumptuous Palace of the Family of Pia , washed by the River Secchia , where stands a fair Church dedicated to the blessed Virgine , whither resort infinite People to obtain Graces . Upon the said Mountain are many other Villages and Hamlets , which also may be seen on that part of Modena towards the East . These Castles heretofore subject to several Lords , and particularly to them of Monte , who were then very potent in these Countreys , and possessed all the placs in the Graffignana , which confines with Bologna , and among them Sestola , and Fanano . Then going Westward you see the Alpes of San Pelligrino , and the Castle Aquario famous for its Baths . After turning to the South , by these Mountains runs the Tyrrehene Sea ; somewhat further near Bologna , on the Banks of the River Panaro , appears Castle Vetro , and Spilimberto , of the Signori Rangori , whence four miles you finde Vignola a Town honoured with a Marquisate , subject to the Signori Boncompagio , which Town confines with the Bolognian territories . Towards the North is seated Correggio , at 12. miles distance , thence and somewhat further the most noble Castle or rather Imperial City Carpi , which may very well be paralleld to many Cities , both for the great and ingenuous People , and the superfluity of all things necessary . It hath the title of a Principality , and was a long time enjoyed by the Signori Pii , but is at present By the Duke of Modena . On the Eastern part of Modena , is a Chanel upon which you may be conveied eight miles by Boat , unto Finale , then passing on the Panaro , and entring the Poe , they go to Terrara , upon the River Pinaro , where the Chanel runs into it , stand Bon Porto , and San Felice , praised for good Wines . Along the Via Emilia , 3 miles distant from Modena , passeth the River Panaro , near which are the confines between the Modonesi , and the Bolognesi , in which place Claudius the Consul copeing with the Enemies , took 15000. Prisoners , and 700. Liguri , moreover in the same place Rotari King of the Longobardi , routed the Roman Army , and slew seven thousand of them . There also the Army of the Modonesi being discomfited by the Bolognesi , Enzo King of Sardegna , Son of Frderick the second , was taken Prisoner . On the other side of the Panaro , is Novantola , with an antient and noble Monastery founded by Anselino , Kinsman of Astolfo King of the Longobards , having been a worthy Captain in their Army , and there quitting this World , created himself Captain of a thousand Monkes , endowing the place with store of Goods and Revenues , about the yeer of our Salvation 780. It was afterwards restored by the Countess Matilda , and is inhabited by many Monks , who have Jurisdiction as far as Spain , wherein are kept the body of Saint Adrian the Pope , and some part of S. Silvester , with many othet Reliques , and some antient Books , particularly the Breviary of the said Matilda . Near the Via Emilia , between Bologna and Novantola , stands S. Agata , a Castle built be Barbarossa the Emperor , and Crevalcore formerly called All●…gra Cuore where twice the Armies of Bernabo Visconte Lord of Milan , were overthrown . Then one comes to San Giovanni , a Countrey yeelding Wheat and other Grains . On the left side of the Emilian Way , are seen Castiglione , and Casile Franco , 15. miles from Bologna , in which Territory was lately raised an inexpugnable Fort , by Pope Urban the 8th . from whose name t is denominated Urbano . Near which is the Foro de Galli , where Irtio and Pansa , the Roman Consuls fighting with M. Antonius , obtained a glorious Victory , but with it their mortal wounds whereof they both dyed in the same place : Then appear Piumanio , Bazano , and Crepellano , pleasant Castles , seated on those little Hills , at the Feet of the Apenines . On the left side of the Emilian Way five miles distant from Bologna , is the River Lavino , and Ghironda , which joyning togeher encompass Forcelli , in a triangular form at one miles distant from the Via Emilia , where Octavianus , Marcus Antonius , and Marcus Lepidus , parted the Monarchy between themselves , which Forcelli seems now a Peninsula , though it may be perceived to have been an Island ; afterwards these two Rivers throw themselves into the Poe : About a mile before you arrive at Bologna , there is a very long Bridge , built of Stone , which reacheth from the one side of the River to the other whence to Bologna is an easiy mile . BOLOGNA la Grassa or BOLONIA the Fatt . BOlogna was antiently head of the 12. Cities which the Tuscans possessed on that side of the Apenines , who being driven out by the French , and the French by rhe Romans , it became a Colony of the Romans , who sent thither 3000. men to inhabit . After the Romans it was subjected to the Graecians , the Longobards , and to the Esarcato of Ravenna . Afterwards recovered liberty like the other Cities of Lumbardi , at which time the wicked factions of the Lambertazzi , and Geremei arose , and reduced it to great misery and servitude , which their sufferings caused them to recommend themselvs to the Roman chief Bishop . Afterwards to the Pepoli , Visconti , Bentivogli , and finally it wholly put it self under the wings of the Pope , who now enjoys it with peace . It is situated at the Foot of the Apenines in the midst of the Via Emilia , placed according to ●…tolomeo in the 6th . Climate , at 33. degrees and a half , having the said Apenines on the South , the Via Emilia or Roman Way , on the East , and the pleasant and fertile Campagna leading to Ferrara , and Venetia on the North ; At its beginning t was formed a small City , according to the accustomed manner of the Ancients , with two only Gates , the one towards Rome , the other towards Lumbardi . Afterwards in the time of Gratian the Emperour , they adjoyned two other Gates , and at the restauration , which San Petronio made ( after the destruction by Theodosius ) they made 9. Gates , as some say , 12. as others , where now are extant certain little Turrets called Turrosetti : At last enlarged as at this day , the said Gates were made twelve , and was so much encreased , that certain yeerspast being measured within the Walls , Its circuit was found to be 5. miles in length two miles want a quarter , and in bredth one mile , from the Port S. Mammola , to the Port Galliera . It is formed in the similitude of a Ship , more long tha●…broad , at one side shewing the figure of a Prow , and at the other that of a Poop having in the midst the most high Tower Asinelli , which represents the main Mast , the Tower Garisenna the Scale , and the other small Towers , the Shrouds to the eye of the beholder . Within it is no manner of fortification , the Citizens having cast down those that were , who confiding in their own valour and prudence , content themselves with a single Brick-Wall , which encompasses it ; near it runs the River Savona , and through it the Reno , which serves for transportation of Merchandiz from Ferrara . That Bologna abounds with all things is known to all , whereby they give it the stile of Fatt : Its Fields are fair and large , producing all sorts of Corn , and Wines of the best sorts in Italy , with all kinds of Fruits , particularly Olives , so bigg and sweet , that they give not place to them of Spain ; it hath also Woods for Foul , and Beasts of Chase , and notwithstanding there be few Lakes , yet t is plentisully served with fish from Comacchio and Argenta . Here ( to maintain their Epithite of Bologna la grassa ) they make those famous Salsages , which for their excellency are esteemed a costly dish through the World , as also a Conserve of Quince and Sugar called gelo or gelly , fit for the Table of a Prince . They here also work with great Art , Sheaths for Knives of boyled Leather , and fair Harquebuses , and Flacks or Bottels . They have great numbers of Silk-Worms , from whose labour they extract quantity of Silk , whereof they make Sarcenet , Velvet , and other Silks , in such plenty , as that they not only supply all Italy therewith , but England and the Low Countreys . It s Territory affords many Quarries of white Stones , and great store of Hemp and Flax , some minerals of Allum , with medicinal Fountains both hot and cold . It hath but one Piazza , which yet for its largeness , may be said to be three conjoyned , in the midst whereof stands a sumptuous marble Fountain , whereon stands a Brazen Neptune , made by Giovanni Bologna , a Flemish Sculptor , in very much excellency , whence gusheth a most clear stream of Water . It hath a general uniformity of building , having straight and spatious Streets , and on each side of them before the Houses Arches , of the same Structure , where the Citizens recreate themselves without fear of the scorching Sun , or the dripping Rains. There is one spatious Garden of the Poeti , & another of the Paselli . Near the Church of S. Giacomo , where now appear a good space of old rinesu , was formerly a regal Palace of the Bentivogli , ( while they were Lords of Bolonia ) whose Majesty and Magnificence is treated on by Beroaldo . T is adorned with superb and spatious Edifices , aswell for divine worship as private use ; Among others the Popes Palace , over the gate whereof is the Statue of a Pope in Brass , and that of the Campeg gi , ( where in the time of Giulio Terzo , the Council of the Pepoli and Malvezzi met ) are of such grandure , that any Prince may be received there . The Palace which fronts the Church San Petronio , was built by the Bolonians , for a prison for Enzo King of Sardegna , where he lived , and at the cost of the publick was royally entertained for twenty yeers , till his death . Furthermore the Citizens Houses are beautified with Vests and other things , to the pride of any others of Italy , and their Sellars so deep under ground that they apprehend no Earth-quake ; The Tower Asmelli , so named from the founders , and Garisenda so called from its pendency downwards , discover the great ingenuity of the Architector . It s principal Temples are , that of San Pietro the seat of the Bishop , where ly many Cardinals , Bishops , and other learned Doctors , with many Reliques of Saints , Pictures , Sculptures , and Ornaments of gold and Silver of high valew . The Domo which stands on the Piazza , dedicate to San Petronio , Bishop and Protector of the City , is so great and magnificent , that few Churches are equal to it ; here Charls the 5th . received from Pope Clement the 7th . the Crown of the Empire : The Church of Saint Francis is well built , where Pope Alexander the 5th . a Bolonian lies buried , and Odoffredo and Accursio , two great Lights of the Civil Law ; then the magnificent Monastery of San Salvidore , and the noble and rich Nunnery del Corpo di Christi , where lies enterred the blessed Catharine , who was a Nun therein , whose nails upon the hands and feet grow as if she were living : The Church of San Giacomo , with its Chapel built by Giovanni secundo Bentivoglio , was a work only for a King , wherein lies the said Bentivoglio , with many of his descendants , some of the Malvezzi , and other illustrious persons , with many Reliques of Saints , guarded in a rich and stately Altar by Cardinal Poggio . The Church of S. Martin , where repose the bones of Beroaldo and Alexandro Achellini the Philosopher . The Church of San Giovanni , entombes an image of Cecilia the Virgin Martyr , painted by the divine Rafael of Urban , the ashes of the blessed Elena , and Carlo Raino a famous Doctor of Laws , four of these Churches Canons have been Bishops of Bologna . The Church of Saint Stephen the Proto-Martyr , is sumptuous built by S. Petronio , where among other Reliques they shew the Ashes of S. Vitale , Agricola & Petronio . The Church of Saint Benedict , encloseth is the Body of San Proculo the Martyr , and the Cel wherein Gratian composed his Decretals . In the Church of Saint Domenick , in whose Quyer is rarely effigiated the old and new Testaments , here lies Enzo King of Sardegna in a proud Tombe , and many famous Doctors of Civil Laws , and Physick , as also Tadeo and Giacomo Pepoli , who some time were ●…ords of Bolonia at the high Altar may be seen many Reliques of Saints , of which are the body of San Domenick , on whose Tomb are layed more than 300. Figures of Gold and Silver , and one of the Thorns of the Crown of our Saviour , with the Bible writ ten by the hand of Esdras , in the Hebrew Tongue , in white parchment ; here reposes also the Body of San Domenick the Patriark , and institutor of that Order , with many other stately Tombs , Candlesticks , Lamps , Cenfers , and other Ornaments . This Church hath a noble Convent , with many Cloysters , and Dormitories for the Fryers , aud a large Refectory excellently painted , and one of the largest Cellars of Italy ; therein is likewise a Cemetory wherein to bury the Fryers . And an excellent Library , scarce any equal , none better to be found , kept and encreased dayly by the Fathers with great diligence , and here sits the Inquisition . In this Convent dwell one hundred and fifty Religious , and here they keep the publique Studies of the Sciences , which hath occasioned principally that five Popes , many Cardinals , Bishops , and holy Fathers have proceeded hence , among which were San Pietro the Martyr , San Ramundo & Egidir Foscararni Bishop of Modena , who behaved himself prudently and learnedly at the Council of Trent . The first Bishop of Bologna was SanZama , who in the 270th . yeer after Christ first preached the Faith here , Dionisius being then Pope , whom 71. have succeeded of good Doctrine and holy conversation , of whom nine are Canonized , and two held for Saints . Moreover from this excellent Country have Issued 6. Martyrs , 13. Confessors , 14. Men Saints , and 7. Women . It hath 179. Churches , that is 33. for the Company of Laicks , 3. Abbacies , 2. Prepositors , 2. for the Regular Priests , 24. for the Fryers , 23. Monasteries for Nuns , 10. Hospitals , 5. Priorates , 2. Collegiate Churches , and the Do●…o , which is consecrate to Saint Peter , and giveth the title of Prince to its Bishop , with a great Revenew , with many other Churches which are either Parochials or Oratories . The Univerfity was placed in Bologna , by Theodosins the Emperor , in the yeer of our Lord 425. and much amplified afterwards by Charles the great , and Lotario the Emperor ; the first Reader of the Civil Laws here was Irnerio , induced thither by the said Lotario , since when many wise and well-read men in all sciences have proceeded hence ; in the time of Giovan Andrea the Splendour of the Canon Law and A●…one the Fountain of the civil Law , we read there were ten thousand Students in this City . Azone saies Legalium studiorum semper 〈◊〉 chia●… ten●…it Bononia , hence t is that Gregory the 9th . directed his decretals to the Univerfity of Bolonia and Boniface the 8th . Sisto , and 〈◊〉 the 24th . the Book of the Clementines . The Fabrick of the University is very proud , with a large Hall and spatious Courts . In the City are many Colleges for several Nations , and to speak its praises in one word , t is a most happy University , and merits that Character which all men give it , viz. Bononia docet , & Bononia mater Studiorum . The City contains 80000. Souls , among them many noble Families , with many titled , as Dukes , Marqueses , Counts , Captains of War , besides infinite Scholars . Its Riches are great and equally divided among the Citizens , whence t is that they alwaies preserved a good reputation . It fought with Federick Barbarossa , and took his Son Enzo Prisoner , maintaining him splendidly for 22. yeers . It subjugated more than once , Forli , Imola , Faenza , Cesena , Cervia , and other places . It gloriously maintained a War against the Venetians , for 3. yeers together , with an Army of forty thousand men , and had some Families very potent , as may appear by that of the Lambertazzi , who being banished with all its followers , out of Bologna , in the yeer 1274. they say that what with Men , Women , and Servants , they who by that decree went out , amounted to the number of fifteen thousand persons . The Burroughs and Suburbs of BOLONIA . FOrth of Bolonia , towards the West , at the Foot of the Mountains , is the Church of San Giofesso , and the Monastery of the Certonisi . Upon the top of the Mountain Guardia , is reverenced an Image of the blessed Virgin drawn by the hand of S. Luke . Out of the Gate towards the Emilian Way , there is a noble Monastery of the Crutched Fryers , and towards the South the Church Misericordia , where reside the reverend Fryers of Saint Augustine . Out of the Gate San Mammolo , is a Monastery of the Jesuites , and upon the hill is the miraculous Madonna del Monte , a Church of the Benedictine Fryars , where are the natural essigies of Bassarione and Nicholo Perotto . Towards the East is the Church of San Vittore , placed among the Hills , where Bartolo the most learned Doctor , resided 3. yeers as it were unknown , near which are stately Palaces . Without the City also stands San Michelle in bosco , upon a hill , with a rich and proud Monastery . The Church is garnished with fair Colums , Statues , and Sculptures of Marble , and sumptuous Altars with rare pictures , the Quire with excellent Land skips , there is a stately Library , & refectory with excellent Pictures drawn by Vasari among , them the essigies of Clement the 7th . in the Cloyster lies buried Antonio di Butrio , a Doctor of Laws , and Ramazzotto , a valourous Captain in the Wars . Its apportments are excellent Architecture , and its gardens most delitious , from which Monastery , besides the City and Territory of Bolonia , you have a full prospect of the pleasant Country of Lumbardy so much commended by Polibius , in the second book of his histories , as also of those Snowy hills the Alps , which appear like Clouds , the Adriatic Sea , and the mouth of the Poe , which runs into the Sea by many branches , and likewise of Mantoua , Ferrara , Imola , Mirandola , and other surrounding places , which seem as so many fair Roses and flowers dispersed over those Fields . The Teritory of BOLOGNA . TRavailing out of Bologna , South-West , you meet with the most antient Monastery or Priorate of Santa Maria del Reno , whence have proceeded ●… Popes , with many Cardinals , Bishops , Saints , and other Religious . Then turning on the left hand towards the Apenines , and keeping the River Reno , on the right , you arrive at the Bridge Casale●…chio , a little farther you see the Chiesa , which is a Wall traversing the Reno from sidè to side , to force the Water down a Chanel , cut artificially to Bologna , for the driving certain Engines and Mils for grindidg Corn , for making Vessels of Copper , and Arms for War , for beating of Spices , and Galnuts , for twisting of Silks , for burnishing of Arms , and for edging of divers Instruments , ●…orm king of Paper , sawing of Planks , and divers other Mysteries , and in the end to convey the Barks to Malelbergo ▪ and thence on the Poe , to Ferrara . Then you enter the Vale Reno , between the River and the Hills , which is most productive of all Grains and Fruits , in which Valley stands the magnificent Palace of the Rossi , a Palace for its capaciousness and delights fit to lodge an Emperor ; on the Hill near it is the Town Colossina , which . before you can a●…cend you must pass under a Rock by a way cut thorow with Iron , on the left hand beholding a prodigious hollow , through which the ●…eni passeth . Then you ●…ind Panico , a Town a long time possessed by the Family o●… Panico , which at this day is wholly extinct . More forward one discovers a fair Plain called Misano , and in it certain foot-steps of Edifices , and other Antiquities , pursuing which way you arrive at the Town Vergata , the seat of the Captain who hath Jurisdiction over the Inhabitants of the adjacent Villages , and is di●…ant 15. miles from Bolonia . When●…e travailing on the right hand , shew themselves Cesio , Barghi , and Cas●…lighone , Castles of the Signori Pepoli , near whereto are the confines of the Florentine Territories , but on the right h●…nd along the Banks of the Reno , are the Baths of Porretta , where from Rocks gush out hot Waters very medicinal , whose virtue is manifested to all by the Proverb which saies Chi beve l'acqua della Borr●…tta , ●… che lo ●…pazza , ò che lo netta , thence taking the right-handway , you enter the Graffignana treated of diffusely before . Taking the Way through the Gate Galliera , towards Ferrara , you meet Cor●…icella , then pussing the Bridge over the Reno you see San Georgio a Castle ten miles off Bologna , where leaving the Castles Cento and Pieve , on the left , appears Poggio , appertaining to the noble Family Lambertini , intending then for Ferrara you must keep the direct Road. On the right hand of which Way near the Canale , lies Bentivoglio , a ●…umptuous Palace with a Tower in the midst of a strong Fort , whence sayling down the Canale in Boats , called Sandoli , one passeth by Malalbergo , an Inn infamous by name and Deeds , Bottifredi a Tavern , Minerbo a Town , and Butrio a Castle , whose Countrey affords plenty of Hemp , which for its length and strength is much esteemed at Venice , and by them used for Cordage for their Vessels . Near the Emilian way towards the East , stand Molinella a Palace , Boloniali Valti , a Village , Medicina a Castle , and Ricardina a Town , between which was fought that sharp battail by the Army of Bartlomeo Cogliono agaiust that of Galeazzo Sforza Son of the Duke Francesco , wherein the said Bartolomeo , remained Conqueror , and near hereto , lies the Valley Argenta , and the Castle Guelfo , where begin the Territories of Imola . On the Via Emilia towards Romagna●… five miles off Bologna on the right hand lie most pleasant Hills , beautified with Palaces , Gardens and Fruit Trees , and some Woods of Juneper the harbour of much Foul , which Hills afford the sweetest and largest Olives of ●…taly , not at all inferiour to them of Spain . Near which . lies the Way leading to Florence . Near the Emilian Way also runs the River Savena , over which is built a Bridge of Brick , not far from which are discovered the ruines of another stately Bridge , which was raised at the cost of the Countess Matilda . On the right hand appear the feet of the Apeniues , with some Hills embellished with Towns and Villages . On the left is a good and fertile Plain , and the Road to Ferrara , and on one side of the Emilian Way , are the Ruines of the Antient City Quaterna , which was destroyed by the Bolonians , in the yeer 385. after a long Battail , and on the other side is the Castle Butrio , ten miles off which you finde the River Selero , over which is a Bridge of stone ; near which stands the Castle San Pietro , built by the Bolonians , whose Fields afford plenty of Grain , Flax , and Fruit , and the Ferry no less gain ; on the right hand of Selero , stands Dozza , a Castle endowed with the title of a Count , belonging to the Family Campeggi in Bolonia , and Paradello a Convent of the Fryers of the third order of San Francesco , called Minimi , built with wonderfull cost and Artifice by Pope Giulius the second , t is thence to Imolo a mile Having perused all the Territory of Bologna , nothing remains but the number of People , which what in the Territories with the Cities and Burroughs amount to 207797. Souls . The Gests or Journies from BOLOGNA to FLORENCE , SIENNA , and ROME TO go to Florence , you must travail South-East , out of the Gate S. Steffano , through a pleasant , and fertile Country , wherein rise some Hills , and having gone ten miles , you arrive at Pianora , a Town filled with Hosteries , then at Loiano , among the sharp Hills , somewhat farther lies Scara , a place much honoured by its Country-man Romasciato , a famous Souldier , Petra Mala , & Fiorenzuola , a new Castle built by the Florentines : Thence after passing the River , you must gain the top of the Apenines through a rough and laborious way having no repose in all that Straight three miles passage , till the arival at a little Hostery at the very top , on the left hand of which passage lies a profound Vally , so deep and so horrid , that it many times turns the brain of the Traveller to behold it , & hath occasioned some those in staggering whimses , to fall down to their inevitable ruine . Descending from whence you attain Scarperia , so called from its site , on the slopeness of the Apenines , whence the eye may behold the lovely places of Tuscany : Finally having travalled fifty miles from Bologna you reach Florence . Fiorenzala Bella. FLORENCE the Fair. FLorence doth not boast it self much of antiquity , being foundedbut an inconsiderable time before the Triumvirate , & divers are the opinionsabout its building , some will have it built by the Fiesolani , who considering the difficulty & sharpness of the ascent , & descent of the Mountain whereon Fiesole was built , by little and little abandoned Fiesole , and built their habitations in the plain neár the Banks of Arno , Others say by the Fl●…entines who here dwelt . As to its name , it was called Florence , either from its so great felicity , in the suddainness of its increase , like a Flower to its perfect beauty , or for that it was made a Colony to Rome , the Flower of the World. T is seated in a plain , and is cut through in two parts by the River Arno. T is compassed on the East and Northparts , in the likeness of a half Theatre by pleasant Hills , and on the West it hath a glorious Plain , extending it self forty miles broad , placed between Arezzo & Pisa , a●…d is secured from the force of the Enemy by the Ap●…nines ; t is five miles in compass , and rather of a long than circular Form. Heretofore it had 4 principal Gates , and 4 Postern●…s , when also it had 62. Towers the habitations of Gentlemen . Afterwards it was in great part destroyed by Attila King of the Goths , who slew some of the Citizens . After which the Walls were cast down by the Fiesola●…i , and the barbarous , which molestations , enforced the ●…ltizens to quit it and retreat to adjacent Castles , and so it remained wholy deprived of inhabitants till the year of the Incarnation of our Lord 802. When Charles the great from his Crownation as Emperor at Rome , returning for France , stayed there some daies , and the place being agreable to him he gave beginning to the Walls , and therein erected 150 Towers , one hundred braces or Yards in the heighth , and enjoyned all the dispersed Citizens to re-inhabit it ; from that time it augmented daily , and was governed in Liberty , being ( for all that ) many times infinitely perplexed with the wicked Factions of the Neri ▪ and Bianchi , the Guelfi , and Gibelli●…i . Antiently their Government was thus . They created two Consuls for one year , giving them a Senate of one hundred Fathers wise men , afterwards this Order changed , and ten Citizens elected calling them Antiani , which order was also several times changed , through the differences between the Gentlemen and Citizens , and the Citizens and common people . The Citizens by their Ingenuity heaped up much Riches , and that made their pride so great , that the one would not give place to the other . It subdued many Ciities of Tusea●…y and Romagn●… , particularly Pisa a potent Republick is at present under one sole Prince with it . The sereness and goodness of the Ayr generates many good Wit●… there , and their Ingenuity procures great Riches . It is divided ( as aforesaid ) by the Arno , over which are built four magnificent Bridges . It hath plenty of all things , from the environing Hills , Plains , and the navigable River . It stands as it were in the heart of Italy , is the constant residence of its Prince , and its people are so industrious that there is scarce a Merchandizing City in the World without some Florentine Merchants , which gave occasion to Pope Boniface the XI . to say that the Florentines were the 5th . Element ; no City in Europe ( except Rome ) produced more Architectors , Painters , and Sculptors than this , whence t is that it abounds with admirable Palaces , Temples , Pictures , and Statues , upon one of the Bridges is the GoldSmiths Street , upon another of stately structure the seasons of the year , in Marble . Opposite to this stands a Column of an immense bigness , and upon the top thereof a Statue of Justice in Porphire , which Cos●…s the first great Duke raised as a Trophe in that place , for that walking for pastime , the newes there first reached him of the great Victory which the Marquess Marignano , obtayned over Pietro Strozzi , in the yeer 1555 and with it Sienna , near it is the Palazzo de Strozzi , no less to be admired for the immensity of its Fabricks , than for its rude Architecture . Here on the right lies the Merchants vault supported with fayr Pillars , and before it a Brasen Bore , casting forth Water ; strait on is the Piazza Maggiore , or great place , in the midst whereof is the Statue of Cosmus the great Duke on Horse back in Brass with this inscription on each side of the Basis. Cosmo Medici Magno , Etruriae Duci Primo , Pio , Felici , Invicto , Iusto , Clementi , Sacrae Militiae , Pacisque in Etruria Authori , Patri , & Principi Optimo , 〈◊〉 F. Mag. Dux , Ma●… . Dux I. I. I. erexit . An. CIC. ICLXXXXIV . behind this , Profligatis hostibus , in deditionem acceptis Senensibus . Plenis liberis Sen. Fl. Suffragiis Dux Patriae renunciatur . Ob. Zelam Religionis praecipuumque Iustitiae Studium . Between which Horse and the Piazzo Vecchio , is a Fountain , and round about its Laver the Family of Neptune , with his Coloss of Marble in the midst ; bore up by sour Horses , the whole not to be paralleld , much less excelled by humane Art. The Porch in the same Piazza is remarkeable for its Arch and Statues , one whereof is of Iudith in Brass , and in another stone are pourtrayed three persons , in several postures , cut all out of the same stone representing the Rape of the Sabines . Opposite unto the Piazza stands the Royal Palace of the Duke , at the entrance into which , stands a Colossus of David , made by Michael Angelo , and another of Hercules treading on ●…acus ; within is a stately Coutt set about with Pillars of Corinthian Work , and over them painted the famous deeds of Cosmus the great Duke and all the places subject unto that Dutchy , above them is a spatious Hall with divers Statues , among them one of Pope Leo the tenth , another of Pope ●…lement the seventh , both of the Family of the Medicies , from whence the Dukes Gallery invites a view , in the lower story whereof sit the Courts of Justice , with an Arcade to walke in , on each side above are the shops of the Dukes Artisans , In the uppermost p●…t are preserved as many wonders as things , some to be admired for their richness , rarity , and Art , others for their antiquity , On each side of the Gallery are placed above 80. Statues , among them that of the Idol brought from the Temple of Apollo at Delphos with this verse on the Pidestal . Ut potui huc veni Delpis & fratre relicto , And that of Scipio Africanus , holding up his Gown under his Arm are most admirable , over the Statues hang the Pictures of the most famous Scholars and Souldiers of the modern times . At the right hand of this Gallery are several Stanzaes of Curio●…ities which none can behold without astonishment at the richness and variety of observeable things . In the first Room , stands the Tabernacle or Altar destined for St Laurence Chapel , all of choice Marble , compacted with Jewels and pretious stones of an inestimable valew . In the second is a Table with flowers and Birds in their natural Colours of pretious Stones , with a Cabinet of 200000. Crowns in valew within which is the passion of our Saviour with the twelve Apostles all carved in Amber . In the third is a Cabinet with Calcidon Pillars filled with antient Medals of Gold , and round about infinite other natural and artificial curiosities , amongst them the Nayl turned half into Gold by Alchimy , and the Emperors head cut on a Turquoise , as big as a Walnut ; next is the Armory , and therein the habits and divers sorts of Arms of several Ages and People , amongst them the King of Chinaes habit , Hannibals Head-piece , and Charlemains Sword. And likewise a Magnet which attracts & supports fourscore pound weight of Iron . In the la●…t , is the curious Turnery of Ivory , and a Pillar of Oriental Alablaster , and in the Gardrobe are 12. Cubbards of Silver Plate , and a service of Massie Gold , and a Saddle embroidered all over with Pearls and Diamonds , which with many other inestimable curiosities ( a theme copious enough for a volume ) declare the Wealth of this Prince equal with any Kings in Christendom From the said Gallery is a Corridor or private passage ( wherein is an admirable brass Statue of Perseus ) to the proud Palace Pitti . on the other side of the River , where the Duke keeps his Court. Its Front is very Majestique , towards the basis of Dorick work , in the midst Ion●…k , in the uppermost Corinthian . In the Court is a Grot with Statues , and a Magnet of a prodigious greatness , and over 〈◊〉 Fountain . Its Gardens are most spatious , embellished with Groves , Walk●… , Labirynths , Fountains , wherein are Swans , Ostriches , Dee●… , Hares , and all other recreative Creatures . It also hath a Seraglio , wherein his Highness maintains all sorts of Savage Creatures in their several Stanzaes , as Lyons , Bears , Wolves , Tygres , &c. which according to their several species there breed , and are placed in such order that all resorting beholders are astonisht at it . The Streets are large , long , and strait ; paved with Flint , and on each side of them are many stately Palaces , bedecked with rare statues , Fountains , &c. by which with its other singularities hath the City acquired the Surname of Florence the fayr . The Ch●…rches are so much beautifyed , with the design of Architecture , Sculpture , Picture , and other Curiosities , that who should describe them particularly must write a volume , yet the wonderfull Temple Santa Maria del Fiore , must not be passed in silence , where Filino and Giotto , two excellent men in Limning and Architecture ly buried . Therein are the twelve Apostles cut in Marble by the most excellent Sculptors of that Age. The stupendious Cupola ( adorned with the pieces of Vasari and Zucharo , famous painters ) erected by Francesco Brunelesco at that heighth is so large that the brass Globe at top will contain 16. persons , the Steeple is all built with incomparable Marble stones and garnished with Statues , wrought by those famous Statuaries in emulation one of another . Before which stands the Babtistery built in an Octogon , antiently the Temple of Mars , herein stands that Egregious Vessel or Font of pretious Stones wherein they baptize their Infants , whose four Gates of Brass are esteemed without their equal . Herein Baldessar Gossa once Pope of Rome ( deposed from the Papacy , at the Council of Costanza ) lies buried in an artificial Sepulcher of Brass made by Donatello , with his essigies and these Letters . Balthasar Cossa , olim Ioannes vigesimus tertius . The noble Temple Santa Maria Novella , for its marvellous Structure may be compared to any other of Italy , which Michael Angelo was wont to call his Venus . Among its other notable things appears the Sepulchre of the Patriarchs of Constantinople who subscribed to the Council celebrated under Eugenius the fourth , near to which Church adjoyns the sumptuous Monastery for the Fryers , wherein were celebrated certain sessions of A general Council , in the presence of the Latin and Greek Church , the Pope , the Emperor and four Patriarkes . The Mirrour of Art and wonder of this Age Saint Laurence Chapel is so glorious , that who enters must imagine himself in some place above terrestrial , which is overlayed with fine polisht Stones , of all colours upon Earth dugg up within the Dukes Territories , t was built by Cosmo Medici , and in the midst of this Church stands his Sepulchre with this Epitaph , Decreto , publico , Patri Patriae , with many other sumptuous tombs , therein also is a Library ( not despicable ) founded by Pope Clement the 7th ▪ the Church Santa Croce hath a most stately Pulpit , in it is the sumptuous Sepulchre of Leonardo Aretino , and the Temple of Michael Angelo Bonorota , made by his own hand . Over his Urn stand those three Arts he was so renowned for ; bewailing the loss of their Patron . Herein also is a fayr Organ , set up at the charge of Cosmus the great Duke , the very manufacture whereof cost 4000. Crowns . The Church Santo Spirito , is built with the strict rules of Architure , and supported by vast long Columns of Stone , and hath a fair Cloyster for the Iacobins , which was painted by the Greeks , before the Italians knew that Art. The graceful Fabrick of the Monastery of Saint Mark , hath a gracefull Chapel for the Signori Salviati , wherein is the Tombe of Saint Antonio Arch-Bishop of Florence , and there one may read this Epitaph of ●…icus Mirandola an eminent Scholar . Ioannes jacet hic Mirandula , caetera n orunt Et Tagus , & Ganges forsan , & Antipodes ▪ The Annunciade , is a place of great Devotion , whither every season resort infinite people to a Madenna , drawn by the hand of Saint Luke , t is a magnificent Temple filled with ornaments of Gold and Silver Statues , gemmes and other rich gifts , it hath a sumptuous Monastery , and in it a fair Library and St●…dy . There are many fayr Churches which for brevity sake are omitted . It hath 37. Hospitals , 44. Parish Churches , 12 Priorates , 54. Monasteries of Nunns , 24. of Fryers , with other Confraternities of Children in great number , whence as also from the infinite number of Fryers of all Orders in this City , we may collect , that the Florentines are more enclined to Religion , than any other People of Italy . This renowned Country hath been the Birth-place of many excellent Ingenuities , who have not onely been a glory to it , but to all Italy . Some whereof follow Saint Antonio , Arch-bishop of Florence , St. Gionan Gualbarto , St. Andrea Carmelitano , St Filippo de Servi , with others , who have either instituted new Religious Orders , or reformed the old . Four Popes , Leon the 10th . Clement the 7th . Leon the 11th . of the Family of the Medici , and Clement the 8th . of the house of Aldobrandini , with many other Cardinals , Bishops and other Prelates of the Court of Rome , many excellent Captains in War , among them Pietro Strozzi , grand Marshal of France . And infinite Persons excelling in Letters , as Dante , Petrarca , Bocacccio , Caval●…ante , Beniviedi , Politiano , Crinito , Ficino , Palmerio , Passavanti , Dino del Garbo , a Physician , Macchiavel Accucsir , Glossatori , Donato Acciaivolo . And for Painters , Sculptors , and Architectors , it hath produced so many , that we may say those Arts are to them proper and connatural . 〈◊〉 hath two Accademies , one for Painting , the other for the vulgar Tongue , whereof the Florentines are heads and Masters . We must not omit one good Argument of their state Abilities , which was that at one instant in the time of Pope Boniface the 9th . there resided 13. Florentines , as Embassadors from divers Princes at Rome . It hath several noble Families , whereof some are gone into France , where they dwell with Titles and Principalities , others to Venice , and others to Rome , who all live in honour . The City contains 85. thousand Souls . For eight miles round about the City , there seems another Florence so full are the Fields speckled with Country Seats , some for publick use , as the sumptuous Monastery called the Abba●…y of Fiesole , founded by Cosmo Medici , the Monastery of Saint Domenick , which yet retains the Episcopal Seat , one walk of Pyne Trees two mile long , and another of Cipreses leading to Pioggio , with many more . And others for private as Pratolino , much spoken of , which Francesco the great Duke built , adorning it with Palaces , Statues , Pictures , and Fountains , so well contrived and disposed that t is worthily esteemed one of the pleasant places of Italy . Two miles forth of Florence at the Foot of the Apenines , appears some Footsteps of the ancient City Fiesole , where formerly the Southsayers , and fortune tellers inhabited . It was antiently of that power , that it gave assistance to Stilicone , the Roman Captain , for the destruction of the Goths , whereof were then slain above one hundred thousand . The premises considered , we may conclude there is no Province in Italy more furnisht with delightfull and well-peopled Cities , than that of the Great Duke , whose Ancestors by uniting the States of three Republicks together , to wit , Pisa , Florence , and Siena , doth now entirely possess all Tuscany , the nobler part of Italy , his Revenue exceeds 100000. pound sterl . per. Annum . SCARPERIA . ON the way which leads to Bologna stands Scarperia , being 16 miles from Vlorence , noted for Knives , Cizers , and other such like things , there made . And among those Mountains lies the most fruitfull Mugello , Whose Inhabitants , are called Mugellini . Here Cosmus retreated for his delight , when he was solemnly styled Duke of Flouence , commanding a Fort and Palace to be built and environed them within a spatious Wall , wherein he kept wilde beasts for the Chase. More forwards lies the Way to Faenza , and Romagna , near it begins the Cresentino , contained between the Ronta and Ar●…o , reaching to Arezzo , well peopled and very fertile . And from the higest Mountains , you may look down into the Vally Ombrose where Giovanni Gualberto a Florentine , gave beginning to the Order named Religione di Valle Ambrosa , in the yeer of our Lord 1070. and also into Umbria . On the North-East part lies the Palace Poggio , of the great Dukes , a house swarming with Statues , and rarities , and a Park for Beasts of Chase , where is also a Fortezza . And opposite to it lies the noble Castle Prato accounted one of the first four of Italy , here they make bread white as Snow , and here they keep with great devotion the Garter of the Virgin Mary , a little more near the Apenines , is Monte Murlo , much spoken of for the taking those Florentines , which fled out of Florence , and there embodied , by Alessandro Vitelli , Captain for Cosmus the Duke , which secured his Principality . PISTOIA . AFter which , entring a lovely Plain , you meet the City Pistoia , twenty miles off Florence , which though little , is neatly compact and rich , and would have been better , had it not much groned under the factions of its own Citizens . Twenty miles of Pistoia stands Lucca , which governs it self in Liberty , and by the strength of its Wall , the Richness of Trade , and the Industry of its own Citizens , maintains it self well with all things necessary , t is an antient City , and was made a Colony of the Romans . Desiderius the King built its strong Walls which with its site enabled it to endure a six moneths siege by Narsetes ; towards the Sea , stand yet the footsteps of the Temple of Hercules , the River Serchio , runs close by Lucca , whence the famous baths of Italy are ten miles distant . Out of Florence towards the West in that spatious Plain , stands the Castles Empoli , and Fucecchio , there is also a Lake of that name , as also San Miniato al Todesco so called for that t was built by certain Germans under Desiderius their King , PISA . COasting the River Arno , you attain Pisa , an antient City built long before Rome by the Grecians , and was one of the 12 Cities of Tuscany , it was powerfull at Sea , and obtained many victories against the Genovesi , it subdued Cartagine , conquered the Island of Sardegna , and delivered its King Prisoner to the Pope . It recovered Palermo in Sicilia out of the hands of the Sarazens who had long enjoyed it , it slew the Sarazen King of Majorca . It sent 40 Galleys in assistance to Almerico , King of Ierusalem , against the Sarazens , who possessed Alexandria . It greatly assisted the Popes in their adversity . It was so potent , happy , and rich , that Saint Thomaso treating of the four things , reckons it among the four most potent Cities of Italy . But from that time that at the instance and request of Frederick Barbarossa , it captivated so many Prelates of the Romi●…h Church , & two Cardinals which came from France to the Lateranian Council , it only decayed from bad to worse , till it lost Liberty and Power , yet in process of time by the residence of the Knights of S. Stefano , and the University , it recovered and still preserves the Countenance of an honourable City , Plato will have it well situated , being four miles then ( now eight ) from the Sea , so that t is not placed upon the Sea shore , but near it , not upon the Mountains but near them , in a Plain just so divided from the royal River Arno , as Plato fancies his City . T is endowed with four things which create wonder , the Church of Saint Iohn , the Domo , the Steeple , and ●…ampo Santo , which was raised with that very holy Earth , which they brought home in their Galleys , when 50 of them were sent to assist the Emperor in the recovery of the holy Land. On one side of it lies Lucca , on the other Livorgeo , or Ligorne . T was destroyed by the Florentines , in the yeer 1509. Intending from Florence to Siena , you must go out at the Porta Romana , through which Charles the fifth entred after his Victory in Africk , and so passing by the Monastery Certosini , attain Cassano , Tavernelli , and Staggia , by a direct way , having pleasant hills and fruitfull Valleys , on each side . In the way appears the Castle Certaldo , the Birth-place of Giovani Boccaccio , the Prince of Tuscan Poets , who dyed in the 62. yeer of his Age in the yeer of our Lord 1375. and was interred in a Marble Tombe in the Domo of Certaldo with this Epitaph . Hac sub mole jacent cineres , ac ossa Ioannis . Mens sedet ante Deum meritis ornata laborum Mortalis vitae genitor Boccac●…ius ●…lli Patria Certaldum , studium fuit alma Poesis . Somewhat further stands the Bourg Saint Geminiano , famous for its good wine Vernace . T is adorned with fair Churches , noble Palaces , illustrious persons , and a gentle people , built by Desiderius King of the Longobardi . Westward from which lies the antique City Volterra , which was founded 100. yeers before the firing of Troy , and 500. before the building of Rome , t is built on a hill , the ascent to whose top is 3 miles , its Walls are of squared stones , 6 foot long , layed & cemented without Mortar , It hath five gates & before each a Fountain of clear water & within them two other stately Fountains with many antiēt statues & on thē old Epitaphs , it hath a rich Territory , is subject to the great Duke , it produced Persio the poet , and divers other wits , beyond it lies the Sea. On its left hand lies Ancis●… the Country of St. Francis the Patriark , Fighine and other good places . AREZZO . TRavailing towards the East , you meet Arezzo , accounted one of the antient twelve . The Aretines contributed 30000. Crowns as many Celades with other Kinds of Weapons to the Romans , and 120000. bushels of Wheat to furnish the Armada of 40 Galleys , which was to convoy Scipio against the Carthaginians . It hath suffered many and many calamities , but with the government of Cosmus the great Duke , it began to take breath and restore it self . Pliny saies their Vessels of Earth were in his time esteemed the best of Italy . San Donato its Bishop was there Martyred in the time of Valentinian the Emperor , who baptized L. Zembio the Tribune , and then endowed the Church of Arezzo wherein lies buried S. Loren●…o and Pellegrino , brothers and Martyrs , and Gregory the 10th . chief Bishop ; the house of Petrark , is yet to be seen ; there begins the State of the Church . On the direct way to Siena , stands Poggibonzi , a place noted for the perfumed Tobacco composed there , which the Italians take as profusely in powder as the English in pipes , as also Ascia , and near it Siena . SIENA Paolo V. THis City was named Siena , from the Galli Senoni , who resided there under Brennus their Captain , and built it on the back of the hill Tuffo , t was made a Colony by the Romans , and afterwards underwent the same misery with the other Cities of Tuscanie , In process of time it recovered liberty , and therewith its former emulation with Florence , against whom it fought and obtained a glorious victory , after which it became subject to the Petrarci , it s own Citizens , whome discarding it continued a free State till the yeer 1555. when the great Duke recovered it . It s ayr is very good and wholesome . Its Inhabitants very courteous , who profess and speak the purity of the Italian Language . without the Porta Romana , the City appears with a great deal of Majesty , being beautifyed by the many Towers raised in honour of such persons as performed some eminent service for the Common ▪ Wealth , among these Towers ( which yet retein the memory of its former freedome ) that of Mangio , surpasseth for heighth , which though founded in the bottom of the Piazza out tops all the City , and serves for a Clock-house ; from its top is an incomparable prospect to the confines of Tuscany ; at the foot of this hideous structure is a Marble Chapel to which adjoyns the Senate house built by the Goths , at one end whereof stands a column bearing Remus and Romulus sucking a Wolfe in Brass , the Arms of this City : Its Piazza lies in the heart of the City , so formed , that whosoever passeth over it must be seen by all : In the midst of it is a Marble Fountain whence issues sweet Water out of the Wolves mouth : The whole City is paved with Brick : The houses are for the most part built of Brick alla Moder●…a , the chiefest is that proud Palace built of squared stones by the Pope Pius the second and the Arch-Bishop , who is of the Family of the Picolomenies , Among its Churches the Domo dedicated to the Virgin Mary is worth noting , for though in comparison of others in Italy it be but small , yet for the pains and charges which it must have cost , t is inferiour to none , being both without and within of black and white Marble . The Facade is admirably garnished with Statues , about the inside are the heads of all the Popes . The Pulpit is an unparalleled piece , beset with figures of Marble ; but its singularity●… lies in the Pavement , wherein many parts of the sacred history are so lively represented in several colours of Marble , that no pencil can come near it , though many Masters take pattern from those figures in stones : In it is a Chapel , wherein is kept the Arm of Saint Iohn Baptist given to a Pope by the King of Pelopo●…esus . In the royal Church of Saint Domeni●…k in Campo Regio , is kept the head of Santa Caterina of Siena , and many Bodies of Saints , and near to it stands the Hospital where Pilgrims may have their full refreshment for several daies , wherein is remarkeable the diligence of the Attendants , in satisfying the Appetites & necessities of the poor and infirm ; in the Chapel lies the Founder B. Susorius , as yet uncorrupted though ninehundred yeers since he dyed . The Walls of Siena are of an exceeding compass yet but slight stocked with caper Trees , that Fruit growing best in Morter . The City was reduced to the Faith of Christ by S. Ansano a Roman Citizen , who was afterwards beheaded ; It particularly hath a great devotion to Santa Maria the Mother of God , as appears by the Motto round their Common Seal . Salve Virgo , Senam Veterum , quae cernis amaenam . Many illustrious Men hath this City afforded , as Saint Bernard the restorer of the Order of Minorites , the blessed Giovanni Colombino first Institutor of the Jesuites Order , Saint Ambrogio de'Bianconi , the Institutor of the Canons Regulars and of the Monks of Mount Olivet . Four Popes , as Alexander the third , who by his pious life and exceeding patience overcame four Anti-Popes , set up against him by Frederick Barbarossa , Pius the first , and Pius the second of the Family Picolomini , and Paolo Quinto of the Borghesi , with many Cardinals , Bishops , Prelates , and Doctors , in all the Sciences most famous . The Countrey about Siena is filled with all sorts of great Chase , so that Wilde Bore and other Venison in its season is commonly sold in Butchers shops . It s Territory is very pleasant and fruitfull , and in a word the City is one of the principal in Italy ▪ On the left hand at twelve miles distance Mount Oliveto discovers it self , much spoken of for the order of white Fryers of Oliveto taking its ri●…e there , whereon is built a sumptuous Abbacy , and therein dwell a vast number of Monks devoted to the service of God , whence ( the river also being past ) you finde San Querico , so called from a Church dedicated to that Saint , and Radicofano , where Desiderius King of the Longobardi built a strong Fort , and the great Duke another , to whom they are now subject ; here ends the patrimony which the Countess Matilda consigned the Church , whereof Viterbo is head . Between San Quirico and the Banks of the River Orica , stands the City Pienza , the Countrey of Pope Pius the second , and so calbed from his name . Further upon a high and rough Mountain stands Chiusi , one of the twelve Cities of Tuscany , where Porsenna King of the Tuscans , was buried , who there built a Labyrinth , wherein who entred without a clew of thread , was certainly buried ; at present this City is depopulated . Somewhat farther towards the North is Monte Pulciano , a City not very antient , but populous and rich ; seated in a delightfull Country abounding with all things desireable . It gave birth to Marcellus the second chief Roman Bishop , and Cardinal Bellarmine , who wrote acutely upon the disputed controversies of all the Heresies ; beyond which are many delightfull places ▪ On the other side of the Road which goes from Quirico near the River Arbia , are the Baths of Petriolo , and the mouth of the River Asso , near which are many fayr Bourgs , and the Maremma of Siena , wherein is the City Grossetto , in the Jurisdiction of Siena , well fortified by the great Duke , and Montamata , where are great plenty of Acorns , and grain to dy Scarlet ; under these Mountains lies the Bourg Santo Fiore , much honoured by the illustrious house of the Sforzaes , where they have a Stately Palace , together with large possessions and Lands for hunting and other pastimes . The Traveller is many times obliged to pass the River Paglia in this Journey , which sometimes is dangerous , on the other side of which lies Aquapendente , ( so called from its site , on the hanging of a hill , and by it runs a rapid stream ) San Lorenzo , and Bolsena a good Town built out of the ruines of the antient City named Urbs vulfimensium , then accounted one of the twelve chief ones of Etruria . It s Territory is very fertile , as may appear by the Olive Trees bearing in the first yeer planting according to Pliny : Here they reverenced the Body of the Virgin San Christina , who being cast into the Paglia , for the faith , thence returned without the least hurt , leaving the track and impression of her Foot on the ground , which appears to this day ; here also happened the great miracle of the consecrated hoast , which being in the hands of the Priest , ( who doubted the truth of it ) of a suddain bled extreamly , and so all bloody was carried to Orvieto , where with great honour t is preserved in the Domo ; in the River is an Island delightsome and fertile , and a little Church Mauseolum or burying place of the Farnesi ; here the prudent and religious Queen Amala sunta was wickedly slain , at the command of Theodato King of the Ostrogoths , whose gravity and sweetness of speech was such , that arguing with condemned persons on death , she so much convinced them of the good , that they little feared the punishment of it . On the left side of the said Lake is Orvieto , Cagnarea , and Tevere all Cities . On the right the City Soana , the birth place of Pope Gregory the 7th . at present almost uninhabited , Petigliano , and Farneso , appertainning to the noble Family of Farnesi in Rome ; somewhat further is the City Castro , of the said Farnesies , so surrounded with Rocks and Cavernes , that it appears to the Enterers rather an obscure Den for wilde beasts , than habitations for Men. From whence walking towards the Sea , you finde Orbello , Talamoni , Monte Argentaro , and Port Ercole , all stately places subject to the King of Spain . On whose right-hand they shew the noble Castle Tuscanello , subject to the See of Rome , so antient , that ( if it be permitted to beleeve them ) they say it was built by Askanius Son of Eneas , and upon one of the ports appears an old Marble with an Epitaph carved thereon , shewing his Original and descent . As also the City Cornetto , by the antient Tuscans dedicated to Pan , whose stately antique Walls , shew it to have been an honourable City ; Pope Gregory the fifth was born there , Giovanni Vitalesco a Cardinal , and Father Mutio a Jesuite , with many other famous Men ; seaven miles off Cornetto stands Civita Vecchia on the Sea shore , a fortified Port. On the left hand of the Via Regia , lies Horti , an antient City which is the Tuscan boundarie . Further off is Tevere , and the Lake Basanello , in Latine , Lacus Vadimonis , and hereabouts stands Bassanello Castello , Magliano , Civita Castellana , Galese , and the Via Flaminia , which leads from Rimini to Rome . In the way from Bolsena to Rome , is the Grove Monte Fiascone , where the Antients with great ceremony and solemnity were wont to sacrifice to the Goddess Gi●…one , near which stands the old City Mionte Fiascome , which was a long time besieged by Camillus , who was not able to reduce it , for the strength of its site . It s Territory yeelds Moscatella . Monte Fiascone being passed , you enter a large and pleasant Plain , in which stands Viterbo , antiently called Vetulania , but Desiderius the King having inclosed it , Longhola Tussa , and Turrenna , within one Wall , by his Edict , yet to be read in a white Marble Tablet in the Palace of Viterbo , commanded it to be called Viterbo ; t is head of the Church Patrimony , and behind it lies Monte Cimeno . T is adorned with stately Edifices , amongst which the Domo is famous , where four Popes ly buried , Iohn the 21. Alexander the 4th . Adrian the 5th . and Clement the 4th . and the Church Santa Rosa , wherein that Saints body is kept entire , & an admirable Fountain , casting out great quantity of water . This City was a long time subject to the Vecchi and Gotti , its Citizens , who driven out , it submitted to the Pope . T is well inhabited with a civil people , and abounds with Corn , Oyl , Wine , and Fruits ; in its Territory are eleven Rivers , which store it with excellent Fish. It wants not Baths of warm water , among the rest those of Bolicano are named for their Miraculous virtue . A mile forth the City stands the Church Quierria dedicate to the Virgin Maria ; finally it hath afforded Men of excelling Judgements . From this City you ascend the Mountain Viterbo , called Mons Cyminus by the Latins , upon which is the Castle Canepina ; near thereto stood formerly the Castle Corito , built by Corito King of Tuscany , whose foundations yet remain , there also was then a thick and terrible Wood , through which none durst pass , no more than the Calidonian or Hercinian Wood , but at present the Trees are cut and a way comodiously layed out . At the Foot of this Mountain towards the South , is the Lake Vico , in Latin called Lacus Cyminus , near it stands the Village Viro , and the Castle Soriano , where there was an inexpugnable Fort , whence for 60 , yeers the Brittons Souldiers could not be expelled . Pursuing the way towards Rome , you finde Ronciglione , which hath a lovely Fountain , and Caprinica , inhabited by 500. Families ; beyond which lies Sutri an antient City , built ( as is believed ) by the Pelasgi a Grecian people , before Saturnus came into Italy . The Romans taking the advantage of this City , assaulted the Tuscans and overcame an Army of 60 : thosand Tuscans Spoletines and Ombri : It s ill ayr renders it near uninhabited . Beyond Ronciglione lies Caprarola , a Castle of the Farnlsies , where whatever can be desired for Recreation is competently pro vided for , by Cardinal Alexandro Farnese . Not far distanr from it is Civita a City now of smal importance , though antiently because they would not assist the Romans ( then afflicted by Hannibal ) we find them by the Romans condemned al Doppio . Passing on the Via Regia , one meets Rofolo a Bourg adjacent to a Lake of immense profundity , & two miles beyond it Campagnana , and npon the same way a standing Pool , where was Cremera a Castle built by the Fabii and destroyed by the Vesenti , here we●…eslain in one day by the said Vesenti , 500. Servants , and 300. persons of that Family , for having privatly complotted an insurrection for their Country Rome against them , one Childe sleeping in a Cradle escaped and became the restorer of the Fabii in Rome . More forward stands the Town Baccano , and the Wood called Bosco di Baccano , which was lately a harbour for Assassinates and other people disposed to ill , whence it grew into a proverb when we would advise any one to stand uppon his , guard to say . Perche siamo nel Bosco de Baccano , but through the vigilance and care of the late Popes , t is almost a secured passage . On the right-hand stands Anguillara a Town of much Fame , whose Lords having behaved themselves gallantly have acquired to themselves and Country eternal honour . The Signori Orsini possesse it , and Bracciano , which is entitled a Dutchy . From the aforenamed Lake runs the River Arone , whence the Romans convey by pipes the water they called Sabatina , from the Lakes name Sabatina . Towards the Sea lies the Monastery Santo Severa , made now a Fort , and Ceri a Castle upon the shore . On the left hand of the Via Regia , lies the Via Flaminea , and six miles beyond Beccano Isola , then Storta , two Towns , and thence t is seaven miles to Rome . One may also travail from Bologna to Rome , on the Via Emilia , and so pass Imola , Faenza , Forli , Cesena , and Rimini . IMOLA . IMola called in Latine Forum Cornelii , enjoyes a good Ayr , a fruitful Territory , a commodious situation for all things , Narsetes in the yeer of Christ , 550. destroyed it , but Dasone second King of the Longobardi , restored it , and called it Imola , Galeazzo Sforza , Son of Francis Duke of Milan possessed it , and gave it in Dowry to Girolamo Riario Savonese , in Anno 1473. some time after t was taken forcibly by Cesar Borgia , Son of Pope Alexander the 6th . finally ( after several other Lords ) it became under the power of the Church , who yet keep it in peace . Martial the famous Poet , resided here for some time , as may be drawn from his verses , and many Illustrious persons were born here . COTIGNOLA . BEtween Imola and Faenza , stands Cotignola , a Castle small , but strong , near the River Senio , encompassed with thick Walls , and profound Dikes ; the Castle was built by the Forlevesi , and Faentini , but the Walls and Ditches by Giovanni Aguto , Captain and Standard-bearer to the Roman Church , to whom t was given by Pope Gregory the 11th . It was the Birth-place of Sforza , Attendolo , the first of the Sforzesean Family , who wrought himself at a Pickax , and yet in less than one hundred yeers his line and Family , hath yeelded one Empress , many Queens , Marqueses , Dukes , Counts , Captains , Bishops , Arch-Bishops , Cardinals , and other eminent persons . FAENZA . FAenza is divided by the River Lamone , which passeth between the Bourg and the City , where there is a strong bridge of Stone , which conjoyns the City with the Bourg , and the Via Emilia . T is ancient , and the first Founders are unknown ; it enjoys a serene healthfull Ayr , a fertile Territory , and a people good-natured and lovers of their Country . Here they make the best and finest Vessels of Earth of all Italy . It hath produced men eminent in all the Sciences . It was several times destroyed by Totila King of the Goths , Frederick Barbarossa , and by a Captain of the Brittones , but Frederick the second Nephew of the first , built that Fort , cast down and levelled the Walls in rhe yeer 1240. which now are seen , for that by their fidelity to the Church , they gave him great difficulty to take it : The Manfredi then got it , and rebuilt the Walls , from them the Bolonians took it , from them Mainardo Pagano , its Citizen , a great Captain , and from him the Venetians , from whom after the rout , they received at Giarad Adda by Lewis the 12th . King of France , it returned again to the devotion of the Church , under whome it hath ever since continued . BRISIGELLA . THis Town is seated in part on a Plain , and in part on the side of a hill , it hath two Forts , the one on the East called the Tower , where with the touch of a Bell they give notice how many Horses enter , the other on the West , both set at the outmost part of the Town . It hath two Fountains , the Water of the one so sweet and light , that none is accounted better , the other so gross and heavy , that they give it not to their Beasts , but account it only fit for cooling their Wine , and cleansing and dying their silks , which shine more here than elsewhere , and that is attributed to the crudity of this water . It s Territory is called la Valle d'Amone from the River so named , which having its sourse from the top of the Alps of Florence ( with little water in a short course driving Mills ) runs thorow the Valley to Faenza ▪ This Valley and Territory contains 48. Villages , every one having its own Parish , and a sufficient allowance for its Pastors . The Farmers are rich and civil , they muster 800. Men , who are well exercised youth , and the best armed of any in the Ecclesiastick State. Which Villages are all contained under the name Bresigiella . The said Valley is so fertile in Wine , Oyl , Corn and other necessaries , that though there be 18000. Souls , yet one yeers crop affords sustenance enough for all them for two yeers , were it not exported into other Countreys . It hath one noble Palace belonging to the ▪ Signori Spadi , which hath all the coumodities of Church , Fishponds , Fountains , Gardens , Vineyards , Wood for Foul , Conservatories for Snow , with all sorts of trees of exquisite fruit , Citrons , Lemons , Oranges , Pynes , and other delights that may be required , & this is alwaies so well accommodated with all necessaries for the Kitchin , houshold-stuff , and Plate , that whenever any Prince or Embassador arrives , they need not transport thither the least thing , there is one Oake which five men cannot brace . This Town hath one eminent Collegiate for the Prelates ; every Wednesday they keep here a Market , so great for all things , that it attracts infinite People , for which they pay no toll . It flourished in Arms two Ages past , through the nobility , generofity , and Valour of the Family of Naldi , the statues of Vicenso and Dionisio Naldi , are in Venice erected . And in Religion and Learning , by many famous Men. The Voyage or Journey from MILAN to CREMONA , to MANTOVA , to FERRARA , and to RIMINI . IF you would see the places , distant from the Via Emilia , when you are arrived at Lodi , you must go towards the Adda Eastward , and at twelve miles distance meet Castiglone , and see Castle Novo , and Pizzichotone , a famed Place , for that Francis the first King of France , being taken Prisoner , by the Imperialists , under Pavia , was reteined there , till by Order of the Emperor Charls the fifth , they embarked him at Genoua for Spain , hence t is but 15. mile to Cremona , all good and direct even way . CREMONA the Faithfull . CRemona is built on the banks of the Poe , in the 7th . Climat , on the West parts of Italy , t is eight miles in circuit , environed with Walls Bastions , and Ditches , and hath one Cittadel on the Eastpart , the most stupendious , strong and formidable work in all Italy . Its first Founders are not known , but their judgements approved for its good Ayr. It was a good Colony of the Romans , and alwaies maintained such fidelity to its Princes , that among the Cities of Italy it merited the surname of faithfull . In the time of the Triumvirate of Augustus , Antony , and Lepidus , it suffered much misery , its Territories being divided also among the Souldiers , whose neighbourhood to Mantoua , made it participate in misery , and caused Virgil to lament in his 9th . Ecloge , Mantoua vel miserae ni●…ium vicina Cremonae . Cornelius Tacitus relates its then wofull sufferings . Afterwards in Anno 630. it was all cast down by the Gothes , Longobards and Slaves and 600. yeers , after that destroyed by Frederick Barbarossa , and depopulated . But afterwards it was restored and amplified , and governed in liberty , till through civil discords Uberto Palavicino got the dominion , who driven out , certain lesser Lords kept it in servitude , as now Cavadabo , now the Ponzoni , now the Fonduli , now the Visconti , whoever of them was conqueror got it , and with the conquered it alwaies suffered . Also the Venetians , French , and Sforzeschi had it by Arms , but now the King of Spain reigns in it , and maintains in great tranquillity . Sigismond the Emperor to gratifie Gabrino Fondalio , granted it license for a publique University , with all such privileges , immunities and exemptions , as those of Paris or Bologna , enjoyed . The ordinary buildings are so great , that they may be termed Palaces , reared with great expense and excellent Architecture . Ir hath broad streets , with Orchards , Gardens , and Mills as well within as without the City , a chanel for driving them being brought from the River thorow the City . It hath one Tower so high that it is reckoned among the wonders of Europe , which was built in the yeer 1284. Upon it at one instant were , Pope John the 22th . Sigismond the Emperor , with Gabrino Fondulio , Lord of the City , who afterwards was sad at the heart , that he had not precipitated the Emperour and Pope to eternalize his memory , as did Herostrato , who only to commemorate his name gave fire to and burnt that stupendnous Temple of Diana , built in Ephesus at the common charge of all the Potentates of Asia , in two hundred yeers . It hath a Cathedral with a good Revenue , and many other stately Churches , wherein are kept many Reliques of Saints , and much riches , several Hospitals and other pious places . The Families of Cremona , are for the most part descended from the Romans , who there made a Colony , others from the veterane Souldiers , who for reward of their Labours had houses & Lands there assigned them , and others from the Goths , Longobardi , French , Germans , and other people of Italy ; it hath given birth to many eminent Ecclesiasticks , Lawyers , Physicians , Souldiers , and Poets . The people are of an industrious and accute wit , and have invented several sorts of Stuffs , Silks and Clothes , and make excellent Swords . Without the Gate Puleselia , stands the Church San Guglielmo , where is a large Pond which did formerly contain troubled and stinking water , but San Domenick and Francis , who dwelt there , making the sign of the Cross over it , they were there by miraculously converted into clear and sweet waters . Near the Porta San Michaele , stood a Temple dedicate to the Goddess Februa , whereof nought appears now . Close by the Walls runs the noble River Oglio . On its West part lies nhe Territory of Lodi , on the North Bergamo and Brescia , on the East Mantona , and on the South Piacenza . Between Towns and Hamlets this City possesseth 41. places , and all its Country round about is a plain planted with trees in excellent order with Vines clinging to them , and most productive of all grains herbage and other necessaries . From Cremona to Mantoua , leads a direct even road , and upon or near it lye Piadena , the Country of Bartolomeo Platina , close by which passeth the Oglio , Canesdo , where the Oglio spends it self in the Poe , the Castles Asola , and Acquanegria , Bozzolo a Town , and San Martino where Scipion Gonzaga the Splendor of the College of Cardinals lies buried . Then the River passed which crosseth the Road , you leave the Bourg Marcheria , and Gazuolo , where there is a sumptuous and royal Palace of the Gonzaghi , whose also are the 3 Castles , from Gazuolo , to Mantoua twelve miles . But the way from Cremona to Mantoua , on the left side of the Poe lies thus , first to the Town San Giovanni , and Ricardo , then to Ponzono , Gusnola , and Casal Maggiore , and then to Sabioneda , an imperial City , very fair and stately , a draught whereof was taken by order of the Duke Vespasiano . Beyond which lies Viadona , and Pomponesco , where lies the passe over the Poe , whence t is eight mile to Mantoua , in the way are Montecchio , a mannor of the Palavicini , Colorno under the Parmesans , the Castle Bresegello of the Dokes of Estè , formerly a City , but destroyed by the Lougobardi , whose King Alboino there , slew Totila King of the Gothes , and by that victory made himself Lord of Italy , Gonzaga , where the Duke of Mantoua hath a noble Palace , Reggio , Huolara , Luzzara , and Guastallo entitled with a Principality , thence to Borgo Forte , and so to Mantoua . MANTOUA FOr its antiquity gives place to no City of Italy , being founded not only before Rome , but before the destruction of Troy , ( which happened according to Eusebius , Saint Jerome and others , 430. yeers before the building of Rome ) Leandro Alberti , shewes that Mantoua was built 1183. yeers before the coming of our Lord into the flesh . And as it was more antient than the rest , so was its Original more noble , being founded by Ocno Bianoro , the most antient King of Tuscany , who was Son of Tiberino King of Tuscany , and Manto Tebena his Queen , and so called it Mantoua from the name of his Mother . It was first inhabited by three noble people , the Tebani , Veneti , and Toscani , as Virgil the Prince of Poets celebrating the nobleness of this his Country testifies in his 10. book of his AEneades . Ille etiam patriis agmenciet Ocnus ab oris Fatidicae Manthus , & Tusci filius amnis , Qui muros , matrisque dedit tibi Mantoua nomen . Mantoua Dives avis , sed non genus omnibus unum . Gens illi triplex , populi sub gente quaterni Ipsa caput populis Tusco de sanguine vires . T is seated among the Marishes created by the River Mencio , is strong by nature and art , large and well built , adorned with sumptuous Palaces and fair Churches , noble Piazzaes , spatious recreative places , and direct streets . T is a merchandizing City , and copious of all trading through the conveniency of the waters . The people are of an acute genius , and not less disposed to Learning , Arms , and all Sciences , than to Traffick and Merchandizing . In the Church of the reverend Fathers of Saint Domenick , is the Tomb of Giovanni de Medici , Father of Cosmus great Duke of Tuscany , where may be read this Epitaph . Joannes Medices hic situs est inusitatae virtutis Dux , qui ad Mincium tormento ictus , Italiae fato , potius quam suo cecidit . 1526. In the Church of the Carmelites lies Batista Spagnuolo , General of that order , with this Epitaph . Reverend . P. Magister Baptiste Mantuanus Carmelita , Theologus , Philosophus , Poeta , & Orator Clarissimus , Latinae , Graecae , & Hebraicae linguae peritissimus . In the sumptuous Temple Saint Andrea , is some of the pretious bloud of our Lord , and the body of San Longino the Martyr , Montigna Padouano lies likewise buried here with this Inscription . Ossa Andreae Mantiniae famosissimi Pictoris cum duobus filiis insepulchro per Andream Mantiniam nepotem ex filio constructo . And underneath are these two verses . Esse parem hunc noris , si non praeponis Apelli , Enea Mantiniae , qui simulacra vides . In the Duomo ( where the lngenuity of Giulio Romano a famous Architector hath expatiated it self ) lies the entire body of San Anselmo Bishop of Lucca . In San Egidio , lies Bernardo Tasso . Mantoua hath eight Gates , is in compass four miles , hath in it 50. thousand Souls , and the aforesaid Lake or Marish , lies 20. miles round it , near it is the Royal Palace of Te , built by Giulio Romano . Five miles off Mantoua West-ward , stands a Temple dedicate to the Virgine Mary , filled with presents , and vows , wherein lies the body of Baldassar Casiiglione in a fayr Tomb. Twelve miles distant from it South-ward , is the magnificent and sumptuous Monastery of Saint Benedict , seated in a Plain near the Poe , which was built by Bonisace , Marquess of Mantoua , Count of Conossa , and Uncle of Matilda , in the yeer of our Saviour 984. which for its Magnificense , Riches , and sumptuousness of building , and what more imports , for its observance in Religion , antecedes all the other Monasteries of Italy The Fryers Benedictines have possessed it for 200 yeers , from whom have issued many Religious , filled with sanctity , good doctrine , and grave customs . Its possessions traverse a great space of ground , and from the privileges of Pope Pasquale the second , we may collect they had dominion in spirituals and temporals , over the Towns Guernelo and Quistello , with 38. parish Churches in the Diocess of Mantoua , Luca , Bologna , Ferrara , Parma , Malamocco , & Chioza , The most illustrious Countess Matilda , ( whom none comes near for her signal benefits conferred on the Roman Church ) being 69. yeers old here finisht her days , in the yeer 1161. and was layed in a Marble Sepulchre in the Chapel of the blessed Virgin , which being opened 320. yeers after , her body was found unperisht and untouched , her Effigies upon a Mare ( like unto a man ) stands upon her Tombe , in a long red Gown , and a Pomgranade in her hand , where among her other Epitaphs , this old one may be read . Stirpe , opibus , forma , gestis , & nomine quondam Inclyta Mathildus , hic jacet astra tenens . In that part of the Monastery where now is the common Kitchin below , and Graneries above , was the Palace of Matilda ; It hath as much Land as 382. yoke of Oxen can till . It hath a Rampart goes round a great part of its Lands about , 7 miles long , which cost in raising above 27000. Crowns , which in Anno 1560. was made in a few moneths to stop the inundations of the Poe. Two miles beyond Mantoua at the mouth of the River Mincio , which issues from the Lake , and goes to Ferrara , stands the Bourge Ande now called Pietole , where Virgil was born , beyond that Hostia , and Roveredo , and then Lago Scuro ; where you imbark for Venice ; hence after three miles travail you arrive at Ferrara . FERRARA . THis City is seated on the Banks of the Poe , which washeth it on the East & South parts ; t is garnished with stately and sump tuous structures , and spatious and noble Piazzaes which was first paved with brick , by the Marquess Lionello , filled with noble Families and rich Citizens , and t is moreover famous for the University here established by the Emperor Frederick the second , in despight of the Bolonians . And although this City cannot boast its antiquity from the Trojans , Grecians or Romans ( being not a thousand yeers since t was walled by order of the Emperor Mauritius ) yet through the diligence and love of its Princes , t is so increased in Edifices and Riches , that it hath deserved a place amongst the chief Cities of Italy , which increase happened under the Illustrious Family of Estè , Giulio Cesar della Scala a famous Poet commends Ferrara thus . Inclyta quae patulo fruitur Ferraria coelo , Reginas rerum limine ditat aquas ; Aurea nobilitat , studiorum nobilis ocii Ingenia , audaci pectora prompta majus , Magnanimique Duces , genus alto è sanguine Divum . And this shall suffice touching Ferraras antiquity , which in the yeer 1598. came into the power and patrimony of S. Petre , by the industry and pains of Pope Clement the eighth . In the Duomo lies Pope Urban the 8th . in a sumptuous Marble monument , near which one may read of the learned Man Gregorio Geraldo , what ensues , viz. Quid hospes adstas ? tymbion Vides Gyraldi Lilii , Fortunae ntramque paginam Qui pertulit , sed pessimae Est usus , altera nihil Opte ferente Apolline . Nil scire refert amplius Tua aut sua , in tuam rem abi . Lil. Greg. Giraldus Prothon . Apostol . mortalitatis memor Anno 72. V. S. P. Cur. 1550. In the Church of Laint Domenick , near the Gate , is a stately Tomb with this inscription . D. M. Nicolao Leoniceno Vicentino , qui sibi Ferrariam patriam maluit , ubi annos 60. Italos , & provinciales magna celebritate Graecè , & Latinè instituit , continua serie apud Principes Estenses magno in honore habitus , Unus omnium magis pectore , quam lingua philosophiam professus rerum naturae abditissimarum experientissimus , qui primus herbariam bene desitam , & sylvam rei medicae injuria temporum negligenter habitam in dispositionem magna ope mortalium revocavit , in barbaros conditores pertinaciter stylum perstrinxit , & studio veritatis , cum omni antiquitate acerrimè depugnavit , annos natus sex & nonaginta , cum jam aeternis monumentis in arcem immortalitatis sibi gradum fecisset , homo esse defiit Alphonsus Estensis , Dux Tertius , & S. P. Q. Ferrariens . benemerito posuere , sexto idus Junii . M. D. XXIV , Bonaventura Pistopholo grato ipsius discipulo pocurante . In the noble Church of the Benedictines , upon a Column of the Prince of Italian Poets , may be read thus . Ludovico Areosto Poetae Patritio Ferrariensi Augustinus Mustus tanto viro , ac dese bene meren . Tumulum , & Effigiem marmoream , aere proprio P. C. Anno salutis M. D. LXXXIII . Alphonso Secondo Duce , vixit annos 56. obiit anno sal . 1533. 8. Idus Junii . And a little below , that of the composition of Lorenzo Frizoli . Hic Areostus situs est , qui comico , Aures sparsit Teatri Urbanos sale Satyraque mores strinxit , acer improbos Heroa culto , qui ferentem carmine , Ducumque curas cecinit , ac praelia Vales corona dignus unus triplici , Cui trina constant , quae fuerevatibus Gratiis , Latinis , vixque Hetruscis Singula . In the Cloyster of the Carmelites stands a Marble Tablet with a memorial of Manardo thus . Jo. Manardo Ferrariensi viro uni omnium integerr . ac sanctis . Philosopho , & Medic. doctis . qui ann . P. M. LX. continenter tum docendo , & scribendo , tum innocentis . medendo omnem medicinam ex arce bonarum literar . foedè prolapsam , & in barbar . potestatem , ac ditionem redactam prostratis , ac profligatis hostium copiis identidem , ut Hydra renascentibus in antiquum pristinumque statum , ac nitorem stituit . Lauream omnium bonorum consensu adeptus IIII. & LXX . ann . agens omnibus omnium ordinum sui desiderium relinquens humilise hoc sarcophago condijussit . Julia Marandauxor . moestiss . quod ab eo optabat posuit Haec brevis exuvias magni capit urna Manardi Nam virtus latè docta per ora volat . Mens pia cum superis caeli colit aurea templa Hinc hospes vitae sint documenta tuae . M. D. XXXVI . Men. Mart. The Journy from FERRARA to VENICE . CHIOZA . PArting from Ferrara five miles upon the Poe , stands Francolino , where embarking , and passing by the several Towns Ronigo , Papoza , Corbola , and Arriano , you embark on the Sea , near the Porte Goro , whence coasting the Land North-ward , you shall arrive at Chioza a City which hath a good Port , The people consist for the most part of Mariners Fishermen , and good Gardiners . Chioza is famous for the deeds of Arms performed there between the Genovesi , and the Venetians and was much increased by the people of Este and Monselice , who fled thither to to save themselves at the inroade of the Hunns In the time of Ordelafo Faliero , Duke of Venice , the Bishoprick of the City Malimacco , ( overflowed by the Sea ) was transferred thither , and for that cause t was created a City . On the East part of Chioza in the Sea lies a Ridge of Sand in the Sea in the nature of a Rampart pose to oppose the fury of the Adriatick Sea , 30 miles long from South to North. T is almost incredible what vast quantities of Comodities are extracted from it to Venice , which are there produced by the ingenuity of the Gardiners , the fertility of the Soyl , and the natural Orchards full of greens whereof and of gardens it most consists , which are ordered exactly well . From Chioza sayling South ward you se Ancona , Pesaro , Rimini , Cesenna , and Ravenna , but going by Land , discover many Ports , as Goro , Bebe , Volano , Magnavacca , Primano , and Brondolo : From Chioza to Venice are 20. miles , in which space stands Malomocco , an Island heretofore enobled by the Duke of Venice his Residence , there is the Porto Malomocco , which through its profundity is rendered dangerous . And also Poveggia , now an uninhabited Island , but at the first Venetians planting , well-peopled , in it still remains a miraculous Crucifix , together with many other small Islands , Monasteries , Hospitals , Orchards , and Gardens , between which lies the most noble City Venice , who scarce finds a Parallel . The Journy from FERRARA to RAVENNA , and to RIMINI . IN the Suburbs of Ferrara towards Ostro the Poe being past by a certain long Bridge of Wood , stands the Church of S. Gregorio , wherein the Body of S. Maurelio first Bishop of Ferrara , is carefully layed up . Here the Poe parts with a great Arm , which having bathed the great Level , runs by Mejaro , Mejarino , and other places into the Adriatick Sea ; But the greater Chanel runs Southward , and at 8. miles distance hath on its Banks the Bourg Argenta , so named from from the quantity of Sylver which every so many yeers , it payed to the Church of Ravenna , on its right hand are many deep Trenches filled with good fish . Three miles beyond Argenta stood Bastia , a Fort ( now demolished ) where the Armies of Pope Giulius the second , and Alphonso first Duke of Ferrara , fought a sharp Battail . Ten miles beyond it lies Lugo a noble Town , Bagnac avollo , a Bourg , and Cotignana the native Country of the Sforzeschan Princes , Babiano , Mazolino , Imola , and Faenza with others . On the left side of the Poe , are fertile Fields , and a Palace of the Prince of Este , so large and well furnished , that it may give a reception to a great King. In this neighbourhood were antiently twelve large Towns : whose inhabitants by one unanimous consent built Ferrara . Pursuing the Poe for twenty miles , lye many fayr and pleasant Towns , as Longastino and Filo , so called for that there the Poe , runs for six miles as strait as a thred or line . San Alberto , and Priniaro where the Poe runs into the Sea , from Sant Alberto looking Northward you may see Comacchio , near the Sea shore , with a Lake or standing Pool round it , wherein they take vast quantities of Mullets , and Eeles , some weighing 30. pound , Comacchio was antiently a famous City , but now t is near destroyed by the waters , hereabouts also lies the Abbacy of Pomposa . On the left of Saint Albergo , are Fenny Fields , wherein to this day may be seen the Fossa Messanitia , made by our Ancestors , but now t is a narrow Chanel to navigate to Ravenua , in small Barks , it formerly run 50. miles navigable , and was called Padusa . RAVENNA . THis City is more memorable for its antiquity than fair building being first built by the Thessalonians , who being perplexed and molested by the Ombrians , and Sabines , voluntarily gave it them up ▪ and returned into Greece , but the Ombrians were thence driven by the French , and they by the Romans , under whom it remained till they with the Heruli took the Country Odouacre , but then they were driven out by the Ostrogoths , under Theodorick their King who made it his Regal Seat , under whom it remained 70. yeers , and then they were beaten out by Narsete , Praefect of Justinian the Emperor , under the Title of Exarchi , after whom 17. more Exarchi governed it 170. yeers , who were all that time held in continual skirmishes with the Longobardi , who were called into Italy by Narsete , against the said Emperour of Constantinople . For Narsete being accused to Giustino , Successor to Justinian , for some crime , whereat Giustino was offended which backed with the instigation of the Emperours wife , caused the Emperour to send another to be Exarche in his Room , who being exasperated against the Emperour for it , invited in the Longobardi against the Empire , by whose hands the Exarcate of Italy was extinct . This Exarche was in the nature of a King , having plenary Jurisdiction in all things without appeal : Astolfo some time after being overcome by Pipino King of the French , gave up Ravenna to the Church of Rome , but Desiderius successor to Astolfo , not regarding his Faith after the retreat of Pipin with the French Army , possessed himself again of Ravenna and other Towns , but the Emperour Charles the Great returning into Italy with the French Army , overcame and took him Prisoner , when the Longobardi were forced to quit Italy altogether , so that it hath suffered many disgraces , and was afterwards sacked by the French , and destroyed by civil discord . Strabo saies that in his time Ravenna stood upon certain Piles driven into the Fennes , and that the water passed under it , so that no coming was to it but by Bridges or Boats , and when the waters were high , then the people were forced to get up into the upper Rooms , yet for all that t was healthfull , as Alexandria in AEgypt , but now the Waters are so dryed up that the Fenns are become Excellent Meadows , Pastures , and Corn Grouuds , many Historians agree that t was much beautified by Augustus Caesar , accommodating it with a great Bridge , and erecting the high Tower called Faro , where he encamped an Army for defence of the Gulfs and lodged the Souldiers in the midst of the City , in a form like a Castle , which afterwards was called the Fortezza of Ravenna , it had another Fort called Cesarea , with Walls and Bastions , which strongly fortifyed the Port of Ravenna , but at present neither the Ports nor Forts appear , only some certain old Churches and Monasteries of little moment . On the Porta Speriosa , for its structure , and good Marble called Aurea , is this Title . TI. CLAUDIUS . DRUSI . F. CAESAR . AUG . GERMANICUS . PONT . MAX. TR. POT . COS. II. DES . III. IMP. III. P. P. DEDIT . Whence t is supposed that the Emperour Claudius fortifyed Ravenna with Walls and a new Port , Biondo affirms , that Ravenna was amplified by Placida Galla , sister of Arcadio , and Honorius the Emperours , and by her Sons Valentiniano , and Tiberio , also Theodrick King of the Goths , beautified it with stately edifices , and enriched it with the spoil of the other Provinces , as appears by those Churches , Palaces , & other structures raised by him and his successors , and yet extant . In Ravenna near the Piazza Santa Maria stands a great Convent , and in it the magnificent Tombe of Dante Algieri , erected to him by Bernardo Bembo the Venetian Podesta in Ravenna , with this Inscription by the said Bembo . Exiguo tumulo Danthes , hic sorte jacebas Squallenti nulli cognito pene situ , At nunc marmoreo subnixus conderis arcu , Omnibus & cultu splendidiore nites , Nimirum Bembus Musis incensus Hetruscis Hoc tibi , quem in primi hae coluere , didit . And with this other Inscription which the said Dante near his death composed . Iura Monarchiae , superos Phlegetonta , lacusque Lustrando cecini , voluerunt Fata quousque Sed qua pars cesset meliorib . hospita castris , Actorumque suum petiit faelicior astris , Hic claudor Danthes patriis extortis ab oris , Quem genuit parui Florentia mater amoris . The biggest Church of Ravenna , is the Arch-Bishops , upon whose high Altar was formerly sustained a massy Silver heaven or canopy on four Pillars , which was worth 30000. Crowns , with excellent ornaments wrought with Gold , all which were taken away by the sacriligious people of Lewis the 12th . King of France , when without any difference he sacked this City , for which they afterwards received from the most high condigne punishment , being most of them cut in pieces , or forced to leap into the Poe , or Tesino , where they drowned themselves . In a Semicircular Chapel , are Limned those first Arch-Bishops of Ravenna ( elected by the shewing of a Dove ) in Mosaick work , a fair piece , whose election was after this manner . Sant Apollinare ( believed one of the 72 Disciples of Christ , then ascended into Heaven , ) departing from Antiochia , with Saint Peter togo to Rome , had in his passage taught the Christian Faith at Ravenna , and afterwards stayed there to govern it , whom none of the Disciples by him left judged themselves sit to succeed to govern that Church where fore all of them together withdrew themselves into a Temple to pray to God to demonstrate to w●…h of them it would please his Divine Majesty to commit that care , whereat the holy Spirit in the form of a Dove descended upon the head of one , who was understood by it to be elected by God to that Dignity , after which manner eleaven Arch-Bishops were successively chosen . And the Casement , whereat the Dove entred is yet apparent though half shut , over the Arch of the high Altar in the Church of Spirito Santo in this City , in which Church on the left hand is a heap of Bricks , near which in a Corner stood Severus a mean person and a simple Man , upon whose head the holy Spirit descended visible to all , he being the last of the eleaven . T is worth ones pains to view the Church of Saint Apollinare , called the golden heaven , built most sumptuously by Theodorick , King of the Ostrogoths , it hath two ranks of most noble great Columns , brought hither by that King from Constantinople , and is garnished with many pretious Marbles , extracted from Rome , and other places of Italy , and also some other Churches . In Ravenna are many antiquities , Epitaphs , and antient Memorials , whose Letters and words require a University of Interpreters . The ruines of a stately Palace ( supposed King Theoricks ) appear yet in the midst of its Fountain is a statue of Hercules Horarius , not elsewhere found . Hercules stands like an Atlas , bending with his left knee as ready to rise , who with his two hands elevated and his head together supports a Solar Horologe , whereon the shadow of the needle from the Sun shewes the houre of the day . A like statue of Hercules was found in Rome in the Vineyard of Steffano del Buffalo , which instead of the Horologe supported a round Globe with the Celestial Signs , distinctly figured , but this difference is not of any great moment , nearly weighing the Signification of the thing for the knowlege of the hour arose from the observation of the Celestial motion , and t is the Sun distinguishes the hour , who by his annual course visites the whole Cirk of the Firmament , which hath caused some to conjecture , that Hercules signifies the Sun , and that the 12 labours counted as of a Mans , is the Ingress of the Sun through the twelve Signs in the circuit of the skies , whereby the Sun of it self casts forth its beams , persuing which Opinion , misteriously though with somewhat accult sense they apply to the sun all the other Fables of Hercules , which are two tedious here to be applyed , let it suffice to have spoken so much to the purpose , of that statue , to rouse up our youth into a more near Scrutiny of the sense of the Fables of the antients , from the knowledge wherein may be extracted many natural secrets , hid under those their sayings and Fables . Before Ravenna stands a most antient round Church of the blessed Virgin , being so fair and large , that the inward circle is 25. foot in diametre : The walls are finely wrought , and all the pavement is layed with small stones of various colours , disposed into divers pleasing figures after the Mosaick work , the Roofis of one squared entire hard stone hollowed , in the midst whereof is the Cupola , whereby the light penetrates , t is scarce imaginable how or by what Art so great a stone could be mounted so high , nor where had the Edge or Plate on the Walls at top as near as can be guessed are about 35 foot in circuit , above the said Edge on the top four fair Collumns in former times susteyned the noble Sepulchre of Theodorick King of the Ostrogothes , of Porphire , specled with white , being one entire stone eight foot long , and four foot high , with a cover of Brass figured and wrought to admiration with gold and othergarnishments , which Tombe t is supposed Amalesunta his Daughter erected , but in the time of the French war , the wicked Souldiers of Lewis the 12th . King of France , with hopes of some great booty within , drew it down and broke it , whereof some Reliques yet remain . Three miles forth the City in the way to Forli , runs the River Ronco , on the Bank whereof stands a Cross of stone , in testimony that in the year 1512. Gastone de Fois Captain of the French Army , there obtained a victory with the loss of his own life , for that being too fiercly bent against his enemies . he advanced two forward with very few in full speed of his Horse , and of a sudden was dead , in which battail dyed that day eighteen thousand Souldiers , between French , Spaniards , Italians , Germans and Switzers . CERVIA . NEar Ravenna lies that notable Wood called Pigneda , from the infinite number of Pyne trees there growing , whose Fruit supply all Italy . Some miles beyond which stands Cervia , a City , but ill peopled by reason of the malignant ayr , all whose Inhabitants are such as get a livelyhood by making Salt , with Saltwater dryed in the Sun , whereof they make such quantity , that white Salt lies in Mountains . In it is nought worth noting , unless the model of so old a City , built meerly for necessity . The Cathedral Church , although it hath a good revenue , seemes but a Church of a Villa near it lies a Tomb of Marble , in form of a Pyramide , with two lovely Children carved at the foot of it . After it had been under several Lords in Anno 1527. it became a part of the Church Patrimony and so continues . Whence you must passe the River Savio in whose Port Caesar Octavianus prepared a great Armada , and then to the River Pistatello formerly called Rubicone , famous not only for that the Romans made it the bound of two Provinces , calling the one towards Rome , Italia , and the other towards the Alpes , Gallia Cisalpina , and commanded that no Commander of what quality soever , should presume to pass that River towards Rome with armed Souldiers ; but also for that Iulius Caesar afterwards ( against the determination of the Senate and people of Rome ) conducted his Army over that River towards Rome , where he first consulted by reason of the dangerous consequence might ensue so rash a Deed , and in the end resolved and passed saying , Eatur quo Deorum ostenta , & inimicorum iniquitas vocant , Iacta sit alea : and upon his demurr , there he saw certain Birds fly , called Augurii which ( to his Judgement ) seemed to invite him to transport those Souldiers he had commanded in France , to commence a War against Rome his Mother and Country . Travailing from Ravenna to Rimini , on one hand lies the Sea , and on the other fertile and pleasant Fields , the Via Flaminia , and Alpes , at whose Feet stands the stately City Forli . FORLI . T Is believed , that ( after Asdrubal was slain by the Roman Consul Livio Salinatore then united with Claudius Nero ) certain old Souldiers built a Castle and called it Livio , in honour of the said Livius the Consul , a mile and halfe's distance from where Forli now stands , but because in the Via Maestra , there was a fair Town wherein they made their Mart for Merchandize , and Seat of Judicature , for that cause called Foro , they say that the Inhabitants of Livio , after some time cousidering that t was more comodious to inhabite the said Town than their Castle Livio , agreed with the Townes ▪ men to cohabite together , and accordingly by Common consent , with leave of Augustas , which was easily obtained through the mediation of Livia his consort , and Cornelio Gallo a Liviese , they conjoyned those two names , Foro and Livio , and for brevity called the place Forli , which in Latine by the name clearly appears being called forum Livii , which union was made in the time that our Lord Christ was being on the Earth , and 208. yeers after , the first foundation of the Castle Livio , Forli is placed between the Rivers Ronco and Montone , enjoyes a delicate ayr with a most fertile Country , in Wines , Oyls , Corn , and Fruit together with Coriander , seed , Anniseed , Cumin-seed , and Woad in great abundance . The men of Forli are for the most part gallant beyond measure , and retains the martial disposition of their first Founders . It was a long time subject to the Romans , after them to the Bolonians , and because four Bolonians banished out of Bolonia , were courteously entertained in Forli , the Bolonians raised a great Army against them , but in a Battail received such an overthrow by the Forlesi , that they never could raise their heads after it , whereby the Bolonians power being abated . the Forlesi yielded themselves up to the Roman Church , from whome afterwards revolting Martin the 4th . dismantled it , and threw down the Walls , consigning it to the Family Monfredi , from whom it passed to the Ordelasi , who again Walled it round , but Sistus the 4th . gave it to Giorlamo Biario Savonese , whom Caesar Borgia Son of Alexander the 6th . expelled and and took it by force of Arms , but at last in the time of Giulius the second , it again returned to the Church under whom to this day , it continnes in peace and fidelity , it hath yielded many learned and brave men , as Guidon Bonato , Rainiero , Biondi , and others . BRITTONORO . ABove Forli stands Brittonoro , called in Latine Forum Trijarinorum , this City is built upon a hill , and above it hath a strong Fort fatal to Frederick the second , it was a Town , but created a City at the instance of Egidius Carrilla a Spanish Cardinal , and Legate of Italy , who having destroyed Forlimpopoli , transferred thence his Episcopal Seat , to Brittonoro , in Anno 137. it participates a most happy Ayr , and rich Country , in Olives , Figgs , Vynes , Fruitful Trees , and good Waters . It hath one place erected intentionally for a prospect , where you have a full view of the Adriatick Sea , of Dalmatia , Croatia , Venetia , and all Romagna , at one instant ; Barbarossa the Emperor , at the instance of Pope Alexander the third , being reconciled to the Venetians , for this beautiful prospects sake requested Brittonora , of the Pope for his habitation , but the Pope perpending the constant fidelity of this People to the Sea of Rome , prevayled with the Emperor by fair words , not to take from the Churches government , a place that in all occasions had demonstrated so sincere a Faith to it , and so it continued under it till Alexander the 6th . consigned it to Caesar Borgio , his Son , after whom the civil discords had almost destroyed it , its Inhabitants being so prone to Arms that they know not how to live in Peace , Finally Clement the seaventh , consigned it to the Family Pii , who yet enjoy it . FORIMPOPOLI . A Mile and halfe from Brittonoro , on the Via Emilia stand Forlimpopoli , called in Latine Forum Popilii , which is one of the four Fori recorded in Pliny , on the Via Emilia . T was a City , but in the year 700. Vitaliano being Pope , Griomaldo King of the Longobardi , secretly entred it on the Sabbath day , when all the People with the Bishop were at Divine Service , and slew all the Males and Females , which done he sacked the City , and levelled it with the ground . It was afterwards renewed by the Forlinesi , and again destroyed by Egiddio Carilla the Popes Legate dwelling in Avignone , who in the yeer 1370. plowed it and sowed it with salt for its utter extirpation , transfer●…ng the Episcopal Seat to Brittonoro as afore ▪ aid , twenty yeers after which Sinibaldo Ordelafo Lord of Forli , repaired it , and built the formidable Castle now there . It enjoyes a good ayr , fertile Fields , and a great Ferry affording ample profit . Bofello a most holy man of of stupenduous miracles , was its Bishop , in the Catalogue of Saints , whose holy bones now lye in the Church called Santa Lucia , Antonel lo Armuzzo with his Sons Meleagro , and Brunoro , much honoured this Country , who by his Genius and strength from a mean person acquired the dignity of being Captain , of the Popes Cavalry . SARSINA . NEar Forlumpopoli is seated the City Sarsino , at the foot of the Appenines , whose Citizens furnished 20000. Armed Souldiers in supply to the Romans against the French , when they made a most furious eruption over the Alpes into Italy , Its ayr is healthfull , and Territory abounds with Olivs ; Vines and other fruitful Trees . It continued a long time under Malatesti , but when Rimini became subject to the Church Sarsina yeelded with it afterwards , Leo the 10th . bestowed it on the house of Pii , this City gave birth to Vicino Bishop of Liguria a most holy man , and famous for working miracles , which property his body ( lying in the Cathedral Church ) yet retains , in operation over such persous as were oppressed with evil spirits lye expelling them . As also to Plautus that antient and famous Comick Latin Poet , who ( t is commonly held for truth ) wrought here at the Bake-house , as a Baker for a lively-hood , and when he had any spare time , he composed his Comedies , and sold them , the better to supply his necessities . Which Opinion Eusebius also confirms . CESENA . CEsena lies at the foot of a Hill near the River Savio , which so rapidly runs by it down from the Apenines that it overflows and infests , many grounds , before it runs into the Sea. This City hath a strong Cittadel upon the hill adjoyning to the heart of the City by means of a Pyle , built by Frederick the second Emperor now near ruined . T is worth ones pains to see the Church , where on the roof hangs a piece of a poudered Hog , nayled to it in remembrance of a Miracle wrought thus . San Pietro the Martyr , caused the Convent of Saint Domenick to be built , in the time of whose strncture , craving Almes for the Love of God , it happened that this piece of the Poudred Hoggs flesh was bestowed on him , whereof he gave and fed the Workemen and Labourers till the said Convent was finished , and still there remained that which now hangs up there , for that what ever the Saint cut off , grew & increased day by day in the same manner and quantity , as in its first state , as if it had not been at all touched or diminished . It abounds with excellent wines and all other necessaries . It s original is not known , yet t was ever and is still well peopled . It was under the Emperors , the Church , the Bolonians , the Ordolasi , Mighardo di Sussenna , and the Malatesti , the last of whom Malatesto Novello , collected a stately Library , not now so despicable also to be passed without a view , in the Monastery of Saint Fraucis , who surrendred the City to the Church from whom t was wrested by Caesar Borgio called Duke Valentino Son of Alexander the 6th . and from him it once more returned in obedtence to the Church , and so continued in quiet ever since ; on the Mount near it is a Church called Maria del Monte Cesena , where the Benedictines serve . RIMINI . THe number of Antiquities through this City shew it very antient : T was beautifyed divers times by Augustus Caesar , and the succeeding Emperors , with sumptuous Fabricks , whereof the reliques yet remaining give asussicient testimony many Historians relate , that t was made a Colony of the Romans before the first Punick War , together with Benevento , Publius Sempronius Sofo , and Appius Claudius , Son of the Blind , being Consuls , which was 485 yeers after the foundation of Rome . After which t was held and inhabited by the Romans , as a Fortezza in those Confines against the French , and there most of the Roman Commanders ( designed with Armies to forein Countries ) were wont to make their Rendezvous , signifying to their People , what day they should there render themselves , as Livy more plainly sets down . T was called Rimini from the River Rimini which washes it . The Picenti first justly held it , but they were overcome by Appius Claudius who triumphed for it , and dilated the Empire from Esino , or Fiumef●…no to the River Pissatello . T is seated in a most fertile Plain , having on the East and West parts of it excellent plow-Lands , on the South great plenty of Gardens , Orchards , OliveWoods , and Vineyards upon the hills of the Apenine Mountains , and on the North the Adriatick Sea , all which as t were in emulation strive which shall exceed the other in affording of necessaries and delicacies of all sorts to its Inhabitants . T is a comodious and fair City , replenished with structures alla Mo derna , in the Piazza is a glorious fountain sprouting sweet and clear waters through several pipes . Towards the Sea are some Reliques of a stately Theatre ; over the River Arimino stands a Bridge built with large square Marble stones by Augustus , which conjoins the Via Flaminia , to the Via Emilia , and the City to the Suburb , which is 200. foot long in 5. Arches , and 15. broad , whose sides are wrought in Dorick structure , upon one of which is inscribed the Titles of Augustus Caesar , and on another those of Tiberius Caesar , whence we compute this Bridge was finished 778. yeers after the foundation of Rome , C. Calvisius , and Gn. Lentulus than Consuls , being begun by Augustus ( who much laboured to beautify and accomodate the ViaFlaminia sparing no cost ) and finished in the daies of Tiberius . Some part of the old Port appears yet but so inconfiderable , that it can onely receive small boats . But how great and magnificent this hath been , may be collected from that proud and stupendious structure , the Church San Francesco , which was built by Sigismond Maltesta , Prince of this City , with the Marble Stones haled out of the old Port. At the Porta Orientale , leading to Pesaro , is a fair Marble Arch , erected there in honour of Augustus Caesar , when having been seaven times Consul , he was elected for the eighth , he having fortified and adorned ( by commission of the Senate , and Will of the People of Rome ) the five chief Roads of Italy , as may be guessed , from those few legible fragments of carved Letters yet remaining , whereby it appears that the Via Flaminia , was of great consideration , Augustus having assumed to himself the care of accommodating that Road from Rome to Rimini ( as Suetonicus recounts ) and given the charge of accommodating the rest to certain illustrious Men , with order to dispose what ever spoiles they took from the Enemies , to that purpose . For a memorial of which publique benefit , are yetextant certain moneys or medals of Gold then stamped with the Effigies of Augustus , with his titles on the one side , and on the other an Arch with two Doors elevated over a Way , on the top whereof sits Victory driving a triumphal Chariot , with these words , Quod viae munit●… sint , which words declare the occasion of that great honour done to Caesar was for his care and cost in amending the high Waies & publick Roads . Of which Arch now wholly destroyed , many Reliquesly on the Via Flaminia even to Rome . But the shortest way to Rome , is to go over the Hills which ly South-ward from Rimini , where stands the Castle Fiore , to pass the River Isauro , thirty miles whence is Urbino , and eight miles more is Acqualagna , there to enter the Via Flam●…nia , and travail to Umbria . In the Via Flaminia , on the right hand upon a Hill is Verucchio , the first habitation of the Malatesta , to whom it was given by Otho the Emperor , and higher in the Mountains is the Bourg S. Martino , in in Latine Acer Mons , a noble rich and well-peopled Place . which hath ever preserved it self in full Liberty , nor was it ever conquered , which at a distance looks like a confused heap of Mountains , without way or means to ascend to . On the same way 15. miles off Rimini begins the Plain , which reaches without obstacle of hill to the Alpi Cottie , which divide Italy from France , this Plain is very spatious and fertile in all things , filled with Towns and Villages on all sides . In view whereof lies Poggio , Imperial , at whose foundatian Frederick the third Emperor layed the first stone , where the Pictures of all the line of Austeria , are excellently delineated . PESARO . THis City was built by the Romans 119. yeers before the coming of Christ , near the River Isaurus , whence with little alteration it took its name . Its Walls and Bulwarks were begun by Francesco Maria del Rovere , & finished by Guidi Baldo , his Son ; t is beautifyed with stately structures for divine , publick and private Use , worth a view . Without the City is built the Princes Palace . In Pesaro they hold certain Fairs whither resort Merchants from farr Countries , but in regard the Port is stopped so that none but small Boats may enter , they carry their Merchandize on Asses and Mules . T was made a Colony of the Romans 569. yeers after the foundation of Rome , Claudius Pulchrus and Lucius Porticus Licinus being then Consuls , and among the rest sent thither to inhabit was L. Acius the excellent Tragick Poet , born of Father and Mother that were Libertines . Plutark ( in the life of Antonius ) records this City to have received much damage by a Cleft or falling in of the Earth , after that M. Antony had a second time conducted Romans to inhabite there , which was a short time before that Warr , a wherein himself with Cleopatra were overcome by Augustus . At the Palace of the Governour is a Magazine furnished with excellent and various Arms. From Pesaro you must go to Fano , and along the shore to Senigalia . Near the Porta of Rimini is a Bridge over the River Foglia , which is the Confines of the Provinces of Marcad ' Aucona and Romagna . On the way appears Novellara Monte Abate , Monte Barucio , and 15. other Towns Pesaro yeelds such store of the best Figgs that they are there dryed to transport over Italy , and are accounted better than those from Sclavonia . FANO . THis City was so denominated from the Temple of Fortune here erected , which in Latine is called Fanum . It stands on the Via Flaminia , in a good Soyl , which yeelds all sorts of Corn , Wine , and Oyl , in great plenty . Many say Augustus Caesar made it a Colony , conducting thither Roman People to inhabit , at that time when he ( as Suetonius writes ) drew out of Rome 28. Colonies , and Pomponius Mela saies , that from the name of Julia Claesare , t was called Giulio Fanestre , as may be also collected from certain old inscriptions there exta●… From the Reliques of the old Walls , and from the Arch placed over the Gate by which you enter coming from Rome on the Via Flaminia , may be drawn , that t was begirt with Walls by Augustus , and restored afterwards by Costantio , and Costanto , Sonns of the great Constantine . The said Arch remained entire till the time of Pope Pius the second , and was made with great Art , carved with figures and Letters , but was destroyed by the Artillery in the War against the Farnesi , though for its remembrance a draught of it was taken and carved on the Walls of the Church S. Michiele , at their common charge , whereof , nor of any thing else of antiquity does ought entire appear . In its neighbourhood beyond the River Metauro , are some places famons for the Deeds of Arms there performed . For M. Livius , Salinato & ●…laud . Nerone Consuls overcame and slew Asdrubal Brother of Hannibal the Carthaginian , on the Banks of the River , which made Hannibal despair of maintaining Carthage against the Romans , seeing the head of his Brother carried at the head of the Roman Army for his view whereby to render him cowardly . Somewhat beyond which place is the Field where Totila King of the Goths was overcome by Narsete Evenucho , the first Exarck and Legate of Iustinian the Emperor , which victory wholly freed Italy from the Government or rather Tyranny of the Gothes , for that Totila being mortally wounded fled thence to the Apenines ( as Procopius in his third Book of the Gothick history relates ) and there dyed . The Voyage or Journey from FANO to FVLIGNO by the VIA EMILIA FOSSVMBRVNO . TRavaling Westward from Fano appear many villages among the Mountains , and then taking the Via Flaminia Southward on the right-hand shore of the River Metauro , you arrive at Fossumbruno , a City plaeed as t were in the midst of the Plain between the Hill and the River . Its Frabricks are modern , by reason that the old were wholly cast down by the Gothes or Longobardi , In the biggest Church remain some old Inscriptions , denoting its antiquity ; from which City pursuing the Journey you must pass the River Metauro by a woodden Bridge , then entring the Via Flaminia , on each side passing by pleasant and fertile Fields , you reach the River Candiano , near which lies the Hill Asdrubal , so denominated from the overthrow there given Asdrubal by the abovenamed Consnls . Whence the Via Flaminia , was paved by Augustus to Rome , half a miles length whereof was out thorow a stony Rock with a Chizel , which is twelve paces broad , t is called Forlo , Then were certain Letters inscribed , which age hath worn out , yet their sense remains , viz. That that noble and & laborious , work was performed by Titus Vespasian , Candiano runs for three miles along the Hills , which passed , lies a Plain , and 10. miles thence is Acqualagna , where dyed Totila , King of the Gothes overcome by Narsete as aforesaid , beyond which is the City Cagli , and the Bourg Cariano , built out of the Ruines of the City Lucerla , heretofore standing where now the Bridge is , but destroyed by Narsete , when the perfidious Elenterio , arrogating to himself the Title of Emperor was discomfited ▪ beyond which is the heigth of the Alps which terminate the Province of Ancona , and Senigaglia , Sigello and Galdo . NOCERA . LAstly upon one of the Apenines , stands Nocera , heretofore famous for the Earthen Vessels there curiously made , now for the Abundance of the Wine called Muscatello , at the foot of the Mountain whereon Nocera stands , is the Valley Trinia , so named from the River Trinia , wherof Silius speaksthus , Triniaeque inglorious humor , calling it un worthy among Rivers , for not being navigable . The way thorow which Valley is very dangerous , beacuse of the necessity to wade several times through the River , where sometimes the poor Travellers are bemired , by reason that in the bottom there is a most stiff mudd , whereby they are oft drowned through their Ignorance of certain Whirl-pools , covered with mudd , not easily to be avoided but by such as are well skilled in the passage . The said vale is 12 miles long , and in it is Foligno . The Journy from FANA to FOLIGNO and ROME , by a better but longer Way . BEeyond Fano upon the Adriatick Sea , is Sinigaglia a famous and antient City , first called Sena , from the Senoni who built it . When the Senoni were driven out by the Romans , they made it a Colony together with Castro and Hadria , Dolabella being Consul , about the time that Italy was extended beyond the River Ese , and the Dutchy of Spoleto added to it . Titus Livius in his 27th . book assures us that M. Livius Salinatorus the Consul quartered in Senigaglia when Asdrubal was not above half a mile distant , overlooking all Italy and raising in it great terror , when C. Nerone Collegue of Livy , withdrawing himself from Basiloc●…ta , with a flying Army of 6000. Foot and 1000. Horse , by a nights march , conjoyned himself with Livy , and the next morn the two Consuls cut in pieces the Army of Asdrubal , and slew the said Captain , while he designed to fly over the Metauro , as afore declared . ANCONA . T Is a famous noble rich City , aud hath the most eminent Port in all Italy : whence the Merchants out of Sclavonia , Greece , Dalmatia , and all Europe frequent it . All Writers agree it had its foundation from the Siracusany , flying from the Tyrany of Dionisius , 'T is likely it became a Colony of the Romans , 485. yeers after Romes building ▪ when the Marchiani were overcome by Publius Sempronius , the Consul , and the Confines of Italy enlarged . For then t was necessary to place Roman People on those boundaries . It took its name from Ancon in Greek which signifies an Elbow , in which form is its Port and Harbour a secure Station for Ships . Many Writers ( worthy belief ) say , that in the time of the Roman Empire t was a renowned City aed well Inhabited for the conveniency of the Harbour , and nobly restored by Trajan the Emperor with incredible expence , whereof some Reliques remain . It hath fair Fabricks , rich Merchandize , business , and People in good number . 'T is environed with Walls and Bulworks , there erected , at the charge of the Popes to enable it with resistance against invasions a good part of the Walls are yet of Marble , antiently t was all of Marble , the Port hath strong Pillars to fasten shipping to , and convenient descents to the Water , as also strong Cranes for removing Goods into , and out of the Vessels . Some Medals are yet extant stamped in honour of Trajane with the form of that Port , & a Neptune Crowned in water before the Mouth of the Porte , with the Rudder of a ship in his right-hand , and a Dolphin near . It hath two chains wherewith they shut up the entrance , therein are at all times Ships and Galleys of all sorts . There is an Arch most stately , raised in honour of Trajane , in gratefull acknowledgment of that publick benefit , his restoring the Porte , by the Senate and People of Rome , which Arch although dispoiled of those Ornaments , it formerly had , yet ( like the Picture of a fair Woman ) it attracts the eyes of the beholders raising wonder in them , moving the Fancy to consider the Art , beauty and proportion of that Piece , from the great squares of Marble and degrees yet to be seen , on all sides shewing a most proportionate and beautifull appearance . 'T is of no small consideration : That all the Statues and other Ornaments , are carved into , or inlaid in those great square stones , and not fixed outwardly , which Squares too are so close connexed that t is impossible to put in the point of a Knife between them , but looks as if t were one entire Rock , which shewes the skill and Art of the Artificer . On it is inscribed as follows . IMP. CAESARI . DIVI . NERVAE . F. NERVAE . TRAIANO . OPTIMO . AVG. GERMANIC . DACI . CO. PONT . MAX. TR. POT . XIX . IMP. IX . COS. VI. P. P. PROVIDENTISSIMO : PRINCIPI . SENATVS . P. Q. R. QVOD . AC ▪ CESSVM . ITALIAE . HOC . ETIAM . ADDITO . EX . PECVNIA . SVA . PORTV . TVTIOREM . NAVIGANTIBVS . REDDIDERIT . On the Right-hand . PLOTINAE . AVG. CONIVGI . AVG. On the Left-hand . DIVAE . M ▪ ARCINAE . SORORI . AVG. Thereby we see that Divine honours were then given to Trajan and his Sister . 'T is not ill spent time neither to ascend the Mount Ancona , and behold its Rarities , which is the promontory Cumero , where first is the antient Cathedral Church Saint Ciriaro , of admirable Architecture , and curious Marbles , in its Vestry are infinite Reliques of Saints , and offirings of great valew presented for devotion . One may gather from some verses of Iuvenal that not far distant was dedicate a Temple to Venus but no thing now remains of it . From that height may be seen a large space of Sea , the bending of the Port , the placing of the City and the site of the Promontory it self , so con-joyned with the Appenines , that some say it appears their head , but others more rationally its Arm , reaching hence to Mount Angelo , all along a shore of the Adriatick Sea. As also many near Cities , Castles , and Burges , as Sirolo celebrious for the good Wine called Anconitana , by Pliny , Orbino , Osimo , and others . Upon a Mount near the River Musone , stands Cingola a Castle built by Titus Labienus , out of the many robaries committed by him , while he was Embassador of C. Caesar and Proconsul in Gallia in that long War. The shape of which Castle we finde engraven upon certain pieces of silver and gold with his Titles , of whose so great Riches , Cicero Silius , Valerius , Max. and Dion . speake scornfully invectively , and bitterly , but now to our Voyage . The holy house of LORETO . FIfteen miles being passed you finde placed upon a hill the famous Church of the Virgin Maria de Loreto , visited from all parts of the World by Pilgrims , either through penance enjoyned thereto , or their own vows or devotion , T is called Loreto , for that in antient timestood near it a Wood of Laurels . Some will have , that in the same place viz the Moūt , stood the Castle Cupra of the Tuscans with the antique Temple of Juno Caprana now t is a Town but yet envroned with Walls , Ditches , Fortresses , and Arms in readiness , to defend it self from the violence and snares of the Corsari , banisht Persons , Robers and other wicked Men , whereby the Inhabitants live securely and are well proviin all things for the receit of strangers . 'T is a most stately Church , built with squared Stones of excellent Marble of great cost , in the midst whereof the Pilgrims visite that most holy Chamber of the Virgin Mary with a great devotion , which is compassed in with a surrounding square of Marbles engraven and wrought with figures of admirable artifice , but so placed that it toucheth not the Walls thereof in any part , and t is credibly held , that those Walls within which the Queen of Heaven was born and brought up , ought not to be more wrought or adorned by human industry . This Chamber was brought hither from Palestina by Angells , and he is pronounced an Infidel that doubts thereof . having so many grave Authors and dayly Miracles to prove it . The great quantity of Tablets , Offerings , and Presents , hung upon the Walls , Pillars , and Cornishes of the Church , at the first entrance will raise a certain proness to honour the place in the most obdurat heart . There it clearly appears how great and inspeakable signs the most great God shewes of his Power for the Salvation of human kind , by granting all the prayers of such as with a devout and sincere heart seek him , &c. The infinite Miracles wrought there , shew that God will be sought in one place more than another , in the Church hang many pourtraies of human misery ( as in a theatre ) which notwithstanding our mercifull God conduceth to a good end , as particularly by divers accidents by Water , evil Times , Shipwracks , Thunderbolts Earthquakes Destructions , Precipitous falls , braking of bones , Sicknesses , diseases , Plague , Slaughters , Robberies , Prisons , Torments , hunger , Want , and many others , which a hundred tongues can hardly explicate as Virgil saith . With which afflictions God is pleased to exercise his Children , to expresse his Clemency more than his Justice , that by it we may more truly prepare our hearts and our Souls worthy for his habitation , and for our eternal bliss . In this Church are many rare and pretious gifts of several Princes , dedicated to the Virgin Mary , in the Vestry are kept the Vests , Vessels of Gold and Silver and other Riches of immense valew , and about the Chnrch are many Tablets of Verses in praise of the Church . The Nobleness and Magnificence of the Church of LORETO , compendiously drawn out of the five Books of Floratio Torsellino a Jesuist . ALthough no day passeth wherein the Cel of the holy Virgin is not visited by many strangers , as well Poles , Spaniards , Germans , Portugals , & other Oltramontaneous and Oltramarine Nations as Italians ) yet there are two seasons in the yeer , when there is exceeding concourse to wit , Spring and Autumn . In the Spring begins the solemnity , the day of the Conception of our Lord , and in Autumn the day of the birth of our Lady , and each solemnity continues for 3. Moneths , wherein each day the house of Loreto is repaired to by great multitudes of people , the greater part whereof go in companies with their Ensignes , having carryed before them a Crucifix with the Images of Saints . Every Company hath its own governors & Priests who sing , & the Donatives offered follow , which are of more or lesse valew according to the quality of the Persons and their Devotions , which method of going & singing praiers & praises to God , excites great piety in the Pilgrims , and people who follow ( though not in order ) in infinite multitudes . When at a distance the Companies begin to see the Church ( which is seated on a hill above the Fields ) they internally are moved to devotion , and cast themselves upon the ground weeping for joy , saluting the Mother of God , and then pursue their journey , some renting their garments and putting on sackcloth , others beating themselves , and being beaten by others with many stripes on the nakedshoulders . In the mean time the Priests of Loreto , go to meet these Companies , introducing them into the Church , with solemn musick , Trumpets , and Bells , when they approach the dore the Companies again fall flat on the ground saluting the Virgin from the bottome of their hearts , with such zeal , that the beholders are moved to tears . Arrived at the Chamber of the Virgin , which shines most clear by the many lights brought in their hands , they contemplate the Effigies of the Madonna , with such Piety , Tears , Sighs , and humility , as is wonderfull , and many affix them selves so much to consider the place and Actions which the Mother of Christ there performed , that were they not driven out by other companies who overtake them , they would never remove thence , but such as come from far Countreys , not being able to preserve the order of Companies , resort thither in the best manner they can , the most part if not all communicate there , and leave their offerings at the Altar , but the most precious offerings are consigned to the deputies , whose charge is to set them and the givers names down in a Book , for perpetual remembrance . The Altar erected by the Apostles , and the effigies of the Virgin Mary , are alwaies clothed from time to time with sumptuous garments , aud ornaments of great valew both in Gold and Jemms . The Church is alwaies full with wax lights and Lamps burning , resounding with musick and Organs , but what more imports t is filled with the Spirit of God , which terrifies the bad , rejoices the good , heals the infirm , and works stupendious miracles . The number of the Pilgrims at Easter useth to be 12000. and at the Penticost and nativity of the Virgin not much inferiour if not more , there hath been the day of the said Nativity in our times , and the day following above two hundred thousand Persons which hath necessitated the intendents , to make a rail round about the Cel whereby to exclude and admit whom they think fit , that they may not be opprest by Multitude . Moreover because in all times the Companies of Souldiers intending for the Wars resort thither first to confess and communicate , the Road is so well accommodated with Inns and houses of Reception , that any Person though delicate and weak , may make the journey on foot , besides that the continual concourse of fresh companies to and fro , renders the way less heavy ; this convenience invited M. Antonio Colonna ( not to speak of others ) a famous , rich , and great Commander , to take that Journey on foot . These Companies having seen the countenance of the Virgin , rejoyce spiritually , and commonly acknowlege they have gathered great benefit from the Pilgrimage though difficult . Were it not too long & difficult t were worth ones pains to recount the vowes there made , and rendred to God , how many there escape out of the mire of Sin , how many are there loosed from the intricate tyes of carnal and forbidden pleasures , how many there lay down their hatred and old envy , how many men almost desperate to do more good , and bound already to the Gates of hell by compact between them and the Divel , yet there deliver themselves from the Enemy , and recover a state of Salvation ; finally , as the Soul is more pretious than the Body , so the Miracles of the blessed Virgin of Loreto wrought for the Soul , are more than those that are for the Body , so that to discourse more at large the things touched here , were a desire to measure and confine the divine power by humane frailty . Which to avoid , t is better to let it alone , than undertaking it to rest unsatisfied , and although for the most part Fame surpasseth the thing spoken of ; yet whoever hath seen Loreto , must confess Fame could not speak so much of it and its glory as he there saw and contemplated . The remarkable and wonderfull Site of the House of LORETO . T Is credibly reported , that the house of the blessed Virgin leaving ( of its own accord ) Galilea , first went into Dolmatia and there stopped in a Wood of Marchiano , whence it went into a Mountain belonging to two Brothers who were at discord , but to remain there for a time , God having determinated that it should stay where now it stands , and we hope will ever continue if some sins of the adjcent People make not the place unworthy and t is presumed that since it came from Galilee and the mount because the sins of the People there made it unworthy , so the knowlege the Virgin had of the quality of this People made her transmit her habitation hither and the often mutations of the places makes it evident to all , that this is the true Stanza or Cell of the blessed Virgin departed from Galilea . It arrived in this Province in Italy , in the yeer 1295. and in lesse thana yeer changed its place of stay three times though but within compasse of a mile , but who will consider its now aboade must find that the wit of man could not invent a better . P. Battista Mantouano Viccar General of the Garmelites ( among other grave Authers ) to whom this house was first given in custody before it left Galilee ) averrs the trnth of the former relations : Societies of Priests , that are Liuguists have it now in government whereby to be the better able to take the confessions of all Nations and give absolutions , &c. RECANATI . FRom Loreto the way leads to Recanati , a new City built out of the Reliques of the old Helvia Ricina , whereof some will have Macerata to be built also , which Helvia was once magnificently repaired by Helvio , many of its old foundations and the bases of an Amphitheatre yet appear upon the Road. From Loreto to Recanati , is three mile of very rough Way , over Mountains . In it is held a publick fair every yeer in September , in the great Church lies Pope Gregory the 12th . who in the Council of Constanza renounced the Papacy , t is seated on the top of a high and spatious Mountain environed with the Apenines , Gingolo , the Sea , and some other little Hills . Beyond which is a plain , in it , San Severino , heretofore a Bourg , but made a City by Pope Sixtus quintus , Math●…lica and Fabriano , famous for the Pure writing paper there made , and then Gamerino , a well fortisied place abounding no less in Riches than People . It alwaies assisted the Romans , aud hath produced many emminent Men. Through the Vale Camerino , you may go to Foligno and Spoleto . MACERATA . KEEping the direct Way thorow the Mountains you meet Macerata , famous for greatnesse and beauty , and the most noble City of the Marchiano . In it is a College of Lawyers , called the Rota , deputed to hear Causes , and the Residence of the Governors of all the Province , Two great Causes for its full peopling : About it ly several Bourgs , Castles , and Towns , as Tolentino , where they reverence the reliques of San Nicolo , of the Angustine Order , who there lived holily : Montalto , Fermo , Ascolo , and Seravalle , beyond which lies Santa Anatolia , whence through a Valley lies the way to San Foligno , which is two days journy from Loreto . FOLIGNO . THe Longobardi ▪ having destroyed Foro Flaminio , the Inhabitants out of its Ruines built Foligno . The City is rich in Merchandize , small but pleasant , it hath a goodly porte , whence the Citizens repelled the assaults of the Longobardi , the Cities Perugia and Assisiaare Westward twenty miles from Foligno . All along the Flaminian Way , ly most flourishing Fields , planted with all sorts of Fruits , Vines , Gardens , Olive-Trees , & Almonds , praised to the skies , by Propertins Virgil , and other Poets . On the right hand lies Mevania , the Countrey of Propertius and its Territory , which produceth large Bulls and Oxen , on the left was the Antient Temple of Metusca , near it is the Source of the River Clitumnus , issuing wirh a clear and plentifull head of Water , enough to water the Fields of Bertagna , which at its second stage , had the name of a God given it by the blind Gentiles , to whom t is believed the neighbouring Temple of Marble ( now antique yet noble ) was dedicate in old time . T is made in that form ( which Vitruvius writing of the order of Temples , teaches that those of Fountains , Nimphes , Venus , Flora , and Proserpina . ought to have , to wit to have some similitude with their Gods ) and hath in the Ornaments of the outside leaves of Bears-foot , and Holm tree , which demonstrate the fruitfulness of Clitumnus , which the Antients observed , so fatned the adjacent Pastures , that thereby the Herds of Cattel grew very great , and ( Pliny , Lucan , and Servius the Commentator of Virgil ) a ver●… that those Cattel drinking of the water of Clitumnus became white . Out of these Herds the Roman Conquerors used to select the most fair , and in their triumphs to sacrifice them for a happy Augury to the victory brought with them . The same also were led by the Emperors , ( which triumphed ) with their horns guilt , and bathed with the water of this River , unto the Campidoglio , and there sacrificed to Iove and other Gods , which made the Spoleti●… to honour Clitumnus as a God , and to it were dedicated by the antients , Temples and Groves , as may be collected from Propertins in these words . Qua formosa suo Clitumnus flumina Luco Integer , & niveos abluit unda boves . Virgil the Prince of Poets in the second of his Gorgicks , speaking politely of the praise of Italy , saith thus . Hinc albi Clitumne greges & maxima tanrus Victimae saepe tuo perfusi flumine sacro Romanos ad templa Deum duxere triumphos . Silius also touches upon this conceipt in the Carthaginian War in few words to wit Et lavit ingentem perfusum flumine sacro Clitumnus taurum . SPOLETO . IN the same day the Traveller may go from Foligno , to Spoleto , a splendid City deficient in nothing , the Refidence of the Longobardi Princes now ennobled by the Title of the Duke of Ombra , antiently t was a strong Roman Colony so made by Litius , and reduced by the Romans , when they had overthrown the Ombri , in the Consulate of G. Claudius Centone , and Marius Sempronius Tuditanus . Which Colony ( after the Romans had received the Rout near Trasineno ) was so bold as to withstand Hannibal the Conqueror , and taught him to gather what vast strength the Roman Empire was of from the power of one sole Colony , by forceing him to turn tayl , & retreat after the losse of many men into the Marchiana . The old broken structures shew that it flourished greatly in the Romans time . One may yet see the Palace of Theodorick King of Goths , destroyed by the Goths but rebuilt by Narsete Captain for Justinian the Emperor . The Temple of Concord , the foundation of a Theatre and of stately Aquiducts . TERNI . THe following day through the Valley Strattura ( closed in by Hills , Rocks , and cliffs of the Apenines ) you reach Terni called Iteranna by the Antients from its inclosure between the branches of the River Nera . The old Ruins of the Edifices shew it to have been in all things greater than at present , and within memory t is known much decay came to it by intestine hatred and civil discords . Many antient Marble Inscriptions shew that t was a free City of the Romans , but at what time it received the title of a free City , and the Prerogative of Roman Denizenship , is not certainly known Pighius observes from a great Marblestone fixed in the Walls of the Cathedral Church , that t was built 544. yeers before the Consulate of C. Domitius Enobarbus , and M. Camillus Scribonianus , who were Consuls 624. yeers after the foundation of Rome , and that sacrifice was made in Terni , to the health of Liberty , and the Genius of the City , to gratifie Tiberius Caesar , who then elevated himself from the feet of Seianus : The said Pighius deduceth thus much from the Title on the said Marble , and in his Annales of the Senate and People of Rowe sets it down more distinctly : we conclude from the whole that t was built 80. yeers after Rome , under Numa , and then obtained its title of a Municipal City . The Territory of Terni through the site , and the usefullnesse of the sweet Waters , is all of a fat soyl , being exposed to a benign Sun , which in some part appologizeth for what Pliny saies , to wit , that the Meadows are mowed 4 times in a yeer , and afterwards fed , besides that Turnips have there lately grown of 30. pound weight ( whereof four makes an Asses Load ) and Pliny saies 40. pound weight . NARNI . KEEping the Via Flaminia , you arrive at Narni , placed on a rough Hill of difficult ascent , at the foot whereof runs the River Nera , roaring through the breakings of the Rocks , wherewith it encounters ; Livy and Stephano Gramatico , derive the name of the City from that of the River , and Martial in the 7th . book of his Epigrames describes it thus . Narnia sulphureo , quam gurgite candidus amnis Circuit ancipiti vix adeunda jugo . The same Livy affirms , that the City was first called Nequino , and the Inhabitants thence Nequinati , when subdued by the Romans , from the paultry and wicked customes of the People , but afterwards the Roman Colony despising that name , called it Narni from the Rivers name . The Triumphs in the Campidoglio set forth that the Nequinati were confederate with the Sanniti , and with them overcome by M. Petinus the Consul , who therefor triumphed in the 454th . yeer of Rome , and then made a Colony as aforesaid . Now the Cities form is long , and fair in Fabricks , and plentifully supplyed from its near Campagna , though in the memory of our Ancestors , and since it hath been much turmoyled with troubles and Warrs . Without Narni over the River are wonderfull great Arches of a Bridge , which did conjoyn two high and precipitous Mountains between which the River passed , some believe this Bridge was built by Augustus with the spoils of the Siacambri , and Procopius affirms it , adding that more eminent Arches were never seen , the Reliques now appearing demonstrate it the work of a flourishing Empire , and of excessive expence , Martial t is supposed speaks herof in these words . Sed jam parce mihi , nec abutere Narnia Quinto , Perpetuo liceat sic tibi ponte frui . The stones of this Bridge are cecmented with Iron and Lead , one Arch now to be seen is 200. foot broad and 150. foot high , under which t is said is buried great Treasure . A stream is brought into the City which passeth for 15. miles under most high Mountains , and supplies thr●… brass fountains ; there is also a water of N●…ni called caristia or Famine , because it never appear●… but the yeer before some great fami●… , as it happened in Anno 1589. it yields also many healthfull wat●…rs . Forty miles off Narni to go in the way to Rome is a Mountainous Rock , through which the Way is cut with Chizels 30. foot deep and 15 broad , beyond which is pleasant way to Ottricoli a mile from Tevere . Passing by the antiquities of the Via Flaminia and the vast mines of Ottricoli , you come to Tevere , beholding by the way great Reliques of publick structures , as Temples , Baths , Aqueduct●… , Conservatories of water , a Theatre and Amphitheatre , which testify the grandezza and magnificence of that municipal City , while the Roman Empire flourished . Two inscriptions of statues dedicate to the Father and Daughter by the publick , make appear that they built those Baths at their own expence , and then gave them to the publique , both which are inscribed on Marble as followeth . L. Iulio L. F. Pal. Iuliano . IIII. Vir. AEd. III. 1. D. IIII. Vir Quin que Quinque 11. Dast Patr●…no Municipi Plebs . Ob. Merita L. D. D. D. Iuliae Lucillae L. Iulii . Iuliani . Fil Patroni municipi 〈◊〉 . P●…ter Termas Ocriculanis ●… Solo. E●…ctas 〈◊〉 . ●…ecunia ▪ Donavit Dec Aug. Plebs L. D. D. D. Whence you passe by the Town Tevere near the stone Bridge built by Augustus , which Bridge was so great , that with its mines it tumed and hindred the course of the River ; thence coasting the foot of the Mountain Soratte , at night you lodge at B●…gnano . Pope Clement the 8th commanded ( imitating Augustus ) to his great costs and no less glory , this Bridge to be repaired ; here terminated the Burro●…ghs of Rome in the time ▪ of the Emperour Aurelianus ; and we read that in former times Rome was 150. miles in ci●…cuit ; and that while Constantin●… reigned , the Walls and buildings from Tevere to Rome were so thick , that who was but seldome conversant there took it for the City of Rome . The River being past you meet Borgheto , the City Castellan , and Capr●…rola , and farther on is the B●…idge Milvio or Mole , where God shewed to Constantine a Cross wi●…h these words , In hoc signo vinces , with which encouragement Constantine fought and overcame Maxentius the Tyrant , by which Bridge one passeth the Tevere or Ti●…er , and so arrives to the Suburbs of Rome , entring the Porta Flaminia , now called Porta del Popolo . LUCCA . THis City glories , in the universal agreement of all Authors , that t is one of the most antient of Italy , and they that speak of its latest Original attribute it to Lucchio Lucnmone Laerte of Tuscany , who reigned 46. yeers after the foundation of Rome . from whom some say it took its name Lucca , but some others aver●… t was built long before that time , even by the Grecians before the destruction of Troy. It alwaies was for its strength and power of much consideration : and that made C. Cempronius after the overthrow he received from Hannibal at Trebbia , and the lesse fortunate day fought before Piacenza to recover Lucca , with the remnant of his Army as to a place that yeelded asecure retreat ; and the valorous Narsete , who for the Emperour Iustinian , freed Italy of the Goths , could not have gained it with his 7 Moneths tedious and most rigorous siege , had he not by a certain wile and cunning perswaded or rather intreated the Citizens to deliver their City of their own accord and with their own terms . Its Seignors or Lords have so well added to its former strength , that no City in Italy comes near it , for it hath eleaven strong Bulworks in lesse than 3. miles circuit , and a vast wall , with works within , upon which the Trees planted , the pleasant and fertile hills surrounding it , and the stately Palaces in the heart of it renders it a most delightfull City . Strabo reports the Romans often raised there many foot Souldiers and some Horse , and Gasper Sardo writes that at the Naval fight bethe Christians and Sarazens in anuo 1179. Lucca had seaven Galleys , under the command of Nino delli Obezi its Citizen , a valiant Captain , who was also Lieutenant of those of the Church in the same Fleet , when they obtained immortal fame in that Victory , and in 1303. the Lucchesi colleagued with the Florentines against the Pistoiesi , and of the 16000. foot and 1600. Horse , then in the Army , the Lucchesi had 10000. Foot , and 600. Horse . This City was beloved , and held in great esteem by the Romans conceding to it , the fo much coveted privilege of a municipal City , and making it a Colony . We read in p●…rticular , that ( at the needfull repairing of Rome ) C. Caesar passed a winter there with two hundred Senators . whereof we●… Pompey and Crasus , who here complotted and constituted the first Triumvirate . Near the Church of Saint A●…gustine , are some Reliques of a noble Temple dedicate to Saturn , with the foot-steps of an Amphitheatre , infallible testimonies of its Grandure . In the time that Tuscany with the rest of Italy divided into 12 Governments was under the Longobardi , Lucca was the appointed , residence for the Regent of Tuscany , where ( as such ) Desideri●…s resided , when in a●…no 577. he was created King of the Longobardi . Afterwards t was governed by Marqueses , who also resided there as in the Metropolis of that Province , where the Marchese Adalberto dwelt with infinite Splendour , and so nobly in anno 902. received there Lewi●… the Emperour , that he admiring the Kingly magnificence and grea●…nesse wherein the Marchese lived , said to one of his Intimats , that ●…ruly ( abstracting from the Title ) he saw not wherein the Marquess was inferiour to him . Among the , Marqueses of Tuscany , Bonilf da Lucca for his great Riches , his own valour and merits , was so much renowned , that he obtained for his wife , Beatrice Daughter of Corradns the second , and Sister of Henry the third , whose Issue La Contessa Matilda , in a short course of time , remained Heiress and Lady of this and many other Cities of Italy , and at her death bequeathed the City Ferrara and that state which is called the Patrimony of Saint Peter to the Roman Church , by her last Will and Testament , which is yet preserved in Lucca . Afterwards Lucca began to relish the beloved fruits of its antient Liberty , and in the yeer 1288. obtained a confirmation of it from the Emperour Rodolphus , in which times being chiefly ruled by the Guelfan Faction , it was a long time preserved in good amity , and confederate with the Florentine Republique . Wherefore in Anno 1304. when the Florentine Republique was much perplexed by the Factions Bianchi , and Neri , the Lucchesi were requested by the Florentines to aid them , in repressing their tumultuous and confused Government , and when absolute power was given to the Lucchesi over all Florence , from Lucca were sent some of the most prudent Citizens , accompanied with 9000. Souldiers , the most part horse : Who being suddainly arrived , settled their guards up and down the City as they pleased , and as if the City Florence had been absolutely under their Do minion : which done , they took in hand the government , and with the entire satisfaction of that Republique , in sixteen days , they quieted the tumults and Factions , and established the form of the Government for the future . Some time after the which Lucca was governed by Ugoccione and by Castruccio its Citizen , an excellent Captain , who with his own single valour kept the neighbouring Common-wealth in continual fear and suspicion , and finally after it had undergon for severall yeers through adverse fortune , the tyranny of divers Governours , its Usurpers ; It reobtained for a certain sum of mony its former Liberty , from Charls the 4th . which ( except from the yeer 1400. to 1430. when t was usurped by Paolo Gusinigi its Citizen ) it hath ever since enjoyed most happily , and doth at present rejoice therein , and live in great tranquillity yet under the protection of the Catholick King , and with such security , that those Gentlemen to w●…om the Goverment of the Republique is committed , neither watch at , nor take care for any thing more than the publique good , and Union o●… all its Citizens , the two principal and necessary Foundations , for the maintenance of the Republique . It s administration and Government is an Oligarchy . This Clty is replenisht with many good and Artfull Structures , and a great number of stately Churches ; Among which Its Cathedral , dedicate to Saint Martin , retains the chief prerogative . This Church hath been much adorned and favoured by the Popes , and first by Alexande●… the second , who in the yeer of our Lord 1070. ( as we read in Baronius ) was pleased to take upon himself the pains to consecrate it , then Urban the sixth in anno 1382. there celebrated Mass the night of the Nativity of our Lord , and honoured the chief standard bearer , with the reading the Epistle by his order . The Bishop and Canons are endowed with great Privileges : being allowed the use of the Archiepiscopal Ornaments , that is a Cross and Pall : and the Canons are faculted to bear the Priests cope , and purple Sattin robes , and the Mitre of white Sattin , More Cardinalium , and the Bishop is so great , that the Canons acknowledge no other Superiour but the Apostolick Sea. Among the many graces wherewith this Church is favoured by the most high God , some may especially be considered ; first that Lucca was the first City of Tuscany , that ( as Fr. Leandro and others recount ) received the light of the holy faith , which happened in the 44th . yeer of our Salvation , by the means of Saint Paulino Antiocheno , the Disciple of Saint Peter , crowned a Martyr upon the hill S. Iuliano , by Anozino President in Pisa. Secondly , that in the time of Charles the Great , with most singular favour it obtained the holy Countenance or Visage , ( Volto Santo ) formed and placed miraculously by a divine hand , on the venerable Statue of the Saviour of the World : framed by Nichodemus his Disciple , when he stood as 't were bereaved of senses , with consulting to form the head with such perfection as might give honour to the Statue . In it lie the bodies of S. Paolino , Rigolo and Frediano . It s principal Protectors , with those of 33. other Saints , whereof 14. were Lucchesi . In the yeer 1588. was found here a Miraculous Image of our Lady , through whose mediation God hath here done wonderfull graces to the faithfull of divers Nations . It hath afforded Popes , Cardinals , Lords , and famous Captains in great numbers with exquisite Sholars : whereof one must be mentioned , to wit Fryer Panigni , having so great a renown through all parts of the world for his elaborate and exact Translation of the holy Scripture out of the Hebrew into the Latin Tongue , whom we will set alone though many others in several Sciences , Qualities , and Honours might be well remembred with him . Many noble Families quitted this their Countrey , either to avoid the plagues , or tyrannies of Usurpers , and retreated to Venice and Genoua , where some of them are in that honour as to be admitted Partners in the government of those States as if originally of those Republiques . The Territories of Lucca are small , but through the Industry of the Inhabitants , most fertile and abounding in all things , and so well peopled , that they have eighteen thousand Men enrolled in the Militia , besides those of the City : In them lies those so health , affording Bathes , celebrated by many Historians and other writers , whither annually resort from all parts infinite infirm and Lame Persons , who for the most part return comforted and recovered : In the way whereunto they pass two Bridges over the River Serchio , whose Arches are so large that they are wonderfull to the beholders : And t is certain all Europe cannot shew two Bridges so noble and fair . Many other remarkable things might be inserted of this most noble City and its State , but to avoid prolixity , and pursue the stile begun , the more curious are referred to the particular writers who treat thereof most copiously . GENOUA . THis City is head of the Province Liguria , situate on the Sea shore at the foot of very high Mountains which though slerile by nature by the Inhabitants industry are become most fertile and produce most necessaries besides those delights which ly on the South part of it . It s ayr is good , though somewhat enclineing to hot and dry t is built in part upon hills and in part upon a Plain or Level . On the Maritine part Westward , It hath a Port may well merit the name of the most importent of Italy . It enjoyes the Treasure of Liberty , and is governed in form of a Republique , all its state being content with that form , knowing that to the obedient Life Honour and Goods , under that government are in no hazard . It stands between two Rivers the one on the East 70. miles long , the other on the West a 100. In the River on the Levant about 6. miles from the City is the comely Town of Mervi , which plentifully stores it with Fruits and Flowers all the Winter . T is Mistress and sole Governess of the Island of Corsica , whence in time of need they can advance a good quantity of Souldiers not inferiour in Arms or Valour to any other Nation . The People of Corsia most willingly yeelding them Obedience , for their protection , and that costs them but a quarter of a Crown annually for each fire , and some other incensible tax . Every two yeers the Republique sends thither a Governour and the other Lawgivers and Judges , who haviug finished their Offices , are arraigned by two Gentlemen impowred thither to that effect , who without any trouble to the subject , do them justice against any Governour or Judge at their own doors , who hath done them wrong : Which rule they also observe through all other parts of their state . On all part of the City are infinite pleasant Gardens and Pallaces beautified with all that Art can add to them or Riches procure their Structures being alla Moderna though somewhat high in most parts by reason that the City is but small , so that they are necessitated to make the best use of their Room which renders the streets in most places narrow and in some a little obscure . Though one street may be well termed the Mistress of the World called Strada Nova , being spatious , long , even , and on each side embellished with most stately Marble Pallaces , the fairest whereof belongs to the Duke of Oria. It hath a most spatious Port in form of a Theatre compassed in with noble Structures , which though defended by a most magnificent Mole ( judged the greatest in Christendome ) yet is when the South and Southwest Winds blow very tempestuous . Opposite to it is a Pharos bearing a Lanthern ( for light to ships in the night time ) of an extraordinary bigness . Darsina is a haven to it also , which is a sure retreat for Galleys and shipping at all seasons : The Galleys being there layed up in their several classis . For publick Edifices it hath the Merchants Hall. The publick Granaries the Dukes Pallace with the Armory of 30000. Men. And their Churches which though ( in respect of others of Italy ) they have not so much Beauty , that once seen they yeeld a Gusto to a second view , yet for their polisht Marble and inward Ornaments , were they placed any where but in Italy might well merit a larger Account . In Saint Lorenzo the Cathedral Church is shewed to Persons of quality an Emerald of inestible price : as also the sumptuous Chapel of San Gio Battista , wherein they adore his Ashes . Who delights to see Pictures of great Maisters must repair to the Palace of Prince D'Ora , reaching from the bottom of the shore to the top of the Mountains , divided into three Gardens . In the fi●…st whereof the Terrases and Porticues bore up one above another with Marble Pillars , the Fountain of Eagles , and the Family of Neptune are very magnificent . On one side of which is that famous Cage of Iron work of so vast extent , that it encloseth a wood of Cypres and other Trees : The other two are filled with Grotts Orange Trees , and other delights . And who is curious to see Statues and Pictures , may repair with fredome to the Pallaces of the Signori Giustiniano , Pallavicino , Horatio , Chiavari , and Giovan , Caclo Doria ; who have collections of such Rarities of so great valew , as is scarce to be believed a Treasure for a private Man. Two Stautes which Giustiniano hath for their incomparable and Price deserve particuler mention , to wit , an antient Cupid of Marble sleeping , and an antique head with a body to it , esteemed most rare antiquities . Religion so flourishes in Genoua , that they may ( with thanks to God ) say that t is there in the hig●…h of Glory . It contains about a hundred thousand Souls more or less : out of which in all Ages have proceeded Eminent Sholars and Souldiers . Which shall end the relation here with this short Addition , that whosoever for delight sees Genoua , must repair thither in the begining of Summer , who for profit or Merchandize may take their own conveniency . To take a perfect view , and a full prospect of the City , in a calm and serene day you must embark in a small Boat , and eloign on the Sea the distance of an ordinary Sight , where the City seems so to be united with the Burroughs , and both so conjoyned afford so fair an Object , as must be confest to be a most beautifull and noble Prospective . And who would behold Genoua from a high place , must ascend the Steeple of the Church of S. Benigno , and the Pharos where the Lanthorn stands . In the Church 〈◊〉 Saint Iohn the Baptist among its other Reliques , they pretend to have the heads of Saint Lavrence , and Saint Sebastian the Martyr , the Arms of Saint Matthew and Saint Theodore the Martyr and the right hand of Saint Iames the less , together with a certain vessel of Calcidonian stone , bestowed on this Church by Pope Innocent the 8th . which they say to be the same dish wherein the Daughter of Herodias brought in the head of Saint Iohn Baptist to her Mother . In the same Church lies the body of S. Siri , or rather Sylus , the third Bishop of this City , under the high altar with this Epitaph . Hic , recubat Sylus sacro baptismate dictus , Cujus terra levis Florida menbra premi . wherewith this Book concludes . the end of the first Book . THE HISTORY OF ITALY , BEING A Compendious DESCRIPTION OF ROME THE Mistress of the WORLD , with an Account of all particulars therein worth Observation as well Divine as Humane . The Second PART . Ammianus Marcellinus in the 14th . Book of his History speaks after this manner of ROME . T is not a little wonder that Virtue and Fortune ( whom the world conclude almost at perpetual discord ) should accord together in that instant of time , when Rome for its agrandizing , had so much need of their united force . By which their conjoyned strengths , Rome augmented her Empire to that Greatness , that she subjugated the whole World. T is worth considering the Paralell between her and a Childe : Who in its first Infancy creeps , when she began to be built and peopled : then it acquires vigour & strength , for Adolescential Exercises , so she then warred only with her neighbours , but when arrived to more full strength is employed in Manly disputes : So she when arived to be 300. yeers old , and increased both in vigour and People , began to pass Mountains and Seas , pursuing Warr into the farthest Countreys , where she obtained and brought home innumerable Victories and Triumphs from the Barbarous and wilde Nations : In the end , having made infinite noble Attempts , and acquired whatever upon Earth through Valour was to be obtained ( as t were arrived to mature Age ) she begun to acquiesce , whereby the better to enjoy those good benefits and Advantages , which she had then provided for : Comitting the Troubles of Government to the Emperors ( as to her Natural Children ) for her better and more pleasing repose : At which time although the People participated of that publique Ease and Profit , and the Souldiery moved not for her further advancement : yet such was the Care of her Greatness : that the Roman Majesty was no less Reverenced than feared . Virgil in praise of Rome wrote these Verses . Ipse Lupae fulvo nutricis tegmine laetus Romulus , Assaraci quem sanguinis Ilia Mater Eduxit , genti Mavortia condidit olim Maenia . Romanosque suo de nomine dixit . Illius auspiciis rerum pulcherrima Roma Imperium terris , animos aequavit Olimpo , Septemque una sibi muro circumdedit Arces : Felix prole virûm : qualis Berecinthia Mater Invehitur curru Phrygias turrita per Urbes , Laeta Deûm partu , centum complexa ne potes Omnes caelicolas , omnes supera alta tenentes . Hanc olim Indiginae Fauni , Nimphaeque tenebant : Gensque virûm truncis , & duro robore nata . Quae duo disjectis tenuerunt oppida muris : Hanc Ianus pater , hanc Saturnus condidit Urbem . Ianiculum Huic , illi fuerat Saturnia nomen . And Ovid surnamed Naso composed these of Rome . Crescendo formam mutavit Martia Roma , Appenini genae , quae proxima Tibridis undis Mole sub ingenti posuit fundamina rerum , Quanta nec est , nec erit , nec visa prioribus annis . Hanc alii proceres per saecula longa potentem , Sed dominam rerum de Sanguine natus Iuli Effecit , quo , quum tellus fuit usa , fruuntur AEthereae sedes , caelumque ●…it exitus illi . Who saith also in another place : Hîc ubi nunc Roma est , olim fuit arduasylva Tan taque res pa●…cis pascua bobus erat . In another . Gentibus est aliis , tellus data limite certo , Romanae spatium est urbis , & orbis idem . Divers other testimonies and Declarations of the Magnificence of Rome were writ by Ausonius Claudianus , Rutilius Numantianus , old Authors , and by Iulius Caesar Scaliger , Faustus Sabeus a Brescian , and other modern writers , which for brevity sake are here omitted but without comitting an unpardonable fault , we must not leave out these elegant verses of Marcus Antonius Flaminius , viz. Antiquum revocat decus Divûm Roma domus , & caput Urbium . Vertex nobilis Imper I : Mater magnanimûm Roma Quiritium . Fortunata per Oppida Cornu fundit opes ●…opia divite , Virtuti suus est honos , Et legum timor , & prisca redit fides . Nor these of M. Valerius Martialis . Terrarum Dea , gentiumque Roma , Cui par est nihil , & nihil secundum . The praise of ROME written by STEFANO PIGHIO . ROME the Glorious is replenisht with stupendious Structures , as well publique , appertaining to the Popes , as private , belonging to Cardinals and Princes , who at this time frequent that City . The Gardens behind the Vatican called Belvedere , from their beauty and pleasantness , are no less estimable : In which Pope Sistus quartus , erected a noble Palace without regard to his expence , soe it might be excellently carved , painted , guilt , and embellish't with rare figures , thereby to make it a Kingly Receptacle for entertainment of such eminent Princes and Lords , as should repair to Rome : Before the Front of that Pallace where the Pope resides , is a most stately Porticue composed in the form of a Theater , raised some steps above the Earth , and garnished with many marble Statues : and on the western part is another Porticue which stands between the one and the other Palace , ( Belveder being near the Popes Palace ) and will be when finish't according to the design , a most stately Piece and of great value . But of greater wonder are those footsteps and marks of old Rome which seem rather the works of Gyants than of ordinary men : although ( compared to what t was ) much inferiour by the great fallings and decayes of Towers , and Walls in divers places , where stood formerly publique Edifices . Martial in most elegant Verse sets the Theater of Titus Vespacian , before the seaven wonders of the World : and not unworthily , since to this day , it creates admiration in all judicious Men , by its prodigious Structure . Who admires not the Pantheon , or the Circalean , Dioclesian , and Constantinian Baths , which Fabricks are built with rare art , and so great that they seem Castles and Towns : Or the vast number of Arches , Triumphals , Collumns , Sculptures of whole Armies figured to the Life : Pyramids , and Obelisks , of so vast bigness , that who would transport one of them must build a ship large and strong enough to float and sail laden with a Mountain . What shall we say of the great entire Statues , of the Castori on Horseback ? of the great bodies of Rivers prostrate on the ground ? of so many brass Statues and Vessels capacious to bath in ? or of those Marble Tablets and Pillars with hundreds of other excellencies . Each of which are worthy of , and would fill up a particular volume if worthily described . The Gardens of Belvedere , contain some Statues of white Marble far bigger than the body of a Man , as of Apollo , of Hercules , of Venus , of Mercury , of the Genius of the Prince , thought by some to be of Anthony , of Adrian the Emperor , of a Nymph leaning near a River , judged by some to be Cleopatra , and of Laocoon the Trojan with his two Sons , enveloped in the twistings of the Serpents , a piecemuch applauded by Pliny , cut out of one entire Stone , which that it might receive as excelling shapes , and forms as could be carved by industry or Art , Agesandro , Polidoro , and Asenodoro , three rare Rodian Sculptors applyed their joynt Industry , study , & pains : This curious Sculpture , was preserved by miracle of Fortune , at the destruction of the Palace of Titus Vespasian the Emperour , as also of the River Tevere , or Tyber with the Wol●…e giving suck to Romulus and Remus carved out of one tire Stone , and likewise the great Nilus leaning on a Sphinx , on the heigth whereof stand sixteen Children , denoting the sixteen Cubits of the increase of that River , observed by the AEgyptians , and every one of those Children is in such manner figured , that it excellently describes the effect , which at that rise and increase it wrought on the Land of AEgypt sa , for example , the sixteenth Child is placed upon a shoulder of the River , with a basket of flowers and fruits upon its head , and this Child signifies that the increase of the River , to the sixteenth Cubit , enriches the , Earth to the production of great plenty of Fruit and brings gladness to it . The 15th , signifies that all is secure and well , and the 14th . brings joyfulness , but all the other increases under 14. are unhappy and miserable as Pliny observes in the ninth Chapter of his fifth Book of Natural Histories ; and moreover some Creatures which are only proper to that Countrey with its plants , called Calamo a Cane , Colo Cassia AEgyptian Bean , and Papiro called Papir Reed , whereof they were wont to make great leaves to write on , & thereof was the first paper made , & thence as is supposed was that name borrowed which are no where to be found out of AEgypt , no more than the Monsters to wit , Hippotami or the Sea Horse , whose Feet are like an Ox , back and mayn like a Horse , tusks like a Boar , with a long winding tayl . Ichneumoni , the Indian or AEgyptian Ratt , whose property is to creep into the Crocodiles Mouth when he gapeth , to eat his Bowels and so kill him : Trochili , a Sea-foul friend to the Crocodil , somewhat like to a wagtail , or Sea Wood ▪ cock : Ibidi the black stork , a Bird in AEgypt , which hath stiff Leggs , and a long Bill , wherewith when its sick , it administreth it self a Glister of Sea Water , Sciachi , Land Crocodiles : Crocodrili , Sea Crocodiles , which can only move the upper Jaw or Chaps . And also the pourtraits of the Terrositi , a generation of Pigmies or dwarfs incessant Men , perpetual Enemies of the Crocodiles , whereof Pliny in the 25th . Chapter of his eighth Book of Natural Histories treats at large . together with many other singular Statues in the said gardens of Belvedere , which when seen , thorowly examined , and understood by intelligent Persons , yeeld them great delight and satisfaction . In the B●…th of Pope Pius the 4th . is a work of great esteem , being an Ocean cut out of the fairest Marble . The Antients thought the Ocean to be Prince of the Waters , and Father of all things , a Friend to Prometheus ; And that by means of the humidity and liquidness of the Waters , all things seem to generate from Seeds with the assistance of the Heavens : therefore they believed that every thing received Life from Water , with the favourable friendship of the temperat Genius of the Caelestial Bodies . This figure hath the Body covered with a thin vail , whereby they would signifie , that the Sea shrouds the Heavens with Clouds of its own vapours , meaning by the Sea , the whole generation of waters , and they denote the Earths being covered with plants by the Hairs beard and ordinary skinns beingall figured by the leaves of divers tender Plants . It hath two horns placed upon the Forehead . First because the Sea provoked by the winds roars like a Bull ; and secondly because the Sea is governed by the Moons motion , which they called Cornuta , thirdly , because the Sea is called Father of Fountains and Rivers , which they figured Cornuti or horned . In its right hand is put the Rudder of a Ship , in token that the Waters ( by means of the Ships being guided by these Rudders ) are furrowed as best likes the Pilot , of which Comodity they feigned Prometheus to be the Inventor , they have placed it upon a Maritine Monster , to demonstrate that the Sea is generator of many wonderfull Monsters : One of which to the purpose is seen in Rome in the Antique marble sphere of Atlas placed among the celestial signes , upon this very occasion : T is said that Andromada contending for beauty with the Nymphs of the Sea , being overcome , was by them given to this Monster , which devoured her , out of whose body ( slain on the shore of Perseus who would have saved that Virgin ) there issued so much blood , that it dyed the Sea red , whence that Sea was afterwards called Citreo or the Red Sea , for all which the Citreo is not that gulfe , which is vulgarly called the red Sea , but is that part of the Ocean affianced to the Gulph , which washes Arabia on the South , but now to our relation of Rome . The first and cheif part whereof to be visited through devotion , are the 7. principal Churches , and then the others in their order : wherein are preserved infinite reliques of Saints , and some remarkable Ones of the holy Jesus our Lord and Saviour as the the Towel of Santa Veronica with the effigies of Christ , the Speer of Longinus wherewith he was run into the Breast . One of those Nayls , wherewith our Lord was nayled to the Cross. One of those thirty pence , which as the price of Treason were given to Iudas the Traitor by the wicked Jews , all which you are obliged particularly to search out as exceeding singularities not elsewhere to be found . Of ROME the Old , and ROME the New , and of its admirable Excellencies . ROME formerly the Empress of the World cannot be enough praised : Her power was so great , her Riches so immense , her subjects so innumerable , her Territories and Dominions so vast : That well might Saint Hierome ( in his three wishes for intermixing that concerning her with so divine things ) be pardonable , which three wishes were , To have seen our Saviour in the flesh , to have heard Saint Paul preach , and to have seen Rome in her Glory : which had so spread her self over the whole Earth that a perfect Idea of her cannot be comprehended , and must needs have been the happiest sight that mortal eye could attain to . But when considered what she was , and how since devoured by fire by the insatiable Nero , and how pillaged sacked and thousands of mischiefs done her by the Barbarous , at the decay of the Roman Empire ; One may well wonder how the new Rome , should be even emulous to exceed the Old : Being at this day the Queen of Cities , the Flower of Italy , and as one may say an Epitome of the whole Earth . She is the Lodging for all Nations . The theatre of the best Ingenuities of the World , the Habitation of vertue , of Empire , of dignity , of Fortune , The Native Countrey of the Laws , and of all People derivatively , the Fountain of Instruction , the Head of Religion , the Rule of Justice , and finally the Original of infinite blessings , although the Hereticks , Enemies of the truth , will not confess it , as this Author is pleased to term those of the Reformed Religion . A Better nor more concise description of the glory and destruction of Rome the Old cannot be given than is in these two Verses out of an elegant Poet an English Man. Roma fuit quondam Terrae , Regina Marisque , At nunc nec Terras , nec Mare Roma regit . The same Poet likewise with noe less elegancy describes the Grandeur and Eminency of Rome the New , under the Popes in these two ensuing Verses . Roma fuit quondam Terrae Regina Marisque , Nunc mare nunc Terras , amplius illa regit . Rome is scituate in a Countrey sterile enough , and is subject to the Sea , the Winds , and an obscure thick Ayr. The Circumference of Rome , when in her greatest splendour was fifty miles , but now ( though not much inferiour comparing her Ecclesiasticks and her immediate possessions with her former Empire ) she exceeds not thirteen miles in circuit : In those days she had twenty eight spatious principal Streets , which yet may be traced out and their names with great certainty set down , to wit. La Via Appia . Tiberina . Proenestina . Quintia . Flaminia . Tiburtina . Cornelia . Collatina . Solaria . Aurelia . Latina . Nomentana . Cimina . Valeria . Pormense . Laurentia . Claudia . Gallicana . Emilia . Labicana . Campana . Setina . Ostiense . Pretoriana . Ardeatina . Cassia . Ianiculense . Trionfale . With these were others of name , that is to say L'alta Sommita , upon the Monte Cavallo , now called Quirinale , near the Campo Martio , Via Lata , La Suburra near San Pietro in Vincula . La Nova by the Bathes of Antonius , La Trionfale near the Porta Vaticana , La Vitellia contiguous with San Pietro in Montorio . that is at the Gianiculo , La Deta in the Campo Martio , La Fornicata near to the Flaminia . The Antient and Famous Gates of ROME are 15. LA Flaminia , called now Porta del Popolo , the Gate of the People , La Gabiosa , now di san Methodio . La Collatina , now Princiana , La Ferentina , now Latina ; La Quirinale , now called Agonia , La Capena , now di san Paolo , or Ostiense , La Tiburtin●… , now shut up . La Portuense , now Porta Ripa L'Esquilina now di san Lorenza , L'Aurelia , now di san Paneratio . La Nevia , now Porta Maggiore , La Fontinale , now Settimiana , La Celimontana , now di Sti Giovanni , La Vaticana , which lyes on the shore of the River Tevere . Tyber . Moreover the Burroughs have these ensuing Gates , which were latelier made than those above named ; to wit , Porte di Castello , de Cavalli Leggieri , l'Angelica , la Pertusa , & di san Spirito , now the Triumfale , by which the Countrey Men were not permitted to enter . The Hills comprehended within the Walls of Rome are ten viz. Il Capitolino , or Tarpeio , upon which were standing in the time of Tarquin more than Sixty Temples , between great and small with most high Towers , t was compassed with a Wall , and then called the dwelling of the Gods. Il Palatino , or Pallazzo Maggiore , all hollowed undernea●…h ; This at present is filled with gardens and the ruines of old structures , where stood formerly many noble Fabricks , as the Pallace of the Emperors , the great house of Augustus , of Cicero , of Hortensi●… , and of Cataline , but now in lieu thereof is the stately and spatious Garden of the Farnezes . L'Aventino now called Santa Sabina , upon which was the first dwelling of the Christian Popes . Il Celio , which rise where now stands the Church Laterinense , and Santa Croce , of Ierusalem , in the place of many signal Temples of the Gentiles , and fair Aqueducts . L'Esquelino , where stands now Saint Pietro in Vincola : in the stead of the houses of Virgil , of Propertius , and the gardens of of Mecenas . Il Viminale , where stands now in lieu of the old House of Crassus , The Churches of Santa Prudentia , and of San Lorenzo in Palesperna . Il Quirinale , now called Monte Cavallo , where antiently flourished the Palace and Gardens of Salustius and the Houses of Catullus and Aquilius . Which said seven Hills were those antient Hills in Rome , whence she was denominated Settigemina . Afterwards upon divers occasions these following were added . Il Colle de gli hortuli , or Pincio , called vulgarly di Santa Trinità upon which formerly stood a Temple of the Sun : where now is that round Fabrick , and deep well . Il Vaticano , where now stands the Church of Saint Pietro and the Pallace of the Pope . Il Gianicolo , called Montorio , where the Churches of San Onofrio , and Saint Pietro di Montorio now stand . Il Testaceo , which is no other than great heaps of broken pieces of potters Vessels , the Street and residence of those Handicrafts Men being there , they cast those broken pieces which were of no use , into that place which raised this Hill , which Hill or heap rather of broken Vessels is near the Porta Ostiense , and near it the famous Sepulcher of Cicero . CHURCHES . IN ROME are above 300. Churches all much frequented , but of them , seaven are more particularly visited through devotion : To wit , San Pietro nel Vaticano , San Paolo in the Via Ostiense , S. Maria maggiore in the Via Esquilina , San Sebastiano without the Gate Capena or S. Sebastiano , San Giovanni Lateranense in Monte Celio , Santa Croce , in Hierusalem , in Monte Celio , San Lorenzo without the Porta Esquilina , called San Lorenzo vulgarly . These five following Churches are beautifyed with noble Brass Gates San Pietro nel Vaticano , Santa Maria Rotonda , Santo Adriano antiently the Temple of Saturn , Sauti Cosma , and Damiane ( formerly the Temple of Castor and Pollux , and San Paolo in the Via Ostiense . In Rome are five principle Church yards or Burying places the first of which lies near Saint Agnese , the second near Saint Pancratio , the third by Saint Sebastiano , the fourth by San Lorenzo , the fifth by San Priscella , besides which and many other smaller burying places of such primitive Christians as were marty red or dyed ( to this day held in great Veneration ) there are above twenty even now without the City . In it are many Hospitals so well provided that possibly they may be reckoned the most worthy object of the modern Excellencies in Rome , whereof some are Common for all Nations and all persons as L'Hospitale di San Spirito in the Vati●…n : San Gioanni , Laterano , in Monte Celio , San Gi●…como di Augusta , in Valle Martia , Santa Maria dell●… , Consolatione in Velabro , and Santo Antonio , in Fsqui●…ino , into any of which the infirm of all Countreys with great love and diligence are received governed and taken care of for their perfect ease and cure of their diseases . The Hospitals deputed to particular Nations are these . The Hospital of Santa Maria dell'Annima , for the Germans and Flemings , San Lodovico for the French : San Giacomo for the Spaniards : San Tomaso for the English : San Pietro for the Hungarians , Santa Brigida for the Swedes San Giovanni , and San Andrea , for the Dutch , San Giovanni Battista for the Florentines , San Giovanni Battista near the Banks of the Tyber , for the Gen●…veses , instituted ●…nd endowed by Media dusto Cicala , besides many houses both for poor and Orfanes , of which no particular Catalogue is set down , least filling the volume with the less conside rable , we leave not space for the more observable things in Rome . In the Popes Palace called the Vatican are the Libraries : The one contains selected choice books alwaies shut up . The other two filled with Latin and Greek Books , written by the Pen in parchment , are as much open : and free to any students for two hours in the day , which were furnished by Pope Nicholas the 5th . And now there is a new one collected by Pope Sistus the 5th . The Inscriptions , Pictures and Verses of which were made publique by the judicious Pen of Angelo Rocca , Bishop of Tagasta . Some other Libraries in Rome are worthy notice , to wit , that of Santa Maria del Popolo . Of Santa Maria soprala Minerva . Of Santo : Agostino , of Vallicola , of Saint Andrea , and of the Jesuists Colledge : besides three others which at the siege and sacking of Rome : were robbed or burnt . The Popes Gardens , where Persons of Quality have free ingress together with the houses and Gardens of the Cardinals and other noble Persons of Rome yeeld ample solace aud recreation to the Lovers of Antiquity by their great varieties in those particulars . These Pallaces omitting many others deserve a serious and timely visit , to wit , that of the Family of the Conservadori nel Campi doglio , of the Massini , of the Busali , of the Rucellai ; of the Furnesi , of the Colonne the Mattei , Cevoli , and Borghesi , together with the Pallace Latterenense royally repaired by Pope Sistus the 5th . The City Rome was antiently divided into nineteen Praecincts or Wards , whereof at present remain but these 14. de Monti , della Colanna ; del Ponte ; del Arenula , della Rogola , della Pigna , del Capitello di Transtevere di ..... del Campo Martio , di Sant Eustachio , di Sant Angelo , della Ripa , del Borgo . The six stones Bridges built over the Tevere or Tyber , are these Ponte Molle or Milvio , two miles distant from the City , without the Porta del 〈◊〉 . Ponte Angelo or Elio antiently . Ponte Gianiculese built by Pope Sistus . Ponte Saint Bartolemeo or Costio . Ponte Maria Egittiaca , or Palatino , and Ponte dei quatro Capi formerly called Fabritio when also there was one more called Sublicio , whose Pyles are yet to be seen near the Aventine hills : and another called Triumfale whose pyles appear at San Spirito . The Waters wherewith the City is supplyed are these : L'acqua virgine which runs through the Campo Martio , the work of Pope Nicholas the 5th . l'Alsietina restored by Innocent the 8th . for the Vatican La Salonia canducted at the cost of Pius the 4th . besides which many others waters were conveyed by Gregory the 13th . by others in antient times . The Piazzaes in Rome are many but those of most note at this day are La Piazza Vaticana , La Navona , La Giudea and La Fiore . The new Porticues , or open Galleries which are the chief , are three , viz : That della Benedittione : That in the Vatican Palace fronting the Piazza and the Cerridore towards Belvedere . The Piazza or market place for Fish , stands now where in former time it was . That for the Hoggs , Oxen , Cows , Sheep , &c. where antiently was the Foro Romano . The Bakers have four Piazzaes , and conjoyned with them are the Shambles : in the Piazza Nova●…a , every Wednesday is held a great Market . The Hills are very little inhabited the ruines of old structure rendring the Ayr so unwholsome , as to be only fit for Gardens or Vineyards , not dwelling Houses . Pope Sistus the 5th caused many fair streets to be drawn by a Line . The residing Palace of the Pope stands contiguous with the Church of Saint Pietro , wherein are contained many stupendious things , as the Chapel of Pope Sistus , the Paulina , replenisht with the excellent pictures of Michael Angelo , Bonarota a Florentine , so compleat perfect and exact , that t were the glory of this age to find a modern Painter could approach then in art or Similitude . Besides which his Holiness hath Retreats for the Summer as one near , San Marco , another near Santa Maria Maggiore , a third near the Fontana de Trevi , but the most favoured and therefore most ordinary retirement is Monte Cavallo , heretofore called Quirinale . The Palaces of the Cardinals are disperst up and down the City as aforesaid . The houses of the Citizens are not despicable , either in Structure , Antiquities , Pictures and other noble Houshouldstuff , or Fountains . The Castle Saint Angelo , or Mole d'Adriano , is a fair & strong Cittadel , alwaies furnished with all warlike provisions , Herein they solem●…ize great Feasts and Holy dayes three times in the yeer : with the discharging of all the great Guns , and Fireworks : To wit on the Festival day of San Pietro & Paolo , the second is celebrated annually on the day whereon the immediate Pope is selected to the Pontifical Chair , the third on the day the said immediat Pope is crowned : The Guard of which Castle is committed to some Person of Quality : who is understood to have compleated his Charge and Government at 7 yeers end : and is then comonly rewarded with a Cardinals ●…ap , or some thousands of Crowns . The Aqueducts of the old Romans with their conserves for waters were many : but that of Acqua Claûdia , was composed with so much Art , and at so vast expence , that but only to repair and restore it to its antient form cost five hundred and sixty Talents besides which there was , l'acqua Martia , Aless andrina , Giulia , Augusta , Sabbatina , Appia , Traiana , Tepula , Alsietina , di Mercurio , della , Virgine , del'Aniene the old , and Antoniane the new , and others : together with infinite Baths , as le Anliane ; le Variane , le Titiane , le Gordiane , le Novatiane , le Agrippine , le Alexandrine , le Manliane , le Dioclesiane , le Deciane , & those Bathes appropriate to Trajan , Philip Adrian , Nero , Severus , Constantine , Farnus , Domitian and Probus with many others . The Piazzaes also in those days were divers , a Sla Romana , that of the Pistory . of Caesar , of Nerva , of Trajan , of Augustus , of Salustus , of Dioclesian , of Enobarbus , and the Esquilina , wi●…h those particularly used for Herbs , Beasts , Fish , Sheep , Hoggs , Bakers , for the Countrey market people , and the Transitoria . The Triumphal Arches which are most famous follow , of Romulus , of Claudius , of Titus Vespasian , of Constantine , of Lucius , Settimius Severus , of Domitian , of Trajan , of Fabianus , of Gordianus , of Galienus , of Tiberius , Theodosius and Camillus . The Amphitheatres named were these , that of Stafilius Taurus , of Claudius , and that of Titus Vespasian , which was capacious , enough for one hundred and fifty thousand persons . The Theatres these , that of Scaurus , Pompejus , Marcellus , Balbus , and Caligula . The Circi or Show places in Rome were Il Massimo , l'Agonio , Il Flaminio , that of Nero , and that of Alexandre . The memorable Porticues or open Galleries Denomminations , ensue , Il Pompeio , Il Corinthio , della Concordia , della Libertà , di Augusto , di Severo , di Panteo , di Metello , di Constantino , di Q Catullo , del Foro , di Augusto , di Trajano , di Livia , del circo Massino , di Nettuno , di Quirino , di Mercurio , di Venere Cricina , di Ottavio , Iulia , and that called Tribunale Aurelio . The famous Collumnes were , Lo Rostrata , la Lattaria , la Bellica , la Menia , those of Trajan , of Caesar , of Antonius pius , and those in the Porticue of Concordia . The Piramides these , one in the Circo maximo , one in the Campo Martio , one in the Mauseolo or rich Tombe of Augustus , one of the Sun of the Araceli , of the Moon , of the holy Trinity , of the Vatican , of Saint Petre , and of San Mauro , which flankes the Roman Colledge . In Rome were three Colossus , one of Nero , another of Apollo , a third of Mars and two other Pyramides one of C Celtius , another of Scipio . Also some places called Naumachie , appointed for Naval Fights , as large as the Circus Maximus , and were called of Domitian , Nero , and Caesar. The proud Fabricks named Settezonii were two , the one of Severus , which Pope Sextus the 5th . caused to be overwhelmed , the other of Titus . Some Horses were erected composed of several Materials , as of Marcus Aurelius , of Antoninus , in the Campidoglio of Domitianus , of L. Verus , Trajanus , Caesar. Constantinus , of Fidia , and of Prasitelle , in the Quirinale , or Monte Cavallo . The Names of such as have writ of the Famous things in ROME . THese following Authors have wrote of the City ROME . P. Vittore wrote of the Parts of the City ; Aristides sofista in Greek an Oration in praise of Rome ; but the more modern are Giusto Lipsio , Lucio Fauno , Bartolameo Marliano , lately set forth with Prints Lodovico Demonciosi , in a Book intitled Gallus hospes de Urbe , printed at Rome : Poggio a Florentine , Fabriccio Varriano , Flavio Biondo , Rafael Volaterrano , Francesco , Albertini , Rucellai , Sorlio , Giacomo Boissardo , Mauro Andrea Fulvio , Rosino , Panuino , Vuolfango Lazio . Of the modern state and greatness of Rome under the Pop●…s Flavio , Biondo Thomaso Bosio Eugubino , and Thomaso Stapletono an English Man , have at large discoursed . Of the seven Churches of Rome , Onofrio Panuino , ( who wrote also of the burying places ) M. Attilio Serrano , and Pompeio Augonio the Roman Library keeper in the vulgar Tongue , and of the other Churches Lorenzo Schradero Sassone in the second Book of his Memorials of Italy . Of the times and impresses of the Consuls and Emperors , Cassiodor●… a Roman Senator , Marcellino , Vettor Tanunense , Gioanni Cuspiniano , Carlo Sigonio Onofrio Panuino , Stefano Pighio , whose History is beautified with figures , and Uberto Golizio , who did the same with the Meddals . Passing by the Antient Greek and Latine Authors . These ensuing have wrote the Histories of the Roman Emperours , viz. Plutark , Dion , Herodian , Iulianus Caesar , Ammianus , Lampridius , Spartianus , Aurelius , Victorius , with others who have been often reprinted . Also the Images of those Emperours were treated of and published by Uberto , Glotzio , Hiperbolita , Giacomo , Strada Mantoano , Sebastiano , Or●…zo , and others , moreover the Images of the said Emperours and their wives were stamped in Copper by Levino Hulsio Gandavese in Spire . Furthermore the Lives of the Emperours were set forth in Verse by Ausonio Borgidolense , Gia , Micillo , and Orsino Velio . Of the Columnes of Rome , Pietro Giacone Alfonso Chianone and Pietro Gallesino , the one of the Rostrata , or Pulpit bedecked with beaks of Ships , in the Campidoglio , the second of that of Trajan , the third of that of Antoninus . Of the Acqueducts and Waters entring Rome , Sesto Iulio Frontino , Aldus Manutius , and Giovanni Servilio of the Acqua Virgine wrote Duca the Roman Legist : Of the increase and Augmentation of the Tyber Lodovico Gomesio and Giacomo Castiglione . Of the Magistrates of Rome , Pamponeo Leto , Andrea Dominico Flano whose works are erroneoufly attributed to Fenestela Carlo Sigonio Giovanni Bofino in his seventh Book of the Roman Antiquities , and Giach●…mo Perionio of the Provinces Marian Scoto , and Guido Pancirolo . Of the Senate , Aulo Gellio , Giovanni Zamosio , Great Chansellor of Polonia , and Paul Manutius . Of the Comitia , or Assemblies of the People for electing Officers , Nicolo Grucchio , Carlo Sigonio , and Giovanni Rosino in his 6th Book of the Roman Antiquities . Of the Judges , Valerius Maximus , in his 7th . Book and Giovanni Rosino in his 7th . Book of the Antiquities of Rome . Of the High Priests . Andrea Dominico Flacco , Pomponeo Leto , and Rosino aforenamed . Of the times of their Festivals , and of their Games , Ovidius Naso , Lidius Geraldus , Rosinus and Iosephus Scaliger in his Book , De Temporum emendatione . Of the Triclinia , or Supping Parlours , or their Banquets and manner of sitting at Table , Pietro Chiacon Toletano , Fulvio Orsino a Roman : Ramusio , De quaesitis per Epistolam , and Andrea Baccio , De vini Natura . Of the sharp pointed Steeple erected by Sixtus the 5th . Pietro Angelo Barba , Pietro Galesino , Michel Mercator , and Giovanni Servilio . Of the Theatre , and Amphitheatres Iustus Lipsius , and Giovanni Servilio , in his first Book of the wonderfull works of the Antient . Of the Roman Militia , Polibius , Iustus Lipsius , Giovanni Antonio Valerin●… , Giovanni Servilio in 30. lib. De mirandis Carlo sigonio , and Giovanni Rosino . Of the Provinces Sextus Rufus in his Breviary ; and Carlo Sigonius , of the Colonies Sextus Iulius Frontinus , Onofrio Panuino , and Carlo Sigonio . Of the Ciphers or Figures of the Antient , Valerius Probus the Author of that tenth Book added to Valerius Maximus of the Roman surnames , whereof also Sigonius hath writ , Panuinus and others . Of the antiquity of the Edifices , and the ruines of Rome , Carolus Sigonius in his Book De antiquo Iure Civium Romanorum . Paul●…s Minutius , who wrote also of the Laws of Rome , as did Antonius Agostinus aud others . The Figures of Romes Antiquities were stamped in Brass by Antonio Salamanca and others . The Tablets in brass likewise by Onofrio Panuino and others : The Statues in Rome , were published by Giovanni Giacomo Boissardo and others . The Images of the illustrious Persons were taken from the Marble figures and printed by Achille Statio , a Portuguese , and Theodore Galleo , by whom also were set forth the lively Visages of the modern illustrious Italians , as also of the nine learned Greeks , who being taken at Constantinople , first brought the Greek letters into Italy and afterwards conveyed the same into Gallia aud those parts beyond the Alpes . The old Inscriptions on Marble and other stones in Rome and elsewhere , were divulged by Pietro Appiano , Maritino Smetio , Fulvio Orsino and divers others . The Epitaphs on Christians Tombs are collected by Lorenzo Scradero a Saxon , and by Chitreus in his Book of delight in travails . Of the Roman wonders Ubertus Glothzius hath wrote an ample Book , which also comprehends the Inscriptions and meddals of Apulia , and Sicilia , Sebastiano Erizzo and others . The Lives of the Roman Chief Bishops and Popes were made publick by Bartholomeo , Platina Papiro . Maxone and others : whom we must not read without great circumspection Panuino hath likewise presented to common view all their Images taken by the life . Of the Cardinals , their times , and appurtenances , Onofrius Panuinus Alfonso Chiaccone a Spaniard and others have wrote , and Theodorus Gallus in Anvers , engraved the Images and Elogies of twelve Cardinals . Of the seaven Churches of ROME , which are most visited , and more richly fraught with Indulgencies and Priviledges than the Rest. THE Moddel of the Temples of Rome vary according to the different times and humours of Men ; sometimes building them Round , without Collumnes , without traversing , and without Casements , leaving in the Covering an open hole or Cupola for the light to enter in at . Of this sort is the Rotonda of Rome , a Church worthy consideration for the Architecture . Which some times our Ancestors made in an Orbicular forme , but with rowes of Pillars diversly placed , as is San Stefano , in Monte Celio , heretofore the Temple of Iuno , and that of Costanza or Constantina in the Via nomentina , without the Porta Viminale , which t is thought was antiently the Temple of Ba●…chus . Sometimes they used to build their Temples Square , with one or two Bankes or Pillars , as now appear S. Giovanni Lateranense in Monte Celiv , San Paolo in the Via Ostiense , Sant Agnese without the Walls . And other times they formed them by entressing or joyning the Pillars together at Top , near to which just under the Roof they fixed their little Casements , wch . were more or less according to the proportion of the Structure : of which Sort are many in Rome , with stately Frontispieces , some of them being adorned with Columns of pretious and divers coloured Marble , and many others whose Pavement are wrought in figures with little pieces of Marble alla Moisaca . The First of the Seaven principal Churches of ROME called Santa Crose , in HIERUSALEM . THis Church is the first and chief in devotion , seated in Monte Celio , nobly built by Helena Mother of the Emperour Constantine the Great : In it are 20. Collumnes , and two fair tombs of black , red , and white Marble : the covering of the High Altar is sustained by 4 Marble Pillars . One inscription there to be read , shewes that the ground or earth ( the Foundation or Floor thereof ) is the true holy Earth brought from Ierusalem . T is believed this was the Asylum or Sanctuary in the life time of Romulus , and that Tullius Hostilius afterwards enlarged the City to the said Asylum . T is observable that in the same place , where Impunity for evil works was afforded to Malefactors under the first Founders of Rome ; under the ChristiReligion , Our Lord God is pleased to grant remission of our Sins . In this Church is the Tombe of Pope Benedict the 7th . with an Epitaph in verse : and of Francesco Quigone a famous Sculptor . More of this Church will be spoken in the second dayes Journey . The Second Church of the Sainto , FABIANO and SEBASTIANO . THis Church stands in the Via Appia , built with plain work in a long form , the pavement Marble , contiguous with a fair Monastery now deserted . Herein were at first reposed the Bodies of St. Peter , and St. Paul. The High Altar is sustained with four Marble Pillars , and is raised with Stone , as are most Altars in Rome . Under an Iron grate , lyes the Body of St. Stephen the Pope a Martyr , and of 46. other blessed Popes , with the Reliques of above 74 thousand Martyrs And for that this Church is so far distant . The Pope grants that instead of visiting it in the extream hot weather , The People should repair to Santa Maria del Popolo for their Indulgencies . Of this Church more will be said in the voyage of the second day to the Via App●…a . And of Santa Maria del Popolo , in the Catalogue of Churches . The third Church named San GIOVANNI del LATERANO . THis may be called the Chief amongst the seaven principal Churches , having been formerly the Abode of the Popes in Monte Celio , and Sixtus the 5th . though in vain , reedified that Pontifical Palace even from the very foundations , wherein was frequently celebrated the famous synod called Synodo Lateranenze in Rome . The Roman Emperours used to receive the golden Crown in this Church . It s pavement is wrought with lovely Marble , and Its Roof richly carved and guilt . It hath many Reliques of Saints , as the heads of St. Peter and St. Paul , the Vest of St. Stephen bloudy and corne by those Stones cast at him , and divers other things worthy veneration : Of which the Bulls of Pope Sixtus quartus , and of Pope Gregory cutt in Marble , affirm the Veritie . This Church was repaired in many places by Nicholas the 4th . in the yeer 1291 , the testimony whereof yet remains in the Front. T is reported , That its Collumnes were transported by Vespatian from Ierusalem to Rome . This is one of the five Patriarchal Churches . The Baptistary is conjoyned to the said Church , wherein Constantine the Emperour was baptized by the Pope St. Sylvester . Into one of the Chappels whereof dedicated to St. Iohn Baptist , no Woman is permitted to enter under pain of Excomunication , in memorial that One Woman was cause of the death of St. Iohn Baptist , who first published Baptism . The Collumnes of Porphyr therein standing , being rubbed with ones hand , smell as sweet as any Violet , they were brought from Pilates House , together with one of its Gates , and the Collumne whereon the Cock stood , who by his thrice crowing put St. Peter in mind of the words of our Saviour . In Saint Iohn they preserved the Ark of the old Testament , the Rod of Aaron , the Ladder brought from the Palace of Pilate , whereto Christ was bound when whipt with rods , the drops of whose blood yet appear on it . The stone whereon the Iews cast lots , with other notable things , particularly treated on by the Authors aforenamed . These things are publickly shewed to Pilgrims . the Epitaphs of Pope Sylvester the second , and of Antonio Cardinale Porthogese , are legible in verse , as also of Lorenzo Valle , a Canon of this Church who deceased 50 yeers old in Anno. 1465. In whose commendation this Elogy was sett up ▪ Laurens Valla jacet , Romanae gloria linguae . Primus eni●… docuit , quâ decet arte loqui . Here is the Porta Santa , which at the beginning of the yeer of Jubilee the Popes use to set open . In the Voyage of the second day other things will be mentioned of this Church . The third Church named SAN LORENZO without the PORTA ESQUILINA . THis large Church is sustained by 36 Marble Pillars , and connexed with it is the Monastery of the Canon Regulars of St. Austin , which is called di san Salvadore . Here is one of those places under ground ( as St. Sebastiano ) wherein are layed many of the bones of Martyrs brought from the Cemeterio Ciriaco , and here are the Reliques of San Lorenzo , among which is the stone , whereon that blessed St. being taken off the Gridiron was placed , and expired , which stone is covered with an Iron Grate . On the left side of the high Altar , stands the Tombe of Eustachius Nephew of Pope Innocent the 4th whereon are carved some fair statues , as 't were actually endeavouring to bring a Lambe to the Sacrifice . This was one of the five Patriarchal Churches , and will be farther spoken of in the Voyage of the second day : The Fifth of the principal Churches called SANTA MARIA MAGGIORE nel MONTE ESQUILINO . THis in respect of the other Churches is small but polite , 312. foot long , and 112. broad , Its pavement is wrought with Figures in Mosaick work , and the Roof guilt . In it is one Altar of Porphyr , and a Tomb of Porphyr wherein lies Giovanni Patricio , who built this Church . In a Vault under ground is kept the Crib or Manger wherein our Saviour was layed at his Birth , often visited , with Mas●…es and Prayers , for which end Sixtus quintus , there built a glorious Chappel , deputing to it Clerkes , who ought there continually to attend for divine Worship . Here are engraven the works of Pope Pius the 5th . for the service & propagation of the Christian Religion , in perpetual remembrance of so good a Pastor : whose Body he ordered also should be put in ●…n honourable Tombe on the one side , and his own to be placed on the other side , when it should please the Lord to call him to himself . On the right side of the high Altar lies the body of Pope Nicholas the 4th . near whose Tomb stands an Image of the blessed Virgin painted by Saint Luke . Here also is the Sepulchre of San Girolame . And here ly buried Alberto and Giovanni Normando . Platina who wrote compleatly the lives of the Popes . Lucco Gaurico a famous Mathematician and Bishop of Cività . Francesco Toledo a Jesuit●… Zforseschi da Santa Fiora and i Cesis , three Cardinals . Upon the Pillars are some antient Pictures of such as undertook the Argument for the Catholick Faith against the Hereticks ( who condemned images ) when that point was disputed in the Councel . Before this Church Sixtus Quintus reared an Obelisk , which is the least of the four in Rome , and is without Hieroglyp●…ick notes , as that before Saint Giovanni Laterano hath . On the back part of this Church is erected a Marble Collumn , not so great as neat , in memory of the Absolution which Henry fourth King of France and Navarre , obtayned from Clement the eighth in Ann. 1593. This was one of the five Patriarchall Churches , and will be further treated of in the third dayes Journey . The Sixth of the Principal Churches , called SAN PAOLO NELLA VIA OSTIENSE . THis is the fairest and biggest Church of Rome being 120 paces long and 85 broad built by Constantine the great , & sustained ( as may be said ) by a Grove of stately Pillars . T is paved with Marble . Many Inscriptions are there placed and published by orhers . One most remarkable is this . P. P. P. R. R. R. S. S. S. F. F. F. The Venerable Bede being at that time most learned was consulted and desired to resolve the signification of those Letters , which he thus explained . Pater Patriae Perfectus Regnum Romae Ruit Secum Sublatâ Sapientiâ Ferro , Flamma , Fame . The High Altar is supported by four Porphyr Pillars exposeing to publique view the Image on the Crucifix , which spake to St. Brigide while she prayed : as the Inscription declares , and the Bull verifies . Here also are stupendiously expressed in Mosaick work , the Imagea of Christ , of Saint Peter , Saint Paul , and Saint Andrew , so lively that words seem to issue out of their mouths , together with all the Instruments of the Passion and death of our Saviour . This Church was nobly restored and beautified by Clement the 8th . an excellent Pope : In the Brasen gates , are figured divers holy histories Greek and Latin ; From the inscriptions t is gathered , that these gates were placed there , by Pantaleon , Consul in the time of Alexander the 4th . This was one of the five Patriarchal Churches . In it are the Sepultures of some Popes , as of Giovanni who dyed in anno 1472. and Pietro Leone and the memorials of Iulius the third Gregory the 13th . and Clement the 8th . who opened the Porta Santae , in the yeer of Jubile . This Church is at present governed by the Fryers of the Order of St. Benedict . Here is the Chappel of St. Paul in good part restored by Alexandro Farnese , a Cardinal in anno 1582. In the Vestry are many Reliques of Saints , the Collumnes whereon St. Paul was decapitated , and a stone wch . they usually fastened to the Feet of the Martyrs for their greater torment . In the Chapel of Porta Celi , are the reliques of 2203 Persons martyred by Nero. whence at a small distance is the Tre Fontane , or three Fountains , the place of Saint Pauls Martyrdome ( fully restored and beautifyed by Clement the 8th . ) whose head being cut off , took three leaps , and at each Leap , a spring arose and still runs with clear waters . The Seaventh of the Principal Churches of ROME , called S. PIETRO in VATICANO . FOR Beauty , sumptuousness , Artifice , and Worth ; not only Rome but the whole world yeelds this meritoriously a precedency to all other Churches , especially in that part built in later times , to which Sixtus the 5th . added a noble Cupolo , wherein are figured the Celestial Hierarchy in pieces of Mosaick , that the beholders believe them painted . And Gregory the 13th . as glorious a Chappel in honour of Saint Gregorie Nazianzene , wherein he was buried . Without doubt it is the most perfect model of decent Magnificence in the World , there being an answerable uniformity within and without . And may justly be compared ( if not said to surpass ) the Temple of Diana in Ephesus , formerly accounted one of the seaven wonders of the world : burnt by Herostratus who by that horrid Act sought rather to perpetuate his name than to ly unremembred in his Grave . The Old Church had 24 collumnes of so various coloured Marble , as are not matchable , which were taken from the adjacent Sepulchre of Adrian the Emperour , who was most exquisite in all his works . Those other Pillars in the Chappel of the holy Sacrament and those that support the Volto Santo , that is the Towel of Veronica , with some others , were transported from Ierusalem into Italy by Titus Vespasianus and taken out of the Temple and Palace of Solomon , after that the Iews were wholly overcome and their said City destroyed . The top is all of squares , Levati as they call it , like the Pantheon , in the Center of the Church stands the great Altar , all of solid Brass , in such stupendious pillars that each weighs 25000. pound and is of so incomparable workemanship that no Cathedral but St. Peters is fit to entertain it . Herein is the Sepulchre of the Emperour Otho the second , buried in anno 1486. in porphirie : A greater porphyre stone then this Italy affords nor , except that of Santa Maria Rotonda the Sepulture of Theodorick King of the Ostrogothes . This was one of the five Patriarchal Churches , and the old part was built by the Emperour Constantine the great , who caused it be sustained by Pillars : But Pope Iulius the second ●n anno 1507 was the Founder of the new part , himself laying the first stone of the foundation with his own hands in the presence of thirty five Cardinals , Bramante , of Urbin , was the Inventor of the Model , which Michael Angelo , Bonarota the Florentine , afterwards added to and corrected . Antonio Fiorentino , by order of Eugenius the 4th . made the gate of Brass , with the figures of Christ , the blessed Virgine , of Saint Peter , and St Paul. In the holy week every yeer they shew here the Visage of Christ , called Volto Santo , impressed on the Towel of Veronica . There is one Figure of the Virgine Mary holding Christ dead in her lap the work of Michael Angelo , whose also is that most excellent Picture of universal Judgment , placed in the Popes Chappel . On the Eastern part of the Church hangs the Pinnace of St. Peter , in Mosaick work by Giotto Fiorentino . In the Chorus stands the Tombe of Pope Sixtus the fourth , all of Brass , and on the top lies his Figure represented sleeping , with Vertue on both sides , and round it the Sciences , that is Theologie , Philosophy , and the liberal arts with his Inscription , The work of Antonius Palladius , in anno 1482. Herein also besides those of the first Martyrs Lyno , Cleto and others , are the graves and Tombs of many Popes to wit , of Innocent the 8th . in Brass . of Pius the 2d . a Siennois & Pius the 3 Son of a Sister of Pius the 2 Of Marcellus the 2 who lived in the Pontificacy but 22. dayes . Iulius the third , all without Inscriptions . These following have all Epitaphs in verse : As Nicolas the 5th . Eugenius the 4th . Urban the 6th . Adrian the 1st . Gregory the 4th . and 5th . Boniface the 8th . Paul the 3d. whose Brass Tomb stands in the new part . Innocent the 4th . Urban the 7th . Gregory the 13th . and 14th . and also Balbo the most learned in the Greek , and Cardinal dalla Porta . Who desires more ample satisfaction in the particulars of the 7 principal Churches of Rome , shall find it in the diligent writings of Onofrius Panuinus , and Attilius Serranus , in the Latin tongue , and of Pompeio Ugonio in the Italian . Let this compendious description , content the curious in this study here , who for more light are referred to the Authors above named . Now le ts pass to the other Churches and memorable places . A Catalogue of the Churches of ROMF , set down Alphabetically with the Epitaphs most worthy noting therein extant . SAnto Adriano in tribus Foris , was a Temple first dedicated to Saturn in foro Romano , then to Nerva the Emperour , and lastly to St. Adrian when Cardinal Gio Bellaio , repaired it . Santo Agapeto near San Lorenzo . Santa Agata a Church of the Gothes under t●● Viminale . Here stand the Figures of Diana and of Peace , to whom t is believed t was dedicated . Before the Gate are figured certain Children with the pretexta on , which was a Gown edged about with purple silk , that the Noble mens Children of Rome wore till of the age of seaven yeers , who sit on seats as if at School . In it likewise is the Tomb of Giovanni Lascaro with two Greek Epitaphs . Santa Agnese , in the Borgo de Parione , or the Vianomentana , a Church built with stately stones , beautifyed with 26 marble Collumnes and a descent of 32 steps . Near it stood formerly a Monastery now fallen to the ground , first deserted for the intemperate Ayr. In it was layed the body of St. Agnese anno 114●… . It s Porticue was built by Cardinal Iulius Nephew of Sixtus the 4th . N●…r this stands a Church dedicated by Alexander the 4th . S. Costanza Daughter of Constantine the Emperour : Which was formerly dedicated to Bacchus , as is collected from a Porphyr Tomb yet remaining there , upon which are carved certain Children treading of grapes . It s form is round ; It hath 24 Marble Pillars , and is politely wrought alla Mosaica . Sant ' Alberto nell'Esquillie . Sant ' Alessio nell'Aventino , formerly the Temple of Hercules a Conquerour . In this Church is preserved the pair of Staier●… , under which in his Fathers house . that Saint lived unknown for some time ●…n it likewise Vicenza Cardinal Gonzaga lies buried . Sant ' Ambrosio , of Masina in Rome or the high street of Sant ' Angelo , and another of the same in Campo Martio . Sant ' Anastasia at the foot of Mount Palatine , in the Street Harenu la : This was a Temple of Equestrian Neptune , whom they also styled Conscio , for that they believed him a God knowing of secrets . Santo Anastasio , in the street A●…deatine , near to Tre Fontana the three Fountains . Santo Andrea della colonna , in the street Trevio de Ania near the Palace of the Savelli . Dalla Tavenula between the hills Celio , and Esquilino Delle Fratte dalle Barche , on the Banks of the Tyber . De gli Orsi , in the Harenula . In Montucna , at the foot of the Capitolino . In Nazareno in the Harenula . In Paliura in the Palatino . In Portogallo . In Statera , at the Foot of the Capitolino . In Transtevere in the Vaticano , in Piazzo Siena , which hath a rich Chapel of the Rusellai . Santo Angelo nel Foro Bovare in the Fish market , heretofore a Temple of Mercury in Dioclesians hott Baths ; was dedicated by Pius the 4th . to the blessed Virgin and the Angels , near it is a Cloyster for the Carthusian Fryers supported by 100. Pillars . In it lies buried the said Pius the 4th . Bocca , Scorbellone : Francesco Alciato : and Simonetto Cardinal S. Angelo , of Mozarella nel Monte Giordano . Santa Anna , in the Flaminian Circe , and under the Viminale . Sant ' Antonio in Portogallo-Di Pado●…a , in the Valle Martia . Nel Esquilino , where at the festival of Saint Anthony , they drive all their Beasts and Sheep up near to the Altar , that they may afterwards be protected against the danger of Diseases and Wolves . Near to it stands the Hospital restored by Pius the 4th . a Millanese . Santo Apollinare , formerly the Temple of Apollo , Iulius the third joyned to it the Colledge of the Germans . Near it stood the house of Mark Antony the triumvir . Li santi Apostoli XII . in Trivio , here reside the Fryers Conventuals of Saint Francis : The Inscription on a Marble stone assures us , t was built by Constantine the Great , afterwards ruined by the Hereticks , and then restored by Pelagius and Giovanni the Popes . Wherein are the Graves and Tombs of the great Cardinal Niceno Bessarione , the Tusculan Bishop , and Constantinopolitan Patriark . Of Cardinal Pietro Savonese . Of Bartolomeo , Cameriero Beneventano , the Divine aud Lawyer . Of Cornelius Mussus Bishop of Bittonto the Prince of Preachers Li Santi Apostoli XII . in the Vatican . Santo Augustino in Campo Martio a convent of the Austin Fryers , Herein lies the body of Santa Monica the Mother of Saint Austin a Father and Doctor of the Church with these Verses . Hic Augustini sanctam venerare parentem , Votaque fer tumulo quo jacet illa sacro . Quo quondam grato , toti nunc Monica mundo Succurrat , precibus prestet opemque suis. This Saint Austin was Bishop of Hippo in Alexandria , a man of a most profound wit , and learning , and of a most holy and religious life . And these Austine Fryers observe his institutes of life living in comon , serving God day and night , and are tyed by the vows of poverty , Chastity and Obedience . The Cardinals Burdegalense and Verallo ly buried in this Church . Santa Bibiana in Monte Aventino . Here stood the Baths of Anthony , and the Palace of Licinius . Santa Barbara in the high Street Pigna was formerly a Temple of Venus in the Pompeyan Theatre . San Bart●…lomeo of the Island in Transtevere , was heretofore a Temple of Iupiter , or as some say of AEsculapius . Now is there a Convent of Franc●…scans called Zoccolanti , from their going on wooden pattons and an ancient In●…cription in stone to the God Semone Sanco , here also lyes the body of Saint Bartholomew . San Basilio , in the Foro di Nerva . San Benedetto , in the Piazza Catinara , and in the Piazza Madama . San Bernardo near the Pillar , and Baths of Trajan the Emperour . San Biagio , in the Campo Martio , della Tinta , on the Bank of Tiber. Here stood the Temple of Neptune , wherein such as were delivered from Shipwrack , used to hang up a Tablet with the story of their danger and manner of deliverance painted and described in it : Dell ▪ Anello in the Road Pigna della Fossa , as you come from the Esquilino , delle Coltre in the Campitello . Santa Bibiana , in the Esquilie . San Bonifacio in Aventino , at present called Sant●… Alessio . Santa Brigide in the Street Harenula . Santa Cecilia in Transtevere for Nuns . In this Church is the body of this holy Virgin with many other bodies of Saints , honoured with great devotion , and translated from Campo Martio , by Cardinal Paulo Emilio Sfondrato Nephew of Gregory the 14th . San Cesario in the Road di Ripa , excellently repaired by Pope Clement the 8th . La Chiesa de'Cartusiani , or Carthusians , which is called Santa Maria delli Angeli . Santa Catharina , in-the Flaminian Circ , now delli Funari della Rot●… and il Borgo Novo . San Celso , near the Bridge , Castello in Banchi . San Crisogonio in Transtevere : wherein stands the Tomb and Epitaph of Girolamo Alexandro a most learned Doctor , and of David Uviliano , or Evelyn an English Oratour . Santo Clemente in Monte Celio : here lies the body of Pope Clement the Martyr , conveighed to Rome from Chersona a City of Pontus : as as also of Cardinal Vincenso Laureo . Santa Costanza , in the Street Nomentana , This is conjectured to have been a Temple of Bacchus , for a Monument yet appearing of Porphyr stone . Santi Cosino and Damiano , in the Via sacra , so called for that the South-sayers used to pass that way ; This was formerly the Temple of Romulus and Remus . In it are the Tombs of Crescentius , and Grudone Pisano , with the Epitaphs in verse . San Cosmo , under the Gianicolo . Antiently the Temple dedicated to Fortune : Santa Elizabetta in Parione . Santa Enfemia in Esquilie . Santo Eustachio near the Rotonda , was formerly a Temple of the good — .... San Francesco at the Foot of Gianicolo , Herein is the sepulchre of Pandolfus Count of Anguillarie , who when 100. yeers old became a Franciscan Fryer . San Gregorio , in Velabro . San Gregorio , at the head of the Ponte fabritio , and in Monte Celio , formerly a Monastery of the Germans and Flemings , but now of Fryers . Here stood antiently the house of San Gregory the first Pope , and here they yet shew the Table , whereat he dayly sed a great number of poor Persons , as in his life wrote by Giovani Diacone is set forth & here lies Cardinal Lomelino a Genovese Many Epitaphs of Florentines are here set up , and of Edoardo Carno , and Roberto Veramo two English Knights both Lawyers , who being driven out of their Countrey for defending the Catholick Religion , came to Rome to finish their days in the peace of the Lord : As also of Antonio Valle of Barcellona , And of one Statius a Poet , who wrote with Virgil , as may be collected from this Epitaph . Statius hîc Situs est , juvenem quem Cipris Ademit Praecocem ▪ AEneae carmine quòd premeret , Statio , Statio F. Dulciss . Christophora M. Pientiss . P. Vixit . Ann. XXXIII . San Girolamo , near the Corte Savella , here the Oratorians , a Religious Order , instituted with great piety by Saint Philippus Nerius a Florentine Priest in the last age , who from this Oratory of St. Hierome took their name , for that it was the place frequented by them for their exercises of Catechising and preaching . whose number is greatly increased by his Disciples San Giacomo in Circo Flaminio : This is an Hospital for Spaniards , divers Epitaphs of which Nation are there inscribed , with the memorials of Bartolomeo Cuevio the Cardinal , and of Bernardino , Bishop of Cordona . In it is the Pourtray of Pietro Ciocconio , a Priest of Toledo , who had most happy success to his labour in amending the Books of holy and prophane writers Degli incurabili . Scossa cavallo San Giovanni Battista in Monte Celio . San Giovanni Evangelista before the Porta Latina , in Monte Celio , formerly a Temple of Diana , San Giovanni Colivita in the Isola : supposed an antient Temple of AEsculapius Nel Fonte in Monte Celio ; Nel Laterano , one of the seaven principal Churches before spoken of . In Dola , upon Monte CelioNell'Oglio before the Porta latina . Del Mercatello al Campi doglio , De Malna in Transtavere . Della Pigna , in the high Street Pigna . San Giovanni & Paulo nel Monto Celio , with two Lyons before the Door . The one holding a Boy between his Teeth , and the other a Man , in it is one Sepulchre of porphyr stone . Here antiently was the Curia Hostilia . San Gioseffo in the street Pigna . San Giuliano in the Esquilino . Sant'Iuo in the Campo Martio appertaining to the Biertoni . San Lorenzo near a Fish Market , Nel Viminale . Nel Gianicolo ▪ , antiently a Temple of Iuno Lucina , here lyes Cardinal Francesco Gonzaga . In Fonte nella Valle Esquilina . In Miranda in the Foro Romano . In Palispirna on the hill Viminale , wherein is inscribed an Epitaph of Cardinal Guglielmo Sirleto , the most quaint in the Greek language , here stood the Palace of Decius the Emperour . In Damaso , in the Pigna : where are exposed the Epitaphs of Annibal Caro , the most elegant in the Tuscan language . Of Giacomo Fabia of Parma . Of Pietro Marsa . Of Giulio Sadoleto , Girolamo Ferraro and other illustrious men . ▪ To this Fabrick were brought the Marbles sculptures and other ornaments of the Arco Gordiano . San Leonardo in Carine . In Olfeo . In Septi solio . In Esquilino , and S. Leonardo Vecchio among the obscure shops , on the bankes of the Tyber in the Longara . Santa Lucia , in the Palace : heretofore the Temple of Apollo Pal●…tino Nelle Botteghe obscure . In old time the Temple of Hercules , and of the Muses . San Lodovico near Novanna , the Church of the French Nation adorned with the Epitaphs of the most Noble Persons of France . Santa Maria Egittiaca formerly the Temple of Fortuna virilis , wherein ( as is supposed ) then stood the Bucca Veritatis , a marble statue set up by the Romans , for the tryal of Chastity , with a wide mouth and great lips : A daughter of Volateranus Regulus to prove her Virginity unpolluted ( being accused for that crime ) put her hand in its mouth and withdrew it without hurt : another Damosel making the same tryal , being unchast , had her right hand bit off by the Statue . Santa Maria del animam Parione , a stately Church wherein the Germans , and Flemings reside and assist the necessitous Pilgrimes of those Nations . In it is an Image of the Virgine Mary with these Verses . Partus , & integritas discordes tempore longo Virginis in gremio Foedera pa●…is habent . On the left hand of the great Altar stands a Sepulchre of Adrian the 4th . ( made by Cardinal Eutcefora ) who was the only person that could say he had created another Pope in his own life time . On the right the costly Tombe of Carlo Prince of Cleves , who dyed in the yeer of Iubilee 1575 the 13th . of February with the universal sorrow of all good men , but chiefly of Gregorie the 13th . Stephano Pighio , wrote his life with that learned Book entitled Ercole Prodicio with the Epitaphs of Francesco Foresto , Giovanni Roseto and other noble and excellent men . Santa Maria in Araceli , on the Capitolino , formerly a Temple of Iupiter Ferenius , now a Convent of the Zoccolanti , or Franciscans , In it are many antient Epitaphs : and an Altar supported by four lovely Pillars , T is the Church for the Senate and People of Rome , embellished with the ornaments of the Temple of Quirinus : and is ascended unto by one hundred twenty four steps . Santa Maria Aventina , on the hill Aventino formerly the Temple of the Dea bona , or good Goddess . Here may be read the lamentation of a woman slain by her Husband . Santa Maria de ▪ Cacabary in Pigna Santa Maria in campo santo , in the Vally Vaticano , wherein some Epitaphs are legible . Santa Maria nel Campidoglio , antiently the Temple of Iupiter Capitolinus Nella Capell●… beyond the Tevere or Tyber . In Candelorio , in the street Saint Angelo , della concettione , the Conception , in Monte Celio . Nel Velabro , formerly a Temple . of Hercules . In Dominica , on Mount Celio , where were the Aqueducts of Caracalla . Nel Esquilino , in circo Flaminio , in times past the Temple of Isis , In corte under the Campidoglio Liberatione dell'inferno , sometime a Temple of Iupiter Stator in foro Romano . Di Loreto Delle Febre in old time the Temple of Mars , Della Consolatione and Della Gratie , where formerly stood the Temple of Vesta between the Capitolinum and Palatinum , there the Vestal Virgins guarded the sacred Fire , and the Palladium , which was a woodden Image of Pillars with rouling Eyes , brought by AEneas from Troy ( when fired ) into Italy with his other houshold Gods , and was by him snatched out of the fired Temple . Santa Maria sopra Minerva so called for that this was a Temple of Minerva , at present the Fathers Dominicans possess it , and a Colledge for Theology founded by the Bishop of Cutcha . In it are the Tombes and Epitaphs of Leo the 10th . and Paul the 4th . with many others among which the Chief are of Pietro Bembo , of Giovanni Morone who was thirteen several times Legatus a Latere for the Pope , and President of the Councel of Trent , and of Giovanni Torrecremata , who be queathed a large Revenue for mariage Portions for Virgins , which are solemnized yeerly in the Popes presence on the Festival of the Anunciation , In it also are the ashes of Egidio Foscari , Bishop of Modena , who in the Councel of Trent was styled the Greater Light : Of Sylvester Aldobrandino , Father of Clement the 8th . of Giovanni Annio , the Historian and of many other eminent Fathers : As also the body of Santa Catarina of Siena , and the Epitaph of Guglielmo Durando , Bishop of Numata , who composed a Book entitled , Rationale Divinorum Officiorum , with other volumes of the Law. In the said Temple was erected the first Fryery of the sancto sacramento by Thomaso Stella a Preacher : and Michael Angelo Buonarota was the inventor of the Tabernacle for keeping the consecrated Eucharist . Before the Door of the Church stand the Tombes of Tomaso di Vio , and Giovanni Badia Cardinals and of Paulo Manutio the Elegant , who for all his Fame , ran the same Fate with Pompey the Great , who living filled the world with his glory , and dead no Epitaph nor memorial remains of him , but we find there this Epitaph of Raphael Stantio a Painter of Urbin , though much less renowned than the preceding . Hic situs est R●…phael timuit qu●… sospite uinci Rerum mag●… paren●… , & m●…riente , mori . Patria Roma fuit , Gens Portia , nomen 〈◊〉 Mars puerum insti●…it , Mors I●…venem rapuit . Santa Maria de'Miracoli in Monte Gordiano Di 〈◊〉 , in the street St. E●…stachio Di Mont ferrato the Church of the Catalo●…ians , in Mo●…ticelli , in the Herenula Della Navicella , in Monte Celio , Nova , in the Foro Romano formerly a Temple of the Sun and Moon , now enjoyed by the Monks of Mount Olivet . Annonciata the Colledge of the Jesuists . Della Pace , the dwelling of the Canon Regulars , therein stand a Tomb of Marco Musuro a Learned Candiot with this Epitaph . M●…sure , ò mansure parum , properata t●…listi Praemia , namque cito tradita , rapta cit●… , Antonius Amiternus Marco Musuro Cretensi , erectae diligentiae Gramatico , & rarae felicitatis poetae , posuit . Here are the Tombs of Capa ferro , and Mignanello Cardinals , and this Epitaph of Iulius Saturnus Patris eram quondam spes , & sola●…en Iulus Nunc Desideri●…m mori●…us & l●…rimae Santa Maria delle Paline , in the Viae Appia formerly a Temple of Saturn and Opes where they shew a saphyr brought from Heaven by the Angels , wherein the Virgines Image was cut as they say by the life in Heaven . Santa Maria del P●…polo near the Por●…a Flaminia , before which Pope Sixtus the 5th . erected an Obelisk . T is a Convent of the Austine Fryers the Popes give license for the People to pay their devotions here while violent he●…ts continue instead of Saint Sebastian which stands a good distance without the Walls . In it are many fair Chapels , and Tombs of many Cardinals particularly of Hermol●…o Barbaro Patriark of Aquileia with this Epitaph . Barbariem Hermolaos Latio qui depulis omnem Barbar●…s hic situ●… est , vtr aque lingua gemit Urbs Ve●…etum vitam , m●…rtem dedit inclyta Roma Non potuit ●…asci clarius , atque mori . On the ground this sad complaint of one that dyed upon an inconsiderable hurt may be read Hospes disce novum mortis genus ; improba felis Du●… trahitur , digitum mordet , & intereo . Santa Maria di Portogallo at the end of the Suburbs . In Pust●…la . In publicolis , near the Palace of the Signoro Santa Croce . Al Presepe . Santa Maria Rotonda , so called from its orbicular form . A Temple formerly dedicated to all the Gods , and to their Mother , and built in a round figure , to the end the Gods might not fall out for precedency of place , for that they seigned their Gods would not give place to one another . Thermes refusing it to Iupiter . Now this Church is consecrated to the blessed Virgin and all the Saints . T is a most noble Fabrick , built by Vespatia●…s Agrippa , who was three times Consul , as by the Inscription appears . This by the most skilfull Artizans in Architecture , and chiefly by Lodovicus Domontiorius , in his book intitled : Gallus Hospes in Urbe , is held for an Idea , Example and Pattern of true Architecture : T is of a cross figure as broad as high : the Roof was formerly covered with Sylver plates , but Constantine the Nephew of Heraclius , took them with the other ornaments of the City away , instead whereof Martin the 7th . overlayed it with Lead : It hath but one window , which is at the very top , and admits as much light as is necessary : in antient time it had 7 steps of Ascent into it , now it hath eleven of descent , a good argument to what heighth this City is raised by its ruines . It s noble Porticue is sustained , by four great pillars , with beams and Gates of Brass . The Great Altar is opposite to the Door . On the wall appears the head of the Mother of God. The ascent to the Top is by 100 steps . Before the Church stands a great Vessel of Numidian Marble , square at top but bellyed like a Bee-hive . Near which were two Lyons with AEgyptian Letters , and a round Vessel of the same Marble . In it is the subsequent Epitaph of Tadeo Zaccaro , a Pointer , contemporary with Raphael d ▪ Urbino , the Prince of the Painters of later Ages , who we formerly said , lyes buried in Santa Maria sopra Minerva . Magna quod in magno timuit Raph●…ele , per-aeque Thadaeo in magno pertimuit genitrix . Santa Maria Scala Caeli , without the Porta Ostiense , where 10000 : Persons were Martyred : t is called Scala Caeli , because St. Bernard there praying for the Souls of the dead , had an appearance of a Ladder from the Earth to heaven , upon which he saw some Souls ascend into Paradise . Del Sole under Monte Tarpeio della Strada near the Portico Corinthio , and the Campidoglio now denominated Del nome di Giesu A noble Church built by Cardinal Alessandro Farnese , for the Jesuits , wherein himself is interred . In Transtevere . Here in the time of Angustus gushed out in a common Inn a spring or source of Oyl , which continued running for one whole day , presaging that a short time after Christ the source and fountain of Mercy should be born , Here was a Church built in honour of the Virgin Mary by St. Peter , which by succeeding High Bishops was adorned with excellent Pictures , and enriched divers times with gold and silver and encreased in bigness to what it now appears . In it are the Sepulchres of Stanislao Bishop of Varma who was that Polack Cardinal Praefect of the Tridentine Councel and the scourge of the Hereticks . Of Cardinal Campeggio , and Altemps a man of great Dispatch . Transportina in Borgo in old time the Temple of Adrian the Emperour , wherein St. Peter and St Paul were scourged . In Via Lata the Church of the Fathers Servients , where under ground many Trophees and Triumphal Images have been found . In it lyes buried Cardinal Vitellotio Vitelli : Here St. Luke wrote the Acts of the Apostles , Acta Apostolorum : and this was the place where St. Paul prayed . Del Trivio , which Church was restored by Belisarius great Captain for Iustinian the Emperour , as appears by an inscription on a stone , here lyes Luigi Cornaro , and others , it appertains to the Padri Croicchieri , the crutched Fryers . Santa Maria in Vinea in the descent from Monte Tarpeio . In Via delle Virgini , amplifyed by Pietro Donato a Cardinal therein enterred , where also San Philippo Nerio , accounted one of the Saints of Pope Gregory the 15 his Family , setled his order of Oratories , which was a true School for well living . Santa Maria Magdalena , in the stree Colonna , Between the Hill Santa Trinita , and the Tyber . Nel Quirinale , where is a Monastery of Nuns governed by the Predicatory , instituted by Maddalena Orsina . San Mauro in the midst of the Jesuits Colledge : Near this Church is an Obelisk which though small , appears glorious through the Hierogliphicks carved on it , here lies Pietro Giglio a great Schollar who dyed anno 1555 whose Tombe Georgio Cardinal of Armignac caused to be built as to his familiar friend . San Marcello nella Via Lata , was a Temple of Isis , in it are the Fryers Servients , in it are buried the Cardinals Mercurio , Dandino , and Bonuccio . San Marco , wherein lies Francesco Pisani a Venetian Cardinal . San Martino of the Carmelites in Monte Esquilino , where Cardinal Diomede Caraffa is buried . Santa Martina in the Foro Romano , antiently a Temple of Mars Ultor . Santa Margarita at the Foot of the Esquilino . San Matteo in Esquilino , possessed now by the Austin Fryers , but formerly by the crutched Fryers , which Church is supposed to be the house of their first Founder Saint Cletus the first Pope , for that t is seated in the Borgo Patritio , where he was born : which having consecrated he gave to his Disciples and Children for the service of God. San Michael in Borgo . Santi Nereo & Archielo near the Baths of Antonius , formerly a Temple of Isis in the Via Appia . San Nicolo in Agone . In Archemoni . Acapole Cose . Degli Arcioni . In Carcere a Ripa formerly the publique prison . In Calcaria near which was the Portico Corinthio . Sant ' Onofrio in Gianicolo , where lyes Cardinal Madruccio , who dyed the day of his creation , Cardinal Lodovico Madruzzi , Nephew of the first Cardinal Sega , a Bolonian , and Tasso the excellent Poet . San Pancratio in Gianicolo , wherein is a Pulpit of neat fair porphyr , & underneath it are Grottos filled with the bodies of Martyrs : Herein lies Cardinal Dersonese , and near it was slain Bourbon the enemy of God. San Pantaleone in Sebucca formerly a Temple dedicated to the Goddess Tellus , and to Pasquinus . San'Paolo in Regola in the street Harenula . San Pietro & Marcellino , heretofore the Temple of Quietas . San Pietro in carcere . This was the Tulliane prison , whereof Salust makes mention in Catalines conspiracy . Diodate in the Via Piamense , Montorio in the Gianicolo : A fair Church and well adorned , wherein is the fair Chapel of Bradamante , endowed by Ferdinand King of Spain , near it stands a Convent of Observants of Saint Francis Order of this society died anno 1597 Fryer Angelo a learned Spaniard , who wrote a great Volume upon the Symbol or Creed of the twelve Apostles . In it are several pieces of Raphael d'Urbino , and Sebastiano Venetiano , two famous Painters , and several Tombs . San Pietro Domine quo vadis , in the Via appia Rotonda , this Church was so called because Saint Peter , flying persecution , Christ appeared to him , of whom Saint Peter demanded whither he was going in these words Domine quo vadis ? to whom Christ answered I am going to Rome , that I may there be once more crucified : from which words St. Peter took courage , and returned to Rome , where he was afterwards crucified , and his head set on high . S. Pietro in vincula ; where the Chains wherewith Saint Peter was bound in Ierusalem and in Rome , are sanctimoniously preserved , as also the Bodies of the Maccabei and a part of the Cross of Sant Andrea , whose head is kept i●… San Pietro in the Vatican , being sent by an Emperour of Constantinople to the Pope , and the rest of his Body is in the Kingdom of Naples : This Church hath one stupendious Altar : and brasen Doors , wherein the passions of Saint Peter are excellently represented : Under the Sepulchre of Pope Giulio the second lies a most fair statue of Moyses the Captain of the Hebrews , the workmanship of Michael Angelo , of Florence . Many other memorable things are shewed in this Church . In the Convent is a Palme tree which alone in Rome produceth seasonable and ripe Fruit : Here lies buried the Cardinals Nicolo Cusano , Sadoleto , and Rovero , the walls present some inscriptions of the old Gentiles . Some other things will be related of this Church in the third dayes Journey . San Peregrina alla porta pertura , whence that Burge takes name . Santa Prossede in the Esquilino , built by Pope Pasquale the 1st . wherein stands the Pillar to which our Saviour was bound when scourged , conveighed from the Eastern parts by Cardinal Giovanni Colonna : and here Saint Peter dwelt . At the Altar are six Pillars of Porphyr and two of black Marble with white spots . In it are many bodies of Saints reposed , and in the midst is a hollow with a grate over it , wherein Prascede squeazed the blood of the Martyrs , which he had sucked up with spunges in divers places : About 400. yeers agoe the Monks of Valle Umbrosa resided here . Santa Prisca in Monte Aventino , antiently a Temple dedicated to Hercules . Santa Prudentiana in the Viminale : here they shew that stone upon which the bloudy Host appeared , while a Priest misdoubted the holy Sacrament at the Altar . This is the most antient Church of Rome and said to be the place where Saint Peter celebrated Mass : here ly the bodies of 3000. Martyrs and a venerable Vessel for their bloodThe penitentiary Dominicans inhabite there : and the Monks of Saint Bernard . Cardinal Gaetano a noble Roman , who built a stately Chapel in it , and Cardinal Radzivil Lima●…o ( a good patriot of the Catholick Religion though born of Heretick parents ) ly buried there . Santi Quaranta Martini , commended by Saint Bassilia in a sermon . Santi Quatro Coronati in Monte Celio . Santi Quirico & Giulita in the Suburbs . San Rocco nella Martia . S. Rufina beyond the Tyber , and at Saint Giova●… Laterano . Santa Sabina in Monte Aventino , the first Residence of the Popes , is now of the Dominican Fryers : here they shew the stone which the Devil in vain cast at Saint Dominick with intention to kill him , before the Door of this Church stands the greatest Urn of one stone in Rome . Here they keep the Reliques of Pope Alexander of Quentius and Theodulus the Martyrs : Of Sabina and Seroffia the Virgin all Martyred under Adrian the Emperour anno Christi 133 ▪ and here layed up by Eugenius the 4th . anno 822. who is likewise enterred here with an Epitaph in heroick verse , as are the Cardinals Bartano and Tiano , Here grows yet a Pomgranat tree planted by Saint Dominick with the assistance of San Giacinto , which the Romans through devotion despoil of all Leaves and Fruit the first day of Lent , the Pope and Prelates coveting of its Leaves which they wear . Here Saint Dominick gave the first Rise to his Order , and vested San Giacinto in his Religious Order and habite , where he had many Visions of Angels . Santo Sabba Abbate in Aventino ; where ariseth a stately great Sepulchre , believed to be of Titus Vespasian . San Salvadore del Campo in the Strada Giulia , Di Laurane in Monte Melie Di Copelle in the Precinct Colonna del Lauro , near Monte Giordino , which belongs to the noble Family Orsini , who with the Maltei ly there buried . Dal Portico under the Rupe Tarpeia . In Massime , a Temple first dedicated to Iove , Minerva , and Iuno ly M. Pulvi●…ius Statera . dedicated to Saturn in the Campi doglio , Delle Stufe Della Pietra , a Temple of the Goddess Piety in old time . De Pedemonte . Delle tre Imagini . San Spirito in Vaticano beyond Tiber , where stands that rich Hospital so worthy consideration where Cardinal Remnano Francesco is enterred . San Sebastiano and Fabiano : of which is said in the description of the 7 principal Churches . San Sergio & Bacco in the Campidoglio formerly a Temple of Concord . San Simeone in the high street Ponte ▪ San Sisto in the Piscina inferna of old Temple of Vertue and Honour . Herein Saint Dominick raised a defunct , named Napuleone from the dead ▪ and wrote many other miracles : Here the first Nuns congregated , from a general separation over Rome : but they were translated into a more salubrious Ayr. It being extream nau seous . San Staniflao , A Church of the Polanders . San Stephano of the Hungari●…s . Rotondo in Monte Celio , formerly a Temple of Faunus , but now a Colledge of the Germans , round which is drawd the Triumphes of the holy Martyres , Nel foro Boario . A temple of the Goddess Vesta , In Via Giulia . In Silice , Dell Frullo near the Porticue of Anthony . Santa Susanna , in Monte Quirinale : where stands a fair Brasen Cistern and Vessel filled with holy water . San Silvestro in Colonna . A Santiquaro . Nel Quirinale dedicated by Clement the 7th . anno 1524 : wherein the Cardinals Rebiba , Antonio Caraffa , and Francesco Cornaro ly buried . Beyond the Tyber near the Arch of Domitian . San Tomasa in Monte Celio nel Rione Harenula , nella Via Iulia in Parione . San Theodoro at the foot of Monte Palatino antiently the Temple of Romulus and Remus or as others say of Pan and Bacchus . Santa Trinita de monti , built by Lewis the 11th . King of France by the Council of Saint Francis , appertains to the Minimes who are near all French. In it are buried Rodolfo Pio : Crasso and Bellay Cardinals : Lueretia della Rovere Niece to Giulius the second , and Marco Moreto a most eloquent Oratour with this Epitaph . Hic Marci caros cineres Roma inclyta servat Quos patria optasset Gallia habere sinu . Stat colle hortorum tumulus , stat proximus astris . Quae propius puro contigit ille animo . Tu sacros larices lacrimis asperge Viator . Et dic , heu lingua hic fulmina fracta jacent : Santa Trinita of the English. This is a Colledge of English Catholicks , whence divers have been transmitted into England , who were there martyred by the ( ut aiunt , ) Hereticks . Herein lies Cardinal Allen who took a voluntary banishment from his own Countrey : and employed the rest of his days in great Labour and pains in defence of the Catholick Faith. San Trisone near Sant Agostino . San Valentino in the Circo Flaminio . San Vitale in the Quirinale , lately repaired and now governed by the Jesuits . San Vito nel Riouo del Ponte wherein lyes Carlo Visconte a Cardinal . The Officers of the Popes Palace . THe Popes Court exceeding that of any other Christian Prince his Officers also be many . Which is governed with such Order . That not only the meaner persons but also the Cardinals ( whose dignity is equal to that of Kings ) travel not forth the City without license first obtained . The number of Cardinals is not praefixt , but left to the will of the Pope : forty of them at least , being alwaies obliged to reside in Rome : where also many Arch Bishops and Bishops are constantly present . In the Popes family are the persons under written . AUditori di rota . AUditors of the Roll 12. Chierici di Camera . Clerks of the Chamber 7. Auditor di Camera . Auditor of the Chamber 1. Comissario di Camera . Comissary of the Chamber 1. Maestro del sacro Pallazzo . Controuler of the holy Palace 1. Comissario Generale del santo Officio . The General Commissary of the holy Office. 1. Reggente del Cancellaria . The Ruler of the Chancery : 1. Protonotorii Apostolici . Apostolick Prothonotaries 7. Subdiaconi . Subdeacons . 6. Accoliti . Resolute Men 8. Secretarii Apostolici . Apostolick secretaries 8. Corretto di Cancellaria . The Punisher for the Chancery 1. Summista . A Summist 1. De Consueti . Observers of the Rules 1. Abbreviatori minori . Less Abbreviators 12. Custo di de Cancellaria . Keeper of the Chancery 1. Secretorio delle Cedole . Secretary of the Docquets 1. Hostiario di Cancellaria . The Hostia keeper of the Chancery 1. Scritttori Apostolici . Apostolick writers 101 Camierieri Apostolici . Apostolick Grooms of the Chamber 60. Scudieri Vivandieri Apostolici . Querries of the stable or Vianders . 140. Cavalieri di St. Pietro . Knights of St. Peter 400. Cavalieri di St. Paulo . Knights of St. Paul 22. Scrittori di Brevi . Writers of Briefs 81. Procuratori di Penitentiaria . Proctors of the Office Penitentiaria 24. Scrittori di Penitentiaria . Writers in the office Penitentiaria 29. Correttori di Piombo . The stampers of the Leaden Seal 104 Correttorio di Penitentiaria . The Stampers of the Office Penitentiaria 11. Solicitatori . Pursevants 100. Correttori del Archivio . Overseers of the Arches or spiritual Court 10. Scrittori del Archivio . Writers in the Arches or spiritual Court 10. Secretarii delle Bolle Salaciate . Secretary of the Pensionary Buls 8 Registratori del istesse Bolle . Registers of the said Bulls 4 Maestri delle Bolle Registrate . Masters of the registred Bulls 4 Auditore delle contradette . Hearers of differences 14. Maestri delle Suppliche . Masters of Requests 4. Chierici delle suppliche . Clerks of the Requests 6. Notari della Camera Apostolica . Notaries of the Apostolick Chamber 9. Scrittori del Registro delle supliche . Writers in the Registry of Requests . 20. Notari del Auditor della Camera . Notaries for the Auditor of the Chamber 10. Notari di Rota . Notaries of the Rouls 48. Notari del Vicario del Papa . Notaries of the Popes Viccar 4. Notari del Governatore civile . Notaries of the civil Magistrat 11. Notaro de maleficii . Notary of Offences 1. Notaro di Cancellaria . Notary of the Chancery 1. Presidenti di Ripa . Presidents of the Bench 141. Portionarii . Partakers 612. Corsori . Apparitors 19. Servatori d'Arme . Keepers of the Arms 24. Verghe Rosse . Red Rodds 24. Catene nel Sacro Pallazzo . Chains in the sacred Pallace . 71. Porte di ferro . Gates of Iron 26. Cavalli leggieri communemente . Light horses comonly 100. or 200. Bombardieri . Gunners 300. Switzers , or Germans for guarding the Gates of the Popes Pallace , of whom 200. or 300. alwaies keep Sentinel . Pope Gregory the 13th : in tenn yeers of his Enjoyment of the Pontifical Chair instituted nineteen Seminaries or Colledges for all Nations in Rome , for the benefit and propagation of the Catholick Faith and for reception , as well as Instruction of such as abandon their own Countreys by reason of persecutions . To which are since added 7 more instituted by Clement the 8th . and others . Of the Obelisks . Columnes and Aqueducts of ROME . THe Obelisks restored erected and transferred by Pope Sixtus the 5th . of glorious memory with incredible expence , by the workmanship of the Inginier Domenico Fontana , and consecrated to the most holy Cross are these . The Obelisk of Tiberius Caesar standing now in the Piazza of St. Peter in Vaticano : in the second yeer of his inauguration , anno Dom. 1586. That of Augustus Caesar brought from AEgypt , and translated from San Rocco to Santa Maria Maggiore is not engraven nor carved at all . That which was consecrate to the Sun transferred from Circo Massimo , ( where it lay on the ground ) to San Giovanni in Laterano , is carved with AEgyptian characters , and was reared the third year of his Papacy ; Augustus took it from its place in AEgypt & conveyed it vpon the Nilo into Alexandria , where imbarquing it , he sent it by sea for adornment of Rome , which he sought to imbellish in all things possible : which his endeavour and cost caused him once to vaunt , that he found Rome all of Brick , but left it of Marble That dedicated to the Sun by Augustus in Circo Maximo , being drawn out of the Ruines among which t was buried , was translated with infinite expence to the porta Flaminia and raised before the Church S Maria del Popolo Besides the abovenamed , divers other Obelisks and Pyramides are yet extant in Rome , but all of small value , except that which was newly erected in the Piazza Novana by Innocent the X which is admirable ▪ We gather from the writers of Antiquity that formerly there were many more Obelisks in Rome then at present appear . Pliny the time of Vespasian names many of them . Ammianus Marcellinus the contemporary with Iulian the Emperour sets down more , but P. Victor commemorates to the number of 42. treating of the less . Andrea Fulvius , Pietrus , Angelus , Burgeus Pigafetta , and Michael Mercato , in the latine and vulgar tongue give thereof most ample accounts . Augustus Caesar transmitted two Obelisks from AEgypt to Rome , at the time he overcame Marc Anthony and Cleopatra , and Publius Victor , reckons seaven more conveighed thither afterwards . One whereof was placed in the Gardens of Salustius , which took up all the space and the vale from the Church Santa Susanna to the Porta Collina : This ( they say ) was consecrated to the Moon , and carved with Egyptian Characters , What vast Vessels were built for conveighing these Pliny and Ammianus discourse at large , and one they say had 300 mariners in her . Now let us speak of those Obelisks that are marked with AEgyptian Characters : That of Saint Peter and Santa Maria maggiore being without such . The Obelisk before Saint Giovanni Laterano , all over engraved with Hieroglyphicks was brought as asoresaid by Constantine the great out of AEgypt into Alexandria and erected in Constantinople , and thence by Constantius his son in an immense Galley wherein were 300 Rowers at the Oar , to Rome and by him placed in the Circo Maximo : which Sixtus the 5th . anno 1588 with incredible expence removed to Saint Giovanni Laterano where the Popes used formerly to inhabit . A second he removed from the Circo Massimo to Santa Maria Maggiore formerly Consecrated to the Sun : The third in the Vineyard of the great Duke of Tuscany , filled with Hyerogliphicks : t is but small but t is thought stood in the Campo Martio , in the time of Tarquine the proud . The fourth less than the former was transferred from the Campidoglio , by Ciriaco Mattei , and stands in the Vineyard of the Mattaei who had it of the gift of the Senat and people of Rome : this hath some small Images on the top only ; the others all over . There is another lying in the Via Appia , near the Sepulchre of Cecilia Metella broke in 3 several pieces : which ( t is much admired ) that Pope Sixtus the 5th . did not erect as well as the ●…est : nor is it to be believed but that he would have done it , had not death interrupted this and his other designes . One other smaller Obelisk stands near the Jesuits Colledge . T is admirable that upon all those Hierogls ▪ & Obelisks the sign of the Cross is figured : which might happen , either for that the AEgyptians through some mistery honoured the Cross , or for that they might have had some relation touching it from their Ancestors , and yet without knowing the signification . At the time when by the Emperour Theodosius his command all the Idols of AEgypt were destroyed , On the Breast of Serapis was found the sign of the Cross , whereof the signification being enquired into , the Priests skilled in the sacred misteries of the AEgyptians declared , that they understood by it the Life to come after death here : which could not portend other , than the eternal beatitude whereto our Saviour by his death on the Cross opened the way . Thus Socrates the writer of the Ecclesiastick Histories in his 5th . Book 27th . Chap. recounts , as also do Russino , Georgio Cedreno , and Suida , in their writings . We must observe that the punishment by the Cross in those dayes common to Malefactors was taken away by Constantine the Emperour a true Christian , through his Reverence of our Saviours death : who in lieu thereof constituted the Gallows , as divers Authors relate : Which Emperour also prohibited by a severe Law , the conculcating any Cross upon the Earth Let thus much serve touching the Obelisks of Rome , if the Reader be curious to search into those in Constantinople and other places ( the discourse whereof is not to our purpose ) let him peruse the treatises of Michael Mercato , Pietro Bellonio , and Pietro Gillio , upon this subject . In Rome also are 3 famous Collumnes : one Called Rostrata in the Campidoglio erected by C. Duilio , after the Carthaginians were overcome in the Punick War. Another of Trajan , which Sixtus the fifth dedicated to St , Peter : and that of Anthony which the same Pope consecrated to Saint Paul in anno 1580. The AQUEDUCTS . TIBERIUS Caesar conveighed the Acqua Virgin into the City but the works falling to decay Pope Nicholas the 5. in the yeer of Christ 1554. and the seaventh of his Papacy restored it to its first beauty as by the Inscription at the Fontana di Trevi appears . Sixtus the 5th . brought the Acqua Felice into the City , calling it Felice from his own name before he was advanced to the Pontifical Chair : Other Popes have likewise layed and restored other waters for the Citizens conveniency and delight . A Guide or Direction for the most convenient view of the Antiquities of ROME . WE will begin from the Vatican , chiefly in favour of those who come from Tuscany to Rome , entring by the Porta Vaticata , near the Castle Saint Angelo . Here ly the Meadowes and fields of Quintius or as others say of Pincius at this day called Prata a lovely and pleasant place , whither the youth usually resort for Recreation . The Porta Elia , called vulgarly di Castello leads to Adrians Mole , A vast Pile which he raised for the burying place for himself and the Antonini , being large and strong , but at present better accomodated than in his time , for that the Popes have made it a Fortress for their own retreat and security , in time of imminent danger of Enemies , to which a long Gallery under Ground leads from the Palace of St. Peter , for their more convenient and safe passage . Heretofore One Cresentinus made himself Lord of it by force of Arms and of the City also : but at present the Popes possess it , and cal it Castel St. Angelo , from the Marble statue of an Angel with a sword in his hand sett on the top of it , which Alexander the 7th . augmented and fortified in ample manner as by the Inscription on the Bridge may be understood . In it are kept the three millions of Gold , which may not be imployed on any use but defence of the Apostolick state in point of Arms. The Marbles , Collumnes , and Statues formerly there , were conveighed to the Vatican , and placed in the Church of Saint Peter , and the Papal Palace , and nothing of Antiquity left behind but the structure , and two heads , the one of Adrian the Emperour armed , the other of Pallas , with some inscriptions on the walls , which notwithstanding , t is yet most worthy observation . Here stands the Ponte or Bridge Elio , so called for that Elius Adrianus the Emperour built it for his Sepulchre : but at present t is called Ponte di Castello , on either side of it stand the statues of the Apostles Saint Peter and Saint Paul , wrought with excelling Workmanship under Pope Clement the 7th . at the time that the Tyber grown beyond its usual limits , overflowed to the great devastation of the City and this Bridge in anno 1530. Being upon this Bridge , you may see opposite to you the Hospital of Santo Spirito , and the Ruines of the triumphal Bridge , which was so denominated , for that over it were lead the Pompes of Triumphs as the way to the Campidoglio . All that part of the Vatican hill between the Bridge and the Palace is now called Borgo , but was formerly named la selva because before the time of Pope Alexander the second the Vatican Grove grew there , wherein was erected a Pyramide for the Sepulchre of Scipio Affricanus , whereof some reliques may yet be seen in that part of the Temple called Paradiso ; as the great Pyne Apple , and Peacok of Brass guilt . In the Borgo , almost all the Edifices are stately and noble , and in particular these following : The Palace of the Cardinal of Cesis at the gate of Saint Onofrio , whose first Court is full of Statues and inscriptions , the particulars whereof are printed and published : in it is an Effigies of the Amazon Hippolito infinitely applauded , being the workmanship of Michael Angelo , the Prince of Sculptors , another of Apollo , a third of a Sabyn Woman , no whit inferiour to that of the Amazon , had it Arms proportionable . In the garden stands a statue of Bacchus upon a Pedistol : A Vessel of Brass with a Faunus , a Neptune , a●…d an Apollo , holding a Harp in his hand : An Image of Agrippa , the Daughter of Marcus Agrippa Another of Iulia the Daughter of Augustus Caesar , a Pallas armed , and Herma defloured . On the right hand appears a fountain with 22 Circles about it of Marble stone , on which stand the statues of A faunus , Iupiter Hammon , Pompey the Great , Demosthenes , Spensippus the Philosopher , who was thought to be the Son of a Sister of Plato . In prospective from the Gate may be seen Rome triumphing for the overcoming of Dacia , sitting on a Throne with a Murrion on her head and a Branch of Laurel in her hand , with Dacia placed near it , in a mourning posture and Habit ; round it are Trophees , as Arms of the Barbarous , two conquered Kings in Numidian Marble , bigger than ordinary men , two statues of two of the Parcae : and two Sphinxes of the same Marble . Contiguous with it stands a round Fabrick called the Antiquario , from the many Antiquities contained in it : On the Front is fixed a Visage of Iupiter , in porphyr stone , and an effigies of Poppeia the wife of Otho the Emperour : above which stand five statues , That is of Pallas , Cercs , Victoria , Copia , and Diana . Within are seen the Statue of Somnus , or of Quies , or as others will have it of AEsculapius with Poppy in his hands , and an Image of a Sabine Lady . In the gate on the left hand appears a Visage of Iove , as bigg as a Gyants , on the right another of Hercules , and in the midst a third of Pallas . And under that of Hercules , a Satyre , who blows a Shepheards pipe of seaven Reeds : a neater piece of work then which is scarse to be seen , which is attributed to Scopa . Under that of Iove , a head of Pyrrhus King of the Epirotes with a Leda and a Cupid . The Satyr , and the Leda are most compleat statues . In it are the heads also of Portia , Cato , Iupiter , Ganimed , Diana , Neptune , with a most antient AEgyptian Image called the head of Astrate Mother of Osarides , or as others will of Ope , or Cibele the Mother of the Gods. Near the gate stand two statues , one on the left hand of Aries Fissus of most white Marble , with these words on the Basis , Secura Simplicitas . The other on the right hand of Leone , with these words upon the basis , Innoxia Fortitudo . Near which stands the Emperour , Heliogabulus , clothed at his full length , with certain antique Ceremonies in the sacrifices engraven on the Basis : Upon another Image of an Emperour triumphing drawn by four horses , stands a Simia an Ape cut in AEthiopick Marble in the form the AEgyptians used to worship it . In the Hall is a head of Bacchus of red stone , with a Neptune over it , drawn in a Chariot by four horses , and two statues of the Goddess Pomona . The study of the Cardinal hath its pavement wrought in figure with small stones : and in it are many heads of illustrious Romans , as of Scipio , Africanus , Marcus Cato , M Antonius the triumvir , Iulius , Caesar , Septimius , Severus , L Sy lla , C Nero , Iulia Mammea ; M. Antonius Caracalla , Adrianus , Macrinus , Cleopatra , Faustina , and Sabina , As also a Library furnished no less with Books of Antient than modern Authors , In the withdrawing Chambers are Gems and pretious stones , so well wrought that they best speak themselves , therein also are Scipio Nasica , Brutus , Adrianus Imperator , a sleeping Cupid , and a Child , with divers other vaine things so rare and curious , and rich , that did Rome afford no other Palace than this , you will say when seen , you could not better dispose your time and travel then to behold it ; And that it alone deserve the pains of a Journey thither . The Popes Pallace . ON the Top of the Vatican Hill stands that proud Pallace of the Popes , which like a large City is capable of three Kings and all their followers : here the Popes ( induced thereto from the beauty of the scite , and temperature of the Ayr ) for the most part make their dwelling , having deserted their former on the Laterano . The first thing here to be viewed is the Chapel of Sixtus , which for its grandeur and beauty may be paralleld to any other great and noble Church : in it the Card i●…als assemble themselves for election of the Pope , and call themselves the Conclave , upon the high Altar whereof is that noble Picture representing the Universal Judgment , painted by Michael Angelo , a Piece so generally a pplauded , that it 's held in valuable , for its exellency , and unimitable by all succeding Artists , though divers and those the best attempt it dayly : Near it is the Capella Paolina , painted by the same hand : whence the way lies into the Gardens called Belvedere , The fair fight both for their infinite beauty and the prospect of the most part of Rome , in it are many foreign rare plants . Herein stands the statue of the Tyber foxes connexed with a wolf which gave suck to Remus and Romulus ; The Nyle upon a Sphinx with 17. Children denoting the increases of that River with its effects upon AEgypt , with several monsters & strong creatures proper only to that River : which statue was heretofore found near Saint Ste phens Church , and being thence conveighed into those gardens , is there presented to publique view for that general approbation of excellency which is meritoriously given it . On the walls of the said Belvedere are moreover 12 several deformed Creatures set up , which are carved out of the politest Marble : And in certain Corners and Nooks stands a shape of Antinoo , cut in the whitest Marble of fingular Artifice and in this form by the command of Adrian the Emperour , who deputed divine sacerdotal honours with Temples , whose memory alsothat he might perpetuate , he built a City in AEgypt calling it from his name Antinopoli , On the right hand is the River Arno in the shape of a Man lying along , diffusing water from his Tomb , with Cleopatra on his left hand leaning on her right hand . In the second Armory stands Venus Ericina prepared to come out of a Bath . In the third is the same Venus playing with Cupid and this Inscription . Veneri Foelici Sacrum Salustia Helpis D. D. Near it is a Bacchus armeless , and that Trunk of Hercules , pronounced by Michael Angelo , to be the most compleat statue of Rome , the name of Apollo as sculptor is in scribed on it , as also two other Carasses the one of a Lady the other of Mercury , and an Arch of Marble , wherein is figured the Chase of Meleager found in the Vatican Vineyard , appertaining to his Sanctity . In the fourth Armory in the Cants stands a statue of the Emperor Commodus in the habit and shape of Hercules , holding a Child on his Arm , whose humour was to be so figured and called as historians report . In the fifth Apollo Pitheo , with a Serpent at his feet , and a Carcase having a piece of Cloth upon one Arm , a Bow and Arrows in his hand , and all over naked . In the sixth is Laocoon with his two Sons enveloped by two Dragons as Virgil writes the story , all of one Marble stone : This Piece was esteemed by Michael Angelo the Miracle of Sculpture : and before his time by Pliny who saies that , t was wrought by Agesanero Poliodoro , and Athenodoro the principal Sculptors of their times , and preserved in the Palace of Titus Vespasianus and found in his seaven Halls . Some space from which lies Cleopatra ready to give up the Ghost , of so exact workmanship and polite Marble , that underneath the Marble Garments which seem to lie over the whole body , the Limbs and shape of the person , do perfectly appear . In the same Palace and Gardens which are five , some in Terrace , others low , beside the aforenamed not a few nor mean Vessels and statues present themselves as gratefull Objects to the Visitants thereof : As to pass by others a Fountain made after a rustick manner , round which stand feigned Gods and Sea Monsters , very well represented : Together with the Images of Pope Paulus the 2 and the Emperor Charls the 5th . drawn by the hand of Michael Angelo , and a statue of one of the Curiatii , which is a fair one , and stands where the Switzers keep their Guard. In the Armory , are Arms and all accomplishments for 35000. men horse and foot , and over the door of it is this Motto . Urbanus VIII . Literis arma , Armis Literas . In the Constantine Hall , to pass over the other things which are infinite , are painted several picturs drawn by the principal Painters in all Ages , chiefly the ▪ Battel fought at the Ponte Milvio , and the victory obtained there by Constantine , against Maxentius , the work of Raphael Stantio of Urbin . In the Gallery Pope Gregory the 13th . for the benefit of the Popes to his great cost , caused all the Provinces Regions and Chief Cities of the whole World , to be artificially and exactly lymned annexing to each Province in a sweet style its Encomion . This Pallace was begun by Nicholas the third , augmented by his successors , finished by Iulius the second & Leo the 10th . garnished and beautified with Pictures and other Ornaments , by Sixtus the 5th , and Clement the 8th . so that at this day it remains a stately Receptacle for his holiness , and a worthy object for all Forreigners . Of the Church of Saint Peter , on the VATICANO THis hath meritoriously its place among the seaven Principal and the Library Churches of Rome , and will therefore require breifer account here , T is the most famous and splendid of Rome . On that part which is ascended by steps , is a Pillar erected , compassed about with Iron barrs , and this inscription on it . Haec est illa Columna , in qua Dominus noster Iesus Christus apodiatus , dum pop●…lo praedicabat , & Deo Patri in Templo preceseffundebat , adhaerendo stabat , quae una cum aliis undecim hîc circumstantibus de Salomonis templo in triumphum hujus Basilicae hîc locata fuit . In this Temple is likewise preserved the head of Saint Andrew the Apostle , and the spear which was run into the side of our Saviour , when he hung upon the Cross : It was sent as a gratefull present to Pope Innocent the 8th . by the Turkish Emperour : Here also is the Porta Sancta , which is never opened but in the yeer of Iubile , and that finished is shut again . Which shall suffice to avoid Repetition . To the Church of Saint Peter is joyned the little Church of Santa Petronilla , formerl●… a Temple of Apollo , as that of Santa Maria della febre was of Mars . in the Piazza of Saint Peter stands the Obelisk translated thither from the Circ of Nero in the yeer 1586. at the Instance and cost o●… Sixtus the 5th . where it lay in neglectfull obscu rity , in old times called the Obelisk of Caesar , and under it were then laid the Ashes of Iulius Caesar ; Dominico Fontana was the Engineer . It s heighth is 170 foot besides the Basis which is 37 foot more on the bottom t is 12 foot broad and at top 8. It weighs without the Basis 956148. pound the Instruments prepared for its removall and erecting weighed 1031824. pound . The Removal of it we must needs conclude so admirable as to deserve a place among the great wonders of the Antients , if we despise it not ( as is usual ) for that t was modern . The Circ and Naumachia , the place for sea battails of Nero were near herunto , where they made their sportive recreations in barques upon the water , and cruelly cast those that confessed the name of Christ , to be devoured by wilde beasts . The Borgo hath five gates , to wit , L'Elia at the Castle Saint Angelo , That of Saint Peter under the Popes Gardens , La Pertusa on the highest part of the hill . La Vacina , at the Palace of the Cesis , and the Trionfale , now called of Santo spirito , near which Bourbon received à shot which occasioned his death , and the surrender of Rome to the Emperor Charls the 5th . The Hospital of San Spirito , was first instituted by Innocent the 3d. afterwards aggrandized by Sixtus the 4th , In it they govern with no less honour than love the foreign Infirm persons : so that many rich Men disdain not to retire themselves thither for the government of the sick and infirm , and thereto imploy their skill and time though at their own charges , not having their own proper houses in Rome . Of the Hill Gianicolo , now called Montorio . THe Hill Ianiculus is now called Montorio quasi mons aureus , or the goulden Mount : near it lies the Circ of Iulius Caesar , where appear some fragments of the Sepulchre of Numa Pompilius , which yet demonstrate 't was no great Fabrick : a certain assurance , that Ambition had not then in those times any great place in Rome . Montorio is so called for the sparkling of the sand there ; Where stands a Church of Saint Peter , and a round Fabrick wrought excellently Dorick wise , the design of Bramante . At the high Altar of the said Church is a Marble stone whereon Christ was figured by Raphael of Urbin . On the right hand at the entrance into the Church Christ is rarely painted upon the Wall being whipt , by Bastiano the Venetian called del Piombo . Here stands the Tombe which Iulius the third caused to be built for himself then living , where for all that he had not the happiness to lye ( dead ) but was buried in a mean place in the Vatican . The Gate of Saint Pancratio , was formerly called Aureliana , or Settimiana , for that it was repaired by Septimius Severus , who near it erected an Altar and certain Baths : without this gate you see an Aqueduct not very high , through which ran the waters of the Lake Alsetino , into the Baths of Severus , of Filippus , and into the Naumachia , the place for Sea Fights of Augustus . Where now stands the Temple of Santa Maria in Transtevere , was formerly a Taberna Meritoria , or a Locanda as they now term it being a place for letting out Chambers : There stood also a Temple of AEsculapius , for the deceased , to whom ( because they believed him a God alwaies regarding and assisting to their healths ) the infirm had recourse , and sacrificed . The Naumachia , was a place purposely set apart for the preparing all things necessary for Naval fights . This place is at present called à Ripà , in Rome , where the Vessels are steered by Ostia into the City ; besides in antient time in the Naumachia , they o●…ten presented certain Warlike and Naval sports for the Solace of the Princes and multitude . The Ponte Aurelio , or Gianicolo conjoins the part Transteverina , or beyond the Tyber to the City , but being broken in the civil War 't was afterwards called Ponte Rotto : At last being r●…edisied by Sixtus the 4th . to that magnificence it now appears in , it took the name of Ponte Sixto . In the midst of the Naumachia rise the reliques of the Ponte Sublicio , upon which Horatius alone in the War against the Tuscans sustained the assaults of the Enemies till such time as the Romans could break down the said Bridge near the Gate , by which means the Enemies were obstructed in their hoped for entrance into the City . AEmilius Lepidus caused it a●…terwards to be built of stone : From a top this Bridge the Emperour Heliogabulus the Monster of Nature and Mankind having a stone hung abont his Neck , was cast down into the Tyber . Near hereunto ly the Fields Mutii , given to Mutius Scaevola , by the publick , for the noble Act he performed in the presence of Porsenna King of the Tuscans . At the Port of Ripa , Leon the 4th . built two Towers to hinder the inroads of the Sarazens , who often by Ostia run up the Tyber . Then Borgo was called Citta Leonina ; Alexander the 4th . named it Borgia , and added to it good increase of all things . L'Isola Tiberina , is believed to have rise and beginning in the time of Tarquin the proud , t is not very b●…oad but a quarter of a mile long and was consecrated to AEsculapius : In it is at this day a Church dedicated to San Bartolomeo , At the point of the Island you may see the form of that Ship , wherein the Serpent Epidaurus was conveighed into the City , which form was sometime since exposed to view by the inundation of the Tyber . In the gardens of Cardinal Farneze●… , beyond the Tyber are divers Venuses of the whitest Marble , and several Pyles , on which are figured Men , Lyons , Women , the nine Muses , Satyrs and other things , and a broken pillar with a Greek inscription very memorable which was brought from Tivoli . The Bridge Cescio or Esquilino conjoines the part beyond the Tyber to the Island ; t was built by Valentianus and Valens Emperors , and is now called Ponte Saint Bartolomeo from that Church which stands in the Island contiguous with it . In the same Island stands the Church of San Giovanni Battista , which formerly was the Temple of Iupiter , and in the uppermost part of it yet appear the ruines of a Temple of Faunus , which was reduced to that sad condition by the Inundation of the River . The Bridge Fabricio , called also Tarpeio , connexeth the Island with the City , passing through the midst of Marcellus his Theatre , t is at this time called Ponte dài quatro capi , from certain statues the●…e reared , each of which hath four faces and heads . The Theatre of Marcellus was built by Augustus Caesar , at the Bridge Fabricio , in honour of Marcellus the Son of his Sister Octavia , ) capacious for eighty thousand persons ) to which structure that she might add the more lustre as in remembrance of her said Son Marcellus , the said Octavia complea ted a most admirable & well furnished Library of Books of all sorts and sciences . This Theatre the House of Saevelli at present possess : The said Augustus raised also the Banqueting house called Octavio in honour of his said Sister Octavia , part whereof yet is on foot , in the midst of the said Theatre , where are some shops of Goldsmiths now , but was formerly much more beautified by many rare statues , as among others with a Satyr , the work of Prasitelle , the nine Muses of Timarchide , and the Image of Iuno , now placed in the Mansion of Iulius the third in the Via Flaminia ; Caesar Germanicus illustrated the said Banqueting House , with the addition of a stately Temple , dedicated to Speranza and Hope , towards the Piaza Montanara , to which was conjoined the Temple of Aurora , much renowned among the Antients the very Footsteps whereof time and misfortune have razed out . The House of Savelli , ( in the Theatre of Marcellus , ) possess a most rare piece , being a Lyon cut in Marble , with three Men Armed and prepared to fight him , together with many other Marble Tablets : And a garden very delicious , wherein are several Pyles , whereon the Labours of Hercules are engraven , and divers Statues of Men and pieces of Mercury . San Nicolo in Carcere , formerly was the Prison for the common people , but for that a Daughter expressed so much Piety to her Father there bound in chains as to nourish him many dayes with the milk from her own breasts , Attilia Gabrione , raised there a Temple dedicating it to Piety . Santo Andrea in Mentuzza , was in old times a Temple consecrated to Iuno Matura by Cornelius the Consul , under the Campidoglio . You may see the broken Bridge of Santa Maria Transteverina , or AEgittiaca , so named from the Neighbouring Church ; which was formerly called Ponte Senatorio and Palatino , for that the Senators passed over that Bridge in religious manner to the Ianicolo , to consult the Books of the Sybills , and thence returned to the Court of the Emperours . The House of Pilat placed near the Ponte Senatorio fabulously by the Vulgar , if we make a narrower inspection , and contemplate the most high ruine there appearing , must needs have been the Sudatoria Laconica , or hot Baths . The Foro Olitorio , is the Piazza Montonora , where Evander erected an Altar in honour of Nicostrata Carmenta his mother . The Church of Sancta Maria AEgittiaca , formerly the Temple of Fortuna Virilis , remains almost intire and unblemished having a long row of high Pillars on both sides . Some report it to have been consecrated to Pudicitia Matronalis , and that therein was the Bucca Veritatis , which is esteemed a fabulous story , and that ample round porphyr stone standing before the Greek Schools , which they say was the Bucca veritatis , conld be applyed to no other use then for a Chanel or receipt of waters , as in divers other stones of the like form up and down the City used to the like occasions is most plainly apparent . In the house of the Serlupi in the Fishstreet , they shew a most compleat piece , being the head of the Emperour Vespasian as big as a Gyants , cut in white Marble . In the next house appertaining to the Delfini , are the heads of Lucius Verus , and Marcus Aurelius , of Bacchus , of a Child laughing , and of six others with some Urns , and stones with remarkable inscriptions . Of the place where the Asylum , or sanctuary for refuge stood , there is no Certainty because some place it in this part , others in the Campidoglio , wherefore no ampler account can be given of it , upon a certain foundation . San Stephano Rotondo , which denomination it borrowed from the form of the Fabrick , stands by Santa Maria AEgittiaca , 't was built by Numa Pompilius , and consecrated to Vesta : t is sustained on every part by Corinthian Pillars , aud receaves the light from the top , as doth the Pantheon . La Rupe Tarpeia , lies on the utmost part of the Campidoglio , being a vast proecipice , opposite to the Church Santa Maria Egittiaca , Manlius Capitolinus being found guilty of an intention to Master Rome and become its Tyrant , was at the comand of the Senate praecipitated from this Rock . Some say , that Ovids house stood among those ruins which are near the Church Santa Maria della Consolatione , others that it was in Burgo Georgio , near the Porta Carmentale , at the Foot of the Capitol , where also Valerius Amerinus dwelt , and Opis and Saturnus had Temples . The Temple of Vesta built by Romulus between the Capitolinum and the Palatinum , stood where now is the Church dalle Gratie or dalle Consolatione , wherein the Vestal Virgins kept the holy and perpetual Fire , and the Palladium , with the Domestick houshold Gods brought by AEneas , from Troy into Italy , but the said Temple being burning , the Palladium which was a wooden Image of Pallas with rolling eyes was snatched out of the Fire and translated into Velia , where now is Santa Andrea in Palata . The Foro Boario , took its name either for that there they sold their Bulls , or because Evander having received the Bulls of Gerion consecrated that place for perpetual remembrance of that Victory , Adjacent to the Temple of Saint George , in Velabro stands a fair Arch all of Marble , beautified with excellent figures of Sacrifices , erected in former times by the Goldsmiths and Merchants in honour of the Emperors , Septimius Severus , and Marcus Aurelius . And contiguous with this Arch stood the Temple of Janus Quadrifrons : four squared and in every front a large Gate , and 12. Nooks , wherein t is believed they set up twelve statues , representing 12 Months . The Romans sacrificed to Janus as Prince or President of the sacrifices , calling him also Vertumnus . Many Temples in Rome were dedicated to this God , among which that chiefly flourished which Numa built at the Porta Carmentale near the Theatre of Marcellus which had two Gates only , and they stood alwaies open in time of warr , and shut in times of Peace . Historians report these Gates to be three times only lockt up : The first by Numa the Founder , the second by Titus Manlius the Consul . The third by Augustus Caesar , when he had wholly overcome M. Antonius : Suetonius reports that t was a fourth time shut by Nero , which is proved by certain Coynes of the said Emperor yet extant , with these words on the one side . Pace Populo Romano Ubique , Porta Janum Clausit : Now this Temple is consecrated to Santa Catherina . Il Velabro , where stands Santo Georgio in Velabro , was so denominated for this cause : When the Tyber overflowed and covered the face of the Earth , they could not pass into the Aventinum , from one bank to the other unless in Boats , for their passage wherein they payed a certain piece of money , which in Latin signifies a Booth , those boats being covered over . Santa Maria in Cosmodin , is called Schola Graeca , perhaps for that in former times t was enjoyed by Greeks . They fable , that here Saint Augustin taught , and that here was another Bucca Veritatis . Annexed to this Church towards the Tyber stood a Temple of Hercules Victor , the reliques whereof shew its form to have been round , t was destroyed by Pope Sixtus the fourth . They report that Flyes never entred into this Temple , Hercules by Prayer to Myagrum the God of Flyes , having obtained this favour , for that being about to sacrifice to Jupiter , the Flyes molested the sacrifice : Nor Doggs , Because the same Hercules affixed his Club to the Door of the Temple , which so terrified the Doggs ( it having an innate Virtue to fright Doggs ) that they durst not approach the Gates : Neither Women Servants or made Free could assist to the holy Exercises in this Temple , And only freemen and the Sons of Freemen had admission thereunto . The Great Altar erected by Hercules stood near the Schola Graeca , and by it AEmilius built the Temple of Pudicitia Patritia , wherein when Virginia entred , being herself noble but the Wife of a Plebeian , she was cast out by the other Matrons , whereat being offended she raised another Temple in Borgo Longo , to Pudicitia Plebeia , which caused a great Feud in the Patritian Matrons , but neither of the one nor the other does any footsteps now remain . Monte Aventino . hath been ever counted infamous and inauspicious , for the contest there happening between Romulus and Remus wherein the last was slain . Ancus Martius the 4th . King of the Romans granted it to the Sabines for their habitation , but others write that it began to be inhabited only in the daies of Claudius the Emperor : t is now called by its old name Mons Aventinus . The Church of Santa Sabina , standing on the top of the Aventino antiently dedicated to Diana , was built by Ancus Martius , or as others say by Servius Tullius . Servius the sixth King of the Romans was Son of a Servant or slave , wherefore he commanded that there every year on the 13th . of August a solemn Feast should be kept for the Slaves , on which day of their solemnity their Masters should not command them . Here Honorius the 4th . dwelt , and Pius the fifth erected there some stately Fabricks , to which Girolamo Bernerio called the Cardinal of Ascoli , added others with a Chappel . This Cardinal was of the Order of the preaching Fryers , and for that cause hath been a loving Patron to that Order . The Church of Santa Maria dell'Aventino , was a Temple consecrated to Dea Bona , not far from which stood the House of Julius Caesar : whence Calphurnia , the wife of Caesar proceeded among the other Matrons to the said Temple to the Nocturnal duties performed to the said Goddess , when Clodius inamoured of her , habiting himself in the garment of a Woman , conveighed himself in amongst them , all men being prohibited admission to those duties : Who being no less ignorant of the place than of the Ceremonies , wandred too and fro in search of his Friend Calphurnia , and by that means was discovered by a certain Maid . Upon the Aventino , Hercules Victor had a Temple , which is now called the Church of Santi Alexii . The Hott Houses or Bathes which stood upon the AVENTINO . THe Hot houses or Bathes of Decius the Emperour called Deciane , were near Santa prisca , formerly a Temple of Hercules , whereof as of the ensuing great ruines yet remain : Those called Variane stood near Saint Alexius . And those of Trajan , with his Palace on the farthest part of the Aventino in the Vineyard of Francisci Albertini , a Roman Citizen . The Remoria , yet retains its antient name . 'T was held an inauspicious place because in the bloud of Remus was unhappily begun the City : who was there slain by a wicked man with a Pickax at the command of Romulus , and interred in the same place . the Via Remoria extends it self from the Circo Maximo over the top of the Aventino just to that Fabrick of Pope Paul the 3d. wherewith he fortified the City . Here stands the Sepulchre of Cacus , of whom they make mention in the Fables of Hercules , which is a sharp broken stone in the midst of the Church Santa Maria Aventina , where also was antiently a Temple of Hercules . At this Praecipice , were the Furcae Gemoniae , to which Malefactors were dragged with Iron hooks , and there inhumanely slain , hither the Emperour Vitellius , with an Iron hook fixed under his Chin , and his Cloths torn of to his Buttocks was dragged , and slain by the command of Vespasian , for having put to death Sabinus , Vespasians Brother . The Porta Trigemina though very antient , remains yet almost entire at the Foot of the Aventino near the Tyber in the Vineyard , to which the Baths of Trajan are annexed . This Gate was called Trigemina , from the three twin Brothers , called Horatii , who marched out at that Gate , when they went to fight for the Liberty of their Countrey , against the three Brothers Curatii Albani , which Albani being slain with two of the twin Brothers Horatii , the third returned triumphant . The Dioclesian Granaries of the Roman people were repaired and augmented by Dioclesian the Emperor , from whom they took their name . They stood between the Tyber and the Monte Testaceo , they consisted of 150 several apartments , and their ruines appear like a 〈◊〉 in the Vineyard of Julio Cesarino a Roman . Monte Testaceo stands near them , which was raised by the pieces of Potters Vessels , there cast by the Potters whose streets were there , which place was assigned for that use that they might not throw them into the Tyber , for fear of stopping the current and diverting the stream to their greater damage , nor cast them into the Fields to obstruct the fertility thereof . Whence it grew to the heigth of 160 foot and two miles in compass Some , ( but foolishly , ) call it Monte diogni Terra , ridiculously fabling their conjectures , that this Mount was raised by the Vessels of several Nations wherein they brought their Tributes to Rome , which Vessels they say they were commanded to cast in that place in perpetual remembrance of that their subjection . In old time the Circus Olimpicus comprehended all that space which the Monte Testaceo , takes up now The Pyramid of C. Cestius Septemvirs or the seventh of the Epicures or gluttons , remains yet entire neare the Porta Ostiense , within the City Walls , being built with white Marble , in great square stones and although the Inscription names only C. Cestius , yet t is believed to have been the common burying place of all the Septemviri Epuloni whose charge was to see that the Feasts , the Banquets , the solemnities , and sacrifices of the Gods were strictly observed . La Porta Ostiense , ( now named di San Paulo ) was built by Ancus Martins , and called Ostiense , because through it lies the way to Ostia . Without which gate stands the Church dedicated to Sancto Paulo a most splendid Church , one of the seaven principal of Rome , and much frequented by the people . Therein stand four rankes of vast Marble Collumnes which support it . They are excellently wrought in Dorick , Ionick , Attick , and Corinthian works , nor is there any Church in Rome Replenisht with so many Pillars , nor garnished with so polite and exquisite Marble stones , which were translated from the two Porta's Ostienses The one of Nero , the other of Anto●…inus . Somewhat beyond which stands another Church , called the Tre Fontane , An antient Temple before whose portal rise many pretious Pillars of Porphyr stone , which shine with various Colours : within are shewed three sources of Fountains , whose waters are esteemed holy and salutiferous for many infirmities , they believe , these Fountains to spring miraculously at and ever since the time that Saino Pauls head was cut off by the command of Nero the Emperour in that place . The Visitation of the aforenamed particulars , being exactly performed will be sufficient for the first day . The second dayes Journey in perusing the noted things of ROME . ENtring from Borgo into the City by the Bridge Castello , you meet a way which divides it self in two , on the right hand towards the Tyber goes the Strada Julia , in which the house of the Cevali stands worthy a view , and in the other street near the Ba●…chi , is the house of the Cardinal Sforza , replenisht with Antiquities , noble Pictures , and a Library of Greek Manuscripts . Alla Pace in the house of ●…ancellotto Lancellotti , a Gentleman , are many rare antiquities . At the end of the Parione are the ample houses Arianae , in whose Angle is seated That Statue of Pasquin , the most famous of all that City yea of all the World. This some suppose to be made for Hercules , others for Alexander the great : but there is no certainty of either , though it appear the workemankip of some rare Artist . In former times they were wont to load this Image with Libels a-against the Princes , Cardinals and famous Men , and noble Matrons and sometimes against the Pope : but now left off because of the severe prohibitions , since when though they dare not fix them to the Pasquino , yet still they vent their reproofs and scandals under some other specious pretence , publishing them some other way by the name of Pasquinata . Antonio Tibaldeo a Ferrarian , being no less learned than Venerable , reports this story of this statue : That there was in Rome a certain Taylour well known in his trade and good at his occupation , called Pasquino , whose shop stood in this street : this man was well customed by Prelates , Courtezans and other people , who resorted to him for their Rayments , This Taylor employed great number of Journeymen , who like vile persons spent all the day their tongues freely speaking ill of this & that person not sparing any , taking occasion from what they observed in those persons which resorted to their shop ; the constant custome of slandering in that shop made it become ridiculous even to the persons offended , esteeming those rascals unworthy of any credit , and so no other regard was had to it . Whence it came to pass afterwards , that if any person would defame another he did it under covert of Master Pasquino , saying he had heard say so in his shop , which relation caused all the Interessed persons in that reproach , not to make any more account of it . This reverent gentleman Pasquino being dead , it happened that in paving the street , this statue was found half buried and broken near his shop , which because t was incomodious for the passage to leave it there , they erected just at the shop of Master Pasquino ▪ whence the back-biters ( taking a good occasion ) reported that Master Pasquino , was returned again and not having courage enough to own the abuses they put upon others , they used to fasten their Scrolls to that statue : presuming , that as t was lawfull for Mar co pasquino to speak any thing , so by means of this statue they might scandalize others with such things , as in the light and bare faced they durst not own . This Custome continued long till at last t was prohibited with severe penalties . Near hereto is the great Pallace of the Chancery , built by the Travertini , in a square form with the stones translated from the Amphitheater of Titus Vespasianus , which was called Coliseum , which Theatre the Popes would not permit to be wholly destroyed , but left some part in its first Lustre , that by it might appear the splendour of the whole , as a testimony of the magnificence of the Roman Empire . In it stands one great Image of Bacchus , wrought by Michael Angelo Bonarota , at his first arrival at Rome , when he sought to depress the Fame of Raphael Sanctius of Urbin , which he brought in feriour to his own reputation by his Art and policy . Two other great statues one of Ceres , and the other of Opes as is believed . And on the upper part are fixed certain heads , as of Antonius Pius , Septimius Severus , Titus , Domitianus Augustus , and Geta the Emperours , of a Sabin Woman . of Pyrrhus King of the Epirots of Cupid and a Sword Player . Thence not far distant stands the Piazza del Duca , wherein is the fairest Pallace in Rome , built with excessive cost by Pope Paul the 3d a Farnezian , It abounds with so many antiquities that to speak distinctly of them , would fill up a volume : we will therefore pass briefly over them , as now they remain , many things having been changed in later times . For the Architecture t is enough to say Michael Angelo Bonarota , had a chief part therein , and for the Materials , better could not be had then were employed in it , which were brought from the Amphitheatre : As to the statues , Two of Hercules stand in the Court , famous for their workmanship and antiquity , the lesser whereof is most commended ; One of Jupiter Tonante , with two immense sword players , the one having the Scabbard of his sword hanging at his shoulder , and with his right foot kicks the Target , the murrion , and the ground , the other holds behind him a boy dead in his hand : But that which surpasseth all statues is the Tauro Farnese , a Bull with five persons bigger than the natural , cut to wonder , out of one stone by Apollonius and Tauriscus of Rhodes , whence t was conveighed and placed in Antoninus his Bath where about one hundred years since t was dugg up as entire as if made but yesterday , and now stands in this Pallace astonishing all that behold it . In the ascent on the stayers , you see one statue of the Tyber , another of Oceanus , and at the top of two barbarous prisoners in their old habits . In the Rooms above , who delights in Pictures and Sculpture will meet enough to occupy his whole fancy . As the Pictures of Francesco Salviati , and Tadeo Zucchero , both which are much applauded , drawn as if they were taking the fresh ayr : And in a Gallery which is as noble as well painted by the Brothers Carazzi Bolonia , painters of great Fame , you will find many antient heads of signal persons as of Lysia , Euripides , Solon , Socrates , Diogenes , Genone , Possidonio , and Seneca , with the noble statues of Ganimede , Antinoo , of Bacchus , some fair Vessels , and the statues of Meleager , which deserves a name by it self for its great price , being esteemed worth five thousand Crowns then which no statue in Rome is more entire . No People under the Sun give so great prices for statues as the Romans : all which are so studious of those kind of Ornaments , that in acquiring them , they emulously strive which shall exceed in cost or curiosity . In one Chamber they shew the Duke Alexander of glorious memory , having under his feet the River Scalda or Scelda , with Flanders kneeling before him , and behind Victory crowning him , all which statues are cut out of one Marble stone , bigger than the Life . There also are three doggs cast rarely in Brass . The Bibliotheque of this Pallace , the Meddals and carved Toyes , are most famous things , but the Pictures of Raphael , and Titian are incomparable , nor are the Limnings lesse admirable ▪ Opposite to the Farnesi live the heirs of Monsignior d'Acquigno , in whose house are divers inscriptions , an Adonis , a Venus of four thousand Crowns price , a Diana begirt with a Quiver of Arrowes a Bow in her hand like a huntress , and a statue of Bon Evento holding a looking glasse in the right hand , and in the left a Garland of Ears of Corn an absolute Piece , wrought by Praxitelis . Adjacent to the Campo di Fiore , stands the Palace of the Cardinal Capo di Ferro , much less than the Farnesian Pallace , but in splendor and Architecture no whit inferiour . In the Frontispiece is painted the spring time : The President of the spring is Venus , ( which was drawn to the similitude of the Body of Livia Columna , a most beautiful Princess ) & whatever is there represented is amorous : The Complexion of the men is sanguine , and all are marked with the Element of Ayr. So in the other fronts , are expressed the complexions Choller , Melancholy , and Phlegme , the Elements Fire , Water , and Earth , the seasons Summer , Autumne , and Winter , and the Praesiding Gods , Mars , Saturn , and Janus , which are most absolutely performed , and were the work of Michael Angelo , with whom this Cardinal contracted a most intimate Friendship ; and being no less liberal than Jngenious obtained of him , what ever so rare an Artist could possibly invent , among the rest a secret conclave wherein many things are exprest with the highest Art and perfection . The house of the Orsini , in the Campo di Fiore , which was raised out of the ruines of the Pompeyan Theatre , is embellisht with many good statues in the Courts . The Temple of Saint Angelo in Pescaria , was formerly of Juno Regina , which being burnt , was restored by Septimius Severus and Marcus Aurelius the Emperors , as the old Title there to be read verifies : near which are some of the Pillars taken from the Portico of Septimius Severus dedicated to Mercury . At the Tower Citrangole , stands the house of the heirs of Gentile Delfino , which Gentleman had more meddals than any other Person in Rome , and his Garden filled with inscriptions : In them stands a Statue of Canopo placed in the form of a Water Pott , before whose breast they have preposed a Tablet filled with Hierogliphick letters , by which t is believed the secret Mysteries of the Sacrifices are delivered : In Parione at the house of the Maximi may be seen a Colossus , which vulgarly is thought to be the statue of Pyrrhus King of the Epirots armed , bought a long time since by the Maximi of Angelo for two thousand Crowns as also a Marble head of Julius Caesar , with many other things worthy consideration . In the house of the Leni alla Ciambella , are many noble statues lately brought thither from the Porta di S. Bastiano , to wit an Adonis , a Venus , a Satyr , and many excellent heads , where in an old Pile was found an entire purple Garment with some rings and other notable things . Near which stands the house of Cardinal Paravicino , a Signor of noble Qualities , who much delights in Pictures , whereof and those good too he hath not a few . Contiguous with which stands the house of the Vallei , wherein was erected a square Marble stone , with a Solar Horoscope , and the Zodiack signes , where the dayes and howers of every Moneth were denoted , and whatever the Antients were wont to observe as well in the sacrifices of the Gods , as in the Countrey affairs , as fully as our Calenders now express them : but this with divers other Rarities , by the instability of its Patrons , were amoved , and such as they left remaining ( for what reason we guess not ) obscured . On the Ascent of the Campidoglio dwels il Signor Lelio Pasqualino , a Canon of Santa Maria Maggiore , a Gentleman of polite learning , and exquisite manners , where the studious of Antiquities are freely admitted to glutt themselves with the most curious things in Rome , as select Meddals , rare carved works , Implements , and Habiliments of Antiquity in great number . In summ in his house are a Treasure of those things , and he hath observed in this kind more than a man can possibly behold in one day : if he be resolved to publish his observations for the pnblick good of the Ingeniosi , t is certain that a pure and naked index of the Antiquities which he hath collected , would alone advance the studious of good Letters no less in sacred then Profane Learning . On the left hand of the Campidoglio , raises it self a Temple and the Monastery of the Franciscans called Araceli , to which they ascend by 124 marble steps distinguished into five degrees : The Temple is supported by two ranks of Marble Pillars on both sides , then which the world affords not a more sumptuous , the Vatican set apart : This Temple in old time was dedicated to Jovi Feretrio by Romulus after the Sabyn warr , because in that place Jupiter gave assistance to the King then oppressed with the violence of his Enemies . On the left hand upon the third Pillar is engraven these words A Cubiculo Augustorum , and in other places of the Church , are two statues of Constantine and Maximinian , and at the two horses of Castori set at the top of the steps , is represented a fair prospective from the entrance to the inward part . In the Piazza of the Campidoglio , stands a great statue of Marcus Aurelius Antoninus , or as others think of Lucius Verus , of Septimius , of Metellus on horseback , t was transferred hither from San Gio Laterano , by order of Pope Paul the third a Farnesian . Near the Pallace rise great statues of Rivers , to wit of the Nyle , with a Sphinx under it , of the Tygre , with a Tyger near , both having their heads bedecked with flowers brought from the Rivers , and another great statue , by some thought to represent the Rhene a River of Germany , by others to be an Image of Jupiter Panarius , because the Romans freed themselves from the siege of the French by casting bread into their Tents : This Statue is called Marforio , and by means of it they use to answer to the slaunders of Pasquino . Upon a collateral stayer . Case stands a Columne called Milliaria upon which are engraven two inscriptions the one of Vespasian the other of Nero Emperours . In the Pallazzo dei Conservatori are many things worth a view , among others alyonholding a horse with his teeth , whose miraculous workmanship Mic. Angelo was wont to cry up to the skies . Near it appears a most antient Tombe at the ascent upon the steps , and a Pillar pointed with Iron with its inscription , ( according to the manner of those antient times ) of C. Duilio , in honour of whom ( having overthrown the Carthaginians ) this was erected : Hereof many Authors make mention . Beyond which are certain tablets engraven , with the Triumph of Aurelius , and a sacrifice made by him , and at the entrance of the Gate are carved in Marble the Measures or scannings of the Greek and Roman Foot : by which you behold an old statue believed falsly of Marius in a gown . In the hall of the Conservatori stands a Hercules in brass guilt , with his Club in the right hand , and one of the Hesperian apples in the left , this was found in the Foro Boario in the ruines of the Ara Maxima , A Satyr of Marble with the legs of a Goat bound to a Tree : a Statue of Brass upon a Marble Pillar of Juno sitting picking a thorn out of her foot . With another figure of brass of a wolfe , giving suck to Romulus and Remus . This was formerly kept in the Cornicio , near the Ruminale , whence t was first , translated to S Giovanni Laterano , and thence to the Campidoglio : Both these Figures having a general applause from all beholders . Being entred into the Hall of the said Pallace , you behold the lofty seats ( so famous through the world ) of the Magistrates and the Roman Triumphs : These were translated hither from the Court where they were found by Commission of Paul the 3d. that they might be viwed and considered : Upon the subject of those seats now somewhat decayed and broken through Age , Cardinal Michele Silvio composed certain smooth verses there to be read , Where also you find an honourable memorial in marble of the deeds of the most illustrious Alexander Farnese , Son of Ottavio Duke of Parma , whose statue stands in the same place , as also that of M Antonio Colonna , who together with Giovanni d'Austria , obtained a glorious victory on the Sea against the Turks in the Cursolari : Together with some great statues of Popes , in a sitting posture as t were giving Benediction to the People as of Leo the 10th . Gregory the 13th . Sixtus the 5th . all well deservers of the Christian Republique ; and other things giving delight to the Spectator . In the passage from the Campidoglio , to the Rupe Tarpeia in view of the Piazza Montanara , stood the Temple of Jovis Optimi Maximi , which was the largest Temple of Rome , built by Tarquinius Priscus , and adorned & inriched by Tarquinius Superbus , with the expence of forty thousand pound of Silver . The Descent from the Campidoglio or , Capitoll . FRom the Campidoglio or Capitol , you go down into the Foro Romano , which is the space of ground from the Arch of Septimius to the Church of Santa Maria Nuova . At the foot of the Campidoglio , you find the Triumphal Arch of L. Septimius Severus entire , saving that some part is under ground , the Earth being raised by vast ruines of structures : it hath Inscriptions on both sides , with the Warlike Expeditions made by that Emperor by Sea and Land. Here Camillus built a Temple & dedicated it to the Goddess Concordia , when he had reconciled the Common people to the Senate , whose also was that of Juno Moneta , ascended by one hundred steps : 'T was called Junone Moneta , because it praemonished , and advised Romans , with an intelligible voice , that the Galli Senones , were coming upon them . Those eight Collumnes there now being , on whose Capitols are inscribed these words Senatus Populusque Romanus incendio consumptum , reflituit ; are the Reliques of the said Temple of Concordia , wherein the Senate frequently assembled , and made their oraisons . On the left part of the descent from the Campidoglio , lies the place called Sancto Pietro in Carcere , consecrated by his holiness San Silvestro to San Pietro , because he was there taken bound and imprisoned , where a Feast was wont heretofore to be solemnized the first day of August in remembrance of the Chains wherewith Saint Peter was bound which was translated afterwards to San Pietro in Vincula , in Monte Esquilie , the Prisons were first built there by Ancus Martius , to which Servius Tullius annexed the Vaults or Sellers under ground called Tulliani Carceres , wherein ( as Salust writes ) those were strangled who had given in their names to Catalines conspiracy . The Church of Santa Martina ( in whose angle the Colossus of Marforii lies ) was formerly consecrate to Mars Ultor the Revenger . Augustus built and dedicated it after the Philippensian Warr in Pharsalia : some say , That in this Church was the secret place where the Acts of the Senate were kept . In it is a Title made in the times of Theodosius and Honorius the Emperors . Next unto it is the Church of Santo Adriano , antiently the Temple of Saturn , built or rather restored by Manutio Planco , being first dedicated by Minutio & Sempronio the Consuls : This was the Exchequer of Rome , wherein the publique Treasury was preserved as we read that in the time of Scipio Emilianus it had in it eleaven thousand pound weight of pure gold , and ninety two thousand pound weight of silver , beside an infinite quantity of coyned moneys . Here also the Tabulae Elephantinae were layed up , wherein the numbers of the 35 tribes of Rome , were recorded : as also the Military Ensignes , the Decrees of the Senate , the publick Acts , with the spoils of the Provinces and conquered Nations . 'T is supposed that Santa Maria Liberatrice , was a Temple dedicated to Venus Generatrix , It stands at the Foot of the Palatine , those three hollow Pillars some believe to be those before the foot of the Ponte aureo of Caligula , which was supported by 80 Pillars , made with incredible cost , over which they passed from the Pallace to the Capitoll . The Pillar at Santa Maria Liberatrice , is one of those upon which was placed the golden Statue by Domitian , near which stood the Statue of the River Rhene , now called Marforio and is in the Campidoglio , Erected by Domitian for that that Emperor triumphed over the Germans . Near it was the Temple of Concord , with that of Julius Caesar on its right hand , and that of Paulus AEmilius on its left hand , whose structure cost nine hundred thousand Crowns . Those high wals which are beheld at the Foot of the Palatine are part of the Rostri Nuovi , which were so called for that there they setled the Rostra or stemm of their Galleys : here now is the Vineyard of Cardinal Farnese . There Cicero frequently made his Orations there the Fathers assembled and made Laws , and there the head and hand of Cicero ( which wrote his Philippick Orations ) were fixed to a Spear by command of Antonius the Triumvir , whose dishonourable deeds are therein declaimed against . The Rostri Vecchie , were in the Corte Hostilia , near the place of the Council which touched the Church Santa Maria Nuova , which place is called Comitia as much as to say a place to retire themselves together in : for here the senate and People of Rome assembled to treat of the affairs of the the Common-Wealth : and there is built now the holy house of Sancta Maria de inferno . The Temple of San Lorenzo in Miranda , stands in the ruines of the Temple of Faustina and of Antonio , where we find this Inscription Divo Antonino , & Divae Faustinae S. C. As also twelve fair Pillars , near which stood the Arch of Fabius , and the covering of the Palace ▪ which was called Libone . The Piazza of Julius Caesar , extended from the Temple Faustina to that of Santa Maria but at the Piazza of Augustus the Church of Santo Adriano , in Trefori , is conjoyned with it , And in that of Augustus , were certain Porticues and in them statues of illustrious Men set up by Augustus who lived in the house of Livia , in the Via Sacra . The Temple of Santi Cosmo and Damiano , was antiently dedicated to Castor and Pollux which some alledge without foundation to be the Temple of Romulus and Remus . The Temple of Peace , begun by Clandius and finished by Vespasian , was most magnificent and stately , of whose most high structure some reliques yet remain not far from the Church of Santa Maria Nova , and one Pillar yet entire , the highest and biggest of all Rome In the gardens of Santa Maria Nova , appear yet two high round courses of two antient Temples of the Sun and Moon , which some will have to be of Isis & Serapis . There Tatius built a Temple to Vulcan , and in that quarter AEsculapius also had a Temple , and Concordia , built by Fulvius in anno 303. after the erecting of the Capitol : Out of which Temple of Concordia , t is thought Vespasian afterwards raised that of Peace , translating to it moreover many ornaments from the Temple of Solomon , after he had destroyed Jerusalem . Not far distant from the Via sacra , stands the Marble Arch of Titus Vespasian , wherein are carved the pomp of the Triumph , and the spoyls brought from Jerusalem at the overthrow of the Jewes , as the Ark of the Covenant the Candlestick for the seaven Lights , The Table whereon they set the bread of the Proposition or shewbread The Table of the ten Commandements delivered by God to Moses , and the sacred Vessels all of pure gold , used in the sacrifices by the Hebrews , besides which the Triumphal Chariot of the Emperor is carved thereon with this Inscription . Senatus Populusque Romanus Divo Tito , Divi Vespatiani F. Vespasiano Augusto . The Foro or Court di Nerva is also called Transitorio , or the passage because through it they passed into the Foro Romano , and in that of Augusto , where stands the Arco di Noe , so called corruptly by the Vulgar stood the noble Picture di Nerva , where in Fret work are these words . Imperator Nerva Caesar Augustus Pont. Tib. Pont. II. ●…mp . II ▪ Procoris . The Fragments of this Arch are yet extant between the Church Saint Basilio , & the Tower for the Militia . Near it riseth a certain square structure called by the vulgar Studiolo di Virgilio , & they ridiculously fable , That the Poet was hung out of it by a certain whore for a spectacle to the People one whole day . Which to revenge Virgil ( Who studied the Magick Art ) effected that the Fire in the whole City was extinguished , and all the people forced to give fire to their Candles and Lights at the flames which were raised for shaming of the Strumpets . This fable is painted every where but without an Author : Nor is it likely any such thing could happen to that great Vir gil , who for his continency was called Parthe nius . If any thing in this Fable be true I suppose t was writ of some other Virgil a Magician by whom the Neapolitanes speak also many things to have been performed : among others that by the Magick Art he hollowed the Mountain Posylipum and made it penetrable , the Sepulchre of Virgil is erected near this famous Cavern . Near the Temple of Peace is that of the Santi Cosmo and Damiano , which was the Court of Romulus , where the Senate congregated when they had any important affair to consult about : It was wholly burnt , when they burned the body of Publius Claudius , slain by T. Annione Milone , with the Basilica Portia near it , which Marco Portio Catone the Censor reared a top of the house of Mevio . There was also another Court in Monte Celio , where now stands the Church consecrated to Santo Gregori . MONTE PALATINO . THis Hill was inhabited many yeers before the building of Rome and there when at its greatest splendour , did the Emperors and other , great Personages for a long time reside , but now t is overwhelmed with Ruines , and so great a Devastation , that t is the most uninhabited Place of Rome : besides its Desert uncouthness and Thorns , affording nothing of good more than a little Church of Saint Nicholo , some Cottages , and a Vineyard of Cardinal Farnese . Thereon of old stood these stately Temples following to wit , one dedicate to Vittoria built by C. Posthumius the AEdile , Another to Apollo , which being destroyed , was afterwards restored by Augustus Caesar , to greaer beauty , with the addition of that Porticue , whose reliques yet remain more entire than any other in Rome , a third to the Penati brought thither by AEneas , and honoured with much reverence : Others to the Gods Lari , to Faith , to Jove Victorius , to Heliogabalus , to Orco and many other Gods , of whose Temples not any imaginable Vestigia are now extant : And those magnificent Palaces of the Coesars , Tarquinius Priscus the King , of Cicero who bought his Pallace of Crassus for 50 thousand Crowns : of Marcus Flaccus which stood neer that which was bought by Cicero , whereof Q. Catullus made a great Lodge . That part of the Palatino which lies towards the Arch of T. Vespasian , is called Germano , from the Twyn Brothers Romulus and Remus , there brought up by Faustulus the Shepheard whose habitation was in that place : the space from thence to the Arch of Constantine the Great was called Vela , for that there the Shepheards dwelt , whose custome was to fleece or pluck the Wool from off the sheep ( whence they were called in Latin Vellera , Fleeces of Wool ) before the way of shearing was invented . Towards Santa Maria Nova , Scaurus had a noble Palace with an Open gallery supported with Pillars forty foot high without the bases or capitol . The great Palace Gregostaci , was so denominated , for that there they usually entertained the Embassadors of divers Nations : Here Quintus Flaminius dedicated a statue to Concordia , when he had reconciled the People to the Senate , or rather the Senate to the People . The Church Sant ' Andrea , in Pallaria , is the old Temple , wherein the Palladium and Penati , which AEneas brought with him from Troy into Italy were at first placed , but afterwards transported into the Temple of Vesta , and the charge of them committed to the Vestal Virgins . Near it stood the house of Valerius Publicola , which for some suspicion raised among the People , they levelled with the ground in one night . On that part of the Palatine towards Monte Celio , stood a Temple of Cibele called also Dindimene and Ope , The Image of which Goddess was translated from Ida a Place in Phrygia to Rome , and reverenced with great devotion . On that part respecting the Aventino , was the house wherein Augustus Caesar was born , whose ruins yet arise to a vast altitude : to which was adjoyned a Temple of Apollo , upon whose top was fixed a golden Chariot of the Sun , of which some fragments are yet in being , as also a Library , called Palatina : Wherein stood a statue of Apollo , as Master of the Chorus among the Muses raised 50. ..... the noble work of Scopa , It may be conjectured that the Baths of Palatini lay in the Vinyard of Thomaso Faedra , a Roman Gentleman towards the Arco Massimo , approaching which were the Curia of the Salii , and Auguri , with other Fabricks , into these Baths by an Aqueduct , rann a stream of the Aqua Claudia . At the foot of Mount Palatine , to wit at the Pillars of the Gallery of Caligula , is a round Fabrick , being the Church S. Theodosius , which was at first built and consecrated to Jupiter stator , by Romulus , about the time of the Sabyn warr , when the Romans turned tail , and running away , were by the entreaties of Romulus perswaded to face their Enemies , and receive Victory , some say that this was not the Temple of Jupiter Stator , but that it was the ruins of the old Court which stood near the Temple of Concordia . Leaving the Temple of Janus Quadrifrons , and the Foro Boario , in the descent to the Circo Maximo , you meet a hollow place into which out of certain Pipes run copious waters , where the Women wash their Linnen ; t is said that here were the Fountains of the Nimph Junturna in Velabro , now called Fonti S. Georgii . The Vault which appears contiguous with a great Arched common Shoar , was built by Tarquin , for reception of the Channels and Filth of the Citty , with a commodious conveyance thence into the Tyber . Which Arch was so ample , that a Cart and Horses might conveniently passe thorow it . We read that the Censors sometime sould the Filth of this Vault and sink for the fatning the Fields about , to certain persone for 600000. Crowns , which when t was told the Emperor , he answered . Odor Lucri bonus ex re qualibet . Now t is called Chiavica , Close by which lies the Lago Curtio , a Lake so denominated from Curtius who threw himself and horse armed praecipitously into that Vorago , or opening of the Earth , that he might avert the pestilential Ayr exhaling out of it , which infested Rome with a great contagion . There also grew the Grove of Numa Pompilius , wherein he spoke and treated with the Nimphe AEgeria , from whom he learned the Ceremonies of the Sacrifices , and where t was unlawfull for any one to spit . In this place the Ashes of the Galli Senones were layed up , now t is called Dolioli , from the Dolia or earthen Vessels , wherein they put the Ashes of the slain , to be buried . The GIRCO MASSIMO , OF all the Ornaments of the Circo Maximo scarce any thing is to be seen , more than the entire circumscription of the place whereby its amplitude is discerned : It lies between the Palatino , and the Aventino , and is about half a mile long and three Acres broad which some say was capable of 260 thousand men , others restrain it to one hundred and fifty thousand . Here Romulus first set forth the Consaulian Games to the God Conso , after the rape of the Sabyn Women . Tarquinius Priscus designed and Tarquinius Superbus built the place , for the celebration of the Circensian games , and other Solaces for the People , which Augustus adorned , Gaius amplified , Trajan repaired and augmented the Fabrick , and Heliogabalus paved it . At present t is all about in Gardens , but some steps and roofs of little cels remain , which are supposed to have been the Offices of the Actors in the Games , or of such as uttered beer and other necessaries , to the People resorting to the shews . Others think them to haue been the stews wherein the Whores dwelt , exposing their bodies to sale for gaine . Neptune had a Temple conjoined with this Circ , whereof some ruines are yet to be seen incrusted with Fish shels . Where the Church of S. Anastatia stands , were erected two Obelisks , the one of which being 132 foot long without the bases , was translated by Sixtus the 5th . to the Vatican , the other was 88. foot high . Augustus transported both out of AEgypt , for adorning the Circ : wherein also was the Naumachia for exercising Sea-fights : a place now consisting of boggs and Reeds : where also part of those waters flowed which by an Aqueduct were conveighed into the Circ , called Aquae Claudiae . On the left hand rises the Moles , or vast Fabrick of Septimius Severus called Settizonio , from its seaven floors , than which no structure in Rome was higher . The Emperor raised it to that altitude , that it might be Obuious to such as sayled out of Africk into Italy : whoseing it , should adore his Ashes layed up at the very top of it , because himself was an African by birth . Of which immense Edifice three Rafters now only continue , which through long antiqnity seeming to nod , and threaten destruction , Sixtus the 5th . caused to be levelled with the foundation to the great dissatisfaction of the Roman people . One part of the Title Legible was this . Trib. Pont. VI. Cons. fortunatissimus nobilissimus . The VIA APPIA . THe Via Appia takes its beginning at the Arch Triumphal of Constantine , and leading by the Settizonio of Severus , conductes one to the Baths of Antoninus , whence it passed by the Porta Capena , to the ruins of Alba Longa , and thence to Brindesi . Blind Appius the Senator gave name to it , paving it with most hard stone to Capua , thence Caesar prolonged it , but Trajan repaired , enlarged and compleated it , its reliques are yet to be discerned , at Rome , Piperno and Monte Cincello . but that part of the Via Appia , which leads from the Baths of Antoninus to the Porta Capena , is called the Via Nava , all which was paved by Antoninus Caracalla , when he built his Baths , then which ( except Dioclesians ) none in Rome , are more perfect . In these Baths stand Pillars of Serpentine stone ; and great Bathing places cut out of Marble : they were placed near the Church San Sisto in the Aventino , and to them was adjoyned a Temple of Isis , where now is the Church de i Santo Nereo and Archiole : along the Via Appia rose many Temples of Gods , whereof no fragments are now extant . The Porta Capena , was so named from Capena , a City near Alba Longa , the way whereunto lay through this gate , which was also called Camaena from the Temple of Camaenae , that is to say the Muses which was but a little eloigned from it : It was also called Triumphal because through it , the Scipioes entred the City triumphing , and likewise Charls the 5th . the Emperor , entred by the same into Rome , ( Paul the third then reigning , ) when he came from his Victory over the Africans , At this day t is called Porta S. Sebastiani , from the Church consecrated to the same Saint , which is two miles distant from the gate near the C●…metery , of Calixtus . On each side of this way ly magnificent Sepulchres , in great number , yet almost entire , as also the footsteps of Many Temples , though not exactly discernable . Here also remains a certain round Fabrick , judged to be the Sepulchre of the Ceteghi , for in the titles may be read on both sides the name of the Family of Cetega , and not far from the City is f●…en the River Almone , which running into Rome , commixes with the Tyber under the Aventino . That high round Mole on the right hand proves it self to have been the Sepulchre of the Scipio's by the inscriptions upon it . On the left hand as you leave the Via Appia you meet the Church Domine quo vadis , the history whereof is related before . The adjacent Fabrick is supposed to be the Sepulchre of the Lucilli , here , as under diuers others are certain Vaults digg'd , and they divided in several for the comodious disposal of the Vessels and Urns containing the Ashes of the Defunct . The Brick wall is thought to be part of the Temple of Faunus and Sylvanus . On the right hand of the Church Saint Sebastiano , stands an entire Temple but dispoiled of its ornaments , formerly dedicated to Apollo , into which the Shepherds to preserve their Flooks , from the heats of the day , and incomodities of the nights do often drive them . About forty paces farther in the adjacent sields , amongst thorns and brambles , in an obscure place , is a subterranean Cavern . whose entrance through the heaps of stones is difficultly found , but when entred , you behold Vaults built with good Art , on each side of which are long repositories , wherein the bodies of deceased Christians , whom t was not lawfull to bury solemnly or openly were reposed . In these Cavernes were the primitive Christians wont to conceal themselves , to fly the Emperors raging persecutions , now called Stanze de Christiani . In the Temple of Saint Sebastiano , they descend by certain steps into the Caves under ground , which are called Catecombe . Wherein in old time the Christians for fear of Tyrants usually lay ●…id : in these t is reported that forty Popes suffered Martyrdome , and with them one hundred seventy four thousand Christians , as by the Inscription over the ingress clearly appears . The place is adored with the highest devotion , and its profundity and Darkness creates no small fear . T is not possible to find the way in without Torches and Lights , nor safe to go too & fro in the several divisions ( which are like a Labyrinth ) without a good guide , T is called Caemiterio , di Calisto , Among the Reliques in this Church they shew the Prints or Footsteps of the Feet of Christ upon a stone , which they say were there left by Christ at his ascension into Heaven in the presence of his Disciples . Many other things are writ hereof by Onosrius , and others . On the side of this Church is found a vast round Temple supported by one hundred Marble Pillars consecrated to Mars Gradivus by Sylla while he was AEdile , in it Audience was given to the Embassadors of Enemies , by the Senate , to prevent their ingress into the City , least they should make advantages of their admission as Espials ; they report the greater part of this Temple at the prayers of the Pope Saint Stephen , to have fallen down , when by the command of Galienus , he was there compelled to sacrifice to Mars : Near hereto they preserved the Stone Manale , which when the Romans would obtain Rain they solemnly brought in procession into the Citty Beyond that upon the Via Appia , rises the Walls of a square Castle very entire : which some believe to have been Sinvessa , others Pametia , but the most to be credited averr it to be the Stanza or abiding place of the Praetorian Souldiers , within these walls is a spatious Concave . Here on all sides ly huge Sepulchres , some built in a square , others in a ●…ound , a third sort in a Pyramid form , either with brick or Marble , whose inscriptions demonstrate , that they were erected for the Metelli , Among which a great structure in a round form seems the most conspicuous , being raised with squared white marble stones to the bigness of a Tower , hollow within and open at top , so that standing below one may see the skies : Its walls are about 24. foot thick , in whose circuit are interwoven the heads of Bulls and Oxen cleared of the skin and flesh , as in their sacrifices they used them , between the garlands of Leaves and Flowers . The heads amount to the number of 200. Sacrificed to the God Capode Boi , and the Antiquaries will have , that at the famous Sepulchre of Cecilia Metella a double Hecatombe was performed . At the Foot of the neighbouring Hill , if you pronounce a whole heroick verse , an admirable Eccho returns it whole , and articulately for the most part , and confused otherwhiles eight times answered : In no place is heard so rare an Eccho , which is said to be excited by artifice , that at the Funeral of this Caecilia Metella , the ejaculations of the weepers and the funeral houlings might immensely be multiplyed , while that double Hecatombe was celebrating , and the Funest duties performed in honour of that Matron . In the next depressed place , ly the mighty ruines of the Circo Hipodromo , The structure hereof is attributed to Bassiano Caracalla raised in the Place where Tiberius the Emperor , built the Stables for the Praetorian bands : here the Souldiers exercised themselves in running , riding , and driving Chariots . In the midst of the Area , lie certain signes of the places whence the horses rushed out to their courses , as also of Bases , Statues , Altars , and meets or bounds for the Courses ; round it are many pictures , in the midst lies an Obelisk of speckled stone called Granito , flat upon the ground broken in three pieces , carved all over with Hieroglyphicks , branches with Leaves and animals . T is supposed that Sixtus the 5th . would have reared this as he did others had not death shortned his days . Above the Circ riseth an entire Temple four squared , with Pillars , and Corridores before it : Which as is supposed was dedicated to the Dio Ridicolo , uppon this occasion : Hannibal having slain 40 thousand Romans at the battail of Cannae , marched with his victorious Army to the siege of Rome , and pitched his Camp in that very place : where a diffused Laughter being heard over his Camp it caused a prodigious fear , and that made him raise the Siege and retreat to the Terra di Lavoro : which had he obstinatly continued some time longer , ( having created such a consternation in the Citizens ) he had undoubtedly taken Rome with small difficulty : but as Livy saies an Affrican told Hannibal , He knew how to obtain but not how to make use of Victory . Thus was Rome delivered from Hannibal : and the Romans in commemoration of so great a benefit received from the God of Laughter , consecrated that Temple to the Dio Ridicoloso . Hence you must return by three miles journey back to Rome , and arrived at the walls enter by the Porta Latina , near whereto is the Church S. Giovanni where t is said the same Saint was cast into boyling oyl by the command of Domitian , for which a feast is alwaies solemnized in May , thence follow the street to the Porta Gabiosa , so called , for that intending for the Citty Gaba , you must march out of it , where the Via Roma connexeth with the Prenestina : as sometimes the Via Appia unites with the Latina . MONTE CELIO . Leaving the Wall on the right hand of the Porta Gabiosa , you ascend Monte Celio , wch runs along by the wall to the Porta Maggiore . This Hill was antiently called Querquetulano , from the multitude of Oaks growing thereon , before the Tuscans inhabited it : to whom licence was given to dwell in the Bourg Tosco , because they marched under their Captain Cloche Vibenna , to the assistance of the Romans against their Enemies . On this Hill at this day rests no Antique thing of moment , more than the infinite ruines of Fabricks . One part of it is na med Celiolo , where stands a Church of Santo Giovanni Evangelista , called ante Portam Latinam , which was antiently a Temple sacred to Diana . On the top of the Celio , is a round Church dedicated to S. Stefano , by Pope Simplicio , from being a Temple of Faunus , whose antiquity threatning destruction , Nicholas the fifth repaired it , and Gregory the thirteenth beautifyed it with Pictures of Martyrs and Saints . Curia Hostilia stood where now is Santi Giovanni and Paulo towards the Settizonio of Severus , built by Tullius Hostilius , different from that in the Foro Romano , Here the Senate assembled for state affairs . The Church of S. Maria in Domenica is seated towards the Aventino , and was restored by Leo the 10th . here antiently stood the Dwellings of the Albani , and near them the Aqueduct for the Aqua Claudia , in the Arch whereof are engraven these words P. Corn R. F. Dolabella , Cos. C. Junius C. P. Silanus Flamen Martial . Ex S. C. Faciundum curaverunt . Idemque Probaverunt . By the same Aqueduct stands a great Fabrick as a conservatory of the Waters . The Castra Peregrina stood in old time where the Church of Santi quatro Coronati , was built by Pope Honorius , and restored by Paschal the second . In those Castles they used to rendezvouz and accommodate the People for Sea affairs , which Augustus used to keep in the ordinary Fleet at Niseno . Between the Porta Gabiusa , and Celimontana abound great ruines of the Palace of Constantine the great ( called now S. Giovanni ) by which may be comprehended the magnificent state and splendor of that Emperor . San Giovanni in Laterano keeps its antient name built by Constantine the Great at the instance of Pope Sylvester formerly the Seat of the Roman Pontifices at first called Romae Episcopi Bishops of Rome , but afterwards ( induced thereunto by the pleasantness of the Vatican Hills ) they translated their habitation thither , building a renowned Palace near St. Peters Church . Near the said Church stands Il Battisterio di Constantino : of an orbicular form sustained by 8. porphyr Pillars : Report saith that Constantine the Great labouring under a Leaprosie , at the perswasions of his Phisicians resolved to bath himself in the blood of Infants , and for that intent erected this sumptuous structure : but being admonished in a dream to bath himself in holy water in the name of Jesus Christ the true God , whom Helena his Mother worshipped , the Emperor obeyed the Celestial admonition , and was baptized in that porphyr Font now in the said Temple : For the truth hereof the Reader is desired to consult his own thought : It not being likely , that so magnificent a structure should be built and intended for perpetrating that notorious crime , which should rather be kept close and tacitely concealed , than published with such vain ostentation ; besides that Historians say he was baptized by the Nichomedian Bishop , when he arrived in Asia , B●…isardo thinks that the said Battisteri●… was rather the Bath to the Lateran Pallace and the Form of the Fabrick induceth him and others to the same belief : But however it was t is most certain that Constantine the great , having profest the Christian Religion , was baptized in this Church and the same Babtistary t is shewed to this day , and all converts to the Christian Religion , are there still baptized . On the right hand of it are certain holy chappels , and therein preserved many pretious Marbles and some Pillars conveyed hither from Jerusalem . At the entrance of the Church San Giovanni Laterano , stand many sumptuous Tombs of Popes , and Altars wrought excellently with Marble , upon the high Altar is the last supper of Christ ingraven in silver of great value , set up by Clement the seaventh , who also raised , the great rich Organ , and that stately Vestry for the use of the Church . Before the Chorus were four hollow brasen Pillars of Corinthian work , which t is said were brought from Jerusalem full of the holy Earth where our Saviour was enterred , others say that Sylla fetched them from Athens , and others that Augustus caused them to be cast in Rome of the Beaks of the Galleys taken in the Actiack battail and in memorial applyed to the Temple of Jupiter Capitolino . Furthermore others say that Vespasian translated them with the other spoils from Jerusalem . Of late , Clement the 8th . caused them to be guilt over , and placed them on the high Altar , with a brass Scutcheon guilt and affixed to them , wherein his Arms are engraven . Before Sixtus the 5th . reedified from the foundations the Lateranian Palace , there was a great hall , where the Pope with the Ecclesiastical Synod of Cardinals and Arch-bishops rendred themselves when they were to manage any substantial business . Those three great marble Collumnes were shipped from the Palace in Jerusalem , here the Later ane●…sial counsels were solemnized with the assistance of the whole Clergy . The Scala Sancta , contained 28 stairs which stood in Pilats House the which Christ ascended when he was whipped , are transferred by the Pope into another place where Christians frequent them and for devotion creep up them upon their knees kissing them . Here were two porphyr chairs , whereof the Enemies of the Catholick Faith recount certain shamefull Fables which have been sufficiently confuted by Cardinal Bellarmine , in his first Tome of the controversies of the Roman Bishop , as also the story of Pope Joan whom the story saies to be John the 7th : who succeeded Leo the 4th . confuted by the said Cardinal and Onofrius , and lately by Florimondo Romondo in French , The Pillar of white Marble placed in the wall , and divided in two is thought to be broken miraculously at the death of Christ , when the Veyl of the Temple rent . Sancta Sanctorum is a Chappel held in great veneration , the ingress therein is forbidden to women : In it are kept the Ark of the Covenant , the rod of Aaron , the Table whereon Christs last supper was celebrated : of the sacred Manna , the Navil string and praepuce of Christ , a Vyal of Christs blood , some thorns of his Crown , one whole Nail wherewith he was fastened to the Cross. The Snaffle of Constantine the great his Horse , which was made of the two nayls which pierced his feet , the fourth was placed in the Emperors golden Diademe . In the same place are likewise shewed many Reliques which are regarded by the Romans with huge Devotion : here is to be observed that the old pictures of the Greeks , and Gregory , Bishop of Turona shew , that Christ was fastened to the Cross , with two nails in his feetand a little table under . Somewhat distant from S. Giovanni , stands a Gate of the City called now by the same name , but antiently Celimontana from Mount Celio Hence the Via Campagna takes its beginning leading to the Campagna called Terra di Lavoro from its sterility : Forth the City it joines with the Latina . On the back part of Monte Celio , lyes the Church Santa Croce di Jerusalem , one of the seaven chief , formerly sacrate to Venus and Cupid , In it is kept a part of the Lords Cross , and the title of the Cross writ in three languages , one of the thirty pence , which Judas the Traitor received for betraying Christ , a Thorn of the Crown , with other sacred Reliques . Here under the Earth Helena the mother of Constantine built a Chappel , wherein Women are permitted entrance only upon the 20th . of March , to the Monastery of this Temple is adjoyned an Amphitheatre , somewhat less but more antient than the Coliseo , which was edificated by Statilius Taurus , in the reign of Augustus : but t was for the most part destroyed by Pope Paul the 3d. for reparation of the Monastery . On one side of Santa Croce appear yet some ruines of the Basilica Sessariana , near the Walls . The Arches which enter the City by Porta Nevia , and pass over the top of the Celio , to the Aventino , were the Arches for the Aqueduct of the Claudian water : and were the highest and longest of Rome , Claudius conveighed this water from forty miles off into the City ; Some of this water run into the Palace , some into the Campidoglio , but the greatest part to the Aventino : The said Porta Nevia , was also called Nevia , and Santa Croce and was built in an Arch Triumphal , which demonstrates the Majesty and grandeur of the work . Near the Aqueduct for the Aqua Claudia towards Monte Celio , stands the Hospital S. Giovanni being both wealthy and comodious for receipt of infirm and sick Persons , abounding in all sorts of Phisical ingredients , Physicians , Apothecaries , Surgeons , attendants , and whatever els can conduce to the good of the Patients : This conveniency hath in all ages induced many Princes and other Persons of quality and riche●… , when their Maladies require , to make this Hospital their abode , though they lye there at their own expence . In the Court of it are Sepultures of divers sorts . Baths with sculptures of Satyrs and different Actions : The battail of the Amazones : The Chase of Meleager and other fair objects . The Temple of S. Clement Pargetted with various coloured Marble , hath divers old inscriptions , many figures of the sacred in struments used in the divine services by the Popes as also in the Sacrifices by the Priests of the Gentiles and the Southsayers . In the return you meet that stupendious and admirable Mole the Amphitheatre , called vulgarly Coliseo from the Colossean statue of 120 foot high , which Nero erected . The altitude of this Amphitheatre was such , and the structure so compact , that Rome afforded nothing more stately . 'T was eleaven yeers continued labour for thirty thousand Slaves , and capable of eighty seaven thousand men , who might conveniently dispose theselves in the surrounding Seats for be holding the Playes there yeerly exhibited . The house of Nero occupying all that space between the Hils Palatino and Celio , reached to the Esquilie , so ample that it had more the face and semblance of a City , than of a single house , within were comprehended Fields , Lakes , Woods , and a Gallery of a mile long , with three ranks of Pillars , many of its Chambers were guilt and adorned with gems : and the Temple dedicated to Fortuna Seia , had in it an Image of the same Goddesse of transparent Marble . On the left hand stands the Arch Triumphal of Constantine the Great , as yet whole and perfect with all his victories and statues carved on it . This Arch was erected in honour of that Emperor by the Romans after he had overcome at Ponte Milvio , Maxentius , who had tyrannically oppressed Rome and Italy . At present they manage horses in the Coliseo . And near it rises a proud Fabrick in form of a Pyramid , which was called La Meta Sudante , for that thence issued Streams of water , whereof such as had disposed themselves in the Amphitheatre to see the sports , had given them to satisfie their thirsts when desired by any . Thus ends the second dayes Journey . The third dayes Journey of ROME . LEaving the Castle Saint Angelo on the right hand of the Torre Sanguina , passing through the street Orso , where it divides you find the house of Bildo Ferratino in the frontispiece whereof stands a statue of Galba the Emperor with other figures . In the Palace of the Duke of Altemps , they shew many monuments of Antiquity , Epitaphs , Inscriptions , aud Reliques which wonderfully delight the eyes of skilfull Artists , and ingenious Men , among others the statue of Seneca , the Philosopher and the Vestry and Chapel of the Duke , clear demonstrations of the piety and religion of the Patrones . Near it stands the house of Cardinal Gaetano containing some rare Antique statues . Towards Navova is the Church of S. Apollinare formerly the Temple of Apollo , and behind it the Church of Saint Augustine , where the Tombe of Santa Monica his Mother is shewed with her Reliques . That spatious Court before the Palace of the Dutchess of Parma , corruptly called Piazza Navona , was formerly the Circo Agonale , wherin they exhibited the Agonalian fights and games instituted by Numa Pompilius in honour of Janus . Nero augmented this Circ , and so did Alexander the Son of Manca , who erected also near it a Palace and the famous Alexandrian Hot baths . Hereabouts also Nero and Adrian had their Baths . but the continued edifices there have lost the very foundations of the old structures . In the house of the Bishops of Saula , is shewed the Head of M. Tul lius Cicero , in that of Alexander Ru●…ino , the Image of Julius Caesar Armed , like a Colossus , with his thighs neatly harnessed after the old-fashion , and oposite to it , another of the same heighth , and vests of Octavius Caesar. Then which statues , Rome scarce affords any thing of better workmanship . Those round and high Arches which rise in that place called the Ciambella , are reliques of the Bathes of M. Agrippa : near which Nero built others , whose Fragments shew themselves behind S. Eustachio . M. Agrippa Built the Pantheon near his Bathes in honour of all the Gods , a Temple to be admired for the Architecture and wealth , the most antient , entire , and splendid of any at this day extant in Rome He built it orbicular , that Preeminence of Place might create no quarrels among the Gods. Others say he dedicated it to Ope , and Cibele , as mother of the Gods , and Mistress of the Earth . Afterwards the Popes consecrated it to the Blessed Virgin and all the Saints . It hath no windowes , being in lieu thereof supplyed with light from a great Open space at top , the rain water driving there through is received into a large brass Vessel at the bottom , which in old time was covered with plates of silver but Constantine the Nephew of Heraclius took away that with the other ornaments of the City ; antiently t was ascended to by 7 steps , but now who enters it must descend 18. steps , whereby appears how vast are the heaps of ruines . An inscription of very long Letters testifie that Severus , and M. Antonius repaired the Pantheon : then threatning a ruine . Herein lies Raphael of Urbin , the Prince of Painters ▪ And before it stands a large Vessel of Porphyr admirable for the grandeur and curiosity of workmanship , one like to which is extant in Santa Maria Maggiore under the Crucifix . Near it Santa Maria della Minerva , so called from its first dedication to Minerva presents it self ; where the Dominican Fryers inhabit : which hath nothing of antiquity more than the Walls and some old Inscriptions . Here lies the Cardinals , Pietro Bembo , and Tomaso Gaetano , learned men of their time : and Santa Caterina of Siena . A great arch now old , rude , and divested of all its ornaments , stood near it , called Camiliano , which they think to be built by Camillus , but falsly , for those kind of works were first set a foot in the reigns of the Emperors : sometime since , this Arch was by licence of Pope Clement the 8th . pulled down by Cardinal Salviano , who with those stones amplified his own adjacent Palace , near this Arch lay a foot of a Colossus very great , which is supposed to be transferred to the Campidoglio , where t is now obvious . In the house of Paulus de Castro , is seen the head of Socrates , with his whole breast , and many other things which will recreate the spectator : In the Palace of S. Marca in the Via Lata , there , is such another Vessel of Marble as is at San Salvatore del Lauro , taken out of the Baths of Agrippa and a statue of Fauna or as others say of the good Goddess . All those things wherewith of old the Court of Nerva was garnished , are either by age decayed , or translated to some other place t is called also Foro Transitorio , because over it they walked to go to the Foro Augusto and Romano , for which reason that Church is called S. Adriano in trefori . here stood likewise the Palace of the said Emperor whose ruines were removed elsewhere . Here also lies the Foro Trajano , between the Campidoglio , the Quirinale , and the Foro Augusto , this was environed with a magnificent gallery sustained with noble pillars , whereof Apolliodorus was Architector and adorned with statues , Images , and a triumphal Marble Arch , of all which nought remains , except two of the Pillars at Santa Maria di Loreto . And one Collumne spread over within with Cockle shells , which demonstrates the splendor and Majesty of the Emperors ; t is 128 foot high besides the bases , which is 12. foot more : t is raised by 24 stones only , but they so vast , that it appears the work of Gyants , every one of those stones hath eight stayers by which they get up inwardly to the top , which are enlightned by 44 Casements . Round it are carved the noble Acts of Caesar Trajano in the Dacian Warr. No part of the world can boast a work more admirable , or more magnificent . 'T was erected in honour of that good Emperor , who was not so fortunate as to see it finished , for being detained in the Parthick warr , upon his return a flux of blood seized him in the City of Soria , in Sele●…cia , whereof he dyed his body was brought to Rome , and his bones inclosed in a Pile , placed on the top of the Columne . In this Foro di Trajano , stand the Churches of Saint Silvester , S. Biasio , Sant Martino , placed there by S. Marco the first Pope . Boniface the 8th . erected there 3 Towers , called now , Le Militie , chiefly that in the midst , where Trajan used to quarter his Souldiers . Above it lies the the Vineyard of Cardinal Pietro Aldobrandino , meriting a view , wherein besides the Fountains and Sources of waters which form many streams , you may see some old noble Marbles among others Harpocrate a Child , wrought by an exquisite hand , and an old painted picture , found some yeers since retaining the beauty of its colours : a wonder to believe , since it is so antient , and so long lay hid in a grotto near S. Maria Maggiore . IL MONTE ESQUILINO . AT the Foro di Nerva begins the Suburb , which extended to the Tiburtina dividing the Esquilie ; the Vale between the Esquilie , and the Viminale they name Vico Patricio , because many Patritii that is to say Nobles dwelt in that part . L'Esquilie , was so called because in the time of Romulus the Sentinels were placed there , this hill is severed from the Celio , by the Via Lavicana from the Viminale by the Vico Patritio . The Via Tiburtina , as abovesaid ( crosseth it in the midst which way ascends from the Suburb to the Porta Nevia , but before it comes to the trophees of Marius t is cut in two , the right hand way leads towards San Giovanni Laterano , conjoyning with the Lavicana , the left goes to the Porta di San Lorenzo by the name of Prenestina . In the Via Tiburtina , is the Arch of Galienus the Emperor called San Vito from the neighbouring Temple . Here was the Macello Lanieno , the Market for all eating things . The Temple of Isis , now of Santa Maria Maggiore , consists of exquisite structure , adorned with gold and rare Marbles and sustained by Ionick Pillars . Here Santo Hieronimo , lies enterred and here they shew an Image of the Virgin , painted ( as is credited ) by St. Luke the Evangelist , Near it stands the Church of S. Lucia , and that of S. Pudentiana here of old stood a wood sacred to Juno reverenced with great but blind zeal . In the Church of S. Prassede , are many inscriptions , and the Pillar ( to which our Lord being bound ) was whipped , this they say was brought from Jerusalem . In San Pietro in Vincula are many admi rable things , among others the Tombes of Julius the second whereon Moses is engraven by Buonorota ; a work excelling most of the Antient , of Cardinal Sadoleto , and Cardinal di Tucino . Thence you go to the Church de quaranta Martiri , from whence by the Via Labicano to S. Clement the Esquilie extended it self , and was there called Carine . Near Saint Pietro in Vincula , are some subterranean edifices , the remains of Vespasians Baths , called the Sette Sale , being designed for keeping the waters requisite to the Baths , in them was found that sta tue of Laocoon now translated to the Vatican , which gives such admiration to all aspicients . The Church of S. Maria n●… Monti , was built by Pope Symachus , in the decayes of Adrians Baths : the place being thence denominated at this day Adrianello . At the Church d'Santi Ginliano and Eusebio , elates it self a huge Fabrick of brick work , wherein were the receptacles of the Aqua Martia : on the upper part whereof are figured the Trophees of Marius that is a heap of spoils and Arms bound to the body of a Tree placed there in honour of Marius for his expedition against the Cimbrians which things being afterwards torn down by Sylla in the civil war , were restored again by C , Caesar to their former lustre , and yet remain in the Campidoglio . Behind the Trophees in that Vineyard appear great ruines of the Emperor Gordianus his Baths near which the said Emperor raised a stupendious Palace which had two hundred Pillars in a double Rank . But hereof no more but high walls appear . All its Ornaments and Pillars , being thence translated for beautifying other Palaces . From these Baths the way on the right hand called Labicana goes to Porta Maggiore , or Sant●… Croce , antiently Nevia . Between this Gate and that of San Lorenzo , near the walls rise vast ruines of the Temple dedicated to the name of ●…aius , and Lucius the Nephews of Augustus and built by him , one arched roof yet may be seen called Gallucio as of Caio and L●…cio . Near it was the Palace of Licino , where now S. Sabina stands , there placed by Pope Simplex , contiguous with which Pallace was the place called Orso Pileato , from a Bears figure there . By the gate Esquili●…a , San Lorenzo or Tibuntina , by all which names t is frequently called : stands the Church San Lorenzo , built by Constantine the great in honour of that Martyr replenished with antiquities , but especially the instruments used in the sacrifices are carved on inembossed work , by this Gate also enters the Aqueduct by which the Aqua Martia is conveighed into the City , first raised by Q. Martius , afterwards consumed by Age restored by M. Agrippa . This water was brought from 35. miles off the City , and ran into Dioclesians Baths , and the adjacent places , t was very healthfull , and therefore chiefly accomodated for the drink of the People . On the other side of this Gate entered the Acque Tepola & Julia : the one was conveighed six miles the other eleaven from without the City . To these joyned the Aniene which ran from Tivoli 20. miles distance . Over the Aniene stands the Ponte Mammea , so named from Mammea the Mother of Alexander Severus the Emperor , by whom t was repaired , from this Gate the Via Prenestina reached to Praenest●… , and the Labicana to Labi . That part of the Esquilie near San Lorenzo in Fon●… , was named Virbo Clivio , which was the Grove Fugatale where Servius Tullius dwelt and there lies the Vico Ciprio , called also Scelerato , for that Tullius was there slain by his Son in Law , over whose dead body his own Daughter commanded her Coachman to drive her Chariot . This Vico , or Town extended to Busta Gallica , where the Galli Senoni or the French were slain , burnt and buried by Camillus : now this place s denominated Porto Gallo , where the Church Saint Andrea : is built On the top of this Vico Scelerato Cossius had his Palace afterwards dedicated to the Goddess Tellura now to Saint Pantaleo●… ▪ near Santa Agna at the foot of the Viminale stood a Temple of Silv●… , whose decays yet appear . IL COLLE VIMINALE . THe hill Viminale is next to the Esquilino , and runs along by the Walls : t was so named from a famous Temple dedicated to Jupiter Viminale : whence also the contiguous Gate took the name Viminale and Nomentana , from the way leading to Nomento , which is now called S. Agnese from the Church of that name near it , which was formerly dedicated to Bacchus , therein is an old porphyr Arch the greatest now extant in Rome , whereon are engraven Boyes gathering Grapes : which some call the Sepulchre of Bacchus , but erroneously . In the Via Nomentana a little farther is the Ponte Nomentano built by Narsetes the Eunuch under Justinian the Emperor , as the inscription testifies . Nero the Emperour , between the Porta Suburbana , and Salaria , had Suburbano a singular edifice , which he gave to a Freed Man who fearinga publique punishment by a poynard thrust into his brest and the help of Sporo another freed Man slew himself : some ruines of this Fabrick yet remain . Porta Querquetulana is now a Church near which appear square wals the Remains of the Castle deputed for the Souldiers stations apointed for the Emperors guards . On the Viminale , are seen the Baths of Dioclesian , of an admired Vastness and sumptuosity , which though much decayed , are yet the most entire in Rome , 'T is said that forty thousand Christians were in a servile manner turmoyled for fourteen yeers in the structure hereof . Dioclesian and Maximinian began them , but Constantine and Massiminian , compleated them now called Alle Terme , where appears a certain place made for receit of the waters employed in those Baths , called Bacco di terme ; Dioclesian adjoined a Palace to them , whose ruines manifestly shew themselves . And here was that celebrious Library called Ulpa , where the Elephantine books were disposed . On the right hand of these Baths , are the Gardens formerly appertaining to Cardinal Bellay , but now to the Monks of the order of Saint Bernard , to whose industry the ingenious owe the Invention and designes made by wind . And on their left hand , stands the Church of Santa Susanna , in old time the Temple of Quirinus . In this place they believe Romulus ( being praeascended into Heaven ) appeared to Proculus Julius then returning from Alba , for which cause the Senate consecrated a Temple and attributed to him divine honours . Here also ( ut aiunt ) Romulus frequently descended and communicated divers things to Alba. The foundations of the Olympiade Bathsyet continue near S. Lorenzo in Pane & Perna , vulgarly named Pamiperna where Decius the Emperors Pallace stood . The Church S. Prudentia , was built by Pius the fourth , at the request of Santa Prascede his Sister , where likewise appear the walls of the Baths Novati . And the ruines of the Baths of Agrippina the Mother of Nero , are yet extant by the Church S Vitalis . In San Lorenzo in Proserpina shewes it self a great Marble Stone reverenced with great adoration and religion , whereon ( ut aiunt ) the roasted body of San Lorenzo , was repo●…ed after his death : here lies buried Cardinal Cirketo the delight of the Learned of our times . Beyond the Church S. Susanna by the Via Quirinale lay heretofore the gardens of Rodolfo , Cardinal Carpente , then which , no part of Ita ly nay Naples it self ( where are the most excelling ) afforded more delicious . In it were 134 statues engraven with divers artificial figures and other admirable curiosities so well disposed , that no Fancy could reach that Paradise , nor ocular view scarce apprehend its glory , to say no more this garden was an Embleme of that Cardinal its Patron the son of Alberto Pio Prince of Carpi , for as that exceeded most , so his knowledge in antiquities and Learning was admired by all , he wrote learnedly against Erasmus . IL COLLE QURINALE or MONTE CAVALLO . THis hill was so demonstrated from the Name Quiri or Curi , a Family of the Sabines who marching among others under Statius their Captain , to reside at Rome , inhabited this hill , now called Monte Cavalli , from the artificial horses there yet visible . T is divided from the Viminale by that way which conducts to the Porta S. Agnese . Upon Monte Cavallo where were the Vineyards of the Cardinal of Estè now stands a Palace of the Popes admirable for the Grottoes , walks , Arbors , and artificial Fountains . The chief was the work of Pope Clement the 8th . whereon is wrote the history of Moses in Mosaique work . Here stand some old statues of the Muses , and here you may hear one of those Organes , called of old Hydraulici , because they sounded by force of the Waters . You ascend this Fountain by some steps , upon the ballostres whereof stand certain Vessels which spout out water very high , which in their fall present divers figures before it lies ample fish ponds with a Circle of Plain trees wch . afford a thick and lovely shade , in fine such is the the Variety of Marbles , the excellency and fairness of the statues the diversity of the Inscriptions , the beauty of the walks , the pleasantness of the Fountains , and the shade of the Groves in these pontifical Vineyards , That the studious may find here fit objects for their Observations The Curious for their admiration , and the Lovers of Solitude for their deportment and retreats . Hence a little distant lies the Vineyard of Octavio Cardinal Bandini , well kept and worthy a view . And at the four fountains the Palace of the Mattei , which hath some fair statues as well antient as modern . Round about which lye several other Vineyards and Gardens , as of the Teatini , of the Colonna's and of Patriarca Biondo , near which is the Church Saint Andrea , repaired by the Jesuites , where the B. Stanislao Kostka , a Polach , lies buried who there acomplished his days . Upon this Mount stand two Collossus or statues as t were of Gyants holding two wild horses by a Bridle cut in Marble , upon whose pilaster we read , that they were the work of Phidia , and Prasitelle , from which horsestis called Monte Cavallo . And the report goes that Tiridates King of the Armenians , presented them to Nero , who ( that he might entertain that stranger King worthily and according to the Roman splendor ) caused Pompeyes Theatre ( where he exhibited the Games for that Kings Solace and recreation ) in three days to be layed all over with silver Plates : Which magnificence the King did not so much admire ( knowing well that in Rome were heaped up the riches of the world ) as the diligence and ingenuity of the workmen , that in so short a time could perfect so noble ingenious a work , which in him created astonishment . Here the Benedictine Fryers had a comodious habitation : which some time since they surrendred to the Apostolick Chamber , opposite whereto is a Pontifical Palace , built by Sixtus the 5th . for their cool retreat in hot weather ; whence somewhat , in the Vigna of the Colonnesi , raiseth it self the Frontispiece of Neros Pallace , vulgarly called Frontone di Nerone , Hence Nero beheld the Fire which was by his own incendiaries kindled in the City of Rome which afterwards he imputed to the Christians , that by this Calumny he might draw them into hatred with the Senate and People of Rome , and by a publick edict commanded , that as many as were apprehended , confessing Christ for God should be burnt and excarnified in Neros gardens which Persecution continued three days . On the other part of the Quirinale , are many Arches , Cels , & caves of different workmanship under ground , the Reliques of the Emperor Constantines Baths of hot waters . And thence looking towards the Suburbs , you behold an old Temple in the gardens of the Bartolini , made ov all and wrought with divers shapes of Fishes and other Ornaments which was dedicated to Neptune . Near hereto is the place vnlgarly called Bagnanapoli , that is Bagni di Paulo , because they were made by Paulus AEmilius : The Monastery of the Nuns of Saint Benedict built by Pope Pius the 5th . and the Palace of the Conti , rise out of the ruins of those Baths , whereof to this day some small fragments are extant . The Tower de Conti , was raised by Innocent the 3d. and that of the Militie by Boniface the 8th . On this part of the Quirinale , stood the house of the Cornelii , called now Vico di Cornelii , and S. Salvatore de Cornelii , a Temple sacred of old to Saturn and Bacchus . From the Church S. Salvatore , to the Porta disan Agnese , reacheth the Street called Alta Semita , on the right hand whereof near San Vitale , stood the house of Pomponius Atticus , with a wood . Hereby also was the Suburra Piana , and at the foot of the Viminale a Temple of Silvanus . Upon the top of the Quirinale , stood a Temple consecrated to Apollo , and Clara , two small Temples of Jupiter and Juno , and the old Capitol ; of these structures scarce any reliques appear , here now is the Monastery of the Nuns of Saint Domenick , and the Church of Santa Maria Magdalena . Near San Susanna , stood the Court and house of Salust , which place is now corruptly called Callostrico : his fair gardens took up all that space between the Porta Salaria and la Pinciana , in the midst whereof stood a small Obelisk carved with Hyeroglyphicks , dedicated to Luna , since amoved . In the descent from the Quirinale , towards the Foro of Nerva a high Tower presents it self , which is vulgarly called Torre Mezza , which t is believed was one part of the house of Maecenas , adjoyning whereunto were his delicious Gardens , whereto Augustus Caesar frequently withdrew himself from his more weighty affairs to recreate himself with his Friend , and to revive his toyled Spirits . Others believe it to be a part of the Temple dedicated by Marcus Aurelius to the Sunne . The Fourth dayes Journey of ROME . FRom the Bourg taking the way over Ponte Elio , you up against the streams of the Tyber meet the Church San Biasio , at Ripetta , which is supposed to have been the Temple of Neptune , amplified by Adrian the Emperor : here such as had escaped any remarkable shipwrack , hung up Tablets containing the particulars of their deliverance and their vows for it to the God of the Sea. In the Valle Martia , by the Church of San Rocco stands the Mauseolo , of Augustus being a Sepulchre erected by Octavius for himself and she successors of the Caesarian Family , out of the ruins and with the Materials of that Amphitheatre ( which he destroyed ) that Julius Cesar built there ; its Circuit is yet entire divided into a figure four square lozanged . In this Mauseolo , stands a Matrona holding a Cornucopia with Fruit , and an AEsculapius as bigg as a Gyant with a Serpent . In this Mauseolo , were also heretofore two Obelisks of Granito , 42 foot high . The Circ of Julius Caesar , extended from this Mauseolo to the foot of the neighbouring Mountain , Augustus had a Palace opposite to it ▪ with a stately Gallery , and had here consecrated a Grove to the Gods of Hell , reaching from the Church Santa Maria del Popolo to S. Trinita . Some say that Marcellus his Sepulchre was contiguous with this Mauseolo , and shew its very Track : which Boisardo , believes rather to belong to the Mauseolo , and not a distinct Edifice . Augustus also had made a place called Naumachia for Naval Diversions in the lower part of the Valle Martia , ( looking towards the Hill Santa Trinita which Domitian restored being decayed through antiquity , and called it after his own name , placing near it a Temple to the Family Flavia : where now Saint Silvestro stands . The Valle Martia ▪ was so denominated , because t was the lowest Gate of the Campo Martio , and extended from the Tyber to the hills Santa Trinita , and from the Piazza of Domitian in the Via Flaminia to the Porta Flaminia . The Via Flaminia took its name from Flaminius the Consul , who paved it after the conquest of the Genovesi now t is called the Corso : for that at some time of the yeer , boys and certain animals run here striving who shall arrive first at the end of the course . This way goes from the Porta Flaminia ( called heretofore Flumentana from its vicinity to the Tyber but at this day Porta del popolo ) to Pesaro , and to Rimini . Near this way lye many gardens filled with inscriptions chiefly those of Cardinal Lovisio , Justiniano , Gallo , Altemps and others . By this Way Pope Julius the third accomodated a Vineyard with such ornaments , as for cost and magnificence surpassed all others in Rome , and as an Inscription attests , conducted to the publik way a Fountain for the benefit of all persons , wherein t is scarce to be judged which ought most to be applauded , the ingenuity of the Artitificers , or the sumptuousness and splendour of the Roman Chief Bishops . Beyond this lies Ponte Molli . where the Tyrant Maxentius was overcome by Constantine the Great : which Tyrant that he might not be carried alive in the Triumphs of Constantine cast himself headlong off the Bridge into the Tyber . Afterwards in honour of Constantine was erected the Triumphal Arch between the Coliseo and the Settizonio of Severus . Returned into the City by the Porta Flaminia you find the Arch of Domitian , called di Portogallo , because in that quarter the Embassador of Portugall resi ded . T is also called Tripoli , a rude and incompact structure , having nothing of moment in it more than the statue of Domitian , which some too will not have to be his , but the statue and Arch of Claudius the Emperor . The Church of Saint Lorenzo , in Lucina , was sacred to Juno Lu cina , and yet retains its old name , here of old , breeding women and such as lay in Childbed , after the birth used to pay their vows , because by the good will of the Goddess , not only themselves were preserved in that great peril , but the Life of their tender Infants . In the street de Condotti , in the house of the Bosii , some notable and old inscriptions are extant . In the Palace of the Spanish Embassador a fair and Copious Fountain . In that of Dionigio Octaviano Sada , ( who translated the old Dialogues of D. Antonio Augustino , into Italian , ) a good number of rare things in this kind . In that of the Ruzzelai , a Gallery filled with old statues of rare artifice , and in the Court , a very large brazen horse . And in that of the Cardinal Desa , now building , we assure our selves of rare Architecture and great Curiosities . The Campo Martio heretofore without the City , fils that plain between the Quirinale , the Ponte di Sisto , and the Tevere or Tyber , here the youth exercised themselves in Military discipline , and here they hold their Council for creating of Magistrates . Between Santa Maria del Popolo , and the Porta Flaminia , is seen an Obelisk , filled with Hieroglyphicks , and AEgiptian Letters : which Pliny writes , to be one hundred and ten foot long , and to contain on it the interpretation of the AEgyptian Philosophy . Augustus Caesar caused it to be transferred from Hieropoli to Rome , with two others , which he placed in the Circus Maximus . On the Pedestal is this Inscription . Caesar. Divi. F. Aug. Pont. Max. Imp. X. J. Cos. XI . Trib. Pot. XIV . AEgypto in Potestatem . P. R. redact â Soli Donum dedit . The house of Antonino Paleozo , affords an excellent statue of a horse and some heads , as of Drusus , of Julia the Daughter of Augustus , of Goleria , of Faustina Giovene , the wife of Marcus Aurelius , of Adrian , of Brutus , Domitian , Galba , Sabina , Hercules , Bacchus , Sylvanus , and Mercury : And likewise the Triumph of Tiberius Caesar , cut lively in one Marble stone . And that of Giacomo Giacovazzo , not a few excellent statues in Marble and Brass , and other Curiosities . Antoninus Pius , in that part of the Campo Martio , called Piazza di Sciarra , erected a hollow Columne with winding stairs , and 56. Casements to give Light within to them : being 175 foot high , some say it is raised with 28 stones only , but in this t is not so clearly discernable as in that of Trajano , for that the stayers being broke t is not ascendable . On the superficies of it are wrought the Acts of Antoninus with excellent sculpture of figures , from this , that place is denominated Piazza Colonna . Those eleaven high Pillars , which are seen erected at the Church of Saint Stephano , in Truglio , are the reliques of that open Gallery which Antoninus Pius built conjoyned , to his Palace in his Court : as far distant from this Church as the Rotonda . Between the Collumne of Antoninus and the Fountain of Acque Virgine , were the Septa of the Campo Martio , so called for that they were enclosed with several thick Plancks , in which the Roman People assembled when they gave their suffrages for Election of the Magistrates . They were also called Ovili for their similitude to a Sheepfold here the Roman Tribes assembled in Council . That Hill , between San Lorenzo in Colonna , and the abovenamed Column , called Monte Acitorio : took its name from the Latine words Mons Citatorum , where every Tribe Se'paratim , rendred themselvs after they had given their suffrages in the Septa . On the same Hill stood a publique Palace , for receipt of Embassadors from Enemies who were not licen ced to enter the City nor dwell in Graecostasi , which lay between the Counsel and the Rostri , in the Piazza Romana , Cardinal Santa Severina so much spoken of by the Hereticks , a man of great prudence , and an example for posterity , erected his Palace on this Hill. Not far from hence is the Fountain of Aque Virgine , conveighed by a loud depressed Aqueduct over the Porta Collina , the Hill Santa Trinita , and through the Campo Martio now called Fontana di Trevi , we read in the inscription that Nieolo the 5th . restored it . And this alone of all the waters ( which with so great costs , and such sumptuous Aqueducts , the antient Princes brought into Rome ) remains standing for the publique Benefit . From the Serraglio , or Septa of the Roman people began the Strada coperta , wherein stood heretofore a Temple of Neptune and the Amphitheatre of Claudius now wholly destroyed . At the Acque Virgine was a Temple dedicated to Giuturna Sister of Tur no King of the Rutoli , accounted one of the Napee or Nimphes keep-in gamong flowers , and the Countrey goddess , who as the Heathens believed assisted to the fertility of the Earth . In the house of Angelio Colorio da Giesi , now appertaining to the Rufali , are seen many statues , and inscriptions , and one Arch of the stone Tivoli , joyning to the Acque Virgine , having this Inscription . T. Claudius Drus. F. Caesar Augustus . In the Fountain under the statue of a Nymph now removed are found these verses . Hujus Nympha loci sacri custodia Fonti Dormio ▪ dum blandae sentio murmur aquae Parce meum quisquis tangis cava marmora somnum Rumpere , sive bibes , sive lavare jaces . Pompeio Naro possesseth two statues which were found in his Vineyard , the one of Hercules the other of Venus . IL COLLE de gli HORTICELLI , now di SANTA TRINITA . THis Hill extends from San Silvestro to the Porta Pinciana or Collina along by the Walls of the City , but some draw it out to the Porta Flaminia . The Gate and Hill took their name from Pincius the Senator , whose magnificent Palace stood here , and the footsteps of it are yet visible ; at the walls of the City upon this Hill was the Sepulchre of the Domitian Family : here likewise Nero was buried . On the top of this hill remains an Arch or roof which formerly was part of the Temple of the Sun , near whereto lies an obelisk of Thasian stone with this inscription . Soli Sacrum . The Church Santa Trinita , now occupied by the Minime Fryars , was built by Lewis the XIth . King of France , wherein are some Tombes of Cardinals , as of Antonio Moreto , and Cardinal di Capri. At the Porta Collina near Santa Susanna , Salustius ( as aforesaid ) had most pleasant gardens , and a splendid dwelling , whose ruines yet appear in the Vale leading to Salara : Here stood an Obelisk ( now translated elsewhere ) sacred to the Moon , engraven with AEgyptian Hyeroglyphicks . The place is yet vulgarly called Salostrico . The Campo Scelerato , or the Via Scelerata ( where the deflowred Vestal Virgines were buried alive ) compleated all that space , from the Porta Collina under the house and gardens of Salustius to the Porta Salaria . Without the Porta Salaria , called also Quirinale Collina and Agonale lye the ruines of the Temple of Venus Erycina , whose Feast was celebrated with solemn ceremonies by chast Matrons , in the month of August , to the Image of Venus Ver ecordia , which Goddess was supposed to render the Husbands placable and benevolent to their wives : in this Temple they likewise celebrated the Agonalian games , whence t was named Agonale . Three miles without the City over the Aniene , stands an entire Bridge , which a long inscription shews to have been built by Narsetes , t is said that Hannibal being on this Bridge vexed with a vehement rain , raised the siege of Rome , removed his Camp and departed . A little below which , the Tyber commixeth with the River Aniene , and here Torquatus overcame that French Gyant ; from whose neck he took that golden neck chain , which ( because in Latine called Torques ) gave him the surname of Torquatus . T is worth observation , That the Water drawn out of the Tyber , above the City towards the Sea , maintains it self wholesome , and clean for many yeers , which comes to pass from the mixture of the River Aniene with the Tyber , The water of the Aniene being thick and polluted with Nitre , which preserves it and occasions that it cannot putrify without difficulty : and the inhabitants along the Tybers banks above where the Aniene commixeth with the Tyber , mingle the waters of the one with the other , that they may last sweet a long time : although they have been necessitated to take them up singly and separately . In the gravel of the Aniene , they find several little stones in divers forms after the similitude of Comfits , some round some long , some little and some great , so that one would believe they found Almonds , Fennel , Anniseed , Coriander , and Cinamon Comfits . Of which small stones they usually gather a good heap on the bankside , to cousen the spectators with , and they are therefore called Confetti di Tivoli . Titus Celius the Patrician recounts , that in former times a body of a man who was slain and cast into the Aniene , was found stuck fast to the root of a Tree under water , which it happened , in process of time , ( being without putrefaction ) was converted into stone , without loosing its shape : which stony body so found he saies he saw with his proper eyes . At the Porta Salaria are shewed the Reliques of an antique Temple , consecrated to Honour , and of the house Suburbano of Nero , wherein by the assistance of Sporo the Libertine , the Emperor Nero thrust a dagger under his nipple , and therewith slew himself , that he might not fall into the hands of the Senate , then requiring him to punishment . Within the City near the Vale between the hills Santa Trinita , and Quirinale stands the Church San Nicolo de Archemontis , so named for that the Foro or Piazza , of Archemorio was in that place . Under the Vineyard of the late Cardinal Dapi are certain Chambers and obscure vaults continued in a long Order : which some will have to have been a Tavern , others had rather assign them to the use of the strumpets for their occupation in the time of the Floralian games : which were celebrated in the Circo Florae . At the Church de'dodeci Apostoli , you find a Lyon in Marble , an incomparable piece , and in the house of Colonna , a Marble statue of Melisse a Lady , as the inscription declares . Many other Palaces and houses of the Cardinals , Nobles , and wealthy Citizens of Rome , are plentifully fraught with other Antiquities and excellent Collections of Gold , Silver , and Brass coynes embossed works in divers Metals of ingenious Artists . Onyexes , Corneols , or Sardonian Gemmes , Cornelians , Amethists , Topazes , Berryls , Carbuncles , Jacinths , Saphirs , and Christals ingraven and cut with the heads of Gods , Emperors , illustrious and noble Men , divers Creatures , Hearbs , and Trees , containing also divers emblemes , which were heretofore commonly exposed to the view of strangers by their Patrones : but of later yeers the malignity of this depraved Age hath so ill gratified those persons for their Kindness , by many injuries received from such their free admission , that now unless recommended by some friend to some particular person in Rome , or contracting a Friendship through long familiarity : t is not easie for a stranger to obtain an inspection of those pretious Curiosities . Of the Coemiteries and of the Burying places of ROME , collected out of HONOFRIO PANUINO . THE Cemeterio Ostriano , three miles without the City in the Via Salaria , is thought to be the most antient of Rome , for that Saint Peter the Apostle in that place administred the Sacrament of Baptism . The Protonotario of the Roman Church in his third Chapter of the Acts of Pope Liberio , speaks of it in this manner . A little distant from the Cemetrio di Novella , three miles without the City lay in the Via Salaria , the Cemiterio Ostriano , where the Apostle Saint Peter Baptized . The Cemiterio Vaticano was placed on the Via Trionfale near the Temple of Apollo , and the Circ of Nero , in the Gardens of Nero where now the Church of Saint Peter stands : which besides the Tombs of Christians had in it also a Font for holy Baptisme , which for the most part was not in others . Seaven miles distant from Rome was the Cemiterio called ad Nimphas , in Severus his possession on the Via Nomentana , where the holy Martyres bodies were enterred . As Pope Alexanders , &c. Two miles without the City was the Cemeterio vecchio , amplified by the B. Calistus the Pope , from whom also it took a name . Herein were certain subterranean places called Catacombe , and in them a deep Pit , wherein the bodies of the Apostles Peter and Paul were layed . Near to the Cemiterio , di San Calisto , was that of San Sotero , and in the same quarter lay that of San Zeferino the Pope contiguous with the Cat ecombe and that of San Calisto . The Cemeterio of Calepo dio Prete , was two miles forth the Porta Gianicolese in the Via Aurelia , near San Pancratio . That of Pretestato Prete in the Via Appia , where Pope Urban was buried . That of Santo Partiano Papa near to Santi Abdon and Sennen . That of Ciriaco in the possession of Veriani near the Church San Lorenzo without the Wall. That of Lucina in the Via Aurelia , forth the Gate San Pancratio . That of Aproniano in the Via Latina not far from the City , where Santa Eugenia was buried . That of San Felice the Pope , a mile without Rome on the Via Aurelia , adjoined to that of Calepodio . That of Priscilla , called also Marcello , from the Pope Marcellus in the Via Vecchia , three miles forth the City , was dedicated by the said Pope Marcellus . That of San Timoteo in the Via Ostiense is comprehended now in the Church of San Paulo . That of Novella three miles off Rome in the Via Salaria . That of Balbina between the Via Appia , and Ardeatina , near the Church of San Marco the Pope , was named also San Marco from the said Popes name . That of San Giulio the Pope in the Via Flaminia near the Church San Valentino without the Cities Walls . This also may be seen in the Vineyard of the Heremitanes of St. Augustino . That of San Giulio the Pope in the Via Aurelia ▪ That of San Giulio the Pope in the Via Portuense . That of San Damaso , between the Via Ardeatina , and the Appia . That of Sant Anastatio the Pope within the City in the Esquiline praecincts in the Bourg Orso , near Santa Bibiana . The Orso was near the Porta Taurina , in the Via Tiburtina by the Palace of Licinus . That of S. Hermete , or Domitilla , appointed by Pope Pelagius in the Via Ardeatina . That of San Nicomede , in the Via Ardeatina seaven miles off Rome . That of San Agnese in the Via Nomentana . That of S Felicita in the Via Salaria . That of the Giordani , where Alessandro was buried . That of Santi Nereo and Archielo in the Via Ardeatina , two miles forth the City . That of S. Felice and Adauto in the Via Ostiense two miles without Rome . That of Santi Tibuctio and Valeriano in the Labicana , three miles without Rome . That of Santi Pietro and Marcellino in the Via Labicana , near the Church Santa Helena . That of Santi Marco and Marcelliano in the Via Ardeatina . That of S. Gianuario restored by Pope Gregory the 3d. That of Santa Petronilla , adorned by Pope Gregorio . That of Santa Agata à Girolo in the Via Aurelia . That of Orso at Portenza . The Cemeterio Cardino in the Via Latina . That tra'due Lauri at S. Helena . That of S. Ciriaco in the Via Ostiense . But we must observe , that Astolfo King of the Longobardi tearing up out of the earth about Rome the bodies of many Saints , destroyed also their Cemeterii or burying places . and that the Popes Paolo and Paschale , reposed within the City , in the Churches of S Stefano , S. Silvestro , and S , Prascede , many bodies of Saints then lying in those Cemeterii which were ruinated and layed wast . And that the Christians were buried in the Cemeterii within Tombes and Sepulchres of Marble , or of brick , and of those Sepulchres some were hereditary , others bestowed in gift , and that at last places were assigned particularly for the Sepulture of Christians to wit Church-yards , &c. The Roman fixed stations , granted by several Popes to divers Churches of Saints , with great priviledges and Indulgencies . THe first Sunday of the Advent is celebrated at Santa Maria Maggiore . The second at S. Croce di Jerusalem . The third at S. Pietro . The Wednesday of that season at St. Maria Maggiore . The Fryday at the Dodeci Apostoli . The Saturday at S. Pietro . The Vigils of the Nativity at S. Maria Maggiore . In the first Mass of the Nativity at Santa Maria Maggiore al Presepio . In the second Mass at S. Anastasia . In the the third at S. Maria Maggiore . On St. Stephens day at S. Stefano nel Monte Celio . On St. John the Apostles day at S. Maria Maggiore . The Feast of the Innocents at S. Paolo . The day of the Circumcision of our Lord at Santa Maria beyond the Tyber . The day of the Epiphany or Twelfe day after Christmass at S. Pietro . The Septuagessima Sunday at S. Lorenzo without the Walls . The Sexagessima Sunday at S. Paolo . The Quinquagessima at Santo Pietro . The first day of the Quadragessima or Lent at Santa Sabina . The second at S. Gregorio . The third at San Giovanni and Paolo . The Saturday at S. Trisone . The first Sunday of Lent at S. Giovanni Laterano . The Munday at San Pietro in Vincola . The Tuesday at Santa Anastasia . The Wednesday at Santa Maria Maggiore . The Thursday of Lent at S. Lorenzo in Panisperna . The Fryday at the Santi Dodeci Apostoli . The Satturdey at Santo Pietro . The second Sunday of Lent at S. Maria in Domenica . The Munday at San Clemente . The Tuesday at Santa Sabina The Wednesday at Santa Cecilia . The Thursday at Santa Maria in Transtevere . The Friday at San Vitale . The Satturday at the Santi Marcellino and Pietro . The third Sunday of Lent at S. Lorenzo without the Walls . The Munday at San Marco . The Tuesday at Santa Potentiana . The Wednesday at San Sisto . The Thursday at the Santi Cosmo and Damiano . The Fridry at S , Lorenzo in Lucina . The Saturday at Santi Susanna . The Fourth Sunday of Lent at Santa Croce in Jerusalem . The Munday at the Santi quatro Coronati . The Tuesday at San Lorenzo in Damaso . The Wednesday at San Paolo . The Thursday at the Santi Silvestro and Martino . The Friday at Santo Eusebio . The Satturday at San Nicolo in Carcere . The fifth Sunday in Lent called the Passion Sunday at San Pietro . The Munday at San Grisogono . The Tuesday at San Quirico . The Wednesday at Santo Marcello , The Thursday at Santo Apollinare . The Friday at S. Stephano in Monte Celio . The Satturday at San Giovanni before the Porta Latina . The Palme Sunday at San Giovanni Laterano . The Munday at San Prascede . The Tuesday at Santa Prisca . The Wednesday at Santa Prisca . The holy Thursday at San Giovanni Laterano . The good Fryday called Parasceve at Santa Croce in Hierusalem . The Satturday at San Giovanni Laterano . Easter day or the Sunday of the Resurrection of our Lord at Santa Maria Maggiore . The Munday at San Pietro . The Tuesday at San Paolo . The Wednesday at San Lorenzo without the Walls . The thursday at the Santi Dodeci Apostoli . The Friday at Santa Maria Rotonda . The Saturday before the Octave called Sabato in Albis , at San Giovanni Laterano . The Sunday of the Octave from Easter day called Domenica in Albis at San Pancratio The Feast of the Ascention at San Pietro . The Vigil of the Pentecost at San Giovanni Laterano . The Pentecost Sunday at San Pietro . The Munday at San Pietro in Vincola . The Tuesday at Santa Anastasia . The Wednesday at Santa Maria Maggiore . The Thursday at San Lorenzo without the Walls . The Friday at the Santi Dodeci Apostoli . And the Saturday of this week of Penticost at San Pietro . The Wednesday of the Feasts in September at Santa Maria Maggiore . The Friday at the Dodeci Apostoli . The Satturday at San Pietro . Besides which there are other stations for every Feast of those Saints Apostles , Martyrs , Confessors , or Virgines to whom any Church is dedicated in Rome , and for the most part those Churches on the daies of their Feasts are visited with a multitude of People , his S. himself often celebrating Masse or at least being then present , atended by a great number of Cardinals and Prelates . Of the Vatican Library of the Pope . THe Vatican Library of the Pope is every day frequented by learned Men , and meritoriously for that it is filled with the most antient books in all the Professions , as well Greek , Latine , and Hebrew as other Languages writtten with the pen in Parchment And t is certainly to be admired , that those Popes under so many disgraces , negociations , Foreign and civil Wars and sackings of Rome , should still apply their chiefest study and pain in heaping together Books , and preserving those collections . Sixtus the 5th in our time beautified and aggrandized it wonderfully adjoining to it a noble Fabrick , and causing most excellent pictures to be drawn about it : Which Guglielmo Bianco a French Man praiseth in a singular Poem : and Fryer Angelo Rocca by way of History treates of it diffusely . As also Onofrio Panuino of the same Order . Many great Scholars have only desired favour from the Pope as to publish an Index of the Greek and Latine Books extant in that Library , that by this means recourse might be had to Rome from all parts both for the enlightning and correcting Authors , who have been altogether unseen , or are els printed full of errors . This the noble City Augusta permitted , and by that publique Index set forth in vited all to go thither for comparing the uncorrected for their amendment . How many bookes have Francis the first and Henry the second Kings of France sent forth to light . How many benefits have the Republique of Scholars had from the Grand Duke of Tuscanies Bibliotheque : and how much more advantage would all the world receive from such an Index of the Pontifical Library , which is of splendidly royal . Other Libraries there are also in Rome , as that of the Capitol . That which appertained to the Cardinal Sirleto now to Cardinal Colonna , valeued at 20000. Crownes : That of the Family of Sforza , and that of the Farnesi , abounding with Greek Authors . We pass by many Libraries of private persons no less replenished with rare Books as that of Fulvio Orsino . That of Aldo Manutio ( who passed to a better life at green yeers ) consisting of 80 ▪ thousand Books . We must observe though ▪ that Fulvio Orsino in the yeer 1600. added his to the Library of the Pope . And that Ascanio Colonna ( never enough to be praised ) bought that of Sirleto for 14 thousand Crownes deputing to it intelligent Keepers with honest stipends , that it may rather dayly increase , then at all diminish . The great Duke of Florence his noble Library is known to have good numbers of Greek Books , and that of Urbino , of Mathematical Writers . That of the Malatesti is in Cesena in the Minorites Convent . In Bologna that of the preaching Fathers . In Venice that of the Republique . In Padoua is that of Gio Vicenzo Pinello famous enough : but le ts return to the Libraria Vaticana . 'T is certainly concluded that the Gentiles usually preserved their Books in the publique Libraries as well as private , & t is no less evident that the Catholick Church from Christs time to ours had alwaies in divers places sacred Libraries to advantage students : wherefore St. Augustine in the Narration which he makes , De persecutione Arrianorum in Ecclesia Alexandrina saies , that in the Christian Churches there were Libraries , and that with the greatest care they preserved their Books : and accuseth the impiety of the Arrians amongst other things for their taking away and burning the Books of the Church . Saint Jerome likewise makes mention of the same Libraries . when writing to Pamachius by his Books against Jovinianus he saies that he kept in the Churches Libraries Eusebius also in his 119 Book at the 11 Chapter writeth , that the Church had holy Books in the Oratories , and that in Dioclesians dayes , ( to the end the name of Christian might be wholly extinguished ) the Oratories were overthrowen , and the books burnt nor does there want conjectures hereof from the holy Scripture for that Saint Paul writing to Timothy , commands him to transport with himself his Books to Rome , chiefly those in parchment : and in the first to the Corinthians , he testifies that in the Corinthian Churches , they used to read the Prophetick books . Eusebius in his 5 book of the Ecclesiastical history at the 10th . Chapter saies , that the Apostle Saint Eartholomew going to prea ch the gospel to the Indians , left there the Gospel of Saint Matthew writ by his own hand : Which very copy , Origene afterwards found in the Indies , and from thence carryed it ( as Saint Jerome averrs ) to Alexandria , when he also brought from the East the Canonical books of the old Testament . Lastly the Hebrews diligently conserved their sacred books , and on every Sabbath read the Books of Moses in their Synagogues wherefore t is reasonable enough to believe , that the Christians have alwaies observed their rule , of diligently copying and preserving the prophetick books those of the Apostles and those of the Evangelists : But the places where these books were layed up , were not alwaies called by the same name , but sometimes Archiviunt a Treasury of Rolls , scrinium a Coffer where evidences were kept , Bibliotheca or Libraria a Bibliotheque or Library as in se veral Authors appears . Then indubitably they used to lay up in places deputed to that purpose the Memorials of greatest importance , the Books of the Bible of the old and new Testament , and the Books of the holy Fathers ; many whereof written by their own Authors through this means have reached our times , and will continue to future Ages if God soplease , And because the collecting and conserving those books , required a great expence as well in writers , as Inquisitors , and conservators , therefore the richest Christians cōmonly contributed every one some proportion and part , as a common stock for the Church to have the same effected . And in particular we have great obligation to the Emperor Constantine the Great , who ( as Eusebius recounts in his third Book of his life ) without regard to the vast expence , made it his business to collect and secure the sacred Books , which in the times of the persecutions the Gentiles had wholy dispersed . After which the gathering , keeping , and choosing Books , was particularly the charge of the Bishops and Priests , for which end they were wont to maintain Notaries , Stationers , and Women exercised and skilled in writing , as may be gathered from the life of Ambrosius and of Origene . Among all other Collectors of Books Pantenius the Master of the Alexandrian School is esteemed the most diligent : likewise Pamfilo the Priest and Martyr ( as Eusebius relates ) instituted and governed with great industry a fair Library , placing there the Books of Origene and such other good Books as he could get written by the hand : of which Caesarean Library St. Jerom against Rufinus takes notice . Furthermore Alexander the Bishop of Jerusalem got together a good quantity of Books , as of Betillus , Hippolitus , Caius and other Ecclesiastical writers , and with them composed a worthy Library , as Eusebius testifies , who also confesseth himself to have been assisted by the said Alexander in his own Ecclesiastical History . And not to omit the diligence of some of later times in the like work , le ts remember , that Pope Clement the first , successor to St. Peter , who wrote many Epistles profitable to the Roman Church , deputed seaven Scriveners in the seaven praecincts of Rome , who were maintained out of the Churches Revenne for no other thing then diligently to search out and write the Acts of the martyrs . And Anicetus the Pope made it his business to find out a secure place for the laying up the lives of the Martyrs wrote by those Scriveners . Pope Fabianus ordained seaven Deacons , for supervisors to those Notaries , to take the better care in executing the charge of collecting and true recital of the Martirs lives : Of which Scriveners the Actions of the Roman Councel under Silvester , give good testimony Pope Julius successor to Marcus who followed Sil. determined that the said Notaries abovenamed should diligently gather together , whatever appertained to the amplifying , and fortifiing of the holy Catholick Faith , & that all the things by them writ should be revised by the Primicerio , or chief , created to that purpose , who afterwards was to place and keep in the Church what he had approved . Pope Hilary was the first ( known ) that built a Library , who erected two near , the Founts of the Laterano , wherein ( for that in those times there were but few Books , and they at great price because wholly written by the hand ) he caused the writings of the Roman Church , the decretal Epistles of Popes , the Actions of the Counsels , the recantations and opinions of the Hereticks , and the Books of the holy Fathers , to be layed up and preserved for the publique use of the Christians . But to return to our purpose of the Vatican Library : we must know that beside the abovenamed Libraries , the Popes used so great diligence in collecting books , as they put together one greater than the two former in the Popes Palace on the Laterano , which remained there about one thousand yeers , till Clement the 5th . translating the Apostolick Sea into France , with it carryed the said Library in the Laterano to Avignon in France , which continued there about 120 yeers , till the difference was appeased between the Catholicks ▪ Pope Martin the 5th . caused the said Library to be reconveyed to Rome , placing it in the Vatican , where his S. had then chosen and setled his Residence : where they were disposed confusedly without any order , and a good part lost . Whereto Sixtus the 4th . having regard , & it appearing to him insupportable , that so great a quantity of books should go to ruine through ill government , he built a place on purpose for them adorning it by all possible means , placing them methodically , and adding such other Books as he could come by , and ordered the Officers deputed to that end , to govern them with diligence , endowing it with a hundred Crowns a yeer in perpetuity , being the donative which the Colledge of writers of the Pontifical Letters was used to make the Popes yeerly , and this was bestowed on the Library Keepers for their diligence and pains . This then is the Vatican Library , filled with the most choise Books that could be had a great part written in parchment with the pen : others printed : and their number exceeds six thousand books . Antiently the President of this Library was called Librario , then Cancellario , whose office was to collect with diligence not only the Books , but also to copy the Bulls , the Popes decrees , the Acts and Constitutions of the Synods , and to keep every thing exactly , because it appeared convenient , that the Cancellario or as he is now called the Secretary of the Pope , should have the managing and preserving of the Books , the Library being in those dayes as t were the Office of the Secretary or Chancery : but in our times the Offices of the Chancery and of the Library are divided . They used to elect Men of the greatest knowledge and of good life for Presidents of the Library as Anastasius in the Life of Pope Gregory the second relates , which Gregory he saies was first President there who being sent to Constantinople by Pope Constantine to the Emperor Justinian the second , and being questioned by him he answered learnedly : and the Bibliothecary in the life of the said Gregory the second saies that he was from a boy brought up in the Lateranian palace , and being made Deacon by Pope Sergius took upon him the charge of the Library . at last Sixtus the 4th . on the 10 day of July 1475. being the sixth of his Papacy , created a perpetual Keeper to the Vatican Library investing him in that Office by his Bull. Bartolomeo Platina of Cremona the Apostolick writer , and familiar of Sixtus the fourth was the first president to the Vatican Library , for which service he had 10 Crowns per Month for his maintenance , besides provision for his own Table with 3 servants and one horse , and the ordinary Vails , which the popes usually allowed to their Familiants , as Wood , Salt , Oyl , Vinegar , Candles , Brooms , and other the like things . Bartolomeo Manfredo a Bolonian Doctor of the Canons was by Sixtus the 4th . annno . 1481 : in the 11th of his Popedome elected to that Charge in lieu of the deceased Platina . This Manfredo was a Familiar acquaintance of the Popes , and wonderfully learned . And to add splendor to this Office the Pope ordained that the Presidents of the Library for the future should be the first Squires of the Roman Popes for ever , and should receive the accustomed honors and profits : first giving security to the Apostolick Chamber of ten thousand Duckats , and taking an Oath to keep faithfully and diligently the Library . After Manfredo these following were successively created . Christophoro Persona a Roman Prior of Santa Balbina in anno 1484. Giovanni Gionisii a Venetian in anno 1487. A Spaniard who was Arch ▪ deacon of Barcellona in anno 1492. Possibly this was that Girolamo Paolo Cathalano Canon of Barcellona Doctor of both Laws , who was Chamberlain of Alexander the sixth , whose books set forth and communicated the Practise of the Roman Chancery , printed anno 1493. being the second of the third Alexander . Giovanni Fonsalia a Spaniard Bishop of Iteran , in anno 1493. Volaterano Arch Bishop of Ragusa anno 1505. Tomaso Ingeranni , or Fedra Volaterano anno 1510. Filippo Beroaldo a Bolonian 1516. Zenobio Azziaiolo a Florentine of the preaching order 1518. Girolamo Alexandro dell Mota Arch Bishop Brundusian Cardinal 1537. Augustino Stenco Eugubino Bishop of Chiama . Marcello Cervino of Monte Pulciano Priest , Cardinal of the holy cross in Jerusalem , was created by Paul the third . He would not accept the stipend , nor the four sportule or Fees usually given to the Presidents of the Library but distributed those emoluments to the two Latin Correctors , and to him whose charge was to find out and place the Books . Roberto de Nobili of Monte Pulciano Dean Cardinal , with the Title of Santa Maria in Dominica was created by Paul the fourth anno 1555. Alfonso Caraffa Dean Cardinal of Santa Maria in Dominica , created by Paul the fourth Anno 1558. Marc Antonio Amulio Priest Cardinal a Venetian Anno 1565. Guglielmo Sirleto Priest Cardinal of Calabria the 20th day of May Anno 1582. Antonio Caraffa . Priest Cardinal , with the Title of San Giovanni and Paulo a Neapolitan Anno 1585. Guglielmo Alano Priest Cardinal an English man , created by Clement the 8th . Anno 1591. Marc Antonio Colonna Bishop Cardinal , created by the same Clement Anno 1594. Antonio Saulio Priest Cardinal created by the same Clement Anno 1597. And because t was imposible for one single person to give sufficient attendance to the government of so many Books the same Sixtus the fourth gave to the President of the Library , two other perpetual Keepers , persons of good Faith , and diligence to assist in that charge , allowing to each 3 crowns salary per Moneth , and his Dyet , and the other abovenamed perqui●…its , as also for one servant . The first of which were Giovanni Caldelli a Clerk of Lyons , and Pietro Demetrio of Luca , who was Reader in the Popes common Hall , created the 10th yeer of Sixtus his papacy ; the first the 29th . of , April the second the first of May. Demetrio being dead , Julius the second , the sixth of July in the eighth yeer of his Pontificacy created Lorenzo Parmenio priest of the Chamber . This pope the 23d of August in the first yeer of of his Popedome granted a Load of Charcoals weekly to the said Keepers , but now for the whole yeer is allowed but 24 Load only : In the yeer 1535. Fausto Sabeo a Brescian Poet and Nicolo Magiorano Hidronteno succeeded these , the latter of whom being created Bishop of Mancpoli him succeeded Guglielmo Sirleto , and him his Brother Girolamo Sirleto , Federigo Ronaldo Valnease being created prothonotary followed Sabeo , and Marin Ronaldo Brother of the said Federigo succeeded to Girolamo Sirleto . Furthermore the same Sixtus ( that nothing might be wanting to the compleating the splendor of the pontifical Library ) created three with the denomination of exquisite writers , the one in Greek a second in Latin , a third in Hebrew , with their Dyet , and four crowns a moneth , but Paulus the fourth doubled the greek Salary and added two other Greek writers , and one Latin , to the one of which Greek writers and to the Latin he assigned five Crowns by the Moneth , and two Sportule , which is a certain Fee payed to the Pope or Saint Peter , by every person that got the better in any suite in Law , but to the other Greek he assigned two Sportule and four Crowns only . He likewise ordained one Binder with provision of foure Crowns . Lastly Marcello Corvino . President of the Library instituted two Correctors and Revisors of the Latin Books , between whom he divided the benefits accruing to the Presidents denying to retain them to himself as aforetold , and gave two sportule to each , being the four due to himself as president , assigning a Salary of five Crowns to the one and four to the other and the tenth Crown which remained to him of the ten crowne by the Moneth assigned to the presidents he deputed that for him whom Paul the 4th had instituted for sweeper , to whom the regalies were not granted . The first Latin Correctors were Gabriel Faerno of Cremona Nicolo Maggiorano , to whom Pius the 4th . added a Greek Corrector , giving to each of them ten Crowns of gold by the Moneth . Of the Ceremony in kissing the feet of the Roman Bishop . CHAP. XI . Taken out of GIOSEFFO STEPHANO Bishop of ORIOLANO . Wherein is shewed , that for good reasons the Pope wears a Cross upon his Shoe or Slipper , and the Christian People kiss his Feet . AMong the many things the Popes had given them to bear and carry for ensignes of Glory and dignity by the Emperor Constantine the Great , with which for long time together they have gone adorned , ware a pair of Slippers made of the whitest linnen cloth for the Ornament of their Feet . ( which Slippers we may name Pumpes for their being so apted to the Feet ) whereof we read an especial memorial in the Acts of San Silvestre , for that the Emperor Constantine commanded that the Popes of Rome should cloth their Feet with the purest Linnen , in imitation of the high Priests and antient Prophets , who we read in the fifth Book of Herodian were thus vested . And t is most certain , that the Sandals or slippers of the Roman Bishop are alwaies bedecked with some singular Ornament , differing from those which ordinary Bishops wear at the celebration of their Mass , otherwise how could the blessed Antidius near Segeberto in Anno 418 distinguish the Pope by the slippers he had on , nor could that have happened , if those of the Pope had not had a peculiar Mark differing from those of the Bishops . San Bernardo in his forty second Epistle declares that the slippers are a part of those Ensignes which the Popes are obliged to wear at the solemnizing of Mass. The same thing also is averred by Innocenzo III. in his first Book de Divinis Officiis , in the 24th Chapter . Ivo Cornatense , in the 76th . Epistle , and in his speech de significatione Indumentorum . Rabano in his first Book the 22d . Chapter Durando in his third Book the 28th . Chapter and many others . And although rhe Roman High Priests antiently used this sort of Shooing with the whitest Linnen , we must nevertheless , confess , that now the Custome is changed , and in lieu thereof are worne a certain red sort of shooing , with a cross wrought on them the occasion of which mutation may be attributed partly to the reverence of the People , and partly to the consideration of the Popes Person . Wherein will be manifested the humility of the Pope , who knowing all Persons prone to the kissing of his Feet , desired to have the sign of the Cross fixed thereon , to the end that so much honour might be payed to the most holy sign of the Cross rather than to his own proper person : And that his Holiness would also reduce into the minds of the faithfull which kiss his feet , the passion and death of our Saviour . With great Judgment then , most honest intention and good end , have they introduced this wearing the signe of the Cross upon the popes Sandals , since that the kissing of the cross is an Act of the Reverence born to it , used in the most holy Church antiently , whose custom it was in that manner to reverence not only the holy Crosse , but also the holy Images of Christ and of the Saints , the Visage and heads of which Images the faithfull of old accustomed to approach , in token of respect and honour , as Niceforus in his seaventeenth Book the 25th . Chapter recounts , and Zonara in the third tome of the Life of Theodofilo . The sublime Ensigne of the Romans made in manner of the Cross of the Saviour , which was wont to be born before Constantine the Emperor , and was adored by the Senate and the Souldiery , is called Laboria , perchance for that in Latine it signifies Labour , to wit for that that blessed Ensigne put the Souldiers in good heart and remembrance , when they were near toyled with fighting , or for that they bore up that Ensign when they marched , or els for that they mustred the Souldiers under that Banner to signifie to them the pains they must take under it , as Paolo Diacono , relates in the 11th . of his History , and Nicolo Prinio in the consults of the Burgari , at the 7th . Chap and 23. Paolino Nolano demonstrates very clearly in the 42d . Epistle , the Custome , which was , that the princes and great Lords kissed the Cross , submitting to it all the Banners of their glory , and worldly Majesty . Nor have they born this Reverence to the Cross alone , but also to all the Instruments of the Passion of our Lord , as Sant Ambrosius in a discourse he makes of the death of Theodosius , averreth , touching one of the Nayls which was pierced through the Feet of our Saviour . To come then to the other Head , wherefore we judge it convenient the change of the white slippers or sandals , for slippers or sandals with the Cross wrought on them ; we say that herein the Popes have endeavoured to demonstrate expresly the Image of the Apostolick charge because they havinng received a charge to teach to all the world , and to preach the Gospel , have likewise adorned their feet with the signe of peace and of the Gospel ▪ that so they may walk perfect through the World in vertue of the signe of the crosse . Isaiah the Prophet saith thus , Beautifull are the Feet of those who preach Peace , and publish good tidings , as if that forseeing this Usage , he should wonder , how the heads of the Christian People should find out so convenient an ornament to put upon their Feet , so that the Nations beholding them should not only remain full of gladnesse for the good newes which they had heard from them ; but should also perceive a certain content for having seen them all beautifull , all adorned , and signalized to the very feet with the figure of the holy Cross. Because t is usual to weigh in qualified persons , all their Actions , all their words , all their Vestments and habits to their very feet ; and so the Bridegroom praising his Spouse in the Canticles , sets down as a great concern , that having fair shoes she walked graciously . Tertullian in his Book of the habits of women , puts a difference between Culto Neatness , and Ornamento , Ornament , saying that neatness consists in the quality of the Vests as of Gold , Silver , and the like habiliments , but that Ornament consists in the disposition of the parts of that body which wears it . Then the Roman Bishops , who rconcile and make Peace by way of their Letters and Ministers to all Nations to the great astonishment of all , have obtained and pursued the one and the other of the aforenamed parts , that is to say Neatness and Ornament . Furthermore the sign of the Cross is made on the forehead and Breasts of the faithfull , to the end that as Augustine saith upon the 30th Psalm , they may not fear to confess the faith , and having overcome the Devil , they may carry the Banner of their Victory in their forehead , therefore also is the same signe worne upon the feet of the Pope , that he by that sign may be directed in that good way through which he is to lead all the People of God , thereby to shew unto the Pope , that to him was given this holy priviledge to be our guide by means of the Cross : wherein ( saith Saint Austin in the 10th Sermon de Sanctis Tom 10 ) are contained all the Mysteries and all the Sacraments , he fortifies ( as we may say ) his feet with the Cross , to the end that he shewing the way and we walking in it , none may wander from good thoughts . It may also be said that the Pope bears a Cross upon his feet , that in all persecutions and dangers all his people may recur securely to his Feet , where remedy may be had to overcome the difficulties , and doctrine to oppresse heresies if need require , as t is written in Deutronomy at the 33d . Chapter , Qui appropinquat pedibus accepit de doctrina ejus . Weighing all which considerations , with their foundation in the passion of Christ , very rationally have the Popes placed this signe upon their feet , to evidence these mysterious significations . Which is so antient and firm , that in the old Images we see no Pope drawn or carved who hath not also the cross upon his Feet : from which considerations it appears manifestly , that the perverse and wicked Hereticks of our times are in a great error , for expressing their dislike of the Popes wearing a Cross upon his feet , saying that t is an undervaluation and want of due reverence payed to the Cross. For answer whereunto by their favour : Is it not true ( that as Cirillus in 3. Tomo contra Julianum saies ) the old usage was to paint Crosses on the entrances into houses , and that ( as Nazianzenus in his oration against the same saies ) on the garments of the Souldiers were signed Crosses come from heaven , and that the Church to succor dying persons with spiritual help , used to mark their feet with the signe of the Cross , and that t was usual to mark the bodies of beasts with the Cross , as saies Sainctus Severus de Morbibus bono : and San Chrysostome , in his demonstration Quod Deus sit homo . Did they not mark the houses , the publick places , the Vests , the Armories , and finally divers other usual things with the Cross , as Leoncio Cipriottio against the Jews declares , to the end that in every place and in every action , we may rub up our drowsie memories with the passion of Christ our Lord : And shall we afterwards say , that it expresseth little reverence to the Cross in placing it upon the feet of Christs Vicar , by which we not only are minded of the passion of our Saviour when we behold it , but intend that thereby is signified , that we ought not alone to submit to the Cross , and tread down all worldly passions , which to the purpose are expressed in Scripture with the name of feet , but also for the Love of the passion of Christ to esteem at nought what ever happens under the Moon . The which cannot be so well signified , by placing the Cross in any other places but on the Feet of the Pope , to kiss which all the faithfull strivingly run together . GIOVANNI STEPHANO to the purpose of the Exaltation of the Pope speaks after this manner . The Reason wherefore they carry his Holiness upon Mens Shoulders T Is not from the purpose to say somewhat of the Lifting up of the Pope , since that all old Authors when they speak of the Creation of any King or Emperour , say that he was elevated and it may be that Claudianus speaks to this sense . Sed mox cum solita miles te voce levasset . Nor was this the custom of the Barbarous Nations only , but even of the Romans themselves who having chosen any One for their Emperor , lifted him on high , and carryed him upon their Shoulders : so saies Ammianus Marcellinus in his 22 book speaking of Julianus made Emperor by the Souldiers of France ; so sets forth Cornelius Tacitus in his 20 book and the same likewise speaks Cassiodorus of the Goths in his 20th Book Variacum Epist. 31. This custom Adon of Vienna manifests in the sons of Clotharus : Julianus Capitolinus speaking of the Giordani : and Herodian in his seventh book treating of the same . In which time , they did not only exalt the Roman Princes as aforesaid , and Princes of other Nations , but likewise the praefects of the City whom to honour the more they usually drew up and down the streets in a Caroach with an officer going before , who proclaimed , that the praefect came ; and this is clearly demonstrated by Siniachus in his first book & Cassiodorus in his 6th . from 24. But the Roman Bishops who from God have chief authority over the eternal way , for demonstration of their dignity , were wont to be conveighed through the City in a certain Chariot , honestly , or meanly clothed , as Ammianus Marcellinus , in his 27th book avers in his conceipt of Damascus and Urcisinus to this point in that time when Pretestatus put on the Pretesta ( which was a Robe the chief Magistrate of Rome wore when they sate in Majesty ) being then designed Consul : he preposed the Bishoprick of the Christians to the Consulship of the Roman people , and was wont to say to San Damascus the Pope ( as San Girolamus also relates in his Epistle to Pammacchius ) make me Bishop of Rome , and I will soon make my self a Christian , from which words we may comprehend , that even in those daies the Pontifical dignity moved the minds of the principal and greatest persons being that the Consulacy was a dignity to which all others gave place , as in more Epistles Cassiodorus shews in the 10th . book and Protestatus so he might have been high Bishop of the Christians would not only have deserted his old false Religion , but also Consulship . That it was the manner of the antient Priests to pass in Coaches for greater reputation , Tacitus in his 12th book clearly proves , who speaking of Agrippina , saies , That shee ( to agrandize her reputation this way ) was drawn to the Campidoglio in a Caroach a thing then only permitted to the Priests and holy Druides for their dignity . This custom was likewise used by the Virgins ( as may be collected from the first book of Artimedorus , his Positions ) and chiefly of the Vestals , who were carryed in Litters , attended by many servants with great Pomp , as Saint Ambrose relates in his first Epistle to Valentinian . But the Romon Bishops , besides the Chariot and Coach wherein they publiquely passed through the City , had also a supportable Chair wherein being sate it was carryed upon the shoulders of Men deputed to that service , and who lived upon that profession which is manifest enough , not only from that place of Duoaio , where he saies , that in the fifth Synod , was placed the Chair or Throne of the Apostolick confession , but also more clearly from the most antient Roman Order written before Gelasius the Popes time , wherein we finde expressions to this sence viz. When the Pope is entred into the Church , he does not instantly advance to the Altar , but first goes into the Vestry sustained by Deacons , who received & assisted him , while he descended from his Chair and to that effect the said Order several times relates the Ceremony of placing the Pope in the Chair , when he was to take any Journey and to sustain him by the Arms in descent from the Chair , being arrived at the place where he resolved to stay . In which words is also to be observed , that the said Order calls this Pontifical Chair in Latin Sellare , which properly signifies a Majestick Throne made for dignity , it being a Chair wrought with Art and proportionable thereto . As to the Popes being born up by hands , t is easily manifested , that he was so supported not only at his descent from the Chair , but also upon several other occasions when not at all in the Chair , which is proved by the examples of many Popes : As Stephen the second ( saies Palatina , and Francesco Giovanetto in the 90th . Chapter was carried upon shoulders in the Church of Constantine , and then in the Laterano and Adrian the second was so born up in the Laterano by the Clergy and by the chief of the Nobility the Comunalty then contending with the Clergy and Nobility for that honourable Office , as appears in the descriptions the 63d . Chapter , which begins . Cum Adrianus Secundus , &c. And Gregory the ninth was so sustained in the Laterano , laded with Gemmes and Gold. At which custome none ought to wonder , since so long before prophesied by Esaiah in the 49th Chapter be these words . Et efferent filios tuos in Uluis & filias super humeros portabunt , in our English Translation t is thus rendred . And they shall bring thy Sons in their Arms , and thy Daughters shall be carryed upon their shoulders . The occasion for which custome proceeds from the great reverence wherewith the Princes of the World ought to observe the Presidents of the Church , which Princes ought not to omit any convenient honour due to the Church , and so consequently to the head thereof . It stands with good reason too , that the Pope should be born up on high , to the end that on the one side he may the better see and bestow his Benediction on the People comitted to him , and that the People may on the other side behold their Head , acknowledging him for Gods Vicar , and thence fortifie themselves in the confession of the Catholick Faith. The same PIGHIO speaks of the Coronation of the Pope in this sence . ALL Princes for demonstration of the Majesty of Empire have worn a golden Crown . David who reigned before Homer and before all the antient writers at this day extant , had such a Crown as is proved in the 12th . Chapter of the second Book of Kings , the which he took to himself from one of the Cities of the Am●…onites by him overcome in warr , which who desires may read in the words of the cited Text. Ciassare King of the Medes ( as saies Zonara , in the first Tome ) sent a certain beautifull Daughter of his own to Cyrus with a golden Crown upon her head , and with the whole province of Media for Dowry . The Romans triumphing carryed a Crown of Gold , as Golliote relates , which might seem improperly and erroneously declared , in respect all historians write that the Emperors Triumphing were crowned with Lawrel , if Tertullian did not remove this doubt in his Tract entituled De Corona Militis , and Pliny in his 21st . Book the third Chapter saies , that the Radiant Crowns were composed with Leaves of Gold and silver . Zonara in the second Tome describing the Pompe of a Triumph saies : that while triumphing they carryed two Crowns , one was placed on the head of the Emperor , which was of Lawrel , the other which was of Gold and enterwoven with pretious stones , was born up over the head of the Emperour by the hands of a publique Minister , who stood upon the same Chariot whereof Juvenal speaks in the tenth Satyr , saying . Tantum orbem , quanto cervix non sufficit ulla , Quippe tenet sudans , hanc publicus , & sibi Consul Ne placeat , curru servus Portatur eodem . And Valerius Paterculus , saies that this Crown of Gold , was of the colour of a Rain-bow , to demonstrate the signe of a certain Divinity , speaking of Augustus Caesar Octavins in his second Book . As also of the same make clear mention , calling it Radiante , and Lucide , Suetoninus , in the life of Augustus the 44th Chapter . Pliny in his Panegyrick , the unknown Author in the Panegyrick dedicated to Maximilianus and Latinus Peccatus in Panegyrick , whose words would take up too much room to set down here . Moreover Ammianus Marcellinus in the 17th . book treating of the sharp pointed Pyramids , saies that they were wont to place Crowns on the heads of statues : which he again confirms in the 24th Book , from which testimonies Lazius collects in his 9th Book of Commentaries of the Roman Republique , that our Predecessors derived the custome of placing on the heads of the Images of Saints in the Churches , Crowns figured in the form of the raies of the Sun , chiefly for that those images being adorned with such Crownes , seemed to have , I know not what kind of splendour and Divinity : which reason , though it be not , altogether from the purpose , yet t is not altogether to be , maintained : for that we rather think , that this usage and custome had its original from that splendour which hath been often seen miraculously , to shine on the heads of the Saints : Being that ( as Abdias in the 5th . Book , and Eusebius in the second of his Histories relate ) the Apostles were often overshadowed with such a Light , as human eye could not behold them , as of old fell out to Moses , whose Face ( when he had had that near conference with God ) did shine so bright , that Aaron and the children of Israel , were afraid to come near him , as is recorded in the 34th Chapter of Exodus . To return then to our subject . The Persian Kings had a Crown to be worn on their heads which Zonara sets down in greek by its proper name , which can neither be commodiously expressed either in Latin or vulgar tongue : and it was a capital offence among the Persians for any one to put the Kings Crown upon his head as Dion Chrysostomus denotes in his first oration De libertate & servitute . Likewise the priests of the Gentiles wore a crown upon their heads , for demonstration of that repute which appertained to the splendidness and maintenance of their Sacerdotal office : whence the Antients were stupified , at a suddain view of the great Priest of the Comani , to whom ( as Strabo writes ) was granted the first honour next the King , and to wear a Royal Crown . Besides in Emesa a City of Phoenicia , the Priests went clad with a long robe , having a Crown of pretious stones of various colours in token of Majesty upon their heads . Which Ornament Antoninus being made Emperor of the Romans , by the multitude , the Souldiery and the Priests of the Sun , would not part with again , as Herodianus in libro quinto clearly proves : and so afterwards the Emperors of Constantinople triumphing , elected this ornament , which was called by a proper name as we read in the life of Basilius Porfirogenitus . Triumphum duxit tiara tecta ; quam illi tuphum appellant , although some modern Authors call it Calipora , as saies Niceforus Gregorius in libro sexto . Or Bishops then having two royal Dignities , to wit the spiritual and temporal , deservedly wear a double crown , as Innocent the third in his third sermon De coronatione Pontificis , confirms , saying that the Popebears the Mitre in token of the spiritual power , and the Crown in testimony of the Temporal , both which are conferred upon him by God omnipotent , King of Kings and Lord of Lords . But let us examine a little whether the Mitre , and the Crown , are Ornaments adapted to the Ecclesiastical customs . The mitre by Suidas is called the swathe or Fillet of the head , bound about with gold and silver as Brissonius explains : and Eusebius in his second book , the first Chapter , calls it a shelter ; with which Saint James the Apostle called the Brother of our Lord , was suddainly adorned , when by the Apostles he was chosen and consecrated Bishop of Jerusalem : which Ornament , although it took beginning with Aaron Priest of the Hebrew Law , is nevertheless received into the Christian Church , to the end that therewith the Bishops of all Nations may be adorned . Policrates Ephesinus wore the Mitre ( as Eusebius in the 31st Chapter of the third Book relates ) as Priest of Ephesus : and likewise the other Priests wore almost all the Ornaments of the antient Priests , as the Robe , and the Mitre , that they might appear the more adorned and majestick saies Eusebius in his Book ; whereof Amalarius , Rabanus , and others the gravest Authors treat more amply . What we have spoken touching the Mitre is without contradiction , and is held for truth by the consent of many and sundry Nations , but what is to be spoken touching a Kingdome , and a Royal Crown , is not so perspicuous to all , wherefore to our best power we will endeavour to manifest the same . Then first is to be observed , that t is the common opinion of all , that this sort of Ornament upon the head of the Pope had its original from the Emperor Constantine the Great , as appears in the Acts of San Silvestre the Pope : the same opinion is also embraced by all other Roman Bishops , as by Leo the ninth in the 13. chapter of his Epistle against the presumption of Michaele , and Innocent the third in his first Sermon of the blessed Silvester , confirms That Constantine the great at his departure from Rome to Constantinople , would have bestowed his own Crown upon San Silvester , which he refused , but in lieu thereof put a covering upon his head entirely circular , and a little after Innocent follows in words to this sence : And for this cause the Roman Bishop , in testimony of Empire , wears a Regal crown called in Latin Regnum , and in testimony of his Pontificacy he wears a Mitre , which is most convenient , for him in all times and places universally , because the spiritual power hath been ever esteemed for the Prior , more worthy and more great then the Temporal . And reason will yeeld , that San Silvester would not wear that Crown , but such a one as only covered the Temples , in respect his head was shaven as the Popes ought to be . Which shaving gave good reason that t was not decent to wear such a Diadem , but rather that circular covering which he chose named properly Tiara Phrigia , whereof Juvenal speaks in his sixth satyr saying . Et Phrygia vestitur buca tiara . Which Ornament may be supposed to be borrowed either from Phrygia or Phoenicia , as we please , because the Phrigians had their original from the Phoenicians . And that this was given the Pope by the Emperor Constantine the great , is most evident in the Acts of San Silvester , where the Emperor reckons up those things , that he had bestowed on the Pope , and being come to this , gives it the name Phrygium , as t was its proper name ; but in respect t was not manifest to all , what thing Phrygium denoted , he explains himself in the sence by us set down , saying et Phrygium nempe tegmen capitis sive Mitram . This particular required so much explanation , for that Theodorus Balsamones , confounding the signification of Phrygium , by joining it with the subsequent Lorum , which imports a perfect different thing hath caused many to erre in beleeving that Phrygium and Lorum put together do denote Pallium , the Cope which Arch - Bishops wear by the concession of the highest Bishop . But t is not convenient for us to dwell longer upon the dispute , let the intelligent read the latin Itinerary in this place , where they 'l meet an ample discourse upon the significations of these words . Other authors will have , that this Crown came not from Constantine but from Clodoveo , as they labour to draw from Segeberto under the yeer of our Lord 550. who speaks to this sence , Clodoveus the King received from Anastasius the Emperor , the Codicils of the Consulacy , a Crown of Gold with Jewels , and the red garment , and on that day he was called Consul and King , but the same King sent to Saint Peter at Rome the Crown of Gold with the Jewels , the Royal Ensigne , which is called Regnum . Armonius also confirms in his first book the 24th . Chapter , that from Clodoveus the Pope had the Crown : and Anastasius the Library Keeper under Pope Hormisda , testifies that Saint Peter received many gifts : In whom I have read , that in the yeer 776 that Philip the first Pope and Constantine the second Pope were both consecrated in San Peters Church ( but we must observe that the antient Authors under the word consecration understand also the ceremony of coronation ) for that when they say , that Charles the great was consecrated Emperor , they also by it understand he was Crowned , whence we may draw , that the Coronation of the Pope , had its rise in long since past times , since that in the yeer 683. under Agathone the first , and Benedict the second , was raised the custome of giving moneys at the coronation of the Pope , and of expecting the authority of the Emperor . Eugenius the second was crowned the 22d . of May in the yeer 824. Benedict in the yeer 855 , Formosus the first in 891. But after Clement which happened in anno 1044. all succeeding Popes were crowned as ( Panuinus observes ) in such a manner , as by it from that time forwards , the Prophecy of Isaiah in the sixty first Chapter may be well known to be fulfilled , where he saies as our English Translation renders it : For he hath clothed me with the garments of Salvatio , he hath covered me with the Robe of Righteousnesse , as a Bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments : The Italian saies , they ( meaning the Priests ) are crowned as Bridegroom : after that the Pope is elevated to this supremedignity he wears the garments of eternal peace , and a Crown upon his head : This is that Son of Eliachim spoken of from God by Isaiah the Prophet in the 22d . Chapter , to whom even at that time God promised the Robe the Crown and the Key , as you may read in the 20. 21 , 22 , 23 , and 24. verses of that Chapter and so forwards : The Crown is an Ensigne of Empire , the Robe is a signe of familiar government , the which things are found in their excellency in our Pope . So in the 14th Chapter of the Revelation of Saint John , at the 14th verse t is said that Christ ( named the Son of man ) appeared sitting on a white cloud , adorned with a golden Crown upon his head . And in the 19th . of the Revelations about the 11th . verse t is said , that the same Word of God appeared upon a white horse , with many Regal Crowns upon his head and all his Friends , as may be read in the subsequent verses . For this occasion principally were these significations by Crowns to wit that Christ through his Wisdom ( signified by the figure of a Crown of Gold ) hath obtained victory over all Creatures , and subjected them to his Dominion . So likewise the Roman Bishop who is ouer all Nations , who hath brought all the People under his authority , ( by the consignation and power of God ) deservedly puts on the covering of his head three Crowns , thereby demonstrating that in glory , Authority , and great works , he surpasseth all the other Kings and Princes of the world . After so many fore-passed Popes , Paulus the second created in the yeer 8465. of the noble Venetian Family Barbi , as he was of a fair aspect and great Spirit , so he took great care to adorn the papal Mitre , with pretious Jewels and curious workmanship . Lastly let us advertise the Reader that in those breifs written by Caesar Costni in the third chapter of the first book of his various doubts deceives himself , where he would maintain that the Popes bearing a Mitre with three Crowns proceeds from those mysterious significations by him alleaged , when indeed there is no necessity of them and let thus much suffice . Of the holy yeer of Jubile which is celebrated in ROME every twenty fifth year . The Narration of P. M. GIROLAMO da CAPUGNANO of the preaching Order . Extracted from the Book of the Holy Yeer . CHAP. XII . GOD granted to the Jewes divine benefits indeed , whereupon afterwards that Nation boasted , saying , That his divine Majesty had not treated other People after that manner : But those graces which the Church our Mother hath received from the goodness of God do far surpass and exceed the Benefits bestowed upon the Hebrew People : For that the Lord that she might be clean and adorned in his sight , gave the blood of his only Son to wash her , and the Treasure of his Wisdome to beautifie her . Among the other benefits conferred on the Hebrew Synagogue , that of the yeer of Jubile was most excellent , called most holy , for that it was the yeer of remission and of the commencement of all things , which the Omnipotent God ordained to be from 50 to 50 yeers . The like grace being due to our Church the Spouse of Christ ( though with a different end , for that the Synagogue attended only to temporal affairs , and the holy Church to spirituals singly ) by divine disposition she thought convenient to ordain also the yeer of Jubile , though at first only from 100. yeers to 100. yeers . perhaps to draw to good use , the antient diabolick custom of the celebration of the secular Games , which to this end were celebrated every hundredth yeer in Rome , with a preceding general invitation from Cryers , who proclaimed through the streets come to the games , the which none ever saw since , nor shall again : which drew into the City of Rome infinite People of all Nations for the service of the devil : And all those Nations since the institution of the yeer of Jubile , render themselves at Rome though with much better reason viz. to serve the true God , for the salvation of their own souls : nor ought our pains seem strange to any , for what is said concerning the mutation of evil into good , because that not only in this , but in divers other occasions the holy Church hath had this aime , to consecrate that to God , which the foolish generations had before time dedicated to Satan , as may be seen in divers Temples of Rome , now dedicated to the true Lord , and his Saints , which were formerly the Temples of Idols used for the distribution of candles , and to make their Feasts , as in San Pietro in Vincola , the first of August , the first of those ceremonies was made in Rome , in honour of Februa by the Romans taken for a Goddess , the other in memory of the triumph of Augustus Caesar. We find that Boniface the 9th . in the yeer 1300. published the yeer of Jubile by his Bull , wherein he declares as a Restorer rather then an Inventor or institutor of this yeer : And t is no wonder , that we find no firm testimony of its institution before that time , because the Church hath had so many persecutions , and so great toiles , that t is a miracle that any antient Memorials are preserved rather then a wonder that some are lost . At that time then , the Pope in writing divulged this yeer , conceding entire and plenary remission of offences and punishments every hundredth yeer , which number of ( Centum ) one hundred , bears also a certain sense of returning to good from evil , as is fully proved by Girolamus and Beda , principal Ecclesiastical writers . Clement the sixth at the Instance of the Romans reduced Jubile to every fiftieth yeer , chiefly for that the life of man is so short , that very few arrive to one hundred yeers , and for that in the number quinqua ginta fifty , are contained many mysteries pertinent to the Christian Religion ; but principally it signifies remission and pardon , the proper effect of the Jubile . Moreover the Jewish synagogue had its Jubile every 50. yeers , so that if for no other reason , at leastwise that the Synagogue might not appear richer then the Church t was fit , that she should likewise have a Jubile every fifty yeers . Urban the sixth reduced it to thirty three yeers for the increase of the Church treasure , afterwards to be disposed of by Saint Peter and his successors on the like occasions . But last of all Paul the second reduced it to every 25th yeer , and so Sixtus the fourth his successor observed it , as in like manner have all following Popes done . T●…e which we must believe was made for many considerations , and chiefly for these , for that the world as it grows old becomes worse both in quantity and quality of Life ▪ so that through the thousand dangers which alwaies threaten life , and through the infinite Sins wherein many Creatures are involved , it hath appeared good to reduce the time of Remission to a shorter time , whereby to offer frequent invitations to all , to accept the spiritual Medicine of Redemption of so great vertue ) and to fly the works of iniquity . As to what appertains to the name , t is to be observed , that it may be called in Latin Jobileus & Iobileus , of which the last is least used , notwithstanding that by the vulgar , t is more frequently called Giubileo than otherwise : This word is not derived from Giubilo , which signifies Mirth and content ( although in truth it ought to be a yeer of rejoycing ) but from the hebrew word Jobel , wich is as much as to say a Trumpet or Sacbut , for that the Israelites the seventh month before the fiftieth yeer used to proclaim the yeer of Jubile with the sound of Trumpets : furt hermore the Hebrew word Jobel also signifies remission and beginning , the proper actions for the yeer of Jubile , for then the Jews remitted all debts , and returned all things to their first state . The Pope cannot concede greater indulgences , then those which are granted in the yeer of Jubile , for then they open the treasury of the Church , and bestow on every one as much as is absolutely necessary for him , pardoning to him sins and penances , as well imposed as not imposed , freeing of him wholly and absolutely from purgatory , yea although he should have forgottē his mortal sins in his confession or that he should not have confessed the Venial sins ( for t is not of necessity to make cōfession of Venial sins although such must suffer pains in purgatory for them , if they be not in some way cancelled in this world ) in such manner , that the soul that in that time shall part from the body , doth instantly fly to enjoyment of the selicity of Paradise . Our Jubile hath certain ●…imilitudes with that of the Jewes , for that they proclaimed the yeer before , so do we ours : That they published in the Piazza●…s , we ours in the Churches : that they with Trumpets , we ours with the voice of the Preachers : In that they left the Land unmanured , ours by the merits of Christ and his Saints supplies our Labour : in that Servants became free , in ours we acquire spiritual liberty with pardon of sins and penances , in that they redeemed their Credits , in ours we receive pardon for our offences : in that sould possessions returned to their first Patrons , in ours our crimes being cancelled the power and virtue of the soul is vivi●…ied : in that banished persons returned to their Countrey , and in ours , who departs this life , immediately ascends to the heavenly Countrey . Boniface the eighth opened the doors of the Church Vaticano , and bestowed most ample indulgences of all sins ; Clement the sixth , added the doors of the Church Lateranense , ordaining as is above declared . Paulus the second afterwards added Santa Maria Maggiore and San Paolo , in the Via Ostiense , for visitation . Gregory the 13th . in anno 1575. ordained , that who would participate the grace of the Jubile , should first communicate in the yeer of Jubile : allplenary indulgences are understood to be suspended with certain mutations of words , of which the Authors treating on the Jubile , speak to that purpose . The Hebrews proclaimed their Jubile the 10th day of the seaventh moneth of the forty and ninth yeer . Ours , we publish on Ascention day in the yeer preceding the twenty fifth yeer , upon two pulpits in the Church San Pietro , reading the Popes Bull in Latin and the vulgar . We begin our Jubile , on the Vigil of the birth day of our Lord in the evening , when the Pope with great solemnity opens the door of the Church San Pietro , which at all other times stands continually walled up : and he causeth the Lords Cardinals at the same time in the same manner , to open the doors of the other deputed Churches , all which doors ( the yeer ended ) are again shut up . In the holy yeer , that is to say the Jubile , resort so great concourse of People from all Countreys to Rome , that historians write , that at the time of the Jubile of Pope Boniface , Rome was so full of people , that one could hardly pass in the City , though so great : and in the yeer 1505. the feet of Gregory the thirteenth , in one morning were kissed by thirteen thousand persons . Clement the 8th . in anno 1600. would needs wash the feet of divers Prelates , and other poor strangers come to the Jubile : and the most illustrious Cardinals among which were Montalto and Farnese expressed great charity and humility to poor pilgrims . That t is convenient to celebrate the Jubile in Rome , rather then any other City is maintained by pregnant reasons : Rome is the most worthy and noble of all other Cities and we therefore understand when we name Citta or City , without any other appellation , that it must be Rome . She hath had the Empire , is the head , the Mistris , and a compendium of the World. She is full of Riches : hath beauty in her Scite , her Country , fertility of soyl , great comodiousness from the Navigation of the Tyber , and the proximity of the Sea. She is the common Countrey of all , and in her are of all Nations , and every people may there find a proper Church for their own Nation , as in deed most Countreys have . There Religion flourisheth more than elsewhere as appears by the infinite Priests and Fryers , which there at leastwise in their diuine duties , if not continually praise the Lord and pray for all . There the Churches are much visited , the Poor releived , the virgins married , and many other pious works performed worthy of perpetual memory . She is a City of singular sanctity , and in her are placed the most noted things appertaining to our Religion as the Manger wherein our Lord was layed at his birth , the swa●…ling clothes , the Cradle , the garment , the Coronation Robe , the Crown of thorns , the Nailes , the Iron of the Launce , the eross ▪ and the Title of Christ. In it are bodies of Apostles , of Martyrs , of Confessors , of Virgins , and infinite Reliques of Saints . She is the seat of the Pope , who is Prince of the Church , Vicar of God , Pastor of all , who when abroad , is beheld , admired and adored by all , every one seeking to kiss his Feet , wondring at the grandezza of the Cardinals , the gravity of the Bishops and the multitude of the Priests . A treasury of Indulgencies in Rome lye continually exposed to whomsoever needs them , where in former times the Christians were persecuted and more cruelly intreated then in any other place . And finally the Faith of the Romans was and is such , that even in the Apostles times , it was preached through the world , that is to say in that part only then styled Roman before t was Christianiz'd Rome , then ( which in greek imports strength , in hebrew Greatness ) being the most worthy place of the whole world , with good reason in her and not elsewhere , ought the Jubile to be celebrated . The Narration of STEPHANO PIGHIO touching those military Ensignes , which the Pope useth to bestow on temporal Princes . CHAP. XIII . THE Roman Bishop useth to bestow great honour on Princes , which for all that doth seldom happen , from the rarity of the occasions for which they are sought . This custom was most antient , begun with the foundation of the holy scripture in the history of the Maccabees ( part of our Apocrypha ) as we read in the 15th . Chapter of the second book of Maccabees : That Judas the Captain of the Israelite Army before he came to battail against Nicanor , saw in a Vision Onias the high Priest , holding up his hands towards Heaven , and praying for the whole people of the Jews : and Jeremias the Prophet , giving unto him the said Judas a sword of gold exhorting him to give battail in these words : Take this holy sword a gift from God , wherewith thou shalt wound thy adversaries , wherewith Judas being comforted , drew to battail on the sabbath against the Enemies , and behaved himself so well , that he slew not less then thirty five thousand Men , with Nicanor their Captain and so remained victorious . Hence then proceeds the custome , that the Roman high Priest every yeer , the night before the Nativity , before he begins the Duties , blesseth and consecrateth a sword , with the scabbard , the belt , and the pummel of gold , and a hat placed on the top of it , not made after the common sort , of Felt , but of the finest blew silk , with the whitest Ermine skinns round about it , and a Crown of gold enterwoven all over and set out with Jewels of good value . This is a noble donative wch . the Pope provides only of that night , to bestow it upon some Christian Prince , who either hath done or is to undertake some notable impress for the Christian Religion : nor is this without mysteries , but hath many , the which every Christian Prince ought to know , and consider . The Roman Rivale teacheth us , that the sword so consecrated , tipifies the infinite power of God , which is in the eternal word , wherewith God hath created all things : Which word on that night put on human flesh , and to which the Father Eternal gave all Power , as himself declared about the time of his Ascention into heaven , and then consigned it to Saint Peter , and to his successors , whose duty t is to govern that holy Church then newly by him instituted , and consecrated with his own blood , against which hell should not prevail : Commanding that they should teach all those things which were learned from him , and to invite and intreat , all Nations ( through Baptism and the Gospel ) to enter this new City , out of which there is no salvation , and in which they must obey the Laws of the divine Empire . Who is not surprized with consideration of the dispensations of God , in the divine Majesties election of this City Rome , for the head and bulwark of the Christian Republique , which was upon the point at that time Head and Lady of the whole world . Whence Saint Peter the Governour of the first Church was destinated to this Province , and t was commanded to him , that the Cross should Triumph in the Campidoglio , to the end that thereby and thence the light of eternal truth might with the more facility be dispersed into all parts . By the sword then thus consecrated is denoted that Empire , and that supreme power of government upon Earth , which Christ left to Saint Peter his Vicar , and to his successors ; and that the Roman Bishop ought to be acknowledged for the head of Christianity , whom , all those that tender their own Salvation , ought to obey and serve in spirituals for the love of Christ. Furthermore that sword signifies , what prudence , and Justice , every Prince ought to observe , and because the sharp point wounds where t is thrust on by the hand , therefore the handle of this sword is adorned with gold , a metal which amongst the Antients imported Wisdom , whereby the Prince ought to learn , that near his hands wisdome must have her seate , that so he may not transact any thing rashly , nor without due consideration , Gold hath been taken for the Symbol of Wisdome , from her similitude in Excellency , for as the one surpasseth and mastereth all metals in goodness and value , so Prudence or Wisdome , as we may say , surpasseth and overcometh all other things , And this caused Solomon in his proverbs to make his exhortation saying , My Son possess thou Wisdome , which is better than Gold , and get thou Prudence , for this is more pretious than Silver , Saint John in the Apocalyps calleth wisdome enflamed Gold , which penetiates the breast with the ardour of the holy Spirit . The Magi offered Gold to Christ then an Infant , and the Egyptians were despoyled of their Gold by the Israelites , the one and the other thereby signifying , Wisdome in a mistical sence ; and t was so in truth spoken literally as our histories relate Plato ( whose doctrine did not much disagree from the Christian ) often compares Wisdome and the Beauty of the mind to pure gold . Finally the Aunt and Gryphen of India signified no other thing wch . Animals ( as antiquity feigned ) got together as much gold as possibly they could and afterwards kept it with diligence : even so Wisdome is not to be had without labour , and noblenesse of mind ; the Aunt here being an embleme of a laborious Creature , and the Gryffen ( feigned to proceed from the copulation of an Eagle and a Lyon ) here represents the greatness of mind . Whence the same antients wisely and properly dedicated the Aunt and the Gryffen to Apollo the God of wisdome . Moreover the sword signifies the Tongue , the best and worst member in Man , as it happens to be imployed : and therefore the antient said , that evil spoken men carryed a sword in their mouth : and Diogenes the Cynick , seeing a fair young man to speak dishonestly , sayed to him , art thou not ashamed , to draw a sword of Lead out of an ivory scabbard ? and in Isaiah we read Posuit os meum quasi gladium acutum : and Christ in the Gospel saies . Non veni pacem mittere sed gladium , where we see , that by the sword is intended the word preached from God ; and so in other places of Scripture under the name word , is comprehended the tongue or the sword wherefore aptly also to our purpose it may receive the same signification , the Pope giving to understand to Princes , that they in particular ought to have their tongue and speech adorned with Gold , that is to say clothed with wisdom and prudence , with which sword they ought to separate the good thoughts from the bad , and by their wise counsels to penetrate and see into the very hearts of others . To this misterious sword the holy Pope adjoyns a belt interwoven with gold , which even of old was a sign of Majesty and military dignity : well then may the Prince ( on whom t is bestowed ) apprehend the exhortation by it given him , to demean himself well for the holy Church against all factions . The Hat , which is the covering of the head , the most noble part of man , is an Ensigne of nobility and liberty , which hat also antiently was wont to be made in the form of a half sphere , as t were one part of a great egg divided just in the midst , but in later times our modern ar●…ificers not apprehending the significations , or willing to fructifie humours , make it after another fashion . It s round form putting us in minde of Heaven , by which we are covered , and adviseth the Prince , to direct all his actions to the glory of God , and the benefit of his soul , for whose eternal dwelling were the Heavens made : the celestial colour of the said hat denotes the same thing . The white colour of the skins and the Pearl , signifies that sincerity and purity of the mind wherewith the Prince ought to be endowed , to the end he may in the end accomplish a concomitance with those most sacred minds , the wch to that time he hath or ought to have endeavoured to imitate with all clearness of conscience . The Colour white , hath been alwaies esteemed gratefull to the Almighty , being a mark of Inocency & therfore from great antiquity all men in the duty of sacrifice used to cloth themselves therwith ; Pythagoras his sentence is , that every white thing is good . Fully in his second book De legibus saies , that white is very agreeable to God. We might also bring testimonies to this purpose from Cicero and others , but to what end should we search prophane authors : since Christ himself in his glorious Transfiguration made himself obvious to many , clothed with rayments white as snow : and the Angels also who were at the sepulchre of our Lord the morning of his resurrection day , when the women went to seek after the most holy body , presented themselves in whitegarments : from the above specified records the Prince is advised of the nature of that Animal the Ermine , off which those skins are taken , for the Ermine is infinitly neat , and enemie to filthiness and durt , in so much that the mouth of their Cave being environed by the hunters with dirt , they do rather expose themselvs to be taken then to run for their escape through dirt to defile themselves . All which things then advise us . That God does expect in us , Cleaness of heart , sincerity of tongue , wisedom of mind , elevation of the understanding and prudence in our actions . whereof his Holinesse by that beatified sword adorned in the aforecited manner , intends to give the Prince a continual remembrance , that in goodness and works he ought to surpasse all other sort of people in an eminent degree , begin by the omnipotent God in the government of the world made so much superiour to all other People . The Prince at the reception of this gift , kneels down , and the Pope then gives it him , exhorting him by many expressions to be a good souldier of Christ : Then the Prince acknowledging the Pope as Vicar of God returns his thanks in Latin , swearing that he will not lay any thing more to heart , then a correspondence by his actions , with the desire of his holiness , and all other Christian Princes : afterwards he delivers the Sword to his most noble and chief Minister who bears it before the Cross while the Pope goes out of the Vestry . At last , having had a congratulation from the Cardinals and Embassadors , and taken leave , the Prince with the sword born up before him , being accompanyed by the Governors of the Castle , Saint Angelo , by the Comptrolor of the Pallace , by all the Nobility , by the Pontifical Family , and the Palatine Court , with great Pomp and the sounding of Trumpets and noise of Drumms , he marcheth out of the Palace by the military Porticue , thus attended to his own Dwelling . Of the increases of the TYBER . CHAP. XIV . ON the 9th . day of November in the yeer 1379. the Tyber rise three braces or yards , and the mark of it may be seen at Santa Maria Della Minerva . In 1422. on Saint Andrews day under Pope Martin it rose above a brace and halfe . In 1476. the eighth of January a little above the Channell Shores. In 1495. in December being the third yeer of the Papacy of Alexander the sixth , it augmented thirteen foot , and a little after in Leo the 10ths time somewhat more . In 1530. Under Clement the 7th . on the 8th and 9th . dayes of October it encreased twenty four feet , the mark of it appears at Saint Eustachio , upon a wall in the midst of Santa Maria del Popolo , and in Castle Saint Angelo , where the Governor Guidon de Medici then caused a signal to be made of it . In 1542. it rose , and of that rise Maria Molza speaks elegantly . In 1589. the 24th . of December , in the 7th . yeer of Clement the VIII . it rose with so vast a destruction to the City Rome , that there remains no memorial of the like : at which time the Pope was but just returned from Ferrara , being then lately received and restored to the Apostolick Chair . Whence we may receive for truth this maxime , that sorrow & wailing are the subsequents of Joy. The Pope had enough to do for all the following yeer , to repair the structreus which by that inundation were ruinated , and to restore Rome to a convenient condition against the yeer of Jubile , which happened in anno . 1600. The curious are referred to the tracts of Lodovico Genesio and Giacomo Castiglione . Touching the preserving ones health in ROME . UPON this subject wrote Alesandrio Petronio a Roman Phisition and Marsilio Cognato of Verona , a Phisicion also at Rome , in his book of observing a rule in diet , in the four books of his divers lectures , and others also to be found in Rome also : Girolamo Mercurio , speaks somethings of it in his various readings . The air of Rome is thick , and ill tempered , wherefore you ought to abstain from walking abroad , at such times as the Sun does not subt elize it , that the sky is not serene ; that is early in morn , or els late at night , or when the weather is disturbed or foggy . In the Church Santa Maria della Minerva , you may read these verses to the purpose of preserving health in Rome . Enecat insolitos residentes pessimus aer Romanus , solitos non bene gratus habet . Hîc tu quo vivas , lux septima det medicinam , Absit odor faedus , sitque labor levior . Pelle famem frigus , fructus ; femurque relinque Nec placeat gelido fonte levare sitim . Romes evil air the stranger kills Brings to its Natives unwelcome ills who 'l live the seaventh day Physick must Nor noysome smells , nor labour trust Hunger and Cold , avoid , Fruit and Venus fly Cold water drink not though nere so dry . The Wines drunk in ROME . They drink in Rome the best wines , as hereafter followeth . Vin greco di Somma , the best white , growes in the Terra di Lavoro in the Monte Vesuvio . named di Somma , from the Castle Somma , which stands at the foot of it . Chiarello a brisk white wine from Naples . Latino a mean wine from Naples . Asprino a white wine from Naples , which is stiptick , or as we may say astringent . Mazzacani , a small white Wine from Naples . D'Ischia , the best Greek wine , this Island is under Naples . Salerno white and red . Sanseveren white and red both good , Corso d'Elba , a strong white . Corso di Brada a gross white . Corso di Loda a heady white . From the River of Genoua , white and red , Gilese , white and red , small , and wholsome . Ponte Reali , from Genoua , white , small and healthfull . Moscatello di Sardia of a deep colour , small , and wholesome . Vindellia Tata from the Genoueses , smal and wholesome Lacrima , the best red . Romanesco , small white , of divers tastes . Albano white and red . De Paolo , indifferent white . Di Francia , moderate red . Salino , mean white and red from Tivoli , and Velletri . From Segno moderate . Magnaguerra , the best red . Castle Gandolfo , the best white . Della Riccia , the best white , but small , made Respise wine . Malvasia , from Gandia . Moscatello , the best and most excelling wine of Italy . Of the divers sorts and kindes of wine some Italian Physicians have also written : to wit Giacòmo Prefetto Netino printed in Venice in anno 1559. Gio Battista Confalonieri of Verona , printed in Basilea 1539. Andrea Baccio stampt in Rome in the yeer 1597. And now , not recollecting any thing more to be spoken of to the purpose of this small tract , concerning Rome , we will make a conclusion with certain verses writin praise of her , that we may observe the same method we began with , in our discourse of Rome to wit her due comendations . Verses composed by Faustus Sabeus a Brescian in praise of ROME . ENCOMION . MArtia progenies , quae montibus excitat urbem , Civibus & ditat , conjugibusque beat . Tutaturque armis , Patribus dat jura vocatis . Jam repetit caelum Post data jura Jovi . De nihilo imperium ut strueres , te hac Romule causa . Gignit , alit , servat , Mars , Lupa , Tibris aqua . Encomion Julii Caesaris Scaligeri . Vos , septemgemini , caelestia Pignora , montes , Vosque trumphali maenia structa manu , Testor , adeste , audite sacri commercia cautes , Et Latios animos in mea vota date , Vobis dicturus meritis illustribus urbes , Has ego Primitias , primaque sacra fero Qui te unam laudant , omnes comprenderit , orbem Non urbe●… , qui te noverit , ille canet . The End of the Second Part. THE HISTORY OF ITALY , CONTAINING The VOYAGES and JOURNEYS FROM ROME TO NAPLES , The Third PART . From NAPLES to POZZUOLO , With the Return to TIVOLI . TRavailing from Rome by the Via Latina , to Marino , you pass between great ruins of many famous Villages , the which were no less rich then numerously disperst over the Tusculan Champaigne and the Apenine Hill during the flourishing age of the Roman Empire : and hence t is that the old Town Mariana , will derive her Original name from the Castle Marino . On the right hand whereof , lyes near the villa Luculliana of the Lieinij , & the Villa Murentana , famous for the Tusculane questions of Mar cus Tullius Cicero , His immortal testimony of Morality and Learning : At this day t is called Frascati , and is distant from Rome twelve miles : in this circuit you may , also behold the Ville or Manor Houses of the Portii , and of many other the prime Persons of the Roman Republick , whom we finde recorded by Strabo , Pliny , Seneca , Plutarch , and other writers . Departing thence turn towards the Strada Appia , leaving Veletri on the left hand , where the Ancestors of Augustus were born , and on the right hand Aricia , now called Ricia , and Lo Spechio , or the looking glass of Diana Trem●…rense , as Servius calls the Lake near that Castle , which Lake is consecrated to Diana Taurica , together with the wood famous for the fiction of Acteon , and a Temple named Artimisio by Strabo . Heretofore this was a famous place for the old , but barbarous Religion , instituted in that place by Orene and Iphegene , to wit the custom of the Scythians , the sacrificing with humane blood : Here was that Temple , whither the Fugitives brought from Tauri the Image of Diana hid in a pyle of wood , whence in Italy they gave the Surname of Fascilede and Fascilina , to Diana : but of this superstition shall we with better conveniency treat in another place . Pursue the Journey just to the Pontine Fens , where at a little distance , lye the Tres Tabernae or three Taverns the famous Hostery on the Via Appia mentioned in the 28th . Chapter of the Acts : which are distant from Arelia eleaven miles and from Rome thirty three , as is clearly demonstrated by the antient Roman Itineraries , and the very distance of the places : they are indifferent entire , being built as the other Fabricks of the Romans of great stones and bricks in squares . Saint Luke writes in the Acts of the Apostles that certain Brothers yet Fresh men ( as we call them at Oxford ) in the Faith of Christ , left Rome and came to meet Saint Paul as far as the Tres Tabernae , at such time as he was transmitted as a criminal Person with a guard of Souldiers from Judea to Rome by Portius Festus the Procurator . Thence leaving the Stra●… or street Appia , ( as it may be called from the former beauty , testified by the ruines of Houses and Tombs , &c. on each side ) carried through the Pontine Fens with vast expence though now wholly obstructed and impassable , through the waters of the Fens , the ruine of structures and fall of Bridges , you are necessitated to take a long journey , by the Volsci , the foot of the Apenines , the craggy and sharp Rocks of Mountains to Terracina . You shall see Setia on the left hand , celebrated by the old Poets for the goodness of the wines , and going more onward you leave behind you in the plain the walls of Priverno destroyed by the Germans and Brittons , as Biondo testifies : where in the circumspection remember that Ca●…illa exercised the Empire of the Volsci . Thence passing by Priverno Novello now Piperno scituate in the adjacent Mountain , round which runs the River An●…asceno , you may behold before your eyes , though at some distance , the Coasts of the Mediterranian Sea , and some Promontories , which seem as it were disjoyned from the Terrafirma , the firm Land , of old full of famous Castles , and now little lesse then wholly abandoned . There will appear to you , in what scite AEneas built Lavinium in those dayes , and where the City La●…rentum stood near the sacred Fountain , and the Lake of AEneas or of Jove Indigete . Furthermore , there is demonstrable , where stood Ardea the City of King Turnus , and Antium the head of the Volsci , together with the famous Temple of Fortune , and where Astura , in famous ( that we may not call it famous ) for the death of Marcus Tullius Cicero , the Dictator , so active and famous . Thence also will your eyes meet the situation of the house of Circe the Sorceress , celebrated in the fictions of Poets , of old an Island , now a most high Promontory , placed upon certain Rocks over the Sea conjoyned to the Terra firma , by the Plashes of water , and Fennish hills , full of woods and Trees , where Fame saies that Circe the most beautifull Daughter of the Sun transformed her guests into beasts and Cattel by her Magick Art ( which if not credible ) let 's beleeve she did it by her whorish Art. Strabo saies , that in the time of Augustus here was apparent a Temple of Circe , an Altar of Minerva , and that Goblet which Ulysses made use of , when his companions were metamorphosed into beasts as Homer in his verses declares . They assert commonly that in truth the mountain abounds with various plants of occult vertue and with infinite rare herbes , and that thence this Fable had its Original . For the relaters of Natural causes averr , that Circe . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in Greek , signifies the revolving of the Sun , through whose heat , and the reflex of the Summer Raies , the plants and animated things receive vigour , and mutation . Thence then departing , you must passe through the humid and large Pontine Campagna , : which is divided in the midst by the Strada Appia Regina , ( the Queen of streets as we may call it , ) from the Mauseoli , the Sepulchres , Temples , Villages , and Palaces , wherewith t was once proudly adorned on both sides , now only miserable reliques of its former lustre lying dejectedly and dispersedly in the waters . TARRACINA . WAS an antient Colony of the Romans , and first of the Volsci , t was first called Anxur , or Ansure , as most suppose in the greek Language , from a certain place sacred to Jupiter called Ansure the most famous and most antient ; which they say the Spart ans built in that very place , in the same form , as is that of the Dea Feronia , in the Pontine Fields , built by the Sircei , and Rutili , who through the rigidness of Lycurgus his Laws deserted their Countrey , and after long voyages fixed their abode in the maritime confines of Italy , as Dionysius Halicarnasseus in his second book of Antiquities sets forth : Virgil also makes mention of such a name in the eighth of his AEneides standing on the Circean Mountain in these verses . Circiumque jugum queis Jupiter Anxurus oris Praesidet . Upon which Servius in his Comentary gives the derivation of Anxur in these words , Circa tractum Campaniae , colebatur puer Jupiter , qui Anxurus dicebatur , quasi , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , id est sine novacula , because that Jupiter imberbis was there worshipt : and he saies in another place , Feroniam Junonem virginem ait existimatam fuisse , veluti Jovem Anxurum , vel sine novacula , et perinde non abrasum ; qui coleretur Tarracinae , quae etiam Anxurum aliquando dicta fuit . And I remember my self to have seen a marble Altar dedicated by vow to Jove , a childe , as its antient inscription testifyed . Strabo writes , that the Graecians called her by another name to wit Trachina , as much as to say sharp , from the greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 being seated on a sharp and stony mounta in ; from which word it seems likely the Romans took the name Tarracina as is evident by some antique inscriptions : for all which , according to this form I conceive we ought to correct whatever word we meet with differing from this as we find in the fourth of Titus Livius . Anxur fuit quae nunc Tarracinae sunt , urbs prona , paludes : He seems to have in his mind the sharp and stony Horatian Countrey , when he so gratiously describes this very voyage of the Strada Appia in the second book , Ora manusque tua lavimus Feronia lympha , Millia tum pransi tria repsimus atque subimus . Impositum saxis late candentibus Anxur . Tarracina is scituate three miles off the Temple of Feronia in the Circean Promontory , in the Strada Appia ; which heretofore as Solinus testifies , was environed by the Sea , now a populous though small Countrey : whereof that part towards the Sea is fertile and pleasant , of old most adorned and pompous , through the gardens Palaces and possessions of the Romans , who were rich and potent , whereof some Reliques and ruines lye scattered here and there , as also some footsteps of that famous Port which Antoninus Pius restored with so vast expence . A part also of the Temple of Jupiter Imberbis yet stands in the Walls of the Dome , as the vast Marbles and pieces of Pillars witness ; before it are some old inscriptions with a Pillar to Theodorick for having dryed the Fens and renewed the way as by this appears . Inclyta Gothorum Regis monumenta vetusta Anxurei hoc oculis exposuere loco . The Strada Appia is compacted of solid stones and even all the way to Fondi , which may well entertain the Pilgrim with its marvellous structure , and the consideration of its old Fragments , and above all where t is cut out of most hard milstones , and reduced to a direct plain by chizels of Iron even to the Promontory of Tarracina . The Spectator rests stupid at the evēness of the straight way for foot Passengers , at the length of the stones , some being little lesse than 20 paces long and three broad , adorned with ridges or cuts for the drynesse of the way for passengers , and at every ten foot are stones raised for the more easy getting up on horsback or into Cart. Who is not astonisht at the solid wall of the same white Rock , whereon are distinguishable every ten foots distance , and the great number of those ten feet described and easily to be seen ? Who is not pleased with the design of those characters so well made , and with so good proportion : and who is not amazed to see those Tombes and Marbles on the waies , of old adorned with triumphs of enemies now deprived wholly of all their fair habiliments ? By these ways it seemed good to the antients to propagae the majesty , and authority of the Roman Empire through the world , and to cause by those vast Labours and cost their greatness and power to be feared by Forraign Chiefs and Embassadors repairing from beyond the Seas and the Alpes to Rome ; that they might be Astonisht with the Ornaments of Italy and Rome . All which things represent to the present age the vastness of the Fabricks in past times , though now appearing little less than deformed . FONDI . FONDI is but a small Castle , but placed in an admirable scite , in the plain of the Strada Appia , and is as we may say , risen out of the ruines of the antient perfection of Towns , whch bore the same name , whereof some Fragments yet appear in the adjacent Fens near the Lake Fondano . To speak of it with authority take these verses of a certain German Poet. Collibus hinc , atque inde Lacu , simul aequore cinctum . Citria cui florent hortis è littore Myrti Hesperidum decus , et benevolentia culta Diones : In our times this Castle received a foul disgrace from the hands of Hariadeno Barbarossa Captain of the Turkish Armada , who by a suddain in road took it , leading away all the Souldiers and Inhabitants sacking the Castle , prophaning the Churches , and arrived at his Gallies clapt all his prisoners into Chains . The Strada Appia is the largest , and was the famousest among the other twenty eight streets or ways of note , which took beginning at Rome , and was called the Queen of streets : because that by it passed to Rome such as came triumphing from the East . Appio Claudio made it as far as Capua , and Caligula caused it to be paved with square stones , and lastly Trajane renewed and restored it to Brandizzo , beautifying it on each side with a green hedge of Laurels , Bayes , Pomgranats , and Mastick trees : pursuing this way before arrival at Fondi you meet the Mons 〈◊〉 , noted amongst the antients for the good wine it bore as Martial saith . Caecuba Fundanis generosa coquntur ahenis . And leaving Fondi for Gaeta , in the way you see the Villa Formiana famous for Cicero's slaughter , and the Castle Itri , scituate among certain hills , most fruitfull in Figs , Olives , and other fruit . Mola of old called Formia Formosa from the gardens , lies thirty stades thence ; a stade being 125 paces , eight whereof make an English mile . Thence three miles taking the right hand you arrive at Gaeta , which Country , although all along it be but a bank , is so well cultivated , and so lovely adorned , that it may not only fascinate and entertain the eyes of the Traveller , but may be said like that in the Fable , The residence of the Nymphs , being in truth infinitely pleasant , and delightfull : on the right hand of it you have the prospect of the Sea , on the left , Flowers-Greens and Trees , which being on this and that side bathed by the murmuring Rivolets , afford a most excellent savour for refreshing the Travellors wearied senses GAETA . Virgil speaks in honour of GAETA or CAJETA in these verses . Tu quoque littoribus nostris AEneia nutrix AEternam moriens famam Cajeta dedisti . GAETA enjoyeth a Port and a Fort , which heretofore Ferdinando King of the Arragonians founded in a Corner of the Promontory towards the East , having then driven the French out of the Kingdome of Naples : within our memory the Emperor Charls the 5th . added to it the neighbouring rock , conjoyning it by a bridge , which may be drawn up at pleasure , to the rock that is highest , and so redoubled the buildings , augmenting its strength , with Towers and ramparts , and enclosing the whole mountain , joyned it to the City by Ditches and Walls : from which Towers ( such is their contrivance ) the Port and the City though lying much lower , receive a perfect defence and protection : being alwaies guarded with a good garison of Spanish Souldiers : nor is any person permitted to enter , neither stranger Townesman or Country man. The City therefore may be well esteemed secure , since so well provided for by art , with all those Forts bulwarks , &c. and by nature , by its own scituation , having contiguous with it , that Promontory as t were hanging over it , and almost round it the waters of the Sea , being as t were in a Peninsula , having but a narrow Isthmus to come to it by Land , excellently defended by a bridge , a Gate , a Fort , and the Sea waters on each side . The Promontory shews it self with two Heads , on that side regarding the Mediterranean , lies the City on the plainest and levelled part , on the other Cliffs , Rocks , and Praecipices which extend into the Sea ; t is open from top to bottom , occasioned by a great earthquake , and that a long time since , such many times happening in these parts of Italy . The old Poets and Prophets sometimes called Neptune , Ennosigaeo , and Sifittone , for that as they feigned he turned upside down the foundations of the mountains with his Trident. The Inhabitants and neighbouring people in boats with great devotion row into that wide space , and religiously reverence the place : for that they certainly believe that mountain was thus cleft in sunder by an earthquake , at the time our Redeemer Jesus Christ suffered upon the Cross for the salvation of mankind : as in the holy Gospel we find it written , that at that time the Mountains , and stones were rent in sunder . in the midst of the opening of this mountain , stands a Church and a very rich Monastery dedicated to the most sacred and great Trinity , built with the alms of devout souls , you may there see a vast stone , so fallen from the top of the mountain that it may be said to be sustained by a miracle between the broken walls of the opening , where it begins to narrow . There Ferdinand King of Arragonia , erected a fair Chappel , dedicating it to the S. S. Trinita , which appears as in the Sea , and they go to it from the monastery by a way made with hands in the rupture of the Mountain : the broken stones on one side , and the hollowed places whence they fell on the other , when tom out by the earthquake , afford an enticing object . Among other things there worth a view , is a shrine made by Charls of Bourbon , a famous though wicked Captain of later times , who in the bloody assault and sack of Rome dyed of a wound from a gunshot : The bones of this bad man , are enclosed in a chest or coffin of wood covered with black silk , and are obvious at the first entrance of the Castle in an eminent place : under it may be read this Epitaph . Francia mi dia la luche Espanna m'es fuerzo , y ventura Roma mi dia la muerte Gaeta la Sepoltura . Englished thus by Jo. Raymond Gent. France gave me breath Spain strength to arms did call Rome gave me death Gaeta Burial . But to study brevity , I have deliberated to run over those things only , which may afford some fruit in reading and learning to the Ingenious . IN the upper part of the Temple or great Church they shew all the pretious gifts and ornaments of that magnificent house , wherein the episcopal seat was at first placed , after the burning and destruction of the neighbouring Formia , bestowed on it by the cruel hands of the Saracens . Out of whose ruines was drawn that huge Bacchical Crater or Boul , which holds many of those measures of wine which are called Crati or runnelets t is made of the whitest marble and is now applyed to the use of a Font for holy Baptism . Corona Pighio reports , not to have seen a Vessel ( of that sort ) more fair nor perfect : in it are most artificial greek Carvings , so well wrought that the sculptor ( to shew his own satisfaction ) engraved his proper name : the greek letters engraven shew Salpion an Athenian to be the Author : as appears by this . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The Vessel is engraven with excellent de signe and grace , and in it is figured Dionysius , he that had two mothers ( as the Poets say ) & was of the nature of fire : whom Mercury by commission from Jupiter imediately upon his birth took and caried to Lucotea the sister of his mother : they feign , that this Dionysius or Bacchus , was begotten by Jupiter on Semele , who being ambitious of equal honour with Juno , requested of Jupiter to accompany her in his divine Majesty , wherefore Jove attended by his lightning and thunder came to her , but she not able to endure his presence , fell forth with in travail , & was delivered of this Son before full maturity , and dyed ; and some as foolishly feign , that Jupiter cut a hole in his thigh , and put the child in there till the full time of his birth . Orpheus , Pausanias , & Ovidius call her Matuta or Nysa ( the more antient poets Jno ) who they say gave the first suck to Bacchus a boy , who grown to more bigness , was delivered to the Nymphes to be brought up : whereof Ovid in the third of his Metamorphosis speaks thus Furtum illum primis Ino matertera cunis Educat , inde datum Nymphae Nyseides antris Occuluere suis lactisque alimenta dedere . Here then may she be seen in the habit of a Matron sitting upon a rock , receiving the boy brought her by Mercury into her arms , swathing him , and hiding him in her breasts , the Satyrs and Hobgoblins dancing round in the mean time to the sound of a Tabour and pipe . Of which fable who would relate all the mysteries , should have enough to do ; wherefore we will reserve it with many other things to be met with in this voyage to a more opportune place , all which the diligent Inquisi torof antiquity Corona Pighio , hath communicated to us . At Gaeta t will quit the pains of climing up the top of this high Promontory , to be enabled to see and measure the Mauseolum of L. Manutius Plancus the Orator a Pupil of Ciceroes , From which a Chronologer may collect , it is of neare sixteen hundred yeers standing , and built in the time of Augustus Caesar : which for its entirenesse on every side of the sea seems a miracle , the people now call it Torre Orlandina , the reward of the rustickness of posterity , who little regarding the antiquity of history , originate the works and famous deeds of their ancestors , at their own time , and attribute them to whom they please . This Fabrick is of an orbicular sorm , and seems to be made of the same architect as is that of Metellus the Son of Quintus Creticus in the Strada Appia : being composed of two rounds or circles of solid wall , the outmost whereof built with great square stones contains in the diameter 28. paces or 84 foot whence may be deduced the great largenesse of the Sepulchre , by reducing the Line of the Diametre into a Circle : nor does the heighth seem lesse , for as much as the eye can judge of measure : being raised by 27 stones placed one above another , of a foot and half in thicknesse ; on the top of which is layed a Crown figured out of the raies or battlements of the walls , pompously adorned with the enemies armes and spoiles . At the entrance of the gate is a space of seven foot wide , made out of the in ward Circle , all small manufacture of bricks , and conjoined with the walls without with a high Arch : and that inclosed by other high Arches represents in the middle of the Mauseolum the form of a round Temple , which hath foure large receptacles for preserving of statues . The inward walls seem to be pargetted most neatly like marble , giving a lustre so shining and white that it seems like glass , and t is supposed that the reflection of the snow which is beaten in , redoubles the light : there being no other entrance for any then at the door , which of it self cannot sufficiently enlighten the place : over the door may be plainly read the title of Lucius Plancus the Orator , with an elogie of his enterprises , as fairely engraven as if writ on a Tablet : whereof take the exact copy drawn out by Corona Pighio , the best corrected of any other . L. Munatius L. F. L. N. L. Preu . Plvncus . Cos. Cens. Imp. Iter. VII . Vir. Ep. L ▪ Triumph . Ex. Raetis AEdem Saturni Fecit de manibis Agros Divisit In Italiae Beneventi in Gallia Deduxit Colonias . Lugdunum & Rauticam . From whence with certainty we collect the age of this Mauseolum , for from the Offices and Magistracies administred by L. Plancus nominated in this writing , we conclude it must be built fifteen or sixteen yeers before the birth of our Lord Christ ; and from our Annals of Magistrates it appears , that he was laft of all Censor 25 yeers after his Consulacy and that he dyed in that dignity the yeer of Romes Rise seaven hundred & thirty one . And therefore may we assuredly believe that the Title making mention of his Censor ship this Fabrick was finished a little after his death and this inscription set up in honour of him , for a memorial of his high dignity and other noble impresses . Thus much shall suffice touching the Mauseolum of Plancus . Strabo writes that the Lacedemonians who came in old time to inhabite there , called this Promontory Gaeta from its Obliquity , by which term all other things of a crooked nature , were called in the Spartan tongue , to wit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and this gave denomination to the Castle : to the like purpose likewise we read that the antients termed any Dike or whirlepoole , occafioned by earthquake caiaza . Some say that the Trojan Armada burnt it self in the port of Gaeta , and that t was therefore called Apo tou caiein which signifies to burn : but be it as t will , the better part of antient writers believe with Virgil the Prince of Poets , who sings , that AEneas returned from hell named the place Gaeta and was there buried , from whence by opinion of the antients t was ever esteemed a most antique place . You may with delight here have the prospect of Capua , the Coun , treys Falerna , Stellata , and Leborina , the most beautiful parts of Italy , whose hills are plentifully fraught with good wines , whence who delight to drink well and to be intoxicated , fetch from far these wines for the celebration of that gusto ; and here the antients were wont to say , an important combate was fought between the Father Liberio the Finder of wine , and Ceres the Goddesse who was the Daughter of Saturnus and Ope and wife of Osyris King of AEgypt , whom the Greeks suppose to have first invented the sowing of wheat and barley , which before grew wilde among other herbs , &c. The Gaetan port for its amplitude & antiquity is famous among authors , being well fortifyed by its proper scite and nature against all sto●…my winds from its neighbouring mountains and the Countrey about it . Giulio Capit , placeth the Ports of Gaeta and Terracina , among the other publique great and noble Acts of Antonio Pio Augusto , as if formed by him . Taking the Strada Appia between Mola and Suessa , you will meet some grand structures of Sepulchres of the antients , but laid wast , and among other that which is shewed for the sepulchre of Marcus Tullius Cicero , being supposed to be the same by Giovanni Pontano , in whose time they say , a piece of Ciceroes Epitaph was there found . Yet Corona Pighio will not believe , that Sepulchre can be so antient : t is built orbicular , covered at top by bricks , which are supported by a pillar standing in the midst : on the right hand of it lies the port , whence certain stone steps conduct up to the Room above , which are filled with thorns and bushes : it takes name from the Dukes Palace standing opposite to it . SUESSA . THis City merits a most peculiar view , being no less famous for its antiquity , then the frequent recordation of antient writers : in her ( as Dionysius Halicarnasseus writes in his 5th . Book ) the Pemetini retired themselves , when driven out of their Country Pometia , destroyed by Tarquinius Priscus King of the Romans , whence it began to be called Suessa and now Sessa , it was also named Suessa by the Aurunci ( as Livy testifies ) who being overcome by Titus Manlius the Consul , aiding their adversaries the Sidicini , recovered this place with their wives and Children : This City is scituate in the Campagna Vestina near the Monte Massico on the Strada Appia , in a pleasant fertile & Country : and was esteemed for being the principal City of the Volsci , as well as for being a Confine to the Romans : t was made a Colony about 440. yeers after the birth of Rome as may be collected from Livy , though Velius writes , that people were sent thither and a Colony made three yeers after Luceria : it groaned under frequent losses , and important destructions , both in the Carthaginian war , and in the civil Factions : but afterwards from these misfortunes rousing it self , it flourished under the Emperors , chiefly under Adrian and Antonini Pii , as we draw from the Titles of Statues , from the Elogies , and inscriptions on Marble Tablets , extant in divers places thereabouts . On the right hand of the Church of the Preaching Fryers , stands the tombe of wood of Augustinus Nifus a most learned Philosopher of his times . Looking towards the Sea , on the right hand you may observe populous places yet but villages , excellently cultivated , which are called the Casati di sessa . At twelve miles distance from Mola you meet the River Liris , in its descent from the Apenines , and passage to the Sea , pleasantly irrigating the neighbouring Meadows . In these Marius hid himself in his flight from Sylla , here also lies the Torre di Francolesse , where Hannibal being besieged by Fabius Maximus , escap't through that famous stratagem of making his enemies drunk : these Meadowes were esteemed by the Romans as highly as any under their dominions , as may be easily comprehended from Cicero , who magnifies beyond measure the Strada Herculatea , calling it a way of great delights and Riches ; contiguous lies the Monte Caecubo , famous for being the producer of so generous wine , and for having such celebrious Fens near ; which very much pleased Flaccus when he praised the Attick victory of Augustus in these verses . Quando repostum Cecubum , ad festas dapes Victore laetus Caesare , Tecum sub alta ( sic Jovi gratum ) domo Beate Maecenas bibam ? This River Liris terminated old Latium , which passed , you came into the Meadows Minturna asore specified , where you may see the Monte Massico and Falerno , Sinvessa and Minturna and divers others places , whose description you 'l meet with under Scotio , in the mean time behold Capua . CAPUA . Capua of old the head of the Champain , then was stigmatized with the Character of great arrogancy and wilful obstinacy as a-among others may be collected from Marcus Tullius , who speaking against Publius Rullus , Protests , that the Campani the inhabitants of the Plain or Champain , are haughty minded and proud of the goodness of their Fields , the quantity of fruits , the wholesome air and beauty of their City ; From which abundance sprung that foolish request which the Campani made , to wit that one o●… the Consuls might be chosen out of Capua ; whose delights were such , that they overcame and enervated the army of Hannibal ; before his arrival there , invincible and powerfull above all others : Cicero calls Capua the Seate of pride , and mansion of delights , and saies that it creates in the people such customes as if they proceded from the principal of generation , when it may be rather supposed they happen from the nature and air of the place , and custom of living and eating , and hence it falls out for the most part , that the genius of the place generates inhabitants like it self . The new Capua is scituate on the banks of the river Vulturnus , two miles distant from the old Capua , the delight of Hannibal , and Paragon with Rome and Carthage ; where the ruines of Theatres , Acqueducts , Temples , Porticoes , Baths , Palaces , and other Structures shew its former magnificence : there also may be seen many great subterranean vaults and conservatories for water , and pieces of vast columns , sufficient testimonies of the power and pride of the old Capua , although the new adjacent City hath drawn thence a great part of those infinite reliques . Strabo will have Capua to be named from the Champain , and Publius Maro likewise , who calls the City Campana as also Tullius and Livius , its Citizens and the other inhabitants Campani , from their manuring great Fields , in that happy plain of Campania , now Terra di Lavore , which most Authors as well modern as old , extol for the most fruitful plat of earth in the Universe : in a word t was the subject of Virgils Georgicks . Yet the Poets Maro , Lucan , Silius and other sings , that the Capi Trojani companions of AEneas gave to it Inhabitants , walls , and denomination . Of her were first Patrones , the Opici , and the Ausoni , and afterwards the Osci a Tuscan People , from whom t was called Osca , as Strabo writes : these latter were driven out by the Cumani . and they by the Tuscans , who augmenting her power by adding eleuen other Cities , made her the Metropolis , and as Livy writes called her Volturno from the approaching Rivers name . At last the Romans finding her potent , a neighbour , and in the heart of Italy , a perpetual enemie , and no less emulous of their Empire then Carthage it self , terrible and fierce through the friendship and company of Hannibal , reduced her under their dominion by raising many Forts about her , besieging her to Famine , and the slaughter of all her Counsellors , and then they sould all the Citizens and other people together with the Campana , forbidding for the future the City to have any head or publique assembly , Magistrates Counsel or other footsteps or honour of republique : and commanded that her Palaces should be raised , that she should be an habitation for husbandmen only ; and frequented by none but libertines , Factors , and other the viler sort of artizans . In this deplorable condition lay Capua above one hundred and thirty yeers , and her Champain Campania , was the Romans publick to the time of the Consulship of C. Caesar , who by the favour of the Julian Law , made against the will of the Senate and nobility , consigned his part by one and one to his Souldiers , and first surrounding her with walls , made her a Colony , as appears from the Fragments of Julio Frontino ; when as from a resurrection she began and continued to flourish under the Emperors in the power of the Romans , till she was taken and distroyed by Gensericus King of the Vandals , who driven out by the Ostrogoths , they possessed her , and they expelled by Narsete , he restored her , but at last she was again ruinated and wholly destroyed by the Longobardi , But t is not known in what time this new Capua rise out of the ruines of the old , nor by whom transplanted at two miles distance ; although most likely , that the Citizens driven away and dispersed by force , and through fear of the barbarous at last retired themselves thither , and pian piano by little and little out of the ruines of the abandoned Capua founded their new habitations : the new Capua lying on the banks of the Volturnus is now a great and powerfull City whereof Julius Caesar Scaliger the Poet sings , no lesse biteing than obscure in these verses . Plammeasi valeat superare superbia fastum , Pinguem luxuriam deliciosus amor , Hoc mollem pinges Capuam , Capuaeqne colonos , Et quae alijs visa est , nec sibi meta fuit . Capua was the Metropolis of eleven famous Cities in Campagna , which as also Carthage , and Corinth , Cicero esteemed so potent and rich , as that he thought , either able to sustain the greatnesse of the Roman Empire : Hannibal writing of her to the Carthaginians saies that after Rome she had the second place in Italy . AVERSA . THe Road to Aversa lies through the Campagna Stellata , and thence by the Leborina , Pandolfus Collenutio the writer of the Neapolitan history affirms that t was at first called Adversa for this reason , because the Normanni , having planted and fortified their quarters in the ruines of old Attella against Capua and Naples , founded in the midst of the way the beginning of this City , to the end that from so convenient a place they might abate the force of two such potent Cities . Having passed the River Liris , you go through Campania , the which as well in its abundance of Fruit Corn wine and oyl , as in the frequenzy pleasantnesse and largeness of the Champain , far surpasseth all the other provinces of Italy : t is a Land which voluntarily receives the Iron , and permits not it self to be broke up in vain , but seems studiously willing to afford the Labourer the greatest usury ; t is named Terra di Lavoro , and La Campagna , and all the way from Capua to Aversa , with good reason was called by Pliny , Leborina quasi Laborina , a Field in Campania , where the stubble of the Corn is so great , that the People do burn it instead of wood , as we have it in Coopers Dictionary . It hath had also the attribute of happy too , which was never given to any other province of the world except to Arabia in the Orient : T is therefore no wonder , that the Cumani , the Opici , the Toscani , the Samniti , and lastly the Romans , could not despise so great riches and plenty of all things . In particular the Pianura Stellata , is so fat and fertile , that with good reason it holds the chief place in Italy for abundance of all sorts of fruits ; which the inhabitants call Campagna St ellata , from that propitiousness of the stars it enjoyes : Cicero in his orations , stiles it the most beautifull Champain of the whole world . Hence they fetch their Victuals for the Roman armies , and this , Caesar ( who then prepared his way to the Empire by gifts ) divided amongst twenty thousand Roman Citizens . Here the Samniti to the number of three hundred and sixteen thousand were cut in pieces by Lucius Vetturius and Appius Claudius Roman Captains : Here they make Macheroni in excellency , a sort of eating , composed of pieces of past boiled in water and put into a dish with butter , spice , and grated cheese upon them : and here properly grows the Vino Asprino , which is drunk at Rome with so much gusto in the great heats . ATTELLA DE GLIOSCI . THe old Attella was a Castle built by the most antient people of Osci t is a famous Castle , and celebrated by all for the Satyrick , lascivious , ridiculous and sharp stories there rehearsed and thence stiled Attellane : which afterwards with their facetiousnesse acquired such authority , that from the mumming place of that Castle , they mounted even the Roman Theatres : at present both the Land and Towns can boast of nought save some Gentlemens and Lords Palaces there lately erected , more of of it will be spoken under some Mediterranean places . NAPOLI . NAPLES . AFfter eight miles travailing from Attella , you arrive at Naples , where in every corner as well within as without the City you behold as well beautifull places , as proud Palaces , made with great art and infinite expence . This City is maritimate on the Mediteranean shore , and spreadeth it self into a large circuit : scituate among most pleasant hills lying on the north and east parts ; and on the south and west parts the Sea : from whose port , without the least impediment , in a serene season , may be clearly seen the two promontories Miseno and Minerva : as also the Islands Capreas the delight of Tiberius , Ischia , and Prochyte , of old so much celebrated by Srabo Virgil and other Authors , who unanimously agree that the neighbouring people the Cumani built it : and that t was called Parthenope from one of the Syrens there interred . They write , thatafterwards she was transplanted by the said founders , for that seeming to them to flourish too much , and to increase from the fecundity of the soyl , they feared she might one day get the possession and into the room of their adjacent Mother Cuma ; for which fact they relate that the Cumani groāing under a most heavy pestilence , were advertized by the Oracle that the means to pacifie that great affliction and disgrace , was for them to reedifie the City , and annually to honour with sacrifices the Sepulchre of the Goddesse Parthenope : wherefore she was restored and rebuilt and thence t is inferred shee was called Napoli , by a greek word : there are also others and divers opinions about this matter : as Licofrone Calscidese , who in his Alessandria calls Napoli mano di Falero , and Isaac Tzetze , adjoines his interpretation , that Falerus the Tyrant of Sicilia built Naples in Italy , and that because he cruelly tormented and slew its strangers of what sort soever , thence the story grew , that the Syren Parthenope dyed there , and that to her was erected a Tombe , and she there reverenced and annually adored with sacrifices ●…nder the Title of a Goddesse in form of a Bird. And we certainly know , that therefore the Syrens were adored as Goddesses among the tutelary Gods the placeby the Campa●…i over all that tract of Magna Grecia , and this in the flower of the Roman Empire : I remember furthermore that ( many yeers since ) I saw in Naples the Syren carved together with Ebone and Sebeto , tutelary Gods of the Neapolitans upon a round marble Altar , which is now placed in the receptacle of the fountain water , lying on the extremity of the Mole in the port of Naples ; besides which said opinions , there are of those ( as Diodorus Siculus and Oppianus ) who hold that Naples was built by Hercules : and Oppi●… in particular alluding to the name of the City in his poeme of hunting , calls Naples the new Camp of Hercules . In fine all writers concur in this , that she is a most antient City , and was famous before Rome , flourishing among the most illustrious greek Cities of Italy for the Pythagorean philosophy . Afterwards the Roman Empire spreading it self over Italy , because she most forwardly submitted her self to it , whilst they were in agitation to subject Campania , the Romans received her among the other free and confederate Cities : and Livy affirms as well as many other Authors , that she from that time constantly continued her Friendship , and observed that Faith which at the first she had given to the Romans : Furthermore the affaires of the Republique being reduced to a bad state in the sixth yeer of the C●…rthaginian war , she not only resolved not to withdraw it self from the Romans , in despight of the near lying Capua and the other rebellious Cities , but also as the said Livy relates , sent Embassadors to Rome , and by them would have presented as an Act of Liberality and Noblenesse , to the Senate then in Court , forty Goblets of Gold of great weight , and therewith offered force , riches , and in sum all whatever their Ancestors had left them in ; aid assistance and defence of the Empire and City of Rome : To which Embassadors then with all demonstration of courtesy were returned great thanks , and only one of those Goblets retained , and that also weighed the least of them : wherefore for her great and constant fidelity was she ever esteemed , held and honoured among the free and Confederate Cities of Italy , as well in the times of the Consuls as under the Emperors , she ( Capua being opprest , subdued and reduced to the servitude of the Praefectura ) augmented sufficiently , and most happily enjoyed for a long time the fruits of her fidelity . Hither as Str●…bo instruct●…us , the youth to intend their studies , and many ancient men to enjoy quiet and tranquility of mind , were wont to retire themselves from Rome , as to the purpose Silius Italicus , and before him Horatins Flac●…us to the same sung , saying Nunc nidles urbi ritus , atque hospita Musis Otia , & exemptum curis gravioribus aeuum . Italy affords not a place enjoying so milde and benigne a heaven as Naples , having a double spring yeerly in flowers , which the surrounding Fields produce plentifully as also great variety of Fruits , and those the most prized ; participating no small quantity of fountains , and springs , and of healthfull and good waters : to say no more t is scarce to be believed a natural thing but wonderfull how infinite is their abundance ? and therefore with good reason may she be called the Paradise of Italy , which particulars have chiefly been the inviting argument for so many Emperours , Kings , Princes and ingenuous Persons , to make their frequent applications and residence here , and to this day t is reckoned the third City of Italy , and the delights which nature hath allowed this place are so great , that meritoriously , is she stuft with so many proud Palaces and stately houses of Princes and other Grandees , who reside in them the most part of the yeer . T is most perspicuous and known to all , that Titus Livius the Padouan Historian , Q. Horatius Flaccus , Statius Papinius , Claudins Claudianus all famous Poets , Annius Seneca the Philosopher , and infinite others , who have rendred themselves immortal by their wits , and learned writings , retired to Naples for their better and more due attention to their studies . We read furthermore that P. Virgilius Maro , lived most sweetly for a long space in Naples . and there composed his Georgicks , as at the end of his fourth book may be collected . Illo Virgilium me tempore dulcis alebat Parthenope studiis florentem ignobilis ori . He dying in Brindesi commanded that his body should be hither conveighed and buried in Naples , as we learn from divers testimonies of old Poets . Servius his Comentator writes , that Virgils Sepulchre lies two miles distant from Naples in the way of Pozznolo near the gurge of that subterranean cave , the famous Grot under Pausilipus , now the Inhabitants shew the place in the gardens of San Severinus ; over the door of the garden is this inscription . Maronis Urnam Cum adjacente Monticulo , extensaque ad Cryptam Planitie . Modiorum trium cum dimidio circiter , Urbano VIII . annuente &c. Renovanda Mem. Praesentis Concessionis singulis XXVIII annis in actis Cur. Archiepiscopalis . Virgils Tombe is built in a Rotunda or Cupola , about five paces long : on the infide , the walls are of brick in square after the Roman way : the outside of massive stone , covered over with bushes and among them , three or four bay trees ( an immortal testimony of the Prince of Poets there interred ) shoot forth about a mans heighth , round it lye scattered ruines testifying its formers beauty : in the Rock just opposite to the entrance , where his known Epitaph of Mantua me genuit was , that being decayed , is placed a Marble stone with these Verses . STAISI Cencovi●…s . 15. 89. Qui Cineres ? Tumuli haec vestigia , conditur olim Ille hoc , qui cecinit Pascua , rura , Duces , Can. Rec. MDLIIII . What dust lies here ? this Heap protects his Hearse Who whil'ome Warbled Fields , Farms , Fights in Verse . The Crypta Neapolitana a perfect signe of the Roman magnificence is the Rocky mountain Pausilipus , cut thorough ; very high spatious and well paved , so that for the space of a mile , two Coaches may go on front under ground . From the garden of San Severinus you may see the house of Attius Sincerus Sannallarius the Poet emulous of Virgil : which by his testament was made a Monastery , whose Church is called Della Beate Virgine , therein stands a marble Sepulchre car ved with great industry : on the one side is Orpheus or Apollo , on the other the Sybil , or the Muse wrought of white marble , and here read this Epigram of Cardinal Pietro Bembo . Da sacro cineri Folres , hic ille Maroni Sincerus Musa proximus , ut tumulo Vixit annos 72. Obiit anno 1530. To return to Naples : t is a City at this time no lesse famous for the nobility and magnificence of her Citizens & inhabitants , then for the vast expence , and for the beauty of the structures of all sorts : for that the Governors of the Emperor Charls ▪ the 5th and after them of Philip King of Spain , of later yeers Presidents or Viceroyes , in the Kingdome of Naples , have wonderfully enlarged and forti fied her with a new wall , bul wark , Ditches , Towers , Castles ; in so much that she is now almost invincible . She is furthermore full of regard for the many and magnificent Churches , Colledges , Courts Palaces of Princes and other great Men , as also for many old reliques of antient houses , Epitaphs , Statues , Sepulchres , Collumns , Altars , Marbles with most artificial and fair engravings , and other things , which to recite would take up too much Room here . Among the rest , any one may meet contentin the grand ruines of the Quadrate Temple of Castori which though the fire hath consumed for the most part , yet appears before it a part of a most beautifull porticue , with six prime Pillars of Marble with their cornishes yet a foot , of Corinthian architecture ▪ wonderfull for their vastness , and the art they are wrought with : they have for Capitols , some Cesti , Iron Clubs ( used among the Graecian wrestlers ) to which were tyed with leather straps or dryed Sinews ▪ balls or bullets of lead , which in theit Olimpick games , they use to hurl or cast : which with the Foliage and revolts represent a becoming covering ; and on the Frise , to which the Rafters are fixed , may be read a greek inscription , which clearly manifests , that this was the Temple of the Castori , and that the Greek language was in use among the Neapolitans , when the Roman Empire flourished : which is also confirmed by the characters by the vast expence of the whole work , & by the exquisit perfectiō of the art , in the Ti●…pano or triangular Frontispiece of the roof : upon these Collumnes were carved many images of the Gods , which the Flames and Age have for the most part consumed . On the Tres●…el was figured an Apollo , & on one & the other side of it , lies Earth and Water in the form they are usually figured , that is in form of a body half raised up , half lying along , naked to the Navil : Earth hath the right hand , holding in its left the horn of the Copia , the rest cannot be discerned , being too much broken and ruinated . The Churches of our Religion , are there in excellent order and rich , as well as many : and so well placed , as pleasant flowers for beautifying a Garden . For example the Church of S. Chiara , enjoying a great and fair monastery , was very magnificently built by Santia the Spanish Queen , and wife of King Roberto , who by others is named Agnese : which the antient Kings of the noble house of D●…razzo have made famous with their sumptuous Tombes : and in San Domenico , is the Sepulchre of Alfonso the first , and of many other Kings , Queens , and Princes ; and what is more important , the Image of that Crucifix which spake unto San Tomaso d'Aquino , these words : Tomaso tu hai scritto bene di me : Thomas thou hast written well of me : and that of Oliveto : so also in other Churches , you may see many proud depositories and memorials of the Kings of Spain , of the Heroes and other Princes , with statues of Marble as if natural . In the Church of San Giovanni dalla Car boniera is the Sepulchre of King Roberto , whose praises were writ by all learned men , among the rest by Petrarcha and Boccaccio . In that of S. Maria Nova , lye interred the bones of Odetto Foix named Lotrecce : and of Pietro Namarro , of Consalvo Ferrando Cordovese , and in the most religious Tabernace of San Giannuacio , are preserved many holy reliques of Saints . Where once in the yeer at least they shew one by one , all those worthy objects : as bones of Saints and other Reliques enclosed in gold and Silver with pretious stones , with the pretious gifts bestowed by Kings and Princes , and other things . Among which with great reverence , is the head of S. Gianuario , Bishop of Pozzuolo the Martyr ; and his bloud stil remaining in a glass vial , though dryed and become hard through time : which vial when brought to the Altar is set near the head of the Martyr , on the Corner of the Chorus : and the blood ( to admiration ) begins to become liquid and to boyl as new wine in the must , as hath been annually observed and seen by all , not without great stupour . Thence you go to the Annunciata , a Church famous through the great devotion there exercised , and rich through the many offerings made to it : as also for many reliques of Saints of importance , among others two small bodies of a foot and half long , yet entire , covered with the skins of innocent Children slain by Herode the King , at the time our Saviour was born in Bethlehem , the wound of one is in the head , the other in the breast . Contiguous with which lies an hospital , built like a spatious Castle , wherein are maintained as their condition , age , and health require , two thousand souls : therein are also brought up children of the poorer sort , more than eight hundred , between orphane and exposed infants as well males as females : instructed in letters and art , according to their inclination till they become great . 'T is a pleasure to see and observe their several diligent exercises and works : and this custome of Christian Charity is certainly very comodious , which as Corona Pighius observes , resembles Platoes Republique in part , and imitates that Economical government of the Apes , described by Xenefonte , and by Virgil the Prince of Poets , described and de painted so well to the similitude of Platoes City . Castle Nuovo , the name is new although built more then 300 yeers since by the Brother of San Lodovico , King of France , who was Charls the first King of Naples and Count of Anjou , to the end he might thence aid the City and the Port against the maritimate inroads of enemies . Alfonsus the first of this name , King of the Arragonians , restored it within our memory , after he had expelled the French , and subdued the Kingdom ; and so well fortifyed it , that t is now held one of the strongest Forts of Italy : more especially since the last Kings , the Emperor Charls the 5th . and Philip his Son compleatly furnished it , and all the other Forts of this City , with victuals , good souldiers , and all other necessaries and engines of war to keep off the Enemy . In the midst of this large Castle , stands the pompous Palace of the governors , furnished with royal and most lovely houshold-stuff wherein the King or Emperor may find a comodious receipt for all his Court : strangers are astonisht at the engines of war , the Artillery , the great quantity of Iron Bullets , the murrions inlayed with gold and Silver , the Shields , the swords , the Launces , and the other preparation for war there continually preserved . and that admiration becomes much lessened , at the view of the said palace so richly laden with tapistry of silk interwoven with Jewels and gold , the engraving , the statues , pictures and the other noble furniture . Thence you may see the Castle Del'ovo , so named for that the shelf which there in largeth it self to the similitude of an Island , retains an oval form . Collanutius writes that this Fort was built by William the third a Norman , and thence called Normannica , which afterwards Alfonsus the first King of the Arragonians , repaired and beautifyed in many things : t is said that the antient called this by a greek word Miagra , either from a salutatiferous plant there growing , or from the site and quality of the place , or for that t was difficult to escape out of it : This Mole is like an artificial street casting it self into the Sea , whither all the gentry in the evening resort for the benefit of the Fresco. The Townesmen shew one after another Grottes hollowed under the shelf , also some old memorials erected upon Cliffs , and great quantity of Arms of different fashions . Afterwards pass into the Court of the Palace by the Gulf of the Sea called by Strabo and Tazza , della forma ; and if you would learn the discipline and labour of the Galleots you must view in the passage , the near shores , the Islands and Promontories round about , as Liseno , Procrite , Patecusa , Capreta , Herculaneo , and Atheneo or Miner●…vio , which as Pliny relates was the residence of the Syrens , and that gave denomination to the Promontory : and here as Strabo records , Ulysses consecrated a Temple to Minerva , for his deliverance from the crafty wiles of the Syrens . For the most part 40 galleys lye in this Port , besides other vessels to discover and do other service : which Port is very large , and as well as is possible defended against fortune with a large bank ; which for the space of 500. foot runs from the shore into the Sea in form of a bended arm : and the whole length and bredth made of huge pieces of squared stones . There gusheth out at one end of the Mole a fountain of sweet water , conveighed thither through the midst of the said Bank ; this fountain hath much marble under it , wherein the water is received , the name is drawn from a Latin word , the foundations are known to have been layed by Charls the second the French King above two hundred and eighty yeers ago : which Alfonsus the first a Spaniard , amplified with all magnificence afterwards as well as many other publique edifices within the City : this fancy also Charls the 5th . Emperor , and Philip his Son took up , in augmenting , fortifying and furnishing the same for its commodity and ornament , without respect to the expence . Hither the mariners in little boats row persons to see the Galleys and the life of the slaves with their arts , who from the want of bread learn to speak with the words of the Poet Perseus , Venter Magister , &c. and sitting , exercise themselves ; together with the munition and naval preparations for war : here in a little time may be learnt the mariners art , with their manner of living , wherewith they keep their bodies in health , and the offices and charges of the Presidents of the Vessels : thence you go to see the denoted stables of the King , where are kept and managed whole heards of beautifull and valuable horses , where some Princes are always to be found , beholding with attention and delight , their swift course , their wheelings , and turnings , made in as little room , and with as much art as is possible , their curvets and leaps of all four performed excellently at the nod of the switch of the Rider . Thence you go to the Castle Santermo , on the top of the near mountain , very strong , looking on and defending , the City , the shore Port and Islands in the Sea : King Robert Son of Charls the second built it 250 yeers agoe , adding to it such strength and defences as render it little lesse than inexpugnable , the Emperor Charls the first and Philip his Son some years since enlarged the Guasto , conjoyning it with the City , and increasing the structures in the inward space with new walls and new forts . On the top of the Hill you meet a most fair and rich Temple with a stately Monastery possessed by the Carthusians ; In which Monastery if you can obtain so much favour from the Monks ( who lovingly receive forraigners and shew their Monasterie ) you will meet an ample satisfaction in the view of the Monks chamber in a corner of the Monastery : where you have as great delight as Italy affords : for on the right hand is presented to your view , the prospect of the Sea , as large as the eye can reach , the Islands Enarea , Caprea , and Prochite and opposite the manured places of Pausilipo , the gulf of Surrenio , the streight of Surrentano , some Cities and many Burroughs : On the left hand the Field Holana , very large , and the mountain Vesuvius as high ; then looking downwards , you behold Naples , which , whither to be styled the miracle of art or nature is disputable , since there you may see , have and enjoy , what ever is esteemed pleasing or sweet . In the voyage see the garden of Gacia di Toleda , kept in as good order as any , t was made with vast expence , and with as many curses ; ( being with the sweat and blood of enforced galley slaves , reduced to that perfection it now retains ) in the time that his Father Pietro di Toledo , continued Lord of the City and Kingdom , under the benevolent aspect of the Emperour Charles the 5th . Nor is it a mean pleasure , to view the places surrounding the City worth the seeing , especially in a good season : the which are in that fertile plain , near the Sea in pleasant scites very pompous ; and adorned by the nobles with magnificent Edifices and fair gardens , well kept , and enriched : which have such plenty of Fountains , grottoes made by art , and Fishponds adorned with Curral , mother of Perle , and Fish shels of all sorts , as the beauty is almost impossible to be ghes●…ed at , as also of Porticues , walks , vaults covered with Leaves and Flowers of divers sorts , Roses , pomegranates , collumnes and Lodges beautifyed with pictures , statues , and marbles of antiquity , and among those Lodges those of the Marques di vico , and the other Princes , placed on the strond near the Vesuvius , are very famous : as also the Villa of Bernardino Martizano adorned with many reliques of of antiquity ; Poggio Reale , a vast Palace , built heretofore by Ferdinand King of Arragonia , whither the King used to retreat , when he desired to repose himself , and to recreate his minde from the fortunes of the Sea , in a blith and secure port . This Palace is contrived in this manner , four square Towers , upon four corners , are bound together by great Porticues , so that the Palace hath two bredths in a length , each Tower hath fair and pleasant Chambers aboue and below , and you passe from one to the other by the means of those open galleries ; the Court in the midst is ascended by certain little steps , and therein a fountain and clear fishpond , and on all sides by the nod of the Master , from the pavements rise sprouts of water , by meanes of infinite subtile Chanels there placed with art , and in such plenty that they suddenly wet all the aspicients not thinking of it , in the summer a sufficient cooling : these Fields by the vicinity of the Vesuvius enjoy great plenty of sweet waters , the Fire within forcing out many fountains of sweet waters purged and pure : hence also the Sebeto acknowledgeth its being and the greatnesse of its Chanel being conveighed into all the streets of Naples by Pipes under ground , to all the publique and private palaces and habitations : so great comodity of all things brings to its inhabitants , the Paradise of Italy ( as Corona Pighio frequently and not improperly calls her ) that flourishing part of the Neapolitan territory , although many times afflicted with wars and earthquakes . IL MONTE VESUVIO . VEsevo , or Vesuvio , or Vesuvius , ( so called by the Antients from the sparkling ) was a most fair mountain ; and formerly a goodly Countrey for about four miles compasse lay at top , which then produced the excellent Graeco , but t is now layed wast : T is an imitator , and companion or rather the Brother of flaming AEtna , and is begotten by earthquakes and fire , the materials whereof it continually retains in the profoundest part of it : which as if withheld within it self for some yeers till come to maturity , and as if the spirits were summoned and fomented , with fury evaporates fire , breaks open the firm parts of the Mountain , and vomits forth its inward parts , as earth , stones , flames , smoke and ashes , throwing them up into the air with horrid noise , and with such force , that the Vesuvio seems to imitate the war of the Gyants , by fighting against Jupiter , and the Gods with flames , arms , and huge stones , ( some whereof four porters can scarce move ) and seeming to draw the Sun down to the earth , to change the day into night , and lastly to cover the very heavens . Experience and the testimony of Strabo , Vitruvius and other antient Authors assures us , that under Vesuvio , aud the adjacent Maritimate Mountains , and of the neighbouring Islands , are vast burning sires , of sulphur , pitch , and allume : the hot bathes and sulphu reons boyling fountains sufficiently prove it : and therefore the Vesuvio , when abounding with fire , sometimes asends & sometimes useth to move earthquakes and vast ruins and destructions . That incendium was the greatest and most famous which happened under the Emperor Titus Vespasianus : described in a print by Dion Cassius , and other Authors , the ashes of which fire , were not only exported to Rome by the wind , but over the Seas into Affrick and into AEgypt ; the Fish in the boyling Sea were dressed , the birds were suffocated in the air , and the famous and most antient adjacent Cities Stabia , Herculeano , and Pompeo , were heaped and covered over with ashes and stones , while the people were sitting in the Theatre : and C. Plinius the famous Naturalist , who then governed and commanded the Armada of Misenus , too inquisitive after the cause of this intestine fire , approached too near , and by the heat and savour received his end , by being suffocated near the Porto Herculiano : Francesco Petrarca noting this acutely ( in his triumph of Fame ) saies he wrote much but dyed little discreetly . Mentr'io moriva , subito hebbe scorto Quel Plinio Veronese suo Vicino A scriver molto , a morir poco accorto . Yet for all , that to Pliny succeeded so fearfull his dalliance , Stephano Pighino , himself not thereby fore warned , could not forbear , but took a voyage ( of 30. yeers old ) in order to his studies , into Italy through Campania and Naples , to the end he might search out , and behold the place of such wonders , although very high , and no lesse difficult to ascend which cost him an entire dayes labour . and with his two companions , he marched round the mountain , reaching the very top : where he could scarce satiate his view , in looking on the bourg , the Countrey round about , the Islands and the Sea : Vesuvio , riseth in the midst of a most fertile Countrey ; the ashes scattered over it , the stones and clods of earth burnt by the fire , and dissolved by the rain afterward , infinitely enrich and fructifie all the countrey ; in such sort that the vulgar to purpose enough , call Campagna , the mountain and the Castle built at the foot of the mountain , Sommano from Somma , the sum and wonderfull abundance of generous wines , and excellent fruit ; the Vesevo , as well as the Campagna , and neighbouring hills , being surrounded with fair vineyards . So also Martial sung , that in his time it was green , with the sprouts of the vines , bewailing in his first book with a fair epigram that fierce fire , happening in Vespasians dayes : the top in all times and ages hath been ever held barren through the burned stones , as if eaten up by flames . T is hideous to behold the deep cracks in the earth through which the streams of sulphur pass , but when arrived at top the Vorago represents hell , so terrifying is the spectacle ; T is a hole about three miles compass and round , as if formed like the middle and lower part of an Amphitheatre , t is called Lazza from the form of the Rock Fish , the bottom of it reaches to the bowels of the Earth , The place is cold now , nor seems it to emit the least heat or smoak which the said Pighius testifies , who descended as far into that profundity as the the precipices and obscurity of the place would permit ; the first entrance of the Vorago , is fertile through the earth and ashes cast on it , and growes green through the firre and other great trees growing in it , as far as the Sun can reflect into it , or the rains penetrate ; but the parts under , restrained to a narrow compass are as t were stopped by the great pieces of stone and rocks , and arms and bodies of trees fallen down : which obstructions , when the in ward Materials of fire abound , like little bundles of straw are easily raised and mounted to the skyes , by the invincible force of its smoake or flames . The fire also is known to open it self a way , not only by the ordinary mouth , but on other sides also , as occasion offers ; whereof we have a memorial in the Italian Annales : To wit that two hundred sixty and six yeers since , in the Pontificacy of Benedict the 9th . from one side of the Mountain gushed out a stream or river of flames which ran into the Sea , in a liquid fire like water : the issue and footsteps of which Cavern t is said appear yet : The Roman History tells us that besides the mouth , it had other issues and courses for the flames of old : for instance , it saies that Spartacus the sword-player having begun to raise the war of the Fugitives against the Romans in Campania , and having possessed the mountain Vesuvius with his army , as a strong fortress and sure retreat for war , and being there afterwards besieged , he escaped from the Roman siege by an admirable way : for that covertly fastning chains at the mouth of the Mountain , he with his companions let themselves down to the bottom : ( as L. Florus briefly relates in his third book of the Roman history ) whence issuing forth by an obscure breach , he at unawares put to sack the quarters of the Captain Clodi●…s , and of the rest who were at the siege : who never conceived the least thought of it . Whither at this day any subterranean wayes or caverns , leading from the Vineyards to the mouth of the Mountain , are found out ▪ I cannot tell . Pighius assuredly tells us , that he observed at the top of the mountain about the mouth , certain vents , whence proceeded a continual heat : wherein putting his hand , he perceived clearly a heat although small and without smoke or vapour : but our Country man Raymond observed in his view there , a certain hill rising in the midst of the Vorago , that still vomits thick smoke , which he saies the fire within hath raised within few years , that it dayly encreaseth , and when grown to a fuller bulk , Caveat Neapolis . Thus much touching the Vesuvius . Between the mountain Vesuvius and Attella , in the Mediterran●… , are scituate , Mereliano , Acerra , and Sessola , at present ruinated , of old possessed by the Camps of the Leborini , where the Romans and the Samnity fought most fiercely : hither reach those mountains of Capua , called by the Antients Tisata , and those that extended towards the Mole Northwards ; here is Forche Caudino , and other Castles with many inhabited places , among which the chief is the Castle of Aciola : at the foot of these mountains lies Caserta the City and Country of the great Cardinal Santorino , called Santa Severina : near which lye Maddalone , Orazano and Argentino ; Behind Tifata on the back of the Mountain is scituate Sarno , flowing with waters by means of the River Sarno , which there takes its rise : these are mediterranean places about Naples and Campana , whence you go to the Marca . The Kingdom , whereof Naples is the Metropolis , cōmenceth from Latium that part where the River Ufente runs into the Terreno ; Then towards the Apenines it passeth to Terracina , thence to Frigella , or Ponte curvo , Ceperano , Rieti , Tagliacozze a Ducal City , and Matrice , where Trent begins its source , Then follow the way along the River for eighteen miles to Colonia de gli Ascolani , where the River dischargeth it self into the Adriatick Sea : that part of the Kingdome opposite to the Promontory called of old Leucoperta , now Capo Dell'armi , respecting Sicilia , is distant from Poggio , forty eight stadii , each of which contains 125 paces ; whose head is called Tarlo : T is 418 miles of way to go by Terracina , Bossento , and Reggio towards Naples . This Kingdom of Naples is one thousand four hundred and sixty eight mile in circuit : whereto some have assigned ten provinces , others nine , others seaven and we thirteen . The Terra di Lavoro , taking in Naples , hath three Arch-Bishops , twenty five Bishopricks , one hundred sixty six Castles surrounded with walls , and one hundred and sixty Towns : the Principality named Di quà on this side hath twelve Cities , two hundred and eighteen Castles ; the Principality Di là beyond , eleaven Cities , one hundred forty and one Castles , the fairest among which is Consa . La Ba●…ilicata , hath ten Cities , ninety three Castles , the fairest Venesa . La Calabria di quà , hath ten Cities , one hundred sixty two Towers and Villages . La Calabria di là , wherein is Reggio , hath sixteen Cities and one hundrd and thirty Castles . The Province of Otranto hath besides Brindesi , thirteen other Cities , and one hundred fifty eight Castles or Towns. The Province de Bari hath fourteen Cities and fifty Castles . La Capitaota , thirteen Cities and fifty Towns , whereof the most notable is Manfredonia : The Countrey of Moliseo , four Cities , one hundred and four Castles , the fairest Trivento . L'abruzzo di quà hath five Cities , one hundred and fifty Castles , the chief Teate . L'Abruzzo di là , besides Aquila , hath four other Cities and two hundred eighty four Castles : but with more brevity to speak of them , this Kingdom , hath twenty Arch-Bishopricks , one hundred twenty & five Bishopricks , ten Principalitys , twenty three Dutchies , thirty Marquisates , fifty four Earld omes with authority over their subjects , fifteen Lords who have jurisdiction , four hundred forty three petty Lords with title and authority . a thousand Towns enclosed with walls , and villages in great number . The most famous Islands of this Kingdom are Enaria , Procida , Lipari : and thirteen others of small fame . The Offices of this Kingdom are great Comestable , who is Viceroy . Grand Justiciary , Grand Admiral , Grand Chamberlain , Grand Prothonotariy , Grand Mareschal , Grand Chancellor : as also the Sindico or Judge , who publiquely performs his office , in attending the busine●…s of the City Naples : which hath five kindes of assembly of the Nobles : di Nido , di Porta Nova , di Capuana , di Montagna , di Porto ; which congregations or assemblies , although under other denominations , the City Capua likewise enjoyes Many Cities most antient and adorned with signal conditions have been in this Kingdom , whose memory is yet in being , except Osea , Metaponto , Sibari , and others hereafter spoken of . The Foster Children of this Kingdome , truly famous in Letters , were Archita , Eurito , Alemeone , Zenone , Leucippus , Parmenides , Timeus , Ennius , Lucillus , Pocuvins , Horatius , Ovidius , Statius , Juve●…al , Salustius , Cicero , and San Thomasus , besides others more modern I wil be silent of such sommi Pontifici , or Popes , the Emperors , Kings , the valorous Captains of war , and the thousands of Prelates , Princes and Heroes , as likewise of the male and female Saints , ( who perpetually contemplate the Countenance of God ) as this Kingdom hath happily given birth to . These following have been Lords of the Kingdom of Naples , to wit , the Greeks , the Goths , the Vandals , the Longobards , Sarazens , the Turks , the Hormeni , the Suevi , the French , the Catalonians the Arrago●…ians , the Flemmings or Spaniards , and sometime , the not to be forgotten Romans . The Journey towards POZZUOLO . THe Mountain Pausilippus , though very high is well manured with vineyards , and rich Townes also in old time as we collect from Pliny and others ; it extends into the Sea in form of a Promontory , and shuts up the way between Naples and Pozzuolo , and was an intollerable toyle to the Travellers to pass over or go round it , before t was cut in two ; t is now by the industry of the passengers , through their hollowing it for the head , and levelling it for the feet become the mistress of waies , being strait , plain and easy : therefore the Graecians to the purpose by a word in their tongue called it Pausilippo , as if they would say a remover of troubles and labour : by which surname the Graecians of old called Jupiter , as we read in Sophocles . The mountain is hollowed within for one thousand paces in length , twelve foot wide , and as much more in heighth , on which as Strabo writes two Carts may commodiously meet and pass under earth : Seneca calls the cavern Cripta Neapolitana : though now the name is changed for Grotta , where he writes to Lucullus in the 58. epistle , to have run the whole fortune of the Atlesi , for that he found copiously in a part of the muddy way , implaistrings , and in the same cavern , abundance of the dust of Pozzuolo : we also have proved and tryed that dust , as others did . for we find that troops in the passage by foot or horse raise the dust , and that at our issuing out of that obscurity we were all yellow , and looking and laughing at one another we much wondered at it , finding a more then desirable inconvenience ; in cleansing our selves of that filth . The cause of which dust is easily known to proceed from the exclusion of the wind and rain , so that the raised dust ( as Seneca saies ) having no Vent falls down on it self , or on those that raise it : whence we collect that in the time of Nero this cavern had no Casements or breathings whereby it might receive air or light , more then at the entrance and end , because Seneca calls it a long and obscure prison , where nothing is to be seen but darkness . Yet Cornelius Strabo testifies , by the riving or chops of the Mountain in divers places , that many windows gave it light , which being closed or earthed up , either through the earthquakes or the carelesness of the times , we may rationally imagine , rendred this longcavern so darksom . Pietro Rassano a Sicilian Bishop of Lucerie writes , that in his time , which we may count to be above 250. yeers since , this cavern was found without any holes , and without light , and that the entrance and the out-passage were so filled up with ruines and bushes , that t was terrible to enter without light : and that therefore the King of the Arragonians Alfonsus the first , having reduced this Province , enlarged and levelled the way and the entrance of the Caverne , and closing the top of the Cavern opened two lights , which obliquely enlighten it , whose reflection at a distance seems to the aspicients , snow scattered on the earth : in the midst of this darksome way is a little sacred place cut in the walls of the mountain , where night and day a lamp perpetually burns , which puts the travellers in remembrance of the eternal light , and shews in a painted tablet our salvation , proceeding from the virgin Mother Mary : a Lampe perpetually burns there , and the words at the Incounter are Alla Marina , Alla Montagne . In our times D : Pietro di Toledo , magnificently restored and aggrandized this work so worthy of eternity , being then governor of Naples Kingdom by the favour of the Emperor Charls the fifth : the way is now become so strait , that it seems to such as enter the cavern , a Star , to which they ought to direct their course in the darkness , by means whereof , with what pleasure they behold all such as enter on foot or horsback at the other end , who seem like Pigmies at that distance , is scarce imaginable . Divers are the opinions of the learned touching the time and beginning of this great work worthy of the mind of Serse : omitting the idle prating of the vulgar who attribute it to the magick incantations of the Poet Virgil , whose ashes by the opinion of many ly at the mouth of the Cavern : or of others who make one Basso the author , of whom there is no record among the antients : we beleive we may draw from Strabo , Eforus , Homerus and other greek writers , that the Cimmerij a most antient people dwelt in that Canton of Campania , between Baio , Lucerno , and Averno , and that they lay in denns and subterranean Caves , and that running the one to the other they dug out metals , and hollowed mountains , and in profound Caverns exercised ( by means of their Priests , ) Negromancy and inchantments , conducting travellers , and pilgrims to the oracles of the infernal gods : which people being destroyed , the Greeks , who succeeded them and built Cuma and Naples , accommodated as most suppose those Caves of the Cimmerii into hot baths , and baths , ways and other conveniences for humane use . So likewise the Romans , after the example of the Grecians , being chiefly enclined to great and magnificent impreses encreased these laborious under-ground structures , and at the time when they became the Lords of the world , they there erected their Palaces of Recreation , and Mannor houses little inferiour to Castles when the rare quality of the dust of Pozzuolo was discovered ( extracted from those mountains ) to be very efficacious for binding , building , and establishing foundations of Edifices in the waters . Strabo affirms that in his time M. Agrippa under Augustus , cutting up the wood on the mountain Avernus , which corrupted the air , among the other antique & magnificent things found out a subterranean cavern hollowed even to Cuma , the which as was conjectured , together with another between Naples and Pozzuolo , was made by one Cocceio ; and that in his time the custom of the Countrey was to make such underground waies and Caverns : from whose words we collect , that for a long time before Strabo , the Cocceian family were got together in Campania , and that the place was called Spelonca though for truth we cannot set down any thing of certain of him that first made it : nor is it probable to me , that Strabo could be ignorant of the deeds of L. Lucullus , the which in those places were very great and of excessive expence , from which he was called Serse Togato , by Pompeius Magnus , by Tuberone , by Cicero , and the other principal men of Rome : wherefore their sence pleaseth me , who impose on him the concavating the Pausilipus for the conveniency of his Villa : because t is written by Marcus Varro , Pliny , and others , that L. Lucullus cut a mountain in the midst of Naples , with greater cost , then he expended in building his Manor house : for to what end should he ? not to level and accomodate the way for passengers : but rather to open a gulfe of the Sea. whereby at his pleasure to admit and let in Sea water to his Fishponds that so the caves of the mountain might be a good receipt for his Fish ( which he kept alive ) to lye in as well in Winter as Summer . At the outgoing of this Cavern , you perceive by little & little the odour of brimstone in the air , which here and there proceeds out of divers vaults . By it lies the Lake Aniano , in similitude of an Amphitheatre surrounded and shut in on all sides by the Mountains , and through a mouth of a hill cut with iron great plenty of Sea watet , and great concaves , made ponds for Fish , at present filled with mud , sand , and ruines of structures : Leandro and others write from the relation of the peasants there , that in the midst of the Lake there is no mud : and that in the spring time , with great noyse & fury fall down from the highest praecipices of the rocks there round in to these waters Knots of Serpents knit and bound together , which are never seen again to get out . Near them are the sweating Rooms of Germanus vaulted : from under which , through the superficies rise vapours so hot , that who enters though naked , shall soon perceive a mighty sweat trickle down his body . Wherefore those places are held of exceeding validity to such as suffer under the gout by purging the bad and malevolent humours , they heal internal wounds , and are helpfull for many infirmities of the body : which if any desire ampler satisfaction in , he may read the Tract of Gio Francesco Lombardo , who gives an account of all such as have writ in verse or prose of the baths and wonders of Pozzuolo but we are obliged to too much hast , to relate with care and amplitude all particulars wee meet with . In the Campagnia of Pozzuolo , Baia , Cuma , and the near Island Enarie , by the old Greeks called Pythecus , are found great quantity of the like Miracles , that it might be well beleived that there nature serves Apollo perpetually , and AEsculapius , Higia , and the Nymphs : although the earthquakes , and the volleys of fire which frequently happen , demonstrate sufficiently that in divers places , that as well under the foundation of the Sea , as under the Mountains , and in the lowest parts of the Earth great fires are kindled , whose boyling vapours and flames working their own way through the veins of Allum , sulphure , pitch and other materials , cause to rise in divers places hot and boyling fountains , and create baths in the Caverns comodious for sweating . Yet the nature and faculty of these things are different , being conformed to the propriety of the materials and the earth whence the source proceeds : so that among the medicinal and healthfull faculty of these waters , we find some waters and vapours mortal , which issue out of some muddy earth , evil in it self . Pliny in the second of his natural Histories writes , that in Italy , and particularly in the Campagna of Si●…vessa , and Pozzuolo , are vents or breathings , so evil , that they evaporate a mortall air . At the foot of the mountain which circles the Lak Anianus , not far from the said waters appears a Cave called Grotta di Cane , eight or nine paces in circuit , by which mouth two or more men may commodiously enter together : where from the inmost part of the stone , from its invisible pores proceed hot spirits , but so subtile and dry , that they carry not with them any similitude of smoke or vapour , although they condense the air , driven thither by the wind and the colds of the Cavern with great heat , and change them into water , as the d●…ops demonstrate which hang at the entrance of the Cave , shining like little sta●…rs , when they are beheld at the opening of the Cave , by those without in the light : they have been often ▪ taken for drops of quicksilver . All men generally believe this Grotta to have such an innate property that if any living thing should pass the prefixed term of a certain ditch in the entrance , it would without doubt suddenly fall upon the earth , and would be wholly deprived of life , if not immediately drawn out , and cast into the near standing waters or pool , called Agnano , by whose coldness only in a short time by little and little it recovers Life . Whereof Travellers dayly make experiments , if curious to know the wonders of nature , by casting in cocks or dogs or some other live creature to which they fasten a rope to draw them up by . Leandro Alberto writes that Charls the eighth King of France , when a hundred and 14. yeers since he drove out the Spanish and for some time Lorded over Naples , caused an Asse to be driven in , who suddenly whirled about and dyed . Another who two hundred yeers since wrote of these baths , relates , that a foot hardy rash Souldier , run in armed and dyed miserably : Corona Pighio writes , that in the presence of Charls Prince of Cleves , the Spanish Captains cast two cheerfull dogs by force into the Grotta : who strove all possible to avoid it , as if they had formerly experimented the danger ; the which being taken out dead , by means of the refreshing waters in the aforenamed Lake were restored to life : one of which being again cast into the cave , and being thence drawn & cast into the Lake , returning not thereby to Life , was left for dead on the bank , who not long after as waking from a profound sleep raising himself , and limping and staggering , so soon as possible , ran away , every one that saw it smiled , and Charls praised the dog , that he would not for that time become a victime to the beares ; after this tryal they cast a brands end lighted into the Grotta , beyond the prefixed sign , which come to the bottom seemed to extinguish , and raised up a little higher , to rekindle : which demonstrated that the spirits proceeding from the superficies , as more hot and dry in the bottom , consumed the more subtil nutriment of the flame , but having lesse vigour at more distance from the foundation , they rather rekindle the hot and gross smoke and flames of the brandsend : as we see the flame of a lighted candle will pass to another newly put out , by means of the so oke ; and the beams of the Sun when united by a burning glass , are very vigorous and will set tow or flax on fire if approached too near . Pighius through his exceeding love to study , travialing over Italy , and having an extream desire to inquire into the nature of all things by which he might acquire knowledge , wondring at the reports of the miracles of Pozzuolo , resolved to search out the cause by a nearer scrutiny then had been made by others . He could not beleive that those drops that hung so resplendent at the end of the Caverne , were quick-silver : wherefore being counselled by a certain juvenile and youthfull audacity , he passed the proposed measure in the Cavern ; having enclined his body a little and getting somewhat nearer , he found they were drops of clear water , and taking them on his finger from the sharp pendent of the rock , he demonstrated the truth to his companions , requiring them either to beleive or enter and make proof . Which also happened : for that Antonio Anistelo , and Arnoldio Niveldio , two Holandesi , noble youths and companions in the journey with Pighius , got near : who when he had for some time stood in the Cave , and perceived the heat , how it ascended from his feet to his leggs and knees , yet underwent no other then a giddiness and pain in his head ; and sweat only on the forehead and the temples through the heat of the place : he learnt by experience that that heat , and those nocive vapours are not lusty and violent , but when near their rise ; and there they kill small animals or great , but chiefly the four footed , because they alwayes go with their head downwards , whereby being necessitated to draw in with their breath those hot and boyling vapours , their vital spirits become suddenly suffocated with too much heat : the which also are as suddenly releived by the imediate refreshment of the waters in the Lake , if the animal be forthwith cast therein when drawn out of the Cavern . Whilst Pighius was performing this , an Italian who guarded some herds wondred strangely at his temerity , and remained astonisht at the success , many times demanding if he did it not by the magick art , nor would he be perswaded that Pighius could avoyd the nocivenesse of that Grotta , otherwise then by enchantment or witch craft : which made him mock at the plebeian simplicity , laughing at the vulgar , who for the most part attribute that to the Magick art , which appears wonderfull , and produceth stupendious effects , from their incapacity to comprehend the cause : but to return to our voyage . From the Bucca Coronea , we are brought to Zolfettara , as at present they call those places which were of old celebrated with the invention of various fables of old Poets for these wonders of nature : who sing that the Gyants buryed under this mountain , even from hell cast forth of their throats , Flames at that time when earthquakes happen . Et montes , scopulos , terrasque invertere dorse , These Mountains are full of Sulphure , Allum , and Vitriol , the chief whereof as Strabo writes , stood pendent at a few paces distance from the Colonna of Pozzuolo now distant from the castle Novo , about a mile : from the form of which place , t is guessed , that the top of this Mountain was at last consumed and emitted into the profundity of the near valley by the continual fires , whence that which of old was a high and eminent top or head , is now a great ditch in the plain of a valley and that which was of old the ribs and flanks of a mountain , are now the upper part of shelfs and rocks , which surround the plain , with a certain fence in length about a thousand and fifty foot , in bredth about a thousand foot : Pliny writes that they were nominated from their whiteness Leucogei , and the plain or Level , Campagna Phlegerea , from the flame and fire there ever extant : which Silius the Italian confirms . Cornelius Strabo calls this place the Piazza and shop of Vulcan , where likewise some fable , the Gyants to be overcome by Hercules : here the Mountains seem continually to burn at their roots : for that on all sides they emit smokes by many mouths which smell of sulphure which smokes are blowen by the wind all over the neighbouring Countrey , and sometimes to Naples . Antiently these Hills , as we draw from Dion Cassius and Strabo emitted greater fires , as also those about the Lucrino , and Averno , which are not a few , burnt and emitted like furnaces gross smokes and flames . Now the plain as also the hill Phlegrei are deprived of their perpetual flames and are cavernous in many places and become yellowish , as from the materiall and colour of sulphure : the earth when spurned by the foot , resounds like a drum , through its concavity underneath , where you may hear ( with wonder ) under your seet boyling waters , grosse and inflamed smokes to make a horrid noise , and run too and fro through the subterranean Caverns , which the force of the exhalation hath made , which how great you may thence guesse ; stop any of those mouths or holes , with a good great stone , and you shall suddenly and with violence see it amoved by the strength of the smoke . Here they compose medicinable pots of brimstone . In the same plain or level lies also a great marish filled alwaies with a black scalding hot water : which sometimes useth to change place , and the waters making themselves hard ( as tryed sewit useth being cold to bind it self to the sides of the Vessel t is melted in ) do thereby and with the force of the exhalation increase or diminish . When I was there it boyled with great noise and smoke , as if it had been a huge chauldron filled with blackish mud , and therefore exceeded not then its bounds and limits : but I remember , that at my view thereof , this Vorago mounted and cast up of asudden like a Pyramides , eight or nine foot high , ( beyond the common stature of man , ) that thick water yellow and of the colour of sulphure : which also the people of Pozzuolo affirm , adding that sometimes t will rise from sixteen to twenty four feet . When the Sea is in a storm , this water is of various colours ; though for the most part like sulphure , and sometimes other , according as the subterranean winds are disturbed by the sea blasts , and being in vigoured among the flames , with all possible force expels some of the earth mixed with divers colours from the deepest veins . These very winds , when most quiet under ground , the top of the Fens or moors being only disturbed , cause a gross thick water , coloured with black to be cast out . These things of such occult nature , do certainly afford usefull and welcome matter for consideration and study to such as love to search thereinto ; which Cicero very pertinently terms , the natural food of the mind . And hence we certainly know , that the globe of the earth is not in every part solid , and massy , but in some places hollow , cavernous , and full of vains and pores , like as is the living body of any animal : and that with the continual motion of the imbodied elements , water and air , it becomes penetrated , and is by the same nourished , increased or diminished together with its several kinds and changes of plants , and that the earth soops up vast quantities of the Sea waters , disperst on it by means of those pores , the which being encountred by some fierce winds , occasion a motion of those waters in its inmost part , and in the straitest passages ; and the same winds there split in sunder among the rocks and stones , grow violently hot , and kindle vast fires , the which con●…uming whatever they meet , empty the internal parts of the earth , and drawing to themselves through those pores the neighbouring winds , together with great smokes ; they there augment beyond measure , searching out an egresse , with horrible noise and shakings of the earth and mountains . Pellunt oppositas moles , ac vincula rumpunt . As more at large Cornelius Severus a most learned Poet hath declared in his AEnea , and hence proceed the earthquakes , whirlpooles , and openings of the earth , the forcing out of flames , the rivolets of fire , boyling fountains , and hot vapours . Dion Cassius writes that in his time , the said Mountains of Pozzuolo , had more fountains of running fire in the likeness of water , that through the excessive heat the water took fire and burnt , and the fires with the mixture of the waters acquired a fluxible corpulency , in such sort that these contrary elements , did not separate : and we find even in our time that the flames and sulphure , conserve and nourish themselves in these waters , and that they endure for so many ages and never consume , but alwayes continue and gush out in the same conduits , the which Severus the Poet graciously sets down in these verses . Atque haec ipsa tamen jam quondam extincta fuissent , Ni furtim aggeneret secretis callibus humor Materiam silvamque suam , pressoque canali Huc illuc ageret ventos , & pasceret ignes . So also he writes of the Phlegrean Fields and of the same place between Naples and Cuma , whereof we now discourse , viz. Ejus ab aetern●… pi●…guescens ubere 〈◊〉 In merces legitur . As at present the King exhausts a great toll from that brimstone , and merchandize of allum . Wee observe furthermore , that these sulphurious or brimstone waters commixt with the saltness of the Sea , and with the ashes of burnings , turn into stone after they have cooled themselves by running a short course : and that they communicate the same faculty to those rivers and brooks with which they commix , whereof though a clear experiment cannot be had , yet that innate quality in all the rivers of Italy , as the Tyb●…r , the ●…everone , the Lake of Luca , in the Nera and others of vesting the sides or brims of the banks and the Conduits whereby they pa●…s as also the conserves and receptions of their standing pools , give sufficient proof . Besides t is as clear as the Sun , and dayly observed that their continued washing of wood , plants , arms , bodies and roots of trees , the stubble of herbs , and the leaves by little & little are covered with a kind of scurf of stone , and by revolving become by chance formed like comfits of ani●…eeds , fennel , cinamon and almonds , and so much resembling such , that with no great difficulty some more greedy then wary have been cousened with them : and in truth what Vitruvius , Seneca , Dione , Pliny , and others have writ of the wonders of Vesuvius and Pozzuolo , seems beyond reason ; to wit that the waters receive that nature and particularity from the tenuity of the ashes of the burned sulphure ; which ashes the fire having in part reduced as small as atomes , in part dissolved into liquid moisture , and in part expelled by the vapours of the subterranean fires through the veins of the earth and by springs , we observe to be converted into that dust which the antients called Pozzuolo from the place ; and that they unite so soon as they attain the waters , and cooling with them , attain the just substance of stone , and that the waters which run by those places mutually receive a certain nature of connexing to any thing , so that they easily cleave to the body they touch , and make it become stone , And for wonders of this kind , scarce can any be found like those in the caves of the Apenines near the old chanel of the A●…iene by Vico Varo , where the waters distilling through the clefts and chinks in the Rocks , in their fall by little and little form it self like stone , in the likeness of high Collumns in divers forms , branchy bodies of trees , and monstrous bodies of Centaures and Gyants ; in which Caverns or labyri●…ths of pure darkness , with candles may be found out objects which in one word , may worthily be said to feed and satiate the mind of the curious searcher into the secrets of nature : but beware that the light be not extinguished by the frequent flappings of the night bat●… , who thither retire as to a secure retreat by millions to avoid the light of the day . Thus beholding the hills Leucogei , and the various surges of medicinal fountains , of baths , hot baths , and the Cavernes , you go to Pozzuolo , amids the great and spatious ruines of the antient Colony . POZZVOLO . THe Roman Empire flourishing , that maritime tract of Campania , about Cuma , Misena , and Pozzuolo , was in great reputation for the temperature of the air , the pleasantness of the scite , the quantity of good waters , and the extream fertility of the fields , and therefore replenished with great possessions of the Gentry , and proud Palaces , of the principal men : And to speak truth , no other part of Italy nor of the Provinces , or the world , appears more proper for the consumption of the Romans riches then that peice of Campania lying betweeen Capua and Naples , and extending to Cuma , where with good reason the common saying was that Bacchus and Ceres contended for superiority . the luxury and sensuality of which maritime places and Islands , made the old Poets in their antient fables of delights call these the house and habitation of the Syrenes : And this caused some old Poets and them of no small esteem to aver those things which happened between Ulisses and the Nymph Calipso , to have been acted in the Island of Pozzuolo and not in Ogygia a place of the Thebans , or in the Island of the Promontory of Lacinio ; which Goddess by some called the daughter of Atlas , by others of Oceanus and Tethys , was held a Nymph of the Sea , and reigned in the Isle Ogygia , ▪ receiving Ulysses when he escaped drowning ; and took this name from her adornments of body , and delights she liued in : Homer calls her a Nymph very well adorned with fair riches : And in truth who considers the shores of Pozzuolo , must in truth conclude that to his imagination , a more pleasant delightfull and glorious place cannot be found out than it , nor a Seat more inclined by nature to receive and carress Travellers ; thence t is that the Poets of old feign that Ulysses there fixing and dwelling , recollected his many past peregrinations and perils , and also in the Isle Ithaca , whereof Dion Cassius and ●…hilostratus Lemnius , in the Life of Apollonius make mention . And although at present the whole is filled with ruines , and every thing lies even with the earth , through too intollerable sufferings by war and time , yet are there objects enow , which such as will reape any profit from the curiosity of the antient arts and histories , ought maturely and with great industry to consider . But to begin , Pozzuolo is a City scituate on a hill in the midst of a shore of the Sea , which though very fair and large , cannot yet be at all compared in any part with the riches and grandezza of the antient Colony , as may be clearly extracted from the wayes pitched with flint , and the foundations of publique edifices : whereof the Sea hath swallowed up one part , & earthquakes and wars the other . It was a most antient Colony of the Graecians which . the Samii conducted hither in the time of Tarquinius Superbus , in the sixty second Olimpiad , as the Chronologer Eusebius writes and Stephanus ●…ysantius confirms : which happened about the time that the republique of the Samii was ty ranized by the three Brothers , Policrates , Silus , and Pantagnostus . At that time also Pythagoras Samius , flying from his own Countrey in Morava , attained the potent City of Italy Croione , where he layed down a new Philosophy then called Italian , and by it acquired a high esteem : with whose Laws the Italian Cities ( being reformed from the Graecian , by the indeavours of three hundred of his Scholars , as Diogenes Laertius writes ) received the government of Aristocracy , under which they lived happily for many Ages . Others will likewise that the Colony of the Samii from the observance of the Justice of the most holy Empire , wherewith it was governed was called Dicearchia , by which name all the Greek writers stiled , it and many times after their example , the Latin. Strabo writes , Dicearchia was once the Piazza of the Cumani , and that afterwards the Romans called it Pozzuolo , either as some will from the many deep pi●…s , or as others from the sulphurious stenches of the waters there arising ; It became under the power of Romans in the warr with Hannibal , when Capua was taken by a seige , and severely chastised for the perfidie and ingratitude it exercised : from which was then taken its government and liberty , and annually sent thither from the Roman people a prefect to govern them , which happened the five hundred forty second yeer after Romes building : when many Castles and Cities ran the like fortune with it , for that they had with arms defended Hannibal as Titus Livius sets down , wherefore Sextus Pompeiu●… sets Pozzuolo among the ten Praefectures of Campania , on which the Roman People every yeer imposed Governors : for all which some yeers after , they passed farther by disposition of the Acilian Law , to with that they sent thither a Colony of Roman Citizens , and made it one of the five maritimate Colonies , which were drawn from Rome in the five hundred and fifty ninth yeer by force of the Laws of the said Acilius the Tribune , as is clear in Titus Livius : being then Consuls Publiu●… Scipio Africanus writes the second time , and Titus Sempronius . Vellejus Paterculus from the opinion of some , that the Colony was later sent thither , to wit 3 lustres or 15 yeers after the above written time , and addes that in sum the verity is not punctually known . Yet verily the old memorials of Pozzuolo , copious enough in the house of Hadrianus Guilernus the most courteous , learned , and curious beyond measure in antient histories , wholly agree with Titus Livius : where is extant one of those stone Tablets , containing the second Law , the Regulation of publick edifices and expences there to be had : which was made in the Consulacy of P. Rutilius and Cn. Mallius Maximus , the six hundred forty and eight yeear as the Fa●…ti Capitolini demonstrate , which happened in the ninth yeer after the conduct of that Colony to Pozzuolo , as these words set down on the beginning of the said Law clearly prove . Ab Colonia deduct a anno XC . N. Eufidio N. F. M. Pullio Duum vir R. Rutilio . Cn ▪ Mallio Cos. Operum . Lex . II. From which words we clearly comprehend , that the comencement of this Colony was under the Consulacy of Martius Portius Cato and L. Flaccus , in the five hundred forty eighth yeer , although Livius sets it down to have been the following yeer . Augustus being at last become Conqueror in the Civil wars , having restored peace , and shut up the Temple of Janus ; for reward of the veteran Souldiers , disposed them into the 28 Colonies of Italy , among which Pozzuolo was one , then made a military Colony , as Suetonius writes and as may be drawn from the fragment of the Military Colonies . From the above written observations is certainly known , how antient the Colony of Pozzuolo is , and that many times Inhabitants were thither sent and inrolled . And therefore this Author holds for very imperfect , and ill treated from the insufficiency or inobservancy of the remembrancer , what Tacitus sets down in the fourteenth book of his Annals : and so Justus Lipsius thinks also , for in the acts of Rome in the eighth hundred and twelfth yeer , the Emperor Nero and Cossus Lentulus being Consuls , we find these words of Tacitus . At in Italia vetus oppidum Puteoli jus Coloniae , & cognomentum a Nerone adipiscuntur , adding no more as if Pozzuolo for no preceding time had the quality of a Colony , whereas Titus Livius clearly proves it to have been in that condition two hundred and forty yeers before : but these two may be easily reconciled , by the adjusting of one single word , to wit the writing it verus instead of vetus : in these words . At in Italia verus Oppidum Puteoli novum jus Coloniae , & coguomentum a Nerone adipiscuntur : for that being at first called Colonia Augusta , with Nero it was called Augusta Neroniana , and thence t is that Tacitus saies that Pozzuolo obtained a new condition with a new name : but Tacitus not explaining the occasion why then a Colony was sent thither , or who gave it new condition , and what that condition was , the place seems to want more then one word : and because the particle At separates the word afore specified and the difference of things and the particle non tamen is placed in the midst of the period which followes , this place is therefore believed defective and that therefore these words set a cloud before the eyes , and scruples in the studies of the curious , which this Author hath thought not easily removable without some supplement to that place of Tacitus to the effect following , viz. At in Italia verus Oppidum Puteoli novum ius Coloniae , & cognomentum adipiscuntur aequè cladem passi : Queis irrit●…m Principis beneficium facere Coloni ex diversis legionibus undecunque coa●…ti , numero licet frequentes , ut veterem Tarentium , & Antium adscripti , non tamen infrequentiae locorum subvenere , dilapsis pluribus in Provincias , in quibus stipendia expleverant : And thus will the diffe rence be known between what ●…ell out to Pozzuolo , and what to Laodicea , by the copulation At : of which Cities this returned to its proper state by its own power , the other not , although it assisted the Prince , as did happen to Tarento , and Antio , the occasion of which misfortune Tacitus gratiously declares . The learned are intreated to have due consideration of this place and to note the defects with a stelletta . To return then to our first purpose : the Author when he copied out those in scriptions , whilest there permanent , it occurred to him , that a Colony was of new conducted to Pozzuolo under the Empire of the Vespasiani , and was called Flavia , for that he espied among those old stones , a great square marble one engraven with letters of a foot long a piece , the which by being continually exposed to the surges of the Sea , hath its characters almost eaten out , yet not so wholly but that one may read the third part of the elogy inscribed in the old Marble Arch , the which the Flavian Colony erected to express a gratefull sence to Antonius Pius Caesar for his liberality in restoring the ports : which part of the Elogy will hereafter be repeated . In the mean time behold in Pozzuolo and its neighbourhood , the meritorious objects : Among others a vas●… Church now entitled S. Proculo Martire , the which of old Calphurnius had dedicated to Augustus Caesar : t is built in a corinthian order , as may be understood by the Porticue , containing one peice of the old title in the frontispeice in these words . L. Calphurnius L. F. templum Augusto cum ornamentis . D. D. All Authors question who this Calphurnius the Son of Lucius was , chiefly for that there were so many Calphurnij , and they famous in the time of Augustus : and if it be lawfull to make use of conjecture none comes nearer then mine , that L. Calphurnius Son of Lucius called Pisone Frugi , after he had been Consul and Prefect of Provinces , was also Prefect of Rome , after T. Statilins Taurus , who was twice Consul and triumphed : he exercised this very charge in the time of Augustus and Tiberius for twenty yeers , as Tacitus in the fifth Book of his Annals sets forth ; who writes that his father was a man appertaining to the Censor : whence t is impssioble but L. Pisone must have been his Father , of whom the eloquent tongue of Cicero speaks so much ill , as that he was banished whilst he was Consul . He was then Censor in the seuen hundred fifty and third yeer , whilst Caesar Dictator warred against the confederates of Pompey . Among all the greatest charges and employments which the Calphurnian family participated , they only twice administred ▪ the Censorship . The first time L. Pisone Frugi was Censor after the Consulacy , in the 695 yeer of Rome who being Tribune of the People , prevailed for that Law against the rapine of the Provincial Magistrates : and the second time fifty eight yeers after , This Temple is so well built , that in the space of so many ages neither Time the consumer of all things , nor the insolencies of enemies , who have many times destroyed the rest of the City , have been able to ruinate , which could not come otherwise to passe the●… from the beams being composed of marble , in which scarce a fastning appears : yet the impetuous force of the earthquakes have in part moved it out of order , in such sort that the right angle of the Frontispiece is faln with a part of the Title , where certain ruptures appear . Of such esteem was this Fabrick , that the architectors were not ashamed the work being finished to place their name there : being Luccio Cocino Liberta of Luca , and Caio Postumi , as we read in the left wall of the Church in these words . L. Cocceius C. Postumi L. Auctus Architect . Many other holy sacred places that were therein are either faln to nothing ▪ or at least wise very badly handled . The Temple of Neptune as Cicero affirms was the most famous , of which some great Fragments to this day remain near San Francesco , as vaults , arches , huge wals & other places with their nooks for the statues : but its columns and high ornaments of marble are taken away . Also near the Amphitheatre , are the footsteps & ruines of a Temple , which Antonius Pius Augustus had erected to Adrian the Emperor his Father who dyed at Baia in the Mannor house of Cicero as Spartianus relates . Some yeers last past many fair statues and vast peices of Columnes and Marbles were amoved , together with the Elogies of Nerva , Trajan and Adrian the Emperors , that is to say of the Father , Grandfather and great Grand-Father : to whom Antonius ( having created them Gods ) had 〈◊〉 sacerdotal sacrifices , of the Flamins and their companions : and hence some believe he obtained the surname of Pius the Pious , as we are instructed from the aforesaid Spartianus , and by Julius Capitolinus . The Temple of the NYMPHES extant on the Sea Shore without POZZVOLO . IT seems very likely that either the Sea or Earthquakes have swallowed up the temple of the Nymphs , the which , we read in the 8th , Book of Philostratus Cennius in the life of Apo lonius Tianeus Domitianus the Emperour built on the sea shore without Pozzuolo : he writes that t was built with white stone , and that of old t was famous for divination , and that in it was found a fountain of running spring water , from the which though any quantity were taken away , t was never perceived to diminish ; but this with ●…nfinite other antiquities is now gone to nothing ; yet now is evident at a little distance from the Land near the Via Campana in the Sea a fountain of sweet water , which gurgles to this day with great force ; whose source may be alwaies perceived almost to admiration , if the Sea be quiet and calm : let the studious of antiquity consider if in this place the Temple of the Nymphes may have been , which conjecture will not seem far from truth upon weighing the words of Philostratus , who relates , that Apolloneus Trineus appeared to his two D●…sciples Damides and Demetrius was in the Temple of the Nymphes on the Sea shore without Pozzuolo , who were disputing the nature of the abovenamed fountain , where also is the Island of Calissus to whom the successes of what happened with Ulisses they relate in the fables . Furthermore , as t were in the midst of the Colony , remains yet a most huge Amphitheatre little lesse then entire , composed of squared stones , the which not withstanding its ill treatment by earthquakes the taking away many of its stones , and the plowing of its soyl , yet appears in its first form , enlarged into a more l●…rge circuit , then was usual for the Emperors , & Leandro Alberto saies that by measuring he found it to be in length in the plain within , 172 foot , in bredth only 92. foot . Ferrante Loffredo Marques of Trevico affirms , this the most antient Amphitheatre , supposing it to be built before Rome , lost its liberty under the Emperours , from an old inscription in marble there found , demonstrating under what Consuls this Fabrick was repaired at the publick expence of the Citizens of Pozzuolo : which inscription although much sought for by me , I had not the good hap to see . Many fragments of Acqueducts are yet to be seen , which either passed through or surounded the Mountains : nor is it an easy matter to number the conserves for the waters made in divers formes , some entire , and some ruinated by earthquakes , many of which are under ground and very large , which who enters , without a clue of thread , a light , or a well practised guide , may dwell there for ever , so intricate are the labyrinths , built without gates , heads or turning streets : from which we may assuredly know , that the Romans with vast expence thither drew , and therein preserved great plenty of those sweet waters , abounding on that Maritimate coast . The vulgar unskilled in old history , as in all things very ignorant , have most injuriously expressed themselves , in giving ridiculous names to these edifices , calling them , Piscine mirabili , wonderfull fishpools , Cento Celle , the hundred Cells , and Grotte Draconarie , Dragons Caves . Soe also have they handled the fountains and baths in number forty or more between Pozzuolo , Misseno and Cuma , of divers sorts , and efficacious for sundry diseases . But t is not our purpose to look back and take notice by one and one of these things , having already set forth whatever is there rare and worthy view ; we shall therefore referre such as desire more ample and compleat satisfaction in the like objects to Leandro Alberto , and the other writers herein before mentioned . The description of the Antient Port of POZZUOLO . SUch and so great wonders , as here by degrees present themselves to the view of the Traveller as he approaches the Sea side , may well entertain him ; for like mountains in the waters rise the immense moles of the old Port , that is , thirteen immense Piles , which spring out of the water like square Towers , which in old time were conjoyned in manner of a bridge by frequent arches , but now by fortune and antiquity those gross engines are separated , and the falling down of some of the Arches renders it unpassable from one to the other : which must have been caused either from earthquakes or the furious Sea , the whole fabrick being composed of burned earth like bricks of two foot square , not easily to be divided and broke down by any other accident . T is certainly known , that when this Port was in being , it extended it self into the Sea , in form of a large bridge , and bending it self in the fashion of a bow , reached the shore and the Avernus , and so defended the place from the raging force and storms of the Sea , whose haughtinesse was comodiously bridled by means of those Moles . And t is believed that the Antients there made those Arches , to the end that through them the sea waters might enter into the Port , and by its continual flowing and ebbing keep it cleansed of the mud , which the rivers and rain waters brought down in to it from the Terra firma and the neighbouring hills , through which in their course to the Sea those waters must first passe ; and it had not been possible to avoid the filling up of that port in few yeers , by that perpetual inroad of durt , had not the Sea waters through those Arches continually purged it of that mud and filthinesse so drove into it : and this the inconvenience in the port of Naples and divers others , who are only surrounded with a bank without arches , sufficiently proves . Suetonius in the life of Caligula from its vastnesse calls it the Mole of Pozzuolo , from whence thorough the midst of the Gulf of the Sea , Caligula , as he writes , to shew his greatness and vanity , and to be able to tread and walk on the Sea as well as upon the Land ; or as Dion saies because he would imitate King Xerxes , who passed his Army out of Asia into Europe over the streight of Hellespont upon a wooden Bridge : commanded to be brought together and new built all the ships he could get , which were infinite , and therewith caused a Bridge to be made with the said Ships set in two Banks fastened and moored together with anchors chains and cables , which made them stand fixt and firm , and extended even to Baias through the gulf of the Sea : he commanded this bridge to be made of boords so strong and even and to lay so much earth upon the same , as it seemed to be firm ground and one of the streets of Rome like the Strada Appia . This being finished , he proudly attired in Robes of Gold and pearl , and a crown of Oaken boughes on his head ( called Civica , ) on horseback entred at one end of the bridge and road to the other , accompanyed with the Band of the Pretorian Souldiers , and all the Nobles and Gentlemen of Rome : and the next day returned habited like a Campanian , in a Chariot , with a great multitude of his Friends . Dion writes that the night he lay on this bridge , he caused such an infinite number of Torches , lanthorns and other Lights , to be lighted and set up , that the clearnesse thereof did exceed the darknesse of the night : Caligula boasting , that he had made of the night day , and of the Sea Land ; & because it happened that these two days the Sea was calm , he said that Neptune did it for feare & to do him Reverence ; Suetonius adds , that Caligula having invited many , who being on the shore ready to goe on the Bridg where himself was , he turned them all over , breaking the bridg , and commanded some that endeavoured to catch hold of the ropes of the Vessels , to be forced into the water with oars and other staves , which served for a jest and pleasant spectacle to this Monster : Seneca in his 78th . Epistle calls this Machine by the name of Pila , saying Omnis in Pilis Puteolanorum turba consistit , cum Alexandrinarum navium conspicitur adventus . And therefore this Machine , in a serene sky served to those of Pozzuolo to passe and walk on , as if they had been in a Piazza ▪ At the entrance on this Mole as aforesaid was a large Arch built of Marble , dedicated to the Emperor Ant onius Pins by those of Pozzuolo , by way of gratitude for his remembrance of their Republique with liberality in moneys for repairing the Port , as we find from that piece of an Elogy aforementioned , here set down , for the benefit of such as delight in these particulars , AEsari , Divi hici , Nepoti Divi onino Aug , Pio olonia Flavia ; uper Caerera Benus Pilarum vigin quo , et Munition . The entire contents whereof cannot easily be comprehended from these few remaining characters , but may in some sort be supplied from the said words , and the marks of the Lines wherewith those characters appeare , which being formed to our thoughts , seem after manner . Imp. Caesari Divi Hadriani filio Divi Trajani . Parthici Nepoti Divi Nervi Pron . T. AEl . Hadriano . Antonino August . Pio. Pont. Max. trib . pot . coss . pp. Colonia Flavia , Aug. Puteo lanorum . Quod super caetera beneficia , ad hujus etiam tutelam , Portus Pilarum viginti molem cum sumptu fornicum , Reliquo , et munition ex aerario suo largitus sit . Julius Capitolinus much favors the subject of this elogy , by what he writes in the life of Antoninus Pius , to wit that he gave moneys to many Cities , to the intent they should either erect new publick structures , or restore the old . The Promontory of MISENO , THus having viewed the old and great foundations of the Piazzza and the Port , passe by bark directly from the Mole to the Promontory of Miseno , famous and immortal by the verses of Virgil , and the writings of other good Authors . This mountain lies in the Sea , and is boared and hollow , full of grotts and caverns , which made the Poet much to the purpose and with no lesse ingenuity to stile it AErio or ayry , as if he would denote it windy , by reason of the waies and concavities in it self , saying further , that under it , AEneas gave sepulture to Misenus his dead Trumpeter & man of oars , or as Servius writes afterwards sacrificed to the Avernus as in his sixt he saies . Imponit suaque arma viro , remumque tubamque Monte sub AErio , qui nunc Misenus ab illo Dicitur , aeternumque tenet per saecula nomen . Seeming by the Oare and the Trumpet , to glance at the future famousnesse of that Port , and of the Armada or Fleet , which Augustus had then placed there for defence of the Mediterranean Sea , under E. M. Agrippa , And Dion commemorates , that Augustus being made Captain , made use of it for the harbour of the Fleet in the Sicilian warr , against Sextus Pompeius , where they then lay in the sea between Miseno and Cuma , environed with hills , in form of a crescent , a place very capacious and more then opportune for the Navy at Sea , by reason of those three gulfes of the Sea , scituate between Baia and Pozzuolo , that is the Lake of Baia , the Lucrino , and the Averno , the which Lucius Florius calls by a most gratious Metaphor , the Ease of the Sea : of which the Averno now called Mare Mortuum , being included , where it issueth out with fand , seems a stagne or Moore about a thousand paces distant from the allodgment of the Armada . And therefore the neighbouring precincts , as also the Miseno , began to be accommodated for the Souldiers stations , for that the Fleet there was wont to winter , and both Strabo , and Servius : the Commentators upon Virgil , report , that the wood and Trees on Averno were cut down , because they through their thicknesse rendred the air offensive , and prejudicial to the health of the Inhabitants : furthermore hills were boared thorough , and leuel waies layed , to the end there might be a short and facile accesse to the shores of Baia and Lucrino . And that fresh water might never be defective , with infinite expence and no lesse labour , Rivolets from Rivers and fountains from springs were conveyed thither from a far off : cisterns and conservatories were built , ( vast enough ) in divers figures as the conveniency of the place afforded , both in the plain and under the ground , and in the very bowels of the hil , that so cold water might be at all times ready for refreshing the bodies in the excessive heat of the Summer : t is for these reasons that we find the Miseno in great part , hollow and concave within , and exposed to the air to the very top . In which we see sitting places for washing , baths , lakes , and tables for eating : being within full of grotts , waies and edifices arched , here and there sustained by frequent pillars , part built with brick , part cut out of the same rock ; among which edifices the biggest conservatory of the waters called vulgarly Grotta Dragonacia is admi rable , as are the conveyances into it : for the rain waters descending from the Promontory ; the which Grotta is capable of many thousand butts , being large beyond measure , and twnety five foot deep : the largness not being to be measured , for that the vaults and ruines fallen into it have filled many parts of it : all these conservatories are incrusted or plaistered with a certain hard composition used by the antients for rendring them tenable of the waters , so that none could pass nor soak thorough : the inward space between the walls , is two hundred foot long , and eighteen broad : having four doors through which is entrance into four great chambers : near these are other conserves different in artifice and grandeur . That which vulgarly they call Cento Camere , from the multitude of abodes ( by some thought to be Nerva's prison , where among the other Fabricks they preserved their waters , is wonderful for the vastnesse and art wherewith t is built : its walls within are conj●…ined within in squares , and support the vaults , forming every where square chambers , which on all sides have small doors by which may go from one to the other the servants , whose office t was when the waters were spent to cleanse them of the dirt and soyle : the vaults of these chambers have certain open holes , whereby the waters might be drawn up as occasion required . The Piscina Mirabili or Pool for water was admirable and famous , and known by this name , the which is yet almost entire on the back of the Promontory of Miseno , toward the Port for the Navy , and Cuma . This Fabrick Leandrus Albertus affirms , is inclosed by four walls , is five hundred foot long , and two hundred and twenty broad : and the Vault somewhat higher : raising a little archwise from the walls , it riseth higher towards the middle , being supported upon forty eight columns , each of which is three foot square , which being disposed into four ranks represent a beautifull and proportionable object for the whole length . The whole Fabrick is composed of brick , and the walls being of a great thicknesse , render it of an extream firmnesse ; both the Walls and Pillars with in are exactly incrusted as useful to keep them from leaking : and in the arch are many open ovals for drawing up the waters : at each end were forty steps for descent to the very bottome . The Pavement on the sides is higher even to the midst of the Porticue : whence was a descent by fiue steps into a lesser chamber on each side , and thence was a descent into another very narrow inclosed place , into which t is supposed the waters purged their filth and uncleannesse , the which was afterwards exhaled by the publique officers for this purpose called Castellarij , from these conservatories of waters being denominated Castella in Latine . All the Pavement is Terras beaten , with all art and diligence , so that to this day it holds the rain water like a dish in the lowest part of it . Many variously conjecture who should be the first builders of so vast Fabricks : some whereof suppose , L. Licinius Lu●…ullus to have been the first Author , and that this was built out of the ruines of the said Lucullus his Villa , which Plutarch and Varro write he built most proud in the Tract of Baia neare the Promontory of Misenus : with whom agree Suetonius and Cornelius Tacitus , who write that Tiber●…us the Emperor dyed in the same Villa , whence ( hindred by the storms at Sea being sick ) he could not sayle over to the Island Caprea . Others think this was the Fabrick of Nero , and thence t is to this day called Peschiera di Nerone , and Suetonius writes that he began a Peschery extending from Baia to Avernus , covered and shut in by porticues But this conjecture pleaseth not me much , nor any other who hath diligently seen those places , who know the use of the like Fabricks to have been meerly for conserving of waters : and for that these three Fabricks afore described , lye so contiguous one to the other , it may not be far from the purpose to imagine that 〈◊〉 and the Princes his successors , built them for the use of the ●…leet , since it is assuredly known , the Souldiers thereof there continually lodged and wintred , some vast fragments of their military lodges yet being extant : and I remember that I copied out some Epitaphs of the Souldiers of the Armada , from the near sepulchres , wherein are placed the names of the Pretorian ships , as Fede , Isede ; Gallo , wherein they had served , whereof some brief ones for delight of the studious of antiquity hereunder follow . D. M. Ti Porroniceletis . Nat. Alex. Ex. III. Isidevix . Ann. XL. Mil. am . XIIII . Titi. Us. Aquilibus Epidius Parisi III. Isid. H. A. M. fecerunt . D. M. C. Senio Severo . Manipulato ex III. Fide Natione Bessus . Vixit annos XLVI . Emilius dolens Erei E. M. Fecit . D. M. C. Julio Quarto . Ver ▪ Ex. Pr. N. Gallo . M. Cecilius Felix . S. In●…ia . Heraclia S. & S. These had the captainship of the Fleet , who constantly resided there : as was Anicetus the libertine of Nero , who was first his Master , by means of whose frauds , these there slew near the Bauli , Agrippina his Mother . In such a command ( though different from this ) was Pliny the writer of the natural history , in the time of Vespasian at Misenus , and there governed the Armada and Navy , at the eruption and burning of the Vesuvius , being with it shaken by the earthquake : but approaching too near with his ships , to assist the oppressed Souldiers , and to satisfie his curiosity in the occasion of those fires , he was stifled by the ashes and vapours of this burning mountain as aforesaid : where with his uncle Pliny was also G. Celius the son of his sister , who related this story more at large to Tacitus the Historian . And certainly waters were preserved in these Fabricks for use and delight , both in Lucullus his Villa , and many other places very numerous in that piece of a fair country , all over which run pipes , shores , and chanels . All the Sea shore and strond is deformed by the ruines of Towns and Villages , of old full of houses and inhabitants , in particular that part between Formia and Surentum moves compassion in the passers by at Sea : which in the flouri shing time of the Roman Empire , presented to their view at a distance the effigies of a continued City , by the quantity of structures , and proud Palaces , beautifyed with all splendour , pompous and vastly expensive : and would any take that pains now as by a strict serutiny to take a particular account , or to draw draughts , and exquisite descriptions ; enough of importance might be found to satisfie his own Curiosity , and to fill up a new commentary , nay a just volume . The Palaces were wont to be very pompous in those parts on the Maritime coasts , being 150 miles in length : Which was so filled with Palaces , Cities , Towns , Burghs , Baths , Theatres , and such other proud and magnificent Fabricks , beginning at Baia , and so continuing to F. Herculanus and Voliurnus , that they seemed not separate , but one great and fair City , to which no prospect could be comparable : But in this our time all things there are ruinated except Naples the head of the Kingdome , and residence of the Viceroy and some other great Princes . The Ville or Palaces of pleasure of the ROMANS . THat we may gratefully please the studious in these things , we thought it not from the purpose to run over some of the more noble Villes , which the Romans had built in these parts . That famous Palace then of Lucullus stood in the Terra Forma , near the Promontorie of Misenus , discovering the top of the near high hill and the other lesser between the port & gulf of Baia , where he first bought of Cornelia the Villa of Sc. Marius , banished by L. Sylla , which he amplified with Fabricks , Gardens , and sumptuous Fishpools ; the spaces of which Gardens appear to this day , towards Cuma not far from the Cento Camere , and footsteps of the Pescheries at the shore of Baia , with grots , and standing pools cut into the foot of the Rock by art , that they might be a refuge and defence to the Fish from the scorching Sun in hot weather : as M. Varro sets forth , saying that L. Lucullus had given order to his architectors to consume as much money as they pleased , so they made a sufficient defence for the Fish against the heat of the Sun , and provided them secure retreats under the mountains , so that when this work was compleated he might say , he needed not envy Neptune himself for goodnesse of fish : which shews that he had fishpools in many places . And in the said Marcus Varro , Q Hortensius the Orator reprehends M. Lucullus for that he had not after the example of L. Lucullus his Brother , provided for the conveniency of his fish , a retreat into the Fresco , from the scorching beams of the Sun. T is thought the Villa of M. Lucullus stood at the foot of the mountain Misenus towards the Isle Procyda , antiently called Prochyte , where under the waters may yet be perceived great ruines of Pescharies . Villa Di Q. HORTEENSIO . QUintus Hortensius had his Mannor house in the breast of Baiano near Bauli , whereof some reliques yet appear on the shores , and some are covered by the waters : t is most certain and famous that he had then most fair fishpools , w●…th some grots cut into the mountain for the refuge of his fish from the Suns ardoui : so much were they then given to the like pleasures : for which C. Cicero taunting him ) calls him God of the Sea , and the most happy in his pescheries , in that he had so domesticated the fish , that they came at his c●…ll when they heard his voice ; and much condoles the death of ●…is Muraena , the Bennet fish , which t is thought by s●…me will stay a ship if it stick to it : of whom a fri●…nd of his 〈◊〉 a pair of his Mullets , he answered he woud rather give h●…m two mules out of his litter . Pliny writes that after Q. Hort●…rsius , Ant●…nia the ●…other of Claudius the Emperor possessed these 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pools with the same humour , and that she so much loved a 〈◊〉 , that she caused ear-rings of gold to be put on him in the wate●…s : and that those places were so famous for this fact , that mary 〈◊〉 to ●…auli purposely to behold it . T is not certain 〈◊〉 Ne●…o t●…e Emperor caused Agrippina his mother to be sl●…in in this very Villa , but if n●…t there , t was not farr from it , as may be collected from Cornelius Taci●…us in the 14th book of his Annals . Domitia the Aunt of Nero had a Villa in that neighbourhood : whereof in the 13 book of Tacitus is some memorial , and Dion ●…ssius saies that Nero having poisoned Domitia his Aunt , poss●…ssed 〈◊〉 of her Livings near Bauli , and Raven●…a : the contrary whereof ●…lius I am pridrius reports of the Emperor Alexander Severus , to wit that besides many Palaces he built in Rome , in honour of Julia Momea , his mother , he built one most sumptuous with its Pescher●…es calling the place Mamea , which Ferrante Lofredo , Marques of Trevico supposeth to stand in the midst of Baia , where he likewise erected many other in honour of his Parents . The Villa Of C. PISO . THis stood under the mountain near the hot fountains : hither Nero , ( leaving the other charges of importance ) often retired for his solace , as Tacitus declares in the 15th . book of his Annals . T is supposed that in this Villa , Nero entertained his mother Agrippina at table many hours under pretence of the festival Quinquatrus : a feast celebrated to Pallas five daies , but with intention to make her return by night to her Villa at Bauli , having before hand given order that in the return , the Bark ( wherein she was ) should be sunk , and she thereby be drowned , as Suetonius and Tacitus relate . The Villa of C. MARIUS , of CAESAR . and of POMPEY . IN these confines likewise C. Marius , Caesar , and Pompey , had their houses of pleasure , as Seneca tells us in the second Epistle , but they stood on the very tops of hills , so that they had more the faces of Castles and Forts and places made purposely to protect the Countrey below , then of Pallaces for solace . Pliny speaks of that of Marius in the 6th chapter of the 18 book , which was afterwards possessed and amplifyed by Lucullus , near the Promontory of Misenus , towards the Port. But the Villa of Caesar stood above Baia and on the top of the Mountain , as Tacitus testifies in the 15th book of his Annals , whose vast foundations remain to this day under their old name , neare the Temple of Venus . That of Pompey , they say , was on the third Mountain , between the Avernus and the contiguous Tritullian hot baths , whence the surname they yet retain : and there some yeers since was found a statue of Pompey . The Villa Academica of Marcus Tullius CICERO . Pliny in the second Chapter of his thirty first book declares , that the Villa of Cicero ( made so famous by his writings ) was in these quarters between the Avernus and Pozzuolo , upon the Sea shore with a most delicious grove and a spacious hall to walk in , wherefore Cicero called it an Academy in imitation of that at Athens , wherein they ordinarily disputed walking . Here Cicero made his sepulchres : and so much was he pleased with it , that he often spoke of it , and entitled some of his books from it , Questiones Academicae : Academick questions . Atticus being in Athens , Cicero in almost every letter recommended his Academy , that he might send to him from Greece , whatever could be had for ennobling it with fair ornaments , wherein Atticus failed not , according to the occasions , in statues , pictures and other the like ornaments . Whence Cicero in his Epistle ad Attiticum , praiseth his diligence and the things sent him . Cicero being retired hither in the calamitous times of the Republique to spend away the time , toyl , and troubles with Books , many of the Principal Romans repaired thither to visit him , and take some counsel . Of them was C. Caesar after the victory he obtained in the civil warr , C. Octavius the Successour of Julius , yet before he made himself Emperour , with infinite others : but after that Cicero was banished , the Villa Academica was possessed by C. Antistius , who was the Legat of Caesar , and followed his faction in the civil wars . A little after Ciceroes death , in his Villa , sprung up fountains of hot water , good among other things for the eyes and sight , celebrated by Tullius Taureus the freeman of Cicero , with an Epigram set down among the works of Pliny , who wrote this successe , and judged that Epigram worthy of memory . We must believe that this Villa stood where now the Stadio is , taking that name from the length of Ciceroes hall , whose ruines yet remain so distinctly , as that it may be measured how long t was : and although this Stadio , seem to stand too far from the Sea , in respect of that we read touching Ciceroes Academy , yet this will not create any difficulty : since the Sea may be in so long a space of time through divers causes retired ; because truely this Villa in Ciceroes time stood over water , at leastwise conducted from the Sea , by certain channels , so that he eating at table , might cast into the waters for the fish to eat , & angle and fish at his pleasure . The hot fountains are extant in a neere field , in a cavern underground at the root of the hill , which are also of wonderfull nature , because they increase and decrease according to the flowing and ebbing of the sea , by day and by night : in their increase they cast abundance of water into the bath , and when full , part of the water returns to the fountain , and part runs into the Sea by a certain small chanel or gutter made to that purpose . This Bath vulgarly called Bagno Ciceroniano , the Ciceronian bath , and by phisicians , Praetense or Tritulliano is as gallant and entire an antiquity as any in the Tract of Pozzuolo : These waters were so soveraign not many years since over most diseases , that over every bath was written for what cures t was good , of which inscription some letters yet stand : but the phisicians of Palermo ( as they tell the story ) finding those waters prejudicial to their custom , went with instruments expresly & demolish't those writings ( so that for the present they are unusefull ) the said phisicians being all cast away in their return . Thus much shall suffice touching Ciceroes famous Villa , for that Leander and other writers treat sufficiently of its nature and others thereabouts . From the commencement of Ciceroes Academical questions is comprehended , that the Villa of Ter. Varro a most learned Roman was not far distant , but the determinate place is unknown . The Villa of SERVILIUS VATIA . SEneca demonstrates in his fifty second Epistle to Lucullus , that on the shore between Cuma and the Lake Avernus stood the Villa of Servilius Vatia , the magnificence and vastness of which Fabrick may be comprehended from the fragments yet extant . He saies two Caves were here built with great expence , into the one whereof the Sun never entred , and on the other it shone from morning to night , into which . ran a delicious water through as pleasant a Meadow with many Fish. Hither Servilius a noble and rich Man retired himself at such time as Tiberius Caesar afflicted many noble Romans , and applyed himself to honest Labour far from Rome in peace , for which he was styled happy , and obtained the fame of knowledge in his affaires above others ; by that meanes avoyding dangers . Touching the dead and other notable things others have abundantly writ , let this therefore suffice , for the purpose of the Baianian celebrious Villa's , since of the other particulars in the times of those old Roman Princes , t is impossible to treat exactly , all things being so wholly ruinated and destroyed that scarce any footsteps remain . The old City of BAIA . The most fair foundations and pitched Piazzaes of the old City Baia , lye underneath the waters , scarce any fragments remaining on the Land : but in the neighbouring Mountains in every corner lye baths , hot baths , and structures of Admirable Architecture , notwithstanding that many great Fabricks were burnt , many thrown down by earthquakes and many swallowed up by the Earth . In the Sea may be clearly seen the great old Piles of the Port of Baia , like those of Pozzuolo , built of Brick with intollerable expence , which now seem like Rocks , as do the enclosures and foundations , which of old stood for defence of the Lakes Lucrinus and Avernus , against the storms of the Sea : which was genenerally believed to be made in this manner , to wit , that Hercules by his strength , upon two carts abrest , drew as large a peice of Earth as was requisite , and that a mile in length to the place , and there fixed it : and therefore Posterity for a perpetual remembrance and acknowledgement of so great a benefit , erected to him a Round Temple near Bauli , whereof some fragments yet are extant . But afterwards , that repair being wasted by the Sea , C. Caesar again restored and bettered it , as may be collected from Virgils Georgicks and from Servius his Commentator ; with whose opinion Suetonius seems to accord , saying that Augustus perfected the Julian Port near Baia , whence t is supposed that Julius Caesar had first setled it : which must have been in his first Consu●…lship by Commission of the Senate , who gave him that charge at the instance of the Receivers of the Customs and Tolls , upon their allegation , that the customes and Tolls much decayed in value through the ruine of that Port : which was afterwards called Julia , from the Reaccomodators name Julius Caesar. So saies Servius upon these verses in the second of the Georgicks . An memorem potius ? Lucrinoque addita claustra , Atque indignatum magnis stridoribus aequor ? Julia qua Ponto longe sonat unda refuso , Tyrrhenusque immittitur aestus Avernis ; A wonderfull Adventure . In our times , that is in the yeer 1538 ( those adjacent Fields and places being for two whole yeers before shaken moved and disturbed ) in the end , the night of the twenty ninth day of September , between the foot of the mountain Gaurus and the Sea near the aforesaid Lakes , there arose a new mountain called Monte Novo a mile high in the upright , which now is in circuit at the bottome four mile . A miraculous thing to fall out in one night . At the birth of this mountain the shore and the waters of the Sea retired the space of two hundred spaces , one great and entire town called Tripergolano , was entirely swallowed up by the Vorago and gulf of the earth , with some of its baths which were very celebrious : and the near Lakes Avernus and Lucrinus were almost filled up with stones earth and ashes . This was thought to have proceeded from the ashes which came out of Sulfatara : how many other old memorials this new mountain hath covered cannot be known . On the top of it is a large mouth about 50. paces in circuit , which at the beginning vomited out fire , at the bottome whereof are now found warm waters . The Lake AVERNUS . THe Lake ▪ Avernus hath been illustrated by the most esteemed Poets , and diligently described by Strabo and other Historians , for the Fables sake ( which the Antients gave credit to ) appropriated to it . For this was consecrated to Pluto the God of hell . Hereabouts as Fame went was the Poets Acheron or descent into hell , and here was the gate of hell thorough which they caused to rise the infernal Spirits , when any humane creature was sacrificed unto them . And hence the Gimerian Priests ( the antient Inhabitants of this place sent down ( by certain Caverns ) into hell to find Pluto , such Travellers and strangers as came to be resolved in any questions , or to receive counsel or answer from Pluto . To this day the vulgar believe , that through the Caverns in the neighbouring hill , ( hence denominated Monte della Sibylla ) one may descend to the subterranean residence of the Sibylla Cumana , and that there she is seen and consulted by many , which things Leandrus Albertus in his Italia diligently advertiseth . Lactantius saieth that she among the other Sybils prophesyed of Christ. The Inhabitants further hold for certain , that Christ returning from Limbus with the souls of the holy Fathers , arose out of the earth through a certain mountain near the Lake Averuus and the Monte Novo , and therefore they call that Mountain by the name of Monte di Christo : which opinion some old Poets confirm , writing of the Baths of Pozzuolo . Est locus , effregit quo portas Christus Averno Et sanctos traxit lucidus inde Patres . And another . Est locus Australis , quà Portam Christus Averni . Fregit , et eduxit mortuos inde suos . T was also believed by the multitude of hot waters springing out all over those quarters , that this Lake reached to a vein of the infernal waters , and therefore called Palude Acherosia , the Acherontick Fenns , from which Maro disagrees not , when he saies . Quando hic inferni janua regis . Dicitur , et tenebrosa Palus , Acheronte refuso . Though in truth this false opinion was augmented by the natural quality of the places , and other circumstances : to wit some rare and stupendious miracles which have there come to passe . Then as to the Avernus , know it lies in a low Valley , almost surrounded by high hills , clothed of old with thick and heavy Trees capable to keep out the wind . Whence the Lake was not frequented by any , but emitting an unwholsome sulphurous stink , it so infected the air above it ( by being so closely 〈◊〉 by mountains and woods ) that Birds flying over it fell down dead : and thence t was named by the Latins Avernus , that is to say , without Birds . So also may we collect from Livy , that in old time this Vale was a horrid place and esteemed altogether inaccessable : for saith he , the Romans waging war against the Samniti , the enemies ( when the Romans put them to flight ) by whole Armies retreated into the Woods in the said Vale , as to secure places . But Strabo writes not so of it in his time , but saies , that then this vale and nearer hills were delitious places , in respect Augustus had caused the woods to be felled , and a free passage opened to the air . At present the Lake is full of fish and water-foul , nor hath it any of those incommodities attributed to it by the antients . Yet t is true that not many ages since , a vein of sulphurous pestilential water gushed out of the bottome of the Lake , which suddenly killed a world of fish , their colour and smell ( being cast on the earth ) confirming that to be the cause of their death . Joannes Boccaccius in his little tract of Lakes , saies he saw it with his own eyes in the time of King Robert , about the yeeer 1380. The Sybil Cumana was she which gave AEneas free passage into hell , as Virgil●…aith ●…aith ; she was called Cumana of the City of Cuma , ( here under treated of ) and was one of the twelve Sybils , all which prophesyed of Christ though some more obscurely , yet two so fully that with submission I shall here insert somewhat of their prophecies touching the Saviour of Mankind . SIBILLA CUMANA . GReat Rome shall then look high . Whose proud Towers from seaven hills shall brave the sky , And overlook the world . In those blest daies , Shall come a King of Kings , and he shall raise A new Plantation : and though greater far Then all the Monarchs that before him are In Majesty and power ; yet in that day So 〈◊〉 and humble he shall daign to pay Tribute to Caesar : yet thrice happy he , That shall his subject or his servant be . And the SIBILLA ERITHRAEA , to this effect . THe times by the great Oracle assigned When God himself in pity of mankind , Shall from the heaven descend and be incarnate , Entring the world a Lamb immaculate ; And as himself , in wisd●…m thinks it meet , Walk on the Earth on three and thirty feet . And with six fingers all his subjects then Though a King mighty , shall be Fishermen , In number twelve ; with these war shall be tride Against the Devil , world , and flesh ; their Pride , Humility shall quell , and the sharp sword With which they fight , shall be the sacred word , Establish't upon Peter , which foundation Once laied , shall be divulg'd to every Nation : At one side of the Lake Avernus is the Temple of Apollo , at the other this Sibilla Cumana her Grott , which is very spatious , having at the end a magnificent ascent where the oracle stood , with the way that led to Cuma : Her bath yet stands , and her Chambers painted in Mosaick wo●…k ; yet all under ground as most of the aforesaid Antiquities ( except the Temples ) are . CUMA . Leaving the Lake Avernus , you find on the way among the ruines of the City Cuma , ( now altogether undone & desert ) great foundations and ruines of Towers , Temples and Edifices of importance . On the top of the mountain are yet the footsteps of a Temple of Apollo , which in its time was infinitely celebrated , and is taken notice of by Virgil and Servius his Commentator . There is also an Arch built with brick , now called Arco Felice , the happy Arch , of a stupendious high Vault , through which the antients wrought an even way between two heads of Mountains : Cuma was built by the Calcidensi a Graecian people of Negroponte , who being arived in those Seas with their ships , to seek out a Country for their habitation , first landed in those near Islands , called Pitherusa , which lye over against Campania , and were so denominated from the multitude of Apes thereon found : and afterw●…rds taking cour●…ge they passed over into the Terra ●…irma , where they built this City Cuma , calling her by this name , either from one of their Captains so called , or from the Procurator in those maritimate Coasts , or from its good augury they there met with , to wit a woman great with child the which confirmed them in their determination to dwell there , as Strabo Dionysius and Livy relate : for to all these sences Cuma in Greek , ( considering its significations ) may be well applyed . These people lived a long time governing their Republique with prudence , and increased so much , that Pozzuolo , Paleopoli , and Naples became part of their Colony : we read that the Cumani were under Tyrants , before the Romans expelled their Kings , but this happened not through their being subjugated by any , but because they chose to themselves a head and chief to obey , who after the Greek manner , was called Tyranno , that is , Lord , one of which was Aristodemo Malaco , elected for his meer valour , as Livy and Dionysius Halicarnasseus write : for that with a small party , he overcame a great nnmber of Tuscans , Ombrians and Ausonians , enemies of the Cumani , and slew with his own hand Arunte , the Son of Porsenna , their Captain . To which Aristodemns say the same Authors , Tarquinius Superbus ( expelled Rome ) fled for safety , and by him being well accepted , he ended his daies in Cuma . Afterwards the Cumani were overcome and for some time evilly intreated by the Campani , saies Strabo ; but in subsequent times there being no Forts strong enough to resist the Romans , all those people were at one instant of time reduced under the said Romans , who set a Praefect over the City Cuma , for that that people would too obstinately have fought for defence of their Liberty . Afterwards that City run retrograde , loosing its splendour and inhabitants : for that the Romans by their greatnesse measuring their pride , possessed themselves of all that Campania or Country , erecting therein their luxurious and most sumptuous Palaces , which not only obscured Cuma but all the adjacent Cities : who being bereaved of their Land , first fayled of Inhabitants , and at last became desolate , yet Cuma was the last of those Cities that underwent this desolation ; by reason that being built upon a mountain , when the Roman Empire began to feel its tottering condition , by the frequent in roads of the barbarous Nations into Italy , Cuma for the commodity of its site , was reduced into a Fortresse : which caused Agathia Mireneus in his first book of the Gothick warr , to say , ●…hat Cuma in his time was very strong , almost impregnable through its many grosse Towers , walls and other fortifications ; and that for this reason Totila and Teja Kings of the Goths , thither conveighed their Treasure , as to a safe and secure place , together with their most estimable and dearest things : however Narsetes the Legate of Justinian the Emperor , after a long siedge made himself Lord of it But at present nought hereof remains , save only immense ruines , foundations and profound Ditches cut into the hard stony rock with Chisels . In the departure from Cuma , you often fall upon parcels of the Via Domitiana , ( now interrupted in many places ) and great Ruines of a stone Bridge , raised over the Volturnus . Domitian cau sed this way to be made , beginning from the Via Appia , between Minturue and Sinvessa , and so leading to Cuma : Statius Papinius in his Hendecasillibi , or verses of eleven sillables , makes mention of Cuma , the above named bridge , and a triumphal Arch of Marble placed on the same way : whereof no fragments are now to be found . LINTERNO . And why now called the Tower of the Countrey . ON the left hand of the Via Domitiana lye vast ruines of the old City Linternum , of old a Colony of the Romans , so in the midst of that t was called the Tower of the Countrey Campania , which name it seems to have acquired from the places old successe , and was ennobled by the remainder of dayes which Scipio Affricanus the Greater spent there , after his voluntary banishment from his Countrey Rome : Who being ill treated by his Citizens , whom with their goods and estates he had defended from their Enemies , and made them Lords of Spain and Affrick , in disdain of so great ingratitude , retired himself to his own Palace in this place , that he might deprive his Countrey of himself living , & of his assistance , by this means dealing with her as most ingratefull : after his death commanding his body to be there entered , expresly forbidding his bones to be transported to Rome , as Livy , Strabo , Valerius Maximus , Seneca and many others relate . Pliny saith further in the last Chapter of the sixteenth book of his natural History , that even to his t●…me they found in Linternum of the Olive trees planted by Scipio Affricanus , and a ●…irtle of a notable largenesse under which was a Cave inhabited by a Dragon the guardian of Scip●…oes Soul ; from which fable arose this other , which the Inhabitants tell of the Monte Massico , so renowned for the wines it produced , to wit tha●… in a certain ●…ave on the said mountain lay a Dragon , who slew and devoured all such as approached to him , and that t was therefore called Monte Dragone and the Castle standing thereon is called La Rocca di Monte Dragone . Iu these quarters is a spring or fountain of which was wont to be sharp or sower water and as t was said would intoxicate : ●…ut now it hath the tast of sweet and pure water , and hath not the said effect of inebriating , but when drunk cures the head-ache . SINOPE or SINVESSA . UNder the Castle Dragone stood the antient City Sinope , first a Colony of the Greeks , and afterwards made a Colony by the Romans , calling it Sinvessa , when they also made Min●…nrnum a near City another Colony , by occasion of the warr they had against the Samniti , in the four hundred fifty seventh yeer after Romes foundation , Appius Claudius , and L. Volturnius being Consuls , the latter the second time , as Livius relates , or the following yeer when Pirrhus began to reign , as Velleius Paterculus will have it . Vast ruines of this City lye disperst on every side there , but chiefly towards the Sea , where the footsteps of a large port also appear . T was a renowned City , having a healthfull air , and some salutiferous hot fountains , for which the Poet Silius st●…les Sinvessa luke warme : these fountains are now denominated Bagni Gaurani , but Tacitus calls them Sinvessan waters , saying in the 12th book of his Annals , that Claudius the Emperor being restored to his sences , caused himself to be conveighed to Sinvessa for recovering his health , hoping and depending much on the goodnesse of the aire and the benefit of the Sinvessian waters , when his wife Agrippina had prepared for him those poisoned mushrooms which himself and his Son Brittanicus eat . This Agrippina was Daughter of the noble Germanicus , Sister to Caligula , and by him abused , she was first married to Domitius by whom she had Nero , afterwards to Claudius whom with his Son as aforesaid she poisoned , that her Son Nero might be Emperor . But her falshood , abomination & cruelty was not unpuni'sht by that Son , who though he had joined her in equal authority with himself , and carnally known her as some suppose , yet caused her to be most cruelly slain , after sundry attempts to do it privately and with least trouble and pain to her . Tacitus saies further in the first book ( speaking of the histories of his time ) That Onofrius Tigillinus one of the principal actors of Nero the Emperours misdeeds , had the wezel pipe of his throat cut near the waters of Sinvessa , whilst disporting himself among his Concubines he least thought of any such thing . MINT URNE The River Garigliano being passed , wherein the Scille or Seashrimp or prauns are taken , a sweet little fish held very delitious by the Romans , you may see the reliques of Minturnae , of old a most flourishing Colony of the Romans : and among them the footsteps of vast publique and Private Fabricks , some despoiled of the marble which embel●…ished them , and some entire . As a very sumptuous Aqueduct , a Theatre with its Scenes and all other necessary parts , a work after the antient way of building but solid ; An Amphitheatre with its accomodation for sitting , one seat above another , but despoiled of its marble , wherwith for ought appears , the 〈◊〉 ●…rajetto standing on the neighbouring hill hath been adorned and fortified , which Amphitheater is now used as an inclosed pasturage for goats and sheep . Therein lye great footsteps of Walls and Towers , great arches over gates , and vast foundations of edifices , from whence we easily collect , she hath a been potent and noble City . This place hath acquired an illustrious fame also from that great victory , which the Christians there obtained against the Saracens and Infidels , under the Captains of the Christian Army , Pope John the 10 and Albericus Marquess of Tuscany , when all Italy was delivered from that cursed people , except Monte Gargano , whither such as could escape , fled and possessed it a long time after , robbing both by sea and land . At the mouth of the river Garigliano , was the sacred wood , where the Minturnesi , honoured the Nymph or Goddesse Marica the wife of Faunus , to whom on the banks they built a proud Temple , whereof nought now remains , no more then of the honourable City Venista , or of Ausonia a most noble City , which was so named of Auson the Son of Ul●…sses and Calypso , which City afterwards gave name to all Italy , over all which it also Lorded : which Cities stood in those parts along the aforesaid river . LE PALVDI MINTVRNESI . THe adjacent Fenns now Medows called Minturnesi , are famous for that they reduce to memory a notable example of the various changes of Fortune : which was that C. Marius who had been seaven times Consul , and had seaven times triumphed , had the good hap to abscond himself therein for saving his life ; where notwithstanding he was found by a Frenchman an Enemy , but one that had not the boldnesse to offend him , being terrified and put to fear by the Majestick aspect , and noble presence of that great man. Whence Marius ( having reached a ship ) passed into Affrick , whereof Juvenal speaks concisely in these words . Exilium , & carcer , Minturnarumque palludes , Et mendicatus victa Carthagine panis . FORMIA . Thence the Via Appia leads by Hercoleana to Formia , which way is very pleasant , but the Castle Mola now stands near if not in the place where Formia of old stood ; Mola takes its name from the many Mills grinding in that quarter , by reason of the quantity of water . The Countrey is such , that a more delicious cannot be fancied , wherfore Martial saies . O temperatae dulce Formiae littus ! And a little after follows . Hic summa legistringitur Thesis vento . Nec languet aequor , viva sed quies Ponti ▪ Volaterrann●…s and others well skilled believe , that here was the Villa Formiana , appertaining to Cicero , famous for his slaughter there , which opinion cannot well be contradicted , because the Epitaphs , inscriptions , & reliques of antiquity , on the Appia and near Towns , demonstrate that the City Formia was there , but chiefly these words to be read on the basis of a Statue ( in that place ) following . Imp. Caesari Divi Hadriani Filio Divi Trajani . Parthici . Nep. Divi. Nervae . Pronepoti ▪ Tito AElio . Hadriano Antonino . Aug. Pio. Pont. Max. Tr. Pont. XI . Cos. III. II. P. P. Formiani . Publicè . Strabo , Pliny , Solinus and other historians concurring say , that the Lacedaemonians built Formia in the antient Territories of the Lestrigoni and therefore Silius Italicus calls it the house of Antifata , because there Antifata the Son of Janus and Nephew of Neptune ruled over the Lestrigoni , and first called it Hormia which in their Language signified a comodious port , which that was . The Lacedaemonians were afterwards subjugated by the Campani , and they by the Romans , who reduced that with Capua into the form of a Prefecture , yet leaving Formia in Liberty , or free , and making her participate of the Roman honours for some time as Livins in his 33 book : at last in the civil warrs , Formia was made a Roman Colony , and reduced with many others in Italy , into Castles and Forts as Frontinus saies , by the Triumvirate , Caesar , Antonius , and Lepidus . T was most flourishing in the time of the Emperors through the goodnesse of the air it in joyed , as Horace , Martial and other authors worthy credit relate , which may also be conjectured from the more noble structures now extant . In the end the Saracens dest●…oyed it , with many other Cities in Campania or the Terra di Lavoro , when Pope Gregory the 4th . translated the Fpiscopacy to Gaiela . And thus then pursueth the Via Appia leading to Fondi . VELLETRI . VElletri was an antient and potent Castle of the Volsci , whereof the Roman histories frequently speak : Livius and Dionysius Hallicarnasseus say , that Velletri was besieged and enforced to yeild to Ancus Martius King of the Romans : and Livy adds further , that t was severely chastised by the Romans for its frequent rebellions , wherefore the walls were levelled , and the richer sort of Velletri sent to dwell beyond the Tyber , with penalty of imprisonement to whosoever should set foot on this side Tiber within a mile of Velletri . This Castle was also made a Colony of the Romans , and many times replenisht with new Inhabitants sent thither from Rome , because the old ( in the many warrs made on those confines ) became impotent and much decreased as Livy affirms . Frontinus in his Fragmenta saies , that he finds many people by precept of the Sempronian Law , to have been at sundry times sent from Rome to Velletri , and that afterwards Claudius Caesar , made it a Military Colony , dividing his own Territory among the Souldiers . T was renowned , because the Ancestors of Caesar Augustus were of old Inhabitants in it , that is the Octavian Family , and the same Augustus had a certain noble Seat of his own there , from whence saies Suetonius , he caused many things necessary for sustenance and livelyhood to be conveighed . Yet now remain very few marks of the old Fabricks , notwithstanding that t is yet a great and well inhabited Castle . It hath a lovely Territory replenisht with gardens and Palaces through its vicinity with Rome , Pliny in his 14th . book reckons the wine of Velletri , among the most generous , but it is not now in that credit , being so crude at present , that they are fain to boyle it in a caldron , to make it drinkable : wherefore Pliny well observes , that even the Earth hath its age and decays as have all other things . In the voyage present themselves to view , Lanuvium or Lanuvio , a place famous for the Temple there dedicated to Juno Sospita . The Riccia or Agritia built by the Sicilians , afterwards made the Seate of Alba Longa. The mountain so much spoken of for the Temple consecrated to Jupiter , and the Latines Feast daies there celebrated . Some Lakes which lye under it . The Hill Albano so fatal to the Vejenti . The Nemorese famous for the barbarous sacrifices there performed to Diana Taurica , and Hippolitus Urbius . In sum all that tract of Land is worthy contemplation for the many records taken of it among writers . The frequent ruines of great Fabricks lying up and down the Countrey Tusculanum , where Cicero , Varro , and divers other noble Romans had their Palaces , deserve due consideration : as do the Countrey seats of the tenn Cardinals , and above all the fair Villa of Frescati , a place deputed to the Popes recreation : The Territory of Frescati , was the antient delight of the Romans , and continues now of such ravishing delights , as t is fitter for the Gods to in habit then men ▪ such is the quantity of trees the quality of verts alwaies flourishing , the murmuring of Fountains and the like . PELESTINA . VPon a mountain on the right hand stands Pelestrina the Antient Seat of the Aborigini , a people who first possessed the Country about Rome , living abroad without houses : of the original of this City is no certain knowledge to be had , being lost through its antiquity , but thereof divers are the opinions . Virgil in his seaventh ( by authority of the Chronicles of the Prenestini ) saies , that Caeculus the Son of Vulcan founded it : whose mother sitting by the fire side a spark happened to light into her lap , by which she said she was concerved with Childe : when her full time was come she was delivered of a Son , whom because he had very small eyes , she called Caecu●… . Of him the noble Family of Cecilians in Rome would need have their beginning deriving , their Original from him as their first stock . Soli●…s by authority of Ze●…odotus saies that t was built by Praenestus the Son of Latin●…s and Nephew of Ulisses : Plutark in his parallels by authority of Aristotle in the third of Italian things saies , that Telogonus the Son of Ulisses by Circe the witch , after he had built Tusculum , by advisement of the Oracle called it Preneste from the name of the Crowns wherewith he first saw the Inhabitants of the Country to daunce : but be it as some say from the said Praenestus or as others will from the scituation of the place , a little pendent , or as others from the scites being so high , t is indifferent , since the name Preneste will easily accommodate it self to all or either of these respects . Yet the more rational opinion for the name , seems to be derived from the Crowns aforementioned , not only for the aforesaid cause but also for that in that City there stood a most noble Temple of Fortune , famous for those diviners by Lots , who exercised themselves in that superstition : and was therefore visited with many Crowns offered to the said Goddesse by vow : of which Temple some fragments yet remain , and a few years since , were there found divers figures of Fortune , in brasse , brick , marble and other materials , as also several Crowns , and divers medals , upon which were figured the various lots , fortunes , and chances , with their marks , signes , and letters . In it also hung divers Tablets and other things offered by vow to Fortune , Jove , Hope , and to the Capudini , which things would take up too much room to recite , yet one Epigram will not be too impertinent , since so eminently inscribed on a marble basis , dedicate in that Temple by T. Caesius Taurinus , with the figure of T. Cesius the first his Father , the most famous Merchant of Corn , who used every yeer to present a hundred Crowns by vow . On the said Basis are carved two measures , called Modii , half bushels filled with ears of corn , on the sides are some little pillers crowned with ears of corn , and in the middle is the ensuing Epigram . Tu , quae Tarpeio coleris vicina Tonanti , Votorum vindex semper Fortuna meorum Accipe , quae pietas ponit tibi dona merenti , Effigiem nostri conservatura Parentis . Cujus ne taceat memorandum littera nomen Cesius hic idemque ritus Primusque vocatur Qui largae Cereris messes , fructusque renatos Digerit in pretium cui constat fama fidesque , Et qui divitias vincit , Pudor ille perillos . Consuetus portus cura studioque laboris Littora qui praestant fessis tutissima nautis . Notus in urbe sacra , notus quoque finibus illis Quos Umber sulcare solet , quas Iuscus arator Omnibus his annis votorum more suorum Centenas addit numero cresente coronas Fortunae simulacra coleris , & Apollinis aras AEgeriumque Jovem , quoruum consentit in illo Majestas longae promit ens tempora vitae Accipe posteritas quod post tua saecula narres . Taurinus cari jussus pietate parentis Hoc posuit donum , quod nec sententia mortis Vincere , nec poterit fatorum summa Potestas , Sed Populi salvo semper rumore manebit . Cicero declares in his second Book de Divinatione , by extraction out of the Books of the said people Prenestini , how the observation of Chances Lots or Fortunes came to have its beginning in that City : saying , that a certain nobleman of Pelestrina named Suffucius by frequent advices and menaces which he had in his dreams , was commanded to break out of a certain place a great flint stone , wherat all the other Citizens his Compatriots fell a laughing , but when the stone was broke , the Lots or Chaunces suddenly leaped forth engraven in antient Letters , which occasioned their honouring of Fortune in that place : and thence became the place by little and little enclosed and shut up through respect of the Image of Jupiter there devoutly adored by the Matrons , in form of a boy childe sitting with Juno in the lap of Fortune , in a posture as seeking out the breast and teat : and that at the same time , after the Temple of Fortune was built , there dropped honey from an olive tree , wherewith by commandement of the Southsayers was made a chest , and therein those Lotts were reposed , the which were mingled and drawn out by a litle boyes hand when ever they would see the issue of any thing : as Fortune had at large directed her intention to be , that after this manner they should draw out the Lots . This observation was most antient , and such as affirm L. Sylla to be the builder of this Temple deceive themselves . Which errour they took up from their reading the thirty sixth book of Pliny , who doth not say L. Sylla built that Temple but that he began to make its pavement with small stones of various colours in small figures , of which . pavement thus wrought , some yeers since certain parts were found under ground , and therein figured many forrein creatures with their names in greek . It may then be rationally believed that L. Sylla being victorious in the civil warrs , after he had enforced C. Marius the younger to dye , and his other enemies who had saved themselves in Preneste , after a long siege took the City , killing some part and selling others of the Citizens : but repenting afterwards his impietie expressed against the sacred places , for expiation of that crime , he resolved to restore and embellish anew the Temple profaned and almost wholly destroyed by him . It seems a notable advise and observation to me , that the strength of the scite of this City hath occasioned its own destruction , which hath had a much contrary event in all other strong holds . The cause whereof is attributed to the assured confidence of the strength of the place , for which cause in the civil warrs the weaker part ordinarily fled thither for safety : but their enemies being stronger and more potent immediately layed siege to it , so that at the end if they surrendred not themselves the besiegers ruined the poor City : whence we read that in the following times of civil discord the Pelestrini that they might not undergoe so great misery as formerly they had done , abandoned their City and retired to their dwellings . To this day appear there many subterranean waies from the Castle to the foot of the adjacent mountains , ( besides the Caves used as conservatories for water ) which were made for introducing of assistance , or to fly the City occultly : into one of which C. Marius the younger having withdrawn himself , and perceiving himself to be beseiged on all sides , so that he could not fly , that he might not living fall into the hands of his enemies , agreed with Telesinus to run one against the other with their naked swords so to kill themselves : by which means Telesinus was slain , but Mvrius remained alive thorugh desperatly wounded , and soon after caused one of his Se●vants to make an end of his then begun death , by killing him . From which successes , the Inhabitants of the place believe the stones of those subterranean waies to be still reddish with the bloud spilt there : which yet is not so , for over all those hills are stones red by nature , and not through any accident of blood spilt thereon . Preneste was first a free City and confederate with the Romans , having its own Praetor as Livy and Festus declare calling her Municipal . Appianus saies that the Prenestini at the time of the Italian war were made Citizens of Rome with the ●iburtini ; but some time after L. Sylla , victorious ( as Cicero , speaks , in Catalines conspiracy ) having emptied this City by slaughters and banishments , and deprived her of inhabitants by the many expulsions , slaughters and banishments he made of them , there remained so few inhabitants that he sent of the Romans to dwell there , dividing its Territory among the new comers , and thus made it a Roman Colony . Aulus Gellius saies in the third Chapter of his 16. book that afterwards the Prenestini obtained of Tiberius Augustus a restoration to their first state , that is into the condition of free Citizens , having the form of a Colony wholly amoved from their City . TIVOLI . WHen arrived at Tivoli , first go see those gardens which Hippolitus Estense Cardinal of Ferrara , planted with so much cost many yeers since upon the back of the mountain , together with a proud Pallace , which also is beautifyed with old statues , Pictures and royal houshold stuffe , even to the emulation of the greatness and magnificence of the Antients . But who is able with sufficiency ever to display in words the exquisite delights , costs & pleasure , wherewith this place and palace is plentifully furnished ? and who shall relate the Labyrinths , the Groves , the half circles , the triumphant Arches , the Arches laden with old statues , the Caverns of the Nymphs , and the innumerable fountains which every where sprout forth waters , the close walkes , and beautifull arbours covered with trees , herbs , and tender branches and other like verts . Ubertus Folieta of Genoua heretofore described it most gratiously , But Corona Pighio cannot satiate himself with praising of it , who published descriptions of that Palace and the gardens in Rome stamped from brasse cuts , the view whereof in my opinion may draw as many persons to behold it , as Rome doth with all its wonders . Although we have scarce courage enough , yet conformable to that published Table will we cursorily describe it , for satisfaction of such as have not had the good fortune to see them , or at least their draught in picture . First then the Hill is levelled at top , and upon the plain thereon is erected the Palace , built of square stones with the grandure and magnificence of a Royal palace , and with exquisite art and proportion . On the right hand whereof lie enclosed gardens , called Secreti , and therein sixteen great marble Goblets emit clear waters , in the midst whereof sits a Janus Quadrifrons , with four faces , higher raised then those goblets , which makes four other fountains adorned like looking glasses : and on the right hand a Tennis Court , and other sumptuous places for exercise . The forefront hath between the windows many old statues of Marble , as hath the first Porticue , from which lead two fair stone staire-cases up into the palaces . Before this Porticue in the midst of a Piazza stands a Leda , which Leda was wife of Tyndarus King of Laconia with whom as Poets feign Jupiter accompanying , she brought forth two eggs , of the one whereof came Pollux and Helena , ( ravished by Paris ) of the other Castor and Clytemnestra . Thence the hill ( a pleasant descent ) is reduced into four long Piazzaes and so levelled contains before the front of the palace four great and spatious gardens , into each of which at each end and in the middle , three pair of stone stairs ( artificially composed ) conduct by a facile descent , whose sides are bathed by divers purling streams , running towards their Lakes . Every garden is divided in its orders , hath places to sit in , and fair collumnes erected in divers parts , so that such as go walking from one part to another , through places and passages covered over with leaves and vines , and other verts alwaies flourishing , enjoy a most beautifull prospect and no less sweet odours from the circumjacent flowers which make a pompous shew . In the appartments growes fresh grasse , which with the flowers by their variety wonderfully entertain the eye and fancy of whoever regard them , nor can any satiate himself in the view of those infinite and wonderfull statues , pillars , Fountains and other objects there presenting themselves . The passage from the Piazza before the Palace on the right hand leads through divers walks , trees and small groves , wherein are placed several Fountains , as that of Tothyde , that of AEsculapius , that of Nigga , that of Aretusa , and Pandora , and that of Pomona and Flora. In the descent into the first garden , shews it self the Colossus of Pegasus in Pamosso , a horse feigned to have wings , under whose shadow a fair Fountain casteth up her waters very high and in the wood & rocks is a Cavern , and near them a statue of Venus & Bacchus : near which . is a Lake , into which some rivolets run among rocks with a murmuring noise between two Colossus , one of the Sibilla Tiburtina , the other of Melicerta the son of Athamas and Ino , whom the Gentiles did honour for one of the Gods of the Sea. Below which lye the statues of the Rivers Aniene , and Herculano , conjoined to certain vessels out of which some waters run into the Lake , as also out of the Urns , round which stand ten Nymphs . In the midst are two Grotts , the one of the Sibilla Tiburtina , the other of Diana the Goddesse of the woods , both which are adorned with fountains , statues , Curral , mother of Pearl , and a pavement exactly wrought with mosaick work . On the other side of the garden you have a fair prospect of Rome in a semicircle , round which appear her most memorable Fabricks ; and in the midst sits Rome in the habit of a warlike Goddesse , between her seaven hills : this statue is of marble , bigger then a man , in shape of a Virgin in a short girt coat , with naked hands , military buskins , and a sword hanging in a belt from the right shoulder . Her head is covered with a murrion , in her right hand she holds a spear , in the left a shield : she sits as aforesaid in the midst of her wonders in the City and on every side appear her sacred Fabricks , as the Pantheon , the Capitolian Temples , the Circs , the Theatres , the Amphitheatres , the Collumnes , the Obelisks , the Mauseoli , the Arches Triumphant , the Pyramides , the Acqueducts , the Baths , the River Tyber , with the wolf and Twin Brothers pouring water into the City out of an urn ; in the midst of which running waters , riseth an Island cut in the shape of a ship which bears on the main yard an Obelisk , and the ship seems to be laden with these four Temples , the Temple of AEsculapius in the poope , and those of Jupiter , Berecinta and Faustus , it beares in the prow . Thence descending to the lower garden , you find on the left hand in a semy circle called the great , a green grove , placed between certain Rocks amid which run fountains this may be called the residence for birds : for on the arms of the trees you see many images of little birds singing more sweetly then the natural , who clap their wings as if alive , receiving their motion from the aire and the waters with miraculous artifice , by means of certain little reeds hid in the armes of the trees : sometimes to please the spectators , they will make a screech owle to appear , and then on a suddain as if the birds were sensible of fear , they are all silent , but that again withdrawn , in an instant they all begin their notes and sing most melodiously . In the middle of this garden is a round standing water Lake , and in it a capacious vessel and a fountain named from the Dragons , which vomit out of their throats great store of waters , having trumpets in their hands which also emit plentifull waters , with a horrid noise imitating the sound of the trumpet . On the right hand lies the Grotto of Nature adorned with many statues , and in it an Organ with fair pipes , the which perform an harmonious consort of various and artificial musick , by the motion of the waters . The next garden is not only beautifyed by the fair fountains , but by the quantity of Swans , and fish preserved in their several stations separated with rare artifice . In the three greater fountains are certain Beacons , called Sudanti , and other boundaries round them , which cast water very high in such quantities , that in their fall they seem natural showers , refreshing the air , and cooling the earth making noise of waters in their fall , as if the winds were high , sprinkling and washing at a good distance . In the midst of these conserves you see the effigies of the great Father Oceanus placed in a semicircle like a Theatre , and in the middle thereof a marble chariot like that of the Venus Marina , drawn by foure Sea horses , on which sits a great Neptune seeming to threaten with his Trident. Lastly descending into the last garden near the rock , you find in one part a Fountain of Triton , and on the other a Fountain of Venus Clonina , and in the rest of the level besides the Pescheries , four Labyrinths difficult enough for any one to get out of that 's once in , placed one by another in foure compartments amidst forreign plants . The entrance and outlet of these gardens , are embellisht with great Fabricks built of Tiburtine stone , with great expence . Thus much concerning the Villa of Tivoli , of Cardinal Hippolito E stense . The noble sepulchre of Cardinal Hippolito da Este in the Church will recompence your pains in the sight of it , being composed with marble of various colours , on it stands a great white marble statue of the said Cardinal of great cost and fair appearance . The Castle also affords many worthy objects , but what is more considerable , is the precipitous descent of the River ; which falls with such noise and fury from high cliffs of mountains , that for the most part its vapours render the air foggie , and many times at a distance there seem to hang celestial rainbowes , cloudes being at most times over it . This River infamed by the writings of the antient , takes its rise at the mountain of the Trebani , and runs into three noble Lakes . which give name to the adjacent castle , called Sublaco : which Lakes Tacitus seems to call Simbrivini , saying in the 14th . Book of his Annals , that near them stood the Villa Sublacense of Nero in the confines of Tivoli , from which Lakes the Aniene running afterward through woods and mountains , falls at last in the plain near Tivoli , from high stones , with fury and noise , then it goes some space under ground , and at the foot of the mountain returns all again above ground , it runs through the three sulphurious veins , called Albule , from their white colour . T is said , and Strabo confirms the water there to be medicinal in drinking or Bathing , and Pliny writes that they heal the wounded . Nor does the Albule only but also the Albunea above Tivoli consolidate wounds . Regarding the Campania of Tivoli , about the Aniene you will find huge stones encreased by little and little in long time by vertue of the waters running by , and in the bottome of Lakes there you 'l find of hard stones generated by the same means . In this confine are many footsteps of old edifices worthy contemplation : Tivoli having been a most noble City , and well Inhabited through the beauty of its scite , the goodnesse of its soyle , and the salubrity of the aire : which made it be surrounded with the fair Villa's , and Lordly houses of the rich persons of that Country , although now like Rome , and all Italy also it lies waste and ruinated by the various warrs and successes which have destroyed it . T is certain that Greeks were the builders of this City , but who they were is not certain , the writers of the Italian antiquities not agreeing herein : yet the greater part say that Catillo was its founder , who some say was of Arcadia , and Captain of Evanders Navy . Others affirm Argiv●…s the son of Amfiardo the Southsayer , after the prodigious death of his Father near Thebes , came by command of the oracle with his family and Gods ( long before the Trojane warr ) into Italy : and by the assistance of the Enotri , Aborigeni , drove the Sic●…li out of that place , naming the Castle taken from them Tib●…re , from his eldest sons name . Nor does Pliny much disagree from this , though he does not wholly agree with it : for in the 16th of his natural History writing of the ages of Trees he saies , that in his time there stood 3 Holme Trees by Tivoli , near to which Tiburtio the builder of that Castle , had received augure to build it . But saies he was the Nephew not the Son of Amfiardo and that he came with his two Brothers Lora and Catillo one age before the Trojane warr , and that he there caused the Castle to be built , calling it after his own name because he was the elder , in which opinion Virgil , in his AEneides seems to concur : but Horati●…s on the other part calls Tivoli the walls of Catillus pursuing the others opinion : from which expressions we conjecture that the City Tivoli , was before Rome . Those of Tivoli held Hercules in reverence above the other idols , as Protector of the Graecian people , at whose festivity infinite people resorted thither . In it was also a Temple for the Sorti , lotts or chances no lesse famous for their oracles then that in Bura , or in Achaia a countrey of Morea , mentioned by Pausanias : whence the Poet Statius saies , that such was the beauty of the place that even the Sorti Prenestini would have chosen it for giving their answers , had not Hercules first possessed the place . Th●…se are his words . Quod que in templa d●…rent alias Tyrinthia sortes , Et Prenestinae poterant migrare sorores . He calls the Sorti Sisters ; for that good and bad Fortune were reverenced as two Sisters . T is thought that Temple under the mountain in the way of Tivoli , was that famous Temple of Hercules : but this people had another Temple dedicate to the same God , yet called Hercules Saxanus , as appears by the subsequent inscription found in a Piazza attaqued to a particular house . Herculi Saxano sacrum Ser. Sulpicius . Trophimus AEdem . Zothecam . Culinam Pecunia sua a Solo Restituit Eidem . Dieavit . K. Decemb. L. Tupilio Dextro . M. Maccio Rufo . Cos. Euthycus . Ser. Peragendum Curavit But we cannot conclude with certainty where this other Temple stood : yet many agree that t was called Hercules Saxanus , in respect t was built with stone differing from the other greater Temple : just as the Milanesi , called one Hercules in Pietra , from the scituation of that Church in a stony place near them . Upon the stone ariseth a certain antient round Fabrick without covering , built wi●…h marble in rare architecture of much esteem , which possibly might be the Temple of Hercules Saxanus : t is near the Cataracts which augments this suspicion ; for that the Antients usually placed their Temples consecrate to Hercules near waters , long ports , and violent falls of waters , to the end that Hercules by them esteemed the Protector of the firm Land , might cause the water to continue in its limits , and not infest the country with inundations : the which Statius clearly shewsin the 11th . Book of woods , speaking of the Villa 〈◊〉 of his Pollius , which stood on the sea shore near a port with a Temple of Hercules , and another of Neptune neare it : whose verses now take . Ante domum tumidae moderator caerulus undae Excubat innocui custos laris , Hujus amico Spumant Templa salo , foelicia jura tuetur Alcides , gaudet gemino sub nomine portus , Hic servat terras , hic saevis fluctibus obstat . He feigns also in his third book , that Hercules , having layed aside his arms , laboured much in preparing the foundations of his Temple in that place , and with great strength prepa●…ed the instruments for digging the earth ; for thus the Pagans or Gentiles beleived , viz , that Hercules , during his life went through the world , operating for the publick good of Mankind , what ever was difficult or laborious to be effected ; as not only in the taming and killing of Monsters , ●…emoving Tyrants , reducing unjust Lords to the terms and conditions of Justice , and chastising the bad and evil ones : But also in building of Castles and Cities in desert places , ports and securities for shipping on dangerous shores , reducing bad and irksome waies into good , changing the chanels of damnifying Rivers , breaking the course of the waters where requisite , for preservatiō of the firm Land : setling peace between disagreeing nations with just Laws , opening the method & way of dealing and negotiating between people far eloigned from one another : and insum reducing into a state of civility such as were wilde and fierce : wherefore they built him Temples , created him a God , and devoutly honoured him , giving him several surnames according to the diversity of the places where they adored him , or the quality of the benefits which the people held they received from him , or according to some great work which they supposed he had done . Whence the western parts of the world had Hercules Gaditani , when on the north side of the straight called of old Fretum Herculeum , was Mount Calpe , on the South Mount Abila , on which Hercules placed his so memorable pillars , with the inscription Nil ultra : because that was then conceived to be the most western bound of the world . But Charles the 5th : after the discovery of America coming that way , caused Plus ultra to be engraven either on the same Pillars or on new , erected in their places . The Batani , called him Monaco . The Genovesi , Banlio . Those of the Terra di Lavoro , Surrentino . and they of Tivoli , called him Tivolesse and Saxanus . The Tivolesi , were such Friends to Hercules , that they called their City Herculea , as if the whole were especially consecrated to him , and in the palace of Tivoli they honored Hercules just as Jupiter was honored in the Campi doglio at Rome , and the heads or chief of the publick Council and of the Priests , were called in Tivoli , Hercoleani , being of great dignity : a thing clearly demonstrable by certain inscrip tions and Epitaphs extant in antient marbles , whereof ensue some for the service and advantage of the studious in antiquity . In the Church of S. VICENZO in TIVOLI . Herculi Tiburt . Vict. Et. Cereris . dis . Praet . Tiburt . L. Minicius Natalis Cos Augur . Leg. aug . Pr. Pr. Provinciae . Moesiae Infer . Votis Susc . In the ascent of the mountain in a Fragment on the way . G. Sestilius V. V. Tiburtium Lib. Ephebus Herculanius Augustalis In the great Church . C. Albius . Livillae . L. Thymelus , Herc. Augustalis . The tenth Sybil named by the Latines Tibuclina and Albunea by the Graecians Leucothea , was held in great honour in Tivoli in old time : for they adored her as a Goddess consecrating to her a wood a Temple and a Fountain called after her own name Albunea , from the whitenesse of its waters , above Tivoli , in that mountain where Fame saies she was born and gave answers to demandants : of whom Virgil speaks and Servius his Commentator , as also Horace , with his Interpreters . T is reported that the Romans going about to deifie Augustus Caesar , demanded advise of this Sybil , who after three daies fast , standing before the Altar , where the Emperor himself was then present , after many hidden words miraculo●…sly spoken concerning Christ , upon the suddain Heaven opened , and Caesar saw a beautifull Virgin standing before the Altar , who held as lovely an infant in her arms , at which apparition Caesar affrighted fell on his face : and a voice as from Heaven was heard saying this is the Altar of the Son of God. In which place was after built a Temple dedicated to the Virgin Mary called Ara Caeli the Altar of heaven . This Policronion affirms , and for the truth thereof cites S. Augustine . lib 18. cap. 24. She Prophesied of the coming of Christ , after the recital of the sea . ven wonders of the world to this purpose . What at these trifles stands the world amazed ? And hath on them with admiration gazed ? Then wonder ! When the troubled world t' appease He shall descend , who made them that made these . These things being seen , march towards Rome , and leaving the Road a little on the left hand , bestow a view on the Elia Tiburtina , which was the Villa of Hadrianus the Emperor , seated on a little hill , which now at present shews the countenance of a great ruinated City : the footsteps of so vast edifices stupifie the beholders , hardly dispensing with any beliefe that it could ever have been but one single Villa or princely seat . There may yet be found the ruines of many Palaces , Houses , Temples , Porticues , Acqueduct●… , Bathing houses , hot baths , Theaters , Amphitheaters , and in sum , of all other kind of Fabricks whatsoever imaginable for supream delights and pleasures . Among the rest you 'l finde a very high wall drawn long-waies against the South two stades in length , which Wall hath alwaies on the one side the shade , and on the other the Sun ; so that t is most comodious for walking by , or for any other exercise either in the shade or in the Sun , according to the necessity or humour of the person at all times . The vast ruines of this Villa , speak not alone the immense charge Hadrianus was at in building the same , but Spartianus also declares it in the life of Adrian , saying , that he in that his Villa caused draughts or as we may better say the similitudes of the most celebrious places of the world to be made , causing them afterwards to be called after the proper names of the imitated places : as among others , the Licenm , Aristotles School in Athens , the Academy of Cicero , the Prytaneum or counsel house of Athens , the Temple of Thessalia , a place wonderfully pleasant having trees and meadowes marvellously delectable , wherein birds of divers kinds sing continually with excellent melody : the Canopus of Egypt , a place wherein the God of that name was worshipped ; and the like Fabricks made and nominated in imitation of the true . He further saies , that he there caused to be erected the place or representation of hell : all which things were undoubtedly accomodated and adorned with all conveniences and endowments , so that one might well comprehend at the first view , that , which in it self comprehended every one , that is Pictures , Statues , Figures , Inscriptions , pourtrayes of men , wherewith every of those places were illustrated , either with some notable writing , or heroick action . Which ornaments are all ruinated and dispersed , part by the rage of warr , and part by the incivility of the barbarous people , invading Italy , who there shewed not the least respect . Not long since in the fields of Tivoli , were found many figures , and statues , taken without doubt from this Villa , and applied to divers fabricks in the adjacent Countrey : many also have been found among the ruines of the said Villa under ground , and among others some carcases of men with their names in greek letters , as of Themistocles , Miltiades , Isocrates , Heraclitus , Carnea●…les , Aristogiton , an orator of Athens , who for his lewd behaviour was c●…lled Dog , with others , whose tronks or bodies possibly and credibly Pope Julius the third caused to be got together and conveighed to Rom●… , for beautifying his gardens : being advised of this their accidental coming to hand by Marcellus Cervinus , Cardinal of Santa Croce , a Lover of the studious : the which his Sainctety afterwards put in good order with great expence in the Via Flaminia , on the this side the Ponte Milvio . Being freed from the ruines of the Villa Elia , you travel to Rome by the Via Tiburtina , along which appear some antiquities worthy observation ; and among others on the Banks of the River Aniene , is a great 〈◊〉 , a grand Fabrick erected for the Scpulehre of the Family of the Pla●…i Silv●…ni both noble and antient , and framed of large square marble stones , near the bridge which conjoines on the one and other side of the River the antient Road ; and is vulgarly called the Ponte Lucano , the reason of which name is not facilly known , but in some speeches t is called Ponte Pla●…to ▪ and some suppose that way was set out and the bridge likewise built by those noble and triumphant Plau●…it , whose names we find engraven on the said Tomb : chiefly for that Suetonius testifies it was the custom by order of Augustus for the victorious Captains , to accomodate the Roads with the spoiles taken from the enemies , to which . he ●…onnexeth this other conjecture , that is , that in the third elogie of P. Plinius ( of whose memorial or Epitaph , though a part be fallen in his Mauseolus or Tomb , yet enough remains to satisfie the studio●…s in antiquity ) we read among other Titles of honour , that this was not omitted , viz. That by the comand of T. Cl●…udius Caesa●… , he was elected by the neighbourhood Pr●…rator for accomodating the Road , or high wal●…s . A DESCRIPTION OF THE ISLAND OF SICILIA OR SICILY . Sicilia is an Island of the Mediterranean Sea , seated betwixt Italy and Affrick , but between the South and West t is separated from Italy by a neck of the sea . It s form resembles a ▵ in greek , for that it hath three corners , every one whereof makes a Promontory , which are Peloro , Pachino , Lilibeo , now called Capo del Faro , Capo Passero , Capo Boco . Peloro looks towards Italy , Pachino towards Morea , and Li libeo toward the Promontory Mercurio of Africk , and to speak according to the aspect of the climes , Peloro lies Eastward , Pachino between South and East , Lilibeo between South and West . On the North this Island is washed by the Tirrhene Sea , on the East by the Adriatique and Jonian Sea , on the South by the African Sea , and on the West by that of Sardigna . It was called Trinacria , either from its three Promontories or from the King Trinaco , son of Neptune , and Triquetra , or from the three points of the Triangle ; and Sirania from the Sirani , and after that Sicilia from the Siculi , ( descended from the Liguri ) who beat out the Sicani . It is in circuit , as by the moderns is judged ( setting aside the diversities of the antients ) six hundred twenty three miles : from Peloro to Pachino one hundred and sixty miles , from thence to Lilibeo 183 miles , from Lilibeo to Peloro 211. It s length from East to west is 150 miles , but its bredth is not equal , though on the Eastern part t is 160 miles broad , diminishing afterwards in bredth by degrees , being most straite at Lilibeo . The head of all the Island is the Territory Ennese . It hath on the north side ten Islands which lie round it ( the Antients numbred but 7 ) whose names are Liparce , Vulcania , or Giera , Vulcanello , Lisca-bianca , Basiluzo , Thermisia , Trongile , Didima , Fenicusa , and Ericusa . Sicilia is divided into three provinces , which they call Valli or Vales , that is into the Val di Demino or Demona ; the Val de Noto , and the Val di Mazara , the Val di Demino commenceth from the Promontory Peloro , and is the shore on one side to the River Terria , and on the other to the River Himera which dischargeth it self into the Tirrhene Sea. The Val di No●…o , begins at the River Teria , and with it extending it self inwards , and traversing Enna , it descends with the river Gela , and ends at the City of Alicata . But the Val di Mazara , comprehends all the remaining part of Sicily to Lilibeo . This Island was some time conjoined to Italy , whereof the modern authors as well as antient render a large testimony , though there are some who take it for a ridiculous opinion . It is esteemed for the salubrity of the Ayre , the abundance of terrene sustenance and plenty of all things necessarie for mans use very excellent , as placed under the fourth Climate much more benigne then all the others , whence t is that what ever this soyle of Sicily affords , either by its own nature or the Ingenuity of man is accounted next to those which are cryed up for the best . It produceth corn in such abundance that in many places it yields 100 for one . Wilde Oats grow there of themselves , as also the Vines , which gave occasion for the Fable of Ceres & Proserpina . Their wines are most delicate , as is the oyle of Olives whereof they make great quantities . Their Canes too are admirable , called Ebosia heretofore , now Cannamele , whereof they make Sugars . Their Bee hony is there so good that by the antients as a proverb t was used the Hyblean hony of Sicily , which affords great store of wax : the Bees using the very tronks of trees for their hives , there gathering excellent honey . Their fruits of all sorts , grow with much plenty and goodnesse ; they gather all sorts of Plants and medicinal herbs , and their saffron is better then that of Italy , as are their roots of wilde palm trees , which are gustfull to eat . The mountains AEri are so plentifully furnished with sweet waters , fountains , fruitfull and pleasant trees , that they have many times preserved a great Army of the Carthaginians , when near famishing . Other mountains produce salt , as Enna , Nicosia , Camerata and Platanim , where they take out salt stones . There also are the Caves or Pits for salt made of the Foam of the Sea resting upon the co●…sts , but neare I ilibeo , D●…epano , Camarino , Macanio , and other places , they take up the sea water , put it into pits , and thereof make salt . They also draw salt out of other parts of Sicily from the Lakes , as near Pochino , ( a wonderfull thing ) what by the rain , and fresh waters falling from other fountains , the Lake may be increased , in a little time , is dryed away by the Sun. They also make here great plenty of that silk which they draw from their silk worms . Nor is Sicilia lesse enriched by her Metals and Mines , having Minerals of Gold , Silver , Iron , Allum : and on the banks of the River Acate grow pretious stones , as the Emerald and Agat stone , and the clear Bartina , which is whi●…e in circuit , and black spots in the midst , and in forms of several Creatures , as birds , beasts , men or any other , which they say is an Antidote against the biting of the spider or Scorpion . So●…nus saies too , that t will make the Rivers stop , and that Pirrhus had one stone of this sort in a ring , wherein was engraven Apollo with his Scepter , and the Chorus of the nine Muses with their Ensigne , at Graterio , they dig the Beril or Sea water stone in great plenty , and Porphiry stone , red and traversed with white and green stroaks . Here also they take up the jasper stone being red , and varied with several clear green and white spots , which ennobles the stone . And in the sea of Messina , and of Drepano , there growes Corrals a sort of sea Plant much commended and sought after . Sicilia is likewise Famed for the Chase of the Goat and wilde Bore : for the fowling at Partridge and God wit. And all other sorts of Birds , and four-footed beasts both for delight and profit are there in great plenty , beside the Falcon and other Hawks , which there are taken . The Fishing also is greatly abounding , particularly for the Fish called Tun●…y Fish , whereof they take not only at Pachino ( as the Antients wrote ) but also at Palermo and Drepano , and in all the River which is washed with the Tyrrhene Sea , ( this fish bears a great price in May or June ) as also of the sword fish particularly at Messina , which ( t is written ) they cannot take unlesse they speak Greek , and to say no more both the Seas and the Rivers abound with all sorts of excellent fish . They have also in divers places many baths of hot , cool , sulphurous and other sorts of water , usefull and advantagious in several Infirmities , but those are in the River Sen●…ntina , near the Cities Sacra and Himera , are salt and un wholsome to drink . We will not speak of the Fountains of sweet water that are found over all Sicilia , and many Rivolets accommodated as well for the life of Man , as the enriching their Lands by the overflowing . And to speak in brief , this Island is not at all inferiour to any other Province , either for its fatnesse or abundance ; but somewhat exceeds Italy in the excellency of their grain , saffron , honey , Beasts skins , and other sustenance for the life of Man ; in so much that Cicero not improperly called it the Granary of the Romans , and Homer said that all things grew there of their own accord , and therefore calls it the Isle of the Sun. Sicilia is likewise admirable for the fame of those things which told , exceed our beleef as the Mount Etna , & Mongibello , who sending forth continual fires from its bowels hath not withstanding its head ( on that part where the fire issues ) deeply covered in snow to the midst of Summer . Not far from Agrigento , or Gergento is the Territory Matharuca , which with assidu al vomiting of divers veins of waters , sends forth a certain Ash coloured Earth , and at certain times casting out an incredible Mass of that Earth , the one and the other Fields may be heard to roar . In Menenino is the Lake Nastia ( called by Pliny ●…fintia ) where in three eddies you behold boyling water , which alwaies gurgles with an egregious stink , and somtimes spues up flames of fire : hither antiently resorted all such , as through their superstition were to be sworn to any thing . It hath likewise in sundry other places divers other Fountains of admirable Qualities and nature , for an ample account whereof the reader is referred to Thomaso Fazellio , to the end we may abridge our relation here . Sicily was inhabited by the Cyclopes , which is verified ( besides what Authors affirm ) by the bodies of immense bignesse and heigth , which in our daies are seen in the Grots , or Caves . Those Cyclopes , being monsters of Men or Gyants , whom the Sicani succeeded , and them the Siculi or Sicilians . Then the Trojans , the Candiots , the Phenici , the Calcidonians , the Corinthians and other Greeks , the Zanclei , the Guidii , the Sarasini , the Normans , the Lombards , the Swedes , the Germans , the French the Arragonians , the Spaniards , the Catalonians , the Genouans , and at length many Pisans , Lucchesians , Bolognians , and Florentines : all which people at several times inhabited divers parts of this Island : untill Charls the fifth Emperor took Corona , and after a little time leaving it to the Turks , all those Greeks that dwelt there transported themselves into Sicilia . The People are of an acute and quick wit , noble in their inventions , and industrious by nature , and said to be of three tongues for their velocity in speech , wherein their expressions proceed with much grace to facetiousnesse and quicknesse : they are held loquacious beyond measure : whence the Antients borrowed the proverb Gerrae Siculae , the Sicilian bablings . Antient writers attribute the following things to the invention of the Sicilians , the art of Oratory , the Bucolick or pastoral verse , dyall making , the Catapul●…e a warlike engine , the illustrating of Pictures , the Art of Barbing , the use of skins of wilde beasts and Ryme . They are by nature suspectfull , envious , evil spoken , facil to speak Villany , and prone to revenge , but industrious subtle flatterers of Princes , and studious of Tyranny ( as saies Orosie , ) which at this day does not so generally appear . They are more covetous of their own commodities or conveniences then of the publiques , and reflecting on the abundancy of the Countrey , sloathfull and without industry . Antiently their tables were so splendidly furnished , that it became a Proverb among the Greeks , but now they follow the frugality of Italy . They are valiant in warrs , and of uncorruptible faith to their King ; beyond the custōme of the Greeks , they are patient ; but provoked they leap into extream fury . They speak the Italian Language , but roughly , and without the least sweetnesse , and in their habits and other customes live after the manner of the Italians . MESSINA . THat City of Sicilia that is most illustrious , is Messina , built with the ruines and reliques of the City Zancla : at a thousand paces distance from hence came Dicearchus the hearer of Aristotle , the most celebrious Peripatetick , Geometritian , and eloquent Oratour , who wrote many books , whereof Fazellius makes mention , and Ibicus the Historian and the Lyrick Poet , and in the memory of our Fathers times lived there Cola the Fish , born at Catana , who leaving human society , consumed the best part of his life among the fish in the sea of Messina , whence he acquired the nick name of fish . Hence came also Giovanni Gatto , of the preaching order , a Philosopher , Divine , and famous Mathematician , who read in Florence , Bologna , and Ferrara , and was afterwards elected Bishop of Catano ; and lastly hence came Gio Andrea Mercurio , a most worthy Cardinal of the holy Church . Here stood the City Taurominio , which gave birth ( according to Pausanias ) to Tisandro Son of Cleocrito , who four times overcame in the Olympick Games and as many times in the Pythick , and Timeus the historian son of Andromacus , who wrote of the transactions in Sicilia and Italy and of the Theban warrs . CATANA . IT hath also the City Catana , one part whereof is washed by the Sea and the other extends it self to the foot of the Mountains where antiently was the Sepulture or burying place for famous and illustrious persons , as of Stesicorus the Poet , Himerese , Xenofane the Philosopher , and of two young Brothers Anapia and Anfinomo : who ( the fire of AEtna raging and burning all the Countrey round ) took up upon their shoulders the one his Father the other his Mother but being disabled by the weight to proceed with speed , and the fire overtaking them and at their very feet , yet lost not their magnan imity and courage , but when almost in despair , the fire on a suddain divided it self before them , and so they miraculously escaped safe . In this City is a Colledge for all the sciences , but most particularly they here study the Civil and Canon Laws , and from her have issued many illustrious persons , as Santa Agatha , ( which the Palermitans will call of their City ) a Virgin Martyr , who under Quintiano in the yeer of our salvation 152 suffered Martyrdome for Christ , and Carondo the Philosopher and Legislator , and he that was reputed the great Magus , Diodorus or Liodorus : Hence came also Nicolo Todisco , called the Abbot , or Panormitano the great Cnnonist , and Cardinal , who wrote so many books of the Canon Laws , and was present so much to his glory at the Councel of Basilea in the yeer 1440. It gave birth likewise to Galeozzo , or Galeotto Bardasino , whose vast body and strength acquired him the title of a Gyant , of whose prowesse and noble Acts of Chevalry we have as large relations , as any our Romances attribute to their Heroes . The City Leontina or Leontio ( antiently inhabited by the Lestrigones ) was the birth place of Georgia the Philosopher and Orator , and Agathone the Tragick Poet : and since the faith of Christ planted there , Alfio , Filadolfio , Cirino , became Martyrs for it . From the City Megara , came Theo genes the Poet , and Epicarmo the Comick Poet , and Inventor of Comedies . SYRACUSA . Syracusa , ( antiently the Metropolis of Sicilia , and enobled by ma ny titles ) gave birth to many eminent men in all the sciences ; as to Theocrito the Bucolick Poet , Filalao the Pythagorean , Filomone the Comick Poet in the daies of Alexander the Great , another Philomene a Comick , who also had a Son of the same name and profession , Sofrone a Comick in the daies of Euripides , Corace one of the prime Inventors of the Art of Oratory and his Disciple Cesia no lesse eminent in Oratory ; Dione Siracusano who wrote of the Art of Rhetorick , Sofane the Tragick Poet , Epicarmo the most learned continued alwaies in Syracusa , and at his death had a statue erected in honour of him ; Fotino the Comick Poet Carmo the Poet ; Menecrates the Physician and Philosopher , Filosseno the Lyrick , Callimaco who wrote in verse concerning this Island , Mosco the Grammarian , Jaceta the Pihlosopher , Antioco the Historian , Filisto an Historian and Father of Dionygio the Tyrant ; Callins the Historian , Theodore the Philosopher who wrote of the Art of Warr , Archetimus a Philosopher and Histo rian , Archimede a Philosopher and excelling Mathematician , with many others : Amongst the holy Martyrs it afforded Lucia the Virgin , and Stefano the third Pope . From the County of Nea came Ducetio King of Sicilia , Giovanni Aurispa a famous writer , Antonio Cassarino a surpassing Orator , Giovanni Martasio a most celebrated Poet , and here also is the sepulchre of San Corrado the Placentian to whose merits they Fable many miracles . From Agrigento a famous City issued the Conquerour in the Olympick games before Diodorus , and Phalaris here exercised his cruel Tyranny which begot him the surname of Tyrant : hence also proceeded Creone and Acrone , both Philosophers and Physicians ; Polo the Orator , Dinoloco a Comick , Archino a Tragick Poet , Sofocles and Xenocorate to whom Pindarus entituled two of his Odes . In the City Therme now called Sacra , were born Agathocles King of Syracusa , and Thomaso Fazellio , of the order of San Domenico , who wrote the affairs of Sicilia in a large volume . PALERMO . THe City of Palermo , is the fairest of all the others of this Island , and at present the Metropolis and Regal Seat : of which much will here be spoken : she gave birth to Andrea the most antient and noble Philosopher , who wrote the Civil history of the Sicilians ; but it was much more illustrated for the first breath it afforded to the Saints Oliva & Nimfa both Martyred for the Faith of Christ : & Antonio called the Palermitan , of the Knightly Family of Beccatelli of Bologna , an Orator & a noble Poet , & much ēdeared to all the Princes of his time . When also flourished Pietro Ranzano of the Preaching order , a Divine , an Oratour , and a famous Poet , and at last Bishop of Lucera . It bred also Monsignior Jacomo Lomellini its ArchBishop , a learned Prelate , and of great integrity of Life . Sicily nourished also many other famous persons as well antient as modern , as Sthenio , Thermitano , the defender of the Cities of Sicilia , Stesicoro one of the new Lyricks of Greece , Diodoro surnamed Siculo a famous and renowned Historian , whose life the Author hereof hath wrote at large in another Treatise ; Thomaso Caula a Laureat Poet , and many others . Sharp and long wars were waged for the possession of this Island , between the Romans and Carthaginians , but the Romans at length remained Conquerours , and reduced her into a province at the overthrow of Hie rone ( by Claudius Marcellus the Consul ) who was the last of those Tyrants under whom she had then tofore been subjected . Then t was governed by Praetors till it fell into the power of the Emperors , and Charles the great ; in which time the Empire and world being divided , Sicilia , Calabria and Puglia remained in obedience to the Emperors of Constantinople , under whom it continued till Niceforus bcame Emperor , in whose Reign the Saracens possessed it and Puglia , the Mount Saint Angelo , Nocero with other places in the yeer DCCCCXIIII . hence they made frequent incursions into Calabria , and to the very walls of Naples and Garigliano : against whom Pope John the tenth with Alberico Masalpina his Kinsman great Duke of Tuscany armed themselves , and with much difficulty and great slaughter drove them into the Monte Santo Angelo . Which Alberico was Son of Alberto , brother of Guido , grand Marquesse of Tuscany , some of whose medals I have seen with their Teste or Motto , and on the reverse the flourishing Thorn tree ( the Arms of that Family ) in the hands of the Marquesse Lodovico Masalpina a Gentleman no lesse facetious then curious in collections . The Saracini one hundred yeers after their in road into Italy were drove out by the Normandi , who were Counts of Sicilia , who for forty three yeers increased their Empire with much felicity , till Ruberto Guis cardo seized Puglia in his own name , and Sicilia in right of his Brother Ruggieri , ; whereupon Pope Nicholas the second conceded to him the Title of Duke , and created him Feudatory of the Church : which was afterwards confirmed by Gregory the seventh , who by him was freed from the injuries of Harry the third . After whom , Guglielmo the second was by Innocent the 4th . created the first King , to whom succeeded Gulielmo the third who deceasing without issue , the Kingdome was usurped by one Taucredi a bastard of the Family of Guiscardi : against whom Pope Clement and Celestine the third opposed themselves ; & in the end Celestine gave Costanza the daughter of Ruggier the second ( a Nun in Palermo ) for wife to Henry the Son of Frederick the Emperor with the Title and right claim of the Kingdome : whereupon Henry made war against Tancredi , besieged and flew him in Naples , and so succeeded in this Kingdome and Empire of his Father . After whom followed Frederick the second , his Son , then Manfredo the bastard Son of Frederick got the Kingdom , but was thence drove out by Charls of Anjou Brother of Saint Lewis King of France , being called in and invested therein by the Pope ; under which Charls the Sicilians ( being complotted with by Pietro d' Arragona , who married Costanza daughter of Manfredo ) at the sound of the Vespers Bell , cut in peices all the French which were in Sicilia , by which means Pietro became Lord of the Island , which happened in the yeer 1283. By which occasion arose many contests and wars betwixt the Arragonians and the Anjouans for the possession of that Kingdom , with divers fortunes , till at length the Arragonians were wholly driven out of the Kingdome of Naples by Charls the VIII . But the Arragonians at last regained the possession by the prowesse of Consalvo Ferrando the great Captain , who drove out the French for Ferrando the Catholick King of Spain ; from whom the Kingdomes of Sicilia and Naples passed by an hereditary succession to Charles the 5th . Emperor , and from him it descended to Philip the second , who left it to his Son Philip the third Catholick King , who now injoyes them in quiet possession . A Description of the Island of MALTA BEtween Sicilia , and the River of the one and t'other shore of Barbary , are fixed the two Islands Melita or Malta , and Gaulo or Gozo , the one distant from the other five miles , but eloigned from Pachino or Capo Passero a Promontory of Sicilia , ( which they look towards ) one hundred miles , and from Africa one hundred and ninety miles . Malta is 60. miles in circumference , being all as it were a plain though somewhat Rocky , and exposed to the windes , it hath many and secure Ports , but towards the North t is wholly deprived of fresh waters , but on the western parts are excellent Currance , and it produceth most fruitfull trees . Where t is broadest t is 12 miles over , and in the longest part 20 miles , and in all those seas is there not one Island so great distance from the firm Land as this is . In more then six places towards Sicilia , t is hollowed , and hath Ports as it were formed by the Sea of Sicilia for receipt of its Pyrates or Rovers on the Sea , but towards Tripolis t is all full of Cliffes and Rocks affording no mannor of Harbour . T is called Melita in Latine from the Bees which in Greek are called Melitte for that the abundance and goodnesse of Flowers causeth in this Isle the production of the most excellent hony , but of late by corruption of the word we call it Malta . At its first habituation it yielded obedience to King Battus famous for his riches , and for the friendship and hospitality of Dido , whence afterwards it obeyed the Carthaginians . Whereof the many Collumnes placed up and down the Countrey , engraven with antient Carthaginian Characters ( farr different from the Hebrean ) give sufficient testimony . But at the same time when Sicilia was reduced to the Romans , it also rendered it self and was therefore governed by the same Laws , and the same Praetor as Sicilia was . Wherewith also coming afterwards into the power of the Saracens , it finally with Gozo in the yeer 1090. was possessed by Ruggieri Normanno , Count of Sicilia , till at length it obeyed the Christian Princes . The Ayr over all the Island is most healthfull , but chiefly to them that inure themselves to it : It hath Fountains and Orchards copiously replenished with Date Trees , and its soyle every where produceth plentifully all sorts of Grain and Corn , Flax , Cotton , Wool , Cummin seeds , and abundance of Roses eminently sweet favoured : here ▪ also they have a kind of little neat white Dogs , which from their long hair we call shocks , of much delight to the people . The Earth is sowed all the year with little husbandry , and they reap two harvests and the trees likewise bear fruit twice in the yeer . In the winter every thing is green and flourisheth , and in the summer is burnt up with heat , howbeit a certain Dew falls which exceedingly nourisheth the Corn. At the head of a long and strait point almost opposite to the Capo Passero or Pachino in Sicilia is erected the Fortezza of Sant Ermo , but on the right hand towards Sicilia are some other points , and between them and Sant Ermo is a Channel of water upon one of which points is the Castle Sant Angelo , and the other the Fortezza of San Michael with their Bourges : between the one and the other of which lie the ship●… & Galleys in a Channel which is locked at the utmost points with a vast Iron Chain . Eight miles off which place up the Land stands the City called Malta famoused by the Reliques of very noble Edifices , and by the antient dignity of a Bishoprick . This Isle hath a Pr●…montory whereon was built a most antient and noble Temple dedicated to Juno , and held in great reverence , and another on the South to Hercules , whereof at this day huge ruines appear at the Port Euro . The men of this Island are brown complexioned , and their genius more approaches that of the Sicilians then any other . The women are beautifull enough but fly company , goe obscured abroad , are kept close at home , yet following the same manner of life as the Sicilians , and speaking a language more like and near the Carthaginian then any other language . The people are generally religious and particularly pay a great devotion to Saint Paul , to whom this Island is dedicated , for that here he by chance fell into the Sea , and was here entertained with great humanity : and on that shore where he fell in , is built a venerable Chapel ; for their respect to whom they believe no noysome nor venemous Creature can grow or live on this Island . And from the Grotto where that Saint stood are stones by many plucked away , and carryed through Italy , ( called the Gratia of Saint Paul , ) to healthe bitings of Scorpions and Serpents . In our Age this Island had and hath great splendour for its Devotion , and the religious order of the Knights of Sant Giovanni or John of Jerusalem , the which having lost Rhodes ( taken from them in the yeer 1522. by Soliman the magnificent the great Tnrk ) had this Island given them by Charles the 5th . Emperour , where they have built the aforenamed Castles and Forts , that they may there reside with perpetual security . In the yeer 1565. they valiantly defended the same against a most potent Armada , which the same Soliman sent thither to conquer the Island and to drive out those Knights : which in time to come will not contribute lesse glory to Malta , then that which they reaped in times past from the general Council which under Pope Innocent the first was there celebrated by 214. Bishops against Pelagius the Heretike ; among others there met Saint Austine and Sylvano Bishop of Malta . Soliman sent to this Attempt an Armada , a Fleet of 200 sayls , under the command o●… Piali Bassa General of the Sea , a man both valiant and judicious , and of Mustapha , the Bassa General of the Land , a man very crafty , and much experienc't in warlike affairs : who having disembarked and landed their Army on the 18. of May , besieged and battered the Castle Sant Ermo , and after many contests and attempts , having beat down that wall flat to the Earth on the 23d . of June became Masters of the Fort , and put all the defendors to the Sword and cut them to pieces . There dyed then on the Turks part Dragut ●…ais the famous Pyrat , being wounded under the ear by the blow of a stone . Then they turned their force upon the two other Fortezza's of Sant Michael , and Saint Angelo . They planted a fierce battery against San Michael , which levelled the walls with the bank of the Fosse or Ditch by their falling therein , but in many and many assaults which they gave to the Castle , they were alwaies valiantly repelled by the Horse . Giovanni Valetta a French man the then great Master , a man of singular valour and prudence , not failing in any thing of conduct or necessary provision , that might merit the esteem of an excellent Commander . At last Don Garcia de Toledo , having selected sixty of the most nimble and polite galleys out of those of the King of Spain ; and furnished them with nine thousand six hundred Souldiers between Spaniards , and Italians , advanced to land them securely on the Island . Which the Turks understanding forthwith imbarqued their Artillery , and advanced with 8000 Souldiers to view the Christian Army , who fell upon them with such ardour and fury , that they immediately most basely run away , and got into their Galleys , leaving 1800 dead , having killed but only four on the Christians side : And in this manner were the Turks constrained to abandon the Island to their ●…oul shame and confusion , and the great honour of Almighty God , whose hand strengthning this small number , clearly demonstrated , that by his favour , the valour of a few can oppose the violence of many . VERSES composed on the Cities of ITALY translated out of the ITALIAN . FOR Pompe , and Pietie , old Rome is fam'd , Venice is rich , the Sage , and Lordly nam'd , Naples is noble , and of pleasant air , Florence through all the world reputed fair . Milan doth of her Grandeur justly boast . Bologna's●…att ●…att : Ferrara civil most . Padoua Learned ; subtile Bergamo . And Genoua's Pride , her stately buildings show . Worthy Verona , bloudy Perugia , Brescia well-armed ; and glorious Mantoua . Rimini good . Pist●…ia barbarous . Babling Siena . Lucca industrious . Forli phantastick . kind , Ravenna's styld . Singalia with nauseous air is fill'd Pisa is pendent : 〈◊〉 , Capua . Pesaro flowry ; and ( as all men say ) Ancona far from a good Po●…t doth s●…ray . Urbin in her fidelity is strong . Ascoli round , and Recanate long . Foligno's candied streets most pleasant are . The Ladies of Fano , so smooth and fair , That said they are from Heaven sent to be But Modena more happy is then shee . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A62355-e17960 1199. Sholes . Muran . St. Georgio . Zuecca . Lizafusina . Edmond Wal●…er Espuire . Polverara . Adria . Euganei . Monselice Estè Lendinr●… . Rovigo . Peredeo Campo Martio . St. Michael . Monte forte . Scala . Sanzen . Peschiero . Desensano Paltena . Pulicella . Bardolino . Gardo . Caldo. Sirmione . Domo Santa Juliia Lonato . Asola Oglio . Reato Valcamonica Isseo Brenna . Troppia . Cardone Del Sole Caravaggio Cassina Soncino Crema Lodi Malpaga Vale Serina . Brombana San Martino Calepio Chiusontio Manca Como Como Bersalina Belasio Monza Somasca Martosana Ro Angiera Novarra Mortara Valese Adda Pusterlengo St. Antonio Bobio Arquato Fidenti St. Donnino Colorno Bergo Bardo Aquario Vignola Carpi Panaro Novantola Agata Forcelli R●…ssi Colossina Panico Vergata B●…aghi Porretta Poggio B●…trio Rièardina Guelfo Quaterna San Pietro Dozza Pianora Scarao Scarperia Pratolin●… Fiesole Mugello Lucca Poggibonzi Mount Olivet Radicofano Pienza Chiuse Monte Pulciano Grossetto Bolsena Tevere Soana Castro Orbello Tuscanello Cornetto Horti Viterbo Canepina Lag●… ▪ Vico Sutri . Cività : Rofolo . Cremera . Piadena Gazuolo St. Benedict Stapylton 33 feet denote yeers . 6 fin gers 6 months 
A33560	----	The history of the wars of Italy from the year MDCXIII to MDCXLIV in XVIII books / written originally in Italian, by Pietro Giovanni Capriata ... ; and rendred in English by Henry Earl of Monmouth. Dell'historia. English Capriata, Pier Giovanni. 1663 Approx. 2813 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 406 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A33560 Wing C483 ESTC R22665 12061881 ocm 12061881 53250 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A33560) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 53250) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 86:3) The history of the wars of Italy from the year MDCXIII to MDCXLIV in XVIII books / written originally in Italian, by Pietro Giovanni Capriata ... ; and rendred in English by Henry Earl of Monmouth. Dell'historia. English Capriata, Pier Giovanni. Monmouth, Henry Carey, Earl of, 1596-1661. [13], 797 p. : port. Printed by J. Macock, and are to be sold by Tho. Dring ..., London : 1663. Translation of: Dell'Historia. Reproduction of original in Huntington Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO. EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org). The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source. Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data. Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so. Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor. The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines. Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Italy -- History -- 1559-1789. 2003-06 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-08 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-01 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2004-01 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-02 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Hen : Do : Cary Baro de Leppington Comes Monmouthensis , et honble : Ord : Balnia Eques . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . From the Year MDCXIII . To MDCXLIV . IN XVIII BOOKS . Written Originally in Italian , By Pietro Giovanni Capriata , D R at Law. And rendred in English By HENRY Earl of MONMOUTH . LONDON , Printed by I. Macock , and are to be sold by Tho. Dring , at the George near St Dunstan's Church in Fleet-street . MDCLXIII . IMPRIMATUR , Whitehall , Ianuary 10. 1662. William Morice . THE Epistle to the Reader . IT hath always ( Judicious Reader ) among the wisest of men been esteemed a Task most difficult , to compose the Histories of those Times wherein the Persons chiefly concerned might ( yet living ) behold their great or more minute Actions unmasked or displayed to the world ; And therefore most have been , and still are of opinion , That such an Attempt ought not to be made by any but a Person of so resolute a Temper as might neither be swayed by Fear nor Flattery , nor yet steered by an over-weaning Opinion ; for whilst the Biass runs on the first side men dare not speak even the truth it self ; the second glosses even bad Actions , as if to the World it would make Vice appear Virtue ; and the third represents things not as indeed they were , or were intended , but as we fondly imagine or conceive them . The Task performed by the Learned Capriata , Author of the ensuing History , was not only of this difficult Nature , but had likewise many other Embroils and Entanglements sufficient to have daunted any less Judicious Undertaker , so many both particular and interwoven Interests of a number of petty Princes ( though all united or relying upon those three great Ones , of the Church , King of France , and King of Spain ) being sufficient to create such infinite Entrigues as were not to be cleared or described but by a great and perspicacious Intelligence : And yet hath our Learned Author waded through all these difficulties , and by taking no less care in clearing the Causes then describing the Effects of these late Italian Dissentions deservedly gained the name of an Excellent Historian . And it was certainly a true and deliberate knowledge of all this and more that induced the ever to be Honoured Henry Earl of Monmouth ( after having made so many Excellent Italian Pieces speak English , with an Industry seldom found in the Nobility of our Nation ) to make choice of this , which is now become the Posthume Child of so Excellent a Parent , and which may look ( though there needs no farther Remembrancer of his never dying Fame ) like a new Phoenix raising it self out of his ashes . And surely besides the Excellency of the Composure and Delicacy of the Stile , he was invited or enticed by Delights far more sublime to the Translation of this History . To find what Causes should engage the Potent Monarchs of France and Spain in the Quarrels and Dissentions of these little Princes of Italy , and how their Interests are involved or dependent , must needs be pleasant ; To trace the Policies of the grave Spaniard and sober Italian , accounted Crafts-Masters in that Art , cannot be less delightful ; but to behold such a connexion of Entrigues , as if the whole Tragedy were rather a Comedy , where the end of one Act leaves but a greater desire and expectation of what shall succeed in the next , must needs be the most agreeable of all . These , or such like , might possibly be the Motives or Incentives of the Earl of Monmouth to continue ( with a Generous Soul ) to communicate the Excellencies of Forreign Nations to his own Countrey-men , which else must have been hidden to all except himself or some few more who by Travel or Industry might have learnt the Italian Tongue ; unless some other Worthy Spirit , like to his , would have undertaken so good a Work , though few are now found so industriously to prosecute the Publick Good. But lest , being hurried into a Discourse that may possibly require a Satyre , I should obstruct my intended brevity , give me leave to assert thus much , ( omitting all that I might say of my own Judgment or Experience ) and I think I may do it without Hyperbole ; That the History in its Original must needs be Excellent , because the Earl of Monmouth made choice of it to Translate ; and the Translation cannot be ill rendred , because the Earl of Monmouth did it , who was Master both of the English and Italian Tongues . The Contents . BOOK I. FRancis Duke of Mantua and Montferrat , being dead , Charles Emanuel , Duke of Savoy , pretends the return of his Daughter Margaret , Wife to the late Francis , into Piedmont , together with Mary her only Daughter . Cardinal Ferdinando , Brother and Successour to Francis , retards his sister in Law 's return , and keeps his Niece in Mantua : Hereupon differences arise between the two Dukes ; wherefore the Duke of Savoy renewing his ancient claim to Montferrat , which was pretended to by his Predecessours , assaults that State at unawares ; possesseth himself of the Cities of Alba and Trino ; endeavours the like of Montcalvo , but not being able to get the Fort , levies people to take it . The condition of Italy is also given in the Prooemium ; then by way of digression , the Duke of Savoys pretences to Montferrat is discoursed upon ; and many other Interests and Accidents which occurred between the said Duke and the Court of Spain , at several Times , and upon divers Occasions . Page 1 BOOK II. The Wars of Montferrat are continued to be related ; as also the Provisions and Negotiations made by the Duke of Mantua and other Princes . The Surrender of the Castle of Montcalvo : The oppugning of Nizza della Paglia : Prince Victorio's going to Spain : Orders sent from that Court to Italy , touching the Protection of Montferrat , and the Restitution of the Tow●… that were taken . In execution whereof Nizza is freed , and the other Towns restored to the Duke of Mantua . The War of Garfagnana , between the Duke of Modena and the Common-wealth of Lucca ; which being accommodated by peace , the business of Montferrat is reassumed , and divers Negotiations past between the Dukes of Savoy and Mantua ; which whilest they are in Treaty , Spains final Resolution comes touching the quiet of Italy , and the security of Montferrat : Prince Victorio returns to Italy badly satisfied with the King and Court of Spain . 31 BOOK III. The Duke of Savoy is angry that the King should force him to lay down Arms , and to disband his men ; which refusing to do he is assaulted by a Spanish Army , led on by the Duke of Millain ; who being entred by the Vercelles into the Confines of Piedmont , and understanding that the Duke was gone to before Novara , returns immediately to the State of Millain to drive him from thence : Being returned , he begins to build the Fort Scandovalle , not far from Vercelles . The Duke retreating to Vercelles , desires succour from the French , Venetians , and other Princes ; many whereof Treat of Agreement by their Embassadour sent into Piedmont : The Warre continues the mean while with the Duke ; in pursuit whereof many accidents happening , they came at last to a day of Battel neer the City : Wherein the Spanish Army being Victors , it goes before that City , whither the Duke was withdrawn with his men ; about which the Governour having imployed much time to little purpose ; At last peace is concluded by the means of Princes Ministers . 59 BOOK IV. The King being but badly satisfied with the peace of Asti makes Don Pietro di Toledo Governour of Millain ; Between whom and the Duke new differences arise ●…ouching the execution of the Articles of peace : The Venetians by reason of the Slavonians , who molest their Navigation in the Gulf , make war in Friuli against the Arch-Duke , and in Istria against the Emperour ; and possessing themselves of many Towns in Friuli , come before Gradisca ; from whence they depart not many days after by reason of Treaties of Agreement which were introduced . The Duke of Savoy complaining still of the not observance of peace , fears to be again assaulted by the Governour , and therefore prepares for war again : He joins under-hand with the Venetians , and calls Diguieres , Marshal of France , into Piedmont ; but is quickly and unexpectedly assaulted in Savoy by the Duke de Nemours , who is somented with monies and promises from the Governour of Millain . The King of France , to provide against the commencing uproars in Lombardy , sends Monsieur di Bettuve thither ; and the Pope Monsignore Lodovisio , Arch-Bishop of Bologna . Preparations for a new war are renewed in the State of Millain , and in Piedmont , which is again begun betwixt the Duke and the Governour , who draws neer the Confines of Piedmont with an Army . 113 BOOK V. The Duke unexpectedly assaults the Spanish Army which was entred his State ; and being beaten retreats to Assigliano ; From whence finding that the enemy went to possess themselves of Crescentino , he departs , and speedily preventing them , defends it . The Spanish Army take Santya , and San Germano : The Duke endeavouring to keep back their Victuals was forc'd to come to a Battel , where he was again worsted . The Popes Nuntio , and the French Embassadour hold the Governours Forces in hand by introducing new Treaties of Peace : In the interim the Marquess of Mortara entering le Langhe takes many of the Dukes Castles ; and Don Sanchio di Luna takes Gattinara : Winter coming on , the Governour fired Santya ; and leaving a Garrison in St. Germano sends the resi of his Army into their Quarters , and retires into the State of Millain . The Duke , the Prince his Son being come to him from Savoy , and the Marsh●… Diguieres from France , with new men , takes the Principality of Messerano , and makes himself master of San Damiano Alba , and Monteggio , Tow●… in Montferrat : Wherefore Mortara firing Canelli , abandons the Langhe . The Marshal being sent for back by the King , returns with his men to France . The Venetians whilest they are busying themselves to little purpose in Friuli , are molested at Sea by the Spanish Fleet , sent by the Viceroy of Naples into the Gulf ; which not being able to draw the Venetian Fleet to fight , take three Gallies richly fraught . 149 BOOK VI. The Governour of Millain goes with his Army to before Vercelles , and besieging it on all sides , and the Town not being able to be relieved , after a long Siege he takes it upon Articles . The Capitulations of Peace , as well for what concern'd Piedmont as Friuli , are Treated of in the Court of Spain , and are concluded in the Court of France ; as also at Madrid . The Duke of Savoy being assisted by the French , who came into Piedmont after the Surrender of Vercelles , takes some Towns in Montferrat , and in Allessandria ; And at last , in pursuance of the Capitulations stipulated in the Courts of France and Spain , the Peace is concluded in Pavia between the Governor of Millain and the French Embessador . The Viceroy of Naples sends some ●…lieoons into the Gulf in defence of the Rag●…siens , who were vex'd by the Venetian ●…t ; which Galleoons get the better , in fight , of the Venetians . A Conspiracy is discovered in Venice , and some rumours are spread abroad upon the Confines of Venice toward Millain , between the Spanish Souldiers and those of the Commonwealth ; which being appeased , a period is put to the war , and Italy is restored to her former peace . 186 BOOK VII . In this seventh Book you have the condition of the affairs of Italy , after the appeasement of the War of Piedmont . The death of two Popes , as also the death of the King of Spain , and of the Emperour . The Insurrections in the Valtoline ; the occasion of new rumours which arose from hence in Italy ; of new jealousies , and of new Leagues made by many Princes against the Crown of Spain . The Forts of the Valtoline deposited into the Popes hands . The Prince of Wales his Iourney into Spain . The Prince of Urbin's death : and the approaching Escheat of that State : And lastly , the seeds of new troubles rising between the Genoese and the Duke of Savoy , by reason of their having purchased the Fee-farm of Zuccarello , whereat the Duke was displeased . Here are also touched , by way of passage , some accidents of Warr , which hapned in Germany , Flanders , and in the East and West-Indies . 212 BOOK VIII . In this Eighth Book you have the Description of the Commonwealth of Genoa ; her Interest and good Correspondency with the Crown of Spain . The Diet held at Susa , wherein two attempts are resolved upon ; the one against the Valtoline , the other against Genoa ; for the execution whereof many preparations are made both in France and in Italy . The French fall down into the Valtoline , under the conduct of the Marquess of Coure ; and driving the Churches Forces from the Forts which were deposited in the Popes hands , they make themselves masters thereof : they likewise fall down into Piedmont , under de Diguieres Grand Constable , and joyning with the Duke of Savoy , and with his Forces , go to the Enterprise of Genoa , and proceed far in that State ; the Pope sends his Nephew Legate into France . The Genoeses are reduced into a very dangerous condition by hostile Arms. 257 BOOK IX . By relief of Monyes and Victuals sent from Spain , and Men from Naples , Genoa is comforted in the midst of her troubles ; she is encouraged by the wants of the Enemies Army , and through the disagreeing of their Commanders ; and is at last wholly freed by Friends coming into the Fi●…ld with a powerful Army . The Enemies Army retreats from the Enterprise of Genoa , an●… attempts Savona ; but being overtaken by Feria , retires to Piedmont . Feria takes the City of Acqui ; he goes afterwards to Asti , and from thence to Verrua ; where he stays long to little purpose , l●…aving many of his men , and being forc'd to give over the Enterprise , returns with his Army much lessened , into the State of Millain : many actions happen at the same time in the besieging and defending of Riva di Chiavenna ; wherein the Spaniards have still the better of the French ; they drive the French at last out of the Valtoline , and raise the Siege of Riva . The English Fleet falling upon Spain , there is repuls'd ; and having in vain indeavoured to take the Plate-Fleet which came from America , retires into England , torn by tempests . A Discourse upon the quality and usuall Navigation of the Plate-Fleet : the Apostolick Legate returns from France to Rome ; and is sent from Rome to Spain ; whither being come , he finds the Peace concluded between the two Crowns ; and the Affairs of Italy , and of the Valtoline , composed . The Pope , and all the Princes of the League are very much displeased with this Peace ; as also all the Princes and the Court of France . Some of them do therefore conspire against the Kings person : in pursuance of the Peace , the Forts of the Valtoline are restored , and demolish'd . New occasions of disgust between the Genoese and the Duke of Savoy . The Duke of Guise his Fleet goes from Marcelles , without having done any thing . The Duke of Mantua dies ; and long after , his Brother , who succeeded him in his Principality . The Genoese Factors , who were interessed with the Crown of Spain , are much prejudiced in their private fortunes , by reason of the alteration of Payments , and of other Decrees , made to their prejudice , by the King. 304 BOOK X. The Duke of Nevers succeeds Vincenzo in the Dukedom of Mantua and Montferrat ; he is opposed by the Emperour , King of Spain , and Duke of Savoy . Don Gonzallo di Cordua , the new Governour of Millain , having divided Montferrat with the Duke of Savoy , goes with his Army to before Cassalle ; which whilst he endeavours to take , the Duke takes Alba , Trino , Montcalvo , and many other Towns belonging unto him by the division . A Conspiracy is discovered in Genoa , whereof the Duke of Savoy being found the Author , he pretends the impunity of the Conspirators . The Spanish Agents being desirous to satisfie him , favour this pretention ; which occasioneth some distasts and jealousies between the Commonwealth and the Crown of Spain . Succours fall into Italy from France , in behalf of the Duke of Nevers ; but being opposed by the Duke of Savoy are soon dissipated . The Spaniards take Nizza , Ponsone , and other Towns in Montferrat ; and finding it too hard to assault Cassalle , they fall to besiege it ; they are forc'd to forsake it by the Kings coming with great Forces into Piedmont . Which whilst the Duke endeavours to oppose he is beaten by the Kings men , in a conflict neer Susa , wherein the King being victorious takes Susa , and forces the Duke and the Governour of Millain to an agreement ; by which Cassalle is freed , and the States of Mantua and Montferrat secured to Nevers . The King returns to France . Marquess Spinola is made Governour of Millain , goes from Spain into Italy , to provide either by War or Peace , for the Affairs of Spain which are in a bad condition , by reason of the preceding accidents . 350 BOOK XI . The Articles of Susa not being observed forceth the King of France to prepare a new Army for Italy . Marquess Spinola , the new Governour of Millain , sends men into Montferrat : of all which he makes himself master , except Cassalle ; whether the French , abandoning the rest of Montferrat , withdraw themselves . The Cesarean Army falls into Italy , under Count Collalto : and entring the Territories of Mantua possess themselves of almost all the Towns of that Dukedom ; and sitting down about the Suburbs of Mantua , take some of them : they afterwards fall to oppugne Porto , but quit it by reason of the excessive cold weather . The Duke of Savoy professing neutrality Negotiates with both parties , and endeavours to sell his friendship as dear as he can . The French Ar●…y falls into Piedmont , conducted by Cardinal Richelieu ; w●… being kep●…●…ery scarce of Victuals , Quarters , and other Necessaries , by the D●… of Savoy , breaks with him , and going to Pinarola takes i●… , and some of the adjacent Towns. Marquess Spinola and Collalto come with Forc●… ▪ ●…o assist the Duke , whither also comes Cardinal Barbarino , the Popes Legate , to treat of Peace : which not being able to ●…e made , Collalto returns to Mantua , and Spinola sits down before Cassalle . The Legate returns to Bolognia , and Cardinal Richelieu to France ; by whose departure the French Army is weakened ; being re-inforced it endeavours to relieve Cassalle , but being opposed by the Duke cannot do it ; wherefore being forced to keep beyond the Poe it meets with various fortunes , and takes some Castles . The Seige of Cassalle proceeds with much difficulty . The Siege of Mantua is brought ●…o a final end ; for , not being relieved by the Venetians , who were ●…outed by the Dutch at Valleggio , and being consumed by the Plague it is at last taken and sack'd , The Duke of Savoy dies at Savigliano . 393 BOOK XII . Charles Emanuel , Duke of Savoy , is succeeded by his Son Victorio Amadeo ; who finding that the French had taken Carignano , goes from Savigliano to recover it , wherein failing he comes to a conflict , wherein the French have the better . The French go from Carignano to Avigliana , which they take . Collalto having taken Mantua comes into Piedmont with fresh Forces . Peace is treated of in Italy , and in Germany ; and not being able to be concluded in Italy , a Truce is endeavoured ; which being refused by Spinola , he dies soon after ; and after his death , is accepted of by the Duke of Savoy , by Collalto , and by the Marquess of San ' Croce , who succeeds Spinola , in the Government of Millain , and in being General . The Truce being expired , the French come with new Forces from France to relieve Cassalle ; and being come to the Trenches of Spinola's Camp , just as they were beginning Battle , peace is concluded in conformity to the peace formerly made in Germany ; in execution whereof , the interessed Princes Agents met in Chirasco , and there adjust the differences between the Dukes of Savoy and Mantua ; a great part of Montferrat is assigned over to the Duke of Savoy ; and the manner of restoring the States of Mantua and Montferrat is agreed upon : as also the like of the Towns of Piedmont and of the Grisons Towns ; after the effectual restitution whereof , the King of France demands Pinarollo of the Duke of Savoy , together with the whole Valley of Perosa , and obtains it . The proceedings of the King of France and of Swedland in Germany , against the Emperour , are treated of , and the Negotiation and Conclusion of Peace between the Commonwealth of Genoa , and the Duke of Savoy : together with the miraculous Fabrick of the new Walls made at Genca , and the strange preservation of that City from the Plague ; wherewith the whole State of Genoa was infected , and more then half Italy . This twelfth Book and the whole present History is concluded with the Marriage between the King of Hungary , Son to the Emperour , and the Infanta Mary , Sister to the King of Spain ; and with the Duke of Urbin's death , and the devolving of that State to the Apostolick See. 438 BOOK XIII . The Peace of Italy , obtained by the Articles of Ratisbone and Cherasco , gives place for a digression of things which hapned elsewhere . This present Book tells you of the Duke of Orleans his going from Flanders into Languedock , and how , being routed by the Kings Forces , he was taken Prisoner . The Infanta Cardinal , Brother to the King of Spain , his Voyage from Barcellona into Italy . The Duke of Feria his marching from the State of Millain with a great Army , going for Germany , to make way for the Cardinal Infanta , who prepared to go for Flanders : What the said Feria did in Flanders . From hence we pass to the Narration of the Warrs in Germany ; to the King of Swethland's death , and the like of Wallestine , with a brief Examination of his actions , intentions , and of his end . The Emperours Army takes the Field , led on after Wallestine's death by the King of Hungary , Son and Generall to the Emperour , with what he did till the Cardinal Infanta entred Germany , who parting with a great Army from Millain towards Flanders , joyns with the Emperours Army , and fights the Army of the League of Germans and Swedes before Nordling , wherein the Austrians have the better . The Infanta passes with his men into Flanders , where , when he came , he found a League made between the King of France and the united Provinces , against the Spanish Empire in those parts , which occasions an open breach between the two Crowns ; the occasion of which breach , with the reciprocal complaints , faults , and excuses made by both Parties are diffusedly related ; and how after the Battle which hapned upon the Confines of France and Flanders , between the Armies of the two Crowns , the Warrs pass'd into Italy . 483 BOOK XIV . This Book tells you the redoubled going out of the Fleet from Naples against Provence , and the accidental disaster of the latter . The occasion , rise , encounters and progress of the French Forces , led by the Duke of Rhoan into the Valtoline . The endeavours of the French to alienate the Princes of Italy from the Spanish party , and to draw them over to their King. The Pope and Venetians move not . The Duke of Savoy goes over to the French , m●…re out of necessity then of good will. The great Duke of Tuscany is constant to the Austrians . The Dukes of Modena and Parma , and the Lord of Mirandola , negotiate with the French : the Duke of Parma closes with the French , the others adhere to the Spaniards . The Common-wealth of Genoa , notwithstanding the great damages suffer'd by her Citizens from the Spaniards , and notwithstanding the distastes she had received in her reputation , refuseth to declare manifest neutrality , or partiality , yet in fact keeps confident to both parties . The State of Millain is assaulted by the French , and by the Dukes of Savoy and Parma ; who going against Valenza del Poe , befiege it , but it is relieved , and quite freed by the Spaniards . The Duke of Rhoan , having routed the Dutch and Millain Forces , remain absolute lord and master of the Valtoline . 528 BOOK XV. The King of Spain , for the preservation of the State of Millain , sends a new Governour , new men , and good store of money , thither . The Duke of Savoy returning thither with his men , and with those of France , takes Bremi , and reduceth it to a Fort Royall ; and by frequent inroads troubles that side of the Country . The Duke of Parma's Dominions are assaulted by the Spanish Forces , after his going for France ; and are defended by Marquess Villa , who is sent thither by the Duke of Savoy , with a good strength of Horse and Foot , and are defended by strong diversions till the Spring ; in the beginning whereof , the Duke of Parma returns from France , endeavours by meanes of the Colleagues Forces to get into his Country , goes to Nizza Della Paglia ; being to throw down a great Trench which was made upon the bank of Scrivia , he turns back ; and repassing the Poe , endeavours to effect his design on that side ; but meeting with strong opposition there also , he is forced to return ; and passing again with some men over the Poe , he tarries with them in Nizza , till such time as the Duke of Savoy , going with the body of the Army into the Confines of Novara , to annoy that part of the State , may divert the Governour from guarding the grand Trench , and leave free passage by that way for the Duke of Parma ; Who by severall accidents abandoning the design , marched with a few men towards the Sea ; where getting into a little Vessel he passeth Incognito into Lavigiana , and gets into his own Territories . The Duke of Savoy passeth succesfully the Tesino , and causeth such terrour and confusion in Millain , as the Governour is forc'd to abandon the Trench , and defend Millain . And going with all his men towards the Enemies Camp , he assaults it in Tornavento ; but the Duke freeing himself from the assault returns to the greater L●…ke ; where being come , and fearing the Governour who was gone to Romagnano would assault him on that side , resolves to return towards Piedmont . The Governour seeing the State freed of the Enemies Army , betakes himself , partly , to recover the Towns taken by the Enemy , partly , to resent himself on Piedmont , and the Duke of Parma's State ; and having sent what Forces he could thither , he proceeds so far , as the Duke who was retired to Piacenza maintains a siege till such time as , seeing no succour , he is forc'd to compound with the Governour . The Warr of Parma being appeased , the Governour turns upon the Towns in the Langhe , which were yet held by the Enemy ; and having taken some of them , he hears that the Duke raiseth Forces in the Canavese ; he marcheth towards him , and having in vain provoked him to battle , he sends Don Martino of Aragon with a strong body of men to discover Vercelli , against whom Marquess Villa , who was returned from the State of Parma , coming forth with a no less number of men , a great skirmish is had , wherein the Marquess hath the better . The Governour understanding afterwards , that Count Verrua was gone to besiege the Roccad ' Arazzo , he prepares to defend it : And succeeding fortunately therein , his happiness was embittered by a great defeat which the Duke gave to Don Martino of Aragon before Monbaldone . After which the Duke returning victorious to Vercelli , within a moneth after dyed . Some Islands in Provence are taken by the Fleet which came from Naples . A French Fleet comes from Britany , enters the Mediterranean , with which another joyns which was provided in Provence ; both which keep in the Ligustick Sea , doing but little good , and less in Sardignia , and Winter in Tolone ; but putting to Sea in the Spring , they recover the Islands which were taken the year before by the Spanish Fleet. The Pope labours to compose the Wars between Christian Princes , but in vain . A League is concluded between the Crown of Spain and the Grisons , by which the Valtoline returns , upon some conditions , under the ancient Dominion of the Grisons . The State of Millain is at last freed from the French Forces , by the recovery of Bremi . 572 BOOK XVI . The Duke of Savoy being dead , differences arise between the Dutchess Dowager , and the Princes , her Husbands Brothers , touching the Guardianship of the young Children , and the Regency of the State. The Dutchess in the Princes absence is sworn Governess and Regent ; being compel'd by the King of France , she renews League with him . The Governour of Millain goes to before Vercelli , and after a long Siege takes it upon Articles . The Princes of Savoy assisted by the Spaniards and Piedmontese take many Towns , and make much progress ; they go to before Turin , and having tarried before it some days , retire without doing any thing ; falling as before , to over-run Piedmont , they are received every where ; till Forces being sent to the Dutchess from France , under the Duke of Longueville , she recovers Chiavasco , and other Towns which the Princes had taken . The Prince Cardinal , fearing Corneo , goes to defend it ; and Prince Thomaso , going once more with the Spanish Forces to before Turin , surpriseth the Town ; and the Governour of Millain coming in unto him , with all their Forces , attempt the taking of the Citadel , whither the Dutchess was retired . The Siege is suspended by a Truce , which being ended , the French under the new General , Count Hartcourt , take Cheri ; but being presently besieged by the Governour of Millain , they are forced through Famine to quit it , and retreat in the face of the enemy to Carmagnuola . 628 BOOK XVII . You shall read in this Book the Treaties of Agreement between the Dowager and the Princes ; and the interests between the Princes and the Governour of Millain ; how the Governour goes with a powerful Army to Cassalle ; how it is relieved by Harcourt ; how he fought the Governour before he could bring in the succour , and had the better of the Fight , and did not only relieve , but perfectly free the place . Harcourt , being victorious , goes presently to Turin ; he takes the Capuchins Bridge over the Poe ; fortifies himself there ; and afterwards begirts the City with a vast Line , and endeavours to get it by Famine , Prince Thomaso being in it ; but ere long he seeth the Governour upon the Hills with a powerful Army , coming to relieve the besieged Prince ; the Governour finding it impossible to bring the succour by that way , strives to get a pass over the River , towards Montcalleri : and having gotten it , he passeth over the Poe ; where quitting the Hills , he takes up new quarters ; and thinking to make the French abandon the enterprize by Famine , he possesseth himself of the Avenues by which Victuals were brought to the Camp ; so as they would have been quickly made to remove , had not the Prince Thomaso , who was impatient of delay , made the Governour to fall upon the Enemies Trenches , and to relieve him so ; which falling out unfortunately , and the Governour not thinking himself any longer safe in his quarters beyond the Poe , returns to his quarters upon the Hills , where he tarried , assisting the besieged in what he was able , till the City was surrendred ; which hapned two moneths , and eleven dayes , after the unfortunate assault given to the French Trenches , that the besieged City might be relieved . Prince Thomaso comes out of Turin , and retreats to Inurea ; where he is desired by Monsigniore Mazzarini , who was come Embassadour from the King of France into Piedmont a little before Turin was surrendred , to joyn with the French : but Count Siruela coming to him from the Governour of Millain , he makes new capitulations with him , to joyn with the Crown of Spain ; and the Count Della Rivera , being sent by the same Governour , to the same purpose , to the Prince Cardinal , the Embassadour Mazzarini having notice thereof forceth Prince Thomaso to joyn with the French upon conditions ; one of which was , that the Prince should go to Paris within one moneths space ; which condition was not observed ; for the Prince instead of going to France passeth secretly to Nice , where he and his brother re-conform their union to the Crown of Spain , to Rivera ; the Embassadour Mazzarini who went to Nice , to confirm the one Prince , and to draw the other over to the French party , laboured the contrary very much ; at the same time the Governour of Millain is sent for into Spain , and is succeeded in that Government by Count Siruela ; the French go to Montcalvo , take the Town at their first arrival , and afterwards the Castle , which yields without expecting succour . 686. BOOK XVIII . The Crown of France , and French Commanders , being but badly satisfied with Prince Thomaso , for his non-observance of the Capitulation made by him , go to drive him out of Inurea ; which being better defended then assaulted holds out till the Governour sends succour : who going afterwards to before Chiavasso Forces the French almost to quit the Enterprise , that they may relieve Chiavasso ; and Don Vincenzo Gonzaga coming to the French quarters before Inurea forceth them , to their much prejudice , to give over the Enterprise wholly ; and the Prince enters joyfully into the City . The Dowagers Generals recover Ceva , Mondovi , and the Castle of Carru , and then joyning with the French go to before Cuneo , and take it . The Spaniards take Montcalvo . The Prince of Monaco drives out the Spanish Garrison , and introduceth the French , to the great prejudice of the Spanish Affairs ; the misfortunes whereof are by a short digression related . Cardinal Richlieu dies . The Conde Duca falls from all Authority and Greatness in the Court of Spain . The differences between the Dowager and the Princes are at last composed . The Princes forsake the Spanish party and adhere unto the French. Prince Thomaso joyning with the French , after some small actions done to the prejudice of Spain , goes with the Duke of Longueville with a strong Army to before Tortona , which after a long time is taken ; but some months after is re-taken with much ado by the Spaniards : in which interim Prince Thomaso recovers Asti and all the Towns that were held by the Spaniards in Piedmont , except Vercelli . 744 THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . BOOK I. The Contents . FRancis , Duke of Mantua and Montferrate , being dead , Charles Emanuel , Duke of Savoy , pretends the return of his Daughter Margaret , Wife to the late Francis into Piedmont , together with Mary her only Daughter . Cardinal Ferdinando , Brother and Successor to Francis , retards his Sister in Law 's return , and keeps his Niece in Mantua : Hereupon differences arise between the two Dukes ; wherefore the Duke of Savoy renewing his ancient claim to Montferrat , which was pretended to by his Predecessors , assaults that State at unawares ; possesseth himself of the Cities of Alba and Trino ; indeavours the like of Moncalvo , but not being able to get the Fort , levies people to take it . The Condition of Italy is also given in the Prooemium ; then by way of digression the Duke of Savoys pretences to Montferrate is discoursed upon ; and many other Interests and Accidents which occurred between the said Duke , and the Court of Spain , at several Times , and upon divers Occasions . ITALY hoped long to continue that Peace which She had already injoyed for so many years , when by the unexpected death of Henry the Fourth , King of France , she was freed of the great suspition of War , which she had cause to apprehend , by reason of the great preparations of that Kingdom : This hope was much augmented , when Philip the Third , King of Spain , was friends with Charles Emanuel , Duke of Savoy , and laid down those Arms , and dismissed those men , wherewith he threatened that Duke ; so to oppose the French in the Dukedom of Millain ; which Duke Emanuel having at the same time made great preparation of Arms , and holding strict Intelligence with King Henry , made it be doubted that he intended to trouble Italy , and to assault the State of Millain , had he not been interrupted by the death of Henry the Fourth of France , just when he was ready for so great an Enterprise : And the less it was expected that King Philip should let slip the occasion of resenting himself when the Duke was bereft of his assistance from France by the death of King Henry , the more was his goodness praised , and his mildness pleasing ; for not minding what might peradventure have happened if affairs had succeeded otherwise , he had more respect to the good of Christendom , to the peace of Italy , and to his Alliance with the Duke , then to the desire of revenge ; a great incitement to all men , but more to powerful Princes , when they think themselves injured , not only by their inferiours , but by their equals : The Kings rage was much mitigated towards the Duke by the great desire which the Princes of Italy seemed to have thereof , by the intercession of Pope Paul the Fift , and by the efficacious intreaties made with much affection by Philebert , the Dukes second Son to the King his Uncle , who was sent by his Father into Spain , to give satisfaction on his behalf ; but the Authority and favour of Mary Queen of France , was of no less help herein ; who by the death of her Husband having the Government of her young Son the King , and being Regent of the Kingdom , did very seasonobly interpose her self in this Reconciliation : Fo●… , though the Intelligence held with the Duke , and the great preparations of that Kingdom , had caused great Commotions and diffidence in the Court of Spain ; yet it not being manifest against whom the Arms and ends of that King were intended , it so fell out , That his magnanimous thoughts ceasing by his death , as also the doubts and suspicions conceived in Spain , by reason of those great preparations , the same Peace and good correspondency continued between Spain and France , which ( though , if the King had lived , was very likely to have been disturbed ) was never demonstratively broken ; And it making for the Queen to keep peace with Spain , so to shun the troubles and contestations , which her Authority , and the guidance of her Son King Lewis his affairs , a Minor of ten years old , might probably meet with amidst Arms and Commotions in France , which was yet full of many humours and Fractions , and of so many Religions ; and wherein the wounds and scars of the late civil Wars were not yet well healed , she wisely chose rather to be aiding to the Duke by Negotiation then by Forces , which she must have sent into Piedmont . The necessity of her backing the Dukes cause being made to appear in Spain by reason ; and the readiness of her Self and Kingdom also by some preparations upon the Confines of Italy ; the King pardoning so great offences , at the mediation of such Intercessors ; partly admitting of the Dukes justification , with such dissimulation as is sometimes used by Princes ; he gave order for the disbanding of his Army in the State of Millain , which was designed to have assaulted Piedmont . Affairs being thus composed , and Peace being proclaimed , to the satisfaction of all men , the publick Affairs of Italy were in so good a posture , and so consolidated in a continual quiet , as there was no signe seen of any the least appearing storm , which could any ways shake the solid Basis of her peaceful condition , or the tranquillity of her former quiet ; For the French , who were the only , and without all question , the most powerful means to cause Novelty and Commotions in Italy , being detained by their Kings minority , and busied in the necessary care of the preservation of the Domestical affairs of the Kingdom , were unable to imploy themselves for the space of many years in foreign affairs . Whence it was to be believed , that they would not , unprovoked , disturb that peace which had been , with some Anxiety , indeavoured by themselves , and for their own interests : And the Spaniards , who being Masters of the Islands of Sicily and Sardigna , of the Kingdom of Naples , and State of Millain , did rule over the greatest and best part of Italy ; though as being Superior to the other Potentates , they might easily cause and continue Commotions in her ; yet being naturally apt to preserve peace , and having by the experience of many years known how happy it was for them to keep the chief place of Authority in Italy , by means of their so ample Dominions , peacefully and quietly , it was no question but that they would be solicitous in preserving her quiet for the future , as they had profest themselves to be in the former and present Occurrences . The Dutch and Switzers adhered unto the Authority of Spain ; the latter by reason of the streight League with the State of Millain , whereby they reaped much advantage , both to the private , and to the publick : And the former in respect of the Kings of Spain , who were the chief of the House of Austria ; so powerful in Germany by reason of the many Adherences and great States which she hath there , and of the Imperial Crown which hath continued in her by so many successions ; by which means those Kings did not only preserve Italy unprejudiced by the Forces of those two fierce Nations , so formidable by reason of their vicinity and power ; but did the better secure the Majesty of their own Empire , and the large Precinct of their Dominions ; and do also keep the Kingdoms of Spain in more security ( which are at the present richer then any other Kingdom , through the immense Treasure which are abundantly subminstred to them by the unexhausted Mines of the Indies and new World ) by a Fleet of seventy Gallies , distributed in the Havens of Spain , Genoa , Naples , and Sicily : The other Princes of Italy , divided into unequal Seigniories , did therefore reverence , and yield observancy to , so great and so well grounded a power ; the lesser whereof did for sundry respects absolutely adhere thereunto , and injoy'd quiet under the protection thereof ; and the greater placing the ground-work of Principality upon Peace , minded more the preservation of their Dominions by counsel , then inlarging their Confines by Arms ; and all of them , though they saw so great a forreign Empire radicated in the bowels of Italy , yet not having for many years been thereby molested , and therefore accustomed to injoy their own Territories a long time in a happy and secure Peace , they were better contented to bear with the condition of the present Times , though upon some disadvantage , then out of a desire of absolute liberty , to irritate those Forces against them , whereunto they were not of themselves equal : Nay , that which better preserved the Publick peace was , lest , as in former times , Quarrels amongst themselves , had made way for the Spanish greatness into Italy , and confirmed it there ; they might now make it more formidable by affording it matter of more progress , whereby to augment it self : Therefore all former strife and contention being forgotten , and all turbulent and ambitious thoughts being laid aside , they were very intent in quenching all seeds of scandal or dissatisfaction which might discompose that Union and telligence , wherein the neer and eminent danger ( the truest Ligament of any whatsoever Agreement or Convention ) did keep them tacitely conjoined in the de●…ence of themselves . France , a powerful and neighbour Country , and Riv●…l to the Spanish Name out of antient pretensions , as a stout Counterpoise to the greatness of the Spanish Nation , did also adde much to the safety of their Affairs , and did the more confirm the King of Spain in his good will to the peace of Italy , and in his not disturbing nor distasting the Italian Princes in their antient peacefull possessions . Italy being for the aforesaid reasons thus secure for forreign N●…tions , and ballanced within her self , and well established in peace by the counterpoise of reciprocal apprehensions , both of the Natives , that by troubling their Affairs their liberty might be hazzarded ; and of Forreigners , that the Empire might be prejudiced ; every one , and not without reason , was perswaded , that being now escaped the so terrible Tempest wherewith she was threatned , she would easily , nay , of her self , settle her former peaceful condition , and long continue in it . But all humane reasons and judgments are easily exposed to even the sleightest accidents . Francis , Duke of Mantua and Montferrate , dyed of an unexpected death about the end of the year 1612. Mary , his young and only Child , survived him , whose Mother was Margaret , eldest Daughter to the Duke of Savoy ; in which Francis his death , though the main course of common Affairs seemed not to be much concerned , ( the Bond of common Concord remaining uninjured ; ) yet did his death shake the Foundations upon which the Publick Peace seemed to be so firmly grounded , and occasioned much misery and calamity to Montferrat , and to the neighbouring people , by the Wars which immediately insued in those parts . The great Rains , fierce Winds , and terrible Thunders , which happened but a little before in Lombardy , wherewith the fields were for many days overflowed , to the great prejudice of the ground , and terror of the Inhabitants , seemed to be a sad Augury of this . These States fell , for want of Heirs Male , upon Cardinal Ferdinando , Brother to the deceased Duke ; Who , though he was acknowledged by all to be the true Heir , and that the People , Officers , and the whole Court , did with much joy congratulate his Accession to the Dukedom ; yet because it was thought th●…t the Dowager Dutchess might be with child , he would not as then accept either of the Crown or Title of Duke ; but deferred doing so , contenting himself with the Government of the Dominions , till he might be sure he was true and Legitimate Heir . And Prince Victorio Amadeo , eldest Son to the Duke of Savoy , coming not long after to Mantua to consolate the Dowager his Sister , and to bring her back to her Paternal Country ; he desired leave that he might likewise carry the little Daughter along with him to Piedmont : which desire having been much insisted upon formerly by the Duke , Grandfather to the young Lady Mary , begat not a little commotion in the Cardinal , and in the whole Mantuan Court ; who very well knew how such demands strike at the Foundation and safety of the States : And it being thought too dangerous to give way thereunto , as also unseasonable then to deny , the result of so weighty a business was defe●…ed ; hopes being sometimes given therein , difficult●…es sometimes objected ; till it might be more certainly known whether the Dowager Dutc●…ess were with child or no ; who , for better satisfaction , it was resolv●…d should keep in the 〈◊〉 of Mantua , the mean while also : But their delays making the Duke more fervent in his desires , he did all ●…e could to remove them ; he also made herein use of the favour and Alliance which he had with the Catholick King ; in whose Court , ( whether by means of Officers , or no , it is not known ) the young Lady Mary was Proclaimed Heir to Montferrat ; Whereof they affirmed women were , by the Laws , capable ; and that women had more then once inherited it ; For it was said to have passed by the means of Violante , Daughter to William the Fifth , sirnamed the Great , from the Paternal Family of Ala●…ame , into that of the Paleologi ; and it came into that of Gonzaga , by no other means then by Margaret Paleologa , who succeeding therein , past it over to those that descended from her by Frederick Gonzaga : That therefore it ought not to be held a new thing if that State should now be seen to pass by Female succession into another Family , which was come into the Family of Gonzaga : That Succession , in the first place , belonged unto the Children , without distinction of Sex , all other Relations being wholly excluded : That it was thus Ordered by the Civil Law , and Law of Nature , according to which the Succession of great Kingdoms , yea , even that of Spain was governed : That therefore it was too inhumane a thing to permit that that Infant , descended from the Austrian Blood , Neece by the Sisters Side to the King , should be brought up with so much danger in those her so tender years with her Rival ; who by excluding her , aspired at the Succession of so great a State : But that it was no less dangerous not to take such order , as that the succession of Montferrat might not occasion some important insuing disorder in I●…aly . The Italians thought that these , or the like pretensions , might make great impression in that Court , when they saw the Duke of Savoys demands were so much favoured in Italy by the Kings State-Ministers ; and that they did afterwards indeavour that that Infant should by common consent of all parties be placed in Millain , as in a place in the midst between the Dukedoms of Savoy and Montferrat ; but the people and Court of Mantua were much more troubled , when they saw greater demonstrations added to so pressing desires : For many persons of quality being in that City , who we●…e come to accompany Prince Victorio , part whereof were Savoyards , and part Millanesi , and Spaniards , who were sent thither under several p●…etences from Millain ; the Mantuans began much to distrust that the Duke had ●…ome more hidden end : The Cardinal was therefore forced to have a greater care of the custody of the Child , and to give order that tha●… Corps de Guard should be kept round about the City , and that the most convenient places should be diligently looked unto ; so to obviate any inconvenience which might happen in such a Commotion : and the Child being declared , as well in Italy as in the Court of Spain , to be Heir of Montferrat , a greater desire was daily found to be in the Spanish State-Ministers , of having ●…er either consigned over , or deposited ; which desire could the less be concealed , for that at the same time , by their means , and in her behalf , the Cause touching the Succession of that State was studied by some of the best Lawyers , and in some of the Academies of Italy ; wherefore not only Cardinal Ferdinando grew jealous , but even those who had a care of his particular Affairs , and of the Affairs of Italy in general : Nor was this without reason ; for great were the pretensions which the House of Savoy●…ad ●…ad to Moniferrat , against the House of Gonzaga ; and much strife and contention had formerly past between the two Families in that Point . It was likewise thought that the Citadel of Cossalle , of a very large circuit , well Garisoned , and which was very strong , might prove prejudicial to the State of Millain , if it should fall into the hands of a Prince who did not wholly confide in the King ; as there were many reasons then to make it be believed the Cardinal did not : So as , so many indeavours concerning the Child , afforded reason of suspicion , that if she should come into the Duke of Savoys hands , he might by marrying her to one of his Sons , intend to adde new claims to that State ; so also it was not a little doubted , that if she should chance to fall into the Kings hands , his Officers might make use thereof as of a means whereby to disturb the affairs of Montferrat : and because if either of these should happen , it would be contrary to the quiet and satisfaction of the Italian Princes , they did in private and in publick exhort Cardinal Ferdinando not to suffer that the Child might by any means be taken out of his power : And the Queen of France , Sister to the said Cardinals Mother , gave order to the Marquess of Trinello , whom she sent Embassadour in Extraordinary upon other occasions to the Pope , that taking Mantua in his way , he should advise the Cardinal not to give way to the Dukes demands , but to withstand the fervent indeavours of the Kings Agents ; publickly professing also , that she would protect him in what particularly concerned the present Occurrences : She made these her Resolutions be known to all the Italian Princes , and especially the Duke himself , who by the Spanish favour appeared to be more then meanly set upon these Indeavours : Nor did the Emperor Matthias , who was neerly allied to the Cardinal by his Wife , Daughter to a Sister of Duke Vicenzo , the Cardinals Father , shew himself less favourable in this Cause . The Duke proceeded , from friendly indeavours , to justifie his demands by the Prerogative granted by all Laws to the Mother to have the Guardianship of her Children : The Cardinal said , that it was not , notwithstanding , lawful for her to carry her Daughter out of her Fathers Dominions , nor to withdraw her from the ●…ight and company of her nearest friends , under the name of Guardianship . He likewise urged the minority of the Mother , who was incapable of being Guardian to another , she her self being in need of one by the same Laws which she had alledged . And though this Exception made also against the Cardinals own Person ; yet the Emperor , Supream Judge of both their Persons , and of both their Estates , confiding in his Integrity , and judging that a Prince was not incapable of being Guardian to a young Child , who was without any exception judg'd to be capable of the Government of two Dukedoms ; declared him to be his Nieces lawful Guardian , and gave him order , that not suffering her to go out of Mantua , he should not trust her custody with any other : But it was the pretensions to Montferrat , which , though not publickly owned as yet , was thought to be the chief scope of this Negotiation ; and which , in all mens opinion , was the hidden fire which inflamed the ones desire , and made the other more diffident . These Flames breaking out afterwards into so much a greater combustion , by how much they were at first suppres'd by dissimulation ; it will be necessary to proceed to their Declarations , as well for what belonged to the House of Savoy , as also to the Princess Mary , who 's Guardianship was that which was only then disputed between these two Princes ; so to know the better what it was that secretly brought this business into many streights and difficulties ; as also whence the so many rumours arose , which were after publickly given out . Montferrat now in the possession of the Family of the House of Gonzaga , Dukes of Mantua , as being then an Appendix to the sacred Empire , was given by the Emperour Otho the first , in ●…e , to his Son in law Alareme of Saxony , and to those that should descend from him , both Male and Female : In whose Line Male the Dukedom of Montferrat , continuing a long time , fell at last upon Violante , Daughter to William the fift sirnamed the Great , and Sister to John , the last of Alarem's line Male : who being married to Andronicus Paleologi , Emperour of Constantinople , made Theodorus , her second Son by Andronicus , Heir to that State , in●…iling it upon those that should descend from him . Theodorus married a Daughter of his , named also Violante , to Aimone then Count of Savoy ; with an addition of Dowry , by ( as was afterwards pretended by th●…se that descended from her ) an express Article , that if her Line Male should at any time fail , her said Daughter Violante should succeed to the Dukedo●… of Montferrat ; and after her death those that should descend from her . Theodorus his Line male failing the year 1533. by the death of Marquess Johanni Georgio Paleologi ; Charles the third , then Duke of Savoy , who was descended from Violante , began to pretend to the succession of that State , excluding Marg●…ret , Wife to Frederick Duke of Mantua , who being Daughter to William the Second , elder Brother to Jovan Georgio , and remaining in possession of Montferrat , by the death of her Uncle , defended it against Charles of Savoy , as her proper and Paternal State. Charles alledged , as the first ground of his pretension , that since he and Margaret did both of them equally descend from Theodorus ; and Montferrat being to pass from the Male Line to the Female , he , Charles , ought by reason of his sex , to be preferred before Margarite , though she were of Parentage , and nearer in succession to Jovan Georgio , last possessor of the State in Controversie . Thus ( said he ) goes the Succession of all such Marchionate Fee Tenure and birth-right ; by all Laws : He produced for his second Argument the aforesaid Matrimonial Agreement , whereby he pretended to be prefer'd before any Female , or before any one that was descended from Theodorus by the Female Line , as come from Violante : For his last plea , he made use of the Lady Bianca's l●…st Will and Testament , who was Heir to the first William Paleologus , Marquess of Mont●…errat , who dyed without any Issue male ; which B●…anca being married to C●…arles the first , Duke of Savoy , did at her death nominate him Charles the Third , for Heir General ; so , as if the succeeding to that State had belonged to her , since her Father dyed without Issue Male , he inferred that the right of the same Succession was past to him by the universal institution . Charles laid these three ground-works for his universal Succession to Montferrat : To boot wherewith , he laid also a particular claim to a good part of the same State ; which being given by Jovan Giacomo Paleologus , and by John his Son , to Amedeus the first , Duke of Savoy , 1435. was the very same day given by Amedeus , to those that had given it him from themselves , and for those that should descend from them on the Fathers side ; all which being extinct ( as Duke Charles pretended ) in Jovan Georgio , he said that that part was , without all dispute , fallen to him , as to the Sovereign Lord. On the contrary , Margaret alledged that the Succession of Montferrat bolonged to her , as the nearest Heir to her Uncle the last Lord thereof ; and denying that the Heir male should by any legal disposal be preferred before the next of kin ; yea , when the Succession should go out of the Male Line , she disputed the reality of the Matrimonial Contract urged by the Adversary : And howsoever , she said , that that Contract did no ways operate to the prejudice of Succession which did belong unto her by other means then by the person of Theodorus , without the Emperours consent : She said that no heed was to be given to the Lady Bianca's Testament , she never having had any thing to do in that State , as being excluded by others of Paleologus his male kindred : how much less then could the kindred on the Fathers side be excluded from inheritance by Will , who had more right thereunto then the Testatrix her self . Then she alledged that the Donation of Jovan Giacomo , and Georgio Paleologi , was null in it self , and against the Nature of the Fee-farm : And moreover , that it was by violence extorted from the said Amedeus ; when John , eldest Son to John Giacomo , being sent to a Festival in Piedmont , was afterward detained Prisoner there ; so as John Giacomo was constrained for his Sons Liberty , and John for his own , to give way unto their will , into whose custody John was unadvisedly fallen : And that therefore the said Donation was revoked 30. years after by a long and solemn Decree which the Emperour Frederick made , Out of which Reasons Margarets cause prevailing , the Emperour Charles the fifth , who as Lord , and Supream Iudge of the Fee , had sequestred the possession after the death of Marquess John Georgio , ordered that it should be freely restored to her , as lawful Heir to her Uncle ; rejecting by name the Dukes three Actions to the Universal State ; but made good the Testament of the Lady Bianca●… , in relation , notwithstanding , to the Dowry of 80000. Crowns ; for the payment whereof she might have recourse to the improvement of the State made by her Father , Marquess William : And without deciding any thing else touching the Donation made in favour to Amedeus of Savoy , he left it free for all pretenders to alledg any thing they could at any time about it . The Pretenders were no ways satisfied with this Sentence ; Duke Charles thought that it was given by the Emperour in favour of Margar●…t ; and pronounced by Frederick out of reason of State , so to Ballance the Princes of Italy in an equal power , which might be inferior to his ; lest that Duke Charles might counterpoise the State of Millain , by the addition of Montferrat to Piedmont , which he could not apprehend from Margaret , nor Frederick ; who possessing two States disjoyn'd within them selves , would by consequence be necessitated to depend totally upon the State of Millain : On the contrary , Frederick , and those that were for him , complained privately ; as if the question touching the Donation had been left undecided , for no other end , but that Pretentions and Concurrences being kept 〈◊〉 foot between the Parties , the I●…deavours and Inclinations of such as pretended towards the Affairs and Interest of common Iudicature , should also be kept the more firmly on foot in Italy : And , notwithstanding , though Margaret and F●…ederick were quiet , Duke Charles appealed from the Sentence : which ( as he said ) was made more in respect of the present times , then with any consideration had to the merits and justice of his claim : Wherefore thinking himself injured , he appealed to Cesar's Self , and his Appeal was admitted : But the business proceeding on , at length he obtained another Edict from the Emperours Self , That no time might prejudicate his Title , nor the prosecuting of his Appeal ; and thinking , 〈◊〉 that these were not times for such a business , he rested content with the D●…ee , and 〈◊〉 proscecuting judgment ; chiefly because having lost Savoy , and almost all Piedmont , a little before , by wars made by the French ; both he , and his Son Emanuel Philebertus minded more the regaining of what they had lost , ●…hen the recovery of that by Law which they were then in suit 〈◊〉 with Frederick : Yet these differences kept these Princes and their Successors at continual odds ; in so much as Charles Emanuel , the now present Duke of Savoy , having obtained another Decr●…e from the Emperour Rodolphus the Second , in the year 1587. by which his pretentions were not only preserved ●…nprejudiced by lapse of time , but confirmed as much as was requi●…ite ; and being nearly allied to Philip the second , King of Spain , whose second Daughter Katherine he had married ; he afforded no little jealousie to Duke Vicenso , Nephew to Margaret , that by occasion of such Decrees and assistance , he would in some sort revive his antient Pretentions , and trouble his possession in t●…t State : Wherefore , for his greater security , he built the Citadel from the very ground which is almost contiguous to the City of Cassalle . The Dukes pretentions to Montferrat were upon these terms ; but that which was spoken of in name of the young Princess had in it more of shew then substance : For though women , by antient Investment , were intituled to the Succession of that State , and had really succeeded therein twice ; it was only when there was not , nor did not appear to be , any Male remaining of that Line . Thus did Violante and Margaret Inherit it ; but when there was any Male left of the Family , though of remote Branches , the Daughters of the late Possessors were excluded , as they had been twice before : Thus Bianca , Wife to Charles the first , Duke of Savoy ; and Ioan , Wife to the Marquess of Saluzzo , both of them Daughters to the first William Paleologus , Marquess of Montferrat , came behind Boniface , next Brother to their Father William : And the Marquess Boniface the second , Brother to the same Margaret , dying without Issue , Iovan Georgio , her Fathers Brother , was preferred in the Possession before her : Nor was she admitted to succeed in that State , till the whole Male Line of the Paleologi was extinct in the aforesaid Iovan Georgio : By which he who is acquainted with the Nature of Fee-farm , and with antient observance thereof , may easily conceive what the right of pretence was which that Maid had to strive for succession in that State with her Uncle : But as Princes through Ambition are usually ready to imbrace any apparent colour to aspire unto the State●… of other men ; and the worse●… Cause is often ●…avoured by the condition of times , by force of Arms , and the power of the Pretende●…s ; So on the contrary , the apprehensions of not being able to preserve their own Dominions , makes them carefull in avoiding all occasions whe●…eby others m●…y ge●…y the least shadow which may disturb them in the cle●…r possession of what i●… their own ; whe●…efore the greater the inde●…vours were which : were made in the behalf of the young Maiden , and how much greater the Authority of the Intercessors was , the more jealous was Cardinal ▪ Ferdinando , that the objects of these demands were not such as were publickly given out . To these were added other no less trouble some demands , concerning the Dowry and Jewels of the Dowager Dutc●…ess , and touching the execution of the Emper or Charles the fifth's Decree in the Dowry of the Lady Bianca ; which together with the In●…erest which was due , was said to amount to the sum of 800000. Duckats : But what did yet import more , the Duke seeing himself 〈◊〉 in his demands which concern'd his Niece , by the Cardinal ; did openly lay claim to Montferrat , as that which belonged to him by antient pretence ; which though they had been silenced for a while , he began now at this time , and upon this occ●…sion , hotly to revive . The first two demands were readily yi●…lded unto , upon the allowance of some ●…me , and downright denial of any interest . Touching that of Montferrat , though at the first , to avoid exasper●…ting the Duke , some intentions of friendly agreement were made known ; at last the Answer was , That there were competent Judges before whom their Predecessors had long pleaded their Title thereunto . These were the Negotiations , which being treated of with some bitterness , was feared would prove ( as they did ) the Seeds of further disturbances : But on the other side ( as hope goes often along joined together with fear ) in this fluctuation of contrary opinions and pretences , some benigne Rays appe●…red , which promised a no less Union and Friendship be●…ween these two Princes , then had been before the last Dukes death . Some youthful desires and inclinations appeared in the Cardinal towards his Brothers Widow : It was therefore thought that for his own satisfaction , for the quiet of those Inhabitants , and for the security of his own Affairs , ( leave being first had from the Pope , who did not app●…ar unwilling to consent thereunto ) he would willingly imbrace mar●…iage with the Dowager Dutchess ; which though it was at first diversly rumoured in the Courts of those Princes , and throughout Italy ; yet was it approved of by such as wished well to peace , and by the wisest men , who did best understand the Affairs of Montferrat , as the only remedy for the appearing evil : Nor was it thought out of any respects , that the Duke of Savoy would appear ave●…se to this Marriage : And particularly in consideration of the Cardinals conditions , which came not short of those of his Brother ; and for the good of his own D●…ughter , for whom there was hardly a better Match to be at the pr●…sent found : The Kings consent , which was almost requis●…e in such Resolutions , was more doubted ; the uniting of gre●…t Italian Princes being usually suspected in the Court of Spain : And it was known , that in that respect the first Marriage of the said Infanta , was not much approved of there ; yet it was somewhat hoped that the King would prefer his Nieces good before the other respects ; the rather because that she being totally of the Spanish side , she might be an excellent means to turn her future Husbands mind , who was openly declared to be of the contrary faction : And as the differences concerning the Child , and the Dowries , would vanish by this Marriage ; so it was thought that the disputes about Montferrat ( all former Sutes giving way to this new Conjunction ) would be at least quieted a while , if not quite extinguished : And it made much for the Duke , at the same time , to Match his Daughter well ; and , together with publick peace , ( preserving friendship with the House of Gonzaga ) to make use of the present occasion , as of an Honourable pretence to terminate his demands touching his Niece , and his other pretensions , with some credit : wherein being much dipt , it was impossible for him to obtain the one without the Cardinals consent , and to prosecute the other by reason of the times : And yet ( so often do Princes minds alter ) the Duke of Savoy , who was so ready , and so well pleased to marry his Daughter to Francis then Prince of Mantua , did not consent to her Marriage now when she was a Widow , with his Brother who succeeded him in that Dukedom : And the King , who wa●… not then well satisfied with that Match , did not only now consent to it , but desiring it might be effected , propounded it not long after affectionatly to both of them . This change in them proceeded ( as it usually doth in great Princes resolutions ) from the 〈◊〉 and mutation of times ; But if we shall sift more narrowly into the occasion thereof , it will be necessary , that breaking off the Thred of our begun Narration for a while , we look a little backwards into the ends and designs of their former proceedings ; which though it may peradventure seem to deviate somewhat from our purpose , is notwithstanding requisite to be known , for the better knowledge of several accidents , whence the occasion of many important effects rose , which shall be by us hereafter related ; and therefore it will be no lost labour , nor useless , to winde up that in this place , and upon this occasion , which if pretermitted , would obscure the Thred of this present Narration ; and if divided and recounted in several parts , would be a greater interruption thereunto . The Dukes of Savoy , whose State lies between the Confines of France , and the Dukedom of Millain , get this of good by the scituation thereof ; That being placed between two powerful Kings , of Nations which do disagree ; though they be far inferior to either of them in forces , yet cannot they be not only not so easily opprest by so neighbouring powers , but receive firmer establishment and security in their Affairs by that Neighbourhood : For it being dangerous to the affairs of both the Kings , that either of them should draw nearer the others Confines , by suppressing the Dukes of Savoy ; and these Dukes being moreover very fit to be made use of in such Enterprises as the one King might sometimes attempt against the other , their friendship is willingly imbraced by them both , and better secured by tye of near Alliance : And as out of these respects Henry the Second , King of France , gave his Sister in Marriage to Emanuel Philebertus , Father to the present Duke ; and the Emperour Charles the fifth , who was King of Spain , wrought it so as Beatrice , Daughter to Emanuel King of Portugal , and Sister to the said Charles his Wife Isabella , was married to Duke Charles , Grandfather to the present Duke ; so for the same respects Philip the Second , King of Spain , contracted a more then customary Union with this present Charles Emanuel , by giving him his second Daughter , Katherine , for Wife , with a Portion of many yearly Revenues assigned to him in the Kingdom of Naples , to boot , with great Pensions which were paid unto him before Marriage out of the State of Millain , to keep him the more interessed in the maintaining of those Territories : High aspiring thoughts began then to appear in this Prince , and much greater then became his Fortune ; Ardent desires of new Acquisitions ; greater inclination to war then to peace ; and therefore he applied himself to military Exercises ; and just as we read of Alexander the Great , that not bounding himself within the limits of Macedon and Greece , he thought the whole World too little for him : It might , peradventure , be affirmed of this present Duke , That esteeming himself too much streightened within the Precincts of Savoy and Piedmont , he sought to inlarge his State and Fortune , by the prejudice of his neighbours . This his disposition was increased by this his Alliance , which like fire in well-prepared metals , set this young Prince his mind on flame , and made his hopes the greater ; and thinking that the civil wars of France made much for this his purpose , he first assaulted and took Saluzzo , which was possest by the King of France in Piedmont : and entring into war with those of Geneva , he afterwards entred Armed into Province and Dolpheny , intending to make himself Master of those Provinces ; And if Fortune had smiled upon these his high designs , his hopes led him on so far , as not to think himself inferior to any that pretended to that Crown ; but the Valor , Fortune and Right of Henry the fourth , getting the better over all other Competitors , who appeasing the Tumults , and allaying the Factions , possest himself of that Kingdom by right of Succession : The Duke was forced not only to forego his Enterprises unluckily undertaken in France ; but if he would retain the Towns which he possest on this side of the Mountains , he must pay a very great price for them . In the progress of these Affairs there therefore arose no sleight accidents , which disturbed the good Intelligence which ought to have been maintained between the King of Spain and the Duke , by reason of their so near Alliance ; for the Duke , when he first busied himself in the affairs of France , built much upon the assistance which he had reason to expect from the King his Father in law ; not so much in respect of his Alliance , as that the things which he undertook were of no small help to the Kings self ; who at the same time assisting the Catholick League of the French Princes both with men and monies , against King Henry who was then a Hugon●…t , made himself Master of many Towns in Britany , and in other parts of that Kingdom ; and therefore made his ends and intentions be much suspected : But though the Father in law might for those respects be inwardly pleased with his Son in law's Actions ; yet wisely foreseeing how much those Enterprises did exceed his Forces , and the mischiefs which might thereby accrue unto him , he profest the contrary ; and seeming ●…ather desirous of the peace and safety of his Son in law's Dominions , he disswaded him from those Enterprises ; fearing also lest by provoking France thereby , he might draw many bad humors into Italy , whereby his peaceful possessions might be disturbed , and the common Affairs indangered ; And yet that he might not seem to abandon him , rather then to incourage and foment him in those wars , he furnished him with forces ; but not such as were answerable , either for readiness or numbers , to the necessity of the Times ; and no otherwise then with limitation , that they should serve only to defend his own Dominions , if they should happen ( as they did ) to be assaulted by the French ; but not to offend or disquiet others : Wherefore the Duke finding the Spanish Commanders directions contrary to his designs , in his most urgent occasions ; and thinking himself thereby injured , he was much troubled : And as he who sees himself fallen from high hopes which he had ●…ancied to himself , useth to think it a shame that he hath not compassed his ends , and to believe that he is deluded more by the will of others , then by his own perswasion ; the Duke esteeming that for so many respects he might freely have promised himself abundance of help from his Father in law , thought he had reason to hold himself too severely treated by him ; wherefore beginning to be jealous of the Kings mind and Magnanim●…ty , he doubted that , ( though he peradventure might for his own particular ends be well enough pleased to see him busied in those wars ) indeavouring to keep him in a moderate condition for the greater security of his own affairs in Italy , and that he might depend the more upon him the King ; he had rather held him unfortunately in hand by those weak succours in those wars , then assisted him to the acquiring of more Dominion and Grandezza , as he the Duke had hoped : and this his dislike was the more increased , when he found that the Kings Authority was not afterwards sufficient to include him in the peace which was afterwards made between the said King and the King of France , without the restitution of Saluzzo : The Duke thought that his Father in law being now very old was the less careful to leave his Son , who was but then young , in peaceful possession of his State by that Agreement , for that he had not appeared to solicit his interests ; for many places of much importance being by vertue of this peace restored to the French , the Duke thought that if his Father in law had stuck a little closer to him , he might still have kept the little Marquesite of Saluzzo , which it was likely King Henry would not have stood much upon , having by this Peace many very noble Towns of France restored to him , which were possest by the King of Spain in the time of war : But the King , who had made publick profession that he had possest himself of the Towns of that Kingdom , to no other end but to keep the Hereticks from being Masters of them , with intention to restore them afterwards to whosoever should be lawfully chosen King of France ; covering the necessity of his own interests , which forc'd him to make that Peace , with the cloke of fair proceeding , seemed as if the time of his promis'd restoring them was then come ; since King Henry was declared by all the Orders of France , and by the Apostolick See , to be lawful and Catholick King ; and that therefore the Duke having profest that he had possest himself of Saluzzo upon the same pretences and promises ; ●…nd being by the same reason bound to restore it , the King as he would not that by the Dukes interests prevailing over his , that peace should be disturbed ; so could he not without manifest repugnancy allow of that retention in another , which he did allow unto himself : But because the Duke alledged that that Marquesite appertained to him of antient right , the King thought that he had sufficiently provided both for the publick quiet , and for his Son in law's Indempnity , by obtaining ( as he did ) that the Dukes pretentions should by the Articles of Peace be referred to Clement the Eighth , who was then Pope : which Reference when it should be 〈◊〉 , the universal Peace was aftewards to be agreed upon between the King of France , and him , and the Duke : But the Pope deferring , or not resolving to decide these differences , the Duke resolved to go to Paris , hoping by his presence , and by his doing Homage , to make that King favourably to relinquish unto him the controverted Marquesite . The King of Spain , and the whole Spanish Court , were much troubled at this Resolution ; fearing lest the Duke , being ill satisfied with their proceedings , should close with the King of France , to their prejudice : But their suspicions were vain , as vain were his hopes ; for a setled resolution of re-having whatsoever was taken from the Crown in the late troubles prevailing in the King of France , over all other considerations , he was not to be moved by any indeavours or artificial offers ; but did absolutely demand the Marquesite or some Territories equivalent thereunto : And he was so stedfast in this Resolution , as being tempted by the Duke to assault the State of Millain , and from thence to proceed to the getting of the Imperial Crown ; the Duke offering him to assist him in any of these , or in any other Enterprise , and to confederate with him , so as he might enjoy the Marquesite , The King did constantly refuse to do it ; so as the Duke , not being able to obtain any better Conditions , was forced to yield the Marquesite unto him within a certain limited time ( without any prejudice , notwithstanding , to his right , ( which was again referred unto the Pope ) or else all that part of Savoy which lies between the Rosne and the Lioness , called the Country of Bresse . Thus the Duke returned to Piedmont not well pleased with the King ; and not observing what was agreed upon , the King took Savoy immediately from him , threatening to descend armed into Piedmont : And though notice was come to the Court of Spain of the Dukes indeavours with the King of France , in prejudice to the Crown of Spain , and to the publick quiet ; yet other respects prevailing , upon this occasion , over his anger conceived against the Duke , the King caused a powerful Army to be prepared in Millain for the defence of Piedmont , and to oppose King Henry , if ( as it was feared ) falling into Italy , he should turn his forces upon other Enterprises : But this Commotion was once again quieted ; for the Pope interposing himself , the Duke chose rather actually to surrender up Bresse unto the King , then the Marquesite of Saluzzo ; reserving , notwithstanding , in favour to the King of Spain , passage through that Country , that his men might go from Italy into Flanders , for the defence of those Provinces , which did so much import the Crown of Spain : Yet subject of di●…content arose out of this Agreement ; for the Duke thinking that he had not a little advantaged the condition of the Crown of Spain , in having totally excluded the French out of Italy , by the so g●…eat lessening his former Territories ; thought he deserved a very good ●…ecompence : On the contrary , the Spania●…ds , though they had perswaded the Duke to that Agreement , yet they thinking that he had got more advantage 〈◊〉 , having excluded the French out of the bowels of his State , pro●…essed that the Restitution of Saluzzo would have been less prejudicial to them , the smallness whereof would have been but of little avail to the French affairs in Italy , though it had been possest by them ; whereas by the Concession of Bresse they were totally deprived of the passage reserved , to the evident prejudice of the affairs of Flanders ; since the Duke having received no caution from the King in that behal●… , but his bare promise , it was absolutely in the French mens pleasure , whether they would obse●…ve it , or no : and yet the Duke thinking that the advantage was not sufficiently acknowledged , held himself to be much injured , that the King , instead of the Grandezza , and the bettering of his estate , which he had hoped for , by his alliance contracted with him , and by his continual adherence to that Crown , should suffer him to be deprived of so noble a part of his Pater●…al 〈◊〉 , without any recompence , This his pretention was ma●…e t●…e gr●…ater by the same Kings giving of Burgundy and the Low-Countries in Portion with Isabella Clara Eugenia , his eldest Daughter , married at this time to Albertus , Arch-Duke of Austria ; for though the Duke 〈◊〉 from the Crown of Spain , in Portion with his Wi●…e , in Pensions assigned over afterwards to his Children , and in other Donatives , little less then 200000 Duckats of yearly Rent ; yet holding the disproportion to be too great which was made between his Wi●…e and he ▪ Sister , he thought there ought some amends to be made him , at least by the reason of that equal hand which the Father ought to bear to his Daughters : Failing whereof he was much troubled ; and could the l●…ss bear with his aforesaid Loss . The King , his Father in law , died a little before his journey into France ; and a little before Katherine , Wife to the Duke , and Daughter to the King : So as by the death of the one the knot was slackened which fastened him to the Kingdoms of Spain ; so the Court of Spain , and the Government thereof being much a●…ered after the other was deceased , those evil seeds began to get root , which not long after produced fruits of often distastes , which exasperated the minds of both parties , and did at last totally allienate the Dukes devotion from the Court of Spain : For Philip the second , as wise a King as Spain ever had , relying upon himself in the Government of so many Kingdoms , satisfied the Grandees of the Court with honourable usage , not making use of them in publick Affairs , except of some ●…ew , in whom he found the capacity of understanding annex'd to their greatness of birth : for other things he chose men more excellent for worth , then eminent for title or dignity ; assisting in the publick Government with incredible diligence , and sustaining the weight of so great an Empire himself , which past humane judgment ; for in him alone did Majesty and regal Authority shine forth : His Commands and Resolves were punctu●…lly observed by the Natives , and greatly reverenc●…d by Fo●…reigners ; being by them acknowledged to proceed from the award and absolute will of so wise and so great a King : Hence it was that the Duke himself , not being able to avoid them , was inforced patiently to give way thereunto , though they were oft-times not answerable to his ends . His Son King Philip the third succeeded him , a good and pious Prince ; but one who could not intirely inherit his Fathers infinite wisdom , neither by reason of his years , ( not exceeding the age of twenty three ; ) nor of his experience : Therefore the condition of times being changed together with the Prince ; great men grew to be of more Authority with the King in the Administration of State Affairs ; which was more largely , and more indifferently shared out unto them by him , then by Philip the second . Amongst these , Don Francisco Scandoval , and Roxas , Duke of Lerma , were highest in favour with the King ; upon whose liking all important Resolutions , as also the distribution of Offices , the Government of Provinces ; and the Crown Revenues , did depend ; r●…ther as upon a Moderator , then Court-Minister : The eyes of all men we●…e therefore , with much applause , fixt upon him as upon the chief manager of so great a Monarchy ; Who being of a good and pleasing disposition , and for his understanding sufficiently capable of so great Imployment , sate long at the Helm of Government in so great an Empire , not only with Loyalty to the King , but with general satisfaction : It is true , that being grown very jealous of his own Grandezza , he diligently studied the preservation thereof ; which finding that he might the more easily do in times of peace , he hated all novelty , and neglected no means whereby the Affairs of the Crown might be quietly proceeded in , both at home and abroad : Nor was it hard for him to do it , the publick interests of the Kingdom concurring thereunto in many respects ; as also the peoples desire , and the minds of the great ones ; who being rich and happy , loved rather to injoy the publick and their private fortune in peace and quietness , then to increase it by uncertain and dangerous war : But the Affairs of Italy , and particularly those of Lombardy , did depend , almost absolutely , upon the Authority and Arbitrement of Don Pierd d' Azevedo Henriques , Count of Fuentes , a man of high imployment and great worth ; who being sent by the new King to be Governour of Millain , governed that State long with extraordinary Authority : And being good both at peace and war , and generally held to be of a military spirit ; seeming more inclined to Arms then quiet ; he , without altering the publick peace , held up the Kings Affairs at so high a pitch , and brought them unto such reputation in Italy , as they were never formerly done by any Governour . The government of Affairs being in this posture , the Duke , though the new King , forgetting former distastes , had made one of his Sons Grand Prior of Castil●… ; and another Son of his the like of Crat●… ; the latter worth 30000 Duckats a year , the other of 100000 Duckats , did continually aspire , out of his accustomed pretences and desires , to the augmentation of his Fortune ; which was impossible to be afforded him , either without lessening the Kings Revenue , or without disturbance to the publick peace , to which the Government of the Crown was then so much inclined : And therefore whilst beyond all expectation he found all access to further greatness blockt up under the new King ; he had some colourable pretence to vent his anger , which by reason of the King his Father in law's Majesty , he had kept long concealed ; for not being of like employment and Authority in the Resolutions o●… that Court , as he had been formerly , he began to complain thereof with less respect , thinking that it proceeded rather from the State-Ministers being ill-minded towards him , then from the King himself . Hereunto was added , that it being necessary to make the Duke of Lerma chief in Court , as the Arbritrator of the Kings Resolutions ; and in Italy , Fuentes , Governour of Millain , for the relation and executing of things resolved upon ; and not finding himself satisfied with their proceedings , or pleased in his ends , which did totally differ from their ends and intentions ; and finding sometimes , at least seeming to find a certain ambition in them , and in other Court-Ministers , which doth usually accompany eminent power , and the Princes immoderate favour , whereby he thought they meant to keep him under , he could by no means bear with it : He openly exclaimed against them , as if making use of the Kings name and Authority for the establishment of their own greatness , they would arrogate unto themselves the more Authority over him , who was a free Prince , and Cousin to the King ; Hereupon anger and ranckor broke forth between the Duke and the Kings Ministers of State , especially between him , and Scandoval , and Fuentes ; so as tokens of ardent indignation appearing in the Duke , and the like in them , for the practises he had held with Henry , to the prejudice of that Court , and of the universal peace , they at last seemed as if they were not able to pay the Pensions which appertained to him ; as if the exasperating him were the only cure for that wound , for which gentler applications would be too disproportionate . Their hatred grew the greater , when the Duke demanding his Pensions of his Father in law , and after his death , of his Cousin , he resolved to send his eldest Son , Prince Philip Emanuel , with two other Sons of his , into Spain , that they might be brought up in the Kings Court ; upon whom ( the King not having as yet any Sons ) the succe●…on of so many Kingdoms might probably fall : The Duke being come with this intent to the Sea side , and having agreed upon the time of their Imbarking , and upon other things concerning thei●… Voyage in Oneglia , with Prince Doria the Kings Lord Admiral ; wherein they were to be conducted by Don Carlo Doria , Duke of Tursi , and Son to the Admiral , it so fell out , as Don Carlo de●…arting unexpectedly from Villa Franca , whether he was come with the Kings Gallies to Imbark those Princes , he left both their Father and them much astonished at his unexpected departure : wherefore the Duke credibly believing that a resolution of such importance proceeded not from Don Carlo , but rather from the Court Ministe●…s of State , and particularly from the Duke of Lerma , who for his own interest would be loth to see the Kings Nephews so near their Uncle ; he therefore , and for that the King did not appear afterwards to resent it , thought himself therein very much injured ; and yet being resolved that his Children should pursue their intended journey , he sent them to the Court ; where they were graciously received by their Uncle , and were by his command treated with all the demonstrations of Honour , and with the Title of Infants of Spain ; a name which is given to the younger Children of that King : But on the other side , the States-men , and great ones of the Kingdom , fearing that it might much prejudice their own greatness , and their Administration of publick a●…fairs , that Authority should be added to those that were so nearly allied to the King ; they did not only keep them at distance from the publick Negotiations of the Kingdom , but from any privacy with the King ; and not being able to suffer their so much preeminency , they seldom visited them , or discoursed with them , rendring the Grandezza of their condition almost irksome to them through solitariness : They were honoured only with Titles and exterior demonstrations ; but were not otherwise in any favour or Authority at Court. The eldest Prince died not long after , who upon the like occasions had great disputes with the Duke of Lerma ; and the rest returned into Italy , if not displeased with the King , at least but badly satisfied wi●…h the Court , as not finding that countenance and welcome as they thought became their condition : These and the like accidents , though out of private occasions , and proceeding rather from the State-Officers , then from the King , wounded the Duke to the very soul , who was much exasperated by former proceedings ; and if he had met with any occasion , he would peradventure have been willing to have vented his disdain ; but neither the times , nor the condition of his own affairs , corresponding with his desire of resentment , he was forced to clo●…e his passions , and to expect a more opportune time ; whilst thus fought with by inward ha●…red , such occasions at last happened , when he least expected them , as brought those opportunities home unto him ; then which if he had sought after them , he could not have met with greater . William dalle Marche , Duke of Iuliers and Cleves , died about this time ; in whose death all his whole Family failing , many several German Princes pretended to the Succession of those States : Amongst the rest Leopold , one of the Arch-Dukes of Austria , and the Princes of Brandenburge and Newburg ; which latter two joining against the Arch-Duke , possest themselves of all that appertained to those Dukedoms , except Iuliers , which fell into his power . Leopold's Cau●…e was not adhered unto only by the House of Austria , and by the King of Spain ; but by all the Catholick German Princes ; who thinking it pernitious for the Catholick Religion , that those States should fall into the hands of Heretick Princes , contracted a League in the behalf of the Arch-Duke ; and chose the Duke of Bavaria for their Captain-General : The two 〈◊〉 finding themselves too weak against such a League , had recourse to the King of France ; whose Kingdom after so many calamities of preceding wars , having now injoy'd peace for many years ; and consequently flourishing more in Arms , people , and riches , then it was ever known to be before ; himsel●… being obeyed by all the Orders of this Kingdom , and reverenced by all the Princes of Christendom ; and not thinking it became him that the Crown of Spain and House of Austria should grow to a greater height , took upon him the protection of those Princes ; and with caution to the Catholick Religion of those Inhabitants he promised to assist themin the possession of the controverted States ; in whose cause the Protestant Princes of Germany did also adhere : And the King of France being made their Head ; they prepared openly to oppose the Arch-Duke : the King perce●…ving that from hence great combustions were likely to arise , applied his mind to much greater designs . Betaking himself therefore not only to make stout preparations of Arms throughout his whole Kingdom , but also to negotiate new Leagues and Unions with For●…eigners , he sollicited many of the Italian Princes , to whom he thought the neighbourhood of the Spaniards was either suspitious or troublesome ; promising them great Rewards , and increase of Dominions , if by joyning their Forces with him they would take up Arms in Italy against the King of Spains Dominions : The chief of these were the Venetians and the Duke of Savoy ; the former , in respect of the great opinion which was held not only of their forces and wealth , but of their Counsel and Wisdom : The other , for the Neighbourhood of his Dominions , and for the vivacity of his military Spirit , naturally inclined to new Enterprises ; as also out of the distastes and bad satisfaction which he had often received from the Spanish State-Ministers ▪ Count Fuentes , who though he was very old , and upon the confines of death , was yet alive , and much feared and reverenced ; and the Affairs of Spain flourished much ( as hath been said ) under his Government . The 〈◊〉 , notwithstanding , either professing to abhor turbulence and novelty ; or fearing to provoke the Spaniards , refusing the first great offers made to them by the King of France , would have no hand in a business of such moment , which was like to work great Revolutions in the world , not without danger to their own Affairs : The Duke , who on the contrary , though strangely scandalized at the Court of Spain , would not let slip such an occasion willingly , and was therefore willing to listen to the Kings great offers ; whereof one was , to marry the Kings eldest Daughter to Prince Victorio ; yet calling to mind the long and bitter wars which the Kings of France had made upon his Father and Grandfather , by whom they were beaten almost out of all their Dominions : And on the contrary , his recovery , and being kept in long possession of them by the favour and adherence of the Crown of Spain ; the annual Revenues which he received from thence , which would upon any the least occasion be taken from him ; to boot with the troubles and wars which he was to undergo by incensing the Spaniards ; in all these respects he began to doubt , lest to pass from the one adherence to the other , would be too dangerous for him , and for his Children , who were , by so streight interests , and by so near alliance joyn'd to the King of Spain : wherefore not totally excluding , but keeping the Treaty on foot with the French , he thought to make use of this occasion as of the means , whereby retaining his former friendship with the King of Spain ; but upon better conditions , he might get a greater esteem put upon himself and his affairs : Or totally foregoing Union with Spain , which he thought would be now reduced to subjection and slavery , indeavour to link himself close with France ; and by the ●…avour and assistance thereof arrive at that Grandezza and Augmentation of State , which having long looked for in vain from the Crown of Spain , he could never attain unto : He therefore demanded one of the Daughters of Spain for Wife to his Son , together with a Portion in Land , which might serve in recompence for his antient pretences ; and other annual Revenues and honourable places for his other Children ; to the end that they might live in Port and Splendour sutatable to the Nephews of so great a King : And to remove the obstacles and difficulties which he might meet with in these desires , he thought it necessary to win the Duke of Lerma , and to interest him in these his demands ; for when he should have got him , he hoped he should succeed the more easily in all the rest . Laying aside therefore all former contentions and emulations , ●…e loaded him ( as it is said ) with hopes and mighty promises , which depending absolutely upon his own will , might bring unusual greatness and splendour upon his Family and descendants , whe●…eby to make so powerful a Minister of State give way unto , and facilita●…e whatsoever he should demand of the King for his Sons : And at the same time , keeping on the Treaty of the new League , and his Sons Marriage , in Paris , he hoped that each of these Crowns would grow to such jealousie by reason of this double Negotiation ; as that , the one not to lose him , and the other to gain him , they might both of them vie who should give fairer conditions for this Marriage , when it should be hotly negotiated at the same time in both these Courts : Chusing the●…efore for Agents , in these his so great designs , Count Verrua , a Counsellor who was in great favour with him , and Monsieur Iacob , he sent them both at the same time , the former into Spain , the latter into France , where both of them negotiated their Commissions . The Duke of Lerma greedily imbracing this occasion in the Court of Spain , that by assisting to make this Ma●…ch he might aggrandize his own Family ; so the Treaty of Marriage between Prince Victorio and the Kings Daughter , seemed to proceed on fairly : For though the King would not Treat of his eldest Daughter , whom he had destined to a much greater Marriage ; yet not being averse to part with his youngest Daughter , this Match , though not totally ag●…eed upon , yet was it likely to be speedily concluded ; And Don Phileberto , the Dukes second Son , was destined to be made Admiral at Sea ; and the Dukes third Son , the Cardinal , was to be furnished with the ch●…ef Church-livings which should be vacant in that Kingdom , to a large proportion . In pursuit of which Negotiation , there were two Gallies already provided by the Duke in Italy , to bring the Prince Victorio into Spain , together with two of his Sisters , that they might be brought up there with the Queen ; yet many were not fully of an opinion , that this would really succeed : As if the Duke had juggled in this Marriage with ▪ Spain , or that he had done it out of cunning to accelerate the Negotiations in France , which were carried on with hopes of prosperous success , by Iacob : For the King , having drawn England , and the States of Holland , into the new League , and giving out that he would ●…ut the Princes of Brandenburge and Newburg , into full possession of the Dukedoms pretended unto by them , had already prepared a powerful Army ; with which , and with the Forces of the Colleagues , it was thought that he really intended war against Flanders , and those parts of the Low-Countries which were under the King of Spain . And at the same time he put a Fleet in order at Marselles , with intention to assault Genoa and Millain ; and offered the Duke of Savoy an Army of 20000 Foot , and 3000 Horse , to be paid by him the King ; to the end that the Duke might enter into the 〈◊〉 of Millain with 12000 Foot , and 2000 Horse of his own ; which State he propounded to the Duke of Savoy ; as a surplus of Portion in respect of the future Marriage . These practises , were they either true , or but reported , did no good to the Treaties of Spain , which seemed to be as good as already concluded : for the King of Spain , growing incens'd thereat , did not incline any more to the Marriage of his Daughter ; and the Duke of Lerma , who had cordially listened to Verrua's proposals , finding that he was not well looked upon by the Court where the practises held between him and Verrua were known ; to shew himself averse to the Dukes interests and intelligence , who was grown odious to the Court for the same respects , did all he could to clear himself thereof : And the whole Court , out of the same reasons , being at the same time scandalized with the Duke of Savoy ; he , thinking that he could promise himself no good from that Crown , and despairing to make any progress in that Court , quite foregoing any thought of further pursuing his Affairs there , and betaking himself to the Kingdom of France , he indeavoured to joyn in League , and to make Alliance with that King. Hence it was , ( that we may return to where we gave over ) that the Duke of Savoy , to the end that he might have greater adherences in Italy , as also that he might interest other Princes in his ends and designs ; married forthwith two of his Daughters ( wherein King Henry had a hand ) the eldest to Don Francisco , then Prince of Mantua ; and the other to Alphonso , Prince of Modena ; which was not done without much jealousie , that the Dukes , their Fathers , did privately partake in the same ends and designs : And at this very time another Marriage coming strangely to light , which was very privately treated of in Rome for the Prince of 〈◊〉 , the Popes Nephew , with a natural Daughter of King Henry ; it made people very jealous of the Popes Intention : This suspicion reached also to many of the Lords of Rome , which by many A●…guments drawn from their indeavours and inclinations , seemed to follow King Henries party . King Henry was then in greater Fortune , Authority , and Grandezza , then peradventure any of the preceding Kings of France had for a long time been ; he was admired by all Christendom ; wherefore part of Italy being full of expectation , other part full of fear , of these so great preparations , Italy was partly inclined unto , and did tremble at the name and reputation of the French Forces : But to the end that the Differences touching Montferrat might not disturb so great hopes as were promised by this Conjunction ; the Duke of Savoy thought it not good to look too narrowly into them then , though they fell into consideration in the conclusion of the Marriage with the Prince of Mantua ; and therefore he thought it bett●… to hasten the conclusion of that Marriage , leaving those differences undecided . On the contrary ; the King of Spain , finding whether the confederacy or Affinity of the Italian Princes did at that time tend , and indeavouring to disturb it , I ●…oured , though in vain , that the same Marriages might be crost ; but King Henries so unexpected death , having either dissipated the ends , or allayed the jealousies of that so great Unon ; and the Duke being afterwards pacified , and joined with the King of Spain ; and the Kingdom of France foregoing the Match with the Duke , as having , after the Kings death , entertained new Negotiations of a double Marriage with Spain , whereby Lewis , the new King of France was to marry the King of Spains eldest Daughter , and King Lewis his Sister , ( she who in her Fathers time was intended for Prince Victorio , was ( also to marry the Prince of Spain ; to the conclusion of which Marriages there was no le●…t at that time , but the tender years of those that were to be married ; Therefore the King and Court of Spain confiding much more in this new Conjunction , then they had formerly distrusted the Union of the Italian Princes , and their Intelligence with the French , did at the same time indeavour that the Marriage might be concluded between the Cardinal and the Dowager Dutchess ; a thing which made very much for the preservation of peace in Italy , and for the new Union which was agreed on with the King of France . On the contrary , the Duke of Savoy's intentions seemed to differ according to the condition of times , from what they were when he married his Daughter to the Prince of Mantua ; for failing of the Grandezza which he hoped for if King Henry had lived , by his death , and by the streight Union of the two Crowns , he did not listen to the new Marriage of his Daughter ; for that thereby his designs of inlarging his Principality by some other means , and the leaving it greater to his posterity , then he had received it from his Ancestors , would be disturbed : He saw Montferrat , a great State , and very convenient for him , as lying almost in the bosome of Piedmont , furnished but with few forces , and lesse●… Garisons , far from the City of Mantua , was now almost vacant , between the uncertain Succession of the off-spring which was to come , and his Nieces questionableness therein : He knew how many Reasons he himself had to pretend thereunto ; how much the Dukes , his Predecessors , had laboured to get it ; and having not only had it in his thoughts whilst his Son in law was alive , but given manifest signs of his desire thereof , he thought the occasion was now very ripe , and the time fit , to execute his secret designs of making himself easily Master thereof , if , when he should have got his Daughter and his Niece into his possession , he might honest his ends by the Title of Succession of the Male Issue which he hoped for by his Daughter , or at least by that of his Niece , who was already in being : and when by shewing those of Montferrat their true Lord and Master , he might either cunningly bring them to accept of him for the Protector of their State , and young Duke , or force them by arms to obey him : Nor were there some wanting who incouraged him in these designs by fair hopes and promises of the peoples rising . Guido de Conti di St George was then in the Court at Turin , the chief of the Nobility of Montferrat , rich in Inheritances and personal Estate , and powerful in friends and adherents : This man had not many years ago a Cardinal to his Uncle , of very much esteem ; and who , as it was commonly believed , would have been Pope , had he not been kept from it ( as was thought ) by the contrary indeavours of Duke Vincent ; who , it may be , was jealous to see a subject of his so highly exal ed ; or resenting the displeasure he had received from him , whilst being le●…t Legat by Pope Clement the Eighth in Ferrara , which was but newly regained to the Church , he entred with Sword in hand into the State of Mantua , touching the difference of Confines ; where he did much prejudice to the Towns neighbouring upon the State of Ferrara : and though the Count's Predecessors had formerly been raised to great Authority and Honour , from but mean fortune , by the extraordinary favour of Duke William , Father to Duke Vincent ; yet the memory of former good turns being of less force with the Count , then the prejudice and injury which he had newly received , he was but badly inclined to the House of Gonzaga : And therefore not thinking himself looked upon by the Duke according to his quality , and that his ways were narrowly pry'd into , he had almost given over his Country , and was retired into Piedmont , where he was in no little Authority and favour with the Duke ; by whom he was highly graced with the Order of the Annuntiata , and other imployments and dignities ; he being as much alienated in mind from his Prince , as in person from his Country , out of revenge , and out of hopes of farther preferment , profest he had much Intelligence with the Inhabitants of Montferrat ; and promised much to the Duke in their behalf . The recourse and inclination which the Citizens of Cassalle , and formerly to Emanuel Philibertus , Father to the present Duke of Savoy ; when William , Duke of Mantua , usurping upon their pretended liberties , got absolute dominion over them ; and their being still but ill satisfied therewith , gave more of credit to these his promises : And as the business seemed in these respects to be easie enough of it self to be effected , so neither did the Duke want other reasons which would secure him from meeting with any impediments from elsewhere ; for though Montferrat , and the Dukedom of Mantua had formerly been under the protection of Spain , wherefore the Dukes of Savoy not taking themselves to the way of Arms , had only civilly made trial of that of Reason ; ) yet this protection seemed to 〈◊〉 in the person of the Cardinal ; for that he having in the Court of Room , where he was chosen Protector of France by the Queen his Aunt , exercised that Charge not only with extraordinary affection and inclination to the French , but sometimes much distasted the Spanish Agents : He seemed upon occasions to make less account of the favour and grace of that King and Nation ; and though being by his Brothers death near possessing the States , he thought it neither reaso●…able nor safe for him to abet the Cardinal Protector of France ; but necessary to preserve the friendship and countenance under which his Ancestors had for so many years happily injoyed the Principallity ; wherefore he had immediate recourse to the King of Spain for the favour of his wonted protection ; he could not as yet obtain his desire , for the King deferred and protracted the expedition of this affair , not without much jealousie in the Cardinal and in all his Court ; wherefore the Duke , who was not ignorant of these difficulties , thought he might probably hope , that that King and Nation , either out of anger to the Cardinal , or for the safety of the State of Millain , for which it did not make that Montferrat ( especially in respect of the Citadel of Cassalle ) should fall into the hands of a Prince in whom the Crown did not confide ; and who having discovered himself to adhere to France , was likely to incline more thereunto in the future troubles , then unto its adversary : and though , for the aforesaid reasons , the King had doubtlesly mo●…e cause to suspect the very person of Duke Charles Emanuel ; yet ( as the desire of obtaining ones ends makes the means of obtaining it appear more likely and easie ) he peradventure perswaded himself , that many other things would cause that King , and that Court , not to oppose his intention ; the Alliance which he and Duke Francis his Sons had with him , the design which amidst these troubles the Kings party might peradventure have of securing themselves of Cassalle ; the desire which it was probable the King and his Officers might have of giving him satisfaction , so to avoid giving him occasion of disordering Italy again : and because it made not for the Kings advantage to satisfie him by the lessening his own Dominions , he thought that out of all , or out of some of the aforesaid Reasons , the King passing by his antient , and now doubtful protection of Montferrat , ought , at least , not to hinder him from possessing himself of that State whereunto he had long pretended : Hereunto was added the streight and antient friendship between the Duke and the new Governour of Millain ; to whom , as to a chief Minister of State , the charge of acquainting the Court with the condition of the Affairs of Italy , doth belong : So that as the Authority and rigidness of Count Fuentes had continually hindred the Duke in compassing his ends and enterprises ; so this mans easiness , and the great friendship which he profest to have for the Duke considered , it was thought they would make him more aptto attempt novelties ; since he might assist the Dukes affairs sundry ways , at least till such time as the Duke having possest himself of a good part of Montferrat , the King might be necessitated ( it being the lesser evil ) to suffer him to keep it . Don Iohn , of the most noble Family of Mendosa , Marquess of Inoioso , did then govern the State of Millain , Count Fuentes being dead a little before ; He was newly raised to so great a Government , from a lesser condition , by the extraordinary favour of the Duke of Lerma , whose Creature he was : The Duke of Savoy had given him , many years before , the Marquesite of St Iermain●… , in acknowledgment and reward for the service which he had forme●…ly done him in the Wars against the French ; and therefore being made Governor of Millain some Months before , he in his passage entered into Asti , where he was received with great civilities by the Duke , and much private discourse past between them . In these very Ruptures , Count Guido , who had deserved very well of the Crown of Spain , and was a great Confident to the whole Spanish Nation ; for having fought on the Kings behalf in the wars of Flanders , past several times secretly between Turin and Millain , and had had private discourse with the Governour of Inoioso ; wherefore , and for the news which was given out in Italy of great gifts that he had received from the Duke , he was much suspected in the troubles which insued after between these Princes : and as out of the aforesaid Reasons the Duke thought the Court of Spain might favour him in this Enterprise ; so he imagined upon better grounds , that he had no reason to doubt the French : For he had found , two years before , by his own experience , how much that Queen did de●…est war in the Kingdom during the minority of her Son ; and though her Nephew the Cardinals danger should make her take a contrary resolution , it was to be believed that those Forces and those Succours would rather have been prejudicial then of any help to the Adversary , as those which would infallibly have made the Spaniards join in favour with the Duke , against the Cardinall , as against one who did trouble Italy ; and who , with little of reputation or safety to the Kings Dominions , did call in Forreign Nations , a thing which was much abhor'd by the Spaniards in this Province : As for the Princes of Italy , he thought them much less able to disturb this Enterprise ; since not any one of them , whilst the King was savourable unto him , could succour Montferrat , which was far distant from all their Dominions , and every where surrou●…ed by the State of Millain , Piedmont , and by the River of Genoa : He was likewise incouraged by many things wherein he knew he did far exceed the Cardinal ; the Authority he had won by being esteemed a Prince of great Courage , Saga●…ity , exceeding diligent , and very dexterous at all great Affairs : And moreover , by his long experience , very well acquainted with the affairs of the world , and well vers'd in State-Affairs , by reason of his Intelligence held with many Christian Princes : That he was by his natural disposition , by his long experience in war , so much exercised in Military Affairs , as that he was not to be equal'd therein by any Prince of those times : The opinion which was held of his Vivacity and war-like Spirit , practised both in good and bad Fortune , which made him capable of any whatsoever weighty imployment ; that he was , for State and natural ●…orces ; a Prince powerfull enough in Italy ; and that by reason of his confining upon many warlike nations he might easily come by many Souldiers , which he might feed in the fertile soil of Piedmont : wherefore thinking that all difficulties were to yield to his will and courage ; he imagined that Cardi●… Ferdinando , being as yet but a young man , newly setled in his Principality , wanting many of those things wherein he knew himself did so much abound , not being able to contend with him upon such disadvantages , would either yield unto him , or atleast come to some composition , as Iovan Giacomo , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , had formerly done with his Progenitor Ama●… . Having considered all these things , and being of a great Spirit , and full of extraordinary confidence ; and incited by an ardent desire of inlarging the limits of his Dominions ( a thing which over-sways all other humane affections ) being moreover inflamed with indignation for the injury which he afterwards pretended was done him ; they appeared greater , and more secure to him , then peradventure they would prove ; they therefore prevailed more with him then the consideration of any difficulties which he was likely to meet with in this his resolution ; which either not dreaming of , or not caring for , he thought it necessary , as it becomes all great Spirits to do , to make use of the present condition of times ; thinking ( as he was wont to say ) that they would be as favourable unto him , as they had been the contrary to his Grandfather , when by the Decree of the Emperour Charles the fifth , he was excluded the possession of Montferrat : Therefore neither wholly refusing , nor yet wholly consenting to his Daughters Marriage , he demanded that she should first come into Piedmont , and bring her Daughter with her ; and that his pretentions to Montferrat should first be decided , under pretence that he would have no cause of contention left behind him and Cardinal Ferdinando , when he should be become his Son in law . It was not yet three Moneths since Duke Francis his death ; and therefore , though it was not certain whether the Dowager Dutchess was with child , or no , yet the thought thereof growing daily less , and the Cardinal being with some resentment incited thereunto by the Duke her Father , he at last consented that she should return to Piedmont : And he began to take upon him the Government of the State in his own name , without any consideration of the Child that might be born , and took upon him the Title of Duke of Mantua , not foregoing that of Cardinal . The indeavours nor hopes of the future Marriage , were , notwithstanding , quite given over when the Dowager Dutchess departed : wherefore when she was ready to take her leave , she intreated the new Duke , even with tears in her eyes , that he would give her leave to carry her Daughter ( at least ) to Modena , that she might be brought up there with her Sister Isabella , where she did rather chuse to live , then to return , without her Daughter , home to her Father : Upon the occasion of her departure , Prince Victorio was again returned from Turin to Mantua , and Princess Isabella her self from Modena , who joyning in their fervent intreaties with the Dowager Dutchess , they indeavoured to make Duke Ferdinando grant her request : The young Prince could not gain say such Intercessors , though he had formerly refused many other indeavours to the same purpose : Being therefore overcome by the intreat●…es of these Princes , or wrought upon by the tears and affectionate speeches of the Mother , he condescended to a request of so great Importance ; but upon condition , that the Duke of Modena should return back his Niece whensoever he or the Emperour should desire ; and that in case her Mother should return to Turin , the Match unconcluded , the Dukes of Savoy and of Modena should be obliged to send her back to Mantua . This Agreement being yielded unto upon Prince Victorio's Paroll , if it were not the chief cause , and original of the troubles which did afterwards insue , was a great occasion of their commencement ; but the Duke of Modena foreseeing how much trouble and difficulty he might incur if he should meddle in this affair ; and how hard it would be for him to keep the condition stipulated without offending some of the parties ; and perchance also the Emperour or the King , if they should demand the young Lady , and being unwilling to enter into Oaths or Cautions , required of him by the Duke of Mantua , absolutely refused to rece●…ve her : Wherefore the Dowager Dutchess and the young Prince , failing in this their hope , returned to Piedmont without the young Lady . When they were come to Millain , the Governour desiring their satisfaction , did of himself mediate with the Duke of Mantua , that the Niece might be left with him upon the same conditions ; which not being granted him , he desired that the Duke of Modena would oblige himself to stand to covenanted Conditions ; which having at last , but not without the Duke of Savoys urgent pressing , obtained , Don Diego di Leva was suddenly dispatch'd away from Millain to Mantua , to see the first Agreement executed ; but the Duke of Mantua's mind was for many respects already altered ; for no small commotion was raised in his Court ; nor were there small complaints made of him for this his so easie consenting to trust his Niece with others ; and the great desire the Governour had to have her by any whatsoever means out of his hands , made him look more narrowly into the importancy of the business : It was also said by many , That when she should be come to Millain many would swear Loyalty to her . Hereunto was added Cesar's command touching the retention of his Niece , which peradventure he had forgot when he promised to part with her : And that which bore most weight with it was , He thought himself free from his promise , which being made when the Duke of Modena tied himself to Conditions in the disposing of her , the Duke having already dissented , all Obligations seemed to be dissolved , which without a new Agreement could not be in their full former vigor , by the sole consent of the said Modena . Being therefore become more wary out of the aforesaid respects , he would not ag●…in commit the same fault whereof he thought he was as happily acquitted as he easily had at first run into , by his good nature , and ( as he himself said afterwards ) through an excess of love : wherefore the Bishop of Diocesarea , who was in his Court , being sent to Millain , the Duke was not so strict in satisfying those Princes and the Governour , as that the Bishop , who was a great Confident of the Dutchess , should appease her anger for this his new denial , by keeping the Treaty of Marriage on foot : But the Reasons alledged by the Bishop were not admitted of by the Prince ; for pretending that whensoever the Duke of Modena had accepted of the demanded Conditions the Promise should , without all question , have been observed to them , he complained freely thereof in a Letter sent back by the same Bishop ; and going with his Sister from Millain , he went to Vercelly , where they were much expected by the Duke their Father . The Duke of Savoy thought himself much injured , that his Daughter , contrary to his will , had been so long detained ; that his Niece was denied him , wherein , he said , the word pass'd to his Son was broken ; and hereupon he took occasion , under pretence of just resentment , to assault , and make himself Master of Montferrat . Whil'st the Duke of Savoy was wholly intent upon this , the Bishop returned with Authority from Duke Ferdinando to conclude the Marriage , whereof the Governour had the first time given him no small hopes ; and with Commission also to satisfie Prince Victorio by word of mouth , touching the complaints contained in his Letter : Wherefore being sent by the Governour to Vercell●… , the Duke of Savoy , who would not listen to the two things concerning which the Bishop was sent , began to press his pretentions to Montferrat hard upon him , and the assignation of his Grandchild , touching which he had no Commission to say any thing : There were at this time in Piedmont between three and four thousand Souldiers listed , part of those that were raised at the time of King Henries death ; and were not disbanded , though the King was pacified with the Duke ; and though they had been often demanded by the Queen of France , to free those of Genoa from the apprehensions they had of them , or to secure the peace of the Kingdom from the scandals that might thereby arise : Yet the Duke , appearing willing to dismiss them , feigning sometimes to do so , by sending some of their Companies out of his State , he concealed the rest as much as he might , distributing them into several parts of Piedmont : At last when the Duke his Son in law was dead , he had fill'd up their numbers , professing openly that he would make use of them against those of Be●…ne , in recovery of some Castles which they had taken from his Ancestors ; but his Son in law being dead , and growing warm in his inde●…vours for his Grand-child , and in his pretentions , he intended to make use of them in the enterprize of Montferrat . Montferrat being divided into two several bodies , may for the clearer understanding thereof , be distinguished into two parts ; the upper on this side Tanaro , and the lower on the other side of Tanaro : The latter , which lies more Southwardly , is between the River of Savona , and the Territories of Asti and Alessandria ; there is in it two Cities , Acq●… ; and Alba ; and two Forts , San Damiano , and Ponsone : But the upper part of Montferrat , which is much greater then the lower , beg●…ns just where the River Sesia falls into the Poe , and extending it self towards the Alpes , between the Territories of Vercelli and Asti , doth inte●… it self , or rather loseth it self in Piedmont , and coming within six miles o●… Turin , draws nearer the foot of the Alpes : the P●…e●…uns ●…uns along the length of this part ; there are no strong Holds in it but Cassalle , the Metropolis and Frontier of the whole State towards Millain ; and Trino , which confines upon Vercelli , Montcalvo , and Asti ; for what remains , it is not divided from Piedmont , either by Rivers or Mountains , or secured by any Fort : The Boundeurs of particular places do distinguish the Jurisdiction of the two Princes . This State was not any way prepared for so sudden an assault ; for the Duke of Mantua's Officers , and all the Inhabitants , being comforted in expectation of the Marriage which was in Treaty , thought themselves to be in secure peace , and looked for nothing less then to be assaulted ; and so much the less , for that to boot with Montferrat , having been always in the Kings protection , whereby they thought they should not be subject to novelties ; Duke Ferdinando was also assured by the Governour of Millain , that the Duke of Savoy would not move without his knowledge ; and that , howsoever , he would be ready to assist him : and under colour of not giving the Savoyard further occasion of Arming , the Governour had exhorted the Mantuan to casheir many of the Montferrat Militia , and to Quarter them elsewhere , who were Mustered in that State since his Brothers death ; whe efore the Duke of Savoy making use of this occasion , resolved to invade Montferrat by night in several parts , on the Twenty second of April ; and having ordered the Count de Verrua , and Captain Alessandro Guerrino , to move at the appointed time ; the latter from Ch●…arasco , whereof he was Governour , to fall upon Alba ; and the other from Asti , to possess himself of Montcalvo : He himself , accompanied by the Princes , Victorio and Thomaso , his eldest and his youngest Sons , by Count Guido St George , and other Lords of Piedmont , parted from Vercelli with 600 Foot , some Troops of Horse ; and Carirages of Ammunition , and marched that very night towards Trino ; whither be●…ng come a little before day break , he sent the Commendator della M●…a with some Souldiers to fasten a Petarde ; after whom he sent 300 Provincials , commanded by Captain Rovigliasco ; and keeping a little behind with the rest of his men , he waited till when the Petard should have play'd he might enter together with them : The mean while he sent some to take a Castle near the Poe , called Gabbiano , which yielded without making any resistance . The Portcullies of Trino was beaten in two by the Pe●…ard ; but Motta advancing further to force the Gate with another Petard , which was prepared for that purpose , whilst meeting with some hinderance , some little delay was made ; the day began to clear up ; and these within getting upon the Walls , slew the Petardier , and hurt some others by Musquet shot , amongst which the Commandator della Motta ; the Barons of Hermansa , and Tornone : Wherefore the Duke , failing in his first design of surprising that Town , betook himself to play upon the walls with Artillery which he had caused to be brought from Vercelli ; and to keep off succour he cut a Trench cross the way which leads from Cassalle , placing some Horse in Garison there , and some Souldiers to guard the way which leads to Palazz●…lo , 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 , places near to Montferrat ; The Militia of which places , hearing of the Dukes coming , marched to get into Trino ; but were beaten back by the Commandator della Manta : The number of the Dukes men multiplied this mean while by the coming in of more ; and the Battery being begun by Cannon , and being by approches advanced to certain Kills , from whence they might commodiously play upon the Walls , and then give an Assault ; those of the Town , the third day af●…er the first assault , surrendered the Town of their own accord , their Lives , Goods , and Priviledges , being preserved : The rewards promised him by the Duke of Savoy , and Intelligence held with Count Guido , were of mo●…e force with the Captain of that Place , then the Loyalty which he owed to his Prince . This Count writ to his friends , that these Arms were taken up for the preservation of that State on the behalf of the Princess Mary , to whom he said it did of right belong ; for which he was afterwards banish'd , and branded , with other aceustomed punishments , as guilty of high Treason : The same night the City of Alba was assaulted and taken by Guerrini ; who having fallen upon the Walls on sundry sides ▪ by break of day , with 600. Foot , and a Troop of Horse , threw down the Gate towards Tanaro with a Petard ; by which the Souldiers entering , and scaling the Walls in other parts , they made themselve ; Masters thereof without much opposition , before the Citizens could put themselves in order to defend the Walls ; amongst which the Cavalier della Motta , the chief man of the City , was slain , together with some others : and Silvio Via , Captain of Horse , who kept the Castle for Duke Ferdinand , being abandoned , was quickly forced to surrender it : The City was this mean while miserably sack'd by the Dukes Souldiers ; yet women were kept unviolated , and sacred things un-injured , otherwise then was done in other parts of Montferrat : yet they proceeded severely with the Bishop of that place ; for being violently drag'd from the sacred Altar , where he was upon his knees , he was ill beaten , and had a Ring pluck'd off which he wore upon his finger ; and being led Prisoner in shamefull manner through the City , he was forc'd to purchase his liberty with his monies ; which when he had disburs'd , he had notwithstanding a Guard put upon him in his own Palace , and at last forced to forego the City , and to keep in Nivello , a place belonging to the Empire : It was thought that the Duke of Savoy held Intelligence here also ; for whom the Prince did suspect were Imprisoned afterwards . Alba being taken and sack'd , all the Towns and Villages thereabouts came into Guerrini , for ●…ear of being plundred , and of having their Country laid waste ; Diano , a neighbouring Castle , and of some consideration , yielded unto him within three days ; but the assault which was intended to be given that very night to Montcalvo , was deferr'd till the next night ; for the Souldiers who were deputed thereunto did a little delay their coming to Asti ; from whence Count Verrua parting the next night with a good number both of Foot and Horse , he sent the Cavalier Redortiers before to fasten a Petard : Some Companies of Montferrians were already gotten into that Town ; and yet the Town being very weak , and abandoned by the Garison , it was taken at the first Assault , and also sack'd ; but greater provisions being requisite for taking the Castle , which was strongly scituated , Verrua returned to Asti ; from whence he sent more men and Artillery , and began diligently to oppugne it . The mean while the Duke published a Manifesto in Print , wherein relating what had past between him and Duke Ferdinando in relation to the Dowager Dutchess his Daughter , the Princess his Grand-child , and his pretentions to Montferrat ; he complained that Duke Ferdinando had not kept his word to the Prince Victorio ; and replied unto the Reasons alledged to the contrary ; and by a short Narrative of his right to Montferrat , indeavoured to justifie what he had done : He therefore supplicated the Pope , the Emperour , the Catholick King , and all the Princes of Christendom , that they would approve of this his taking up of Arms , in just resentment of the injuries done him by the Duke of Mantua , and for the recovery of what ●…ad been so unjustly taken from his Ancestors , and so long possest by his Adversaries , so much to his prejudice ; concluding that he would not refu●…e to listen unto , and to accept of such Propositions as should be offered unto him for the accommodation of these differences , if they were accompanied with reason and conveniency . And to make men conceive the better of this Enterprise , and make himself the more formidable ▪ he gave out that he held Intelligence with the King of England , and with the States of Holland ; from whom he expected great succour by Sea. The End of the first Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . BOOK II. The Contents . THE Wars of Montferrat is continued to be related ; as also the Provisions and Negotiations made by the Duke of Mantua and other Princes . The Surrender of the Castle of Montcalvo : The oppugning of Nizza della Paglia : Prince Victorio's going to Spain : Orders sent from that Court to Italy , touching the protection of Montferrat , and the Restitution of the Towns that were taken . In execution whereof Nizza is freed , and the other Towns restored to the Duke of Mantua . The War of Garfagnana , between the Duke of Modena and the Common-wealth of Lucca ; which being accommodated by peace , the business of Montferrat is reassumed , and divers Negotiations pass between the Dukes of Savoy and Mantua ; which whilst they are in Treaty , Spains final Resolution comes touching the quiet of Italy , and the security of Montferrat : Prince Victorio returns to Italy badly satisfied with the King and Court of Spain . WHen the Princes of Italy had news of these Commotions , and heard of what had happened in Montferrat , they were not a little astonished ; For foreseeing the mischiefs that were threatened Italy thereby , no man could imagine how the Duke had begun that War , to the so great prejudice of the publick Peace , and to the so great danger of the Common Affairs : Being much perplexed , they argued , out of circumstances , and by probabilities , whether it were done merely out of the Dukes own deliberation , or by participation had , and Intelligence held with the Court of Spain . It was hard for any to perswade themselves , that that King should consent to the oppression of a State , the protection where of he had ever sincerely prosessed ; especially since it was impossible this should happen without causing commotions in Italy , and without making way for Forreign Nations to enter ; things totally repugnant to those sound Foundations whereupon the safety of his Dominions , and the power of his Authority was so happily built : But it did no less repugne the total Affairs of his Crown , that the Duke of Savoy should add so rich , and so well peopled a Dukedom to his Dominions , it being so near , and lying so opportunely for the State of Millain , left his Power being thereby doubled , he mig●… have a mind to novelties , and that afterwards aiming at greater matters , he might bend his thoughts to the prejudice of the Publick Peace ; or at least , if he should keep quiet , he would be less pliable , and depend less upon the Authority of that Crown . The Dukes natural Genius made this opinion appear more probable ; it being hard for him to con●…ine himself within the boundeurs of his own Fortune ; wherefore he had been hardly detained formerly from shewing the bad satisfaction which was discovered to be in him , and contrary to the ends of that Crown , and to his last streight Intelligence held with King Henry of France ; which being accompanied by Arms , and by the conjuncture of Times , had made it appear how much disdain , and the desire of greater Affair , had prevailed over him ; wherefore all augmentation of Power or Authority was to be apprehended in him . Yet notwithstanding ( as men are naturally easie to believe those things which they fear most ) there were but very few who did not firmly believe the contrary ; as not believing that the Duke would have begun such a business upon his own bottome , whereby he would have drawn France upon his back , and have irritated Italy : They therefore concluded , it was impossible he should have put himself and his own Affairs into so manifest trouble , unless he had been back'd by that King. This opinion was the more confirmed by the flow proceedings of the Spaniards to extinguish this fire which the Duke had kindled ; and this , in process of time , did so much increase this opinion , as the many evident demonstrations which the King did by his actions manifest ( the which , the more evident they were , the more were they interpreted to a sinister sence ) were not sufficient to remove it : The more every one did believe this , the more were they puzzled in finding out the ends which could make that King and his State Ministers put on such a resolution : And as the supposing of this proved afterwards vain ; so of necessity must they be but r●…ve concerning their imagined ends . Many believed that they were permitted this enterprize , to the end that they might by terror of Arms get that young Lady , which they could not do by Authority or inde●…vours : Others reasoning more subtilly , suspected that they might willingly foment dissention between these Princes , out of hopes that the Duke of Mantua , not being able of himself to defend that State , should ( as he had often formerly indeavoured ) change it upon disadvantagious terms ; the greater part whereof he should have divided with the Duke of Savoy , out of a desire to make himself master of the Castle of Casalle . Those who discoursed more moderately , thought , that the Kings State Ministers were willing to see the Duke of Mantua reduced to these streights , to necessitate him to have recourse to their King , to the end that being either favour'd or disfavour'd by him therein , it might be known how much the adherence of that Crown did redound to the advantage of the Princes of Italy . Those of Italy being agitated by these thoughts , and doubtful what the sequel would prove , they were not less anxious for fear of the future mischief , then uncertain what remedies to prepare which might be adequate to the eminent danger . The mean while the Dukes forces caused great commotion and fear in Montferrat , where like ●…under the blow was felt , before the lightning was seen . That State was then unprovided of Arms , Men , or Ammunition , with a powerful Enemy within the bowels thereof ; who had already made himself master of two of her chief Towns , and was ready to take the third ; and who pillaged many Towns and Villages , abandoned by their Inhabitants , who yielding to the Enemy , ran readily to swear ●…ealty unto him . The Governour , and Mantuan Officers , surprized at so unexpected an accident , were astonished , thinking no less of their own weakness to defend themselves , then on the Dukes readiness to offend them , they much distrusted the chief Montferratins , whom they knew to be compar'd with by Count Guido against their Prince . They likewise distrusted the Governour of Millain , by reason of his dearness with the Duke of Savoy ; out of the ordinary ambition of Agents , to a●…vantage their Masters condition , by any whatsoever way : and much more , finding how little his actions did answer to his preceding promises ; when either to appease them , or to bereave them of necessary provision upon such like occasions , he assured them , that the Duke of Savoy would not move , or if he did , that he would oppose him in defence of Montferrat . Being uncertain therefore what to do , all things were full of terrour , tumult , and confusion , which was made the greater by the miserable Country people , and by the inhabitants of weaker Towns , either assaulted , or exposed to be assaulted by the Enemy ; who therefore to shun the calamities of War , and the excessive cruelty of the Dukes Souldiers , ran half naked , with their Wives , and Children , into Casalle and the neighbouring parts of Millain , filling some with compassion , and some with grea●…●…errour . Carlo de Rossi , one of Parma , did then govern Montferrat , who had immediately dispatcht away Manfrin●… 〈◊〉 , a Gentleman of Millain , an experienced Commander in the Wars of Hungary , and Lieutenant-General of that part of Montferrat , to beyond Tanaro ; and sent divers other Captains to other places , providing where he thought it most necessary to do so . And yet seeing the Enemy strong in the State , and therefore considering the present mischief , before the future evil ; he resolved , though in vain , to have recourse for help to the Governour of Millain ; and being resolved to relieve Trino , he indeavour'd to send in 2000 foot thither , who might enter in privately by night , before it should be surrendered . But as they were passing over certain waters , ( being people taken up here and there , and unexperienced ) they were so astonished at the hea●…ing of Gun-shot , as they shamefully turned back , and left the Powder and Ammunition which they brought to relieve the place , in the Enemies hands . In this so great and sudden perturbation , the unexpected coming of Charles Gonsaga , Duke of Nevers from France , was of no small moment ; who going at that time upon other occasions to Rome , came with two Galleys to Savona ; where hearing of the Duke of Savoy's March , of the taking of Alba , and that divers other places were besieged , left his journey , and went immediately to Casalle : It is not to be exprest with what joy and consolation he was there received by people of all ages and conditions . His Father Lodowick was son to Frederick Gonsaga , by Margaret Paleologa : but his elder ●…rother George , succeeding by birth-right in the State , he went to France , where he served that Crown long , and married the daughter of the Duke of Nevers , one of the Peers of France . Who inheriting that State , together with other Territories , and the honour of Peer of France , conveyed them all over to this Charles . Who being in●…icht with so many Possessions , so great Allies , and Titles of Honour , he is numbred amongst the chiefest Lords of that Kingdom . The people did the e●…ore rejoyce infinitely , seeing a Prince come into their relief , who was considerable for his quality , for his known valour , and for the confidence they had in him , by reason of his relation to that State , and to the Lord thereof : but chiefly for the extraordinary affection he shewed , to imploy his life in their service ; and comforted them with unquestion'd succour which he assured them they should soon receive from France . Duke Ferdinando , hearing the unexpected news of the taking of his Towns , and not being able in so short a time to do much , he betook himself for help to his Friends , and to the Authority and favour of the chiefest Christian Princes ; particularly to France ; from whence , both in respect of the Queen , and of that Nation to which he had been so kind , he had as much reason to expect succour , as he thought he might distrust assistance from Spain . But having received Letters in the very instant of these ruptures , from Spain , of the so long desired protection of that Crown ; though the Duke of Savoys unexpected onset , and the Spanish Agents proceedings , made him somewhat jealous thereof ; yet considering how far distant assistance from France was , how ha●…d to get , and in several respects how uncertain , he inde●…vour'd by Letters , and by express Messengers sent to Millain , to make the Governour thereof secure the eminent danger of that State , according as he had promised to do . And to the end he might prepare for his defence , no less by Reason , then by Arms , and the favour of his Friends ; he also published a Manifesto in answer to that made by the Duke of Savoy ; wherein amongst other things he complained , that when he had an Embassadour in that Dukes Court to treat of new alliances with him , he had assaulted his State unexpectedly by night , contrary to the Laws of God and Nations ; and that having surprized his principal Towns , he had committed Rapine , Plunder , and all kinds of cruelty against all sorts of people ; no●… pardoning the chastity of Virgins , nor sacred ornaments , dedicated to the Worship of God ; and that he had also exercised his savageness upon the lives of poor Priests . Then re-assuming the treaties held with Prince Victorio , at his parting from Mantua ; he shewed that he was absolved from his word gainsaying the reasons alledged by the Duke of Savoy touching his pretences to Montferrat , by the Authority of the Emperour Charles the fifth's Decree ; he added , he had notwithstanding been ready to do that by the way of friendship , which had been awarded him by competent Judges ; But that the Duke of Savoy , contrary to all reason , and contrary to the Institutions of his Ancestours , who had treated of these differences in a civil manner with the Emperours , had by ●…orce of Arms been his own 〈◊〉 : That therefore he was not against the Popes , the Emperours , and all Christian Princes , being against him , if they should approve of his adversaries actions as just ; but that , on the contrary , he did earnestly pray and supplica●…e the said Princes , that seeing him so unjustly assaulted in his own Dominions , they would appear in his favour against those Arms which had been taken up so scandalously , and to the disturbance of the Common peace and quiet , to deprive him of that State which had been so law●…ully poss●…st by him and his predecessors : And not seeing the Governour o●… ●…illain any ways concerned in so great a novelty ; nor ●…ving been able to work upon him by Letters or Embassies , he resolved to go himself in person to Millain . But this , as all his other indeavours , proved vain ; for the Governour , though he had been injoyn'd the protection of Montferrat in his general Instructions ; yet he ●…xcused the slowness of his proceedings , pretending that he would not give an oc●…sion o●… War between the King and Duke , by taking up Arms , without particular order from the Court. And yet that the Duke of Mantua might not depart without having obtained any thing of him , he gave way that Don Her●…le Gonza , and the Count Di san Second●… should go with the●… 〈◊〉 ' Arms from Millain to the defence of Montferrat ▪ and that all the Souldiers which should be sent thither from Mantua , might pass through the State of Millain . Moreover , to raise jealousie in the Duke of Savoys Dominions , he sent some Companie●… of Spanish Foot to the Confines of Vercelles , but with express command not to go further . And having given order for the raising of 4000 Sw●…ffers , he deputed Lodovico Gambaloita , and Ieronimo Rho , Camp-masters , to raise two Regiments of 3000 Foot ap●…ece in Lombardy ; which being done but slowly , for want of money , they were no proportionate ●…emedy for the present evil ; for Montferrat was likely to be left in prey to the Enemy , unless it were speedily and powerfully succour'd . Duke Ferdinando return'd therefore from Millain , ill satisfied ; and by thi●… rigidness arguing but little of good that was intended him from Spain , and therefore despairing of help from thence , he forbore not to express it . The mean while he sent his brother Vincenzo into Montferrat with 500 Horse and 1000 Foot ; and having sent notice to France of his condition , he expected succour from thence ; but for all this his cause was stuck unto by the Italian Princes ; for the Venetians , and the great Duke of Toscany , weighing the importance of this business , and the consequences which might succeed thereupon , declared themselves on the behalf of the Duke of Mantua ; the State of Venice resolved to pay a certain sum of money for the maintaining of the Cittadel of Cassalle ; and both they and the great Duke gave themselves diligently to raise Souldiers for the reliefe of Montferrat ; lest the Duke of Savoy holding intelligence with the King of Spain might share therein with him ; or if there were no intelligence between them , that by molesting Duke Ferdinando , the King might necessita●…e him , when he should be abandoned by his friends , to throw himself into the arms of-the said King , and by exchange for somewhat of less value , surrender Montferrat unto him , which he could not by any other means keep from his adversary ; and so the condition of Italy might be impaired by such a change . A consideration which many thought might as well have kept the Duke of Savoy from such novelty ; because it would be more inconvenient for him , then for any other , that Montferrat , which was as it were in the bowels of Piedmont , and so very near Turin , should be possest by the Spaniards , who by building Forts in fitting places , might keep him in perpetual subjection . This Counsel was not therefore generally approved of , whose wisdom every one desired might at this time have been greater , and that it might have prevailed over his desire of possessing himself of Montferrat , or over his resentment of the injury he conceived he had received ; and that temporizing , according to the example of his Predecessours , he might have wai●…ed for other opportunities and occasions , whereby he might have experimented his Title , or his Fortune , without indangering the quiet of Italy , more to his own conveniency , and with less danger to others . But the news of these commotions ▪ being heard in France , though they caused much trouble there , yet the Queen being resolute not to occasion any alteration in her Kingdom by taking up Arms , after many consultations , held it best to betake her self to those means by which not many years before she had composed the Duke of Savoys affairs . She therefore resolved to assist her Nephew in a civil way : especially since in regard of the double alliance between her children , and those of the King of Spain , from the conclusion whereof a strict union was expected , and a firmer friendship then had been formerly hoped for between those two Crowns : she had just reason to be confident her mediation and indeavours would not prove vain in that Court. But on the other side , for the Kingdoms greater honour , and the more safety of her Nephews affairs , she gave out that she would assist him by Arms ; and made some preparations , more in shew then reality ; which being afterwards heard upon the Confines of Savoy , caused some jealousie in the Duke ; and it may be the news of their coming was not without some good to Italy . This mean while , the Duke of Savoy , seeing his Counsels favour'd by success , much more then he had reason to hope for ; little apprehending the far-off Forces of France , and being confident that the Spaniard would not trouble him nearer hand ; especially since Prince Victorio was return'd to Piedmont , not without satisfaction from Millain ; whence he had sent thither , to let the Governour know , how well it became the King , in point of honour , to resent the injury that was done him in the persons of his children ; Therefore growing daily bolder , and spreading his sailes broader to the prosperous winds of Fortune , he advanced farther in the conquest of Montferrat ; not punishing those who withstood him , more with Fi●…e and Sword , then those with extraordina●…y Contributions who had willingly submitted ; insomuch as in a short time he made himself master of almost all the upper Montferrat . Where the Souldiers trampling upon all things both sacred and profane , made the Inhabitants , without any distinction of age or sex undergo all the evils and adversities which the licentiousness , av●…rice , and libidinousness of War could occasion : So as the Dukes name became shortly no less odious , then formidable ; though to prevent scandal , and inconvenience , and to acquit himself of so g●…eat excesses , he had caused some of his most insolent Souldiers to be severely punished . And being incouraged and grown proud by success , and not thinking that any of the Italian Princes could oppose him in this enterprise , though they did not approve thereof , he recalled his Embassadour from Venice , and dismist the Venetian Embassadour that was resident with him , as the Embassadour of a Prince that was his Enemy : Not complaining so much that the Common-wealth had declared it self to adhere to his adversary , as of the manner how ; because no indeavours had preceded the Senates Declaration , as seemed fitting to have been done to a Prince that was a friend : And understanding at the same time that Innocenzo de Massimi , Bishop of Bertinoro , and Vice-Legat of Ferrara , who was sent unto him upon the present Occurrences , with the Title of Extraordinary Nuntio , had indeavoured somewhat , with the Governour of Millain , tending to the favour of Duke Ferdinando ; he forbo●…e giving him Audience for some days , making use of his conceived anger as of a pretence wherefore not to listen to his proposals , and consequently not to slacken the War by any Treaty of Peace : But not knowing how , civilly to avoid the coming of Francisco Gonzaga , Prince of Castiglione , who was come to Piedmont from the Emperour , though he was unwillingly come to Treat with him , as equally suspecting the person sent , and the sender , and detesting the occasion of his coming , yet he resolved to give him Audience in Moncalleri . The Prince had order from Cesar to threaten him with an Imperial Bando , or an Edict of the Emperour against him , unless he should instantly restore the places he had taken , and forbear further offending Montferrat with Arms , which was a State held in fee-Farm from the Empire ; but the Prince not thinking it a seasonable time to exasperate the Duke , mitigating his Embassie , and turning the Threat into Exhortations , perswaded him to pursue his pretentions by Law , and not by Arms. It was sore for the Duke to interrupt this so fortunate way which he was in , and to withdraw when he was almost possess'd of Victory : He therefore bethought himself to take occasion by this present stop , of justifying his Cause , and not refraining his proceedings , to propose such Articles , as not being likely to be accepted by his Adversary , might necessi●…ate him to declare a difference in the King of Spain , and might consequently win himself more favour from that Crown . His Answer was , That he was ready to desist from the Enterprise ; and referring the whole difference to Cesar and the King , that he would deposite the Towns of Montferrat into their hands , which was no more then to put them absolutely into the hands of the King , and of his State-Ministers , of whom Ferdinando was jealous , for the aforesaid Reasons , which jealousie was increased in him by this his Adversaries so great confidence : For Cesar having no Forces in Italy would not in likelihood make any use of the trust imposed in him , but by way of colour : And yet the Prince of Castiglione , who was not diffident of the Court of Spain , as the Duke was , was not displeased with the proposal , especially as the present condition of affairs stood : He therefore went for Mantua , believing certainly to perswade the Duke thereunto ; but he found himself absolutely averse ; were it either out of the aforesaid Reasons , or for that Cesar had by Letters exhorted him not to admit of any middle way , without being first fully possessed of all things , or that he began to be of better hopes , finding that he was favoured by the Venetians and great Duke , and that he began to find the King of France well inclined towards him . In this Interim Montcalvo was surrendered to Count Guido , who had pla●…d upon it with Artillery , and made many assaults upon it ; in so much as those within finding themselves void of all defence , did at the first Article to surrender , if they were not relieved within three days : And the Governour of Cassalle having in vain desired but only one thousand Foot from the Governour of Millain to put thereinto ; it would without all doubt have fallen into the Dukes hands within the time prefix'd , had not the Cavalier Ottavio Valperga d'Conti di Rivara , who came out of Pontestura with 500 of his men , got safe into the Castle ; where leaving men and Ammunition , he went out again the next night , and passing through the Enemy , with more prejudice to them then to his own men , he returned to f●…om whence he went the day before : This Relief did for a while delay , but did not totally hinder the Surrender ; for Count Guido shut up all the avenues to the Castle by a continued Trench ; and making some Mines underneath the Bulwarks , and beating down the Parapets , he brought the Enemy to utmost despair ; who not being able to keep any longer upon the Walls , and seeing no hopes of succour , surrende●…ed fifteen days after the beginning of the Siege . Montcalvo being taken , there did not any thing remain in the Duke of Mantua's obed●…ence in the upper Montferrat , but Cassalle and Pontestura , and what the Garisons of those places could defend . Pontestura was not strong of it self ; but standing upon the Poe , and very fit for the Enterprise of Cassalle , it had been somewhat fortified at the begining of these Commotions , and furnished with a reasonable Garison ; which Garison the Duke of Savoy ( intending peradventure to advance Cassalle ) summoned upon pain of life to surrender within a short time . Prince Vicenzo was at this time in Cassalle with his Mantuans , and the Duke of Nevers was there also ; but fearing lest they should leave the City unprovided , or distrusting the valour of their men , if in their going to succour Pontestura , they should light upon the Dukes men , who were incouraged by such success , they would not send to assist it , as was necessary they should have done ; but thought it better to secure Cassalle , which was the chief place of the whole State , and not to hazzard those men which were the prime forces that the Duke of Mantua could assemble at that time : But on the other side , the loss being too great which would be had if Pontestura should not be succoured , they got leave of the Governour of Millain , that some Companies of Spanish Foot should en●…er thereinto with the Kings Colours , in reverence whereunto the Duke ●…orbore the Siege : And thinking that to attempt Cassalle would be a weighty business , and too great for his Forces ; especially since he had disposed of the most of his men in the Garisons of the Towns which he had already taken : Therefore altering his resolution he turned to the lower Montferrat , where the Country about Acqui had not as yet been touched by his Forces : There was but two Towns therein which could dispute the whole Dominion thereof with him , Nice and San Damiano ; for the City of Acqui was not able to make any long resistance ; and the other Castle of Ponzone , which lay towards the Sea , served rather to guard the Pas●… , then to defend the Country : And as for San Damiano , though it was strongly situated , and munited with Artillery , and an extraordinary Garison , yet being divided from Montferrat , and invironed by the Territories of Montferrat , it was not sufficient of its self to hinder his advancing . The Duke was therefore content to annoy it with only a few Souldiers and some Pieces of Artillery , not doubting but that when he should have possess'd himself of the other parts thereabouts , it would fall into his hands : He therefore went with all his Forces to the expugning of Nice , as that which being placed upon the Frontiers of his Dominions , hindered him from making himself Master of the parts about Acqui , and of all the neighbouring Country , This is a Town great enough , situated in a Plain , abounding in Victuals , and capable of a great Garison : The figure thereof is like a broken Pyramide , by the side whereof a small River , called Nizza , runs on one side , and on the other side the River Belbo , somewhat greater , which serve her for a great Ditch ; and these waters , mingling together a little forwarder , they finish the imperfect Pyramid of the said Town : The Walls are very old and weak , and as those of the antient form , for the most part without Flanks or Bulwarks ; only on the point which looks towards Alessandria there is a Castle with some Towers , but much ruinated by time ; The Basis which looks towards Piedmont is of a large extent ; and though it hath neither Rampiers nor Flanks , yet is it munited with a large deep Ditch : Hither , as to a place upon the Frontiers , and very fitting for the capaciousness and safety thereof , were come the best Militia , with many Commanders , and persons of good esteem in the neighbouring parts ; who , ( the Towns-men not numbred ) amounted to the number of 2000 Foot , and 200 Horse , under the Command of Lieutenant Castiglione ; who having fortified the Town in fitting places , and enlarged the Walls with Plat-forms , cleansed the Ditches , and repaired the Towers , had , with much industry , made it tenable . Into this place was likewise entered Antoniotto and Carlo , Brothers to Rovere ; the one Commissary of the Militia , and the other of the States Munition , together with many Captains and Officers of good condition , and well affected to their Prince . Count Guido was deputed by the Duke to this Enterprise ; who drawing near Nizza with 2000 Foot , 400 Horse , and three Pieces of Artillery , did immediately repulse 500 Foot , and 200 Horse , who being come out against him were not able to indure the sight of the Enemy , but retreated basely , and in disorder to within the Town ; wherefore the Count being Master of the field quartered himself between the Covent of the Gapuchins , and the Wall of the Town which looks towards Piedmont ; and though he expected more men and Artillery , yet having tried in vain how they were minded that were within the Town , he began to batter , and making several Troops of Dragoons go out , he indeavoured to keep the De●…endants from standing upon the Wall ; and to face them that they might not keep him from quartering there ; But their Artillery was of so small bore , and the Enemies Walls were made so strong by Plat-forms , as all battery proved in vain , as also all Skirmishes , by reason ▪ of the number of the Defendants , who repuls'd the enemies Horse by showers of Musquet-shot from the Walls and most eminent places ; the which they might the more easily do , for that it being then a very wet season , the Dukes men could not well keep abroad to fight , nor make their necessary approaches by Trenches ; for to boot that it was impossible for them to keep their Matches lighted , or their Powder dry , they could no sooner digge a Ditch in that ground , which was naturally moist , but it was presently fill'd up by springs and rain-water , and the ground became so slippery and dirty , as neither man nor Horse could keep their feet : with which difficulties Count Guido , having for many days wrastled in vain , and the rain continuing still to fall abundantly , he was advised by many of his men to send his Horse to possess themselves of some neighbouring place , and go with his Foot to San Marzano , and wait till the weather should prove fairer , and till the rest of their expected men , their Ammunition and greater Guns , might come unto them , which were now kept back by the floods of waters ; that then they might reassume the Enterprise more commodiously , and with better preparations : But the Count , who valued his Souldiers trouble and inconvenience less then the loss of reputation , did not approve of this ; wherefore resolving , notwithstanding all difficulties , to continue what he had begun , he plaid upon the Towers and most eminent houses , by continual battery , to beat off the defenders , and keep his men from being so easily injur'd from thence , as they were . Not many days after , some more Souldiers being come unto him , and the rain beginning somewhat to cease , he made some Troops of Horse pass over La Nizza , that they might possess themselves of a certain Covent , from whence they might easily hinder the succour which was said would be sent from Inoisa , a Town of Montferrat ; but Castiglione and the other Commanders , who were always ready to undergo all trouble and danger , having notice of the precise hour of the coming of the succour , sent out divers Companies several ways , who skirmishing with the Enemy in sundry places , kept them play till the succour of Victuals and Ammunition was convey'd into the Town . The Count resolving afterwards to oppugne the opposite part of the Town , sent some Horse to discover the place . Whereof Castiglione being aware , though he feld the trees round about , and placed Souldiers in several passes to keep the Enemy off , yet could he not hinder him from making of himself master of the Field there also ; for his men no sooner saw the enemy , then basely foregoing their Stations , they withdrew to within the Walls ; so as the Banks and Baracadoes being there finished , they were at continual skirmishes : Nor did they forbear making works on the other side , and approaches , and playing continually upon the Wall , and the inward buildings with the greater Artillery , which was come at last , and wherewith they threw down the Monastery of Nuns ; and the ruines of the walls and neighbouring houses falling into the ditches , those without might have made an assault , had not the courage and readiness of the defendants supplied all wants ; who coming out into the ditch , and facing the Enemy , did daily fight them ; and speedily mending the breaches which the Enemy had made , stood in good order upon the wall , and kept the Enemy off ; wherefore the Count caused a Cannon to be brought to a neighbouring hill , wherewith he scowred all that tract of wall , and kept the Souldiers from standing there ; and playing upon the wall in another place with other three pieces of Cannon , he indeavoured to make way for an assault , which peradventure might have succeeded , had not Castiglione secured the wall from the battery , by raising some Rampiers . Insomuch as though the Enemy was ready to fall into the Ditch , having been very diligent in bringing on their Trenches , and made their Scaling-Ladders ready , thinking to give an assault , yet the breadth of the ditch , and the numbers , and valour of those that defended it , kept them from falling on . Whilst Nice was thus no less gallantly oppugned by Count Guido , then manfully defended by Castiglione , the Duke of Savoy came from Turin to Chirasco , and having taken order there for the raising of more men , and for the sending them to before Nice , he came to Alba , the more to incourage the enterprize by the nearness of his person . On the other part , Prince Vicenzo , and the Duke of Nevers came to Acqui , and indeavoured to raise Souldiers , thinking to relieve Nice , and to free it from the danger it was in , by the daily access of new men to Count Guido ; and yet they could hope for but few Souldiers from thence , since almost the whole upper Montferrat was brought under the Duke of Savoy ; and the Militia of the County of Acqui , and of the neighbouring parts , were ( as hath been said ) brought for the most part into Nice : If these , who were the flower of the Country , durst not look the Enemy in the face , what trust could they put upon the rest without , who doubtlesly were but the scum , when they were to be brought to the sight of the Trencbes , and Cannon , as necessarily they must be . Four hundred French were at this time come by Sea , amongst which were many Gentlemen , and people of good account , who were friends and adherents to Nevers , who at the first hearing of these rumours , came from France to assist him ; and being back'd by Gallies belonging to the Kingdom , came in the Seas of Genoa in small Barks , to find him out , rather as Travellers than Souldiers ; for though the State of Genoa had , with an intention of keeping neutral , inclined at the beginning of these Commotions not to give passage to 2000 Tuscans , which the Great Duke had destin'd for the assistance of Mantua ; yet being much troubled lest Montferrat should change its Lord , at last winked at any one that should pass privately through her Territories in assistance thereof : But these people , who came from France in haste , not being very well provided , proved not so advantagious as the condition of the time required , save only that they gave some reputation to the Affairs of Montferrat , and that witnessing the readiness of that Nation , and the zeal thereof towards the Duke of Mantua , it made the News which was divulg'd in Italy , of the great preparations of that Kingdom , be believed . And yet the necessary delay which the French succour required , making their hopes of the reliefe of Nice but small , doubtlesly when the Duke of Savoy should have got it , he would have been Master of all this part of Montferrat , which was all reduced to underneath the Duke of Savoy's obedience , save Cassalle , and Pontestura : And consequently all men being full of fears and jealousies , they murmured greatly against the Governour of Millain , that he should so long suffer so great a violence ; that he should so little value the Kings reputation ; he was held to be the Pie●…ra d●… 〈◊〉 , the S●… of offence , or stumbling block ; to be the original mover and first fautorer of so violent and detestable an enterprise ; for how durst the Duke else have dared to attempt a State which was taken into the protection of so great a King ? How else durst he despise the Majesty of that Crown , and the so neer and powerfull Forces of the State of Millain ? Nay , they murmured against the King himself , and the Spanish Nation , as if they had openly conspired with the Duke of Savoy , against the Duke of Mantua , in a nick of time when the King of France was not able , by reason of his Minority , to oppose their designs : Wherefore all Italy was in a rage ; and seeing the harmony of concord out of tune , and the common safety and publick quiet disordered , began to distrust the King , and that Nation , whose ambition and desire of rule was not bounded with Montferrat : And as the private men did not forbear expressing their sense and back bitings in Libels , clapt up in divers publick places , even in the City of Millain ; so the Potentates of Italy began to waver in their friendship and inclination to that Crown , and bethought themselves of new remedies , whereby to provide against those dangers which they thought the safety of the common Affairs might be subject unto by so great a novelty . But in this fluctuation of minds and accidents Orders came from Spain , which causing much joy , shew'd how vain their murmurings and bad opinions were of that King and Nation : The News of these so great Commotions was come to that Court , both from Italy and France ; and though they fell upon many considerations , yet the Justice and Equity of the Cause prevailing before all other respects with that King and Counsel , as likewise the Peace of Italy , and the not permitting that any other Princes should grow greater by the oppression of another ; ( principal foundations whereupon having always wisely ballanced the Affairs of Italy , they had also the better secured their own ) it was with extraordinary readiness resolved in that Court , according to the great and urgent importunities of the Pope , and Princes of Italy , and according to the Queen of France her desire ; that the Duke of Mantua should immediately be put into the full possession of whole Montferrat . In conformity whereunto , it being known that Prince Victorio was come to Barcelona , being sent by his Father to draw the King and that Court to favour his Cause , he was immediately commanded to tarry in Montferrat , not far from Barcelona , and not being admitted to see the King , to tarry there till restitution of whole Montferrat should be made by the Duke his Father . Which action was of much satisfaction to all Italians , and shew'd how much the King and Court of Spain were unconcern'd in these commotions . On the contrary , it was cause of infinite distaste to the Duke of Savoy , he thinking peradventure that the King of Spain being not content to favour his adversary in his sentence ; but that out of an ambition of purchasing the name of a just and uncorrupted Prince , he would not stick to suppress him , even in his own son , in whom he had placed his final hope ; and whatsoever he was to expect from that Court , which had made him covet that the world might know he was more in favour with that King , then the other Italian Princes . These Orders being come , the Governour was ready to obey them ; but his Orders being very slowly proceeded in , the Swissers not being as yet arrived , nor Rho's nor Gambaloita's Regiment yet fill'd , and Nice being sorely beset both by day , and night , the Town began to be out of hope of holding out long ; for the relief thereof it was therefore necessary at the present to make use of almost the whole ordinary Garrison of the State of Millain : Wherefore Don Antonio di Leva Prince of Ascoli , one of the Grandees of Spain , who being at that time in the State of Millain , was chosen by the King to be Camp-Master General , was sent thither with six Companies of Light-Horse , ( whereof Don Sanchio de Salina , Lievtenant of the Cavalry of the State , was Captain ) with 3000 Spanish Foot , commanded by the Camp-Masters Luigi di Cordova , and Giovan Bravo di Laguna , and some few Italians assembled together by Lodovico Gambaloita , which did not in all make 4000 Foot , and 600 Horse , who joyning at I●…cisa , a Town in Montferrat , with Prince Vincenso and the Duke of Nevers , who had with them 600 other Horse , and about 2000 Foot , amongst which were French , th●…y marched in company towards Nice . But the Duke seeing that his designs were withstood on one side by Cesars command , and on the other side by the King of Spains Forces , and finding also that Italy was against him , and the French much irritated ; and consequently knowing that it was impossible for him to withstand so many Potentates who were joyn'd together against him in the behalf of the Duke of Mantua , whom he peradventure had hoped to have supprest , and undoubtedly to have vanquished at the first push , making vertue of necessity , resolved to yield to the condition of times , and to give way unto the Kings will , whose Forces having never formerly withstood , he had not yet a mind to oppose , nor learnt to be contumacious : For having endeavoured , and peradventure not in vain , to make a little delay of the succouring of Nice , rather that he might say he had been Master thereof , then with intention of keeping it ; at last , seeing the Prince of Ascoli near at hand , and Castiglione resolute to defend it , he sent the Count of Ver●…a into the Camp , with Orders to Count Guide to remove his men from thence , having notwithstanding given notice thereof before to the said Prince ; to the end that seeming to do it willingly , meerly out of the reverence and observancy which he bore to the King , his resolution might not be attributed to necessity , but as in acknowledgment of the favours he had received . Thus the Kings Forces and those of the Duke of Mantua drawing joyntly neer Nice , Count Guido began to march off ; and before he had been gone a mile , seeing Prince Ascoli appear with his Army in order , he , to the end that he might march off with more reputation , made his men halt , and f●…g the Kings Squadrons , and ordering his men as if ●…e were ready to receive battle , if provoked ; for he exceeded them in number of men , and in Artillery , though not in his Souldiers valour , having but few paid men with him , and all the rest 〈◊〉 gathered together out of the Shops at Asti and Vercelli : But Commissary Berna●…o Barbo , a Gentleman of Millai●… , stepping out with some Spanish Commanders , he parlyed with the Counts di Verrua and di St George , who did advance to this purpose ; and it was agreed upon between them , that if the Duke of Savoy's men would march off , the Kings Forces should not meddle with them . Thus Count Guido marched with his men towards Piedmont , without giving or receiving molestation . Though Nice were freed ▪ yet Arms between those of Piedmont and of Montferrat were not laid down ; for the Duke of Savoy's men did not only diligently keep what they had gotten , but proceeded to take in other places : And on the other side , those of Montferrat being encouraged by the relief of Nice , and by the King of Spains appearing for their Prince , being also exasperated by the bitter injuries received from the Piedmontesans , and assisted by those of Mantua and France , drove out the Duke of Savoy's Garrisons , and endeavoured to return under the Dominion of the House of Gonsaga , and of their Natural Lord. 〈◊〉 Rivara went with some few men from Pontestura to recover the Castle of Gabbiano ; but Count Guido coming in on one side with a greater number of Souldiers from Montcalvo , and many Horse and Foot on the other side from Trino , he retreated to Pontestura , not doing any thing . Monteggio which is seated on a little hill , rose , and betook it self to defence ; but being assaulted on three parts by the Colonels Tassino and Permen●…to , and a woman fighting valiantly amongst the Country people , it was re-taken . Montemagno , Vignale , and Casorso , which were likewise risen and fortified by Trenches , were again brought under by Count 〈◊〉 who was come from Montcalvo . The Castle of Vesema was by the Captai●… thereof basely surrendred to the Piedmontesans . 〈◊〉 , a place ●…er Trino and Casalle , being also risen , and which trusting to i●… plashy scituation , denyed to pay tribute , was taken , sackt , and b●…t by the Comm●…ndator della Manta , Cassano , San Stefano , and some other places in the Valleys of Tinello , and Belbo , were possest by the Dukes men . L'Alcare , a place within few miles of Savona , was recovered by those of Mantua , and after re-gained by those of Piedmont . The like hapned in other places of less moment ; and the Mantuan Souldiers being gone to before Canelli , and not being able to take it , turn'd upo●… Moas●… , Alice , and Vesema , Towns in Montferrat , and drove out the Piedmontesans : and passing afterwards to 〈◊〉 , a Town in Pie●…ont , they sackt it . Some Horse-Companies of Savoy being a●…aulied at unawares in Grana , by three Companies of Mantuan Horse , led on by the Marquess Alphonso Gaerrier●… , 〈◊〉 assisted by the Country-people , were routed and put to fl●…ght , some of them were slain , and their Ensignes and Baggage lost . But the Duke of Nevers , egg'd on by some of his men , who were unwilling to return into France , without having given some proof of their valour , went with them , and with 50 of the Duke of Mantua's Souldiers , to surprize C●…teniglia by night ; but being discovered , he wheeled about to a neighbouring place called C●…lli ; whither not being able to come before the Sun was up , after a fierce assault he was repulst , and had some of his men slain ; and returning back by the Hills , lost two small pieces of Ordnance , which being sent with a small Guard by the way of the Valley , were taken by the Piedmontesans . In this interim 4000 Swissers were come to the State of Millain ; and Don Iohn di Castro had brought 1000 Spaniards from Naples ; and the Camp-masters Gambaloita , and Rho , had fill'd up their Regiments , so as the Governour had 12000 Foot and 2500 Horse , ready to send into the Field . There were likewise 13000 Foot , and 500 Horse come to Mantua , through Garfagnana , and Modenese ; a gallant and powerful aid , sent by Cosmo the second , great Duke of Tuscany , under his brother Prince Francisco , and govern'd by excellent Commanders ; who were likewise accompanied by many of the Tuscan and Roman Nobility ; and although the Duke of Modena favouring the Duke of Savoy , by reason of alliance , denied them passage thorough his Territories , which he was ready upon his Confines to make good with Arms ; yet receiving notice from the Governour of Millain , that it was for the Kings service that those men were to pass , he was contented not to hinder them ; and yet the Duke of Savoy went from his word , and deferring , day after day , to restore what he had gotten , seemed rather inclined to the contrary ; for he daily re-inforced all the Garisons of the Towns which he was by word obliged to restore ; he took more men into pay ; he held intelligence in the Court of France , with those Princes who he thought would be desirous of novelties ; and therefore more likely to joyn with him in his cause ; either by reason of the ancient emulation which they bore to the Duke of Nevers , or being discontented with the present Government ; and finally , keeping his men still in Arms against the Montferrians , he intended nothing but preparation for War ; wherefore the Italians who were jealous of any the least delay , began again to waver . The proceedings of the Spanish Agents increased their suspicions , who dealing very gently with the Duke of Savoy , and carrying themselves contrary to the conceived expectation of the King of Spain's orders , were not ready answerable to the commands they had received ; and therefore it was feared , that by their being armed , they aimed more at the oppression , then protection of Montferrat . For they did no ways impede the Dukes Forces ; which ( as hath been said ) overran Montferrat without any respect . And the Prince of Ascoli ( who was afterwards boldly impeached to have held private intelligence with the Duke of Savoy ) having spent four days in going with his Army from Alessandria to Nice , which was but 12 miles , seemed in effect to have consented to that delay , which in resolute terms he had dénied to do in presence of his Captains , to the Marquess of Neviglie , who was sent to Alessandria to stop him . And after those of Piedmont were gone from before Nice , he under pretence that they might return when he should be gone , left a Garison in the Town with the Kings Colours , which seemed rather to have possest themselves thereof , then to have freed it . The Governour of Millain's self , after having mustred the Army , to the end that all things might be fully understood by him , and by the King , instead of forcing the Duke of Savoy to obey the Kings orders , began to abhor Nevers his French men , nor would he suffer the Tuscan succours to pass into the State of Millain ; and turning to the Mantuan Officers , told them it stood not with the Kings honour , that their Prince should make use of other assistance then his . The Duke of Mantua thought it somewhat sore , to bereave himself of their aid who were so readily come from so far of to assist him , and to put himself absolutely into their hands which before he had so much distrusted : especially since thereby he might have highly offended the Queen of France , and have alienated that Nation from him , a strong curb ( as all men thought ) to the avarice of the Spanish Ministers , and to the small inclination which they had to him . But since it becomes a man sometimes , in urgent , and great extremities , to submit to anothers discretion . Duke Ferdinando finding the French promises and aid to be far off , and uncertain ; that the Pope was free of nothing but good will ; that he could make but little use of the Tuscan succour without the Governours good will , who by denying them passage did not only make them of no uses to him upon the present occasion , but a continual excessive charge ; that the Venetian aid were but weak , and that they were not only , as the Tuscans , to depend upon the Governours good will , but uncertain , and not very safe . For the fear being once removed , that the Spaniards should possess themselves of Montferrat , it made for the interest of that Common-wealth , that the Duke of Savoy should make himself master thereof ; to the end that by weakning a neighbouring Prince , a Potentate might be raised in Lombardy , of almost equal Forces to the State of Millain ; whom by reason of the far distance of their Confines , he had not only no reason not to fear , but might be confident , he might by powerful diversions be a security to him , if at any time he should be assaulted , or troubled by the Spanish Forces . On the contrary , he saw that the Spaniards , ( of whom he was assured by the Queen of France ) were interested in this present Insurrection , for ends contrary to those of the Venetians . Having therefore cast up all things , he knew that he , and his affairs were so far ingaged , as he must of necessity satisfie those in whose power it lay either speedily to suppress him , or to raise him up : wherefore he resolved at the last , much to the dissatisfaction of the Duke of Nevers , to adhere unto them . Which resolution , though it was not well approved of by the Italian Princes , who thought it contrary to the safety of his Affairs ; yet it proved afterwards , by the event , good . For the Governour not being able any longer to delay the execution of the Kings Commission , and fearing the coming of the French , which was much more spoken of by all men then was true ; and moreover being desirous to satisfie all the world ; and so many Princes as had conceived ill impressions of him , he compel'd the Duke of Savoy to make restitution , without any further delay . On the other behalf , the Duke of Savoy , fearing to be taken between the Armies of France , which he understood were stirring upon the Confines , and the Governours Forces , which were ready to compel him ; and having resolved by obedience to overcome the King and Court of Spain , presupposing that this his so great and ready liberality would be recompensed by as great a ●…avour , he at last gave way to the Kings will ▪ whereunto nothing did so much induce him ( as by way of comp●…t he afterwards protested ) as the Governours word given unto him in the Kings name , that his Grandchild should within a few days be 〈◊〉 unto him : that he would obtain pardon for the Rebells , and recompence for the losses and expences of the War : and that finally , his pretences to Montferrat should be decided within a short time . And because the Duke , for his honour sake , hated to deliver over what he had taken , directly into the hands of his adversary , the business was thus carried ; that he should deliver it all into the hands of the Princes of Castiglion●… and Ascoll , as State-Ministers , the one of them of the Emperour , and the other of the King of Spain , to be disposed o●… to him that had most right thereunto : that the said Princes should then immediately assign them over to the Duke of Mantua , as to him to whom by the Laws they ought to be restored , he having been bere●… thereof . Thus did neither the Duke of Savoy prejudice his own interest , by referring his cause to Justice , nor the Duke of Mantua , who was suddenly repossest of what was his , suffer any damage or delay , and the Kings Ordinances were obey'd , being alter'd only in appearance , not in substance . The aforesaid Princes went each with an equall portion of men to Trino , where the Gate was thrown open unto them ; by which , whilst they and their people entred , the Dukes Garison went out by another Gate ; after whom , the Kings men went out at the same Gate ; who being but then entred , and making no abode there , left the Town in free possession to Prince Vicenzo , who was entred with those of Mantua , immediately after the Kings men ▪ The like was done three days after by Alba , and Montcalvo , and the other Towns of Montferrat , and the Spanish Garison was likewise taken out of Nice ; as also the Siege from before San Damiano , which held still for Duke Ferdinando . Who within three moneths after the first assault was meerly by the Kings Authority , almost without unsheathing a sword , intirely put into possession of that State , which he had almost totally lost . The Italians were not a little pleased at this restitution , wherein the King shew'd such celerity and constancy ; and as it is usual with men , when they find themselves freed from what they had long feared , to run headlong into the contrary affection ; so these being long possest with jealousies and fears , it cannot be exprest how much they admired the Kings goodness , and magnanimity . Who preferring the justice and honesty of the Cause before all other respects , would not yield that the assaulted Prince should be injured . And it appearing to every one , that he had shewed himself in this action rather to win the good will of those who are possest of States , then injuriously to become master of the States which they possess , it was evidently seen and witnessed , that his intention was not to thirst after other mens possessions , as the more powerful Princes often doe ; but rather that he did abhorre the unjustly possessing himself thereof , and the Tyrannous oppression of petty Princes . Jealousies being therefore turn'd into much confidence , all men rejoyced to see examples of moderation in so great a King , which are so rare and singular in these times . These unexpected successes made it be generally believed that the Duke of Savoy , being abandoned by all , would have totally given over the begun enterprize . But affections deeply rooted in mens minds are hardly pluckt out . He thought that his so much readiness , and reverence , his so great , and rare example of observancy and devotion to the King ; ( whereby he had much confirmed the Authority and reputation of that Crown both in Italy , and elsewhere ) might make him deserve to be protected by his Majesty , at least for the advantage of his pretentions : which ( as he said ) he was promised by the Governour , should soon be composed in a friendly manner . Nor did he confide a little in his Sons intercession , a Prince of much expectation , well beloved by the King , and by that Nation , which as much as the Disputes between his Father and his Uncle would permit him , he seemed to be very ambitious of : and to whom , to boot with his neer relation in blood to the King , the expectation of his paternal inheritance might purchase much favour ; which being by succession to fall upon him , he could not believe that that Court would let slip so opportune an occasion of making the young Prince always well-affected to that Crown . Moreover , having been in outward appearance very severely dealt with , he thought that the King , tempering his past rigour , would favour him the more in future essentialities . Wherefore the Duke , in hope of some good success by his Sons Negotiation , withdrew his Forces to within his own Confines , and was quiet and peaceful ; and seeming to confide much in the King , profest to depend totally upon his Majesty , as the sole protectour of this business . In this interim , the war in Lombardy , which seemed either to be wholly at an end , or suspended by a tacit Truce , broke on t in great fervency between the Duke of Modena , and Common-wealth of Lucca in Garfagnana , : which War , the less considerable the smalness of the affair was ( which was but about a few handful of Confines ) of more moment did the fervor and great preparations , wherewith it appeared to be made , make men think it to be of some moment : as also the many Nobles which flock'd thither from both sides ; for the Princes , Alphonso and Luigi , the Dukes first and second Sons , had militated therein : It was occasioned at first by some Reprisals of Oxen and flocks of Sheep ; from whence they came to Confiscations and Banishment , and at last to Arms : For the Lucchesi out of apprehension of the great assistance which was sent from Tuscany to Mantua , having assembled together almost the whole Militia of their State , which amounted to 16000 fighting men for the desence of their Country ; the danger and fear of their affairs ceasing , bethought themselves to make use of them by insesting other mens Territories ; they sent the Mass of their men to prejudice the Duke of Modenas Country , which they burnt , and rigorously destroyed at unawares , meeting with no resistance ; for the Inhabitants being busie in husbanding their Farms , as in secure peace , were dispers'd abroad in the Country : And not herewithal contented , they took some small open Towns belonging to the jurisdiction of the said Duke : Then making Mount Perpoli the Seat of War , they fortified it in all convenient places , and quartered above 10000 fighting men there . The Duke of Modena being no less scandalized that his Country should be burnt and destroy'd by the Lucchesi , sent as many men as he could raise in his own Country , which ●…amounted to as many as the enemy were , under the Command of Count Hipolito Bentivoglio ; at the sight whereof the Lucchesi , who before ran over the Country , and laid it waste , betook themselves to the fortified places : Wherefore the Modenesi having erected other Bulwarks , and munited other Passes , they also fortified their Towns of most importance ; particularly Castelnuovo , the Metropolis , and residence of the Governour of Grafagnana under the Duke ; and Mulessana , a place not far from Castelnuovo ; in which places , lying near Mount Perpoli , Prince Alphonso kept with 100 Horse and 1000 Foot , to face and suppress the Lucchesi that were fortified in the Mountains . Divers skirmishes past this mean while , both here and in other parts thereabouts , with various fortune ; wherein there happened nothing remarkable , save the great obstinacy and fervency where with they fought on both sides : For the Lucchesi , pretending to be several ways injured by the frequent molestations which they received from the Modenesi upon their Confines , thought to provide so by war , as that the Dukes men should for the future keep themselves within their own Precincts : And the Dukes men holding themselves to be no less injured then did the Lucchesi , who had entered their Dukes Confines in hostile manner for sleight occasions , which , as they said , might have been decided by the Civil Law , were mightily incensed , and desired by all means to shew how much they resented the injuries done them ; but the Mountainous Country , which would not suffer them to draw out their men , and make trial of their Forces , hindred their desire of revenge : And the Lucchesi , contented with the resentment they had made , kept , for the most part , in their strong holds , and fortified Towns , not coming out but upon advantagious terms , nor affording the enemy much occasion to prejudice them : True it is , that 400 Lucchesi having at the sight of Prince Luigi abandoned a certain Station , whereby the Modenesi might freely march to before Gallicano , they were so bold as to make that attempt ; especially since that Enterprise made much for the final end of the War : For Gallicano is a large Town , and of great importance ; not only as being the Magazine of Victuals and Ammunition for the war , but for that if it should be gotten , the Lucchesi would be as it were besieged in Monte Perpoli , and almost in the power of the Enemy , as not being to be succour'd . There was a strong Garison in Gallicano ; which , by reason of the loss of the abandoned Station , was forthwith reinforced ; so as coming forth against the Prince , who drew near it , they fought a while without any advantage on either side ; but 400 Foot coming in to assist the Lucchesi , the Modenesi were forced to give way , till such time as being succoured by more men , they forc'd the Lucchesi back into Gallicano ; and making themselves masters that very night of a Fort called il Pian de Termini , which served as a Cavaliere to the place , they did not only keep the Defendants from coming upon the walls , and going through the Streets , but hindered also the carrying of Victuals from thence to Monte Perpoli : wherefore to free themselves from this inconvenience , the Lucchesi built another Fort in a higher place then that which was taken by the Prince ; from whence the Modenesi being infested , the Prince resolved to beat them from it : He went thither early in the morning with good store of men , amongst which were many of the Nobility , and began to give a hot assault , which being sustained with no less servor , the fight continued four hours ; the eminency of the situation , which was secured by Trenches and Rampiers , making for the advantage of the Lucchesi , from whence they much indamaged the Assailants by Musquet sho●… who not being able to resist any longer , they began to run ; not were their Commanders , and many Gentlemen , who with their Swords in hand would have staid them , nor the danger nor example of their Prince , who fighting valiantly amongst the●… foremost incouraged them to persevere in the Enterprise , able to stop them . Many of the Modenesi fell in this assault , amongst which some Personages of esteem , by what was argued by the spoils which were taken from their dead bodies by the Lucchesi ; but this ostentation lasted but a while ; for this loss was soon recompensed by the taking of Monte Fegatese , a great Town of the Lucchesi's , which was burn'd and put to fire and Sword by the Dukes men ; who , the Garison runing away , entered the Town , and there got good store of booty , especially of Cattel , which were brought thither by their owners , for greater safety : Then the Modenesi , seeing how little amends they had made for the loss which they received at the beginning of the war ; and how h●…rd it was to wage war with men who were fortified in high places , they fell upon the Country , which they laid waste , barking the Trees , and cutting down the Vineyards ; in imitation whereof the Lucchesi , w●…o after the first commotion had foreborn ransacking , did yet worse , leaving nothing unruined which had escaped their first fury . The Prince leaving men enough in Pian de Termini , from the Enterprise of Gallicano , which appeared every day to grow more difficult , went with the rest of his men to take in Castiglione , a great Town , and the chief in those parts ; whither it was hard to bring relief , because it was invironed by the Dukes Forces . This place was from the beginning furnish'd with a great Garison ; and hearing that the Modenesi came afterwards down from the Alpes , Cavalier Casare Boconvisi was sent from Lucca with 200 select Foot , beside ; many Citizens , who of their own accord went along with them ; so as these being joined to the test , made up the number of 1200 Souldiers , besides the Townsmen , who were of able bodies , and ready to defend themselves : wherefore the Modenesi carried the greatest force of war against this place ; and began to play upon the Castle gate with thirteen pieces of Cannon , which within a few days they threw down , together with a Tower , and a great part of the wall , and had made the way ready for an assault : But having behind them some of the Lucchesi's Sconces fortified , they 〈◊〉 going on for fear of being annoy'd from thence ; they therefore continued to batter the Houses from the nearest and most convenient places , not without much danger and prejudice to the Defendants ; who though they were not safe neither in their houses , nor in the streets , yet were they not wanting to shelter themselves the best they could with Trenches and Plat-forms , raised in fitting places , and with deep Ditches dug behind the Rampiers . This mean time Treaties of Agreement were not omitted , which were from the beginning of the war mediated by the Governour of Millain , at the request of the Lucchesi ; who having to this purpose sent Count Baldassar Biglia to Modena , and Scaramucchia Visconte to Lucca , could not as yet effect it : But considering afterwards how much the loss of Castiglione would redound to the dishonour of his King , who had taken upon him the protection of that Commonwealth , he ordered Count Biglia to go into the Town , to set up the Kings Standard , and to say that he kept the Town in the Kings name ; which being suddenly done , the Battery ceased , and afterwards all other offences , by the intercession of the Governour ; so as the treaty of agreement being re-assumed , it was at last concluded upon these conditions . That the Confines should remain bounded as they had formerly been , upon the same occasion , by Count Fuentes ; and that the place of this new difference not being comprehended , it should be left to be agreed upon by some deputed to the same purpose : That the Lucchesi should quit all the Towns and places which they had taken in Modena , and should demolish whatsoever they had erected upon their own grounds ; that the Duke of Modena should do the like ; who giving his word that he would not molest the Lucchesi , who were the first that should disarm , he should likewise disarm afterwards , and dismiss all his men : That the Commonwealth of Lucca should keep no more then their usual Garrisons within their walled Towns , and a Gentleman which the Governour would send thither to keep them in the Kings name , who was to restore them to the Signiorie , when all had laid down Arms. The affairs of Garafagnana , wherein the whole summer had been spent , being thus composed , those of Montferrat grew to be troubled again , and to decline from the good way they were in . The Duke of Savoy kept still in Arms , and as it were ready to fall upon Montferrat again , hoping by his Forces to make his adversary more plyable to his pretensions : The Duke of Mantua was therefore forced to keep many strong Garrisons in Casalle , and in other places of most concernment . Commerce was not only wholly interdicted between those of Montferrat and Piedmont , but private men proceeded to continual reprisals , and the Magistrates to the confiscation of such goods as those of the contrary party possest in their Territories . The Governour was not permitted to disarm , whilest the occasions lasted which forced him to take up Arms : Montferrat was therefore in continual motion and suspension , being neither in perfect peace , nor open war ; and because this redounded to the great trouble and charge of the Millaneses , and to the prejudice of the Kings honour , who had openly profest to protect Montferrat , many counsell'd the Governour to send the Army into Piedmont , and to keep it there till such time as the Duke , to free himself from the trouble of quartering , should resolve to dismiss his Forreign Forces . The Governour seemed at first willing to follow this advice ; and to this purpose sent first Don Sanchio di Luna , Keeper of the Cittadel of Millain , and then Don Franceso Padiglia General of the Artillery into Piedmont , to demand Quarter of the Duke for the Kings Army , who bringing back answer in general terms , and words relishing more of civility and ceremony , then of substance , or positive , by which it was conceived the Duke was inclin'd to the contrary ; the Governour , dismissing the Swissers , and sending the Spanish Horse and Foot to their usual Quarters , by a sudden and contrary resolution , sent Prince Ascoli with the rest of the Souldiery to quarter in Montferrat . Who chusing Villanova for his quarters , within four miles of Casalle , distributed his men in several parts of that State ; where he kept them all the next Winter , to the excessive damage of those people , exhausted already by their former sufferings , and by the late War. This new , and unexpected resolution of the Governours , renewed the first jealousies : and the Italians conceiving that the King did not proceed so sincerely as they imagined , began to suspect him more then before ▪ and therefore mistrusting the Spaniards , they began to fear that the restitution of the Towns in Montferrat was but a counterfeit shew , to lull them asleep , and to keep the French Forces from falling furiously into Italy . All men did firmly believe , that the Spaniards detaining their ancient grudge against the Duke of Mantua , and keeping secret intelligence with Piedmont , did suffer them to keep armed , that so they might have occasion to oppress that State , under the honourable title of protecting it , or atleast , to the end that the Duke of Mantua , wearied out with length of negotiation , and Court irresolutions , consumed by so long quartering , and agitated by continual fear of their Enemies , and of their Protectors Forces , might be brought to desperate conditions ; and so they might make themselves masters of that State , without any noise , without fighting , and without disturbing the peace of Italy . These diffidences were increased by the new , and strange comportments of the Kings Officers , and Spanish Commanders in Montferrat , who believing perhaps that their Kings intention was such , did confirm the general opinion with undoubted speeches ; and as if they were to change condition of Government , they sollicited the Montferrians , who were weary of so many troubles , to desire the Spanish Government that they might be rid of their vexations . And adding actions to their words , they suffer'd their Souldiers to be licentious , arrogating much authority to themselves , to the diminution of that Duke , whose Officers , as being unarmed , were fain to wink at divers things , to avoid greater mischief ; wherefore they became of less esteem amongst the Kings Souldiers and Commanders , who now seemed to be chief masters . All men were likewise scandalized at the daily coming of munition for War from Millain to Piedmont ; and which was yet worse , that Prince Ascold should give them safe conduct thorow Montferrat ; he , and the Governour defending their doing so , partly under pretence of friendship between the King and Duke , which was not as yet broken ; partly esteeming any provision the Duke could make against what the King ordained touching the affairs of Montferrat , ridiculous ; as if it were impossible the Duke should ever dare to gainsay it . But mens minds were chiefly troubled at the coming of Don Alphonso Piemontello , General of the Horse in the State of Millain , to Mantua , to demand the young Princess in the Kings name . With him went not only the chief Officers , and Commanders in War , to frighten that Prince , and to make him part the more easily with his Niece ; but as if the business were already taken for granted , and that they went rather to receive then to demand the young Lady , many Coaches were sent along with Pie●…ntello , to bring her and her train to Millain , no man doubted but that this action of the Kings was a strong argument that he was rather minded to alter , then to compose the present Affairs ; For that child was then thought the chiefest means to work novelty . And besides , that the demanding of her when Montferrat was incumber'd with the Spanish Army was a demand which argued violence , and seemed therefore contrary to that good inclination which the King had always profest ; so much solemnity , and such preparations , made the Embassie seem rather a protestation , or tacite threatning in case of deniall , then a simple Negotiation . When Pimontello came to Mantua , he found the young child sick ; and the Duke not being able to expose her to that journey without evident danger , he made use thereof to deny the sending of her , and not so only , but he also fenced himself by the Emperours Rescript ; whereby he was prohibited to deliver her up to any one ; and yet seeming in general words to be ready to pleasure the King , he added that in the interim he would send into Spain to treat of this Affair ; such a business was not of so easie disgestion , or so soon to be granted ; it being opposed in that Court by the Duke of Savoy's great importunity , accompanied with the fresh remembrance of his ready restoring the Towns he had taken ; by the intreaty , and pretentions of the Dowager Mother , Nephew to the King ; by the presence of Prince Victorio ; and by the Kings word past to the Duke , by the Governour of Millain . The Duke of Mantua being therefore to make use of some one who might be more then usually wise and industrious to handle a business of such importancy , he trusted the managing thereof to Monsigneur Scipio Pasquale di Cosenza a Prelate much esteemed and favoured by him . Who being sent extraordinary Embassadour to the King , acquainted him and his State-ministers with the merits of the Dukes cause : desiring that it might not only be taken notice of by his Majesty , as by a just Prince , by the way of the known Law of equity ; but that it might be protected , defended , and favoured by him , as by a Protector . He added , that to deposite the young Lady , especially after the Duke of Savoy had taken up Arms , would be an acknowledgement that that Commotion had been just and lawful ; as also all the other violences and hostilities committed against Montferrat : which besides that it did repugne his Majesties most holy deliberations , and just Demonstrations ; the Duke of Mantua could not with honour adhere thereunto ; since it would always appear unto the world , that he had condescended thereunto , contrary to all Reason , for fear of being again assaulted . He then shewed what the Dukes intentions were ; he did not conceal what the inconveniences were which might be the result thereof ; he made it be known how much men were scandalized , how much Caesars Decrees , and the very Laws of Nature were contradicted , if that young Lady should by his Majesties command be forced to go out of her paternal Country where she was born , out of the Dominions where she was nourisht , and separated from their sight and company who were so neer allied to her in blood . He wisht it might be considered , how much it would redoun'd to his Dukes dis-reputation , if his Majesty persisting in his demand should make the world see how little he did confide in his faith and integrity ; that it was impossible that he who had been so ready and so zealous in protecting his Dukes Dominions , would now so highly injure him in his honour . These , and other Reasons alledged by the Embassadour were much seconded by the Queen of France , her pretentions : who sollicited from Mantua , made a third in this Affair ; desiring that the young Lady's education might be allotted to her , as to one neerer of kin to her then the King was , in case the Duke of Mantua should not be trusted with her . Whereupon the King , were it either that he approved of the Reasons alledged , or to avoid giving dissatisfaction to the Queen , dissisted further pursuing his demand . Many will have it that the King required this at first , more out of his own genius , and tender affection to his Nephews the Princes of Savoy , then by any advice of his Counsellours , or out of any sinister intention to the Duke of Mantua , and that it not being intrinsecally approved of by any one , no not by the Duke of Lerma , from whom he was seldom wont to differ in opinion , it had not its just perfection ; it being known , that at the same time when Pimentello was sent to Mantua , the answer which that Duke was to make was suggested to him by the Governour of Millain , and the manner which he was to observe upon this occurrency , to the end that he might retain his Nephew . And doubtlesly , the Governour did this by order from the Spanish Ministers of State , who were desirous to moderate the Kings desires by delays . Many were much troubled to think what the truth of this might be , the business being spun out at length , and what the issue thereof would be , not being known . During these doubtful proceedings , the Duke of Mantua fell sick ; and there being but little hopes of his recovery , it was feared by the Italians , that his unseasonable death in these turbulent times might hasten the Spaniards secret designs ; for he not having any issue , and his brother not being likely to have any , his Dominions would fall upon the Duke of Nevers , the next of kin to the house of Gonsaga ; who being born in France , was , for his great adherences , and many possessions which he had there , esteemed to be more French , then Italian . Nor was there any that did doubt , but that the Spaniards would rather suffer any other condition , then that a French-man should possess so great a State in Italy . Wherefore all mens minds were possest with fear and confusion , foreseeing what troubles , and revolutions would insue upon the Dukes death : which seemed to be confirmed by bad Auguries , and prodigies . For in the same year of 1613 , on the 11 of October , there arose a terrible tempest at Sea , the like to which was never seen , which beginning at Provence , and running along with much terrour , to the uttermost parts of the Kingdom of Naples , did so agitate the Ligustick and Tuscan seas , as entring even into the Havens , which were otherwise very safe , it sunke almost all the ships therein , to the great prejudice of the Merchants , and to the terrour of all lookers on ; the same tempest penetrated into Lombardy , where it threw down houses , rent up trees by the roots , and did such mischief as had never been before , so as many ( as it of●…en falls out when men are astonished with amazement ) beg●…n to hold these accidents prodigious , as so many signs wherewith the heavens did threaten much greater calamity to come ; to these Prodigies were added the troubles of France , which having been quiet till then under the Queens regency , was not a little disturbed . For the Princes of the Kingdom were not able to suffer that Concino Concini , and his wife , both of them being Florentines , and the Queens great favourites , should be prefer'd before them in Authority , and in the conduct of publick Affairs . They were likewise much troubled at the Kings Marriage with the Infanta of Spain , fearing lest such an union might tend to the diminution of that Authority which they by all means indeavoured to arrogate unto themselves in that Kingdom . And the opposition of France being held to be a great curb to the Spanish Forces in Italy , therefore that Nation being divided within it self , and troubled with civil Wars , Italy remained at the Spaniards discretion ; whose ends and designs not being to be withstood by any other Forces , there was no means left of keeping their King from attempting any whatsoever novelty , whereby to increase their Kings Empire to the universal prejudice . The Duke of Mantua's self , whose loss was then chiefliest concerned , seemed more to abandon his own cause then any other ▪ for not being content to have incens'd France against him , and distasted the Princes of Italy , by his usage of the Duke of Nevers French ; he seemed to throw himself too much into the King of Spain's hands , and to depend to much upon the Spanish State-Ministers . And this course not being commonly approved of then , though it proved to be very good afterwards , he seemed little to mind the eminent danger of his own Affairs . The more for that conferring the Bishoprick of Casalle upon Monsigneur Pasquale , a natural Subject of the Kings , he had also made Don Alphonso d' Avalos Governour over all Montferrat , who though he was an Italian born , and a kinne to him , yet being originally come from Spain , and prosessing to be more a Spaniard then an Italian , being also held to be such a one by the King and his State-Ministers ; the Duke seemed to have but poorly provided for the so turbulent condition of his Affairs , by these two Elections , at which the Queen and State of Venice were much the more incens'd : who publickly seeming to favour the Duke desired to curb the Forces and power of his Protector as much as they could ; and yet the Queen being careful of her Niece : Affairs , she sent the Marquess di Coure into Italy , a Lord of much authority and reputation , and one who had with much grandezza discharged the office of several chief Embassies . She sent him with title of Embassadour in extraordinary for the Occurences of Italy ; to the end that treating as well with the two Dukes , as with the Governour of Millain , and Commonwealth of Venice , he might compose Affairs in a peaceable manner . But when he came to Piedmont , he could not see the Duke ; who not desirous to treat with any in this business , but the King , and Court of Spain , from whence he expected much favour , he went a little before the Embassadour came thither , to Nice in Provence , to quiet some commotions which were raised in those parts . So as the Embassadour passing to Millain , and then to Mantua , and from thence to Venice , kept in Italy till the beginning of the next year , which was 1614. This year produced , at last , effects which shewed the good intention of the King : and did once more free the Italians of the fears which they had conceived by the last years successes . For the King having on one side often comforted the Duke of Savoy , and on the other side , press'd much upon the Duke of Mantua , not without some sharpnesse , to the end that each of them willingly laying aside somewhat of rigour , they might come to agreement : and finding much backwardness in both these Princes , at last , that he might not be failing to his protection of Mantua , he resolved to declare himself so , as no man should have occasion afterwards to doubt his will , nor to be troubled at the uncertainty of his inclination . He dispatcht away Prince Victorio , to whom he made the instrument be given , which contained his final resolution . Which not being conformable , but rather totally repugnant to his , and to his Fathers mind , the Prince refused to accept : so as being offended with the Court , and as angry as he durst be with the King , he went by Sea into Italy . The Instrument ordained that the Duke of Savoy should totally lay down Arms , that he should give it under his hand , that he would innovate nothing to the prejudice of the Duke of Mantua 's Dominions ; that he should remit all his pretences to Montferrat , to the Emperour , as to the Supream Iudge : that he should marry his daughter to the Duke of Mantua , and that upon this marriage all Rebels should be pardoned ; and there should be no more discourse of any damage that had been done by the late War. To this was added , that if the Duke should refuse to consent to the aforesaid things , the King would be necessitated to imploy the Forces of his Kingdom in the protection of Montferrat , and to obviate the troubles which might insue in Italy . The Duke of Savoy was highly offended at this , seeing himself not only wholly fallen from the high hopes which he had conceived , and hoped to obtain from that Court by his Sons means , of getting part of Montferrat ; but also from that reputation which he had thought to have won , by being so neerly allied unto the King ; whilst instead of being maintain'd by his Majesty of Spain , in a business of such concernment , he was dealt with all as rigourously , as if he had been a stranger , without any regard had to his honour , or to tde Kings word , which ( as he said ) was plighted to him . Nor was he less distasted to see himself excluded from his pretentions in the young Lady ; wherein thinking that the justification of his commotion did consist in being the original cause thereof , he was no less grieved thereat in point of honour , then in point of interest , seeing the ends mar'd whereunto he aspired , peradventure by the Maidens means . And as Pimentello's journey to Mantua had put him in hopes of obtaining her , so failing therein , he thought himself scorn'd and deluded , and led on with vain hopes , which he did not a little rescent ; the great obsequiousness which he had shewed to the Kings Authority by his being so ready to restore , and witnessed so many other several ways , did imbitter his resentments ; as also the severity used to his two Sons at Court ; the one whereof ( as hath been said ) was to his so much mortification detained for above a moneth in Montferrat ; and the other , which was Prince Philiberto , Lord high Admiral at Sea , and who usually resided with the King , being without any occasion sent at the same time that his brother came to Court , to reside , and consequently almost confined , at Porto St. Maria , the very utmost Precincts of Spain ; to the end that ( as the Duke complained afterwards ) he might fall sick in that ill air ; and that being deprived of the contentment of seeing his brother , he might not then joyn in the treaty of the common affairs . All which things as he had already past over which much patience , hoping to be at last dealt with the more advantagiously ; so seeing the same method to be held till the last , he could the worse disgest it . And therefore joyning these , and many other severe passages together , he could not indure that the world should know how little esteem was had of him , and how little both he and his Sons could promise themselves , from their alliance with the King. Being thus much disturbed , he , together with his Son , who was come from Spain to Niece , went to Turin : Where speaking with the Embassadour Coure , who was upon his return for France , it was believed , that b●…g scandalized with the King of Spain , he would have made any agreement with the Duke of Mantua by the French Embassadours means , only that the King of France might have the honour thereof , and not the King of Spain ; and that to that purpose the Popes Nuntio should go from Turin to Mantua ; by which means the settlement would soon have been had ; had not the Governour of Millain , foreseeing how dishonourable it would have been to the King of Spain that the differences between the Italian Princes should be adjusted by other means then his , very seasonably opposed it , and wrought so that the Duke of Mantua should not accept of any of the proposed Treaties . And the same instrument being sent from Spain to the Governour , which the Prince had refused , he ( being ordered to do so by the King ) sent it to the Duke of Savoy , to the end that he might assent thereunto : The Duke answered , That for his part he was ready to disarm , if the King would do so to ; he demanded that the terms and manner of this Action should be punctually agreed upon : He made some difficulty in passing his word that he would not injure Montferrat ; saying , That since he had foregone all his Holds in that State only to satisfie the King , all men might be sure , that out of the same respect he would not molest it any more . He did not consent to remit the differences to be decided by Cesar , out of diffidence perhaps of him ; but said , notwithstanding he would refer it to such friends of both sides , who being chosen by the Emperour , might decide it : Lastly , He complained that the King should compel him to marry his Daughter contrary to her own will ; but refused not to do it when the common differences should be decided . This last Point was moderated by the King , who explained himself that he had propounded the Marriage as a thing which might be acceptable to them both , and good for the common quiet , and their reciprocal friendship ; but not that they should be forc'd thereunto contrary to their inclinations : In all the rest he persisted , and particularly in the first , of disarming ; wherein abhorring all conditions or reciprocalness , the Kings pleasure was , That if not as Superiour to the Duke in Empire , yet as incomparably greater in power and extent of Dominion , which made him profess himself to be Arbitrator of Italy , and the Moderator of differences between her Princes , he should absolutely lay down Arms : And yet , that if the difference of Montferrat should be accorded , all the rest might likewise cease ; the Governour , not having Force enough at his command to compel the Duke to disarm , according to the Kings appointment ; he tryed a new form of composure between the two Dukes ; each of which having at his desire sent three Deputies to Millain , to find out some means of adjusting differences ; divers proposals were made , but all of them so discrepant , and so far differing from their opinions , as after many days the business of that confer●…nce was found to prove vain ; and at this time Forces being come to the 〈◊〉 of Millain from Naples , Germany , and from the Switzers ; and the same directions coming again from Spain , that the Decree should be put in execution , as much at least as concerned the three first Articles ; the Deputies of Savoy were given to understand , that the business not being to be spun out any longer , it was in vain to pursue that begun Negotiation , and that therefore the Kings Decree must , without any delay , be executed . The Duke thought himself too imperiously dealt with ; and not willing to give way thereunto , either in respect of his own honour , or out of anger to the King , to shew himself any whit more obsequious then at first , he betook himself to make yet further provision for war ; and being desirous to take the honourable pretence of protecting Montferrat from the Spaniards , as also to appease the French , and reconcile the Italians , he published an Order , wherein allowing Commerce between his Subjects and those of Montferrat , he commanded that none should injure them in their goods nor persons . Montferrat remained therefore for the space of fourteen Moneths after the first assault , free from troubles of War , wherewith she had been so much molested ; and from the inconveniency of Quartering , wherewith she had been much afflicted . The End of the second Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . BOOK III. The Contents . THe Duke of Savoy is angry that the King should force him to lay down Arms , and to Disband his men ; which refusing to do , he is assaulted by a Spanish Army , led on by the Duke of Millain ; who being entered by the Vercellese into the Confines of Piedmont , and understanding that the Duke was gone to before Novara , returns immediately to the State of Millain to drive him from thence : Being returned , he begins to build the Fort Scandovalle , not far from Vercelles . The Duke retreating to Vercelles , desires succour from the French , Venetians , and other Princes ; many whereof Treat of agreement by their Embassadours sent into Piedmont : The war continues the mean while with the Duke ; in pursuit whereof many accidents happening , they come at last to a day of Battel near the City : Wherein the Spanish Army being Victors , it goes before that City whither the Duke was with-drawn with his men ; about which the Governour having imployed much time to little purpose ; At last peace is concluded by the means of Princes Ministers . THe Wars of Piedmont succeed those of Montferrat , wherein the Duke of Savoy sees those Forces turned against him , which he formerly hoped to have been assisted by against Montferrat : Wherein the Kings good intention contests against the Dukes anger ; the latter being occasioned through hatred and ill will , which the Duke desired to vent against the Spanish State Ministers , and which he had conceived upon several occasions ; and the other through a singular example to Puissant Princes , in shewing them how much they are bound to defend and maintain those whom they have taken into their protection . The present war proceeded from the precedent , as it is often seen in humane bodies , that one malady draws on another : The Kings Title was the protection of Montferrat , and together with the peace of Italy , the quiet and safety of the States which he therein possesseth : The Dukes pretence , the exempting Kingly Command , the preservation of the Independency and Sovereignty of Principality , and his necessary defence against the Spanish Forces ; upon which he indeavoured to lay all that odium which he found to lye commonly upon himself , as being the first Author of the troubles , accusing the Spaniards of ambition and covetousness to possess his State. Indeed none of right judgements could believe that the King , who h●…d but a little before shewed himself to be so magnanimous and sincere a Protector of the Duke of Mantua ; which Duke had formerly , upon all occasions , shewed himself to be no very good friend to him , should now , without any just Title or apparent colour , become a violent usurper of another mans States , to whom he was streightly allied by Kindred ; especially in a time when the others great observancy of the King , and confidence in him , so notably witnessed to the world , was sufficient not only to cancel the memory of all past offences ; but to make him merit the favour and particular protection of that Crown ; according as the Duke himself had so abundantly professed before : And yet though the King was in all mens opinions no ways liable to any such suspicion ; yet there were those who discoursed variously upon the Kings Command given to the Duke , according as men are variously inclined in their judgments . No man thought it lawful for a Prince , how much Superiour soever in State or Forces , to command another , who was no subject of his , to disarm , or to prohibit him doing what he thought best in his own Dukedom : That otherwise the Dominions and Supream power of Princes would be confounded , if under this or that pretence , how just or reasonable soever it may appear , such authority should be granted more to one then to another : That the Kings of Spain had , when they lifted , sent great Armies into Italy , not without great jealousie to the Italian Princes , who were unequal to them for Forces or Dominion : Therefore that was not to be blamed in others , which they had so often permitted unto themselves , especially since the Duke of Savoy's Forces were neither such , nor so great , as to give just occasion of jealousie either to the King , or to any Italian Potentate : And that he having already , to please the King , readily restored all that he had taken , it was to be imagined that he would innovate nothing in the future , as he had already openly declared he would not do : And that if either the quiet or security of his own Dominions , or his Clients ( as the King alledged ) should oblige him so to do , it would be sufficient in such a case , to be ready armed for what occasion soever should happen ; But that it was not lawful to invade anothers Territories by way of anticipation , out of vain suspicions : That this pretence , and this Command was not only without reason , but new , and without example ; it not having ever been heard or read of that the like had been done amongst free Princes , exempt from any subjection . On the other side , the protection of Montferrat was pleaded , which could not be perfectly made good whilst it was not defended , as well against the future eminent danger , as from the present injury and prejudice : That it is a no less trouble to oppress a State with forces , then to ruine it with perpetual fear of neighbouring Arms : That therefore the Title of War was no less just and honest which was made out of probable fear of being offended , then to remove injuries received , or to revenge them : That the Duke had given just occasion of suspicion some years before ; that he would have indeavoured to disturb Italy with his own and forreign Arms ; and that the King after reconciliation had accused him for being still in Arms , contrary to Article ; That hence he had the convenience to fall upon Montferrat : That things continuing in the same posture , and the Duke keeping himself armed without any probable occasion , and holding still Intelligence with the French , his ends and intentions were much the more to be suspected ; and that by what appeared , he was but ill satisfied with the King for his no ways pleasing resolves upon the present occasion : So as he could not consent thereunto without great danger of more novelties ; That it was lawful for any one to do what he listed at home , wherein none could justly hinder him ; but that notwithstanding all men should so live and govern themselves , as that their neighbours might quietly maintain what was theirs without any cause of jealousie : That the King had temporized long before he proceeded to any such Command , using gentle and respectful terms towards the Duke ; whereat the very Princes of Italy , who grew jealous of the Kings patience , appeared to be openly grieved : And that though the King had often taken up Arms , yet never without necessary and evident occasion ; which ceasing , he had forthwith laid them down , without injury to any one , and without invading one foot of ground belonging to any neighbouring Prince : That the Duke ought to have imitated the King in this example rather then in the former ; since without any war made against him , he had of himself taken up Arms : And therefore as the passing a mans word not to offend is accepted , where there is necessity of keeping armed ; so it is of no weight where that consideration ceasing , it is necessary to come to execution ; which any man may indeavour to do by Arms , when no other means hath proved profitable ; for to keep still in Arms upon the Confines , is a thing too prejudicial to the Prince and people , full of suspicion , and moreover subject to the like dangers and inconveniencies which are sought to be prevented by keeping in Arms : But the Dukes offer to disarm jointly with the Governour , as it answered the major part of the opposite reasons , so did it draw the present question to a nearer point ; for the same respects of publick peace , reciprocal security , and satisfaction , being in such a case equally to be pleaded on all sides , it was only to be considered , whether the parity of reason which agrees amongst equals , disagree amongst unequals : In which ambiguity the Duke was compelled to accommodate himself to the condition of times , and to give way to the will of the more powerful , or by defending the liberty and Sovereignry of his State , shew by arms what is often seen to happen , That Fortune , Valour , and the variety of Humane actions , can equal the disequallity of Forces and States . Many , notwithstanding , who approved of the Cause , dissallowed of the Kings Resolution ; thinking that doubtlesly it had been more expedient , and better done , not to irritate the Duke still more , whose mind was already sufficiently ulcerated for former distastes , by his appearing now to favour his adversary so much ; nor to press him more , and necessitate him by new Commands to the utmost necessity ; nay , even to desperation ; which forc'd him to resent the action by throwing off all observance and respect that he might have allowed him the satisfaction of being somewhat better armed then usual , and to have dissembled this fervency ( as had been done some years before ) which because the precedent and present passages had shew'd , and would shew not to be profitable ; and the continual expence whereof made it daily more prejudicial , it was to be believed that after having somewhat taken fire again , it would have quenched of it self ; whereas on the contrary , by blowing the coal , instead of quenching it , they indangered the making it flame higher , and prove more perillous : But the respect of the Kings Honour and regal Majesty prevailed with the Kings Council , which being well rooted in the continued peace of Italy , and in the observancy born unto him , even until this present , by the Italian Princes , and now more confirmed by the Dukes last Obsequies and reverend carriage , had so possest the Spanish State-Ministers , as promising themselves much more then they ought to have done , they did undoubtedly believe that the Duke would not do otherwise upon this occasion then he had done formerly , and lately in the business of Montferrat ; and that howsoever , any the least appearance of war would be sufficient to suppress any Commotion whatsoever , and make him desist ; especially when both France and Italy , being offended with him for his having assaulted Montferrat , did concur in making him look well about him , and incited the King to make war upon him upon that account . Many lay the fault of these alterations , in a great part , upon the Duke of Lerma's antient emulation and private ambition ; who being desireous to take from the Dukes pretentions , and to abate the edge of his genius , easily forgot and laid aside the useful consideration of what importance his conjunction would be , and the good correspondency of the House of Savoy with the Crown of Spain ; of the preservation whe●…eof the preceding Kings had been very careful , and studied the continuance thereof : Howsoever , that Court having resolved that the Duke should give no more occasion of new scandals , but that he should lay down Arms , and suffer others to live in peace , the Governour of Millain received order to prepare a sufficient Army to assault him in his own Dominions if he should resist the Kings resolutions ; but to the end that what was resolved of might be done more justifiably , and with less disturbance to the French and to the Italian Princes , it was given out , that those Arms were not raised to suppress the Duke , and that the Kings intention was not to bereave him of any part of his Territories , but only to possess himself of some places in Piedmont , with ●…ention of restoring them presently after he should have humbled himself , and yielded to the Kings demands ; They hoped that by carrying the business thus moderately , without disturbing the Affairs of Italy , and with less jealousie to the Potentates thereof , they might preserve the authority of the Kings Orders and peace , with advantage and honour to the Crown . But the Duke was otherwise minded ; who being exceedingly exasperated at the little account which was made of his interests in that Court , was ashamed of the obedience that he had shewed thereunto : Being therefore resolved not to be frighted at the Spanish Threats and preparations , he prepared sollicitously to defend himself ; Nor did he altogether despair to do it ; for though he knew himself very unable to make defence , yet he could not believe that the French and Venetians , and Princes of Italy , would ever suffer him to be supprest , to their own so great inconvenience and prejudice : Being moreover over-born by his immoderate anger and implacable hatred to the Spaniards , he in almost a despairing manner , minded more his revenge then the preservation of his own affairs : And as men grow most fierce when they expect the worst of evils ; so he aspiring at greater matters , and promising himself more then he could hope for , undertook to hold Intelligence with forreign Princes , who emulated the Spanish greatness , by whose favour and assistance he exceedingly hoped to stir up all Europe against the Spanish Grandezza : He did persist the rather herein , by reason of the Kings and his Ministers of States inclination to preserve Italy in peace ; as also by reason of Orders come from that Court to the Statesmen of Italy , that they should imbrace all occasions to suppress the present uproar with the Duke , and that he would reserve himself for the last remedy , to break the peace with him , in case he should grow contumacious ; So as thinking , that come what would come , it might be in his power to keep himself unprejudiced by war , if he would accept of what now he refused , he thought it would be more glorious for him to submit to the Kings commands rather inforc'd , then of freewil ; and after he had tryed the fortune of war rather then before he had looked the enemy in the face : Yet the Dukes distastes were not at first such , nor so desperate , but that some way of accommodation might have been found , had not a Letter written by the Duke of Lerma to the Governour of Millain , which was divulged by him , made the malady uncurable : Directions were therein given , That the Duke should precisely disarm , and that in case he should not obey , That he the Governour should enter Piedmont with all his forces , and make him know it behoved him to obey the Kings pleasure , whose Ministers ( for so it was added ) were ill satisfied with so many difficulties and such resistance : He concluded , That it was firmly believed , that when the Duke should know this resolution , he would not forbear observing the Kings Orders . This Letter , like a spark of fire in well-prepared materials , made the combustions , which afterwards ensued , the greater ; the Duke being touch'd to the quick , and thinking that Lerma in this Letter shewed no respect unto him , but that he was therein treated as a subject , did so detest it , as being much disturbed in mind , and little less then mad , all his indeavours were to use the greatest demonstrations of resentment , and of disrespect to the Authority of Spain , that he could devise : Neither did he himself conceal the reason of such combustions ; for he was wont to say openly , that word Obey , had made him take up Arms. Thus words are oftentimes of more force then deeds , and outward demonstrations offend more then reallities : The Breach began from a protestation which the Duke caused to be made to the Governour , when he saw that there was no means of composition left ; wherein , going over the war of Montferrat from the very beginning thereof till the restitution of the places he had taken , he said , That he was induced to make that Kestitution out of hopes that his Niece should have been delivered up into his hands , according to the promise made him ( as he said ) by the Governour , in the Kings name ; and that all Rebels should be pardoned , and losses by war ; and under promise also of a quick and friendly composure of the differences touching the State which he had restored ; He complained that he saw nothing made good which was promised , notwithstanding the many importunities made in the Court of Spain , even by the Prince his Son , after having been detained there for almost a whole year , the Moneth being therein computed , wherein he was detained in Montferrat , to his so great mortification . He added , That as for the Instrument presented to the said Prince in Court , it was neither answerable to what was promised him , nor to his just demands ; so as he could not in honour accept it : Then he proceeded to relate , How that after the said Instrument was presented unto him at Turin from the Governour , he at the Governours desire had begun to treat of accommodating differences , and how that after many debates he was told , that there was no more composition to be thought of , but to do what the King had ordered : And finally , ripping open what had been said and replyed in that business , he concluded that the Governour had not only not made good any of his promises , but had hindered the composure of differences , which was by himself begun to no other end hat to keep him the Duke in hand , that the mean while he might have time to prepare for the war which was already plotted against Piedmont : Wherefore he made his protestation that he would make all necessary and fitting preparations to defend himself : That he would give notice to the King , and to all Princes , particularly to those of Italy , how ill affected the Governour was to him and to his family , which was so devoted to the Crown of Spain ; in the service whereof both he and his Predecessors had so often hazzarded their lives and fortunes . At this time Prince Philiberto the Duke of Savoy's second son , and Lord High Admiral of Spain , coming with the Spanish Gallies into Italy , brought 2000 Spaniards , who being landed near Genoa , and bent for Millain , he steered towards Naples and Scicily , where the rendezvouz for the Kings Gallies was appointed , as those also of other Princes , to oppose the Ottoman Fleet , which being put from Constantinople , it was held for certain that it came to prejudice the Kings Territories , to revenge the loss of 8 Gallies taken the preceding Autumn by Don Pietro di Girona , Duke of Ossona , a Grandee of Spain , and Viceroy of Naples , with the Saylors and Shipping of that Kingdom led by Octavio of Aragon , who lighting upon them at unawares in the Levant Seas , easily made himself Master of them , and brought them in triumph into Sicily . With these and other people brought from several parts into the State of Millain , the Governour had an Army in the field of 1600 Horse and 20000 Foot , 4000 whereof who were Swissers , not being , by reason of the ancient League , to fight against the Duke , they were put into several Garrisons in the State of Millain ; and the rest marching towards the Confines of Piedmont , the Governour came forth of Millain , on the 20th of August , with the Standard general , and went to Candia , a Town in the Novarese ; near to the Dukes Dominions . Here whilst he was mustering his men , and expected other provisions for War , he gave order to Don Lewis Gaetano , who was Embassadour for the King with the Duke , that he should make his last tryal to bring him to condescend to the Kings will ; and that if he should make any difficulty upon the manner of disarming , he should promise him that the Governour would pass his word unto him in the Kings name that he would neither injure him , nor the Pope , nor the Emperour ; and that in case of denial , he should protest , as he in the sight of God and man did protest , that all the wrongs that should be done by War , and the effusion of Christian bloud , should be caused for his not having accepted that which had been with so much reason demanded of him ; and that then taking his leave , and according to the Law of Nations , demanding a safe conduct , he should come to within the State of Millain . For the better justification of the War , the Prince of Castiglione went to Turin , to do the like in the Emperours name the Dukes Soveraign Lord. But all this did no good ; for the Duke professing that he was much afraid he should be assaulted in his own Dominions by the Governours neighbouring Army , as soon as he should have laid down Arms : and that therefore thinking , or seeming to think , that all caution came short of the danger , and that his utmost safety was therein concern'd , he could not admit of any offer which was not consonant to his safety and dignity ; and therefore alledging that the Pope would not accept of his word with an obligation to make it be kept , and the Emperour had not Forces in Italy sufficient to over see the observing of it , tacitely reproaching the Governour for being faulty in his first word , and that therefore he had no reason to confide the ein : He therefore concluded that they should joyntly disarm , offering to be himself the first who should dismiss some of his men ; and protesting that he would not have taken up Arms , had it not been for the Governours threats , accompanied with so great a strength to suppress him ; and that therefore he was now ready to defend himself to the last : In sign whereof , drawing off his Collar of the Golden Fleece , he gave it to the Embassadour Gaetano , who refusing to accept it , he sent it after him to his house , that he might send it to the King ; and though these and many other actions were clear evidences that the Dukes will was totally alienated from the King , and that he would stand upon resistance ; yet could they not dis-deceive many Italians , nor the Governour , and Spanish Ministers in general , nor m●…ke them alter their opinion ; for thinking that being so inferiour a Prince , and so unable to resist the Forces of the Grown , he would not dare to stand the tryal of the threatened War , they were of opinion , that having shew'd all the demonstrations of courage even to the ve●…y last , he would , at the appearance of the Spanish Arms and Standards , yield , just as he had done the year be●…ore , before Nice ; and therefore ra●…her out of certainty then confidence , and thinking that it would much detract from the Majesty and reputation of the Kings Affairs , if they should by fortifying themselves seem to doubt that the Duke would assault any of the Towns in the State of Millain , they did not care to furnish even the Frontiers towards Piedmont , though they abounded in Swissers ; nor did they fear to be assaulted on any other side . Wherefore the Venetians approving as then of the Kings resolutions , did nor at all seem to favour the Duke ; but rather persevering in their former distastes , they appeared wholly averse to his ends and interests . The Governour resolving to go with his Army to before Vercelles , past his men over into Montferrat by a bridge built upon the River Sesia , near to Villata ; and being come to Villa nova , he went on the 7th of September with his Troops in good order towards Vercelles , nine miles distant from Villa nova . La Motta , the first Town in Piedmont yielded forthwith unto him , and afterwards Carenzana ; where , distributing his Souldiers in those places , he quartered that night : But the Duke thinking diversion to be a better way of defence then opposition ; and having what Horse , what Foot , little less then 10000 in Vercelles , of which 5000 French , he resolved to march into the State of Millain . Having therefore made a bridge of boats over the same Sesia which divides his Dominion from the State of Millain , and chusing out 6000 foot , and 1000 horse , he went with them and with two field-pieces into the Territory of Novara : From hence he sent 1500 foot , and 3●…0 horse , Commanded by Calusio , son to the Count of Verrua , along the River towards the Bridge della Villata , with order to burn it , thereby to bereave the enemies Army of the Victuals and Ammunition which thereby were brought to them from the State of Millain . He went with the rest streight towards Novara ; whither being come about Sun-rising , he advanced with Count Guido and some horse , and appeared upon an eminent Hill near the City : There were not above 500 men in the Garrison , yet the Novaresi , betaking themselves presently to Arms , fired a piece of Cannon upon them : But the Duke , though he saw the Novaresi astonisht at his coming , and the City wholly unprovided of defence , so as probably he might have hoped to take the Town , he notwithstanding retreated , and advanced no further , were it either out of the respect which he still bore unto the King ( as he afterwards freely declared ) or as others would have it , out of fear of being probably assaulted by the Spanish Army , which coming upon him nigh●… at ●…nd , and finding him engaged in that enterprize with but a few Forces , might easily have supprest him . The Kings Commanders , nay , the whole Camp , when they heard that the Duke was gone to Novara , knew how rare an occasion this would bee . Don Alfonso Pimentello General of the Cavalry , and Don Iohn Vives , the Kings Embassadour to the State of Genoa , who was then in the Camp , and Cavaliere Melzi , an ancient Captain , and very good at Counsel , propounded , That foording immediately over the Sesia , by the advantage of their Cavalry , or by their Waggons , accommodated like to a Bridge , and leaving a reasonable baggage with the Garrison in Carenzana , or sending it into Montferrat , they should go and cut off the Dukes way in his return ; for , said they , one of two things must needs happen , that either the Duke being beleaguered in an Enemies Countrey , and having no victuals , must yield within twenty four hours ; or that fighting upon great disadvantage , he must needs be a loser , not without manifest danger to his own person ; for he would certainly be taken Prisoner by the Horse , which were dispersed every where about the Country . This Proposition being approved of by the whole Council would assuredly have been followed , had not it been opposed by Prince Ascoli ; who alledging the depth of the water , the danger of foording over the Rivers , and the doubt lest the Duke falling upon them in their passage might much prejudice them , turned the Governour from this resolution : He added moreover , That it was neither the Kings mind , nor the intention of the war , that the Duke should be suppress'd , but only that he should be infested till such time as he should lay down Arms , and prepare to obey the Kings other directions . He therefore concluded , that it was by no means fitting to adventure the reputation of the Kings Forces , which would sufficiently decline upon any the sleightest encounter ; and that since the safety of Novara might be cautiously provided for , safe and secure resolutions ought to be preferred before such as were dangerous and uncertain . The difficulty of foording over so small a River , nor the danger of the Dukes coming upon them , could not alter the Governour from his first opinion ; for the waters were not then very deep ; and the Duke being gone that very night for Novara , he could not , no not though he had flown , have hindred their passage . Yet one mans Authority prevailing over the universal opinion of the Council , an opportunity was lost of overcoming , and of putting an end to the war the very day that it was begun : It was notwithstanding ordered , according to the opinion of the Prince himself , that the Army should returne the same way it had come ; that it should go to the Bridge of Villata ; and that repassing over the Sesia there , it should go to relieve Novara ; but with express command to Don Alfonso Pimentello , who led the Van , not to fight upon any whatsoever occasion . The Van had not well pass'd over the Bridge , when the burning of certain little Cottages was seen from afar off , and the noise of fighting heard ; wherefore 200 Horse were sent towards that part , to discover what the matter was , who light upon the Marquess Calusio , who was sent , as hath been said , by the Duke , to burn the Bridge , and lay the Country waste ; and in a skirmish with 200 Horse , which were sent by Pimentello , he was forsaken by his Cavalry , which at the first charge were routed , and fled , many of them , together with Calusio himself , being taken Prisoners , and many slain ; some of the Foot , when they saw the Horse run , threw away their Arms , ran away , and were cut in pieces ; the greater part of them keeping close together , and retreating in good order , made use of the moorish scituation , and of the banks , through which the Enemies not being able to follow them , they had opportunity to make head in fitting and advantagious places , and to face Lodovico Guasco , one of the Captains of the 200 Horse , who with his Company of Curassiers followed them by oblique ways , and was still upon their flanks ; and after having assaulted them more than once , many of his men being slain , and having his own horse slain under him , he suffered them at last to get safe into Vercelles ; and though their number was lessened , yet they wan more preys , then their horse , which fled at the very first onset , without making any resistance . This was the first incounter of the War of Piedmont , and the first action that hapned therein . The Spanish Army went to quarter at Candia , a mile beyond Villata , instead of going to Palestra , a little higher upon the river whither , they might better have gone : for being neer the way which leads from Novara to Vercelles , it had been a more convenient place to have hindred the Dukes return . And this would have proved the better , for that the Duke parted that very night from Novara , and returned to the Confines of Piedmont , and quartered there that night , with his men very weary and tired with their march the preceding day and night . Here the Governour had notwithstanding another occasion of worsting him , had he been as mindful to imbrace it , as fortune was favorable in presenting it . For there was neither river , nor other obstacle between him and the Duke , so as he might commodiously and upon advantage have assaulted him , there not being above a mile between the places where they were quartered . The next day the Duke fired Palestra early in the morning , to revenge the burning of Caranzana the night before by the Dutch , and went for Vercelles without being molested ; nothing being done to impede him in his return . Thus having freed his own State from the Enemies Army , the very day that it entred thereinto , and revenged the injury he had received , in the same manner as was done to him , he returned to Vercelles ; where he staid , observing the Enemies proceedings . The Governour being returned to the State of Millain began presently to build a Fort , which he raised from the very foundation , in the Territories of Novara , a little distant from the Sesia , and not much more then a mile from Vercelles ; which in honour of the Duke of Lerma , he called the Fort of Sandoval . He gave out , that he built it to no other end , but to secure Novara , in case that when the Governour should enter again into Piedmont , it should be re-assaulted by the Duke , as in such case he threatned he would do . But the Fabrick being great , and capable of many men , flanckt by five Bulwarks , and neer upon a mile in compass , it was not without good ground judged to be a building not begun for the occurrences of the present War , but of long continuance , and to fortifie the State of Millain on that side at all times from forreign Armies . For this same thing was almost resolved upon many years before in Spain , though it was not proceeded in , to shun giving of jealousies to the Italian Princes , and to the Duke , who was then a friend to the Crown . But now there being a manifest breach , it was thought , as indeed it was true , that the Kings Officers made use of this occasion , to put their former resolution in practise . In this interim Prince Philiberto return'd from Naples with the Gallies wherein were between five and six thousand foot , part Spaniards , and part Neapolitans , who being unbarked in the waters of Genua , where he left also most of the Gallies , he went with some few into Spain , being honour'd , and attended , not only as Admiral , but as the Kings Nephew : but in reality being environed by Spanish Officers , who were appointed to wait upon him by the Duke of Lerma , he appeared rather to be kept as an Hostage , his Navigation was to no great purpose ; for the Turkish Fleet , which was much less then it was said to be , after having appeared within sight of Sicely , before the Prince his coming , retreated to Navarino , a Haven in Morea . True it is , that Don Diego Pimentello who was sent with two good Gallies very well appointed , to discover them , had the luck to take two of the enemies Gallies ; which being well man'd came also to discover the Christian Fleet ; and lighting upon them about Navarino , he stoutly assaulted them , and in a short space made himself master of them , a Victory which was the more remarkable for that it hapned almost in view of the enemies Fleet , which was not above 20 miles distant from where the fight was made . But it is not to be exprest how all men were amazed , and confounded with wonder in Lombardy , and generally throughout Italy , who expected mighty things from the Governours going into Piedmont ; when they saw him return so soon without doing any thing ; and as the resolution of returning would have made some amends , and have repaired the reputation of the Kings Forces , wherein they suffered very much ; if following the enemy , they had vigourously re-entred Piedmont at their heels ; so the keeping with the whole Army , for above two moneths , about the Fort which was erecting , did necessarily detract from their honour ; and so much the more , for that mighty things being looked for from them , no mean successes would have satisfied expectation . On the other side , the Duke making less account of the discomforture given to his men , then of the enemies going out of Piedmont , thought the least harm that befell the enemy , a great comfort to his own affairs . And therefore thinking that at the very beginning of the War he had made the world see that the Spanish Forces were not invincible , he hoped that the Italians being awakened thereby , as by a warlike trumpet , would the sooner joyn with him , both in Forces , and in intelligence against strangers . Therefore not being upon this occasion wanting to himself , but making his cause the common cause , he was well pleased , that divers writings , and composures should be thrown abroad in Italy , but especially in his own Dominions ; wherein stiling him the head , and author of the recovery of their ancient Liberty , the Italian Potentates were exhorted to throw off the forreign yoke , by which they had been so long oppress'd . And still continuing with more fervency the indeavours long before begun in France , and Germany , with the Princes who did emulate the Spanish Grandezza , with the King of England , and with the States of Holland , he strove to make them joyn with him , that so they might unanimously oppose that power which did overshadow a great part of Europe . But believing particularly , that the Venetians , the great harm which would insue unto them by his suppresion being considered , would not give him over in so great a danger ; he therefore having composed the differences which had been between them and him , touching the War of Montferrat , by the intercession of the Embassadours of France and England , then resident in Venice ; he resolved to send Iacomo Pissina with title of Embassadour to Venice , to exhort them upon this occasion to imbrace his cause with their Forces , and the defence of the common safety , and liberty ; who being brought into the Colledge , may be supposed to have spoken to this effect ; It is most certain , Serene Prince , and wise fathers , that diffidence hath always been the ruine and undoing of friendship ; as on the contrary , affiance and trust hath always been held the streightest bond to keep Princes perpetually colleagued in friendship to one and the same end . The distrust that the Duke my Master , joyning with the Spaniards , conspired against the common sa●…ety , when upon just occasion he took up arms against Montferrat , made you readily imbrace the Duke of Mantua's cause , which was then held to be the common cause . Out of this Reason , the Duke my Master , as best knowing his own intentions , which he by open manifestoes published to the world , thought this Commonwealth more inclined to favour his adversary then him . And that therefore constriuing his intentions to be otherwise then they have been since known to be , by reciprocal diffidence the ancient friendship so long preserved between him and this Commonwe●…lth hath on the sudden been turned to enmity . Now , since all men may assertain themselves , by what hath hapned at Novara and Vercelli , that the Dukes intention never was , nor can ever in the future be , different from the common end of the Princes of Italy , and particularly from that of this most glorious Commonwealth ; which is , manfully to make good , and constantly to maintain the common safety , dignity , and liberty , against the common enemies ; he therefore hath reason to hope , that past distastes being turn'd to as much confidence , the former good correspondency will be redoubled ; and that in so just and honest a cause , in so useful and necessary a War , he may presume to be favoured by the Venetian Forces . For if you did resolve to patronize the Duke of Mantua against a Prince so streightly joyn'd in interest and good will with this Commonwealth , only out of fear that he might assault Montferrat , with an intention to annex it to the Spaniards ; how much more ought you now prepare to defend the Duke of Savoy , whilst he is assaulted by the ambitious Spaniard , for the preservation of the publick dignity , by those Forces , whe●…eby under a colour of preserving peace in Italy , and which they are the first that do disturb , they indeavour to possess themselves of Piedmont , so lawfully injoyed by him , and by his predecessors ; the Spaniards , as all men may see , would be believed to be the Arbitrators , the Patrons of Italy , the Supream Moderator of her Potentates ; they therefore think it reasonable , that all Italian Princes , as if they we e●…so many of their Subjects , should obey every the least beck of that King , nay of any of his Ministers . And terming the slavery of Italy , peace , the obedience thereof security : and on the contrary , the freedom thereof , contumacy ; and its generosity , turbulency of spirit ; they by these artifices strive to make themselves gracious , and others odious to the people . And now having begun to exercise this their superiority , to the no less general prejudice , then to the universal loss of reputation , upon the weakest , they will arrogate the like over the greatest . They of late commanded the Duke of Modena and the Lucchesi , to lay down arms , and were immediately obeyed , without any reply . They now indeavour the like with the Duke of Savoy : whom , after having secured Montferrat from all Hostility , they command to lay down Arms , and to disband his Souldiers : and because he keeps 2000 Souldiers more then usual in his Dominions , they threaten him . Was there ever known so unjust , and so imperious a command ? with what reason does that King and that Nation , who , as all men know , are but as of yesterday in Italy , give Laws to the Dukes of Savoy , who held the Scepter of Piedmont 400 years , before he was master of one foot of Land in Italy ? will there none then dare to shew their faces , and gainsay such insolent commands ? shall the generosity of the Italian name be so totally extinct , as that all Italy shall obey those whom they have formerly commanded ? who sees not that by these beginnings they aim at the reducing of the power and liberty of the Princes of Italy into a Precarious power , into a Precarious liberty , depending upon every nod of theirs ? but why talk I of a Precarious power , of a Precarious liberty , these beginnings tend manifestly to the reducing of the Duke of Savoy into miserable slavery , and to the subjugating of Piedmont : nor ceasing here , to the making themselves absolute Lords of Italy : the Monarchy whereof having long fancied unto themselves in Idea , they now begin to try how it may succeed , by the suppression of the Duke my Master , and by counterfeiting with the other Italian Potentates . And cloaking this their ambitious and avaricious thirst with the fair pretence of publick peace , they are no less intent upon the usurping of other mens Dominions , then were the Persians of old ; who aspiring at the oppression of Greece , demanded a little water , and some few clods of earth , for no other end , but that upon denial they might have some colourable pretence to make War upon them , and tyrannically to subjugate them . If then the safety , and dignity of all Italy be indanger to be ruined , by the abasing of my Master , by the suppression of Piedmont , will this Commonwealth , contrary to her custom , contrary to the constitutions and examples of her Predecessours , stand idle spectators of other mens miseries ? careless lookers upon the common danger and calamity ? shall she sleep , and be drown'd in a dull Lethargy , which confesseth that she continually watcheth over , and stands sentinel to the common liberty ? the Romans did of old make War , and sent forth powerful Armies against Philip King of Macedon , and Antiochus King of Asia ; not out of any desire of acquisition , or of inlarging their Empire , not out of any hatred to those Kings , nor to revenge any injuries received from them ; but only to free the Grecians from the tyranny of those Princes : but out of Roman generosity , which could not suffer that those people , who had been anciently born , and who had long lived freed , and masters of themselves , should be subjected by barbarous Kings . And yet Greece was a Nation far distant from Rome , much differing from the Romans in Laws , Customs , Language , and Religion ; so as the Romans needed not to have cared much for their Country nor Condition , nor been much moved at their misery , and will you ; who represent that ancient and august Commonwealth , to the life , in Wisdom , Actions , and much more in generosity of Mind , refuse to assist in the freeing , not of a Province , or forreign Nation , but of this , which was anciently the Paincess of Provinces , which is your Mother , your Country , the seat of your Empire , and of the Majesty of your Common-wealth ? from whose dignity , safety and freedom , you reap so much splendor , and security ? but , why make I use of so remote examples , when there are not wanting those which are fresher and more sutable to the times and present occurrences ? it is not much above 400 years since Italy , and particularly all that which lies between the Apenine , and the Alps , being oppress'd by the Dutch Empire , many of the Cities of Lombardy took courage to shake off the yoke of that fierce Nation : so as joyning in League , wherein your Ancestors , having manfully for many years made War with Germany , which had her foot upon their necks , the peace of Constance did insue , by which nothing remained to the Germans , but the bare name of Supream Empire , and the Italians repossest themselves of their so much desired liberty . Shall not that then which made so many people , disperst in so many Cities , oppress'd by so severe a yoke , able to venture for , and to atchieve liber●…y , be sufficient now to associate some few , and free Chieftains ? will it not be able to infuse courage into free , great , and powerful Princes ? and ascertain them that the same thing , begun with more prosperous presage shall have a more fortunate end ? shall peradventure the doubt of success make you hesitate , whose fore-fathers d●…d manfully withstand the Forces of so many Princes joyn'd together against them ? shall the Commonwealth of Venice be afraid of Spain , which being without either King or Government , drown'd in luxury , and riches , and divided into so many parts , and Regions , as that the vastness of its Empire doth counterpoise , or injure it self ? should it fear to resist that power , against which the Hollanders , who were then but a weak people , did rebel , and of Subjects have made themselves freemen , of slaves Lords ? nothing can appear really difficult to generously minded men . The Duke of Savoy hath no sooner sacrificed his State , and Life , in so laudable an enterprize , but immed●…tely the French , despising their Kings commands , are come in to his aid , and will very suddenly appear in greater numbers . Nor will he want assistance from Holland , and England ; as also from many of the German Princes , who favour my Master , and are tacitely confederated with him , if for no other end , at least to abate so great a surquedry , and so odious a pride : and shall not that which works upon forreigners , prevail with this Commonwealth , which to boot with the same Reasons , is incited so to do by the safety of her friends , by the protection which she professeth to take of the oppressed , and ( which imports most ) by the imminent danger of her own liberty ? but if pe●…adventure so great and important occasions should contrary to the expectation of all men , be so little considered by her , as in so urgen●… a necessity she should not defend the common interest , think , I beseech you , what opinion will be had of her wisdom ? what esteem will be put upon her generosity , and grandezza ? what will the other Italian Princes say , who being anxious for the common interest , what the end of the War of Piedmont will prove , depend upon your Authority , knowing that the safety of their Dominions and fortune depends upon your Counsels and Resolves ; Who doubts that our Princes shall no sooner know your inclination , shall no sooner see the Ven●…tian Colours display'd ; and that the people who are subject to the Spaniards shall no sooner see your arms glister , but that those wearied with their pride , and these vexed with their unsupportable tyranny , will move , and will expose themselves , their children , and all that is dear unto them , to enjoy that dignity , that golden liberty , whereunto these Skies , and this Country doth invite them . Make use then of this so fair , so rare , and so opportune an occasion , wherein all Italy , all Europe is concerned ; which being imbraced by the Duke my Master , gives assured signes of happy success . Mark , I beseech you , how he , accompanied but with a handful of men , hath quickly cooled their threats , hath at the first push turn'd their intentions of oppugning Piedmont into care of fortifying themselves in the State of Millain . One small Victory , one brush given them , will throw them down headlong from that height from whence they with such arrogancy pretend to prescribe Laws to Italy , will alienate their friends from them , will put heart into their Subjects , and make them see upon how weak foundations this their vast Monarchy is built . And they losing their courage , wherewith in their prosperity they are so puft up , will yield to us the glory of so gallant an action ; whereby , to boot with our natural liberty , we shall purchase perpetual and immortal praise to our posterity . These words were as attentively listened unto as efficaciously spoken by the Embassadour ; who being dismi●…d with general words , the business was propounded in the Consiglio de Peg●…di ; where a Senator stood up , worthy , for the acuteness of his wit , and for his affection to his Country , of all those Honours which his no riper years did debar him of , who spoke thus . If our opinions had been demanded by the Duke of Savoy when things not being come to an open breach between him and the King of Spain , he had no need of our assistance , as now being demanded when the breach is begun , our Counsels may seem superfluous and unseasonable ; I think our Answer ought to have been such , as if being observed by him , it might totally have eased him of the necessity and occasion of making this demand : Therefore since we were not acquainted with it at the first , we must now consider advisedly , not what had then been expedient for us to advise , but what we are now to resolve upon , not only for our own honour and safety , but for the like of all Italy , touching our abandoning or adhering to the Duke of Savoy , assaulted by the King of Spain : For I believe you are all of opinion , That according to the Rules of civil Government , Princes ; who betake themselves , sometimes more out of necessity then choice , to side with such Interests whereinto others have run either out of hatred or some other disturbances , ought to indeavour that greater inconveniencies may not ensue . I believe that the ambition and desire of Government is common to all men ; but that the Spaniards do more abound in this then others , cannot be denied ; and that that Nation which is not satisfied with great possessions which she injoys both in Europe , and in so many other parts of the world , doth still desire the agrandizing thereof by the suppressing of others , is not to be doubted : And though hitherto ( thanks to the peace of Italy , and to the great care which is had , that they govern not such States as are not subject to them ) they have not obtained their ends ; yet in my opinion he thinks amiss who believes , that if occasion were offered , they would cease from thirsting after other mens possessions : For the Citations sent from Millain against many Princes of Italy , when Count Fuentes was Governour , and which though they do not declaredly concern our Common-wealth , do at least tacitly threaten her , are not as yet totally extinct , though they be laid aside for the present : And if we may argue from smaller things to greater , with what cunning , not to say Authority , have they gotten Finale , Monaco , Pi●…mbino , Corregio , and many other Towns in Lunigiana , under their Dominion ? wherein , in my opinion , it is not so much to be considered how much for the present the summa totalis is concerned in those Towns , as the consequences which they draw after them ; and that from thence we ought to measure their Intentions and ends , which do not aim only at the getting of those little Castles , but at much greater designes . Monaco and Finale curb and command the River of Genua ; Piombino the State of Tuscany ; how much subjection do the mid-way Towns of Luneggiana inforce upon both these States ? the same may be said of Correggio , in respect of the States confining thereupon . Porto Longone , fortified by them by so many Fabricks , almost in the face of Italy , how cleerly doth it shew the ambition they have , with safety to themselves , to bridle this Province ; and who doubts , but that as much as the liberty of any of our Princes is lessened , so much the Spanish power is augmented , even to our prejudice ? Nor is our Common-wealth kept harmless from their ambition . How much doth the Popes being set on against us , by so many favours , Covenants , and preparations for war in time of interdiction , shew that that King and Nation have no good intentions towards us ? the continual molestations of the Uscocchi , fomented by them against us ; Our League with the Garrisons which they by so many Plots indeavour to oppose ; The Fort Fuentes , built in the jaws of the Valtoline , to the perpetual yoke of that Nation , and to the apparent shame of our League ; who sees not how much they redound to the suppression of our honour , and of our Affairs ? They now indeavour to erect new Forts against the Duke of Savoy ; and because he will neither acknowledge nor obey his Commands , they assault his Dominions ; whether with an intention to bereave him of them , or no , I will not at this time either affirm or deny ; although it may be justly suspected , if not fully asserted , by the many preparations and great demonstrations made by that Nation , and probably feared by their wonted ends ; but howsoever , I consider that it doth not become the interests nor dignity of our Common-wealth , to permit that that Prince should basely submit to such Commands , nor that we by abandoning him give possession to that Nation of so absolutely commanding and compelling the Italian Princes to obey her ; for mens thoughts in●…arge themselves by degrees ; and the greater the things be which they attain , the greater do the ends which they propose to themselves grow ; and when they have gotten one thing , they think they have gotten nothing , which makes them pretend to more advantagious and higher things : And in State-affairs , he who condescends in reputation , and at the first , must resolve to yield afterwards to all things : Wherefore , questionless , when they shall have forc'd the Duke to what they now demand , they will afterwards compel him to greater matters , which will prove a pernicious president to other Princes , and to us our selves , when occasion shall serve : And it is to be believed , that in such a case no man will care for what shot shall befall us , as justly deserving the same punishment which we have suffered others to undergo : But suppose that the Dukes Forces and friends shall prove inferiour to the greatness of his Spirit , or that finding himself forsaken by others , he either willingly yield to the Command or power of the stronger : or that disarm he , or disarm he not , he shall howsoever be supprest ; Who sees not what the common danger will be ? Who sees not a fair way made to that Monarchy which that Nation fancies unto her self ? Who sees not Italy fallen into miserable slavery , and into as deplorable a condition as ever she was in since the declination of the Roman Empire ? It being then the part of wise Princes , timely to foresee , and to provide early against dangers which are not far off , I should think it very necessary that this Common-wealth , though otherwise desirous to preserve peace , should in some sort or other undertake the Dukes defence ; Lest whilst we shall stand idly looking upon other mens evils , it befall not us as it befell our fore-Fathers , when the Kingdom of Naplos , being assaulted by Charles the Eighth , the State of that Prince was possest and overcome before sought withal ; who whilst he is in safety , and master of the Walls and Gates of Italy , may give entrance unto strangers , and keep our Liberty , and the like of all the Princes of Italy , safe both in war and peace . Many , and particularly those of the younger sort , praised this Opinion which was fortified with so many Reasons ; but another Senator , no less venerable for age then for wisdom , and for his long experience in places of Magistracy , and Embassies happily discharged by him , stood up and spoke thus . I have always been of opinion , most worthy Senators , That he who will advise wisely of weighty Affairs , ought not so much to consider the quality or state of present things , as to consider intentively , and diligently to examine things that are passed : Therefore if we will conder Italies condition in former times , I mean , when the Spaniards did not domineer here , and shall compare them , without passion or envy , with the present times : I believe that all men will join in opinion with me , that certainly the present times are to be prefer'd before the former . We have seen , ( not to speak of more remote times ) we have seen , I say , or may conceive by History , in what condition Italy was , when the French , or Kings of Aragon , were Lords of Naples ; when the State of Millain was subject either to the Visconti , Sforzeschi , or to the French : To what bitter wars was Italy subject , and more particularly our Common-wealth ? The Aragonn●… had no sooner made themselves masters of the Kingdom of Naples , and so became Italian Princes , but they began sometimes to trouble Tuscany , la Marca sometimes , and sometimes the Churches Territories , and the Gen●…esses ; and turning all things topsy turvy , they forbear not through ambition to extend their Empire beyond the Confines of that Kingdom . The Visconti of Millain did yet worse ; and the Sforza's succeeding the Visconti as well in the State as in the lust of Government , kept themselves not within the Confines of Millain and Genua , And so troublesome was Lodovico Sforza to our fore-Fathers , as being forced to join in League with Lewis the Twelfth , King of France , they resolved to drive him out of his Dukedom , to the end that Italy being freed of that fire-brand , they might afterwards so quiet the Nation , and by that means secure it from the Kings of Naples , as they might no longer fear their own safety ; and that the King of France being brought by their forces into Italy , and made master of Millain , might be the chief Protector of their State : What the success of those hopes did afterwards prove , I think is sufficiently known to all men ; and how the King of France rewarded that good turn with bitter wars , cruel calamities and persecutions ; For if ever our Common-wealth was near being utterly exterminated after the war of Chioggia , it was then , when that King , to recover Cremona , and Gieradada , which by Articles of agreement did belong to us , did incite the Armes of Christian Princes against us : and making him their head against our Progenitors , in that great league of Cambraye , stuck not to assault them with all his Forces ; and had been the chiefest cause of our ruine , if such a tempest had not been stoutly withstood , and prudently repaired by our fore-fathers . Not long after neither we , nor the other Potentates of Italy , being able to indure forreign Dominion in Italy , we joyntly indeavoured to repossess the Sforza's in the State of Millain ; which our fore-fathers did , though not without Wars , and infinite troubles : for they did not think that either the peace , or liberty of Italy , could be secure , as long as the Spaniards , being masters of the Kingdom of Naples , as they then were , should likewise succeed in the State of Millain ▪ as the Sforza's being afterwards extinct , it was necessary they should do . This is the condition of the affairs of Italy , which I term past : Let us now come to her present condition ; and comparing it with the past , let us Judge which of the two conditions be to be chosen , whether that , when the Visconti , the Sforza's , and the French who counterpoised the King of Aragon in the Kingdom of Naples , or this , wherein the Spaniards being masters of both these St●…tes , are with the moderation of Empire , a counterpoise unto themselves . I verily believe there is none that will prefer those times before these , neither in respect of the peace and happiness which we and the other Princes of Italy enjoy , nor of the security and quiet wherein we at the present do possess our States . By means whereof if Italy do not begin to recover the Empire of the world , yet doth she flourish in all those Arts and riches which can result from a continued secure peace . Let us now give for granted , that the Spaniards are naturally ambitious , coveting what belongs to others ; let us alledge Monaco , Finale , and four other poor Villages , by the masters whereof they were for the most part brought in ; put what esteem you please upon the Citations of Fuentes , and of the disturbances occasioned by four Pyrats which molest our Gulf ; and let us compare these , or other more trivial businesses , and this desire which the Spaniards seem to have of Government , to the like as well of Native Princes , as Forreigners , who have born sway in Italy : Let us oppose the Actions of those , to the remonstrances of these ; the Citations of these , to the wars made by those with Italian Princes , and with our Common-wealth ; and certainly he must be very stupid who will not wonder at the comparison : But unless I be deceived , I see no probable ground , nor any conclusive reason of this their so immense ambition , and covetousness of dispossessing other men , when I consider the conveniencies of great Acquisitions which their Kings have forborn to make , and how civil and liberal they have been to the Princes of Italy ; this may be witnessed by the States of Florence , and of Sienna , won by their Arms , and yielded to the Medici ; by Corcica taken from the French , and restored to the Common-wealth of Genua ; by the free gift of the County of Asti to the Duke of Savoy , and by the recovery of almost all Piedmont to the same Duke ; by the restitution of Modena to the Estensi , and of Piacenza to the Farnesi ; by the free foregoing of the State of Millain to Francisco Sforza ; by the adjudging of Montferrat to the Gonzagi , almost 100 years after the Paleologi were extinct , and now freed from the hands of the Duke of Savoy , and so faithfully restored to the Duke of Mantua : If we be not satisfied with these cle●…r and evident Examples , I cannot see what mis-guiding error it is which doth incumber us , and makes us argue them to be so covetous of thirsting after what belongs to others . I forbear mentioning that all our Princes have for so many years been undisturbed by this their so great power ; nay , how upon all occasions they have been succoured by them ; and we , if truth may prevail , and if the remembrance of benefits received make not the Benefactor odious , as we have no just occasion to complain of their nighbourhood , so may we not justly forget the benefits received from the Crown , both when Ferdinando the Catholick sent Consalv●… the great to assist us when assaulted by the Turks ; and when Philip the second concur'd in the sacred League , chiefly in our defence against the Ottoman Empire , wherein he was at double expence , in a great preparation of Ships , and Gallies , and in an infinite number of fighting men : Wherefore , as I am not informed by what is past , that the happiness of Italy consists in being governed wholly by her natural Princes ; so since we manifestly perceive that the times , nor our minds , are not fram'd for the introducing of that which we account at present the most happy condition ; it will be great wisdom , not out of a desire of novelty , to break the thread of things which have been hitherto happily spun : For what remains , that the Spaniards would secure their own Sta●…es by building new Forts , that they indeavour to disturb our Vessels ; though we may think it unkindly done , yet we have no just reason to take it ill at their hands ; since they therein do nothing but what other Princes do , and what we our selves have thought fit to do in Friuli , and elsewhere : Nor hath the Duke of Savoy reason to complain of those Commands ( as he calls them ) which are laid upon him by the Spaniards , whilst it tends to the freeing of Italy from being continually troubled with her forces , and her neighbours from suspicion of novelty ; otherwise I see not why the King should not be suffered to secure his own Dominions , except we will suffer the Duke to keep other mens possessions in continual expence and anxiety , and inhibit others , after having tried all fair ways to free themselves from it by force ; as is allowed of by natural and civil reason , even amongst private men . Let us remember , I beseech you , how much we were troubled at the unexpected assault of Montferrat ; how much all Italy was molested thereat ; how much we our selves did indeavour the comfort of the assaulted State , and the acquitting it from so sore and sudden troubles , both by assisting the Duke of Mantua , and by having recourse to the King of Spain : And let us argue from hence , if the asoresaid alledged may not suffice , what just reason , what fair colour we have to oppose the intention of the Spanish forces , procured , as I may say , by our selves , for the peace and safety of present affairs : What jealousies would there be had of our word and constancy , if we should indeavour to oppose the King in a war wherein he hath interessed himself at our desires ; and against a Prince , who being so nearly related to him both in blood and concernments , ought to be convinced , though he had those sinister intentions against us and other Princes , as are supposed to the contrary : You all know what great offers we did refuse made to us by the King of France if we would join with him against the Spanish Empire , when not m●…ny years ago , having a great Army on foot , and being confederate with manypowerful Princes , he prepared to make war against that Empire : We refused Cremona , Giaradada , and all the Coast of the Kingdom of Naples , which lies upon our Sea , because we desired rather to be esteemed peaceful preservers of our own affairs , then unquiet disturbers of other mens ; because we thought it not safe to change the certainty of our present condition for specious future hopes , though great ones , nor to go out of a happy calm , and enter into a troublesome tempestuous sea of novelties . And shall the Duke of Savoy make us do that which the King of France , a King of such power and authority , inviron'd with so great Forces , and adherences , could not perswade us to ? if we sha●…l upon so sleight terms become the Dukes followers in his unquietness ; i●… we shall adhere to his will , partake of his quarrels , and undertake under pretence of the honour and liberty of Italy , to revenge his private quarrels with the Spanish Court , having been so jealous but a little before of his confederacy therewith ; if we shall suffer our selves for any conceits of his , to be inveloped in a War against a powerful King and Nation , whose Forces I know not how those who think them so formidable in time of peace , should think them so unconsiderable in times of War , as that to free themselves from jealousies which they fancie unto themselves in time of peace , they dare irritate them : since we have no reason at the present to be jealous of the Spaniards neighbourhood , and since we may probably fear it may prove prejudicial , if provoked ; me thinks , we should conclude it were not good to innovate , or alter the peaceful condition of the present times ; and that we should lay aside those conceits of Italies liberty , which are so fair in appe●…rance , but in realty very uncertain and dangerous ; and which , as cates which are most esteemed , are not meats to cure a sick person , but poyson to kill him ; so peradventure may they extinguish those vital spirits of liberty which we now enjoy . And this , in my opinion , is the likelier to fall out , for that they cannot be put in execution without much difficulty , by reason of the many contests they will meet withall in the bringing about , by reason of the present condition of times , and through the disagreeing of our Princes , who as formerly , so now , not being able to suffer that one should exceed another , would be the first to recall those forreign Nations in , which they now exclaim so much against . Nor hath the Duke of Savoy , who seems now so zealous for the common liberty , and to abhor so much the Spanish Empire , been always of that opinion . So as it will bee hard for us to secure our selves , but that when he shall be satisfied in his pretentions to Montferrat , he may afterwards , to the prejudice of the common liberty , re enter into the former privacy , and good intelligence with the King : For these Reasons , most excellent Senators , I conclude , that minding the safe Counsels of Peace , we may not in wrap our selves in a dangerous War , and in the troubles which may result from a contrary resolution . These reasons did not please such , who detesting the Spanish greatness were much troubled to hear it so asserted ; and yet though the Senate were not desirous that the Duke should be suppressed , lest the Spanish Grandezza might be thereby more increased , which being already swoln too high , they rather desired to see abased ; yet the reputation of the Spanish Forces prevailing with them , and preferring their own safety and quiet before that of others , they considered not as then the contrary reasons , and pitch'd upon this last opinion ; so as looking to be advised by more certain events , and not thinking the affairs as yet sufficiently in order , nor ripe enough for them to declare themselves , they held it not good to display their Sails to that wind which began to breathe from Piedmont : True it is , that for the Dukes better satisfaction , they sent Rainero Zeno into Piedmont with title of Embassadour Extraordinary , in lieu of the ordinary Embassadour , who when the business should be reconciled , was to be sent back ; to the end that carrying on the business with more authority , the Dukes business might not seem to be totally abandoned by the Commonwealth : And there wanted not those who argued by the success , that they did not only foment the Duke by private advice and promises , but assisted him underhand with supplies . The Duke obtained not a much differing resolution from the Court of France , where he expected better things from the neighbouring dangers , from the vivacity of that Nation , and from the Kings minority ; for the Queen being assured by the King of Spain , that he would forbear all hostility in Italy , whensoever the Duke would consent to what was demanded , she was therewith satisfied , and endeavour'd to make the Duke yield to the Kings pleasure , in regard of the interest of her Nephew the Duke of Mantua , in whose behalf this new War was begun : Not listening therefore to any of the Dukes desires or complaints , she under severe penalties prohibited all her Subjects to take pay of him ; and yet she also , for the honour of her Kingdom , and to give satisfaction to the Princes and Chief Lords of her Count , sen Charles a' Anghienes Marquess of Rambolliette to Piedmont , Embassadour , to exhort the Duke to peace , with express commission , that if he should forbear to lay down Armes , fearing that he might be oppressed afterwards by the Spanish Forces , he should give him all such assurances as he himself could desire , and offer him the protection of that Crown , and the Forces of the whole Kingdom : Such was the publick resolution of that Court which was then governed by the Queen , who was much inclined to preserve friendship with the Crown of Spain , for the Interest of her own authority and greatness , and for the quiet and safety also of her Sons affairs , which would be less subject to troubles and perturbation , by keeping peace , and good correspondency with his neighbours . That Court continued in the same mind for some years ; though the King being come to the age of 14 , and , according to the orders of the Kingdom , out of gardianship , took upon him the administration of affairs , and consequently the Queens regency ceased . For depending wholly upon his Mothers authority , and advice , the change of Government was for a while insensible , the name of Governour being only altered . The new Kings first action was to ratifie the Marriages contracted with Spain ; and seeming to be desirous to keep fair correspondency therewith , the Duke of Savoy had small hopes of and good from France . And though he seemed abandoned of all help from thence , the Marshall de Dignieres , Governour of Dolphenye , sent good store of men continually unto him underhand . it not being known whether the Queen did wink thereat , or no ; who hearing that many did murmure that the Duke in so urgent a necessity and danger should be abandoned , to the great diminution of the Kings authority , and of the Kingdoms interest , did underhand give way that the Kings resolution should be countervened ; And therefore besides those that were sent by de Dignieres , many others falling down from the Alps , a good number of that Nation were in a short time found to be in Piedmont . By which the Duke being comforted , a●… also by the promises of other Princes ; and being incouraged by the good beginning of the War ( as it is usually seen that enterprizes which at first appear fearful , grow by degrees less dreadful ) he began to confide more in himself ; and looking for greater successes , he was content to be intreated to do that which he bad much reason to desire . So as the words nor perswasions of the French Embassadour prevailed but a little with him ; nor yet those of Monsieur Giulio Savelli , who was likewise sent extraordinary Embassadour upon the same occasion to Piedmont by the Pope . For the Duke persisting in not composing the affairs of Mantua , without having some part of Montferrat given him , and denying to lay down arms , unless the Governour should do so likewise ; he refused also to refer the differences to be decided by the Emperour , being jealous of him ; but he consented to refer it to the King of France , and to the King of England , to which he knew neither the King of Spain , nor Duke of Mantua would agree . It seemed therefore very hard to reconcile them ; and the less , for that the Duke of Savoy growing bold by the Spanish Armies going out of Piedmont , and by their lasie entertaining themselves about the building of the new Fort , not caring much to pursue the War : he thought he was the more secured from any new assaults . Wherefore sending daily Troops of horse out of Vercelles , which foording over the very River of the Sesia in sight of the enemies Army , which the Governour in the Dukes absence durst not pass thorow with a numerous and gallant Army , they dared to insult over the Souldiers which were busied about the Fort , without either fear or respect , though but by a snatch and away . And the Governour being wholly intent about building the Fort , did not only not care to suppress their insolence , but would not follow the advice of many of the Commanders , who thinking it bootless and dishonourable to busie the whole Army about building a Fort , which stood in the Kings own ground , advised to send part thereof in the interim to prejudice Piedmont , where the Duke being imploy'd about the guarding and defending of Vercelles , it was probable they might make some good progress . But the Dukes affairs , which seemed to be secure from any hostile act , or at least were not troubled with any , ran unexpectedly great hazard at home . For the French and Swissers which were under the Dukes pay , mutinying upon a small occasion , put the City of Vercelles , in defence whereof they were then imployed , in great danger , and confusion : nor was the danger of a greater sedition small , nor the Dukes labour less in appeasing it ; but being at last quieted , the French , as who were suspected of novelty and alteration , were distributed into several quarters about the City . The Dukes resistance being this mean while known in Spain , and what had hapned in Italy , contrary to that Courts expectation , the King and Council were not a little incensed , they thought the Kings honour and authority to be highly offended ; therefore minding resentment more then the appeasing of rumours , they thought it necessary to alter their first orders , and to take a more severe course in making the Duke acknowledge the Kings Grandezza , which by his entring into the State of Millain in hostile manner , he seemed to value but a little . They therefore commanded the Governour and their other Officers in Italy , that they should proceed no longer against the Duke with such respect as formerly , but with all bitterness and severity . To which end they gave out orders , and made extraordinary provisions . The Embassador Vives was returned from the Camp to Genoa , who having sent some scouts to Nizza di Provensa , and to Villa Franca , brought back word , that the Castle of Nice , though otherwise very strong , had only a Garrison of 150 Souldiers in it , and but little Ammunition ; That the City was safe on the one side from being injured by the Castle ; That the Citizens were but ill satisfied with the Prince ; That the Passes in Piedmont , which were scituated on steep Cliffs , might be unexpectedly taken by a few Souldiers , and be by them defended ; which being taken , that the Castle and City could not be relieved , and therefore might be easily mastered by any who should go thither with convenient Forces : They also said , that the Castle of Villa Franca , a spatious and safe harbour , was but weakly walled , guarded only by 50 Souldiers , and subject to be plaid upon on several sides , that howsoever , Cape San Sespiro , a place commodious to land in , and very neer Villa Franca , might easily be surprised and fortified , as not being provided either of Guards or Fortifications ; he therefore proposed either of these two enterprises , as feasible , to the King ; the rather , for that he being Master of the Sea , had the whole River of Genoa , together with the Haven of Monaco , for his friends ; so as if either of these two enterprises should be taken in hand , at the same time that the Land-Army should enter Piedmont , it might be probably hoped that landing between six and eight thousand men in those parts , they might easily be effected ; or if they should meet therein with any greater difficulties , it would howsoever be very advantagious to make the attempt , by reason of the great diversion it would be to the affairs of Piedmont , The Court was pleased with this proposal , and it was presently ordered to be put in hand ; so as necessary provision and materials were furnished from Genua , by the said Vives : and the people which were come from Naples , and those which were shortly expected from Sicily , were deputed for that service : but because contrary winds caused much delay , the Duke had notice of the Enemies design , and fortified Cape San Sespiro , re-inforced the Garrison of Nice , and of his other Maritime Towns ; therefore the Governour , either that he might not irritate the French , when they should see the places confining upon Prevence assaulted , and to which they have ancient pretences , or finding the difficulties , and that they were prevented by the Duke , forewent these their first intentions , and fell to besiege Oneglia , a Town belonging to the Duke , 40 miles distant from Nice , towards Genua ; wherefore Prince Philibertus being gone for Spain , though the Gallies which were expected with men from Spaine ; were not yet come , yet Don Alvaro Bassano , Marquess of Sancta Croce , Captain of the Neopolitan Gallies , went thither with his Gallies , and with those that keep usually in the Haven at Genua , commanded by Don Andrea Doria ; in them there were six Ne●…politan Companies , under Vespatiano Macedonico , and eight Spanish , under Pietro Sermiento , Camp-master . Oneglia is a Town di 500 fuochi , upon the sea shore , having on the east side craggy hills ; on the west it is watered as it were with a little river , beyond which stand some hills , which entring into the sea make the Premontory , commonly called Cape St. Lazero , her jurisdiction towards the sea lies neer the mountain and the river ; it extends much further on the land side , having the command of three very fruitful 〈◊〉 peopled by 60 Villages : besides which there are other two , Maro , and Perla ; which belong likewise unto the Duke . The place it self , never having seen the face of an Enemy , is not any ways fortified , unless with a Castle built after the antient manner , and by a Bulwark towards the sea , which serves rather to keep out Pirates , then to fortifie the Town . But the Dukes Commanders and Souldiers being entred thereinto , they made divers Fortifications there ; they drew a trench along the river on the West side , and a bank of sand along the shore ; for it was defended on the north side by a Country of friends , and on the east by craggy hills . Count Lodevico della Moretta , Marquess di Dogliano , commanded there in chief ; who had with him many Captains , and Souldiers , as well of the neighbouring Valleys , as sent by directions and order from Piedmont . Sancta Croce landed his men on the 19 of November , by permission from the Commonwealth , beyond Cape St. Lazero : and though his leave to land was upon condition that he should not make any they in her Territories ; yet making no account thereof , St. Crece quartered himself on this side the river , and planting his battery there he begun to command the Campagnia , and to remove all impedments . The next night he sent some of his men beyond the river , who after a stour dispute having gained the further bank , made themselves masters of many ways which led unto the walls : and at the same time bringing two pieces of Artillery upon the Piazza of St. Moro , to begin the battery from thence , they beat back above 500 Souldiers from the Trenches and Rampiers which they had made thereabouts , with loss of only eight assailants , and some that were wounded . But being there infested by others , who were fortified in some other houses which stood a little higher , and by certain Mortar-pieces , which were placed on the Dukes Palace , he turned his Artillery thither-ward , beat down the houses , and boldly assaulting them , he repulst the defendants who were 300 in number , and pursued them to the Covent of St Augustini , whither they retreated in great disorder . The Covent was immediately inviron'd with Trenches , which was very opportunely seated for defence of the Town , and was plaied upon all that night , 400 of the Garrison , who were there , defending themselves very valiantly . This mean while the Gallies lay not idle , but landing men came upon Oneglia , cleared the Campagnia with their Artillery , and beat down the tops of the houses , though that they that were within indeavored to keep them off with the Artillery of the Castle , and of the Bastion , which was on the sea side . And landing a great Cannon between the river and Cape St. Lazere , they therewithall slew many upon the Trenches . Those who were within defended themselves manfully , but their Ammunition grew low , as was conceived by their so seldom shooting ; and a Falluca loaded with Muniton which was sent from Villa Franca was intercepted by the Gallies , so as they grew daily more and more to despair of succour . For Count Guido , who fell down from Piedmont to this purpose with 200 Horse , and 500 Foot , being necessarily to pass thorow the Territories of Genua , was denied passage . It was therefore thought the Town would be soon surrendred ; and those within had already obtained Truce for three hours , by means of a Capuchine Friar , seeming as if they would yield up the Town , but with intention that they might fortifie themselves the better ; for the Rampiers being finished a little before the time of Truce expired , they let fly a piece of Artillery into the Camp , and gave a furious volley of Musket shot from the Monastery . On the other side , those without reinforced their batteries on many parts , but did no great good thereby , the defendants making valiant resistance , and killing many of the assailants . This mean while the six Gallies came from Sicely , and brought with them eight Colours of Spanish Foot , of the usual Garrison of that Island , commanded by Don Diego Piementello . Which whilst they were landed beyond Cape St. Lazero , the remainder of the former Foot who were quartered on this side , in the Commonwealths Territories , were sent over the water into the parts about Oneglia , and by means of a Capuchine Fria , a Truce for three days was again indeavoured , upon condition that if in the interim they should not be relieved , the Town should be surrendred ; but this was not yielded to by Sancta Croce . Whereupon many of the Towns men fearing to be sackt , or to be put to some miserable ruine , went over into the State of Genua ; and 200 of the Country people who were set to guard a certain Ditch neer the Gate , forsook it , and fled away by night . Wherefore the Spaniards advancing even to the Church St Martino , without any withstanding , made themselves masters of all the parts that were about Oneglia on the land side ; and had they not been hindred by great rain , and by the river which swells very high in those parts , they would certainly have ended their work then . But the waters being fallen , those within drew two pieces of Cannon just over against the Gate of the Town , and by means of the Capuchine who had past several times before between them and the enemy , they desired , and obtained leave , to march out with their Colours flying , Drums beating , with their Arms and Baggage , and with a safe conduct . Whereupon the Marquess Degliano publickly complaining that the place was lost by the accommodation , and Munition which was afforded by the Commonwealth to the Kings Commanders , and by giving way to the intercepting of the succour which was sent by the Duke , went out the fifth day after the landing of the first men , and with him went out twelve Colours , besides many Towns-men , and others of the neighbouring Villages , who swearing loyalty to the Spanish Commanders , tarried in the Country . But Count Guido , who was kept , as hath been said , from relieving Oneglia , went into the Marquesate of Zuccherello , an Imperial Feudatory which lying between the Dukes Territories , and those of the Commonwealth , serves as a Gate whereby to enter Piedmont . And carrying Count Odo Rovero along with him , withdrew all that jurisdiction , except Castello Veccohio , which was the Marquess his place of residence , and who was then absent , into his power . Where though there was neither Ammunition , Artillery , nor Souldiers ; yet the enemy not being able to bring their Artillery thither without much labour ; and 500 of the Subjects of the Commonwealth being at that instant come into Castell Vecchio , to whom the Emperour had committed the protection of the Marquesate , some resistance was made for some days : yea with the death of some of the oppugners : but afterwards their Ammunition and succour failing them , they yielded the Castle upon Articles . But all things were not quiet in the Valley of Oneglia , by reason of the Castle of Maro ; whither the Dukes Captains , at their marching out of Oneglia , sent 300 Foot under Cavalier Broglia , who having fortified it , and furnished it well with Munition , it was thought it would be hard to take , for it was seated between craggy Rocks and cliffs ; and from hence he infested the Towns in the Valley of Oneglia with often salleys , and forced them to pay great contributions ; for after having sworn fealty to the King , he esteemed them Enemies , and Rebels to the Duke . After the taking of Oneglia , Sancta Croce was gone to Naples , and return'd from thence ; and had brought with him in his Gallies 3000 Neapolitanes , under the Camp-master Thomaso Carassiol●… , and many other provisions for the enterprize of Villa Franca , which the Spanish Commanders were still bent upon . But the Governour had always been against it , and by a Secretary which he had lately dispatcht away into Spain , had propounded many difficulties to the Kings Counsel , whereby he had not a precise order to desist from it . It was therefore resolved that they should go to the taking in of Maro , to the which 3000 Foot , part Neapolitans and part Spaniards , with three pieces of Cannon , and 2000 other Foot of the Valley of Oneglia , were sent , commanded by Iovan Ieronimo Doria , a very valiant Commander . Doria began the battery immediately ; and having quickly beaten down part of the Wall , he ordered an assault to be given the second night , not only where the wall was broken down , but also on two other sides , to the end that he might divide the defendants . And that all this might be done at one and the same time , the firing of a Cannon was the sign of falling on . But some of the assailants having mist their way , and others been too slow in coming to the place appointed , only the Spaniards , who were to assault the Town where the Wall was beaten down , fell on , entred the Town , and maintained fight a long whil●… , till such time as great stones being thrown down upon them , and beams from the tops of the highest houses , and out of windows , they were forc'd to retreat , with loss of two of their men , and 35 who had their heads broke ; amongst which Emanuel di Luna , their Captain . The battery continued afterward two days , on two several parts ; when Doria finding businesses reduced to that pass of coming to an assault again , he gave order for it , as before , on three several parts ; which being valiantly performed in all the parts , and the defendants playing their parts valiantly , Broglia , who had taken some rest by reason of the pains he had taken the preceding night , came from the Castle to assist his men ; but as he was either retiring into the Castle , or as he was carrying succour to another place where he heard a new tumult , he was run thorow with a Pike by a Spaniard , by whose death the defendants being dismaied , they retreared all into the Castle , which they surrendred not long after , upon permission to march out with their Arms and Baggage . Whilst the Kings Forces were thus busied in the Maritime parts , the building of the Fort Sandoval went on ; and the Nuntio Savelli , and the French Embassadour , laboured , though in vain , to compose Affairs . The difficulty lay on the Governours behalf , who , according to the Kings Orders , would have the Duke to lay down Arms ; which the Duke denied to do , fearing , as he alleadged , the Spanish Forces , if he should do so . But the Nuntio , and the Embassador , finding that fear to be in effect vain , and that the Dukes backwardness did not depend thereon , but rather upon a desire of having some part of Montferrat allotted him by agreement , without which they saw him resolute not to lay down Arms , they framed some Capitulations , wherein giving him some satisfaction in that behalf , they obliged him to disarm upon the Governours bare word , in the name of the King of France , and upon the promise of the said Governour , that he also would soon after disband all his men . The Duke was not hereat displeased ; but foregoing his former obdurancy , out of hopes of soon obtaining part of Montferrat , he did not insist so much as he had done upon the form of disarming , and was perswaded to accept of the proposal . Yet were it either that the Articles were cunningly contrived , that the Duke giving free consent to the Article of disarming , wherein the difficulty lay , his fair pretence of providing for his own safety might be taken way ; or that the Governour thought the Articles repugnant to three points of the Kings Decree , the Governour refused to accept of them , so as the business was not perfected ; the rather , for that the Governour boasting that he would chastise the Duke for his having entred the Kings Dominions in a hostile manner , said he could not consent to any agreement , unless the Duke should humble himself to the King , and ask his pardon , for having offended him , by entring his Territories in hostile manner ; and therefore although the midst of November was over before the Fort was finished , and the weather consequently grown very sharp ; and though the Army , which was much lessened by mortality , and by the running away of many , ought to have been brought into winter Quarters , yet the Governour , being thereunto sollicited by many of his Captains , and much press'd by many of the Officers of the Court , who by their Letters desired very much to see the Dukes contumacy severely punish'd by some signal action , resolved to go to before Asti ; for he despaired of getting Vercelles , the Duke being there in person with the greatest part of his men . This proposal had been several times press'd , even from the very first beginning of the war , by Rodorigo Oroseo , Marquess of Mortara , and Governour of Allessandria ; who being a Souldier , and desirous to signalize himself , promised the Governour that he would easily take it , if he would give him 4000 Foot , and 500 Horse ; but the Governour not giving way thereunto , he grew more fervent therein , when he saw the Duke busied in building the Fort , hoping that he might get it the more easily , for that the Duke keeping at Vercelles by reason of the neighbourhood of his Enemies , could not divert him , nor send any considerable Forces to relieve it . Now the times being altered , and what was more to be considered , the form and design of the enterprise being varied , the Governour would of himself attempt it with all his Forces ; and therefore leaving a sufficient Garrison in Sandoval , and having sent away the Artillery before by the Tannaro , he attempted to come before it with 1200 Horse , 3000 Dutch Foot , and 4000 Foot more of several Nations : But the Duke as soon as he saw Vercelles free from the Enemies neighbourhood , leaving his youngest Son Prince Thomaso there , with a reasonable Garrison , went with the rest of his men to the defence of Asti , passing over the Poe by a Bridge , which he quickly threw over between Crescentino and Verrua ; and whilst the Nuntio and the Embassadour entertained the Governour with divers promises , that they would bring the Duke to disarm , thereby making him lose much time ; the Duke minded the more the fortifying of the walls , and of other fitting places , for the defence of that City . The Governours heat was somewhet cooled by the Dukes coming to Asti , and much more by the French , which he knew fell down into Piedmont ; wherefore he ordered Iovan Bravo , who had already taken up his Quarters at Quarto , a Village nere the City , to retreat back into Annone ; and the season growing then to be very sharp and cold , he was much confused , and found no less difficulty in this Enterprise than in that of Vercelles : He saw himself so far advanced as he could not with honour retreat ; to winter his Army about the City was very incommodious and dangerous ; to return once more b●…ck to the State of Millain did too much repugne the protestations and threats which he had given out ; he could not therefore do it without much blame , and loss of Honour , and without being subject to many severe reprehensions from the Court ; therefore calling a Counsel of War , he asked his Field-Officers advice concerning the manner , and possibility of quartering that Winter in the Dukes Country . Several were the opinions ; many were against , many for quartering there : the former alledged the bitterness of the season , the weakness , and far distance between the places wherein they were to distribute their Army , the Dukes being present there ; who being in a great City , and capable of receiving all his men , might sally out and suppress , one by one , all the places wherein their men should be quartered , before , being so far from one another , they could joyn time enough in the common defence . They therefore concluded , it was better to amend the first resolution , of coming before Asti , then by persevering in the error be subject to the danger and mischief which might result thereupon . The others pleaded , and chiefly Morara , the chief promoter of the enterprise , the conveniences of the Quarters by reason of the vicinity of the State of Millain , and of Montferrat , from whence provisions might be conveniently brought ; and also the safety thereof , in the Towns of that Country capable to quarter the whole Army , which being fortifi'd by Trenches would be able to withstand sudden assaults , till such time as succour might be brought from the neighbouring places . They mentioned many good effects which might result therefrom ; first , the preservation of the honour of the Kings Forces , which otherwise would be totally lost ; that the State of Millain would be that Winter eased from the charge of quartering ; and on the contrary , the enemies Country troubled therewith : which would be thereby kept from assaulting the Kings Towns , as they formerly had done , and publickly threatned to do again ; that it was probably to be hoped that time might afford occasions of making themselves masters of the City that very Winter ; if the Duke not being able , ( as he was not likely to be ) to keep his men long together without moneys , they should chance to mutiny , or any other unthought of accident should fall out . And as for the bitterness of the season , they said it was not now to be taken into consideration , the Army being already in the enemies Country ; and since it differed not much from that when they went from the Novarese . In this ambiguity of opinions the Governour sent some Commanders to discover the Country beyong the Tanaro ; and then going with part of his men by a Bridge , which he threw over at Roccad ' Arazzo , he ordered Mortara to possess himself with Bravo's Brigado of a Town called Zam , up the River overagainst the City , which being easily taken , he went against 1000 men which he saw passing in boates over the Tanaro . But they being quickly repassed , and joyn'd with the rest of the Dukes men , they began to skirmish with Muskets on both side the banks , not without the prejudice and death of some of both the parties , amongst which two Spanish Captains , who were shot with a Cannon-bullet from the opposite banke , where the Duke himself appeared in a red Coat , incouraging his Souldiers , giving fire to the Artille●…y with his own hands . The Commanders being returned made their relations according to their several opinions . Mortara said the Army might be commodiously quartered there ; but Don Francisco Padiglia , General of the Artillery , Don Sanchio Salina , and Barnabo Barbo , Commissary-general , who were sent to the same purpose by the Governour , were of a contrary opinion . And the Governour being sorry that he had come thither , desired nothing more then a fair occasion to retreat , which he was offer'd by the Nuntio , and French Embassadour by proposal of new Capitulations , conformable enough to the Kings decree , and already accepted of , and subscribed by the Duke : But the Governour persisting still that there was no way left to execute the Kings decree , unless the Duke did first ask the King pardon for the injury he had done after the decree , all were scandalized at so proud a pretention ; and the French Embassadour told him freely , that it was not an action fit for a free Prince , to ask pardon ; nor was it ever demanded from the said Duke , when , not many years before , a pacification was made between him and the King of France , though unprovoked , he had not only assaulted the Kings Territories , but taken some of them ; and that the Capitulation was conformable to the King of Spains mind , and such as the Governour ought not to refuse . At this very time the Embassadour Vives , being sent for by the Governour , was return'd to the Camp , who before he came from Genoa was present at a consultation had between Sancta Croce , Don Piedro di Sieva , Captain of the Sicilian Band , Don Carlo Doria , and the Camp-masters Don Diego Pimontello , and Don Piedro Sarmiento ; The result whereof was , that it was absolutely necessary for maintaining the dignity of the Crown , and the authority of his Majesties Arms , to quarter that Winter in Piedmont ; wherewith he acquainted the Governour , who was already more inclined to depart , then to tarry ; he perswaded him likewise by many Reasons to tarry there , at least till such time as having made some notable resentment , which might tend to the punishment of the Duke , Peace might be concluded upon honourable terms . And because the Duke seemed to be much perplexed , lest ( as he professed ) by the exclusion of Peace , some new breach might insue between the two Crowns , Vives indeavoured to free him from any such suspicion , shewing him , that by new orders had from the Court , by which , without listning to any treaty of peace , he was absolutely commanded to keep the War on foot ; the Governour had good occasion to excuse himself to the Embassadors , and to delay the accepting of the Capitulations which were proposed , till new orders might come from the King ; and that the mean while by continuing the War orderly and boldly , some honourable action might be luckily light upon , which might make way for the King to enter into a treaty of peace with honour and reputation . And he added , that otherwise the Duke must needs passe unpunished for the injuries done unto the King , if the Governour should either immediately accept of the Articles of p●…ace , or coming out of Piedmont without doing any thing , might suffer those same Princes to apply themselves to the King for accepting of the same Capitulations . For in such a case , the King not being able to refuse them , because they contain the three points propounded by his Majesty , he should be constrained to agree with the Duke , without taking that revenge , or making that resentment , which he intended to do . Moreover , he said it would be very dangerous that the Duke , seeing him and his Army retreated , might again assault the State of Millain , and infest it with often inroads . These and many other Reasons urged , by Vives , could not work upon the Governour , who was desirous every day more then other to return to Millain . Wherefore the business being propounded in Counsel , after a long discussion , two things were at last resolved upon ; the one , not to accept the Capitulations of peace ; the other , that they would go out of Piedmont . For the first , they alledged the precise orders from the King ; for the second , the common custom , of bringing their Camps to their Winter quarters in October , and in May into the field . And because the Governour had told the Nuntio , and the Embassadour , that it was necessary to send those Capitulations first into Spaine , they desired a Truce in the interim for forty dayes : which it was again disputed whether or no it stood with the reputation of the retreat , to give way thereunto . And it was concluded in the negative , because it was contrary to the Kings orders ; therefore the Governour sent the Capitulations into Spain , and having tacitely afforded a longer Truce then they had expresly refused to do , he returned with his Army into the State of Millain , after having staid only six days in the Dukes Dominions . So this second entrance of the Spanish Army into Piedmont , which was publickly protested to be made to chastise the Duke , had no better success , nor won no greater reputation then did the first . Nay , at the same time that the Governour stood consulting before Asti , Prince Thomaso went by night out of Vercelles with a body of Foot and Horse , and on the sudden assaulted Candia , a Town belonging to the King ; and beating down the Gate with a Petard , he put it to fire and sword : and having staid there all night , he returned safe the next morning to Vercelles , receiving no offence from the Garrisou of Sandoval , which was not far from thence . An action , which though the Duke protested to proceed without any order from him , and before his son had notice of the Capitulation subscribed by him , yet it was commonly thought that to revenge himself for this second assault , and to free his State once more by diversion , he had commanded his son to do it . The Governour being returned , he made the Duke be by publick Proclamation declared to have forfeited the Dom nion of the City and Country of Asti , and of the like of Santia , by his hostile acts committed against the State of Millain ; pretending that those Towns held in Fee of the said State , and the Bills thereof were publish'd at the beat of Drum , and fastned in some parts of that Country confining upon the State of Millain . Against which Proclamation the Duke made another Edict be published , wherein denying absolutely that he held those Towns in Fee from the Chamber of Millain , and that therefore they could not be proceeded against by way of confiseation , he contradicted the Proclamation , terming it foolish and ridiculous , and commanded his Subjects to keep their wonted loyalty and obedience to him . He afterwards possest himself of some other Imperial Fee-towns in the Langhe ; and amongst those some that held of the Chamber of Millain ; the Governour not taking any notice the●…eof , unless it were that fearing the Duke might draw neerer the sea , he sent Don Lewis di Cordia , Don Piedro Sarmiento , Don Ieronymo Pimontello and Thomaso Caracciolo to quarter in those parts with their Brigadoes ; and some Companies of Iovan Piedro Zerbelloves Brigade ; and afterwards being advised thereunto by Sancta Croce , and Don Carlo Poria , who were come into Allessandria , he orde●…ed Don Piedro Sarmiento , to 〈◊〉 himself of Montbaldne , Dente , Roccaverano , and Cortemiglia ; by which places the Spaniards became masters of all that Country , which lying between the River of Genoa , and the lower Montferrat , is called Le Langhe . Montbaldone and Dente came in immediately to Sarmieneo , who going with his Artillery to Roccaverano , it is not known for what cause ; and therefore not without wonder to all men , he had new orders to supersede ; wherefore retiring back , the Duke sent 100 Foot to re inforce the Garrison of Cortemiglia , he afterwards took Bozalasco , Gorzegno , Manoxino , and other Towns thereabouts ; this was the success of the Wars of Piedmont , in the year 1614 : at the end whereof the Governour went to Millain , to take order for greater provisions for War the next year ; and two Millions of Ducates being come to the Haven of Genoa , part whereof was for the Army in Flanders , part for that in Lombardy , the Gabels upon Merchandize , and other things , was increased to above a third part in Millain ; The sum whereof being turn'd into annual revenue , and a good part thereof sold to particular persons , brought great store of moneys into the Exchequer , which were afterwards assigned for the War , which was noised would be great the next year . Levies of men were ordered to be made in Germany , Swisserland , in the Kingdom of Naples , and in Lombardy ; and not herewith all content , the King desired the Genoeses , the great Duke of Tuscany , the Duke of Urbin , Duke of Parma , and the Commonwealth of Lucca , to send such men to the State of Millain , as either for their own concernments , or by the condition of obligation they were bound to do ; and he did this not so much out of necessity , as for the honour of the undertaking , and to shew how much the Princes of Italy did adhere to the Kings party , yea even against an Italian Prince . The Princes of Italy were not well pleased to see him proceed with such a bulk of War against the Duke ; for though the defence and protection of Montferrat , and the preservation of publick peace , had at first rendred the title and cause of the Spanish Forces less odious ; yet since the end was now altered , and that revenge was indeavoured , which made them apprehend worser things , they began in respect of the common interest , to abhor the proceeding ; and yet Urbin , Parma , and Lucca , preferring the Kings Authority before any other respect , yielded easily to the Kings request . The great Duke made some difficulty , alledging that being obliged to send 4000 Foot and 400 Horse , for the State of Sienna , which he held in Fee from the Crown of Spain , to defend the State of Millain ; he was not now bound to do it , when as the State making an offensive and not a defensive War , his obligation and tenure thereof was inlarged , the example being of great consequence , and of greater prejudice : but reply being made , that that which assaulteth must of necessity also be defended , his excuse was not accepted of ; chiefly since ( as it was said ) he who held so great a State in Fee from the King ought not to stand so precisely upon the words of his obligation . It was therefore agreed , that 2000 Foot should effectually be sent , which should serve to defend the State , and not to offend the Duke , and some supplies of money were sent ; the Genueses case was otherwise , who not being requi●…ed to administer relief out of any obligation , but only by way of fiendship and correspondency , and for the great Interest which they had in the Crown of Spain , excused themselves upon the necessity they had to guard their Confines towards Piedmont , and to keep the Sea and River open for the passage of the people which came to the State of Millain ; which Reasons gave satisfaction . The Duke was not this mean while idle ; for being much incouraged by the past successes , and having , after he saw the Governour once more gone out of Piedmont , quartered his men in several parts of the State , he was wholly bent upon desending himself , and not upon agreement . He sollicited the promised assistance of the Transalpine Princes , and guessing at what was to come , by what was past , he grew so confident , that as he was wont to say , his own person was sufficient for half the Spanish preparations : Yet the fear of the future war grew daily greater , and was confirmed by the knowledge , that though the King had declared it did not become a free Prince to ask pardon of another Prince upon the making of peace ; and that therefore he never expected any such thing from the Duke ; yet with an intention of resenting what the Duke had done in his Dominions , he had openly refused to accept of the last Capitulation subscribed by the Duke : But this fear was much more increased by the retaining a Post , who coming from Spain was taken Prisoner as he past in a little Barque from Antibo to Finale , and was sent to Turin with the Kings and Councels Letters ? the which being opened and Printed , the Duke caused to be divulged throughout Italy , together with other Writings , wherein he justified his own actions , tending ( as he said ) only to the defence of his own State , which is so natural for all men to do , and to the preservation of peace : To obtain the which , he added , he had not refused any submission which became a free Prince : And because the Kings Lettess , and those of his Counsel , contained bitter complaints of what had happened , and sharp reprehensions of the Governours actions ; and breathing forth nothing but fire and threats , charged him with having troubled him with grievous war : The Duke , taking his rise from their apprehensions , fill'd the Papers with grievous Revilings of the Spanish Nation , blaming the Spaniards without any respect , That under the fair pretence of peace , they aimed only at the usurpation of his State ; and that therefore the King , refusing the just Capitulations subscribed by him the Duke , did incite all the Princes of Italy against him , drawing forth all the usual Garrisons of the Kingdom of Naples and Scicily , pardoning the most heinous offendors , as if he did proceed with all his Forces and Authority , against an enemy to Christendom : Nor did the following actions delay the confirmation of the fear of the future war ; for hardly was the tacite Truce occasioned by the sharpness of the season , ceased , when Arms were taken up with greater fervor about the end of March , 1615. Cordona's Spaniards , who were quartered in the Langhe , were the first that moved ; who through intelligence held with those of Roccavrano , who were weary of the French Garrison , entered the Town by night through a hole made in the walls , and slew some of the French , the rest whereof retired into the Castle , and made themselves Masters of the Town , and the next day of the Castle , which could not he relieved , the Passes and Avenues thereunto being anticipately possessed : The Duke being awakened , as one out of a deep sleep , by the loss of Roccavrano , who had been quiet enough in Turin , began to doubt Cortemiglia , whither he presently sent some Regiments of Piedmontesans , and 800 Switzers ; and coming from thence to Cherasco , he furnished all his men in those parts with Ammunition and Artillery : But the Spaniards perceiving by Letters which were intercepted that Count Guido went to the recovery of Roccavrano , and that to that end the Count was come with some men to Castine ; Mortara , Governour of Alessandria , being sent to for succour by Cordova , who was anxious of the mustering of men made by the Duke not far from his own and his companions quarters , sent him 1000 Foot , advising him to assemble together all the Souldiers which were quartered in those parts , lest being assunder they might be the more easily oppress'd by the Duke : And giving notice of every the least particular to the Governour , and having after much pressing obtain'd means , money , and munition from him , whereby to come into the field , he went from Alessandria with 600 Souldiers , five Troops of Horse , and two field-pieces ; and having given order to Ieronymo Pimontello , and to Ieronymo Gamboloita , to go with a thousand Souldiers which yet remained with them from Tortona to Castine , he himself directed his course also thitherward : Here he thought to muster a body of 5000 Foot , and 600 Horse , all commanded men , and most of them Spaniards ; and confided so much in their valour , as perswading that the Dukes men would not be able to make head against him , he promised himself secure victory at the first incounter : Bistagno , a Town of above a hundred and more Families , belonging to Montferrat , lies between Cassine and Cortemiglia ; and being upon the rode-way which comes from the Sea , it is of no small moment for the safety of the usual passage of people , who coming from the Ligustick Sea , pass into the State of Millain : Hither came Mortara , lest the place might be prepossessed by the Duke ; and with him came Pimontello and Gamboloita , with the men of Tortora ; and not long after Cordova , who had left his Brigade in Spain ; and by order from the Governour , Don Sanchio Salina likewise , and Caracciolo , to assist and advise Mortara ; whose too great fervour made the Governour apprehend some inconvenience . Gamboloita was sent with his men , and some few Horse , to defend Monastero , a place two miles beyond Bistagno , for the safeguard of Cordova's men , who were to come from Spigno to Bistagno ; but the Duke thought he had assuredly caught Mortara , and the other Captains , in a noose , when he saw them come thither with so few men : Wherefore placing the hope of so happy success in speed , he came out of Cherasco , and throwing a Bridge suddenly over the Tenaro , he past over to Neviglie , and came that way to Castino , and so to Cortemiglia ; where leaving the Switzers , and a great Garrison under the Commendatore della Motta , he parted on the 16th of April , being holy Thursday , towards Bistagno , with 1200 Horse , and about 7000 Foot ; and thinking to get thither early in the morning , and to have taken the enemy at unawares , he marched apace all that night ; but being held play by the Garison of Vezema , as he past over the Bridge at Bormia , which is neer the Castle ; and having lost some time the n●…xt morning in sacking and burning Cassinasco , a little Village which h●…d the boldness to resist him , he mar'd his designe ; for Mortara , having notice of the Kings coming , whilst he was at Dinner , sent Cordova presently away towards his Brigade , he sent to his men who were quartered in the neighbouring parts , to come to Bistagno , and getting immediately on horse-back with Salina and Caracciolo , and followed with a Troop of Horse with Musqueteers en Crupe , he went towards the Hill which leads to Cassinisco , to incounter the enemy ; but having advanced couragiously , and placed some of his Musqueteers to defend the Passes , he returned back immediately to take order for the defence of Bistagno ; where his men stood in battel array , ready to receive the enemy ; but being astonished at the great number of men which they saw come down the Hill with the Duke , they suddenly retired to within the walls of the Town ; and having flanked the Gate with earth , they put themselves orderly in a defensive posture ; and Skirmished all that day and the next night , seeking to keep the enemy aloof off , lest coming near they might throw down the wall with Spades and Pick axes : The mean time Salino , Pimontello , Caracciolo , and chiefly Mortara's self , though he was then troubled with the Gout , sometimes on horse-back , sometimes carried in a Chair , went comforting , ( providing for what was needful ) and incouraging the Souldiers ; in whose assistance the Towns-folk , yea , even the women , labored with much affection and zeal , though the Duke had sent Letters before his arrival to the Consuls and Officers of that Communalty ; wherein he professed his only aim was to secure his own State , and to drive the Spaniards from thence , promising safety both of life and lively-hoods ; but failing in his hopes of taking Bistagno by surprisal , he be took himself to force , and because he wanted great Guns , which were left behind by reason of the speed of their march , he began to block up the Avenues , so to hinder relief . He first repuls'd Gamboloita , who marching with his men from Monastero would have gotten into Bistagno ; and not long after the same Gamboloita joining with those who came with Cordua from Spigno to relieve Mortara , they were both of them set upon by the Dukes men , led on by Cavalier Boglia , and Monsieur di Polimia , as they descended the Mountain beyond Bormia ; and after a Skirmish of three hours , they were forced to retreat towards the top of the Mountain , and to desist from the enterprise , having won more praise for their daring , then for Military discipline , and left about 200 fighting men behind them . The news of the danger Bistagno was in being divulged round about , and afterwards throughout all Italy , turn'd the eyes and minds of all men upon the Duke ; not only for the danger those Commanders , who were the chiefest of all the Spanish Army , were in of being made prisoners , and the destruction of the men that were there , but because upon the taking of that little Town the scattering of all those other men who were quartered in the Langhe , did depend ; who being Ve●…eran Souldiers , and most of them Spaniards , were thought to be the sinews of that Militia , and the foundation of the Empire of th●…t Nation in Italy : Moreover the Duke by his taking of Bistagne , would have been master of all the Langhe , and would not only have been a great hinderance to the succours which were expected from beyond Sea ; but by assaulting Finale , or the River of Genoa , he would have freed his own State for that year from the war wherewith it was threatned , and would have forced the Governour to have made either his own Country , or that of the friends and Confederates of the Crown , the Seat of war : He was therefore admired and exalted , even to the Stars , for his Courage , Counsel , and Conduct ; for that when he seemed to be placed in an abyss of ruine , having such great forces ordained against him , and being so sorely threatened , he rose up more couragiously , and with greater vigour ; and had reduced the affairs of so potent an enemy into so difficult and dangerous a condition , and particularly those of Mortara ; who presuming more then any other Spanish Commander whatsoever , hath several times vaunted , and particularly in a Letter which he writ at his parting from Alessandria to Don Carlo Doria , at Genoa ; that he was gone to take the Duke Prisoner : But fortune , which doth usually disturb well-weighed designs , looked not with a favourable aspect upon this the Dukes enterprise ; for the greater Guns tarrying behind by reason of the Dukes speedy march towards Bistagno , and his being hindered by the cragginess of the ways , and the deepness thereof , he lost his design ; so as not being able to do any thing of moment with only two small pieces , especially by reason of the sacks full of earth and straw which the Defendants hung out upon ropes , Mortara had leasure to hold him play till succour came ; which the Duke fearing , and yet being resolved to do his utmost , he came to the wall with Spade and Pick-Ax , to throw it down ; and attempted in the dark of night to make a furious assault ; he at the same time made the Pyoneers approach , and put for the ultimate tryal of his and the enemies fortune ; but the Defendants being incouraged , by seeing how little effect the Dukes Artillery did , resisted stoutly here also ; For having notice of the Dukes intention , they were very vigilant in making defence ; and did so clear the darkness with Faggots and Granadoes , which they threw into the Ditch , as they might see to hit those that approach'd the walls ; and so rendered this the Dukes indeavour vain , as they had done the rest . This mean while the Governour of Millain hearing at Pavia what danger Mortara was in , though there was no good intelligence held between them , because Mortara was wont to detract from his actions , and as if he understood the mystery of the Militia better then the Governour , pretended to teach him how to fight ; and because his much importunity had made the Governour give way to this his going out ; yet howsoever , preferring the publick good , and the Kings Service , before any private enmity , he resolved speedily to relieve him and the other Commanders who were in the like danger : He therefore marched with between four and five thousand Foot , and some Troops of Horse which he had near at hand ; and having sent strict Orders to all Cap●…ains and Camp-masters to follow him with their men , he marched with incredible speed towards Bistagno ; and being come within three miles of it on the second day in Easter-week , he lay all that night in Terzo : The Duke the next morning after , which was the fourth day after his arrival , hearing of the coming of so strong a succour , began to dis-lodge , and leaving 2500 Foot , and the Horse on the Plain , he sent the rest of his men with the Artillery towards the Hill. The Horse and Foot which were left on the plain followed afterwards by the same way ; leaving much Ammunition in their Quarters , Arms and many sick Souldiers , who were unfit to march , besides 1000 which were slain in the assaults and actions . He departed unmolested , for Mortara being more afraid then was needful would not suffer his men to go out ; and the Governour did not follow him ; but coming into Bistagno almost at the same instant that the Duke removed away , and having heard Mass , advised with his Counsel what was to be done upon the present occasion : some of the Captains alledged the disturbance by rain , the narrowness of the ways , and the difficult passes , which were fit for Ambuscadoes ; and wherein they not being able to make use of all their men , the enemy might with a few men resist a much greater number ; others alledged the weariness of their own Souldiers , and some hours being past before the Consultation ; wherefore they thought the Enemy was so far advanced , as it was impossible to overtake them , it was resolved , the Governour himself being of the same opinion , that they should not follow the flying Enemy ; a resolution whereby the glory due unto him for so speedy and seasonable a succour ; whereupon the welfare of so many well deserving Commanders did depend , was turned to as much shame and dishonour ; for he was not only much blamed for letting slip so rare an occasion of victory , but was worse spoke of , the manner and circumstances of the present action being considered : some spoke against the way he took by Acqui , being the further about , and worse then that of Nice ; which was both the n●…erer , and would also have been a hindrance to the Duke in his retreat ; others added , that to make the Dukes retreat the more easie , he had forbidden Don Alphonso d' Avalos to advance , who was Governour of Montferrat : and who marching from Cassalle with 3000 Montferrian Foot and 300 Horse , had sent some of his men to the Castle Palafea , which being a place upon the way was very opportune to have detained the Duke , and hindred his retreat ; so as when the Spaniards should have been come upon him , and he consequently taken in the midst , he must of necessity have been defeated ; Others argued some secret Intelligence held between them , by the Governours lying all night in Terzo , so neer the Enemy , when the besieged were in so great danger ; Nor were there those wanting , who said they had seen Messengers pass and repass between the two Camps , and thereby , as also by other counter-signs argued that the Dukes retreat was secured to him . Howsoever , it is most certain the Duke must have received a great blow , had he been quickly pursued , without so much counsel , and such affected delays ; for his men were in very bad condition , by reason of their sufferings , and the hunger they had undergone before Bistagno ; and fearing to be assaulted , threw away their Arms , and fled in disorder ; and on the contrary , the Duke had that very morning within three miles space , 14000 Foot , and 1500 Horse ( those of the Langhe being comprehended ) men , who in respect of the Enemy , were fresh , and who had rested most part of that night ; For Cordova , Gamboloita , and other Commanders appeared immediately from the Langhe , with all the people of those parts ; as also Iovan Bravo , Carlo Spinelli , and Iovan Pietro Serbelloni , appeared that very morning from the State of Millain , with their Brigades , to boot with those of the Country . Bistagno being freed , the Governour without looking further after the Duke , who was gotten but ill-favour'dly with his men into Canelli , tarried divers days in Allessandria , waiting for Men , Ammunition , and Artillery , which he had sent for from several parts of the State of Millain , for the enterprize of Asti , which he gave out he would take in hand . The Duke , when he had brought his men into Canelli , sent them by degrees into Asti , whether he also sent victuals and Ammunition , for the defence of that City , against which he saw the Governour bent all his Forces ; who parting from Allessandria about the fifth of May , tarried six days in Felizzano ; and going from thence to Annone , the last Town upon the Confines of Millain , he went with his Army towards Asti : He had with him between 16 and 18000 Italian Foot , 4000 Spaniards , about 2000 Horse , the Gens d' Armes being therein comprehended ; to boot with 6000 other Foot , and 500 Horse , which he had left under Cavagliero Melzi in Sandoval , not so much to guard that Fort , as to keep Vercelles in jealousie ; so as the Duke being forced to keep it well Garrison'd , was the less able to defend Asti : He had also 7000 other Foot , which he shortly expected from Tuscanye , Urbine , and Lucca , by Sea ; and those of Parma were already come unto the Camp. At his going from Annone towards Asti he divided his Foot into four equal Squadrons , which being led on by four Troops of Dragoons , the Cavalry divided into two Squadrons winged the left side towards the Tannaro , the more inward whereof was led on by Don Alfonso Pimontello , General thereof ; and the outward by his Lieutenant Don Sanchio Salina ; after these came the Gens d' Arms , conducted by their General the Marquess of Este ; the Baggage came after the Squadrons , and the Artillery , part whereof was also plac'd on the left hand of the Squadrons . The City of Asti stands in a plain , at the foot of some hills , upon the top whereof stands the Castle , joyn'd to the City , of an ancient shape , as are also the rest of the Walls of the City , which therefore have not those Flanks nor Rampiers which are used in modern Fortifications . On the South side the Tannaro runs , two Musket shot distant from the walls ; the little hills which run in a large compass towards the North , bending from thence towards the East , terminate in Annone , from whence , like a half Amphitheaer , they encompass all that plain , between the Rivolea Versa , and the hills of Tannato , for some four miles space , and somewhat further , between Annone and Asti. But the Duke not at all affrighted at the approach of so great an Army , would , though weaker in Forces , face them ; and hating to keep inclosed within walls would march into the field against them . He had with him about some 15000 Foot , and 1500 Horse , most of them Forreigners , and chiefly French , who were come thither , notwithstanding their Kings severe Edicts to the contrary ; for the Princes of that Kingdom being desirous of new perturbations and ruptures between the two Kings , and it may be , that their King might be the Arbitrator of Peace and War in Italy , sent many men thither , thinking , that look how many more of their Nation should be in the Dukes service , both Peace and War should the more depend upon their Kings Being come neer Versa , and having taken up his Quarters upon the inward bank of the River , where was no commodious foording , save in two places , he sent Monsieur de Roason , with 200 Lorrain Horse , beyond the River , that he might get into some houses belonging to an Inn called Corce Bianca ; the first bickering fell out here , between these men , and Alphonso Balesteros , Comissary General of the Kings Horse , who was sent before with 400 Dragoons to discover the enemy : This Skirmish , by the concourse of people on both sides , grew almost to a Battel ; the Duke having sent his Van to relieve his men , and the Governour some Troops of Curassiers , with the Burgonian Forces , led on by the Baton Batteville , who was also followed by Alfonso Pimontello , with his Horse Troop ; so as the fray increasing , both sides fought valiantly ; in which fight it hapned , that the Lorrainers who were on the Dukes side , being cloathed and weaponed like to the Kings Burgonians , did so mingle with the Burgonians , as passing unknown thorow the midst of them , they advanc'd even to within sight of the Spanish Camp. The Governour advancing towards them bare headed , thinking they were his men who fled , began , much to his danger , to reprehend them , and to bid them return and fight valiantly ; but they for fear of death in case they should be known , seeming as if they would return to the Skirmish , retreated dexterously to their own men , leaving their Captain Prisoner , together with Cavalier San Rainero , and some others . There died in this Skirmish an Ensign-Bearer of the Dukes , with some others of both sides ; Balesteros was sorely wounded , and Baron Batteville sleightly , who , together with his Burgonians , behaved themselves gallantly both here , and during this whole Campagnia , and were of great aid to the Enterprise : Don Pimentello's Horse fell over and over with him , not without great danger of death . The Skirmish being over , ( for the Dukes men retreated to beyond the River , ) the Governour advanced even to Versa , and took up his Quarters there in the face of the Dukes Army ; but he sent Iovan Bravo , with his Brigade , and some pieces of Artillery , to Quarter upon the little Hills , for his own more safety , and for the prejudice of the Enemy : But the Duke having munited all the bank of Versa on his side with a long Trench , which reached from the little Hills to the Tannaro , sent also 2000 Foot to possess themselves of the Hill which was opposite to that where Bravo was Quartered ; and being mightily well sheltered on all sides , and fortified , nor being to be assaulted there without apparent danger to the Assailants , they began to skirmish from the Hills , and from the opposite Trenches , with Muskets and Bumbards ; but more out of force and fury than out of any well taken advice , or any great effect . This Skirmish continued two or three days without any advantage on either side ; so as the Spaniards thinking it a shame that the Duke with so unequal Forces durst confront them , and keep himself equal to their Army so long , they resolved to advance by the Hillocks , intending to fight him both on the back and flanks , in his own Quarters , and to beat up his Quarters : The Enterprise was committed to the Prince of Ascoli , who whilst he foreslowed the execution thereof , meeting with some impediments , he afforded the Duke , ( who had notice of all proceedings ) leasure to possess himself of other stations , fitter to hinder , or at least to make the Enemies progress more difficult in that part : And because it was necessary for the Prince to go by way of anticipation to the oppugning of Castiglione , a little Castle , scituated upon a little Hill , which being of some consequence was furnished with a reasonable Garrison , the Duke , for the better security thereof , chose out about a thousand of his best Musketiers , and sent them under the command of Captain Odone Rovero of Asti , and Monsieur d' Arlo , a French man , men of great courage and experience , to possess themselves of , and to fortifie a certain Hill which stood between the Castle and Bravo's Quarters ; but the Prince going with 4000 Foot , two Troops of Light Horse , and some Artillery , to take in the Hill , after a long dispute , wherein Arlo , Rovero , and many of the Dukes chiefest Souldiers were slain , got it at last by stout fighting , for all that the Duke sent a great relief unto them by Count Guido ; from whence turning immediately to the expugning of Castiglione , whether the Souldiers who escaped from the defence of the Hill fled , he likewise easily took it ; for the Governour , to the end that he by division might the more easily obtain the Hill , having at the same time sent Don Alonso Pimontello to fall upon the Trenches towards the Tannaro , which were defended by Prince Thomaso ; the Duke , thinking that he had sufficiently provided for the defence of the Hillocks , by those that he had sent thither under Rovero and Arlo , went with the body of his Army to assist his Son ; so as not being able time enough to relieve Castiglione , the Garrison of that Castle astonished at Prince Ascoli's great valour , and through the fearful relations ' which were made by the Souldiers who were fled thither , basely surrendred it , when the battery was scarcely begun : 500 Souldiers march'd out , who were graciously sent by the Prince to the Duke , not without the murmurs of the Spanish Army , who by this acquisition remained absolute Masters of the Colline . The Duke not being able to keep any longer upon the banks of the River , those stations being lost , quitted his Quarters , and retired quietly , unmolested , to the City ; for the Governour , keeping the Army back , contrary to the opinion of many of the Captains , expresly forbad Pimentello to advance , who already moved with the Cavalry to fall upon his Rere , being satisfied with taking the Hills , and with having made the Duke forsake his Trenches , he past with his Army beyond Versa , where he tarryed three days to fortifie la Croce Bianca , and some other places thereabouts . This mean while those of Tuscany , Urbane , and Lucca came to the Camp , and the Tuscans were sent to Sandoval , that , according to agreement with the great Duke , they might be imployed only in defence of the State of Millain , and the rest tarryed in the Camp. With the addition of these , and of other Souldiers who came to the Camp , the Army was increased to the number of 30000 Foot , and 3200 Horse , 400 whereof were sent to St. Damiano , a Town in Montferrat , which stands on the back of Asti , to keep back the victuals and munition which came from Piedmont . The Captains of the Army consulted how they should assault the Duke , and expugne the City ; and it was resolved to attempt it by the Hills near unto it , as from a higher and more convenient place , whereby they promised themselves the shorter and more easie success ; for that , contrary to the opinion of all men , they were neither garrisoned by the Duke , nor fortified by Trenches , though the slow Proceedings of the Enemies Army had afforded him sufficient conveniency to do it , and the present occasion did necessarily require it : Therefore the Governour , leaving Zerbellone with his Brigade to guard the Fortifications made about Versa , march'd with his Army in three distinct battaglions towards the Hills ; Don Piedro Sarmiento led on the first , which was the Van , composed of four brigades of Foot , two Spanish , two Neapolitans ; whereof the one was that commanded by Sarmiento , the other by Don Ieronimo Pimontello ; the one under Thomaso Carecciolo , and the other under Carlo Spinelli : After this went the second battaglion , led on by Giovan Bravo , wherein was his own Brigade , and the other two of Cordova and Gambaloita , with some Troops of Horse , according as the scituation would permit : Between the one , and the other of these were some Artillery brought , and some carriages of Ammunition ; in the reere the two Brigades of Ieronimo Rho , and of Cavalier Peccio followed , with those of Urbane , Parma , and Lucca ; the first commanded by Count Horatio Carpegna , the second by Don Francesco Farnese , and the last by Francisco Cenami : The Horse shelter'd , as formerly , the left wing of the Foot ; the baggage came last , and a numerous Train of Artillery , with the wonted Guard. In this order did the Army march early in the morning in a thick mist which would neither suffer them to discern the Hills , nor the Sentinels which were placed there to discover them . The Duke having notice at last by his Scouts of the Enemies March , and finding that they went towards the Hills , he , though too late , was aware of the importancy of that station ; wherefore issuing immediately with all his men out of the City , he went to pre-possess himself thereof ; which by reason of their nearness having easily done , since he had not more s●…asonably fortified them , he endeavour'd at least to arm them , and furnish them so with Souldiers , as the Enemy should not be Masters of them without much prejudice and effusion of blood . He therefore , having a mind to give battle , placed six or seven thousand French on the least Hill , and on that which was farthest off ; and talking to them on foot , he encouraged them to fight , proposing unto them the advantage of the scituation , the valour of their Nation , their hatred to the Spaniards , the glory and great rewards of Victory ; and they being come for the most part , rather to pillage then to fight , it is said , that pointing with his hand unto the Enemies Troops , he should say to them , give you me those Ranks disordered , and I will give you the State of Millain , and all Italy in prey to your valour and worth : For all the Arms , all the Forces that the Spaniards can put together , being assembled in this Camp , with what other people , with what other Armies can they oppose you ? with what Arms , with what Commanders can they bereave you of the reward and fruit of Victory ? Then seeming as if he were called away elsewhere , he excused himself for not tarrying longer with them : But seeming as if he did totally confide in their worth , he told them that his presence was more requisite elsewhere ; then going from them , he disposed 5000 Swissers on the Hill called Certosa , where he also placed five pieces of Artillery , with which scouring the Plain , he also light upon the Enemies Squadrons , and made way for the Horse , partly on the side of the Foot , partly in the Valley between the two Hills . The Governour was advanced , verily believing that the Duke would not stir out of the City ; and seeing him , beyond all expectation , encamp'd upon the Hills , and prepared for fight , he gave order for giving battle , being thereunto much egg'd on by the entreaties of his men , and by the fervency of the whole Camp , who desired nothing else . This order being published , Sarmiento's battaglion , which was the Van , marched towards the Hills , and through the Souldiers fervour ; a little more speedily then they ought to have done : And as he passed along having discovered some French quarter'd underneath the skirts of the Hills , some Neapolitanes were sent to drive them from thence . Here the fight begun ; for Onofrio Muti , a Roman Gentleman and Commiss●…ry General of the Dukes Horse , came in to the relief of the French with a great Squadron of Horse , which , as if they had abandoned the Dukes party , past over to amongst the Enemy , crying Viva la Spagna , Viva la Spagna ; whereby they did so deceive the Neapolitanes , as coming close up to them , without receiving any harm , and being by them friendly received , they immediately drew forth their Swords , and wounded some , slew other some , till such time as being relieved by Gambaloita , who seeing what was done from the second Squadron , advanced with his men , and forc'd the Enemies Horse to retreat : And at the same time the Neapolitanes , and the rest of the first Squadron , clambe up by those streight paths against the thund●…r of Cannon and hail of Musket-shot , and fighting as they came up the Hill , they at last got to the Plain , where being back'd by two pieces of Artillery , which were conveniently placed , they press'd so home upon the French , as beginning first to wave , and afterwards shamefully to turn their backs , they fled into Asti : The Duke , though in vain , sent Monsieur Limogione Lievtenant to Prince Thomaso to assist them , that he might set upon and oppose the Enemy with his Horse ; and he himself turning to the Swissers on the other Hill , on whom all his hopes lay , began to encourage them to make that station good ; shewing them , That the first Hill was lost , not through the valour or number of the Enemy , but by the cowardise of the French ; that they might make amends for the shame , and repair the loss : Wherefore they had an excellent occasion to shew how much the Swissers did exceed the French in valour , and to boast that it was the Swissers that had preserved his reputation and the state of the House of Savoy : He therefo●…e wished them to make head , and face the Enemy , not only by keeping them from that station , but by beating them also from the other which the French had so basely abandoned : That he himself would hazzard his life amongst them , to whose valour and worth he had trusted his honour , State , and reputation ; that he was therefore ready to keep with them , and run the same fortune , and fighting valiantly with a pike in his hand , either dye there , or bear away a plenary and glorious victory from the Enemy : That therefore they should fight as valiantly for the defence of that station , as they would do for the very walls of Turin ; and let the world know that the Swissers had not lost the ancient gallantry of their Fore-fathers , whereby they had won so many , and so famous Victories , with so much glory , wherein he did not in vain confide , nor yet so many other Princes , preferring the Swissers worth , in the defence of things of greatest importance , before that of all other Nations . But all these words were spoke in vain ; for Giovan Bravo , who followed Sarmiento , having this mean while wheeled about with the second Squadron on the side of the first Hill , and got upon the second , and together with him Gamboloita , and Don Alphonso Pimontello , Limogione could do not only not do any thing of moment ; but the Swissers seeing themselves set on , on so many sides , turn'd their backs more basely then the French had done , without or fighting , or shewing their face to the adversary ; and though the Duke and Prince Thomas●… indeavoured to make head with some Squadrons of Horse , and to detain the Swissers ; which not being able to do , they themselves withstood the coming on of the Enemy , as much as might be ; yet his men running faster and faster away , and the Enemy coming faster and faster on , they were forced to yield , and to leave five piece of Cannon in the Enemies hands ; two of which being thrown into a ditch towards the City , were by night recovered by the same Swissers . This was that which hapned on the Hills of Asti , on the 21th of May , wherein though Sarmiento's Squadron fought more then any of the others , and particularly Spinello's and Caracciolo's Neapolitans , to whom therefore the praise of the Victory was little less then wholly due ; yet because their too great fervour and fury wherewith they charged the Enemy was a hindrance to their companions , and to the Kings other Squadrons , who proceeded in a more orderly , and Mili●…ary manner , so as they could not come time enough to the fight ; therefore these coming up after the French were routed , their action was not so advantagious as it would have been , if they had made a joynt assault ; for then doub●…lesly the Dukes men would have been totally beaten . The number of the slain ( as is usual ) is diversly related ; yet was it less then was to have been expected from such a conflict ; and no wonder , since they minded flying more then fighting . The Neapolitans received some loss , being deceived by the Dukes Horse , who were they only that may be said to have laid about them , and to have made some resistance , whereas the Kings Horse did little or nothing ; nor were there many taken prisoners ; of the Spaniards the only man of account that was taken , was Don Francesca di Silva , brother to the Duke of Pastran●… , who going out a picchering alone , out of his ranks , and entring with too much youthful spirit amongst the Enemy , was wounded , and died not many days after a prisoner in Turin . Those of quality who fell on the Dukes side , were Monsieur di Crepagna , Serjeant Major-General , and six other Captains ; on the Kings side , six Captains and some other under-Officers : Great was the reputation which the Kings Forces won by these successes , who were brought very low by the former ; and very much the suppression of the Dukes party , whose affairs were hereby thought to be reduced to so low an ebbe , as the news of the loss of the Battle b●…ing brought to Turin , and the Dukes writings , and things of greatest consequence being sent thither , men betook themselves to such courses , as in times of greatest extremity is usual ; they carried the Jewels and best of the Courthoushold-stuff into the Castle ; and as if the Enemy had been before the Walls , the people fell to fortifie them , to furnish them with Sentinels , and Corps de guarde ; and the women clothed in sackcloth , went bare foot in procession to the Churches , and sacred places of the City ; and yet little was the advantage that was got by the Victory : For contrary to the common custom of War , the Kings affairs did from thence begin to decline in power , and reputation ; and on the contrary , those of the Duke grew daily better and more glorious ; for the conquering Army , which ought to have run with fervour to the ruine of the City , which was full of men affrighted , and confused through excessive fear , and which was not likely to have held out long before so victorious an Army , as was generally confess'd by all men , did not only forbe●…r doing so , but kept idle upon the Hills that they had won , and as if they had been infatuated with stupidity , busying themselves only in making Trenches , and in fortifying their Quarters , to defend themselves from the Enemy which they had beaten ; who after some days were passed began the Battery , but so cold , so leasurely , so uncertain a one , that the Bullets of the Artillery either did not hit at all , or with very little damage , though the Walls which they plaid upon , were exceeding weak with age . Wherefore the Duke , who was also entred the Town in fear and astonishment , and saw things in so desperate a condition , by reason of his own Souldiers confusion , prepared rather to abandon , then to defend it , taking courage at the so slow proceeding of the Enemy , began to hope he might be able to defend it ; the which that he might do with the more honour and shew of valour , he lodged his men between the Walls and the Trenches , over against those of the Enemy ; and he did not only play upon the Enemies Camp from the Castle , and from the Bulwarks , and Platforms built without in convenient places ; but sallying often out of the Trenches with store of Musketeers , even to the Enemies Banks and Works , he molested them continually both by day and night ; and particularly on that part , where , as being most exposed to assaults , Giovan Bravo , and Lodovico Gamboloita stood to make defence , who consequently underwent the burthen of all that enterprize . The City was plentiful in Victuals and Ammunition , which were daily brought to the Duke , notwithstanding the 400 Horse which were sent to St. Damiano ; and the neerness of the same City afforded him convenience not only to quarter his men commodiously , and under covert , but also to refresh them ; for dividing his Souldiers between the Guards of the Walls and the Trenches , and some succeeding other some in labour , and in rest , they recreated themselves , and getting more strength by their rest and recreation , they fell with more vigour to their labour again , and made the longer resistance : and though they were not over-well paid , yet did they serve in that War with much affection and industry , and were incouraged not so much by the Dukes presence and authority , as by his civil comportment , which won up●…n the Souldiers , whom he accompanied in all their labours and dangers ; To this was added , that he being naturally liberal to the Souldiers , they knew he failed them not in their pay through avarice , but impossibility : so as every one esteeming the cause his own , they laboured in the enterprize as for their own honour , incited by their hatred to the Spaniards , and by their desire of cancelling the fault which they had committed in the Battel ; and they fought the more fervently , for that they saw the Enemies Army grow the less couragious ; Which not being only molested by continual labour ( as hath been said ) but afflicted with infinite wants and inconveniences , and exposed to a thousand hardships in the Campagnia , wasted and consumed miserably away , as ice beaten on by the Sun ; for abounding in Victuals , and in all other refreshments , which was brought them from the States of Millain and Montferrat , they grew unruly and ill-governed , from whence infinite disorders did result : they were quarter'd upon those barren Hills , and without water , the scarcity whereof was very great , which they wanted not only for their refreshment , and to keep them clean , but even to drink : for having none but what was brought on the backs of beasts from the Tanaro , and Versa , there was not sufficient for the Men and Horses to drink : especially the neighbouring Cisterns of Certosa being immediately dried up by reason of the great concourse of people ; and a little rivulet which ran neer their Quarters , through the small care they had of keeping cleansed from the immundities of the Army , became so foul and loathsome , as it was of no service : So as the Souldiers were not only scorch'd up through heat , but fell sick through sluttishness . Moreover , there being no habitations there , 〈◊〉 save in the Covent of the Certosa , the Souldiers for the most part lay without Tents or Shrouds , naked upon the earth ; so as they were burnt by day , by the Sun-beams which were at that time very hot , and by night distempred by the blasting Evening-dew , and cold Air. In many places you might have seen the Souldiers sitting on the ground under the shadow of a bough , fixed in the earth , thinking it a great refreshment to shelter their heads a little from the scorching heat of the Sun : they took little care in burying the dead ; so as the air grew noisome through the stink of dead bodies , sickness , and other pollutions . The Souldiers not being able therefore to bear with so much labour in War , and inconveniences of body , fell many of them daily sick , who not being fitted with opportune remedy , and the contagion still increasing , the Camp within a few days became rather like an Hospital of sickmen , then Military Quarters : It behoved therefore to send for the Germans who were in the Garrison at Sandoval , to supply the scarcity of people in the Camp , wherein there were not enough able to supply the Guards , and other usual Military Duties ; the rather for that the Governour having made a Trench to be digg'd towards the west , by which way Victuals and Ammunion were brought into the City from Piedmont ; the Duke being aware of it , caused another Trench to be made over against it , wherewith he sheltered the way , and on the head thereof made a Fort be built , from whence the opposite Trench being furiously plaied upon by the Artillery , the quarters about la Certosa were exposed to assaults : it being therefore necessary , for remedy , to build another Fort opposite to it , Thomaso Caracciola was deputed to have the custody the●…eof , with his Brigade of Neapolitans ; and these not being sufficient , for many of them diminished , the Dutch who were come but a little before from Sandoval , were sent thither . The Governour continuing thus , many days , to oppose the Enemies Army which lay before the City , and seeming neither willing , nor resolute to assault it ; the Souldiers being oppress'd with so much labour and inconvenience could not be kept from murmuring , not complaining so much of the effect , as of the manner of the Governours suffering them , who were willing to fight the Enemy , to be so basely consumed by sufferings ; and that undergoing a thousand deaths hourly , and running manifest ruine and destruction , he would not suffer them to dye honourably by assaulting the City and the Dukes Quarters ; nor so much as send the Horse which lay there idle , to divert the enemy from making defence , or to pillage and over-run Piedmont , and to keep back the provisions which were daily brought into Asti : Every one therefore spoke ill of him , detracting from his Honour and Reputation , saying , as they were wont , that he held private intelligence with the Duke , and had no good intentions to the Kings Affairs : Now that the true ground of these Detractions , as also of what was alledged in his defence , ( for it was variously argued ) may be known , it will be necessary , that leaving the Spanish Army in their difficulties and troubles , wherein it continued till the end of the war , and till the peace was concluded ; that looking a little backwards , we make some particular inquiry . The Governour being naturally inclined to proceed with maturity and safety in all his actions , and therefore professing that he managed the war not with any military violence , but with Spanish slowness and caution seemed in all his resolutions to have for his chief end , not to hazzard the present condition of affairs ; and that therefore , as a dangerous Rock to the Kings affairs , he abhorred nothing more then to make either the Italians or French jealous that the King would make himself master of Asti , and of Piedmont ; lest such 〈◊〉 might move too brisk humours , and might perturb the very foundation of the peace of Italy , which was far from the intention of the King or his Councel to do : These his ends and thoughts , which he from the beginning , for the justification of the business did not conceal , made him af●…erwards so circumspect and reserved , as well in the prosecution of the war , as in all his other actions , as the Duke growing bold thereupon , and fearing the reputation of his forces the less , did with more courage continue the war ; and the Embassadours who managed the p●…ace made use thereof as of a bridle , or spur , to bring him to what they would . The Prince of Ascoli seemed , though with more setled thoughts , to be of the same opinion ; to whom the Duke did much adhere , as to both of them did some of the Commanders , who being gratified by the Governours failed not to side with him in all Consul●…ations depending ; though Mortara declared against them , but in vain ; who according to his custome being averse to the Gove●…nours proceedings , and not at all ab●…sh'd at what had happened at Bistagno , was for the setting aside of all such respects , as pernicious to the final end of the affairs , and for the making war manfully : To him did the most of the Captains in their hearts incline , and openly the whole Army ; who were scandalized at the Governours so great circumspection ; the Governour and the Prince were much nourish'd in this disposition by the Negotiation of peace , which was hotly trea●…ed of in Spain , France , and Italy ; For the King of France having sent Monsieur de Silleri with a stately Embassie to carry his Presents to his new Spouse , and beginning to grow jealous of the Governours so great preparations against Piedmont , had given him Commission to treat efficaciously with the King of Spain , touching the manner of composing the Dukes Affairs ; from which composition , after the said Dukes hostile actions , the King and Court of Spain seemed to be much averse ; That King and Court were loath to yield to the King of France his desires , thinking them too much mis-becoming Kingly dignity , nor suiting with such threats and preparations : They were yet more troubled for the examples sake ; thinking that to agree with the Duke , without some preceding just resentment , and due revenge for the hostility , and little respect shewn , would be too great a detriment to the Authority and Reputation of the Crown . The Dukes necessity in defending himself pleaded for the other side ; which being permitted for a free Prince to do , did not only mitigate the name of the offence , but the offence it self ; As also the continual desire of preserving Italy in peace , which contrary to all expectation was now disturbed by the effusion of so much Christian blood , to the so great prejudice of the people , and not without danger of France her being interessed therein : The respect of Kindred likewise between the King and Duke ; so as the King being resolved that the resentment should not only be finally forborn , but all satisfaction for the pre●…ended interest , by reason of the intercession of his Son in law , his conjunction of blood , and the peace and quiet of Christendom ; it was agreed that the Duke being always understood to observe the said three Points which were proposed from the beginning of the war , he should be freed from the molestations of war : But to the end that all things should be proceeded in with the dignity and reputation of the King ; and that the Duke should not be minded to be pertinacious , as he seemed to be , and to refuse the offer ; it was agreed upon , That the King of France should by his Embassadour intimate war to the Duke , if he should refuse to accept of the aforesaid three things ; and that on the contrary , if the Duke should accept thereof , and that this acceptation should be brought in writing by the French Embassadour to the Governour , it might be as an express Command from the King , that forbearing all hostility in Piedmont , the Army should immediately retreat : That things being thus composed , without the medling of any of the Kings Officers , or their Articling any thing with the Duke , it should be interpreted in Spain as a form of composition suiting with the Kings greatness and Majesty ; the Dukes bare and ready acceptance serving for a full amends and satisfaction for what was past : That the Governour was made acquainted with this Agreement by the Embassadour Rambollietto , when he was in Felizano ; and that fearing the danger that might insue unto the Duke by so gallant an Army , he should exhort him to desist , to the end that the peace which was almost concluded , might meet with no disturbance : He gave him , together with this advice , a Letter from Don Inego de Cardevas , Embassadour for the King at Paris , wherein he gave him notice , That the King of France had given order to Ramboglietto to denounce war in his name to the Duke , if he should not accept of these three Points : And it not being to be believed that the Duke would gain-say the pleasure of these two Kings ; who , as if they were both one , proceeded with joint Counsels ; the●…efore the Governour , since the occasion of fighting did not deserve that for it the Kings Affairs should be longer disturbed , did prefer safe peace before long and dangerous war ; and thought itsuffic●…ent to shew war unto the Duke , rather then to make war upon him ; and that it would suffice to come to some honourable action with him , rather to make an honourable peace , then to damnifie him : In token whereof he moved but slowly from Felizzano to Annone , and did likewise proceed but slowly for six days about Versa ; as al●… in beating up the Dukes Quarters , in consulting of the whole ca●…riage of war , and of the manner of expugning Asti ; hoping , peradventure , that the apprehension of the neighbouring Army , the Embassadours intercedings , and the fear of having war intimated to him in the King of France his name , might prepare him for conditions of peace ; so all things might be with much honour appeased , without any danger or hazzard to the Kings Affairs ; That this might , peradventure , also be the cause that when he had got the Victory , he was contented with the Dukes retreat , and proceeded no further : And that thinking that he being superiour in forces , and victorious , he might willingly listen to the urgent and efficacious protestations of the French Embassadour , who acquainted him that the King did not intend he should proceed with loose Reins to oppress the Duke , assuring him also that the Duke being overcome in battel could not but accept of the conditions of Peace ; as the Embassador , mingling hopes and promises day by day with his protestations , assured him it would succeed . This is that which is pleaded in the discharge and defence of the Governour , b●…sides many other Orders given , which are unknown , which were secretly sent to the Governour from the Duke of Lerma , according to which it behoved him to govern himself ; for it was then tacitly murmured amongst many , which increased afterwards in fame and opinion , and was constantly and universally believed ; That the Duke of Lerma , to whose severity the reason of these Commotions was chiefly attributed , seeing how much contrary to his expectation , and contrary to the Kings affairs , they increased ; and fearing lest the disturbance of peace , and the Dukes alienation , might at long running ruine his own inte●…ests , did streightly charge the Governour , that setting side all other respects , he should wholly mind composition and reconciliation with the Duke , and that he was precisely commanded to sl●…cken the carrying on of the war : But these things wer●… neither then nor afterwards so certainly manifest , as that they were able to quench the pregnant suspicions which were formerly had of him : Therefore the contrary opinion of those did generally prevail ; who a●…guing either out of self-emulation ; or out of a sinister impression of his actions , said ; That none of the Kings Orders could be so precise or limited , especially the far distance being considered , but that they were to be varied according to the variation of affairs ; nor that the Governours hands ought to be so bound up , as that he might not make use of his forces according as time and occasion should require : Nor that any Negotiation of peace should with any reason so much impede the heat of war , as that the progress of the latter should be lost or slackened , in respect of not disturbing the uncertain conclusion of the former ; They made no account of the apprehension of future evils , as being vain and not consonant to these times ; for the Governour having a well-experienced Army on foot , commanded by the best Commanders of these times , and provided with all things fitting for war ; which received greater force and reputation by the assistance of divers I●…alian Princes ; things were so well asscertained , as he might be confident of not only ma●…ntaining Italy in her wonted fidelity and inclination to the King , but to keep forreigners from moving , and to suppress such as had moved : And howsoever , what sinister action , said they , could ever happen , which would not be less then the prejudice which would result from the disbanding of that Army , which being kept on foot , was able to repair all inconveniencies ; and which being disbanded did inf●…llibly draw after it all those mischiefs , nay , greater then those which were so much feared ; therefore , said they , it behoved the Commander in chief to know the condition of his own forces , to make use of them to his best advantage , by streightning and assaulting the enemy , and by keeping him so molested , as that he might desire , covet , nay , account it a great favour , to obtain a secure peace ; which assuredly is always most advantagious to those who are most against it : That all Commanders and Generals had always govern'd themselves so , and that by so doing they had reaped great advantage , honourable conditions , and much reputation to their Princes affairs ; but that to keep idle within Works , to sit quietly under Pavillions , and to expect that the enemy should be inclined to peace ; to suffer themselves to be wheeled about by words , to feed themselves with vain promises of interessed Sta●…e-Ministers , and to shew small inclination to war , and a great d●…sire of peace ; was nothing else but to increase the adversaries confidence , to make him the prouder and more bold , to alienate him from Articles of peace , to make him backward and harder to consent to that which he finds to be so much indeavoured by his Adversary . These and the like things were spoken of throughout Italy , in the very Camp. at all assemblies of men , who not knowing the final ends of Princes and Commanders , and of the Reasons which make them operate , or which keeps them from doing so ; and less knowing what would have happened if they had done according to their intentions and discourses , do often arrogate unto themselves to the prejudice of other mens reputations , the censuring of humane actions , even as if the heart of him that governs , or future events , were apparent to the●…r eye ; And confining the duty of a Writer to the bare narration of what passeth , will not permit of his judgment in the truest and most equitable ratiocination , to him who shall be pleased and satisfied with his pains : it is most certain that the Governour , in the general opinion of men , made himself suspected of having at the first , instead of extinguishing , disloyally nourish'd that fire , the suppression whereof if he had more indeavoured , he would have shut up the mouth of detraction , and have be●…ter justified his loyalty to his King , and together with his own reputation wherein he suffer'd very much , have preserved the Kings honour , which beginning from the first to bow did afterwards decline without any stop , as the future success will shew . But that we may return to where we left ; whilst the Army wasted , as hath been said , the indeavours of peace were not given over by the Agents of Princes : the French Embassadour did Negotiate it , together with Pier Francesco Costa , Bishop of Savoy , and Nutio resident with the Duke , who succeeded Savelli , he having for some particular indispositions of his own , obtained leave to return to Rome : and together with them the same Zeno for the Commonwealth of Venice ; with whom ( but apart from the Nuntio ) St Dudly Carleton did intervene , who was come from Venice , were he had been Embassadour in ordinary , and was come a little before into Piedmont with the title of Embassadour extraordinary from the King of England : which King , adhering privately to the Dukes affairs , at the same time that he Negotiated the peace as a friend to both , had taken order for the disbursing of a hundred thousand Ducates to the Duke , at Lyons , and also , seeming as if it were done by the Peers of the Kingdom , but in effect by his own command , sent him some Ships , as it was said , fraughted with Foot. Count Iohn of Nassau was also daily expected to come with men by land from Holland ; and it was heard that succours came from Germany , to assist the said Duke , which were sent him from the Protestant Princes of that Nation , who did not a little foment the Wars of Piedmont ; Nor did the Venetians foment them less then they , though secretly ; who from the beginning being anxious at the proceedings of the Spanish Army , and fearing that the Duke might be oppress'd , began to assist him underhand with moneys , and advice : and afterwards see●…g his affairs proceed prosperously , they being desirous to abate the Spanish grandezza , were not wanting in sustaining him , and shoaring him up , to the end that he might resist him who thought to suppress him . So all these Princes being thought privately to blow this fire , it was imagined that their Embassadours , who Negotiated the business ; did not proceed therein with sincerity , unless it were the Popes Nuntio ; for both their manner of treating , and form of conclusion , was sufficiently different from that reallity which in appearance they did profess : and contrary to the great confidence , and good correspondency between the Kings of Spain and France : the French Embassadour having the ●…ppointment made at Madrid in one hand , and in the othe●… the intimation of War , being consequently able to compel the Duke by the latter , and to force the Governour by the other : so as he was the chief Arbitrator of all that Negotiation , the rather for that the French Souldiers and Captains , who fought on the Dukes behalf , depending upon his command , he might at his pleasure make them forego their Arms , and bereave the Duke of the greatest part of his Forces ; and though by orders from his King he was to be careful of the reputation of the Spanish Crown , and to give satisfaction thereunto ; and as a good servant to so great a King ought not to suffer the peace to be concluded otherwise , for the example which it would be to all greater Kings ; and being trusted by the Barons of France , was chosen by the Queen to be imploy'd for this end at the Court of Spain ; yet the Authority and common desire of the Princes of that Kingdom ; wherein they differ'd from the King in point of keeping friendship with the Crown of Spain , prevailing more with him : as also peradventure the French humour , naturally averse to the name of Spaniard , he made less account of the Kings command : which was the chief cause of all the inconveniences which befell the Spanish Army . For doubtlesly things would have gone otherwise , if he had punctually observed his Kings directions immediately after the Victory upon the Hills : but whilst under pretence of not exasperating the Duke , he proceeded sometimes too favourably with him , and sometimes approving of his jealousies , he feared that by intimating War unto him Piedmont might be made a prey to the Victorious Army , much to the Kings prejudice ; and that therefore he temporiseth with the Duke , wherein he is fautor'd by the English and Venetian Embassadours : the Duke knowing what was done , fenc'd himself on one side with subterfuge●… , and delays , and on the other side assaulted the Enemies Trenches , and faced him : and on the contrary , the Spanish Army ( as hath been said ) mouldred away ; and the weaker they grew in Forces and Men , the Duke had the less mind to come to an agreement ; and consequently standing harder upon the advantage of Articles , propounded delays , and greater difficulties ; and hoping to get the better at the last , had a greater desire to fight ; and venting his conceived hatred against the Spaniards , aspired at glory , by the total Victory of so invincible an Army ; and the Embassadours , who would spin the thread of the Negotiation , a●… they were resolved to do , held the Governours in hand with efficacious promises of peace ; the conclusion whereof being from day to day defer'd , and they the mean while delighting to see the miseries of the Spanish Army , they delaied so long , as finding it at last reduced to so great weakness , as that it was not able to fall upon any enterprise , they began to treat of new conditions ; which together with the three particulars of Madrid , contained many other things of satisfaction to the Duke . Thus was the Capitulations of peace made , upon the beneath written terms and agreement . That the Duke should disarm effectually within one moneth ; and retaining only four Companies of Swissers for the safety of his States , together with as many of his Subjects as he would , should cashe●…r all the rest of his men , that he should not offend the Duke of Mantua's Dominions , and that his pretentions should be discus'd in the Emperours Courts of Justice . On the contrary , the French Embassadour promised that the Rebels of Montferrat should be pardoned , and be fully restored to their Goods , Honours and Offices : that he should be protected by France , in case he should be molested by the Spaniard , contrary to what was agreed upon ; to which purpose , express command was given in the Kings name to Marshall Diguere , Governour of Dolpheny , and to the other Governours of Provinces confining upon the Dukes Territories , that immediately , without expecting any orders from the King , they should succour the Duke , in case the Conventions should not be agreed upon : that the Swissers and Walloons should be restored to free Commerce in the State of Millain : that the places taken by either side should be restored : that all the French should be generally pardoned , who had served in the present War , contrary to the Kings command : that the King of Spain should not demand pass●…ge for six moneths space of the Duke , for any men : That the Duke should have three moneths allowed him , to give notice to his friends , that they were to abstain from any hostility against the King ; during which time the Duke repairing any damage which should be done , nothing of Hostility which should happen should prejudice t●…e peace ; and herewith the removal of the Spanish Army was agreed , upon in form following . That the French Embassadour should desire the Duke to draw a thousand Foot out of Asti ; at whose marching out he would write to the Governour , and cause him to quit his quarters and to retreat to Croce Bianca , and to Quarto : Which being done , t●…e same Embassadour was to intreat the Duke to remove the rest of the Souldiers out of the City : and the French Embassadour promised , that on the same day that that should be done , the Spanish Army should march out of Piedmont ; and that then the Duke should immediately dis●…rm , but with this promise from the Embassadour , that after such effectual laying down of Arms , the Governour should so dispose of the Kings Army , as neither the Duke , nor any other Prince of Italy , should thereby have any cause of jealousie ; and that the King of France should ratifie the agreement within twenty days . All these Articles and Conventions were reciprocal between the Duke and the French Embassadour , who bound himself in his Kings name ; which King took upon himself the whole business , and obliged himself to see whatsoever on his side , or by the Spanish Agents , abundantly executed ; For what remained , there was no mention of any submission to be made by the Duke ; only in the preamble , amongst the Reasons which moved him to peace , he alledged the desire he had to witness to the world the obsequence , and particular devotion which he had always profess'd to bear unto the King. These Articles were subscr●…bed by the Embassadours of France , England and Venice , expresly ob●…iging their Princes to defend the Duke , if all that was promis'd were not made good to him , as long as he should observe what he ●…ad promised . When these Capitulations were ingross'd or drawn up ; The Duke , who he ring that the Germane and Holland succours were at hand , thought that he should now get absolute victory over the enemy , who we●…e reduced to great extremity , and were not able to keep longer in their quarters by reason of the excessive heats , refused to under-writ the Articles : But the French Embassador , forced by express command from the King , did at last let him know that ●…e came to intimate war unto ●…im ; and the Duke shunning his sight , he made the Kings Order , and the necessity of putting it in exe●…ution , known to Prince Victorio , and commanded the French Sould●…ers and Commanders , under pain of grievous punishment , in the Kings name , that they should immediately forego the Dukes service and return to France , whither he would follow them the next day ; which certainly he would have done , if the Nuntio had not opportunely interposed his Authority ; who going several times between him and the Duke , and earnestly intreating them not to let the almost concluded peace be disturbed , obtained that the Embassadour should tarry and give leave to the Duke to bethink himself better , and to reflect upon the danger and necessity of his affairs , which would grow to a bad condition , if the French , who were the chief sinews of his Army , should mutiny as they seemed to be already inclined to do ; or foregoing his pay , should be inforced suddenly , and in so ill a crisis of time , to abandon him ; Wherefore ●…aging at the Embassadour , he not without much indignation , was at last brought to subscribe the Articles of peace ; but upon condition that the Instrument should be kept in the Nuntio's hands , to be by him assigned over to the Embassadour when he should receive another from him , wherein the Governour of Millan should sufficiently bind himself in his Kings name , to observe what the French Embassadours had promised on the Kings behalf : the Duke being desirous that it should be rather covenanted with him on the King of Spains behalf , for that he knew he for his reputation sake abhorr'd to do it : He was also satisfied herein , though contrary to the capitulations of Madrid , and to the intentions of the two Kings , yielded unto by the Embassadour of France , and by the other Embassadours , who were desirous that Peace might be concluded the most that might be to his advantage and honour ; and therefore the Embassadour of France having written to the Governour , ( who was now reduced to a state rather of giving then of receiving conditions of peace ) and having obtained sufficient assurance from him under his hand , the business was at last totally agreed . Whilst these things were a concluding , or were rather held to be totally concluded ; the Duke not being yet satisfied with venting , nor with resenting himself , went out of the City by night with a great number of his valiantest Souldiers and Capta●…ns , and assaulted the enemies Trenches : He hoped to find them unprovided , by reason of their great sufferings , and negligent out of their hopes of the near conclusion of peace , which made him desire to make great slaughter , and notably to resent his conceived injuries ; but he failed in his design ; for the Governour having notice thereof , re-inforced the Trenches with Garrisons , and gave the chief care thereof to Gamboloita and Bravo ; who managed the business so well , as they forced the Duke to retreat , with the like prejudice which he had plotted against the Enemies . The Duke lost in that affault by night above 200 of his best and valiantest Souldiers , besides many Commanders , and persons of note ; and had the Governour ( as some of his men thought ) sent a good body of men out of the Trenches , who might have fallen upon the Assailants on the Flank , not any of the Dukes men might have escaped scot-free ; and the Duke himself , who was affirmed by many to be there pre●…ent , would have run ●…anger of his person ; Wherefore the Governour was for this action also much blamed , ill spoken of , and detested by the whole Camp. The next morning , which was Iune the 23d , and the 34 day after the Bat●…l , upon the Hills , peace was proclaimed , and was the very self-same day put in execution , for as much as was then requisite ; wherein the Governour was fain to pass by two things also : which though small in themselves , yet of no small consideration in point of honour : the one , that the Dukes Souldiers , who went to throw down the abandoned Trenches , should kill 200 of the Enemies Souldiers who were found sick there , the Spanish Army being in a manner present , who were not all of them gone from their quarters ; the other , that the Governour deferring his removal for that day , in respect of the scarcity of Carriages , as also of the multitude of sick persons , and of many other impediments , the French Embassadour not admitting of any excuse , nor giving way to any one hours delay , forced him to dislodge immediately , protesting , and that resolutely , that otherwise he would make the Souldiers return who were gone out of the City , and that revoking the command to the contrary , he would permit the French to tarry and continue in the Dukes service . Thus meerly through their fault who govern'd the Kings Forces , not only the enterprise of Asti , but those others that proceeded had but bad success ; and not conformable to the greatness of preparation , to the threats and imagined resentments , Thus the Governour rather inforc'd , then willingly , and rather as conquered , then conquerour , went out of Piedmont , sufficiently diminished both in Forces and Reputation , who was entred thereinto but forty days before with a flourishing and gallant Army , and glorious and triumphant for the Victory he had obtained . The End of the third Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . BOOK IV. The Contents . THe King being but badly satisfied with the peace of Asti , makes Don Pietro di Toledo Governour of Millain ; Between whom and the Duke new differences arise touching the execution of the Articles of peace . The Venetians by reason of the Slavonians , who molest their Navigation in the Gulf , make war in Friuli against the Arch-Duke , and in Istria against the Emperour ; and possessing themselves of many Towns in Friuli , come before Gradisca ; from whence they depart not many days after by reason of Treaties of Agreement which were introduced . The Duke of Savoy , complaining still of the not observance of peace , fears to be again assaulted by the Governour , and therefore prepares for war again : He joins under-hand with the Venetians , and calls Digueres , Marshal of France , into Piedmont ; but is quickly and unexpectedly assaulted in Savoy by the Duke de Nemours , who is fomented with monies and promises from the Governour of Millain . The King of France , to provide against the commencing uproars in Lombardy , sends Monsieur di Bettuve thither ; and the Pope Monsignore Lodovisio , Arch-Bishop of Bologna . Preparations for a new war are renewed in the State of Millain , and in Piedmont , which is again begun between the Duke and the Governour , who draws neer the Confines of Piedmont with an Army . FOrces were more appeased by the Articles of Asti then mens minds ; and none having met with such satisfaction as was by them expected , they were not generally held a sufficient tye for the uniting of wills , nor a secure foundation for the performing what was agreed upon : As for the Duke , though he might have been contented to have made his party good against the Kings so formidable Army , and to have defended himself beyond expectation , made his agreement upon equal 〈◊〉 , and that the peace was for his sake subscribed by so great Po●…entates ; yet he thou●…ht it too ●…ard for him to be at last i●…forced to receive those Laws , w●…ich to keep from being imposed 〈◊〉 him , he had exposed himself to so much danger and trouble : It further troubled him , that his men being by these Articles reduced to a set number , he was left like a body without Arms , and as it were , like a Lyon without Teeth o●…●…aws , to be laugh'd at by t●…e Spaniards , with whom ●…e was sure ●…e could never have any secure peace , nor sincere intelligence , as long as they should remember his past offences : So as the past Commotions not having produced effects wholly answerable to his high hopes ; the vivacity of his Genius , and pride of his undaunted Spirit being considered , it was more probable that his having escaped unprejudiced out of so great a tempest would incite him to novel●…ies , and not keep him from putting himself again into new dangers . On the other side ; though the King by this peace had o●…tained the ch●…ef intent of the war , yet the Duke not being so humbled as at the beginning of the war they firmly believed he should be , the Court of Spain thought the King was not lightly wounded in his honour , and more then untouched in that veneration and respect which the I alians had wont to bear him . The Spaniards were therefore generally much unsatisfied , that the fruit of so many threats , and of so great preparations , should end in a peace so little advantagious for the King , and purchased by the Governour with so little reputation , and wi h reciprocal promises and obligations , and wherein there were not terms befitting the Majesty of that Crown , nor suiting with the Authority and Grandezza thereof : They were yet more troubled that the French , who were formerly laboured to be kept from having any thing to do with the affairs of Italy , should upon this occasion prove to have not only maintained an Italian Prince who had made insurrection against the Kings Authority , but had taken upon them to be the mediators of peace , exercising that arbitriment in the managing and concluding thereof , which the Spanish Nation pretended did in Italy belong only to their King : They were likewise vex'd to consider that one sole protestation , one bare intimation of the French Embassadour , whose King had no footing in Italy , should be of more consideration to make the Duke accept of conditions of peace , then the authority and forces of their King , bent with such fervency against Piedmont ; and as they did inwardly , but ill resent the Dukes total alienation , so could they hardly well digest that such a separation should be confirmed by a tacite League , contract d before their eyes between the Duke and the Princes who had subscribed the Peace ; amongst the which , that the Venetians did not particularly keep from obliging themselves against the King , was a thing which had not yet been practised by any Prince of Italy , where the Spaniards had so deeply fix'd their roots : So as thinking that t●…e King suffered too much thereby in his Dignity and Reputa●…ion , they were very much unsatisfied both with the war so unsuccesfully begun , and with the Peace concluded against their Dignity and Pre●…entions : And throwing all the fault publickly upon the Governour , and privately upon the Duke of Lerma ; the name of the Governour as the executor of such scandal , and of the Duke of Lerma as the Authour thereof , was detested both in Spain and Italy ; Nor was it thought by any one that the King would ever ratifie the Articles of that Peace : All which considerations , though they were of power enough with the King and his Council , and made them very much doubt what to do ; chi●…fly since they were done by a State-Minister contrary to Orders given him , and beyond the appointment made in his Court with the French Embassadour ; yet , whether it were that the Duke of Lerma's authority prevailed , that he desired no uproars , or the being much press'd by the Pope , and by the King of France , or peradventure through the consideration of that Councel , that all the a●…oresaid respects were not to be compared to the good of peace , and to the safety of the States of Italy , from whence the Authority and Dignity of the Crown take mo●…e force and vigour , then from the events of war : It was a●… last resolved , that setting aside all other considerations , peace should be accepted of as it was concluded : Wherefore the King delayed not sending the Ratification thereof to the King of France , who ●…ad likewise ratified within the prefix'd time by a particula●… Decree ; but being not a little offended with the Governour , ( the Duke of Lerma not being able to sway against the general sence of the Court , nor keep himself from the punishment which was ready to fall upon him and the Governour ) Don Piedro di Toledo was chosen to succeed him in his place ; and he was sent for into Spain ; and in demonstration of greater dissatisfaction Don Piedro to go with all possible speed for Italy . Don Piedro had always , and upon all occasions , been very free in resolving upon publick affairs , and very zealous for the publick good , and not depending upon any ones authority , shew'd very singular 〈◊〉 in what belonged to the publick Dignity : Wherefore he had won a general opinion , that neither any respect of the Duke of Lerma , nor any private Interests , which ( setting aside those of the King ) had much furthered the Dukes affairs , should be able to remove him from this resolution : He was therefore thought both by the King and Council to be one who would sute well with the present condition of affairs , and such a one who might easily reduce the affairs of the Crown in Italy to their former condition and reputation : But things being brought to that pass , as they could not be repaired either without great maturity of counsel , or without extraordinary valour in War , this choice proved not a convenient remedy for the malady ; for when Inoiosa , in conformity to the agreed upon Articles , laid down Arms , and afterwards offer'd himself to be the first who should restore what was gotten in the preceding War , it was not agreed upon in express words , that the King was to lay down Arms , but it was only said , that the Governour should so dispose of the Kings Armies , as neither for state , nor time , the Duke , or any other Prince should have reason to be jealous thereof ; nor , though the Duke had commanded upon pain of great punishments all forreign Souldiers to depart his Dominions , did they really depart ; for many French , under the name of Savo●…ards , and many Walloons , under the name of Swissers , by reason of the conformity in their apparel and speech , kept concealedly there , whereof it was held t●…e Duke was not ●…acitely ignorant : Many also ( if all were true which was pretended against the Duke ) were sent by him into some parts of Piedmont , far from the Commerce of Forreigners , and unfrequented by them ; so as the diligence of those that were sent by Inoiosa into Piedmont to certifie the effectual performance of the Treaty of peace proved but vain : And many of the French Commanders kept publickly in Turin , some by reason of sickness , some for their own affairs , and others under colour of being the Dukes particular servants . And yet Inoiosa being desirous that the peace made by him might be perfected , and to le●…ve it as little as he could in the power of his successour , when he heard w●…at relation his Spies brought back , he without any more ado dismiss'd his Swissers , and the Regiments of the Italian Princes , and reforming the Spanish Companies and Lombards , which were much diminished , he cashiered likewise many Captains and Officers , and ●…educed his men to a much lesser number ; and not to come short of the Duke in his forwardness of restoring such places as were taken , he gave order to the Governour of Oneglia that he should be ready upon the first notice given to quit the Town ; who therefore began to send away some Artillery and Ammunition . But the face of affairs alter'd at the coming of his Successour , whereof as soon as Inoiosa had notice , he went from Millain , and not tarrying to see his successour , he went with two Gallies into Spain , richer in moneys which he had gotten in his Government , and by the War , then in any glory he had gotten in the last actions : whereof to excuse himself he gave out that he carried with him particular orders which he had received from Spain , ( meaning those of the Duke of Lerma ) and the opinions of many of the Council of War in Millain , according to which he professed he had govern'd himself upon all occurrences . When he came to Spain , he was by order from the King confined in Alcala ; where his cause being tried by Justice , and the Judges who were deputed by the King to examine his actions not agreeing in their sentence , he at last , after some moneths space , was admitted to see the King , and was acquitted of all imputations . It was thought by many , that the Duke of Lerma's favour stood him in much stead , who besmeared himself sufficiently in procuring his liberty , for the doubt conceived , lest by his depression , who was a creature of his , his own reputation might be concerned ; especially for that he doubted lest many of his rivals might use all their indeavours to have him condemned , rather out of a desire to lessen his the Dukes authority and grandezza , then to see the guilty person punished for his misdemeanors : but though his Grandezza , till now untouched , did also in these affairs surpass his corrivals ; yet envy increasing upon these occasions , and the gate to murmure being opened , he began from this time to decline , and fell afterwards totally . T●…e first thing the new Governour did , was to revoke the Reforma●…ion made by his predecessour in the Spanish , and Lombarde Companie●… ; under no other colour , but for that the less worthy Captains and Officers were detained , and the more deserving and experienced were casheired ; fo●… what remained , though he in words profest the observance of the treaty of peace , yet there appeared many signs which shewed he was otherwise minded ; for being naturally zealous of the Kings dignity , he , even with injurious words detested the actions of his predecessour ; of whom having received ill impressions , he in his actions and countenance appeared every day to be more and more offended , and broke often out into spiteful speeches against the Duke , even to the telling him he would in a short time reduce him to nothing : and that he was very certain that the Kings affairs , especially for what concern'd him the Duke , should be otherwise handled under his Government then they had been . It was also observed that as he sailed above the City of Nice , when he passed from Antibo to Finale , he shewed no friendly intention , not resaluting that Fort with shot according to custom : being moreover visited by the said Duke by way of Embassie , as Ital●…an Princes are wont to visit new Governours , he did not answer with equal civility , till delay had made it unseasonable ; and being offer'd by the Duke to have all places restored , as soon as he should have laid down Arms ; he answered that the Duke ought first to do all that he was obliged by agreement to do , before he should pretend to the observancy of any thing agreed upon . He moreover rejected Claudio Marini , who in the King of France his name desired him to disarm ; telling him , that he was no legitimate person for that King : so as the Duke and all Italy were not a little doubtful of his intentions ; which for what he afterwards manifested , was not to break the peace at first , nor yet to keep his Army idle ; for he was by the King forbid to do eitheir of these ; but , were it either for the greater preservation of Dignity in disarming he would seem to do it of his own good will , and not as being bound so to do , or at the request of any other , or that he had really any such injunction from Spain , or that he was moved thereunto for t●…e honour of his King , or out of private glory , he delay'd the execution of the agreement ; not without hope , as appeared afterwards , so to better the Kings conditions . It was notwithstanding believed that he had a mind to bring the Duke to lay aside the Articles of Asti , and to humble himself of his own accord unto the King , into whose hands if he would totally put himself he should be rece●…ved into like favour as formerly , and treated with more advantagious satisfaction ; wherein if he should have prevailed , he should , much to his glory , have abolished those abominable conditions ; and also have wrought the Duke●… so much desired humiliation , and his re-uniting to the Crown ; a thing as much desired for the quiet and safe●…y of Italy , after t●…e breach , as it was little valued before ; and that which D●…n Piedro seemed most of all to desire ; if the Duke should agr●…e upon any ot●…er terms , or by any other means , then by the Articles of Asti , t●…e the French mens plots , and those of the other enviers of the Spanish greatness , would be cancelled ; and the King of France his arbitrement , which the French boasted they had introduced in the affai●…s of Italy , and excluded that of Spain , would ●…ave proved vain : being probably moved thereunto , out of these ends , he began to propound m●…ny difficulties touching the Dukes demands , more relating to t●…e Kings dignity , then to the peace of present affairs : pre●…ending that it was not express'd in the now Capitulations of peace that the King should disarm ; that the Swissers were dismist , and the Auxiliary Forces of t●…e Italian Princes ; and that the remainder we●…e so much lessened by running away , and by death , as there were scarcely enough left for the Garrisons of the State of Millain , which was not limited by the Capitula ions . And finally , that the Duke had not fully disarmed , who was to observe ●…ll the other Articles anticipately : but the commotions begun at the same time in other parts of Italy , between the Emperour , and the Archduke of Grats , in one part , and by the Venetians in another , afforded him more reason of justifying his designs ; For the Kings Agent , holding for certain that the Commonwealth had made War upon those Princes , out of a desire to bereave the house of Austria of many Towns which it possesseth in Friuli , and of the Havens of Istria and Dalmatia , they thought themselves bound to maintain them , not only for that the Arckduke was brother to their Queen , and of the Kings family , but for that by their possession of those Havens they did for ever shut up the entrance from any German succours , which upon occasion might be sent into the Kingdom of Naples . Wherefore , because whilst there was War in Italy , it neither became the dign●…ty , nor the safety of the Kings affairs , that they his Ministers should be unarmed , idly expecting the event of those differences wherein the King was so much concerned : the Governour adding this no less just ( as he termed it ) then necessary reason to the rest , and therewithall refusing the Dukes demands , alledged that such accidents had hapned as forced him to keep more strongly armed ; nor that there could be any pretence made , but that the King might lawfully re-arm upon new occasions , though he had been bound by those Capitulations to disarm . By the in●…erposition of these dissiculties , together with his rigorous and threa●…ing proceedings with the Duke , he hoped that by making the Duke despair of reaping his pretended fruit by those Capitulations , whereby he might boast that he had once been able to make the King lay down Arms , he might easily make him bethink himself of new resolutions : This the Governours hope was likewise confirmed by the occ●…sions and present conjuncture of times , which seemed to make very much for him . At this very nick of time was the consignation of the Ro●…al married Couple made by the two Kings , with a glorious and splendid attendance upon the Confines of their adjoyning Kingdoms ; and therefore their Union being established by such pledges , he thought that the King of France , and the Queen Regen●… , by whom , and according to whose pleasure , the Kingdom was then Governed , that they might gratifie the King and Court of Spain , towards whom the Queen seemed to be very well inclined , would no longer stand so much upon the alteration or observation of the Treaty of Asti ; especially since ●…e knew it had happened partly by siniste●… in●…entions , partly by the negligence of the State-Ministers in Italy , beyond the chief appointment made in Spain with that King , by the Commendator Sillery , and beyond their intentions who pretended nothing from the King of Spain , but the Dukes safety ; but still joyned with the same Kings Dignity , whose Authority they had not the l●…ast drift to diminish ; nay , if they had been otherwise minded , it would not have been easie to have made good the Dukes Affairs , since France was then in greater combustions than ever , and fuller of new broyls , and intestine discords , raised by the Prince of Conde , the neerest Prince of the Blood , next to the la●…e King Henries line , and by many other Princes and Barons of the Kingdom ; who being much unsatisfied with the Kings Match , and with the so strong union between those two Crowns , since they saw they could no longer hinder it , made head under pretence of reforming the Government , with great Forces , and attendance of the Nobles , against the King , as he returned with his Wife and Mother to Paris ; so as the necessity which their Majesties had of keeping united to the Crown of Spain , that they might thereby the better fence themselves against the Civill Insurrections of the Kingdom , being added to their own good will , made them the less able to mind the Affairs of Piedmont . Moreover the Duke of Savoy , being but badly satisfied with the King and Queen of France , by reason of their denial to assist him upon the late occasion , and by their intimating War unto him , just then when by the diminution of the Spanish Army before Asti●…e ●…e thought himself sure of Victory : Conde , and the other Princes that were tacitely united , thought him a fitting means to disturbe , together with them , that union of the two Crowns which was contrary to his ends , which he had already endeavoured , and had disbursed moneys largely to such as having a hand in the business might trouble those Marriages ; so as being still able to do so , their Majesties had little reason to look upon his Affairs with a favourable eye : The Governour therefore thinking he might lay a good ground-work for his designs , in ordering that King , and the Affairs of that Court , ●…e doubted not but that his Reasons for not disarming , effectually represented in that Court by Don Hectore Pignatello , Duke di Montelione , Embassadour for the Catholick King at Paris , and a great Confident of Don Pietro's , by reason of the neer alliance that was between t●…em , might be accepted of as lawfull ; and consequently the opposition of that Crown being taken away , he was sure that the Duke , being destitute of such a leaning stock , and his Forces being consequently lessened , might be put upon great necessities , and that submitting himself to the Kings pleasure , he would agree to any thing , without talking any longer of Asti , or of the Capitulations made there . The Duke then understanding at last , that the Governour desired one might be sent unto him , with whom he might treat touching the Common occurrences , gave order to Count Iohn Battista Soleri , who upon other occasions was destined Embassadour to Venice , that pssiang by Millain he should hear what should be said unto him about that business ; and he sent the Senator Lodovico Zoello along with the said Count , to the end that the Count passing on to Venice , Zoello might bring him the Compendium of the business : These being gone to Millain , the Governour propounded Propositions to them , not only very satisfactory for the Duke , but made also many promises of advancing the Duke ●…nd his Sons to great pre●…erment , if , passing by the nicity of the Capitulations , he would humble himself to the King ; and on the contrary , strange doub●…s ad difficulties touching the execution and interpre●…ation of the said Capitulations , if the Duke should tenaciously stick thereunto ; they were therefore desired to exhort the Duke to write unto the King in conformity to what he had proposed ; but the Duke being frustrated of any Spanish hopes would not give way to the Governours allurements , esteeming them so many baits to make him fall unworthily from that Glory which through so much trouble and danger he had atchieved ; to the end that throwing himself dishonourably into the Kings Arms , and indiscreetly estranging himself from the friendship and protection of those Princes who had subscribed the Peace , he might the more easily be brought into his former condition by the Kings Ministers of State , with little hope that the same Princes should resent his injuries another time , if upon this occasion he should so sleightly have foregone their favour and Authority : Resolving therefore to undergo whatsoever misfortune , rather than to do what he would not consent unto whilst he had the Enemies Army upon his hands , he absolutely denied to forego the Capitulations , or to make any submission ; but pretending that the King was bound by the Articles to disarm , he said it was the Embassadours intentions who made them that he should do so , though , for his Majesties greater honour it was expressed with more circumspection ; and notwithstanding , being desirous that he might not thereby receive any prejudice in compassing his chief end , which was , that that Army might be disarmed , he was content to write a Letter , wherein not saying any thing which was not worthy of himself , as a free and independent Prince , and without parting from the Capitulations at Asti , he with great respect excused himself for what had happened ; and laying the fault upon the late Governour , he added , that by this means he hoped he should keep himself in his Majesties former favour , desiring him to preserve him therein in the same degree which he and his children out of so many relations pretend unto : This he sent to the Governour by Zoello , with a flying Seal , with order that he should deliver it him when he should engage himself by express word , that he would dismiss himself within a certain prefixt time : But this Letter was neither received by the Governour , nor sent into Spain ; for it did not please him , who desired it might have been written more humbly , and so as that it might have prejudicated the Capitulations ; or else thinking that the Duke by that Letter might get a promise of effectual disarming , he did not think the prize equivalent to the demande , nor the bargain answer●…ble to the condition of the present times ; therefore shewing the Duke the necessity he had to keep his men in Arms , by reason of the war in Friuli , and offering to restore the places that were taken , and giving him his word in the Kings Name that he would not offend him , he kept from disarming : He added also , that the Duke of Mantua would not listen to the pardoning of Rebels ; and , as if the King of France had done more than he had power to do , in promising that without his consent , he seemed to be prejudiced in the rights of his Principality ; so as having sent the Marquess Don Iohn Gonzaga into Spain , he obtained that that point might be left to his free will , that King professing , that he though himself not bound by the Articles of that Peace to pardon 〈◊〉 ; and that he would not , nor could not justly keep the Duke o●… Mantua from 〈◊〉 Jurisdiction in that State which he had obliged himself to protect : And therefore the Duke of Mantua , being therein encouraged by the new Governour , to whom he was near allied ; and being moreover desirous that the Duke of Savoy might reap no good by this peace , he did not only constantly deny the pardoning of Rebels , which he wa●… much press'd to do by the King of France , but selling t●…e remainder of Count Guido's goods , and confiscating those of the rest who he pretended to be Rebels , he also put some of his Subjects to death , for having served the contrary party in that War. But the Duke of Savoy , who could not be satisfied neither by the Kings word , nor by the restitution of places taken , which the Governour offer'd him , without the effectual difarming of the Kings Army ; seeing that no good was yet got by the peace of Asti , but some vain promises , by which he had suffer'd himself to be perswaded to lay down Arms , and to consent to other of the Kings demands ; having now lost all hopes of obtaining his intent of the Governour , as if he had run the danger of being again assaulted by the Spanish Army , and being inforced to send some Souldiers and Ammunition to the Confines of Piedmont , that he might thereby move the Princes who were bound to observe the Capitulations ; to which betaking himself , he did not a little exclaim against the not observance of what was agreed upon under their Authority , and replying to the Governours oppositions and difficulties , he complain'd that all this proceeded only from his not submitting himself unworthily to the King , and by renouncing the Articles covenanted , from not ●…erding himself from their union , and from his not undervaluing their Authority and Dignity , who were the Arbitrators and Moderators thereof ; and putting all men in mind , but particularly the French , how prejudicial it would be to their King , and to the honour of France , that the Regal Name and Authority should be cancell'd from the Conventions of peace , he endeavour'd by all means to make them to get them to be maintain'd and made good , promising that for his part he would refuse no pains , would not forbear for any expence , would not be afraid for any loss or danger , but would adventure his own person , his sons , and his State , and whatsoever he held dear in this world ; that the glory of that King and Nation , in having preserved his State unto him , and in the Kings having interposed himself as an Arbitratour in compounding the affairs of Italy , should not be turned into as much shame and dishonour , ●…hy not being able to maintain them ; but though he could promise himself but little from the King of England , by reason of the far distance of his Country , or of the King of France , for the aforesaid reasons , yet had he a new occasion to hope well in the favour of the Venetians , who , being entred ( as hath been said ) into a new War with the House of Austria , were necessitated for their own Interests to assist him , so to secure themselves from the Spanish Forces , whilst they were entertain'd by him the Duke , and diverted from their Dominions confining upon the State of Millain . And since this War began just at that time , and had much connexion with that of Piedmont , and because it hapned in Italy , it is proper to our present History , and it will be necessary , that taking it from its original , it be described by us equally with that of Piedmont , and distinctly related . The Venetian for some hundreds of years since pretend to the Sovereignty of the Adriatick Sea , now called the Gulf of Venice , and have long maintain'd it more by the authority of a powerful Fleet , then by any ground of ancient concession or just title ; by virtue whereof inhibiting many neighbouring people the freedom of Navigation , they do not suffer them to transport their Merchandize freely through that Sea into forreign parts , nor that any such be brought from forreign parts to their Havens and Shore : And as it makes much for the advantage and grandezza of that Commonwealth , that the Inhabitants of the Gulf , and Forreigners who sail through it do not only put in at Venice , and pay a great tribute to the Commonwealth , and that the said Inhabitants provide themselves with things necessary from that City ; so on the contrary , it redounds to the prejudice of the same people , not to be able to make use of their own Sea without paying Taxes , nor carry that wherein their Country abounds through it to other parts , nor furnish themselves with necessaries from elsewhere ; for the Venetians are wont to send forth some Gallies to guard that Gulf , and do not only seize on such Vessels as sail for other parts , contrary to their Inhibition , but confiscate the Merchandize , and strangely molest the Masters and Passengers . The neighbouring people and Princes did always gainsay these pretensions , complaining that the use of the Sea , which by the Law of Nations was free to all men , was interdicted them by this Commonwealth ; and how that she used more respect to those that were more powerful : But those of Trieste did always repugne , and those of ancient Liburnia were more contumacious then they , who are now called Sclavonians , who , as being members of the Kingdom of Hungary , are under the Archduke of Austria , and they have always questioned it , and debated it with the Venetians , not without the tacite knowledge of their Princes , who being busied in more weighty Wars with the Turks , and not-being able either by forces , or by endeavours to alter the Commonwealth , thought it at last to be their only remedy for that sore , to bring into those parts some of the people of Croatia , who were commonly called afterwards Uscocchi , Croates or Cravates , a fierce and couragious people , and who valued not life ; who being there as a thorn in the eyes of the Commonwealth , might to the best of their power make good the liberty of Navigation upon those Seas to t●…e Archdukes Subjects . To these , instead of stipend , Pyracy was at first permitted , but only against the Turks , as common Enemies , and F●…es to their Prince ; abusing which permission against the Venetians Vessels , or being willing to treat them alike ( for the Venetians persecuted them ) they afforded the Commonwealth reason of complaint ; which not prevailing , they resented the injury so far , as they resolved to extermine that whole Nation ; professing that so to do , was not only necessary for freeing the Gulf from Pyrates , but also , as they alledged , to provide that the Turk being irritated by the Uscocchi's or Croa●…es's injuries might not send powerful Fleets into the Gulf , not only to the danger of their Dominions , but to those of other Princes which they possess upon those Seas : Thus making their own cause common to all , the Commonwealth began of her self alone to provide against it ; and endeavouring more to remove the effect , then the cause of the malady , they went against them , and began to prosecute them as Pyrates and publick Robbers ; who being already much increased in number ( for many driven thither by the barrenness of their Countrey , and allured by the profit of pillage , and many banish'd vagabond Italians , and particularly such as were Subjects to the Venetians , flock thither as to lawful prey of great gain ) and growing much more powerful by their numbers , and more cruel by reason of the losses they had suffer'd by being persecuted by the Commonwealth , they were very cruel in their Piracy throughout that whole Sea , and in all the neighbouring Havens and Islands ; and coming sometimes even to within a few miles of Venice her self , they took Vessels even almost in her sight ; insomuch as they grew so terrible to Navigators , and so dreadful through their cruelty , as the Commonwealth , without the Archdukes trouble or expence , began to make trial of those sufferings which she had formerly indeavoured to make the neighbouring people undergo ; and as they could hardly suppress their insultings with the Venetian greater Vessels , the yareness and multitude of Boats wherewith they scoured up and down in several parts being considered ; as also the vicinity of their friends Country , whither they fled when chas'd by the Venetian Vessels , and the condition of the Sclavonian seas and shores , which being full of Rocks and narrow Channels made by the many little Islands and Flats , are scarcely navigable for greater Vessels ; so did the agreements and stipulations often made between the Common-wealth and the Archduke stand them but in little stead ; for though the one promis'd to keep in the Cravates ; and the other to leave the sea open and free , neither party being willing to prejudice the main of their pretentions ; they inserted some clause or other in the close of each convention , whereby leaving the controverted point touching the liberty of the Gulf undecided ; ne●…ther the difference between those Princes was composed , nor yet were the promises made , and agreed upon between them kept ; the point of freedom of Navigation put off to another time , and the permission of free Commerce at sea , as it had been formerly had , being incompatible : which incompatibility occasioned the one the mean while to pretend unto , and the other to prohibit the freebooting of the Uscocchi or Cravates : they being long accustomed to pillage , and urged by poverty , and necessity to live from hand to mouth , which they were not able to do but by rapine , the Covenants agreed upon must needs be broken , and the Gulf must necessarily remain subject to the former molestations . The Common-wealth finding no more ready nor opportune remedy , began to pretend , that to extirpate the evil , as they said , by the roots , that whole Nation should be removed from the Maritime parts . But this meeting with many difficulties , at last in the year 1612. an agreement was come unto , almost of the same contents , and with the same clause of reservation as before , between the Emperour Mathias , to whom the places inhabited by the Croats belonged , and the Archduke Ferdinando , to whom the Emperour his Cosin-german gave the Government thereof , he being the next neighbour Prince to that Country , on the one pa●…t , and the Commonwealth on the other ; which that it did not long continue , ●…s it ought to have done , the Venetians according to their custom , upon the Uscocchi or Cravates ravenousness , and upon the Archdukes dissimulation , and that of their Officers , who were well enough pleased to see the Commonwealth continually molested on that side . But they complain more particularly that a Galley of theirs being taken by the Uscocchi or Croates , after that agreement , whilst it lay in one of the Havens of Sclavonia , it was carried to Segna , a Town belonging to the Emperour , and that the Galley-slaves being there set at liberty all the rest were slain , and barbarous cruelty was used upon the de●…d Corps of Veniero the Master of the Galley ; the Archduke not resenting so abominable an excess committed not against private men or Vessels ; but against the publick Barques and Officers . The Austriant , on the other side , laying fault upon the prohibition of Navigation continually pretended to by the Venetians , and stifly maintained contrary to the Capitulations , gave their Reasons for the fact which they had committed , and which they did not deny : affirming that some differences being known between people that were under the Turkes , and under the Venetians upon the Confines of Dalmatia , the Common-wealth did resolve not to meddle therein openly , but thought it better to make use of the Uscocchi or Cravates , naturally enemies to the Turks ; and that privately furnishing them with moneys , they egg'd them on underhand against the Turks , not so much within land , as upon the sea shore . But when not only the complaint of this fact came to the Court at Constantinople , but also the Commonwealths underhand dealing therein ; the Commonwealth could find no better means to free her self thereof , then by coming to some sudden severe demonstration ; and that therefore some of the Croats Barques being gone by the Commissary of Dalmatia's express license to sack Popono and T●…bigna , Towns belonging to the Turks , as they returned home with their prey , they were unexpectedly fallen upon by some of the Venetian Souldiery in the Island of Liesina where they had touch'd in their passage , after they had eaten friendly with them in company , that leaving there great part of their prey , and 200 of their men slam in the scuffle , the rest escaped away by flight , and returned home , who did so move the kindred and friends of those that were slain , and generally the whole Nation , as hasting to their Barques , they went to resent the injury : and that lighting by chance upon that Gally , they took her , and there vented the●…r rage ; and that yet there were Commissaries sent to Segna , to see justice done ; but that understanding the truth of the fact , and no body appearing on the Commonwealths behalf to make complaint , they proceeded no further : but howsoever the matter went , the breach was occasioned upon this occasion ; For the Commonwealth being more mindful of revenge then of complaining , as if all their Articles and Law had been violated , they began presently to forbid Commerce by Navigation to all the Archdukes Subjects ; and placing many armed Boats in the Gulfe of Trieste , and in other convenient place●… , they did so handle those people as they could not only not Traffick , but neither Fish , nor carry the fruit of their possessions home in their domestick Barques : and moreover , Antonio Chi●…rano , Captain of the Gulf , entred into Laurona , and Lorenzo Veniero General of Dalmatia into N●…w , Towns inhabited by the Uscocchi , where they miserably ruined them , sinking many Barques loaded with Victuals in the former , and recovering the Artillery of the Venetian Galley which was lately taken , in the other : at the same time , by way of Intelligence they assaulted the Fort of Carlobago ; but meeting with greater resistance , they were repuls'd with the loss of 200 Souldiers , and their Captain : the People and Officers on both sides being hereby more incensed , they began interchangably to disturb each others Confines , rather by tacite permission , then by express order from their Princes , who shunned coming to an open breach ; making inroads , firing Houses , and destroying the Countries ; and some towards the Law began to publish defamatory Edicts , and to lash one another reciprocally : and afterwards the fury increasing , the Venetians entred into Istria with 1500 foot , and some Horse ; and having in vain attempted the Castle of St Servolo , they sack'd and burnt the Towns of Cernotis and Cervicale . And the Commissary of Istria sack'd Berbenito , Berce , St Theodorico , and once mo●…e Cernotis and Cervicale , with 1500 Foot and some Horse , not meeting with any resistance . And not long after they assaulted the Confines of Trieste with 4000 Foot and 200 Horse , with a Gally and many Barques , they destroyed the Salt-pits , put the neighbouring Country to fire and sword ; intending to do more mischief , had it not been for Volfango Frangepane , Count of Terzacco , General of Croatia , who coming by order from the Archduke with the Militia of those Confines , to defend the Country , and with the Cavalry of Carlistot , which came in unto him , assaulted the 〈◊〉 ; against whom there came also out 400 Triestians commanded by Benedetto Pettazzo , and by Daniel Francol , so as there hapned a fierce skirmish , wherein the Venetians were routed , and put to flight , with the death of above 600 of them , and of their General Mario Gallo da Ossimo : and the Commissary , and rest who were in the scuffle , had much ado to save themselves , by getting into the Galley , under the shelter of the Artillery which was shot from thence . After which Victory , the Vice-general , suffering some of the Souldiers , and of the Uscocchi , to over-run Istria , where they did much mischief , he himself with some of his men entred the Territory of Montfalcone , and destroyed all things by fire and rapine : but the Commonwealth , whom the successes of Piedmont had peradventure made apprehend the Spanish Forces less , in respect whereof they had for born to come to an open breach with the Archdukes , and had therefore still formerly been contented to suffer and to temporize , resolved now to do so no longer , but to shew their resentment by open war. A resolution which though as it was publickly said , the gravest and wisest Senators were far from ; who foreseeing the consequences , would not have willingly seen the Commonwealth imbroil her self in that war ; yet the heat of the younger sort prevailing , which was fomented by one more ancient Senator , who to win favour from the meaner Citizens adhered to the more general Vote ; the greater opinion overcame the better , as it sometimes happens amongst multitudes ; and though the Towns and places , from whence the Uscocchi came to pillage , belonged ( as hath been said ) to the Emperour , and above a hundred miles from Friuli , yet because they were govern'd by the Archduke Ferdinando , and that the said Ferdinando was bound for the behaviour of the Uscocchi , the Venetians complain'd that he winked at their Piracy , or atleast did not inhibit them , nor punish them for it ; and would not only assault , and make war upon that Country from whence their prejudice came , but also upon that part of Friuli which belonged unto the Archduke : thinking that the only way to provide a salve for this sore , was to molest the patrimonial Territories of that Prince . They therefore ordered Pompeo Giustiniano to goe into Friull with six companies of paid Foot , which were destined for Candia ; and he carried thither also many other Souldiers , most of them of the meaner sort of those parts ; and making the rendezvouz at Palma and Udine , he commanded them to go against the Archdukes Country : Francisco Erizzo govern'd Palma , and the Militia of that Province , but Giustiniano was to govern the war. Having assembled together about 1200 Horse , and some seven or eight thousand Foot , he at unawares entred Friuli , and possessing himself at the very first of many of the open Towns , he also took and fortified Medea , Meriano , Chiopris , Romanso , Cormonso , and Vilesso , the chiefest Towns belonging to the Archduke , and distributed his men therein : At the same time the Territory of Monfalcone took up Arms , and the Common-wealths Souldiers took Sagra , one of the Archdukes Castles on the other side of the River , over against Gradisca , and munited it , to defend the Country from the troubles it might receive from Gradisca . The War being thus begun against the Archduke , and footing being got in the Archdukes Country , the Captains in the Camp , and the Senators in Venice , began to aspire unto greater things . The two chief Towns , and of most consideration , were Goritia and Gradisea ; the former , which is as it were the Metropolis of the Archdukes Country on this side of the Mountains , is situated beyond LIsonzo , at the foot of the Alpes , which was by the Antients called Giulie , very strongly situated , and defended by a Castle hard to become at : The other lies lower towards Palma and Udine , upon the right hand of the Lisonzo ; which washing the walls thereof on the East side , serves it for a Rampier , and it is secured on the other three sides by large and deep ditches ; The passage over the River made against the expugning of the former , as also the danger that the Souldiery being too far entred into the enemies Country they might be molested , and peradventure much prejudiced , if Gradisca should remain behind them on their backs in the enemies hands ; and the expugning of the other was withstood by her Fort , and by her being easily relieved by the succour which might easily be conv●…yed to her every day by the neighbouring River from Goritia , espec●…ally the Archdukes men being incamped , as they were , on the left shore . Between these two lay the third less difficult en●…erprise of Lucino , a great Town on this side of Lisonzo , in the mid'st between Goritia and Gradisca , near the stone-Bridge which leads to Goritia ; neither so strong , nor so easily to be succour'd as Gradisca , as lying somewhat farther from the River , and not so far within the Archdukes Country , as Goritia . Commissary Erizzo resolved therefore to attempt it , and sent Giustiniano thither with some men , who took it , and sack'd it , meeting with no resistance , and quit it the same day , as not thinking it a safe place to ●…arry in ; but nothing was so great a hinderance to the Venetians , nor did so much detain their resolutions , as the want of experience , discipline and valour , in their men ; the greater part whereof being unorderly , who being by force taken by the Magistrates from their houses and imployments , kept the Campagnia unwillingly , and did unwillingly serve in those exercises whereunto they were not bred up nor accustomed , nor led unto by their genius : So as their Captains not being able to rely upon them , they were not only kept from attempting new enterprises , but from bringing them into the field , or imploying them in any Action . The whole Arch-Dukes Country being therefore by reason of these Commotions up in arms , and Adamo , Baron of Trautmistorfe , being sent from Germany into Friuly , who was General of Croatia , and Captain of the Emperours Guard , and who though but young , yet of try'd valour , was made the chief in this war by the Arch-Duke , with Title of Captain-General : He had also brought along with him between two and three thousand Veteran Souldiers , long trained up in the wars in Hungary ; and Garisonizing such places as were fittest to hinder the enemies progress , he often-times scoured the Campagnia , assaulting to some purpose the Venetians Stations , and men , who not being able to stand before the Dutch , were sometimes shrewdly beaten : Therefore the Common-wealths Commanders were forc'd to keep themselves within their Works till they were furnished with better Souldiers ; True it is , that Daniel Francol , coming out of Gradisca with some few Horse , was taken in an Ambush that was laid for him , and with some 30 of his men was slain by some Troops of the Albanesses ; and Ferdinando Scotto , who had the custody of the County of Monfalcone routed some of the Archdukes forces who were come to plunder and infest that Country , and made them retreat into Goritia : But the Common-wealth , which entered into this war with more servour then preparation , began to meet with many great difficulties ; for having in all former times made use of paid-men in their Militia , as being more useful and less suspitious to that Government , they had made less esteem of their natural subjects ; and according to the condition of those ages , when the Militia of Italy served any Prince under famous Commanders , she , as being richer , and abounding more in monies then any other Prince , had better conveniency of furnishing her self with the valiantest Sould●…ers , and most experienced Commanders ; by whose means and valour she made notable atchievements , and signal progress on Terra ferma ; augmenting her State , and bringing it to that Grandezza which now she injoys : But now the condition of times being changed , the Italian Militia being reduced under the command of their natural Princes , and Forreigners depending in a great part upon the King of Spain and House of Austria , the Common-wealth found her self to be at the same time deprived of her natural forces , and totally unfurnished of Forreigners : Wherefore indeavouring to get Souldiers and Commanders , she found not so much difficulty in getting them from amongst Italian Princes , from the Switzers and Grisons , as to get passage for those that came to serve her out of France and the Low-Countries ; the former not being willing to disfurnish themselves of their best Souldiers in so turbulent times ; and the others being loth to deprive themselves of the Commerce of the State of Millain , so necessary for thei●… maintenance ; and none of them being greatly desirous to offend the House of Austria , upon which they in divers respects have antien●… dependence ; and no●… to incense the King of Spain , who they knew would favour the House of Austria : Nor could she hope for any assistance from ●…omama , or 〈◊〉 Ancona , from whence the Venetians had wont to be furnish'd with so many Foot and Commander●… as did supply their ordinary Garrisons , as well in their Forts in the Levant , and in Dalmatia , a●… on T●…ra forma ; for the Pope professing to be outwardly a Neu●…er in all these Occurrences , but being in effect very much unsatisfied with the Venetian●… , by reason of the great disgusts between him and them in the beginning of his Popedom , he was more fevere then any other Prince , in prohibiting his subjects to assist them : Wherefore the Duke of ●…arma , were it either in respect of the Popes Orders , of whom he held in ●…ee , or out of the near interests and intelligence which he held with the Crown of Spain , being offend●…d with his Son Don Ottavi●… , whom he loved dearly , though he was illegitimate , condemned him to perpetual imprisonment for his forwardness to serve the Venetians . The Duke of Modena shewed little less anger against his second Son Luigi , whom he banish'd for going to serve the Venetians against the Dominions which were under the 〈◊〉 Empire whereof he was a Feudatory : And the Duke of Urbi●… , who had formerly received great pay from the Common-wealth for being their Captain General upon occasion of war , as his Ancestors had been ; having of late years found some difference in geting his stipend , the Common-wealth growing weaty of that continual charge , now that they believed well in the peace of Italy ; had some years be●…ore sided with the Crown of Spain , from whence he received better and readier day ; so as they could not build upon him in their present ●…ed . In this great difficulty ; and streights of men and mony , the Common-wealth was forced to call in her Feudatoris , and all other her subjects who were in service under any other Princes , and to pardon all their Banditti , though for whatsoever he●…nous offence ; but that which seemed more uneasie , and of greater importance , these Provisions being very scarce , and far short of the present occasions , they placed the Tra●…ed-Bands of their Country in their Garrisons in Terra forma towards the S●…ate of Millain ; and drew out the best Souldiers f●…om thence , to make use of them in the Camp ; to the no little wonder of all that knew , that that Commonwealth which was formerly wont to be careful in Arming their Confine upon the State of Millain whensoever they ●…ard the least news of Arms in that State ; and to recruit those very Garrisons with Forreigners , and to provide so well for t●…at part of their 〈◊〉 , as 〈◊〉 it had been undoubtedly to be assaulted ; should now ( 〈◊〉 ●…ey knew there was an Army on foot in the State of Millain , and t●…at 〈◊〉 Spa●…ards threatned ●…o interest themselves in that war on the Arc●…dukes behalf ) unfurnish that Frontier of their best Souldiers , and should trust t●…e defence of those places of such importance ; in the hands of their Country Mil●…a or Trained-Bands , which were unexperienced in war. Next ( all this not being sufficient to serve their needs ) they betook themselves to Albania , Morea , and to Braccio di Maino , seeking to get from thence , at great rates , as many men as possibly they could : And for their last refuge , these not sufficing , they were at a very great charge in taking a Regiment of 4000 Hollanders into pay , who were to be brought by shipping to Venice ; which provisions being couragiously ordered , and executed with no less expence , and even to the end of that war constantly , and by general consent increased ; though they witnessed the unanimity of their minds , and the readiness of that Government to uphold the publick dignity and enterprises resolved upon by publick Authority ; yet so great a scarcity of Souldiers did not only prejudice the conceived reputation of the Venetian power , being so necessitated at the beginning of the war to borrow mony of Forreigners ; and not finding much that way , to ingage her self to her own Citizens , in little more then one year , for above a Million of monies , did not a little lessen the opinion which was commonly held of their publick Treasure , which was held to be the richest of all Italian Princes ; though to preserve their credit they gave out that they would rather spare the publick monies , even at the greatest need , and at the present take up at interest from private men , then by wasting it when they might make use of other mens monies , be forced afterwards to depend upon the will of others ; which though it was not then believed , was afterwards proved to be true by the event ; For the Common-wealth having had many occasions of vast expences in this war , yet she , contrary to the opinion of all men , found means to supply all the necessities which came upon her , with the publick monies ; wherein she was never found to withdraw from not only what was necessary , but from what was useful or fitting for any whatsoever difficulties , or want of ready monies ; and it was affirmed by those who were well experienced in their affairs , that the Common-wealth upon this occasion spent above 14 Millions of Duckets : True it is , that their Taxes and Impositions were very great throughout the whole State , which grew thereby much indebted ; and that all that not sufficing the whirepool of war , they ran her in debt afterwards for more then eight Millions . These were the preparations for the war of Friuli ; but not being able otherwise to provide against the danger of the Spanish forces upon the confines of Millain , they did it by making a 〈◊〉 League with the Duke of Savoy ; who standing more in need of mony then of men ; to boot with many provisions which they furnished them withal , they lent him great sums of mony ; to the end that persisting still in his pretention of not laying down Arms , he might inforce the Governour to disarm ; or that if he would not disarm , they might keep him so imploy'd , as he should not be well able to assault the●…r Confines : They also caused monies to be paid to the Marquess of Castiglione in France , to bring him in to assist the Duke in Piedmont with 4000 Foot , and 4●…0 Horse ; though because the execution of the Treaty at Asti was not totally off the hooks , it was noised abroad that Castiglions French men were raised to assist the Venetians , not the Duke of Savoy : And though these provisions , by reason of delay , could not ease the present need of the Camp ; for it was said that powerful aids were preparing in Germany by the Germane Princes , to assist the Archduke ; yet the Common-wealths Army being somewhat increased , the Senate , that it might not lye idle , but that it might attempt somewhat worthy of the Forces and honour of Venice , ordered it to go and expugne Gradisca . This place was governed by Count Richard Strasoldo , and by him fortified ; and though Captain Iohn Peirino , a Walloon , was entered thereinto with 300 Curassiers and Dragoons ; as soon as the enemy drew near it , General Trautmistorft entered by the River with about 1200 Musqueteers ; and having incouraged the Souldiers and Citizens with promises of daily succour , he left Peirino there , in whose valour he did much confide ; and went out himself with the Curassiers that he had brought with him , to make use of them in the Campagnia , and to imploy them where it was necessary elsewhere . The Common-wealths Commanders went to the taking in of Gradisca , more out of obedience to the Senate , then that they thought themselves able to take it with so weak forces ; and having first possessed themselves of a Castle near Fara , they afterwards drew near Gradisca , and began to draw a Line ; but finding the earth to be sandy , so as it was impossible for them to intrench themselves , or to make Rampie●…s ; and wanting both men and other provisions , they quitted the enterprise , Pietro Barbarico , consenting thereunto , who succeeded Erizzo , with Title of Commissary ; but being returned to Cormonzo , they were forced to reassume the business by express Command from the Sen●…te ; who were desirous by all means to have that place taken : And therefore bringing much earth thither in Carts , they sate down before it ; and having raised some Banks they planted the Battery on four sides with 24 p●…eces Cannon , and indeavoured by their approaches to get into the Ditch ; a Raveline was built in defence of the Gate which looked towards the Camp ; this the besiegers thought necessary to take befo●…e they should come to the assault ; wherefore they indeavoured to make a Mine underneath it : To effect the which they sent many Pyoneers thither , who whilst they indeavoured to perfect the work with their Spaces and Pick-axes , ( for they met with Quarries of stone ) the defendants were not idle , but shot continually into the Camp , whereby they did much mischief ; ran to and fro , and made diligent reparations wheresoever it was necessary ; and seeing the enemy draw ●…ear with their Trenches , they resolved to fall upon them by night within their own works : Issuing therefore out a little before day , and finding the Souldiers lye disorderly asleep in the Ditches , and without any military discipline , they assaulted them , put them into great disorder , and returned to Gradisca loaded with prey , having lost but six of their men : The Venetians Army was more indamaged by the bad success of a Scalado , ●…nd by an ●…ssault given to the Raveline after the●…●…ad given fi●…e to the Mine ; For there being but few in the Camp who durst go first on upon the enterprise , and mount the Rampiers first , those e●… that did so , who were for the most part Corsicks , though they be●…aved thems●…lves egregiously , yet they lost their lives ; not so much by any stout resistance which they met with , as by their companions shameful flight ; who be●…ng terrified at the very first Volley of the enemies Musket , some of them ran away , and return'd into the Camp , some threw themselves upon the ground ; nor was it possible for the Souldiers to make them rally for any threats , or blows which they could give them ; and such was the consternation of their mind , as many chose rather to dye basely by the hands of their own Serjeants and Captains , whilst they endeavoured to make them advance , then to hazzard the uncertain danger of an honourable death ; nay it was said that many of them dyed out of meer fear : It was impossible to renew the assault ; for none of the Souldiers durst advance ; and the first ranks or files were so shun'd , as whereas in other places upon occasion of bickerings or assaults , they are much endeavoured by the valiantest Souldiers , and not obtain'd without much favour , none could be hired to do so here . This mean while the great Duke of Tuscany , and the Duke of Mantua , out of their alliance to the Archduke , and of the trust which the Commonwealth imposed in them , had begun some Treaty of Peace , not without the Emperours consent ; who being desirous to see these differences composed in a friendly manner , was not displeased with the interposing of these Princes : But the Governour of Millain having received express Orders from Spain to assist the Archduke , sent Don Sanchio di Luna , Keeper of the Cittadel of Millain , with many Souldiers and Artillery to the Confines of Bergamo and Crema ; wherefore the Commonwealth fearing what might ensue thereupon , admitted the Governour into the Treaty of Peace , who having to this purpose sent Don Andrea Manriques to Venice , demanded in the Kings Name that they should desist from oppugning Gradisca ; and they finding daily more difficulty in the Enterprise , by reason of the continual succour which could not be kept from thence , willingly honested the occasion of the necessity they saw they were in , of either desisting with little honour , or of continuing the Enterprize with little hopes , and less advantage , by the present colour of complying with the Kings desires : So the Army rise from before Gradisca on the 26th day after they had sat down before it , and retreated to their former Quarters of Cormors , Meriana , and Medea . The endeavours of agreement were afterwards re-assumed , and divers proposals made , not only in Venice by the Popes Nuntio and the Agents of other Ministers , but also in the Emperours Court between Cardinal Clesell , Cesars chief Agent , and Giorgio Iustiniano the Venetian Embassadour , but all to no purpose ; for all agreeing in the principal point of providing for the business of the Uscocchi , they disagreed in the manner how . The Archduke , who thought himself unjustly assaulted by the Venetians , would not listen to any thing before he was first put into possession of all that had been taken from him : The Commonwealth on the contrary would not give way to any restitution till the Uscocchi were driven out of the Gulf , wherein they insisted upon more then they had done at first , demanding not only the expulsion of their Chieftains alone , as they had done at the beginning of the War , but ( that they might dig up the mischief by the roots , as they termed it ) the total extirpating of that Nation , and of the other banish'd men who were joyned with them ; and they persisted so much thereupon , as they did not only refuse the resigning of the Towns which they had taken , as was proposed by the Pope , together with a suspension of Arms till such time as the business of the Croates should be agreed upon to their satisfaction ; but neither would they accept of the Governour of Millain's word , given them in the Kings name , and the security offer'd them by the Pope , that they should be satisfied in that point , as soon as what had been taken should be restored ; and the provision therein was such , as not only the Chieftains , but those that were expelled the Commonwealth should be driven out . The Venetians alledged for their obdurancy herein , that the Commonwealth had been several times fed with such words and promises to no purpose ; which being but badly performed afterwards , they seemed to have just occasion to persist stifly in keeping what they had got , as a pledge or pawn at least of the total extirpation of the Pirates , by them pretended unto : which demands the Austrians thought very unreasonable , who argued by this their so great tenacity that they aimed more at being masters of what belonged to others , then at the purging their Gulf of Pirates . The war continued therefore in Friuli , with greater forces , and preparations , but with but small progress made by the Venetians : much succour came to the Archduke from Germany , part at his own charges , part at the Emperours ; and several valiant and well experienced Commanders were sent him from other Princes : as Count d' Ampierre , the Commandatore Coloredo , the Baron of Lelile , and Colonel Standardi , amongst others there came 4000 Foot and 500 Horse , all select men raised at the King of Spains cost , and sent into Friuli under the command of Don Baldasser Marradas , Don Inigo di G●…evara , Count d' Egnate , and Embassadour for that King in the Emperours Court , a very accura●…e Lord , and vigilant in publick affairs ; and to whom the King committed all the charge and provision of succour which he contributed to the Archdukes service . General Trautmistorft not thinking it now any longer time only to make excursions , but to keep the Field and face the Enemy , past over Lisonso with his Army , took up his quarters under Luciniso , intending to fall upon the Venetians quarters ; whose valour he so little valued , as he cared not to fortifie himself : The Venetian Commanders had notice of the weakness of his Works , and of the Enemies negligence in fortifying themselves : and thinking it a fit occasion to prevent being offended , they resolved to assault them unexpectedly by night . The Venetians Camp was no less re-inforced then the Archdukes , with Souldiers raised in Terra ferma , Sclavonia , Albania and Greece : and having alter'd their Officers , they had made a new form of Government : in stead of Barbarico , three Commissaries were sent to the Camp from Venice : Antonio Pri●…i , Procurator of St Mark , I●…van Battista Foscarini and Francisco Erizzo ; the first had the title of Commissary-general , the other of plain Commissari●…s . These were the only three that voted , and all things were resolved upon by the Votes of two : the Council of War being therefore first called , and consulted with , wherein was Don L●…igi d●… Esta , General of the great Cavalry , Francisco Martin●…go de Conti di Malpaga , General of the Light-horse , Ferrante de Rossi , General of the Arti●…ery , Pompeo Iustiniano Camp maste , and Camillo Trivisano Commissary of the Albanesse Horse , called Stradi●…tta : these assisted the three Commissaries with their advice , and gave their opinions , but had no Votes : the execution of what was resolved upon belong'd to Iustiniano , as Camp-master , which he ordered under the Commissary-General , guided the Directions , and directed the intended Enterprises . The enemy being then to be assaulted within his Quarters , according to the resolution already taken , Iustiniano disposed of the Army into several Squadrons ; the first assault fell to Trivigiano's share with his Albanesse , and to Horatio Baglioni with his Brigade and some Corsicans ; the former on the west-side where the Hills ended ; and the others on the south-side towards the Campagnia . Trivigiano took some works far from the enemies Quarters , kill'd the defendants , and past no further ; but Baglione at the same time , which was day-break , forcing the first Port of the Rampiers , and having seiz'd on the Court , found a stiff dispute at the second ; for the Austrians , awakened at the noise , ran in to the defence ; and had not some Corsicks come to relieve him , he had undoubtedly been slain , as many of his men were : A gre●…t on-set was also made on the other side ; which though it appeared to be prosperous at first , yet the assailants were forced to give back ; the same befalling them as did those that made the assault at the Raveline before Gradisca , who fought more valiantly , and received more harm from their friends who were upon their backs , then from the●…r enemies who were before them ; for the former being timerous and fearful , stood crouching , and many of them lay grovelling on the ground , who firing their Musquets low slew the best of their own men . The Venetian being returned without having done any good effect to Mariano , had no be●…ter success in the assault which they resolved afterwards to give to the Fort Stella , built by the Austrians on the other side the River in form of a Cavalier , against those of Sagra and Fogliano , held by the Venetians ; for Pietro di Vasques , a Spaniard who was Captain there , fore-knowing the enemies resolution , put his men quietly in a defensive posture , and repulss'd them , with the death of above a hundred of the assailants : The loss which the enemy received was increased by a great mortality in the Venetian Camp , which beginning with their horses , came afterwards to their men ; for the stench of the dead horses being intollerable , the air grew so infected as it begot dangerous diseases ; whereby the Camp was reduced to so small a number , a●… if they had been then assaulted by the enemy , it would assuredly have been totally defeated : A danger whereat the Common wealths Commanders were much troubled , the courage and gallantry of the enemy especially being considered , and the little esteem which the Austrians made of their men : But they were afterward somewhat inhea●…ed by the taking of two places situated on two several ways which lead from Germany ; and therefore of great consequence , Ponteba and Chiavaretto . Ponteba is cut through in the midst by the River Fella , which falls into the Tagliamento ; the ne●…her part the●…eof belongs to the Venetians , and is called Ponteba Venetiana ; the other part to the Dutch , and is called Austriaca : The Souldiers which guard Austriaca passing over the River had taken Ponteba Venetiana ; which when the Camp heard , 2000 Foo●… of the Country were pre●…ently dipatch'd away thither , under Commissary Fosclarini , Francisco Martinengo , led on by Count Nicolo Gualdo of Vicenza , Governour of Udine , by Captain Antonio Manzano , and by Captain Daniele Antonini , of the same City , who when they had past the River drove the Dutch out of Austriaca ; and did not only recover the booty which they had taken , but moreover , took much Merchandize which they found in Austriaca ; and entring further in , burnt Malborgeto and Trivese , two neighbouring Towns : nor had the other Commissary Erizzo less fortunate success , who advancing towards Chiavaretto , together with Trivigiano and his Stradiotti , and a good strength of Foot led on by Iovanni M●…rtinengo , took it , to the no little praise of Trivigiano , to whom almost the whole honour thereof is due , he being the first that came thither , and the first that did manfully assault it . The taking of Chiavaretto was succeeded by the like of Luciniso , the Austrians having abandoned it , who going to recover Chiavaretto , repast over the Lisonzo : which when the Venetians knew , they marched immediately thither ; and possessing themselves easily of the Town , which was but weakly guarded , they in a short time made themselves masters of the Castle , situated upon the top of a Hill : where after three days stout resistance , the defendants were forc'd to yield for want of water . The like did those of a certain Fort called la Trinita , built by the Austrians , a little higher : to these happy successes was added the taking of Fara , a small Castle between Luciniso and Gradisca , which being plaied upon by the Cannon , yielded upon Articles ; and Baglione , a valiant Colonel , was sorely wounded before it . Thus did the affairs of the Venetians alter in Friuli : but they were not idle the mean while in Istria and Dalmatia ; for Marcho Loredano , Commissary in those parts , and Benedetto da Leze , Commissary of Horse , as they scoured the Country , met with several incounters , wherein having the better , they took many prisoners , and slew many : and some Galleys going to Antignana , after having plaid upon it long , they took it upon Articles ; and a●…erwards scouring along the Coast of Pessino , they put it to fire and sword ; and Iovanni Iacomo Zane , Commissary of Dalmatia , went to before Segna ; but for want of provision durst not attempt it ; but turning to Mosconizza , after having plaid upon it two days , took it : Berses upon the bank of the River , and the Fort of Sirissa , over against the Island Pago , through the Garrisons discord , fell also into the Venetians hands . But not long after the Austrians being become masters of the field in those parts , by the multitude of men that came in to assist them , they ran all over with much terror , burning and ruinating all the Country , and the Venetians Subjects : the affairs of which States began sore to go less in reputation , all mens eyes being bent upon Lombardy , where the war grew hotter between the Governour of Millain and the Duke . The Duke ( as hath been said ) was entred into private consederacy with the Venetians : in whose name publickly , but privately for the service of the Duke of Savoy , a Regiment of 4000 Foot was raised in France by the Marquess of Castiglione , besides many others who flock'd in threves into Piedmont : The Duke had also made his complaints in that Court , of the difficulties interposed by the Gove●…nour in the performance of the Treaty : and though the Reasons wherewith he strove to imprint in that Nation , the necessity which they had for the Kings honour to make the Articles be observed , prevailed but little with the King and Queen , who were not to be removed from their friendship with Spain ; yet having made great impression in the Prince of Conde , and in the other Colleagues , they afforded them more occasion efficaciously to demand the Reformation which they pretended unto , of the Kingdom : openly complaining that the Queen Mother by reason of her secret intelligence held with the Court of Spain ; and the chief Officers and State-Ministers of the Kingdom , for the great advantage they got in that Court , and that they might not withstand the Queens authority , did wink at , and did not value the Kingdoms sa●…ety , nor the honour of the King , who by reason of his years , was incapable of knowing how much the sustaining of Piedmont concerned the safety of that Court. Wherefore these having sent Monsieur d' Orfe to Piedmont , to the end that his assisting the Duke in the name of the Confederates , he might incourage him , and give him reputation ; they also made open demonstration in France that they would savour the Dukes affairs by all the means they might . But in effect their whole ends tended to bring about their own interests , whereunto the union of the two Crowns being contrary , they found no better means to break it then by pressing the affairs of Piedmont ; and that the King of Spain being busied in Italy might be less able to assist their King ; and yet the King and Queen , were it either to take away this occasion of complaint from the Princes , or that they had a real value for the observance of the Treaty , the execution whereof they never had forborn to indeavour , though in a moderate manner , as becomes Princes really united , they always found the Court of Spain ve●…y ready to allow of the Dukes disarming , as legitimate , and forward to order the Governour , that disbanding his Army he might readily , and without difficulty or delay observe the residue of the Treaty : not so much for that the peace of Italy was there desired , as for that the Duke of Lerma , who was interested in Inoioso's defence , and thinking that according to the custom of Courts , he was bound to make good his actions , would that all exceptions being laid aside , the peace of Asti should by all means be executed , and made good . But were it either that those orders were not over precise , or were peradventure so express'd , as that they left a power in the Governour to do therein according to the condition of the present times and occurrences : or that the Duke thought he could not execute them , in consideration of the new accidents , and preparations for war , as well on the Dukes behalf , as on the Venetians : or else , as some would have it , that he had so involved himself in the thought thereof , or had ingaged himself so deeply , that the Duke should by his means be brought to humble himself to the King , and that the Capitulations of Asti should be cancelled , as that he thought he could not in honour do less , he did not much care to see them performed ; many were of opinion that as the aforesaid orders proceeded not from the Kings nor his Councils mind , but from the Duke of Lerma's meer will , whose excessive authority , grown odious to the Grandees of Spain , began to decline ( as hath been said ) a●…er the success of Piedmont , so were they not punctually observed , nor much valued by Don Pietro ; for he thinking that the Grandezza and Majesty of the Crown lay now upon his Shoulders , which he thought had not been very carefully sustained by the Duke of Lerma , out of private respects ; was not well pleased that Lerma preferring his own affairs before those of others , unless it were In●…iosa's , whom he detested should abandon the publick cause : which he professing himself to be very zealous of , was ready to repair ; wherefore not openly gainsaying the Kings commands , but execusing himself upon the Venetians new occasions , upon the Dukes new commotions , and upon the strange pretentions of the French , he did as it were by force draw the Court to incline to his opinion . Hereunto was added , that he not being able to per swade himself but that the past disorders had been occasioned through his predecessours fault , and tacite Collusion , he took it for granted , that when the Duke should see himself assaulted by a powerful Army , commanded by himself , who proceeded really , and would assault Piedmont with all the true rules , and rigour of war , should out of excessive fear , yield , and humble himself unto the King : he therefore being big with vast conceits , promised by Letters written to the Court , that he would bring him under , without almost once unsheathing his sword , and without breaking the peace of Italy , by his demonstrations only , and by his preparations : and that undoubtedly he would repair the publick dignity , and that he would easily reduce affairs into their former condition . Which hopes being greedily conceived , and believed that he should be able to make that Court slacken their former orders , and permit more freedom to him in conducting the publick affairs , according to his own mind , and according as times and occasions should serve : but howsoever affairs went there ( for the more intimate occasions of this new commotion appeared too observe and too repugnant within themselves , and peradventure were no less unknown to the Officers through whose hands they past , then to the people who only minded the effects ) it is certain , that the Duke either took , or the Governour gave him occasion of re-assuming those Arms : which being naturally given to war , he had unwillingly laid down ; from the wresting of the meaning of the Capitulations of Asti , from the dispute about their execution , and from the rigorous p●…etentions about the point of honour between the Duke and the Governour . Wherefore the Governour seeing him busie in preparing for a new war , and being himself no less desirous to set it on fire , t●…en the Duke thinking undoubtedly to bring him lower , and to subdue his Forces , he began to prepare an Army not inferiour to that of the preceding year : he took order for men in Germany , in Burgony , in Swisserland , and in the Kingdom of Naples ; he disburst moneys to fill up the Brigades of Lombardy , and to raise new Foot in the State of Millain : so rather as it were out of sport , and out of a fained shew , then out of any deliberate will , war was again begun by him who was able to have quench'd the fire thereof : which afterwards breaking forth in earnest , and contrary to his opinion who caused it , was the occasion of much prejudice , and ruine to the people of Lombardy . And as the first war was not improperly termed the Duke of Lerma's war , so this upon better grounds was called Tolledo's war. The troubles of France were at this time reduced to such terms , as the King being neer the Princes Forces with a powerful Army , the business had like to have been decided by a Battel . But the King and Queen choosing rather , even upon disadvantagious terms , to forbear shedding of civil blood , and to secure affairs , then to get the Victory by the ruine and destruction of the Kingdom , and by the common danger , were not against According many things by way of Negotiation , even contrary to their wills and authority : Whereof two were the ●…iefest ; the first , that the principal State-ministers should be removed from their Offices ; in whose places others of the confiding Princes should be put ; the other , that the King should swear to make the Treaty of Asti be observed . Wherefore the King understanding what orders the King of Spain had given to the Governour , commanded Lodovico Mangia●…te , who was his Ageat in Turin , to go to Millain , and sollicit the execution of that Treaty . Who being come to Millain , and having spoken with the Governour , desiring him in the Kings name that he would become more pliable , and prosecute the begun execution of that Capitulation with all sincerity , received this answer ; that the Kings Army was much lessened by the dismission of the Swissers , and of those of Tuscany , Urbane , Parma and Lucca , and by the death and running away of the Lombardy Regiments : that the King was not obliged to disarme by the Articles of Asti , and lesse upon new occasions to reassume Arms ; that notwithstanding he the Governour had , for the intire observancy of the Capitulations , offer'd the Duke reciprocal restitution of what had been taken ; which the Duke had refused : and that not relying upon the words of two so good , and so great Kings , who offer'd to secure him from the Forces of the State of Millain ; he contrary to the said Capitulations , had detained most of his men in Piedmont , and therefore given new reason of jealousies : and that notwithstanding , he the Governour offer'd again the proposal of restitution , and promised not to offend him , if the Duke would resolve to observe the Capitulations intirely : and that if he should refuse to do this , he the Agent might witness this to the King , to the end that he might be fully satisfied of the new preparations made by the Duke , and of what he should hereafter do ; and that he might plainly see , that he the Governour would proceed with such authority and reputation as became his King , without obviating the peace . The Governour gave this answer in writing to the Agent , and made the same be given to the King by the Duke of Montelion in Paris , who writ him word back , that the King had approved thereof . But the Prince of Conde , & the other confederates seemed to understand it otherwise , whose authority by this new and advantagious agreement was then very great , and got ground upon the King , who by reason of his tender years was not yet constant in his Counsels and Resolutio●…s . They therefore agreed to send an Embassadour into Italy , and made choice of Philippo di Bettune , a nimble-witted Gentleman , and well experienced in the affairs of Italy , where he had been Embassadour many years with the Pope from the King : his Commission was to find out the Governour , and press him to the perfect performance of the Treaty . This mean while all things inclined daily to a manifest breach in Lombardy ; for new seeds of troubles being already sown , the Duke arm'd strongly , and so did the Governour ; the Duke threa●…ned to reassume the war in Montferrat by reason of the Duke of Mantua's backwardness to pardon the Rebels : the Governour would quarter his men in that State , not only to defend it from the Duke , but also that he might be the readie●… to offend Piedmont ; and to the end , t●…at the Duke of Savoy fearing to be assaulted neerer hand , and as it were at his own doors , might lay aside his thought of assaulting others . But the Duke of Mantua refusing to receive forreign Souldiers into Montferrat , the Princes of Italy storm'd thereat , and chiefly the Duke of Savoy , who from a ●…ore assailant , being become a jealous Protector of that State , did not only exclaim against it , for his own interest , but , to raise suspicions of the Governour , and of the Spanish Court , and to make them be ill thought of by the Italians ; and renewing the ancient jealousies , he gave out , that under colour of defending and protecting Montferrat , the Governour did fully intend to usurpe it ; and the Queen Mother exclaiming much against it in the Court of Spain , the King of Spain commanded absolutely that it should be forborn . At this time the Duke of Savoy increased in reputation , it being given out that the French Embassadour came in favour to him , who , as it was said , was sent from the Prince of Conde , and from the consederates , who managed the affairs of that Court as they listed , and seemed to adhere sufficiently to his cause ; not was the tacite League between him the Duke , and the Commonwealth of Venice , of less consideration ; which being formerly kept secret , grew now to be manifest . The King of England , and many other Protestant Princes of Cermany , who seemed to ●…avour him , confirm'd him in his belief , that being upheld by so many , and so potent Princes , he might withstand the violence which was thr●…atned him ; and this opinion was increased in many men by the coming of Embassadours at this time to Turin from the King of England , and from some German Princes : but ( that which did out do all other appearings and seemings ) Marshal Deguieres's coming into Piedmont made all men wonder , he having been long held to be one of the best Commanders in France , and one who took the Dukes affairs very much to heart , and more an enemy to Spain then any other French-man : this man , though he came in a peaceful posture , and unarmed , as it were to be a superintendent over the French Embassadour's Negotiations , and privately to inform himself whether things were in that dangerous condition as the Duke related them to be : yet the good correspondency which was held between him and the Duke , and his continual assisting him ; his being nominated in the Capitulations of Asti , to see all things perform'd ; and much more the great desire which he and the other French-men seemed to have of maintaining and backing the Duke upon this occasion , so to lessen the Authority of the Spaniard in Italy ; made it appear manifestly , that if the Governour should persist resolute in not disarming he would call the French Souldiery into Piedmont , who were said to be ready at his beck upon the Confines of Italy , and prepared for Piedmont . His coming therefore did not only much countenance the Duke , but all the Embassadours future Negotiation : and the Duke being very vigilant , and ready witted , and accustomed to consort the disposition of his genius with outward demonstrations , made much use of this present occasion in b●…asting of his own Forces , and of the assistance which was promised him , and which he hoped for : wherefore receiving the Marshal with excessive , and unusual honour , and with singular magnificence , and keeping close at very private Counsel with him , ●…e seemed to repose much confidence in him , not pretermitting any term of honour and liberality to make to himself propitious , particularly such , who being intimate with the Marshal might further most his ends and his desires : but these so many demonstrations did more prejudice then further the conclusion of the agreement ; for the Spanish Ministers of State being very much troubled at the King of France and King of England's interposing themselves in the affairs of Italy , did very much dislike , nor could they tollerate the Capitulation agreed upon in France , wherein the King swore unto the Prince of Conde , and the other confederates , that he would cause the Articles of Asti to be performed ; and the Embassadours and Marshals coming to see them executed , and the new preparations which were said to be made in France ; for Italy being hereunto added , they thought that the French did arrogate that authority to them in Italy by rigour and threats , which the occasion and conjuncture of times , and much easiness of the preceding Governour of Millain had procured unto their King ; and that the Venetians and other Princes , did by declaring themselves to adhere unto the Duke , pretend to have an eye unto their Crowns authority : so as if the power and dignity thereof were therein too much concerned , they thought themselves the more bound to resist what so great a union of wills did threaten , for that the danger was greater , that if they should give way , it might be esteemed they did it out of fear of the French Forces . A respect which if it penetrated deep into any one , it must needs make a deeper impression in the Governour ; as in him who being come into Italy , wholly inflamed with exalted thoughts , who had put himself in a posture of restoring his Kings authority to its former condition , would have been too much failing to himself , and to the opinion which he had generally won , if he had gone less in any thing , then what he had at first so openly profest ; and it would have been basely done by him , it seeing his affairs grow worse and worse , he had not indeavoured by all possible means to sustain them : and if he had not been the more sollicitous in providing for war , by how much his enemies bravadoes were the greater . Therefore to boot with the moneys which he had already disburst for raising of men ; that it might be seen he durst she●… his face , and to make them jealous who did almost already openly threa●…en him , he sent some Forces to the Venetians Confines , and to the Confines of Piedmont ; and as if he would assault the Sta●…e of Venice ( for the effects of their League with the Duke appea●…ed daily more and more ) he gave order for a Bridge to be made over the Adda . Whereat though the Commonwealth were much troubled , yet having a great scarcity of men at that time , the Senators not being able to do more were forc'd to commit the defence of that part of the State to the people of the Country . Whilst the Governour was thus busied in making preparations every where , the Embassadour , after having staid some days at Turin , came to Millain ; the substance of whose Embassie was , That the King had , by reason of the accidents which hindred the laying down of Arms , used many indeavours to the Duke , and given him his word to secure him from the extraordinary Militia of the State of Millain ; but that the Duke not being therewithal satisfied , the King , out of his great desire to publick peace , and by the obligation which was upon him by the Articles of Asti●… , did desire him that he would prosecute the disarming which was begun by his Predecessors ; to the end that the restitutions of the Towns might be come to ; and the execution of other things appointed by the peace : To this proposal , which was given in in writing , the Governour replied in a long discourse given also in in writing ; wherein by a methodical Narration of all things that had occur'd from the beginning of the war of Montferrat , to the peace made at Asti ; he inferr'd , That the King had done all things for the protection and security of that State , to which he was much sollicited by the Queen of France ; That the King was not bound by the Treaty of peace to dismiss , no not so much as one man ; and that the Duke had only at the beginning given satisfaction in this point , but that he had afterwards openly countervened it by the many novelties attempted against Montferrat , by his new Levies of men , and by his League lately concluded with the Venetians against the House of Austria : So as the King was in all acceptations free from the Articles of peace ; That the Duke refused the security offered him by the words of two so great Kings , not out of any doubt or distrust , but in favour to the Venetians ; and that therefore the King of France was no longer bound by the Capitulations to favour the Dukes hidden ends : He concluded with offering readily to observe the rest of the Articles , if the Duke would observe them punctually on his behalf ; and with passing his word again in the Kings name , not to wrong him ; But as for laying down Arms , he confest freely it was impossble to do it by reason of the Venetians new Commotions ; And finally , he entered his Protestation , That if the Duke should refuse this , and should withdraw from reciprocal restitution ; the King should remain free from any whatsoever obligation , since he had abundantly satisfied him by the abovesaid offer . This was the substance of the Answer given to the French Embassadour , who at his going from Millain was earnestly desired , That as a good servant to his King , who was by affinity so nearly join'd to the Crown of Spain , he would use the best means he could to appease the Duke ; and disposing him to make good the Treaty , keep him from favouring the Venetians , whose ends were only to usurp the Arch-Dukes States , who was a just Prince ; and this the rather , for that the Duke might be sure he would thereby irritate the King of Spain , towards whom he had reason to proceed with all manner of respect ; and that therefore taking the word of both the Kings , he should not provoke the anger of the whole House of Austria against him , wherewith he the Duke was so much interessed both by alliance , and in so many other respects : The Embassadour promised he would do so ; and having therewith obtained a Suspension of Arms for the whole moneth of August , which was then began , he went to Turin ; where he was present at a Diet in Moncallieri , between the Duke , the Marshal , and the Venetian Embassadour , who was admitted thereinto under pre●…ence of making him acquainted with every thing ; but in effect , because that Common-wealth which is naturally of her self sparing in spending , having till now b●…en more liberal in words and promises , then in deeds , the Duke and the rest of that Cabal , thought it now a very fitting time to make use of her troubles and danger to make hercontribute a great sum of mony which they pretended to from her ; and therefore the Governours Answer and offers being heard , the Duke began to listen to the proposals , seeming to be thereunto inclined rather for want of monies , whereof he and his State were much exhausted , then out of any desire or inclination to abandon the common Cause : The French Embassadour , under colour of being a peace-maker , assisted him in his drift ; and the Marshal more then he ; who being to be the head of the French succour , was to share deeply in the Venetians money ; and therefore concluding that it was impossible for Piedmont to sustain so great a war as was threatned her , otherwise then by the Sword of France , and Purse of Venice ; he minded the Duke that he could build but little upon the former if he should fail of the other ; But the Common-wealth , which saw affairs were so far proceeded in , as it was impossible to come to any atonement ; especially the fiery nature of both parties being considered ; little valued the threats which were made under the colour of necessity ; and knowing whether these counsels , and this sudden inclination to peace tended , did not at all fear being left alone to bear the burthen of the war ; and so much the less , for that the Duke was already envelloped in many difficulties , and was already by his demonstrations so far ingaged in war , as it was impossible , at least very hard , for him to draw back his hand : Wherefore she seemed as cunningly to be inclined to a composure of affairs , which she was as much desired to do as the Duke was by the Archduke , and by the other Princes ; and it was in her power to obtain it upon very honourable terms : wherefore the Duke , hoping that the Negotiation about peace would be a perfect antidote against the Venetians Tenacity , gave order that the Treaty should be had in Rome with the Pope ; who for this and for other affairs sent Alessandro Lodovisio , Archbishop of Bollognia , into Lombardy , under the Title of Nuntio in extraordinary , that by his Authority he might stop the Governours forces ; who growing every day hotter against the Duke , was gone from Millain to Pavia , to hasten on the war the more ; which whilst he threatens openly on this side to Piedmont , yet he plotted it privately on that side where it might be worse for the Duke , as least suspected by him . The Duke of Nemours ; a French Prince , of the Duke of Savoy's blood , and the nearest to the Ducal Line next after the children of this present Duke ; upon whom , that Line sailing , the States of Savoy and Piedmont were to divolve , was for some years past not well satisfied with the Duke , upon occasion of some private Picque ; wherefore he had not succoured him at all upon occasion of the last troubles of Piedmont ; but seeing new Commotions now about to arise from the Capitulations of Asti , he laid aside all past enmity and rancor , and offered to serve him in that war freely of his own accord with 4000 Foot , and 500 Horse : The Duke accepted the offer , and monies were disburst unto him in point of pay ; and he was expected with his men in Piedmont according to his promise : But his antient hatred and desire of revenge prevailing over his new Reconcilia●…ion ; or his ambition and desire of Reign over his conjunction in blood and his obligations , he closed with the Governour of Millain , who gave him both men and monies ; promising to assault Savoy with the same men wherewith he was to have fallen into Piedmont ; which when taken , he offered to acknowledge it as held in perpetual Fee from the Crown of Spain . The Governour listened to this offer , that he might weaken the Dukes Forces by diversion ; and therefore sending mony to Nemours , 〈◊〉 ordered Monsieur di Disse to pass into Savoy in assistance of this enterprise with 6000 Foot , and 400 Horse , which were raised by his directions in Burgony : And Nemours promised moreover that divert Princes and great Lords of France , who were his friends and adherents , would likewise come thither upon this occasion : Nor was it to be doubted but that the Duke being thus assaulted would have been mightily troubled ; he not having forces sufficient for two sore war●… made upon him at one and the same time ; in Savoy by Nemours , and in Piedmont by the Governour : But a Letter written from the Governour into Spain freed him from this so near and so important danger ; wherein the complotting of this business was intirely contained , which were it by chance , or by the craft of some of the Governours servants , came to the Dukes hands , and afforded him opportunity to prevent what was plotted against him : Wherefore sending Prince Victorio away in all haste to those parts ; he also gave order to Monsieur di Lanz , Governour of Savoy , to secure himself as speedily as might be of Nissi and Remigli , places which lying upon the Frontier of Savoy towards Burgony , served as a gate to let in , or to keep out , the Governours men who were to enter by those parts under Diffe . This Order being readily executed by Lanz rendered Nemours his business vain ; for he , seeming as if he were coming with his men into Piedmont , but indeed turning upon those Towns , was repulss'd by the Dukes men : wherefore forced to retire more inward towards Chiaromonte and Cleramonte , his men out of meer necessity of livelihood and maintenance , fell to sack the neighbouring Villages : whilst Nemours kept idle in those parts , expecting that the forces of Burgony should have come and have joined with him ; but it was in vain to expect that ; for Nissi and Remigli holding for the Duke , and the Governours of Lyons , Dolpheny , and the Dutchy of Burgony , discovering themselves forthwith to be for the Duke ; and soon after all the Princes of France , moved thereunto out of consideration of the great prejudice which might thereby insue unto the Kingdom , if the Spanish Forces entering into Savoy should more inviron the Confines of France , Disse could not get to joyn with Nemours : And Albertus , Arch-Duke of Austria , who , as Lord of Flaunders , and of the Low Countries , governed the County of Burgony ; though he made use , for the most part , of the King of Spains Armies and Militia , and of the Spanish Officers , in the Government of those Provinces , yet would he not by any means be brought to assist or consent unto that Enterprize , were it either that he was unwilling to disturb the Peace between his men and the States of France , or for that that enterp●…e not being either commanded or approved of by the King , but only framed by the State Officers in Italy , he did more value the neer interest of blood which he and the Infanta Arch-dutchess his wife , and Daughter to the King , ( whose Dowry those States were ) ●…ad with the Duke of Savoy , and with his children , born of a Sister of his Wives , than he did the Governour of Millain's designs ; nay , giving severe Orders to his Officers in Burgony , that they should not countenance Nemours in any sort , nor receive his men , he was abandoned by all at the fairest of his play : So the violence of that storm began suddenly to pass over , which , whilest it hover'd in the Air , did much alter the Dukes Affairs , which continued troubled for many moneths ; but for all this he did not give over the defence of Piedmont , where having Garrisonned the Towns of Asti and Vercelles , and made Count Guido Governour of the forme●… , and the Marquess of Clausio , who had escaped some few moneths before from the Castle of Millain , where he was kept close prisoner , Governour of the other ; he caused a Bridge to be made over the Poe , between Verr●…a and Crescentino , to the end that the Counties of Asti and Vercelles being thereby joyned , they might more easily relieve one another in case they should be assaulted ; and having sent the remainder of the pay to Castiglione , and the other Commanders who raised men for him , he staid expecting him : The Governour did the like in Pavia , but with more fervency ; where breathing forth nothing but fire and sword , and being impatient of any the least delay , he hasted provisions , that he might go into the field ; and giving out that he would be all August with his Army upon the Confines of Piedmont , ●…he made his Artillery be Imbarqued upon the Poe , took Order for many Pioneers and Bridges , and disburst moneys in Montferrat and Millain for the raising of new Regiments ; and laying all the Civil Government of the State upon Don Sanchio di Lu●…a , Keeper of the Ci●…adel of Millain , he was wholly intent in providing for War , promising marvellous things unto himself from so great prep●…rations ; and the Nuntio being come to Pavia about the midst of August , he gave him Audience bo●…ted and spurr'd , in which posture he used then to go thorow the City , that it might be seen he was in a readiness to march ; and the Nuntio desiring a short suspension of Arms , he would not grant it , saying , That he was come too late : But all things were not so ready for going to the field as the Governour could have desired ; for neither were the Swissers come from their own homes , nor were the Dutch come into the State of Millain ; and many draught-horses for the Artillery , and many Arms which were expected from Germany for the use of the Army , were not yet come : Execution therefore not answering resolution , and businesses not proceeding on so fast as was expected ; nay , new difficulties arising every day , the Governour began to slacken that vigour of mind wherewith till now he had with some violence been transported ; and beginning to know the difference between saying and doing , he found also that the bad success of the last War was not wholly through his Predecessors fault : His courage was also cooled by the bad success of the business of Savoy , which was the chief ground-work of his designs ; wherein , to boot with having spent above 300000 Ducats , he had also consumed the Marquess of Disse his whole Regiment of Burgonians , which had caused no less diversion to him than to the Duke : He was not a little scandalized neither , that the enterprize should be thought to have miscarried through the wickedness of his men , corrupted by the Dukes moneys ; for his chief Secretary was imprisoned as guilty of having made the Letter written unto the King come unto the Duke of Savoy's hands ; and though nothing could be proved against him , he was rigidly tormented : He was likewise detained by continual remembrances from the Court , that he should rather break off , than imbrace any new occasions of new ruptures ; finding those Ministers of State more inclined to preserve that Authority and Greatness which they received privately , and the Crown publickly , from the tranquillity of peace , then to advance it by perturbation of affairs : chiefly when he called to mind that the Duke being desperate , and extraordinarily exasperated , not caring into wha●… danger he ran , seemed to desire nothing but tumults , and alteration of affairs , which was contrary to the Crowns interest in Italy . Of which opinion some of the State-ministers of the State of Millain seemed also to be ; those chiefly who out of a particular friendship to the Marquess Inoiosa , and for good turns received from him , thought it suited more with his reputation , that either the peace made by him should be perfected , or else the new war prove unfortunate . And as , for the aforesaid respect , moneys were not provided in Spain , so some State-ministers of the State of Millain , not going along with the Governour in his opinions and ends , but opposing as much as they might such provisions , and resolutions as were to be made , caused diffidence in him in his Counsels , and impediments in the execution of what was resolved upon : wherefore he who was almost surrounded with Competitors , consulting in things of weightiest importance only with Vives , who was then his Confident , communicated nothing to the rest save sleight and ordinary affairs ; whereat they thinking themselves injured did the more willingly thwart his Counsels and Resolutions . The Embassadour Bettune returned about the end of August from Turin , who professing that he had used all his best indeavours to make the Duke bear all due respect to the King , and to the house of Austria , brought with him in the Kings name a middle way for composure of the present differences . Which was , that the Treaty of Asti should be made good , with the reciprocal restitution of all places taken away ; that it might be lawful for them both to keep armed , with reciprocal word of not offending each other till such time as it should be fully accorded within a certain prefixt time , in which interim the whole Treaty might be fully performed ; and that the Governour should abstain from injuring the Venetians , whilst the King should indeavour the composure of those differences by his Embassadours , sent to the Emperour , to the Archduke , and to the Venetians . These Proposals were debated in full Council ; where it fell into consideration , 〈◊〉 if ( the Duke and the Venetians being agreed ) the Kings Forces should go against one of them , and the other should assault the State of Millain , whether the war might be dive●…ted from the assaulted Dominions ; and that the Governour not having a sufficient Army for two offensive wars ; whether it were better to accept of t●…e Proposal only so far as regarded the affairs of Piedmont , and turn with the Army against the Venetians , so to divert them from the war of Friuli ; or whether , if the said Proposals should not be allowed of , they should assault Piedmont : it was said for the first part , that the war against the Venetians was the chief cause of retaining , and afterwards of increasing the present Army , that it might seem sufficient for the Kings honour to seem to lay down Arms , as the Duke had done , instead of effectually doing so ; and the King of France having by the Dukes word , secured those of Spain , that Montferrat should not be assaulted , whether the King ( especially when the Duke should have past his word again , not to innovate any thing to the prejudice of the State of Millain ) might dissemble and keep still in Arms , so to keep from making war upon him , which would not be so easily decided , because he was daily succoured by men from France : that therefore it was more expedient , to secure affairs with the Duke , to assault the Venetians Towns , to bereave them of all defence , and so to assist the Archduke by diversion . But they were much troubled left the Duke , when he should see the Kings Forces go against the Venetians , might think himself free , and might assault the State of Millain , according to the Articles of Confede●…acy ; and this the rather , for that the Marshal being at the same time gone for France , with speech that he was to return suddenly armed , the Duke was gone to Creseentino , where having built a Bridge ( a●… hath been said ) over the Poe , he did not only prepare for defence , but drawing neer the Confines of Millain did fortifie at la Motta : where having also thrown a Bridge over the Sefia , a River which divides his State from that of Millain , he gave evident signs that he would be the first who would pass over with his Army , which begun already to be numerous . To remove these doubts , the Embassadour was demanded , whether his word past , of not offending , would serve , if the Kings Forces should march to the prejudice of the Venetians ; and he answering , that he had had no speech thereof with the Duke , the other opinion prevailed , that war should be made upon Piedmont , though Don Giovan Vives , who was got into great power with the Governour , and was commonly thought either the Author , or great Fautorer of the renewed war , seeing the Court of Spain averse from war , and for the aforesaid Reasons , the Governour weary , or grown cooler therein ; or peradventure to keep the fault from being imputed to him , if any inconvenience should happen by the war , which the Duke was advised against , giving his opinion openly in writing , exhorted the Governour to accept of the Embassadours offer for what concern'd peace with the Duke , and that setting in the Frontiers of Piedmont 7000 Swissers , and 10000 other Souldiers , did exhort him to assault the Venetians State with the remainder of his Army , which was 13000 Foot and 2000 Horse , molesting it , till such time as they should restore to the Archduke what they had taken from him in that war. But this advise being neither accepted by the Duke , nor allowed of by the rest , nor yet the Embassadours new Proposals , this answer was given the Embassadour : That his Propositions were not answer able to the Capitulations at Asti , nor if they were , was there any Reaso●… to yield thereunto , the many things which the Duke had to object against them being understood : that the King of France , who was interessed in these affairs , only for what concerned him in that Capitulation , was not allowed to make any new Proposals : that in respect of the new alliance , and good correspondenc●… which was contracted b●…tween him and the King of Spain , he should rather oppose the●… int●…rpose himself in the so many commotions made by the Duke , to the house of Austria ▪ and to the Kings Dominions , tending to the prejudice of the publick peace : and this so much the rather , as that the same Proposals would not be a fitting remedy for the present evils ; for by keeping in Arms the people wer●… excessively prejudiced , Princes were p●…t to infini●… expence , and n●…w unlooked for Tumults were indangered , from whenc●… blo●…dy Wars might afterwards 〈◊〉 : that it was superfluous to restore that anticipately , which differences not being afterwards agreed , was necessary to be retaken . And in fine , the Governour complained that the Embassadour , after having a moneths space allowed him to treat of atonement , should propound n●… terms , and new delays , when he should have brought the Dukes ultimate resolu●…ons touching ●…is accepting or not accepting of the 〈◊〉 which was offer'd him : though afterwards laying the fault upon the Duke , he added , that this was one of that Princes usual pieces of cunning , that he might the bett●…r prepare himself for the defence , and that letting the season for the Field pass over , the Kings Forces might become unuseful to offend . This answer was followed with extraordinary orders , and diligence in putting the resolution which was put on in execution ; for the Embassadour not ceasing to give them hopes , and almost assurances that the Duke should promise not to move , no not though they went against the Venetians , he did not obtain his chief end , which was to keep them from providing for war ; for the Governour sent Orders to 〈◊〉 that were already upon the Venetian Confines , and to the rest of the Souldiery that was in the State , that they should speedily march into the Novarese , whither he said he would send the Artillery and Ammunition the next day . But whilst he laboured both in body and mind about making these preparations , he fell into an Ague ; whereof before he was wholly free , he made himself be carryed upon a Bed , on the third of September , to Candia , where he told the Nuntio , and the Embassadour , both which he had dismist , he would wait the Dukes final resolution : he staid some days there , paying out moneys to the Souldiery which came unto him from several parts : and making a Bridge over at la Villata , he intended to pass over there with his Army , into Montferrat , and from thence to where the Duke should be , or whither he should like best . He had here in a short time a flourishing Army , not only in respect of the number and valour of the Souldiers and Commanders , but for Artillery , Ammu●…tion , and all things else necessary : there were therein 20000 Foot , made up of several Nations ; to wit , 4000 Spaniards , divided into five Regiments and led on by the Camp-masters , Don Iovanni , Don Lewis , and Don ●…onsallo di Cordua , Don Ioronymo Pimontello , and Don Iohn Brav●… : 9000 Lombards , in five Regiments , the one consisting wholly of Muske●…eers , led on by Prior Sforza , the others , by Lodovico Gambaloita , Ieronymo Rho , Giovanni Pietro Serbollone , and Giovan Battista Pecchio ; all of them likewise Camp-masters : 3000 Neapolitans , led on by the Camp-masters Carlo-Spinelli , Carlo di Sanguine , and Thomaso Carracciola : 13000 Dutch in two Regiments , the one Trentinians , led on by Count Guadentio Madruzzi ; the other Hollanders under , Luigi Solz : to boot with 6000 Swissers , who as being Confederates with the Duke , were to tar●…y in the State of Millain : the Horse , wherein the Gens Armes were comprehended , came to 3000 under their General Don Alphonso Pimontello ; they were for the most part new men , and untrain'd ; and therefore though superiour in number , yet much inferiour in worth to those of the Duke , who keeping still at la Motta , with no contemptible forces , had with him , as fame gave out ( wherewith he used to keep up the reputation of his own forces ; ) 25000 Foot and 2500 ch●…ice Horse ; but in effect , between 1500 and 2000 Horse , which were held to be the flower and sinews of his Army : between 8 and 9 thousand French ; as many Savoiards , Swissers , Walloons , Piedmonteses and Provencials . And though the differences of Savoy were not yet composed , and that he knew he was to be faced with a more implacable Enemy ; yet egg'd on by the fiercenss of his spirit ; and fed with hopes that neither the French , nor Venetians would suffer him to perish ; and perhaps arguing the Governours future actions from his former , did not wholly distrust , but that after the first onset the war would not continue in the same fervour as it seemed to begin , he seemed little to fear the Enemies threats : so as instead of sending back the Embassadour with the acceptation of the conditions of peace , he made his Horse go to Langosco , a Town within the State of Millain , and sent Souldiers to take Villa Franca , and to burn Murano , and other places in Montferrat , upon pretence that provision , passage and quarter was there given to the Enemy ; and sending some Shallops down the Sesia , loaded with Powder , and artificial fire , so ordered as that it should play when it came to the Bridge made by the Governour , and break it ; whilst he being not far off intended , when the Bridge should be broken , to fall with his Horse upon the Garrison , which were upon the head of that Bridge towards Montferrat , and cut them in pieces : but the Shallops being kept back , the design failed : so as the Dukes Horse appearing on the River bank , there hapned a small skirmish betwe●…n them and the Kings men , wherein but little harm was done ▪ Thus the second War of Piedmont began from the drawing neer of two Armies : which was not occasioned through any differences , or Statepretentions , not for any fresh injuries done or received , nor by any new commands to the Duke that he should lay down Arms ; but if the truth were known ; it proceeded on the Dukes side , from his ancient rancour , and from his desire thereby contracted , of venting himself in any whatsoever manner , in abating the Spanish Grandezza ; and on the Governours behalf ; from the bad success of the late War , from the Capitulations concluded with small satisfaction before Asti , and from a desire to abolish them , and therewithall ▪ the prejudice of the la●…e actions ; and to establish the Kings affairs in Italy in their former condition and honour . But if we shall mark the outside of things , this war had no other title , unless it were , that the Duke pretending the Governour should dismiss his Army , he not doing it , did contrary to the same Capitulation reassume Arms , and joyning in League with the Venetians would not abandon his Confederates ( by whom he was so little assisted in the former war of Piedmont , and by whom he was so apparently wrong'd in that of Montferrat ) nor disarm upon the security of both the Kings words , nor yet promise not to molest the Kings Dominions . These wars , and the ends and motives of these Princes , was variously discoursed of : some praised the Duke for his faith , valour and free spirit ; and cried him up even to the Stars , as if he had been a new Marcellus , who had taught that the Spaniards power , which was held unconquerable , might be resisted : he was therefore esteemed a seasonable defender of the Venetian Commonwealth , and the generous Protector of the Liberty of Italy ; and the Governour of Millain was detested , as one that studied novelties , and was no way zealous of the publick peace : others who attributed the Dukes resolution to an over contentious mind , to an immoderate hatred conceived against the Spaniards , and to a too excessive desire of suppressing the authority of that Crown , imputed unto him an unquiet spirit , and that he was a greater friend to turmoils , then to quiet : because , to the prejudice of peace , and of the security of Italy , he had let in forreigners into the bowels thereof , to the peoples so great loss , to the so great effusion of blood , and to the so apparent danger not only of himself , but to the contaminating of that little of sound or wholsome which was yet left in Italy . But they wonder'd not at the Duke , by reason of his warlike humour : the wisdom of the Venetian Senate was the more common subject of mens discourse ; why they who were so profest friends to peace ; ( a thing so good for their Commonwealth , by means whereof they had so long continued to be thought rich and powerful , and for which the safety and grandezza of Italy seemed to be upheld by them ; ) why they ( I say ) should suffer themselves to be ingaged in war with the Archduke , for unnecessary and trivial things : in which war , to boot that they might be sure the German Princes and King of Spain would interest themselves , they should , to the prejudice of their reputation , make known the utmost bounds of their Forces ; which proving short of what they were generally thought to be , and not being such as that they were able at one and the same time to contest against the Archdukes and King of Spains Forces , they should be inforced to run the same fortune with the Duke of Savoy , and in a business of such weight and concernment depend upon his award and inclination , who if he should continue to disagree with the King might secure their affairs , and by agreeing might make them run great danger ; many could therefore have desired that they had either been more circumspect in their resentment , or that after their first resentment they had used their wonted moderation in their Counsels ; whereby their ends , hatreds and desires being tempered , they might have given way to the fair conditions which were presently offer'd them ; if for no other end , at least not to justifie the complaints which were made against the Commonwealth , as if she had moved in this , not to free the Gulf of Free-booters , but out of a desire of possessing her self of the Archdukes Dominions ; and much more , to obviate the trouble and dangers which might result to her , to the Duke , and to all Italy by such commotions and troubles . The end of the fourth Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . BOOK V. The Contents . THe Duke unexpectedly assaults the Spanish Army which was entered his State ; and being beaten retreats to Assigliano ; From whence finding that the enemy went to possess themselves of Creseentino , he departs , and speedily preventing them , defends it . The Spanish Army take Santya , and San Germano : The Duke indeavouring to keep back their Victuals was forc'd to come to a Battel , where he was again worsted . The Popes Nuntio and the French. Embassadour hold the Governours forces in hand by introducing new Treaties of Peace ; In the interim the Marquess of Mortara entering le Langhe takes many of the Dukes Castles ; and Don Sanchio di Luna takes Gattinara : Winter coming on , the Governour fired Santya ; and leaving a Garrison in St. Germano sends the rest of his Army into their Quarters , and retires into the State of Millain . The Duke , the Prince his Son being come to him from Savoy , and the Marshal Diguieres from France , with new men , takes the Principality of Messerano , and makes himself master of San Damiano , Alba , and Monreggio , Towns in Montferrat : Wherefore Mortara firing Canelli , abandons the Langhe . The Marshal being sent for back by the King , returns with his men to France . The Venetians whilst they are busying themselves to little purpose in Friuli , are molested at Sea by the Spanish Fleet , sent by the Viceroy of Naples into the Gulf ; which not being able to draw the Venetian Fleet to fight , take three Gallies richly fraught . THe Governour being come to the Confines of Piedmont , rather out of a grounded opinion of compounding affairs , then with any resolution to fight : And seeing that the French Embassadour did not return back to him , and signes in the Duke absolute contrary to his expectation , began to fail in the chief foundation of his designs , and consequently to apprehend the difficulties to be greater and of more importance now 〈◊〉 ●…e was ne●…r at hand , then they could appear to be wh●…n he was 〈◊〉 off : He ●…aw that enemy appear against him whom he thought would assuredly have been quell'd at the first brandishing of his Sword ; and that not being at all astonished at Nemours his wheeling about , nor at the approach of such an Army , he appeared with well adjusted forces ; and that ra●…her like a●… Assailant then on●… assaulted he would run any fortune rather then to abandon his Confederates , or part the least from his first resolutions : he was troubled to see so many French appea●… already on his behalf ; those who were wrought upon by the Venetian gold , by the desire of prey and of novelties , and those also who were driven on by Conde's authority , almost the sole Arbitrator of France , were likely to come thither : So as being troubled that the present war should be the beginning o●… another with that Nation which was naturally a Rival to the ●…ame of Spain , he feared he might hazzard not only the safety of the States , but even the honour of that Crown for which he had been so hot in taking up Arms : He was confounded at the disagreement in opinion of his men ; he suspected those who desiring him to be more cautious and circumspect , proposed dangers and difficulties : He thought those rash , who incouraging him unto the war , promised him assured victory ; and having neither art nor experience in the administration of war join'd to his natural judgment , he was altogether perplex'd and irresolute in betaking himself to what was best for him to do , and in chusing the best of many proposals made by his Commanders : The so great number of those of various Nations who fought under his Banners added to his anxiety ; especially the Dutch , more numerous and fierce then the rest , and consequently the harder to be govern'd according to the military Government : That in proportion , the number of the Spaniards being but few , upon whom the safety of the Empire leaning , it totter'd ; the dissatisfaction of those of Millain , who to boot with their former grievances , were already weary of the present war , and attenuated by the former : And being invironed on all sides by Forreigners , his thoughts were perplex'd , not only with the uncertainty of Battel , with the dissolving of his Army , and with the casualties of war ; but with the uncertain Loyalty of his Officers , the mutinying of Souldiers , the rebellion of subjects , the peoples inclinations , the favour of the Princes of Italy depending upon the success of things , the hatred of those of the Nation to the dominion of Forreigners ; and finally , whatsoever may happen to the prejudice of security in great commotions by the variety of fortune . Diving deep into such considerations , and considering truly how much the placing the quiet and safety of affairs upon the uncertainty of a Die was a business which fell very short of all that greatness which the Duke pre●…ended unto ; he began by practice to know how wise and salutiferous their counsels had always been who had thought the peace of Italy to be the surest foundation of the Spanish Empire : He therefore began to call to mind the Instructions and Orders which he had continually had from the Court ; which as being contrary to his then fervour , he valued but a little ; and as if it had been in his power yet to put on new resolves , he weighed the condition of affairs now when it was time to fight , as he had formerly examined them when it was time to make peace , with fiery thoughts bent upon war : So as having paid the Souldiers , and made up his Musters ; wavering , and not knowing what to do , to the great admiration of all men , and to the great dislike of the field-Officers and Army ; he was like Cesar upon the Banks of Rubicon , not being able to resolve of removing from his Quarters for fear of worser commotions ; yet at last his Souldiers perswasions prevailed , and particularly Vives his Reasons , upon whose Authority he much relied ; so as he resolved to pass over the Sesia , and to go against the Duke : And Ferdinando Mesia Gomes , Sergeant-Major of the Army , was a great occasion thereof ; who seeing the Governour so perplex'd and unresolved , said roundly unto him , I will uphold , it though I were as sure to dye for it as those who go to Preach the Catholick faith in England , if this Army do not this day pass the River , the honour of the Spanish Nation will be here lost with perpetual infamy ; They therefore past over into Montferrat by the Bridge at la Villata , on the 14th of September , 1616. that they might from thence enter Piedmont the more commodiously , but otherwise resolved then before ; for whereas before La Mortara was to have entered by the way of Asti with 6000 Foot , and 500 Horse ; and with the Foot Militia , and Alessandrian and Tortonesse Horse ; and Don Alphonso d' Avolos , Governour of Montferrat , with 3000 Foot , and 300 Montferrat Horse jointly with him ; and Don Pedro with the rest of the Army by the way of Vercelli , presuming that the Duke , constrained to divide his Forces , would be the weaker , and unable to stand against him in the field ; now , his mind be●…ng altered , he went with all his joint forces against the enemy : And therefore being past over the Bridge he intended to quarter his Army between la Motta and Villa Nova , to the end , that at the same time when the Van , where●…n were the best Souldiers and most experienced Commanders in the Army should assault the Duke , who was intrench'd at la Motta ; the Reer should possess themselves of Villa Nova , and drive out the French Horse which were Quartered there ; But the Duke prevented this designe ; for lying in Ambush in a field of very high corn that was on the left hand of the way as you go from Villa Nova to la Motta , he assaulted some fore-runners and Musqueteers of the Van , as they past over a little wooden Bridge which crosseth the way ; which happening unexpectedly and on the sudden , caused some confusion in the Spanish Army ; wherefore many of the Commanders advanced with part of their men ; amongst which were Gamboloita , Bravo , Prior Sforza , and the Prince of Ascoli , who shewed much valour upon this occasion : By the coming in of these the Skirmish increased , and held equal on both sides for the space of four hours ; for besides that the Cavalry was come in to assist the Duke from Villa Nova , the situation proved likewise advantagious for him ; the Spaniards not being able by reason of the narrowness thereof , to make use of all their Force . But at last the Assailants being much prejudiced by four pieces of Artillery placed upon a little rise , they were forced to give back , leaving four Troops of Horse and two Bands of Musketeers on their backs to make good the retreat , which was notwithstanding not done without some disorder . There fell in this first conflict between four and five hundred of the Dukes Foot , about sixty Horse , besides many that we●…e wounded ; of the Kings side about fifty , and as many wounded ; amongst which Almarante delle Canarie , Son to the Prince of Ascoli , and Lodovico Gambaloita , who having received a sleight wound in the head with a Musket , before it was well cured died of other disorders , to the general grief and dammage , being held by the Kings Commanders to be of an approved valour , and good at Counsell . Many thought that if the Duke had suffered the Van to pass , and had given upon the Battel in the midst , which was weaker and more impeded , he had occasioned more loss and disorder ; and on the other side , that if the Governour had sent a Squadron beyond the Rivulet which was on the right hand , and assaulted the Duke on the Flank , he had not only hindred his retreat , but totally d●…feated him . But humane wisedom does not always foresee what is best ; and in actions of War confusion , danger , and too much forwardness , blind the Understanding , and disturb Reason . The Governour lay all that night with the Army in the place where the Battel was given , and the Duke in the Trenches of la Motta , which he abandoned the next day , and causing Villa nova to be burnt , and the Country thereabouts , as well his own as that of Montferrat , he retreated with his Horse , which was come from Villa nova , into Assigliano , neerer Vercelles , in great haste , for fear of being assaulted , to his disadvantage , in the Fields of Carenzana ; but his fear was vain ; for the Governour growing more wary by the last unexpected assault , and fearing lest he might be drawn into those dangers into which the Duke did not much care to precipitate himself , thought it became him to be the more circumspect , by how much he found his Adversary to be the more adventurous ; so forbearing to pursue him , and possessing himself of la Motta , and Carenzana , and , after some Cannon shot , of Stroppiana , he tarried there some days , being detained by the rain ; and on the contrary , the Duke being incouraged by the Governours circumspection , sent his Horse into a plain , between a certain wood and Stroppiana , to the end that insulting there he might incourage his men , who were not a little dismaied ; and giving manifest signs of undauntedness and valour , might redeem the loss of repu●…ation in the last Skirmish and 〈◊〉 : Nor did his resolution prove unlucky ; for though when it was given out in the Spanish Army , that the Duke came on with the gross of his Army , the Battaglions were set in order , and the Horse were ready to sally out upon him , yet the whole matter being quickly known , the Prince of Ascoli with Spanish caution ordered , that every one should return to their own Quarters ; and some Bands of Muske●…eers were recalled , who were placed upon a bank at Mortara , from whence they might commodiously defend their own Horse , and offend those of the Enemy ; so as the Duke not meeting with any opposition , march'd up even to underneath the Enemies Rampiers . The Kings Commanders finding afterwa●…ds how hard it was to f●…ll upon the Duke in his Quarters at Assigliano , by reason of the new Fortifications which were made there , and by reason of the waters , and consequently how difficult it would be to get Vercelles , as they had resolved , without beating up those his quarters , went towards St. Germano and Crescentino , to the end that by taking the first , they might keep back the Dukes Victuals and Succour ; and by taking the other , they might remove all impediments which might keep the Army from drawing neer Turin by the way of Montferrat . Crescentino stands upon the left bank of Poe , in the midst of the upper Montferrat , over against Verrua , a Town which though seated upon the opposite bank belongs notwithstanding to the Duke ; so as the River which comes from the Territories of Turin , and enters immediately into Montferrat , running all along the length thereof , would be Navigable from the State of Millain to that City , were not the Navigation hindred by its being inclosed between Verrua and Crescentino , as between two hedges ; so as Victual nor Ammunition could not be brought to the Spanish Army , if it were to enter into Piedmont by Montferrat , unless they should be first masters of one of these two places ; They making much for the conveniency and inconveniency of the Armies advancing , the Governour resolved to make himself master of them : he therefore marched from Stroppiana , going a little above Costanza , but in so little good order , as certainly if the Duke had known it , and would have hazzarded , he might undoubtedly have cut the Reer in pieces , which march'd at a good distance from the Body of the Army : but the great advantage in Forces which makes Commanders sometimes careless , suffers their errours sometimes also to go unpunished : they might easily have gone in one days march from Costanza to Crescentino ; and the Governour might doubtlesly have gotten into it , and made himself master thereof , it being but weakly garrison'd , if he had march'd directly on . The Duke knew the danger , and apprehending it , thought it necessary to be prevented : but the resolution was far more easily taken , then executed : for he who will go from Assigliano and Ruisecco ( whither the Duke coasting along the Spanish Army was come ) will get into Crescentino , must either pass by the Enemies Army , or else must go far about , and as it were by a bow , on the upper side . The Governour then who march'd in a direct line , must either come before Crescentino before the Duke , or incountering him in his march , must fight him upon great advantage : the rains moreover were at this time very great ; and many gullets of water which cross'd the way by which the Duke was necessarily to march , being swollen by the rain , were almost not to be past over , especially by the Foot ; but necessity made that possible which seemed impossible ; and Fortune , which is often a friend to couragious resolutions , did miraculously favour the Dukes aff●…irs in this so difficult a case ; for having sent his Baggage and other incumbrances to Vercelli , whither he feigned to retreat , he suddenly went at the first watch of the night from Ruisecco , and being cover'd by the darkness , and by the rain which poured down , he march'd till day with incredible speed ; and having past over all the gullets of water , being therein assisted by his Horse , he got at last a little after day break to Crescentino , weary ●…nd ill accommodated , and much lessen'd in his numbers , by the tediousness of the march : but not being at all hindred by the Governour ; who instead of going straight on by the way of Desana , went ( being advised so to do by the Prince o●… Ascoli ) by Trin●… , much the longer way , only that he might have better quarters for his Army that night . So as not going by a line , as he ought to have done , but marching in a semi-circle , contrary to where the Duke went , he lost not only the opportunity of getting into Crescentino , but of a signal Victory : when the Van went early the next morning from Trino , it might see the Dukes Reer two miles before entring into Crescentino ; and having no order to fight , did not ass●…ult it . This action of the Dukes was really very gallant and singular ; whether you consider the boldness of the resolution , or the diligence of the execution , or the happy success thereof ; but chi●…fly , if you consider the importancy of the enterprise , or the great alteration of aff●…irs which would have hapned if Crescentino had been lost . The Governour having lost this design went towards Livorno and Bianza , two Towns of the Canavese , not above two miles distant one from another : in which march some of the Cavalier Manta's Horse me●…ting with some of the Governours men , they took Don Francisco , son to the Embassadour Vives , prisoner , whose Horse , as he advanced somewhat before the rest , fell , and he himself was sorely wounded in the neck ; and some carriage of the chief Commanders fell also into the Dukes hands . The Duke suspected that the Governour would go from Bianza & Livorno , to Chivasso a great Town in Piedmont , upon the back of Crescentino ; wherefore he caused a great Trench to be m●…de upon the outermost bank of Dora , neer to Saluggio , and placed 1000 of the Country Musketeers to defend it ; and fearing also lest the Towns of Montferrat might prejudice his affairs by giving receptacle to the Enemies A●…my , he took R●…dazzano and Verolengo before their eyes , Towns of Montferrat neer the Poe , together with almost all the Canavese ; and gave order to the Cardinal , his son , to go from Turin , and take Vulpiano , a place not far from that City ; and those of Lauriano and of St Sebastian killing his Keeper of the Castle , he put them both to fire and sword : thinking that if those people were not made an example , the others would not forbear to do the like upon any sleight occasion . Thus miserable Montferrat being exposed to the Dukes injuries , was in the midst of the Enemies and of the Protectors Forces , affor●…ing quarter to the latter out of good will , and to the former out of fear : nor durst the people thereof for fear of severe punishment , which was duly executed upon them , move or anger the Duke , who by rigour had made the way as open to him there , as through his own S●…ate : the rains continued still , and the season was very bad for the F●…eld ; so as the Governour could not only not attempt any of the enterprises suspected by the Duke , but being by the rigidness of the weather to lie idle some days in Livorno and Bianza , began to want Victuals . He resolved therefore to go to St. Germano , and from thence to Inurea , weak Towns , but capacious , and of fruitful Territories ; conceiving that the Duke would either go , or not go , from Crescentino ; if he should go , he would be in manifest danger of being routed , his men being much lessened ▪ and so the Governour proving victorious , might have free way to advance without any opposition , and attempt whatsoever enterprise ; if he should not go out , he might easily take those two Towns ; which when he should have done , the whole Country on this side the Dora even to Vercelli would be at his disposal ; where he might not only quarter his Army commodiously all the succeeding Winter ; but the City of Vercelli , as being cut off from Piedmont , and excluded from any succour , would without any danger or effusion of blood fall that Winter into his hands . The design would have been more easily effected , then discoursed , if continuing the same begun execution he he had persevered in the same mind ; or if the Governour making use of the occasion , and of the good success of Victory which he got afterwards , had prosecuted it with the like vigour ; for the Army being gone from Livorno and Bianzo , and in his passage taken Santia , a Town that is now open , and of no moment , but formerly famous for having resisted the Spanish Army , when it was fortified : and leaving 4000 Dutch there in Garrison , rather to free himself from the fear of their numerousness , then out of any need of keeping it garrisoned , the Governour went with his Camp to St. Germano ; where the Garrison having withstood the battery a while , yielded on the third day : and the Duke having burnt Bianza , for that having dared to resist him , one of his best Commanders was slain before it , he went to Vinarie , a place which stands on the way as you go from Trino to St. Germano , from whence he hindred the Enemy from Victuals , without abandoning Crescentino , or bereaving himself of that refuge , and hoping that his men would be constant in defending St. Germano ; he hoped to make the Governour rise from before it for famine ; wherefore to incourage the defendants , and let them know that he was come , he tarried there and fired his Cannon , but all in vain ; for at the same time that he came to the Vinarie , St Germano surrendred ; where at the Duke was so gr●…eved , as he put the Governour thereof to death , because he had yielded the Town to the Enemy , having promised to hold it out much longer . And yet the Governour keeping three days in St. Germano had such sca●…city of Victuals , as even his chief Commanders were fain to feed upon dead horse flesh ; for the Duke keeping his station kept the Enemy from Provision ; and the Governour who detested fighting resolved not to move from thence . But at last , inforc'd by famine , or for shame to see himself as it were besieged , he left Antonio Mastrillo , Caracciolo's Serjeant-major , in St. Germano with 500 Foot , and marched towards the Duke : Castelmerlino stands between Crescentino and le Vinarie , a very little towards which the Army marched , out of a double end ; that they might without disturbance receive Victuals there from Trino , and to keep the Duke from Victuals , who being excluded Crescentino , by the loss of that place , would be brought into the same streights whereinto he had a little before brought the Enemy : and therefore moved by his disadvantage he marched to give battel : to avoid the which , when the Duke saw the Enemy coming , he marched towards the Abby of Lucidio , thinking to get beforehand into Crescentino : but he could not march so fast but that the Spanish Van fell upon his Reer ; notwithstanding which skirmish the Duke march'd on , till being overtaken by the night he was forced to lodge that night in the said Abby ; and the Governour in some small Cottages not far off , where the Souldiers being famish'd for want of Victuals at St. Germano , suffer'd also very much by cold that night . The next day the Duke not being able to march so early as he intended , by reason of some hindrances , and not having with him above ten or twelve thousand Foot , and about 1200 Horse , he pursued his way in this manner : the Artillery and Ammunition was placed in the Van , the Baggage in the middle ; on the left hand , where there was more field-room , the Horse ; on the right hand , where it was more wooddy , the French Foot Regiments ; led on by Chricchy and Orfe ; the Reer , led on by Count Guido , was mixt of Italians , Piedmontans , and Savoiards , and it had in it the best Souldiers , and most experienced Commanders of the whole Army ; and the Country through which they march'd being full of bushes , Count Guido placed Musketeers in some of them , to the end that they might keep the Enemy from hindering them in their march ; if these Musk●…teers should be assaulted , they were to retreat to oth●…r bushes which were on their backs ; and thus to continue the fight that they might hold the Enemy play as long as possibly they might . When the Governour knew what way the Duke marched , he resolved to pursue him ; and sending part of his Cavalry before with 1800 Foot en Croupe to assault him on the Reer , he himself followed after with the rest of the Army : those who march'd before had much ado to drive the defendants out of the bushes ; yet overcoming them at the last , they got up to the Reer ; for the Dukes Van being come to some narrow p●…ssages , kept the rest of the Army from advancing , so as he could not get to Crescentino without disturbance , as he hoped to have done . The Reer being assaulted made their part good against the Enemy ; and defending themselves honourably for a while , did not only resist them with advantage , but repulst them : the Battaglions of the Spanish Army were this me●…n while advanced , led on by Gironymo Pimontello , and Gironymo Rho , who though they saw that their men who were beaten back by the Dukes Reer could hardly keep the field , yet having no precise order , and the Governour being two miles behind , they proceeded to fight bu●… slowly : when Don Alphonso Pimontello , the Embassadour Vives , and Cavalier Melzi coming in , and not being able to indure that their men should be beaten for want of help , they incouraged the Captains of the Battaglions to fall on , without expecting any other orders , assuring them that the Governour would approve thereo●… : by whose words and authority being inheartned , the Battaglions charged furiously , and routed the Dukes Reer , who not able to withstand so fierce a shock , gave back ; and at the same time Count Sults , not expecting any orders , assaulted the French Regiments with his Dutch furiously on the Flank ; whose fear the Duke foreseeing , he was come himself unto them , earnestly exhorting them to stand fast , to keep their ranks , and incouraging them to fight : but words prevailed not where valour was wanting : Cricchi's Regiment made some resistance ; but Castiglions Regiment which was led on by Orfe , not daring to look the Enemy in the face , much less to stand the fierce and close assault of the Dutch , threw away their Arms shamefully before they came to blows , and ran : and if instead of pursuing them the Dutch had fallen on upon the main body of the Battel , the Dukes Army had not been only discomfited that day , but wholly routed . This success had the Battel of Lucedio , which lasted for the space of five hours ; wherein there fell not above 100 of the Kings men , and about as many were wounded : Of the Dukes party there was above 400 slain , and above 1000 sorely hurt ; amongst which 15 Captains , and one French Collonel : The Governours men took eleven Foot Colours , and three Horse Ensignes ; and many of those who fled were miserably slain by the Country people of Montferrat : So as though there were not many that dy'd by the Sword in the Conflict , there were but few that kept with their Colours , or who retreated with the Duke into Crescentino ; whither the Duke being gotten , he was very diligent in assembling them together who were dispers'd abroad , and had abandoned him : Nor did his ill fortune cease here ; for the Marquess of Mortara entering the Langhe with 2000 Dutch , with Cavalier Pecchios's Brigade , and with the Alessandrian and Tortonesse Horse and Foot , took Canelli , Cortemiglia , Calosso , and other neighbouring places ; there being none to withstand him in the field , nor to defend those places : And not long after Don Sanchio di Luna took Gattinara , and other neighbouring places , with the men of Millain , and block'd up the passage to Vercelli on that side ; which City , being invironed by the Territories of Montferrat and Millain , and being streightned by the Garrisons of the new Fort of Sandovalle , Trino , St. Germano , and Gattinara , was as it were besieged . A Gally was also parted from Genoa toward Monaco , with monies for Monsieur di Boglio , a Lord of many Castles between the Confines of Nice and Provence , who having always formerly adhered to the Dukes of Savoy , began upon some new distastes to waver in his former friendship ; and having at present entertained new intelligence with the Governour , promised to infest the Dukes Territories on that side ; who , the affairs of Savoy not being yet composed , had his Dominions molested on five sides , himself being absolutely routed in the field , and having lost most of his men : And that these so sad accidents might be accompanied with very sad circumstances ; the Prince of Conde , who was the only prop and stay of the Dukes affairs , was some few days before , by order fromthe King , accused to be guilty of high Treason , and imprisoned in Paris ; so as the Government of that Court being altered , wherein the Duke did confide ; and the Princes of the Kingdom , who were his friends , being alienated from the King , they raised men to provide for their own affairs ; and filling France with civil wars they could not only not succour the Duke in this his so great distress ; but many of them who were come from France desired leave to be gone , being drawn either by their own interests , or for that they hoped for better entertainment there . The common opinion was , That the Duke being thus prosecuted by Fortune would not be able to bear it , and less able to withst●…nd so great a violence ; and that therefore being dejected in mind , and out of hope of ever making head again , he would lay down Arms , and indeavour some kind of peace : And yet , though over-laid , not overcome with such an accumulation of evils , and so great adversity ; he , with a couragious mind , was not daunted nor dismaid amidst so m●…ny misfortunes : For relying upon the Forts of Vercelli , Asti , and Nice , the chief Keys of h●…s Dukedom , he little valued what Mortara , Luna , or Boglio could do against his lesser Holds , which being lost by war would be recove●…ed by peace : So as he began forthwith to make new Rampiers and Bulwarks about Crescentino ; But on the other side , holding it necessary to allay that fortune by industry , and by cunning to lull those Forces asleep which he could not possibly then withstand , he procured Monsieur Lodovisio , ( who of an Archbishop was then made Cardinal , and continued in the same Nuntiature ) and the French Embassadour , should go to the Governour and treat of peace : He sent along with these some discreet Gentlemen and Officers , as followers of the Embassadour , to the end that they might pry into the enemies ways , and into the Commanders intentions ; And also that making the Rout to seem greater by their speeches , they might cunningly make it be believed that the war was at an end ; and that the Duke not being able to resist any longer was reduced to such a condition , as he could no longer refuse any conditions of peace ; which he knew the Governour would imbrace more willingly then war : But there needed not so much cunning ; for Don Pietro di Toledo , who was already weary of war , and heard nothing but the noise of Drums and Trumpets , and was therefore desirous of repose , wanted not those who either for that they thought it made for the Kings service , or ( as it was afterwards laid to their charge at Court ) out of secret intelligence held with the Duke , advised the Governour to use his victory moderately , telling him , That the French were overcome , and the Duke so weakened , as he could no longer hold up his head ; so as he must be forced to consent to any whatsoever conditions : That therefore he ought to proceed very warily in hazzarding the affairs of the Crown in Italy ; if by unseasonable prosecuting the war he should once more draw the French over , and make a change in the minds of the Princes of Italy ; who though they might be content to see the Duke receive a blow , yet not being able to see him totally ruined , it was to be believed they would easily resent it : That as the Dukes suppression increased , the envy , hatred , and jealousies of other Princes would increase ; That therefore it was a wise advice , To be content with an indifferent Victory , and not to lose what was already gotten , out of a desire of getting more : That he had been sufficiently victorious in so short a time , sufficiently triumphant ; and that now there remained no more for him to do , then answerably to the Kings mind , to secure peace upon such conditions as might be tolerable to the Duke . The Prince of Ascoli was t●…e chief , nay , only Authour of this ; a fatal Counsellor , that the Duke being reduced to great extremities might have opportunity to raise himself up again . This Prince being till then much suspected by the Governour , for the power and streight intelligence he had formerly had with Inoiosa , by these his flattering speeches got into great power with the Governour ; and his counsel was afterwards the more credited by the Cardin●…ls and Embassadours coming to the Camp , and by the speec●…es spred abroad in the Army by the Dukes Spies : Wherefore the Governour being tickled to hear himself stiled Triumphant and Conquerour , would no longer listen to Vives his counsel , nor that of others , who weighing the state of affairs better , and the Dukes condition , thought it necessary to pursue the victory , and not to afford the Enemy time to breathe : they told him that a good war was the best way to come by a good peace ; but all this was to no purpose . The Cardinal and the Embassadour came to Don Piedro at Tricerro , and desired him that he would let them know his intention touching the composing of the present affairs . Don Piedro , in a haughty manner , like a Conquerer , answered , that they were to discover what the Duke was minded to do , and then to acquaint him with it : they therefore returned to Crescentino , and from thence to Chivasso , whither the Duke having found the Governours inclination to an agreement was come : under pretence of well considering the state of affairs , he spun out the Treaty at length , to the end that he might the mean while find where that storm would fall , and that he might have the longer time to discover the proceedings of such Princes as were his friends , in whom the remainder of his hopes lay ; for about this time Monsieur de Verdon was come to him from France , being sent by the King and Queen of France , to acquaint him with the Prince of Conde's imprisonment ; and perhaps to keep him their friend , in this so great commotion of the Kingdom , and to promise the favour and assistance of the Crown of France . In Savoy things were in a way to composition ; for Nemours being abandoned by all assistance , and shut up with his men by Prince Victorio in barren Rocks , where they had not whereof to live , and being also restrained by France and Burgony , was forced to yield-to the composition which Monsieur le Grand , Governour of Burgony , did then interpose himself on the Kings behalf , wherein he was accompanied by Monsieur di Lazai , Privy Counsellor to the King : and those commotions being appeased , the Prince was infallibly expected with many Souldiers . Marshal Deguieres was also expected with a great attendance both of Foot and Horse , who was very diligently preparing for his journey ; and Boglio being become a Client of the Crown of France , which ●…ad newly taken him into its protection , had refused moneys from Spain , or to hold intelligence with the Spaniards : Mortara who was entred the Langhe with much fervour , having placed almost all his Souldiers in Garrisons in the places which he had taken ; and not being able to keep the Militia of the Country any longer together , was grown cooler ; so as betaking himself to pillage the fields , and neighbouring Towns , he minded more enriching himself , then making war ; and the Venetians , whose affairs declined in Friuli , fearing that when the Duke should be quite overthrown , their turns would be next , began to be more open-handed , and to disburse moneys more freely for the recruting of his Army ; and did moreover oblige themselves to pay unto him a certain sum of money during the war , which as they say , was 8000 crowns a moneth . The Duke being hereby incouraged began to reassume his former State , and to stand with the Governour , not only upon what was necessary , but even upon punctillios of honour ; wherefore after having kept the Cardinal and the Embassadour some days with him , and not being willing neither that any overtures should proceed from him , suffer'd them to return to the Governour , who was then in Trino , to whom , not by way of any order from the Duke , but as it were of themselves , they told him in substance , though in good and handsome terms ; That if he would go with his Army out of Piedmont , they thought by what they might learn by the speech they had had with the Duke , that being desirous of peace he would cashier all the French , save such as were his own domesticks ; always provided , that both the Kings would pass their words to him , that he should be kept undempnified both in life and State ; that he would be the first that should restore what had been taken , if he might be secured that the like should be immediately done to him , and that the Governour would dismiss all the Dutch , Swissers , and some Troops of Horse : And in the last place , in their Princes name , they demanded his paroll for the Venetians security , whilst the King by his Embassadours should treat of composing differences with the Archduke . Conditions , which , to say the truth , were sufficiently advantagious for the Articles of Asti , and such , as had the Duke been victorious , he could not well have demanded better ; yet the Governour answered moderately enough : That the King did not alter his mind by success , who did not aspire after the Dukes Dominions , but only by War to secure peace in Italy ; and therefore offering to restore immediately what had been taken , when the Duke should have done the like , he demanded that the two Dukes should set down their differences in writing , and refer the decision thereof to the Emperour , passing their words reciprocally not to offend one another : That the Duke should disarm totally ; in point whereof he offered to stand to what they should say in the names of the Pope and of the King of France . This being observed , he promised to free the Dukes State , and to retreat with his Army into the State of Millain : He denied that the King was bound by the Articles of Asti to lay down Arms , and therefore denying absolutely to enter into the like obligation , he added , that when Italy should be in peace , the King , who aid abound in his own natural Militia , would need no Forreigners . He consented to pass his paroll for the Dukes indempnity , but not for the Venetians , in whose affairs , as not being comprehended within the Articles of Asti , he said , the King of France was not to intermeddle ; and that therefore this was no place to treat thereof , nor had he any Commission to do so . It was hard in effect for the Duke , whilst the Enemy was armed in his own Dominions , to lay down those Arms which he had with such resentment re-assumed , as not able to endure that the Governour should keep armed in the State of Millain : And on the other side , it might seem strange , that the Governour who was entred Piedmont with intention to make the Duke lay down Arms , should suffer himself to be treated as if he had been overcome , by leaving the Duke in Arms , and going cut of Piedmont just when he was possess'd of Victory : And therefore both of them standing pertinaciously not to consent to what was proposed by each other , it was thought to be impossible to perfect the business ; it was requisite therefore to cut this knot in two with the Sword , which seemed to be so hard to untye by Negotiation . But the Governour , who abounded then in Forces , wanted will ; and the Duke who wanted Forces was very willing ; and the Cardinal and Embassadour keeping the Treaty on Foot , and giving continual hopes that they would return with more moderate proposals , suffered not the Negotiation to be broken off . The Duke this mean while fearing the Enemies Forces every day less then other , and his hopes of approaching aid encreasing , and being sufficiently assured of the Governours no great inclination to fight , and of the desire he had to return to Millain ; and being encouraged by the many disorders which he knew was in the Enemies Army , would not go a jot less from his first demands ; but sharpening his wits about the interpretation of the Articles of Asti , he pretended that the Venetians were therein comprehended , at least under that head , where it was provided that the Kings Forces should not cause jealousie in the Italian Princes ; he therefore demanded that the King should be bound to secure them . This mean while two moneths past on without any action , though the weather , which had been very bad till the battle of Lucedio , turn'd to be extraordinarily fair , and therefore very fit for the field ; in which time had not the Negotiation of peace , or the Governours backwardness , fomented by the advice of others , slackened and almost taken the edge from off the Kings Forces , they would certainly have made important progress , and the Duke might peradventure have consented to such conditions as he could not be brought unto by the Cardinal nor Embassadour : In which time the Spanish Army being no less wearied in mind through idleness , then in body by labour and hardship , did diminish very much , many of them daily dying , many running away ; for the Countrey round about was desolate , and not able to feed them , and the horse were fain to go daily ten miles for forrage , and after so many mile returning were very much weakened : The Heads of the Army disagreed in opinion , and were not only unsatisfied one with another , but all of them were much displeased with the Governour , whose authority grew to be as little valued by the Commanders as by the common Souldiers ; so as all Military Discipline being given over , all obedience lost , and all respect , all was full of disorder and confusion : To this was added the want of monies ; for the Army having been at vast expence , none came from Spain where the War was abomina●…ed ; nor were those of the Sta●…e of Millain , who were already exhausted , able to furnish sufficient for the daily present need ; and Don Piedro himself expected nothing more then that the season , contrary to the natural course of Winter , should alter , and becoming less cold , might afford him a fair pretence to retreat . On the other side , the Dukes affairs increased in reputation ; he received plenty of money from the Venetians , and abounded in men ; for Prince Victorio having at last composed the affairs of Savoy had brought about 5000 Foot into Piedmont , and 600 Horse ; some whereof were his own , some belonging to Nemours ; and Marshal Deguieres was either already come thither , or being come out of Dolpheny , was ready to come ; and all the whole people of Piedmont ( a singular example of the Subjects duty to their natural Prince ) flocking diligently thither , were most ready to succour him ; so as the Duke raised like another Auteus from his mother Earth , was grown more vigorous then at first ; and being superiour to the Governour in Horse , was Master of the Field . At last Don Piedro , who was better pleased with peace , though upon bad conditions , then to continue in the danger , trouble , and expence of War , seeing the Dukes obdurancy , and thinking he should have done enough , if in the conclusion of the Peace he should have excluded the power of France , had at last , though too la●…e and in vain , recourse to the Cardinal ; to whom he profess'd he was ready to compose businesses with the Duke by his means , in any whatsoever manner , yea even with passing his word for the Venetians security ; and therefore desired him that he would return to the Duke , and bring back with him the final conclusion of Peace : A thing which being afterwards known did not a little incense the King , and the whole Court of France . Wherefore the Embassadour , by particular order from the King , demanded that the Governour should send an Embassadour in extraordinary to Paris ; where the Kings aim was , that the whole business of Peace might be carried on by his own proper interest . But the Duke , under pretence that he would not alter a tittle of the Articles of Asti without the consent of the Princes who did intervene therein , excused himself ; and so the Treaty of Peace broke totally off , to the small liking of the Cardinal and Embassadour , who seeming little pleased with the Governour , gave over the Treaty , and return'd , the one to Turin , and the other to the Charter-house at Pavia : And the cold coming on , and the earth wholly covered with snow , the Governour resolved to return to the State of Millain , having notwithstanding fortified St. Germano , and left Thomaso Caracciola there with his Brigade , and distributed part of the Army into Trino , Pontestura , and other Towns of Montferrat , not without the Duke of Mantua's consent , who being then come to Casalle could not refuse it : He moreover gave order to the Dutch at Santia , that they should abandon that Town , and burn it , to the end that the Enemy might not possess himself of it . He returned afterwards about the beginning of Winter with the rest of his Army into the State of Millain , and with his Horse , which did not amount to 700 , worthy to be commended rather for his good inclination to keep up the honour and grandezza of his King , than for any happy success , which he himself marr'd by his so many irresolutions ; it being most certain , that not being able to behave himself as victorious , he afterwards allow'd the Duke field-room enough to treat with him as Conquerour : Being retreated he quarter'd the rest of his Army in the Towns of Lomellina , and he himself went to Vicenza , near the Poe , where re-assuming his warlike mind , when it was now no longer time to do it , he thought the Spring was too long a coming on , which he much desired , that he might once more ( as he publickly professed ) re-assault Piedmont more vigorously , and with greater resolution : But he forbore not this mean while to streighten Vercelli , hoping that by the falling thereof into his hands this Winter , it might open the way unto him the next Spring to greater and more important Enterprizes which he had designed . The Prince of Messerano was Master of a small State beyond the Sesia , between Vercelli and Gattinara , even almost in the Duke of Savoys mouth , and as the neighbourhood of greater Princes is always , if not troublesome , at least suspected by those who are lesser ; the Prince of Messerano out of both these respects was not well satisfied with the Duke : Being therefore to free himself from the Dukes continual molestations , and to keep from worse , he treated with the Governour to put himself into the King of Spains protection , and upon certain conditions to receive a Spanish Garrison ; which conditions , together with the desired protection , being easily granted him , by reason of the great opportunity which was thereby had of approaching nearer , and of streightening Vercelli more ; therefore the agreement being made , the Prince was presently required to receive in the Garrison : But he proceeding cautiously , would not admit of them till such time as the King of Spain had allowed the conditions ; and whilst expedition from Spain was foreslowed , the Duke got a hint of the business ; so thinking prevention to be the only remedy against so eminent a danger , he sent Prince Victorio in the Christmas holy-days with 5000 Foot and 1000 Horse , to secure himself of the Principality . The Town of Messerano yielded presently to the Prince Victorio ; for the Princess of the place , her husband being absent , fearing lest the Town might be burnt , and she and her seven children slain , surrendered the Town upon certain conditions . He went then to Gattinara , and having plaid upon it with his Artillery in vain , he was forced to quit the Enterprize , either out of sickness which besell himself , or for that he heard the Governour was gone from Valenza to Romagnano intending to relieve it . Being returned to Messerano , and forced to tarry there a while by reason of his sickness , he sent a French Captain with a great many both Horse and Foot to attempt Creppacuore , a place of the same Principality ; whither the Princess was fled , and had received in a Spanish Garrison of 1000 Foot under the Sergeant Francisco Bernardine Vertua ; from whence the French being after a sleight assault beaten back , they retreated to certain Cottages not far off ; where whilst they thought themselves secure , they were unexpectedly surprised by Don Alphonso Pimontello ; who falling upon them couragiously with some Foot and Horse in those Cottages , routed them , and slew 200 of them , and took 200 more prisoners , together with their Captain : The Prince being recovered resolved to make the same attempt of Creppacruore with a greater force and with more men sent unto him by his Father ; the taking whereof ( it being invironed with steep Clif●…s and high Rocks ) proved very difficult by reason of the inconvenience of bringing Cannon thither ; and yet he went with 8000 Foot , and 400 Horse , and taking the places round about it , and particularly such from whence it might be relieved , he began to skirmish with them that were within from a Hill , which being very near and very high , commanded the Town ; and the Cannon coming the next day he began the Battery ; and having made a sufficient breach he fell to an assault , which he did with such violence , as those within abandoned the Town without making much resistance , and retreated to the Castle ; which being presently plaid upon by four pieces of Cannon came to composition : But some differences arising touching the performance of Articles , the Battery was again begun more furiously then before and from a more fitting place ; Prince Victorio being not a little incens'd , who thought himself mocked by the Captains cavelling ; the Battery continuing some days still more bitterly , the defendants not trusting to their forces , yielded up the Castle on condition the Princess and her childrens lives should be saved , and that the Garrison should be permitted to march out only with their Arms , but without bullet , powder or match ; which whilst all was faithfully performed , two Barrels of powder fell unfortunately on fire , and burnt many of those that had surrendered , and many who for fear threw themselves over the wall , could not escape their fate ; the rest who escaped the misfortune , went to the State of Millain , being convoyed by four Troops of Horse , according to the Articles of surrender ; where Verrua being condemn'd to dye , suffer'd for having defended the Town no better . The Governour knowing by experience that his men might long make good the Town , had sent Don Sanchio di Luna with succour to Creppacuore , who finding the passes well fortified , and not being able to come to Creppacuore , the surrender whereof he heard not of , without worsting them , he began to intrench himself within Musket shot of Prince Victorio's Fortifications ; and whilest he was discovering the Sconces there happened a sleight Skirmish , which afterwards increased by the coming in of men of both parties , wherein , whilest Don Sanchio fought valiantly , advancing with a Pike in his hand , he was shot with two Musket bullets , and fell down dead immediately ; and Carlo di Sanguine , Camp-Master to a Brigado of Neapolitans , was taken Prisoner , together with a Nephew of his , one Captain being sla●…n , and another taken prisoner , the Kings men retreated to within the Rampiers , and afterwards hearing the Town was surrendred , retreated to the rest of his men : But the Marshal Deguieres being at last come to Piedmont , with about 8000 , ( what Foot , what Horse , ) amongst which were many of the Gens d' Arms des Ordonnances of the Kingdom , who carried the Kings own Ensigns ; the Duke increasing in power and reputation , since it appeared that the King of France adhered unto him with display'd Banners , was not idle ; being become superiour in Horse , he over-ran the Country , and , without meeting with any opposition , was Master of the Field ; hearing of the taking of Messarano and Creppacuore , he being desirous to do somewhat remarkable , fell into the lower Montferrat , where there was no opposition save what was made by Mortara in the Langhe , who had hardly men enough to Garrison the places he had taken : The Duke therefore commanded Count Guido to go with all his men from Asti to San Damiano , where he , and the two Princes , Victorio and Thomaso , and the Marshal Deguieres met , with a great train of Horse , Foot , and Artillery ; and having presently possess'd themselves of the hills , and placed 24 Bombards in several convenient places , they began a furious battery on four sides of the Town , wherein there were no Souldiers , save such as were of the common people of Montferrat , under Captain Andrea Prand●… , who was slain by the fall of a house which was beaten down : The Souldiers being left without a Commander , whilest they ran with more courage than order to defend the place which was assaulted , left the rest of the Town unprovided of defence ; which disorder the Captains of the French Horse perceiving , they commanded their men to light immediately off horse back , and to mount the walls where they were left unguarded , wherein succeeding , with little labour and less loss they took the Town , which they afterwards miserably plundered , and used cruelty upon the Defendents , who , a little before the Enemy entered , had either agreed , or were ready to agree upon surrender of the Town on Articles to Count Guido , who assaulted the Town on the other side . San Damiano being taken , the Duke gave order that the Walls should be sleighted , to the end that if they should come to restitution , the State should be bereft of that Fort , which was as a thorn in his eyes . The Governours of Montferrat and Allessandrio were this mean while come to Alba with 8000 Foot and 700 Horse , intending to relieve San Damiano ; but hearing that it was surrendred , and apprehending that the Duke might fall upon Alba next ( which being weakly walled , and but badly furnish'd with Ammunition and Victuals , they thought it was not tenable , and therefore went from it ; ) and leaving Ieronymo Rho there with his Brigade , and 500 Montferrians , those of Alessandria returned home , and the others to Cassalle : and not long after they were gone , Ieronymo Rho , by order from the Duke of Millain , who was loath to hazzard the Kings Forces and honour in the defence of that Town , went with his men to Felizzano , having dismantled the Castle of Neviglie in his passage , to the end the Enemy might not take it : in whose place 400 Dutch of Soltz his Regiment were sent thither , and 500 Foot from Casalle , much too small a Garrison for the circuit of the Walls . The Duke seeing it abandoned had his eye presently upon it , thinking to take it ; and making himself first master of many places in that Country , drew neer it : Count Alerame St. Georgio , Governour of Alba , was very diligent in repairing the Walls of that City , where they were weakest , and in most danger , and in making all necessary provisions for defence ; and finding afterwards , that the Duke being gone with some Forces from Barbaresco , to discover the situation of that City , and the new Works which he had made ; he sent some Souldiers to possess themselves of a certain high pass , which stood upon the way whereby the Duke was to go ; which they did , and as soon as they saw the Dukes men come to discover , they skirmished stoutly with them ; and the skirmish lasted a long while , with variety of fortune and prejudice on both sides ; after which the Duke returned to Barbaresco , and sent Count Guido to take in Alba , with the French Foot , and Cavagliere Guirini with those of Piedmont , each of them having with them eight pieces of Artillery , and 800 Horse , who coming before the Town , raised Batteries on two sides , and began to play upon the Walls : those who were within were not wanting in making defence , they diligently repaired the Walls wheresoever they were beaten down ; and made out many bold sallies , not without some advantage ; and assaulted the Enemies Works : but at last , their Powder being wasted , many of their best Souldiers being slain in skirmishing , and in defending the Walls , they began also to want Victuals ; and seeing no hopes of succour ( for Don Pietro being inferiour to the Duke in Horse would not only not expose his men to the danger or being lost , but had long before sent for them back that did defend it ) they were forced to surrender , leaving the City upon honourable conditions in Count Guido's hands , who received it in the Dukes name , the twelfth day after the Siege : at the same time Mortara , not thinking himself able to resist the Dukes Forces ; hav●…ng first barbarously burnt Canelli , abandoned all the other Castles which he had t●…en in the Langhe , where he had committed infinite extortions . The Governour thinking it too unworthy a thing to suffer the Duke to over-run the Country thus victoriously , and that he should so plainly abandon it , and should suffer the chief Towns of Montferrat to be taken , and plundered , which State he had so often profest to protect , and for the occasion whereof he had been so much troubled , and had chiefly begun the war ; he indeavoured to provide against it by some means or other : he assembled all the men he could in Alessandria , which amounting to about 14000 fighting men , he sent them to Feliz-Zano ; and the Duke fearing Asti entred thereinto with his men : but finding that the Governour had soon distributed his men in Alessandrino and Tortonese , he with his Souldiers , and with the French Horse , suddenly assaulted Montiglio , a great Town in Montferrat ; and having made way enough for an assault with his Artillery , the Towns-men finding themselves not able to resist him , and fearing the Town might be plundered , they surrendred it upon Articles . But the French having heard a certain whisper at their entring into the Town ( as the Dukes Captains pleaded in their excuse ) the Town , contrary to Articles , was miserably plundered , and put to the sword . Thus Montferrat was exposed to troubles occasioned by her friends , who without defending her laid her waste ; and was likewise exposed to be injured by the Enemy , who without any compassion ruined her : in which vicissi●…ude of affairs , it was no little wonder to consider that the French who fought not many years before in the behalf of Mantua , against the Duke of Savoy , should now under the King of France his Colours , and with the Gens d'ordonnance of that Kingdom , joyn'd to those of Savoy , t●…ke the Duke of Mantua's Territories , who was a Friend and Cousen to their King , without any preceding injury done ; and on the contrary , that the Spaniards formerly so much suspected to bear ill will to the same Duke of Mantua , had not only made his State be readily restored unto him ; but to the end that he might the more securely injoy it , had with so much expence put the world into a hurly-burly , and against a Prince so neerly allied to their King. Thus doth fortune often alter the State of affairs , and humane interests and affections often more then she : but as for the King of France , though he , and all that Nation which had profest to maintain the Duke of Mantua against the Duke of Savoy , yea even against the King of Spain , when by the sinister means of his Sta●…e-ministers , who joyn'd with the Duke of Savoy , they were ill satisfied with the Duke of Mantua , because he would not give way to the Kings demands , in pardoning the Rebels ; and because valuing their friendship and authority less he had so wholly betaken himself to the protection of the Crown of Spain : yet the Kingdom being for the most part govern'd according to the will and pleasure of the Queen Mother , near allied to the Duke of Mantua , and who held intelligence with the Court of Spain ; and consequently was more inclined to favour him , then careful of the other Dukes affairs , or of the observing the Treaty : the King therefore , who by reason of his years , depended wholly upon her will , did not only patiently bear with the Duke of Mantua's stubbornness , and that he should accommoda●…e himself according to the condition of times , and his own affairs ; but to favour him , and not to oppose his Father in Laws intentions at the same time in Italy , had expresly forbidden the Marshal to go into Italy ; and being gone , recalled him upon severe Edicts : and finding him afterwards contumacious , and hearing the Spanish Agents , and those of Mantua make grievous complaints , he sent to put him out of the Government of Dolpheny : and as for the Marshal , though he pleaded for his so great disobedience , his being bound by the Articles of Asti●…o ●…o assist Piedmont without any orders to that purpose ; also his zeal to the Kings honour , which he said the Governour indeavoured to prejudice , by altering the Treaty of Peace ; yet the common opinion was , that the Dukes fair speeches , and extraordinary favours , he being naturally apt to win the love of all men , the Venetian Gold , Military Courage which was yet very powerful with him , and the desire of abating the spanish honour in Italy , were of power to work upon him ; and therefore being come he stuck no●… to favour the Duke , yea though against Montferrat ; either for that not knowing whither to turn himself better , his coming might not be thought to have been altogether vain ; or for the aforesaid respects , to shew some resentment against the Duke of Mantua : so as he made himself be felt , and kept the Spanish Forces short and low whilst he was in Italy : yet Thomaso Caracciola , Captain of the Garrison of St. Germano , did at this time somewhat sustain the reputation of the Spanish Forces ; for the Duke being desirous to get that place , sent the Princes Victorio and Thomaso thither , who resolving not to fall upon that place , because they saw it was provided with a good Garrison , and with an excellent Commander , and well fortified with Trenches , took up their quarters in the●… neighbouring ruines of Santia , whereby keeping back succour and provisions , and by disturbing the way , they indeavoured : to besiege the Town , as it were , at a large distance , expecting some fit occasion to effect their desires : but this enterprise turned much to the Dukes prejudice ; for Caracciola being well prepared for de●…ence , made many sailies out of the Town , and did so molest the Enemy , as by little and little he brought most of them to their end : moreover , he streightned Vercelles yet more , by taking sometimes the Victuals which were sent thither . True it is , that Clausio did sometimes cry quittance with him ; for he being ready upon warning , and having learnt that a Convoy of Victuals and Ammunition went with a Guard of 150 Foot , and 50 Horse commanded by Gerardo Gambacorta , Captain of Caracciola's B●…igade , from Tricerto to St. Germano ; he sent 1000 Foot and 400 Horse from Vercelli under Colonel Meziers , who lighting upon them in the mid-way at Montei , fought them , and Clausio's Horse chased those of the Convoy : though Gambacorta disposing of the Carriages in manner of Trenches , resisted for two hours space : yet being over-powered by number , most of his men were cut in pieces , Gambacorta's self sorely wounded , and taken prisoner , and the Convoy remained absolutely in Clausio's hands . Thus the war in Piedmont varied , from the beginning of September , till the beginning of the next Spring , in the year 1617. before which time the Marshal fearing to lose his Government of Dolpheny , and apprehending much more the anger of the Court , returned to France , and freed the Governour from the fear of the Forces of that Nation , which was so main a help to the Dukes affairs ; which though they suffer'd not a little by the King of France his precise and punctual command ; yet new , and unexpected accidents hapned soon in Paris , which made the Duke hope for greater favour . The King of France was much molested by troubles and sedition raised in his Kingdom by Princes , who being distasted at Conde's imprisonment , and displeased with the Authority and Government of the Queen Mothe●… , went from the Court ; where●…ore upon his own inclination ( for increasing in years , he now began to the condition of the State , and of his own affairs ) or instigated , as it was more commonly ●…eld , by Monsieur de Luines who was native of Avignone , and a great favourite of his , caused Concino the Florentine , Marquess d' Anchre , to be suddenly slain , he who being got into great authority by the Queens extream favours , made her become so odious to all the Princes , and afterwards he removed the Queen from him ; and sending her to Bloys , had recalled all the Princes and Officers of the Kingdom , who being herewith very well s●…tisfied went speedily to Court , and were very ready to obey him : the Mother being removed from her Son , she being much inclined to the Spaniards , and the Princes who were friends to the Duke being taken to the Court instead of her , the Duke had much reason to hope for better things , both from the King , and from the Forces of the Kingdom ; wherefore he began to care the less for the Governour , who having gotten new men , and disposed of them in several places , threatned to enter Piedmont the next Spring . But the Venetians were not idle this mean while in Friuli : when the Austrian Army had abandoned Luciniso , and was gone from thence to Lizonso ; they were masters of the Field , from Luciniso downward , and had taken all the Archdukes ●…owns , save Gradisca : which being the harder to be taken by reason of the new Fortifications , the Venetian Army gave over the thought of taking it by force , and betook themselves to the Country which lies above Luciniso , to the end that succeeding therein , they might draw neer Goritia : and because the Enemies Army might be an impediment to this , which lay beyond the River , over against Luciniso , and sent Forces often to scoure the Country on this side , and to carry away much prey ; as did likewise the Garrison of Gradisca ; they therefore did all they could to prevent this mischief by building Forts , and making Trenches on their side the bank ; they then applied themselves to St. Martino in Crusca , a strong Town amongst the Mounta●…ns , somewhat distant from Lisonzo : to which purpose Pompeo Iustiniano went to Vipulciano which stands upon the road to St. Martino , and took it : but afterwards , better considering how hard it would be to take St. Martino , which might be as well succoured from Goritia , as Gradisca , by the old Stone-bridge which was not far off , changing the●…r minds , and deferring it till another time , they resolved to make themselves first masters of the Bridge , that they might not only cut off relief f●…om St. Martino , but open the way thereby to Goritia , as Alviano formerly had done . The Bridge was defended by a great Tower , at the head thereof , bu●…lt after the ancient manner , and flank'd with new Fortifications : which the Venetians being desirous , as it was necessary , to take , they resolved to build a Fort on some elevated place on this side the River , from whence they might play upon the Tower , and the Bridge : and Iustiniano being gone with some other Captains into those parts , to discover the rises thereabouts , carried with him a good strength of men ; between whom and the Archdukes men , who were come to defend the Bridge , a skirmish began on both sides of the banks ; which though it were to little purpose , yet the Venetians were prejudiced thereby , who left their Camp-master Iustiniano there , being shot through the reins with a Musket-bullet , and was carryed to Luciniso where within a few hours he died . Count Martinengo succeeded in his place , but not being able to discharge it by reason of his great age , Don Iohn de Medici , Bastard Son to Cosmo the first , great Duke of Tuscany , was chosen with the Title of Governour General ; he was an old Commander , and had discharged places of chiefest imployment in the wars of Flanders and Hungary , wherefore his Authority was great . The Venetians forbore not , though Iustiniano was dead , to prosecute the build●…ng of the Fort , as they had intended ; wherefore they sent Martinengo with some forces to get footing in a little Hill which Iustiniano had made choice of to build the Fort upon ; which the enemy being aware of they sent Captain Fur , a French man , to prepossess it ; between whom and Martinengo there happened a fierce Skirmish ; to the which fresh succour coming in from the other side , the Venetians were forced to give back , and to leave the Hill in the Austrians possession ; who presently built a Fort upon it , which from the multitude of Chessnut Trees that were there they called the Fort of the wood , or of Chessnuts : And the Venetians built another Fort on a higher Hill , from whence , with two Cannons and a Culvering they broke down the B●…idge ; wherefore the Austrians , that they might not lose the conve●…ency of the River , threw another Bridge over a little higher upon an Angle of the River , which was sheltered from the Venetians Fort. The sickness began now to rage again in the Venetian Camp , whereof Martinengo 〈◊〉 desperately sick , and the new Governour Medici not being yet come to the Camp , the war grew worse with the Vene●…ans ; and the Austrians assuming courage from Iustiniano's death , Martinengo's sickness , and Medici's absence , foorded over the River 〈◊〉 then before , and came even to underneath Mariano , prejudicing the Venetians very much : Count d' Ampier went out of Gradisca with two Troops of Horse , and fell by night upon Garuggio , a Town within two miles of Palma , where he utterly routed a company of Curassiers who were quartered there : And Don Baldassar Marradas , in emulation of him , went out also by night out of the same Town and assaulted the quarters of Chiopris , and did much prejudice them ; and not many days after the Garrison of Gradisca , led on by Strasoldo Governour of the Town , came by night to Ceruiggiano , a River not far from Palma , took and fired some neighbouring Towns , and especially the chiefest , which takes its name from the River , and is called Ceruiggiano ; which if it had been fortified by the Austrians , as it was by them abandoned , Palma would have been excluded from maritime commerce with V●…nice : Wherefore the Venetians , finding the danger , fell immediately to fortifie it , and put therein a gallant Garrison . At last General Medici came to the Camp , who presently fell to order such things as he found out of order : And afterwards being very desirous to do some thing which might be worthy of his name , and of the expectation which was had of him , was much vex'd to find that things were not prepared for his designs . He found out daily more and more the corruption of Military discipline , which was fomented by the avarice of some of the Venet an Captains and Gentlemen , Officers of the Common-wealth , who being more intent to inrich themselves then to fight , gave too much license to the Souldiers , contrary to military rules : He was yet more distasted , for that being by the Common-wealths Letters Patents to be superiour over all except the Commissary General , he found at first the execution thereof in the Camp difficult : Amidst which difficulties the enemy sent Monsieur de la Foglia , a French Captain , with a Troop of Horse beyond the River against some light-Horse which guarded a ce●…tain Trench upon the Bank of Lisonzo ; and both sides being succour'd , the Skirmish grew almost to be a Battel ; wherein Trautmistorft passing over the River , and Trivigiano coming with many men from Luciniso , the business was manfully disputed ; but the Venet ans light-Horse not being able to resist the solid order of the Dutch Horse , whilst they would have retreated did so confound themselves with their Curassiers which were on their backs , the one and the other of them were charged and chased quite thorow their own Foot which were come in to their succour ; who were therefore wholly disordered by their own Horse , and slain by those of the enemy . In this scuffle many Corsicks were slain , and Se●…geant Major Raffa●…le , Son to the dead Iustiniano , was taken prisoner ; and Giovan Dominico da Ornano , a very valiant Corsick Commander : Nor was this the worst ; for the Venetians who retreated , not thinking themselves safe in the Trenches of Luciniso , were minded to get into the Castle which was above , had not some Commanders stoutly withstood them , who keeping their own men several ways from running , and particularly by shutting the Gates upon them , hindered their flight , incouraged them , and making them stand , preserved those Quarters and Luciniso , which otherwise had been abandoned , and left in the power of the enemy ; who fearing the Artillery of Luciniso , repast back over the River , and went to their wonted quarters , having lost but few of their men , though their General and Matradas were sleightly wounded ; and Foglia , who advanced too ●…ar , slain : Though Trivigiano shew'd great courage upon this occasion , yet did he deserve to be reprehended by the Commissary and by Medici , for having ingaged himself and so many others in that action of his own will , and without their knowledge . The sickness still increased in the Camp , which made the Souldiers still run faster away , and especially those of the Country ; and the best Souldiery were yet more consumed by Skirmishes : Wherefore the scarcity of men 〈◊〉 , the Commissary and Medici indeavoured , by all the means they could , to perswade the Switzers and Grisons that were in the Camp to fight against the Archduke ; which they , being prohibited to do by the League which they have with the House of Austria , had not as yet done ; having only served as Garrisons to defend such Towns as were possess'd by the Common-wealth : which having at last obtained , it increased their numbers for a while , they being 1500 in number ; but it made their scarcity of men greater soon after ; for the Grisons Country being for this respect prohibited more strictly from having any commerce with the State of Millain ; the chief Rulers amongst the Grisons , that they might have that Decree revoked , recalled all those of their Nation home who were in service for the Common-wealth ; and forbad passage through their State to all Forreigners who went to serve the Venetians : By this increase Medici hoped to surprise St. Martino in Crusca , especially knowing how few there were there in Garrison : He therefore departed about midnight in very good order from Vipulciano , where he had mustered those who he intended for that enterprise , and got before day near the Castle ; but a certain whisper arising amongst his men , and a small light being discovered in the Castle , the Souldiers fell into so horrible dread and confusion as they immediately ran away shamefully without being pursued ; which Medici , lighting off horseback , seeking to obv●…ate even by exposal of his own person , he was thrice thrown down , and almost trod under foo●… : At this time Antonio Lando came to the Camp , who succeeded Priuli in the place of Commissary-general ; who seeing that the whole success of the war consisted in taking Goritia , and that this was not to be done without passing over Lizonso ; he first built some Forts , and made some Trenches about Gradisca , to hinder excursions , and then bethought himself how he might pass over the River : And both he and Medici holding it impossible to pass over between Goritia and Gradisca , by reason of the enemies opposition ; they learned that there was a certain Bridge over the Channel of Ronzina which was but weakly guarded ; and though it were very hard to get thither , they being to pass through the enemies Country , and yet harder to fall down by the Ronzina into Goritia ; yet thinking they should have done much if they should pass the River , they would put it to a trial : Which that they might the better effect , they resolved to assault the enemy in six other places , to the end that being assaulted in so many other places at once , they might not be able to keep them from passing over the Bridge at Ronzina ; which designe though it were very well laid , and for the most part well executed , yet had they not good success therein , except at St Floriano , which was taken by Count Nicholo Gualdo by a Petard ; and which being upon their backs , and not far from the Fort of the wood , whereat the Common-wealths Commanders aimed , it was presently fortified and furnished with a strong Garrison . Lando and Medici being beaten from this enterprise , and despairing to be able to work their end , which was to pass over the River , they hoped to effect it by another un-thought of way : The passage over the River was not interdicted underneath Gradisca ; for the Territories of Monfalcone lying on this side the Bank , the Venetians were masters of it as well by antient right as having newly won it by the Sword ; but the passage though it was easie in this part , was to little purpose ; for he who will p●…ss f●…om the County of Monfalcone to Goritia must pass over the Mountains antiently called Giapedi , and now del Carso , which beginning from Lisonzo more below Luciniso , and running in a continual Line even to the Sea , do wholly divide these two Counties : Mountains which are horridly rough and craggy , and not esteemed passable by an Army ; at the bottom whereof , towards Goritia , runs the Vipao , a River which falls into the Lisonzo , over against the River Fara ; which though it be lesser then Lisonzo , yet though del Carso should be past over , they must meet with the same difficulties , and be opposed by the enemy who were incamped not far from thence ; so as these difficulties being thought not to be overcome , it was always held desperate to attempt Goritia by this way ; But it being found by some conjectures at this time , that the Mountains were not so rough and craggy as they were imagined , Marquess Oratio d●…l Monte was sent to make the discovery ; who having made all necessary diligence brought word back that there were some places by which they might bring their Artillery , and avoid the other difficulties . The Commissary and Medici being overjyo'd at so good news , out of hopes of good success , resolved by all means to pass over the River beneath Gradisca ; and passing from thence over the Carso to go to the besieging of ●…oritia : But necessary preparations for the effecting it were not answerable to their hopes and desires ; the scarcity of Souldiers still increased , partly by death , partly by running away ; and particularly those of the Country , who were never in the Camp but upon the pay-days ; many of the Grisons , hearing the command of their Superiors , were already gone , and many were cashiered for having been too insolent , and having caused sedition in the Camp : The Hollanders delaied their coming still , and a Regiment of 4000 French which the Duke du Mayne should have brought to Friuli at the Common-wealths cost , were kept back either by reason of the new troubles in France , or by the Grisons Decrees : To this was added , that being to go beyond the River to attempt an uncertain enterprise , ( which the newer it was , was the more difficult and dangerous ) they could not abandon the Country on this side the River which had cost them so much pains to get , and so much money to fortifie : So as to divide those few that were in the Camp , was to hazzard the loss of what was certain , to go , with much danger to themselves , to get what was uncertain : The hopes of new supplies were but few , by reason of the times , which brought the Common-wealth into great streights ; for the Duke of Savoys Rout at the Abby of Lucedio happened but a little before , which made them not only disburse good store of money to recruit him , but also to provide experienced Souldiers and Commanders upon their Confines towards the State of Millain , lest they might be probably assaulted on that fide : So as the Venetian Army was fain to delay the enterprise of Carso , and to expect the coming of the Hollanders , which was thought could not be long : This new enterprise met also with much difficulty by the coming of new supplies from Germany into Friuli , whereby the Austrian Camp was increased ; and there was a speech of others that would shortly come : The Common-wealths troubles were also infinitely multiplied by the new-taken resolution of Pietro di Girona , Duke of Ossuna , and Viceroy of Naples ; who , either seconding the Kings intention had declared himself to side with the Archduke ; or out of his particular hatred to the Venetians , had rigg'd up Gallies and Gallioons in the Haven at Naples , giving out that he would send them into the Adr●…atick Sea , not only to assist the Archduke by diversion , but to hinder the Common-wealth in the possession which they pretend unto of the said Sea , and to trouble their Maritine Traffick : And though the same courage of mind appeared to be amongst those Conscript Fathers amidst so many troubles and adversities , wherewith persisting in their first generous resolution of maintaining the publick honour and of freeing the Gulf from Pyrats , they prepared to resist this new tempest ; and therefore forbare not to provide abundantly for all necessaries in all requisite parts ; yet naturally considering the little good they were likely to get by the war , and the prejudice which might thereby result both to the Commonwealth , and to private men ; and moreover foreseeing the emiment dangers threatned to their Common-wealth by the State of Millain , and by the Kingdom of Naples ; they grew somewhat less obdurate , and desired that the formerly broken Treaty of agreement might be reassumed : But it was no less hard for them to find the means how , then to compass their end with satisfaction ; for all the Princes being weary with the last Negotiations , by reason of the Common-wealths backwardness to restore what had been taken , not any of them cared to intermeddle therein : And they could get nothing from the Pope ( who they thought would not be inwardly displeased here●…t ) but words and generallities ; nor could they confide much in the King of France , by reason of the vast troubles of that Kingdom : They therefore thought it the less evil to have recourse to the Court of Spain , which they had formerly so much suspected ; and which by the Declaration made by the King in the behalf of the Archduke , and by the men who were paid by him in this war against the Venetians , was little less then their declared enemy ; But by reason of many things formerly done by the Common-wealth , which were ill taken by the King and Court of Spain , and which made them desireous to lessen the Common-wealths good opinion of her self ; they oftentimes refused the pressures made by Pietro Gritti , Resident in that Court for the Common-wealth , who desired in the Common-wealths name that some composition might be come unto ; But the King and Duke of Lerma having been always against having war in Italy , and more particularly now out of many respects ; the Duke , imbracing the present occasion , began to close with the proposals made by Gritti in the Common-wealths behalf , and very affectionately desired the effecting of them : But the Duke of Oss●…na forbore not for all this to pursue his enterprise ; for he abominated the Venetians more then any other Spaniard did ; and had therefore put seven Gallioons in good order for fight , and furnish'd them with all warlike Ammunition ; which ( to begin the war which he intended against the Venetians ) he sent into the Gulf , under the Command of Francisco Riviera , native of Granada ; who from a private condition had by his own worth , and by the Viceroys favour , raised himself to no small greatness . The Common-wealth forthwith armed out two Galliasses , and seven Gallioons , and gave the charge thereof to Lorenzo Veniero ; and to these they added 18 lesser Gallies , which they were wont to keep to guard the Gulf and the Seas of the Levant : They set Iusto Antonio Belegno , Commissary over the Gulf , to be chief over all these ; who whilst he was on his way towards Ragusa , where he understood the Neapolitan Gallies were ; Riviera advanced with five of his Vessels within sight of the Isl●…nd Liesena ; and drawing near the City began to play upon the Fort with some of his Cannon , and upon some Houses which were not far from it : and not seeing any one appear he retreated upon the coming on of night toward Calamotta and Sabioncella , Towns of Ragusa ; where joining with the other Vessels , he took a Ship which went from Ragusa to Venice : He staid some days thereabouts ; and hearing that Bellegno was coming on with very advantageous forces , he steered unpursued towards Puglia , and came safe from thence to Brindisi : It was the common opinion of all men , that Bellegno might have fought him if he had pleased ; and that upon sleight pretences , tarrying sometimes in one place , sometimes in another , he had delayed time , and permitted him to return ; It is not known , notwithstanding , whether he did this of himself , or by his limited instructions ; for though the Common-wealth seemed to be very much displeased with his proceedings , and therefore removing him from that charge , placed Veniero , Captain of the Galleoons , in his room ; who in Consultations had appeared to be more forward and couragious ; yet because they gave him other imployments and dignities not long after ; it was thought that this resentment was one of the Venetians wonted pieces of cunning ; who laying the weakness of their Commissions to the fault of their Officers , do at the same time , without hazzarding their own forces , cover the publick diffidence , and maintain the reputation of their Militia ; nor do their Officers hold themselves thereby insured , who being contented with the tacite applause of the wisest Citizens , and with the tacite praise which is given them for having discreetly carried on the publick fortune , do so love their Country , as they care not for having the fault laid upon them which otherwise would redound to the publick bad success ; being sure that when the wonder is over they shall be largely rewarded with other honours and dignities . The Crabates growing bold upon the nearness of the Neapol●…an Galleoons , and by the free commerce which was allowed them in the Kingdom of Naples , flock from home in great numbers ; and scouring the Gulf with much terrour , took much pillage , and took many Vessels even upon the City shoars ; and afterwards carrying their prey into Puglia and L'Abruzzi , sold them safely ; and whither they safely fled when chased by the Venetian Vessels ; In so much as the greater Traffick of Galleoons , and the lesser commerce was in a short space brought to a bad condition in Venice . Veniero being afterwards gone with two Galleasses and seven Galleoons to Brindisi , he indeavoured to draw out Riviera , who lay there with his Gallies , to Battel ; who not having rowing Vessels , and the wind being contrary to his coming out , did not refuse Veniero's Challenge , but put it off till a fitter time : whereupon Veniero w●…nt to Corf●… , and afterwards getting into the Gulf entered the Channel of Corsola , and from thence to Liesina ; and being content with this generous offer , appeared no more upon those shoars : The Fleets afterwards increased ; for the Viceroy providing new Galleoons , both in Naples and in Sicily ; and assembling the Kings Gallies together , p●…epared others at his own cost , that he might send them altogether to prejudice the Venetians ; and growing daily more angry and more incens'd , he threatned to assault the very Town of Venice with his whole Fleet ; and adding all possible demonstrations to his speeches , he gave out that he would go himself in person to Brindisi , the more to encourage and hasten such preparations : Wherefore the Common-wealth growing fearful , armed more Galleoons , and put more Gallies and Galleasses to Sea ; and ordered also that all the Gallies which sail upon those Seas , and upon the Levant Seas , should join in opposing the Spanish Fleet : But the Common-wealth which abounded in Ships , in Galleasses , and in all other warlike preparations , was in a great want both of men for their Oars and for fighting ; for those people , and those parts who were formerly trained up in the Militia , and therefore good at Sea affairs , from whence the Venetian greatness had its rise and increase ; being now accustomed to Domestick imployments , and not having seen an enemy for many years , were grown imbased by idleness : nor were they better provided of Commanders ; for the Gentry being given to such Arts as peace produceth , had not of late years valued the Militia , except what was Maritime . The Commonwealth being therefore upon these terms , and fearing the Viceroy's threats and preparations , whose Fleet they knew did much exceed theirs both in stout Souldiers and experienced Commanders , had much ado to provide for necessary defence , whe●…ein they were to coin much money , and to be at excessive expence : Wherefore falling immediately to raise monies by many Taxes and Impositions , and also assembling all the Tradesmen of the City , who were pick'd out by lot according to publick Orders , a certain number of them were commanded to serve either for themselves or for others in the Fleet. Thus having furnish'd a good many Rowers out of the dregs of the people , and Clowns of the neighbouring Villages , they furnish'd the Fleet also with many Troops of the Land-Militia , who being found to be unfit for Land-Service , little good could be expected from them in Sea affairs : And because the Senate were afraid of Veniero the Governour of the Fleet 's animosity , they left him his first charge over the Galleoons , but made Iovan Iacomo Zane , a grave and discreet person , chief of all the maritime affairs , with title of Commissary , but with authority of Captain General ; who putting to Sea many days after with those Vessels which were in a readiness at Venice , went to Liesina , where the general rendezvouz was for all those Vessels which were to serve in that Fleet ; to the end that from thence , as from the Centre of the Gulf , he might discover what ways the Enemy steered , and oppose them and their designs ; part whereof appea●…ed upon that very Island before he got thither : This part of the Viceroys Fleet was led on by Don Pietro di Leva under the Viceroys Ensigns , consisting of 12 Galleoons and 23 Gallies ; and being come near the Haven , he se●…t two of them to challenge the Venetian Fleet to fight , which lay there under the command of the same Bellegno , to whom the Senates Orders and Commissions were not yet come : And though he came not short of the Enemy in vessels , the Galleasses especially being considered , yet durst not Bellegno come out of the Haven and encounter them ; but fortifying himself there , and placing the G●…lleasses in the mouth of the Haven , which being shut up by a great Rock is very narrow , he suffer'd them to be shot at by the Spanish Vessels , which assaulted them even almost underneath the Fort ; and after-many shot on both sides , the Spanish Commanders seeing their danger , if they should proceed on any further , and dispute the business upon so many 〈◊〉 , and that they could by no means draw the Enemy out into the open Sea , they retreated without any harm safe to Brindisi ; where a new supply of Ships and excellently well-armed Gallies being come , new and more urgent Commissions came also from the Viceroy ; who being angry that they had not fought , sent express Orders for the setting up of the Standards Royal , and that they should re-enter the Gulf , and that assaulting and fighting the Enemies Fleet in any whatsoever manner , they should proceed on against the very City of Venice : which when it was known did much trouble the whole City ; those Fathers therefore , according to their accustomed wisdom , being desirous to provide for dangers afar off , as if they were at hand ; not confiding in their own Fleet , nor in their preparations by Sea , not in the impenetrable situation of those Washes ; but as if those natural defences were weak obstacles for the doubtful condition of the Commonwealth , they used all such diligence , as greater they could not have used if the En●…my had been at hand : they fortified their out shores with Banks and Trenches , built Bulwarks upon the mouths of the Washes ; and all this appearing to come short of the danger , they put Weapons into the peoples hands , made Corps de guarde in every Par●…sh , and raised Troops of Souldiers in every one of them , placing two Citizens over each of them , one of the Gentry , another of the Commonalty ; and that these provisions against forreign disorders might occasion no disorder at home , a Magistracy of three of the gravest and most eminent Gentlemen was chosen , to keep them all within their duties ; whom they indued with all supream power , and trusted th●…m with the care of providing that the Commonwealth in the middest of all these Ruptures might be preserved from receiving any damage ; and not satisfied with so many provisions within the City and without , t●…ey f●…rbare not to have recourse to the Turks for aide : for having bribed ( as it was said ) the chief Officers of that Court , and the most favoured Sultana's of the Seraglio , they obtain'd a command from the Grand Signeior , directed to the General of the Sea , that he should go into the Gulf , and be serviceable to the Commonwealths General upon all occasion●… : though detained afterwards by the odium that would have been conceived against them for that action , or by the danger of bringing the Fleet of so formidable an Empire into the Gulf , they made it come to Navarino , and made use of it only to the end that the V●…ceroy , ●…earing the Kingdom of Naples , might recall the Fleet from offending others to defend himself . This mean while Don Pietro di Leva , being recruited with more Forces , went with the Standard Royal from Brindisi , carrying with him 33 Galleys and 19 Galleoons , well armed with old Souldiers , and moreover took along with him from the Coast of Puglia about 4000 fighting men ; he drew neer Liesina with a resolution to fight , if he should find the Enemies Fleet there : he found all joyn'd together under Zane , the new Commissary , who coming out of the Haven , a●… the appearing of the Enemy with all his Vessels , which were 40 Gallyes , 40 Long-boats , six Galleasses and 15 Galleoons , all which , especially the Galle●…sses and Galleoons were very well munited with Artillery ; especially the Galleoon Balbi otherwise called St. Marco ; a Vessel vastly grea●… , which for the multitude of Guns which she carried was fit , as those who were skilful in that Profession said , to stand the assault of a whole Fleet. The Venetian Gallyes were very well provided of Rowers , yet but badly furnish'd with fighting-men ; for of 22000 persons which were in the Fleet , there were hardly 3000 who were fit to manage Arms ; being come within sight one of the other , and the Kings Fleet having given sign of Battel by shooting of a Cannon , and having loosened the Cables wherewith the Galleoons were fastned to the Gallyes , the winde , which till then had been good for them , changed immediately ; and turning exceeding ●…air for the Venetian Fleet began to blow with a strong gale against the Spaniards ; and the Galleoons being fallen off from the Gallyes , sailing some here , some there , were immediately dispers'd ; whereupon the Spanish Commanders , and all the Souldiery , though by the same wind they might have tack'd about , and have escaped so great a danger , yet courage prevailing over fear , they still kept their Fore-Castle towards the Venetian Fleet : yet being astonish'd at this their enemies so great advantage , they were much troubled , and almost brought to despair of safety : fearing to be suffocated with the smoak of their own , and of the Enemies Cannon ; and to be drown'd and stifled , without being able to fight , at the very first shock : but the neerer they came the more they saw themselves free from that danger ; for Zane after a while withdrew into the Haven , and lost the opportunity of an assured and full Victory ; to Veniero's great vexation , who being fallen a l●…ttle off with his Galleoons , that he might with a better wind fall upon the Enemy , expected that Zane should advance , or give the sign of Battel ; to which purpose he had sent a Long-Boat to him : but seeing him withdraw into the Haven he followed the General , and put into the same Haven with his Galleoons , leaving a great Tartana behind him , which fell into the Enemies hands . The Spanish Fleet being driven by the wind went upwards towards Zara , and staid that night not far from Liesina : the next day being forc'd by the wind to coast a long beyond Dalmatia , it light by chance upon ten Gallyes , and two great Venetian Barques ; whereof two , which are called Maone , and the two Barques were fraught with ve●…y rich Merchandize : the Spaniards presently pursued them , for at first sight of the Enemy they fled ; seven of the yarest of them , by the advantage of night , recovered Zara from whence they were come ; the two which were loaded with Merchandize , and the Barques , and another Vessel fell into Leva's power , but no men in them , for they had all escaped to land , but the Vessels were loaded with Merchandize , and Moneys , to the worth of above a Million of Ducates . Captain Antonio Chiurano was greatly to blame in this , who not valuing the Enemy , and trusting more then became him to do in the Commonwealths Fleet , was not only negligent , as if he had sailed in secure peace , but thinking himself derided by a Fisher-man , who told him how neer the Enemy was , caused him to be put in prison ; and not long after some Barques were taken , loaded with M●…rchandize , and Victuals for the Army , which being retreated to Liesina , and not daring to stir from thence suffer'd the Enemy to rove ●…reely over all those Seas . It was commonly said that Commissary Zane , when Consultation was held by the Captains and Officers , whether or no they should make use of the present occasion , and taking the advantage of the wind , fall upon the Enemy ; that after he had by his Authority and Reasons contradicted their opinion , he at last drew an express command out of his bosom from the Senate , whereby he was absolutely forbidden to give Battel , no not upon any whatsoever advantage ; and truly the Commonwealth having so powerful an Enemy so neer at hand , who publickly threatned to assault the City ; and the loss being beyond comparison greater which they should have received , if they had been beaten , then any advantage that could have redounded to them by Victory ; and that being able of her self to maintain the Empire of the Sea against that Enemy , who they knew could not trouble them long ; it suited well with their wisdom , to prefer wholsome and sa●…e resolutions before such as they were not certain should prove glorious ; and that it became them not to hazzard that Fleet upon the uncertainty of Battel , which being the only defence of that City , ready to be assaulted , and which being the greatest strength that they could then put together , was thought the only foundation of the Venetian Honour and Empire : which could not probably waver so long as that Navy was safe ; so if that should be lost , would infallibly draw after it great mischief , and little less then the utmost danger of the Commonwealths safety : and the danger appeared so much the more probable , for that , doubtless , as if they should fight at a distance , the Venetian Fleet by the advantage of the●…r Guns would have much vexed that of Spain ; so if they should come to close fight , the Venetians being badly provided of defendants , would have been easily worsted by the Spaniards : the want of Order and Military Discipline in the Venetian Fleet was also to be confidered ; for never a one of the Masters knew what their place was , nor what upon such an occasion he was to do ; there was no distinction of Wings , nor Squadrons ; but the whole Fleet was one great body , mis-shapen and confused ; and therefore unable to move , and more troublesome to its self , then formidable to the Enemy : but it was no less considerable , that when contrary to the afore●…aid probable Reasons of the Venetians being worsted , they should have had the upper hand , the victory must needs have been got by much loss , and effusion of blood : in which case , if the Turkish Fleet should have come , and have found the Venetian Fleet weakned , and the Spanish beaten , might it not have come up even unto Venice ; and without any contestation , or opposition , have done what the Spaniards threatned ? it was therefore in this respect thought that it became not the Commonwealth , to expose her safety to the certain danger wherewith she was t●…reatned , upon whatsoever event , especially since not only t●…e Venetian Commonwealth , but whole Christendom would have b●…n much indangered by this conflict ; for of the two Fleets , which being both joyn'd together make but a proportionable Bulwark of Christendom , against the Maritime Forces of the Ottoman Empire , when one of them should have been discomfited , and the other weakened ; Christendom would not have had Forces sufficient to withstand the Ottomans Fleet , if it should have come against it : and therefore many strengthning their Reason , and fixing their Thoughts higher , attributed that sudden and unexpected change of wind to a great miracle , and acknowledged it to proceed from Gods Divine goodness ; yet they proceeded in Venice ( according to their usual custom ) against Commissary Zane , as they had done against Bellegno , sending for him back to Venice , taking his place from him , and proceeding hotly by Process against him ; and yet after some moneths he was acquitted by a great number of Vote●… in a full Council of the Pregati . But the success of the Fleet , and the loss of the Mahouns , caused great commotions in Venice ; the rather for that false news being brought some few days before , of the conflicts , and of the vistory gotten by the Venetian Fleet , great Feasts and Triumphs were made by the Nobility , who believing that report could not contain themselves in rejoycing , and congratulations ; and the Common People following the example of the Nobiliry fell into excesses , even such as were scandalous : they ran tumultuously in great numbers to the Spanish Embassadours Palace ; and mingling opprobrious speeches with their shouts and out-cries , they had almost fallen to injurious actions : and elsewhere they hung up the Portraicture of the Viceroy by the feet , and after many scornful and abusive speeches , set it on fire : but the truth being afterwards known , the Commonwealth was much afflicted , both in private , for the loss of the Mahouns , of so great value ; and for the continual damage suffer'd by the Croates ; and was much astonished and confused in the Publick , for the loss of their ancient Reputation , and for fear lest the Spanish Fleet , according to the Viceroys threats and commands , might draw neer their Washes , and assault their City . They knew not what courses to take , which might suffice to remove the imminent danger ; but finding them all to be short , and unproportionable , they complain'd of the King of Spain ; who being chosen by them to be a pacifier of the differences between them and the Archduke , instead of making peace , had proved so bitter an Enemy ; suffering them to be under hand so injuriously dealt with by his Minister , without any respect had to the friendship which was publickly profest between them ; and yet the King , who did not desire that the Treaty of Peace which was by him reassumed should be disturbed ; preferring kindness before revenge ( for they had injured him , by assisting the Duke of Savoy ) and peace before whatsoever victory ; as soon as he had given way to the Commonwealths desire , of interposing himself in the present differences ; commanded the Viceroy ( being much press'd so to do by the Commonwealth ) to send for the Fleet back from the Gulf ; and that his command might be the better observed , he sent Orders to Don Pietro di Lieva , to ret●…eat immediately with his Fleet without injuring the Commonwealth into the Tuscan Sea ; and as good luck would have it for the Commonwealth , the Kings Orders came to Don Pietro when he was not far from the Venetian Washes , and when the Venetians , as finding themselves in greatest danger , did exclaim most against the King ; wherefore Don Pietro ( having had some inkling of the Turkish Fleet ) that he might not be inclosed between two Fleets retreated ; and leaving the Galleoons at Brindisi came , according to the Kings command , into the Tuscan Sea ; not without much grief to the Viceroy , who not having yet vented his anger would , contrary to the Kings command , continue the War which was begun . Thus was Venice , when she least thought of it , freed from the very neer danger of being assaulted ; but she fared no better in the Wars of Friuli ; for the Captains of the Army , that they might not lye idle whilest the Hollanders delayed their coming , attempted the Castle of Cestnuts , and a Town which was a great one , and near it , upon the banks of Lisonzo ; hoping that when they should have taken those two places they might easily take the Tower upon the stone Bridge , and pass f●…om thence to the expugning of Goritia ; which when they should have got , the Enemies Army would neither have been able to have kept the Field , nor to defend Gradisca , nor to hold the rest of the Archdukes Country ; so as whole Friuli falling into the Commonwealths hands , the Alps had been the bound●…ure of the Dutch Empire ; a thing which peradventure she concealedly aimed at : General Medici parting therefore from Luciniso with many Souldiers sent part of them to take in the Fort , and coming with the rest to Piuma , he easily took it ; and leaving people with sufficient provisions , and Orders to defend it , he returned to Luciniso : The others being gotten neer the Fort began to streighten it on two sides , hoping verily to take it ; for there being only eighty Foot in it , badly provided either with Victuals or wherewithal to fight , they by signs gave notice of their necessity to those of their side , wherein they could hardly be provided by the Austrians ; for besides that the Venetians were numerous , and in Piuma , and about the Fort , and were able to increase their numbers , by reason of the neighbourhood of those who were in Luciniso , and in St Florini , Lisonz●… being swoln by continual rains , had broke the Bridge which the Austrians had built upon long-boats , and had carried the long boats along with it ; and the rain continuing , it was impossible to pass over Lisonzo ; it was therefore hard and dangerous to relieve that Fort , but more hard and dangerous to abandon it : yet at the last , the Austrian Commanders , of two evils chusing the less , resolved to adventure a few men , for the safety and preservation of all : they therefore planted two Batteries on their shore side against Piuma , to keep the Enemy from fortifying , and chose out 800 of the best Horse and Foot ; who being commanded by the Baron Hermisteine , and by Captain Henrico Paradiso Navarro , and Captain Ferdinand●… Caratti , might pass over the Rive●… in a certain place , where they were sheltered from the sight of the Enemy , and from being offended by them ; and to this purpose having no Long-boats , they took from the standing Pools and Rivers that were neer at hand certain little Shallops made out of the whole timber which the Country-people call Zocchi , whereinto the Souldiers got ; and holding by a long-rope which was thrown over the River , did by a few at a time get over to the other shore . The business being u●…dauntedly begun by Captain Caratti succeeded no less happily ; except that the rope being broke by the swiftness of the Rive●… , two Zocchi , with the Souldiers that were in them , were drowned : at which disaster their companions being not at all dismaid , tied certain bundles together ; and throwing them over the River , did by resting on them get without any prejudice to the other side : 200 of them went to relieve the Fort , and the rest to recover Piuma ; the former , though assisted by the besieged , who sallied out of the Fort , could not advance ; but the others , when they came neer Piuma , infused such terrour into the Venetians , as abandoning the Town without making any resistance , they betook themselves to their heels , and fled without stopping , till they came to Luciniso : whose example was immediately followed by those who were about the Fort , who seeing Piuma abandoned , forsook their Trenches also , and unpursued ran shamefully away : and though at first the Commanders , and afterwards Medici , who was come then from Luciniso , got them to return to their first stations , yet afterwards better considering the confusion , the Souldiers dismaiedness , and the undauntedness of the Enemy ( who despising death , and presenting themselves fiercely before them after they had waded the River , which they had so couragiously past over , only to relieve the Fort , and who therefore were likely not to refuse any danger , so they might relieve it ) they chose to shun the incounter , and to forgothe enterprise , with some loss of reputation , lest they might be driven away with loss and shame : the Sould●…ers retreated therefore in good order to Luciniso , and the Fort was freed by the Austrians singular valour : at last , the Hollanders appeared , 4300 in number , in two Regiments ; led on by Count Iohn Ernestus of Nassaw , Nephew to Count Maurice : 300 whereof were at her own charge sent by the Princess of Orange , under the same Count , and 1000 brought at his own expence by Colonel Georgio Sergi Wassenofen , who was nobly rewarded by the Venetians for so generous an action : these Souldiers were very well armed and clad , commanded by many Gentlemen of very good quality , and were therefore of great help to the Venetian Camp. Wassenofen , who was the first that came to Venice , was sent by Land to Friuli , and the Count coming soon after went by Sea to Montfalcone , and from thence to the Camp : as soon as Commissary Lando and General Medici saw the Hollanders , they immediately betook themselves to pass over the Carso : leaving the care of the Camp , and of all things on this side , to Commissary Nicolo Contareno , who succeeded Forscarini , with sufficient Forces to Guard the Country , and with excellent Orders to be put in execution in due time . They caused a Bridge to be privately cast over Cassoian●… , four miles below Gradisca , by which Lando , Medici , and Erizzo past over into the Country of Montfalcone , with 5000 Foot , and about 800 Horse , which being joyn'd to Nassaw's Hollanders , and to other Souldiers who were muster'd there , were divided into four Squadrons , according to the ways by which they were to march : Commissary Lando , though he desired , and was resolved to be present at this passage , was notwithstanding perswaded by Medici and the rest , who to shun adventuring the publick dignity in his person , forc'd him to tarry in Montfalcone , where he might be more serviceable in taking order , and in making provisions for the Enterprise : Erizzo was to be ready with a flying Squadron , to come in and assist where any need , or sudden accident should require : Cosimo di Marchesi del Monte , he who first discovered Carso , went by the first way , neerest the Sea , and furthest from Lisonzo , with 800 Foot ; and being come to Dobredo , he presently took it , and for more security , began to fortifie it : Oratio Balioni went by the next way with 1500 Foot , four small pieces , good store of Pioneers , and Ammunition for War , Count Ferdinando Scotto going before him with some Horse-Troops to scoure the Country , and to make discovery : he took St. Michele , which afterwards when Baglione came thither was diligently fortified : By the third way went Count Nassaw with the Hollanders , waited on by some Troops of Horse , and some pieces of Artillery , who coming to the Town called St. Martino in Carso , took it ; then going to the Fort which is called delle Donne , at the third shot , he took it upon Articles ; not long after he did the like to the Fort Imperial , a little lower , and neerer Lisonzo , which commands the River , and was therefore of great concern , in keeping succours from Gradisca . Only Giovan Martinengo , who led on the fourth Squadron , and to whose share it fell to bring on the Artillery , and to advance by the way which lay neerest the River , met with a rub ; for being to take the Fort Stella , which was upon the way over against Gradisca and being come so neer it ; as he began to make Trenches for Battery , two companies of Swissers and Grisons , being afraid without any occasion , began to Mutiny ; which Mutiny passing into those of other Nations , they began all to wheel about , and to run , Martinengo not being by any means able to stay them ; and Commissary Erizzo coming in , he had much ado to perswade them to turn back , and carry off the Artillery which they had abandoned , and which , had they made the least delay , had fallen into the hands of those of the Fort. Martinengo retreated to Sagra , and sending the Artillery from thence to St. Michele , he fortified himself at St. Nichola Medici , not being bound to keep any one place , discharged the Office of a General , and ran sometimes to one place , sometimes to another , incouraging , providing for , and ordering all things which appertained to the March : the same night , to the end that the Austrians being assaulted in several places might have the less conveniency to oppose the passage of Carso ; some of the Commonwealths Galleys drew neer Dulcigno , a great Town belonging to the Archduke in the Gulf of Triesti , and playing upon it with their Artillery did it much harm : and on the other side of Lisonzo , Trivigiano coming from Luciniso , according to Medici his Orders , at mid-night with a great many Horse , came to Lisonzo ; and s●…eming as if he would pass over it , kept the Enemy busie that was lodged on the other side ; and a little lower , neer Fora , Francisco and Carlo Strasoldi , who had the same Orders , being come to the River side , and not seeing any appear against them , but finding by counter-signs that the Venetians had luckily overcome the Mountain , they boldly entred the River , which was somewhat more swollen then usual ; and coming to sh●…ar on the other side , they were presently followed by many Horse , and particularly by two choice Troops , the one led on by Udine , the other by Cividal , the former belonging to Commissary Contereno's self , and the other to Giovan Bassadone , Lieutenant-general of Friuli , both of them ancient Senators ; who notwithstanding having foorded over the River , possess'd themselves of the furthermost bank and ways , making themselves masters of them and of the enemies Rampiers : The Austrians were sufficiently astonished at this strange and unexpected passage , as well over the Mountains as over the River ; and forgetting their former Generosity grew into great confusion ; and doubtlesly , if the Venetian Commanders had proceeded on with the same fervour , they would freely without any opposition have gotten to the Walls of Goritia , being only three miles distant from the bottom of Carso ; whereof , by reason of the great terror they were in , they might without much ado have made themselves masters . Horatio Baglione was aware of this so rare occasion ; who with many reasons and reitterated perswasions exhorted Medici not to let it slip ; but Medici being very cautious and circumspect would not be advised by him : And whilst he fore slowed the business upon the descent of Carso , to discover the Country , and to pry into the enemies proceedings ; whilst busying himself in making of Trenches and Fortifications for the safety of his Quarters , he plaid the part rather of a Cunctator then of a Dictator , he let slip the occasion ; for the Austrians arguing by this the enemies delay that they had but little mind to advance , reassumed their ●…ormer courage , and resolved to stand upon their defence ; which resolution was ●…omented by Count d' Ampier●… , who was at this time come from Germany ; and who by his ●…atural vivacity , by his Authority , and by t●…e assured succour which he told them was ready in Germany , and assured them would be very quickly in Italy , incouraged the Captains to resist , and manfully to oppose the enemy . Between the Carso and Vipao , a River which ( as hath been said ) runs at the bottom of the Mountain towards Goritia , is a Palace in form of a Castle , with a Wood walled about , ( called il Pallagio , è Barco di Rubbia ) situated just where Vipao falls into Lifonzo , and is therefore flank'd on two sides by the same Rivers . Baglione , seeing it abandoned , would have made himsel●… master of it , for the doing so made much for the main business ; but being forbidden by Medici , Colonel Standato entered it with 1000 Foot , and not long after Maradas with more men ; and they fell forthwith to fortifie it , and to surround it with platforms : Here ended the success of that passage ; for the Austrians having fortified il Pallagio , flank'd il Barco with Ravelines , and munited the Banks of Vipao with new Works ; the Venetians found another Gradisca to besiege , and another Lisonzo to overcome , on the other side of Carso ; about which they entertained themselves to little purpose till the Peace was concluded . Many Batteries , many Attempts , many Skirmishes , were made by both parties , with variety of Fortune ; which since they made nothing for the main of the war , will be superfluous to relate , and p●…radventure irksome to read : The end of the business was , that the Venetians could never drive the Austrians thence , who had always the better , not only in defending il Barco and the River , but also in relieving Gradisca , which the Venetians could not , by any means they could use , obviate . General Trautmistorft dyed in the defence of il Barco , being shot , whilst too couragiously , and contrary to the opinion of his own men , he stood upon a Raveline which ●…e himself had given order for ; He was a Gentleman well born , of great courage , not d●…unted with any danger , very vigilant in all things belonging to war ; but of a Genius more given to Skirmishes and petty actions , then to the main enterprises ; and therefore deserved rather to be esteemed a good Souldier then an excellent Commander ; for being always provided of excellent Souldiers , and having to do with a weak and undisciplined Army , and which was moreover continually macera●…ed with sickness , he could never totally overthrow them ; So though he was always assailant , and had always more the better in private actions , yet he seemed to be always more for defence then offence : And the Venetians , who were continually losers , seemed in general to be victors ; having always carried the war into the enemies Country , without losing any thing they had gotten , and always advancing somewhat towards new Acquisitions : Many laid the fault of this , not upon the Comm●…nder , but upon the scarcity of his men , and of necessary provisions for war ; others imputed it to his being too prodigal of his own life , and spacing of his Souldiers lives ; others laid it to the secret orders of the Emperours chief Officers , corrupted by the Venetian Gold : But howsoever , he being well esteemed of for his great valour both by the Emperour and Archduke , his death did very much trouble t●…em . On the Venetians side Baglione was slain , whilst he with 500 Foot opposed a great squadron of horse upon the Carso , as they were carrying relief to Fort Stella , that so they might put it into Gradisca ; with him there dyed Virginio Orsino di Lamentana , and 500 Foot , who were almost all of them put to the Sword by the Austrians : There also dyed , but upon other occasions , Danielle Antonini , and Mark Antonio Mazzano , ( both of them of Udine ) Count Leonardo Gualdo , Francisco Maria Albertaccio , all of them being prime Commanders in the Venetian Army ; to 〈◊〉 with many others of lesser note , Count Nassaw dyed t●…ere also , but of sickness ; and his Brother Count Ernestus succeeded him : It is thought that in this war , what by the Sword , 〈◊〉 by sickness , there dyed of the Venetians above 30000 ; and not full 〈◊〉 4000 Austrians . Trautmistorf●… was succeeded in his charge by Iovan Prainero , a gallant Commander , bred up in the Hungarian wars , who was lucky in the defence of il Barco , and in the relief of Gradisca ; and Pietro Barbarigo , Procurator of St Mark , succeeded Commissary Lando , he who at the beginning of the war exercised the same place , though under the bare title of Commissary ; and Lorenzo Iustiniano succeeded Commissary Erizzo . The Venetians were much prejudiced in their proceedings by the continual 〈◊〉 , wh●…ch fell contrary to the season of the year ; for the Venet●…ans ●…ad passed over Carso in the beginning of Iune . T●…ese rains caused much sickness amongst the Souldiers ; and Lisonzo being extraordinarily swoln broke the Venetians Bridge at Cassoiano ; wherefore those of the Commonwealth could not conveniently communica●…e 〈◊〉 , the Bridge being broken ; nor could those of Carso be victualled by those of Friuli : They were likewise much prejudiced by the mutinying of the Hol●…anders , who were displeased with their Captains for k●…eping back a good part of their pay , which had been readily di●…burst by the Venetians ; but certainly the fallings out between Medici and Nassaw did most harm , who strove for superiority , and who should command , and who obey ; Medici , by his Patents from the Commonwealth , being to command over all save the Commissary-general ; and Nassaw being by his Letters Patents not to obey any save the Commissary-general ; and the Commissaries not being able to compose the difference , jealousies , grudges , and dis●…astes grew amongst them , whereby the cause of the Commonwealth was much prejudiced ; the Commonwealth not being only not well satisfied with Medici his service , but his loyalty and truth being suspected ; if not publickly by the Senate , at least by the Nobles , who beginning to distrust him , did publickly , and generally de●…act from his reputation ; as if by private intelligence held with the Archduke , whose Sister was Wife to the Great Duke of Tuscany , Nephew to Medici , he had not only let slip the opportunity of going to Goritia , by proceeding so slowly upon Carso ; but as if having neglected the Commonwealths service in several things , he had suffer'd the Enemy to bring succour to Gradisca when it was in greatest necessity . The Governours of the Common-wealth do often fall upon such Rocks , especially when affairs go not well with them ; and it is clear enough , that if the War ●…ad lasted , that he being weary of the Venetians ●…ealousies would either have left their service , or they for their own greater satisfaction would have tried-first the others fortune ; and this was whisper'd to be privately treated on by the Senate , but that they did not proceed therein , by reason they saw the War was neer at an end , and by reason of Medici his condition and alliance . Marco Antonio Canale was also given for a successour to Trivigiano , though Trivigiano had always shewed himself indefatigable in labour , ready for danger , and would have won much glory in that War , had he not through the immortal malice he bore to the Spaniards , obscured it by a piece of cruelty committed by him upon a Spanish Knight , who being brought prisoner before him , while the Prisoner submissively bowed unto him he thrust a Dagger into his breast , and slew him . The affairs of the Commonwealth proceeded but slowly in Istria and Dalmatia ; nothing of memorable succeeding ther●…in , save that Zimino , a place of some concern , was taken by General Antonio Barbaro , in which action he lost 200 Souldiers , and some Captains : for the rest , they spun it out till the conclusion of the peace , which was made not long after with much advantage to the Venetians , according to the custom of that Commonwealth ; which though she be good at Counsel , comes short of other Princes in matter of the Militia ; and therefore since she is not fortunate in War , makes peace upon more honourable terms , by Negotiation ; but because the Siege and taking of Vercelles preceded that peace , it will be necessary , that returning to the affairs of Piedmont , we first relate the progress of that War , in the beginning of the Summer 1617. The End of the fifth Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . BOOK VI. The Contents . THe Governour of Millain goes with his Army to before Vercelles , and besieging it on all sides , and the Town not being able to be relieved , after a long Siege he takes it upon Articles . The Capitulations of Peace , as well for what concern'd Piedmont as Friuli , are treated of in the Court of Spain , and are concluded in the Court of France ; as also at Madrid . The Duke of Savoy being assisted by the French , who came into Piedmont after the surrender of Vercelles , takes some Towns in Montferra●… and in Allessandria : And at last , in pursuance of the Capitulations stipulated in the Courts of France and Spain , the Peace is concluded in Pavia between the Governour of Millain and the French Embassadour . The Viceroy of Naples sends some Galleoons into the Gulf in defence of the Ragusiens , who were vex'd by the Venetian Fleet ; which Galleoons get the better , in fight , of the Venetians . A Conspiracy is discovered in Venice , and some rumours are spred abroad upon the Confines of Venice toward Milla●…n , between the Spanish Souldiers and those of the Commonwealth ; which being appeased , a period is put to the War , and Italy is restored to her former Peace . THe Governour being recruited with new Forces , and being kindled with new desires of re entring Piedmont with his Army , aimed to give on the●…e where it might be to most purpose , and most mortal to the Enemy . The●…e were of new arrived in the State of Millain 4 Companies of Light-Horse , 16 of Gens d' Armes , commanded by Camillo Caracciola P●…ince of Avelino , and 600 Cur●…ssiers under Don Antonio Caraffa Duke of Matalona , in all 1800 Horse , which were sent him by the Duke of Ossuna ; who being no less desirous to maintain the grandezza and honour of the King against the Venetians , then anxious for the affairs in Lombardy , had spared neither for cost , trouble , nor diligence , to keep up the Glory of the Spaniard , and the Kings Authority , in its ancient splendour . Besides these there were expected 1000 Curassiers and 6000 Walloon Foot from Flanders , who came quickly : The command of the Horse was given to Iovan Ieronimo Doria ; the Foot were divided into two Brigades , the one was commanded by Gulielmo Verdugo , the other by Gulielmo di Quen . The Lombard , Neapolitan , and Dutch Brigades , being recruited with new men , were almost gotten to their former number ; so as those that were there already being computed with those who were shortly to come , the Army consisted of about 25000 Foot , and of 5500 Horse ; a gallant Army , and fit for whatsoever Enterprize . A Council of the chief Commanders being therefore called , he ask'd their opinion touching the whole business , and touching carrying on the War against the Duke : The opinions were three ; the first , that the Towns of Montferrat should be recovered , since the defence of that State was the principal end of the present War ; and for that when they should be recovered , the Army , in case the Peace should not be concluded , which was closely negotiated , might easily go to the expugning of Turin ; or if peace should be concluded , it would redound the more to the Kings honour ; for that the possession of what was taken being got by War , the Duke should not have the honour of restoring them : The second , whereof Mortara was Authour , was , that Asti should again be attempted : The third , that they should go to the taking in of Verrua and Crescentino , with intention to keep succour from Vercelles , and to open a commodious way for entrance into Piedmont . The last not appearing so difficult as the taking of Asti , and more honourable then to keep so great an Army about the recovery of a few inconsiderable Castles , was approved of by the greatest part of the Council , and so resolved on . Don Ieronimo Caraffa , Marquess of Montenegro , a man of great power , long vers'd in the Wars of Flanders , was thought to be the Authour of this opinion ; who being sent from Spain the Winter before to be assistant to Don Piedro di Toledo in Council , succeeded the Prince of Ascoli , who was sent for back to Court , and he commanded the whole Army by title of Camp-master General , though under the name of the Governour : So as it being noised that they went to Crescentino , the Souldiers and Captains were wholly bent thereupon ; but the Governour who had resolved otherwise in private with Montenegro , feigning to go from Pontestura , where the Army then was , to Crescentino , and changing the Garrison of S. Germano in his passage , faced about , and sat down before Vercelles so unexpectedly , as four Troops of Horse which were gone out o●… Vercelles to discover the Enem●…es Proceedings , falling upon the body of the Army , were kept from re-entring into Vercelles , by a flying Squadron which were advanced by another way ; so they returned 〈◊〉 and dispers'd to the Duke ; and some other which could not save themselves by running were some of them sla●… , some taken Prisoners . Marquess Clausio was Governour of this place , which was sufficiently well victuall'd , yet but ill provided of Souldiers , and worse of warlike Ammunition ; for they had been much wasted in the business of Messerano and Creppacuore ; wherefore the Governour knowing these their wants , thought the business would be short and easie , if by drawing suddenly and unexpectedly before it he could keep it from being relieved : To this end having resolved to place Iovan Ieralimo Doria with the Cavalry which was come from Flanders , which consisted wholly of choice and Veteran Souldiers , to guard the ways by which relief might be brought from Piedmont ; he had sent to Millain , before he went from Pontestura , for provision of Arms ; and calculating the time so as that these Horse might come to Millain at the same instant as the Army should approach Vercelles , he failed in his account , by reason of some delay made by some Officer of Millain in the delivery out of the Arms : So as the Duke , who at the first news of the Armies being gone to Vercelles was gone with all his Forces to the Ruines of Santia ; had opportunity of sending 1500 Foot , and some Companies of Horse , into the Town ; who finding the ways open got safe without any opposition into Vercelles : This succour came very opportunely ; for together with them there entered also many Commanders and Captains ; and amongst the rest Monsieur di Saufrone , the Dukes Engineer , who did singular service in all this Siege . This place was begirt on that side which looks towards Piedmont , where the greatest danger of assault lay , with a Wall which was platformed with a Ditch : It was impossible it should be infested on that side which lies toward Millain , there being but a very little space between the Wall and the neighbouring River Sesia , full of Roots and snags of Trees : When the Army was come within sight of the Town , finding that the Flemish Horse did still delay coming , and fearing that more succours would be brought in , he thought it requisite to streighten it the more ; He commanded therefore that a long Trench should be begun ; which beginning from Sesia , a good way above Vercelles , and taking a compass towards Piedmont , might not only encompass the whole Town with a greater circuit , but might also inclose all that space of ground wherin the Army was quarter'd , and should terminate in Sesia , a good way below the City ; to the end that the Army might lye safe within that Trench , and be sheltered from the Dukes assaults , and might securely attend the siege ; a work which by reason of the large compass , and continual rains , could not be perfected without much delay of time : The Horse which were in the Camp were most of them quartered beyond the Sesia , to the end that they might keep succour also from being brought by that side . The Town being thus be●…eagured on all sides , and the Artillery and other provisions being also come , they began their Trenches , and began their Batteries against the Walls and Fortifica●…ions thereupon erected , on the lower side of the Trenches ; about which there was continual Skirmishing ; for those within be●…ng increased in numbers , to boot with their shooting of Cannon and Musque●…s from the Walls , Ravelines , and other fortified places , 〈◊〉 of●…en out to ass●…ult the enemy , and to skirmish with him ; though for the most part some wha●… to their loss : And those without advancing st●…ll with their appr●…aches and assaults , indeavoured to get underneath the defences ; but being often beaten back , sometimes from one , sometimes from another Fortification , suddenly erected by Sanfrone , they were kept , as it were , at bay , and forc'd to return back , and quit the Stations which they had taken : So as the Siege , which otherwise would not have lasted long , was necessarily prolonged , and would have been so longer if those within had been better provided of Ammunition , or if the Duke had been so lucky in succouring the Town with Ammunition , as he had been with men ; yet he was very diligent in indeavouring it ; but the Governour took such good orders after the first relief was conveyed in , as that thereby , and by a strange accident that happened , he could not effect it : For the Duke chose out 500 of his best Horse , and amongst them 400 Curassiers , and sent them towards the besieged Town , with each of them a sack of Powder ; to which he added 12 Load of the same Ammunition : These men thinking to force their passage on a sudden , and to get safely into Vercelles , failed in their design ; for the Governour had already placed Ieronimo Ro with 800 Horse , and 2000 Foo●… , to guard that passage , who lighting upon this Convoy , the Dukes 500 Horse found the encounter harder then they had imagined ; and yet they repuls'd the first 200 Horse that came against them ; but Ro coming in afterwards , and the Baron Batteville , with many more men , a furious volley of Musquet shot was let fly from the Trenches ; and fire taking unfortunately at the same time in the Ammunition , it blew up with such violence , as the whole Troop we●…e miserably dissipated ; many of them blown up into the Air , and many to shun the fire , threw themselves into the Sesia , where they were either drown'd or shot , only 25 got safe into Vercelles ; many being shrewdly scorch'd were taken prisoners , amongst which M nr di Limogione , the Prince Thomoso's Lieutenant ; 450 Horse were slain in this disaster ; hardly 50 escaped ; other sixscore were also ill dealt withal a little after , in a bickering which happened in the midway which leads from St. Germano to Santia ; for a Troop of Horse being sent from St Germano , commanded by Captain Pallestra a Millanese , to disturb the Fortifications which were begun by the Dukes men , they met with another of the Dukes Troops which came from Santia ; and at the first beginning of the Skirmish the Dukes men fled to underneath the Trenches of Santia ; and those few who could recover the Trenches , being secured by the Musqueteers who kept the enemy off , got free from danger ; but the greatest part of them were either slain in the encounter or in the retreat , or carried Prisoners into St. Germano by Pallestra : the Siege drawing on in length , the Duke sent 100 Sacks of Powder wrapt up in beasts Hides , to keep them from firing , with 100 Horse , by the way of Gattinara ; but this , which was the third indeavoured succour , had no better success ; for being discovered by the Marquess of Este , who guarded that Pass with the Gens d' Armes , most of them were slain , and many of them made Prisoners . The Army was not this mean while idle in besieging the City ; against which they continued the Batteries , and laboured very much to beat down the outward Fortifications ; which besides the multiplicity and variety of them , were so artificially ordered , as when they were gotten with much effusion of blood , they were either easily recovered , or not hardly abandoned ; and sometimes , there being a Mine underneath them , they were fired , and so the Works were blown up with those that were on them into the Air ; oftentimes when one Cavalier was taken , another was the same night erected by the enemy , which rendered the taking of the former the preceding day of no use to the possessors : Thus the defendants not being wanting to themselves as long as their Ammunition lasted , they did several ways with much vigilancy and industry annoy the enemies Army , shewing themselves in great order , and with much courage , very ready for all necessary actions , in defence of the Town against so stout and so fierce an oppugnation ; nor in this their defence were the Heavens less propitious to them , sending down rain in great abundance for the fi●…st forty days , which were not only great impediments to their approaches and military actions , but did cause the neighbouring Rive●…s and Torrents to swell so high , as the Trentinians who were quartered very low , were forced for fear of the waters which overflowed the Banks , to draw backwards ; and many disorders which happened in the Camp were causes of prolonging the enterprise , which was of it self so hard and difficult : But at last all difficulties being overcome by the pertinacity , valour and courage of the assailants , who removing all impediments w●…re so advanced in their approaches , as they had made way for an Assault ; it was resolved to give one on the twelfth of Iuly , by the whole power of the Camp ; which coming in good order to the enemie ▪ Rampiers , and fighting valiantly ; the assailants advanced so far on three sides as they had sometimes hope to get the victory ; but those within being no less valiant , the assault continued for the space of three hours , the assailants not being able to make any progress ; many whereof were slain , not so much of the ordinary Souldiers , as of the Captain●… and of the better sort ; of which Monsieur de Quen , the Walloon Camp-master , and Captain Stampa , and Don Alphonso Piemontello , succeeding Quen in his place , who was General of the Horse , whilst he fought valiantly with his Sword in his hand , and taught the Walloons by his own example to advance , was shot by a Musquet in the Arm , whereof he dyed within a few days , to the great grief and sorrow of the whole Camp ; he not being only very valiant , but extraordinarily civil and courteous : Iohanni Bravo was also sorely hurt by a Barrel of Powder which fell on fire not far from the place where he was valiantly fighting : Night coming on , though they gave over the ass●…ult , ●…ey forbore not working with their Pick-axes and Gabbioons , t●… get ne●…r the Wall , and to remove all impediments which yet remained from without , that they might come to a second assault , wherein they placed much hope of victory , and of ending the enterprise gloriously ; For those within being reduced even to the bottom of their Ammuni ion , and therefore making more use of stones then of Musquets , 〈◊〉 was impossible for them to resist any longer ; but for all this , did neither they nor the Duke forego their hopes ; for 400 of them 〈◊〉 out at mi●… day , under four French Captains , to assault the Trenches , and clog the A●…lery , who being discovered were repuls'd with much loss by two Companies of Musquetiers ; and the Duke , making his utmost attempt to furn●…sh the Town with what it 〈◊〉 by a greater power t●…en forme●…ly , came with all his men within six miles of the Camp ; and dividing 3000 men into three Squadrons , who were commanded by Monsieur d'Orfe , he sent them with a good quantity of Powder towards the City . This succour being conveyed privately between Fort Sandoval , and a little Bulwark neer the Sesia , was brought very neer the City : but the Enemies Horse falling upon the Van , it was presently defeated ; the middle Squadron throwing away their Ammunition foorded over the Sesia , and got to underneath : the Walls of the City , whereof many being pursued even to the Ditch , were many of them slain : the third Squadron got safe back to the Duke : In this action 120 were taken prisoners , of which Orfe his Serjeant-Major , Orfe's self having escaped luckily by flight . On the Governours party , Don Luigi di Leva was slain , and Don Ottavio Gonzaga , the Baron Batteville and Lodovico Guasco were wounded : the first was found sorely wounded lying amongst the expiring bodies , and died not long after ; the other two ( though sorely wounded also ) escaped death : many of the middle Squadron got into the City , but without their Ammunition ; so as the Town was not at all relieved by this attempt . So as a second assault being suddenly given on several sides , and which the defendants not being able to resist , the assailan●…s appearing already with their Banne●…s upon the Walls , the assaulted helped themselves by a false rumour , crying give fire unto the Mine : which being heard and believed by the assailan●…s , who had been oft times strangely deluded , they immediatel●… turn'd their backs , and abandoning what they had taken , fled away headlong : which they did not without much loss ; for being pursued by the Enemy by Musket-shot , whereof not any mist , and with stones , by such as wanted powder , they were smitten sorely ; and doubtlesly , if they had given less belief to the Enemies words , or had kept longer upon the station which they had taken , the business would h●…ve been this day dones for many of the defendants wanting powder , they were forced to use their Pikes and Swords ; and two of the Spa●…ish Foot , who had undauntedly advanced , got as far in as to St. Andrews Church , where one of them fell , and the other being sorely wounded , escaped death , by Marquess Calusio his generosity , who admiring so much valour in an Enemy , commanded he should be no more mo●…ested . But in fine , many of the defendants being wounded in those assaults , amongst which Monsieur di Bles , a French Commander , their Ammunition being all spent , and despai●…ing either to be relieved , or able to resist any longer , they resolved to come to composi●…ion ; which the French were occasion why Calusio , and all the Dukes Captains , except it were Sanfrone , consented unto : for they finding that the Town could not hold out much longer , thought they had done sufficiently enough in point of honour , and in obligation to the Duke , in whose service they thought themselves not bound obstinately to lose their lives , he not being their natural Prince , nor they fighting for their Country : so Evangelista Tosti , a Perugian Captain , going out with the Governour and two Companies of Horse to Parley , he demanded four days Truce ; which being positively denied , the agreement was finally made upon these conditions : That all the Ravelines , Half-Moons , Stations and Fortifications which were without the Wall should be delivered up the next day ; that the next day after all the Souldiers should march both out of the City , and Citadel , with Drums beating , Trumpets sounding , Bullet in mouth , Match lighted , Colours flying , with all their Baggage , two pieces of Cannon , Mills , Cattel , Victuals , and with every thing else that belonged unto them : That they should have sufficient carriages allowed them to carry away their goods , their wounded men , and all their Implements ; besides many other Articles very favourable to those of Vercelles : upon which conditions Hostages being given on both sides , all things were performed with great fidelity , and satisfaction ; there march'd out 4109 Souldiers , part on foot , part on horse back , whereof 600 wounded , who were carried in Carts , and 300 staid in Vercelles , not being able to be removed ; they marched through the Enemies ranks , being praised by all for their valour . The Marquess of Calusio and the Engineer Sanfrone were met by Don Piedro , and the chief of the Army , and honourably received by them , and were accompanied by them to the Rendezvouz of Armes , where they took their leaves ; the Governour having in a grave and civil manner shew'd Calusio the great mischief of war , and the good which would redound by peace ; and therefore to offer the Duke the restitution of Vercelles , if he would be quiet upon reasonable conditions ; which that they might the better be concluded , he said he would be ready to speak by word of mouth with the Duke , in any place of safety . There died in this Siege , besides those that have been already named , Serbellone the Camp-master , the Count of Monte Castello , Brother to the Marquess of Soncino , Don Garzia Gomes General of the Artillery , Ieronymo Mormillo , a Neapolitan , and Lieutenant to Montenegro . The Governour himself , as he was visiting the Trenches , was shot in a place where he wore a●…certain relique about his arm , but received no harm : Montenegro received a shot upon a Button of gold which he had on his Doublet , but was not hurt : the Siege continued from the 24th of May , till the 26th of Iuly following . The Duke was not succoured by the French , as he hoped , and as it was commonly held he would ●…ave been ; the Marshal Diguieres , though he had often promis'd it , nor any other of that Nation , appeared in Piedmont ; whether they were st●…aitly commanded the contrary by the King ( whose commands they had formerly but little valued ) or whether corrupted by Spanish Gold , it is not known : it was known , that for the one or the other respect , there was p●…id at this time from the Court of Spain , to the Duke of Montelion , Emb●…ssadour for Spain , at Paris , 200000 Ducates ; and also because the peace being hotly Negotiated at this time ( whereof the French were ambitious to be the Arbitrators ; who , it may be , thoug●…t the King of Spain would be hardly brought to consent thereunto , whilst ●…e had not the better of the War ; ) they intended to gratifie him , by not opposing him in this enterprise ; not so much in respect that the parity of ●…greement between the King and Duke would be a dishonourable example to all great Kings ; as for that the King seeming to have ●…he better by the aking of Vercelles , and therefore satisfied in point of 〈◊〉 , ●…e might the more confidently , and with more reputation conclude it by their Kings means ; and it was generally held , that if the Duke had been assisted but a little by the French , Vercelles had not been so easily taken ; for the Duke coming one night with those few men he had , put the Spanish Camp into much fear and confusion , left by assaulting some one place he might make his way through the Enemy to the City : nor was the fear vain , nor danger small ; for the besiegers being imploi'd in defending so many places in the so long circuit of the Trench , and busied not so much in keeping the besieged in , as in keeping succour out , they might not peradventure have been able to resist the Duke , if he had furiously assaulted some one place with all his Forces close joyn'd together ; and so much the rather for that the Camp having suffered much hardship , they had lost not only many of their common Souldiers , but also many Officers : and half their Horse were dead for want of Fodder , and many horses were sick , so as they were reduced to so small a number , as oftentimes , of a whole company , not above six or eight entred the Guard ; and it often hapned that the Officers themselves were fain to serve for Guard , and to stand Sentinel all day long , having none to supply the place : the continual skirmishing about the Enemies Out Works consumed also many Foot ; and the extream hot weather , which came soon after , might easily have made the Enemy remove , had the Town held out a little longer : so as if any the least succour had come from France , the place might likely enough have been p●…eserved . The Duke therefore being grieved for the 〈◊〉 thereof , made the Governour Calusio and Tosti be presently imprisoned ; the first , for having been negligent in making necessary provisions for the defence of the Town ; and the other out of jealousie of some collusion with the Governour of Millain : but afterwards , when his anger was over , and that he found them faultless , he caused them to be set at liberty , and received them into former favour . Vercelles be●…ng taken , the Army being weary with hard duty , and much lessened by the running away , and by the death of many , was distributed into many places of the State of Millain , and of Montferrat ; a good part thereof was sent with the Neapolitan Horse into the State Cremona , and Lodigiano : not so much for that the rest of the Country being much wasted and ruined , they might refresh themselves in that part which had been yet untouched , as to make the Venetians the more jealous , who were then troubled with the neerness of the Fle●…t at Sea , and with the War of Friuli ; and very much fearing their Confines upon the State of Millain , which were but weakly munited , now that Vercelles was lost ; They having received many brushes in those parts by the Kings Souldiers ( as shall be said in its due place ) and would have received grea●…er , had not the general peace , which was then very hotly Negotia●…ed in the Court of Spain , been speedily concluded ; for the Emperour and the Archduke having ( at the pressures of the Venetian Embassadour , residing in that Court ) sent Christoforo Chefnelier , Count of Franchenberg , thither , as their Embassadour , with sufficient Commission to Negotiate , and to conclude peace ; and the Duke of Savoy , who after his acts of hostility against that Crown , ●…ad no Embassadour there , had made the s●…me Venetian Embassadour his Agent there ; after many debates , and discussions , the Articles of Peace were pronounced by the King in form as followeth : That the Archduke , who was then newly chosen King of Bohemia , should put a Dutch Garrison into Segna ; and that some of the Towns of Istria neerest to Segna , such as should be chosen by the Emperour , and Archduke , should be restored to the Archduke , that then two Commissaries should be chosen by the Emperour , and two by the Commonwealth of Venice , according to whose award all the adventitious and stipendiated Croates , who were wont to rove about before the beginning of this present war , should be dismis●… , but not those who had committed Piracy only in the time of war ; nor those who lived quietly at home ; that such as were banish'd by the Commonwealth should be driven out of the Archdukes Dominions , and that the Pyrates Vessels should be burnt : which being done , that the Commonwealth should restore all the Towns which they had taken , as well in Friuli , as in Istria , and in other places : that all Fortifications and hostile acts should cease on both sides , for the space of two moneths , to commence from the beginning of the execution of the agreement : in which time that which should be agreed upon should be performed : which when it should be done , all Forces , as well by Sea as Land , should be withdrawn , and Traffick should be restored to the same condition it was before the war began : that Prisoners on all sides should be set at liberty , and that all those who had served the Archduke should generally be pardoned : that the Emperour , and Archduke , should promise for themselves , and for the King of Spain , that the Crabates or Croates who should be driven out , should not be re admitted again , and that the said Princes should not suffer the Seas to be infested for the time to come , according to the Articles of Vienna , in the year 1612. the tenor whereof was set down word for word in the said Capitulation : that the Venetian Embassadour should declare , that the Commonwealths pretentions herein were only for what concern'd the expelling of the adventitious and stipendiary Crabates ; and of the Banditi , who rove about the Seas , and commit Piracy ; so as for the future Traffick might be safe , and free from Pirates ; but not concerning those who live quietly with their Wives and Children ; and for what concern'd the liberty of Navigation , it was left according to the custom of former times . These Articles were very honourable and advantagious for the Venetians , who thereby got the principal point of their pretences , and of their diffe●…ences with the Archduke , which consisted chiefly not only in freeing the Gulf from being molested by the Crabates Piracy , but that the performance thereof should precede the restitution of the places which they had taken , they being for the greater honour of the Emperour , and the Archduke , first to restore only one Town in Istria to them : which favour was the more freely granted them in the Court of Spain , for that the King supposing that he was to determine these Differences , as being chosen Arbitrator by the Commonwealth of Venic●… , and accep●…ed as such by the Emperour and the Archduke having ( that he might be the more modest in his Arbitrement ) been more careful in satisfying the Commonwealth ; thinking that by her freely remitting the differences to be decided by him , she had abundantly satisfied the off●…nces done by her to the Emperour and Archduke : but the Venetian Embassadour denied openly that he had ever treated that the King should be Arbitra●…or , but only Mediator of the differences ; and t●…at he had no Authority to Negotiate otherwise : so as constan●…ly refusing to accept thereof , he said he would send the Articles of agreement to the Commonwealth , to the end that she if she did like them might approve thereof : the truth of this business is hard to be known , it having passed between the Venetian Embassadour and the Duke of Lerma : many believed that the Embassadour had not thus in●…arged himself in words , without Commission from the Commonwealth , for his so doing ; to the end , that the King by intending to be Arbitrator of the differences , should not only incline to favour the Commonwealth in his sentence , but should also free the Commonwealth , and the Gulf , from being troubled by the Duke of Ossuna ; it seeming to be improper , that he should compose differences as Arbitrator ; and as an enemy make war upon those who had freely put the differences , and occasions of the war to his Arbitrement . On the other side , the Embassadour never having shewed any special command from his Prince , for the absolute remitting it to the King , nor no such thing being ever demanded of him , it made much for the contrary : but howsoever it was , the Duke of Lerma being much offended with t●…e Embassadour who persisted still in the negative , and being much concern'd , that so advant●…gious Articles for the house of Austria if they should not be received , and accepted , as pronounced by t●…e King , as by common Arbitrator ) should be taken out of the Kings power , without precedent submission of the Commonwealth ; sent for the Embassadour to a meeting where all the Embassadours of other Princes , ●…esident in that Court were , and did bitterly reprove him , main●…aining the contrary to what he affirmed to his face ; and the King being also very much offended , profest he would trouble himself no more with it , but remitted the whole Negotiation freely over to the Pope ; who when ●…e received the Kings Letters , shewed them to Abbot Alessandro Scaglia , brother to Marquess Calusio Embassadour Resident for the Duke at R●…me ; exhorting him to write unto his Prince , that the business might be brought to a conclusion . The Duke not confiding in t●…e Pope , for that he found him much inclined to satisfie Spain , and for that he had permitted-passage to the Horse which came from Naples to Lombardy , and for other things which he had done in fav●…ur of tha●… Crown , made the business known to the Embassadours of his Con●…ederate Friends and Princes ; and then sent to Rome to have the pea●…e concluded , with express Commission to his Embassadour , not to consent to any accommodation , except the Articles of Asti were observed , and unless the Venetians were secured , as had been formerly indeavoured . The Pope finding the Duke had not referr'd the business to his free disposal , as the King had done , was scandalized , and would not meddle with it ; so as it remained unperfected : but the same Capitul●…tions of Madrid being presented to the Senate at Venice , by the Popes Nuntio , and by the French Embassadour , just at that time when that City quaked for apprehension of the neerness of the Navy at Se●… , which having taken the Mahouns , was feared would draw neer their Washes ; and when Vercelles was lost , th●…y stood not much in approving of the same ; not as the award of the King , who was aut●…orized by t●…em to judge thereof ; but as propounded by him , as a friend , and a●… a mediator , in the common differences ; and the Venetians did the more willingly accept of them , because they se●…med not on●…y advantagious for them in all things which they could have desi●…ed , save in the restitution of the Mah●…uns ; but also for that they seemed like a propitious star , which in so great a fluctuation , promised to establish peace and t●…anquillity in the Commonwealth : they therefore forthwith dispatch'd away their commands to Ottaviano Buono , and to Vincenzo Guzzoni , the●…r Embassadours in ordinary , and in extraordinary , at Paris , to stipulate and confirm the same Articles with the King : they also impowered the said Embassadours to communicate the same to their Embassadour Gritti in Spain , that he might consent to the same Articles in that Court ; the Commonwealth having chosen to prefer the King of France his Authority before that of the King of Spain , were it either in respect of the differences which had past between her and the Ministers of that Crown ; or that by giving the honour to the King of France , and taking it from the King of Spain , they thought they did not only deny the King of Spain the Arbitrement of the affairs of Italy , which he pretended unto ; but that they did compound the business with more freedom and reputation , as if they thereby had made known to the world , that they had never been brought to receive the Laws of peace from the King of Spain , as that King had pretended ; he by his great interests with the Archduke , by succouring whom , and by his servant the Duke of Ossuna's Hostility , seeming in effect to be a party , and an enemy : this Commission being come to Paris , the State-Ministers of that King were no less desirous to have the business concluded , then were the Venetian Embassadours , in ambition that their King might seem to be the Arbitrator of differences in Italy ; and the King alledging for his justification that he knew the King of Spains good will , as also the danger which might insue by the breaking out of new and greater differences and difficulties , if the agreement should be deferred ; in the name of all the parties that were absent , for all which he ingaged his word , confirmed and ratified the same Articles as they had been pronounced by the Catholick King ; the Kings and Dukes Embassadours consented thereunto , who were not in any sort acquainted with this peace before it was concluded ; though the Duke , who to divert the war from the Territories of the Commonwealth had drawn it upon himself , would never , though never so much oppress'd , come to any agreement , unless the Commonwealth were therein comprehended , or secured from the Spanish Forces . The little respect which was shewen to the Catholick King increased the envy of this action , who being chosen Arbitrator by the Commonwealth , or according to thems●…lves , Mediator ; and having furthered the Capitulations with so much satisfaction to her , though against so great Princes , and so neerly allied to him , and who were assaulted by the Commonwealth ; she a●…erwards , not content to deny that Arbitrement which she seemed so fre●…ly to have granted him , or at least had signified her intention of granting it , had by applying her self to the King of France , made him the chief Author and Moderator of that peace , which she was to acknowledge howsoever , from the moderation and goodness of the King of Spain . But the peace seemed to be stipulated no less to the prejudice of the Commonwealth ; for that the restitution of the Mahouns was not therein comprehended , which since there was no breach between them and the King of Spain , ought , as was pretended , to be restored , as not taken in fair War. The Spaniards , on the other side , pretending that the Kings Declara●…ion to assist the Archduke was a permissive hostility , denied restitution ; and the King refusing to decide this point , the Embassadours were pacified with the Kings promise that he would make them be restored , and so the Articles of peace went forward . But the Commonwealth , partly that they might stand upon the advantage of reputation , partly to shun the hatred and envy which she purchased by that peace , and also for the King of Spain's and Duke of Savoy's satisfaction , without whose knowledge the peace was concluded , feigned to be very ill satisfied therewith , and , according to her accustomed cunning , laid the fault wholly upon the Embassadours , as if they had done it of their own heads without the Commonwealths knowledge : They therefore chose Seignieur Contarini in their place , and sent for them presently back to Venice , that they might give a severe account of that Action , pretending that they had exceeded their secret Orders and particular Instructions : They also complained hereof to all the Princes that we●…e their Friends , protesting that they would not stand to the Articles agreed upon in France . But whatsoever their secret Commissions were , first it is to be supposed , such prime Officers of the Common-wealth would not have transgressed so ; and moreover it is most certain , that their publick Orders and Instructions were general , and were sent after that the Senate had a Copy of the Articles published in the Court of Spain , after they had been debated in Venice , and after the Mahouns were lost : So as the Commonwealth could not only not acquit her self by these her exclamations , but did the more aggravate her fault , and made ●…er cause the more odious ; as if not content with the small respect she had shewn to the King of Spain , it had been lawful for her to treat the King of France so likewise ; who not having medled herein , save only at the Commonwealths request , and that he might do what would be very acceptable to her , she when she had got her desire and advantage thereby , would lay the fault upon the King which was her own : But this excess past not unreseated ; for the King stomaching this refusal gave order that the new Embassadour Contarini should be ce●…ain'd in Lyons , and not suffered to go from thence till the peace should be accepted of in Venice , and till the other Embassadours should be freed from all imputation , and should be fully restored to the enjoyment of all their dignities and places in the Commonwealth : And yet the Venetians persisting in this their pretention , a discourse in writing came forth not long after from Venice , by which the same Embassadours said , that they were forced by the King to stipulate that peace ; for ( as they alledged in that manuscript ) the King of Spain having referred the sole power of arbitrement of the differences in Italy to the King of France , the King of France desired to make use of and to exercise that power ; and that having notice , that the Duke of Savoy and the French passing into Piedmont after the surrender of Vercelles had committed violence in Alessandria , where they had taken some of the King of Spains Towns ; the King of France began to doubt , that the King of Spain , when this should be known , should alter his mind , and by reason of these innovations should revoke the power of arbitrement which he had already granted : So as out of a desire to end these differences before this News should come to the Court of Spain , he threatned to abandon the Affairs of the Commonwealth and of the Duke , in case the peace should not be speedily concluded ; and that he would joyn with t●…e King of Spain , to the prejudice both of the Venetians and Duke of Savoy ; and that he did so far persist in this , as he would not permit them time to send an Express to Venice : So as , thinking it the lesser ev●…l , they chose to comply with the Kings desires . Which Justifications , having neither substance nor solidity in them , did make the fault more apparent , and did much weaken the Commonwealths plea ; for if the King of Spain had referred the arbitrement of peace to the King of France , why was not the Spanish Embassadour called to this action ? why was not this expressed in the ingrossing of that peace , in the Preface whereof the King of France used as little forceable arguments as he could to honest the prevention , that he might justifie it to be his own action as much as might be ; and what more fair and honourable Justification could ●…e produce for himself then this ? how could the King of Spain transfer the arbitrement of the affairs of Dalmatia , Friuli , and Istria , to the King of France , since they belong'd directly to the Emperour and to the Archduke ? which falling principally in the terminat●…on of that peace , there was no reason why they should not only not be decided , but even not referred , without the knowledge of those Princes , and without the intervening of their Embassadours ; and t●…e alledged violences as little to be believed , if you either consider the Kings Person ; ( it being too contrary to the Laws of all Nations , and wherein the Common-wealths Embassadours would hardly have met with the same measure at the Divano in Constantinople : ) Or if you mind the rigorous discipline of the Venetian Common-wealth , which is a severe exacter of observancy of publick Orders and Commissions from their Embassadours ; it not being likely that the Senators of that Commonwealth should so easily be threa●…ened into so great a transgression ; For who could fear that that King , without any fault of the Dukes or Common-wealths , ( who were then absent , and knew not his Princely pleasure ; and which is of more moment , contrary to his own interest , ) should so threaten the Embassadours only for a little refractoriness ; every one being probably to believe that the King would have highly commended their wisdom and constancy in refusing to adhere unto him : As for the fear that the King of Spain should revoke the power of Arbitrement by reason of the new Commotions in Italy , the vanity of the Paper doth therein more appear ; since it is most certain , that the new Rumours and Insultations against the Towns in Alexandria began on the third , and ended on the ninth of September ; and that the peace was concluded in Paris on the sixth day of the same Moneth ; How could the King of France in so short a time have notice of that Commotion ? How could he so soon resolve what to do , not to lose the power o●… arbitrement granted him ? how could ●…e 〈◊〉 with the Embassadours , and afford them time to consult upon , delibera●…e , and stipulate the Peace ? adde to this the large Authority and Power which the Commonwealth gives unto her Embassadours , which they being to confer , as they did , were they not permitted to make peace ? And that if the peace agreed upon in Spain should not please the Common-wealth , that it should be stipulated in France . We may there●…ore probably conclude by that Paper , Writing , or Discourse , that the Common-wealths Embassadours were moved to that action rather out of any other respect then of that which was alledged : But let us return to our Story ; The same Capitulations which were stipulated in France ( as hath been said ) were twenty days after accepted in Spain , and agreed unto by the Emperours and Archdukes Embassadours in the names of their Princes ; by the Duke of Lerma in the King of Spains name , and by the Embassadour Gritti in the name of the Commonwealth ; for the Court and King of Spain finding that the King of Fra●…ce●…ad ●…ad medled in that peace , and that since he had made it he was ingaged to see it observed and put in execution , they did not think good by distasting that action to adde rumour to rumour , nor to make that war flame higher which they desired by all means to quench : To this may be added , that the Capitulations being dictated by the King of Spains self , and consequently approved of by him as just and honourable , he could not now disapprove them . Thus the Common-wealth kept the Spanish Armyes far from her Dominions by favou●… of the Duke of Savoys Forces , and got also that advantage in the Agreement by their cunning handling it , which was impossible for them to have done by their own Forces . The precise observancy of the Articles of Asti were likewise agreed upon at the Court at Madrid , between the Duke of Lerma , in the King of Spains name , and Embassadour Gritti , as Proctour for the Duke of Savoy ; together with a promise to release all p●…isoners , and to restore all places taken as well before as after the Treaty ; and the disputes between the Duke of Savoy and Duke of Mantua were also reciprocally suspended , t●…e Duke of Lerma ingaging himself in the Kings Name for the Duke of Mantua ; and the same Venetian Embassadour for the Duke of Savoy ; The negotiation of this T●…eaty , and form of composing the troubles of Piedmont , were therefore first particularly disgusted between the King of Spain and the Marquesses di Sense and de Gravesin , ex●…raordinary and ord●…nary Embassadours in that Court for the King of France , in manner as followeth . That the King should give order to the Governour of Millain , that when he should be secu●…ed by writing from the King of France , by Embassadour Be●…tune , that the Duke of Savoy had promised and would perform the Articles of Asti in three Points ; In laying down Arms ; In passing his word that he would not injure the Duke of Mantua ; And that he would refer his differences to be judged according to the Civil Law by the Emperour , the Governour should immediately desist from all Acts of Hostility , as was contained in the Articles of Asti : But for that affairs were altered since those Articles were made , the manner of withdrawing forces should be thus performed ; That the Duke should withdraw 1000 Foot from Santia , or from any other place where his Army should be ; That then the Governour should retreat as far backwards with his Army as Croce Bianca is distant from Asti ; That then the Duke should retreat with all his men from the said Station ; and the Governour should retreat with all his Army into the State of 〈◊〉 : Which being done , that the Duke should effectually lay down Arms within one Moneths space , as was agreed upon before Asti : That when that Moneth should be out , the Duke should restore not only the Towns of Montferrat , but all places that were held in fee-Farm , either of the Church , Emperour , or any other particular land-Lord ; and were taken as well before as since the Pea●…e of Asti ; And should set all Prisoners at liberty ; which being done , the Governour should do the like ; Who as soon as he should be assured by the King of France that the Duke had punctually observed all Articles , he should dispose of the Kings Forces as was contained in the Articles of Asti ; and should do whatsoever else remained for him to do ; That he should pass his word to the King of France not to offend the Duke of Savoy , nor trouble his Dominions for any thing that had happened ; all which Articles , as they were agreed upon in the preseuce , and at the intervening of Monsieur Antonio Caietano , the Popes Nuntio in that Court ; so it was ordered they should be performed in Italy , in the presence of Cardinal Lodovisio the Popes Nuntio in Piedmont : And to boot with these things , to the end that nothing agreed upon in Spain should be added unto or altered , as had been done in the Peace made at Asti ; it was also covenanted , That the King of France should give order to his Embassadour in Italy ; That he should not press the Governour to promise any thing , either by word of mouth , or in writing , which was not contained in that Agreement : And on the other side , the French Embassadour ingaging his Kings word to the King of Spain for the Dukes performance of all things promised : He also promised , That in case the Duke should dissent from what was agreed upon between them , or should put any difficulty in accepting or in performing them , his King should join his Forces with those of the King of Spain against the Duke , and force him to perform what was agreed upon . A Copy of this Agreement was signed by the King and by the French Embassadours , and given to the same Embassadours to be sent into France ; And it was also Covenanted , That the King should also give another Copy of the same under his hand to the Duke di Montelion , the Spanish Embassadour in Paris , to be by him sent into I●…ly to the Governour of Millain , that he might be the more ca●…tious and efficatious in performing what was agreed upon . And whilst Agreements are happily negotiated and concluded in France and Spain , the same , but not with the same success , was done in Piedmont and in the State of Millain ; For Don Pedro di Tolledo being pu●…t up with the getting of Vercelles , though in the discourses which past between him and the Marquess Calusio , the Cardinal Nuntio ; and the Embassadour of France , who spake with him in Vercelles , he seemed very desirous of peace , even so far as he offered to restore that City ; and desired nothing of the Duke but that he would lay down Arms , and do what was agreed upon at Asti : The Duke , who held himself to be baffled by him before the beginning of this last war , touching the observance of the Treaty of Peace , professing to distrust him much ; desired that the rise might be had by the surrender of Vercelles ; saying , That till then he would not disarm , nor observe the rest of the Articles of Asti , lest by Sophistical interpretations he might again be cavil'd out of the restitution of so important a place ; and so , though much to his disadvantage and greater charge , embroil Piedmont again . Having therefore refused to speak with the Governour , he kept still in Arms , being resolved not to lay t●…em down till Vercelles were restored : After t●…e surrender whereof , the Count of Oneria , General of the Horse in France ; the Duke of Rean , Marshal Diguieres , Monsieur di Termes , Count Candalle , Count Scomberge , with many other Lords , were come to Piedmont with great store of Horse and Foot : And the Marquess of Baden , with the Prince of Hannault , were likewise come thither from Germany , accompanied with many Souldiers : And those of Berne , in recompence of the general renouncing made by the Duke of certain Towns pretended to by him , and possessed by them upon the Confines of Savoy ; had at their own charge sent him 3000 Foot. The Duke finding himself to have , with these Recruits and with those that were come out of Vercelles , about 20000 Foot , and between 3 and 4000 Horse , was once more become Master of the Field : And on the contrary , the Governour having consumed many men , first in the besieging , and then in the Garrisoning of Vercelles , and having quartered the rest of his Army , which was much lessened , in several places far from the Confines of Piedmont , he was once more exposed to t●…e Dukes injuries ; who after Vercelles was lost , was become more powerful then he ; and who , being desirous to re gain , if not Vercelles , at least his Reputation for the loss thereof ; and to revenge himself for the losses and affronts which he had received ; had now opportunity to do it , not only by the increase of his own Forces , and by the Governours negligence , but he had also many about him who incited him thereunto , though he needed no inciters ; For the Commanders who were come from France being desirous of Novelties to allay the reputation of the Spanish forces , and to make the Duke an amends for the losses he had suffered by their so long delay ; approved of his distrust as just and reasonable ; and said They would never go out of I●…aly till they should see the Duke repossess'd of Vercelles : The Popes Nuntio , and the French Embassadour going to Allessandria to treat with the Gov●…rnour , desired him that he would either restore Vercelles , or deposite it into the Popes hands , or into those of the King of France , or into the hands of some other Prince that he might confide in , whilst the Duke should really disarm , and should observe the whole remainder of the Treaty of Peace : But the Governours distrust was no less ; who thinking that the Duke had not the first time proceeded si●…cerely in point of disarming , thought he might justly doubt he would much less do it when Vercelles should be restored : So as he would not depend therein upon the wills of others ; nor thought he that it suited with his own reputation , nor with the dignity of the Kings Forces , not to reap any good by the so much labour and so much monies spent in the taking of that City ; and he likewise was loth to hazzard it , lest when the Duke should have regained Vercelles , and being so well provided of Forces , he might aspire after greater things ; but then considering how strong the Duke was grown by his new Recruits , and that other Souldiers were marching to side with him on this side the Mountains , he did not openly refuse to consent to the propounded propositions ; but pretending sometime ; to advise with his Councel ; sometimes that since there was question touching the alteration of the Articles of Asti , by which disarming was to precede ●…estitution , the Nuntio nor Embassadour had no power from their Princes to alter them ; he was ambiguous in his answers , that he might delay the conclusion as much as he might ; thinking by this ambiguity and irresolution to make the Duke suspend his intentions , as well as his Forces , which being collectitious and made up of many Nations , it was probable they would crumble away , especially since the Duke had not monies any ways sufficient to pay them : Whereas , on the contrary , his men being refreshed , and lately increased in numbers , he hoped to have the better . Wherefore seeing the Duke so strong , he had already given order for making new Levies of men in several parts , and sent for a great part of his Army into Alessandria and the parts thereabouts . But the Duke , and the French more then he , finding by these tergiversations and windings about but small inclination in the Governour to part with Vercelles , they did distrust him the more ; and therefore being unwilling to be ●…ed with vain hopes , or to wait till the Governours Forces being augmented , he might treat of agreement upon advantage , and as having the upper hand might prescribe them Laws in the making of peace ; being moreover desirous not to return to France without leaving some memory of their actions in Italy they instigated and encouraged the Duke , who was desirous of revenge , and to revenge himself for what he had lost , to assault some Towns in the State of Millain : Which opinion ( as many thought ) wrought upon the French Embassadour , upon whose Authority the Forces of that Nation and their Actions did depend ; and this general opinion was grounded not only upon the eager inclination of so many Commanders of his Nation , who were continually by him , for leave to assault some of the King of Spains Towns , but also upon his not being satisfied with the Proceedings he met with in Alessandria concerning composure of differences . Count Guido his re-admittance , which was constantly denied by the Duke of Mantua , was also no little hinderance to the businesses of Italy : The Duke being therefore resolved to make use of the present occasions , went from Asti upon the coming on of night with his two Sons , Victorio and Thomaso , upon pretence that the Governour by his recalling of his men from Alessandria threatned to assault that Town ; and he carried along with him about 10000 Foot and 2000 Horse ; the M●…rshalled on the Van , with whom was Monsieur di Termes ; and upon break of day they came to Filizzano , a great Town belonging to the King , but open and without walls , where about 1500 Trentinians were quartered ; who refusing upon any whatsoever condition to surrender the Town , Prince Victorio and Prince Thomaso came up with the main body of the Battle , and gave an assault , wherein it was bravely fought on both sides ; the Assailants were thrice repuls'd ; but at last those within having no way to defend themselves but by setting their Carts and Carriages cross the way , they were overcome at the fourth assault , and all of them put to the Sword , together with many of the Town of all sexes and ages , some few whereof were taken Prisoners ; and the Town , together with nine Colours of the Trentinians , and two Colours of the Townsmen , fell into the Dukes power . Refrancore was surrende●…ed to Count Guido by the Garrison , which were 100 Swissers , who , as being Confederates with the Duke , were sent home unprejudiced : Ribaldone also , and some other Towns beyond the Tannaro , being terrified at what had befallen Filizzano , surrendered ; whereby Nizza , Acqui , and Bistagno , together with all the Langa , even to the Sea , being in a manner cut off from Alessandrino , were much endangered , lest the Duke should possess himself of them , to hinder the passage of those who were expected to come to the State of Millain from beyond Sea , and particularly 500 Spanish Foot , who were at that very time landed at Savona . But the Duke and the French , it is not known for what reason , leaving that Enterprize of greater consequence , advanced to Quattordici , where there were two Companies of Trentinians , who having leave to march out with a Cane in their hands , yielded the Town unto the Duke , who marched farther on to take Solleri and Corniento in the County of Alessandrino , not above six miles distant from the City . The Governour , who ( as hath been said ) was there , sent Lodovico Guasco , though he were not yet well cured of his wounds received before Vercelles , with 200 Horse to discover the Enemy , and , if it were possible , to withstand his violence ; as also to back the Countrey people who retreated into the City ; who coming near the Enemy had some sleight Skirmishes with them ; but being assaulted by a body of Horse he was forced to flye , being charged to even underneath the Walls of the Town . This put the City into much terrour and confusion , seeing the Enemy advance so couragiously ; whilst many of Castellazzo , Bosco , and of all the parts thereabouts , not thinking themselves safe in that City , sent their Wives and Goods into the Towns of Genoa : And the Alessandrians putting themselves in arms stood to defend the Walls , hourly looking to be assaulted by the Enemy ; and truly , there not being in that City above 6000 Foot , and some Horse Companies , there being also but little victuals there●…n , nor in the parts thereabouts ; and the honour of the Spanish Force●… lessening through ill Government , as also the peoples inclination to them , who were weary of so troublesome a War , the State of Millain was much endangered . All the Forces of Montferrat were therefore sent for to defend that City , and were quartered thereabouts : Wherefore Giovan Ieronimo Doria , their Commander , having immediately given order that they should all meet in Cuccaro , except those who were to guard the Towns of Montferrat , march'd out himself with 2500 Foot , and 400 Horse , and not tarrying for others who were coming to him , resolved to put himself into Alessandria : But the Duke and the Marshal having notice thereof endeavoured to meet him upon the way , and to fall upon him with all their Forces , and defeat him . As they were in pursuit of him they understood he was past on ; so leaving their Foot behind them , they advanced with their Horse , and about evening got up unto him . Doria was not affrighted when he saw himself assaulted at a distance , nor lost he either courage or counsel ; but fortifying himself upon a plain , neer a little hill , which was fenced on the front by a great ditch , and by some lesser ditches on the sides , he placed the Foot there , and left the Horse without , that they might first receive the encounter , which if they could not sustain , that then they might withdraw themselves into the plain : The Horse resisted gallantly ; but not being able to hold out against so great a number , they retreated in good order to the Foot , whereinto whilest the Duke and Marshal endeavoured to penetrate , they were so fiercely saluted by volleys of Musket-shot , which were so opportunely discharged , as though wheeling about on all sides , they strove to break in upon them , they could never do it ; but after the death of many of the assailants , and the imprisonment of some , amongst which Monsieur di St Andres de Vius , a Gentleman of Provence , was one , the night coming on already apace , they retreated ; and Doria came the same night to ●…u , and from thence , by the way of St Salvadore , to Allessandria , where he was received by the Governour with much honour and applause . The Governour was then , by reason of the diversity of his Officers opinions , very much confused , and unresolved what to do ; some would have him go out with those men which he already had , and with others who were coming , and to encounter the Enemy in the field ; others , that he should keep within the Walls , and defend the City ; Doria was for his keeping in the City , telling him , that the French could not keep the field long , nor do any thing against any of the chief Towns , for that they were well munited ; and that the Enemy not being able to keep together long for want of moneys , would quickly moulder away , and being reduced to a smaller number , would be assaulted upon better advantage , and overcome with less danger ; and because they feared Valenza upon the Poe , it not being very well Garrisonn'd , Doria took upon him the defence thereof , and entred thereinto with about a thousand Horse . The Duke despairing to do any good upon the City , whereinto many men were entred , and did still enter , set fire on Felizzano , and the places thereabouts , and went against Annone , a strong place , and which was guarded with about 2000 Foot , but ill provided of powder or ammunition : Those within came out against him , but were soon made to retreat back into the Town by Termes : The Cannon being afterwards mounted , they came to battery , and from thence to assault , which being luckily made on three sides , the defendants not being able to resist long for want of Ammunition , retreated tumultuously into the Castle ; which not being better provided of Ammunition than was the Town , and much 〈◊〉 with victuals for so great a multitude ; and being little , and incapable of so many men ; whereas with a proportionable Garrison it might have defended it self , it became undefendible through the multitude of defendants , and was forced to treat of surrender the sooner , as not having wherewith to feed so many people ; it was therefore agreed , That they should march forth with their Arms ; and that they should be convoyed to the Kings Territories ; which Agreement being afterwards too sophistically interpreted by the Duke , they were sent to the County of Burgony , which was then under the King of Spain , that they might serve no more in this present War : they then went speedily by the Bridge which was cast over the Tannaro , to Arazzo , which was immediately abandoned by the Garrison consisting of 1500 Foot , who seeing the Bridge thrown over , and the Dukes men march over it , retired into Alessandria ; but being pursued by Termes , and Monsieur della B●…rsce , they were assaulted on the Rere , where were 300 Swissers , who after no long dispute basely yielded , their lives , but not their Arms , being saved ; in which in erim the rest of the Garrison , who march'd on , without ever turning back upon the Enemy , or succouring their companions , had time to get safe into Alessandria : wherefore the Governour , who was ill counselled , and whose Forces were but weak , not thinking it safe to march out into the fields , and to expose his men , whereon the defence of the State of Millain did wholly and solely depend , to the uncertainty of Battle , stood looking on whilst his Country was burnt and destroyed , his Garrisons slain , and his Towns taken by that Enemy , whom ( though once superiour to him in Forces ) he could not overcome , because he knew not how to use the Victory . But perhaps the Dukes destiny is to be raised up when he is at the lowest , and to be opprest when he is at the greatest height ; to the end that never keeping in the same condition , he should be a singular example to the world both of good and bad fortune . The Governour complained , and protested under his hand to Cardinal Lodovisio , that he was assaulted by the Duke , and by the French with the Forces and Ensignes of the Kingdom under publick faith , for that the affairs of the war were already agreed between the two Kings , which had kept him from making provision of new men ; and by Expresses sent speedily away to Paris he made the like complaints to the King of France , accusing his Ministers , that by assaulting the State of Millain with the Arms and Ensigns of France , they had broken the good understanding , and the Conventions of peace which were agreed upon between their Majesties of France and Spain : But on the other side , seeing so many French and Dutch in Piedmont , and fearing that they had higher aims , he did the more sollicite , that the new levies might be made which were already appointed : and , as if the safety of the whole State of Millain had been therein concern'd , he writ into Spain for speedy supplies of money ; and demanded the succour from the Princes of Italy , which they were bound to send for the defence of the State of Milain ; and to the Viceroy of Naples , that he would immediately send him the Souldiers which were in the Fleet , it being then returned from the Gulf ; for it was not thought that the peace , though concluded , would be observed , by reason of the Dukes new resentments , wherein it was much doubted , that dissimulation might be used ; though it was known , that the King of France had sent in all haste to the Court of Spain to excuse himself for what had happened , as being done contrary to his orders , and beyond all expectation , through the too great fervor and ardency of his Commanders , who were more inclin'd to novelty , then that their two Majesties should joyn together in Union : And if the Duke , when he was beaten and under batches , was so little pliable to Treatie ▪ of peace , how much less was it likely that he would now con●…ent thereunto when he was on the upper hand ▪ How was it to be believed , that ●…e and the other Commanders should abandon so ra●…e an occasion in the present conjuncture of times , and accompanied with so great good success ? But the errours were already too much multiplied , which were committed either in undertaking , or in prosecuting the war : the ●…aking up of Arms for a meer punctillio of honour had produced too bitter fruits : the King and Court of Spain having been interessed in this war , contrary to their own will , by their Ministers in Italy ; minding now more the safety and quiet of Italy , then the honesting of an advantagious peace , which was that for which the Italian Agents fought , did detest the continuance thereof beyond measure ; and the King of France , not being able to minde the affairs of Italy , and not being desirous to lose the honour of having once again made peace in Italy , wish'd that it might be made by any whatsoever means ; and therefore as the King of Spain accepting of the King of France his satisfactions had sent very precise Orders into Italy for the execution of what was agreed upon ; so the King of France having upon the complaints made by the Governour sent a Messenger into Italy to reprehend the French Lords and Commanders sharply for what they had done , and to wish them upon pain of grievous punishment to desist , Italy was freed from the troubles of the late war , and from the fear and dread of that which was to insue ; which was likely to have been more cruel and bloody then the former . So as the Duke seeing himself , on the one side , at it were abandoned by the Venetians , and that the two Kings were desirous he should agree ; and on the other side , that he had brought his affairs to such a pass , as that he might compound with satisfaction , gave way to what was establish'd in France , and in Spain ; the rather , for that he was fully secured by the King of France , that Vercelles should be restored , and that his State should be secured and defended . Thus then the here under-written Articles were made on the ninth of October in Paris , whither the Governour was gone , between the said Governour and the French Embassadour , with the Cardinals assistance , and intervening . That the Duke should lay down Arms before the present moneth October should be ended , according to the peace of Asti : of which disarming the Embassadour promised the Governour should have notice given him by the King of F●…ance : that he should restore all places appertaining to the Duke of Mantua , to the Church , to the Empire , and to whatsoever particular person : this being done , that the Governour , to comply with the King of France his desire , should in the King his Masters name , restore immediately whatsoever had been taken during the war : that all prisoners should be set at liberty on both sides as soon as the Duke should have restored : that this being done , the Governour should dispose of his Army according to the Articles of Asti : upon these terms a period was put to the wars of Lombardy and Piedmont : and the Duke at last laid down Arms , rather for that he had less occasion to use them , then that his desire to use them was lessened . Rumours ceased not for all this on the Venetians behalf ; they were freed from fear of the Spanish Fleet , which was gone by the Kings command from the Gulf , and retreated into the Tyrrhene Sea ; they perceived the weakness of the Spanish Counsels and Forces in Lombardy ; that the Dukes Forces by the great recruits from France and Germany had got the upper hand : they argued by the dissimulation used in the Court of Spain , and by the insultings suffer'd in Alessandria , that the King and that Court were weary of war in Italy ; and desirous to make peace upon any terms . They therefore being confident that they should meet with the same respect and the like ; usage , notwithstanding the peace already made , will continue the Siege of Gradisca , which they saw was reduced to so great streights as it could not long hold out : howsoever , were it either for the reputation of their Forces , or out of a desire of getting that Town , they could not think of coming empty-handed out of this war , wherein they had been at so much pains and expence : and doubtlesly , if they had effected their intention , all things would have been again in great disorder , so loth would they have been to part with that they had gotten : but their Counsel proved not at all fortunate ; for Archduke Leopold , who had still an eye to the conduct of that war , upon the Confines of Friuli , and the Spanish Embassadour Resident in Venice knowing how impossible it was to be relieved , nor having any other means whereby to provide for the preservation of that place , writ to the Governour of Millain , letting him know in what danger it was of being lost , unless , as the last remedy , he would molest the Confines of the Commonwealth on his side . The Governour therefore made many of the Forces who were quartered upon those Confines pass into the Counties of Bergomo and Crema , who took from the Venetians the Castle of Fara ; and went afterwards to Romano , where though they were repuls'd yet they over-ran the neighbouring Towns , plundering and carrying away great store of prey , to the very great prejudice of the people in those parts ; for the Venetians were wholly unprovided there ; wherefore fearing some worser thing if that commotion should increase , they sent for the Spanish Embassador into the Colledge ; this Embassador was Don Alphonso della Cuena , Marquess of Belmar , who at the Kings request was afterwards made Cardinal : he having been always very attentive to the success of affairs in Venice had by his seasonable advice and instructions sent to Naples , Millain and Germany , been a good help to the carrying on of that war for the advantage of the King and Archduke , and consequently , had been prejudicial to the Venetians ; who being therefore ill looked upon by them , and hated , as one who pryed too narrowly into their intentions and actions , had not for many moneths of late negotiated with any one neither in private nor in publick : being upon this occasion sent for to the Colledge , after many complaints and alterations made by the Doge on the one side , for the Fleets having entred the Gulf in an hostile manner , and for the fresh assaults made by the Souldiers of Millain ; and by the Embassadour on the other side , for the war made upon the house of Austria , for the continual helps and fomentations administer'd to the wars of Piedmont , and for the Siege continued before Gradisca , contrary to the Articles of peace already agreed upon , and accepted by them ; the Venetians thought it good at last to be content , that if the Embassadour would promise that all hostile acts should cease in the parts towards Millain , they would suffer so much Victuals to be daily ca●…ried into Gradisca as should serve for their daily nourishment ; and that this agreement should last , till such time as peace were put in execution : which though it were already done with reciprocal satisfaction on all sides by Land , yet were not the Venetians free from being injured and insulted over by Sea ; for when the Spanish Fleet was gone from the Gulf , the Venetians began to fall foul upon the Ragusians , in resentment of their having given receptacle in their Havens to the Fleet which wronged he Subjects and Towns which were under the Commonwealth . The Ragusians had recourse to the Viceroy of Naples , who was commanded to protect them by the King of Spain , since they live under his protection : their recourse was not in vain , nor was the Viceroy slow in their revenge ; who forbore not to vex that Commonwealth once more , which he did prosecute with so vehement hatred ; wherefore since he could not have the Gallies in a readiness for this new attempt , he sent Rivera into the Adriatick Sea with 18 Patacks and Galleoons , very well vers'd in what belong'd to warlike affairs , who coming on the 15th of Novemb. above Raggugia , kend the Venetian Fleet a far off , conducted by Veniero ; which coming from forth the Haven of San Croce , within half a mile of Raggugia , came to assault him . The Venetian Fleet consisted of 19 Galleoons , 6 Galleasses , 32 small Gallies , and 15 large Albanese Vessels , which in all made up the number of 72 bottoms : a Fleet certainly advantagious for the greatness , or number of the Vessels , and for the store of Artillery , and much exceeding that of Rivera , but so bare of men , as the Souldiery came not to 2300 , and the Mariners and Oar-men were not so many as were requisite : the Sea was that day very calm , and the air very still ; so as the Viceroys Galleoons not being able to move , and the Venetians Fleet coming on leisurely , they came at last , about Sun-set , to within two Cannon-shot of one another : here they stood looking one upon another , not doing any thing : the Venetian Fleet having put themselves into the form of a Half-moon , began to discharge their great Guns , though at a distance , with intent , if not of offending , at least of scaring the Enemy , and of keeping him far off : this firing their Guns so far off , and at all adventures , wrought contrary effects to what the Commander imagined ; for the Spaniard believing this to be a bravado of the Enemy , and that he detested coming to close fight , grew more confident , and placing his hopes of Victory in boarding indeavour'd when the Sun was up to fall on : but the wind proving scarce , he was forced to temporize till about noon , when the wind beginning to blow more briskly , he couragiously assaulted the Enemies Fleet ; and having past and repast several times amidst them with his Admiral , which was of a large bulk , excellently well munited , and very yare , and having prejudiced them much with his great Guns , and slaine many of them with Musket-shot , he infused such terrour into the Venetians , as throwing themselves behind the Banks and Waste-cloaths , and retiring to the safest parts of their Vessels , they did almost give over all defence , minding e●…ch m●…n his own safety , and to preserve themselves from death . General Veniero ran to and fro couragiously amongst them , shewing much undauntedness ; he incourag'd some , threatned others , and struck divers , to make them stand to their Arms and Fight : but so little was Military discipline observed , so great their terror and consternation of mind , as they gave no obedience to their Generals ●…uthority , entreaties or commands : The wind grew at last to a great storm , in the beginning whereof Veniero doubting that his lesser Gallies would not be able to k●…ep at Sea , made the Souldiers that were in them pass into the Galle●…sses , and ordered the Gallies to retreat ; indeavouring in vain to make the Captains of their Galleasses to fall upon the enemies Gall●…oons now that the defendants were doubled ; and he himself geting into the Galleoon Balby , put his valour to its utmost trial , as also that of his Souldiers ; but their courage and animosity not being answerable to his , and cowardise and fear of death reigning even there as well as elsewhere , his presence nor Authority was no more respected then it had b●…en formerly : At last , the coming on of night , the tempestuousness of Seas and wind , parted the Fray : The Venetian Vessels , without order or any command , retreated in disorder into several parts of Slavonia and Albania , being scattered , some here , some there , ●…orn and rent no less by the enemies Cannon , then by the Storm at Sea ; two of the smaller Gallies , with all the men that were in them , sunk at high Sea ; three others running upon shore were split , but their men saved : And the Viceroy●… Galleoons , the enemies Fleet being fled , and they consequently being left Masters at Sea , not caring to pursue them , went to Manfre●…onia in Puglia , and from thence to Brindi●…i , having lost only 8 fighting men , and 30 wounded ; but their Vessels were much rent by the Venetian Cannon , which was peradventure the cause why they did not pursue the enemy , and make themselves masters of the whole Fleet. The Common-wealth was not a little afflicted at the success of this Ba●…tel ; they were so scandalized and incensed with the Captains and many of the Officers , as they put many of them out of their places , and imprisoned many of the Masters and Masters-Mates , who had been most guilty of Cowardise ; particularly , the Captains of the Galleasses , because scorning their Generals Command , they had not the courage to assault the enemy : And Veniero , for having shewed so much courage and valour upon this occasion , was made Procurator of St Mark , an eminent Dignity in that Common wealth , and next to the Doge ; but finding how little authority he had over his Captains , and that he was a more practical , experienced , and daring Commander , then became a wary Admiral of the Venetian Fleet to be ; the Common-wealths intrinsical intentions being that by no means ( no not upon evident hopes of victory ) he should hazzard a Battel as he had done ; they put another in his place ; but fearing yet worse , other Ships and Vessels of war being come to them from Holland and England , with 3000 Dutch Foot , conducted by Count Levestein at the Common-wealths charges ; so as their Fleet was greater then before , wherein was 40 Gallies , 34 Galleoons , ●…6 Galleasses , and other smaller Vessels ; they put the Souldiers that were come from Holland , and those that were come from before Gradisca , into them , and sent them out of their Washes commanded by Pietro Barbarico , Procurator of St. Mark , who upon this occasion was made General at Sea : There hath not been in our times any Fleet of the Common-wealths like unto this , so powerful and so well furnished with fighting men , which being for the most part Forreigners caused notwithstanding more fear then confidence in the Common-wealth , she being naturally cautious in all her actions , and extreamly diffident of forreign forces , unless they be justly counterpoised by her own Country men ; therefore not trusting them with so great a Fleet , but apprehending much that the Fleet might be utterly lost by any unthought of accident , by the sudden sedition or mutiny of the Souldiers , or secret intelligence between the Captains ; they by a new and unheard of advice , took order that neither Powder nor Shot should be delivered out to the Souldiers : Thus did this Fleet scour over the Adriatick Sea , more out of pomp and ostentation , to shew that Maritime Empire which she could but ill make good against much inferiour enemies , then out of any present need ; for the Viceroys Galleoons were already by orders from the King withdrawn into the Tyrbene Sea : The Common-wealth did notwithstanding apprehend that storm nee at hand , and even with the very City of Venice , which they so much fea●…ed would fall upon their Fleet ; for some forreign Souldiers remaining yet in the City , the Senate had either notice , or were jealous , that they had secretly plotted to burn the Arsenal , to Plunder the Mint-house , the Custom-house , and publick-Treasury ; and to do yet more , if their design should prove fortunate . The Duke of Ossuna was said to be the chief Authour of this Conspiracy ; who having taken many Souldiers into his pay at Naples , and of seve al Nations , but the most of them French , had corrupted them by monies and large promises , and had sent them , by a few at a time , to Venice , where they were willingly entertained by the Common-wealth , by reason of their great scarcity of Souldiers : This was given out to be the carriage of this business , though the publick Transactions were very secretly supprest by the Senator ; and were it not for the punishment inflicted upon many , there appeared not any the least signe of such a Conspiracy , either before or after the execution of such wicked ones ; nay , many circumstances were repugnant , if not to the truth , yet to the probable possibility of what was divulged : nay there were those who with rational arguments proved the vainness thereof . It was also observed that the Common-wealth , which was wont to exaggerate in all Princes Courts against the Spaniards , and to make their Agents to be conceived violent and insiduous of what was other mens , said not a word upon this so great occasion , and past it over with miraculous silence , not only towards the Princes who were their friends , but rather to their resident Embassadours ; unless it were that not being able to dissemble the business with the latter , who were present at so strange an accident , they acquainted them with a certain Plot , but in very general terms , which was accompanied with much ambiguity : They spoke not one word thereof to the Spanish Embassadour , though he was firmly believed to have a hand in it ; and who came the next day into the Colledge boldly to demand , as he pretended , better provision for the safe●…y of his person against the popular insultings ; but in effect to witness his innocency to the world by that his confident appearance : And it is most certain that the people would have hardly been kep●… from committing some insolencies upon his person , if any thing of certain or of ambiguous had appeared against him : What ever the business was , many Forreigners , and particularly all the French Souldiers , were with much universal error led to the common Gaol , and many of them hung up by the heels afterwards , and many drown'd ; and upon the arriv●…l of Faluca sent from Venice to the Fleet , whilst it was upon the Island Corsola , by order from General Barbarico , one Iacomo Pier , a French man by Nation , was put into a Sack and cast into the Sea : This man being a Pyrate , and having gotten some same , was first entertained by the Duke of Ossuna for the service of the Fleet ; and passing afterwards , without leave , over to the Venetians , was received with great honour and extraordinary pay . Captain Pettardiers , his companion , had somewhat a differing end ; he was first Strapado'd , and then hung by the foot upon the main-Mast ; For the Duke of Ossuna's part , it was manifest , that being fled from his service to serve the Venetians , he gave publick order for the disbursing of 4000 Duckats to them out of the Venetian Banks , as a gracious reward for their service , and for the remainder of pay which was due to them ; and that he had been thus liberal ●…o them , only for that it being known in Venice , they would be suspected by the Common-wealth . These accidents , were they either true or false , did notwithstanding no way prejudice the main business of the peace agreed upon : For the Venetians ( as hath been said ) had been very silent therein ; being satisfied with the restitution of Fara in the Country of Bergamo , they were content to attribute all the disorder which had happened there to military disobedience , and not to the Governours commands , as the Governour himself confess'd it was : For what remained , they promised reparation for any damage done by the Common-wealth in this Commotion ; which notwithstanding was never given ; and but very small satisfaction was given to the Merchants for their Vessels which were taken in the Gulf ; though the King of Spain writ very punctually concerning it to the Viceroy . The performance of the Peace of Asti was reserved for the last , and for the satisfaction of the Duk●… of Savoy , Count Gualdo's Restauration , to the which none being obliged by the Articles of Asti but the King of France , who ingaged himself for it , it appeared impossible that the Duke of Mantua should ever be brought to consent thereunto ; neither would , nor could the King of Spain in reason compel him thereunto ; but as Protector of Montferrat , he was bound to defend it , as he had formerly promised to do , against all the delinquents of that State : Yet the King of France being much concerned in seeing the Duke of Savoy satisfied , by what he had undertaken by the Capitulations of Asti ; and the Duke threatning new Commotions against Montferrat , which was not likely to have succeeded without the consent and assistance of the King of France , who was distasted at the Duke of Mantua's so great obdurancy ; both the Kings having therefore acquainted the Duke of Mantua with the new inconveniencies which were likely to insue , and also desired him by their Embassadours , that he would pardon Count Guido ; the Duke preferring Peace and the publick good before his private revenge and anger , and being also moved by the example of both those Kings , who , as also their Fathers , ( Princes of so great Authority ) had pardoned more hainous Delinquents ; resolved at last to pardon him , and to restore him to his former Estate and Honour ; whereby the wished for end was put to the Wars of Piedmont and Montferrat ; which certainly would have put Italy into her former peaceful condition ( for there was nothing more desired by the Court of Spain then this ) had not the Statists in Italy , by new and unthought of accidents , ingaged her in new Wars against her Will and Genius . The End of the Sixth Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . Book VII . The Contents . IN this seventh Book you have the condition of the affairs of Italy , after the appeasement of the War of Piedmont . The death of two Popes , as also the death of the King of Spain , and of the Emperour . The Insurrections in the Valtoline ; the occasions of new rumours which arose from hence , in Italy , of new jealousies , and of new Leagues made by many Princes against the Crown of Spain . The Forts of the Valtoline deposited into the Popes hands . The Prince of Wales his Iourney into Spain . The Prince of Urbin's death : and the approaching Escheate of that State : And lastly , the seeds of new troubles rising between the Genuese , and the Duke of Savoy , by reason of their having purchased the Fee farm of Zucca●…ello , whereat the Duke was displeased . Here are also touched , by way of passage , some accidents of War , which hapned in Germany , Flanders , and in the East and West-Indies . THe present Peace of Italy , being procured by the unanimous consent of the two Kings , and by the Venetians so great cunning , was commonly thought would continue long ; and that the affairs of this Province , agitated by so many , and so various p●…rturbations , would now be in quiet ; for the two Crowns being taught by the last Occurrences , began to know what prejudice their reciprocal fomenting of each others Rebels and Enemies was to their Authority ; and that being now joyn'd in good intelligence , they should give the Law to all , and compel all lesser Potentates to reverence them , and to depend upon their pleasure , and they seemed to ●…e so cemented together by their mutual advantage and interest , as no fear was to be had of any future breach between them : wherefore though the Duke of Savoy was not fully satisfied with the Peace ; yet having lost the leauingstock of France , and the being fomented by the Venetians , his discontentment was not to be feared , chiefly since finding palpably by the peaces being concluded : by the Venetians without his intervening or participation , that that Commonwealth had assisted him more for their own private ends , then for the good of the common cause , it had totally deprived him of placing any future hope in them ; and if when he was joyn'd with them , and upheld by the French , he had got no other good by so many wars , by such labours and dangers , then the bare venting of his anger , and some satisfaction that he had been the first of all the Italian Potentates that had dared to withstand the Spanish Forces , which were formerly held so formidable by all Italy ; and mortal to whosoever should provoke them ; what could he hope for , or pretend ●…nto without them ? and yet the King of Spain fearing lest the Dukes dissatisfaction might occasion new troubles in Italy , and that the unconformity of his humour with that of his , the Kings , Agents in Italy , migh●… afford fuel for new fire ; he sent for Don Pietro di Tolledo back to Spain , and made Don Gomez Alvarez di Figuer●…a and Cordova , Duke of Feria , Governour of Millain , in his place : a Gentleman of a more benigne , and temperate spirit , not by inclination any way averse to the Dukes affairs ; as Don Pietro had appeared to be , and the King did not only shew some dislikes of Don Pietro's comportments , but gave precise command to the new Governour to have a great care to keep peace in Italy , and to live neighbourly with her Potenta●…es , and more particularly that he should study by all possible means , how to sweeten the Duke of Savoy , and to regain his good will , which was much ali●…nated by the late acci●…ents ; and not herewithall satisfied , he for the same respects removed Rodorig●… Orasca , Marquess of Mortara , from the Government of Alessandria , and had like to have done so to by Don Iohn Vives , both of them being thought to be well-wishers to Novelty , and the Dukes enemies ; and for that the latter was not very acceptable to the Commonwealth of Genoa . But his long experience in the affairs of Italy , wherein he had been long vers'd , and his not having any occasion to meddle directly in the Dukes affairs , kept him in his former place . Satisfaction was likewise indeavoured to be given to the Venetians ( so great a desire was there , not to cause any more troubles in Italy ) wherefore the Marquess of Belmar , Resident Embassadour in Venice , was at the earnest desire of that Commonwealth removed from thence , and sent to be Resident Embassadour in Flanders . The Vice●…oy of Naples had also precise orders sent him , to restore the Mahouns and the Merchandize which was taken in the Gulf ; and not long after , at the pressure of the Neapolitans , another was sent to succeed Ossuna : and a certain difference arising between the Office●…s in Millain , and those of the Commonwealth , by reason of the usual passage of Souldiers , who going from the Territories of Millain to those of Cremona , touched upon some part of a controverted Territory , the King caused the business to be decided , with satisfaction to the Venetians : and the new Governour Feria , who was very desirous to preserve peace , and to pluck up all occasions by the roots which might occasion new Ruptures between the Dukes of Savoy , and Mantua , listned first to the Duke of Mantua , who being impatient to be still subject to be molested by the Duke of Savoy , and being also desirous of revenge , for the losses and injuries which he had suffered , indeavoured to give the Duke of Savoy a more powerful neighbour then himself ; wherefor coming to Pavia , where he spoke with the new Governour , he offer'd to yield up Montferrat to the King of Spain , upon the receiving of another State , by way of change , which might be equivalent to Montferrat : a business which could not be effected , as well by reason of the inequality of the bargain , as for that it was of an odious consequence , and badly resented not only by the Duke of Savoy , but by the Venetians , and by the French ; and which consequently would have afforded occasions of new jealousies , and commotion , instead of taking them away ; wherefore forgoing the further pursuit thereof , he fell upon a more pleasing Negotiation , to compose the differences of Montferrat so as both the Dukes might be contented , and that wound might for ever be cured which was likely yet to cause so great Commotions in the now peaceful condition of Italy : but this indeavour proved vain , by reason of the too great difference of the two Princes pretentions ; so as though Feria treated thereof first with the Duke of Mantua in Pavia , and afterwards with Phileberto , Prince of Savoy , who was at this time come from Sicily to Piedmont , yet nothing was concluded : but those ends are seldom composed which are most earnestly indeavoured . This so great desire of peace , and satis●…action to the Princes of Italy , shewn by the King , and Spanish Agents , now when the edge of their weapons was taken off by the late accidents , produced effects clean contrary to their intentions ; for the Duke of Savoy , and the Venetians , finding thereby that the Court of Spain did forgo much of their high an antient ▪ pretentions , when they had met with a constant couragious resistance , grew the prouder ; and thinking that they were sure of the Kings good will , they laid aside all fear of future molestation , and much of their respect to the Authority , and Power of that Crown ; and therefore holding back from what they saw the King did so intensively desire , they thought by their being prepared for action , to put a stand to the resolutions of that Court , and to make them do whatsoever they pleased , as if the King would grant any thing , and would not refuse any conditions which might be favourable to their pretentions ; and this conceit was of such Force , as the Venetians , were i●… e●…ther in resentment of the injuries , and losses they had received , or out of new jealousies occasioned by the much provision for war brought by the Duke of Ossuna into Manfredonia , a Haven in Puglia , in the Adriatick Sea , were imboldned ( as was conceived by the stout encounters which were there had ) to cause that City to be entred in host●…le manner by the Turkish Fleet , sack'd , and the Ammunition thereo●… , part taken away , part thrown away ; nor did the other Princes of Italy , who for so many years before had been incumb●…ed by the Spaniards too great authority , disapprove of these comportments ; thinking that the lower the Spaniards were brought , they should be the more excused by the Ministers of that Court , or at least treat with less pride and surquedry : so as though they in outward appearance ; persevered in their won●…ed ●…espect and obsequie , ) et they were inwardly glad to see their condition better'd , at the cost of others . But the French were much exalted in pride and pretentions ; for having twice fomented the commotions in Italy by their Forces , and twice composed them by their Authority ; so as they thought themselves to be become now absolute Arbit●…ators of the affairs of Italy , from which they had so many years before been excluded ; therefore though they kept friendship , and good correspondency , punctually , with the Crown of Spain , and shun'd all occasions of falling out with them , yet being no less studious then the Spaniards to increase their friendship with the Italian Princes , ( which that they might continue , they indeavoured as much as they could to keep the Duke of Savoy and the Venetians united , nay to draw them to themselves , and to separate them totally from the Crown of Spain ; the former having been the Bridge and Gate whereby their Forces entred Italy , and the latter a powerful Instrument to maintain their Authority : by whose means , and by their Authority in the Court of Rome , they hoped to turn and winde all things as they listed , and to make a strong counterpoise in the midst of Italy , where they possess'd nothing , to the Spaniards who had so great possessions there : ) to this purpose the King of France was pleased to give his eldest unmarri●…d Sister for Wife to the Prince of Piedmont ; and chose the Cardin●…l of Piedmont , who was gone to reside at Rome , to be Protector of France , assigning over Annual Rents and Ecclesiastical Benefices to him , and turning all the Authority and Favour of the Crown upon him , to the end that he might live in the Court of Rome with no less splendor , then authority : which actions gave no little jealousie to the Court of Spain ; as if the King of France did by these so strict conjunctions , and great favours , aspire to lay surer foundations for his own affairs in Italy , and to out-do the Spaniards . The accidents and conjuncture of times did also much augment the pre●…entions of the French and the Venetians ; for the Truce being expired between the King of Spain and the Hollanders which was contracted for twelve years , in the year 1609 the King of Spain made war upon them , hoping to reduce them to their antient obedience ; and in Germany , the affairs of the Empire , and of the house of Austria , met with stout opposition , by reason of the great wars and troubles of that Province , begun in Bohemia ; the Inhabitants , whereof rebelling against Archduke Ferdinando , who was chosen to be their King some few years before , went to a new Election , and chose the Prince Elector Palatine for their King. And therefore Archduke Ferdinando , who in the year 16●…9 . succeeded Mathias in the Empire , declared the Bohemians , and the Palatine , to be Rebels , and made war upon them , to chastise the one's rebellion , and to allay the others Tyranny ; and because the Catholick Princes of Germany , and the Duke of Saxony , joyn'd in League , and adhered to the Emperour ; and the Protestant Princes joyn'd also in a League , which they called the Union , and adhered to the Palatine , opposing the others ; the King of Spain was necessitated to assist the Emperour with all his Forces : to the end that the Cesarian and Austrian Authority beginning to to●…er in Germany , it might not draw after it the ruine of the States in Italy , and Flanders , which were so neer conjoyn'd to the safety and Grandezza of the house of Austria , and Crown of Spain : so as these two wars being risen up like two devouring whirle-pools of men , and money , the King of Spain was the more obliged to indeavour peace in Italy , not to break with France , and to dissemble with the Italian Princes , who therefore ( mans ambition being naturally vast ) not being content with not being troubled , advanced ●…e more in their ends and pretentions . Amidst this disposition of humours , and accidents , the affa●…rs of Italy were likely to be quiet : for neither were the Forces of her Potentate ; such as might incourage them to struggle with the Spaniard ; and the Spaniards being far from desiring novelties , out of the aforesaid respects , would have been quiet , and have avoided any occasion of disgusting the Princes of Italy . But Italy could not long continue in this condition ; for either the heavenly influence not favourable to the quiet of Italy , or the anger of God , not yet pacified with her sins , the Duke of Feria had such occasions administred him of securing the King of Spains affairs , as they prevailing over whatsoever respect , or inclination to peace , he thought he should do much amiss not to embrace them ; wherefore causing new jealousies and diffidences in the Italians , and affording matter of complaint and opposition to the rivals of that Crown , it seemed that instead of beg●…ting good blood , and nourishing Confidence ( the Mother of Peace ) between that Crown and the Princes of Italy , as he was wish'd to do by the King , he sowed fresh and fertile seeds of new wars , and of more important perturbations then those that were past . A secret fire was hatch'd in a ●…ook of Italy , which breaking forth a●…wards had like ●…o have set all Italy on fire ; just as what usually be●…alls great Cities , whose combustions begin sometimes not from Theatres , or Temples , but from poor Co●…ages . I will take my Narrative a little backwards , to the end that what succeeded af●…erwards may be better understood . The Inhabitants of antient ●…tia , who are now called Gr●…sons , injoy'd their antient liberty under the name of the three Unions , or Leagues , whereof the chiefest , and most numerous ( from which the whole Country ●…akes its name ) was called Griggia , the other two , Dirriture and Cadedio ; and as part of them did long ago rebell against the house of Austria , and are for the most part Hereticks , so they retain an implacable hatred against that house ; and hating extreamly the name of Spaniard , have always held France , and their confederacy contracted with that Crown for above a hundred years ago , to be the chief foundation of their security , and liberty ; and being defended and protected by that Crown , they were observed by their neighbours , at least not disturb'd in their quiet , and peaceful possessions : their Country which lies amongst L'ulpi Retiche , or Retian Alps , extends it self a little into Italy ; for descending down the Mountains it 〈◊〉 some Valleys as the brinks thereof , amongst which lies the Valtoline , from whence , and by which the new wars , the great jealousies and commotions of Italy had their beginning . The Valtoline begins from the Alps which border upon Tirvolo , just where the River Adda takes her commencement , and running along the same river it ends in the lake of Como : so as the end thereof confines upon Tirvolo , which is under the house of Austria , so it joyns in the Basis upon the State of Millain ; it is coasted along on the one side by the Rhetian Mountain , and on the other-side by the Countreys of Bressia and Bergamo : this Valley of the Grisons , as it severs the State of Millain from Germany and Austria , and joyns the Venetians to the Grisons and Swissers , and by means thereof , to France , and all the Transalpine Countreys ; ( if by any accident it should fall under the Spanish Dominion , upon the access of Germany to the State of Millain ) it would serve as a Gate or Bridge , whereby to bring as many men as the King of Spain should please from Germany to the State of Millain , with less expence and difficulty ; and also , if occasion should be , to convey the like from Italy into Germany , in succour of the Empire , and house of Austria : which is very convenient and necessary for the sa●…ety of the Spaniards , and Austrians , in Germany ; for Germany being the principal help to defend the State of Millain ; and the Kingdom of Naples : as upon Occurrences , the Spaniards have need to ask leave of the Swissers , for the passage of Germans into Italy , and do purchase it from them at great rates , and upon hard conditions ( for they cannot possibly hope for it from the Grisons , by reason of their League with France , and their abhorring the name of a Spaniard ) and the Sw●…ssers sometimes denying passage , they would much endanger the States , and Affairs of Spain in Italy ; so the getting of the Valtoline would afford the Spaniards commodity of passing as many men , and other provisions , as they should have need o●… , by a shorter , safer , and less expensive way , through their own Countries of Germany into Italy . Moreover , the same Valtoline , whilst possess'd by the Grisons , was like a Gate thrown open to the Venetians , and to the other Princes of Italy , whereby to receive succour from the Transalpine●… in desence of their affairs , if ( as it was continually doubted ) they should be molested by the Spaniards ; and being possess'd by the Spaniards , it would be a Bulwark , which blocking up that passage would exclude all other forreign succour ; for the Austrian Territories invironing all Italy on the out-side from Rhetia to Dalmatia , and the State of Millain coming to those by the Valtoline , ( which State of Millain reaches almost a●… ' Mare Ligustico ) and the King of Spain possessing the Kingdom of Naples , and the Mediterranean , by means of a powerful Fleet ; it will appear clearly that the State of Venice , and of all other Italians , except Piedmont , would be invironed by the King of Spain's and Austr●…an Dominions , and little less then shut up , and imprisoned ; within their Forces : so as the possessing of this Valley was of great consequence and moment , by reason of the union or disunion which it occasioned of the States , to the security or prejudice of the Affairs of all of them : It was no wonder then , if , as the Graecians and Trojans strove so much for fair Haelena , our Princes did the like for the Valtoline . The Venetians did very much desire a League with the Grisons for ten years , from the year 1603. and , afte●… many disputes and contestations , did ob●…ain it ; to the end that by that confederacy the way might be open to them for Transalpine assistance as oft as they should have need thereof for their own defence ; and when they had obtained it , they made publick Feasts and Rejoycings . But this confederacy did even then very much displease not only the King of France , the ancient Protector and Confederate of the Grisons , but also the Spanish Agents , and particularly Count Fuentes , then Governour of Millain : so as the Agents of both those Courts , by several means , and out of differing ends , indeavoured by all means to disturb it . The French having by the title of long confederacy , and protection gotten , great authority and preeminency to their King , amongst those people , ( that they might govern them as they listed ) abhor'd tha●… the Venetians when they should have need of assistance either from the Grisons , or from any other Transalpine Nations , should be succoured by their King , he being Custos and Gardian of that Gate : so as in this respect the Grisons should be more necessitated to persevere in adherence and devotion to the French ; and the Spaniards , who had long before aspired to draw this Nation to them by Leagues , and to joyn it by confederacy to the State of Millain , believed that their ends were totally interrupted by this new League ; and not being well pleased with the grandezza of the Commonwealth of Venice , they liked not that it should be rendred more secure by this adherence , or that by having conveniency to bring forreigners into Italy , they might peradventure prove prejudicial afterwards to the Affairs of that Crown : Many therefore were the indeavours to disturb this new League and Union ; by which the Grisons , who were divided within themselves in parties , and factions , never injoy'd any more that peace and concord which they had for many years formerly injoyed . Count Fuentes , to curb them , and to fo●…ce them to forgo these new Conjunctions , and to joyn in Le●…gue with the State of Millain , as they were desired to do , built a Fort royal just where the River Adda falls into the Lake , and named it by his own name Fort Fuentes : which standing upon the Confines , and almost in the jawes of the Valtoline , did not only keep that Va●…ley in perpetual jealousie , knowing that by reason of the concern and consequence of its situation the Count aimed at it , but because being upon the Lake it might easily hinder that Nation from commerce with the State of Millain , and with Italy , by which so many Grison families live , and have their being . The Grisons , who were chiefly concern'd therein , did not only exclaim against the building of this Fort , but the Venetians also and the French ; and King Henry the Fourth , who was then alive , was not a little offended at it , as well for the interest of his Colleagues , as for fear lest the Valtoline being taken , the Spanish Authority should grow too great : but all this was in vain , for neither the Venetians nor other Italian Princes had any mind to fall out with the Crown of Spain , which was then at the height of her greatness and authority , so as they were necessitated to be quiet ; and the King of France , were it either that he was not displeased that the Grisons should begin to taste the good of the Venetian League , or that he did not then much value it , would not break with Spain upon that occasion , which ( as he was wont to say ) did not principally belong to him ; and the Swissers , who were the Grisons antient Confederates , although they mutter'd somewhat , yet being corrupted in their Diets , partly by their home dissentions , partly by Spanish gold , did only pe●…swade the Grisons to accommodate themselves to the condition of the times , and to provide civilly for their affairs ; wherefore the Venetians , seeing themselves left all alone , and that Count Fuentes was ready with a great Army , when the Grisons , who upon their account had entred into these troubles , demanded aid of them , did at last declare , that they thought it not fit that the peace of Italy should be disturbed upon such an occasion . Thus the Fort Fuentes kept unprejudiced by the Forces or threats of so many Princes . But the year 1613 being , together with the time of Confederacy , expired , the Venetians bethought themselves not only of renewing the League , but of establishing it for ever ; and , as being a thing necessary to the very being of their State and Liberty , they laid out great store of moneys in that Nation , whereby they purchased so many Partakers , and so numerous a Faction , and so many Votes adhering to their party , as prevailing over the French and Spanish Faction , both which were too weak to oppose them , they united themselves by means of the Agents of both the Crowns ; and those Agents joyning in their endeavours and designs , which till then had been contrary to one another , labour'd to exclude the Venetian Confederacy : Wherefore the French Embassadours , who had formerly been held to be the chief Protectors of the Rhetian Liberty against the Spaniards , began to be much suspected ; and this suspition grew to be so great , as being turned into hatred , and not being any longer to be concealed , Monsieur Gueffier , then Resident Embassadour for France , was publickly dismiss'd ; who fearing the open hatred and fury of that Nation , and shunning the popular Tumults and Insurrections which he knew were incited against him ( and chiefly by the Preachers ) he withdrew almost in a flying posture to amongst the Swissers : Wherewith the Grisons having immediately sent away to acquaint the King of France , and withal to complain of the reason which drove them thereunto , the King being either displeased at it , or not making such account of the Embassadours which were sent unto him as he had wont , they thought themselves treated as Subjects ; wherefore they inclined more then before to the renewing of their League with the Venetians . The Grisons therefore chas'd away the Bishop of Coira ( who being a Prince of the sacred Empire , holds the first place in the Dyets ) and began to persecute the chief Fautors of both the Crowns with Imprisonments , Confiscations , Banishment , and with corporal punishments , as Enemies to the publick Liberty ; nor therewithal content , differing in their opinions , they lean'd almost altogether in the Government of their affairs to their Preachers ; who being Hereticks preached nothing but the necessity for preservation of their State and Liberties , of uniting the people in one Religion ; and that therefore they must extirpate the Catholicks , and drive them totally out of their Houses and Countrey : Many there●…ore being forced by this persecution fled , some of them went to the State of Millain , some to the Swissers , endeavouring to recover their Countrey by force of Arms , out of which they were driven by rigour , by the injustice of the Judges , and by violent faction : Those that fled to the Swissers made the Embassadour Gueffier their Head-Commander , and the others the Duke of Feria , with whom Gueffier held secret Intelligence , that he might interest himself in their Cause , and help them with men and moneys ( which were things they wanted ) to return into their Countries . Feria furnish'd them with moneys , where with they raised a body of men , and entring into Coira they made themselves Masters of it ; but their Adversaries being stronger then they , they were soon driven out , and together with them the French Embassadour : Yet they nor the Duke of Feria not being any whit dismayed , they tryed their Fortunes once more with greater resolution and Forces ; for Feria afforded them commodity of taking 500 Foot out of Tyrvolo , and moreover he assisted them by diversion , causing an Insurrection in the Valtoline ; which being set on Foot between Radolfo Pianta , Head of the Grisons that were of the French Faction , and Cavalier Robustelli the chief of the Valtoline Faction , was much fomented by Feria , but with so much secresie , as it was not known to any of the Princes Agents that were in Millain . This Insurrection of the Valtolinians began the year 1620. The pretence was , that they being anciently Confederates with the Grisons , the Grisons being the stronger had turn'd their Confederacy into Command , and exercised too great Tyranny over them , not only over their persons and fortunes , but over their Consciences ; and would therefore introduce the poyson of Calvinism , and withdraw the people from their Fore-fathers Religion , which they had suck'd in with their milk : For after they had driven out those that sided with the French , the Grisons ( as hath been said ) made their Preachers Arbitrators of their affairs ; who began to prohibite Indulgences in the Valtoline , and to preach Calvinism , to possess themselves of Churches and Monasteries , and to make Colledges thereof , for the breeding up of youth in their Sect , to the end that they might totally root out the Catholick Religion : And that this might the more easily be effected , they put some of the chiefest and most religious of tha●… Valley to death . Having therefore by Feria's assistance shaken off the servitude suffer'd by the Grisons , they put all the Heretical Officers and Preachers to death that they could lay hands on : Afterwards , the better to maintain the begun Insurrection , they possess'd themselves of the Passes whereby the Grisons might fall down upon them and vanquish them , and fell to munite them with men and Fortifications ; wherein they were the more fortuna●…e , for that Count Iohn Serbellone having by Orders from Feria assembled about 2500 Foot without the beating up of Drum , was entred into the Valtoline to assist them . But the Grisons preventing these designs fell speedily down with a great many men into the Valley of Chiavenna , and from thence environing the upper part of the Lake , they woond about into the Valtoline ; where having taken and fortified some convenient places to keep out relief from the State of Millain , they went to Troana , a great Town in the Valtoline ; and coming from thence to the B●…idge ca●…led Ganda , upon the Adda , they fortified it , and made themselves Masters of Sondrio . By which successes the Valtolinians 〈◊〉 the Grisons made more open recourse to the Duke of Feria for more powerful succour in this their so great danger : Feria was not dea●… to their 〈◊〉 , nor backwards in subministring succour ; for seeing the Proceedings of the Enemy , and fearing greater 〈◊〉 , commanded Gil de l'Arena to ende●…vour the securing of the affairs of the Valtoline , who had fortified himself in Morbegno with those men who came in threeves into the Valtoline ; which he having happily done , and recovered the bridge Ganda , with the death of the Garrison who opposed him , the Grisons forsook Sondrio , and retreated towards Chiavenna : But to the end that they might not enter another time by that way into the Valtoline , Feria ordered Don Ieronimo Pimontello General of the Light-Horse of the State of Millain , ( who by his directions was drawn neer the Confines of the Valtoline with some Companies of Horse and Foot ) to possess himself of the Shore of Chiavenna , which being scituated upon the Head of the Lake , lies in the mid-way by which people pass conveniently from Chiavenna into the Valtoline : This Shore or Bank was well fortified by some of the Grisons , who resenting the Spaniards attempts in the Valtoline were fallen down into the State of Millain , and had given upon some of the neerest Towns thereof , and carried away some Pillage . Pimontello sent about 500 Souldiers in Barques to assault that Garrison , which consisted of 300 Foot ; who landing not far from the Garrison went towards the bank , intending to assault it : But the Garrison being affrighted at their coming , abandoned that Station , and not staying to be assaulted , fled into Chiavenna ; so as the bank fell without any disputing into Pimontello's hands , which he forth with fortified . By such like demonstrations as these the Duke of Feria had plainly declared , that he had sufficiently ingaged not only the King of Spains Forces , but his name in this Enterprise , being moved chiefly thereunto out of two reasons ; The one , because he saw the Heretick Swissers and the Venetians had openly ingaged themselves in the Grisons cause , and in recovery of the Valtoline , that Senate having sent money into those parts to raise two Brigadoes , the one Swissers , the other Grisons , wherewith to go to the recovery of the Valtoline : The other , because the King of France his Agents , by order from their King , who was offended with the Grisons , did not only consent unto , but had a hand in the Valtoline insurrection , and desired Feria to protect them : All this was endeavoured from France , to the end that the Grisons being molested on that part might have the more reason to have recourse to their King , and their King by that means might govern them as he listed , and causing them to abandon the Venetian Confederacy , might recover his ancient Authority with that Nation ; wherefore Feria taking courage from the consent and intercession of the French , and pretence from the Venetians intermission to meddle in that Affair , thought it might be likely to succeed well , whereby such conveniencies and safety would redound to his Kings Affairs : He notwithstanding cl●…aked his designs with the mantle of Religion , as if he would have it believed , that it was rather his zeal to the Catholick Faith , and to Gods service , than the conveniencies and interest of State , and of his King , which had made him embrace a business of that importance ; professing himself there●…ure to be a better Catholick than Polititian , he sent Priests of holy and devout life into those parts , to preach the Word of God , and to convert souls to the Catholick Religion : He aggravated the wicked and detestable actions of the Calvinists , committed against those of the Valtoline , to force them to receive Calvin's Heretical Doctrine ; and the danger of that disease being diffused abroad in the neighbouring parts of Italy and State of Millain , might infect all Italy with the contagion thereof : Nor herewithal content , he acquainted the Pope with the whole business , intreating him , and exhorting him by particular Letters , not only to approve of , but to concur in his actions , in so pious and Catholick a business : The pretence was very just , and the colours very lively and apparent to justifie so great an action ; nor could there be a fitter occasion to effect it : but the slavery of Italy , which lay hidden under these religious pretences , spoil'd all the glory and good which adorned this action ; and it being not probable that so many Princes , whose liberty was concern'd in this business , would ever suffer that the Duke of Feria should insnare their States and Liberties with such conceits as these , it might upon better grounds be supposed he would meet with very many difficulties in bringing them to perfection : so as peradventure it might have been a more opportune advice for the affairs of his King , and for the condition of the present times , not to have provoked the Italians with such and so great a novelty , who were already very much incens'd with the Spanish command , who being become more jolly by reason of the successes in the late wars , were ready to hold up their heads , and to hazard the wholly laying aside all respect to the King of Spains authority , and forgoing all fear of his Arms to turn the world upside down for the preservation of themselves and liberties , rather then to suffer themselves to be inslaved as they were likely to be by the novelties attempted , and so strongly indeavoured by Feria . Neither was it likely that the French who did now incourage Feria to this enterprise , would ever be content that he should reap full satisfaction therein ; for they having no other end , then by vexing the Grisons to force them to have recourse unto their King for help , it was more certain , that they would indeavour by all means , that that Valley might not remain possess'd by the Spaniards , lest the Spanish Grandezza might be the more increased , and the liberty of the Italian Princes might be by them oppress'd , and lest that passage might be block'd up from those of their Nation by the Spaniards ; and besides that the precise Orders and Instructions of the Court of Spain did repugne such novelties , the example of the Emperour Charles the Fifth , and of Philip the Second , might keep the Duke of Feria from such attempts : which Princes though they knew how fitting a thing it would be to be masters of the Valtoline , and would galdly have been so ; yet thinking it to be a business which would be hard to compass , they were far from thinking of it ; and the example of the commotions which hapned in Count F●…entes time was more fresh , and of greater force , when by building only that Fort within the Confines of the State of Millain he was likely to have caused such wars in Italy ; the French , and Venetians having ingaged themselves meerly for the preservation of the Valtoline , when the Spanish Forces were at the height of their reputation ; what could he then pretend , or hope for , upon this present occasion , when the intire usurping of the Valtoline was in question , by the preservation whereof the liberty of Italy , and by the loss whereof her slavery , did evidently result ? and yet Feria preferring the great good which would be gotten by joyning Italy to Germany , before so many other respects , entred couragiously upon the enterprise , and plunged himself daily more thereinto : thinking that the glory of this acquisition would be greater , by how much the respects were the greater which had kept the Emperour , and Philip the Second , from endeavouring it : he did not apprehend that any one could disturb him , or bereave him of what he should have gotten , when he should have joyned Germany to Italy by the Valtoline ; for having once secured the passage of the Dutch , neither could the Italians have known how to resent it , being bereft of forreign aid , nor could forreigners have easily assaulted the State of Millain , when it should be back'd by the neighbouring German Forces : he was also the more incouraged ( and his hopes were the more heightned by the troubles in France , the King being busied in besieging Montalban and Rochel , which were thought would prove a tedious business , and not to be effected : so as holding it for undoubted that neither the French , nor ( without them ) the Venetians , nor other Italian Princes would stir , he thought they would be content with it , as they had been with the building of Fort Fuentes ; and that therefore he was not to abandon an occasion whereby he might signalize his Government beyond that of any of his Predecessours : who though they had always had their eye upon it , yet they never knew how to effect it . But the Grisons , who were not this mean while idle , having by the Venetians moneys assembled about 6000 Foot , tried once more to enter into the Valtoline , by the way of Chiavenna ; and finding la Riva well fortified , they took a great compass along the Mountains , and fell down into the Country of Bormio , which lies in the utmost part of the Valtoline , where it joyns to Tirvolo : Iovan di Medici , Marquess of St. Angelo , was entred into this Town with 600 of those Italian Foot who came in Threves from the State of Millain , and had already begun a great Trench , by which he thought to have shut up the mouth of a Valley whereby they come from the uppermost part of the Grisons : but the Work not being yet finished , and consequently remaining subject to be offended by the Enemy , when coming upon their backs they should assault the defendants , being therefore set upon on that side which lay yet open , he forsook the T●…ench , and Bormio , and withdrew with his men into Tirano , a Town , which lies more inward , and almost in the midst of the Valley ; and the Grisons entring Bormio without any resistance , sack'd it , unworthily profaning the Churches , and converting sacred things , and what was consecrated to divine worship , not only to prophane , but to sacrilegious , and scandalous uses : being incouraged by this good success they fell down upon Tyrano assuredly hoping to take it with as much ease , but they fared here otherwise ; for the Duke of Feria hearing what had hapned at Bormio , gave order to Iovan Ieronymo Pimontello , that leaving a sufficient Garrison in nella Riva , he should go with all the men he could gather up in those parts , into the Valtoline : who taking as he marched some piec●…s of Artillery from Fort Fuentes , and having gotten 14 foot Comp●…nies in those parts , came in four days march into Tyrano , where there were already 2000 Foot and 500 Horse commanded by Iovan Bravo . The Grisons were not above four miles from Tyrano , when Pimontello came thither with his men ; and being discovered , and with stood by some Troops of Horse they fought them and repuls'd them , who being pursued by greater numbers , retired into Tyrano : but the Grisons keeping behind them with the whole body of their men , Pimentello and Bravo resolved to go forth aga●…n into the Field with 1000 Foot , part Spaniards , part Italians , and with 400 Horse ; and sencing themselves with some woful Wals , but breast high , which inviron the Gardens by which that whole Country is distinguished , they staid waiting the coming of the Enemy , who appeared upon the descent of a Hill , divided into three Squadrons ; the first , which consisted of 2000 Bernese , and were led on by Colonel Nicol●… Muler , a valiant and well experienced Commander , advancing more furiously then the rest , was so sorely plaid upon by Musket-shot when he drew neer the plain , as being openly exposed to the vollies of shot , he was but ill dealt with : being afterward come upon the plain he received more prejudice by the Horse which was commanded by Ottaviano , Governour of Gullara , who drawing neer him by a certain cover'd way , gave furiously on upon the Foot , and made great slaughter , insomuch as Colonel Muler , together with five other of the best Captains being slain , and their ranks broken , after a furious fight , which lasted for some hours , they were routed ; those few that fled were part of them killed by the Country people , part throwing themselves into the Adda were drowned : as for the other two Squadrons , the Reer escaped safe away : the other which went to recover Tyrano , after having made some resistance , fled , with the loss of their Baggage , which remained in the Enemies hands : the Kings men returned victorious into Tyrano ; and the vanquished finding they were not pursued , rallied together and went , ( being in number about 4000 ) to assault the Town ; but Pim●…ntello having assembled the Foot together , and put them in order , made such resistance , as the Enemy being plaid upon by the Artillery , and indamaged by smaller shot , could do nothing of moment , nor ●…urst come to an assault , though the Walls were in some places weak , and ruinous ; but retreated towards the Mountains which confine upon the State of Venice , from whence going to Bormio they returned home . The conflict indured five hours , with great courage on both sides , above 2000 of the Grisons were slain , those being comprehended who were drowned in the Adda ; and of the Spaniards not above 50 , amongst which Ottaviano the Governour ( who was one of the first tha●… assaulted the first Squadron ) and a Nephew of Iovan Bravo : the spoil was great , amongst which they found much of what was taken from Bormio , and 32000 Ducates , destined for the Souldiers pay : after the Victory , they went to Bormio , which being abandoned by the Garrison made no resistance ; where they built a gallant Fort royal , and munited the Town with a great Trench ; by which , and by three little Forts erected along the Valley , the one at Tyrano , another at Morbegno , and the third at Sondrio , the Kings men were masters of the Valtoline ; and the new built Forts being kept by the peoples consent , for Guard of the Country , and the liberty thereof , they began to settle a form of Religion , and Politick Liberty , to the end that those of the Valtoline being govern'd by themselves , might under the protection of Spain , whereinto they were by a particular Decree received , injoy their Religion , and be secured in their liberty , which they had happily recovered . The Archduke Leopold , who keeping correspondency with the Duke of Feria , aimed at the recovery of the Towns of the third League , which were a●…iently rebelled from the house of Austria , did at the same time build a Fort , which he called San Maria , in the Valley of Mosero , in the Grisons jurisdiction , to the end that remaining just where the Valtoline joyns to Tirv●…lo , the union on both sides might be the bet●…er secured . To these happy successes more happy Negotiations were added ; for not long after , the Grisons being dejected , pur●…ly by the great blow which they received in the Valtoline , and partly confused for the repugnancy of opinions which was risen up amongst them , la Griggia , which is the chiefest of the three Leagues , sent Embass●…dours to Millain , and capi●…ulated with Feria touching the restitution of the Valtoline to its former condition , upon very favourable terms , for the inhabitants Religion and Liberty ; and obliged it self , in name of the other two Leagues , in a perpetual League with the State of Millain : and ( what was much desired by the Spanish Agents ) to gra●…t fre●… passage for the Kings men thorow their Towns : but this Capitulation took no effect , though many of the Commonalty of the second League concurred therein ; for the third League contradi●…ting it , and particularly those of low Enge●…ina , the number of those who were against the Capitulation of Millain began to increase , and their faction grew stronger ; the rather because they were much fomented by the Venetians , and French Embassadour , who adhered unto them . The Embassadour was the same 〈◊〉 , who having held intelligence with Feria but a little before , had procured , and had had a hand in the insurrection of the Valtoline ; but not being able to see it now ●…ain under the authority , and almost under the command of the Spaniard , and that ●…e himself had been the means and worker thereof , he was pieced again with the Grisons , and with contrary indeavours favoured the oppression of the Valtolinians to drive the Spaniards from amongst the Grisons to the recovery of the Valley which they had lost : they were thereunto also incited by their Preachers , who detesting the Capitulation of Millain , called in their publick preachings , and in their private meeting , the Favourers thereof , Authors of scan●…al , Enemie●… to the publick liberty , and Traytors to their Country : so as there proceeded great altercations between those who were against it ; and the Duke of Feria having taken five Companies of Swissers into pay , in favour of those that sided with the Capitulation , he sent them into Rh●…tia ; whereat the Country rise up in Arms , and the very 〈◊〉 of the Capitulation not adhering much to their former opinion , the Swissers were forc'd to retreat : so as this party having gotten the upperhand , they began to implead the chief Authors of the Millain Capitulation , as having betrayed the publick liberty , by agreeing thereunto without the publick consent of all . But new Orders being sent at this time from the Court of Spain , reduces the trouble to a more quiet Negotiation . The Princes of Italy were much moved at these proceedings of Feria , and resented them ; and the Venetians , who ( as hath been said ) covered both their own , and the common liberty , and by disbursing out moneys largely unto the Grisons , had indeavoured that he might not compas●… his ends ; had also by their Embassadour made great complaint thereof to the Court of Spain ; accusing the Governour as a perturber of the publick p●…ace , and as an insnarer of the liberty of Italy ; as did also the new Pope , Gregory the 15th , who succeeded Paul the 5th , who died in the beginning of the year 1621 : this was Cardinal Lodovisio , Archbishop of Bullognia : he was commonly held to be not well affected to the Spaniard , by reason of the distastes between him and Don Piedro di Tolledo , when being the Apostolick Nuntio in Lombardy and Piedmont he negotiated the composition of those wars ; and therefore as one that detested the Spaniards , and loved not to see them increase in greatness and authority , it was thought he would not omit suppressing those ends upon this occasion , which did so much vex him , so to make himself famous by restoring Italy to her former security , and thereby make the beginning of his Popedom more acceptable . He wrot a Letter with his own hand to the King of Spain , complaining of , and much resenting the Governours actions , as prejudicial to the common quiet , and satisfaction ; and desiring him that he would not deny him this favour which he very earnestly desired of him , in this the beginning of his Popedom : he did also seriously admonish him , that for the good of the common peace , and for the safety of Italy , and of those States which ●…e the King did therein possess , he would put the affairs of the Valtoline into so joyful a condition as might give satisfaction to all men . The Letter either came not at all to the Kings hands , or if it did , it was at his very last time of life ; for he died after Paul the Fi●…th , about the end of March , the year 1621. a King who was more remarkable for his goodness and innocence of life , then for any thing else ; for forgoing almost all business , and medling but very little in the administration of affairs , he retain'd little of a King , more then the title and fortune : a thing which did much prejudice the authority and greatness of the Crown , which being gover●…'d by the interest of Favorites , for the space of 22 years , wherein he reigned , and chiefly in his latter time , he left it much faln from that height of reputation wherein he had received it from his Father . He was succeeded by Philip the Fourth of that name , the eldest of three Sons that he left behind him , of about 16 years of age , who though he gave some greater shew of a Royal inclination ; by which it was hoped that he would interest himself more in publick affairs then his Father had done , yet his young years , and the pastimes of youth not permitting him to partake of the troubles of publick Government , the administration of affairs must necessarily fall into the former condition , which the Spaniard call di Privanza : or , of affairs being carried by Court Minions . The chief Ministers of Sta●…e were Don Bal●…esar di Zuniga , and Don Gaspar di Gusman , Count d' Olivares : but Z●…niga who being long versed in weightiest affairs , as well within as out of the Kingdom , and who was highly esteemed by all men , died not long after , to the general grief of all ; so as the whole weight of Government leaned upon Olivares his Shoulders , who being made a Duke by the new King , and retaining still his former Title of Count , would be called Conde Duca . The Valtoline was that which the new King took first into his consideration ; wherein the Pope , the Princes of Italy , and the King of France , had used their indeavours : The new King would satisfie the joint desires of so many Princes , and give a taste , in this the beginning of his Reign , of his being content with what was his own , not desiring to usurp upon other mens states , or upon the Liberty of the Italian Princes : But because the interest of Religion was concern'd in this business ; that he might shew himself to be a no less pious and religious , then wise and moderate King , he agreed upon certain Articles with the French Embassadour ; the substance whereof was , That the same Religion should be established in the Valtoline which was there used in the year 1617 ; And that the State should be restored to the same condition that it was in before the Rebellion : That the Forts should be demollished , and all Garisons removed from thence : That all the Valtolinians should be pardoned for their Rebellion : That the King of France , Switzers , and Vallesani , should become sureties to the Grisons for the observance of what was agreed upon : These Articles came from Madrid into Italy , soon after the Capitulation of Millain ; and as they came unexpected by any , ( for even those who did most desire it , could not expect nor hope for such facile proceedings from that Court , in so weighty a business , and of such importance to that Court ) so the Duke of Feria , and all those who out of a desire to advance the Spanish Grandezza had co-opperated in this business , seeing their plots and designs wholly overthrown wherein they had taken so much pains , were totally astonished , not only for the prejudice which they thought would thereby redound to the State of Millain , and to the other affairs of the Crown of Spain ; but for the loss of that ostentation , glory and merit , which Feria and the rest hoped to have reaped thereby : Yet not being able to withstand the Kings so precise Orders and Commands , they were forc'd to be content ; and not knowing from whence this resolution should proceed , some laid the fault upon the new Kings weakness ; others upon the Orders and Commands of the late King ; who , upon receiving the Popes Letters a little before he died , charged his Son to desist from the enterprise of the Valtoline : Others argued , that the new King being too indulgently affectionate to his Wife , who was sollicited by the French Embassadour , was desirous to please her at her earnest desire ▪ in not coming to a breach with her Brother , the King of France , upon account of the Valtoline : There were not some wanting who affirmed that Don Piedro di Tolledo , out of private emulation that his successor should so happily effect this business , which nor he nor so many others of his Predecessors could ever do , did oppose in the Supream Councel of State , to the end that Feria's actions might not be approved but rejected , as the original and undoubted cause of great scandal and troubles : Howsoever it was , by the effects men may easily comprehend either a Repentance in theie Court of the thing capitulated for ; or according to others ( for there never wants sinister Interpreters ) an End rather to quiet the minds of the Italians and French , much moved and incensed by t●…ese ese Capitulations , then to put the thing capitulated for in execution . Whilst this was negotiating in Spain , the Valtolini●…ns fa●…ing well in Italy by reason of the Victory at Tirano , and the Capitulations of Millain ; and Feria exclaiming sufficiently in the Court , that by this resolution the King had lost so opportune and so important a purchase , the execution of the Articles was defer'd ; but the Valtolinians exclaimed more then Feria , as men who were sent thither on purpose by Feria : They mingled tears with their perswasions , and did infinitely desire the King , That he would not abandon them , nor force them to return under the antient yoke of Tyrants ; of Heretick Tyrants , who would rise up not only against their lives and fortunes , but even against their souls , crying down the Catholick Religion in the Valtoline : They desired him That he would inform himself fully what the condition of the Valtoline was formerly , and what it was now ; as well in respect of their natural liberty as Religion ; for by the perfect knowledge of these two Points the cheat would be discern'd , by which his Majesty was perswaded to condescend to those Articles : And as for the first Point , they shewed that the Valtolinians were naturally a free people , not Subjects nor Vassals to the Grisons , as his Majesty had been informed , but their Companions and Confederates , to whom neither they nor their fore-Fathers had never sworn fealty , nor done homage , or shewed any signe of subjection ; though by reason of the diversity of Religions , their liberty , after having for many years governed the common Republick jointly , had been oppress'd and suffocated by their more powerful Confederate : And the Tyranny was the more cruelly exercised against them , for that the Catholick Religion was constantly profest by the Valtolinians , and Calvins abhorred : Wherefore , said they , the Commotions of the Valtoline were not , nor could not , be esteemed Rebellion , but the defence and maintaining of the Catholick Religion , and the recovery of their natural Liberty , which was not only allowed of , but favoured and assiste●… by all Laws both humane and divine : That this was the reason why no Prince , how great or powerful soever , having neither jurisdiction nor command over them , could , without using violence , bring them under the command of others , and much less under the unjust Tyranny of the usurpers of their Liberty ; from which by singular divine goodness , and by the so great hazard of their lives and fortunes , they had once withdrawn themselves : Nay , that all lawful and just Princes , the more great and powerful they were , were the more obliged by the Laws of Nations , and by Gods Laws , to favour and take into their protection , the Liberties of opprest people , and to turn all the forces of their Kingdoms to the destruction and beating down of Tyrants , who were a●…hor'd and persecuted by all Laws both divine and humane : And if the defence of the Valtolinians liberty was to be expected from any of the Princes of the present Age , it did undoubtedly belong more to his Majesty then to any other ; who having taken the Valtolinians Religion and liberty into his protection before the Capitulation stipulated with the King of France , he could not without breach of his Royal Word , abandon them , nor make them to do an action so contrary to the protection his Majesty had taken of them , by forcing them to return to their former slavish condition ; But that this did b●…long to him ●…lone , much more by reason of the hereditary profession of the House of Austria , of always being the safe shield and constant defence of the Catholick Religion , which was so annexed to the liberty of the Valtoline , as the ruine ●…f he latter did necessarily draw after it the ruine of the other ; for who would doubt but if the Val●…oline should return again to underneath the slavery of the Grisons , the Catholick Religion would be there trodden under foot : Nor did that Article of the Convention , whereby it was agreed that Religion should be returned to the same condition as it was in the year 1617. make any thing for the preservation thereof ; for his Majesty was abused in that Point as well as in the other of Religion , being falsly given to understand that the Roman Religion was that year unblemished and undefaced there ; and that this cousenage was so much the greater , as the inconveniences and exorbitances which did thereby result were the greater , and that therefore the better provision was to be had for it : Saying that the demolitions and profanations of Churches ; the usurpation of Church goods ; the Martyrdomes and banishment of religious people ; the Schools and Seminaries for the breeding up of youth in Calvinisme ; the abolition of Images , prohibition of Indulgences , and many other impious and enormious abominations , were introduced in the Valtolme long before the year 1617. And on the contrary , that obedience to the Pope ; the Introduction of the holy Office ; the accepting of Bishops and Prelates of the holy Church ; the accepting of the Councel of Trent , and of the Gregorian Kalander ; the publication of Indulgencies ; the abolishing of Heretical Schools and Seminaries ; the Restitution of demolished Churches ; of the goods and persons of Church men ; and finally the extirpation of Hereticks and Her sies , were the fruits and products of Liberty , recovered the year 1620. Who sees not then ( said they ) that if that Article being to be put in execution , and that Religion be reduced to the state it was in the year 1617. That your Majesty being highly abused , doth command that all those abominations which were abolished in the year 1620. shall return in the Valtoline ; and that , on the contrary , that all of Holy and Catholical , which was blessedly introduced there , together with liberty , be abolished . We cannot ( said they ) without blushing and confusion represent unto your Majesty that which your most Catholick mind cannot without horror hear , and know to be true : not only all sacred Canons and most holy Councils of the Catholick Church , do not only reprove such Conventions , but do punish the Authors , Fantors , and Introducers of all these abominable impieties , with severest excommunication : the Solemn Oath your Majesty took a little before your Coronation , to the high Almighty God , to the Princes and People of this so Catholick Crown , doth not admit of such Conventions . The Catholick Kings , your Predecessours , who have spent so much Gold , and blood of their best Vassels , for the maintenance of Divine Worship , and for the beating down of Heresie , who have not valued the loss of whole Provinces , for not admitting of any other then the Catholick Religion , do conjure your Majesty , the Inheritor not only of so many Kingdoms , but of so great Catholick zeal , not to allow of that Covention , to which , the world knows , had you not been abused , you would not have consented for all your Kingdoms . They finally concluded with exaggerating the iniquity , and inhumane cruelties of the Grisons , which they were sure would increase , together with their fierce hatred against the miserable inhabitants of the Valto●…ine , for their having taken up Arms , in defence of their natural liberty , and of the Holy Faith. The King was doubtlesly moved with these Reasons , which being afterwards divulged in the Court , the chief Lords and Officers thereof , and the people in general , finding the resulting inconveniences by this cous●…nage put upon the King , were much moved thereat , and did confess that nothing more contrary to the Faith , nor more prejudicial to Catholicks , could be contracted amongst Heretick Princes ; and storming thereat , knew not what to do , whereby with safety to the Kings royal word and agreement , the Convention might be kept from being put in execution ; and whilst they were busied thereabout , a new accident fell out which furnish'd them with a means : A Diet was resolved upon for the execution of this agreement amongst the Swissers , to be celebrated in Lucerna , one of the chief Catholick Cantons of that Nation : wherein ( to boot with the Deputies of all the Cantons ) Monsieur Scappi , Apostolick Nuntio with the Swissers , was to be present for the Pope , Monsieur Myron , and Monsieur Monholon , Embassadours , in ordinary and extraordinary , for the King of France , and Gueffiere Resident in Rhetia , and Andriano Tomasini , President of the Parliament of Burgony , for the King of Spain ; and the Duke of Feria was commanded to observe Tomasini's Orders , for what should be resolved upon in that Diet touching the affairs of the Valtoline : the Deputies also of the Grisons appeared at this Diet , who presenting the Decree of general pardon granted to those of the Valtoline , demanded the demollishing of the Forts lately erected in the Valtoline , guarded at the present by Spanish Garrisons , and to be repossest of that Valley , according to the agreement made at Madrid ; offering themselves ready to observe whatsoever they were obliged unto by the said Capitulation : The President of Burgony perused , and attentively considered the Decree ; and finding it to be too full of cavils and snares for those of the Valtoline , exclaimed much against it , first in words , and then in writing ; and as if a large Gate were thereby left open for revenge , he began to accuse it of fraud : the words and actions of the Grisons gave more credit to the Presidents Reasons , and Exclamations , who seemed so incens'd against those of the Valtoline , as not being able to contain themselves , they stuck not to say , they hoped one day to wash their hands in their blood : the President was followed by all the Catholick Cantons , which were Confederate with the Crown of Spain ; and by him of Appenzel , which stands in the midst between the Catholick , and Heretick Cantons ; and therefore expresly refusing to stand bound for the Grisons , as they were required to do by the Capitulation of Madrid , they made a Decree thereupon , which they called irrevocable : the other Cantons , either not being willing to appear of another opinion , or seeing that their obligation would not be satisfactory without the like of their companions , thought it not fit to be bound . Thus was the Convention of Madrid excluded , or as the Fr●…nch and Venetians complain'd , deluded by the cunning and secret carriage of the Duke of Feria , who , as they said , had wrought upon the Swissers by moneys : neither did the heat of opposition made by the President of Burgony pass without suspect of some secret Commission from the Court of Spain , which might have altered her opinion touching the affairs of the Valtoline ; and this suspition increased the more , for that the Spanish Agents , after the Swissers refusal , began to pretend that the Convention of Madrid was no longer valid , but was to b●… understood as Null ; as made upon condition that the Swissers and Vallesa●…i would be thereunto obliged : which condition being void , the Convention was void also : the business of Composition being therefore desperate , the Grisons being assisted by the French and Venetians , resolved to go once more armed to the Valtoline , and to indeavour the recovery thereof with greater Forces : which being presently done , they fared not better then they had done before : though many men were ready to assist them in the parts about Bressia , and Bergamo : they fell down with 13000 Foot into the Country of Bormio , with intention to assault the new Fort , wherein were 600 Foot under Ottavio Sforza , who being very well prepared for defence , the Grisons thought not good to assault them ; but sent some Squadrons to the taking in of a little Fort not far off , wherein were about forty foot , who defended themselves egregiously , and slew and repuls'd many of the assailants : hearing afterwards tha●… Iovanni Bravo , who was sent with fresh men from Feria , approached , they went to meet him ; and drawing out their Forces between Bormio and the little Fort , they staid a while expecting him , intending to fight him ; yet when they heard the Drums which were nigh at hand , they retreated into Bormio , and setting it on fi●…e went towards the Mountains top , and from thence retired homewards ; but being overtaken in their retreat by some Horse , which were sent by Bravo to fall upon their Reer , where they received some prejudice ; and the●…r Commander Herman Pianta being amongst many others slain , all the rest were so terrified and confused , they began to seek their safety by a disorderly flight through the craggy Mounta●…ns , which though they were rugged and almost unaccessable , yet by the long practice and experience which they had therein , they overcame them ; and being scattered they past back over the Mountains , leaving in Bormio cruel signs of their rage against those of the Valtoline : wherefore by reason of this action , so contr●…ry to the Articles of Millain , the Duke of Feria waged open war against them ; and agreeing with Archduke Leopold , whom Tirvolo and Alsatia did obey , that he should assault the Grisons on his side the Mountains , he entred himself in person into the Valtoline with 6000 Foot , and 500 Horse , thinking to oppose the Grisons new Forces : but when he was not well got to Morbegno , a Town which stands in the mouth of the Valtoline , and hearing there what had befallen Bormio , he turn'd upon Chiavenna , a Town of the Grisons , which is the head of another Valley , which runs along la Mera , a River which falling from the Alps runs into the Lake : there was therein a Garrison of about 500 Grisons , who trusting more to the open Fields then to their Walls , drew a long Trench on the outside of Chiavenna , from the foot of the Mountain , to Mera ; whe●…ewith crossing the whole Plain above which lies on the left side of the River , they minded not much the lower side , it being narrow and moorish : thinking to make head there , they put themselves almost all in Garrison , and sent for a good strength of men to defend a certain place beyond the Trench : which being seated upon the skirts of the Mountain , Pitz commanded the way , and the Plain , The Governour sent a good Band of Carabines against those that defended this station , who forcing the defendants to abandon it , the defendants retreated to the Trench , where they shewed neither courage nor valour ; for finding that the Enemies Horse had foorded over la Mera , and was coming about upon their backs , fearing to be taken in the midst between t●…e Horse and the Foot , which drew neer , they fled into Chiavenna ; which finding they were not able to defend , it not being fortified , they abandoned it , and fled all towards the Mountains . The Gove●…nour having first possess'd himself of the Trench , and then entering Chiavenna without any resistance , he sent a party of Horse after them , who entering the Valley where il Reno begins , and by Bregiglia , they burnt and destroy'd all about them , entring on the one side as far as Campolzino , and on the other , to Castagnena and Soio ; and having recovered three pieces of Artillery , which with two others which they found in Chiavenna , and which were kept there in memory of their ancient Victory won by their ancestors , above a hundred years before in the State of Millain ; the Governour sent part of the Foot to assist the Archduke , who was entred at the same time with 10000 Foot , commanded by Colonel Bal●…irone into the Diretture , the third League , and had taken the Vall●…ys of Enge●…na and Paroviz , which ( as hath been said ) belonging anciently to the house of Austria had rebelled , and joyned to the other two Leagues ; they afterwards by the assistance sent from the Governour took Maiafeld , a great Town and of importance , from whence going to C●…ira , the Metropolitan City of that Nation , they presently took it , where placing the Bishop in his ancient sea●… , who ( as hath been said ) was a little before driven from thence , they left a great Garrison ; the Grisons , who were bereft of all aid and succour , not being able to give the least resistance against this their so great ruine : wherefore being beaten every wher●… , and having humbly beg'd leave , and ob●…ained it , to ●…end Embassadours to Millain to treat of some agreement , ●…he Griggionan and Cadedion Leagues ( for le Diretture , the third League , being as a member cut off , and under the Archduke , was not in a free condition to Capitulate ) sent their Embassadours thither : with them went also some Embassadours from the Swisser●… , to assist their Friends , and Colleagues , at least with indeavours , which they were resolved not to do with Forces : being come to Millain , they desired a cessation of Arm●… , whilst some medium might be found out against so great uproars , and inconveniences . The Swissers were sent back with good words , and with general terms of the Kings good intentions , who as also the Duke of Feria , was said not to have any other end in these Commotions , then to establish a long peace , with safety to the Catholick Faith : so they return'd home within a few days , without entring into any particularities . The Grisons were treated withall otherwise ; for they desiring to be restored to the antient condition of the Valtoline , they were plainly told that this their demand was contrary both to Humane and Divine Laws ; the latter not suffering Catholicks to be under the Dominion of Hereticks ; and the former permitting those of the Valtoline , as those who were unjustly subjugated by the Grisons their comp●…nions , and unworthily oppress'd in their liberties , to withdraw themselves , whensoever they could , from the yoke of Tyranny ; wherefore being forced to submit unto the will of the more powerful , they came to new Conventions ; Whereby liberty of Conscience was allowed through their whole Country ; a perpetual confederacy was agreed upon between those two Leagues and Crown of Spain , with due respect had to their ancient Confederacy with the Crown of France : perpetual passage for the King of Spains men through the Rhetian Alps ; and absolute liberty to those of the Valtoline , with an obligation notwithstanding that they should pay yearly to the Grisons 25000 Duckets by way of Tribute ; wherewith the Bishop of Coira , and the two Leagues , renounced all Authority , Empire , and Iurisdiction , which they had formerly had in that Valley ; and the Duke of Feria entred suretiship , in the King of Spains name , for the yearly payment of the aforesaid sum by those of the Valtoline . The business between the Grisons and those of the Valtoline being thus happily composed , after some moneths some alterations hapned , which were soon appeased ; for those of the third League could not suffer subjection ; they therefore plotted Insurrections against Archduke Leopold , by means whereof they endeavoured to re-gain their Liberty . The Commotion began amongst those of the Valley of Parentz , the boldest and fiercest people of that Nation ; who being sollicited by some of the Griggian League , who were ill satisfied with the last Capitulation at Millain , entred one Holy-day into the Corps de Guarde , and finding Arms there , but no Souldiers , they being gone to Mass , they seized on them , and killing the Garrison , they armed their Compagnions with long staves ( for their Arms had been taken from them before by the Archdukes Officers ) and increasing in numbers they went to Coira and to Maiafeldt , where fighting the Archdukes men twice in open fields , both which times they were victorious , they forced the others to surrender up those two places to them ; which being taken , all the Garrisons of all the rest of the Country flying away , they might easily have re-gained their former Liberty , had not new men been speedily sent them from the Archduke to quell them ; who being led on by Count Sultz , and by the same Baldrone , beat those of the League twice , and did not only recover all those places , but forced those of the Diritture once more to submit to the Archdukes yoke : And a Dyet being held not long after in Lindao , an Imperial Town in Suevia , wherein the Archdukes Deputies , and those of the thirteen Cantons met , it was declared , That the Diritture did of right belong to the House of Austria , and that therefore they should render obedience thereunto ; and as being subject to the Austrian Empire they should obey the Archaukes Commands ; and that they could not pretend to any Liberty , but should be wholly distinguished , and be altogether , and for ever be understood to be , separated from the body of the Grisons Commonwealth ; annulling all actions of Confederacy which they had made , as the third League , with other Princes , and particularly with the King of France . Which Declaration was afterwards approved of , and accepted by the Deputies of the said League , who swore Fealty , and did homage to the Archduke . Thus part of Rhetia beyond the Alpes resting in the Archdukes power , and the rest on this side the Alpes , either depending upon , or being subjugated by the Spaniard , the affairs of the Crown of Spain in Italy , and those of the House of Austria in Germany were much better'd , by reason of the great happiness which was gotten by the Conquest of Rhetia , and the Union of the States of Italy to those of Germany ; by which Union the one might commodiously succour the other ; insomuch as the Valtoline , and the League with the Grisons , procured by so much industry by Count Fuentes and the other Governours , were of very little consideration , in comparison of this new purchase : For whereas the League , when it should be concluded , would have been uncertain and very expensive to the State of Millain , the Dominion over the Diritture , and the necessary dependency of the other two Leagues upon the House of Austria , did more undoubtedly secure the same ends without any expence : And whereas he who will enter into Tyrvolo by the Valtoline must necessarily pass over craggy mountains unfrequented , and in the Winter season hardly passable , entrance is much more commodiously had into the Rhetian Countrey by the Valley of Chiavenna , then by that of the Valtoline ; and from hence a better , shorter , and safer way is had for Germany then by Tyrvolo , by which entrance is only ●…ad into the Valtoline : So as the King of Spain , without demanding passage from the Swissers , had the conveniency of receiving as many men as he would at any time from Germany into the State of Millain , and without troubling the Duke of Savoy , who might deny the reserved passage of Bressa , or , without being beholden to the French , who may hinder him , he might commodiously , and without any opposition , pass men from Rhetia into Alsatia , and from thence into the Palatinate upon the Rhesne , which was won but a little before to the House of Austria ; and from the Palatinate into Flanders and the Low-Countreys . So the Spanish and Austrian Empire so much distracted being become united , and communicable within it self , became more firm , and less exposed to be injured by others ; and the French and other Transalpiners , who envied such Grandezza , being by such a sound obstacle disjoyn'd and segregated from Italy , could less easily hold intelligence with the I●…alian Princes , or administer hopes of assistance to them . Wherefore Feria seeing how much by the success of that Enterprize happily begun under his auspicious Government , and more happily ended , he had exce●…ded the hopes of his Predecessors , returned full of joy and glory to Millain , triumphing over the Grisons , with the Artillery recovered after a hundred years , which being adorned with Lawrel were in manner of Triumph drawn before him . But look how much the condition of the Crown of Spain was better and more advantaged by so many good successes , so much the more did Jealousie increase amongst the Italian Princes , and the apprehension of their own Liberty and Command ; and together with this jealousie , envy , and endeavours of opposition increased in those that envyed the Spanish greatness ; the latter not being able to see so great an advancement in authority , nor the others to see that little loop-hole ( much to their grief ) shut up , by which their liberty in the greatest and most urgent streights might breathe . And as some stood lookers on , and quiet observers of these events , the lesser expecting when the greater should move ; so the Duke of Savoy , though the pre●…udice did not chiefly belong unto him , unless it were that the Spaniards needing now no longer any passage through Savoy should have less occasion to put an esteem upon him , yet , were it either that as an Italian Prince he was touched with the danger of others , or that he thought the too much Grandezza of the Spaniard might prove dangerous to his own affairs , or that he did desire by all means to cross the ends and designs of that Crown , he thought it no little diminution to his own Interests , that the Spaniards should not any more stand in much need of his Friendship : But the Venetians were chiefly mad hereat , whom the danger did more nearly concern , as those that saw that the Spaniards and Archduke by getting firm footing in the Grisons Country , and by the Forts erected in the Valtoline , had not only disturb'd their ends , and bereaved them of the good they hoped for by League with that Nation , but as it were imprisoned their liberty , and laid it at their feet : wherefore as if the total of their affairs , and their utmost ruine were in question , they resolved to remove every stone , to omit for no expence nor labour , and to refuse no danger , so they might provide against the prejudice and mischief of so great an alteration of affairs ; and finding that the moneys they had disburst amongst the Grisons and Swissers , the raising of men intended in those parts , their assisting of those people , that they might subsist , and not be oppressed by the Spaniard , had proved altogether vain , and that they of themselves were not able to undertake such a business ; They resolved to move those Princes whose interests might be concern'd in the ends and actions of the Spaniards , t●…rouze themselves up upon so great an occasion : they forbore not to exclaim against those actions , and to make it known in the Courts of all Princes , as well Italians as Forreigners , what the Spaniards ends were in entring upon this enterprise ; and how under the vail of Religion they did undermine the Common Liberty , incited people to rebel , ma●…e themselves masters of other mens States , aimed at the reducing of Italy into slavery , to suffocate the Apostolick See , to give the Law to all Italian Princes , and after having put the yoke about their neck , make them dependent upon the Spanish Empire , and be at their beck : that this was a great step whereby to ascend and arrive at the absolute Monarchy of I●…aly , and of all Christendom , which they so earnestly thirsted after : that the interest of all men , the safety of the Empire , and the Common Liberty were herein treated of : that therefore with an unanimous consent they ought to withstand these beginnings , oppose the progress of these unions and concatenations of States , so prejudicial to all men ; to the end that when all remedies should be too late , they might not in vain bewail those losses which would be the infallible result of their not having moved upon this occasion , that doubtlesly , if they would all resent themselves , and behave themselves generously in this affair , the Spaniards would be forced to yield to their unanimous will and consent , and desist from the enterprise which they had begun against the Common Safety and Liberty . These and the like Reasons alledged by the Venetians at the beginning of these Commotions in France , Rome , Italy , amongst the Swissers and Grisons , wrought not much effect , nor were of such moment as such an accident required : The Court of France not being well pleased with the Veneti●…n League , desired that the Grisons affairs might be perturbed , and that the Venetians might reap but bitter fruit of their Negotiations : the Pope who was full of years , and of indispositions , shew'd not such resentment as would have been necessary : the Swissers disagreed within themselves , and as the event shewed afterwards , inclined more to favour the Spaniards Designs , then the Interest of the Common Cause ; so as the Grisons being left alone in the Field , though set on , and fomented by the Venetians , were forced to succumb to the stronger . But Gregory having succeeded Paul in the Popedom ( as hath been said ) who seemed to resent the business more then his Predecessour had done , and the French finding what advantage had redounded to the Spaniards by the revolt of the Valtoline , and how much they had suffer'd thereby in their own authority , they began to be no less troubled thereat then the Venetians ; and by title of Protection over the Grisons , the ancient Confederates of that Crown , to pretend that they might be restored to the entire possession of their liberty , and of the Valtoline . But many things opposed their desires : the League between the Venetians and that Nation confirm'd contrary to the Authority of that Crown , by which and from which so many inconveniences did arise : the war which the King of France made against the Hereticks of his own Country , to reduce them to his obedience , and to the obedience of the Catholick Church ; and therefore taking from them those priviledges which they had extorted in the former wars , he was intent with all his Forces to heal that wound which troubled his Kingdom ; and besides that this war did keep him sufficiently busie , and kept him from forreign imployment ; the Title thereof also , like that which the Spaniards did pretend against the Grisons , would not permit that he , without manifest repugnancy , should favour those same Hereticks out of his Kingdom , which he did with such fervency , and religious zeal , endeavour to extirpate at home . The peace also , and good correspondency between his Crown and the Crown of Spain did repugne it : which being very convenient for the common interest , it did not suit well with the King of France to discompose , especially his own Kingdom being in trouble ; and by directly entring into war with the King of Spain to kindle new fires at home , upon the interests of others : the fresh example of his Father King Henry was also sufficient to keep him from such an enterprise , who when he was in greatest authority , and his Kingdom in compleat peace , did not break with the King of Spain for building Fort Fuentes , which was so prejudicial to the interests of the same Grisons : nor would he meddle in those affairs , otherwise then by intercession : how much , might it be said then , did it become the present King , in the beginning of his Reign , the Forces of his Kingdom being divided , amidst so many Domestick troubles , to forgo his Fathers example , and to engage himself in Forreign affairs , against a most powerful King ; the event whereof being of such weight and importance might certainly be supposed would prove , if not altogether prejudicial , at least long and dangerous : to do this it was requisite to have a powerful Army , just as if he went to get the State of Millain , back'd by the German Forces : Besides , moneys , the sinews of war , were wanting ; and many other things necessary for such an expedition : on the other side , he was obliged by being bound to protect his Colleagues , and their States , which he could not with his honour see abused : but his Kingdoms interest did urge him much more the●…eunto , to the prejudice whereof so great a union of the Austr●…an Dominions did redound : nor had the example of his Father King Henry , alledged to the contrary , any thing at all to do in this case ; nothing being then upon the stage but a Fort built by the Spaniards upon their own ground ; whereas now , the usurpation of States was in question , the oppression of a Commonwealth , confederate with his Kingdom ; the manifest danger of the Apostolick See , and of many other Italian Princes , Friends to the Crown ; which he could not with wisdom nor honour suffer to fall under the Spaniards slavery : as for examples , that of the same Henry might serve ; when not being able to suffer that the possession of Cleves and Iuliers should be disputed with the German Princes , nor that the Spaniards should increase their power and reputation by the oppression of those Princes , and by usurping those States , he took up Arms against the Crown of Spain , and against the house of Austria ; and incited almost all Christendom against them ; that these examples and respects were to be prefer'd before anger conceived against the Grisons for making League with the Venetians ; if , contrary to custom , we ought in important resolutions to have any consideration at all upon private spleens , which were never known to be prefer'd , in well regulated Counsels , before wholsome deliberations . To these Reasons , which were of great force , were added the Venetians , and the Sovoiards instigations ; who shewing themselves ready to concur in the same war wish'd consideration might be had , that the authority of the French was at an end in Italy , if the King should not be permitted to enter by that way , or should suffer those parts to be fortified , by which they might enter with a few men into that Province , in defence of so many Friends and Clients of their Kingdom , for the good of the Apostolick See , and to curb the covetousness and ambition of the Spaniards , who when they should once become masters of what they had usurped , and have thereby joyn'd the King of Spains Forces with those of the Austrians in Germany , would grow unsupportable for their natural pride and arrogancy ; and invincible by reason of their Command , Authority , and Power ; insomuch as the Princes of Italy being deprived of the French aid , which was the only support of their liberty , would be forced wholly , and every where , to yield to the King of Spains pleasure , and to reverence , and adore the name of Spaniard , as an earthly Deity , from whence they were to expect , and to acknowledge the life and safety of their affairs , or otherwise their utter ruine : how great a glory , how great an honour would it be to the now King , in the first beginning of his Reign , and ( as it might be said ) of his life , to win so much authority in Italy , not only by sustaining the Duke of Savoy against the Forces of the Spaniards , but by becoming Arbitrator of peace or war between that Duke and the Crown of Spain ; wherefore then should he not only lose so great an acquisition , but by abandoning the Grisons , the ancient Confederates of his Kingdom , and by permitting all the Princes of Italy to fall under the slavery of the Spaniard , make the world see , that the King of France had neither courage , nor power to defend his Confederates , to strengthen so many Princes who expect from him only cure for so mortal a wound : to provide against so great prejudice which would redound to himself in his reputation : and to his Friends and Clients in their Safety , States and Liberties . These and the like Reasons very much press'd , and vehemently pursued in that Court , might peradventure work upon their wills , but could not remove the difficulties of the enterprise ; for how was it possible for that King , who then lay panting before Montalban , a great Town in the midst of his Kingdom , when France was divided into several Factions , and the Kings Treasure exhausted ; to think of Forreign enterprises against the King of Spain , and house of Austria , who were already possess'd of the Valtoline , and almost of the whole State of the Grisons : who joyning in the Common Cause , the State of Millain would abound in Dutch , and by means of their Indian Gold they might turn his Kingdom up-side down , now when it was full of ill humours , the King and his Council did therefore what was most convenient for their present condition : which was , to proceed friendly with the Court of Spain , and to treat of composing the present Occurrences in a civil way . To this purpose Monsieur Bossompier was sent extraordinary Embassadour to the King of Spain ; and finding there more likelihood of good success then he could have imagined , he thought the business happily ended : but the French finding afterwards that the effects were not answerable , but that the Spaniards sought by sophisticated interpretations to annihilate and overthrow all Conventions ; and that having proceeded further in Rhetia , they had in part lacerated , in part subjugated the Liberty and Commonwealth of the Grisons , putting new and bitter conditions upon them , wholly contrary to what had been by common consent agreed upon at Madrid ; they thought themselves doubly concerned in this business ; for to the ancient Consederacy , and Protection of the Grisons , was added the Capitulation at Madrid , which the French could not , without a great affront to their King , suffer to be so trodden under foot : and by the easiness of satisfying their desires which they found in the Spanish Court , concerning this business , conceiving better of themselves , and worse of the Spaniards , they thought that when the King of Spain should see them in Arms ready to resent the injury , he would by no means expect their moving ; nor that the affairs of Italy should be more discomposed then formerly for any such respect ; therefore , not admitting that the Treaty at Madrid should be null and void , by reason of the Swiffers , they pretended it was to be observed : offering new warranties , or cautions , equal to the former , for the performing of what was agreed upon ; and if otherwise , they threatned making Leagues , and to prepare for Italy ; so as France was full of warlike preparations , giving out that it was to take that satisfaction by Arms , which they would not do by Negotiation ; and to this purpose the Duke of Savoy ( who spur'd on this business ) being gone to Avignon , whither the King of France was come in person from the neighbouring Camp before Montalban , the foundations of League were laid wherein the Venetian Embassadours did intervene ; which certainly would have been perfected , had not the Popes Nuntio hindred it , by affirming that , for an undoubt●…d Truth , the King of Spain had refer'd the whole business of the Valtoline to be decided by the Pope : but all that the Nuntio had affirmed proving afterwards to be but words , the Treaty of the League was reassumed with greater fervency ; for the King of France began to discern by the not observance of the Convention at Madrid , and by the novelt●…es committed against the Grison , by the Archduke , and Duke of Feria , that the Rebels of his Kingdom were secretly fomented with moneys by the Spanish Agents , to the end that being entertain'd with domestick wars , they should not be at leisure to think upon Forreign wars : which , were it true or false , being believed by the King to be contrary to the good correspondency which was then profest between the two Crowns , he was much incensed at it ; wherefore speaking not long after with the Prince of Piedmont , who was come to Lyons , he stipulated the League with him , in the Duke his Fathers name , which was a little before in Treaty , against the States of Italy , appertaining to the Crown of Spain , for restoring the Grisons to the ancient possession of their State and Liberty , and to their possession of the Valtoline ; and it being , divulged that the King was so servent in this business , as he would compose differences , yea even upon disadvantagious terms with the Hereticks of his own Kingdom , rather then suffer such an affront to be done unto himself ; and his Clients and Confederates to be so much injured ; Italy grew greatly apprehensive of new troubles , which seemed also to be just then threatned , and foretold , by Celestial Prodigies and Impressions . In the year 1618 , and in the moneth of November , there appeared a great Comet above Saturn , and according to the opinion of the most famous Mathematicians , very neer the Stars of the eighth Sphear , whose angry head was like to the Star called Mars ; and tail thereof , which was very long , and like a Squirrils tail , was extended or spread abroad 20 degrees , with two motions , the one retrograde , from the East to the West , wherewith it ran from the ninth of Scorpio , to the eighth of Virgo : the other from the South to the North , wherewith it ●…an 64 degrees , the head thereof terminating in that same Star which stands in the middest of the tail of Ursa Major , and the tail of it almost touching that mis-shapen Star which is hard by the tail of the Serpent . It was seen in Persia , in the Indies , and in Iapan , it ran through all the parts of the World , and continued till the end of December . A little before it appeared another impression was seen , which was like a Log of fire , but lasted but a very little while : Mathematicians Prognosticated several things hereby , and those who think the success of humane affairs depend upon Celestial influences , as upon second causes ; for these apparitions preceding the Insurrection in the Valtoline , many attributed the wars which proceeded from thence , to the maligne effects of those apparitions ; and the present Occurrence , which grew daily hotter and hotter , to be a well prepared Materia , to receive the malignity of these influences : but these Prodigies , which are most commonly fallacious , caused not these new Ruptures to be so much apprehended , as did the continual practises which were had every where . Feria appeared very constant and resolute in keeping what was gotten ; and to this purpose had used all his Reasons and Authority , with his friends in Spain , that the glory of his actions might not be disturb'd by his rivals . On the contrary , the Venetians who were very fervent in this business , were resolved by all means possible to bring it to the end which they so much desired . The Duke of Savoy , desirous of new wars , thought every hour a year till he had begun war with the Spaniard , The Pope , not able to tollerate that the Capitulation at Madrid , wherein he had co-operated , should not take effect , was very ill satisfied , and gave manifest signs of his resentment : the King of France , egg'd on by so many Princes , who had recourse to him , as to the chief foundation of common resolutions , was ready to end this business by Arms , since he could not do it by Treaties . The King of Spain was doubly concern'd in this business ; for to the respect of Religion , which was the chief cause why he had medled therein , was added the Decree of protecting the Valtoline , and the liberty thereof : nor could he with honour abandon the enterprise , though he should not value the other weighty interests of his Crown : on the other side , seeing so many jealousies , such ill satisfaction , so great a combination of Princes , who threatned much mischief to Italy , he began to reflect upon the prejudice which might redound , if new wars in Italy should be added to the wars of Germany and Flanders , which at this time were very hot ; and how hard would it be , to make sufficient provisions in all parts ; which if they should fail in any one place would necessarily draw on the ruine of all the rest . Labouring therefore amongst so many weighty and differing respects , but chiefly under the great apprehension of the immense troubles which might insue unto Italy , as that which prevailed over all other more wholsome resolves , he chose the middle way , which was , to deposite the Forts of the Valioline into the Popes hands , to the end that he might keep them with his own Captains and Souldiers , in the name of the Apostolick See , to dispose of them afterwards with satisfaction to Religion , and to both the Crowns ; whereby Religion was not injured : for laying the care thereof upon the Pope , he himself was freed from further trouble therein ; nor was the liberty of those of the Valtoline thereby prejudiced ; for the Pope being to satisfie both the Crowns therein , it was not to be supposed that the Crown of Spain would ever be satisfied with any thing which might be contrary to their Liberty . Thus the war being removed from Italy , it seemed that the Crown of Spain had with one and the same resolution wisely provided for her own affairs , for the point of Religion , and for protecting the Valtoline : whereby she witnessed to the world , that nothing else but zeal to Religion , and the keeping Catholicks from being oppress'd by Hereticks ; and not any reason of State , or desire to usurpe what belonged to others ( as was said ) had made the King interest himself in the present affairs : the deposition being accepted , the Pope sent his Brother Don Horatio , who was Duke of Fiano , and the Churches General , with 500 Horse , and 1500 Foot , into the Valtoline ; to whom the Forts of the Valtoline of Chiavenna , and of la Riva , were immediately delivered up ; and the Archduke took the Garrisons out of Coira , and out of the other places of that Country ; and Duke Fiano leaving the Forces of the Church in the Valtoline under their Officers and Commanders , return'd quickly to Rome . Thus the troubles which seemed to threaten Italy being pacified in the beginning of May , in the year of our Lord 1623 , the Negotiation touching the Valtoline was transfer'd from the Court of Spain to that of Rome ; and the end of so weighty a business , which was formerly expected from the Court of Spain , was now looked for from the Pope : but neither were the Venetians , nor those of the Valtoline , pleased with this depositure ; for the latter complained very much , that he whom they had chosen to be Protector of their Liberty , after having received them into his Protection , had turn'd them over to the Pope ; whom by reason of what he had done against them , they did not only distrust , but feared that he could not well defend them , by reason of the far distance of his Dominions , when they should be assaulted by the Grisons , or by any other Potentates : they said the King should rather have quite given over their Protection , then have put them under anothers power ; for by giving it over , he would have incouraged them , when they should be at their own command , either constantly to defend their Liberty , or to die in the defence , thereof : neither complained they less in the Court of Rome , whether having sent people of purpose , to Negotiate their interests , they forbare not to represent the justice of their cause to the Pope , to the Cardinals , and to the Embassadours of Princes , not so much in point of Religion , as of Liberty : they exaggerated the Tyrannical , and unjust actions of the Grisons ; their cruel orders to introduce Heresie amongst them : the Usurpation of their ancient and natural Liberty : they humbly beseeched that they would not suffer the people of Italy , who were by nature Free-men , and Catholicks , to fall once more under the Tyrannical yoke of Transalpine Hereticks ; they shew'd the danger wherein their souls and lives should be , if they should fall again under their Dominion , from which they had withdrawn themselves , for the preservation of the Catholick faith ; and from whom they could expect nothing but severe punishments in their lives , and detestable violence of Conscience . But the Venetians , who had laboured to get the Valtoline out of the Spaniards hands , were more vex'd and in greater streights then before , now that they saw it fallen into the Popes power ; being no less troubled now to see the Pope made Arbitrator , then the Spaniards Masters thereof before : and this not so much out of the great interests which the Popes use to have with the Crown of Spain ; as for that the Venetians having of late begun to struggle with the See of Rome for the first place of Authority amongst the Princes of Italy : And arrogating more Authority then became them in Ecclesiastical jurisdiction , and in conferring Benefices , they thought that if the Pope should keep the Key of that Gate for which they had striven so much , the Popes Authority would be too great ; and that they of Compettitors being become inferiours , must be forc'd to yield , and foregoing much of their high pretentions must depend absolutely upon the Popes power : And as it is natural to all men to be more willingly under the power of Forreigners then of those of their own Nation ; so they could not indure not only that they had not been able as yet to compass their desired ends , not to secure their own liberty and the common Liberty of Italy ; but that instead thereof they had changed , or rather doubled their subjection , being compelled by the King of Spain to depend upon the Apostolick See : They were yet more troubled to finde that the Pope , who was very streightly joined unto them till the day of depositure , should now after he had got possession , begin to waver and to decline from the common Interests ; For the Pope seeing the surety and liberty of the Apostolick See secured by this depositure , that the like of the Venetians and of the other Italian Princes did thereby depend upon him ; and that the Spaniards and French were thereby also under his Arbitriment ; If seemed that amongst several cogitations he had a mind to make use of the present occasion , to purchase and establish more Authority and Grandezza in the Church , and in his own Family : Wherefore beginning to listen more willingly to those of the Valtoline , he grew cool in his resolutions , and ambiguous in his Answers ; and of a Partner being become Arbitrator of the common Cause , he seemed to have laid much of his servency aside , and that he did not listen either to the Venetians or to the French , with that attention as he was wont to listen unto them , and to confer the secrets of his soul with them . The Spaniards were not displeased with these the Popes deportments , who were well enough contented that if any but themselves should possess the Valtoline , it should be the Pope ; and rejoycing that the world should be deceived in the imputation which they had formerly laid upon the Spaniards , of thirsting more after Dominion then after zeal to Religion , they used several pieces of cunning , that the Pope delaying his Resolves might keep possession the longer : Wherefore to boot with his fomenting the complaints of those of the Valtoline , of whom the King of Spain still professed himself Protector , making use of the conditions of the Depositure , he was not content with the propounded Propositions : And at last , to the end that this private advantage joyned to the publick might make greater impression in the Pope , they consented that his Nephew should marry with the only Daughter and Heir of Prince Venosa , a Neopolitan Lord , who had for her Portion 40000 Duckats , annual Revenue of Inheritance , which she held in Fee in the Kingdom of Naples : Nor herewithal content , they propounded , That regard being had to the antient Conventions of those of the Valtoline , a fourth League might be made of them , which being governed by their own Laws and Magistrates , might sit in the general Dyets , and give their Vote with the other three in all publick affairs appertaining to the Common-wealth : Or else , That it being made a Principality , it should be granted to some Prince who was a friend to them all , insinuating the Popes Brother or Nephew . Proposals which he listened very willingly unto , as being much inclined to the exaltation of his kindred ; but they were mightily abhor'd by others , particularly by the Venetians , who grew as suspicious of the Pope after the Marriage , as they were confiding in him before , for the constancy which he profess'd in the common Cause : To this was added , That the Principality of the Valtoline being of it self but weak , and lying open towards the State of Millain , it would too necessarily depend upon the Spanish Authority ; and if this were not satisfactory in any other person , the Venetians must needs abhor it in the Popes Nephews , by reason of the Wives Estate held in Fee ; which being by the Marriage to fall unto the Lodovisian Family , and to be annexed to his person who should be Prince of the Valtoline ; they were too pregnant proofs of the necessary dependance of that Principality upon the Crown of Spain : Neither could the French , though they stormed at the Popes alteration , any ways resent it ; the business being by the Covenants of the Depositure reduced from Forces to Treaty , wherein the French were to carry themselves cunningly , lest they might exasperate the Pope , and alienare him the more from their Kings interests . The Treaty of Marriage which was near concluding between the Prince of England and the Infanta Maria , Sister to the King of Spain , did not a little trouble the French , and suppress their pretentions ; which Treaty , being one of the most memorable and signal Negotiations of those times , and for that it was also of great concernment in the present Occurrences , it will not be unnecessary , nor will it swerve from our present Narration , to give you a short account of it . The King of Spain being deeply concern'd in the Bohemian wars , did not only send men and monies to the Emperour through the Valtoline before it was deposited , but commanded Marquess Spinola , his Captain General in Flanders and in the Low-Countries , to enter the Palatinate , and wage war there in the Emperours name : In obedience whereunto Spinola , with incredible speed and prosperity , possessed almost the whole Palatinate ; and suppressing the Forces of the numerous Army of the Protestant Princes , associated in assistance of the Palatinate , who durst not give him Battel , forced them at last to forsake the Palatinate upon the Rheine , and to receive Law from him : By which prosperous success the parts of the Palatinate and of the other Confederates being overcome , they were afterwards totally ruined by the Emperours Army , and by that of the Catholick League in Germany ; for these two Armies jointly entering Bohemia , and joining Battel with the Palatines Army before Prague , they routed it totally ; and the Palatine having lost his new Kingdom , and all hopes of regaining it , he fled with his Wife , Daughter to the King of England , towards Holland , that he might go from thence to his Father in Law , and obtain favour from him , or at least monies to recover his Paternal Estate , which was possess'd and confiscated by the Emperour , for Rebellion and high Treason . The King of England could never be drawn to approve of his Son in Law 's resolution of accepting the Crown offered him by the Bohemians ; and professing that he could not with a just conscience assist him in that Cause which he thought to be unjust , and a pernitious example to all Princes , forbore sending aid or succour to him ; which he did profess at first , and with miraculous constancy and faith made good unto the last ; whereby he deserved very well of the Emperour , and of the House of Austria , who were so deeply concern'd in those Revolts ; But afterwards commiserating the exile of his Son in Law , Daughter , and Grand-children , and yet resolving not to assist their afflicted Country by Arms , nor by joining with the other Princes of Germany , who prepared to repair the Prince Palatine with new forces ; he thought he should be able to do him better service by Negotiation ; wherein he had placed no small hopes , by marrying his own and only Son to the Infanta of Spain , and by his having deserved so well of the House of Austria ; And unusual means being to be used in unusual enterprises , he with a sudden and very secret resolution , sent his only Son to the Court of Spain , to desire in his own person the Infanta for his Wife ; thinking that by the Authority of his Sons presence , and by his generous shew of honouring that King , he should cut off all difficulties and hinderances which might obstruct a business of so high concernment : And that the Court of Spain being overcome by so magnanimous a favour , should not only consent unto the Marriage , but in savour thereunto restore the Palatinate , which the Prince intended to demand , and hoped to obtain amidst the Festivals and Jollities of the Royal Marriage . The Prince of England departing from England privately , past with a very small attendance disguised through France , and came to Madrid before the knowledge of his departure , and of so strange a resolution , was arrived there : The King and the whole Court being astonished and confused at the arrival of such a Guest , knew not whether they were to be glad of the Princes coming , in respect of the great Honour they received thereby ; or to be sorry for it , being necessitated to grant him whatsoever he should desire , though peradventure they were not thereunto well inclined : Yet being received with all the demonstrations of Honour , and with the greatest applause that might be , he found a first very good correspondency of good will in the King and in the whole Court , and already desire to please him in what concern'd the Match ; and for what concern'd the Palatine , such demonstrations were used , as he had reason to conceive hopes that he should obtain his whole desire by that voyage . As for the Marriage , all difficulties giving way to the Authority and presence of the Prince , the point of Religion was the only Remora ; wherein the King of Spain desiring much satisfaction , many debates were had about it : But at last , the English being desirous of a conclusion , consented to whatsoever the Spaniards did demand ; so as the Marriage was held as good as concluded , and for such divulged : Very rich Presents past between the Prince and his Mistress , as an earnest-penny of the future Marriage ; and many signs of rejoycing , and of reciprocal affection and union , past between the two Crowns ; There rested only one scruple on the King of Spains part , which delayed the Consummation , which growing daily greater became an invincible difficulty ; and afterwards reverst the whole business , and did wholly defeat it : For the King of Spain , desirous to proceed cautiously in so weighty a business , and which was on his side irretractable , required security for the performance of what was agreed upon ; And the King of England offering his Princely Word and Solemn Oath , ( which was all that he could offer , or the other could pretend unto ) the King of Spain was not therewithal contented ; as not being willing by any means ( in a business of so great concernment and importance ) to depend upon anothers will , subject to so many casualties and accidents of Variation , which might peradventure happen : And because the business of the Palatinate grew more difficult , the King of Spain keeping himself within the bounds of not promising any effectualy estitution , ( which the Prince of Wales desired , and pretended that it was promised ) affirming that he would use his Authority and best indeavours with the Emperour ; ( to whom , he said , the inte●…est of concession did chiefly belong , and upon whom the disposal of that State did absolutely depend ; ) men began therefore daily to suspect more and more , that the Court of Spain having been from the beginning intentionally and inwardly against the Match , they had only cunningly held on the Treaty ; partly , out of their own ambition and Grandezza ; partly , for the Honour of the Prince , whom they seemed to esteem very highly ; but chiefly that they might gain time , and advance the mean while in the business of the Valtoline ; Which the Prince percerving , he parted from that Court after he had been six Moneths there , without having made any conclusion ; and imbarking in a Fleet which was come from England to re-conduct him , he returned to his own Kingdom , carrying with him implacable hatred , grievous complaints , revenge and enmity , instead of friendship and a Wife . Here I , the Translator of this Book , must crave leave both of my Author and Reader , ( which if it may not be granted me , I will presume to take ) to insert a passage which then happened , and does relate to this Story ; it being a full and perfect Vindication of a scandalous imputation laid by some black back-biting Dogs , nay foul-mouth'd Curs , upon this then glorious Prince , my since blessed King , and now and for ever that undoubtedly happy Saint in Heaven , King Charles , late Monarch of Great Britain and Ireland ; they being defirous to make the world believe , by their scurrilous speeches and writings , that this pious , conscientious , and religious King , was a Papist in his heart , and intended to introduce Popery into this Land : And truly , since it falls out so pat and so aptly here , I cannot forbear doing it , though I know it be unusual , and contrary to custome , for Translators to adde any thing of their own ; and this it was : I Who had the honour to be bred up with this hopeful Prince ; and who account it my greatest happiness to have known him , and to have been known by him when he was King ; having heard a street Report that this Infanta , his then Mistress , and since Wife to the King of Hungary , was turned Lutheran ; according to the gratious freedom his Majesty was always used to afford me , I told him of it one day when he was at Dinner ; upon the hearing whereof , His ever blessed Majesty was pleased to say ; Harry , if this be true , I am confident I know who turn'd her ; which I desiring to know who it might be , His Majesty answered , Padre Rohose : This Padre Rohose , said His Majesty , when I came to Spain , was Confessor to the Infanta ; and in the absence of the Kings Confessor , was also Confessor to the King ; He was one ( said His blessed Majesty ) who gave very diligent attendance upon me when I came first to Spain , and for two or three Moneths space never failed to wait upon me when I was at Dinner ; insomuch as some acquaintance being grown between us , he one day moved me that a Disputation might be had in publick between my Chaplains and some of the King of Spains Priests in point of Religion ; affirming that he knew it would be very pleasing to the Infanta ; I answered , no , saying , I came not hither to turn , nor to be turned in my Religion by any publick Argumentations ; nor have I any such Commission from the King my Father ; but rather a Command to the contrary ; but if you , Padre Rohose , have any thing to object against the Religion which I profess , I will give you the hearing in private : Padre Rohose being glad that he had got thus much , began to object somewhat against the Religion profess'd in my Fathers Dominions ; at the beginning whereof , said the Prince , laying his hand upon the others Arm , No , Padre Rohose , this is not the way , this is to Dispute de non concessis ; But let me give you an account of my Faith , and of the Tenents of my Religion first , and then if you have any thing to object , speak your mind freely : Padre Rohose being herewith content , ( as surely he had good reason ) the Prince began and made him a full and true relation of the Tenents of his Religion ; which when he had done , Rohose replyed , Sir , do you believe all this ? Yes , said the Prince ; And will your Highness give me leave , said Padre Rohose , to affirm this to others from your mouth ? Yes , ( said the Prince ) do it boldly , for this is the Religion I was born in , and bred up in ; the Religion which is profess'd in my Fathers three Kingdoms , and wherein , by the Grace of God , I am resolved to live and dye : Why then ( said Padre Rohose ) for ought I know , Sir , you may be saved as well as I. My blessed King having told me this , I asked His Majesty whether Rohose did not object any thing against what His Majesty had said ; Not at the present , replied His Majesty ; but some few days after he took me aside , and began to alledge some trivial things against what he had heard me say ; to which ( said the King ) I gave him such an Answer , as I heard no further news of Padre Rohose for a good while ; whereat marvelling not a little , I wonder ( said the Prince , one day , in publick ) why Padre Rohose hath not visited me of late ; What is become of him ? To which he was answered by a whisper in the ear , That the Priest Rohose was forbidden coming any more to the Prince his Court , left instead of his converting the Prince , the Prince should convert him . I could not omit mentioning this remarkable Passage here , since ( as I said before ) I had so pat an occasion to do it ; and since it was to my self that His blessed Majesty was pleased to make this Relation upon the aforesaid occasion ; And upon the Faith of a Christian , and Word of a Gentleman , this , is the full sence , and as near as I can remember , the very words His ever blessed Majesty was pleased to do me the honour as to tell me ; which though they wrought nothing upon me , more then what I did formerly know , and did confidently believe ; if they be not able to stop the mouths of those slanderous companions , and make them bite out those Tongues wherewith they have indeavoured to throw dirt upon the Memory of His Sacred Majesty ; yet at least , his constant perseverance in the profession and witnessing his Faith at his unpresidented death , me thinks should make them do it . And now to pursue my Authour again ; These practises made the French grow cooler ( as I have said ) in the affairs touching the Valtoline ; for doubting lest by this Marriage a streight League might be concluded between the Crowns of Spain and England ; the Kingdom of France , being placed between them , grew apprehensive of it : And the intestine wars continuing in France against the Hereticks , who were much favoured by the King and Kingdom of England ; it behoved the Fench to be very circumspect in falling foul with the Crown of Spain , when it should be so closely annex'd to the English , as it was likely to be by that Marriage : But new accidents did this mean while happen , which did much better the French affairs : The Pope , who was grown very inward with the Spaniards , died about the end of Iune , in the year 1623. who was succeeded by Maffeo , Cardinal Barbarino , a Florentine by Nation , who caused himself to be called Urbane ; ●…one of a most pleasing wit , as well for his great Erudition in the more weighty Sciences ; as in humane Learning : He was also well vers'd in the affairs of the world , and in State affairs ; for having been accustomed to the most important imployments of the Court of Rome , he had also been Nuntio , both ordinary and extraordinary , with the King of Franc●… , and whilst he was in that imployment , was made Cardinal by Pope Paul the fifth ; wherefore he was thought to be inclined to the French , and that he could not wish well to Spain ; and yet he did so win upon the Spanish Faction by his wisdom , dexterity , wit , and can●…id com●…oitment , as the Votes of the Spanish Cardinals , and particularly Borgia's Vote , who was the head of them , weat to the making him Pope : He was created according to the new form prescribed by his Predecessors ; who to the end that the Cardinals might give their Votes with the more freedom , did by a particular Bull ordain so secret a way for the giving of Suffrages , as it could not be discovered by any ; which form , though as new and not formerly used , it kept the Conclave a little longer ; yet it being then the Dog-days , and the Cardinals being much incommodated by their being kept so close , many of them fell sick , and some died ; wherefore , forced by fear and danger , they joined in the election of Pope Urbane , who was indowed with all those parts and ornaments required in a great Prince , and in a powerful Pope . Having taken the Popedom upon him , great signes of constant resolution appeared in him , of a good affection to Christendome , and that he was not apt to siding : For to the great neutrality which he seemed to profess in publick affairs , and in such as appertained to the Papal dignity , he added great severity in his private affairs , by refusing great offers which were immediately made him by the French Agents for the aggrandizing of his House ; but on the other side , being very gratious to the Cardinals of Savoy , and to the French and Venetian Cardinals , with whom he held close consultations , he caused much distrust in the Spanish Cardinals and Agents , who therefore quickly shewed little satisfaction in his choice , and were displeased with themselves for the favour they had done him : And truly the success of affairs under his Popedom , shew'd they did not much erre in their judgment , nor in the diffidence which they conceived of him ; for Pope Urbane , whether moved thereunto by his own Genius and inclination to the French , or out of a desire to restore the Pontifical dignity to its former vigour , and render it less exposed to the dependancy of anothers will , or that he nourished more generous and more exalted thoughts of the Liberty of Italy ; he soon discovered himself no great favourer of the Spaniards , and very much a friend to those , who being desirous of the like liberty of Italy , strove to oppose the Spanish greatness : This jealousie was augmented by the knowledge of an important accident which happned in Avignon , in the Moneth of October this very year . The Kings of France , England , and Denmark , the Venetians , Duke of Savoy , and Hollanders ; many of the German Princes ; and , as some will have it , Bethlem Gaber , the Transilvanian Prince , sent their Embassadours very secretly to that City ; where coming unknown , and in the habit of Merchants , they made a League between them against the Emperour and the King of Spain , for the liberty of Italy , for the restitution of the Valtoline and of the Palatinate ; The principal Articles whereof were ; That the Hollanders , to boot with the war which they made in their own Country against the Spaniards , should send Fleets into America , and possess themselves of Brazil : That the King of England should assist the Hollanaers with a certain number of men in their Domestick wars , and should send a powerful Fleet to Spain , to assault those Rivers , and to intercept the Navy which useth to come thither from America : That the King of Denmark , together with the Protestant Princes of Germany , should raise a powerful Army , and wage war with the Emperour in Flanders for the Restitution of the Palatinate : And that Bethlem Gaber should molest the Emperours Dominions towards Hungary ; to the end that being assaulted on two sides , he might be the less able to make resistance : That the King of France should hinder the commerc●… between Spain and Italy with a powerful Fleet to be kept at Marselles ; and should pass into Piedmout with an Army of 25000 Foot , and 4000 Horse ; and that joining with the Duke of Savoy , who was to raise another Army of 12000 Foot , and 2000 Horse , he should assault the State of Millain ; for the maintaining of which Army the Venetians should disburse 100000 Duckats a Moneth to the Duke of Savoy : And that at the same time the King of France should fall into the Valtoline with another Army out of the Grisons Country ; and when he should have possess'd himself of it , he should fall down from thence into the State of Millain ; and joining with the Venetians , who for those enterprises were to join a certain number of men to the French Army , he should assault the same State of Millain with the Common forces ; and that they should assault the affairs of the Kingdom of Naples with a Fleet of Ships towards the Adriatick Sea. This League being made two months after the Pope ; Election , in a City belonging to the Church , made the Spaniards suspect that it never would have been appointed without tacite intelligence held between the Pope and the French , who were thought the authors of it : because besides the restitution of the Valtoline , and the Palatinate , the restoring of the Apostolick See to all that did anciently belong unto her was agreed upon ; wherein it seemed the Kingdom of Naples might be understood : and place was also left in the same League , for the Pope , and great Duke of Tuscany , who was also promised to have all the Havens of Tuscany restored unto him : but the French openly denying any such Conspiracy , and no wise man being to believe , that a Pope hardly wa●…m in his Chair should enter into so weighty Machinations , whereby the world was to be turned up-side down , and the Catholick Religon to be disturb'd ; the Spaniards , though this Union might seem to be true , by many successes which insued , not having any certain proof which might clear these jealousies , thought it a ●…afer way to work upon the new Pope by dissimulation , then to alienate him further from them by complaints , and vain resentments ; that which did most trouble the Pope , was , how to establish the Dukedom of Urbine in the Apostolick See , which was , as it were , devolved thereunto by the sudden death of the Prince , only Son to the old Duke , who a little before the Popes Election was found dead in his Bed , having been very well the night before when he went into it : for he having no o●…er issue but a very young Daughter , and the Duke being so very old , as he was not likely to live long , much lesse to have any more Children ; that Dukedom , when he should be dead , was to fall to the Apostolick See , whereof it was an antient Fee 〈◊〉 ; and as this so great addition of State to the Church was odious to the confining Princes , the Venetians , and the great Duke , so neither did the Spaniards approve of it : wherefore they began to talk how they might continue that young infant in the Principality ( whereof by the ●…enure of investing she was absolutely uncapable ) by marrying her to a confiding Prince , and so , with satisfaction to all , keep that State from being united to the Church : the manifest claim of the Church did oppose these designs , against which nothing could be attempted without open violence , and without troubling the whole World. Neither did the P●…ety and Religion of the old Duke permit , that ( to the prejudice of his soul and conscience , ) he should leave his people whom he loved very well , involved , after his life , in fore wars : the difficulty of managing the business was likewise a rub , and the great contestation which would be found in effecting it ; there not being any Prince to be found for this Marriage , with whom the other Princes would be content ; so great an addition to the great Duke of Tuscany , Cosin german to the Infants Mother , who was Daughter to Cosmo the Second , Father to Ferdinando the Second , now great Duke of Tuscony , on whom mens eyes were more fixed , for this business , then on any other , was equally suspicious to the Spaniards and Venetians , and to the other Princes of Italy : It made more for the interest of them all , to leave it in the Church , the common Mother , and Commonwealth ; the Empire whereof is more moderate , by reason of the Sacerdotal profession , of the often change of Popes , and necessary vicissitude of Prelates which govern her : and wherein all Princes had more reason to confide , as being more interessed therein : whereas on the contrary , by joyning that State to Tuscany , too great and powerful a Pincipality would be constituted in the very heart of Italy : which extending from the one Sea to the other , and dividing whole Italy , it would have born too great a sway in all general affairs ; and dividing wholly the Kingdom of Naples from the State of Millain , it might have been too prejudicial to the interests of the Crown of Spain , in those troublesome times , which afterwards hapned . To this , moreover , was added the tender years of the great Duke , who was under the Government of his Mother and Grand-mother , that Archduchess of Austria , Sister to the present Emperour , and Daughter to the la●…e Duke of Lorrein , and therefore little able to enter upon new undertakings , so much controverted , and of so high importance : to fix their thoughts upon any of the Popes Nephews , as was then spoken of , would have been indeed more acceptable to all , for it would have hindered the connexion of States ; a thing so prejudicial to that equality by which Italy is at the present maintained ; nor would the Span●…ards have been against it , to shun so great an addition to the greatness of the Church , and to win the Popes favour : but to boot that the Pope himself was not for it , it was a scandalous example , and subject to be revoked by the insuing Popes , by the precise orders and institutions of the Church , confirm'd by the reiterated Oaths of the Cardinals and Popes , by which the new Feofments of States which are devolved to the Apostolick See are forbidden ; and the Infants age did most of all oppose it , who was incapable of contracting Marriage : so as by reason of the continual variation of worldly affairs , no certain resolution could be taken in a business of such importance , whereby all Princes might be satisfied ; and yet the Spanish Agents did abbet these endeavours : but of all oth●…rs Don Antonio di Tolledo , Duke of Alva , and Viceroy of Naples , who was allied to the great Duke , was most zealous in the business for the great Duke ; and the old Duke of Urbine , being aware that Monsieur Santorio , made by the new Pope Bishop of Urbine , and who was speedily sent to his Episcopal residence , began to be busie , and to interpose his Authority in some Affairs which appertain'd more to the State then to his Episcopal care , was not only much displeased with Santorio , but interpreting it , as if the Pope , anticipating the time of the lapse , had sent him as a Superintendent over the Affairs of the State , thought himself much injured : wherefore being angred , he sent the Child to the Court of Florence , and re-inforced Tossone and the other principal places , with Garrisons , and seemed desirous to Marry his Grand-child to the great Duke . The Pope was certainly much troubled at these passages , being wholly bent to reunite this State to the Apostolick See ; insomuch as waxing jealous he sent many men to the Confines of Tuscany and Urbine : but they produced contrary effects to what the Spaniards pretended ; for they did the more unite the Pope to the King of France , who having no Territories in Italy would always be a great friend to the Churches pretences and greatness ; which increasing , without any prejudice to his Crown , was prejudicial to the Grandezza of Spain , which was envied by France ; and therefore the Pope , that he might the better fortifie himself against the Spanish Machinations , and that he might be reveng'd of them who endeavoured to anger him , he shewed himself very resolute in the affairs of the Valtoline ; that when he had rid his hands thereof , he might with more diligence attend the affairs of Urbine ; and because the Spaniards , when they deposited the Forts of the Valtoline , obliged themselves ( to the end that the Church might be put to no prejudice nor expence ) to pay such stipends as should be necessary for the Souldiers , that they might defend them ; and the Spanish Agents having failed in their payments ; the Pope , who was in teh mean while to take order for pay , said with much fre●…dom , that he would not forgo what was his own , for what ( according to the Grammarians ) was Appellative , nor would he squander away the moneys of the Apostolick Chamber , in defence of the Valtoline , which did appertain little or nothing to the Church ; but spare them for the eminent danger of the State of Urbine : which speeches being accompanied with some other favourable Demonstrations to the French , did trouble the Spaniards , and made them very circumspect in the business of Urbino , lest the Pope , to make a greater conjunction with the King of France , might probably precipitate the business of the Valtoline ; and yet being naturally very considerate , he had two Consultations about the business of the Valtoline , of the most conspicuous Theologists of the Court , and most exemplary for holiness of life ; who having discus'd the business were of opinion that the Pope ought not to permit Catholicks to return under the yoke of Hereticks , out of the evident danger of their souls , which belonging to the Flock of our Saviour Christ ; it became him , according to the Gospel , to defend them like a good Shepherd , from the Wolves , though with the hazard of his own life . Thus did the Affairs of the Valtoline alter , out of several respects , in that Court , just like the ebbing and flowing of the Sea ; and the Pope not being resolved what to do in it , that he might hold them both in hand temporized , and delai'd his resolution : but the French , who whilst Gregory lived were quiet , when they had a Pope who was their friend , began to rouse up , and to pretend that the Valtoline , the Forts being demolished , was to return under the Grisons command ; nor did they admit of any exception , unless that for what concern'd the safety of the Catholick Religion , the Pope should be the determiner : this they said was dictated by the first Capitulations at Madrid ; and thus Reason , and the King of France his Obligation to Protect the Grifons , did require : they persisted the more in these pretentions , for that they saw their affairs were much altered ; for in the Spanish Court , instead of alliance , enmity with the English was increased : the Spanish Army in Flanders , and all the Forces of those States , were busied before Breda , a very strong Town of the Hollanders , both for Situation , Fortification , and for its being triple fenced by water ; the taking of it was held impossible , the Siege very long , and of uncertain success , the Hollanders having raised a strong Army to relieve it . The Affairs of that Court had had but bad success in the Indies , and in America ; for Ormuz , a very strong Town , situated in the mouth of Persia , a principal place for Merchandize , and of great annual revenue , and of greater concernment for the command of the East-Indies , was taken by those Barbarians , they being assisted by English shipping : the Baja de todes santos , or All Saints Bay , the chiefest staple Town of Brasile , being ( perhaps in pursuance of the League of Avignon ) assaulted by a Holland Fleet , was taken , and sack'd ; which having had booty th●…re to the value of above two Millions of Ducates , fortified themselves there , intending further progress : these were two mighty blows to the Crown of Spain , which did oblige that King to send a powerful Army , as he did , to recover them ; and to boot that the event of these Affairs was uncertain , they required great store of shipping , multitudes of men and money : nor were the wars of Germany yet wholly at an end ; for many Rebels of the Empire , and whose Forces seemed rather to increase then to lessen , did molest it in several places ; for the King of Denmark , in conformity to the League at Avignon , came into the Field very strong , and had made himself head of the Protestant Princes , who took up Arms against the Emperour , to restore the Palatine to his Patrimonial State , and who made great progress in the lower Germany . On the contrary , the Affairs of France , which till now had been full of troubles and civil wars , seemed to be brought into a safe Harbour , and by several accidents to be in a better condition : the King of England , having broken the match with Spain , had concluded a Marriage between his Son , the Prince of Wales , and a Sister to the King of France , who was yet unmarried ; and joyning in League with him , promised great things against the interest of Spain , both by Sea and Land , answerable to the League of Avignon ; and the tumults of France were either totally composed , or it was in the Kings power to end them : which accidents concurring at the same time were able to incite any Prince to novelties , though never so much an enemy thereunto , much more the King of France , and French Nation , who were so far interessed and ingaged in the business of the Valtoline ; and therefore though after many Consultations had in Rome , between the Embassadours of Spain and France , of themselves , and afterwards with the Pope , the Pope put forth at last some Articles touching the security in point of Religion amongst those of the Valtoline ; whereunto the Embassadour did agree , and made others between themselves in their Kings name , whereby the Valtoline , when the Forts should be demolished , was to return to be under the Grisons ; but with some Articles , Conditions ; and upon pain of Escheat , in case of swarving from the agreement , and particularly with leave for the King of Spain to pass men thorow it ; yet the King of France , accepting only those that were propounded by the Pope , did absolutely refuse those that were agreed upon by the Embassadour ; and being highly offended with the Commandator Sillery , who was his Embassadour , he sent Monsieur di Bittune to succeed him , and sent for Sillery back to France ; and did not only deprive him of his favour , but removed his Brother , who was Lord Chancellor , and the Chancellors Son , who was Secretary of State , together with other of their dependants , from their imployments , being apprehensive ( as was said ) that they held some secret intelligence with the Court of Spain ; and being incensed against the King of Spain , desired the Pope that he would either cause the Forts to be demolished , or else restore them to the King of Spain ; to the end that he might make way to their demolishment , without offence to the Apostolick See : but the Articles of depositure withstood the demolishing , and the restitution was gainsaid , for fear of raising new wars between the two Kings : so as , look with how much more circumspection it became the Pope to proceed in his resolves , so much more did the fervency of the French increase ; who not brooking any delay , and seeing things in a way for war , furthered the execution of the League , and the preparations for all things requisite for what was resolved on . But the Marriage ( which was just at this time in hand ) between Prince Phileberto of Savoy , and Princess Maria , Daughter to Francis late Duke of Mantua , did either totally hinder , or at least retard for the present the effects of so great a combination : by which Treaty the Duke of Savoy ( who if he were not the head , was a principal member of this League , ) was diverted from the common Counsels . The Spaniards had formerly endeavoured by several ways to stave him off from the other Confederates , shewing plainly how much it would make for his advantage to withdraw the Valtoline from subjection to the Grisons , and make it dependant upon their King ; for his Territories having no need of access by that way , he would be the only man on whom the Princes of Italy would fix their eyes , and whose friendship they would mainly endeavour , by reason of the need they should have thereof ; and the two Crowns would be inforced to esteem him no less then they , since he would be the only man , who , when all other passages should be shut up , might keep out the French , and all other Forreigners , from coming into Italy , or who might bring them in . But hatred against the Spaniards , and a desire to oppose their ends , prevailing more with him , and conceiving great hopes from the League , he still continued therein : some Propositions being afterwards made concerning this aforesaid Marriage , of some resignation to be made by the Duke of Mantua , of Montferrat ; at least after the death of the said Duke Ferdinand , and of his Brother Prince Vincenso , both which for several respects had small hopes of succession , the Duke of Savoy being exceedingly desirous of new pretentions to that State , easily fore went any other business ; and the Spaniards , who out of many respects were interessed in these Negotiations , were not displeased that this might be effected , fearing lest the line of these two Princes failing , the Duke of Nivers , who was to succeed in those States , should draw the French into Italy ; chusing , for the lesser evil , that since Montferrat was to fall to the house of Savoy , it might be given to the second Son , in whom they did much confide ; and not to the eldest , who being to succeed in his Fathers Dominions , his Principality would be too great : and the Duke not being able to forgo so great an occasion of increasing his Dominions , for the vain and uncertain hopes of the League , which did not much belong to him , was so much the more necessitated to forgo the League , and the Friendship of the French ; for this Marriage would make the French his enemies , if the succession of Montferrat should devolve upon the Duke of Nivers , who that they might have a Prince in Italy , totally dependant upon their King , would protect and maintain his pretences : nor could the Duke of Savoy keep possession of that State from the French , without the Spaniards assistance . The Spania●…ds therefore being desirous to win him over , and to interest him in their own Affairs , were then very hot in pursuing that Marriage : knowing very well that if the Duke should be separated from the League , the plots of the Confederates would vanish , who being , as it were , same for what concern'd Italy , without him they could not , at least not without difficulty , do any thing they had agreed upon : the design had taken handsomely , but a petty accident which hapned in the River of Genoa withheld the effecting of it , and the Prince his insuing death did totally overthrow it : where Liguria Confines upon Piedmont , stands the little Marquisate Zuccarello , whereof mention hath been formerly made : it was anciently granted in Fee by the Emperour to those of the house of Caretta ; but by alteration of times , and accidents , being gotten by the Genoeses , and afterwards invested in those of Caretta , it was held and possess'd for the space of 200 years by them , as Feudatories to the Commonwealth , upon the usual recognition of homage : the same accidents and revolutions of Italy had lately transported it from the Commonwealth to the Emperours , not without the Common-wealths complaint , which yielding to the times that were but bad for her , was not well pleased to be after so many years possession deprived of that Fee , which lay so neer , and so conveniently , to their own State : but the Emperours Authority rising up again in Italy , after some ages , the Genoeses were forced to be content , and to expect a better occasion of repossessing it ; and therefore in the year 1576 , they purchased an Annual R●…nt out of the said Fee , from Scipio del Caretto , the Marquess and possessor thereof ; and this Annual Rent was approved of by the Emperour , and ratified by a solemn Decree . Not long after the Marquess being impleaded by the Emperour , for a certain man-slaughter , he sold that Marquisate to the Duke of Savoy , to the prejudice of the Cesar●…an Exchequer , and of the Covenant of Prelation , so to avoid confiscation ; and the Emperour proceeding to Sentence of Death against the Marquess , and to confiscation of the Fee , took it from the Duke ( ●…o whom it was already assigned over by the Marquess ) and held it for himself , and for the Imperial Chamber : the Duke being deprived of possession , labour'd hard in the Court at Germany , sometimes in his own name , sometimes in the name of the Marquess , and of his Son , to have the lapse and confiscation revoked ; but in vain , because of the opposition of the Cesarian Exchequer , and of the Commonwealth , which by re●…son of her ancient pretences , and much more by reason of her more modern ones , which she had got therein , was by the Emperour admitted to give a Vote in that Judgement . In fine , the claim of the Caretti being excluded , the Emperour , in the year 1624 , set it to publick sale by the C●…yer , for whosoever would give most ; and divers offering moneys for it , it was adjudged to the Commonwealth , which offer'd most ; whereat the Duke thought himself much injured , as supposing that no Chap-men would be found for it , so as the Fee remaining still unsold , he might obtain it the more easily from the Imperial Chamber : he thought that the Commonwealth , by buying it , had spoiled all his designes , and utterly defeated all his hopes of ever coming by it . He therefore writ to the Commonwealth , complaining of what had been done , and exhorting her to desist , for otherwise he would 〈◊〉 it 〈◊〉 : the Commonwealth had just occasion long before to complain upon this account of the Duke , since the question being of a Fee situated in Liguria ; wherein the Duke had never either action or pretention , all reason would that , in point of good neighbourhood , he should have forborn it : but that the same neighbourhood allowed the Commonwealth to purchase it , as that which ●…ecame her better to do then any other , by reason of her confining thereupon , out of reason of State , for her antient pretences thereunto , and for the new Article of Prelation : but being desirous of the publick peace , and of keeping good correspondency with her neighbours , she chose to prosecute her pretentions by a civil way in the Emperours Court ; wherein having after much labour , and expence , obtain'd her end ; ( which she had done by no other way then by purchasing that at a high rate which she had much reason to pretend unto as her own , ) she thought her self the much more injured person , seeing the Dukes appeals accompanied by such open threats : and that though she was resolved to keep what she had purchased , so as she might shew her resentment in equal terms , yet thinking moderation did better become her dignity and gravity , she was more temperate in her answer ; whereby endeavouring to possess the Duke fully of her justifiable actions , she was resolved to make good what she had done , notwithstanding all his threats . This constancy and freedom of the answer , the less it was expected , the more did it sting the Duke to the very soul , who was haughty of himself , but much more by reason of the present Occurrences , whereby thinking himself to be in high esteem with the greatest Potentates of Christendom , which strove who should most favour him , and draw him over to them , he thought himself formidable to the lesser : he could not thereforefore well indure that a Commonwealth of Gown-men should so little value his threats ; and so much the less , for that the Commonwealth added Military provisions to her answers , shewing her self ready to make resistance , in case the Duke should second his words with deeds : they therefore gave present order for new levles of men , for taking Foot into pay , for sending for Captains and Commanders to serve them ; and for her better justification , she together with the Dukes complaints , published the merits of the Cause , and the small justice he had to complain ; the business being hereby brought upon the Stage , the Duke was the more bound to persist in his pretences , and howsoever to maintain them , if not for the interest which the having or not having the Fee of Zuccarello would be unto him , at least in respect of his reputation , wherein he thought he should suffer very much , if the world should have reason to attribute his desisting therein to the Commonwealths threats , and preparations : so as resolving to have the better of the business , he being full of inexhaustible invention , began to bethink himself how he might find out some plot , whereby his honour might not precipitate from that height which it was in : he began to invite , and to incite the Transalpine Nations against the City and State of Genoa , by giving out what immense riches , and vast prey , they might get from the wealthy Genoeses : from these fleight accidents , as from a little spark , great and dangerous flames for Italy arose , which had almost caused an universal combustion ; for the greatest Monarchs of Christendom had a hand in the kindling , and in the quenching thereof : and because for the knowledge of this , and of several weighty successes which did from thence result , it will be necessary to know the condition and state of the Commonwealth of Genoa , which was such as made many Christian Princes to appear upon this occasion , I will for the present leave the pursuit of this Narration , and will unfold somewhat briefly of the Commonwealth of Genoa ; which though it may seem superfluous to the present Age , as being sufficiently known , will be both acceptable , and necessary , for the knowledge of Posterity . The End of the Seventh Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . BOOK VIII . The Contents . IN this Eighth Book you have the Description of the Commonwealth of Genoa ; her Interest and good Correspondency with the Crown of Spain . The Diet held at Sula , wherein two attempts are resolved upon : the one against the Valtoline , the other against Genoa ; for the execution whereof many preparations are made both in France and in Italy . The French fall down into the Valtoline , under the conduct of the Marquess of Coure ; and driving the Churches Forces from the Forts which were deposited in the Popes hands , they make themselves masters thereof : they likewise fall down into Piedmont , under de Digueres Grand Constable , and joyning with the Duke of Savoy , and with his Forces , go to the Enterprise of Genoa ; and proceed far in that State ; the Pope sends his Nephew Legate into France . The Genoeses are reduced into a very dangerous condition by hostile Arms. THe Commonwealth of Genoa , which being govern'd by her own peculiar Laws and Magistrates , injoys full and fortunate Liberty , possesseth the Kingdom of Corsica , together with all that Tract , which ex●…ending from Germany to the Haven of Monaco , is now commonly called the River of Genoa , and was anciently called Liguria ; and extending her Confines beyond the Appenine , and the River Magra commands many Castles in Lombardy , and many in Tuscany , together with City of Serezzana : the City being great of her self , and capable of a numerous people , is one of the chiefest Cities of Italy ; and for the opportunity of her situation , for her great Traffick , for the immense riches of her Citizens , is deservedly accounted a rich and noble Mart , the staple , and the noblest Excheque●… , or Treasury , of all Europe ; she was in former Ages very famous for Sea-enterprises , by reason of the number of her powerful Fleets , and by reason of the famous Victories which she hath long ago had over the Sa●…asens , and since over the Venetians , Pisans , and Catalonians : a people who were also very powerful at Sea , who contending long with her for superiority at Sea were some of them suppress'd , some totally defeated ; and certainly she would have gotten the absolute Empire over the Mediterranean ; had not her endeavours and Military Valour , exe●…cised with such glory and advancement of reputation against her enemies , b●…en turned , ( through the ambition and blind unbridled desire of precedency in her own Citizens ) to their own prejudice , and to the prejudice of their Country ; for being divided into parties and factions , and cruelly rent by intestine contention and strife , she was forc'd to yield the Reins of Government , sometimes to the most powerful Citizen , sometimes to some Forreign Potentate ; but the prosperous and unfortunate adventures of the ancient Commonwealth are already diversly written both in her own Annals , and in those of other Nations ; and they being far from our purpose , I have not room to write them here : that which is sufficient to know concerning the main business , which we are now about to write , is , that since the Genoeses drove out the French , whereby they regained their ancient Liberty , and reduced their Commonwealth to the present form of Government , ( which was in the eight and twentieth year of the Age next before this that we now are in ) they have always kept strict and sincere union with the Crown of Spain ; insomuch as not any Italian Potentate hath shew'd themselves more a Friend to the Spaniards then they : nor perhaps was there ever known a conjunction between Princes of so unequal power and greatness , which hath been preserved for the space of a hundred years , with mo●…e sincere faith , and more reciprocal advantage : the Havens , Seas , Passages , and all other conveniences of the S●…ate of Genoa , were always open to receive the Fleets , and to give passage or any other accommodation to those of that Crown : whereas they were always shut up to any who might bring prejudice to the Grandezza , Dignity and Security of the Spanish Dominions . The King of Spain is permitted to keep a Squadron of Gallies in the Haven at Genoa , for any sudden or urgent occasion that may arise : which makes very much for the good of the affairs of that Crown , by reason of the opportune situation of Genoa , which being seated between the Kingdoms of Spain , and of those o●… Naples and Sicily , and being also the Staple to the State of Millain , is very convenient for the uniting and preservation of States , and Provinces divided so far one from another . On the other side , the same friendship and good correspondency is a great security and help for the Sta●…e of Genoa , for the singular care which those Kings are forced to have of her preservation , not only by the tye of extraordinary Friendship , but out of private Interest , so as the Commonwealth may with good reason suppose all the Forces and Fleets of that Crown to be always ready to defend her , against whosoever shall plot any thing to the prejudice of her , or her Liberty : he gave the beginning to this so neer conjunction , who being the first author of the Commonwealths Liberty , deserves to be by her stiled the Father and Free ▪ of his Country , and fellow Citizens . Prince Andrea Doria , the best Captain in Sea affair of any in his time , and reputed the best for Maritime Forces , and experience for Military Valour and happy success : wherein the compassion of his afflicted Countries misery prevailing more with him , then the great offers , and afterwards the anger of the King of France , forsaking not without great danger to his own Fortune , the French offers , and stipends , he went over to serve the Emperour Charles the Fifth , King of Spain ; and hoping much in this new conjunction , he betook himself with incredible courage and generosity to so glorious an action : wherein being very fortunate , he proved not only an unexpected safety to his Country , which driving out the French , he restored to happy and miraculous liberty , but gave a great turn to all the affairs of Italy ; for the fortune of the French , which had then the upper hand , and was almost victorious , began then to decline ; and that of the Emperour which was then at an ebb , began to be raised up ; for the French mens losing the State of Genoa , was immediately followed by their loss of the Kingdom of Naples , whereof they were almost fully possessed ; and being by Dorias resolution robbed of all their best and greatest Maritime Forces , and by the revolution of the affairs of Genoa deprived of the opportunity of being succoured by Sea , they fell upon sad incounters ; and not being able to hold out longer , were at last forced to abandon the enterprise to the Imperialists ; who getting to within the walls of Naples , the French did not only badly defend the free possession of that Kingdom , but lost all hopes of ever regaining it . The King of France his enterpriprises in Lombardy and in Piedmont , had no better success both then and afterwards : Where the conveniency of the State of Genoa being afforded to the Emperour , and deny'd to the French , was of great moment for the Emperours victory , and for the ruine of the French forces ; insomuch as the French being utterly ruined , and the Emperour superiour to all , and able to give the Law , he built up that grandezza of Fortune to himself , and posterity , which he injoyed whilst he live●… , and which his descendents , the Kings of Spain , do at the present injoy . Doria's name grew very glorious every where for such egregious actions ; and his Authority was very great in the Commonwealth of Genoa for her re-gained Liberty ; and his Power was no less great with the Emperour , who esteeming it not only a great happiness to have so famous a Commander under his pay , and of such valour and experience in Naval Affairs , but thinking him also a fit Instrument to make the City and State of Genoa side with him ( a thing of great impor●…ance to his affairs ) he studied still to keep him his Friend , by conferring great Rewards upon him , and unusual Honours : He therefore made him Lord High Admiral at Sea , and seldom dissented from his advice ( which he valued very much ) in Land Enterprises . And as Doria's power with the Emperour rendred the liberty of the Genoe●…es free from being disturbed by so great an Authority , as some of the free Cities of Italy were ; so his authority with his Fellow-Citizens was sufficient to keep the Genoeses constant in their devotion to the Emperour ; which was the more easily effected , for that the affairs of Italy being divided into two Factions , the one adhering to the French , the other to the Emperour , the prevalency of the latter was very opportune and necessary to the Commonwealth , to preserve her from the evident danger of being the more opprest by the former , the French being the more incens'd against the Genoeses for the great prejudice they had received by their revolution . Doria out-lived the Emperour some few years , and continuing in the same Employments and Honours under Philip the Second , King of Spain , and Son to the Emperour , he was succeeded by Iohn Andrea Doria , Heir not only to his Principality , States , and Maritime Fortune , but also to his Heroick Virtue and singular Piety towards his Countrey ; who after having served the Crown of Spain in places of great Employment , and given good proof of his Valour and Counsel upon all occasions , and having kept great sway with his Fellow-Citizens , was of no less authority in the Court of Spain ; in so much as he was preferr'd by Philip the Second in command at Sea before many Competitors and famous Captains of Illustrious Families , and discharged the Office of Lord High-Admiral with splendour and magnificence answerable to the authority : And as he was a great help , and very serviceable to the keeping of the same correspondency between the Crown of Spain and the Commonwealth ; so was he a no little supporter of his Countreys Liberty in the jealous and troublesome times which did sometimes happen ; and as the former was honoured by the publick Decree of the Commonwealth with the title of Father and Freer of his Countrey , so was he by the like Decree honoured with the title of Conservator of the Liberty thereof . After his death ( for the chief Command at Sea was reserved for the Princes of the Blood Royal ) his third Son Don Carlo Doria succeeded in the Government of those Gallies which the King of Spain keeps in Genoa ( for his eldest son being by reason of his private indispositions unfit for Navigation ; as also his second son Giannettino by reason of his Priesthood , he being at the present a Cardinal , Archbishop of Palermo , and Viceroy of Sicily . ) Which Don Carlo , as also Cardinal Giannettino , treading in their Forefathers steps , proved very advantagious in the service of that Crown to their Countrey , and to themselves . At the same time almost that the supreme Command at Sea ceased in the Dorian Family , new and extraordinary worth arose in the Family of the Spinolas , a House of great Alliance and Wealth in the Commonwealth , whose worths fomented the same good correspondency . Marquess Ambrosio Spinola , and his Brother Frederick , both of them being young men and very rich , emulating as well the glory and splendour as the virtue and worth of the Dorii , and not knowing any more Illustrious Theatre then the Wars made by the Kings of Spain in the Low-Countries against the Hollanders , and the United Provinces , for the maintaining of Religion , and Regal Authority , they both of them offer'd to enter upon that warfare upon their own expence ; the youngest to serve with a certain number of Gallies in the Flemish Ocean , and the eldest in Land-service with a great number of men . But Frederick being slain in a Naval Battle , almost in the beginning of the War , could not arrive at that height of Glory which the Marquess his Brother did in a few years ; who being a great Commander of Armies almost before he was a Souldier , and far out-doing the expectation of men most exercised in Military Affairs , became in a short time the best Commander of this present age ; and having the superintendency and absolute management of those Wars given him by the King of Spain , he did not only stop but suppress the Fortune of the Enemy , which like an impetuous Torrent was like to drown the Kings Authority , and the Catholick Religion in those parts : Moreover he carried the Spanish Forces into Germany , where he did singular good service , took many entire Provinces , and was ( as hath been elsewhere sa●…d ) a great help to the affairs of Religion , and of the then tottering Empire : His counsel in civil matters was answerable to his Military Valour ; for which being admired and reverenced by all Europe , he bare also a great sway in the important resolutions of the Court of Spain . Thus the Fleets at Sea , Armies at Land , the most considerable Employments of that Crown , having for the most part past through the hands of the Genoeses for almost a whole Age , and these drawing over other of their Fellow-Subjects to the Kings service , and using them in many useful and honourable Employments appertaining to their Governments , it necessarily followed , that so much confidence being put by the King in the chiefest Subjects of the Commonwealth , and such Honours and Employments conferr'd upon others united the whole Commonwealth of Genoa for ever firm to that Crown : Moreover , the Squadron of the Kings Gallies which was kept in Genoa were generally commanded by Genoese Captains , and served with Officers and Mariners of the same Nation , who did not only maintain their houses and families by the Kings pay , and by the great emoluments which they got by navigation , but did augment their own fortunes . This Squadron of Galleys were therefore a great good to the King , and to the Commonwealth ; to the King , for that to boot with the conveniency of that Haven , which was so fitting for the King of Spain , and for his Dominions in Italy , it encreased the number of his adherents in Genoa ; for the Common-wealth , for besides the entertaining and employment of so many of her Captains and Citizens , and to boot with the advantage of Traffique and Treasure , it was of great use to train up her people in maritime skill , which Art could not well have been preserved amongst them , but upon this occasion ; and those Galleys being commanded and managed by the Genoeses , the Common-wealth had conveniency to make use of them , as if they had been her own , upon any occasion of her own safety and defence , without any the least jealousie ; for these being added to her own , made up almost a compleat Fleet , able to oppose the assaults of any enemy ; but chiefly for that this being one of the best Squadrons of Gallies the Crown of Spain had , and being in the power of the Genoeses , it must needs be a good pledg of the Kings good will to the Common-wealth : The Comme●…ce also which the Genoese Mariners have usually in the Kingdoms of Spain , Naples , Sicily , and Sardinia , and the Traffique which is very great , in the State of Millian , and in Flanders doth imploy great part of the meaner sort of the City and State of Genoa , who by natural inclination , and by reason of the barrenness of their Country , are given to Negotiation , both by Land and Sea : so as there are but very few , who for their own peculiar concernments , are not very desirous of the prosperity of that Crown . But the Contracts or Covenants of the richest and ablest Gentlemen of the Commonwealth doth interest the Genoese Nation with the Crown of Spain : the most famous and important contract , and of greater concernment for the affairs of Crown then any other which we reade of , or have heard . The King , to keep and maintain his Armies in Flanders , Germany and Italy ; and for maintenance of his Fleet in the Ocean , and in the Mediterranean , is forced to make many expeditions , and send provisions sometimes to one part , sometimes to another : the Kings Exchequer had not alwaies ready money ; or , in case it had , moneys could not with safety and speed be conveyed into those parts where they were to be serviceable , but they must either be intercepted by the Enemy , or sunk at Sea , or come too late to where they were destined , which would cause the ruine of the Kings Enterprises and Armies : The Genoese Merchants , by the great affluence of their riches , credit , and corespondency , which they held in all parts of Europe , did abundantly and beforehand supply what was necessary ; so , as in humane bodies the soul , and natural heat , send forth and supply all the members with necessary nourishment ; just so in the immense body of so great a Monarchy , the Pen of the Genoese , as the soul and vital spirit of the King of Spain's Treasure , serves the King to convey ready moneys happily , safely , and speedily , whithersoever it is needfull , with reciprocal profit and conveniency ; for the King by making his provisions in good time , and speedily , secures his Enterprizes , wins honour to his Arms by victory , and defends his Dominions ; and the Genoeses get vast gain by the employment of their moneys , whereby their private fortunes do exceed that of all other Nations ; for which advance of moneys they are paid by the King in annual Revenues , out of the States and Kingdoms belonging to the Crown , as well in Spain as in Italy : therefore as this contract is necessary for the main affairs of that King , it oblige●… him to have a care of the Commonwealth ; for without the preservation thereof , the contract is impossible to be made good ; and so great a stock of moneys of the Genoeses being imploied in the Kingdoms belonging to that Crown , serves the King as a pledge of their good will. These are the Ties , these are the Bonds of Friendship , and conjunction between the Crown of Spain and Commonwealth of Genoa ; which being confirm'd by process of time , and by so many trials , grow daily stronger , not only for the interests , which multiply continually , but for the trust and confidence which doth also multiply by the course of years : the Kings of Spain , for the space of almost one whole Age , have had trial of the good and sincere publick correspondency , and of the acceptable , and faithful service of the priva●…e Genoe●…es : great were the conveniences and advantages which they thereby got both in publick and private . On the other side , those Kings having always born much respect towards the Commonwealth , and having eve●… endeavoured the preservation of her Liberty , the Genoeses did so confide in their affection and good will towards them , as the neighbourhood and greatness of the Kings Dominions , wherewith their are invironed , and the powerful Forces of that Crown both by Land and Sea ; ( sufficient to bege●… diffidence in greater Potentates then the Commonwealth , ) were not only no cause of fear nor terrour to her , but they by long experience began to confide in them ; and they served as a Bulwark and defence to the Commonwealth , against all hostile violence . No foot of the State of Genoa was ever seised on , no point of her jurisdiction injured , nor the least part of her liberty ; and whereas the Commonwealth , when she began to adhere to this Crown , being then newly got out of Forreign subjection , was faint hearted , weak in Forces , rent with intestine discords , and both publick and private fortunes were exhausted ; by her regained liberty , and by this new contracted friendship , she did not only recover her former spirit and health , but reassuming her native colour , and being restored to her ancient splendour , appeared in publick and in private as formerly ; and whereas having been formerly molested , sometimes by one , some times by another Potentate , and troubled by intestine discord , she had much ado to preserve her self , but undergoing great storms was subject to many dangers ; after the union and good correspondency with the Crown of Spain , she was brought into a safe Haven , secure from Domestick and Forreign tempests , she was respected by her neighbouring Princes , honour'd by those that were further off , not molested by her rivals , nor offended by any ; and if at any time she hapned to be molested by any , she was protected and defended by all the Forces of the said Crown , as if she had been one of its Patrimonial Dominions . The Nobility of Genoa prosper'd no less in their private affairs , then in the publick ; some of them were honoured by that Crown with great Honours and Imployments , others were favoured with Offices , Dignities , and great Rewards : the City her self was embellished with stately Edifices , which were not inferiour for Ornament or Magnificence to those of ●…ny other private personages : private houses were strangely beautified : none were like to them for Plate , Jewels , nor Moveables , neither in quality nor quantity , for the fortunes of private men , some amounted to the yearly rent of a hundred thousand Ducates , many to half as much , and very many to less , but still very considerable sums : by which riches and splendor the Commonwealth being become very powerful , she might justly be adjudged to be brought to a better condition , in all respects , then ever she had formerly been ; for though in pa●… Ages , when she was wholly intent upon Maritime Affairs , she was become very glorious for famous Victories , made by her numerous powerful Fleets : yet the vivacity and refinedness of the Genoese spirits being become fierce by continual use of Arms , wanting Forreign Enemies , she could hardly keep from civil dissentions ; the result whereof was the ruine of Military knowledge , and the common Countries destruction : the same vivacity and acuteness growing wanton by the continual peace of latter times , and being refined in civil Arts hath made them study publick Government the more , and more desirous to preserve their Country and Liberty , as the Spring-head of all their good , and as the only stay and foundation of their private fortunes ; and being hereby become so happy both in publick and in private , she had no reason at the present to envy the condition of former times : her Subjects were no less glorious then those of former times in Military Affairs , and for what concerns the Gown and Civil Affairs , undoubtedly , far beyond them : she had plenty of men , excellent for learning , and for all kind of Erudition , very wise for State-Government ; and ( which is seldom seen in so great affluence of private Riches and Authority ) singular for Religion , Piety , and Charity towards their Country : so as though in point of greatness of State she may yield the upper hand to some of the modern Commonwealths , yet can she not be thought inferiour for unanimity of mind , for a solid and well regulated Government , nor for the love of Liberty : The Legislators of antient times , and those who in their Rules of Philosophy have left excellent Precepts of Policy , always thought private riches , and excessive power in private Citizens , to be the corrupters of mens minds ; wherefore as if it were a Plague or pestiferous Venome in a well regulated Commonwealth , they did so abhor it , as Licurgus , the wise composer of the Spartan Commonwealth , not being content with an equality of Land amongst the Citizens of his Commonwealth , he would not permit them the use of Silver or Gold. In process of time , the same Spartans did of their own free will yield up the command of Maritime Fleets , which the Confederate Cities of Greece did maintain in common , to the Athenians , for fear lest their Citizens , being accustomed to so great a command , might become contumacious to the Orders of the County , and might some time or other have some Plots upon the publick Liberty ; therefore they provided against too great power and authority in their Citizens , by the Law of Ostracism ; and how much did the Agrarian Law trouble the Commonwealth of Rome . It is too clear and manifest , how the Roman Liberty was at l●…st overthrown , first by the too extraordinary power of Marius and Sylla , and afterwards by the like of Caesar and Pompey : some of the modern Commonwealths , out of the same respects , give the command in chief of their Land Armies only to Forreigners , and the Supream Government at Sea , which they cannot take from their Citizens , they confide it in them so allaied as they cannot exercise it within a hundred miles of the City : nor is it permitted to their Citizens to receive Pensions , or take imployments or dignities from other Princes , nor yet to purchase esta●…es or fortunes in other Princes Dominions , lest their dependency upon that Prince may prove prejudicial to the Commonwealth . The Commonwealth of Genoa by a singular and happy example , which doth confound both the precepts of the ancient and the institutions of modern Commonwealths , doth not only sustain her 〈◊〉 by the grea●…ness of the private fortunes of her Citizens , but doth from thence take ●…orce , spirit and splendor ; and by means of her Citizens great power recovers sometimes her lost liberty , sometimes preserves it , and becomes considerable to Forreign Nations , and to neighbouring Potentates . The Citizens of this Commonwealth treat with the greatest Monarchs of Christendom ; they get Revenues in Forreign Countries ; they are admitted into administration of the King of Spains ▪ Treasure ; they receive Pensions , Titles and Dignities from his Crown , they receive the chief Government of his Kingdoms and States , the prime jurisdiction over his Fleets at Sea , the absolute command over his Land Armies , they are admitted into , and chosen to be Counsellors of his Privy Council ; and yet so many , and so great Dignities , Titles , Imployments , Offices and Preeminences , do not at all prejudicate or weaken the Principality of their common Country , but do rather strengthen it : The occasion of so many miraculous effects may be attributed to the union and good Government of the Commonwealth : which keeping her Forts , Garrisons , and the whole ground-works of the State in her own hands , by the favour of her people ; who are more inclined to live free then any others , and by the leaning-stock or support of her Nobility , ( which being bound up , and united in one body , doth much exceed the grandezza of any one private Citizen , and is sufficient to suppress any whatsoever force , and to curb any intention which shall be contrary to the present Government ) , it may be attributed to the good opinion of the Kings of Spain , who being , on the one side , certain that they may have any thing of the Commonwealth , in the condition she now is in , which they can desire at her hands , always provided her liberty be preserved ; and on the other side , apprehensive of the strange consequences which might result from the turn of Affairs , they have reason to abhor all novelty , or alteration of Government . But it may chiefly be attributed to the private Citizens ardent desire of liberty , who being taught by the calamities of former times , that the Principality of one alone is unsupportable to a people that are born free , and how dangerous it is for him who shall arrive thereat ; and being made to know by their present happiness , how pleasant , useful and glorious a thing , l●…berty injoyed in common is to all men , and how much it makes them be esteemed in the Courts of Forreign Princes ; they love better to increa●…e and better themselves by the preservation , then by the ruine of the common liberty ; and growing greater by their private fortunes , to restore that splendor multiplied to their Countrey which at first they rece●…ved from her ; They are therefore able to make it known in Princes Courts , where they live , how advantagious it is for their affairs , 〈◊〉 Genoa should live in liberty ; and if at any time , by any strange acciden●… , they be put to struggle for the maintenance thereof , they by their greatness of spirit can shew themselves so ze●…lous in that behalf , as by a generous refusal of the greatest Dignities , Preferments and Fortunes which they hold from the King , they are able to divert ill advised designs , and to free their Country from the sinister influences which the bad counsels of any Officer can threaten it withall . The interests then of the Crowne of Spaine , and of the Commonwealth , being thus fast link'd together , those who env●…ed the Spanish greatness could not bear with such a parity of fortune , and endeavoured by all means possible to break it ; sometimes openly endeavouring the common liberty of Italy , 〈◊〉 they strove to 〈◊〉 themselves , as a Prince of Italy : sometimes whispering jealousies and suspicions secretly between both parties : sometimes upbraiding the Genoeses with their having received dignities and riches from that Crown , as gilded ●…etters of their liberty , which under the shadow of friendship and equal confederacy , was the base and servile slavery of the Spanish Empire . King Henry the Fourth of France , whom the French after his death honour'd with the Cognomen of Great , having bent his thoughts , in his latter years , upon quelling the Grandezza of the house of Austria , and of the Crown of Spain , fix'd his eyes first upon the Commonwealth of Genoa , intending to make his first blow at her , as at one of the corner-stones of so great a Monarchy , with firm resolution to cut that knot in pieces with the sword , since he saw it impossible to be loosened otherwise : but this design falling by the sudden fatal death of the said King , the image thereof remain'd imprinted in his successors , who thinking that the State of Genoa was become more then Spanish by this undissolvable knot , and that it made too much against the common ends and designs , did not only abhor the name of a Genoese , but began to betake themselves against the Commonwealth : thinking that when she should be abased , the Spanish Empire should receive a shrew'd blow ; and that taking their rise so high , the success must needs be good ; for they made their account , that when they should have possess'd themselves of the State of Genoa , the State of Millain being shut up on that side , and being debarred from succour by Sea , would be the sooner taken by Land Armies , and that the Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily being so far distant from Spain would hardly be kept : the breaking of the Contract , which would certainly be effected by the loss of the Sta●…e of Genoa , incited them as much as any ohter respect ; and the Crown of Spain rema●…ing unable to make provisions for Armies , they held for certain that the chief sinews of the Spanish Empire being thus cut in pieces , the affairs of that Crown would give against such encounters as would make way for much further proceedings : they therefore resolved to bend all their endeavours , to plot any thing , and to use all force against the State of Genoa , as against that which did chiefly withstand the ends and interests of the common cause : no provision was had for this by the last League of Avignon : but the enmity which not long after arose between the Commonwealth and the Duke of Savoy , touching the Marquisate Zuccharello , much fomented these their machinations ; which enmity daily increasing , a great combustion brake forth ●…rom a little sparke . The Duke was not inclin'd at first to make war with the Genoeses upon this account , for though he was senfible enough of their resistance , and appeared to be already much in that resentment , yet the ●…reaty of Marriage between Prince Philiberto and the Princess of Mantua detained him , and forced him to swallow down any thing , out of a desire of getting more pretences to Montferrat by this Match , and to reunite himself to the Crown of Spain ; for to break with the Genoeses did diametrically oppugne both these ends , wh●…ch his mind was then chiefly set upon ; for there was no doubt , but the King of Spain would interest himself with the Genoeses : wherefore forbearing rigorous proceedings , and falling upon a more moderate way , he tried to get out of this trouble by some fair means ; he endeavour'd to get the Spanish Agents to delay the assigning over of Zuccharello for a while , upon agreement that he would plead the utmost of his pretences within a few days in the Cesarian Court ; and that if he did not then obtain his intent , it should be lawful for the Commonwealth to injoy this their new purchase without any disturbance . The Spanish Agents who were to manage this matrimony , and the reconciling of the Duke of Savoy , were desirous to please him , and that the Commonwealths delay should be granted him ; lest the purchase of that little Castle might not only be a hindrance to that which was in Treaty , but might occasion new rumours , and noise of wars in Italy , to the prejudice of the publick peace : wherefore means being used with the Commonwealth , to forbear , they also under hand delaied the assignation of Zuccharello ; & some Propositions of accommodation were with the privity of the Cardinal of Savoy offer'd to the Embassadors , who were then in the Court of Rome , to pay their wonted obedience to the new Pope ; by which the controverted Fee should be delivered to ne●…ther of the parties , but should be invested in some third person , who might be a friend to the other two ; insinuating Don Carlo Barbarino , the Popes Brother : but all was in vain , for the Commonwealth fearing that the Dukes power would at last prevail over what was right , and fearing that they might prejudice the King of Spains reputation , if they should put over the business to the Arbitrement of any other Princes ; or else thinking that to yield to any thing would seem that they were afraid of the Dukes threats , persevered constantly not to put that to the Arbitrement of another , which was undoubtedly theirs , and which they had lawfully purchas'd from the Imperial Chamber : so as being resolved to keep it just as they had bought it of the Emperour , they complain'd of the delay made by the Governour of Millain : but at last , all difficulties being ove●…come , and the Commonwealth being possess'd of the Fee , the Duke was necessitated to think of resentment : where●…n he found himself much ingaged both by the Letter which he had written , and by the Commonwealths refusal : the way for his resentment was made more free by Prince Phileberto's death , which hapned at this time in Palermo , that City being visited with a sore Contagion : which did not only put an end to the Treaty of Marriage , but cut off all hope of ever piecing it up again ; for though he left two brothers unmarried , yet since the same parts , nor circumstances , did not concur in them , it was impossible to continue it ; neither of them being acceptable at the Spanish Court , they having openly declared themselves for the French party ; and moreover , the Cardinal had appeared openly an enemy to the Duke of Mantua , almost upon all occasions . A petty accident did also more irritate the Duke , which had he not considered too much and published it to be one of the chief incitements to the war , would not deserve the reci●…al : some little boys of the meanest sort of the Genoese Plebeians seeing the Souldiers rendezvouz , which were daily made in the City , they also put on counterfeit and childish Arms , and ran up and down the City , meeting and exercising their Arms : it hapned t●…at at a certain encounter , the one side took the Captain of the other side Prisoner , who was to represent the person of the Duke of Savoy , and led him about as in Triumph : which action though the Senate did not leave unpunished , yet being given out to be greater then it was , it came to the Dukes ears , who peradventure desirous to have better justifications for wh●…t he should do then his buying of Zuccharello made process like wise be made himself , but more according to what was reported than to what was true ; it being said that the Dukes Image was cast into the fire and burnt : and sending this Process , formed by himself , into the Courts of Rome , and of other Princes , he complained very much the●…eof , as of an action done by the privity of some Gentlemen of Genoa , in scorn and contempt of his person . There were besides this some ancient rancours remaining between the Common-wealth and Duke , touching a controversie about their Confines , and some Castles which they had been long at Law for ; but more of late , for favours privately administred to the Duke of Mantua in the War of Montferrat ; and afterwards more openly to the King of Spain , in the taking in of Oneglia and Mar●… ; which hatreds and heart burnings the longe●… they were concealed broke forth afterwards into the greater flame , when the way was made open for them . The French therefore , and the other Confederates , made use of this occasion to keep the Duke constant to the League ; to which purpose a Diet was held in ●…sa , a Town in Piedmont , at the foot of the Alps which divide Piedmont fro●… Dolpheny ; wherein met the Duke of Savoy , Deguieres , who was a little before made Lord High-Constable of France , the Marquess of Cricc●…e , Claudio Marini , French Embassadour with the Duke , the Venetian Embassadour , and some other Embassadours of the Confederate Princes : Here the Duke of Savoy , after having made grievous complaints against the Genoeses , for injuries which he pretended to have received from them , proposed it , as the better and more secure course , to turn their Common Arms against the State of Genoa , before they should fall upon the State of Millain , as was agreed on at the League of Avignon : He said the victory would be the more easie and certain by reason of the weakness of the chief City , and of the other Towns in that State , by reason that that Common-wealth was totally unprovided of forreign Forces , and that she could make but little use of her Natives , they being imbased by long peace ; that he himself had many friends , and many that would side with him , in that City , and in that State , who being desirous of innovations would be a great help to the Enterprise : He represented , that when that Common wealth should be subdued the Contract would be at an end , whence many inconveniences would result to the Crown of Spain , and , in particular , that the Siege of Breda , which was under the eyes of all the Confederates , upon the fail of moneys would undoubtedly be raised ; but he chiefly endeavoured to inform them , that when the Valtoline should be taken , which was to be assaulted in the first place by their common Arms , though thereby the State of Millain would be kept from relie●…e by Germany , yet the way by Sea being open , it might be succoured from Spain , Naples , and Sicily ; whereas when Genoa should be taken , and the River thereof , the State of Millain being block'd up on all sides , and debarred succour , would become an easie and secure prey to their common Forces . These reasons of the Dukes being the more efficacious , because the rest saw , that unless they would give way thereunto he would not joyn with them in their League , they did not only approve of his opinion , but contrary to what was agreed upon at Avignon , they promised to joyn their Forces with his , to the suppressing of Genoa ; and that the Fleet of Marselles , and of England , which were destin'd to go against Spain , should assist the enterprise of Genoa , not only with Arms , but with abundance of Victuals , Ammunition and Men : they were said moreover , to divide the Commonwealth of Genoa thus amongst them , that the City of Genoa , and all her River as far as Savona , should belong to the King of France ; that Savona , and the rest of the River till you come to Villa Franca , should fall to the Dukes share : that the number of the French should be between ten and twelve thousand Foot , and 1000 Horse , and on the Dukes side 15000 Foot , and 200 Horse , and sufficient provisions of Victuals , Ammunition and Artillery : the Venetian Embassadour did not joyn in this enterprise against Genoa ; for that it not being comprehended in the League of Avignon , he said he could not consent to this new enterprise , without new Orders from his Commonwealth : but time being given him to write to Venice , a●…d to receive resolution from thence , he received Orders to conclude , in conformity to what was agreed upon by the French and by the Duke . This new League being made , or reformed , in satisfaction to the Duke , they proceeded therein with as much privacy as was possible , left if it should be known , those against whom they were chiefly intended should take up Arms : the French professed openly that they would submit to the Popes resolution for what concern'd , the Valtoline , and that the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 should for bear innovating a●…y thing against the Ensign or Garrisons of the Church : they affirm'd the same in the Court of S●…in , declaring further , that the King would attempt nothing to ●…he prejudice of ●…he peace ; and reciprocal correspondency ▪ and the Pop●… believing their words and promises made not any preparatio●… in these so great commotions : nor did the Spanish Court confide less in the promise of the Fre●…ch , then the Pope : the King of Spain having contracted a●…mighty debt , by reason of the late wars of the Val●…line , and of Italy , and being obliged to make great provisions of moneys and men for the present wars of Germany , Flanders and Brasile the winter season which drew on , being incommodious to prosecute wa●…s already begun , much more to commence new wars , added to this belief ; for the meeting a●… ●…sa was upon St. Martines day , and November was wholly ever , before the Consederates appeared to make any preparations ; and none being able to believe , that the French Armies would pass the Mountains that Winter , it was thought that the meeting 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 would make more noise , then deeds , or that it did serve but a●… threats to advance the Negotiators parties and conditions : but so great a●…action could not ●…be kept long concealed ; for to b●… or with 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 at 〈◊〉 , which afforded sufficient reason of suspicion ; the Marquess of 〈◊〉 going to the Swissers , and his so long stay amongst them , occasioned much jealousie ; for though he seemed to go thither as 〈◊〉 Embassadour , to adjust old accounts between that Nation and the Crown of France ; yet being always accompanied by the Embassado●… of Venice and Savoy , and by the chief of the Grisons who were dri●… from their own home●… and he being very busie in ●…aising men , and in making preparations for war , it was judged that he tarried there for more then the business of that Embassie . Many Posts were also observed to pass frequently between the Confederates , and that much business was in hand ; the which the less they could be seen into , they gave the more occasion of distrust : no less shews appear'd on the Venetians behalf , in whose Territories , but particularly in those of Bergamo and Bressia , great preparations were observed to be made of Souldiers , Victuals , Artillery and Ammunition . The people destined for the enterprise of Genoa fell down already from the Alpes into Piedmont ; and the Duke also levied many men in his State ; and for the greater s●…crecy , he kept them in the dales of the Alpes which were neerest Piedmont ; and the Constable of Dolpheny made great levies of men , giving out publickly enough , that he would pass over the Mountains with them himself in person . The more sollicitous the Confederates were in their proceedings and preparations , the State of Millain was the more remiss in theirs , which was at this time almost wholly unprovided and unarmed ; for the King not being contented to have appeased the minds of the discontented Princes by depositing the Forts o●… the Valtoline ; but the more to satisfie them , and to remove all jealousies from them of being infested , and consequently to take away all occasions of new troubles , he had ordered the Duke of Feria to send all the men he could into Flanders , and he to obey him had sent 6000 Foot , and 800 Horse thither , a few moneths before the Diet at Susa ; and had moreover sent Cavalier Pecchio's Brigade to Winter in Sardignia : but Feria finding afterwards , that this his shewing himself to be inclined to peace was not able to withhold the Counsels and Resolves of the League , but that it did rather hasten the execution thereof , he advertised the Court of Spain thereof , desiring orders and provisions to prepare against the insuing storm . This advertisement , though confirm'd from other parts , was not credited in that Court ▪ but he and Don Sanchio de Monry , Marquess of Castagneda , who succeeded Vives in the Embassie at Genoa , having inform'd the King , by Letters , of the great danger wherewith the State of Genoa was threatened , and how ill they were provided to defend themselves ; the King writ to the Commonwealth , offering her all his Forces both by Sea and Land for her defence : The Commonwealth , which besides what she ●…ad already done , proceeded to make great provisions , were it either that she bel●…eved too much in them , or that she would stand upon her honour with the Court of Spain , or that she thought it dangerous to bring the Kings Auxiliary Forces into her Dominions , writ back , giving a large account of what provisions she had already made , and what she was to make , seeming as if she needed no succour : by which the Court of Spain argued , that the Agents in Italy did amplifie the danger more then they had reason for . But Feria finding the danger to grow every day gre●…ter , and to draw neerer , and despairing of being able to make the Court take order for assistance , he thought he was bound to do it himself : he therefore recalled Pecchio's Brigade from Sardignia , he gave order for another to Count Giovan Serbellone , together with some Horse companies ; he desired , and obtained a Brigade from the Duke of Parma , and another from the Duke of M●…dena , he could get no more from Naples save one only Brigade , and some Troops of Horse ; for the Viceroy hearing of the English Fleet ; would not unfurnish the Kingdom of many men ; and casting it up that these men being numbred into the usual Garrison of the State , they would not amount to 16000 Foot , and 2000 Horse , he knew they would not be sufficient to defend the State , and to succour Genoa and the Valtoline , if ( as it was feared ) they should be assaulted all at once : he therefore betook himself to think upon Forreign Forces ; and since he saw he could hope for none from Spain , by reason of the Courts great aversion thereunto ; and for that the Fleet which was gone to recover Brasile had carried away 10000 men from those Kingdoms ; and that Marquess Spinola , who was imploied before Breda , did rather want then abound in men ; and that for the aforesaid respects he could not ground much upon the Kingdom of Naples ; he betook himself to Germany , where without expecting any order from the King , he gave out Commissions for making great levies of Germans . Besides , because he could not expect provisions of moneys from Spain , and that the State of Millain was so exhausted as it could not furnish him with any , he applied himself to the Genoeses : nor was his application in vain ; for some of the richest Gentlemen of Genoa , and who did most study the interests of that Crown , seeing how much the welfare of the Commonwealth was concern'd in the preservation of the State of Millain , furnish'd him immediately , upon his ●…are obligation , with between three and four hundred thousand Ducates , by which he was inabled to disburse the first payments , and to raise four Dutch Regiments , consisting of 4000 Foot apiece : he believed that the Confederates intended their first blow against the Valtoline , because he understood the preparations were in greatest readiness in those parts : all the provisions of the Counties of Bergamo and Brossia were brought into V●…lcomonica , which confines upon the Valtoline . The Marquess of Coure had already raised two Regiments of Swissers , and one of Vallesani , besides two others which were come to him , together with 600 Horse , from France , through the Country of Berne : much Victuals and Ammunition was sent him from the Country of Bress●… by the Rivers and Lakes of Helvetia ; so as not being able to conceal that any longer which was apparent to all mens eyes , Feria sent often Messengers on purpose to advertise the Marquess of Bagni of every particular , he being the head of the Ecclesiasticks in the Valtoline ; which Messengers being experienced in affairs of war , and known in Fortifications , might visite those Forts , and might see whether they wanted any thing or no , and who might offer Bagni Forces to re-inforce his Garrisons , and to withstand the approaching assault : but Bagni still refused his offers , alledging that he had no orders from the Pope , to receive , nor to introduce any Garrisons of Forreign Princes into his Forts ; and the Pope did refuse it as well as he , whom the Duke of Pastrana , Spanish Embassadour at Rome , did very much press thereunto in the name of the King , and of Feria ; giving him a particular account of the danger the Valtoline was in of being assaulted by the Consederate Forces . The occasi●…n of this r●…fusal appeared plainly to be , because the Pope , as also the Court of Spain , trusting in the express and clear promises of the French that ●…ey would bear all respect to the Forts which were guarded by the Ecclesiasticks , and that the Kings Forces would never commit any hostility against the Ensigns of the holy Chuch , did not apprehend the fears which were thought to be very remote , and idle ; and therefore being unwilling to beget diffidence and distrust in either of the Kings , he added , that the succours which were offer'd were superfluous and dangerous , lest they might draw humours to that wound which they endeavoured to heal by succours ; for he said it was probable that the French would take pretence to assault the Forts of the Valtoline from the entring of the Spanish succours thereinto , and would turn those Forces against them which they profess'd were intended elsewhere ; and that they would assault them , not as deposited in the Popes hands , but as assigned over by him , contrary to the agreement of the Deposition , to the Spaniards ; so as esteeming the remedy a mischief , he thought the Articles of the Depositure , and the Majesty of the Popes name , and Ensigns , to be a surer defence , and a fitter means to remove new occasions of war , then the Auxiliary Arms of that Crown : he therefore did so far persist in his constant refusal , as the many and pregnant evidences which were laid before him by the Spanish Agents , that the French preparations were intended against the Valtoline , were always by him repuls'd as imaginary jealousies , vain rumours , and as sub●…le Spanish inventions . Thus did the Pope carry himself in these and in other Commotions , which not long after happened against the State of Genoa ; for a great many Souldiers being already pass'd from France into Piedmont , where the Constable was already arrived , and the Duke of Savoy making also great preparations for war out of his immense hatred against the Genoeses , the Commonwealth had recourse to the Pope , that he would intercede with the Duke , and that he would assist them with some men in this so great , and so neer at hand danger ; but all these endeavours and applications were to no purpose ; for the Pope constant to his resolution of Neutrality would not grant her any succour ; only , to shew himself desirous of her preservation , he proposed a League between him and the great Duke for the defence of the States in common : which Proposition the Genoeses took to be either a kind of honourable denial of their request , or an endeavouring to separate the Commonwealth from the Crown of Spain , to the prejudice of that conjunction which , if ever at any time , was now necessary for them , and from whence they might promise themselves more potent , certain and undoubted aid , then from any other Prince or Potentate ; and thereby to draw her insensibly into a League with the contrary parties which were chiefly ill minded towards her ; for there being but little correspondency then between the Pope and the King of Spain , and ( on the contrary ) much distrust , the Commonwealth could not joyn in League with o her Princes , and particularly with the Pope , without offending the King of Spain , and without injurying the good will , correspondency , and the weighty interests of the common affairs ; nor could she , without danger to her self , separate her self from the union of that Crown which she had found to be so certain for the space of so many years , so advantagious , honourable and faithful ; which Crown ( were it only for the necessity of her own interests , ) was forced to sustain her with all her power ; so to cast her self into the arms of the Confederate Princes , who so vehemently conspired her ruine ; and yet the Commonwealth , trying the Pope , as it were , with the like cunning , answered , that they would willingly accept of the Confederacy , if the King of Spain were therein comprehended : which the Pope not giving way unto ( for it would be an apparent parting from his profess'd neutrality , and a drawing the enmity of the King of France , and of the other Confederates , upon him ) the Commonwealth was therefore not to hope for any assistance from the Pope ; for 1000 Foot being at the same time desired of him by the Commonwealth , and by the great Duke , who had but little need thereof , he granted them to the great Duke , and denied them to the Commonwealth , then whom none could have greater need thereof ; and he denied them also those Corsicks which were granted to the Pope for the service of the Apostolick See , in the time of peace . But for all this the Genoeses wanted not Forces to sustain and defend themselves ; for having always doubted that the clouds of Susa would discharge themselves in a great tempest upon them , they had not been sparing , nor negligent in making provisions against it : they sent into Germany for two levies of Dutch , the one of 2000 , the other of 3000 Foot : they took order for 30 Companies , to consist of 200 Foot apiece to be raised by the richest and chiefest Gentlemen : they sent for 600 Foot from Corsica , they brought in the Prince of Bozolo , with 800 Foot , and 200 Horse ; Prince Doria raised 400 more at his own particular charge ; and finally , they had many Commanders , and other Citizens , who assisted the Commonwealth with men paid by themselves , and with ready moneys : these Forces being put together , and added to those of the preceding year , and being secured by the choice Militia of the State , they thought they needed not fear the Enemies assaults ; for though all the aforesaid preparations could not be in a readiness at the appearing of the Enemy , yet they would have a strength of between eight and ten thousand Foot and 200 Horse , in the State , all of them being paid ; besides as many more of the ordinary Militia ; and the State of Genoa being begirt by the Apenine toward Piedmont and Lombardy , the Enemy must either enter in a gross body , or by small numbers ; if in a gross body , the strength of situation , the sterility of the Country , the difficulty in bringing Victuals , and other impediments , did secure them from the progress of the Enemy ; it being impossible for great Armies to continue long in that enterprise without much Victuals ; if in small numbers , the Army of the Commonwealth being assisted by the same difficulties , and being accommodated by the Country , would be sufficient for defence : to this was added , that howsoever the Enemies Army entred the Mountains , they must needs leave the State of Millain on their backs ; wherein though there was not very great Force ; at the present , yet the few that were there , and the ordinary Militia of so great a State , was , doubtlesly , sufficient to shut up the passes , so as neither Victuals , nor provisions could be brought them ; and having them behind , they might be inclosed between them and the Forces of Genoa , on their Front , which might occasion them many troubles and dangers , and be such a hinderance to them as they could not long continue in oppugning the City : but when the Forces should be augmented in that State , according to the orders that were given , and provisions that were ordered : the ruine of the Confederates Army did plainly appear , since it would be shut up between barren Mountains , and the Sea , without Victuals , Provisions , or hope of succour : they must therefore of necessity be very circumspect in their proceedings , in engaging themselves far within the Ligu●…ian Mountains , having considerable Forces on their Front , being not safe behind , and exposed to the assaults of a powerful Enemy : especially since the Commonwealth , besides ten Gallies of her own which she had then at Sea , being to receive all the King of Spains Gallies for her defence , together with the succour of men , which were already preparing in Naples , and in Sicily , the Enemy could hardly be relieved by Sea ; and yet the Duke of Savoy and the Constable , preferring vain and uncertain supposals before so solid and undeniable ground-works , doubted not to enter couragiously upon the business ; for making account that the English Fleet , and that of Marcelles , should appear strong and powerful in the Ligustick Sea at the same time that their Land Army should draw neer the Sea , and that being to be much more in number and Forces , then the Gallies of Spain and Genoa , they thought they would not only be able to keep those Gallies from them , but supply their Army with abundance of Victuals and Ammunition which they should bring along with them ; so as not only the danger of Famine , and the difficulty of bringing Victuals to the Land Army ceased , but the expence thereof : they thought themselves sufficiently safe from being disturbed by the Millain Forces , by the union and good correspondency which continued still between the two Crowns ; the which they firmly believed their proceeding against Genoa would no way oppugne , since that State was not directly comprehended under the Territories of the Crown of Spain ; nor could they perswade themselves that the Governour of Millain should move , for fear of being the author of the breach , or that he would commit any hostile act against that Army , in which together with the Ensigns Royal of France , which he saw therein displaied , the Lord high Constable of that Kingdom did wage war in person ; and the State of Millain being then almost unarmed , and unprovided of any manner of warlike provision ; having the French in the Valtoline , and upon the Confines of Como , and the Venetians armed upon the Cremonesian Confines , they thought their moving would be rather desired , then dreaded , on that part ; since their Army in all warlike reason was to be superiour , as they were much superiour in numbers of fighting men , and in valiant and experienced Commanders ; for which cause it was likewise probable , that the Governour finding himself in such a multitude of business , with but a few men , and those ill ordered , he would not dare to meddle with a fresh , gallant and impetuous Army , led on by two of the most famous Commanders of the present Age. And to the end that new levies of Dutch might not pass into the State of Millain , the King of France held Treaties with the Swissers , that they should keep their Passes shut , till such time as the enterprise of Genoa should either be perfected , or brought neer perfection ; and of so great authority were the Confederates , especially the French , at that time , with that Nation , as all the Cantons , the Catholick Cantons being comprehended , which are united to the Crown of Spain , and confederate with the State of Millain , suffer'd the French to pass armed thorow their Country , and in order , contrary to their ancient customs and institutions , and which had never upon any occasion been violated , of not allowing passage to Forreigners , unless either unarmed , or few at once ; and this for nothing else but out of their great desire of preserving their liberty : nor did it seem that so unaccustomed a thing did proceed from ought else but from their firm opinion , that the Confederates preparations would devour the State of Millain , which they saw was wholly unprovided of defence ; so as if they adored the French as Victors , they durst not anger them . Thus the Duke and the Constable , taking it for granted that they were sure of the State of Millain by going to Genoa , and being abundantly provided of all things by the Fleets at Sea , they thought nothing could obviate their Victory , save the defence which would be made by the Genoeses , who they thought would be able to do very little , being streightned at Sea , and assaulted by Land : they confided not so much in the valour of their own men , as in the weakness of the Enemy , and of their Discipline : they , moreover , grounded their hopes of Victory upon the Duke of Savoys assuring the Constable , that for certain he held very much intelligence in that City , by means whereof , as soon as they should come before the Walls , confusion and disorder would fall out amongst the disagreeing Citizens , so as , undoubtedly , the Gates of the City would be thrown open , and they should be let in into the City ; and when they should have taken Genoa , they supposed the State of Millain , being inclosed by their Forces , would soon submit to their discretion : upon such supposals , and such foundations , which their hope of Victory , and desire of revenge made appear easie unto them , ( but which in reason were very uncertain , and which the success was likely to gainsay , ) they resolved to commence the enterprise : they began first in the Valtoline , about the end of November ; the Marquess of Coure who had 8000 Foot with him , and 600 Horse , all well in order , thought it no longer time to delay executing their designs : discovering himself therefore , of a peaceful Embassadour , to be become a Commander in Arms under the King of France , and the Confederate Princes , he past from amongst the Swiffers into the Grisons Country , and suddenly took lo Staico , a chief and important pass , by which you come from Tirvolo into Rhetia ; and having afterwards taken the City of Coira he went to the Consultations of the Diritture , who having driven out the Archdukes Officers had reassumed their liberty : having restored the Grisons to their former ancient condition , and driven the Bishop of Coira from his seat , he fell down with his men into the Valtoline , about the end of December , in the year 1624 , and totally laying aside the Protestations and Declarations made a little before by himself , and by the other French Agents , that all due respects should be born to the Ensigns , and Garrisons of the holy Church , he fell upon the Forts of the Valtoline , which were guarded by the Forces of the Church : those of the Valtoline , when they saw the Enemy approach , applied themselves to the Governour of Millain , and to Bagni , desiring the first that he would send in some Spanish succour , and the other , that he would receive them ; without which they saw it was impossible for them to defend themselves : whereupon the Governour , who had sent many men already into Comasco under Ioh. Ieronymo Pimontello , to make head there , and to defend the State against any hostility , sent again to offer those succours to Bagni , who when he saw the danger so neer , would not notwithstanding accept thereof , building , as he profess'd , upon Coure's word ; for when he saw him pass armed from the Swissers to amongst the Grisons , he sent his Secretary unto him , to know his intention : answer was made , that by the orders he received from the King , he was to bear all respect to the Apostolick See , and that he would observe it : wherefore Bagni would not draw upon him the insulting French , by receiving succour from Millain , in which abuse he continued so long , at least seemed to continue , as when he afterwards desired those succours , it was too late to receive them ; for the Count entring the Valtoline , by the Pass of Ploschiavo , did at the very first take Piattamala , a Castle defended by some few Forces of the Church , and by them forsaken at the very first appearance of the French. Then drawing neer Tiranno , not above a mile distant from Piattamala , he threw a Bridge over the Adda , by which passing those men over he kept three days idle beyond the River , expecting that the Horse which were sent with 1500 Foot , a little lower , to take the place called Tiglie and Pontc di San Pietro , ( by which way only succour might be brought from Millain ) should have made themselves masters of those places : afterwards absolutely denying that he had given his word to Bagni not to prejudice him , he assaulted the Town of Tiranno on two sides , wherein Bagni was with 600 of his men ; and whereinto Cavalier Robustelli was entred a little before with 800 of those of the Valtoline , people of the Train bands who were but little exercised in Arms. Coure had but one small piece of Artillery with him , which being level'd against that part of the Wall where the Valtolinians were , had hardly made one shot , when the Valtolinians were so terrified , as throwing down their Arms they abandoned the place ; and Robustelli not being able to make them stand to their Arms , they retreated into the Castle , which was more defensible ; whereinto Bagni being also retired , those of the Town , see●…ng themselves abandoned by their Chieftains , surrendred upon Articles , and incontinently the Venetians who were at la Veletta , which stood upon the Mountains that divide the Valcamonica from the Valtoline , fell down with their Artillery , Ammunition , and all things belonging to war ; and placing their Battery against the Castle , Bagni articled to go with all his Souldiers out of the Valtoline , without entring into any of the Forts . Coure , when he had taken the Castle , went to Bornilo , accompanied by the Venetians , and by their Artillery ; and having easily taken it turn'd backwards , and took the other Forts , and the Towns of Sondrio and Morbegno , towards the State of Millain ; whereby the Valtoline was wholly in the possession of the French. Bagni , when he saw Coure so neer , had sent to demand those succours from Feria which a little before he had refused , who gave order forthwith to Pimontello to send 1500 of his best Foot , and a Troop of Horse , under Count Iohn Serbellone ; and they being come to St. Pietro , at the same time that the Castle of Tiranno was surrendred , seeing it possess'd by the French , who we●…e fortifying the opposite Bank , they past no further on , but return'd back to the State of Millain , Feria feared that the French would not be satisfied with getting the Valtoline ; but that being back'd by the Venetians , by whom they were continu●…lly furnish'd with Moneys , Munition , and continual recruits of men , they would assault the State of Millain ; and that the Venetians would do the like , according to the Conventions of the League at Avignon to Crema , and Giaradadda , as soon as the French should have given the first assaults on their side , or at least , when having taken any Town they should have got footing ; wherefore being troubled at the imminent danger , he found out a means whereby keeping the French from invading the State of Millain , the Venetians should also be forced to forbear . La Riva di Chiavenna , being taken at the first commotions from the Grisons , as it was a hindrance to keep them from entring the Valtoline , so it being now in the power of the Ecclesiasticks , he thought that if he should take it , it would be a mighty stop , to keep the Enemy from assaulting the State of Millain : he plotted with Iohn Francisco Sacchetti , the Popes Commissary-General in the Valtoline , who was then in Millain , to re-inforce the Garrison of Riva with a thousand Foot , which ( if he would give way thereunto , ) he would send thither : Sacchetti consented , as either not knowing the importance of the place , or thinking it too hard to deny so small a matter in such a precipice of affairs : so as 1000 Foot entring , they re-inforced that place both with Fortifications and Garrison : La Riva is nothing but an Inn , to which is joyned a little Haven , where the Merchandize , which go and come from Germany into the State of Millain , do lade and unlade ; it stands upon the top of the upper Lake , which , as being lesser , is called Agheto ; and joyns by a strait channel to the lower Lake , just as the head is joyn'd to the breast of the body , by the neck : the situation of La Riva is very narrow between the Lake and the Mountains , which drawing neer the waters in this place leaves a little margine which serves for a shore : a certain little Mountain stands over la Riva , over which many high Mountains stand . This place is of such consequence , as whosoever will pass from the Valtoline into the State of Millain with Armies and Artillery , must either go full upon Fort Fuentes , which is upon the left side of the Adda , where she falls into the Lake , or go about by the River of the Lake , and pass over to the shore opposite to the Fort , and go from thence into the State of Millain ; and therefore , as Fort Fuentes is too hard an encounter for those that will fall down by that way , and assault that State , so to go about by the Rivers of the Lake is impossible , if la Riva which is in the midst thereof be fortified : the Governour got leave to have it in his hands , and to fortifie it strongly , and munite it with men , to oppose it as a fence against the Torrent of the French Forces : nor was his Counsel therein bad ; for Coure having possess'd himself of the Valtoline , as he would go to the recovery of Chiavenna by the River of the Lake , and when he should have taken it , would have saln down with his Army into the State of Millain , he saw his design prevented by Feria's diligence : so as being forced to change his way , he turn'd back again by the same craggy Rhetian Mountains , by which he came into the Valtoline , and was necessitated to take a long and troublesome compass about , by the Vale of Chiavenna , but without any incumbrances or Artillery ; which because he was not able to bring thorow those Mountains , he was fain to leave in the Valtoline . Chiavenna made some resistance , but not being able to hold out , yielded , as did the rest , to the French ; and Coure finding that it would be impossible to pass by thence into the State of Millain without Artillery , knew he must necessarily first expugne la Riva : the which was the only deposited Fort that remained untaken ; leaving therefore some of his men in Chiavenna , he returned with the rest into the Valtoline , by the same craggy Mountains by which he was come . The Duke of Feria , on the other side , commanded Serbellone , that to boot with the thousand Foot which were already entred , he should enter la Riva with 2000 more Foot , who being come thither made many Fortifications , as well upon the Plain of the Mountain , as upon the Passes towards Chiavenna , and towards the way that leads from the Valtoline ; and moreover , that he might keep the Enemy from passing over with Barques into the opposite part of the Lake , he munited all the Passes which were on the other side of the River of the Lake and of the Channel , that were fit for landing , to the end , that Coure might not effect that by Water which he could never do by Land , as long as la Riva held out : so as that very Inn was able to put a stop unto the vast designs of the French , and the other Confederates , who when they should have taken it , thought to have done great matters in Italy : Thus la Riva only excepted , all the Valtoline , together with the Counties of Bormio and Chiavenna , which by joynt consent of both the Crowns were deposited into the Popes hands , were taken by the French and Venetians , more by cunning and dissembling then by open force . The Duke of Feria , as he could not meddle in the defence before the taking of the Valtoline , without order from the Pope , so professing that the business did not belong unto his King after the depositure , would not go to the recovery thereof without new orders ; but being content to keep la Riva , expected new directions from the Court ; and the Court unwilling to come upon this occasion to a breach with France , had recourse to the Pope , laying all the burthen of this affair upon him , and pretending the observance of agreement from him , desired him that he would endeavour the restoring of the Valtoline , and offer'd to assist him therein , if he from whose hands the Valtoline was taken would use his own name for the recovery thereof . The Pope , abhorring to break with France , no less then the King of Spain , and thinking that the Spaniards would lay all the burthen upon his shoulders , examin'd this business otherwise : he considered how unworthy a thing it would be , for the Pontifical Office to become the Author and Promoter of Discord and Wars between two Kings , between whom , as Sons of the holy Church , he was bound to endeavour peace and union : he considered that the ambition of some of the Spanish Agents , contrary to the safety of the affairs of Italy , had given just occasion for the present commotions , wherin he neither out of right nor justice , nor State-interest , ought to favour them ; that possibly the King of France might have no hand in Coure's actions , or that if he had , his aim might only be to suppress the Spanish ends , and to secure the common affairs of Italy : that therefore it was necessary first to spie into his intentions : that difficult and dangerous businesses were brought with more ease and safety into the Haven , by fair means , then by rigour and severity ; and that it would not be wisely done to fall foul at first , whereby if the King should grow obstinate in the business , he would by all means make it good : that it was not the part of a Pope to give the King occasion to cast off his obsequiousness , and respect towards the Apostolick See : nor by making himself a party , to give him such reason of distrust , as if a breach should happen to fall out afterwards between the two Crowns , he should be made unfit to recompose it : that the Grandezza of the Apostolick See consisted in this , which if she should be a partaker , she would necessarily cast the ballance on one side , and by standing Neuter she should keep them both her friends : so as by his Pontifical Authority , and by the credit he should get by his neutrality , he should be the better able to compose businesses : Being therefore desirous to proceed maturely in so weighty a business , he resolved first to use peaceful endeavours with the King , and to procure the restoring of the Valtoline , by civil means , and by Negotiation : but so much circumspection in such urgency of affairs was interpreted a luke-warmness , and coolness of Counsel ; especially by such who are better pl●…ased with actions of resentment then with such as are considerate , and duly weighed ; and much more by such who might reap advantage by the Popes resentment ; and therefore the Popes circumspection made all men wonder , and afforded variety of discourse and interpretation , no less then did the fervency of the French , and their double-dealing upon the present occasions : On the one side , none could conceive so little respect from the French , to be used towards the Apostolick See ; that so little account should be had of the reciprocal conventions touching the depositure , and of the Promises and Declarations made by them but a little before , in the face of the whole World , of not innovating any thing concerning the Valtoline : on the other side , it past not without admiration , that the Pope , not making any the least account of so many Counsels , and so many Protestations , and offers made by the Spaniards , accompanied by the evidence of such preparations made by the French , and by the Venetians , would first wait for the blow , before he would hold up his hand to fence it ; and that he did so sleightly resent it , when the blow was given ; and none being able to believe that he was really deceived , it was therefore argued , that he suffered himself to be deceived , by secret intelligence ; and as suspicion when it is once entertain'd , draws unto it all the actions of those , who are already become suspected ; so the Pope , who from the beginning of his being Pope was held to be sufficiently inclined to the French , it was thought , that partly to please that King in that wherein he was so much press'd in point of honour , partly not to incense the King of Spain by the express delivery up of the Forts ; after his Declaration made in points appertaining to Religion , that he saw this practise which did indeed give some colour to this commotion , and did oblige the Pope to provide for it ; and perhaps also , as some men thought , because he was not of opinion that the depositure of the Valtoline did suit with the interest of the Apostolick See , even when he was Cardinal , and much less now , when if the two Kings should fail the Souldiers which were in the Valtoline , the Pope must supply their defaults with the Churches moneys : that therefore he chose the middle way , and did permit the French to make themselves masters thereof by force , to the end , that afterwards he might dispose thereof with advantage , and reputation to that Crown ; and so with greater safety , and satisfaction to the common affairs ; and that therefore thinking this the best course he could take for the safety of Italy , over which he was very vigilant ; and to suppress the unextinguishable fire of war which did hang upon the Gates thereof , he chose , as the l●…sser evil , to consent to the wills of the French , of the Venetians , and to the common sence of the Italian Princes : some setting aside such nice Considerations , said more freely , that the Pope was no l●…ss troubled then the Venetians , that the Spaniards under pretence of Religion should get footing in the Valtoline , thereby to trample upon the Liberty of Italy , and reduce the Apostolick See and so many Princes i●…to slavery ; and that therefore abhorring their intentions , they were vex'd at nothing more then to see themselves undone by such ambitious ends ; so as not accepting the Spanish succours , he gave secret orders to Bagni , that he should suffer himself to be overcome by the French : many also discoursing yet more freely of the Popes mind said , that the Pope not being content with excluding the Spaniards from the Valtoline , to have thereby deluded their ends , and secured the Common Liberty , did nourish yet greater designs in his bosom , and aspired to curb their immense power and ambition , so to reduce the affairs of Italy to within such a compass , as the Princes thereof being gotten free from the Spanish tutelage , might govern themselves as they listed , and dispose of themselves , and of their own business , without such respects to that Crown ▪ and that therefore joyning with the French , the Venetians , and Duke of Savoy , he did go along with them in the same common ends , which was , to pull down the Spanish greatness . This opinion was much strengthned by the great conformity of genius between him and Cardinal Magallotti , Brother to his Brothers Wife , who in his first conferring of promotions was by him made Cardinal , whose Counsel he did so highly esteem , and so much confide in , as he was wont to say , that if there were another World , it might be govern'd by his opinion ; and though the Pope himself was of solid Counsel , and very capable of Publick Government ; and that he needed not to be advised by any one , and that his favours confer'd upon Magallotti , and his having imploi'd him much in publick Affairs , might be attributed to his alliance , to his ancient Friendship , and to the desire which is usual in Princes , to exalt their Favorites ; yet the most difficult affairs of the Papacy passing thorow Magallotti's hands , and all men esteeming him to be high in the Popes favour , it was necessarily thought that he had a great stroke in all publick resolutions ; and therefore Magallotti being rather of a brisk and stirring spirit then given to mildness and moderation , and much more inclined to the French then to the Spaniards , made men think that the Popes deliberations , passing thorow Magallotti's Forge , did partake more of that temper then of neut●…ality , which he did so publickly profess : whilst in these ruptures , having taken into consideration , how much the affairs of Religion would be endangered , and how much he ought therefore to have opposed himself even in Arms , against whosoever should bring wac into Italy , he was wont to say , that of a Judge , he would not make himself a party : that he would not break with either of the Crowns ; that he would not exasperate the King of France , nor provoke him to any strange resolution , by which that Kingdom might separate it self from the Church , whereof there being some speech at that time in France , whereat the Pope was much troubled , would sometimes say , that he would not imitate another Florentine Pope , who by not knowing how to carry himself dexterously in point of neutrality , had given occasion to the disunion of Englaud : These were the opinions , these the discourses which were commonly had in Italy , and even in the Court of Rome , which being somewhat controverted , grew afterwards somewhat stronger , and got a little more field-room , in the troubles and dangers , which not long after befel the Genoeses : at the which being but very little moved , it was conceived that being herein also of intelligence with the other Confederates , he was not less displeased to see business proceed successfully against Genoa , then with those that had proceeded in the Valtoline . The Valtoline being taken , the Pope hearing the rumours which were spread abroad through Italy , and in the Court , of his intentions , and seeing that all mens eyes were bent upon him , he sent Bernardine Nari to Paris , who was his Chamberlain , and one that he loved very well , and who was acceptable to that King , as having been formerly a Page in that Court ; to complain of Coure's actions , and shewing himself to be thereat offended , he gave order for levying of men , and made some other preparations for war : which being unseasonable for what was past , proved also unuseful for what was to insue ; for what remained , he held very secret Consultations with the Cardinals , and Embassadours of Savoy and Venice , so as he seemed to continue his former Friendship , and good Intelligence with them , and that those his preparations were in order to somewhat else , then for the recovery of the Valtoline , or for the defence of the present state of Italy against the perturbers of her peace . A little after the French entred , and took the Valtoline under the Marquess Coure , the Constable of France , falling into Piedmont with about 14000 Foot , amongst which were some Veterane Regiments , and with 1500 Horse ; and joyning with the Duke of Savoy , who had 14000 Foot and 2500 Horse , together with much Artillery and Cannon for Battery , they marched towards the State of Genoa , the Constable being accompanied by his Son in Law , Marquess Crickey , and the Duke by his Son the Prince ; and were not only favoured by the Duke of Mantua , who gave them free passage thorow the lower Montferrat ; but also by the season of the year , which though it were in February , 1625. yet contrary to the custom of that Country , and to the season it self , they were not hindred either by by ice or snow : there was no title nor reason on the behalf of France , for the war against Genoa , nor were there any Heralds sent from that Court , to demand or pretend unto any satisfaction for any offence done to that Crown by the Commonwealth , nor was there any to be alledged : nor did any of the French mention any end their King had in that enterprise , save only some that vaunted that they went to free Genoa from being oppress'd ( as they said ) by the Spanish Tyranny : others , who were not so close , let it sometimes slip out of their mouths , that the King assisted the Duke of Savoy in resenting the injuries he received from the Genoeses , by reason of the interest of alliance which he had with his family : but when they were entred the State of Genoa , they minded the making themselves masters of the Towns which they took , and put Garrisons into them in the Kings name , as belonging ( as they affirmed ) to the ancient Patrimony of France . The Duke and Constable intended at very first to besiege the City of Genoa , the Metropolitan of the whole State , which not doubting but that they should easily take , they thought they should find little difficulty in the rest of the enterprise : news came at the same time , that the Duke of Guise prepared a Fleet in Marcelles , who having declared himself an enemy , before any of the others , had taken 150000 Ducates , which being sent in small Vessels from Spain to Genoa , came into the Ports of Province , as into Friends Havens ; and it was given out that both that , and the English Fleet , would quickly appear in the Seas of Genoa . The Commonwealth did not believe that the enemy would aim so high at the very first ; but that bending their first violence against the Western Seas , and taking some important place , they would fix their footing there , and making it a Rendezvouz for Arms they would wait upon such occasions as time and condition of war would produce , and proceed further afterwards , and advance against the City ; wherefore they had distributed the greatest part of their best and most experienced men into the Towns of Savona , Albenga , 〈◊〉 Mauritio and Ventimiglia : but receiving assured advertisement , that the enemy was resolved , the first thing they did , to fall upon the City of Genoa , they va●…ed their form of defence ; and leaving Savona well Garrisoned , which is a chief place of the State , neerest the City , and neerest the enemies Army , they recalled all the rest of their people which were distributed along the River , the greatest part whereof were presently sent to defend the Passes : there are two ways which lead to Genoa from the lower Montferrat , through which the Confederates Army past . The one by Rossiglione , which passing over the Apenine , goes to Voltri , a great Town upon the Sea , ten miles Westward from the City : the other by Gavio , which passing also over the fame Apenine , falls by the Valley of Poz Zevera , to St. Pier d' arena , two miles distant from the City towards the same side : the latter being the more ordinary way for Carriages is more large and open , and made more commodious , and plain , by Art , as far as the situation will permit ; at the entrance into this way is Gavio , a Town indifferently great , but weak , unless it be for a Castle seated on high , and ( though little ) of no little consideration : it is hard to bring Cannon by either of these ways ; and almost impossible by that of Rossiglione . The Commonwealth therefore resolving to quit the defence of Novia and of Occada , two great Towns , the first beyond Gavio , and the other beyond Rossiglione , fell to fortifie Gavio , and put 2000 Foot therein , to defend it : she also caused some Trenches , and some Redoubts to be made beyond the straits of Rossiglione , for the better security of that Pass ; for Garrison whereof were sent 2500 Foot , by which and by the strength of the situation , it appeared ( by the relation of experienced Commanders who were sent thither ) so secured as the Pass was thought almost invincible : looking therefore 〈◊〉 the enemy would be longer detain'd , they gave themselves , with much study and industry , to Munite the City ; which though it be walled about with great Walls , and flank'd with good Bulwa●…ks , yet being over-looked by Mountains which incompass it , they chose to fortifie the top of those Mountains by a long continued Trench , which beginning from the head of the Lanthorn which shuts up the Haven Westward , should run upon the back of the Mountains ; and bending towards the East , should descend into the Valley of Bisagno , and should terminate there almost upon the point of Carignano , which is the furthermost part of the City towards the East ; and because the Commonwealth knew she wanted a Commander in Chief , who might be well experienced in war , to whom they might commit the weight thereof , they chose Giovan Ieronymo Doria , Knight of St. Iago , to be their Camp-master-general , of whom mention hath been formerly made : an ancient and experienced Commander , but whose great age did diminish that vigour in him , by which in his youth he had done much in the behalf of the Catholick Religion , and of the Crown of Spain , in the wars of France and of Flanders ; and they made Don Carlo Doria , Duke of Turcis , chief General for the defence of the City . The Camp-master-general Doria being brought into the Senate to spea●… his opinion touching the total administration of the present war ; shewe●… that the chief defence of the City consisted in keeping the Enemy as long as they could beyond the Apenine ; for the City being situated much underneath the neighbouring Mountains , and it being to be conceived by the great Train of Artillery which the Duke brought along with him , that he meant to begin the Siege by Battery , there was grea●… danger of terrour and confusion in the City , not being accustomed to such furious noise of the Cannon : so as not approving the former resolution of abandoning Novi and Ovada , he moved for their defence ; for though they were not able of themselves to stand out , yet they would afford time and commodity to make their Trenches already begun upon the Mountains , and for the coming of succours from Naples , and from the State of Millain . 〈◊〉 The Commonwealth approved of this advice , and sent Georgio Centurione and Henrico de Franchi , two Senators , to defend Savona , with titles of Commissaries General , and ordered Doria to defend the State beyond the Apenine : furnishing them all with such men as they could spare without disfurnishing the City : Doria passing over the Apenine sent his Nephew George Doria , with some Forces to Novi , and he in his own person undertook to defend Ovada : the Enemy had not as yet appeared before any of these places , only a Trumpet came some days before to Ovada , to summon it to surrender ; and the scarcity of Oxen and Horses , for the Train of Artillery , together with some other impediments , was such , as not sufficing to conduct them , they were forced to bring part of their Artillery some miles forwards , and to send the same Cattle back to bring on the rest : which occasioned much delay in their march ; and the deep Mire , and Rivers which were swollen by the great fall of Rain , retarded them much more ; and yet the Dorii , finding neither Victuals , Munition , Artillery , nor any manner of defence in either of these places ; for the Inhabitants finding that the Commonwealth had abandoned them , had for the most part quitted those Towns , and carried away the Artillery and Munition along with them , which were impossible to be brought back , the Enemy not being many hours march off when the Dorii entred : Iovan Ieronymo was forced to abandon the enterprise , and to retire to within the Trenches of Rossiglione ; which finding to be ill ordered , and not defensible , he writ unto the Senate , advising them to remove the people from thence , lest they might be lost ; and it being impossible to go with the Army and Artillery that way to Genoa , he counselled that the whole defence should return to Gavio , by which the Enemy must of necessity march ; and whither he would go with his men , as he did : going therefore to Ottaggio , a great Town upon the same way , five miles more inward then Gavio , he thought to send aid from thence to Gavio and Novi , which he held would assuredly be the first places which the Enemy would fall upon ; and by thus keeping them from entring by that way , to keep the City from being assaulted , and from the misfortune of the imminent war. Doria was not well got out of Ovada , when the Van of the enemies Army , which was advanced , not meeting with any obstacle , entred thereinto , and finding no resistance took it ; and the Count of Overgnia , General of the French Horse , advancing by the way of Gavio , took Novi also upon surrender ; and the Enemies Army which came on , lay idle for some days , quartered in these two Towns , and in the adjacent parts ; waiting for the rest of their men with the Artillery and Munition , which came on but slowly , by reason of the aforesaid difficulties , The Duke being quartered in Cremolino , a Town in Montferrat , neer to Ovada , was busie in taking the Trenches which guarded that Town ; and the Count d'Overnia , who was quartered in Novi , and in the Cottages thereabouts , had his eye upon the Town of Gavio , which was defended by Benedetto Spinola , who upon this occasion was made Commissary-General beyond the Apenine , a Souldier much imploi'd in the wars of Flanders , in chief commands , for a long time ; he had with him 1500 Foot , most of them Country people , and one Troop of Horse from the State of Millain : he having speedily fortified the place , withstood a fierce assault given by the General , who going to surprise it with almost all his men , but without Artillery , was forced to retire with the loss of many of his men , and some of the chiefest , and also to abandon some stations which he had taken before the assault . The Dukes men had no better success in an assault which they gave to the Trenches of Rossiglione ; for the station was manfully defended by Iacomo Spinola , the head of 500 Souldiers of the Militia of Bisagno , with no small loss of the assailants : so as the people of the Commonwealth , though for the greater part of the meaner sort , having gotten the better in these two assaults , and in some lesser attempts , began to take heart , and to think the face of the Enemy less formidable ; and the Commonwealth her self , fearing before how her men would behave themselves , seeing things succeed better then they expected , and that the Enemies Army lay still idle , doing nothing worthy the threats , and same which was given out ; began to build more upon the difficulties the Enemy would meet with , then upon the strength of their situations , and of the valour of their own men : wherefore they would not ( according to Doria's advice ) abandon the Fortifications of Rossigllone , which they were told by others were not to be taken ; and hoping every day for better success , they thought that the Enemy , being streightned in those parts , began to experience those difficulties , whereinto they had unadvisedly brought themselves ; and this the rather , for that Don Ieronymo Pimontello , General of the Horse of the State of Millain , being entred by order from the Governour into Torona , with 4000 Foot , and 1000 Horse , stood observing their ways , that he might fall upon them in the Reer , if they should pass further into the Mountains of Liguria : all this while the peace was not violated , nor was there any breach of a war conceived to be made between the two Crowns ; though for the Duke of Guise his having seized on the 150000 Ducates , as hath been said , in Provence , the King of Spain , pretending an interest therein , had made a reprisal of all the French goods that were in Spain ; and the French had done the like to those of Spain , that were in France ; therefore the Duke and the Constable , professing to observe punctually friendship , and good correspondency with the States , and Subjects of the King of Spain , did not permit any act of hostility to their men ; and if any accident should happen to the contrary , they proceeded to severe punishment against the Delinquents , as done without their order , thorow military licentiousness , and excused themselves ; which was not only accepted by the Spanish Officers , but seeding the French with the same food , they assured them they should not be injured by their Forces : many invitations were made moreover to the Duke , and to the Constable , and reciprocal friendly Offices past between them ; and upon complaint made by the Constable that some loads of Meal were taken by the Subjects of the State , restitution was forthwith made ; the Governour , who was unarmed , being unwilling to provoke an Army which was strong and powerful upon his Confines : but when he should have past the Apenine , where the numbers of men would neither be an help , nor hinderance , it was certain he would not keep within the same bounds ; for it being as impossible to keep Genoa without the assistance of the State of Millain , as to defend Genoa when that State should be lost , it was apparent the Spaniards would be forced to break with all the World rather then to lose Genoa ; for these Reasons the Genoeses were reasonably well satisfied , especially since they saw none of the Enemies Fleets appear : but the Duke being desirous to clear the Pass of Rossiglione , resolved to assault it with the gross of his Army on Holy-thursday , the twelfth day after Ovada was taken : the defendants , who had had the better upon other occasions , were afrighted to see so many men appear in good order ; so as distrusting not to be able to defend themselves , they all basely forsook the Trenches before the Enemy came within Musket-shot , and retreated , unless it were a Company of the Corsicks , which being placed higher made honourable resistance : but afterwards fire taking in a Barrel of Powder , at the blowing up whereof 20 of them were burnt and slain , and seeing the places behind them abandoned , they likewise forsook their stations , and retreated to Rossiglione ; and the Enemy following their blow , became masters of the Trenches , and soon after of Ros●…iglione also , which was likewise forsaken by the rest , who making it a Rendezvouz for Arms , for re-inforcing those who defended the more inward Trenches , seeing that they all ran away , they likewise beg●…n to run : so as the place , together with the Victuals , Munition , Moneys to pay the Souldiers , and other provisions , fell ( without any opposition ) into the Dukes hands : they continued running away , till they came to the Sea ; only two Companies of Souldiers staid in Mansone , where there was a little Castle , very strong by reason of the narrowness of the Passage , fifteen miles distant from Rossiglione , towards the Sea ; wherein there was two small pieces , and whither sufficient Victuals , Men and Munition were sent from Genoa : the Enemy entring Rossiglione past on to Campo , a place only three miles more inward then Masone : here they halted , trying those of Masone with small Skirmishes , and Articles of agreement , who still defending themselves did manfully make good that Pass , and that Castle : all this while the new work of incompassing the Mountains with Trenches was hardly begun in Genoa : the Walls of the City were not at all fortified ; and their Artillery , whereof they had great store , and very great ones , were yet in their Magazines , unmounted , as in time of peace , and lying one on the top of another , they had no experienced Cannoneers , little store of Match , and the meaner sort of people was beyond measure increased , by the concourse of women , and others fled thither from the neighbouring parts for refuge : the Souldiery , which for a whole year were there assembled at the great charges and industry both of the publick and private , much diminished : those few that were left were sent to Garrison Gavi and Rossiglione ; and many of the latter were dissipated through the terrour of the preceding day : 200 Neapolitans , who at the earnest intreaty of Ianetto Spinola were by Iohn Ieronymo Pimontello sent to Tortona some days before what had hapned at Rossiglione , as they past a long , without thought of being assaulted , were cut in pieces by the French : wherefore , the City appeared to suspect Feria , as being abandoned in her so great danger : so as the unexpected news of Rossiglione being brought to Genoa , the City was in great terrour and confusion ; which increas●…d by the children , old men and women of Vettri , who flocking to Genoa , full of fear , and believing that the Souldiers of the Commonwealth , who fled from Rossiglione , and returned by the way of the Mountains towards the Sea , were the Enemy , affirm'd that Masone was taken , and that the French did draw neer ; that therefore which befell Rome , the City of Mars , after the rout at Thrassimeno and Canna , and at Hannibals approaching the Walls of Rome ; and of later times , Paris , when the Army of the Duke of Burgony and of the other Confederates , in the War for the Common Good , was heard to arrive ; and yet of later years , when she feared to be assaulted by Charles the Fifths Army ; that which befel the Venetians after the Rout at Giaradadda , befel the City of Genoa : a City bred up for almost a hundred years in peace ; where there was not any that had ever heard the noise of an Enemies Drum or Trumpet : some of the Gentlewomen went from the City , some of the weaker sort of people fled ; others freed their houses of what they had of most value and worth , and sent them to Ligorne . The Senate amidst such a multitude of affairs and troubles , hearing the opinion which was had of the greatness and neerness of the danger , resolved forthwith to abandon Savona , Gavio , and all the other places of the State , and to withdraw all their Forces to defend the City of Genoa , upon whose safety and welfare , all their thought were set : therefore on Good-Friday , the very day that they heard this news , they sent all the Gallies that were in the Haven to Savona , with order to the Commissaries , that leaving the Citadel provided for , they should presently return with all the inhabitants to the City : Orders were likewise sent to Camp-master Doria in Ottaggio , to do the like with all the Garrisons thereabouts , and with those of Gavio : the first Order was obey'd , for on Easter Eve the Gallies returned from Savona , with the people and Commissaries , but not the other ; for Doria being experienced in warfare , thinking it to be a rash resolution , wrot back , before he obeyed it , that the Enemy having brought so many and so great pieces of Artillery by the way of Rossiglione , there was no danger that they could possibly app●…oach the City without them ; and that the people might run danger of being lost , if they should be brought away , the Enemy being so neer ; he therefore exhorted the Senate to make head against them in Gavio , which whilst it was maintained did obstruct , and being abandonded did make way for free passage to the City . The Senate approved Doria's advice ; true it is that the Commonwealth building much , in this so great terror , upon his Counsel and Valour , and upon the like of Benedetto Spinola , who kept to defend Gavio , sent for them both to Genoa , that they might assist to defend the City ; and Spin●…la , ( who upon this occasion was made Camp-master-general ) was by Doria's direction , succeeded in the defence of Gavio , by Iovan Baitista Meazza , of Pavia , Captain of the Millain Horse who were there in Garrison : it was therefore ordered contrary , to the former resolution , that the Gallies should return the next morning with the people who were not yet landed , to defend Guasco's coming to Genoa did also much incourage the Inhabitants , and appease the confusion they were in , who was sent by Feria with 2000 Foot , and 200 Horse to the relief of the City ; and coming on the Easter Eve , when the confusion was so great , was received with great joy , not only for the Forces which he brought with him , but also for that thereby the jealousies which were had of Feria ceased , and they hoped for greater succour : so as now some hopes of preservation appeared ; especially since they heard that the Enemy came on no further by the way of Rossiglione : they therefore knew that the City had conceived too excessive fear by the disaster of Rossiglione , and Proclamation was made , that upon pain of Death none should depart the City , or send away any Goods or Moveables ; and they began very diligently to make Trenches , to mount their Cannon , to dig Ditches , and to make other Fences for the City , all , both men and women , being very intent upon the preservation of the publick safety and liberty : but on the other side , the Senate fearing that some new invasion might be made in the Western River , especially since they heard that at this very time the Pimonteses were gone to Sassello , a Town belonging to the Common-wealth , lying a little above Savona , and that they had taken it ; and fearing that General Doria , by reason of his great years , would not be able to provide at the same time for the defence of the River when it should be assaulted , and of the parts beyond the Apenine whereby the the Army marched , they chose Tomaso Caracolla , who was then in Millain , for their Camp-master-general ; and deputing him for defence of the State beyond the Apenine , they sent Doria to recover Sassello , and to defend the Western River . On Holy-Thursday , the Popes Gallies , and those of the great Duke , appeared in the Haven at Genoa , which waf●…ed Cardinal Francisco Barbarini , the Popes Nephew , to Marcelles , who was sent Legate à Latere to the King of France , upon the occasion of the Valtoline , and of these present occurrences : a provision which was thought by many to be very weak , and unseasonable to keep off this imminent storm ; and therefore as it proved useless afterwards , so was it of very little hope now : the Legate being arrived would not come on shore , nor accept of any publick or private invitations , many whereof were offer'd him , excusing himself upon his precise Commissions and Orders limited by the Pope : insomuch as there were some who interpreted this Embassie to be for some other more secret ends : being staid there some time by contrary Winds he departed on Easter-day , early in the morning , towards Savona , where he tarried some days , expecting Monsieur Pamphillio , Auditor di Ruota , who going along with the Legate , was to remain N●…tio in ordinary in Spain , and was sent from Savona to the Duke , to get from him some cessation of Arms. The Duke seeming somewhat scandalized , that the Legate came not himself in person , gave Pamphillio but a cool welcome ; and by reason of the Victory at Rossiglione , thinking that he had the City as good as in possession , he did not grant the demand , alledging for his refusal , that being but a Souldier of the King of France in that war , it was more then lay in his power : not long after what had hapned at Rossiglione , the Duke and Constable turn'd their Forces by the other way of Gavio and Ottaggio : distrusting as , I conceive , to be able to advance by the way of Rossiglione . The Genoeses penetrating into the design by what Doria had said , and being somewhat freed from their first astonishment , thought it necessary to turn their defence that way , not only to oppose and weary the Enemies Forces , but to get more time by delay for the coming of succour from the State of Millain , from the Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily , where they were raising ; and though all agreed in this , yet they differ'd in their opinions touching the way of putting it in execution : some were for re-inforcing the Garrison of Gavio , whither Doria ( before he went from Ottaggio , ) had sent 1500 , who if Gavio should be lost , might entertain the Enemy , till more succour should come : others were of opinion , that all the Kings and Commonwealths Forces should march towards Ottaggio , or the neighbouring parts , and make use of the Mountains situationous : and that giving more incouragement to the defence of Gavio , they might force the Enemy to live more close , and with more trouble and unquietness . During these discourses , Thomaso Caracciolo , and the Baron Batteville came from Millain , who unwilling either to approve or disapprove , any of the aforesaid opinions , before they had gone in person to know the situation of the Country , and condition of the places , that so they might give their opinion the better upon what was propounded : it was forthwith resolved they should go into those parts , and take with them 1000 of Guasco's Souldiers ; and that Guasco himself should go with them and be assistant to them in Counsel ; and that Doria should go to Savona , and from thence to the recovery of Sassello , which was soon recovered . Camillo Cattaneo , Knight of Malta , came also to the City from Sicily ; one that had been long vers'd in the wars of Flanders , who was presently sent with 2000 Foot to Masone , and finding it not capable of so great a Garison , he was ordered to go to Ottaggio ; so as between those who were there already , and those that were to come thither within a few hours , Caracciola had with him in Ottaggio about 5000 Foot , and 80 Horse ; Caracciola , leaving Guasco behind him , to follow with the Foot , came to Ottaggio about the going to of night ; and understanding immediately that the Duke , being then very strong both in Horse and Foot , was come to Caroxo , a little Village in the mid way , but neerer Ottaggio then Gavio , and not thinking that he would come to an assault so soon , he was not so diligent as was necessary , the enemy being so neer with so great Forces , and himself so couragious ; and the night being dark and rainy would not permit him to discover the condition of the situation , and circumstances of the Country : some few men were only sent to guard the Passes , and to re-inforce some of the neighbouring Hills ; and news coming to Genoa , that for certain the Duke would make himself master of Ottaggio , before he would attempt Gavio , as well for the Victuals which he was confident he should find there , as that the enemies being driven out of those quarters might be no hindrance to the taking of Gavio , they only staid expecting the next days light , to give necessary orders , and make requisite provisions : only they argued that night , whether if the Duke should advance , they should do better to wait for him within the Town , or meet him in the Field : Camillo Cattaneo was for keeping within to defend the Town , and Caracciola , that they should go out : but supposing that the Duke could neither have Cannon , nor be prepared for an assault , they thought they should have time enough to do what should be best , so as it would be superfluous to talk thereof now , hoping that time , the proceeding of the Enemy , and the next days light , would counsel them what they had best do . Ottaggio is great and populous , situated at the foot of the Apenine towards Lombardy , upon the left hand of a rivulet , which falls from the Mountain , and runs along the Plain on which the Town stands , which is weak , and almost open ; for the ancient walls are ruinated in many places : on the top of it there stands a little Castle , much decay'd by time ; and standing upon the high-w●…y which leads to Genoa , it was rich and populous through the Merchandize , and passage which went and came continually from Lombardy ; and the Geno●…ses thinking that it might be made very tenable , by reason of the situation , if it should be fortified , they made many Trenches in several parts , as well to defend the way as the neighbouring Mountain : the chiefest were , one made to defend a little Bridge called Frasso , half a mile beyond the Town ; the other , a long Trench , which extending from the foot of the Mountain to the rivulet , sheltred the Town and the whole Campagnia on the front ; by these Works they thought they might be able long to withstand the oppugning of Ottaggio , and keep the Enemy from entring by that way , not considering on how many sides an Army may make its way . The Duke who expected the speedy arrival of his Artillery , resolved not to march that day , so as the Commonwealths Captains might have had better conveniency to provide for defence : but Monsieur Di San Anna being sent by the Duke with some Forces about break of day to discover the way , and the first Fortications , took the Fortifications of Frasso , almost before he had discover'd them , which were the first , and were basely abandoned at the first appearance of the Enemy ; he sent forth with to acquaint the Duke with this his happy beginning ; the Duke was in doubt whether he should keep behind , with all or with part of his men , or make them retire from the place he had taken ; and whilst he knew not what to resolve upon , he might hear a Skirmish which had hapned between his men , and 400 Foot which were sent from Ottaggio to recover the abandoned place ; he was advertised of what was done , and was sent to for succour , for that his men were in great danger : so seeing himself ingaged , contrary to the orders he had given , he commanded his men to advance , crying out aloud , and with much confidence , this is a day of Victory : going forth with all his men into the Field , and sending part of his people by the Hills beyond the water , who should seem as if they went to assault that Town on the back , he disposed his Cavalry a long the River , and kept the rest on this side , and went with a large Front to assault the Plain , and the Hills which stood over them . The Genoese Commanders betook themselves to defence with no less courage , though with worse order and fortune ; for Caracciola's power prevailing , they march'd into the Field ; and whilst the 400 Foot which went to recover Frasso entertain the Duke , they ordered their men thus . The Plain which lies between Ottaggio and Frasso is divided ; on the left side whereof , which is under the Hills , they disposed of the Foot , wherein were comprehended Guasco's men , who were come but very then , weary and wet : in the way that lies neerest the River they placed 80 Horse , divided into four small Squadrons ; they sent some to re-inforce those that were to defend the Hills , by which the Enemy might advance : the mean while , the Duke having not only defended and kept Frasso which St. Anna had taken , but repuls'd the 400 Foot that went to recover it , he pursued them , though not without trouble and difficulty ; for they retreated slowly , still resisting and fighting ; and continuing thus for some hours , the Duke came at last within sight of the Plain of Ottaggio , where he might see the Commonwealths Forces in order , and prepared for defence ; and staying his march a while , that he might form his Squadrons , and give fitting orders , he sent to assault them on all sides , those who defended the Hills were the first that gave back , who being pursued by much a greater number , retreated towards the Plain ; whither being come , they disordered their friends Files , who being justled by their friends , and assaulted by the Enemy which pursued their friends , they could not resist ; and the 80 Horse which they had placed in another part , wheeling about , at the first appearance of the Enemies Horse , without striking one stroke , the flight and confusion grew greater every where , then the fighting : so every one endeavouring their safety by retiring towards the Town , the Field was forsaken ; and Caracciola , who fought there manfully with a Pike in his hand , and Agostino Spinola , were taken Prisoners : great was the slaughter of the Genoeses , especially at a Portcullies which they found shut ; for there being here a great press of those that pursued , and those that were pursued , and little or no resistance made , the Dukes men had opportunity to kill many : yet this slaughter was not without revenge for the Portcullies being beaten down , and the Dukes men entring the Town , were very hardly dealt withall , not only by Musket-shot from the windows , but by two Barrels of powder , to which fire being seasonably set , many of the Dukes Souldiers perish'd , amongst which many of the chiefest both for Birth and Valour : yet that first part of the Town was taken by the Duke ; who without giving any time of respite fell upon the main Town , which was divided by a little rivulet from the Suburbs which were taken ; where also the falling on was not only great , but also the resistance ; and the oppugners received most prejudice , who remaining an open mark to the shot of the defendants , ( for there were neither Trenches , nor cover'd approaches ) they fought for the space of three hours : the defendants playing upon them from the Windows and tops of Houses : yet the oppugners increasing every moment , and a rumour being spread abroad amongst the defendants , that the Enemy was entred by another part of the Town , the Captains and other Officers , being surprized at so sudden a news , and not knowing what to do , they gave over making further defence , and fled to the Castle , hoping to get out from thence by the way of the Mountain , and go safe to Genoa : but they failed in their design ; for seeing the skirts of the Mountains possess'd by the Enemy , and having neither Powder in the Castle , to defend themselves , nor Victuals to maintain themselves , they had but little hope of safety . The Town , by their retreat , slackned their defence , and being at last either abandoned by the defendants , or overlaid by the assailants , whose numbers increased by continual recruits , and the Duke being there in person , it fell into the power of the Enemy ; and soon after the Castle ; wherein there being neither Victuals , nor any thing for defence , Guasco and the other Commanders who were shut up there , surrendred upon Articles : which being agreed upon by word of mouth , but not in writing , afforded occasion of wrangling ; those within pretending that they were to have their liberty together with their lives ; and the others , that their lives were only granted them ; wherefore the Duke kept them all prisoners ; and the more to justifie his doing so , said that they had broken their Articles by setting fire to a Barrel of Powder , which slew many of both sides , and amongst the rest Monsieur di Flandes , one of the chief Officers of the Dukes Army , and one whom he esteemed very much for his valour : at the which unfortunate accident the Duke was so disgusted , for the loss of his men , and especially for that of Flandes , as he thereby pretended to detain them all , and to deprive the Commonwealth , in such an exigent of time , of their chief Commanders , attributing the accident to the Enemies maliciousness . Thus all Articles were broken ; and the Souldiers entring the Town presently sack it ; wherein not only much ●…avenous cruelty was committed , but great impiety , to the great prejudice of those of Ottaggio , they being destined to suffer the first mischiefs of war which was begun against Zuccharello , 80 miles distant from thence : great was the prey that was here got ; for this was the usual Market for Victuals which past from Lombardy to Genoa ; and the Ottaggians being naturally industrious , and given to Trade , were very rich in Moneys , Houshold-stuff and Corn : whereby the Dukes men , who had known the miseries of war , clothed themselves anew , and got great store of Moneys , Victuals , and of many other things : the Prisoners were very many , amongst which , nine of the prime Gentlemen of Genoa , besides many other Captains and Officers ; seven Ensigns were there taken , and the Victory was great , for here did the chiefest of the Commonwealths Souldiers and Commanders fight ; but yet it was not without the loss of a great many of the Dukes best Souldiers . Ottaggio being taken , the Duke took some Horse with him and rode up the Apenine ; where when he was come to the top , he looked advisedly upon the Valley of Pozzevera , which lay beneath , and upon the Sea which was neer unto it : for the City which is inviron'd with neerer Hills cannot be seen from thence ; and devouring that prey with his looks , and desire of revenge , which he was never to get , he thought every hour a thousand years till he had got the City : not knowing , nor being able to imagine that God had prefix'd that place where he now was for the boundure of his vast designs , and for the utmost limits of his Triumph . The Duke could not so fully injoy this his Victory ; for to boot with the loss of his best men , his joy was embittered by the news which he heard the next day , touching his Admiral Galley , which the very next day after the Battel was brought , with his chiefest Standard in her , captive into the Haven of Genoa : the Common-wealth had sent three Gallies some few days before into the Provencal Seas to annoy the Dukes Coasts , who hearing that the Dukes Admiral was at St. Honorato , a very small Island in that Sea , anciently called Lerino , not far from Nice , and disjoyned from the Continent by a little Channel , they resolved to go in pursuit thereof : when they came neer the Island , two of them kept without at Sea , and Galleazzo Giustiniano , who commanded the Genoese Admiral , entred between the Island and the Continent , and lighting upon the Dukes Galley , ( which seeing what danger she was in retired ) and strove to get into some Town of Provence , but was overtaken and forc'd to yield to the Genoese Admiral : but though the unhappy success at Ottaggio did not occasion so great terrour and confusion in Genoa , as did the loss of Rossiglione but some few days before ; ( for she was the better accustomed to bear with such disasters : ) yet the wifer sort knew , that this loss was much greater then that of Rossiglione , by reason of the defeat given to all their best men , and the imprisonment of sogallant and experienced a Commander , in whose worth and valour the Commonwealth reposed so much trust , together with the like of their Captains , and prime Gentlemen : they considered the danger they were in , that the Duke following his good fortune might present himself before their Walls with his whole Army , and that of the King of France : so as being inwardly afflicted with so great a loss , they knew not how to sustain so imminent a danger . The Senate calling a Counsel of many of their Captains and Counsellors , ( whereinto was admitted the Marquels of Castagnedo , being the Spanish Embassadour , whose advice they much valued , as being one well experienced in the Wars of France ; ) and the Duke of Turcis ; they were of differing opinions , as were also their Captains and Counsellors : some thought it a pernitious advice to consume their best men in the defence of a weak place , against so powerful an enemy ; and thinking it a better course to make use of them for the defence of the City , whose danger could not be greater , nor neerer hand , they advised to abandon Gavio , and to withdraw the Garrison , to defend the chief City : others persevering in their former opinion , said , that the Enemy losing also many of their best men , which were the very sinews of their Forces , they became weaker , and consequently less able to expugne the City ; and that succours being daily expected from Naples and Sicily , the City could run no danger : so as it might do well , though with the loss of the Garrison at Gavio , to entertain the enemy , and to gain time not only for the coming of the foresaid succours , but for the arrival of the Germans , who ( they heard ) were already entred the State of Millain . In this difference of opinions , they resolved to consult with the Duke of Feria , and to be govern'd by him : the Duke of Savoy , on the othe other side , grown proud with Victory , prepared to pass with all his men over the Apenine , and to come before the City Walls ; and was very careful in preparing all things fitting for the enterprise : but the Constable kept him from this resolution ; who being unwilling to leave Gavio behind his back , which was well fortified , and had a great Garrison in it , it being an inlet for succour , and a place of safety for the Enemy to retreat unto upon any occasion , gave order for the expugning thereof before they should advance further . The Duke thought it somewhat hard to foreslow the course of Victory ; but not being able to do otherwise , he was forc'd to give way to the Constables will ; without which he could not prosecute the intended enterprise : and because the Constable thought the loss too great which was received by the former assault given to place by the General of the Horse , and the loss greater which was received before Ottaggio , because they had proceeded in those actions according to the Military manner , he would therefore proceed orderly in the taking of Gavio , with Artillery , Approaches , and making of Trenches : Captain Meazza , Governour of the Garrison of that place , labouring how to defend it , and how to offend the Enemy by often sallies , conceived such hopes , as he writ to the Senate , that he would make good that place for the space of ten or twelve days ; nor would he peradventure have failed to do it , had not one who had gotten privately into Gavio , given him some orders from Stefano Spinola , and from the Resident for the Commonwealth with Feria at Millain , whereby he was told that Feria thought it a better and safer way , to preserve their men , then to lose them together with the Town ; the preservation whereof was desperate : that he should therefore give over the defence thereof , and provide the best he could for the safety of the Garrison . The Senate had writ to Meazza when they left the decision of the business to Feria , that he should observe such Orders as he should receive from Spinola from Millain ; and they had written to Spinola that he should direct Meazza what to do touching the maintaining , or abandoning of Gavio , according as Feria should think fit : hereupon Meazza about midnight , without knowledge of the Townsmen , went away with the Garrison of 3000 Foot towards Serravalle , a Town lying towards the State of Millain , about some five miles of ; but finding the ways bad , and therefore having spent much time in his march , he began to fear being surprized by the way , the next day : wherefore resolving to return back , he did so , with the like silence as he had come out that night ; and upon Articles to march out with his men the next day , he yielded up the Town , but not the Castle , which was not at his disposal : this third accident did again afflict the City , which the day before the surrender had received Meazza's Letter , by which he assured them he would maintain the Town fourteen or twelve days at least : in which mean time the Genoeses believing that for certain , that relief would come from Naples and Sicily , they began to hope , that the succour would come before they should see the Enemies Army : but now failing of that assurance , and not seeing the succour come , every one apprehended his own misfortune , and were astonished at the Enemies success ; and finding that they prospered in all their actions , they thought it impossible they should do otherwise in the enterprise of Genoa . This their affliction and astonishment was presently increased by the loss of the Castle , which hapned not long after ; for the Duke being desirous to remove all pretences and impediments that the Constable could alledge , for not going to Genoa , speedily prepared the Battery , wherewith having for a while plai'd upon the Walls and prejudiced them a little , the Captain of the Castle ( though he were strongly situated , and well provided of all things , yet being ) but young and unexperienced , he came to Parley , and obtain'd Truce for three days , with leave to send to Genoa , to advertise the Senate of his condition ; but the Duke having made some Trenches during the Truc●… , and the Captain not having received any advertisement from the City during those three days ( for the Duke had detain'd the Messenger ) he also surrendered : so the Army , having no other obstacle to keep them from going to Genoa , unless it were the craggedness of the Mountain ; the Duke eg'd on by ardent desire , and by the great hopes which so noble a concourse of Victories afforded him , he press'd the Constable very hard , that without giving further respite to the Enemy , he would give order for the advancing of the Army and Artillery , assuring him of undoubted Victory . We have already ( said he ) opened the gate , paved the way to the City : all obstacles and impediments are already removed ; the Enemies are routed , their chief Commanders are our Prisoners ; the City her self , before the Victory at Ottaggio , being full of terrour and confusion , had ( as we understand by some Prisoners ) sent to Article with us , and to offer us great sums of Money : many of the chief of the Commonwealth do the like to redeem themselves from us , and our hands ; from whence knowing their own weakness and being confounded with the presages of imminent ruine , they very well know they cannot possibly escape , what will they now do , after so many defeats , in the heels of one another ? after having lost their best men ? when they shall see themselves deprived of so many Chieftains and Officers ? deprived of their General at the very first encounter , in whom they did so much confide ? shall we think that they will hold out , at the very first appearance of our Ensigns , that they will wait for the noise of our Cannon ? shall we believe that a City accustomed only to Traffick , and to give account how they have gotten so great riches as they have now within their Walles , and as they have distributed elsewhere , shall dare to make any resistance against our Forces , our Ensigns , our Fame ? against the dread which the French Forces bear with them every where , and which are every where so feared and reverenced ? let us go , for Gods sake , before they by their flight rob us of such riches as are already ours : before that being fortified , and succoured by the Spaniards , they may dispute that Victory , which nothing but speed can , in all probability , assure us : what terrour , what consternation hath the loss of their Trenches , the rout and defeat at Rossiglione , imprinted in our Enemies ? how neer was that City then to be abandoned ; and shall we now , after the defeat of Ottaggio , after the loss of Gavio , when they are deprived of their best Souldiers , best Commanders , doubt that they will not undoubtedly be readier to run away , then to defend themselves ? that they will not rather think of their own safety , then of making resistance ? I pass by the many intelligences which we have with those Citizens ; I mention not the discontents , and dissatisfactions which are in that City ; which certainly will much facilitate our Victory . Let us go on then , great Constable ! not to the oppugning , but to the expugning of this City , not to the Assault , but to the Conquest thereof ; not to the Combate , but to the assured Victory , which is promised , and prepared for us , by so many Circumstances and Arguments : whereby the name of France , and the Empire of that Crown , which is already in the wane in Italy , shall be by us raised up again ; and to our perpetual glory , be restored to her former splendour and dignity ; and your Excellency by so signal an action shall crown your so many former praises , and gloriously concluding your Heroick Deeds , shall render your name more famous amongst the French , and other Nations , then that of any of those ancient Commanders which we remember or read of . The Dukes Authority was not so powerful with the Constable as it had been ; and as fellowship in command is always full of emulation , and jealousie ; the ends of Commanders not being always the same , it appeared by several signs , that neither were their wills the same : he therefore answered . If your Highness , His Majesties Agents , and the other Confederates had , in some sort at least , corresponded to the Obligations of the League , and to the great offers made to me at Susa ; surely such exhortations as these would be superfluous to me : nor should I , who have always incited others to glorious and gallant actions , need now such an Inciter ; for the very Reasons , and the same Courage , which in obedience to his Majesty , and to serve so many Confederate Princes , moved me in my old Age , and in the midst of Winter , to pass over the Alpes , would of themselves be sufficient to bring the Enterprize to an honourable end , which was resolved upon so good grounds , and begun with so great preparations , and greater cheerfulness : but in a business of such weight we must go to work with understanding , and casting up our accounts well , we must not golgroping in the dark amidst so many dangers ; best we repent our rashness too late , and lest instead of advantage , which we pretend unto , and the glory which we hope for , we reap ruine , loss and dishonour : we go against a great City , well peopled , munited with strong Walls , and invironed with many Fortifications , as we are informed : we go by uneasie ways , by a barren Country , by strong situations , by craggy Mountains , by Countries which have nothing left in them for the maintaining of an Army ; where are our Victuals for nourishment ? where Cattel for Carriage ? where Carriages for other Implements ? does your Highness know how far the Provisions which you ought to make prove short ? how far inferiour to your obligation , and to what you did assure me they should be , first in Susa , and afterwards in Turin ? I do not here Dispute whether it be out of will , out of negligence , or impossibility , that they have not yet appeared : whatsoever the reason be , it cannot be denied but that there is great want of them , and that the consequence thereof is great for what we have to do : the English Fleet , and that of Marcelles , which were the chief ground-works of our enterprise , have not only not yet appeared in the Seas of Genoa , but are not ( for ought we can learn ) come yet out of their Havens : the supply of men , which should be prepared in France , for the necessary recruit of our Army , which is weakned very much already , and very much lessened , we do not hear that they are yet sent , no not so much as in a readiness : nor is there any care had of us in that Court , more then if we had never come out of that Kingdom ; and who can think but that a resolution wisely put on upon these ground-workes must needs run to ruine , when these foundations fail ? and yet your Highness , persisting in the same fervour , thinks it great shame not to pursue that which it would have been great weakness to have begun without these foundations , or to have resolved upon , and which it would be great rashness to pursue : whether of our two advices be the better , ( if it were not convinced by common sense and reason ) would be better comprehended if we would but duly consider what our condition was when we had past the Apenine : it being impossible , if we should have met with any indifferent resistance , to keep there idle , destitute of Victuals , and of all humane provision ; and who can doubt but that any the least stop , any the sleightest hinderance to this your Highness his pretended Victory , will redound to our own total ruine and destruction ? but why talk I of stops or hinderances ? our only tarrying for the bringing on of our Artillery , and other Provisions , which cannot March as fast as our Army ; the time onely to distribute out Quarters ; to make our selves masters of their Sentinels or Sconces ; to the disposing of our Artillery ; ( if we should meet with no other lets , ) will be undoubtedly sufficient to ruine us , and to destroy our men , if we carry not Victuals along with us , sufficient for our maintenance the mean while ; so as we shall have come thither , for nothing else but to make our selves a ridiculous spectacle to the world , through our rashness , and indiscretion , whereof our very enemies , whilst sitting within their Walls , will be the first and neerest spectators : what will become of us then , think you , if the State of Millain , which we shall leave behind us , as a sure enemy , shall move ? who can assure us that they will continue their hitherto feigned friendship with us , when we shall have passed the Mountains ? what will the event be , if the great succours and aids which are preparing in Naples and Sicily shall come from thence this mean while ? with what courage , with what Forces , can we at the same time mind the expugning of a City well walled , well provided and succoured , and resist the Forces of the State of Millain , which shall come upon us , whilst we are oppress'd by so many troubles , straitned by so great necessities , shut up between the Mountains and the Sea , and deprived of any mortal succour ? will your Highness confide in the weaknesse of Enemy , in the Peoples astonishment in , the disorders of the City , in the great intelligence which you confess you have there ? let us suppose , that this being our condition , the City Gates should be thrown open to us , and that that should be the only way remaining for us , in this extremity , to get the Victory , or rather to save our selves ? will your Highness ( persisting constantly in your opinion , ) place , I will not say the happy event of the Enterprize , but the safety of our selves , and of our reputations , upon so acrial , and so uncertain points ? the battel at Ottaggio may make your Highness know that the enemies are not so full of baseness and cowardize , as your Highness believed them to be but a little before : the taking of that little Burrough which made nothing at all for our main affair , which wanted Artillery , and whose Walls were for the most part down , cost us the blood of our best men , as your Highness very well knows ; and shall we think that they who have sold so little a Town at so dear a rate , will be ready to throw open their Gates , that they will so easily give themselves , their Wives , Children and Riches , in prey to us ? let not , oh let not the too immoderate desire of Victory , the too great thirst after glory and revenge , make us too rash ; and let us not be misled by vain intelligence with discontented people , wherein the total of our lives and reputations does depend ; nor let us not place the ground-work of our Enterprize upon the peoples confusion , and sudden fear ; for I protest and declare , that we shall assuredly be deceived if we carry with us no other preparations , no other inforcements for Victory , and for our own escape : the intelligence , and plots of malecontents , may easily be discovered and hush'd , they may be withheld by the coming of new succours , changed by the alteration of success , vanish through the difficulty of performance , or suppress'd by the diligence of the Governour : a little time appeases hidden commotions , a small opposition curbs popular insurrections ; and by what we hear of the union and good order of that City , we have more reason to fear , then to hope for Victory ; and I who have some experience of the worlds affairs , as I build somewhat upon such occasions , and accidents , when Forces are adequate to the Enterprize ; so where I finde them inferiour , I have always thought them to be but baits to ruine , and to the destruction of those that lay the ground-work of their successe thereupon . The Duke replied many things , whereby to draw the Constable over to his opinion ; sometimes shewing him that being so far advanc'd , they could not without much shame forbear prosecuting : sometimes endeavouring to free him from the fear of the State of Millain , by telling him in what straights of men and money the Duke of Feria was ; sometimes that the French Forces had the better of it in the Valtoline , and were Conquerors on that side , who would at the same time fall there upon the State of Millain : sometimes mentioning the Venetians , who being ready to break into war upon the account of Cremona and Giaradadda , would reduce that Governour to a condition of rather needing succour , then of succouring : that therefore they were to make use of the reputation and heat of Victory , which doth oft time bring Enterprises to a happy end , though they be otherwise impossible , and desp●…rate , to the appearing of all humane reason : that all sinister events ought not to be thought upon , which may intervene in humane actions ; since there are none so certain , nor so surely grounded , which may not be hindred by a thousand accidents ; upon which he who would fix his eye too attentively , must not hope to do any thing ; that many things were to be left to Fortune , which bearing a great sway in all humane actions , but particularly in those of War , doth commonly assist bold and couragious actions : that it could not be long ere the Fle●…ts would arrive , the necessity whereof he , out of many considerations , did not much value : But the Constable demanding , finally , provisions to maintain the Army for at least three moneths beyond the Apenine , before he would move from those quarters where he was ; ( and not long after these Disputes , news coming , that great succours were come to Genoa , from Naples and Sicily ) the execution of this so great Enterprise was almost quite given over . The Duke being necessitated to steer on his course , resolved , to shun lying idle and loss of time , to turn part of his men towards the Western River , which by the Capitulations of Susa , were assigned over to him ; and where he understood the Genoese had taken Oneglia from him , together with all the Valleys of that Country , and were entred into that of the neighbouring Prela : he gave the charge hereof to the Prince , who forgoing for then to attempt Savona , turn'd upon Pieve , the first Town of the Genoese , of the neerest to Piedmont , and the Marqui●…ate of Ceva ; 2000 Piedmontese of the Trained-bands of Mondovi , and of the Marquisate of Ceva , were entred a little before into the River to defend Oneglia , not knowing that it was taken by the Genoese : these ●…aving past the Apenine at the place which is called Passo della Nava , by which the way lies to Pieve , ( a Pass naturally very difficult , and unaccessible , and almost abandoned by those of the Commonwealth , came not time enough to defend it , nor to relieve Oneglia , which was already taken by the Genoese , but going to Prela , it was their good luck to relieve and free it ; for there being none before it but an unexercised Mil●…ti , without an experienced Commander , with little or no Military Discipline , they gave over the Siege at the appearing of the Piedmonteses : so as returning with the same ease , and success , into Piedmont by the same P●…ss of Nava , and having acquainted the Prince with the weakness of the Guards at those Passes , and how easily they had relieved Prela , and how they had not met with any opposition in their return , th●…y incouraged him the more to the enterprise ; where by the example of his Subj●…cts who were returned from those parts , he had reason to expect but small resistance : he therefore with hopes of good success , began it : nor failed he in his hopes , for finding the Passes , as he had been informed , but badly guarded , he fell down from thence to Pieve , a great Town at the foot of the Apenine towards the Sea ; and the Market being usually there as great and populous , used by the Piedmonteses and Genoeses , but not weaker to be defended then that of Ottaggio , Camp-master Doria was entred thereinto , being sent thither from Genoa , when the danger of that side was known : he had only a thousand paid men given him by the Commonwealth ; so as though he had refused to go thither with so small a number , yet to obey the Senates Orders he went : but with protestation , that he went , to the manifest loss of himself , and of his men : so gathering together 1500 more of the common people of that Country , he came together with them into Pieve ; and holding it was impossible to take that Town without Artillery , which he also thought was impossible to be brought thither , he gave all necessary Orders , and made all requisite provisions for defence : he fortified the Monasteries of St. Austine , and the Capuchins which were without the Town ; and munited them with sufficient Garrisons : he did the like at a certain station which was called la Morte , all which places he thought untakeable without Artillery : so as thinking himself sa●…e within the Town with those Fortifications , he expected the coming of the Enemy . Doria was not deceived in his opinion ; for the Prince appeared without any Artillery , and sitting down before St. Austines Monastery , he met with great opposition , and for some days had little hope to take it ; but Artillery arriving the fifth day , beyond the defendants expectation , all impediments were removed ; for levelling them at the Monastery , and beating down the Steeple , it slew many of the defendants with the fall thereof , he infused such terrour into the rest , who returned tumultuously into Pieve , leaving that station in the Princes power : their example was immediately followed by the rest of the Guards , so as the Prince ( being master of the Field , ) sate down presently before the Town , which being by so unexpected a chance fuller of confusion then order , and the Walls not being fit for battery , the Captain began to Parley ; and having the word of one of the Dukes Captains given him , that he might march out , he , not minding who it was that gave it , or what power he had to give it , was presently made Prisoner ; and it being given out amongst them that were within , that for fear of troubling of the Treaty , they should put out their Matches , the Besiegers approach'd the Wall without resistance , and beating down the Gate with a Beam of Wood they entred the Town , and those within fled away by another little Gate that was towards the Sea : but they mist of their design , which was to escape , for that other Gate being presently possess'd by the Princes Souldiers , many of them throwing themselves down from the Walls , which were not very high in that part , were some of them slain by the Musketiers who were placed on the out side , and other some perish'd in their falling down : here was the greatest slaughter of the best men , to the number of 200 ; but those that kept within the Town met with more mercy ; for the Town being taken whilst the surrender was in Treaty , the Prince provided for the peoples safety ; and the Souldiers falling to plunde●… , and their ava●…ice being greater then their cruelty , none were troubled but those that withstood plunder : many were taken Prisoners , amongst which , Camp-master Doria , and four other Gentlemen of Genoa , two others who were got into the Castle yielded not long after , upon promise of safety of life and liberty , which was readily observed . Thus was Pievs taken , Doria made Prisoner , and the people of the Commonwealth , who were destined to guard that part , were defeated : La Riviera , having lost its Garrison , and not hoping for relief , ●…ell into the Prince his power : all the Commonalty ran to receive him , and brought him the Keys : they ●…reed themselves , by moneys , from being sack'd , and rendred obedience to the Prince , being order'd by the Commonwealth to do so ; which minding only the defence of Genoa , suffer'd them to complain with the times , so to keep from being sack'd , and from the violence of War : Whereupon Albenga , Alassio , Porto Mauritio , San Remo , and the City of Venti●…iglia , the chiefest Towns upon the River , together with Oneglia , fell ( without any gainsaying ) into the Princes hands ; as did also all the weaker places , unless it were Triora , which being seated upon the top of a Mountain , held out , and kept still manfully for the Commonwealth , and defended it self manfully against many attempts . The Castle of Ventimiglia held also for the Commonwealth , which resisted for some days after the Town was surrendred , till the Prince having caused some Artillery to be brought from Nice by Sea , began to batter it , and also to make a Mine ; whereupon the Captain who was but little experienced in the Militia , a●… the end of eight days surrendred it : whereby the Prince became absolute master of the River , which extends it self for the space of 70 miles , from Finale to Monaco . The Duke , at the same time , notwithstanding the Constables backwardness , persisting in going for Genoa , made many provisions in Gavio , which were sent from Piedmont : he brought Artillery to Ottaggi●… , he caused Scaling-Ladders to be made , ●…e assembled Pioneers to plain the ways upon the Mountains ; and having taken many Fee-farms , which held of the Empire beyond the Apenine , from several Gentlemen of Genoa , in the Valley of Serivia , he sent his natural Son , Don Felice , to take Savignone , another Fee of the Empire , a great Town , distant only six miles from the City , on the Noth side : by which way being able without any impediment to fall into the Valley of Bysagna●… , he made way to assault the City on that side which was thought the weakest . Don Felice succeeded therein happily , and without resistance ; for the City being brought into great streights and anx●…ety , was wholly intent upon fortifying herself ; and to keep off the danger which she saw drew ( every day ) neerer , she was very diligent in making ●…renches , in furnishing the Walls with Artillery , in digging Ditches , in making Plat-forms , and Stockcadoes , to fence the weakest places . Thus the Affairs of Genoa were thought to be brought to the last period : moreover , the City was at this time in great want of Moneys ; for some Gallies being gone into Spain to fetch moneys durst not make the Voyage for fear of the Fleet at Marcelles : they therefore made use of the Plate of private persons , which being turn'd into money did in part supply the need , but the expence being excessive ●…ame far short of what was requisite : there we●…e not many men ready in the State of Millain to come into the Field , the Germans not being yet come : and some few that were already come were sent to desend la Riva , which was so necessary for the preservation of that State ; and Don Ieronymo Pimontello , not thinking himself safe in Tortona , thought it better to retreat with those few men he had into Alessandria : at which the Genoeses were not a little astonished , who by the fear he shewed upon this occasion , were not well pleased to see him go further from the City , instead of drawing neerer to the relief thereof ; and the like scarcity of money being there as was in Genoa , the Swissers , who were much in Arreer for former pay , seeing the great necessity of the Spanish Officers , and being set on by the Princes of the League , denied passage to the Germans who came to defend the States of Millain , and Genoa . The failing of the Genoeses credit insued the want moneys ; for their State being given for lost , throughout Italy , and all Europe , it was thought that the private Fortunes of those Citizens would perish with the publick . The fear which was had in Genoa , of the English and French Fleets , was of no small consideration , and did much afflict the minds of all men ; it being hourly feared that they would appear in those Seas , by reason of the continual news which they had of great preparations made both at Marcelles , and in England ; and of moneys sent by the Duke , and his Son , when they were before Ventimiglia , to the Guisans , that they might put the Fleet in readiness , and appear as soon as might be in the River of Genoa : to which Fleets it was feared that 40 Frigots or men of War would joyn ; which being come from forth of Holland , and it not being known whither they were bent , all men thought they were intended for the Enterprise of Genoa : great was the danger , lest taking Corsica , or some of those Havens , they might fortifie it , and make it serve for a Bulwark against the State of Genoa ; and there hinder the passage of shipping between Spain and the Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily : the Genoeses were no less jealous of the Princes of Italy , who having room left them to be admitted into the League , it was not known how they stood affected to these present commo●…ions : it being feared that either apprehending to share in the ruine of Genoa , they should not dare to declare themselves , or run the same fortune for assisting them , or that out of a tacite abhorrence of the Spanish Empire , they might not be sorry to see an alteration in the State of Genoa , which was so neerly joyn'd to the Spanish Grandezza ; and that some out of a desire of bettering themselves in the ruine of that Commonwealth , might wish it ; for a Rendezvous for Arms was made in the City of Pisa , and a great assembly of men , and preparations for War ; and though it was said to be done under the colour of being ready upon all occasions to defend Tuscany , yet the Genoeses wanted not conjectures of danger to Serezzana and Serezzanello , belonging to the State of Genoa upon those Confines : which places the great Dukes of Tuscany , under pretence of the Florentine Commonwealth , have always had an eye upon , and ( sometimes ) some secret practices : it was certainly known that the great Duke did at this time treat with the Duke of Feria , that he would suffer him to possess himself of them , and of the Gulf of Spetie , and to keep them , and defend them against the Confede ates Army , lest when they should have taken Genoa they should take them also ; and that answer was made , that neither by the King of Spain , nor yet Feria's self , that any one-foot belonging to the State of Genoa should be possess'd upon any whatsoever pretence . The Genoeses were therefore much distracted , being forced upon these urgent occasions to lessen their own necessary defences , so to provide for the defence of Corsica , and of the two other places , of such concernment ; whether they notwithstanding sent people , and provision for the maintaining of them : though the danger from the Duke of Mantua , ( who was thought to be privately very partial to the French ) were not so great , yet the jealousie was no less , by his giving free passage to the Confederates Army through Montferrat ; and more by the offers made afterward by him in secret to the Commonwealth , to joyn with them against the same Army which was already past ; promising to fall upon them in the Reer with 6000 Foot and 1000 Horse ; if they would give him money to raise them , and to maintain them in the field : which offers , as contrary to the ends and proceedings of that Prince , were not only not accepted , but ( as not too much to be trusted in these times , ) they were rejected . The Venetians forgoing that so noble study and endeavour publickly profest by them upon all occasions , of the lib●…rty of Italy , being now joyn'd with Forreigners against the Genoeses , were held to be little less then open enemies to them : they had no old quarrel against the Commonwealth , nor any new occasion of enmity or resentment to incite them to so hostile a resolution : but after the ancient emulation for Empire at Sea , the two Commonwealths had always kept upon fair terms : the uniformity of their Government , and their being both of them Italian Potentates , might have been sufficient to interest them in the reciprocal maintaining of each other : only the common end and desire of the Confederates , to abate the greatness of the Austrians , and of the King of Spain , which was more suspicious to the Venetians then to any others , by reason of the neighbourhood of Germany , was sufficient to work upon that Senate at this time , and to make them ( together with the rest ) plot the ruine of Genoa : it was commonly said , that this business being handled in the Consiglio de Pregati , and it being argued what disorder and inconveniences would insue to the common affairs by the ruine of Genoa , at that time particularly , when that Commonwealth was desired , in the Dyet at Susa , to ioyn with the rest in the War against Genoa ; Rainero Zeno , a Senator of great sway and eloquence , should say , that the inconveniences were most apparent , but that the danger of their affairs , by reason of the great power of the Empire , and of the Crown of Spain , was such , so imminent , and so neer their State , as all other respects and considerations whatsoever being laid aside , it ought in good Government of State to be prefer'd before all things else ; and that since all disorders could not be prevented , they ought , in so weighty and important resolutions , too have an eye upon the greater , and wink at the lesser ; just as wise Physitians do , who ( to preserve their Patients life ) stick not sometimes at the amputation of a Leg or an Arm , which being preserved would be his death . And though the Venetian Forces , being far from the Confines of Genoa , were not much to be doubted : yet being neer the Cremonese , and joyn'd with the French in the Vatoline , they kept the State of Millain imploied , and consequently were no little hinderance to the succours which might be brought from thence to the Genoeses ; whose condition was now such in Venice , as the Merchants of Genoa durst not appear in publick , they were so generally hated ; and great was the rejoycing of the Venetian Nobility and Commonalty , when they heard of the good success of the Confederates Army against the State of Genoa ; and no less triumph and rejoycing was made in the Court of Rome , where the Genoeses through sinister news , spread abroad of their misfortunes , had lost so much reputation , as they mock'd , and publickly laught at them , as if they had already been quite vanquish'd ; and were it either by reason of the great joy which great alterations cause , or were it that the Officers of the Palace were for the most part Florentines , or such as depended upon Florentines , they were not displeased to see the liberty of others lost , though their own was therein concerned : a thing which made some men argue that the Pope was not overwell affected to the Commonwealth , and which did much detract from the fatherly zeal which he profest to bear her , and from the words which he was used to say , when he heard ill news of the Commonwealth , wherein he was wont to deplore the ruine of so Christian and Catholick a State : to this miserable and ruinous a condition the Affairs and Liberty of the State of Genoa seem to be reduced . The End of the Eighth Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . BOOK IX . The Contents : BY relief of Moneys and Victuals sent from Spain , and Men from Naples , Genoa is comforted in the midst of her troubles ; she is incouraged by the wants of the Enemies Army , and through the disagreeing of their Commanders ; and is at last wholly freed by Friends coming into the Field with a powerful Army . The Enemies Army retreats from the Enterprise of Genoa , and attemps Savona ; but being overtaken by Feria , retires to Piedmont . Feria takes the City of Acqui ; he goes afterwards to Asti , and from thence to Verrua ; where he stays long to little purpose , leaving many of his men behind him ; and being forc'd to give over the Enterprise , returns with his Army much lessened , into the State of Millain : many actions happen at the same time in the besieging and defending of Riva di Chiavenna ; wherein the Spaniards have still the better of the French ; they drive the French at last out of the Valtoline , and raise the Siege of Riva . The English Fleet falling upon Spain , is repuls'd ; and having in vain endeavoured to take the Plate-Fleet which came from America , retires into England , torn by Tempests . A Discourse upon the quality and usual Navigation of the Plate-Fleet : the Apostolick Legate returns from France to Rome ; and is sent from Rome to Spain ; whither being come , he finds the Peace concluded between the two Crown●… ; and the Affairs of I●…aly , and of the Valtoline , composed . The Pope , and all the Princes of the League are very much displeased with this Peace ; as also all the Princes , and the Court of France . Some of them do therefore conspire against the Kings person , In pursuance of the Peace , the Forts of the Valtoline are restored , and demolish'd . New occasions of disgust between the Genoese , and the Duke of Savoy . The Duke of Guise his Fleet goes from Marcelles , and comes to Ligorne ; and returns from thence to Marcelles , without having done any thing . The Duke of Mantua dies ; and long after , his Brother , who succeeded him in his Principality . The Genoese Factors , who were interessed with the Crown of Spain , are much prejudiced in their private fortunes , by reason of the alteration of Payments , and of other Decrees , made to their prejudice , by the King. BUt the troubles and dangers of Genoa , which were not much compassionated in Italy , met with more favour and benignity from the hands of God : whose anger , the Senators being desirous by all means possible to appease , publick Processions and Vows were added to the private Prayers and Processions which were privately made in Churches , and in holy places ; their Piety seemed to be presently seconded by Gods goodnesse ; for at the same time that the Doge , Senate and People , were pouring forth Prayers to Almighty God for publick preserva●…ion , a Galley entred the Haven which brought in her a Million of Ducates from Spain : a favour the more singular , by how much more necessary for the present need ; and which was acknowledged to proceed the more from Divine mercy , in that it came when least expected ; for two days before the arrivaly of this Galley , news came from Corsica , that the same Galley being gone from Genoa 15 days befo●…e , fearing to be discovered by the Fleet that lay at Marcelles , had lanch'd out into the Sea , and was driven by the wind upon that Island , where the Genoese thought her to be still detained by the same wind : the news was true , but the conjecture false ; for the wind changed there , by favour whereof the Galley came seasonably to Barcellona ; and receiving in the moneys , which lay ready there , return'd with great speed and success , to Genoa : soon after some other Gallies appeared , which brought with them six Millions more from Spain ; whereby the Commonwealth abounding in money was largely inabled to supply her urgent necessities ; and the private men of Genoa , to whom those moneys belonged , having redeemed their credit , were able not only to furnish Feria with moneys , to hasten the Levies of the Dutch , and for other necessaries for marching into the Field against the Confederates Army : but also , moreover , to provide for the Armies in Flanders , according to their obligations with the Court of Spain . The Rivals of the Genoese grandezza were astonished , and not without reason , when they saw their Common-wealth , which they held to be in a perishing condition , not only able to subsist , and to maintain her self , but to administer help to Forre●…gn Armies , and make them move to their prej●…dice who had plotted her ruine : Nor were her enemies less amazed , whose whole thoughts were set upon her extirpation ; so as instead of flocking to so rich and plentiful a prey , they began to fall from their hopes of success ; just as befel Hannibal , who whilst he was with an Army before the walls of Rome , understood that some L●…gions were sent out by other Gates , to recruit the Spanish Armies , sent into that Province . They fell yet further from their hopes , when they heard that great succours of men were almost at the same time come to Genoa : For from Millain ( to boot with those that were sent with Guasco ) came the Cavallier Pecchio , after the loss of Gavio and Ottagio , with part of his own Brigad●…e , and part of those of Modena and Parma , which did amount in all to about 3000 Foot ; and the Marquess della Croce came about this time to the City with 33 Galleys , wherein were 4000 Foot , all very good men , and whereof 2000 were Veterane Souldiers , trained up in the Wars of Flanders ; and a little before 1500 Neapolitans were come thither in some Galleons : The Sicillian Galleys came also thither with 600 Spaniards , which were sent by Ianettino Doria , Vice roy of that Island , at his own expence , in defence of his Country : Marquess Bozzolo came thither also with his three brothers , 800 Foot , and 200 Horse , besides Infantry , which came daily from Naples ; so as with these , and those which Guasco brought from the State of Millain , those that were sent from Lucca , and those which came ( though somewhat late ) from Germany , the Commonwealth was in a short time provided with about 15000 paid Foot , for defence of the State and City ; besides many Commanders , and people of Quality , and experience , who were brought thither from several parts upon extraordinary pay : By means of these Forces , and of her own people , who were very vigilant in defending their Country and Liberty , and with the Militia of the State , the Affairs of the State were prettily well secur●…d , and almost brought into a condition of safety . The Popes Galleys , and those of the Great Duke , came along with Sancta Croce , which returning from Marselles , whither they had carried ●…he Legate , and meeting with Sancta Croce , as he came from Naples to the relief of Genoa , turned back the same way , by Orders directed to the Captains from their Princes , which Orders Sancta Croce brought with him : it was not thought strange that the Great Duke should issue out such Orders , who profest himself a friend to Spain , and to the house of Austria ; the Popes Concession came more unexpected , he being commonly held to be not only averse to the Spaniards , but to joyn in ends with their Rivals ; and the French Embassadour Resident at Rome , did exclaim much against it ; yet it was thought that the Pope to remove so great suspic●…ons which were had of him , had done it at the perswasions of the Duke of Pastrana , who press'd very much for it . The first thing that was consulted of in Genoa , was , touching the whole matter of defence ; they all joyn'd in opinion , That being now only to minde defence , their first care should be to defend the City , the Head of the State , and to ●…efend Savona , a principal Member thereof , and hold them play till either the Enemies Army should grow less , which was said to moulder daily away , or till ●…he Duke of Feria might assault them in the Field , and drive them out of the Common-wealths Territories . Seeing therefore that the loss of la Riviera , as long as Genoa and Savona should be preserved , did not at all concern the main business , they took not much care to defend it , that they might not disfurnish the City of a Garrison in a time of such danger , nor hazzard her 〈◊〉 never so little , to be insulted over by the Enemies Army , which being so neer , when they should see those who were come in to her succour imployed in defending la Riviera , might approach her Walls , and attempt an assault : howsoever , what should be lost would be easily recover'd , if Genoa and Savona should be kept , by reason of the situation of la Riviera , which being naturally open and undefensible is soon taken by any that will endeavour it ; and when the danger of the neighbouring Army should be over , it would be more easily recovered by the Commonwealth , then by any others , as well by reason of the peoples inclination , ( who by reason of the interests they have in the City , and by their continual necessity of providing things necessary from thence , would desire to return to their ancient obedience ; ) as also that the Commonwealth being master at Sea , it would be very hard for any who should hold the Town to defend it against a Fleet at Sea ; and yet though so many succours , come suddenly , were sufficient to secure the present condition of affairs , yet were they not sufficient to free the Commonwealth wholly from the imminent danger of the neighbouring Army ; and much less to free the Genoese from fear , who were troubled at the successful proceedings of the Enemy in Rossiglione , Ottaggio , Gavio and la Riviera del povente ; and being still full of anxiety , could not be at quiet , whilst they were still subject to be molested by the Enemies Amry ; and it being requisite to expect the total freedom of the Sta●…e of Millain , though it were hindred by many impediments , the Genoeses were still fearful , and full of troubles ; for together with the want of people which the State was in , the Dutch not being yet arrived , the defence of la Riva ( which was a great curb to the French and Venetians ) not being to be abandoned , kept the Governour from thinking of relieving Genoa . Count Iovanni Serbellone was there ( as hath been said ) well fortified on all sides ; and to keep the Enemy the further off , he had extended his Fortifications on the left side , by which you come from the Valtoline , even to the Town of Campo , ( a Town upon the River of the Lake ) wherewith he incompassed that Town and la Nova , which did almost joyn upon la Riva . The Count being past over ( as hath been said ) to the other side , into the Valtoline , with the greatest part of his men , was very intent upon f●…eeing himself of that hinderance which cross'd his designs and proceedings : being therefore resolved to attempt the Town of Campo first , to keep it from being defended , he made la Riva be assaulted on the opposite side , by those who he had left in Chiavenna , as he returned into the Valtoline : to the end that when he should assault Campo with his whole body he might the more easily take it : he mist of his intent , though his design succeeded ; for those few defendants who remained to defend Campo , when la Riva was assaulted on Chiavenna's side , did so stoutly maintain the defence , as they got time to be succour'd ; for Count Iovanni leaving Chiavenna well defended , came himself in person with many men to Campo , where the Siege was more fierce : so as the defendants increasing in number courage and valour , a strong conflict was begun ; which being often re-inforced by the French , Coure perceiving that his enterprise succeeded not so easily here , as in the Valtoline , against the Forts which were guarded by the Ecclesiasticks ; and remembring that he had left 400 of his men before that assault , and that many others were wounded , he withdrew into his Quarters : ●…aving done but little harm to the defendants , whereof hardly 20 were slain ; though they were plaied upon by the French Artillery , placed in fitting places . After this Count Iovanni found that Campo , as being too far from la Riva , was dangerously defended ; wherefore resolving to give it over , he made his Fortifications more inwards towards the Town of Nova ; and the French , who could not take that Town by force , seeing it abandoned , went immediately thither , took it without any difficulty , and fortified it ; and not satisfied with this , they would advance to the top of the little Hill , that they might go by that way to Chiavenna , and fight the Garrison that was there : but they failed of their intent by the gallant resistance which the defendants made , who opposing all their Forces , had always the better of them : wherefore Coure , who desired still to joyn with those that were at Chiavenna , and to make them come unto him , was forc'd to make them pass over hither , and come to Campo by a further way about , and over craggy Mountains : in which passage the French having , possess'd themselves of the tops of the higher Mountains which over looked the little Hill of Riva , they threw down great stones into the Valley which lay under the little Hill , wherewith they did much annoy the Rampiers , and the Defendants , who would not have been able to defend that so important station long , had not Count Giovan sent a good many Souldiers to the tops of those Mountains to drive them from thence ; and herein he succeeded happily , for the French being unexpectedly assaulted ; threw away their Arms , and begg'd their lives : but their prayers prevailed not ; for being made prisoners , and tied back to back with ropes , they were tumbled down the same precipices , which was a most horrible spectacle . Coure for all these unfortunate accidents would not give over the Enterprise , but fell from assaults to Siege : those of la Riva received Victuals and Succours by two several passages , the one by the Lake , the other by Land : by the Lake , by Boats , which past from the lower Lake into the lesser one ; and by Land , by Conducts which were brought to the Territories confining upon Chiavenna , by the three Chappels of ease which lead to Riva . Coure possess'd himself of these ways , and placing part of the Garrison of Chiavenna to defend them , he block'd up that passage ; and having the coming of Victuals by Land , he endeavoured to do the like by water : he , by the help of experienced Artificers , and Mariners , brought from the Arsenal of Venice , built certain Boats and Brigantines ; and putting them armed into the water , he made himself master of the little Lake , and of the Channel by which Boats came with Victuals and Ammunition to those of Riva : remedies were found for both these inconveniences ; for Count Iovanni sent men to Riva , who taking from the French the Fortifications which they had possess'd themselves off , made the way open , and rendred that pass free for Provisions and Succour ; and the Duke of Feria , having also sent for experienced Ship-wrights and Mariners from Genoa , he also put other Barques and Brigantines into the River , which be●…ng well armed and man'd , and some pieces of Artillery being placed in fitting palces upon the side of the Lake , kept the way open as well by Water , as by Land , for Victuals and other Provisions , and forthwith freed la Riva from being besieged : but Coure's men being this mean while much recruited by more men and moneys sent by the Venetians , who desired to see that Enterprise ended , to the end that when the French should fall upon the State of Millain , they might also assault it on their side ; and new Regiments of Souldiers being come unto him from the Swissers and Grisons , Feria being very careful to defend that pass , sent 2000 of those Dutch thither who came fi●…st to the State of Millain : which hapned very opportunely ; for Coure being thus recruited would needs go to assault la Riva , and do his utmost to take it ; and he found the Defendants also recruited , who marching into the Field encountered the Enemy in a little Plain , beyond Nova , and fought them ; the Combate was very fierce and stoutly fought on all sides ; and the French being often times recruited the Fight continued till night ; upon the coming on whereof , the French were forced to retreat with the loss of many of their men ; and could not only not come neer Riva , but forsaking Campo , withdrew into their Quarters about Vico and Vercei , which were lower , and farther distant from Riva . These happy successes afforded the Duke of Feria breath , he thought himself so safe from assaults on that side , as he might have more leasure to think upon the affairs of Genoa , in the freeing whereof the Victory in all parts did depend : but the delay of the Dutch was a great hinderance to it , which did proceed not only from the endeavours to the contrary of the Confederates , and of the French , but also from the avarice of the Cantons who were to permit them to pass ; who being Creditors to the Crown of Spain for pay , denied them passage till they were paid their Arraers ; and the Governour being in great want of money , much time was required to get the moneys wherewith to satisfie them , before the coming of the Gallies from Spain to Genoa : nor would they grant them free passage when they were satisfied , as they had granted to the French , but with many limitations , which caused much delay ; and the Governour being much sollicited by the Genoeses , whom he could not please before the arrival of the Dutch , he made use of appearance , instead of effects ; for making all things ready for marching , he went from Millain to Pavia , giving out that he would go to relieve Genoa ; and here according to what was published , he was very diligent in making all requisite provisions for that succour , and for the people who came daily from Genoa : a shew which was very seasonable , and which was thought did much detain the Enemies proceeding , who seeing him ready to march , could not without apparent danger to themselves , keep their Quarters , much less could they advance to their Enterprise ; to the home and neighbouring provisions which secured the Genoeses , forreign and further distant accidents were added , which though far enough off , yet made much for their main business ; Don Frederico di Tolledo , who was gone with a powerful Fleet to recover Brafile , return'd at this time victorious into Spain . and Marquess Spinola after nine moneths Siege took Breda ; in the defence and preservation whereof , not only the Hollanders did labour with all their Forces , but the Kings of France , England , Swethland ; and Denmark : so as the Fleet which was return'd from Brasile , was a strong defence to the Mediterranean , against the English and the Flemish Fleets , if entring the Mediterranean they should make for Genoa ; so also the Flanders Army , being freed from besieging Breda , might commodiously and without any impediment go whither it listed , and keep France in j alousie , which was then rent and disturbed with home discords ; and when the affairs of Genoa , wherein that Crown was so concern'd , should require it , it was sufficient by molesting that Kingdom on that side , to divert France from offending the Genoeses ; and the King of Spain , being quite of these two impediments , might imploy grea●…er Forces in defence of the State of Genoa : to boot with these two Forreign accidents , whereby the conditions of the affairs of Genoa were bettered ; three others which hapned neerer hand , did much impair the affairs of the Confederates Army : the one was , that the Victuals and Provisions in the English Fleet were corrupted , then , when it was ready to put to Sea for Italy ; so as it was foced to tarry some moneths to take in new Provisions : another , that the Hereticks in France began again to tumultuate , and the King being necessitated to quench the fire which was kindled in his own house , could not furnish fuel to mantain combustion abroad : the third , that the Duke of Guise , who was to put with his Fleet from Marcelles , notwithstanding the 150000 Ducates taken from the Genoeses , and other moneys which the Duke of Savoy furnished him with upon this account , proceeded slowly in his preparations , and could not put to Sea , according to appointment : therefore the Duke of Savoy and the Constable failing in the chief ground-works of their Enterprise , and seeing the Enemies preparations to increase both in Genoa , and in the State of Millain , they were forced to think more upon their own safeties , then upon the ruine of others . The inward discords of their own Army was also a great break-neck to their affairs ; which keeping about Gavio , Ottaggio , and the neighbouring parts , uncertain , and not resolved what to do , began to want Victuals , the Country being barren , and those spent which were in the Army at its first appearing , and at the taking of Ottaggio ; for they could not hope for any from the State of Millain , now that it was provided of Souldiers ; and very little came from Piedmont , by reason of the length of the Journey , the difficulty of the Guides and Conducts , and by the hindrances they met with by the Montserrians , who being irritated , and angred at the ill usage they received from the Army , as it passed through their Country , declared themselves fierce Enemies ; hindring their Conducts , killing the Conductors , and all such Souldiers , who to get rid of the sufferings of the Camp retired either into France or Piedmont . The trocb'es were no less which they received from the Pozzeveraschy : these are those that inhabit the Valleys and the 〈◊〉 of Pozzevera , a Torrent , which falling from the Apenine , and running for the space of ten miles through the Valley which lies beneath , falls into the Sea two miles Westward from Genoa : they are men for the most part given to Husbandry , but very fierce and strong , who having no well-ordered Militia , whereof they are altogether incapable , prove ( on the contr●…ry ) excellent at scattered Enterprises which require neither Discipline nor Order ; and particularly in the defence of Passes , and of the neighbouring Mountains , by reason of their experience and practise in those Valleys , and by their being well vers'd in those craggy Mountains : these men appeared , divided into Troops , on all sides , taking all such of the Enemies party prisoners , who fled from their Quarters for prey , or driven by any other necessity : which hapning often times , did so terrifie the Enemy , as none durst stir from the Camp , for fear of being slain , or taken prisoners : so as being in a manner besieged in their Camp , they were forced to keep in ; and as by reason of this , and of famine , and other sufferings and sicknesses which began to increase amongst the Souldiery , and by the running away of many the Camp grew daily less ; so by the disagreement of the Commanders their main enterprise grew still less prosperous : a manifest disagreement appe●…red between the Duke and Constable ; which arising at the first out of sleight occasions and jealousies , did daily so increase , as did totally destroy the common resolves . The Constable came into Piedmont , inflamed with high desires , and almost as fervent as the Duke in the business of Genoa : being come neer the Genoese Confines he cooled in his ardour , and seemed ( as hath been said ) to weigh the condition of the war with too much caution : so as being much perplext , and unresolved in point of advancing , he proposed the enterprise of Alessandria to the Duke , as being by all the reasons of war , necessary to proceed that of Genoa , wherein he appeared to dev●…ate from his former resolutions , and desirous to busie himself in new wars , and greater troubles , against the State of Millain ; which the Duke being hot in the enterprise , and in his resentment against the Genoese , did absolutely abhor : but the Constable making objections against advancing into the Ligurian Mountains , without having first made sure their retreat ; which he said could not be done without taking some strong place , and capable to receive them ; the Duke having removed so many difficulties , did by the happy success at Rossiglione , Ottaggio and Gavio , tacitely accuse the Constable of coolness and de●…ay ; several were the debates and contestings between them touching who should be master of Gavio , and many other things , whereby they came little less then to an open breach : Yet the Duke , lest lesser respects might spoil their greater ends , was content that the Constable should put a Garrison into Gavio , till such time as the King , to whom they both writ , should decide the business ; the King return'd an Answer , but in favour of the Constable ; at which the Duke was highly scandalized : but the Duke was most of all troubled , for that he did firmly believe the Constable was bribed by the Genoese Gold to delay the business ; for to his jealousies which he had in this behalf , even since when he was in Asti , other conjectures were added which made his suspicion the more probable : one amongst the rest ; that Stefano Spinola , who was one of the prisoners at Ottaggio , was sent by the Common wealth to try the Constables mind , by the means of Claudio Marini , who was Embassadour from the King , with the Duke , and whose Wife was Spinola's Sister ; and to bargain with him , upon the 〈◊〉 of a great sum of money , that he would forgo the Duke , and give over the business . This jealousie was occasioned by its being known , that the day before the taking of Ottaggio , Spinola had obtain'd by Marini's means , a safe conduct ●…rom the Constable to come to the Camp , and speak with his Brother in Law : nor wanted there secret advertisments sent craftily from Genoa to the Duke , whereby he was fully informed of these proceedings : he who was naturally suspicious , and prone to give ear unto such informations , and who made himself believe he had many adherents in Genoa , who did privately favour this his enterprise , began to believe that to be undoubtedly certain , whereof he had formerly had some deep impressions ; especially since the Constable was known to be naturally covetous , the Duke began to impute this his so great change of will , and resolution , to manifest corruption ; and to complain freely enough that he was cousened in this Enterprise ; and the news which he affirmed he heard from Piedmont , of the continually passing of French Souldiers through those parts , who returned into France from the Camp , with the Constables Pass , increased these his complaints : from hence ( were these relations and suspicions true or false ) began reciprocal detractions ; and little respect or intelligence was had betwen the Courts of these two great Commanders ; and in this interim , the Supream Magistrate of Genoa who was Superintendent in the Government of Affairs , was informed that about 500 Oxen were grazing in the Enemies quarters , which served for the Train of Artillery ; and he considering that without those it was impossible for the Enemy to approach the City , and give battery ; gave order to the Pozzeveraschy , who by their success were become bold , and formidable to the Enemy , that they should use all means to scatter them ; the Pozzeveraschy betook themselves couragiously to the business which was hard enough otherwise to be effected : nor was their fortune inferiour to their courage ; for coming in the night season to the Enemies quarters , they slew the Sentinels , and came to the Corps de guarde , and entring thereinto , slew many , and many of them endeavouring safety by flight abandoned the Oxen , giving the Pozzeveraschy means not onely to disperse them , but to lead them alive through unusual ways , but which were well known to them into Pozzevera , and from thence to Genoa , to the great joy of the City , and no little praise unto themselves , entring as it were in triumph for having done so generous an action : whereupon the safety of not seeing the Enemies Artillery planted against their Walls did much depend ; so as being made unable to move , they could neither come to Genoa , nor return to Piedmont : they were therefore forced to expect carriage Horses from France , which were suddenly given order for ; which preparations were afterwards imploied in Italy , for other more necessary occasions of that war : this loss was succeeded by the like of Savignone , which was taken by the same Pozzeveraschy , and by other Mountainers of those parts ; where Don Felice was said to be with 200 Foot , but ill provided of Victuals or Ammunition . The Pozzeveraschy went thither with 200 Foot which were sent them from Genoa , and being accompanied with many others of the neighbouring Villages , they sat down before the Castle , hoping rather to take it by keeping them from Victuals , then by assault ; and they would have soon regained it , and have taken Don Felice prisoner , had not the Duke , apprehending his Sons danger , resolved to free him : he therefore chose 500 of his best Foot , and 50 Horse , and having overcome the asperity of the Mountains , he came so suddenly and unexpectedly upon the assailants , as quitting their stations , they afforded the Dukes men free access unto the Castle , and conveniency to take the Dukes Son and the whole Garrison out , and to return with them : yet this retreat was not without some trouble and loss unto the Duke ; for the Pozzeveraschy keeping behind him in those rocky Mountains ; slew some of his men , amongst which , Crotti , the Dukes chiefest Secretary . The Duke of Feria kept still in Pavia , idle and irresolute ; for though a great many of the Dutch were already come ; yet could he not march out for want of moneys to pay the Souldiers , and for want of other Provisions ; and the fear of breaking with the Crown of France did so perplex him , as he knew not what to resolve upon ; especially since he had received Orders from the Court , to be very cautious in what he should therein do . The Duke and Constable being aware of these delays and perplexities grew more encouraged to persevere in the Enterprise ; and being sure that Feria would not second his threats with effects , they were daily less afriad to be assaulted in their quarters ; and not having wholly given over their hopes of succour by Sea , and of being recruited from France by Land , they thought they might have more leasure to expect them . The Commonwealth , on the contrary , which had the Confederates Army still within their Dominions ; and which was not yet out of fear of the Fleets by Sea , could not be free from apprehension of danger : wherefore being afflicted with their so long expectation of succour from Millain , they resolved to put it to a push ; and sent Iovan Vincenzo Imperiale , Son to Iovan Iacomo , to Pavia , who had been Doge a little before , to the end that by his Reasons , and by moneys , whereof he carried good store with him , he might facilitate the Governours coming into the Field : the resolution was very seasonable , and the expedition very acceptable ; for l' Imperiale , being come unto the Governour removed all impediments by his present moneys , and wan so much credite by the efficacy of his perswasions and counsels , as he was admitted into their most secret Consultations , where he wrought it so , as , the Governour laying aside all other respects , resolved to go to the delivery of Genoa : he therefore went with those of Pavia into Alessandria , and prepared to march into the Field , and to fall upon the Confederates with a powerful Army : the Dutch who were come , and who were to come into Italy , were 16000 , divided into four Regiments : one under Baron Papenhaim , another under the Count di Solmes , the third under Count Sultz , and the last ( which was not yet arrived , ) under Charles Count Mansfield . Besides these , many Horse were come from Polonia and Croatia , to the number of between two and three thousand ; to which the Neapolitan and Lombarde Horse being added they made up 5000 : but because so many Forreigners in the body of an Army , went accompanied with danger of Sedition , Mutiny , and other greater mischiefes ; the Governour who had but few home Forces to counterpoise the Forreigners , resolved to take out all the Spaniards and Italians who were in Garrison at la Riva , and send thither a greater number of Dutch in their places : he sent Papenhaim thither with his Regiment , consisting of about 6000 Dutch , to which he added 500 Italian Foot , and 500 Horse ; and sent back for Count Iovan Serbellone with all his Spaniards and Italians , and kept them in his Army : The Duke and Constable grew fearful when they saw so great a body of enemies so neer ; ( for it was calculated that the Governour , leaving all his Towns well Garrison'd , was to march into the fields with above 20000 Foot , and 4000 Horse ) and their hopes of the English Fleet , and of new supplies from France , being vanish'd , they began to see plainly that the business of Genoa grew daily more desperate ; and that it became them better to think of retreating then of advancing any further . Leaving therefore Novi and Gavio well munited , and in the latter 19 of their greatest Cannon for Battery , which they could not possibly carry along with them for want of Oxen ; and firing Ottaggio they resolved to return into Piedmont by the same way they were come , not having with them above 8000 Foot in very ill order , and 2500 Horse , and some small pieces of Ordnance : It is true they were met in the County of Neice by Prince Victorio , with part of the Garrisons that were left in the Town della Riviera : This was the issue of the ill undertaken Enterprise of Genoa , meted out rather by vast thoughts , and ardent desire of revenge , then by any civil or Military wisdom . When they departed , to the end that their Retreat might be the less dishonourable , they resolved to go to the taking in of Savona : The same , nay greater difficulties opposed this designe , then had done that of Genoa ; the same sterility of soil ; the difficulty of the ways , unproper for the bringing of Artillery ; the weakness and small number of those they brought , which were unfit for Battery , especially of such new Fortifications and strong Rampiers as were made to defend the Town ; the many Souldiers and Commanders which were gone thither from Genoa , ( for Genoa being freed from danger , they turned all their thoughts and forces upon defending Savona ) the smallness and weakness of their Army : whereas on the contrary , that of Millain was multiplied , and ready to march ; so as if when their forces were entire and fresh , some of these respects kept her from proceeding against Genoa , whilst the Governour was unprovided , and whilst relief from Naples was not come to Genoa ; what could they hope for in so great an alteration of Affairs ? But the Duke thought it too great a scorn to be forc'd to return to Piedmont weakened in forces and Reputation , not having done any thing worthy his threats and preparations : He therefore for the honour of their joint forces , and for the performance of what they had agreed upon at Susa , propounded this advancing towards Savona to the Governour ; who having been never to be moved in what concern'd the enterprise of Genoa , suffered himself by the Dukes importunities and reproches to be perswaded unto this . This Enterprise appeared to have two foundations ; one , That they had discovered new and precise Orders sent from Spain to the Governour , whereby he was absolutely forbidden to come to a Battel ; wherefore supposing that all the Forces in the State of Millain would stand idly looking on , they thought any enterprise feasable : The other , for that they had received new advertisement that the Fleet at Marcelles being come from out that Haven should appear in those Seas with Recruits of men , victuals and munition , at the same time that they should come to Savona ; and that landing a great many men , they would keep between Savona and Genoa out of a double end ; The one , to keep relief from Genoa ; the other , that they might play upon the City with their great Guns from Sea , whilst it should be assaulted by the land Army ; and so to facilitate the surrender of Savona : And to this purpose Prince Victorio had given the Duke of Guise 40000 Ducates , when having taken La Riviera he was in Ventimiglia : Upon these so sleight and weakly-laid foundations they would once more try their fortune : Thus leaving their Quarters they marched through Montferrat towards Acqui , whither they came within a few days without any disturbance ; For the Genoeses being more desirous to preserve Savona then to fall upon them in the Reer , sent all their men thither : Nor could the Governour of Millain , who was come to Alessandria , fall upon them as they retreated , though he intended so to do : For being got on Horseback to that end , and being ready in Arms with his forces ; as he was saluted according to the Military manner , by a Dutch Company , his Horse rose up on end at the noise of the Musquet shot , and threw the Governour , who was somewhat corpulent , down , so as he was forc'd to keep his bed for some days . Thus their Retreat proved fortunate , though between two enemies Armies ; yet as the Reer was bringing up some small pieces of Artillery , with about 800 Horse , they had a bickering with some Troops of Horse which were quartered in Sesse , a Town of Alessandria , which is upon the way by which the Reer passed : The Encounter was gallant and stoutly fought ; the Spanish Horse were fewer in number , but coming to blows had the better of the enemy , with little loss unto themselves ; for the French Horse had only breast-plates on , and the Spaniards were armed at all pieces ; so as they slew and wounded the enemy without being hurt themselves : Being at last dis-intangled and got loose , they retreated commodiously . The Army being come to Acqui , and persevering in their intended march to Savona , they destin'd Acqui , though it were very weakly walled , for a Rendezvouz for their Arms , and for a safety on their backs : wherefore leaving 3000 of their best Souldiers there in Garison , with all the Ammunition and provision they could bring from Gavio , they march'd on with the rest , which were not above 8000 , towards Savona . When they were come to Spigno , a Town which stands in the mid-way , they made Prince Victorio and Marshal Crickey , advance with part of their men to Cairo , which was defended by 250 Neopolitans ; and playing upon it with some small Pieces of Artillery , they after having made two shot , took it upon Articles : But the Governour having recovered his ●…all , and finding that they march'd on still towards Savona , held it now no longer time to stand idle , nor to suffer that Town to be taken whilst he and his Army looked on , which being of such importance to the State of Genoa , was also a great concernment to the Crown of Spain : Setting therefore all other respects aside , he went out of Alessandria with 22000 Foot , all very good men , and with 5000 able Horse , and marched towards Acqui ; whether being come , he forthwith possest himself of all the eminent parts thereabouts , and planted his Batteries ; which caused such terrour in the French , who saw how weak their Rampiers were , and that the Citizens would not for the●…r sakes run the hazard of being sack'd , parleyed presently ; and agreeing to march out , the Souldiers only with their Swords and Daggers , and the Officers with their Horse and Baggage ' , but upon obligation to return into France by the Country of the Vallesani , lest they might return to the Army : 2300 Foot marched out ; many who through great weakness were not able to go staying behind : They found 17 Banners left there , 500 Barrels of powder , many Sacks of Victuals , many Cannon Bullets , Arms , and artificial Fire-works ; and which was more remarkable , the Dukes Wardrobe , wherein were rich Liveries for Pages and Foot-men , Saddles , Bridles , and other Furniture for Horses , all very richly wrought ; and Moveables to a great value , which the Duke had provided , thinking assuredly to enter in triumph into Genoa : So far had this Prince suffered himself to be transported by his aspiring imagination . The Duke and Constable , finding by the loss of Acqui ( which they heard of in Spigno ) the falshood of the Report that the Spanish Forces would not move for fear of disturbing the union and friendship of the two Crowns , they were astonished , seeing in what danger they were of being assaulted by two enemies Armies , being inclosed between them amidst those Cliffs : The Duke hearing the news , got immediately on Horse-back , and leaving the care of all things wholly to the Constable , went with some few Gentlemen towards Piedmont . The Constable , seeing himself abandoned , termed the Dukes departure down right running away , and complained of his being left to manage the business himself alone ; and speedily calling back the Marshal from Cairo , with whom came also Prince Victorio , they went altogether to Bistagno , where there being a Garison , they were received without any withstanding : But being aware that the Governour did advance with part of his forces to fall upon them in that place , and that he had sent another part thereof to hinder their retreat and victuals , they resolved to get out of those streights , and to get into the open fields of Piedmont . The Retreat being thus resolved upon , the Constable and the Marshal , heading the Van , wherein were about 2000 Foot , and almost all the Horse , they parted early in the morning ; and marching apace , they came without disturbance to Canelli : The Prince kept in the Reer , wherein were the b●…st men ; and making the Artillery advance , he also retrea●…ed , leaving the place to the enemy ; who ere he was well got out entred B●…stagnano , and pursued him without any intermission , so fast , as being got near unto him upon the going to of the day , in the Valley of Mun●…stero , they faced one another within Musquet shot : Some small Skirmishes passed here , which the night parted , without much loss or advantage to either side : The mean time , the Prince being careful of the Artillery and other incumbrances ( which he had much ado to get up the Mountains ) made great diligence be made in the climbing up ; and at the same time minced his own defence against the enemy , who were at his heels : But hearing that at last the Artillery was got to the Mountains top , he also retreated thither without any trouble ; for the enemy having no order to fight , nor to advance , retreated to Bistagno , and suffered them to retreat quietly into Canelli , where he was received by his Father , and by the Constable , with great applause , who had been in great anxiety for him . The Governour would have made use of the present occasion , and would have assaulted the Reer , and taken away all the Artillery and Baggage ; But Don Ieronimo Pimontello , Don Lewis di Cordua , and Don Francisco Padiglia , took him off from so seasonable a resolution ; first by perswasions , then by protesting against it ; who out of private emulation , envying ( as it was thought by many ) the glory of so happy an atchievement , proposed unto him the precise Orders of the Court to the contrary ; the danger and assured ruine which would insue of things should not succeed well ; which if they should do , the good thereof was not to be paralell'd with the danger : For what more can we expect , said they , if we should get the Victory , but the routing of the Reliques of a miserable Army , which being already consumed of themselves , cannot prejudice us : but say we should be worsted , what danger would thereby result to the Kings affairs , both from the Venetians who are ready to make war in the Cremonese ; from the French in the Valtoline , and from the Duke and Constable , if they shall have the better of the Conflict ? Besides , that the Confederates party , who were now quite overthrown , if they should get heart again by any the least encounter , they would for certain become more fierce and fervent then ever . The Governour , who was better vers'd in State affairs then in what belonged to war , suffer'd himself to be perswaded by those who were better experienced in war then he , and so let slip a signal occasion of putting an undoubted end to all the present war with one little action : The like advice being given to the Marquess of San Croce in Savona made him keep from marching out of Savona , and from falling upon the enemy on the Reer in their retreat from Cairo and Spigno ; it being certain that if San Croce and the Governour had known how to make use of the occasion by inclosing the enemy in those difficult places , they would undoubtedly have ruined them : And yet the remainders of this Army , ruin'd as it was , which the Spanish Commanders thought not worthy their destroying , did within a while after ruine the Governours intire Army ; and not long after the Spaniards needed to be protected and defended against those weak remainders : Thus doth Fortune often vary the condition of humane affairs ; and the loss of opportunity doth oft times carry victory to those who in all likelihood would have been overcome . The Genoeses being thus freed from fear of the enemies Army ; the first thing they did was to think of recovering what they had lost , and of what the enemy were yet masters : The first Town that returned to the obedience of Genoa , was Novi , wherein was a French Regiment under Monsieur della Grange ; partly by means of the Pozzeveraschi ; partly by the means of the Towns-men and other inhabitants of those parts , who being dispers'd by the war went wandering up and down about the neighbouring Towns. About 300 whereof met at the Capuchins Covent , not far from that Town ; part whereof entring by night , by a Vault under ground , into the Town ; and being assisted by some of the Burgers who were acquainted with the Plot , first slew the Sentinels , and then forced the Gate della Valle , and let in their Companions by the Portal which they opened with their Axes ; who going jointly to the Gate della Strada , where most of the French Garrison were , they put them to the Sword , and made themselves masters of the Gate : Then running about the Town , and putting it into an Alarm , they slew all the French they met with ; and then going to the Castle , whither the greatest part of them were with their Governour retired , they begirt it on all sides , threatning to kill them if they did not immediately surrender the Castle : The French being astonished at so sudden and unexpected an accident , yielded before the Sun rising upon discretion of the enemy : About 300 of them were slain in this conflict , amongst which the Governours Son ; a young youth , who contrary to his Fathers Example , chose rather to fall manfully with his Sword in hand , then to purchase his life upon base conditions : The number of the Prisoners were twice as many ; the chief whereof were the Governour Monsieur de la Grange , his Lieutenant , il Signior di Bellagrada , and his Brother , who was a Knight of Malta ; Monsieur Bonneville ; the Baron Lattè , nine Ensigne-bearers , and four Lieutenants . The recovery of Ovada , Rossiglione and Campo , succeeded that of Novi , which were abandoned by the enemy ; who flying so to shun death , met with it , by being miserably slain and cut in pieces by the country people : The recovery of Gavio proved somewhat harder ; wherein were about 1800 Souldiers under Monsieur di Sonsi . About this time the 2000 Dutch came to Genoa , commanded by Verrema , who , together with Monsieur Bozzoloe's men , and some others were sent by the Commonwealth , under the Baron Batteville , to recover the Town . Being come to the Town they took up their Quarters , planted their Batteries , and fell to work ; but first they try'd the defendants , and began to treat with them upon surrender upon Articles : whereupon they quickly agreed ; so as the Town remained in the power of the assailants , but not the Castle ; they therefore planted their Batteries against the Castle , and plaid upon it for some days ; and though by reason of the far distanc●… they could not prejudice it much by their shot , the defendants yielded it upon agreement to the Common-wealths Commanders , who recovered it in less time , and with fewer men by much , then the Duke and Constable had taken it , with so powerful an Army . There were therein 19 great Pieces of Artillery , great store of Arms and Powder , of artificial fires , and other warlike preparation , which were left there by the enemy , and were taken by the Captains of the Commonwealth ; 17 Colours were likewise therein taken , part belonging to the King of France , part to the Duke ; which were all brought to Genoa in a kind of Triumph : All the people and Citizens ran with great joy to see it ; who could not satisfie themselves with seeing those Tools brought captive to the City , which were but a little before destin'd to make them Captives . The Duke and Constable could not relieve these places , as they faithfully promised the Commanders whom they left to defend them when they went from thence ; and as so noble a Train of Artillery left behinde them obliged them to do , in regard of the Governours unexpected coming out against them , and of the necessity of their retiring from Canelli ; from whence they afterwards recovered Asti , where they consulted rather how to defend what remained , then to keep what they had gotten . Feria was at this time come from Acqui to Rocca a' Arazzo , and from thence to Occimiano , a Town in Montferrat , four miles distant from Cassal ; whither Don Gonzallo di Cordua , a Captain of good account came to him by order from the King , out of Flanders , to be assistant in Counsel to the Governour , and in the managing of the present war ; wherein the Governour who was not over well experienced , and who had Captains and Counsellors about him , rather Rivals then Confidents ; had need of a Counsellor and Moderator , who might not only be experienced , but faithful : And Don Gonzallo was allied unto the Governour , wherefore he had reason to confide in him . They consulted of all things in Occimiano ; wherein the Consultors differed in their opinions ; to attempt Asti or Vercelles , so to open their way into Piedmont , would be long and laboursome Enterprises , and the event uncertain ; wherein , together with the ruine of their whole Army , their Honour was much hazarded , without any apparent signe of profit ; for if peace should be made they must be necessitated to restore them : And it was already supposed for certain , that the King was not inclined to possess himself of any thing belonging to the Duke , with an intention to detain it : To what purpose would it be then to take so much pains , to shed so much blood , and spend so much money , in taking a place which was afterwards to be restored ? It was therefore agreed that it would be better and ●…arer by making In rodes into the open Towns of Piedmont , and by destroying and burning them ; and so to afflict the Duke by those means , as that he might be quiet for the future ; and that he might not afterwards think it lawful to disturb the peace of Italy upon any sleight occasion : Thus they thought that without danger of wasting their men , or hazarding their reputation upon the uncertain taking of a Town , they might safely enter Piedmont , and overcome it with a fresh and numerous Army , and with the Polack and Croat Cavalry , which were naturally good at In rodes and the laying of Countries waste : For that the Confederates Army being weakned , and almost annihilated , would not dare to fight , nor appear against them in open field ; which resolution being divulged infused such terror into Piedmont , as not only the Inhabitants of the weaker Towns , but even the very Citizens of Turin , not thinking themselves safe within those walls , nor under the shelter of that Citadel , they fled towards the Alpes with all the best things they had ; in so much as the Duke began to taste of that fright and fear in his own Territories , which he had a little before occasioned in Genoa : But this resolution , which undoubtedly was the safest , was out-voted by another ; which was , to attempt the taking of some Towns in Piedmont first ; and this , not so much out of good reason of war , and for securing their entry , which they resolved to do howsoever ; as out of Ambition ; thinking it not becoming the Grandezza and Reputation of so numerous an Army to do nothing but make In-rod●…s , and lay the Country waste ; They were the more easily induced to give way to this , for that they thought they might secretly , and without much difficulty , effect their desires : Fixing their eyes therefore , according to wont , upon the Cities of Asti or Vercelles , or upon the Towns of Verrua or Crescentino , they kept still in Occimiano , a place almost equally distant from those four Towns ; providing Bottoms to throw a Bridge over the Poe at Pontestura ; giving out that they would pass thereby over either to Vercelles or Crescentino ; to the end that the Duke not being able for want of men , to furnish all those Towns at one and the same time , might by betaking himself to defend some one of them , afford them opportunity of turning upon that which should be worst provided ; which thinking they might easily take , it might open the way for them to prosecute their resolution of prejudicing Piedmont . But this design , which by speedy execution might easily be effected , was hindred by the accustomed , and almost natural slow proceeding of the Spaniards ; for though the throwing the Bridge over at Pontestuna made the Duke bethink himself of Crescentino ; and that therefore he came with the rest of his men to the Banks of Poe , leaving Prince Thomaso with only 2000 men in Asti. Feria went immediately towards Asti with his Army , out of a double intent ; either to draw the Duke thither with all his men , and so leaving the rest of his Towns unprovided , and as it were abandoned , Feria might make use of the occasion , and turn upon some other of them , and take it easily ; or else , if the Duke , not to leave his other Towns abandoned , should not come to defend Asti , he might possess himself of the ways about Asti ; and keeping it from being relieved by the Duke , might easily make himself master of it : but being come to the Osteria della San Croce , where he kept idle for some days , and suffering his Horse to scoure the Field only , without passing over la Versa , he afforded the Duke opportunity to send the Marshal first thither with 3000 Foot , and to go afterwards thither himself with the rest : failing therefore in his design of taking this City unprovided , he fell to his other design , to go to some one of the other three Towns , which by reason of the necessity of defending Asti were abandoned . Verrua was that which was pitch'd upon , as being neerest , more commodious , of more profit and consequence ; for by taking it he should so divide Crescentino , and all the County of Vercelli , from the County of Asti , as the one should not be able to assist the other : nor did he fear the taking of it , as well by reason of the littleness thereof , as also for that it was only guarded by 300 Country people : but the same slownesse , and irresolution of the Spanish genius , ruin'd this designe also , which required haste ●…n execution ; for if the chief of the Army , without stirring from the quarters where they were , had entertained the Duke in the defence of Asti , and had at the same time sent a flying Squadron of Horse with Musketeers en croupe , they might easily have taken it at the very first , or at least have possess'd themselves of the Passes thereabouts , and have block'd up all succour so , as it must soon fall into the possession of the Army which was to come soon after : but either not loving to divide their Forces , as being too contrary to that security which they so much studied , ( so thinking that whatsoever diligence the Enemy could make , they could not keep that little Castle from them ; ) they will go thither with their united Army . Thus parting from the Banks of Versa , without having attempted any thing against the City of Asti , they went with all their Forces to Verrua . Prince Thomaso and the Marshal march'd out with 800 Horse , part French , part Piedmontese , to fall upon the Reer ; and seeing some Troops of the Dutch Cavalry , which march'd under Colonel Lillo , far from the body of Horse , they assaulted them ; and having the better of the business , they dispers'd them , and wounded Lillo very sorely ; and had utterly routed them , had not some other of their friends Horse come in to succour them ; who charging the French and Piedmontese Horse , slew many of them , and amongst the rest two Captains , the Baron d' Hermanza , the Dukes Commissary-General of Horse : so as being repuls'd , the Spanish Army might quietly pursue their March ; and yet neither this , nor any other impediment which they met with , which retarded the proceeding of the Army , nor yet the Castle of Rubella , which being in the mid-way would not yield till it was batter'd , would have hindred the taking of Verrua much ; the Army not finding it any way better provided with Garrison , or better fortified , then it was when they went from their first quarters to take it : so as they might have done the same thing which they might have done before Asti , with their flying Squadron ; for though the Duke , when he was free of the danger of Asti , went with such of his men as were readiest into the Field , and coasting along by the Enemy , intended him no good ; yet because the way by which he saw them march led both to Cheri and to Verrua , and that he knew not whither of the two they meant to go to ; he was forced to suspend his resolution , and be ready to go whithersoever he should see them bend : moreover , when he saw them incline towards Verrua , he must if he would succour it , go to Crescentino , which was on the other side of the Poe : and not being able to pass to the other side , but by the stone Bridge which was neer Tarino , he was fain to take a large compass to pass his men over it , to Crescentino : so as the Governour had conveniency enough to have found that Town unprovided , and to have done what he pleased with it : but neither he nor Don Gonsallo , who then order'd and provided all things under the Governour , being able to make use of so happy an occasion , lost it by these and other negligences ; and by the destruction of that flourishing Army , made that little Burrough , which was not otherwise considerable , famous to posterity ; and with no little loss of honour , raised up the Dukes almost quite lost reputation . Verrua is a little Town , upon the right side of the Poe , not of any consideration but for the seat thereof : it stands upon the top of a little Hill , stony and broken on all sides except on the South , wherein somewhat a gentler descent it sustains a little Suburbs , which cover almost all the descent of that Hill : on the North side the Poe enlargeth it self , leaving ●…a little plain in the midst , full of Trees : it hath not any Fortification , except a little Castle upon the top of the Hill , from which if you take away an ancient Tower , it is more like an old ruine , then a Fortification : the Suburbs which lies upon the descent of the Hill is begirt with an old weak Wall ; the Country about is full of Hills which inviron the Hill whereon Verrua stands . The Governour incamp'd himself upon these little Hills on the East side , to the end that Montferrat being on his back , and the Poe on his right hand , he might receive Provisions both by Land and Water : afterwards extending his quarters towards the West , instead of falling to assault the Town at his first arrival , and of presently possessing himself of so weak and ill guarded a Town , he ( as if he were to besiege a great Town , in the face of a powerful Enemy-Army ) began to fortifie his Quarters with Trenches and other Works ; and waiting for provisions , which were but slowly brought , he took no care to block up the Avenues ; insomuch as soon as he saw the Enemies Army bend towards Verrua , having sent the Marquess di San Rerano thither with his Regiment of a thousand Foot , there was not any one that moved either to stop him by the way , or to hinder his coming into the Town : which he did at full noon , and in sight of the Enemy by the Gate of the neighbouring Suburbs , neer the Enemies Quarters , with no little note of infamy to those that suffer'd it . The Duke whilst the Governour minded nothing but making of Baracadoes and Rampiers , sent to the Marshal , who was left with Prince Thomaso to defend Asti , to come after him , and joyn with him in Crescentino , whither he speedily marched ; and coming with his men first thither , whither the Marshal came also within some days after with 5000 French , he betook himself wholly to defence : being past by the Poe from Crescentino to Verrua , he found that the Enemy , having quitted the Banks of the River , and the Plain , minded nothing but fortifying himself upon the little Hill ; and thinking that it made much for the defence of Verrua , to make himself master of the Plain before it , he presently past over some of his men in boats , and quarter'd himself there without any gainsaying : being then advised by some of his Officers to defend Verrua on the upper side , and to abandon the Suburbs which was upon the hanging of the Hill , as that which being weakly walled was not tenable , nor was the main business much concern'd therein ; he contrary to their opinion undertook the defence thereof , thinking that any whatsoever opposition would either abate the edge of the Enemies Forces , or else weary them , and occasion delay : which afterwards proved much for the defence of the Town : he therefore began to perfect a Raveline before the Suburbs , which was formerly begun by the Towns folk , which did partly cover , partly flank the Wall on the Front ; and placing a sufficient Garrison , he Plat-form'd the Wall it self , and afterwards cut thorow the very Suburbs with a threefold Trench , at equal distances : to the end that those who should assault the Raveline ; and the front of the Suburbs , should not only be annoyed by those Trenches which arose as did the Suburbs ; but that if the defendants should be repuls'd at the first onset , they might have more advantagious places to retreat unto behind them ; from whence reassuming the defence they might make head again , and driving the assailants from what they had first taken , might recover it with more ease : he likewise placed some Artillery in fit places of the highest Hills , which served not only to defend the Raveline and the Suburb , but to offend the Enemy who were incamped on the opposite Hills ; and ( which made the defence more safe ) he threw a Bridge of boats over the Poe between the Banks of Crescentino and the Plain before Verrua ; by meanes whereof those who were quarter'd in Crescentino might communicate with those of the Plain , and those who were in Verrua ; and the latter might be relieved and refreshed by the former , whereby the defence might be made more easie , and consequently might last the longer : nor herewithall content , for the greater security of the Bridge , and of the Garrison which lay in the Pla●…n , he erected a great Trench between the point of the Hill towards the East , and the Banks of Poe which did shelter almost all the Plain and the Bridge . Things being thus ordered , the Governour who not making any opposition was this mean while preparing how to offend the Town , found the business harder then he at first imagined it to be ; for to fall absolutely to assault the Town with all his Forces , as he was advised to do by many , though it might peradventure have proved the shorter , and more efficacious course , yet was it too severe , especially for him , there being so many Souldiers to make defence , and he being naturally averse to hazard himself ; for the assailants being commanded by the Hills , by the Trenches which cross'd through the Suburbs , and by the Batteries which were placed upon the Hills , they would not have been able to advance , nor without much danger have continued the assault ; and when they should have made some advancement they would have found it very difficult to intrench themselves , and shelter themselves from the imminency of the situation ; so as they would have been repuls'd with much loss , and would have been forc'd at last to forsake their stations , which they had possess'd themselves of with much labour and loss of blood : to drive the Enemy from the Banks of the River , though at first it would not have been very hard to have done , yet when the great Trench was made , it was thought impossible , by reason of the continual succour which might be had by the Bridge , and of their being plai'd upon from the higher places : which was soon known in some attempts which they made , wherein the assailants were with no small loss repuls'd : to deprive them of the use of the Bridge , which would have been the most advantagious and safest course , was not easie to be done ; for being shelter'd partly by the Hill , and partly by the great Trench , it could not have been easily beaten down by their Artillery ; though two of the Boats were sunk , and the Bridge loosned by a Battery planted against it by Don Philippo , Son to the Marquess Spinola ; for they being supplied by the diligence used in fastning of Boats together , and in substituting others in the places of those that were sunk , the wonted conveniency of passage was soon provided for ; and to the end that it might not be subject another time to the same chance , the Duke made it be drawn a little lower , where it was wholly shelter'd from battery by the Wood in the Plain , which kept it from being seen : the like provision had , for another disaster which a few days after was occasioned by the fullness of the River , which driving a Mill broke the Bridge , and disordered the Boats , did seasonably repair the loss which was received : the least of evils , since all other ways was held impossible , and desperate , was to begin with expugning the Suburbs , which being won by little and little , would make way for them to get to the top of the Hill , where the Town and Castle stood : but here they would also have enough to do ; it being to be opposed not only by the Raveline , and by other Fortifications made by the Duke , but by the very situation of the place ; for the rising of the Hill whereon the Suburbs stand , being on both sides rocky , and hard to climb , it was unaccessible on any of those sides ; they must therefore necessarily attaque it on the Front ; which being very narrow , a small number of defendants , would be able to make it good against a much greater number of assailants ; and hence it was that the Duke was not prejudiced by the scarcity of combatants , nor the Governour advantaged by numbers thereof ; and notwithstanding the oppugners being confident that their labour and diligence would overcome all difficulties , thought they might prove greater then they expected ; and because it was necessary at last to do something , they made some Trenches against the Front of the Suburbs , and making their approaches at the same time , they came to an assault ; which being given by Don Lewis di Cordua , and by Count Sultz his Dutch , was stoutly withstood by those within ; for though they were twice entred , they were twice beaten back : the third assault made the assailants masters of the Suburbs but they were forced to quit it that very night by the Marshall , who was sent by the Duke to recover it : he coming out of the Raveline , made himself master of some of the Enemies Trenches and Approaches : this Raveline may be said to have been , for a while , the stumbling-block against which they oft times gave ; and the business was brought to such a condition , as it being often times taken and recovered , at last , as being a place too prejudicial , and too much controverted , it was abandoned by both sides ; and served for a while for nothing , but for a Stocado for the encounters , and for a Scene or Stage , on which these valiant Souldiers did alternately by death Triumph . The assailants finding themselves more prejudiced then advantaged by assaults , fell to play with their Cannon and Musket-shot , not upon the Rampiers or Fortifications , but to beat down the Houses , and kill the Souldiers who defended the Trenches ; and though the Houses which were but weak were at last thrown down ; yet knowing that those ruines made nothing for the main business , they began to make Mines , hoping thereby to effect their work with less prejudice and loss of men : but neither did they succeed better therein , by reason of the extraordinary diligence and vigilancy of those within ; who having very cunningly made counter-mines , sometimes made them play against the Enemy , and by disturbing the Enemies proceedings rendred them vain and unefficacious : the defendants becoming this mean while more hardy ; and not being content to stand upon their def●…nce , made some sallies out upon the Enemies Quarters ; but fared not so well therein , as whilst they stood upon their defence ; for they were much prejudiced thereby ; and more particularly in a Camisado by night , made by 1500 French , led on by Monsieur di Vallentienes , who went to fall upon the Italians Trenches ; which lying utmost towards the West were quartered farthest off : but the assault being valiantly sustained , and the assailants beaten back , Vallentienes remained prisoner there , and 400 of his men were slain upon the place ; which causing the defendants to betake themselves to defence only , wherein they were advantaged by their Situation and Fortifications , they durst not sally out any more ; but minding the motions of the Enemy , were content to keep them aloof off from their Ammunition : on the contrary , the assailants finding the business grow daily worse and worse began to doubt the effecting of it ; finding how far the Dukes diligence , industry and wariness , accompanied with the strength of the situation , and the condition of his Quarters , did exceed the greatness of their Forces : Affairs were brought to that pass , as they were not now to think barely of the expugning of Verrua , unless they did first , or at the same time beat the Enemy from their Quarters at Crescentino ; which was impossible to do without dividing their Army ; and to boot , that this dividing of the Army was contrary to the Governours genius , and to the mind of the chief Commanders of the Army , who desired to proceed warily , these Quarters were as hard to be taken , as was Verrua ; having Crescentino , a strong place , on their backs , the River before them , and beyond the River the Quarters of Verrua , which was joyn'd by the Bridge to those of Crescentino ; on the right hand the Dora Baltea , with a Bridge of Boats , by which all Provisions and necessary Ammunitions were brought to the Camp from Piedmont ; and this Bridge was at both ends very well munited with two small Forts ; on the left hand , which was the place the Duke doubted most , because of the Bridge which the Governour still kept at Pontestura , it was shelter'd by a long Trench flank'd with Bulwarks , which beginning from Crescentino reached to the Rivers side : the banks also on Crescentino's side , as well above , as below the Quarters , were secured by several Corps de guarde . These difficulties which were thought not to be overcome being considered , doubtlesly the best course would have been to have quitted the Enterprize , chiefly at a time when the Army was not afflicted with sickness , which ensued afterwards , and when the Season was proper for them to betake themselves to some other Enterprize ; for to persevere obstinately against so many difficulties was no better then to bury so gallant and powerful an Army before so igneble a Castle : But the first building of the bridge at Pontestura , where it was given out that they would go either to Crescentino or Verrua , the change of this afterwards to the Enterprizes of Asti and Vercelles , their not persevering therein , but betaking themselves to that of Verrua , would not suffer them so much as to think of such a resolution . The Governour and other Commanders thought themselves too much obliged to persevere before Verrua , lest it might be conceived , that so flourishing and numerous an Army changing their Sails so oft should go wandring up and down here and there , as if they were not resolved what Enterprize to fall upon , nor minde to do any thing : To the fear of losing too much reputation , if in this condition of affairs they should rise from before Verrua , was added their expectation of more men which were shortly to come to the Camp. Four thousand Foot came very soon from Genoa of those who were under Guasco and Pecchio ; new Levies of Foot were made in Naples ; and Charles Count Mansfield was to come speedily into the State of Millain with his Regiment of 4000 Foot and 1000 Horse : And these recruits being added to the Army , enabling them to make two Camps , one whereof might fall upon the Quarters at Crescentino , and the other keep still before Verrua ; it was held that the Duke being assaulted at one and the same time on two sides would be worsted at least in one , and the victory in one part did secure the victory on the other . They were yet more invited hereunto by the diversion which they expected from the maritime parts ; for the Marquers of S ta Croce was to enter Piedmont with 8000 good Foot of the Kings and Gen●…ese ; and to this purpose 500 Horse were appointed to him under Manfrine Castiglione , which together with 200 which the Commonwealth was to pay , were to be a safeguard to the Foot , whilest they should enter into the Plain of Mondovi : In which case the Duke must either be forced to abandon Verrua , and to relieve that other part which was wholly destitute of defence , or , that he might maintain Verrua , leave that other part to be prey'd upon by the Enemies Army : To which so e're of these the Duke should betake himself , the Spaniards would assuredly have the victory , either on the one or on the other side , and peradventure on both ; and the victory in either side would have satisfied the Kings intention , which was not , quite to ruine the Duke , but to keep him under : Moreover , the Dukes Forces were not such , nor so many , as that they could of themselves make any long stay or resistance at Verrua ; and the less , for that being deprived of almost all external helps , he had not so much as reason to hope for any , by reason of the continual troubles of France which totally cut him off from any . Out of these hopes , and out of these probabilities of succour , the Governour persevered in the Enterprise of Verrua , and the Duke kept constant , and undaunted in the defence of this little Burrough , against so great Forces , and so many preparations , and upon so many disadvantages ; and he succeeded therein ; for the Governour failed not only in his hopes and calculations , but the affairs of his Camp grew daily worse and worse : the sickness which was begun in the Camp did so increase , as not only many of the common Souldiers , but even the chief Officers were infected with it , and many of them died : three Camp-masters died , and all the rest fell generally sick ; as many Serjeants , Officers , Commanders , and persons of Quality , who were neer about the Governours own person ; nay , he himself being infected with the Disease was carryed to Pontestura for cure ; leaving the charge of the Army with Don Gonzallo , rather in a posture to retreat , then to continue the Enterprise . This so sore sickness was not occasioned only by the influence of the intemperate air which was excessive hot this Summer , and which in those boggy and plashy parts became pestilential , but the great labour and hardships which the Souldiers endured , and chiefly the scarcity of victuals , of which those that were brought by the Poe were often intercepted by the Dukes men , who scowred up and down on the opposite Shore , hindring Navigation , and sometimes seized on the boats which brought provision ; and those that came by Montferrat were stopt by those of that Country ; either out of the hatred they bore to the Spaniards , or , as some would have it , by private Orders from their Prince , who would never declare himself for the Spaniards , but hated them extreamly , though the King of Spain had spent , and fought so much to protect him against the Duke , who would have suppress'd him . Hence also arose great scarcity of Fodder for the Horses , which having wasted all that was neer hand went far off to fetch it , not without great weariness and danger : the want of moneys added much to all these mischiefs , whereof very little or none came from Spain ; and their former Provisions were already spent : Pay being therefore wanting , the Souldiers were brought to so miserable a condition , as not being able to provide for covering their nakedness , they could neither fence themselves from the excessive heat of Summer , nor from the cold of Winter which drew on : as one evil therefore draws on another , many mischievous accidents proceeded from hence in the administration of the War ; streightness and difficulty in Ammunition , want of Military Discipline , contumacy and disobedience amongst the common Souldiers ; the Officers who were half sick , and half amazed , not being able to make their Souldiers obey them , who were tatter'd , famish'd , and ill paid : supply came in very slowly and scarely ; very few Souldiers , and far short of the need and expectation , came from Naples ; and Mansfields Souldiers , who came late into the State of Millain , refused to go into the Field till they had received their Pay. Croce's diversion , whereupon they did chiefly relie , proved also vain : he was to have entred Piedmont with those Forces which were in Savona ; and with Manfrino his five Horse , by the way of Savona , such an expedition at that time and by that way would have produced three very good effects . First , entring the enemies Country , which did abound in Victuals , wanting Forts and Ammuniiion , and which was bere●…t of all defence , he might have easily possess'd himself of it , without any gainsaying ; by this diversion if made in a seasonable time , have very much helped the business of Verrua ; and lastly , the River of Genoa being by the interposition of this Army cut off from Piedmont , and ( consequently ) deprived of all hopes of succour , it would at the very appearance of the Gallies have been abandoned by the Garrisons of Piedmont : so as , of it self , it would have faln to the Commonwealth . Croce's genius , who was better vers'd in maritine affairs then in band service , and loved not to go far from the shore , opposed this resolution , which certainly would have been the most commodious and best for the common cause : it was opposed also by that which serves always for an excuse to any Commander , for either not beginning , or not prosecuting an enterprise , the scarcity of provisions ; wherefore being resolved that the recovery of Riviera should precede his entrance into Piedmont , it was conceived that private emulation between him and the Duke of Feria bore greater sway with him , then any respect of the common Cause : wherefore not caring for the good success of the enterprise of Verrua , he was not displeased that his rival might reap but little honour thereby : parting therefore about the midst of Iuly from Savona , accompanied by two Senators , Iovan Battista Saluzzo , and Agostine Centurione , who were chosen Commissaries by the Commonwealth , at whose expence , and in whose name the whole business was carried on ; and carrying with him 8000 Foot , and two Troops of Horse , they betook themselves to the recovery of la Riviera ; the first in order was the City of Albenga , which being first assaulted came first into the power of the Common-wealth , though it were recruited but some days before both with Men and Victuals by the Gallies of Marcelles : the battery began from the Gallies , which by their Cannon beat down the Houses ; for the City stood within Musket-shot of the Sea-shore : but that battery doing but little harm , the people were that mean while landed , and two great Cannons , which being level'd against the Gate and Wall which we●…e towards the Sea ; after having plai'd upon them a while , the defendants began to apprehend the assault , which they saw was preparing to be given : so as beginning to parley , they yielded within a few hours , upon Articles ; that the Captains should march out with Arms and Baggage , and the Souldiers with their Swords , as also they were not to serve for that Summer against the King of Spain , nor the Commonwealth . Albenga being taken , all the Towns till you come to Porto Mauritio , Oneglia being therein comprehended , most of them being without Walls , and abandoned by the Dukes men , return'd under the obedience of the Commonwealth : from hence they went to Porto Mauritio , a place strongly situated , munited with Artillery , having a good Garrison in it , and abundantly provided of Ammunition ; it stands upon a great Rock , which being for the greatest part invironed by the Sea , is as it were a Peninsula : their Men and Artillery being landed , they had no little labour to draw them up those craggy cliffs , for many necessary things were wanting for the train of Artillery , and the weather was then very hot . Thomaso Raggio , Iovan Battista Adorno , and Iacomo Moniglia , three of those Gentlemen who had raised and maintained seven Companies at their own expence , and had continually served the Commonwealth with them very affectionately , had the care thereof given them ; who not only by their Authority , but by their example , brought them in a short time to fitting places : they raised three Batteries , two on the Flank , and one behind ; and the Defendants ordered their defences very fittingly against these Batteries : by two days continual battery a breach was made , fitting for an assault ; and the three forenamed Gentlemen were ready , with their Companies , to give an assault ; when the Defendants , who had inriched themselves by booty taken at Ottaggio and Pieve , being loth to adventure what they had gotten , parlied , and on the third day surrendred the place upon the same terms that Albenga had done : but the Kings Souldiers missing the prey which they thought they should have had if they had taken the Town by assault , turn'd upon many of the neighbouring Towns , plundering and sacking them , to the great grief of the Commissaries , who could not bear with so great mischief done to the Subjects of the Commonwealth , or with such an affront to themselves ; and finding that the Kings Captains took no care to prevent such an inconvenience , Thomaso Raggio , a man of a great spirit , who upon all occasions had shew'd much zeal towards the affairs of the Commonwealth , offer'd to remedy this inconvenience by force of Arms ; which offer being accepted of , he was sent with many Companies of Souldiers , to suppress this prejudice done unto the Country by the Kings Souldiers ; who hearing of his coming joyn'd together in a body ; and yet he had the good luck to make them soon retreat ; and imbarquing themselves in the Gallies with San Croce , they went some of them to Savona , some to Genoa ; for San Croce , by reason of the excessive ●…eat , and of the sickness amongst the Souldiers , would not continue the enterprise , which he might easily have prosper'd in ; for after the surrender of Porto Mauritio , all the Towns as far as Ventimiglia being abandoned by the Dukes Garrisons , return'd to the anti●…nt command of the Genoeses ; so as when he should quickly and happily have dispatched this business , he might have facilitated the taking of Verrua by diversion : but that so much time might not be s●…ent in vain , the Commonwealth gave order that Pigna , a great Town belonging to the Duke , lying above Ventimiglia , should be gone against , where they understood that many of those who were gone out of Albenga , and the rest of the Towns which were recovered were got together ; and it was feared , that ( contrary to the Articles of surrender ) they might be a great disturbance to the Enterprise of Ventimiglia , which upon the ceasing of the excessive heats , and the amendment of the Souldiers , was preparing for : This business was committed to the Baron Batteville ; who coming thither with about 3000 Foot , and having long batter'd the Trenches which joined to the houses , and served for a wall or Rampier ; at last the defendants fearing an assault yielded upon Articles ; which being agreed upon and perform'd , they delivered up the Town to Batteville ; in the delivery whereof the Ammunition fell on fire , which occasioned much mischief to many ; amongst the rest to Iovan Antonio Sauli , General of the Common-wealths Artillery , Son to Lorenzo , who had been Doeg , he being therein burn'd to death : And at last the weather growing cooler , and the 3000 Dutch who were raised by Philippo Spinola , being arrived , they went with all their forces , about the midst of September , to the taking in of Ventimiglia ; which was reduced with little labour : For the City bei●…g after some Cannot shot abandoned by the Garrison , who betook themselves to defend the Castle , fell into the Genoeses hands . The Castle being plaid upon on three sides , held out a little longer ; but the assailants being gotten under the Counter-scarfe , and the defendants fearing to be undermined , which they saw they were begun to be ; they after eight days Battery yielded upon Articles , That only the Officers should march out with their Swords , and all the rest without Arms : The little Marquesate of Zuccarello , the first beginning of so many evils , was yet in the enemies possession : A 1000 Foot were sent thith●…r , to whom all the Towns were instantly surrendred , except Castle Vecchio ; which was longer ere it was taken then it deserved tobe , for that it was requisite to bring Artillery to batter it , which by reason of the roughness of the way , and height of the situation , was not without much labour and expence of time effected ; but at last , all difficulties being overcome , the Cannon being presented , and the Castle somwhat batter'd , it was also surrendered upon Capitulation , to Iovan Ambrosio Casella , a Senator , and Commissary of the Commonwealth , who succeeded Centurione . Thus in the space of few Months the Commonwealth of Genoa , which was assaulted by powerful forces , and partly abandoned , partly fought against , partly plotted against in private by Italian Princes ; being solely protected and defended by the King of Spain , kept not only unprejudiced from the fury and hostility of so many forces raised against her , and from so many Princes which conspired against her ; but preserving her natural Liberty , did in a short time recover all that the enemy had taken from her ; and entring the assailant Dukes State took some of his Towns , and indamaged him as much as he had done her ; For to boot with the Towns of Oneglia and Pigna , which were taken at the same time that La Riviera was recovered ; San Croce having regained Ventimiglia sent some Foo●… to Maro , a Town appertaining to the Duke , which lies above Oneglia ; and without much difficulty took it , and all the Valley of Prelà : When La Riviera was recovered , the same forces of the King and Commonwealth , which entring Piedmont should have helped to raise the Siege of Verrua by diversion , as the Duke of Feria's Army had facilitated the recovery of La Riviera , by lying before Verrua , kept a good while , partly in Savona , partly in Albenga : and afterwards being come from Albenga to enter Piedmont , Sun Cr●…ce would first take the Town of Or●…a , one of the Dukes Towns which confined upon the Common-wealth ; which though it were great , and well peopled , yet made not much for the main concernment of the war ; and which for the badness of the ways by which the Artillery was to be brought , did much delay the entrance into Piedmont : The forces drew near that Town , but without Artillery , which was not yet come , but was speedily expected : And this Town standing in a Valley between two Mountains , through the which the Tannaro runs , which takes its rise from a little above , it was impossible for the Horse to quarter very near it ; they therefore quartered two miles off , which was the cause why they could do but little service upon an occasion which happened not long after they were quartered : Don Carlo , the Duke of Savoy's natural Son , and the Marquess di San Trinità coming from Garrissio with about 2000 Foot , and 200 Horses , endeavoured to relieve Ormea ; but falling upon the Neapolitan Quarters , under Don Antonio Tuffo their Camp master , though they charged home , yet two Troops of Horse coming in under Captain Sp●…ra , and other assistance with them from the neighbouring quarters , the Piedmontese were beaten back with great loss , which would yet have been worse if all the Horse had been there , which ( by reason of their being quartered so far off ) could not be present at that action : When the Artillery was come , they raised two Batteries , and having made a sufficient breach , an assault was given , which was stoutly fought on both sides ; but the assailant getting the better at last , the Town was taken , with much ruine , and effusion of blood ; and was afterwards sack'd , to the great inriching of the Souldiery , who got as much booty there , as the Piedmontese did at Pieve : The Town being taken the Castle yielded the next day , and both of them were freely delivered up to the Senators , who were in the Camp ; who receiving them in the Common wealths name , placed 600 Foot in Garrison there , under Mark Antonio Brancaccio , who upon that occasion was chosen Camp-master to the Common-wealth . From hence they went to Garrissio , another great Town of Piedmont , wherein there was a good Garrison under Monfieur di Flescè ; but the fierce assault and taking of Ormea , which happened with so great mortality , did not terrifie the Towns-men of Garrissio only , but the Garrison also ; who abandoned the Towns-men before the enemy appeared ; wherefore they sent the Keyes of the Gates to San Croce , in signe of surrender ; yet the Castle held out nine days , which whilst it was plaid upon by the Artillery , and undermined , the Horse over-ran those parts even to Céva , plundering and much prejudicing the Campagnia : wherefore those of Bagnasco , being wise at the cost of others , sent also to surrender to San Croce ; and the Castle of Garrissio , which was at last surrendered , was sleighted by San Croce . I●… was now about the midst of November , when they went to Garrissio ; and the season grew daily more obnoxious by reason of rain and cold ; it was also given out about Garrissio and the Marquesate of Ceva , that there was an assembly of men , and that the Duke himself was speedily advancing with all his forces : It was true that the Prince of Piedmont was come into the field with a Body of Foot and Horse , to defend those parts ; and that joining with his Brother Don Carlo , and the Marquess of San Trinità , he thought to oppose San Croce : But the news of the Dukes coming himself in person was the more confirmed in the Spanish Camp , by the news of the Governours withdrawing from before Verrua : wherefore San Croce was the more perplex'd what to do ; but this difficulty was eased by a Letter which ( as it was said ) came to him from the Governour ; wherein he was advertised , that it being impossible for him the Governour to continue longer before Verrua , ( which had caused him to rise from thence ) it was superfluous for him to advance any further on that side : Fitting Orders being therefore given upon this advertisement , they resolved to return towards the Maritime parts ; which being divulged through the Army , the greater part thereof believing the report of the Dukes coming , thought that the retreat was occasioned by the certain knowledge thereof : So as overcome with too much fear they retreated in very little order , almost in a flying posture ; leaving part of the prey they had got at Garrissio behind them , and one great Piece of Cannon , which they could not bring over those rocky Mountains . This was the success of Croce's entring Piedmont ; and the Prince , when he was gone , went to before Felizzano , a Town belonging to the Marquesate of Finale , and subject to the King ; but with no success ; for San Croce having sent forces to defend that place , the Prince retreated also into Piedmont : At the same time or a little before these things happened , the Camp before Verrua not having by all their Assaults , Mines , and Batteries , been able to get above twenty two foot into the Suburbs , grew daily more afflicted with sickness and mortality ; so as being reduced to a very small number , it was not only not longer able to continue that enterprise , but neither to retreat without danger of being lost ; especially for that the ways so sunk by the fall of rain , and the dirt was so deep as the Foot could not march without much ado , nor the Artillery and other incumbrances be carried along : But this was seasonably helped by the coming of Mansfield with his Dutch-men , who were at last satisfied in point of pay ; and these men being fresh proved very fit to back the Army in its Retreat : which being thus secured by the assistance of these new men , Don Gonzallo made the Artillery be removed from his Quarters , and be brought to the Rendezvouz for Arms. The Constable , who being recovered of a long sickness was returned from Turin to the Camp , seeing this , did not let slip the occasion of assaulting the enemies Trenches , which wanted defence and Artillery , and were negligently looked unto by the Souldiers , who minded more their retreat then making defence : So as upon the change of the Guards which was made in the Dukes Trenches in the plain before Verrua , he assaulted them so furiously , as possessing himself of the foremost , he came almost to the Dutch Quarters ; which he would likewise have taken if he had not been first stoutly resisted by Count Salma's Lieutenant ( who was slain in the fight ) and afterward by the Count di Solts , who did not only repulse the enemy from the assaulted Quarters , but made them forego the Trenches which they had already taken : The next night the Governour began to remove quietly , without the beat of Drum or sound of Trumpet ; yet this stol'n Retreat was not so silently performed , but that the Duke , who was aware thereof , early in the morning went after the Army , which marched but slowly : His men , though they were repuls'd by Mansfield's Dutch-men , slew many of those who not being able to follow remained behinde upon the way , besides two Spanish Captains , who resisted valiantly in the Reer : This Retreat was very seasonably made ; for a Recruit of 6000 Foot was at last come from France into Piedmont , under Monsieur di Vigneles ; who at the same time that the Army removed , came to the City of Inurea . The Governour was afraid that these forces being joyn'd to those of the Duke and Constable , passing through the Vale of Sesia , and the Principality of Messerano , might go to prejudice the Territories of Novara ; he therefore went with his Army , which was reduced to a very small number , to Novara ; but the Winter coming on , and finding himself free from that danger , he returned to Millain . The Duke of Feria was not he alone who did partake of the misfortunes wherein the this-years Enterprises miscarried ; for it was observed that some sinister influence of the Heavens opposed it self against the good success of the Armies , and Enterprises of this Year . The so flourishing Army of the Duke and Constable was unfortunately lost amidst the Mountains of Liguria , not having effected any thing worthy the greatness of their forces and designes : That of the Marquess di Conrè , back'd by the Venetians , and maintained by their monies and provisions , was likewise unfortunately lost in sitting down before an Inne , a woful Harbour for Mules and Muletiers ; at the taking whereof having more then once offer'd , he did not only return worsted , but being assaulted in his own Quarters he received much prejudice , and was dishonourably affronted ; for Papenhaim ( who succeeded Serbellone , as hath been said , in defending Riva ) having been content to keep there loytering for a few days with his Dutch-men ; finding at last that Coure despairing of doing any thing of moment was retired into the Valtoline ; and that leaving Garrisons only in Vico , in Vercè , and in Sasso Corbe , he had distributed almost all his men in the Valtoline and in Chiavenna ; and being impatient of so long idleness , he resolved to assault those Quarters , which being fortified only on the Lake , and on Riva's side , were not at all fortified behinde , the height and ruggedness of the neighbouring Mountains being esteemed a safe defence . Papenhaim having therefore learn'd by certain men whom he had sent to discover those Mountains , that people might be brought to fall upon them by that way , he sent a thousand Foot by that way ; and he , having armed his Barques and Brigandines , went to assault those Quarters by water at the same time that the thousand Foot should fall down by the way of the Mountain upon them . The event suited with the resolution ; for the Defendants being set upon unexpectedly on the back fled towards the Valtoline , abandoning their Quarters and Fortifications , which were presently taken by Papenhaim , together with eleven pieces of Artillery , and much Victuals and Ammunition ; nor there withall content , he pursued them into the Valtoline ; and coming to the Fortifications of Troana and Morbegno , he thought to have assaulted them , whereof he writ to the Duke of Feria ; who being with small hopes before Verrua , would not by any new enterprise hazard the defence of Riva , which was of such importance to the State of Millain : so as Papenhaim being master of all the Fortifications which the French had upon the lesser Lake , was consequently master of all the upper Lake . Thus ended this enterprise , no less unfortunately for the French , then did that of the Duke of Feria before Verrua , and that of the Constable and Duke of Savoy against the Genoeses : nothing else of moment hapned this year , unless that the English Fleet , going from that Kingdom about the beginning of October with 93 Ships , wherein were about 10000 fighting men , appeared in the beginning of November , in the Spanish Seas , and entring the Bay of Cadiz , landed some of their men in the Island , and five pieces of Artillery , intending to fortifie themselves there , and wait for the Plate-Fleet , which was shortly to come from America . The Souldiers were three or four days busied about taking the Fort called Puntale ; and having gotten it upon Articles , they endeavour'd to make themselves masters of the Bridge , which joyns the Island of Cadiz to the Continent : but being hindred partly by the rain that fell , partly by those who came to defend the Bridge , they could not effect their desire . Don Ferrante Girone , who was there in defence , after he had well fortified the City , issued out ; and coming to blows with the Enemy , a sleight Skirmish insued , with some prejudice to both sides : at last the English finding that they could do no great good neither there nor in any of the neighbouring parts , which were all well munited , they resolved to be gone ; and making towards the West , the Spaniards were afraid ( as they had learn'd by some Prisoners ) that they were bent for Cape San Vincent , the utmost promontory of Spain toward the West , to intercept the Plate-Fleet ; wherefore very much apprehending some adverse fortune , they sent out some Carvels into several parts , to find out the Plate-Fleet , and to advertise them how neer the English were , and in what danger they were of them ; and that therefore instead of coming to Cape San Vincent , they should enter into Corogna , the utmost Haven of Gallitia : one of these Carvels light upon the English Fleet , which hearing of the Orders sent to the Plate-Fleet by so many parts , steered its Course towares Corogna , supposing that the Plate-Fleet would undoubtedly light upon some of those Carvels , and would , according to their Orders , make towards that part : a wonderful accident hapned , which because it exceeded all humane foresight and providence , may deservedly be called a miracle ; not any of the Carvels met with the Plate-Fleet ; so as the Orders which were sent to them falling into the hands of the English , was the occasion of turning the English out of their way ; for the Plate-Fleet , which coming from out the Channel of Bauma , doth usually sail Northward till it come to the 45 degree of the elevation of the Pole , and then declining towards the East and South , comes into the Terzere and into Portugal , and to Coast a long the Cape San Vincent , not being able this year , by reason of the great Northerly winds , to enter between those Islands and the Continent , was forc'd to pass on the out side , and to run along Africa , even to the shores of Morocco , at the same time that the English Fleet lay before Cales : but when the English Fleet going from Cales went to find the Plate-Fleet out , the wind blowing very briskly from the South , it hapned that as by the favour thereof the Plate-Fleet came successfully from the Morocco shores to Cales , so the English Fleet leaving Cales behind them , the more they thought to meet with the Plate-Fleet , the English being driven by the same winds towards Corogna , the further were they from it , and consequently left the entrance into the Streights , and the Spanish Seas , free to the Plate-Fleet , whither it was bound . Now because often mention is made of the great Treasure and Riches which this Plate-Fleet brings every year to Spain , it will not be much from the purpose , to make here a particular Discourse thereof : lest the Narration of that which is now so well known , being not spoken of by us , may peradventure leave the like obscurity to posterity , as we find in the Holy Writ , touching the Land of Ophir , from whence we read that Gold was brought every third year to Solomon . The King of Spain , as he is King of Castile is Master of the great Kingdoms of America , which is now called the new World , and which being totally unknown to the Ancients was first discovered and found out by Christophoro Colomba , a Citizen of Genoa , in the year 1492. and as King of Portugal he possesseth many Towns , Havens and Maritime Provinces in Africa , Asia , and in the Indies , and more Eastern Islands ; whereinto by long endeavors and dangerous Navigation he had penetrated a little before Colomba : from these Oriental and Occidental Regions infinite Riches and Treasures are yearly brought into Spain : but particularly from America , as more abounding then any other Region in the unexhaustible Mines of Silver : between the midst of March and beginning of April , eight great Ships fraught with Merchandize , and eight well-armed Galleoons , do usually go every year from the City of Sivil ; which sailing towards America , steer their Course towards that Province which is commonly called Terra Firma : and putting to shore first at Carthagena , the chief Haven of that Province , eleven degrees distant from the Line towards the North , and 315 degrees in Longitude ; do there unload part of their Merchandize , and pass forwards with the rest towards Porto Velo , the chiefest place for Trade , in that Istmus ; which dividing the uppermost Sea , which they call the North Sea , from the nethermore , which they call the South Sea , joyns the two chief parts of America together , just as Africa is joyn'd to Asia by the Istmus of Egypt . Porto Velo is a place of receipt for all the Merchandize which go to and fro from Peru ; and for all the Gold and Silver which is brought in great abundance from the unexhaustible Mines of the Potosi in Peru ; and from the others of those parts ; for as all that passes from Peru , and from those Provinces by the South Sea into the North Sea , to be convey'd into Spain , puts in at Panama , another noble Haven and place of Merchandize , on the opposite side of the Istmus , which lies upon that Sea , and are carried cross the Istmus upon the backs of certain creatures not unlike our Rams , to Porto Velo . so those which are destined for Peru , and those other Regions which lie towards the South , from Spain and the other American Provinces which lie Northward , are unloaded at Porto Velo , and are carried upon the same creatures to Palma , from whence they are sent in Ships destined for Peru , and those other Provinces : the same Ships when they have unladed the Spanish Merchandize in Porto Velo , are presently fraught with those which are come from Peru , and those other Provinces , except it be the Gold and Silver , which for the greater safety are for the most part put into Galleoons ; which are very great and capacious Vessels , each of which carrying 36 pieces of great Cannon , and 300 select Mariners , may be said to be the Plate-Fleets Garrison : these being loaded with Gold and Silver depart in company with the Ships of Merchandize from Porto Velo , to Havanna , a Haven which for capacity , safety and Fortification , may be accounted the chiefest , not only in America , but peradventure , in the whole World ; which being situated in the Island of Cuba , just under the Tropick of Cancer , turns towards the North , and is opposite to that part of America which is called Florida : whither when they are come , they find about 35 other Ships , which coming from Spain about the end of the preceding Iune , pass to San Iovan di Lua , which is the landing place of Mexico , and of that Province neer America , which is commonly called Nova Spagna ; and having here unladed the Spanish Merchandize , and taken up those of Nova Spagna , they endeavour to be in Havanna at the time that the Galleoons and other Ships use to come thither ; which is just about the beginning of September ; to the end that , guarded by those Galleoons and other Ships , they may pursue their Voyage with more safety , and less danger of Pyrates ; to boot with these , other Ships of the neighbouring Kingdoms use to come thither at the same time : so as the whole Flotta , as they call it , amounts to between 60 and 70 Vessels ; when they part from Havanna , they must by the Streight of Beama , a very dangerous Streight between the Island Beama and Florida , fall into the open and immense Ocean , whither when they are come , they give fire to all their Artillery , in sign of joy for that they have escaped so dangerous a passage ; and calling a Councel , they open a Packet which is brought from Spain , wherein there are Orders and Instructions from the King , how they are to steer their Course in their return ; and in what height they are to keep from Climate to Climate : to the end , that their Enemies may not know what Course they steer , who oft times lie in wait to surprize them : these Ships which are called la Flotta d' America come usually into Spain in November ; and entring the Gulf of Cales , goe to Sivil by the great River of Guadalquivir ; where the Merchandize and Treasure are brought to the Kings Officers , and are by them delivered out , according to their several proportions . They bring with them commonly to the value of eleven Millions of Gold ; whereof two Millions consist in Merchandize , the rest in Gold and Silver ; the fourth part whereof is calculated to belong unto the King , the rest to particular Merchants : the Merchandizes are Cuchunel , Indico , Campeggio or Campeche , a medecinable wood , Tebacco , and beasts hides tan'd , to make shooe-soles withall , which they call Covie : of the Ships when they go from Spain , those which go first away with the Galleoons carry Silks and Woollen-cloath , Cloath of Gold , and other things of value : the rest , which are intended for Terra Firma , carry great quantities of Linnen , Wine , Oyl and Olives : in which things those Countries which stand in need thereof do abound ; for the King , to keep those Provinces united , and dependant upon his Kingdoms of Spain , requires ( upon rigorous and severe penalties ) that two things be by them observed : the one , that neither Vines nor Olives be planted in America , though that soil be very capable thereof : the other , that the Exchequer-rents and Kings Revenues of those Previnces , may not upon any terms be sold to private men ; and hence it is , that those Inhabitants being in a possibility of being besieged by Spain , forasmuch as belongs to Wine and Oyle , they are necessitated to keep Commerce with Europe , and to tolerate the Sovereignty of a far distant King , to the end that they may be provided thereof ; and not having elsewhere , where to imploy their Riches , they must send them into Spain , to purchase annual revenues out of the forfeitures of those Kingdoms ; which by a Spanish word drawn from the Latine , they call juri : whence it is that almost all the ready moneys of America being transported into Spain , raises the rates of the juri , and occasions plenty of ready money ; and which is of greater importance , the same juri serves the King as a pledge and surety of their fidelity and vassallage : so as they can the lesse easily Rebell . Nor were the Portuguese less fortunate in their Maritime Enterprises ; who some years before Colomba's Navigation , undertook by Maritime Art and Study , Navigations no less uncertain , dangerous , unusual , and ( in mans opinion ) not to be achieved ; for the ancient Mathematicians and Cosmographers holding that the torried Zone was uninhabitable , thought that that part of Africa , which being wash'd by the Western Sea extends it self from the Streights of Gibraltar towards the South , did enter into that Zone , and that therefore it was in vain to sail any further that way , or to coast along there , without evident danger of their healths who should come to the Precincts of the Zone : so as it was impossible to penetrate , by Navigation , from the Occidental African Ocean into the Oriental , which washeth Asia and India : but the Portugueses endeavouring to advance further , did first discover the great Promontory of Capo Verde , and the adjoyning Islands which the ancients called Hesperides ; and then advancing much further , when they had past the Equinoctial line , they arrived at the Kingdoms of Congo and Angola ; then passing the Tropick of Capricorn , they at last compassed the enterprise which was before held so desperate ; and discovered the furthermost Promontory of Africa , which they called Capo di buona Speranza , or the Cape of good Hope ; and sailing from thence through the open Ocean towards the East , they coasted so far along Africa , which turned about thitherwards , as discovering the mouths of the Arabian and Pe●…sian Gulfs , they came at last to that of the great Indo : where laying the foundations of so great an Empire upon friendship made with some of those Barbarian Kings , by the sole Trafick of Spices , and other Levant Merchandiz , they began to interpose themselves in the Wars which they made one against another ; adhering to some with their Arms , suppressing some others , insomuch as having gotten some Towns , partly by agreement , partly by force , and fortifying themselves very well therein , they laid some better ground-works of Empire in the midst of that Nation , which from nothing , or from very little , increased so fast as exceeds all their Neighbours , if not in greatness and union of State , at least in Worth , Maritime Forces and Civil Policy : which by ( peradventure an unheard of example ) proceeding from so far distant parts , curbs almost all the Kings and Potentates of those Regions ; for being either Tributaries , adherents or Vassals of the Portuguese Empire , they either by force or by private interest , are become dependants upon the King of Portugal : nor have they kept their Navigations and Acquisitions only within the Confines of India ; but as if one afforded materials for an other , they still advanced , till having gotten to the head of India , which they call Comorino , and hath on its Front the ancient Taprobana , they entred into the Gulf of Bengala , and from thence into the Molucca Islands ( the fertile Mother of Spices ) and to the great Kingdoms of China and Iapan ; and so bold and fortunate have they been , as overcoming the Seas , and finding them navigable , they have gone about the whole World , and joyning the East unto the West they have rendred the opinions of the Ancients fabulous and foolish , who denied that the World was round , the possibility of the Antipodes , the peopling of the Zone , and the conjunction of the Seas . The Kings of Portugal govern'd this Empire ; and now the Kings of Castile , in succession to those of Portugal , by a Viceroy , to whom ( retaining unto themselves all that is on this side of Capo dibuona Sper anza ) they give all Supream Arbitrement , and disposal of all that belongs to them from the said Cape to the utmost part of the East : upon this Viceroy , who usually resides in Goa , all the Kings who are Vassals , Tributaries , Friends and Confederates , all the Government of Civil , Military and Maritime Affairs , doth depend : they keep possession of these Seas by four Fleets , distributed into fitting places and Havens : insomuch as none of those Kings or People may sail thereon , without leave and authority from the Viceroy , no not so much as upon occasion of Traffick or Merchandize . A singular thing , and which was never pretended to , nor put in execution by any Roman Emperour , or other King : the Kings of Spain reap many advantages by this Navigation ; for to them belongs all the Spices which are carried away in Ships , to boot with many other Merchandizes and Jewels which are carried from the Indies to Portugal : by reason of this so great wealth , which comes every year to the Kings hands , the Crown of Spain is held to be of the richest Monarchies that ever was known , or at least which are at the present ; and yet the Wars of Germany and Italy have so exhausted him , and brought him into such streights , as to boot with all the Kings Revenues sold and engaged , Spain is now the poorest of any Kingdom in Europe , in point of Silver and Gold ; in so much as brass money runs curr at through all the Kingdom of Castile , which they call Moneta del Veglione , instead of Gold or Silver , which occasioned disorders of great importance to that Crown . Now to return to where welefr , and to reassume the thread of our former History . The same English Fleet being deprived of all hope of prey , whilst it return'd for England , ●…an great shipwrack by a cruel Tempest which arose , which driving many of the Ships on shore , & splitting them , the rest return'd torn and rent , and in very bad order , without having done any good , home to England : so as this powerful League proved no less unfortunate at Sea , then it had done at Land : the Negotiations , Treaties , and conclusion of peace which succeeded afterwards , as shall hereafter be said , were more unfortunate , and less worthy so great preparations . Cardinal Barbarino return'd about the end of February , in the year 1626 , to Rome , from his French Embassie ; who got nothing by it , but an acknowledgement that the King had aided the Duke of Savoy ( who had been hainously offended by the Genoeses ) not so much in respect of his alliance with the house of Savoy , as to keep the Spanish Forces imploied in defending the State of Genoa , so as they might not oppose his men in the Valtoline ; that it might be supposed that when the business of the Valtoline should be decided , to the satisfaction of all , and in conformity to the Articles of Madrid , he would forbear offending the Genoeses , whom he had neither reason , nor will , directly to injure . But the orderly disposing of the affairs of the Valtoline pretended unto by the King seemed to be such , as that they offer'd to restore all the Forts that were taken in the Valtoline , to the Pope , upon condition that they should be immediately demolished , and that being demolished the Valtolinians should return to their ancient obedience of their Lords and Masters the Grisons , the Kings ancient Confederates : the Pope would not consent to such hard conditions , as repugnant to the Catholick Religion , and to the Popes endeavours : so as the Legate departed from the Court , and returned towards Rome , little satisfied with the King , and less with Cardinal Richelieu ; the Pope intending to send him upon the same Embassie to Spain found great resistance amongst the Spanish Agents , who thought they should suffer too much in their reputation , if the Embassie of Spain should seem to depend upon that of France ; wherefore protesting that the King should not receive him , the Pope sent for his Nephew back to Rome , thinking to send him , as with a new and different Embassie , from thence into Spain : but neither were the Spanish Agents pleased with this , who liked not that in the same Negotiation the King of France should have the precedency given him before the King of Spain : after many debates this accommodation was found ; that the Title of the Embassie should be from the Pope , relating to the Baptism of a Daughter of the Kings who was born about that time , and that the Negotiation of peace should come in the second place , as depending thereupon : but for all this new Embassie , the Pope forbare not to prepare for Arms , in case he could not effect peace by his Embassie ; for thinking that he should not suffe●… a little by the worlds opinion , in his own dignity , and in that of the See of Rome , by the usurpation of the Valtoline , which had been done with so little respect to his Men and Ensigns who defended it ; and being moreover scandalized that his Embassie was not received with such esteem in the Court of France as became the Grandezza of the S●…e of Rome , and his deserts ; he took it also ill , that the King of Spain did not readily restore what he had usurped , but did stand upon unreasonable , and impossible conditions : he therefore resolved to resent himself by force of Arms ; and after having used friendly and benigne endeavours to little purpose , he would shew that animosity and resentment which the world had desired to find in him , from the beginning of these commotions ; and would send men to recover the Valtoline , and the Forts thereof , which were possess'd by the French : so as the Spaniards continuing their former offers , of assisting him with Men and Arms , he sent 6000 Foot into the State of Millain , commanded by Torquato Conti , Son to the Duke de Poli , to the end that joyning with the Spanish Forces they might go to the recovery of the Valtoline : but the Duke of Savoy , and the other Confederates , prepared forces for the next season , as well as did the Pope ; thinking to renew the war more fortunately , and with greater forces then they had done the year before ; and news was likewise heard in Italy , of great preparations which were made in that Kingdom to the same purpose ; wherefore the Commonwealth of Genoa , not willing to be found unprovided , let what would happen , willingly listned to Proposals made by the Marquess di San ' Croce , and the Marquess di Castagneda , of making League with the Crown of Spain , in defence of their common Dominions ; to which purpose an Army of 8000 Foot , and 500 Horse , should be by them joyntly raised ; two thirds of them to be maintained by the King , and the rest by the Commonwealth ; and this Army was to be commanded by Francisco Qelio Brancacchio , with title of the chief Commander of the Common-wealths Forces , which together with many Germans and Italians , entertained at her own charges , caused two Brigades to be likewise raised , the one by Philippo Spinola di Giulio ; the other by H●…ctore Ravaschiero , Prince of Satriano , who raised them upon his own charges : but these and the Popes preparations , as also those of the Confederates , proved vain , as did likewise the Embassie sent into Spain : private Negotiations of peace began at this time to be had between the two Crowns , which were happily concluded , and with incredible speed . The King of France , moved the reunto either by the unfortunate success of the League , or by the troubles of his own Kingdom , ( or were it that he saw that he must be forc'd to make a new war in Italy , touching the Valtoline , and other concernments with the Pope , who was irritated and incens'd and joyned with the Spanish Forces ; ) and considering how costly and how little advantagious the Confederates Counsels proved , conceived it better to secure his own affairs , then to busie himself in those of other mens : laying therefore aside all the ends and interests of the Confederates , he thought it best to close upon any terms with the King of Spain ; and the Court of Spain hearing no more welcome musick , then the sound of peace in Italy , willingly listned to the endeavours that way tending ; the conclusion whereof , with the same easiness and good inclination of all parties , was appointed to be made on the sixth of March , the year 1626. in Monsone , a Town in the Kingdom of Aragon , where the King was gone to keep the Courts of that Kingdom : so as the Popes men , who were come into the State of Millain , at the same time almost that the unexpected news of peace came thither , served only to receive peaceful possession of the Forts which in conformity to the Articles of peace were delivered up unto them , in the name of the Apostolick See ; the chief Articles whereof were : That the Roman Catholick Religion should be preserved in the Valtoline , and in the Counties of Bormio and Chiavenna : That things should be reduced to the same condition as they were , in the year 1617. That notwithstanding the people might chuse their Magistrates , and Governours , by whom they were to be ruled , without any dependency upon the Grisons : That the confirmation of those that were to be elected should belong unto the Grisons ; who if they were not confirmed within eight days , they might administer Iustice , and exercise their Office and Iurisdiction : That if the Grisons should fail twice in this confirmation , they should be understood to have for ever forfeited this their power of confirmation : That the Valtolinians and their companions should pay unto the Grisons , in recompence for the jurisdiction which was confer'd upon them , a certain annual sum of money to be agreed upon between themselves ; wherein if they should not agree , it should be decided by the two Kings : That the Grisons should approve of these Articles , and should swear to observe them : That such Forts as were held by either of the two Kings , in those parts , should be put into the Popes possession ; who upon restoring the Artillery and Ammunition which should be therein at the time of depositure , should immediately demolish them ; but that the demolishing should not be delay'd , for fault of consignation , since the King had past his word they should be consigned : That in case the Pope should defer the demolishing , the two Kings should joyntly intreat it at his hands , so as they might be effectually demolished : That the Grisons should not enter armed into the Valtoline , nor the Spanish Agents keep any more armed men then usual in the Confines of the State of Millain : as touching the differences between the Commonwealth and the Duke of Savoy : That their two Majesties , and either of them , should procure a Truce with their Colleague for four moneths ; and should chuse two Arbitrators , who should end the differences within the said prefixt time ; in case the differences should not be terminated within four moneths , their two Majesties should undertake to determine them , and cause each of their Colleagues to observe them : That their two Majesties should joyntly end any differences which should arise between the Grisons and Valtolinians , and should not permit them to take up Arms one against another : That if any differences should happen in Italy , between the Friends of either Crown , their Majesties should not adhere with arms unto their Colleague , till such time as one of the Kings had treated in the other Kings Court , and procured an amicable agreement . This was the substance of the chief Capitulations of Peace , at Monsone ; then which more honorable , or more advantagious , could not be expected , nor hoped for , for the Crown of Spain ; since the King got in this business of the Valtoline all that he therein pretended to , as well in the Catholick Religion which was there very well setled and secured ; as in respect of the state and liberty of those people , who were thereby also freed , from the yoke and slavery of the Grisons ; for though it was agreed that the condition of affairs should be reduced to the state they were , in the year 1617 , ( in which the Rebellion not being yet begun , the Valtolinians were under the Grisons obedience ) yet was it more in shew , then substance ; for the election of Magistrates , the necessary confirmation of them , the free and independant exercise of their jurisdiction , were such exceptions to the condition of the year 1617 , as they did almost totally alter it : and the Valtolinians , having shaken off their ancient yoke , which made not only for the benefit and freedome of the King of Spaine , for the neighbourhood of Fort Fuentes , and for the necessity of Commerce which those people stand in with the State it self , they were constrain'd to keep united to the Crown of Spain , and to depend upon the Governour of Millains authority : so as the passage thorow that Country , which was the most important point , was kept shut up , and open at the free will and pleasure of the King of Spain and his Agents ; for the Crown of Spain having concluded peace upon so advantagious terms , after having so fortunately defended Spain against the English Fleet ; after the safe arrival of the Plate Fleet ; after the recovery of Brasile , after the defence and preservation of Genoa , did gloriously triumph over the League , and over so many Forces , and Plots contrived by her Rivals and Enemies , to suppress the Grandezza of her King ; and truly , we have not these many years read or heard of any peace made with such advantage and honour to that Crown ; especially in a time when by the same which was given out of so great preparations for war made by the Consederates she was thought to be furthest off it , and that she was likely to enter into longer and more dangerous wars then the former : but the confusion and astonishment of the Confederates was as great , as was the glory , and satisfaction , which the Spaniards received by this peace ; for finding themselves abandoned by the King of France when they least expected it , and that by the dissolution of the League their ends and interest thereby pretended unto were lost , they fumed and complained of the King of France , not so much for that he had made that peace without their knowledge , as for the prejudice of the common affairs , which , being by him abandoned , were totally ruined : the Grisons who were chiefly concern'd in the prejudice of the Valtoline , could not tolerate , that after having run so many dangers in point of liberty , and suffer'd such calamities , they should be deprived of so noble a part of their Dominions ; nor that their Protector , the King of France , should after his publick profession made to the contrary , have consented so far when they did most believe to be restored by his Arms : so as they complained bitterly , and did openly refuse to accept of those Articles by which they were inforced to renounce their own interests : the Venetians were mad , seeing themselves deprived of that advantage which they thought themselves sure of , after the expence of so much Treasure , after having undergone so many Troubles , after so many Plots and Artifices , whereby , for their own safety and the safety of Italy , they had turned the world upside down : the Pope was variously spoken of herein ; those who minded the reality of affairs thought he had reason to be very well satisfied with this peace , since he had thereby vindicated his reputation , by the restitution of the Forts , which were to be put into his hands again ; and might pretend that his taking up Arms had been a great cause why the King of France had been brought to more moderate conditions ▪ on the contrary , those who were more speculative , and who were already sufficiently ill conceited of the Pope , thought that as he had with so much dissimulation suffer'd the King of France to enter armed into the Valtoline , so , to secure Italy from imminent slavery , and to abate the Spanish Grandezza ; so likewise that he took it very ill , that the King of France should have stood upon so hard terms with his Legate in composing the affairs of the Valioline ; and if he were not ill satisfied for these respects , they thought he could not be very well pleased , finding that his neutrality which he had so publickly profess'd , and the course which he had steered upon these present occurrences , had not only not made him Arbitrator of the present Controversies , but that the two Kings had agreed them without his knowledge , and not without some prejudice to his authority ; and the Duke of Savoy was no less impatient at this , then were the other Confederates ; for considering that instead of the resentment which he pretended unto against the Genoeses , instead of the acquisition which he had hoped to have made in their Dominions , he had lost many of his Patrimonial Towns , lost his Artillery left in Gavi , and his Galley with the Sea-Standard ; he thought that being to re-have them by agreement , and not by force , was to acknowledge that he had been a loser by that war : so as he knew not well what to do : to this was added , that the peace being proclaim'd in France , just at that time that the Prince , his Son , was in Paris , and was gone thither to keep the King and that Court stedfast to the League , and to procure new and greater preparations for war to be reassumed the next year ; which preparations , that they might be the more certain , and more dependent upon the Dukes authority , and that he might have no occasion to contend with the French Captains and Officers , as he had done with the Constable ; the Prince had desired , and ( as it was afterwards reported ) obtained from the King , the charge , with title of General of the King of France his Forces in Italy ; wherefore the Duke being become proud , as thinking himself grown formidable to his enemies , and more regarded by the King of France then any of the Confederates , now that he saw himself faln from such an height of expectation , and abandoned by the French Court when he least expected it , he held himself to be highly affronted , and that the world would laugh at him : but it was in vain to complain ; for the two Kings were firmly resolved to see their determinations effected ; and the Confederates not being able to do any thing without the King of France , were forced to succumb , and patiently to swallow down so bitter a pill , and of so hard disgestion ; and the King of France , who had no excuse for what he had done , cared not much for their being unsatisfied : his Agents , sheltering themselves under the Kings greatness and authority , alledg'd not any thing in defence of what their King had done , but that the interests of the Kingdom required it should be so ; with which ( they said ) it behoved and was necessary that the Confederates should comply ; sometimes suffering it to escape out of their mouths , when they were strait put to it , that the Confederates not being any ways to be compared to their King , they must look upon him as their superiour : The Princes of France were no less ill satisfied with the peace it self then were the Potentates of the League ; wherefore hating the King , as well as him who had been the chief cause of concluding the peace , some who were discontented with the present condition of affairs , and desirous of novelties , and pretences to conspire against the Kings person , and against Armand du Plesses , Cardinal di Richelieu , the Kings chief and most intimate Counsellor and Favorite ; and it not being known what the true causes were which caused the King to be so sollicitous in procuring this peace so speedily , and with such secrecie , some would have it ( and it was afterwards publickly spoken ) that the signs of the dangerous conspiracy which was discovered in the Court of France against the Kings person , forc'd him to compose businesses abroad , upon any conditions , that he might the more securely provide against home conspiracies ; but the business being discovered in Nantes , four moneths after the peace was concluded , does totally exclude that consideration : but whatsoever the matter was , were it that the peace were the effect of the Conspiracy , or the Conspiracy of the peace , some Princes of France , taking the unhappy conduct of the Kings affairs , by the unfortunate success of war , and by the dishonourable peace , as pretence for their Conspiracy ; and finding that they could not pull down the Cardinal , by reason of the constant belief the King had in him , plotted to pull down the King himself : many were thought to be complices in this Conspiracy ; the Duke and Cavalier di Vandosme , natural Brothers to the King ; many were imprisoned upon this account : the Count di Soissons , Prince of the blood , his absenting himself from the Court made him be suspected to be guilty : many said that Monsieur d'Orleans , the Kings Brother , and heir to the Crown , together with several other chief Officers who were very inward with the King , were held to have a hand in it . The Plot , was that the King should be kil'd or deposed , and that having no Sons , the said Orleans should be made King ; upon whose genius , as being more tractable and conformable to their humours , those laid their foundations , who endeavoured new resolutions in the world , and the ruine of the League , in prejudice to peace : the Duke of Savoy was held not only to be conscious of this Conspiracy , but the chief Author and Composer thereof , out of anger that the peace had been so concluded ; and that the Abbot Alexander Scaglia , a chief Agent of the Dukes , and then Resident in that Court , was not only a great Contriver thereof ; but that being sent from thence by the Duke into Holland and into England , he should treat of novelties with that King and with those States , in the behalf of the Rebels and Rochellers , who were at that time besieged and in great streights : in relief of whom the King of England sent forth three Fleets , which were all repuls'd : the Duke of Savoy did also foment the Duke of Roan , head of those that were risen up against the King : he received and entertained Count Soissons in Turin , who was gone from the Court ; and offer'd the Duke of Orleans safe reception , and the command of his State , when for fear of the King he should retire thither : by which accidents , seeing himself in open breach with the Court of France , and fearing that lying in the midst between the two Crowns he might be equally hated by them both , he began to endeavour to joyn again with the King of Spain ; to the end , that if he should be assaulted by the one King , he might be sustain'd by the other : this business being brought into the Court of Spain , and there discussed , met with many difficulties , as ( for the most part ) new and great affairs do ; for though at the first view , it was well and willingly listned unto , as an excellent means for the good of the affairs of Italy , whereby to remove the inconveniences which had hapned by the Dukes alienation , yet it missed not some contradictions : some inclining to embrace the examples of Charles the Fifth , and of Philip the Second , who by rewards and alliance had always studied to keep that Prince their friend ; others were troubled at the Dukes genius , who was various , unquiet , naturally a friend to novelties , hard to be govern'd before he were broke , harder afterwards ; when all respects being thrown aside , and the reins given to resentment , he had already troubled the affairs of the Crown so many several ways : so as they thought his reconciliation would be unsafe and costly , and which could hardly be integral , after so many injuries done and received ; it being impossible to reduce him to his former obsequie and observance , wherefore he was likely rather to trouble and perplex the Kings affairs , then to secure them . The Duca's authority prevailed : he being desirous to signalize his inwardness with the King , before that of his predecessour the Duke of Lerma ; who suffer'd in his fame for having been too severe in depriving the Crown of this Prince his adherence , by whose alienation such prejudice , and so many troubles had resulted : so as thinking his reconciliation would prove as advantagious , he was of opinion that if it should succeed in his time , and by his means , it would adde as much to his reputation , as his alienation had detracted from that of his Predecessour : the execution thereof was therefore out of good respects put off till the conclusion of peace between the Commonwealth and the Duke , The mean while they went forward with the peace of Monsone , by vertue whereof the Forts of the Valtoline were restored to the same condition they were in before they were taken from Torquato Conti , in the Popes name , after many delays interposed by the Marquess di Coure , who would have had the Forts demolished before restitution , which the Pope did constantly deny : but did forthwith demolish them , together with all the Fortifications of la Riva and Chiavenna : so as the peace was ratified on that behalf fully , with satisfaction to all men : but the peace between the Genoeses and Savoy met with greater and more inextricable difficulties ; the Duke would have his Towns that were taken , his Artillery , together with the Galley and Prisoners , restored , before the Truce , and that they should proceed to decide differences ; to which purpose he nominated Claudio Marini , for his Arbitrator ; and the President of Grenoble came from France to Piedmont , by direction from the King , to be assistant , together with one who should be named by the King of Spain , in the Arbitrement which was to be made by Marini , and by an Arbitrator to be named by the Commonwealth . The Commonwealth , on the contrary , would have the Arbitrators first chosen , who should determine the differences before any restitution should be made : nor did they allow of Marini to be an Arbitrator , as being formerly accused by them , for that he had been in the Confederates Army in the present war , and that he had , as Embassadour from the King of France to the Duke , intervened in the Consultations and Wars against the Common-wealth : but the Duke being resolved not to consent to the Truce whilst the Genoeses should hold his Towns , and the business being thereby intangled , the Marquess of Castagneda found out this accommodation ; that without passing any express formal word , each party should keep armed in their stations , but with Orders to their Captains , that they should stand only upon their Gurd , and that in case any contention should fall out between the Country people and the Inhabitants , none of them should interpose themselves in the behalf of their friends ; and having agreed with the Commonwealth that this should be observed by them , he by Letters acquainted the French Embassadour who was at Turin , with what he had done ; who writ back , that the Duke had made the same agreement , and had sent such Orders and Commissions to his Captains and Officers . Thus the business seemed to be conveniently adjusted , rather by reciprocal intelligence , then by any express Truce , or any formal word given or received for suspension of Arms. In this interim , the term of four moneths , prefix'd to the Arbitratours by the Capitulation of Monsone , being expired , the Treaty of Peace was turn'd over to the Court at Madrid ; where the Conde Duca was for the Genoeses , and the Marquess of Rambollietto , being gone to that Court upon an occasion of the birth of one of the Kings Daughters , was detain'd there too , by order from the King , for this Affair . The difficulties were many ; the Commonwealth refused to restore the Artillery and the Galley which were demanded by the Duke , as things which being taken in open fair War are never restored in peace : but the French pressing this point much , who were desirous to appease the Duke , he being offended and angry at the peace made at Monsone ; and the Spaniards desirous to gratifie him the most they could , in what was more of shew then substance , that they might thereby draw him over to them , conformable to the endeavours which were had of reconciliation ; they desired the Commonwealth to give way to this , at the request and for the satisfaction of the two Crowns , whose aim was to settle a good and a secure peace . The Commonwealth considering that restitution doth increase and not lessen the glory of what is gotten , prefer'd the increase of reputation before the advantage of retention : whereunto they were perswaded by their no want of Artillery nor Gallies ; and chiefly , because the Duke had shewed the like respect to them in the Artillery which were taken in Riviera : greater difficulties remained about the principal point of Zuccharello , the Duke requiring that it should be restored to him , as a thing bought by him before , or else that he might be recompensed with as much Land elsewhere ; and the Commonwealth refusing both these , the difficulty was reduced to be decided by moneys ; wherein the Mediators at last agreeing , they disagreed in the sum : The Duke did not only demand what he had disbursed , but the interest , which amounted to too immoderate a sum ; wherefore , and because the French demanded reparation should be made to Claudio Marini , for the prejudice he had suffer'd in having his house pul'd own ; whereunto the Commonwealth not consenting , the French Embassadour departed speedily for France , and left the business undecided : but whilst the business concerning peace was thus negotiated in Spain , affairs did not pass with that quietness and safety in the River of Genoa , as was hoped for by Castagneda's Negotiation . Mark Antonie Brancacchio , Camp-master and Governour for the Commonwealth in Ormea , went by leave from his Uncle the General with 600 paid Foot , and as many of the Militia , to surprise and sack Briga , a great Town not far off , belonging to the Duke of Ormea ; being come to a Bridge neer the Town , which , contrary to his opinion , he found well munited , he met with stout resistance ; which spun out the business to such a length , as though the Genoese had possess'd themselves of the Bridge and of some neighbouring Houses , yet some Souldiers coming from Tenda to defend it , they worsted the Assailants , and slew a hundred of them , so as the rest were forced to sit down by their loss , and to retreat to Ormea , from whence they were come : the Duke pretending that this was done in time of Truce , exclaimed much against it ; without whose knowledge this dissaster had hapned ; and being desirous to know how it came to pass , found that Mark Antonio by License from his Uncle , General Brancaccio , before he had received Orders from the Senate to abstain from doing any offence , had done this , the General having forgotten to recall his License : a frivolous excuse , and which would not have kept the Fact unpunished , had not the Dukes Captains violated the suspension of keeping from doing any injury made by Castagneda , a little before ; for one of the Dukes Gallies going from Villa Franca had given chase to a Barque of Genoa , and had taken it neer Albenga , and brought it to Villa Franca , the Masters of the Merchandize , nor of the Barque , never having received any satisfaction : but the Duke impatient of affront , watched for revenge ; and having had private intelligence with the Captains of the Garrison in Zuccharello , he sent 600 Horse , with Musketeers encroupe , to Garessi , a Town neer Zuccharello , with intention that being let in by the Conspirators in the evening , privately , by the Conspirators , and killing as many of the Garrison as should resist them , they should make themselves masters of the Town , which being done , they should go that very night , being guided by one that was of the Plot , to Albenga about six miles off ; where General Brancaccio , relying upon the Garrisons of Pieve and Zuccharello , did carelesly reside ; and as if he were to acquaint him with somewhat of great importance , whilst he could not have advertisment of what had hapned at Zuccharello , he should beat down the Gate of the City , and let in his companions , who should not be far off , take the General prisoner , make himself master of the City , and make way for the taking of Pieve , and of all the Towns till you come to Porto Mauritio ; which Towns were not likely to make any long resistance , when Albenga should be taken . The design had prospered , had not the Conspiracy which was very neer being effected , come to light : but it being suppress'd , and the Author and Complices thereof imprisoned , they according to Military custom , were made to pass the Pikes ; and the Garrisons being changed , and the places of greatest importance re-inforced , the Dukes men were forc'd to give over the enterprise , and to retreat . The peace of the Commonwealth was likewise disturb'd by the Duke of Guise his sudden coming from Marcelles with seven Galleoons , amongst which was l' Almirante , a Vessel of great burthen , and very well munited with Artillery : the end thereof was never known , for Guise meeting with a tempest whilst he was under sail neer Corsica , he was driven by the violence of the wind to within sight of Genoa . The Commonwealth sent speedy Orders and Advertisment to Corsica , where it was thought the blow was aimed ; and presently Rigging out 12 Gallies , part her own , part the King of Spains , and furnishing them with excellent Souldiers and with all warlike preparations , they put to Sea two days afterwards , conducted by Don Carlo d' Oria , who upon this occasion was chosen General of the Fleet : but it being presently known that Guise , being forced by tempest , was got to Ligorne , where he staid to make some repairs for what he had suffered by the violence of the Seas , Don Carlo made thitherward , and came to Anchor at Marzocco , a safe Habour within two miles of Ligorne ; after two days , Guise put to Sea again , and made strait for Marcelles , being still pursued by Doria within Cannon-shot , till going out of the Ligustick Sea he came into that of Provence , and so retreated to Marcelles . Many men thought that he had only made this shew of coming out , wherein nothing of hostility past , except the making some shot to no purpose afar off at the Gallies which pursued him , to satisfie the Duke of Savoy for the moneys he had received from him . The year 1626 pass'd over with these petty accidents ; about the end whereof Ferdinando Duke of Mantua died , who having no Sons , was succeeded by his Brother Vincenzo , the third Son to Vincenzo , the only issue that was left of the Line of his Grand-father William , and of his Brothers . The year 1627 insued , a year which proved very calamitous to many private Gentlemen of Genoa , in their fortunes ; for those that did Traffick with the Court of Spain , having about ten millions of moneys owing them , which they were appointed to have received out of the moneys which were to come in the Plate-Fleets ; the King alter'd their payment , giving them satisfaction in lieu thereof in juri : with irreparable prejudice and loss of the Contract ; for these particular Genoese , owing great sums of money to other men , since they were not paid in ready money by the King , could not satisfie others , but with the same juri , or with much delay of time , when selling those juri they might pay them in ready money . The Conde Duca was the chief cause of this great grievance to the Genoese ; whereby the Crown of Spain reaped so much discredit , as the Kings Revenues nor the Plate-Fleets Treasure , being able to supply ordinary provisions , the King could not find any afterwards who would supply him upon any the most urgent occasions ; and whereas formerly all the Gold of Europe was ready at his service by reason of his Credit and Correspondency with the Genoese , the Contract failing , and the King and Genoese failing both of them in their Credit , all Nations called in their moneys , and would no longer trust them who negotiated with the Crown of Spain : so as the King instead of the wealth and affluence of Gold which he hoped for by his Decrees , found extream penury and incredible scarcity of ready moneys . The Court Affairs were yet more intricated , for that the Conde Duca through his hatred and abhorrescence of the Genoeses , resolving not to make any more Contracts with them applied himself to the Portugueses , and drew them to Contract and exalting them with extraordinary favours , profess'd that for the future he would make use of them instead of the Genoese : to the end that they being for the most part such as are descended from those , who turning from Judaism to the Catholick Faith are treated as servants or slaves in that Kingdom , he might the better manage them , and winde them at his pleasure , and make use of their means and substance with less respect , and force them to Contract upon any conditions : but failing in this his new counsel and course ( for the Portugeses were not sufficient to undergo so weighty a business , neither by their own Wealth nor Credit , nor by their correspondency with other Nations ) he was aware , though too late , that by one sole Decree he had irreparably prejudiced the Kings affairs , and had destroyed that well-adjusted frame , which as the chief ground-work of the enterprises and strength of that Crown , whose Grandezza was envied by her Corrivals , the Leagues , nor Forces of so many Confederate Princes could not beat down , the late preceding years : nor was it long ere he reaped the fruit of so unfortunate a resolve ; for no means being found to send moneys into Flanders , the Kings business was greatly indangered ; the Army not being able there to go that year into the Field ; so as he did not only not make any progress in his affairs that year , but the Hollanders took Groll , with but indifferent Forces , a strong Town , and of great consequence , in the County of Zutphen ; and the next year , not fearing the Enemies Army , they turned all their Land-preparations , to the like at Sea ; for raising 80 Men of War , they sent them towards America ; and entring the Gulf of Mexico they took the Merchants Ships , which parting from Don Iovan di Sua went to Havanna , to joyn with the Galleoons ; and moreover , took many other rich Vessels in several parts of the Ocean , which past from the Indies and from America to Spain : which losses were the occasion of yet greater mischiefs , not only for what the Spanish and Portuguese Merchants suffered , by the interruption of their Traffick in the Indies , and in America ; but also for that the Hollanders being inriched by so great booty were able to increase their Forces the next year , and made greater acquisitions , of Weesel and Bolduke , places of great concern in Guelderland and in Brabant ; and on the contrary , the Spanish Army entring Holland by the Velen , was forc'd to retreat without doing any thing . The losses and calamities which befell some Gentlemen of Genoa in their private fortunes , was succeeded by another publick calamity ; which though it hapned the insuing year 1628 , had its rise , as the Duke professed , from a petty accident which fell out this year : the Town of Pigna , being taken , as hath been said , by the Genoese , paid obedience to them , though there was no Garrison in it . General Brancaccio thought it fit , after the Peace to quarter some Companies of Dutch Souldiers there , who for their greater satisfaction , and for the safety of the Town , made Trenches round about it ; where having kept quiet for some moneths , it so sell out , as some of them going upon their private occasions to Busso , a little Village under the jurisdiction of Pigna , not above a mile off , which formerly had rendred willing obedience to the Captain of Pigna , they found a Garrison of the Dukes men in it : which being told to the Captain , and by him to General Brancaccio , order was given to drive them from thence : the Dukes men defended themselves ; but not being able to resist , the most of them , together with some of the Town Inhabitants , both men and women , were slain . The Duke who had not forgot what had hapned at Briga , was very much scandalized with this second accident , which seemed to be another attempt against that entercourse which had been wrought by the mediation of Castagneda ; and exclaiming sufficiently against the Spaniards both in the Court of Rome , and to other Princes , he publish'd a Manifesto , wherein he accused the Genoeses as infringers of the Truce , and of the agreed upon suspension of Arms ; for having retaken Pigna , which they had formerly abondoned , he hereunto added the assault at Briga , the spoiling of the Country , the extortions and damages occasioned to his Subjects by the Souldiers of the Commonwealth ; that they had attempted to suborn his vassals , cut down many Chesnut-tree in Ormea , and that , lastly , by what had been done at Busso , they had manifested how little they valued the Spanish Agents , their Faith , their Word , and the suspension of Arms made by the Spanish Agents ; wherefore he demanded satisfaction , if not , he threatned revenge : to this purpose he sent the Abbot of Virgis to Genoa , to treat with the Marquesses of San ' Croce and Castagneda : the Commonwealth appointed process to be made against those who had used such cruelty towards women and children at Buss●… , and none being found guilty but some few Corsicks , who were fled , only one of them that hapned to fall into the hands of Justice , was hang'd : but the Duke continuing his threats , seemed as if he would once more assault the Commonwealth . The Duke of Feria was at this time sent for back into Spain , who till further provision should be taken was succeeded by Don Gonzalle di Cordua , who fearing some novelty to be made by the Duke , and thinking himself by the new League made with the Commonwealths obliged to defend her Territories , he sent Count Luigi Terto to the Western River with his Brigade , against which the Duke did likewise greatly exclaim in the same Manifesto ; pretending that the King ought not to assist those who by the breach of Truce had given him just reason of resentment ; nor could he do it without express breach of the Convention at Monsone , by which it was agreed that if any tumults should arise in Italy between the Colleagues of either of the Crowns , none of their Majesties should assist his Colleague , till the occasion of difference had been discust in the others Court , and there compounded : whilst these things were in debate , Vincenzo the new Duke of Mantua died , which occasioned greater commotions in Italy , and seemed to divert the Duke of Savoy from his new threatned resentments against the Commonwealth , upon these sleight occasions . The End of the Ninth Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . BOOK X. The Contents . THe Duke of Nevers succeeds Vincenzo in the Dukedom of Mantua and Montferrat ; he is opposed by the Emperour , King of Spain , and Duke of Savoy . Don Gonzallo di Cordua , the new Governour of Millain , having divided Montferrat with the Duke of Savoy , goes with his Army to before Casalle ; which whilst he endeavours to take , the Duke takes Alba , Trino , Montcalvo , and many other Towns belonging unto him by the division . A Conspiracy is discovered in Genoa , whereof the Duke of Savoy being found the Author , he pretends the impunity of the Conspirators . The Spanish Agents being desirous to satisfie him , favour this pretention ; which occasioneth some distastes and jealousies between the Commonwealth and the Crown of Spain . Succours fall into Italy from France , in behalf of the Duke of Nevers ; but being opposed by the Duke of Savoy are soon dissipated . The Spaniards take Nizza , Ponsone , and other Towns in Montferrat ; and finding it too hard to assault Ca●…alle , they fall to besiege it ; they are forc'd to forsake it by the Kings coming with great Forces into Pieomont . Which whilst the Duke endeavours to oppose he is beaten by the Kings men , in a conflict neer Susa , wherein the King being victorious , takes Susa ; and forces the Duke and the Governour of Millain to an agreement ; by which Casalle is freed , and the States of Mantua and Montferrat secured to Nevers . The King returns to France . Marquess Spinola is made Governour of Millain , goes from Spain into Italy , to provide either by War or Peace , for the Affairs of Spain which are in a bad condition , by reason of the preceding accidents . BY the death of Duke Vincenzo , who died in Christmas , the year 1627 , the States of Mantua and Montferrat fell to Charles Gonzaga , Duke of Nevers , Son to Lodovick , who was youngest Son to William , Grand-father to the three last deceased Dukes ; there was none of the legitimate male line of the Gonzagli , who were to precede him ; ( for the legitimate male-line of William ceased by the death of Vincenzo ) who the day before his death did therefore command his Subjects of Mantua , to swear allegiance to the Duke of Retell , eldest Son to Charles , who was absent , in the name of his Father Charles . This Retell was sent for to Mantua by Duke Ferdinando , and was kept there during his life , and after his death , in consideration of the future succession : the same Duke , a little before his death , for the beuer security of succession , would have this Duke Retell Marry the Princess Maria , Daughter to Duke Francis , and Niece by the Mother side to the Duke of Savoy ; ( she of whom so much hath been spoken in the beginning of this Book ) and to this purpose a dispensation was already privately procured from the Pope . The Duke of Savoy was not a little troubled at this Marriage ; nor were the Spanish Agents less troubled then he : both parties complained grievously , that this young Lady should be disposed of without the participation of the King or Duke ( who had so much interest by way of Alliance in her ) not so much as waiting for their approbation ; and professing much amazement at it , they had well nigh threatned publick resentment : but the outward shew of this dissatisfaction differ'd from what lay conceal'd in the bosom ; the Duke of Savoy intended this Lady for Wife to the Prince Cardinal of Savoy , so to add by this new title to his antient pretences of Montferrat , the acquisition whereof he thirsted more after in this present conjunction of times , then ever he had done formerly ; and the Spanish Agents ( who abhor'd that Nevers should succeed in those Dominions ) hoped ( as it was thought ) if they could have effected it , to make use of this Princess , whereby to exclude him totally ; nor was it long ere both these parties discover'd their aversion to Nevers his succession ; for though falling into the Valtoline by the Swissers and Grisons , and from thence being come to Mantua thorow the Venetians Territories , he was readily received by all the Mantuans , and obeyed as their Prince ; yet the Spanish Agents refusing to receive him , or to call him Duke of Mantua , and the Duke of Savoy professing to proceed , and do in this business , as the King of Spain should do , and that he would totally depend upon his authority ; the Orders of Germany and Spain , whither these advertisments were speedily sent , were expected : from whence they hoped and undoubtedly held that orders and resolutions would be sent , to cross the succession of the new Duke , because they knew that this had been discus'd and almost resolved there , before the death of Duke Vincent . The Emperours intention was that the succession of these States being to divolve upon a cross line , and that many would pretend to this succession ; the possession thereof should be delivered up to him as to the Supream Lord and Sovereign Judge , that he might afterward dispose thereof to those who should have most clear title thereunto : this , he said , the peace of Italy required , and this was wont to be done by the Imperial Chamber ; that it was thus observed in the succession of Montferrat , when it was ventilated by many Competitors , after the death of Iovan Georgie Falleologe . The Duke of Savoy did not concur alone with the Duke of Nevers , in his antient pretentions to the Dukedom of Montferrat , but also Margaret , the Dowager Dutchess of Lorrein , eldest Sister to the three last Dukes , pretending by her proximity of relation , not to exclude the Duke of Nevers only , but also Princess Mary , her Brothers Daughter , respect being had to Duke Vincenzo , last dead ; whose succession was now the thing disputed , and not the succession of Duke Francis , Father to Mary , who was succeeded by her , Ferdinando , and since by Vincenzo ; and as for the Dukedom of Mantua , whereof women are made incapable , Don Ferrante Genzaga , Nephew to that so famous Captain , Don Ferrante , who was younger Brother to Frederick Duke of Mantua , the new Dukes Grand-father by the Fathers side , did concur : he grounded his title upon the interpretation of certain words of the ancient Investment ; and upon Nevers his incapacity ( as he alledged ) of succeeding in those Dominions , for that both he and his Father had born Arms against the sacred Empire , whereof those States are ancient Fees. Pretentions which were thought to be willingly listned unto by the Emperour and by the Court of Spain , that they might thereby exclude Nevers as they intended to do : nor were those of the house of Gonzaga against Don Ferrante's pretentions , thinking that by Nevers his exclusion , their succession grew neerer ; and therefore some of them were suspected to have had private dealing and treaties with Don Ferrante , presently upon the death of Duke Vineenzo , to put him into possession of that City , and to cry him up Duke ; and when he died there we e some Souldiers ready to do it , who being suppress'd more by dissimulations seasonably , and by provision taken to the contrary , then by punishment or by being publickly taken notice of , their endeavours proved vain : Nevers , on the contrary , pleading the clear and undoubted meaning of the Law , by which the next Heir to the last Lord is to be admitted into possession of the Fee , not only against those who lay in wait for the succession , but against the Sovereign and lawful Lord , ( when laps or the devolution of the Fee should be pretended ) said that the Decree of the Emperour Charles the Fifth , made against the Duke of Savoy , being passed between the Ancestours of either of them ; since which the said Duke , not having gotten any new pretences , he could not prosecute his former claim , as long as it continued in the possession of Nevers his Ancestors , otherwise then in the awarded manner ; and for the Dutchess of Lorrein , that she was excluded either by the male-kindred , though never so remote , as it had been formerly practised ; or by her Niece , who was in a neerer degree to succession : but as for Don Ferrante , who was clearly descended from the second Son of him by whom they all laid claim , what colour of reason had he to pretend to the ancient investment , whilst the line of the eldest Son was not yet void : which Investment prefers the first born , and those that do descend from them , before all others , by express order of Birth-right ; and as for the incapacity that was objected against him , he denied that either he or his Father had ever carried Arms against the Sacred Empire ; and shewing the scars , yet remaining in his Breast , of the wounds which he had received in Hungary , wherein he had fought in behalf of the Cefarian Majesty and of the house of Austria ; he said , that no incapacity could be objected against him , for any peace that had since insued : in the Articles whereof a full and ample pardon was granted to any of the contrary party , who had drawn their swords in that war : but the strong endeavours to the contrary made by the Spanish Agents prevailed more with the Emperour , then these solid and evident Reasons ; who knowing that this Prince was bred up in France , allied to the blood of France , joyn'd in Kindred to the King ; ( who was Feudatory to that Crown , by the great incomes which he possessed in that Kingdom , ) thought it to be too dangerous for them to permit a Lord of two Dukedoms , and a master of several strong holds upon the Confines of Millain , to be placed in the bowels of Italy , lest being upheld and adhered unto by France he might afterwards raise up new parties and factions in Italy , by which their Kings authority might decline from that preeminency , in which he did more easily and more securely maintain himself , without any fear of the French , who had not one foot of Land in Italy : a danger which the present condition of times made to appear very probable , by the desire which , upon many of the Occurrences , was discovered in the French of getting greater power in Italy , then the Spaniards had ; and by their being fomented by many Italian Princes , to the end that they might , for their own interest , see the authority of France prevail over that of Spain , or at least stoutly counterpoise it . The Spanish Agent did therefore servently endeavour that the Emperour ( who to keep the house of Austria in chief authority amongst all Christian Princes , was concern'd in the same ends and designs , ) might readily lend his hand , and joyn with them in excluding the new Duke ; and the Spaniards authority was greater at this time with the Emperour then usual ; for the late merit by powerful aid both of men and money afforded by the Crown of Spain in the troubles of Germany , added to the community of concernment ; without which he could hardly have made his party good against the Rebellions and contrary Factions of Germany ; and the continual need he stood in of the like assistance , for that those flames were not yet quite extinguished : so as it becoming him to second their interest , he to pleasure them had given them order , whilst Duke Vincenzo was yet alive , ( but not likely to live long , ) that if the Duke should die , they should possess themselves of those States ; which when the time came , they forbare to do , not thinking the time yet proper , nor affairs well prepared ; and though the Emperor seemed , when the Duke was dead , to continue in the same mind ; yet he appeared somewhat cooler in the manner of proceeding ; claiming therefore the possession of those States by publick Decree , as due to him , he sent Count Iohn di Nassaw into Italy , with the title of Cesarian Commissary , to take possession of them in a civil manner , if the new Duke should willingly assign them up ; and if he should refuse to do so , then to proceed by Citations and Declarations , and afterwards by Imperial Proclamation , and so by force of Arms : the Spaniards who upon the first Orders had betook themselves to the business , and who were most and neerliest concern'd in the danger , appeared more hot and fervent ; for thinking it would be more easie to drive a new Prince suddenly out of his State , then to tarry till he should be consolidated therein , and might by making Provisions and Fortifications make the enterprise harder , they admitted of no delay ; and the rather for that the King of France ( whose opposition they only apprehended ) being busied with all his Forces before Rochel ; and therefore not able to apply himself much to the affairs of Italy , nor to send succours to the new Duke ; they thought they should lose time , if they should not readily imbrace so opportune an occasion . The Duke of Savoy invited them much thereunto : who professing that he would keep firm to that Crown , promised many things on his part in favour of the new enterprise : but the instigations and relations of Don Gonzallo di Cordua prevailed more with the King and Court of Spain , then any thing else ; who desirous to have the free and absolute Government of the State of Italy , being Governour there now ( as hath been said ) till a new Governour might be provided ; as soon as he heard of Duke Vincenzo's death , began to hold intelligence in Cassalle , to have one of the Gates of Cassalle delivered up unto him ; and having agreed the business , he inform'd the Court by Letters of the intelligence he held in that City , and how easily it might be gotten ; which being done , he said that the acquisition of the rest would with the same facility follow : in fine , not only he , but all the rest of the Spanish Agents laboured to exclude the new Duke . But the Court , which long before Duke Vincents death had foreseen this accident , and perhaps had resolved not to permit the French to get such power in Italy by Nevers his succession ; yet being de●…ained from moving therein , in consideration of the unjustness of the fact , or weary of their unfortunate success in the late Wars of Italy , it abhorred to have to do in so scandalous a novelty ; and therefore did at first put on the more just and favourable resolution , not only of consenting to Nevers his new succession , but to receive him into the protection of the Crown , and to be his friend : and in conformity to so holy and wise a resolution , dispatches were already sent out of the Kings Chancery ; which not being yet come to Italy , the Dukes Letters and the Advertisments of Don Gonzallo , and of the other Spanish Agents , arrived at the Court ; whereby they acquainted the King with what intelligence they held in Cassalle : whereupon the mind of the Court was soon alter'd , and the justice of the Cause being born down by the apparent advantage of the new acquisition , and of the assured safety which would thereby redound to the affairs of Italy ; they resolved to oppose the new Duke , with might and main , and by open war to keep him from the succession of those States ; and the charge of this new enterprise , together with the absolute Government of the State of Millain , ( which was the thing he aspired unto , ) was given to Don Gonzallo , the chief Author and Promotor of so unhappy and unfortunate an advice : in the execution whereof , though the Emperour had not as yet absolutely consented thereunto , Don Gonzallo began to declare war in the Emperours name ; and for his better preparing of Men and Arms , he alledged the Emperours Decree of Advocation for the ground work of the Enterprise ; and said , That whereas the Duke ought to have been put into possession of those States by the Emperour , he had actually , and of his own Authority intruded thereinto , contrary to the said Decree : He also gilded over this new Commotion with endeavours for the publick Peace of Italy , and for the safety of the Affairs of the Crown of Spain . And lastly , but rather by way of complaint , than of any lawfull occasion of new War , he added the Marriage of the Princess Mary , concluded without any respect to the Kings Alliance or Authority . These were the reasons alledged for this present War , which being but little allowed of by the tacit consent of most men , and as they rendred the Spanish Forces but little justifiable , and Cesar's resolutions not correspondent to the fame and universally conceived opinion of his Piety and Religion ; so did they , on the contrary , reconcile , through commiseration , the general favour to the new Dukes Cause ; as if being oppress'd meerly for reason of State , he had been suffocated only by the covetousness and force of a more powerful Adversary : But it being apparently known , that the Emperour proceeded herein , more as forced by the urgent and importunate instigations of the Spanish Agents , than by his own genius and will , as it did in part excuse him from mens sinister opinion , so did it lay all the odium and blame upon the Spaniards ; which appearing naked in the Field , unassisted by the Imperial Name or Authority , which they carried in their foreheads , written in golden Letters , they did appear to men what they intrinsecally were , not bent to favour the rights of any of the pretenders , nor to the maintaining of the Cesarean Authority , but to the new acquisition of Territories , and to the further enlarging the Kings Empire in Italy , by the suppressing of that Prince ; so as the Insurrections of the Valtoline , susteined and fomented by the Spaniards , had fill'd Italy with jealousies and suspicions , and rendred their name odious ; so their present betaking themselves to the manifest usurpation of a Principality , without any the least colourable reason , forc'd the Italian Potentates to privide for their private and for the Common safety , which , if the Spaniards should obtain their ends , they foresaw would be much endangered . The Duke of Savoy's reconciliation to the King of Spain did accelerate the Enterprise against the new Duke ; for the Kings Agents , to make the business easie to themselves , and to lay the way open for the taking of Cassalle , which they did so excessively desire ; and firmly believing the Duke would not stand idle upon such an occasion , nor suppress his ancient presences ; and on the other side , the Duke seeing that he could not better advantage himself in the present conjuncture of times then by help from Spain ; therefore all other respects being laid aside , they thought neither of them could do better than to hasten the conclusion of the Agreement , which had been treated of long before , touching the division of Montferrat ; by which Trino , Alba , San Damiano , and many other Towns of Montferrat , being assigned over to the Duke ( which being more incorporated with Piedmont , was very advantagious for the union of that State ; ) the Spaniards were to put themselves into the possession of the rest , wherein was comprehended Cassalle , Pontestura , Montcalvo , Nice , Acqui , Ponzone , together with the adjacent Towns , which , as being annex'd unto , and confining upon the Marquesate of Finale , and the River of Genoa , made much for the accommodation of the Spaniards . It was agreed upon by colourable pretence , That each of them should prosecute the Enterprise in Cesar 's Name ; That it should not be lawful for the Duke to fortifie any place he should take ; and , That neither of them should be a hinderance in the possessing of what should fall to them by the Division . So the Duke , that he might get part , since he could not get the whole , was content that his Niece , the Princess Mary , should be quite bereft of the whole ; and the Spanish Forces , which till now withstood the Dukes pretences , for their own interest , began now to protect him therein . The French had long before this endeavoured to disturbe this reconciliation ; and to this end it was thought , that in the Negotiation of Peace between the Duke and the Common-wealth , they held the Dukes pretences very high , not so much to gratifie him at the Genoeses cost , and to mitigate the injury done him by the Peace of Monsone , as for that Peace remaining unconcluded by reason of the Dukes high demands , the reconciliation should not be effected ; and not herewithall content , that they might keep him to fide still with them , they , during Duke Vincent's life , held Treaties of Alliance between the Cardinal of Savoy and Princess Mary ; and between her Mother the Dowager Infanta , and the Duke of Nevers , with some settlements touching the pretensions to Montferrat ; and Monfieur Sanchiamond being to this end sent Embassadour Extraordinary from the King to Duke Vincenzo , after Duke Ferdinando's death , by the usual way of condoling and congratulating , he , as he pass'd through Turin , and went afterwards to Mantua , treated thereof with them both in the Kings Name : But Duke Vincent dying not long after , the no sincerity of the Negotiation appeared , by the sudden match which was concluded , not without satisfaction and joy to the French , and to the same Sanchiamond , ( who because he was in Mantua when the Duke dyed , and when this match was made , was thought to be conscious of all things that had past ) wherat the Duke was very angry , and held himself to be much injured , and complain'd grievously thereof to the same Sanchiamond , who was at this time returned from Turin to Mantua , and to Monsieur di Guron , a Gentleman sent by the King of France to keep him from the new Reconciliation , with new offers , not only touching his new pretensions , but of assured and powerful assistance against the Genoeses , for recovery of the Towns upon the River , which were allotted to him by the Articles of Susa ; for the King of France , being sufficiently imploy'd and intent about the business of Rochel , did not omit any indeavours whereby the Affairs of Montferrat might be friendly compounded between the two Dukes : This was the Auge or Vertical point of this Princes Greatness ; he being at one and the same time sued unto in his own Court , and Idolized , as a God on Earth , by the Agents of two great Kings , and tempted by most advantagious conditions to joyn with them , as if all their actions did depend upon him , and as if the whole Foundation of the safety of the present Affair did in him consist . And as it often falls out in humane affairs , that when things are come to the highest point they begin to decline , so fared it with this Duke ; for not being able to mount higher , and not being able through the volubility of Affairs to continue long in that pitch , he was forced afterwards to stoop from that exaltation , and was brought to lose a great part of his State , and almost to his utter ruine : Being amidst so many Proposals , and finding himself , together with the former offences , injured by the French , by the duplicity of this Matrimonial Treaty ; and being conscious to himself of the fresh injuries done to the King and Crown of France , he gave no beliefe to his Agents great offers ; and thinking that he might build more safely upon the favour of the Spaniards , by reason of the community of Interests , and by the advantagious bargain which he should get from them , in the dividing of Montferrat , he rather chose to joyn with Spain than with France ; and afterwards acquainting the French Agents with this his resolution , he tacitely pleaded the Peace of Monsone ( made by their King ) for his defence , without acquainting his Confederates with it , nor making any the least account of their concernments , and in a gibing manner added , That he had learnt of their King to joyn readily with the Crown of Spain , which being now so faithfully united to that of France , as might be seen by the helps which France received from Spain in the business of Rochel , it shew'd that it was not to be doubted , but that he being also joyned to the Crown of Spain , would never be able to disunite it from that of France , nor be any prejudice to it . The French Agents being therefore dismist with small satisfaction , as also the French Souldiers who were under his pay ; but keeping Marini , the French Resident in Turin , till such time as his own Resident should return from Paris , his Reconciliation with Spain was perfectly established , but unhappily , as it proved by the great prejudice which ( contrary to their supposals ) befel both him and the King of Spain . By the conclusion and exclusion of these practises the new Dukes affairs were brought to a very bad condition , both in hopes and opinion ; for the King of France , who was his chief Protector , not being able to sustein him , either by authority or force , he had little help to expect elsewhere , against the Emperour , King of Spain , and Duke of Savoy , who joyn'd all together to drive him out of his State , the latter two by force of Arms , and the first by Judicial Authority and Edicts ; so as none of his other Friends , who wish'd him well , could assist him , without indangering themselves , since he wanted the strong support of France : And the Princes of Italy , though they were much troubled at this Prince's prosecution , for the example and consequence thereof , yet were they forced to proceed very circumspectly in declaring themselves , and much more in assisting him : nay , it was to be feared , that , if required , they would have declared against him . The Emperours Authority was at this time very great and formidable , having gotten the upper hand of the Prince Palatine , and of his abettors ; all the Princes and Hans Towns of Germany rendred him exact obedience , not so much for fear of his powerful Army of above 100000 fighting men , which being distributed into several parts of Germany , were ready at hand , as for that by his happy Successes , and continued course of Victory , he seemed to be miraculously favoured by the Heavens : And truly he was in his actions the most formidable of all his Predecessors ; and undoubtedly had he turned his Forces upon Italy , he would have found ready obedience ; so as the Pope and Venetians , in whom all Nevers his hopes did rest , were forced to proceed with great caution in these present affairs , which did not directly appertain unto them . The Venetians , that they might keep from provoking him , by adding new injuries to the ancient enmities contracted with this very Emperour , when upon the Croates account they assaulted Gradisca , and endeavoured to deprive him of his Patrimonial Estate in Friuli ; and the Pope , for that Peace between him and the Emperour , making much for the good of Christendome , it became not him to break it upon the score of the new Dukes succession . Cesar's Authority was likewise augmented by the Peace made by him at this time with the Turk and Transilvanians , and by the advantagious offers which were made unto him by his Rebels , and by the Head of them , the King of Denmark , who being several times routed by him in Battel , and berest of a great part of his Kingdom , desired Peace : wherefore it was to be doubted , that these Commotions being appeased , which were those which did only disturbe the Affairs of Germany , the Emperour , to maintain his Authority and Command in Italy , should have made good his threats of passing into Italy with powerful Forces , when the Process should be ended which was then begun against Nevers ; and that War should be publish'd against him , in case he obeyed not the Imperial Edicts or Banne . Reason was added to these respects , which ought to detain the new Dukes friends from declaring themselves to favour him : For the Emperour being Supream Lord of these States , and of the new Duke , none could or ought legitimately to interpose between him and his Vassal , nor reprove or correct any Judgment that should pass , there being none to whom recourse was to be had in point of grievance : And yet Nevers thinking , that to quit his possession willingly was the worst of evils , resolved to keep it till the last ; he therefore betook himself to munite Mantua and Cassalle the best he could , both of them being very strong places , the last by Art , the other by Nature , and stood prepared to receive so great a storm ; he notwithstanding offered ( since the King of France could not assist him ) several Proposals of accommodation to the Duke of Savoy , and to the King of Spain , desiring the King that he would receive him into the accustomed protection of his Crown , as he had done his Predecessors , and professing to be willing to depend in all things upon his Authority : Moreover , to the end that he might not appear contumacious to Cesar's Decree , and to the end that the Citadel of Cassalle might not keep the Spaniards in perpetual jealousie , he of himself offered to receive Dutch Garrisons , which should depend upon his Cesarean M●…jesty , and to set up the Imperial Ensigns , into all the Towns of his Dominions , except the City of Mantua , which was not ( as he said ) a Magazine of Arms , and Cassalle , where in lieu of receiving in a Garrison , he offered to beat down the Walls and Bulwarks , which divide the Citadel from the City , to the end that being both joyn'd in one Body , they might be the more easily taken ; which Proposals not being accepted , they did not at all retard the going on of the Enterprise , nor were they sufficient to keep off the Process and Citations of the Imperial Bands or Edict , which were intimated unto him , and threatned by the Cesarian Commissary , who was at this time come into Italy . The Marquess of Canossa was Governour of Montferrat , and the Marquess di Rivara was Governour of the Citadel ; the latter a Montferrian , the other a Veronese ; but the Chancellor Guiscardi's authority was Superintendent in the conduct of publick Affairs ; one who was very well vers'd in the Affairs of the world , quick witted , very vigilant and careful of the new Prince his interest , and partial to France . These providing all things necessary for the defence of these and all other places of Montferrat , did attentively observe the proceedings of the Governour of Montferrat , and of the Duke , who growing daily more fervent in the business , prepared for offending : Nevers did the like in Mantua ; and the Governour , nor other Spanish Agents , not having been any ways diligent , after Vincenzo's death , in keeping either Subjects or Forreigners from entring to desend that City , many Souldiers came by threeves into Mantua , through the Valtoline , through the Venetians Towns , and those of the Genoese ; and many French who were cashiered after the Duke of Savoy's reconciliation and declaration , were got into Cassalle : so as before the war began , the new Duke had got about 6000 Foot , and 1000 Horse into Mantua , part of the same Nation , part Forreigners , and of those , most French ; and in Cassalle there were about 4000 Foot , and 400 Horse , all of them Montferrians , unless it were 500 French , who being cashie●…ed by the Duke of Savoy had listed themselves under Monsieur di Guron . There came thither also , after the Enemy was incamp'd before it , the Marquess of Beveron in disguise , who was come from France to serve in that war , that he might be re-admitted from banishment , which he had a little before incur'd for fighting a Duel . A gallant Gentleman , and well vers'd in arms : these two Towns being strong and abundantly furnish'd with Garrisons , it was probable that both the Sieges might prove long and difficult ; and that therefore the oppugners , who were but few in number , might not come off with honour from that Enterprise , as being either weary or wasted by time , by warlike actions , by sufferings and hardships , or forced by French succour , or by some other strange , unthought-of accident . Besides Cassalle , two other Forts were to be expugned , Nizza and Montcalvo , and two Towns , Ponzone and Pontestura . The taking whereof , they being reasonably well munited , would require length of time , and more men : on the contrary many things made against the Duke of Savoy and against the Governour , whose eyes were chiefly fix'd upon Cassale ; scarcity of men , the●…e not being then in the State of Millain above 2000 Horse and 12000 Foot ; 2000 whereof were to be kept in Como , for the necessary , defence of the passes towards the Swissers and Grisons : 4000 others , and 800 Horse , were of necessity to be kept in the Quarters of Cremona upon the Mantuan Confines , against the new Duke ; whose numbers being increased threatned many things : so there were no more then 6000 Foot , and 1500 Horse to march into the Fields . True it is , that a Truce for six moneths being agreed upon be ween the Commonwealth of Genoa , and the Duke of Savoy , he obtained 5000 Foot from the Commonwealth , wherewith having sufficiently garrison'd the Towns della Riviera , he seemed to have no want of men during the Truce : some men , but not many , were likewise expected from Naples , Sicily and Sardigna : to the want of men were likewise added the want of Victuals , by reason of the great barrenness of that years Harvest ; and the want of ready moneys , by reason of the suspension of payment made the King , as hath been said ; and these were necessarily accompanied with the want of credit amongst the trading Genoeses , and of the Court it self : so as the chief sinews of war being wanting , it was impossible to raise more men , or to make much provision for the Enterprise , It being impossible to sit down upon so many disadvantages , and upon so ill grounds , before Casalle , a place strong of it self , but much stronger by the Cit●…del , very capacious , and of a large situation , flank'd by six Bulwarks , begirt by large and deep Ditches , and which being wholly planted and fortified by all the rules of modern Fortification , was deservedly thought , and commonly held to be a royal Fort , and the strongest that was in all Italy , except Palma in Friuli ; it would have been more wisely done to have defer'd the Siege till a more fitting time ; and though the desire and haste of this new acquisition did exceed all other considerations , it had been more to the purpose to have taken first some of the Towns about it ; and putting 500 Foot , and 200 Horse into each of them , and to have cleared the ways with them , to the end that neither Victuals , Men nor Munition might have been brought thereinto ; and whilst they should have thus besieged it at a distance , to have gone with the rest of their men to before Nizza , and from thence to Montcalvo and Ponzone ; and having reduced the weaker Towns , to have gone then with all their Forces to besiege Casalle ; and streightening the Siege , to bring it to a necessity of either surrendring it self , or of being stormed . But this being a business of length , and the Governour being desirous , according to his promise made to the Court of Spain , to end the business in a short time , he prefer'd the taking of the place before any other resolve , being thereto invited not so much by the small quantity of Munition , which ( as they say , ) he was made believe was in it , and by the intelligence which he had therein ; as building his belief upon the small experience and resolution which he thought to be in the defendants , who were ( for the most part ) Montferrians , common people , who being affrighted and terrified by the loss of their Houses and Fields , when they should see them ruined by the Enemy , would not in likelihood persist long in defending Casalle . But their Calculations proved false , and their designs vain ; for the Munition and Provision did far exceed opinion ; and the Montferrians proved not only more valiant , but more faithful and constant , then Subjects use to be to a Prince who was hardly known to them : the intelligence wrought no effect , either through the diligence of the Duke of Mantua's Captains and Officers , or out of the diffidence and fear of those that treated therein . The Governour , notwithstanding , coming into the Field about the end of March , and passing over the Po at Valenza , came with his Army to Frassinero , the first Town of Montferrat , two miles distant from Casalle ; where making a Magazine for Arms , for Victuals and Ammunition , he muster'd his men ; wherein he found not above 8000 Foot , and 1500 Horse ; wherein were comprehended 2000 Neapolitans , who were first of all come from the State of Genoa , under Antonio dal Tuffo . The City of Casalle stands upon the Banks of Po , in a Plain on the left side of the River : the form thereof is irregular , but rather round then of any other shape : it is begirt with Walls , unless it be on the North side , where the Poe coming almost up to the Wall serves for a Ditch : on the South side , where the Plain extends it self , is the Citadel , within half a mile whereof the Hills draw neer , and ancient Castle defends it . It was thought very fit by many to make themselves masters of the Hills , not only because they command the City , but for that the defendants would thereby be streightned in Victuals ; for being to expect succours only from Montferrat , which lies behind the Hills , the seizing of them deprived the defendants of all hope of succour : but we●…e it either that the Governour , who was almost equal to the defendants in Foot , was loth to part from the Plain , where he was superior in Horse ; or that he thought if he should incamp upon the Hills he should be too far from the River , from whence he was to receive Victuals and other Provisions , not without danger of having them intercepted by the City which would be between the River and him ; or that he thought his very accosting the City would be enough to take it , he kept upon the Plain ; and going from Frassinero went in Rank and File towards Casalle ; whither when he was come so neer as that the Cannon could not reach him , he halted , and quarter'd himself before that part of the new wall which is called Alla nuova , which thrusting out from the Citadel towards the Poe , joyns with the ancient wall of the City . At the sitting down of the Camp , those within , according to the custom of Souldiers , sallied out very strong both in Foot and Horse ; and shewing great courage , made a stout Skirmish that day , which lasted till night ; and though they were manfully withstood and repuls'd , they failed not to make another sally the next day , out of a double design : the one to hinder the Enemy as much as was possible from fortifying himself , and from making his approaches , or at least to retarde them : the other , that they might gain more time to fortifie themselves the better on the side whereon they were assaulted : nor did their endeavours prove vain , for being defended by Artillery from the Citadel , which plaid upon that side , they came to underneath the Rampiers , where they fought valiantly ; and being afterwards pursued , they retreated safe to underneath the shelter of their Cannon . Continuing to do thus many days , they afforded their men conveniency to fortifie their new wing , against which the Enemy bent their whole Forces ; and they had made two Half-moons beyond it , which defended the new Gate , and two great Plat-forms , which did also shelter the Mills which furnish'd them with grist : but the assailants being got so neer as they were able to plant Batteries , they raised four , one of Italians , on the side of the Capuchins Church , the other three of Spaniards , neerer the Poe ; from whence , though they began to play furiously , yet did they advance but a little ; for the shot gave only against the highest houses , and sometimes slew some of them who wrought upon the Trenches ; and having spent some days thus , and finding themselves deceived in their opinion of taking the Town ●…o easily , and of the sm●…ll resistance they should meet with , they began to distrust the sequel , and to know by experience , that all they did was but apparent loss of labour , time and reputation : they knew also that Victuals were daily brought into Cassalle by the way of the Hills , and new men and fresh Provisions , which the Montferrians , who extreamly hated the Spaniards Government , and were desirous to keep under their natural Prince , brought in : so as finding now for certain that it would be too desperate an enterprise for them to attempt that place without being masters of the Hills ; and knowing the necessity thereof , it became them to desist from what they had begun , and fall to another manner of Siege , that would be more convenient , and more profitable ; which they might the more commodiously do , for that all the men that could come from the State of Genoa were already come ; and from Naples 1200 Neapolitans , and as many Spaniards , to boot with 400 Sardinians from Sardinia : so as the Camp being stronger in men , was likewise more able for the enterprise of the Hills then before : but being loth to acknowledge an errour , and a certain ambition peculiar to Commanders , who rather then to amend resolutions already taken , will be subject to any inconveniences that may thereby result ; and the hopes which they had given at Court of the easie , and speedy dispatch of the business , would not suffer the Governour to re-begin it , when by his promise he was obliged to have ended it : so as deceiving both himself and the Court , he continued his former supposals ; and ( with some new additions , ) forced himself to persist therein : wherefore without quitting those Quarters he resolved upon two Enterprises : The one , to deprive the Enemy of the Mills ; the other , to take Rossigliano , a Castle upon the Hills , five miles distant from Cassalle ; not so much for that when they should have taken it , it would avail much for the taking of the Hills , as for that it was a receptacle for the Montferrians who were a Convoy to the Victual which were brought to the City , and which oftentimes did infest the Spanish Horse which were quartered abroad in those Countries . But neither of both these Enterprises did hit ; for Don Frederico Enriques , going with six Companies of Foot , and three of Horse , to surprise that Castle , and having to that purpose carried along with him some Petards , ●…e got not thither before Sun-rising , through the maliciousness of his Guide , who was a Montferrian , and prolong'd his March : so as being discovered , and finding the Draw-bridge up , and the Walls full of defendants , he was forced after a sleight attempt to retreat , with the loss of eight of his men , and having fifteen wounded , ( amongst which he himself was one , being hurt , though but a little , in the head with a stone ; ) and Luigi Trotto , Camp-master , who had the Enterprise of the Mills given him , not being able to advance straight forwards , for the two Forts which defended them , went with 3000 Foot , and 200 Horse commanded by Gambacorti into the Island which the Poe makes , over against them ; and having raised a Battery there , he did nothing of moment , being hindred , partly , by a great B●…nk , which was erected over against the Enemies Battery upon a sandy hill between the Battery and the Mills , partly by the fulness of the River , which twice overflowed a great part of the Island , to the danger of himself , and of some of his men , whereof some were drown'd in the River ; and that he might avoid that danger , he was forced to retire to the other Bank , where he raised another Battery , but did thereby no good , by reason of the far distance , as also for that those of Cassalle removed the Mills a little higher , where they were hidden , and shelter'd from the sight of the new Battery ; so as being forced to forego the enterprise there also , he retreated to his former Quarters . The Duke of Savoy , going at the same time out of Turin with 4000 Foot , and 1200 Horse , had more luckily begun to get what was by the division allotted to his share : he fell first upon the City of Alba , whither being come he easily took it , there being only two Companies of Souldiers in it , too weak a Garrison , and not suiting with the large circuit of the Walls : but in a sleight Skirmish which hapned between his men and the defendants which stood upon the Wall , some of his men were slain , amongst which the Count di San ' Trinita . Alba being taken , together with the Country there about , he went to Trino with 4000 Foot and 1000 Horse ; he begirt it on the side which lies towards Casalle , by which way only succour could be brought : he made a long and crooked Trench about it , and plaid upon the Wall with 20 pieces of Cannon placed upon five Batteries ; and then drew neer the Ditch with Pickaxes , and endeavoured to bereave the defendants of their Rampiers : the defendants were not above 300 paid Foot , 200 of the Train Bands and two Troops of Horses : it was but ill provided of Artillery or Munition ; there being only three small pieces in the Town , and some barrels of Powder : wherefore the Duke having come with his approaches to the Ditch , and taken a little Half-moon , and being afterwards gotten under a greater , which was over against the Gate , he began to undermine it from the one end to the other ; then threatning the defendants to give fire unto it unless they would yield , the Captain of the Garrison , though the breach made by Battery was not great , and that he had other Plat-forms to retreat unto , yet terrifi'd with fear of the mine , and having spent all his Munition , he demanded that he and his Garrison might be suffer'd to come forth with their Arms and Baggage , and that they might be convey'd into Cassalle : which Articles being agreed unto by the Duke in ambiguous terms , the Captain and five of his Officers were permitted to go into Montcalvo , and the Souldiers were set at liberty : but the Governour understanding what Articles the Duke had made , sent some Troops of Horse towards the way which leads from Trino to Casalle , which kept the Souldiers from entring 〈◊〉 : these two places being taken , the Duke was possess'd of all that by the Articles of division fell to his share : for the other Towns being but small presently came in unto him , and swore fealty ; and the Duke , for the better establishment of what he had gotten , began to build a Fort Royal about Trino ; which being in a short time finished , began to be almost as untakeable as Cassalle , with no little prejudice to the State of Millain ; and this Fortification being contrary to the Articles of Division , the Duke to appease the Governour , sent to take Pontestura , and having obtain'd it upon Articles , he caused it presently to be delivered up unto him , as what belong'd to the King by the Articles of Division : being afterwards desirous to take Montcalvo , a Town which did not belong to him by the Articles , he turn'd all his Forces upon it . The Governour and other of the Kings Commanders were not a little troubled at this the Dukes so speedy success , for they being imploy'd about the taking of a Town , which proved every day harder then other to be taken , from whence they could not in honour withdraw , nor make any advantagious advancement in the business of Montferrat ; they envied the Dukes prosperous proceedings ; nor could they without indignation tolerate to be constrain'd to keep there useless and idle , and expect that the Kings Forces should be aided and assisted by the Dukes Forces ; and because to fall again upon the taking of the Hills , as they found at last it was necessary to do , would be a business of length , and was generally detested by them all , since thereby they must confess their errour committed at the beginning of the enterprise ; they bethought themselves of reaping the same advantage , as they should do by making themselves masters of the Hills , by another shorter , and more easie way , and more to their honour . Nizza della Paglia held out still for Mantua , and being , as it were , the head and Bulwark of the lower Montferrat , many things were brought from thence , by way of the Hills , into Casalle ; this Nizza lies upon the road that leads from the Sea ; and now that Trino and Montcalvo were taken , none of the rest of the upper Montferrat , being taken out of the power of Mantua , could afford any help to the besieged : so as when Nizza should be reduced , all the rest of the lower Montferrat would be kept from doing so likewise ; and then Casalle not being to be relieved by of the Hills , nor from elsewhere , what could it think of but of surrendring ? this was also chosen before the making themselves masters of the Hills , by reason of the news of the coming of the French ; who having no place of refuge when they should be come into Italy , but Nizza , it was to be feared that they might fortifie themselves there ; and making it a Magazine for Arms , they might prove a great impediment to the chief Siege : out of these Reasons , this Enterprise was thought to be more honourable , more necessary and convenient , and was therefore prefer'd before that of the Hills : 4000 Foot were therefore immediately sent thither commanded by Count Iohn Serbellone , together with 50 Horse , and ten piece of Cannon : there was nothing in Nizza but the Montferrian Militia , two Sakers , and one Murthering piece , and there was scarcity of warlike Munition : but it is true that Count Egmonte , a French man , was come thither some days before , with some other of the same Nation , most of them experienced men , and men of commands who coming from Mantua , and passing one after another in disguise through the State of Genoa , saw that the Enemy approached Nizza , and made stout resistance , and Skirmishing with them , strove to keep them from taking up their Quarters , from fortifying themselves , and from making Battery ; these did for some days hinder the Enemies proceedings ; but not being able to disturbe them totally , the enemy at last planted batteries on three sides ; and because a good Half-moon was erected against the weakest part of the Wall , they made their approaches that way to take it ; thinking that when they should have done so , they might the more easily take the ●…own ; and whilst they advanced with their Spades , they attempted to take it by an assault by night : but finding the defendants more ready to receive them then they had imagined , and more stout resistance , they were forc'd to retreat with some loss : being retired , they endeavoured to get neerer , and having got to within the Ditches , they digged a mine ; which when they should have perfected , they resolved to give fire unto it , and to fall immediately to assault : the mine being set on fire before hand by the cunning of those that were within , and who made it play , wrought no effect , and yet the assault was given , which was so manfully withstood , as the assailants were forced again to retreat , with more loss then formerly , many of their valiantest Souldiers being therein slain : yet this days action was not altogether in vain , for the assailants having taken station in the Ditch of the Half-moon , they went about to destroy it by fire ; which being discover'd by the defendants , who had spent all their Powder , and saw there was no hope of holding out longer , they came to Articles ; which being agreed upon much to their honour and advantage , they surrendred the Town after having stoutly defended it for above a fortnight : About 500 of the assailants died before it : Count Serbellone was hurt there in the arm and thigh with a Musket shot , and Count Trotti received a sleight wound in the face : all the Towns of the lower Montferrat follow'd this surrender , except Ponzone , which relying upon the strength of its situation held out for Nevers . The Duke of Savoy being gone , as hath been said , at the same time to Montcalvo took the Town with ease ; and having plaid upon the Castle with battery and mines , he after a while took it also ; and being invited by the strength and opportunity of the situation , it lying between Asti and Trino , be kept it for himself , contrary to the Articles of Division , and contrary to the Governours opinion , who thought he would have disposed of it , as he had done of Pontestura ; and placing a Garrison of Piedmonteses in it , he said he would accord the business with the King , and give him equivalent Towns for it . This action of Montcalvo , as also the fortifying of Trino , was rather wink'd at , then well taken , by the Governour , and other Spanish Agents : but the same reasons which induced them to Capitulate with the Duke , to keep him by that means from being averse unto them in the business of Casalle , when he was not possess'd of any Towns in Montferrat , forc'd them to see through their fingers now , when by suffering him to possess himself of so great a part of that State , they had put him into more power and greatness ; and when he by fortifying Alba , Trino and Montcalvo , had made himself more able to defend himself , and to offend others . Moreover , great preparation of Arms and Men being known to be upon the Confines of France , it became them not only not to distaste him , lest joyning with the French he might plot novelties , tending to more prejudice then that of Casalle ; but they were forced to furnish him with much moneys and men , for which he very much press'd , to make him oppose , and resist the French Forces ; to the danger whereof since he was first exposed , he had just reason to fear , that his Dominions would be made the seat of war : the demands were thought just , and necessary to be granted ; for the Duke of Nevers seeing himself in effect destitute of help from France , that Crown being wholly busied before Rochel , he had by mortgaging his Land in France , raised about 12000 Foot , and 1500 Horse ; to which , by Order from the King , Marshall Cricky , Governour of Dolpheny , was to joyn with the ordinary Gens d' Arms of his Government , which might make about 5000 Foot , and 500 Horse : The Marquess of Montenegro also , many of his men being run away for want of p●…y , desired a recruit of Souldiers , to defend that Frontier against the new Duke , whose numbers were now grown to be about 8000 Foot and 500 Horse , wherewith , when he heard that the French were come into Italy , he threatned to joyn in the freeing of Casalle , and in the recovery of wh●…t had been lost . The Governour and Spanish Agents were doubtlesly troubled at these accidents , who being before Casalle ( a place not likely soon to be taken ) with few men , little money , and less credit , knew not what to do to satisfie the Dukes just and necessary demands , and to withstand so great a deluge of dangers which threatned Italy , and chiefly their own Concernments : But they were most of all troubled by their fear of the Duke of Savoy's truth and constancy , and by their jealousie , that having now got a good part of Montferrat , he either out of a desire of preserving it , or of advancing to greater things , or to avoid new Wars in his own Dominions , might bethink himself of somewhat else to the prejudice of the Union which he had contracted but a little before with the King ; especially since it made not much for his own interest that Casalle should fall into the Spaniards ●…ands : They knew what private intelligence he held continually in the Court of France ; they knew how he was threatned on the one side , and what great offers were made him on the other side by that Court against the Genoeses , great inci●…ements to work upon any whatsoever constant heart , and to make the best composed judgments waver , much more the Duke , who was generally held to be a friend to Novelties , mighty desirous of revenge upon the Genoeses , and naturally given to do what made most for the advancement of his own affairs . Claudio Marini the French Embassadour was suspected conscious of some secret mystery , he being still detained in Turin , though under the colour of Hostage , till the Dukes Resident should return from France ; and though the said Duke seemed outwardly very much to study the welfare of the King of Spain's Proceedings , and profess'd great constancy to the new contracted Amity , and behaved himself with great observancy towards t●…at Court and the Agents thereof ; yet this so great and so extraordinary affection of a Prince who but a little before was an Enemy had in it more of seeming then sincerity . These suspitions were encreased by the doubt , that nor the Governour , nor other Spanish Agents had real good intentions for the Duke of Savoy , it not being very likely that when they should be Masters of Casalle they would make him greater by maintaining him in his new acquisitions ; for the Articles of division agreed upon between the Duke and the Governour in the Kings name were never accepted of in the Court of Spain by the King , nor approved of in Germany by the Emperour , who could not without blushing proceed rigourously against the one , and wink at the actions of the other ; and therefore signified to the Duke that he should restore what he had taken , and to the Spaniards , that they should cease from besieging Casalle : So it was to be believed by the speedy and strong fortifying of Trino , Alba , and Montcalvo , that the Duke of Savoy had the same opinion of the Spaniards towards him , as the Spaniards had of him towards the Kings Affairs ; and that therefore this ill composed Union , though it appeared outwardly to be very affectionate and sincere , was nothing in reality but a desire of obtaining by reciprocal deceit their several ends ; the one their intent upon Casalle , the other a good part of Montferrat ; which when they should have compassed , then to hinder under-hand each others ends and interests . Nor was the Duke ( since he was possess'd of what he pretended unto ) displeased at these jealousies of the Spaniards , since his joyning with them in this present conjunction of time made more for them then ever , and made them be the readier to give him all satisfaction : He therefore failed not to feed them with some demonstrations , which though they were but slight , were of no slight consequence ; just as it fell out , when speaking with the Governour he appeared in a Cassock so made , as turn it which way you will , it suited with the person ; an Emblem which tacitly threatning change , alluded to the condition of his own affairs , which being turn'd on all sides did naturally fit all States : but the detention of Montcalvo , and the fortifying the Towns he had got , contrary to agreement , contrary to the president of Pontestura ; his great pretentions , his daily immoderate demands , and the great storm which seemed to threaten him from France , made him be daily more and more suspected : insomuch as in the Camp and throughout the State of Millain , he was ill spoken off , as if he were already fallen from the King of Spain , and re-united to the King of France : which favour he was to obtain by the detention of what he had taken , and by the River of Genoa , and a good part of the State of Millain : that therefore it was too dangerous to continue friends with him , and to assist him against the French , with whom he was already closed ; as if to furnish him with moneys were to impoverish themselves , and to afford him the better conveniency to arm himself to their prejudice ; and that to grant him men were no better then to submit the cream , and the best of those few who were left to defend the State of Millain , not only to the danger of the Enemy , but to the Dukes uncertain faith : to dismember the Kings Forces , and to expose the State of Millain to the manifest danger of Forreigners with whom the Duke was Confederate : and yet so great was the necessity of keeping him to side with them , as contrary to so many and so manifest appearances , and contrary to so great probability of suspicion , the Spanish Agents were so firm , and constant in their dissimulation , as appearing to confide very much in him , they did not only in this their so great need deprive themselves of 5000 of their best Foot , and send them to Piedmont to oppose the French , who were already gotten neer the Alps ; but by publick Proclamations , and upon pain of severe punishment , prohibited the speaking ill of the Duke , and consenting to any demand he made , though never so great , though contrary to their chief ends and interests : which was yet more clearly seen in the great ruptures which hapned at this time in the City of Genoa ; some of the Popularity whereof conspired against the publick Government moved thereunto , partly by private injuries received from some of the young Nobility , partly for that they appeared to be excluded from the administration of the Commonwealth ; and to this purpose having held intelligence with the Duke of Savoy , he promised to assist them with men to execute their designs : moneys under several pretences were disperss'd abroad amongst some of the meaner sort of people , who being naturally seditious , they thought might be easily brought to joyn in the Conspiracy ; and moneys were also sent to many of the neighbouring Villages , making some of them acquainted with the secret ; and telling other some how that they meant to make use of their service , in a private resentment which they intended to make ; and they had likewise got over unto them some Out-laws , people of a lewd life , and those who for their service in war had got pardon for enormious faults ; and hoping , to boot with these to get the universality of the people to side with them , when the business should be begun , they resolved to kill the Senate and greatest part of the Nobility , and to make a new form of Government : but the Plot being discovered , some of the Delinquents were taken ; against which whilst process was making , the Duke of Savoy , discovering himself to be the Author of the Conspiracy , pleaded their impunity , pretending that the conspiracy being contrived with his knowledge and intelligence , in resentment of what had hapned at Busso ; that the Truce insuing afterwards , the execution was suspended by his command ; and that he had therefore promis'd the Conspirators , that they should enjoy the benefit of the Truce , as being therein comprehended , in case the conspiracy should in the interim be discovered : he press'd the Governour and the Marquess di San ' Croce very much in their behalfs , and engaged himself so far in the impunity of the Conspirators , as causing the Genoese gentlemen to be closely imprisoned , who were formerly his prisoners , and whom he had set at Liberty after the Truce , but upon their Paroll of not going away ; he resolutely promis'd they should all be put to death , in case they should proceed in Genoa to punish the Conspirators ; and on the contrary , if their fault were pardoned , he offer'd peace to the Commonwealth , upon very advantagious conditions for her . The Governour and the other Agents knew they were in a great streight ; for the Duke building very much upon the Truce made by their appointment , pretended these as mediators , were to force the Commonwealth to observe it , and not to break it by punishing the Conspirators ; and those Agents , whether they approved of this pretention or not , were unwilling to alienate and distaste the Duke , by denying his request , or by consenting , to cause new troubles between the Duke and the Commonwealth , by which the King would be constrain'd to declare in favour of the one or the other of them , with great danger to the present Occurrences : yet in this so detestable example , the new reconciliation and fear of alienating the Duke prevail'd over the merit of the ancient , and uninterrupted friendship of the Commonwealth ; and the Dukes satisfaction was prefer'd before any respect of publick honour , or of the Kings dignity ; wherefore the Governour and other Agents were very servent in the point of freeing the Conspirators , and used all their endeavours in obtaining their pardon ; insomuch as they presented Letters written by the King to the Commonwealth for the Conspirators impunity ; which by the circumstance of time appeared to be framed upon Blanks . which upon like occasions are trusted with chief Agents ; and the Governour sent Don Alvaro di Lusara to Genoa , to treat herein with the Commonwealth ; propounding unto her Senators , how easily they might obtain a safe and good peace from the Duke by pardoning the offenders ; and on the contrary , how much their punishment would irritate him , and would occasion new wars and troubles , worse then the former . The Dukes pretentions appeared to be false ; for the Conspirators forbore not to prosecute the business , after the Truce , which had it not been prevented , would have been effected within a few days ; and though it did clearly appear that they treated with the Duke in Turin , yet did they never alledg the Truce for their defence , nor any order from the Duke to supersede , nor any promise of pardon from him if they would desist : so as it appeared clearly that all were but false pretences , which he strove to maintain by his own authority , by the favour of the Spanish Agents , and by threats : the Commonwealth being scandalized at so exorbitant pretences , and at the Spanish Agents so strange pressures ; the Council , which by reason of the paucity of the number is called ●…l minore , but wherein the chief affairs off State are discus'd , being called , and Lusada's Proposals being therein taken into debate , one rose up , and spoke thus : If I could perswade my self that , for our greater misfortune , we had any Julius Caesar amongst us , who should dare to open his mouth for the impunity of these new Catalines , I am confident that all we , like so many Catos or Ciceros , would rise up against so perfidious and pernicious an adviser ; and that we should resent the first mentioning of so abominable a plea , with more then sharp invectives : but since ( God be praised ) I see you all so set upon the just punishment of so execrable a Paricide , I will pass by all becoming declamations upon this occasion , as superfluous , and will confine my discourse to the Question , which falls properly under our present consideration : to wit , to what answer me are to give 〈◊〉 those demands which are made us in favour of these wicked ones , and to the instigation of their fantorer and so great promoter of the conspiracy , the Duke of Savoy , in the name and by the authority of the King of Spains Officers : demands more detestable then the Conspiracy it self , as being so strange , so unusual , and so without example : what would it be to pardon these guilty persons , but to sow the fruitful seed of continual Conspiracy amongst those people who do perpetually disturbe our State and Government ; but to grant them a powerful Chi●…ftain for future sedition ? but to authorize and make our enemy Duke , the Protector of our people , which is the thing he so much now affects ? so as afterwards all rules of respect would be broken , tho gate would be thrown open to insolency , the fear of punishment taken away , the Majesty of this Government suppress'd , the Authority of this Order trode under foot , and the peoples obedience lost ; and will any endure to hear of peace upon these conditions ? will there be any one found so little zealous of the publick good ; so wicked an enemy to the Commonwealth , as will not rather chuse to run any misfortune , how great soever , suffer any death , then consent to peace upon so ruinous conditions ? the bare dignity and reputation of the Commonwealth is not now the thing in question , though we were to lose a thousand lives for it , if we had so many , but of the summa totalis of the publick safety , but of the very soul of liberty , but of the vital spirits of the present Government ; which after having received such a wound , what would it become but a Carcase full of horrour , breathing nothing out but ruine , sedition and death : it is good sometimes to pard●…n Conspiracies , but it must be by Princes who are newly got into Principality , we read of Augustus Caesar , that having found revenge and punishment to be rather a spur , then curb to new Conspiracies , he approved of his Wives counsel , which was , to pardon ; and he found it to be a wholsome antidote , and a more proportiable preservative for the malignant and dangerous disease of those times ; for the good name he got of being merciful and gracious did radicate the hatred which the people , being grown perverse through fear , did bear him , and planted in the place thereof cordial affection toward a benigne Prince ; who before by frequent punishment , was abhor'd , and whose death they plotted : what good will it do to use pardon in these tempestuous times , when it shall be thought that it is not clemency , nor sparing of humane blood ; but fear of the Dukes threatnings , the fear of greater evils , which hath extorted it from us ? so all the merit of benignity , all the fame of clemency , will be attributed to the Duke our enemy : he shall be the pious deliverer , he the affectionate Protector of the oppressed : not only the guilty , but all the male-contents shall thank him only : we poor souls shall , on the contrary side , be accounted bloody oppressors , we shall be hated by the people , laugh'd at by strangers , and generally detested by all men : and therefore , if to pardon so enormous a fault , will in other respects be accounted a great errour in us , how much will that errour be multiplied when it shall be known to be done at the importunity of the Duke , and of the Kings Agents ? therefore the more we are thereunto prest , the more backward ought we to be in consenting , the more obdurate in denying it : assuring our selves , that ( undoubtedly ) we can undergo no misfortune , and that no greater disaster then this can befall us : good God! did we not fear the insolent threats of the Duke , for a petty Fee-farm , wherein the main of our affairs were little or not at all concern'd , when he was upon good terms with the French , without whose help he would never have dared to assault us ? and shall we now succumb to so unjust demands in a thing wherein our vital spirits are concern'd , after that same Duke hath tried , how hard it is to justle with our mountains , when we see him inveloped in the wars of Montferrat , irreconcilably fallen out with the King of France , and so unsincerely united to the Crown of Spain ? but some peradventure may doubt , that the Crown of Spain being incens'd at our denial , may joyn with the Duke , and appear against us on his behalf . Truly , he that shall doubt this , will , in my opinion , shew how little he understands the affairs of the world , and that he knows not how ●…asily the hatred and anger of Princes are laid aside , when they are not concern'd in point of State Affairs : John Bernavelt , the greatest man amongst the States of Holland , a man of excellent advice , the Oracle of the united Provinces , grown old in State Affairs , having past all the Imployment as well within the Commonwealth as abroad , who had been imploy'd , by way of Embassie , in all the weightiest affairs , to the Northren Kings and Potentates ; this man , not many years ago , being troubled by the emulation of Count Maurice , and the authority of the more powerful prosecutor prevailing over the worth and merit of so gallant a man , he was put to death : so great was the fame of his worth , such was the good opinion of his actions , as the Princes of those parts did compassionate his misfortune : and the King of France interceded for his pardon , not with his name subscribed to blanks , but by an extraordinary Embassadour : all men know of what power that King is with the united Provinces , and how well that Crown hath deserved of them ; and yet the Kings intercessions not being listned to , he lost his head : what ruine do you hear , Gentlemen , that this repulse brought with it to the Hollanders ? you may peradventure think that a French-like fury , more terrible then the raging of the Sea , might devour those Provinces ? nothing less ; the King was not all troubled at it , he broke not with the Commonwealth which had been a friend to his Crown ; nay , he did not so much as withdraw his wonted favours and succours from them : how unequal is the comparison , if you consider the quality of the Deliquents , the enormity of the fault , or the occasion of the demand ? and shall we doubt to findless moderation in the Court of Spain , in a cause incomparably better , then the Hollanders did in France ? shall we think that the King of Spain will ever subscribe to so wicked and exorbitant demands of the Duke of Savoy , and of his Agents in Italy ? or that he will joyn with Savoy against us , to revenge himself upon us for our denial ? how far do these conceits differ from the ways of that Court ? how contrary to the weighty concerns of that Crown ? how repugnant to the Faith and Magnanimity that his Majesty professeth , and observes to his Friends , and which ( upon all occasions , ) but particularly in these last wars he hath profess'd to us , and effectually maintained ? the sencelesse fear of the King if Spains anger being removed , what are we to apprehend , if we consent not to these so unjust demands ? our Citizens lives peradventure , who are Prisoners with the Duke ? where are the Bruto 's , where the Torquato 's , who for the preservation of Military Discipline , spared not their own Sons lives ? I call you generous , noble , and truly Roman minds to witnesse , and your Curtii and Decii also , who did willingly sacrifice your own lives for your Country , and for the safety of the Roman Legions ; for Gods sake , if you be called upon , do but only appear , to the confusion of such , if any such there be amongst us , who can be wrought upon to any sinister resolution either by neernesse of blood , or tendernesse of affection , or by the vain danger of the Confederates ; but why talk I of the doubt , or danger of our Prisoners lives ? who will ever believe so brute and barbarous an action in a Christian Prince , which would appear infamous and bestial in a Scythian , Thracian or Cannibal : I pray you say , if this Prince who hath insidiated our lives by so horrid a Conspiracy , should bring the business to be doubtful and dangerous ; what should we do ? shall we suffer the publick safety to run certain ruine , for saving the lives of a few , though never so deserving Citizens ? nor would they themselves ( so much do I confide in their worth ) give way thereunto ; nay , were they permitted , upon their promise given to be true prisoners , to appear before us ; I assure my self , that like so many Attili Regoli they would supplicate us , that preferring the publick honour , before their private safeties , we should shew that constancy which the duty we ow to our selves , and Country , obligeth us unto ; and that having gotten their request , they would with a generous and constant mind return to receive the punishment which should be provided for them ; and on the contrnry , if by their pardon obtained , they should find this Commonwealth so shamefully deform'd with such a scar , and miserably perishing , and like to die of such a wound , they would detest their own lives , and would hate those to death , who should so shamefully have betrayed the Publick , for their private safety : they would , in fine , ( if the heavens should have so ordered their destiny ) not value that life , which when at home and amongst their friends , a Catarrhe , Fever , or any sleight accident might by an obscure death b●…reave them of ; whereas now they shall live gloriously for ever , not only for having served their Country with their lives and fortunes in these wars , but for having been sacrificed like innocent V●…ctimes for the publick safety . This opinion was not only attentively listned unto , but approved by an unanimous consent of all the hearers : insomuch as any one repugnant voice or suffrage being produced , not any one of the prisoners kindred , whereof many were present at this Debate , gave their Votes to the contrary ; wherefore in pursuance of the Sentence pronounced against the Prisoners , ( not allowing them any minute of delay more then what is usually appointed by the Law ; ) four of the Conspirators were beheaded ; who had been found guilty by former process : at which the Duke being highly incensed , he gave Order that four of his Prisoners should lose their heads ; appearing resolute to have it done , and the Heads man was even now ready to do his office : but at last , being either overcome by the intreaties of some of his followers , or frighted with the unworthiness and atrocity of the action , or that ( peradventure ) he did never really intend it , he commanded forbearance ; and the Governour and other Officers , no less incensed , then the Duke , against the Commonwealth , seemed to be mightily scandalized ; not so much for that adhering to the Duke they desired to make him know , that they joyn'd with him in being unsatisfied ; as for having upon this occasion sufficiently engaged the Kings Authority , they thought it was not a little prejudiced by this the Commonwealths so absolute resolution : insomuch as though two of those Conspirators who were already beheaded were sent by the Governour to the Commonwealth , before the Duke appeared to favour the Conspiracy ; yet some other of them being come unto his hands , he set them at liberty : not making any the least account of the Commonwealths intreaties , as he had wont to do upon lesser occasions : others to the end that if they should be cited they might have occasion to avoid judgement , were secured in the State of Millain ; and the Duke entertaining other of the Conspirators with extraordinary favour , advanced them , and protected them in his Court ; and did further suffer them to publish seditious Papers in Print , whereby to incite the Genceses to rebellion : assuring them that the Duke would declare himself in behalf of their liberty ; and which was of more importance , he by means of the great power he held with the Spanish Agents , endeavour'd to raise enmity between them and the Genoeses , telling them for their better incouragement , that he held many intelligences in Genoa , by which he might easily turn the affairs of that Commonwealth upside down ; and giving an inkling that the French would joyn with those that should revolt , he strove to make them joyn with him in the same enterprise , to the end , that they might totally exclude the French from out of Italy ; and to keep him from being constrained to recall them once more thither , that he might work revenge upon the Genoeses . These the Dukes endeavours did doubtlesly much perplex the Spanish Agents , who by reason of the present business of Cassalle had daily more necessity of keeping the Duke firm unto them ; and Genoa appearing to be the stumbling-block against the which all their corrivals were with all their Forces to give , men were very doubtful what resolutions the Court of Spain would put on touching these Occurrences ; it not being comprehended by their actions , nor penetrated into by their discourse , to what side they inclined : so considerable were the gainsayings both of accidents and reasons , on either side : yet the firm belief , that the addition the Duke had got by the new acquisition of part of Montferrat might cause jealousie in the Court of Spain , overcame all other considerations : so as it was not probable , that the Spaniards would add scandal to scandal , and increase jealousies in Italy , and contaminate the glory which they but a little before had gotten in the defence and preservation of the Commonwealth , by aggrandizing the Duke of Savoy , and by oppressing a Commonwealth which had always been so singularly affected to Spain , and from whence that Crown had received such advantages : yet so naturally are men desirous of novelty , and inclined to sinister interpretations , as many thought that the Court of Spain did not only lend an ear to the Dukes practices , but consented thereunto : it is true that these men doubted whether that Court proceeded really and sincerely herein , or cunningly , only to keep the Duke well affected to the enterprise of Cassalle , and to divert him from the practices which he seemed to be resolute in , and might easily effect by assistance from France , to the prejudice of the Commonwealth : these sinister reports which were publickly divulged , together with news of divisions and factions in prejudice to the Genoeses negotiated by the Duke , were occasioned by divers demonstrations of that Court : which having notice of what had hapned , and of the Dukes complements and exclamations , accompanied by the sinister informations of their Agents in Italy touching the conspiracy , touching the danger of alterations in that City , and concerning the inconveniences which might result to the Kings interest , if the affairs of Genoa should be molested ; and some memorials of the Conspirators in Torino , and of some other popular men in Genoa , concurring herewithall ; they made so sinister an impression of the State and Government of the Commonwealth , as the King , and generally all his Officers , either to secure the affairs of the Crown , or to keep the Duke true unto them , and for his better satisfaction , seemed little satisfied with relations to the contrary , made by Lucca Pallavicino ; who upon this occasion , was sent once more Embassadour in extraordinary to that Court ; and they complain'd much of the haste used in executing the Conspirators ; and seeming to value the Dukes satisfaction more then the reasons alledged by the Commonwealth , they broke out into words of anger and resentment ; which made the Genoese interpret sinisterly of them , and of their intentions , as if they had been disaffected , and much alienated from the Commonwealth : to this was added , that the Count di Monterei , President of the Counsel of Italy , and Cousin to Olivares , being destined Embassadour to the Pope , was ordered by the King to be gone presently for Italy , and that he should tarry some moneths in Genoa ; it being generally thought that he had many private Commissions given him , and of great importance to the affairs of Genoa : but the Genoeses were yet fuller of jealousies and fears , by reason of the news that in these turbulent times came to that Court , of a Victory gotten by the Duke against the French , at the foot of the Alps , who came to succour the Duke of Nevers , and to free Cassalle ; these were said to be about 12000 Foot , and 1500 Horse , led on by the Marquess d'Uxel , with whom Marshal Cricky could not joyn , either out of some private emulation and distaste which he had to the Marquess , or else being detained by the Dukes men , under Prince Thomaso in Savoy . The Marquess attempted the Pass called dell ' Agnello , by which falling into the Vale of Uraita , in the Jurisdiction of Dolpheny , you come to Castel Delphino ; a passage large enough , and therefore commodious for Horse , and whereby , without meeting with any obstacle , you may come to the plain of Saluzzo and of Piedmont : But the Duke , who had already fortified and munited all the Passes of the Alps , had not left this unfortified ; for having built a Fort at Castle St Pietro , neer the mouth of the Valley towards Piedmont , he incumbred that passage , so as it was impossible to advance further before that Fort was taken ; and Artillery being requisite to the taking thereof , it proved a business of much length , by reason of the difficulty of carriages , to boot with the uncertainty of the event : and yet the Marquess being desirous to advance , march'd on ; and having first taken three Redoubts which the Duke had set up upon the Mountains , he fell into the Valley of Uraita , which takes its name from the River which descending from the Alps runs throughout it , and comes within six miles of Castel St Pietro ; whether D'Uxell being come , and seeing that the Duke advanc'd with his men , he placed his men in order upon a little rise . The Duke had with him about 12000 Foot , and 2000 Horse , those being therein comprehended who were sent unto him by the Governour , under the Camp-master Gill de l' Arena , which were 5000 Foot ; and immediately sending Prince Victorio , who was best acquainted with the Country , with good part of his men , to possess himself of the skirts of the Mountain which shape the Vale , he staid with the rest , and with the Kings Auxiliary Forces , to defend the plain ; where making a Squadron in ●…ace of the French , he kept a quarter of a mile off , observing their movings : The Marquess seeing that he had to do with the Enemy upon the Plain , and upon the skirts of the Mountains , sent a good Band of men against those that defended the Mountains , and with the rest charged the Dukes right wing , where the Neapolitans were , who , assisted by the Piemontese Horse , made stout resistance , insomuch as the Assailants not being able to stand before them , were forced to give back : A thousand of them , seeing it was impossible for them to force their way , waded thorow the River , and getting upon a little hill put themselves there in order : The others , advancing by the skirts of the Mountains , assaulted the Dukes men , who seeming to give back , drew them into an ambush which they had prepared ; falling wherinto , those of the Ambush fell upon them with such violence , as being forc'd to retreat , they were afterwards put to flight , with a great loss of men : Those who were sent at first against them on the hill ran a fortune not much unlike to this ; for the Prince observing the wind , which blew full in their face , caused some little Cottages to be set on fire , the smoak whereof affording him to send men into some ambushes without being discerned , the French men light upon them , and were severely dealt with , and slain ; and being also struck with stones which were tumbled down from the higher places , they began to run . The Conflict lasted from morning to night ; and the Dukes men were so well disposed of and divided , as not any one of them stood idle . The F●…ench seemed that night as if they would retire ; but , as the effects shewed , they resolved to try their fortune once more ; which the Prince having learnt by one that was run away , he presently sent for fresh supplies of men to the Duke , which whilst they were expected , the greatest part of the French ●…id themselves that night behind certain Trees , and the rest upon break of day appeared in a large but very thin and ill-composed Squadron , shewing themselves to the Prince , to the end that allured by the hopes of Victory , he might assault them , and so fall into an ambush which they had prepared for him that very night : The Prince who expected a re-inforcement , stirr'd not , so as those who were in the ambush came out , and entred into the Squadron , seeming as if they would fight with more Forces then they had done the day before ; but the Prince still keeping in expectation of succour from his Father , moved not ; till finding not long after , that the Enemies Squadron was much diminished by the retreating of many of their men , he assaulted those that remained , who not being able to resist , were put to flight , and pursued with much slaughter even to the Confines of France ; whither being come , he with held , out of observance of the Kings Confines , h●…ving gotten much baggage , and many Arms , which the French threw away as they fled . After this Victory the Duke and Prince march'd presently towards Pinarolo , lest the French being beaten from hence might attempt that pass ; from whence hearing that they went towards Savoy , where Prince Thomaso was , the Duke sent most of his men thither ; but it was superfluous ; for the French were so confused and dissipated by the discomfiture , as hardly any four of them were together in this retreat . The Duke won as much reputation , by this happy success , with the Spaniards , as he ever had purchased the contrary before : He was publickly acknowledged to be the Kings right hand , the bulwark of his Affairs in Italy ; by this action all offences were cancelled , and no reward was equivalent to so great merit ; the King himself , hearing the news , said in publick , That he would have accounted it a great happiness to have been found with a Pike in his hand by the Duke his Uncles ●…ide : And the Conde Duca , chief Author of the reconciliation ; boasted not a little , that the King and Court began now to taste the fruit of his counsels and negotiations : But the more favour the Dukes merits found in the Court , the more jealous were the Genoeses , who saw their own declination joyn'd to the exaltation of their Enemy : An as the Dukes satisfaction seemed to consist in the Affairs of Genoa , and the reward equal to his vast expectation , and to his implacable hatred to the Genoeses , which every day grew greater in him ; so such a great conjunction of will , and so general a disposition as was found to be in that Court to gratifie him , made it be much apprehended , that some great mischief would redound thereby , to the prejudice of the Common-wealth : This suspition was encreased by the Conde Duca his not caring for the Genoeses ; the affronts given to the Embassadors of that Common-wealth ; and the rigorous proceedings with others of that Nation ; the upbraiding of the Conspiracy , and of other accidents which had hapned at Genoa , which accidents might by the connexion of Affairs redound to the prejudice of Italy , did very much perplex the Statists of that Court. To these things wherein the publick Interests were concern'd other sinister demonstrations were added , which touched the Fortunes and Interests of private men ; the rigorous Decrees of the preceding year , the difficulty in exacting the Revenues , the introducing of other Nations to contract with the King , to the shame and exclusion of the Genoeses , and the continual extorting of monies from those Genoeses who remained yet in Court , enforcing them to contribute great sums of monies for the urgent occasions of the Crown ; by which accidents the face of that Court being totally changed towards the Genoeses both in publick and in private from what it had used to be , they put the Common-wealth into some anxiety of their own safety : And these Novelties and Commotions being known in Italy , they first filled all the Princes of Italy with admiration , and then with suspition , what the sequel of so great and unexpected an alteration would prove . These suspitions had also an influence upon other Nations , which being intent upon all occasions , did not pretermit their wonted artifices to make the rent greater ; to the end that they might thereby reap such advantage as might not conduce a little to the conduct of their Affairs and Interests : And amongst others , a Spanish Courier being intercepted in the Seas of Provence , who was sent to their Officers of Italy , the French gave out , that they had found very strange Negotiation in those Dispatches which past between that Court and the Duke , to the prejudice of the Common-wealth ; which Dispatch●…s being sent from the Court of Paris into Italy to the Duke of Nevers , and by him participated to the Pope , they were by both of them made known to the Common-wealth ; to the end that growing apparently to distrust they might ioyn with them in the common Cause ; which might procure the lessening of the Spanish Affairs , and the advancement of the Common Cause of Italy : And to this purpose they offer'd with arms thrown abroad to receive them into their protection , and profess'd readiness to defend her . The Common-wealth being so ascertained of these advices and accidents could not but proceed with much circumspection ; to the end that on the one side too much distrust might not drive them from that friendship and ancient conjunction wherein at all times , and particularly upon these late occurrences , they had always found so much truth in intention , such constant effects , and such readiness in execution ; nor on the other side , that too much confidence might not make them run upon those dangers and prejudices whereof they had been advertised by such a concurrence of probable accidents , with such demonstration of affection and good will : Not that she ever doubted of the Kings good intentions , or suffer'd her self to be perswaded that he had conspired with the Duke to her oppression ; all that she feared was , that the Duke being now free from fears of the French Arms , and secured from any opposition he might meet with from Spain by his new conjunction and good correspondency with that Court , he might bethink himself of re-assaulting the State of Genoa , and might occasion the like damages to those of the preceding year in that River ; and that the Spaniards , either not to incense him in this present conjunction of Affairs , or by some secret Intelligence , or in resentment of the small account they made of the Kings Intercession in the punishment of the Conspirators , should not be so much moved thereat as formerly , and foregoing his former care of them , might suffer the Dukes Forces to take their course , and might less interest himself in their defence : But because , though they should miss of assistance from Spain , yet neither would the French foment the Duke ; the Common-wealth therefore thinking themselves to be upon equal terms with the Duke , if he should not be assisted by the French , resolved to provide new Forces which might more immediately depend upon her ; and obtain from the Pope , who seemed to favour them more in this then in the former Occurrences , a thousand Foot , and as many more from the Duke of Bavaria ; with which , and with many others that they had taken into pay , and with their own Militia , the Genoeses re-inforced the most important places of their State , in their own defence , and to resist her imminent storm which the cloudes and winds of the present season did threaten : but the coming of Count Monterei to Genoa , upon whom all their eyes were fix'd , by reason of the news which was spread abroad , that he was come to cause some commotions , instead of apprehended foul weather , brought so clear skies to the Common-wealth , as ( the clouds of sinister impression being dispers'd ) the rumours which were given out appeared to be vain : he tarried two moneths in the City with much satisfaction , and spoke not any thing tending to the administration of publick Government ; nor did the Duke , by reason of his coming , or by any demonstrations from Court , do any thing of novelty : nay , the Count being to go into Lombardy to treat of common Affairs with the Duke offer'd his service to the Commonwealth , touching the compounding of differences which were then on foot ; and his offer being accepted of by the Commonwealth , he was very zealous and affectionate in their interests : but the Duke was so exasperated and incens'd for the punishment of the Conspirators , as he could do no good by his intercession ; therefore returning to Genoa , he represented unto the Senate how much the execution of two other of the Conspirators , who were not yet condemned , would prejudice the Negotiation and conclusion of peace , which was very hotly treated of in the two Kings Courts ; and interceded for the stay of execution , which he obtained ; and parting afterwards in Embassie for Rome , he left the affairs of Genoa , as concerning the King of Spain , in a much better disposition then he found them . The Siege of Casalle continued this mean while in very bad order , especially after the 5000 men were sent to relieve Piedmont ; for Victuals were daily brought in , and all kinds of refreshments , insomuch as the co●…n that was brought in during the Siege was cast up to amount to above 18000 Quarters , a good part whereof came out of Piedmont by the Dukes tacite permission , as it was said , and commonly suspected ; who ( as by many conjectures was thought , ) was not at all troubled that that place should be preserved : no less negligence was used in the Vintage time for what concerned Grapes and Wine , which were brought in great abundance into that City . About the end of August , the people that was sent in succour of the Duke , arrived , by whose coming the Camp was enlarged ; and Don Philippo Son to Marquess Spinola , who was chosen by the King to be General of the Horse , came thither ; which occasioned the pitching upon two resolutions ; the one , the enterprise of the Hills ; the other , that of Punzone , a strong Town upon the top of a Hill , in the middle way as you come by Sea from Savona to Acqui ; which Town having yet a Mantuan Garrison in it , indamaged the neighbouring Towns which did render most obedience to the Governour , and which might further or impede the succours which , being ready prepared in Piedmont , ( was feared ) might be brought by Sea into Montferrat ; Count Luigi Trotti , and Mark Antonio Brancaccio were deputed to this enterprise with their two Brigades : there were in it about 500 Souldiers in Garrison , together with about 150 Foot , part Towns men , part belonging to the neighbouring Towns ; who to avoid the troubles of war , were come thither , as to a strong place ; there were also about a hundred French got thither , ( for the most part ) people of account , who were come from Mantua ; who having abandoned the service of that Prince return'd as Travellers into France , through the State of Genoa , without any let : these having fortified the highest places , and cut Trenches round about the Town , did likewise munite a certain Church at the foot of the Hill , just opposite to where Brancaccio was quarter'd with his Neapolitans ; by whom being assaulted , and not able to resist , they were forced to abandon that station , and to retreat towards the top of the Hill ; and the Neapolitans possessing themselves of the Church , wa●…ed for Trotti , who came thither the next day with two pieces of Artillery : the Batteries were immediately raised , and for two days they skirmished with those on the Hills , in several parts ; and the assailants being gotten by night to underneath the Trenches , they appeared on break of day ready for an assault , which being couragiously fought , the defendants being astonished , partly by the novelty of the assault , partly suffering by the Artillery ( which giving upon the Trenches drove the dust in their eyes , ) and finding themselves to be too few to defend so great a circuit of Fortification , and therefore fearing that the enemy might enter , by some part unprovided of defence , they retreated into the Castle , and the Town fell into the hands of the assailants : who sack'd it immediately , and that night got the Castle upon Articles , that the Officers might march out with Arms and Baggage , and the Souldiers with their Swords : but they had hardly march'd two miles when , contrary to conditions , they were barbarously strip'd by the Neapolitans and others even to their shirts , and many to their skins ; and those that strip'd them got ( as it was said ) much money , which the French who came from Mantua were furnish'd with by the Duke , not only for their private occasions , but for defence : returning from the taking of Punsone , they betook themselves , at last , to the taking of the Hills ; which they began at the Town of St. George , situated upon them , where the oppugners made a Magazine of Arms , and many Fortifications , not only to defend themselves from the Garrison which was there , of 300 Foot , but to resist the insulting of those of Cassalle , who sallying out very strong from the City did continually annoy them on the backs , whilst they were most intent upon the Siege ; and y●…t the Garrison surrendered upon honourable conditions , of being permitted to return to Cassalle . From hence they went to Rossiglione , a strong place both by nature and art : the defendants resisted stoutly : but Don Philippo Spinalo , who ordered the busienss , having presented Battery , and plaid upon it with his great Guns for four whole days , at last he level'd his great Cannon against the Gate ; and the defendants apprehending Mines , which they saw were begun to be dig'd , they grew distrustful to be able to defend it , and surrendred it , with safety to their persons . The Governour being hereby master of the Hills , began to block up all passes and avenues , by which the City might be come unto on that side : he then drew a long and a deep Ditch from the Poe to a rivulet called Gattola , which falling from the Hills , a little beneath Casalle , runs towards Frascineso , and disgorgeth it self into the Poe ; and many Fortifications were made upon both sides of the Ditch , as also on the outward side of the Poe ; whereby Casalle was streightly besieged ; and being inclosed between the fortified Hills , the Ditches and the Poe , it was impossible to be relieved : a resolution which if it had been taken at first , the business had been already ended ; but being thus long retarded , it did little or no good ; for much provision was already brought in , and the compass of Campagnia inviron'd by the Governours Works was large , full of Meadow-ground , Trees and Shrubs ; so as the besieged had wherewith to maintain themselves for all the ensuing Winter , and to wait for succour , that Campagnia yielding great store of Wood and Roots , Hay and Straw , for the maintenance of Horse and Castle , and Fewel for Ovens : the which they might the more easily do , for that the Governour ; quitting his former Quarters , went to Winter between the Hills and Gatt●…la ; leaving all that Campagnia uninjured , he made a Bastion upon a little rise , at the foot of the Hills ; upon which placing four pieces of Artillery , he plaid upon the Castle , and part of the Wall which ( together with the Citadel , ) invirons the City on the Hills side : but being so far off , it did but little harm ; in this manner he continued all the next Winter : the besieged drew out the Siege at length , with great good order and vigilancy , and sparing their Victuals ; and the besiegers , with patience and industry , and much hardship , endeavour'd to streighten the City , and bring it to surrender . In this interim several Skirmishes hapned , worthy to be particularly related , if ( as they were valiantly fought , ) they had conduced any thing to the main business : in one of them the Marquess of Bevorone , the head of the French , being shot with a Musket-shot in the throat , died ; which was a great loss to the besieged ; for he was the man who underwent almost the whole burthen of the defence : but the b●…siegers were no less streightned in all things then the besieged , not only for that lying ( for the most part ) in the open air , they were subject to the sufferings of rain , frost , the distempers of weather , but by reason of the great want of Victuals . This years harvest was generally poorer then that of the preceding year ; and ( which made the scarcity the greater ) those who had corn in Millain , out of avarice , hid it , that they might sell it at a dearer rate the next year ; and the Duke of Guise , to keep Victuals from being sent from Genoa to the Camp , and to the State of Millain , did prohibit the exportation of corn from Provence ; and detain'd many boats which were sent from Genoa into those parts to fetch Grain ; to the end , that they might not carry any Corn to Genoa , and from thence to the Camp before Cassalle ; and the Duke of Nevers blocking up the Poe with two Forts upon the Mantuan side , hindred the carriage of Provisions into Puglia , and the other Maritime parts : so as they were forced to send new Commissions to Naples , Sicily and Sardinia , which being brought by the way of Genoa to Millain , and so to the Camp , might ease the present necessity : but the Orders being given out late , and the far distance of place , ( added to the scarcity of conduct requiring much delay ) the remedy suited not with the urgent necessity ; wherefore the common people of Millain , impatient of delay , and seeing the Bakers shops shut up , began to mutiny ; which made the Governour leave the ordering of the Camp to Don Philippo Spinola , and go to Millain to appease them , which , by punishing some , and by sudden prevention , he soon did : but great was the scarcity of Victuals in the Camp ; insomuch as , though Provision of bread was scarce enough in Casalle ; yet bread was cheaper there then in the Camp ; so as the besiegers being rather become in condition of besieged , they suffer'd more want ; and by an unusual , and peradventure unheard of example , they were thereby likely to have abandoned the Siege : many Souldiers died of hunger , and mutinies were much feared ; which had certainly insued , had not force awed the murmurers ; some of which not being able to wait for assured death by famine , chose rather to endeavour their preservation by the doubtful event of running from the Camp : so as the Army did daily diminish ; and it was impossible to raise more men , as well for want of moneys as of victuals , which affrightned whatsoever necessary provision or resolution , there being no means found whereby to provide for the Forreign Souldiery ; and the very Souldiers , who came from the State of Millain , were in danger of mutinying : thus weakly and with so many necessities did the business of Cassalle proceed ; and Cesars Edicts and Citation proceeded not more fortunately ; for the Count of Nassaw being come ( as hath been said ) into Italy , with title of Cesarian Commissary , and having sent out Monitors twice to the Duke of Nevers , and threatned him with the Imperial Proclamation of banishment , unless he would obey Cesars will , by f●…eely yielding up the possession of those States ; and Nevers having at first desired , in vain , that his business might be put over to the Law ; and given out writings , and published the opinions of Civilians in Print , whereby he strove to prove there was no reason why he should be forced to forgo his Dominions , without the cause given why ; and afterward having complained very much , why the like commands had not been sent to the Duke of Savoy , and to the Governour of Millain , who had actually and by violence possess'd themselves of part of his Dominions , and still proceeded to possess themselves of the rest ; they came to the third Summons , wherein Cesar declared that if Nevers would put what he possess'd into his hands , the Duke of Savoy and the Governour of Millain should do the like with what they had taken of his . Nevers seemed to accept of this offer ; and to this purpose he sent his Son the Duke of Retell to Cesars Court , that he might expedite the dispatch of the business by favour of the Empress , who was Sister to the three last Dukes of Mantua , and did wish well to Nevers his cause , to whom she was neerly allied in blood : but being come thither , he found that Cesar , perceiving that neither the Duke nor Spaniards would be brought to make any restitution , and it was hard for him to compel them to it , had mitigated the Edict ; and accommodating himself to the times had made a new Proposal , by which the Duke of Savoy and the Spaniards were permitted in Cesars name to keep what they had taken , and the Duke of Nevers was to possess the City and entire Dukedom of Mantua ; so as the Dutch , who were to be sent by the Emperour into Italy , might have the City , Castle and Citadel of Casalle , assigned over unto them , till cause to the contrary was known . Retell , not being able to get better conditions , and not being received , nor acknowledged by the Emperour as Prince of Mantua , by reason of the Spaniards earnest desire to the contrary , lest by such a Declaration his pretentions might not seem to be tacitely granted , and the Kings cause in Montferrat might in the eyes of the world seem to be damnified , he departed but ill satisfied from that Court ; and the new Proposals were not accepted of by his Father , whose fear of the Emperours Edicts were lessened by the weakness of the Spanish Army ; and the King of France his prosperous proceedings made him believe more in the favour and forces of that Kingdom , then in the Imperial D●…crees or Decisions . In these Negotiations , and Transactions , the year 1628 ended ; and the King of France having at last compass'd his ends upon Rochel , whereinto he entred victorious , and triumphing on All Saints day ; he prepared to pass over the Mountains with gallant Forces , to assist the Duke of Nevers ; for the Hugonots of France having received a great blow by the loss of Rochel , and the Affairs of France being almost perfectly setled , nothing was heard of in that Kingdom but preparations for Italy : which being divided into two Armies , the one was to pass through Dolpheny and Syonois , to the relief of Montferrat ; and the King prepared to pass over the Mountains personally therein ; and the other was to advance by the County of Nizza , and by the River of Genoa , towards Casalle : the Spaniards , nor the Duke of Savoy could not believe so strange a resolution ; they thought it was impossible that the King having his Kingdom yet full of troubles , and exhausted of moneys , his Army being weary , and wasted before Rochel , could pass over the Alps in the midst of Winter , with great forces , and carry over Victuals , Artillery , and other necessaries for so great an action , the Alps being yet loaded with Snow : Especially when he should know that he would be opposed by the Duke of Savoy , who being joyn'd in Forces and Intelligence with the Spaniards , was to resist him strongly at the Passes , which he kept well garrison'd and munited : hoping therefore that the fame of these great preparations would prove but talk , they continued the Siege : the scarcity of Victuals increased this their confidence , which scarcity being so great an impediment to their Forces who were masters and peaceful possessors of the State of Millain and of Piedmont , it would assuredly prove a much greater hindrance to the French if they should come into Italy , and have occasion to keep there ; for a great conduct of Victuals being requisite to feed so great an Army , it would be impossible for the French to compass it , and consequently , the greater their numbers were which should pass the Alps , the easilier and the sooner they would be overcome meerly by Famine : they therefore thought that this sole consideration should not only retarde , but retain the fury of the French Forces , at least for this year ; and that in the mean while the enterprise of Cassalle , undisturb'd by any Forreign assistance , would be happily effected . The Court of Spain confiding in these difficulties did not only not make any necessary preparations for defence , but forbore to send the Duke the succours which they had promised , for the maintaining of Piedmont , and to oppose the French Forces : they forbare also to endeavour diversion , by the Pirenean Mountains , and by Burgony , and by secretly fomenting the Rebels in France , so to keep that King in work and busied with his home affairs , and consequently from medling with those of Forreigners : the pretermission of which provisions did not only facilitate the resolution taken by the French , but did incite them to it ; For the King being firm to his resolution , valued not any of the difficulties or contrary considerations , being confident to overcome them , and to make his way by the Sword. The fame of the mighty preparations of this Kingdom increasing greater then those of any of the preceding Kings , the Spaniards and the Duke , began at last to fear not only the success , but whatsoever might be the result of so great and so neer an Army . The Duke and Governour were likewise much troubled for not having for a long time heard from the Court of Spain ; for the Spaniards being jealous of France , through which the expresses used to pass , and the Sea not being open in Winter , people could not without much difficulty pass from Spain into Italy ; and such had the ill fortune been , as three several Posts that had been sent from Spain , being driven by violent winds upon the Coast of Provence , were detain'd , and had their Letters intercepted : so as the deliberations of Italy depending much upon the results of that Court , the Duke and Governour knew not in such a perplexity of business what to do : nor was it only the scarcity of moneys and want of advertisment , which kept them from making any provision , but neither had they time to make new Levies of men for the necessary defence of the State of Millain , and for the Provisions for the Army before Cassalle , and for the Forces which were towards the Cremonese , and which were already much diminished : it was therefore thought the best expedient to beat up Drums in the State of Millain for Voluatiers , which might be sent to the Camp before Casalle , and afford commodity of drawing out the best Souldiery from thence , to bring them into the Field to oppose the enemy : which provision , though it proved not altogether vain , ( for many being driven away by famine , and hoping to get away by inrolling themselves , and to get Ammunition-bread , which though very bad , was made desirable by reason of the great scarcity ; ) yet this being but a very slender provision to resist the great storm which threatned them , the affairs of that State and of Piedmont were reduced into great danger and necessity ; and that the more , for that they heard the numbers of the Venetians were increased upon the Confines of Bergamo and Bressia ; and that Nevers was ready to march out at the first news of the Frenches advancing , with about 8000 Foot , and 1200 Horse ; and if either joyntly , or separately they should assault the State of Millain , it was feared they might divert the Governours Forces from opposing the French ; and it was app●…ehended , that the Duke of Nevers , as he had threatned the preceding year , would pass into Montferrat and joyn with the King ; for these respects the Governour went to Lod●… , and was forc'd to keep there , and to make a Magazine of Arms there against the Venetians , and ordered Francisco Pa●…aglia , who succeeded Montenegro , that abandoning the Fort of Piaden●… , which was built the year before upon the Territories of Mantua , and all the rest of the Territories of Cremona , he should bring the remainder of those men to defend Cremona only : he desired likewise , and obtain'd , a thousand men from the Duke of Parma ; and 12 Gallies being come at that time from Naples to Genoa , with 2000 Foot , he could not make use of them , for it was necessary to keep them at Sea , to oppose them to the French Army , being ready prepared in Provence , which ( was said ) together with the ships that were expected at Marcelles from Rochel , would pass by Nizza into the River of Genoa ; and that landing their men at Mentone neer Monaco he would pass into Piedmont , or into the Seas neer Savona , and would by that way take a shorter and more easie course to relieve Casalle : to this weak condition were the ●…fairs of the State of Millain reduced , against the Forces of so powerful an enemy ; and it being impossible in so great streights to mind the relief of Piedmont , the Governour drew out 4000 of the best Foot that were before Casalle , to send them into those parts under the Conduct of Don Ieronymo Agostini ; and being afraid that the Venetians , who were joyned in Arms and Intelligence with the French , might assault the State of Millain , he used means to the Duke of Tuscany , that he would intercede , and endeavour to make that Commonwealth forbear troubling the King of Spains Dominions in these urgent occasions ; on the other side , the Duke of Savoy , finding the weakness of his defence and succour , and seeing that his Dominions were likely first to endure the brunt , before those of the King of Spain , had first sent the Count of Verrua to the King of France , and afterwards his Son the Prince , to keep the Army from advancing , by making some composition with that King : suspending therefore his resolution till he saw what the event of these endeavours would be , he made Don Ieronymo Agostini to forbear acting any thing with the Governours Auxiliaries in the Territories of Asti : but the King being resolved to advance , refer'd the Prince of Piedmont to Cardinal Richlieu , with whom he treated upon several ways of composition ; but not agreeing upon any one , they concluded a suspension of Arms for five days , till the Duke his Father might be advertised of what had past . The Duke seeing the King so resolved , began with great diligence to fortifie Susa , by which way he perceived the King would march with his Army : the French had had experience how hard it was to separate the Genoeses from joyning with Spain , by way of force ; wherefore thinking now to make use of the present jealousies which were risen ( as hath been said ) and cunningly fomented , between the Commonwealth of Genoa , and the Crown of Spain , they applied themselves to increase these jealousies , which they began by Demonstrations and endeavours to the contrary , in good will and favour to the Genoeses , to try whether they could effect or no ; wherefore the King being to send a Messenger to the Princes of Italy , to acquaint them with the ends and intentions of his coming ; he dispatch'd away Monsieur di Lande , commanding him that when he should be come to Genoa , he should not only free those Senators from any apprehension of danger which they might apprehend by his coming ; but that he should promise them in his name all assistance against any who should go about to infringe their publick liberty : which being done , that he should immediately go to Mantua , and from thence to Venice , to acquaint that Duke and that Commonwealth with his coming : which he assured them should , at the furthest , be by the 25th of March : wherefore the Duke of Nevers marching into the Field on the day appointed , assaulted Cassalle the greater , the last Town of the Dukedom of Millain lying towards Mantua ; and taking it after some little resistance made by the Towns-men , he sack'd it , and ( staying there a while ) brought the neighbouring Towns under contribution : he afterwards went to Sabioneta a strong Castle , which holds in Fee of the Emperour , but took it not , being stoutly resisted by a Garrison of the Parmiggiani , who were sent thither at the Emperours request by the Duke of Parma , The King of France , in this interim , having sent precise Orders to the Duke of Guise , Lieutenant General of the Army of Provence , and to the Marquess of Guise's Marshal and Lievtenant , to march along into Italy coasting by the Sea side , he went himself in person by the Alps , towards Piedmont , with the Van , which consisted of about 12000 Foot , and 2000 Horse , the greatest part of them being of the French Nobles ; and having overcome the passage of Mongeveura , he fell , on the sixth of March , into the Valley of Susa ; where the Duke of Savoy having cut a great Trench upon the way by which the King was to pass , half a mile beyond Susa , he had placed the Camp-master Bellone there to defend it with his Brigade ; and behind Bellone stood the Duke prepared , with the main body of his men ; amongst which were the Governour of Millains men , under Don Ieronymo Agostini , who was fetch'd but a little before from l' Astigiana ; and the King having possess'd himself of the tops of the Mountains , which were all cover'd over with snow , commanded some companies of the Fore-lorne-hope to assault the Dukes Trench ; who not meeting with much resistance , ( for Bellone's men were raw and unexperienced Souldiers ) took it at the first assault : afterwards increasing in numbers by other people , who came in into them , they assaulted the station where the Duke was with the main body of his Army ; here the conflict was somewhat greater ; but such was the continual confluence of French , who continually came in , as the defendants not being able to resist their fury , were forced to give back , and to retreat towards Auvigliana , nine miles towards Turin , leaving Susa in the Kings possession ; which being taken , was by the Kings express command preserved from sacking and from all other violence : many of both sides died in this conflict , nine Colours of Bellone's Brigade were taken by the King , and about 80 Prisoners ; amongst which many Captains , who were presently by the King set at liberty : the Duke ran great hazard in his own person , and Don Ieronymo Augustini was unhors'd . At the same time the Provence Army , consisting of about 15000 Foot , having brought some Artillery in Barques from Marselles , came neer to Nizza , or Nice ; and having sent a Trumpet to Don Felice , the Dukes natural Son , and Governour of that City , to demand free passage thorow that County , he was answered , It was not in his power to grant it without leave from his Father ; he therefore had time allowed him to know his Fathers pleasure ; and the mean while the Army pass'd over the Varo , a little River , which descending from the Alps , and falling into the Sea two miles beyond that City , divides Italy from France in that part . At the same time that the Army having pass'd over the Varo , spread it self along upon the Shore of Nice , the Neopolitane Galleys coming from Genoa , with some other Galleys of Doria's store , playd upon the French Squadrons as they marched towards Nice ; to avoid which danger the French went more inward into the land , and being free from the shot of the Enemy , which could not reach them , the Galleys retreated towards Villa Franca , where they landed about a thousand Foot , who taking some Stations near the French , had some Skirmishes with them , at a great distance off , and of no great importance ; till news being come to Nice of the Agreement made between the King and Duke of Savoy at Susa , they forbare all hostility ; and the Galleys taking in their Souldiers , returned to Genoa . The Duke finding , after the unfortunate success at Susa , what a tempest over-hung his Dominions , and the State of Millain , thought it better to stop so great a ruine by Agreement , then to hazard the total business with so weak and unseasonable opposition ; he therefore sent the Princess , his Sons wife , and Sister to the King , to Susa , that by her neer relation in blood , and by the grace and favour which she received from the King , she might appease her Brothers anger ; and sending the Prince after her , he by their means came to a Treaty of Agreement ; which being at last set down , was after much debate stipulated by the Cardinal of Richelieu on the Kings behalf , and by the Prince in his Fathers Name , in form following . That the Duke should give free passage to the Kings people whensoever it should be requisite for the relief of Cassalle , and Montferrat ; and should also furnish them for their moneys with Victuals and Munition , for the maintaining of the Kings Army , and of Cassalle : That he should promise that the Governour of Millain should rise within four days from before Cassalle , and should withdraw his men from Montferrat , freeing that City and that State from the King of Spains Garrisons , and should leave the possession thereof free to the Duke of Mantua ; together with an express promise from the Governour , in the King of Spain 's Name , That for the future he should not molest the States of Mantua , nor Montferrat ; and that the King of Spain should ratifie this Agreement within six weeks : That the Duke of Savoy should put 15000 Quarters of Victuals into Cassalle , and should restore all the Towns that he had taken in Montferrat , except Trino , and so many other Towns as should be worth 15000 Crowns yearly Rent , answerable , as he said , to what Nevers had promised him before the present War ; and , That this should be by him acknowledged to be in full satisfaction of all that he , the Duke of Savoy , could pretend unto in Montferrat ; That he should assign over Susa , and the Castle of St Francesco , to the King , for pawn of performing what was agreed upon ; in which Forts the King should put a Garrison of Swissers , which should swear to restore them to the Duke when these Articles should be by him observed : That notwithstanding ; it should be lawful for the Duke to keep all the Towns he had taken in Montferrat , till such time as those Forts , together with the Town of Susa , should be restor'd unto him : That the King should promise ( as he did ) not to molest the King of Spain 's Dominions , nor those of his Confederates ; That he should take the Duke of Savoy into his protection , in case he should be assaulted upon this or any other account , by any whatsoever Potentate : That in case the King of Spain should refuse to ratifie these Conventions , or should not observe them after they were ratified , the Duke should joyn with the King of France , to force the King of Spain to ratifie and observe them . Moreover , there was one thing more Articled , which contained a League and Confederacy between the King of France , Duke of Savoy , the Pope , Venetians , and the Duke of Nevers , in defence of the quiet possession of each others Dominions . The first Article being agreed upon , it was immediately sent away to the Duke of Savoy ; who calling to Councel Don Ieronymo Augustino , and Count Iovan Serbellone , the King of Spain's and the Governours Officers , consulted with them , whether they ought to be accepted of , or no ? And the urgency of the present condition prevailing with all of them , over the utility and honour of the common Forces , it was resolved they should be accepted of : But the Duke not herewithal satisfied , would send the Commendatore Iovan Thomaso Pesero , his first Secretary of State , to the Governour , to know his pleasure more precisely , who , though with an ill will , yielding to necessity , consented to it . Thus the first Articles being subscribed by the Duke , the Siege of Cassalle was raised , and the Kings Forces retreated to Montferrat ; which State was also freed from the Spanish Forces at the very appearance of the Kings Person . The Duke sent forthwith about 1500 Quarters of Corn into Cassalle , as part of a greater quantity by him promised ; and gave passage to 3000 Foot , and 250 Horse , which were sent under Monsieur di Toras , into the lower Palatinate . As for the other Article , touching the League , the Duke made many excuses to keep from under-writing it ; and being afterwards free from the imminent danger , utterly denied to do it : He went soon after himself to kiss the Kings Hand , and was upon the way met by the King half a mile from Susa , who pretended he was going to hunt ; they both of them turned back ; the meeting was full of reverence and submission on the Duke's part , who was received with much honour by the King ; the Duke striving by all seeming artifice , wherewith he was naturally very well indued , not only to appease the King , but to win upon his genius , and to captivate his good will. Thus by the Dukes dexterity and cunning many thought that the greatest force of France that had for many years past the Alpes was stopt ; which finding Italy unprovided of defence might easily have over-run it , to the universal ruine , and particularly to the danger of the State of Millain . But the Duke his having after his opposition found the King rather gracious and favourable then angry and incensed ; his having received honours , rewards , satisfaction , and recompence , instead of revenge and resentment ; his having by these agreements provided well enough for himself , and suffer'd the interests of the Crown of Spain to be prejudiced , afforded much talk and murmuring against him , not only by the Princes of Italy , who were displeased with his being reconciled to the King of Spain , which was contrary to the common Interest , but even in the Court of Spain by those that envied the Duca's favour with the King ; who finding it to continue , strove to make it appear , that the Dukes reconciliation to the King of Spain , wherein he was assisted , and which was effected by the Conde Duca , was a cheat to the King , and pernicious to the Interest of the Crown : They said that it was he , the Duke of Savoy , who ( as might be gathered by many conjectures ) had made the way plain for the King of France to enter Italy , by his secret Intelligence held with the Court of France : That it was he , who having covenanted for , and secured unto himself the retention of a good part of Montferrat , had before-hand promised not to oppose him in that Enterprize , having therein no respect to the Interest of Spain , or to the honour of the Spanish Forces , by which he had got such a part of Montferrat , and with which he was but a little before confederated : That this was the faith of this Prince , this the fruit of that reconciliation : For otherwise , how would the King of France have dared to hazzard his total reputation and glory which he had won in so many home actions , and particularly in his late Victory at Rochell , in so cold a season , against so many difficulties of steep and craggy Mountains ; and as yet cover'd over with snow ; and all this only for the freeing of a Town that was not in his Kingdom , nor did not any ways belong to him ? To this end , they said that the Duke opposed his worst armed men , to withstand the first violence of the most resolute and formidable of the French ; which was the cause why there was so little fighting , and why the strong Pass of Susa was rather abandoned then stoutly defended : That the Governour , nor other Spanish Agents that were in Turin , had not consented to those Articles , otherwise then as they were enforced by the Dukes peremptory will ; who consulting with them in very positive and resolute terms , bereft them of the freedom of Election ; and that protesting that these Agreements were the only remedy against the imminent ruine of the State , he tacitely threatened , that unless they would consent thereunto , they would force him to accept thereof without them , and by joyning with the French , to provide the best he could for the safety of his own In erest ; so as they consented to what he would , to keep the Kings Affairs from falling into a worse condition . And so far did these murmurings prevail , as the very French being more desirous to make the Duke be suspected in the Court of Spain then zealous of their Kings glory , did by their outward demonstrations confirm what was said in his discredit . But it was not probable that the Duke by this Agreement should so much to his own disadvantage part with what he was to expect from the friendship of Spain ; especially when he was known to be naturally very desirous of making new acquisitions , and very tenacious of what he had . The loss of Susa did yet more gainsay these objections , it being a place of great importance by reason of its situation , and of greater profit then any other Town of Piedmont , for the Customs which the Fairs that are held there do yield , and which are had for the Transportation of Merchandize which pass to and fro between France and Italy ; which that he should willingly grant unto the King , and commit so great a fault , was too far from being believed by any that was but indifferently wise ; for what Reason would admit , that by the loss of that advantagious place , which was one of the gates of Piedmont , and of Italy , he should willingly make himself subject to the King of France , and be less valued by the Italians and Spaniards . To this may be added , That when in the preceding years the Duke was assaulted by the powerful Armies of Spain , and was consequently in great need of being sustain'd by the French , yet would he never grant them so much as any one Tower in Piedmont ; and how was it likely that upon this present occasion he should agree to yield them a place of such importance , before he was assaulted ? The Fortification also made at Avigliana , whilest they were treating of agreement ; the Artillery which were brought thither after the Capitulation , the King looking on ; his having always for his own defence entertain'd Spanish Auxiliaries , as they were actions of much diffidence , not to say contumacy , towards the King , and therefore much to be resented by the French ; so they seem forceable arguments against that intelligence and collusion which would fain have been proved to have been between him and the French : And yet , as men incline naturally to sinister interpretations , though the Court of Spain hearing these bad tidings , and maturely considering the state of affairs did approve of the Dukes actions , and rejecting vain rumours caused three Pays to be paid unto him before-hand by their Factors in Genoa , of 25000 Crowns a piece , which were granted him for the expences of these present occasions ; yet the contrary impression not being to be removed , most thought that that Court had dissembled more according to necessity and to the conveniency of the present occurrences , then done upon any real and intimate belief ; as if it were not consistent with the Kings Interests , by unseasonable distrust and resentment totally to alienate the Duke from them , but by the contrary appearing well satisfied , not only to keep him their friend at such a pinch , but to oblige him still more by new benefits to keep still the more united and better inclined to the affairs of the Crown . This is evidently apparent in so great variety of opinions , and may be affirmed , that the Duke thinking upon new agreements , which by the Mediation of his Son the Prince were to be accorded , demanded 4000 Foot , and a certain number of Horse , of the Governour , and in his absence of Don Philippo Spinola , which at the beginning of this War were promised him , in case he were assaulted in Piedmont by the Arms of France ; which demand being made when the Army before Casalle was in greater want of men then ever it had been , he wish'd they might not be granted him , that by that denial he might have a fair pretence to forego friendship with Spain , and to abandon the Cause , which till then he held in common with that Crown : And that when Spinola had punctually satisfied his demand , and sent the men , contrary to the Dukes expectation , he was troubled at their coming ; which made him not only make them keep upon the Confines , but by hard usage endeavoured to make them return back : but when he saw his Counsels prevented by the King of France his speed , he speedily summoned them in to his defence against the Kings Army which he saw came suddenly upon him , and by their help made what defence so short a time , and the imminent necessity could permit him to make ; for though there was no collusion in the conflict at Susa ; yet the unseasonable demand made by the Spanish Agents , the little satisfaction he seemed to receive by their coming , the preceding Negotiations , and the Conclusion of the subsequent Agreement ; shew that the Duke was much more inclined to imbrace friendship with France upon new terms , then ( according to the observance of his Ancestors ) to keep union with the Crown of Spain : But it may be said that the then so dangerous condition of Affairs forced the Duke to put on this resolution ; and it being usual with Princes to make all change lawfull , not onely when their State is in danger , but where they may better , or increase their condition , there was not any one that blamed the Dukes Counsels , nor his Actions . How ever it was , the King of France his name was generally exalted to the skies throughout all Italy , in several Writings and Composures ; they said he deservedly merited the title of Just , for having assisted an oppress'd Prince ; the title of powerful , for that he had opposed himself in Arms to the oppressors ; of generous Protector , because without any private end or interest , nay with such inconveniency to his own affairs , with so much trouble and hazard of his own person , he could not tolerate the oppression of a Prince who was his friend . Some praised the speed of his advancing , others the undaunted execution , others his miraculous happy success : they wonder'd how so many difficulties of the season , Alps , sterility , and opposition , yielded to his fortunate Arms and Genius : how he had had the courage , being tired both himself and Army in hardships undergone before Rochel , to pass armed over the Alps in the midst of Winter , and to come into Italy , to free her from imminent slavery , and to assist his Petitioner in his greatest extremity : they could not comprehend how at his only presence so many Forces , such preparations of Arms , and so many Plots against a Client of his Crown , should vanish just like a shadow before the Sun : some called him the Protector of the oppressed ; others , the avenger of the liberty of Italy ; and expecting greater proceedings from such a beginning , they promised unto themselves great alterations : almost all the Princes of Italy sent Embassadours to him ; partly to congratulate his so happy success , and to thank him for having freed them from the imminent slavery they apprehended , if Casalle should be taken ; partly to purchase his favour , in case , as it was much feared , he had any further intentions then the freeing of Cassalle , and that he might not prejudice their Dominions : some , and particularly the Venetians , to incite him ( as it was said ) to advance further with his Arms , offering to joyn their Forces and Intelligence with him , against the Spaniards , with whom they were very ill satisfied in what concerned the Valtoline , and this new commotion against Montferrat : but the King did soon free all men from such suspitions ; and by his sudden and unexpected resolution broke off the thred of his so prosperous Fortune ; for on the last of April he return'd into France , leaving the Cardinal and chief Officers of the Court in Susa ; not tarrying till the business of Montferrat should be ratified from Spain , but leaving the things unconcluded and unperfect , for which he had with so great fervour and preparation entred Italy . The Cardinal and the rest soon followed after the King ; leaving Marshal Cricky in Susa , supream Governour of the affairs of Italy with 6000 Foot , and 500 Horse , The occasion of this so sudden and so unexpected departure was variously interpreted ; some allotting it to the Kings vivacity of spirit , some to his moderation ; as if content with having freed his Friend , with having secured peace to Italy , and to so many Princes , ( who apprehended the contrary ) he had with a Prince-like magnanimity let the world see , not only how just his thoughts were , but how moderate and content , upon such an occasion , and so great an opportunity of affairs ; and how far he was from dreaming of novelties , or of disturbing the publick peace : but these specious pretences not being able to prevail with those who could have desired more constancy and resolution in the King , and much less with those who desirous of novelty had conceived great hopes by the Kings coming , the French gave out , that the Duke of Roan , head of the Hugonots in France , seeing his party ruined by the loss of Rochel , and that he could not get ready help to sustain himself from Spain , whither he had dispatch'd Messengers of purpose , by reason of the great scarcity of moneys , began to cry Peccavi , and would render obedience to the King : which because it was likely to put a final end to the troubles of France , was of so great moment to the Kings affairs , as that , all other enterprises set aside ; it forced him to return to secure them : which though by the soon ensuing accidents appeared might be true , yet not being then believed , it was not sufficient to maintain the reputation of the French Forces , which being but a little before formidable to Italy , by reason of so prosperous success , began after the Kings departure to decline ; and the rather for that it was soon known , that it was a new tumult of the Hugonots , who had fortified themselves in the Mountains of Auvergnia , and not Roans surrender , which had forced the King to return thither to suppress them . This the Kings so sudden departure afforded also occasion of belief ( and this was afterwards judged to be the truest cause ) that the King was come into Italy with far smaller Forces then fame gave out ; which not being fit for new enterprises , he had done more wisely to content himself with the glory which he had won , then to hazard the loss thereof by falling upon new enterprises . But be it what it would that occasioned the Kings departure , it sufficiently lessened the reputation of the Kings Forces ; and , on the contrary , the Spaniards , who seemed to be totally quel'd , began out of these respects and other favourable accidents , to hold up their heads . The Duke of Savoy , though he appeared publickly to stand to the Articles of Susa , yet not being pleased with the loss of that place , and with the restitution of most that he had got , was negligent in furnishing the Citadel of Casalle with the rest of the Victuals promised ; and being much troubled that the Pass upon the Alps had been forced from him , and that he was thereby fallen from that reputation by which he covered to be thought to hold the Keys of Italy in his hand , and that it was he alone who could either keep out the French , or let them in , as he listed ; desired to regain his former reputation : to which purpose he used all his best skill : he fomented the Rebellion of the Hugonots in France , and wavering in his friendship with the French , see●…ed better inclined to the Spaniards , by whom he was to get the greatest part of Montferrat . At this time the Plate-feet return'd to Spain with above ten Millions of money ; and the King , urged by necessity , detain'd above a Million and a half of moneys more then what came to his share , which belonged to private Merchants ; an Argument which proved clearly that he was far from accepting the Articles of Susa ; and desirous to repair so great a blow given to his reputation , and to the safety of his Domimons : nor did his Agents in Italy desire it less then he ; for the Duke of Alva , as soon as he had heard what had hapned in Piedmont , and of the lofs and Capitulations of Susa , he sent Thomaso Caracciola from Naples with a Galley to Genoa , to the end that going thence to Millain , he might hearten the Governour with an offer of 20000 Foot , and 2000 Horse , and of 700000 Ducates , which were ready at his service in that Kingdom . But the Emperours sudden resolution made all men chiefly wonder ; who having till now proceeded rather by exhortations , citations , and in a judiciary way , with the Duke of Nevers , then by Arms or Military expeditions , and who moreover had appeared averse to the Governours late action ; as soon as he heard of the King of France his coming into Italy , and of the Articles of Susa , and of the Duke of Nevers his contumacy , who with so little respect to the Imperial Majesty , Sovereign Lord of the Dukedom of Millain , was entred thereinto in hostile manner , and had committed acts of hostility in Casalle maggiore , he thought himself so highly injured in his dignity and right of the Sacred Empire , as he immediately ordered Count Merodes to go into Italy with 36000 Foot , and 8000 Horse , of those who were quarter'd in Alsatia , Tyrvolo , and the parts thereabouts , under Colalto , Caprain of the Cesasian Forces in Alsatia ; which Order Merodes readily obeyed ; and having taken Stainc , which was but badly provided , he came unexpectedly to Coira and Mainfold , two of the chiefest of the Grisons Country ; which being unprovided for so sudden an assault , were easily forc'd to receive him in : falling from hence with his Van , which consisted of 10000 Foot , into Chiavenna and the Valtoline , he drew neer the State of Millain , intending to pass on farther , as the Governour should direct him . The Governour , fearing the French Forces , and not being willing to innovate any thing contrary to the Articles agreed upon , did not only make 3000 Foot , which were sent him readily from Naples , stay in the Haven at Genoa , but made the Dutch tarry in Chiavenna and in the Valtoline , till he should receive new Orders from Spain ; and in the mean while furnish'd them with Victuals , and other things necessary . The Court of Spain was much troubled at the business of Susa ; but encouraged by so many good chances , she resolved not to sit down by such an affront ; and neither refusing nor allowing the Articles of Susa , took a middle way ; wherein the King declared , that if Susa might be restored , and Montferrat put into its former condition , and the French Forces should forgo Italy , he would not molest Montferrat by Arms : the condition was hard , for besides the uncertainty of performance , it did almost deprive the King of all the advantage of his Victory ; wherefore the King of Spain thinking it would not be accepted , knew it would be requisite for him to provide some sufficient person to repair the affairs of Italy ; therefore instead of Don Gonzalo , with whom that Court was very ill satisfied , he chose the Marquess Spinola ; who being come some moneths before from Flanders to Madrid , kept still there about some private , and publick business ; and furnishing him with almost two Millions , part in ready money , part in very good assignments , and conferring upon him all supream Authority and free Arbitrement as could be confer'd upon any one , to make war or conclude peace ; he sent him to be Governour of Millain , to the end that he might either compound the present affairs upon honourable conditions ; or repairing the late disorders by Arms , he might restore the Affairs of the Crown to their former Dignity and Safety . The End of the Tenth Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . BOOK XI . The Contents . THe Articles of Susa not being observed forceth the King of France to prepare a new Army for Italy . Marquess Spinola , the new Governour of Millain , sends men into Montferrat : of all which he makes himself master , except Cassalle ; whether the French , abandoning the rest of Montferrat , withdraw themselves . The Cesarian Army falls into Italy , under Count Collalto : and entring the Territories of Mantua , possess themselves of almost all the Towns of that Dukedom ; and sitting down about the Suburbs of Mantua , take some of them : they afterwards fall to oppugne Porto , but quit it by reason of the excessive cold weather . The Duke of Savoy professing neutrality , Negotiates with both parties , and endeavours to sell his friendship as dear as he can . The French Army falls into Piedmon●… , conducted by Cardinal Richelieu ; who being kept very scarce of Victuals , Quarters , and other Necessaries , by the Duke of Savoy , breaks with him , and going to Pinarola , takes it , and some of the adjacent Towns. Marquess Spinola and Collalto come with Forces to assist the Duke , whither also comes Cardinal Barbarino , the Popes Legate , to treat of peace : which not being to be made , Collalto returns to Mantua ; and Spinola sits down before Cassalle . The Legate returns to Bolognia , and Cardinal Richelieu to France ; by whose departure the French Army is weakened ; being re-inforced it endeavours to relieve C●…ssalle , but being opposed by the Duke cannot do it ; wherefore being forced to keep beyond the Poe , it meets with various fortunes , and takes so Castles . The Siege of Cassalle proceeds with much difficulty . The ●…ge of Mantua is brought to 〈◊〉 ●…lend ; for , not being relieved by the V●…ns , who were routed by the Dutch at Vallegio , and being consumed by the Plague , it is at last taken and sack'd . The Duke of Savoy dies at Savigliano . THe busines●…-of Mo●…ferrat , which by reason of the Duke of Nevers●…is ●…is ●…eaknes , b●… the far ●…stance and ●…ifficulty of succour , and by ●…eason of the power and greatness of the S●…anish Forces , being joyn'd to those of Germany and Piedmont , was at first thought a thing which might easily be effected , of no moment , and which would cause but little alteration ; when it had brought the Arms of France and Germany int●… Italy , be●…un to be held the seed of future evils , and of greater perturbations ●…en any that had preceded ; for the King of France being with such manifest Demonstrations engaged in the defence and protection of his Friend and Client ; and fortune having so smiled upon him at the first , it was not to be doubted , that he would forbear the pros●…tion thereof , but that ●…e would imploy all the Forces of ●…is Kingdom●… making good the Art●…les of Susa , which had been a●…eed unto , so ●…uch to ●…is glory . O●… the other si●…e , the Emperour ●…inking that 〈◊〉 Honour , and the Majesty of the ●…acred Empire would be too much concerned , if he should suffer his Decrees and Commandments to be overborn by the contumacy and disobedience of a vassal , assisted by Forreign Forces ; and that the French should arrogate that Jurisdiction and Imperial Authority to themselves which did absolutely depend upon him ; it was not likely neither that he should ever appease himself , till he should see his Imperial Authority restored to its former condition and reputation , by the suppressing of his contumacious vassal , and by the abolishment of the Articles of Susa. The almost equal fortune of these two Princes terrified the whole world : who after signal Victories , had just at this time , happily and miraculously setled the Domestick Affairs , and brought them into security and obedience , by the former total suppression of the Rebels of his Kingdom , and the other by re-uniting the Princes of Germany , by the peace of Lubeck , made between him and the King of Denmark , and the rest of the German Princes who had confederated themselves together in behalf of the Prince Elector Palatine : so as both of them being free from intestine troubles , they were at leasure to bend the whole Forces of their Dominions upon this sole enterprize ; and what added wonder to all the mischances was , that it seemed that the same fortune having thrown open the Gates of Italy unto them at the same time , and made the way plain for them to come thither , did not only lead them by the hand , but drive them on by a favourable gale ; There was not any of so mean an understanding , who did not foresee , nor of so inhumane sense , who did not deplore the unfortunate sate of Italy , which being destined the miserable seat of Warr , was exposed to all those evils and calamities which would flow out into her bosome from those two Nations ; Nor was it to be believed , that the Spaniards who were the chief occasion of these present commotions , and who were ingaged in this enterprize , not only in point of Honour , but of interest , would by giving way to the Duke of Nevers his Solicitors suffer so great an affront as he had received by the Articles of Susa ; but that , on the contrary , being as the soul of so great an enterprize , he was to make it good with all the force and power of his Crown : but the danger was yet greater of Italie's being inslaved by the Austrean Armes , if getting the better of the Duke of Nevers , they should become Masters of his Dominions ; and as the thought hereof did much perplex the very souls of the Italian Princes , so was it necessary for them to betake themselves to the best remedies for this threatning evil ; it was known what foundation they might lay upon the favour and assistance of France of the unfortunate successe of their union with that King of late years upon the occasion of the Valtoline , and by the peace of Monzone , concluded so little to their satisfaction ; and yet not having any better resolution to put on at the present , made it appear not onely necessary unto them , but the great concernments of that King in these present occurrences : and the better occasion he had to persevere therein by the now quiet and intire obedience of his Kingdom made it seem more assured , since the occasions being removed , the impediments must needs also be taken away , which might crosse him in the businesse of Italy ; the chief point concerning that total of the present Affaires ; seemed to depend upon the Duke of Savoy's resolution , who if he should observe the Articles of Susa , and keep firm to the common cause , would secure the preservation of Casalle , and therewith the liberty of Italy ; And if he should not observe them , but joyn with the Austrean Forces , the common cause and the liberty of Italy would be much indangered , and Casalle , Montferrat , and Mantua , would be apparently lost ; the Duke was not ignorant how requisite his friendship was to both parties ; and that he might make his best advantage thereby , he held them both in hand , making them sometimes hope well in him , sometimes to suspect how he might be inclined ; when he but indifferently succoured the Citadel of Casalle , he excused himself to the Spaniards , upon the necessity of keeping his promise , upon the fear he stood in of the French which were very strong in Piedmont , and upon the slender supplies sent thither , which not being sufficient long to supply the Souldiery that were there , would not much import the main businesse when it should be taken ; He sometimes said that victuals were privately stoln in thither , by meanes either of the Subjects , or of the French ; that it was impossible for him to block up the Avenues so , but that relief would be brought in contrary to his will and orders ; On the other side , he strove to satisfie the French of his will , and of his constancy in observing his promise , by his continuing to send in provisions , and by promising to do so still : that which was conjectured might be his chiefest aime , was , that he sent but small supplies into Casalle , to the end that if it should be lost , and should fall into the Spaniards hands , it might not prove too prejudiciall to him ; and that supplying it , though but sl●…nderly , it might be known that it lay in his power , either to suffer that place to be lost , ( whereon he knew that all mens eyes were set , ) or else to preserve it : so as he might be looked upon by all men , as the absolute Arbitrator in so chief a business . Others were of opinion , that keeping both the parties doubtful of what the sequel might be , he might have occasion to treat of demolishing the Citadel , lest it might fall unto the contrary party , which might prove much to his prejudice : he also ( that he might depend less upon the French , and that the Spaniards might conceive the better of him ) fortified and munited Avigliana very strongly , placing 8000. men there in Garrison , to the end that it might be a good Bulwark against the French , which might exclude them from Casalle , and might make their having of Susa very little advantagious to them ; so as he might still be held to be the same thing which he coveted to be , before the business of Susa , & pretend that it lay in his power to keep out , or to let in the French , and so he might make himself the more necessary to each of the parties : and consequently meet with the better dealing in his demands and pretensions , which he reduced to their accustomed vastnesse ; to the getting of a good part of Montferrat , and to the state of Genova : which having once aspired unto , he thought that as he did desire it , so of reason it did belong unto him , to boot with the great sums of mony which he demanded from the Spaniards for the maintenance of the War , and of the French for victuals and the passage of their men ; As for Montferrat , arbitrators were already chosen on the King of France his behalf , on his own , and on Nevers his behalf , to rate his Lands which were allotted him by the Articles of Susa , instead of 14000 Ducates ; but the Arbitrators when they met differ'd upon the Rates , so as the arbitrement could not as then be ended ; the Duke pretended that the Lands should be valued according as they were anciently , when he first made his pretenosins , and not according to their present estimation ; and the one being incomparably greater then the other , it swallowed up as much of Montferrat as he was to have had by the division made with the Spaniards ; and thinking that the French , by reason of the necessity of his joyning with them , ought to satisfie him herein in as full a measure as the Spaniards had done , he was very obstinate in his pretences ; On the contrary side , Nevers having exclaimed much against that part of the Articles of Susa , whereby he lost so much of Montferrat , and the Agents deputed by him reclaiming yet more against so high , and so unexpected pretences ; The French ( who was in the middle between them ) thought that if it should be consented unto , their Kings Protection would seem to incline rather to the oppressing , then to the maintaining of his Client : Wherefore they opposed the Duke of Savoy , whereat the Duke being very much distasted , and imputing it to the small good will the Court of France had to determine this happinesse ; to the end , ( as he said ) to keep the longer from restoring Susa , he exceedingly complained , and was more reserved in obse●…ving the things agreed upon : but much greater obstacles appeared in the other point , which concern'd the state of Genoa ; for some distasts and diffidence having past , as you have heard , between that Common-wealth and the Crown of Spain , which upon some fresh accidents were renewed , the Court of France made account to get more advantage thereby . The King , before his march , had sent ( as you have heard ) Monsieur di Lande into Italy ; who being come to Genoa , did not only secure the Common-wealth from any hostile acts , but offered all favour and assistance to them in the Kings Name , against whosoever should go about to insidiate their Liberties . The Commonwealth doubting lest after the Victory and Articles of Susa some nearer conjunction might be made between the Duke and the King , to her prejudice , she thought her self bound to answer the fair respects the King had used to her ; wherefore Augustine Palavicino , who was afterwards chosen Doge , was sent Embassadour from the Commonwealth unto the King , to thank him for the good will he seemed to bear unto them , and to desire him to continue the like favourable inclination towards them still ; and to pass the usual terms of Complement with him : The Commonwealth was the more inclined to send this Embasie , for that Don Gonzallo , when he saw the Enterprize of Montferrat given over , thought the affairs of Italy to be in a desperate condition ; he wish'd the Common-wealth to provide for themselves the best they could ; And yet the fear of the French Forces ceasing by the King of France his return , the Court of Spain , which could have desired that constancy and resolution in the Commonwealth which she found not in their Agent , seemed displeased with this Embasie ; which being the first that was sent by any of the Italian Princes , seemed as if the Commonwealth would at the very first stormy blast have first of all wavered in her ancient Friendship . Monsieur Sabran's going to Genoa , ( who was sent thither by the King of France , in appearance to treat of the safety of coveying Victuals , which he was to send from Provence to Montferrat ; but in effect to tarry there as his resident ) increased this their displeasure . It was an ancient custom of the Commonwealth , to entertain no Embassadour in Ordinary , save only from Spain ; and if at any time the Genoese had been desired by the Pope , or by the King of France , to give residence to their Embassadour , they had always appeared backward in it , out of self-interest . Sabran being upon this occasion received at first , and having his expences discharged , as the Kings Agent , after some moneths kept open house in Genoa , intending to reside there ; at which the Spaniards began to murmure ; for their King pretended and demanded of the Commonwealth , That they should not entertain any one in their City who was an Agent for the King of France . The Common-wealth did in part admit , and in part not admit of the Kings demands : for as for their receiving him as Embassadour , or Agent from the King of France , being loth to alter their ancient institutions , they ordered , That he should not be received as such , either publickly or privately ; but as for excluding him from living in the City , if he would tarry there as a private man , they would not do so ; it being too much contrary to the common liberty of Nations to inhibit any one to live in a free City , which for the greatness of Traffique was open to all Nations , and in particular to the French : And as to exclude him only from being a servant to the King of France , was too apparent an affront to that Crown ; so to do it at the King of Spain's demand , would not be without a blemish to their reputation , and without prejudice to the liberty of the Commonwealth , as if they had done it by the King of Spain's command : And yet the Court of Spain holding for certain , that whatsoever business Sabran did negotiate in Genoa as a private man , thought that the Commonwealth did by this declaration satisfie the King of France in effect , and him but in shew ; and he thought himself highly offended ; as if to undertake new Intelligence with the King of France , chiefly in a time when the Italians in general , and particularly those of Genoa , were molested by France , was a beginning to fall off from their ancient union and good correspondency with him : And the less satisfied the Court of Spain seemed to be by these proceedings , the more did the Court of France hope to lay new foundations of entertaining new Intelligence with the Genoeses ; and was so far from thinking of offending them , as she offered all the favour and Forces of France to defend the Liberties of that Commonwealth against any whomsoever : The Duke of Savoy finding therefore , that his plots against the Genoeses were not well listned unto by the French , complain'd , That the Commonwealths Interest was preferr'd before his , and before the promises made him in Susa : Being therefore angry that these his drifts did not succeed prosperously in that Court , he endeavoured by no favourable demonstrations to the French , to withdraw from favouring the Interests of the Commonwealth ; and finding that their proceedings were not well received in the Court of Spain , he thought they might produce some good effects to him ; he therefore profess'd more constancy to that Court : But neither did his designs prove succesful there ; for that King nor Court would not upon any sleight occasions , to please the Duke , take off their favour from the Commonwealth ; and they abhorr'd any innovation which might tend to the prejudice of their good correspondency and intelligence held with the Genoese : as also because Marquess Spinola being come , with thoughts as high as was his Authority , into Italy , and indeavouring by all the means he could to restore the Kings grandezza to its ancient condition , would not imitate his Predecessor , who , with little honour to the Kings Affairs , had seconded the Dukes will too much ; being therefore rigid in his resolutions , and seeming to depend only upon himself in the Administration of the Kings business , he did profess not only not to be governed by the Duke , but thought to bring him over to his mode ; and suspecting the Dukes intentions and actions , he was very cautious and reserved in believing him , or in doing any thing whereby he might be forced to submit to his will , and quit his own power ; and even in the usual payment of moneys , which were granted him to make preparations for the imminent War , as also in sending him men to defend Piedmont , he was very reserved , notwithstanding the Dukes many pressures : Wherefore the Duke finding that neither of the Courts did much favour his designs , he suspended his resolutions ; and carrying himself the best he could to both of them , he waited till occasion and time might make his conjunction and actions more desirable then they were at the present , that he might sell them at the dearer rate , according as the urgency of occasions might make them more requisite . The Court of Spain being wholly intent upon the business of Cassalle , that they might divert France , resolved to assault the French on the confines of Catalognia , and that the Emperour should send his Army to the Confines of that Kingdom , on the side of Lorrein ; and to his purpose the King of Spain had sent the Duke of Feria with 1000 Horse and 4000 Foot to Barcellona , with order to raise more Foot there , and to enter with them into Languedock , and Provence ; and the Emperour had commanded the Duke of Fritland , the Captain General of his Forces , to prepare to enter France with stout Forces on the side of Germany : And there was no doubt but that the King of France , being held work by these assaults , as he had been the preceding year by the business of Rochel , could not have sent much aid into Italy to back the Duke of Nevers in his Affairs ; so as it was likely that the Enterprises of Montferrat and Mantua being attempted by the Spanish , Dutch , and by the Savoyards , could not but succeed well . Notwithstanding Spinola , who was come into the State of Millain about the end of August , with ample Authority , as hath been said , to treat both of Peace and War , bethought himself of many things which withdrew him from thinking upon the uncertain events of the present War , to minde the surer counsels of Peace : He saw that the State of Millain , which was the chief foundation and prop of the War , was so exhausted as it could not long sustein the weight of a new War ; That Mantua and Cassalle being very strong , the former made so by the waters , and natural scituation , the other by Art and Fortifications , the besieging of them would prove a business of length , and of doubtful event : That the enterprise was hateful in the sight of men , suspitious to the Princes of Italy , and generally detested by the whole world : That the French were resolved to defend those Dominions , and ready to pass over the Alps again : That small Forces were able to withstand what there was but little hopes of getting , though with great expence , and preparatioon of Arms. The Duke of Savoy's various and uncertain genius did confound him , on whose Friendship and Union nothing could be surely grounded , but a continual profusion of Moneys to feed him with , whilst the danger was far off ; That when they should draw neerer , his Friendship would be more dangerous then advantagious , as might appear by the last years example , which he could not but think upon . But that which in appearance should have encouraged him most , did most trouble him : The more powerful the Germane Army was , the more formidable did it appear to him , and the more dangerous for the Kings Affairs ; for though if they should joyn with him they would undoubtedly prove a great assistance to him in that enterprise , yet did he rather fear than confide in them , by reason of the pride , arrogancy , and greediness of that Nation , which is naturally unsatiable , impatient of military discipline , and inclined to mutiny , which might occasion sad accidents in the heat of War. To this was added the intollerable expence required to maintain that Army ; which being to be paid by the King , the Royal Treasury being emptied by so many and so long Wars , was not able to supply them : But ( what exceeded all other respects ) the Dutch Forces being to wage War in Italy , not as Auxiliaries , or as brought in by the Spaniards ; but as Principals , and in the Emperours Name ; it was to be feared , that they would not only not leave the first place in Authority to the Spaniards , whose intentions they did effectually serve ; but that by reason of the Sovereignty that the Emperour holds in Italy , by reason of the quality and quantity of Forces , by reason of their greater disposition to War , and through their Commanders ambition , they would be masters , and would force the Spaniards to fight after their mode ; so as he thought them dangerous in War , but more dangerous in Victory , if ( Mantua or Cassalle being taken ) they should fix their footing in Italy , and settle the seat of the Cesarean Majesty there ; from whence the I●…alian Princes ( being for the most part Feudatories of the Empire ) were to take Law , and to depend thereon , as upon their Sovereign Lord : which consideration , by reason of the consequences it might draw after it , in prejudice to the Spanish Authority , afforded no less occasion of fear , then if the French Power should by the Duke of Nevers's means be radicated in Italy . Out of these respects Spinola growing more inclined to Peace then War , Monsignior Scappi , Bishop of Pacenza , being s●…nt by the Pope to visit him , Spinola entered upon some Treaties of Accommodation with him , and with Count Iacomo Mandello , who was sent to him by Nevers , offering each of them , That he would procure that Nevers might be invested in his Dominions , upon condition that he would receive and Quarter part of the Emperours Forces in the Dukedom of Mantua , and part of Spinola's Forces in Montferrat , in sign of his respect to both their Majesties ; to the end that making amends by this his ready obedience , and publick submission for his former contumacy , they might with honour receive him into favour , and gratifie him , the one with the Investiture , and the other with the Protection which he desired : Nevers would not accept of this , either out of fear of non-performance , or out of his relying upon the French Forces , and those of other Princes who were joyn'd with him , on whose pleasure he profest he did in all things depend ; so as he was first to acquaint France , and the Venetian Senate , with his offer , without whose approbation and consent he could not resolve any thing in this point ; but being advised to the contrary by the Venetians , who could not endure that the Dutch Army should come neer their Confines , and an answer not coming from France , the Dutch not having whereof to subsist amidst the barren Rhetian Alps , where they had tarried all this while , Spinola was forced , contrary to his inclination , to permit them to enter Italy : They came in number 22000 Foot , and 3500 Horse , commanded by Ramboldo , one of the Counts of Collalto in Friuli , General of the Cesarean Forces in Italy ; a Commander of good esteem and Authority , who had been long vers'd in the Wars of Germany and Hungary : They fell down into the Valley of Chiavenna , by the Lake of Como ; being come to Lecco , they pass'd into the Territories of Cremona , and proved prejudicial to Lombardy and Piedmont , by their cruelty , rapine , plunder , and contribution , which they forced from thence ; and fatal to a good part of Italy , by reason of the Plague , which they brought with them , and which burst forth in great violence throughout all Lombardie and Piedmont ; and then entring the Venetian Territories , and Romagnia , it came into Venice and Tuscany , causing so great a mortality both of men and cattel as the better half of these Provinces did not escape the fury thereof : Collalto being come into Italy spoke with Spinola in Millain ; by whom being honourably received , after a long debate about what was to be done , they agreed upon this : That dividing the Armies and the Enterprises , Collalto ( with his Dutch ) should undertake the business of Mantua , and Spinola ( with the King of Spains men ) that of Casalle and Montferrat . Having thus distributed the carrying on of the war , each of them betook themselves to what fell unto their share and the King of France joyning with the Venetians in Nevers his defence left the Venetians to relieve the State of Mantua , and took the care of Montferrat upon himself . Spinola's Army , ( many Captains and Officers being cashiered ) came to 16000 Foot , and 4000 Horse , wherein were comprehended the Spaniards , Dutch , Neapolitans and Lombards , under their several Camp-masters ; amongst which was the Duke of Lerma , Nephew to him who was so great a Favorite to King Philip the Third , and was come to commence his Militia under Spinola . Spinola , to give a beginning to the business on his side sent his Son Don Philip to Valenza upon the Poe , with part of his Army , which was distributed in several Towns upon the Confines of Montferrat ; where gathering Victuals and Munition he gave out that he would go to besiege Casalle ; whereupon the French , abandoning the Towns of Montferrat , retreated in great ●…aste with their men to defend that place ; and Don Philippo , invited by that occasion , sent Don Ferrante di Ghirava his Lieutenant-general with 4000 Foot to beyond the Tanaro , to whom Nizza , Acqui and Ponsone came in ; and all the neighbouring Towns return'd to be govern'd by the Spaniards : then bringing his men into Alessandria , he went to take in Sansalvadore , Lu , Fubine , Vignale , and the other Towns of that State , which lie between Alessandria and Casalle ; leaving Rossigliano , St. Georgio and Pontestura , unattempted : which being as so many Bulwarks to secure Casalle , were not only not abandoned by the French , as the other Towns were , but were begirt about with Trenches , and furnish'd with good Garrisons ; and yet Spinola , for all his shews to the contrary , forbare to attempt Casalle , being detain'd , partly by the very cold weather which came on ; partly supposing that the French would imploy all their Forces to defend it , he feared to begin with that as would be a great obstacle to the Treaty of peace , which he so much desired . Moreover , he doubted much the Duke of Savoy , who ( were it either that he was loth that that place should fall into the Spaniards hand , or that he was angry at Spinola's proceedings with him ) began to oppose his ends , and cross his designs ; or that minding the preservation of that place , he aimed at being himself the Arbitrator of affairs , and to sell the possession thereof at the dearer rate ; wherefore he began to declare expresly , that by the last agreement at Susa he could not but grant both passage and Victuals to the French that went to relieve it ; wherefore Spinola being contented with the Towns that he had taken , and with having regained those Towns , in the face of the French , which his Predecessor was forced to quit , at the King of France his appearance in Italy , he quarter'd his men in those Towns which he had taken , where they lay idle all the ensuing Winter . The Cesarian Army made better proceeding in the Territories of Mantua ; where the Duke of Nevers not minding the defence of the chief City so much as that of the other Towns of the State , had indiscreetly distributed the greatest part of his men within those Towns , which would all of them have been hardly sufficient to Garrison the chief City : so as the Cesarian Army , led on by the Serjeant-majors Mathias Galasso and Aldringer ( for Collalto , who was sick at Lodi , could not go along with them ) having taken Loglio and Volengo , the chief Towns in the Mantuan Territories , went immediately to Caneto , somewhat a greater Town , where were 2000 Foot , amongst which two Companies of Venetians , under Angelo Cornaro , a Gentleman of Venice , to defend it : Nevers relied much upon that Garrison , which being very great , ●…e hoped would hold the Enemy play : but it proved otherwise ; for at the first appearance of the Enemy they yielded up the Town , without one stroke striking : the example whereof , as it is commonly seen , being followed by the other Towns , Gazzuolo , Cicognaro , and Governolo , which lies in the mouth of the Mincio , where it falls into the Poe , fell also into the hands of the Dutch ; who being by this easiness of the Mantuan Souldiers become masters of almost all the Country thereabout , after having miserably plundred it , had conveniency to approach the City , which was in great confusion to see her men make so little resistance . The City being unfurnished of the better part of her men would have run danger of being stormed , had not the Venetians , who were aware of the danger , sent a thousand Foot thither immediately , under Colonel Durante , with some moneys : the City of Mantua stands almost in the midst of a Lake , made by the little River Mincio , which comes from the Lake of Garda : the Island whereupon it stands is joyned to the Continent by some Banks and Bridges , whereof some are greater , some less , according to the distance of place : at the end of the greatest Bridge , stand the Suburbs of St George , weakly walled and without any Plat-form : to which when the Enemy drew neer with their Cannon , Frederico Gonzaga , who had the defence thereof committed to him , began to treat of compounding , in the Dukes name , with Aldringer ; letting him know that Nevers being desirous to appear an obedient Vassal , and to witness his respect and observance to the Emperour , would not refuse to receive him , and to allow him quarter in that Borough . Aldringer , who knew the place to be untenable , would not accept it upon those terms , since he saw that in all likelihood it could not escape his hands ; whereupon Gonzaga not being able to do any more yielded it unto him , retaining only the Hold , which is only a Ga●…e a little fortified , which leads from the Lake to the City . The Dutch being entred into St George , a Truce for a few days was treated of , and concluded ; during which time Nevers b●…ing desirous to asswage the Enemies fury by some act of submission , offer'd Collalto ( who though not yet perfectly recovered , caused himself to be brought from Lodi into the Mantuan Territories , and lay in St Benedicts Monastery ) ●…he same Hold ; so as he would receive it only as a willing and honourable surrender : but Aldringer replying that he offer'd a thing which could not hold out two hours assault , the business proceeded no further , the rather for that a new accident which hapned broke off both the Truce and all the Treaties ; for at the same time that Aldringer advanced to St Georg's Borough with the Van , the Reer being led on by Frederick , one of the House of Saxony , went to quarter in Ciregg●…e , a Borough upon the Bank of the Lake , wherein was no Garrison or any other defence : but upon a bank which leads from the Borough to Mantua a Rampier was begun to be made in form of a Half-moon , which opposed those who would pass that way into the City : some of the Dutch coming to this Rampier , which was basely abandoned by the Venetians who defended it , they without any opposition became masters thereof ; and might easily make themselves masters of the Island of Te , which was disjoyn'd from the City only by a large Ditch : This caused great confusion in Mantua ; wherefore thinking themselves to be assaulted during the time of Truce , the Town sent Colonel Durante immediately to defend that part : fire was also given to the Cannon from the City against the Borough or Suburbs of St George ; and those who guarded the Hold , hearing the noise , shot off their Muskets against the Magazine of Arms which was beneath , where many of the Captains and Officers of the Camp were sporting themselves , trusting in the Truce ; and amongst them Colonel Coloredo was sorely wounded . The Dutch being hereat moved , who knew not what was done at le Gireggie , nor the occasion thereof , assumed their Arms , and fell immediately upon those of the Hold , which they soon made themselves masters of , with the death of many of the defendants ; and then passing forwards took the Bridge , till they came to the Draw-Bridge ; which being timely hoisted up by the Mantuans kept the Dutch from entring the City : so as not able to get further they began to fortifie , and to turn their Cannon upon the City , and to play upon it : whilst things went thus , Mantua was again relieved with another 1000 Foot , with ten pieces of Artillery , and with 100 carriages of Victuals and Ammunion , beside some moneys . A succour which was sent by the Venetians to Goito , and from thence to Mantua : the Dutch perceived how fit a place Goito was to send relief , being seated upon the Mincio before it falls into the Poe ; so as being to take it , that they might streighten the City the more , they sent the Baron Galasso to view it : there was in it a good Garrison , and it was sufficiently munited ; so as the cold season being considered , it might have held out till the Spring : but when Galasso came neer it with some few men , he by some tokens found how base and fearful the defendants were ; wherefore hoping for good success , and having seen some of those Barques which serve to bring in the Vintage , in some of the neighbouring Cottages , he made use of them , and of some ropes , to pass over the Mincio , and to get neer the Town : which whilst he successfully did , those within began to parley ; and two pieces of Cannon which Galasso had sent for before he had past the River , being come from the Camp , they agreed to surrender the Town ; which accordingly was done , and proved no little prejudice to the City , being thereby deprived of so important a place for succour . Goito being taken , and the Dutch finding that the Battery of S. Georgi●… against the City , by reason of the far distance , did no good , they ●…ell to expugne Porto , which is another Town neerer the City , reduced into a Fort , with Walls , Bulwarks and Ditches , and partly secured by the neerness of the Lake , from whence you go to the City by the Mill-bridge , and by a bank at the head of the Bridge : Being gotten by their approaches to the Ditch , they would have drained it , and then have come to Battery , and to Assault ; which if they could once have done , they had great hopes , by reason of the Defendants cowa●…dize ( whereof they had had so many proofs ; ) and the Artillery being already prepared , they were ready to begin Battery . But the Winter coming on , and the weather growing very cold , the business began to appear to be longer & harder then it was thought it would have been , especially , since the City , being secured every where else , might make use of all her men to defend this place . To this was added the great scarcity of victuals and straw , which grew daily greater in the Army ; and the plague , whereof many in the camp dyed : Wherefore altering their minds , they resolved for that Winter to minde only the keeping of what they had got ; and distributing their Army in the neighbouring Towns , to keep Mantua besieged at a distance , and to possess themselves of the Avenues and Passes which were fittest for relief ; and they quarter'd their Horse so as they might scoure the Country , and keep back relief . Collalto went to winter in Reggio , where he quarter'd one Regiment , the Duke of Modena not knowing how to refuse them , as being Feudatory to the Empire , as neither could the other Feudatories of the Empire do , some allowing Quarter , some Contribution , in what quality or quantity Collalto pleased to take it . The Army being in their Quarters , the besieged sallied out in great numbers , and molested the stations held by the Enemy , not without some advantage to themselves , and prejudice to the Enemy . Nevers going out himself in person with the Prince his Son , and a good Band of men , fell upon Mormitolo , a place some five miles off , where about one hundred Dutch were quartered , who yielded unto him upon discretion : He afterward went to Castiglione , which he likewise took ; whereby making way for relief from Verona , the Venetians had conveniency to convey victuals into the City : they met with contrary fortune at Rivolta , on the left bank of Mincio , where it falls into the Lake ; which Town rising in Insurrections by the fomentation of the Venetians was recovered by the Dutch , who went thither , with the death of all the Towns-men , who refusing to surrender the Town were , even to the very Infants , put to the Sword : and though the Dutch Horse foraged the Countrey , yet some succours were brought in from the State of Venice , which being done by stealth were not sufficient by much for the need the City was in ; which being begirt by the Enemy wanted food , and was also hardly handled by the Plague , which was very great here , as also in all the neighbouring Towns and Cities ; insomuch as getting into the City of Venice , people died so fast , as the care thereof was almost quite given over by those that had the looking to it : the like hapned in Millain , Bullognia , and in all the Cities of Lombardy , Romagnia , and Tuscany : but whilst the Cesarian Army winter'd in the State of Mantua , and Spinola's Forces in Montferrat , provisions for war , as also Negotiations for peace ceased not : in both which not only the Commanders in the Armies , but the Princes of Italy laboured . The Pope , seeing the Dutch forces so neer the Church-Dominions , sent about 18000 Foot into the parts about Bullognia , under his Brother Don Carlo , and 2000 horse ; and sollicited the building of Fort Urbano , which he had resolved upon two years before , and was begun at Castel Franco , upon the way that leads from Modena to Bullognia , and was a good and fitting Bulwark to Romagnia , and the Church-Territories on that side : but that he might likewise by his authority and endeavours stop the evils which threatned Italy , he made Cardinal Antonio , his Brothers second Son , Legate ; who being also come into Bullognia , where his Father govern'd the Ecclesiastick Forces , he sent Monsieur Iovan Iacomo Panciruolo to Mantua , to treat of some suspension of Arms , between the Duke of Nevers and Collalto , to the end , that in the interim they might the more commodiously and with the better hopes treat of peace . But this was but in vain ; for Collalto growing proud with successe , made still higher demands ; and the Duke , who had nothing more to grant but Mantua and Casalle , had not wherewithall to satisfie his demands and pretensions ; so as there was no middle way left for them to meet in , and the lesse , for that the siege of Mantua being given over with so little honour to the Cesarean Forces ; and Casalle not as yet attempted by Spinola , the new Dukes hopes were not a little comforted , nor his confidence a little increased , of being sustained by them who fomented him , and were his well-wishers . For whilst these two places held good , all the other Town taken by the enemy , either in the state of Mantua , or Montferrat , made but little for the main concernment of the Warr : and it being very probable that the Armies being afflicted by the Pestilence by the Winter inconveniences , and by those of the Campagina , they would in time lessen ; and it was to be hoped , that being much diminished of themselves they would be reduced to such a condition , as not being able to withstand the French Forces which were to passe over the Alps very strong the next Spring , they would be easily driven from their quarters , a consideration which did must afflict Spinola ; For having two Armies on his back , which he was to furnish with expences and provisions , he feared he must be forc'd to squander out monies to no purpose this Winter , and have need of it himself afterwards , when there should be occasion to lay it out with profit ; Wherefore growing very sparing thereof , he was lesse carefull in satisfying the Duke of Savoy's demands and necessities , though he had other greater respects to keep him from furnishing him with monies , which he proceeding from distrust , did daily increase by reason of his continual treating with the French ; Sometimes by means of the victuals which ●…as bound to furnish the Army with , which was to passe over the Mountains ; Sometimes by doing the like to those of Casalle ; Sometimes by the conduct-monies which were agreed to be given them , when they should be come into Piedmont ; Sometimes by the negotiations which daily past , touching the Dukes joyning his Forces with the French , whereof there were pregnant suspicions , by many demonstrations made by the Duke , on purpose to make Spinola jealous ; Wherefore these actions being really repugnant to that good correspondency and inclination which the Duke profestto the Kings affairs , when he demanded monies of Spinola : and it seeming somewhat hard to Spinola that he should feed one with monies who continually fomented the enemy , and who held continually so close intelligence with them , he demanded from the Duke some cautionary Townes in Piedmont , if he would be furnished with monies , for security of his profest good will , and inclination to the King of Spaine's affaires . The demand did very much trouble not onely the Duke , but all the Princes of Italy ; for it increased the jealousies of the Italian Princes , if Spinola should get yet further footing in Piedmont , to boot with what the Spaniards pretended to in Montferrat , and the Duke in whom the Italian Princes did confide , that he would not forgo the common cause , as well in respect of his own , as of the common interest ; Having complained to the King of Spain of the demands made by Spinola , he obtained Orders from the Court to Spinola , that he should desist from such demands ; and Spinola , that the Duke might not be too much exasperated , received some check for his too much severity . Great Preparations for Warr were not only made in Italy , but also elsewhere . The King of France raised a mighty Army , to come stronger then formerly into Piedmont : and the Emperour and the King of Spain , to keep the French from opposing the Duke , and from forcing him to joyn with the●… , prepared to assault France , the one on the side of Spain , the other on the side of Germany : But both these proved rather Rumours then Reallities ; the want of money was the cause why on the King of Spain's side , he having hardly sufficient to supply the Warrs within Italy , Flanders , and Germany , so as he had not where withall to begin and maintain a new Warr with France ; And also the scarcity of Souldiers , wherein Spain was much wanting , her men being exhausted by Warr in several Nations , in the Ocean , Mediterranean , and by often Transmigrations from Spain to America , and to the East Indies ; To this was added the driving out of the Moores , in the time of Philip the Third , wherein more then two millions of Souls were said to be sent out of Spain : a people who though they were generally train'd up in servile Arts , and particularly in cultivating the ground , and in feeding Cattle ; yet these , by supplying the meaner imploiments , afforded convenience for the Natives , being unimployed in those services , to betake themselves to military affaires ; So as the Natives , after expulsion of the Moores , being to reassume Husbandry , and the feeding of flocks , ( wherein Spain doth abound ) a very great scarcity of men began to be found in all the King of Spaine's Dominions , especially of such as were Military , to be sent out to make new acquisitions , or to maintain what they had gotten ; Out of these respects , and because the Catalonians were not inclined to make War with the French upon those Confines , to keep from losing Traffick which passeth with interchangeable profit between them and France , the Duke of Feria could raise no Souldiers ; and not thinking it fit to begin War with so weak Forces , the diversion did not only saile on that side , but occasion'd the like failing on the Germans side . But many greater , and more important accidents , kept the Emperour from falling foul with France at this time : which since , for their weight , and for the great concernment therein of Italy , they deserve a particular discription ; It will not be amiss to make a little digression ; and whilst there is little done in Italy , by reason of the excessive cold Winter , to make it not a distinct and particular relation of them , at least to give you a brief view of them , to the end that reserving them to the times wherein they happened , they may not break off the Narration of the chief Affairs of Italy . The Austrian Authority , the greater it was grown by the continued succession of so many Emperours , the more odious and insufferable it grew to the German Princes : and the so many victories obtained by this present Emperour had made him so formidable , as the German Princes joyn'd in nothing more then in finding out some meanes whereby to lessen , and moderate the power of that House , so as they might vindicate their ancient and former Liberty ; which after so great an increase of power they had almost lost ; finding themselves now treated by this present Emperour , not as Princes , and , as it were , Confederates of the Empire , but little better then Subjects . To the desire of political liberty so much wish'd for by the Catholick Princes , liberty of Religion was added by the Hereticks ; for the present Emperour , being more religious then many of his Predecessors , had in several manners curb'd their licentiousness , and restrain'd that liberty of Conscience which they had enjoyed for above a hundred years : so as they were doubly inclined to novelty . The dissatisfaction of both these parties was occasioned , yet more , by the great Army consisting of above 100000 fighting men , which the Emperour kept quarter'd in several parts of Germany ; but more particularly in their Territories , who being worst satisfied with the present affairs , he knew to be worst affected towards him , more contumacious towards the house of Austria , and readiest to rise ; and this he did , not so much in resentment of their maligne intentions , as to keep them the more curb'd in , and to take from them the means of plotting innovations : the common people were not therefore only burthen'd with quartering Souldiers , but the Princes also with Contributions , & by not being able to get their usual Tributes and Rents from their Tenants , who were afflicted and exhausted by unusual free-quarter . To these mischiefs was added th●… juries done by the Cesarian Souldiers and Commanders ; and chiefly by the haughty proceedings of the Duke of Fritland , Captain General of the Imperial forces : who having the Supream Power and Authority given him over all the Armies , and in the management of the war , kept all Germany and the Princes of the Empire under his command . This man was by Nation a Bohemian , of private birth , and but of mean fortune , but who by his valour had raised himself to this greatness : to his pride of nature , to his fierce and terrible genius , great valour , great daring , and an extraordinary judgment in Military Affairs was annexed ; wherein he was confirm'd by his signal Victories gotten against the Emperours Enemies and Rebels : whereby he had rendred the Authority and Majesty of the present Emperor to as high a pitch as ever any of his Predecessors had been : so as his name grew not only odious to the Hans Towns , but even to the Princes Electors ; to whom bearing no ●…espect , he contrary to their antient Institutions quarter'd Souldiers upon them , as well as upon the more petty Princes . The Emperours new Decree ( who confiding upon his power , and drawn by zeal to Religion , commanded that to the Catholick Churches should be restored the antient possession of all those goods whereof they were bereft at the beginning of the Heresies ; which goods having been possess'd by many Princes and Lords for above one hundred years , were partly alineated , partly converted to their own uses ) encreased their indignation , and brought some of them almost to the point of despair , and all Germany was much offended thereat ; and because there were many Princes concern'd in this Edict , who adhered to the house of Austria ( amongst which the Duke of Saxony ) they began all of them joyntly to plot mischief against the Emperour , endeavouring to lessen his power , and to free themselves from such oppression ; and the Emperour , likewise , did extreamly desire that his Son , whom he had made King of Hungary , should be chosen King of the Romans ; and not be●…ng able to compass it without the Electors free suffrages , the business in these commotions met with many disturbances ; especially for that all men hated that the Imperial diadem should continue in one Family , whereby their liberties became not only inslaved , but many Families and Persons , ( who thought themselves as well deserving as the Austrians ) were excluded from this Grandezza : it therefore became the Emperour to sweeten them , that he might incline them to chuse his Son : he therefore summoned a Diet in Ratisbone , to settle ( as he termed it ) the affairs of Germany . The Electors chief intention was to disarm him , to the end that his Forces being weakned , he might not use the like authority as formerly ; they therefore desired that Wallestein , Duke of Fritland might be no longer General , and that the Army might be dissolved : they accused Wallestein of barbarous cruelty towards the people , of insufferable pride towards the Princes , of insatiable extortion , and of unheard of fierceness in making Towns desolate , and in subjugating Provinces ; for the dissolving of the Army , they alledged that , Germany being reduced to a quiet and safe condition by the peace made at Lubeck , the Army was not onely superfluous , but grievous to the people , and prejudicial to Germany , which ought now to be eased of so great a burthen , a●… permitted to injoy the fruit of peace . The Emperour did not incline to these so weighty and important demands , knowing very well whereunto they tended , nor yet the Spanish Agents who were resident in that Court ; who were much concern'd in maintaining the Emperours authority , and the Austrian name , wherein their King was interessed : but the King of Sweden , a powerful Northern King , having about this time past the Baltick Sea , and being come into the lower Germany with an Army of 20000 Foot and 2000 Horse ; the Electors made Protestation , that they would never contribute to the charge of that new war , unless they were satisfied in their demands . The Empeour and Spanish Agents being badly advised , gave way thereunto at last : but it was not long ere he repented himself soundly ; for though Arms were laid down by by the peace of Lubeck , yet discontents and hatred were not laid aside , nor yet the ardent desire of more absolute liberty , and the conditions of that peace being advantagious for the Austrian Empire , did rather serve to incite the male-contents to novelties , then keep them within the limits of that peace : the disarming of the Emperour was no better then to put Arms into the Swedes hands ; and into those of the male-content Princes , and such as were mortal Enemies to the Austrian name . The Electors , having obtain'd their desire , were backwards in chusing the King of the Romans ; which though it were not openly desired by the Emperour , yet being negotiated privately , began to be found so hard a business , as the Emperour thought it not fit to demand it openly ; and the Electors made use of several pretences to put off the Election : nor now that the Emperour was disarmed , did they let slip the occasion of shewing their resentments , and of endeavouring some better condition of liberty . The Protestants began to lay plots against the Austrian power , and by little and little began to hold intelligence with the King of Sweden ; who having by their adherence gotten greater forces in a short time took many Cities , subdued many Provinces , and having gotten many famous Victories , overran Germany within the space of a few moneths , not without great danger to the Austrian authority , and to the Catholick Religion : nor content with such a continued course of Victory , he drew neer Italy , and made her fear the renewing of those miseries which she had formerly felt by the Goths , and the other Northren Nations . The affairs of the Empire and of the Catholick Religion were never so perplex'd in Germany , nor brought to so neer a ruine , as after the coming in of this Northern King : all the Hereticks and male-contents adhered to him , who in his Military Ensigns writ himself the Defender of the Faith , and Protector of the German Liberty . The Duke of Pomerania , first of all , and afterwards the Elector of Brandenburge , and lastly , the Elector of Saxony joyned openly with him against the Emperour ; and after them many other lesser Princes , and almost all the Hans Towns of the Empire , joyned with him , as with their deliverer ; and the Emperour having laid down his Arms could hardly raise a new Army to withstand so apparent ruine : almost all the Souldiers that he had cashiered took pay under the Swede , allured by the fame of his valour , by the Victories he had got , by his grateful genius to the Souldiery , who was received and followed with unspeakable applause , as if the heavens had sent him to be their Deliverer . The Armies of the Catholick League and of the Emperour , which were joyn'd together , were defeated in a great Battel before Lypsick ; and Tilly , chief Captain of that League , a famous Commander for many Victories which he had gotten against the Protestant League , and against the King of Denmark , and who now succeeded dismiss'd Wallestein , was therein hurt : so as the Emperour seeing no other way to withstand the ruinous condition of the Empire , nor how to defend the Austrian Dominions , was forc'd to recall Wallestein from Bohemia , whither after his being dismiss'd he had withdrawn himself to lead a private life ; and restoring him upon what condition he could desire to his former dignity , he opposed him to the Swede , who like a swift torrent overrun all Germany . The Emperours Army commanded by Fritland , and the Swedish Forces led on by their King , came to a pitch'd Field neer Lutsen , a City in Misnia ; wherein the King being victorious had prescribed Laws to Germany , had he not been slain by some Musketiers , whilst with his wonted valour he pursued Victory : he died in the latter end of the year 1632 , thirty moneths after he had set his foot in Germany . But to re-assume the thred of my Discourse , the Diet at Ratisbone freed France from being insulted over by the Germans ; for Fritland , who had order , as hath been said , to fall upon France , expecting what would be the issue of that Diet , instead of turning with his Forces upon France , would be himself present at Ratisbone , to obviate the violence which he foresaw would fall upon him : but not being able to decline it , and the Emperour being forced not only to depose him , but to cashier his Army , and foreseeing another war threatned from the North , France escaped being assaulted also on that side ; and the Electors , who held intelligence with the King of France , favouring Nevers his Cause , as the most just , approved not of the Emperours actions ; but complain'd , that contrary to the Laws and Institutions of the Empire , he had sent Armies into Italy , without participating the business with them : wherefore the resolutions and provisions of that Court growing colder , the King of France had better conveniency to mind the wars of Italy , and to send strong succours to Nevers : he destined the Cardinal of Richelieu to be the Captain General of the Forces which he sent into Piedmont , with full power to manage war and peace . The Army ( those being comprehended who were in Susa and Montferrat ) consisted of 22000 Foot and 2000 Horse ; and the Cardinal had three Marshals of France for his assistants , Cricky , la Force , and Scomberge . The King had already bargained with the Duke of Savoy for provision of Victuals , and Ammunition for war , together with conduct moneys for the passage of his Army , and had agreed with the same Duke that he should assist in the enterprise with 15000 men ; and as for Victuals , he had agreed to deliver unto him 15000 sacks or quarters in Nizza di Provenza , which the Duke was to present unto the Army in Piedmont , three crowns of gold being allowed for the conduct of every sack or quarter : so as the Cardinal being very hot upon the business , and thinking to find all things ready for the enterprise in Piedmont , parted from Paris in the time of Christmas ; and coming to Lyons in the beginning of the year 1630 , tarried there some days to receive the people , who had orders to come thither from several parts of the Kingdom : he by his appearing so strong , and with such resolution , in Piedmont , to terrifie the Duke so as to make him not only forward to observe all that had been agreed upon , but willing to yield to whatsoever he should require ; he nourish'd this opinion , not only out of the extraordinary confidence which the French have naturally in their own Forces , but also by reason of the Dukes Embassadours endeavours , who was at Paris to delay this expedition ; for when he saw all things ready for the voyage , he went to the King , and to the Ca●…dinal , and confidently assured them , that he had received news from the Duke , by a Post that was newly come , of a suspension of Arms made in Italy , for two moneths , and agreed unto by the Venetians , between Nevers and the Cesarian and Spanish Commanders : according whereunto Collalto had withdrawn his men from Mantua , and Spinola from Montferrat , and that the general peace would be shortly concluded : but the vanity of this advertisement was soon discovered , and was reputed as tricks used by the Duke , who out of his excessive fear of the French Forces strove to keep them as long as he could from Piedmont : wherefore the Cardinal hastned his journey the more , and being come to Lyons sent very precise Orders away to the Duke with advertisement of his coming , to the end , that he might be ready to receive him with Victuals , and other Provisions , and to joyn his Forces with the Kings in this enterprise ; in whose behalf he required him , absolutely to declare himself : but the Duke seeing the Cardinal engaged upon his promises , thought it a very opportune occasion for his purposes ; for the Cardinal passing the Mountains with a great Army , without Victuals or other Provisions , he knew that the prosperity , or ruine of the enterprise , lay in his power ; for if answerable to his promise he should furnish him with all things , and should joyn his Forces with the Kings , Casalle would be happily relieved : on the contrary if he should not furnish him , and instead of joyning with him , should bring the Spanish and the Dutch Armies into Piedmont , and should with them oppose the French Army , all the Cardinals plots and threats would prove nothing ; thinking therefore to reap good by the necessity whe●…einto he saw the Cardinal was ready to precipitate , he sent his Son the Prince unto him , to put new conditions to him , and to propound unto him the old flim-flam of the enterprises of Genoa and Millain ; and on the other side , that in case the Cardinal should should not grant those his desires , he might have means to oppose him , or that out of fear of his stout resistance he might force the Cardinal to give way unto his will ; he at the same time sent the Abbot Scaglia to Spinola , and to Collalto , to invite them to advance with their Forces , and joyntly to oppose the French , who coming into Italy upon the assurance of his joyning with them , and of finding those Victuals and Provisions , which he would never furnish them withall , they should be forced , when they should see such an Army before them , either to retreat shamefully , or being block'd up in Susa , to perish miserably for want of Victuals , and other conveniences ; or if they should give Battel , to be undoubtedly overthrown : he likewise , to incite them the more to advance , told them that France was at this time in great troubles , by the departure of the Kings only Brother , the Duke of Orleans , from that Court and Kingdom , by the Prince of Conde's retiring from the Court ; by the dissatisfaction of many Princes and Lords ; who not being able to end●…e , that even in the conduct of the Kings Arms ( which in all reason belonged unto them ) a Cardinal , of Priestly profession , should be prefer'd before them , ( one unexperienced in Arms , whose ambition grasp'd at all things , and who through the Kings favour would usurpe those imployments , which were due to them by the merits of their ancestors , and by the dangers they had run , and blood which they had shed in war ; ) would by all means endeavour that he should not come off with honour in this enterprise : he acquainted them with the Insurrection of several Provinces of the Kingdom ; for that the people could not bear with such great Contributions as were laid upon them , to maintain a war out of the Kingdom ; and making it plain unto them by these so many Demonstrations , how easie , and sure , the result of the business would be if they would oppose it , he press'd them not to let slip so happy an occasion of doing their Kings business : but both these expeditions proved vain ; for the Duke being become suspected to both parties by his double dealing , had wearied them all : nor could he carry his neutrality so cunningly , but that his ends were discern'd , which were conceived to be nothing else , nor to tend to any thing , but to be the Arbitrator between two great Kings Armies , and to be he who should cast the ballance as he should like best , be Superintendent in all businesses , give the Law to all , treat of his own affairs with most advantage , better himself by the perils and labours of them both , and secure the advancement of his own fortune , and the increase of his reputation , by the equal counterpoise of each of them : by which way of proceeding being become not only suspected , but hated by both parties , who thought themselves injured by this his jugling , they abhorred to have him their Arbitrator , grew more confirm'd in their distrust , and more resolved that he should depend upon their resolutions , and not they be wheeled about by his words and cunning . Thus keeping the superiority , they would treat with him upon such advantage of power and authority as did become their Kings Grandezza , and the Majesty of their Masters Arms : so as so many Negotiations and pieces of cunning being discovered , instead of the advantage that was thereby hoped , he reaped loss and danger : Spinola had found out his continual treating with the French under one pretence or another : he knew what Victuals and Ammunition he had promised , and what moneys he had received for them : he saw him continue to provide for Cassalle , prepare conduct moneys for the passage of their men , and make many shews of being in favour with that Court , or of not being able to be otherwise ; he grew very jealous also of the Prince his going into France , which though it proved to no purpose , yet it was very probable that he was sent thither to treat of some great concernment : so as Spinola was so far from crediting the Dukes Proposals , and from believing that he would appear against the French ; as the same change which his Agents promis'd in his behalf lessened his belief , and made him proceed with more circumspection , fearing , and notwithout reason , that the Duke would promise as much to the French against him , by whom he had already been so severely dealt with ; and that , either out of resentment , or for the imminent danger of the French , ●…r for the high conditions the Cardinal would give him , he would do the same Metamorphosis against him , as he now promised to do in prejudice to the French ; and being loth to hazard the main point upon such uncertainty , he waited for better counsel and safer resolves , as the event should fall out : but the Cardinal did no less abhor the Dukes ways then did Spinola ; since they tended to bring him to follow his will , to wage war as he listed , to ●…n the Kings Forces , which were destined to protect an oppressed Prince , to the profecution of his vast ends and his revenge , and that against other Princes , against whom they were not intended ; and in fine , to change the Kings designs and enterprises with those of his own , and ( as if he were his servant ) to be ready to do what the Duke listed , if he would have his friendship : holding therefore these pretentions to be too high , and the price of such an union too exorbitant , he would not listen to new Treaties , but threatned to force him to perform Agreement ; wherefore he would not so much as speak with the Prince , who being come to Savoy desired to Negotiate with him , but refer'd the Treaty till he should be come to Piedmont ; and for the better proof of his resolution , endeavouring to make the Duke the more afraid , he went from Lyons towards the Alps , leaving the Marshal dela Force there to gather the Army together , and to bring it to Piedmont . The Duke had fortified Auvigliana ( as hath been said ) and had well munited it , and was gone thither with the body of his Army to defend it ; his Army consisted of 12000 Foot , and about 3000 Horse : and knowing that the Cardinal must needs drive him from thence if he would relieve Casalle , and that he could not sit down before Auvigliana for want of victuals , nor relieve Casalle , he feared not his threats ; for not having wherewithall to feed his Army , nor wherewith to succour Casalle , he must either agree with him , or waste himself idly in Susa , or return with shame into France ; and therefore the nearer he saw the Cardinal come with a numerous Army , the more advantage he thought he had of treating , or certainty of victory ; and consequently he continued the stiffer in his pretences , and propounded the more difficulties in what he was much prest unto by the French , and by Marshal Crickey ; So as the Cardinal being come from Lyons into Ambrano , and hearing there , much contrary to what he expected , that the Duke continued in his obduratenesse , and that it was impossible to alter him , he for a while forbore the course which , when he parted from Lyons , he thought would be so dreadful to the Duke ; For finding that to go against the Dukes will , to relieve Casalle , ( which was the chief cause of that expedition ) was no better then to hazard himself and his Army upon manifest ruine , as also the Kings Honour , and the whole enterprize , he began to find by experience , how unreasonable it was , upon these termes , and in the present conjuncture of affairs , to justle with him when he was back'd by the Spanish and Dutch Forces ; Wherefore allaying his heat , he began to treat more moderately with him , and endeavour'd to make him pliable with satisfactory proposalls , that he might bring him to joyn with the Kings Forces in that enterprize , and interest himself really in relieving Casalle ; but his lenitives proved as vain as did his threats ; For although the Duke had all his demands , ( how strange , and how extraordinary soever ) granted him , yet still pretending greater things , and turning back from what he had agreed unto , he used delayes , to the end that thereby the difficulties and necessities of the French Army might the mean while grow greater , insomuch as the Cardinal being come to Susa , where he spoke with the Prince , who was come to Bossolano to visit him , he did not only not come to any conclusion , but did not so much as begin to treat ; For the Prince , who when he went to Savoy to negotiate with him could not so much as be allowed audience , being willing to resent that usage , the ceremonial part being past , would not propound any thing , pretending that it was the Cardinal who was to make the first proposals , and make an overture to the businesse . The reasons of this obdurancy , and so great aversion in the Duke , may , many of them , be gathered from the then present circumstances and occasions : For to the many injuries received from the French and from the Cardinal , and to the abusive peace of Montsone , was added the Cardinals proud carriage towards the Prince , not admitting him , when he came to treat , so much as to come within his presence , whereof the Duke had wont to complain much ; and conceiving thereby , and by other proceedings , that the Cardinal was not only very averse to his interests , but bent to ruine him , he thought that no offers nor agreements would be observed unto him : nay , the greater the things were which the present necessity might force him to , he thought the effecting of them would be the harder afterwards , and the more odious ; Wherefore fearing that he might be deceived , he would not change the present time for the future : the Kings coming to Susa , and the conventions which he was forc'd to give way unto there , touched him to the quick ; and as ●…e thought himself fallen from that opinion , wherein he desired to be held , of being able to keep the French out of Italy , or bring them in as he listed : so he imagined there was no better , nor no more opportune remedy to he I so sore a wound , then to oppose their passage now , & by the total ruine of the enterprize and of their Army , to leave a perpetual example to the French , how necessary it was for them to esteem him as the only Porter of the Alps ; and for the Spaniards to put a value upon him , and to treat him with advantagious conditions , as the Bulwark of Italy , and of the state of Millain ; this was the highest pitch of his Grandezza , this the very sence of his soul ; and having fixt his eye upon this , as upon a mark to shoot at , he thought that if he should hit it , all occasions that could be from the French came short of it ; it was also thought that he feared lest when the Cardinal should see himself in great power and safety by his joyning with him , he might afterwards make peace with the Spaniard , excluding his interests ; just as it hapned at the peace of Monsone ; so as hating to joyn expresly with either party , whereby he was to make himself subject to one of them , and an enemy to the other , he was constant to his neutrality , whereby he was superiour to them both ; yet he broke not with any of them : but cloaking his actions with neutrality , he fenced himself with tergiversations . Neither would the French , who needed him exceedingly , break with him ; but dissembling all the hard usage they met with , endeavoured to win him over to declare for them ; and they ( so well knew they the advantage of his joyning with them ) abusing their patience , left nothing undone which might not prejudice them , though little to their honour ; the Cardinal agreed for provision of victuals , with some of the Dukes subjects , and bargain'd with some others for the conducting of such as were in Nizza , to ease his present necessities . The Duke made them all be imprisoned ; but not being able without apparent contumacy to deny the conduct of such as were in Nizza , since he had already received monies for their conduct , he would appoint the conductors himself ; who depending wholly upon him brought more or lesse , according as he pleased . But the Army not being able to continue longer thus , and the Cardinal being either to break with him , or unworthily waste his Army , or return with shame to France , before he would break , he would make the last trial ; He promis'd that he would assault some place in the state of Millain , provided that the Duke would furnish Casalle with victuals , the Duke either did not , or did not seem to refuse the proposals ; Whereupon the Cardinal made his Van advance , consisting of 7000 Foot , and 1000 Horse , under Marshal Cricky ; and going himself out of Susa with the body of the Army came to Cazalletto , a place near Avigliana ; and the Duke sent good store of victuals to Casalle : which finding that the Van being come to Rivas , a Town in Montferrat , did not prosecute the voyage , he made them stay ; pre●…ending that the Van alone could not do any thing of moment against the state of Millain , so as it was necessary that the rest of the Army should follow : The Cardinal was mightily troubled to be thus used , perceiving that those very tricks were used to him , which he used to others ; For as this marching of the Van was feignedly pe●…formed by the Cardinal , to make the Duke put victuals into Casalle ; so the Dukes sending of victuals appeared to be counterfeit , to the end that he might make the Cardinal come out of Susa with his Army , where he had as yet some provisions wherewith to subsist , to the end that he might bring him to before the Spanish and the Cesarean Armies without victuals , and be but badly backt by the remainder of his Army which tarried behind ; So as he might either be overcome by Famine without fighting , or ( if he should fight ) he might be miserably destroyed : And the more to witnesse the Dukes bad intentions , it was added , that notwithstanding that he had good store of monies disburst unto him per le Tappe , and other quarterings , he would not permit that the Army should passe by the usual way that it was to march , and which leads from Susa to Avigliana , where the way was more commodious , broader , and where there was better quartering , but made it passe by the way of Condove and Cassalette , which lies on the left hand , very improper for the Foot , much more for the Horse , and for the carriage of the Artillery ; where there was no order nor provision for quarter , and where they were to suffer both hunger and cold : insomuch as the Army which tarried here some dayes had perished , had not some remainder of victuals which were yet left in Susa been brought thither ; But this not being able to maintaine them long , and the Duke pressing them to advance , the Cardinal thought it not fit to pursue that voyage , and leave Avigliana behind him , where the Duke was with all his men : Wherefore he answered , that if the Duke would have him advance , he must furnish him with victuals , and declare openly for the King , and remove the impediment of Avigliana , which ( in the condition it was in ) would not suffer him to advance ; The Duke reply'd , that the great scarcity of victuals must excuse him from sending in provisions , that he could not declare against the Emperour who was his Sovereign Lord , from whom he held so many Territories in fee ; and as for Avigliana , that he was not bound , as the Rebels of France , to demolish his Townes to pave the way for the Kings Army ; but ( that to free himself of all jealousies ) he was ready to take some of his men out of Avigliana ; to which purpose he drew from thence about 7000 foot , but he placed them in the guard of the Bridges and Passes , by which when the French should be past LaDora , they might assault him ; which the Cardinal perceiving , he resolved to use force , and to go against the Duke when he should be past Dora , who tarried with some of his men in Rivoli : and to this purpose was Cricky sent for back from Rivas , where he continued still , with the Van ; the Duke was aware of this , and did not fear it ; for having munited Avigliana and Torino well , the places whereupon he thought the French were likeliest to fall , he hoped he might hold them play there , till such time as the Cesarian Army , and Spinola's might advance ; and finding them incamp'd before those places might easily rout them , in case they should not long before be made to quit the enterprize for want of victuals . But a new and unthought of accident alter'd the state of affairs ; the Duke going that very night from Rivoli , went to Torino , and abandoning the Bridges and Passes of the River , which the French were to assault the next morning , he afforded them conveniency to passe over the River without any impediment ; This so sudden and unexpected change was attributed to some knowledge that the Duke had got of some treaties held by the Cardinal in Torino , where there were then many French , and amongst them two of Cricky's Sons ; who as soon as they heard the Duke was entred the City retired to the Army ; whereat the Duke being mightily offended , he made the chief of the French that remained in the Town be imprisoned , as complices of plots and treaties , and published a manifesto in print ; wherein he complained bitterly of the Cardinal , that whilst he was entred his Dominions as a friend , and whilst he had furnish'd him with victuals and other things , to the great prejudice of his own people , ( from whose mouths he had pull'd it ) he had endeavoured to oppresse him with plots and treaties within his own doors , only for not having joyn'd his Forces with the French , against his Sovereign Lord the Emperour , and against the King of Spain , to whom he had no reason to professe himself an Enemy ; wherefore declaring himself openly for the Emperour and King of Spain against the French , he made new and more urgent dispatches to Spinola and to Collalto , to make them advance with all possible speed to relieve Piedmont ; promising them full and assured victory over the Enemy , who were streightned by so many necessities : of which victory the happy end of the enterprizes of Mantua and Casalle would be the undoubted result . The Cardinal was in great confusion at this the Dukes sudden and unexpected resolution , his Army being in great danger to be lost for to send men to Casalle , and no victuals would rather be a trouble then an ease to the Town ; to keep idle where he was was impossible , for want of victuals ; and dangerous , lest the Enemy might come upon them ; to sit down before Avigliana or Torino , would be a desperate and ruinous businesse ; So ( as in so great confusion and difficulty ) he knew no better course to take , then to send a Messenger to the Duke ; who treating with him , and with the Princesse Royal of Piedmont , might mitigate the Dukes severity , and bring him to more moderate counsells ; But neither did this do any good ; for the Duke being angry with the Cardinal , minded nothing but revenge , and the total ruine of that Army , and utterly to overthrow the Cardinals fortune ; who out of private Emulation , and big with Hatred and Ambition , brought the Kings Forces to triumph over his , and thought to make his Name remarkable to the Princes of the present age , and immortal to future times ; He therefore neither admitted of the Messenger , nor would he suffer him to speak with the Princesse Royal , nor with the Embassadours of other Princes , who were resident in his Court. Wherefore the Cardinal , forced by necessity , changed the defensive war which was intended in favour to Nevers , into war offensive against the Duke of Savoy , by whom he held himself to be so unworthily dealt with ; he therefore sack'd Rivoli and the neighbouring Townes : but thinking this too weak a resentment , and unworthy his Grandezza , he turned upon Pinarollo , whither having sent Cricky with the Van , he followed him the next day with the rest of his Army ; a resolution wh●…ch was certainly necessary in so desperate a condition , but very uncertain and dangerous ; for if that place had been so well provided as the importancy thereof , and the present condition of affairs required , and consequently the Cesarean and Spanish Armies had had time to succour it , the French must necessarily either have come to a battle upon disadvantage , or have foregone the Enterprise with much danger and confusion , and have shamefully returned to Susa , where , if assaulted , they could hardly have held out , but must have been enforced to receive such Laws as the Conquerours should please to prescribe them , to the intire loss of that Glory which they had won upon that very place the year before : But Fortune , which useth to change in points of extremity , raised the Cardinals condition to the highest pitch of felicity , which appeared to be ruined ; and precipitated the Dukes Affairs almost into utter destruction , which seemed to be placed on the height of happiness : For the Duke somewhat doubting that place , where he knew there was no other defence but the Garrison which was usually kept there in time of Peace , sent thither a great recruit of men the very day that the Army removed from Rivoli ; but it being given out in the Army , that it went to Turin ; and those that went with the Artillery thinking that they were to continue their march according to their former Orders , before the consultations had against Pinarollo were discovered , drave on to Turin ; and the Duke , who by reason of the said consultations doubted lest he might be assaulted , recall'd that recruit of men which he but a little before had sent to Pinarollo , and kept them to defend the chief City ; so as Pinarollo being deprived of that recruit , and the Duke not being of himself able to march into the field to defend it , could not hold out long against the French ; for the Van being come thither on the 20th of March , and having placed their battery upon the ditch , the City yielded without making any resistance : They had somewhat more to do to take the Castle , which held out somewhat longer for the Duke . This success did totally alter the face of Affairs ; the Cardinal having time to breathe amidst so great streights , to boot with having made way for the bringing of victuals and provisions from France , brought the neighbouring Towns of Piedmont to Contribution , which abounded in Victuals ; and by keeping that and Susa in his possession , might not only advance to further acquisitions , but secure the restitution of Cassalle , if it should be taken by the Spaniards : and now that he had so good pledges in his hands , he might treat of Peace upon better conditions , the relief of Cassalle not being so necessary as before . On the contrary , the Duke being by the loss of this place faln from his advantagious condition , could no longer keep the French Army from Victuals , nor make it depend upon his will , as formerly , in respect of relieving Cassalle ; nor could he keep the Spaniards any longer from being jealous of his joyning with the French ; but on the contrary , it behoved him not only to depend upon the Cardinal , and be subject to his will , who being Master of Pinarollo might prejudice Piedmont in several manners ; but also upon Spinola's pleasure , by the necessity he was in of being assisted by his Forces against the French , who were got into the bowels of his State ; so as being of a sudden saln from being the Arbitrator of Peace and War ( as he held himself to be ) to be subject to the pleasures of both parties , it behoved him wholly to forego those high conceits by which he thought to give Law to all , and to submit himself to be disposed of by those who could readily and powerfully either defend or indammage him . Spinola , who being wholly bent upon Peace , would never supply the Duke either with men or moneys , being awakened by the coming and the progress of the French Army , began to be of another mind , and to make more haste in providing for War ; he therefore sent into Germany and Naples , to hasten the coming of the men that were ready there , and into Spain for more moneys ; and minding chiefly the safety of the State of Millain , he began to build a great Fort neer Sartiranna , and another upon the Poe , over against Valenza , and a third at Villata ; he threw one Bridge over at Villata , and another between Valenza and the new Fort ; so he thought that that part of the State which was neer the great Garrison of Cassalle was safe enough ; and hearing that the French were gone to Pinarolo , he sent Don Martin d' Aragona to assist the Duke with the Van , consisting of 4000 Foot , and 600 Horse ; and he himself expecting the Legate in Alessandria , who came to treat of Peace , tarried there to assemble the rest of the Army , and therewithal himself in person to defend Piedmont ; but were it either that the ways being broken down by continual rain hindred the speed of his march , or that thinking it impossible to come time enough to relieve the Castle of Pinarolo , he thought that the Castle , since it was to be lost , might be lost before his Kings Forces appeared ; or else , ( as many were of opinion ) that Spinola was not yet very sure of the Dukes Friendship , and that therefore he was not displeased with that loss , which forced the Duke to joyn with the King of Spain's party , out of necessity of being assisted in recovering what he had lost ; the Affairs belonging to that expedition went not on so fast or with such fervour as was outwardly profess'd . When the Legate was come to Alessandria , he spoke with Spinola , and with the Marquess of San Croce , who was come from Genoa to be present at that Conference ; he found a great inclination to Peace in them , and was therewith well pleased ; for Spinola and San Croce offered to do any thing so as the French would restore the Towns in Piedmont , and would return into France : they promised to restore Nevers into peaceful possession of Mantua and Montferrat , and to invest him duly thereinto ; to restore the Forts and Places taken from the Grisons ; that the Emperours Army should return to Germany ; and the disbanding of the Spanish Army which was in Italy . The Cardinal parted from Alessandria with these Proposals , and went towards Piedmont to treat with the Duke of Savoy , and with the Cardinal of From , in whom he found not such a willingness to Peace ; first , the Cardinal alledging , That it became not the honour of the King of France his Forces to enter into a Treaty , whilst the enterprise which they had in hand , of the Castle of Pinarollo , was not finished ; and he would not enter into discourse with the Legate , who tarried fifteen days in Turrin to that end ; at the end whereof the Castle being surrendred , the Cardinal fell to begirt the Town with Bulwarks Royal , and fortified the Castle , making that Town impregnable ; which ( as it was then judged , and was afterward better confirm'd by success ) the French never intended to restore , but to make it a Rendezvouz for Arms in Italy , which might serve as a curb to Piedmont , and to the Dukes of Savoy , keep the State of Millain in a perpetual jealousie , and might serve for an excellent door to the King of France for greater enterprises , which he might design unto himself , if he should have occasion to send his Armies over the Alps. Bricherasco was taken soon after , being neer Pinarollo , at the foot of the Alps , well fortified and munited : not long after the surrender of the Castle of Pinarollo , Colalto and Spinela came to Piedmont , and with Spinola came San Croce and the Duke of Lerma ; and after them some of the Cesarian and some of the Spanish Army : a Consultation was held in Carmagnuola touching the whole affair : The Duke of Savoy's opinion was , that foregoing the enterprises of Mantua and Casalle for the present , they should go with all their joynt Forces to the recovery of Pinarollo and Susa , and that they should endeavour to drive the French beyond the Mountains ; for when Italy should be freed of them , both Mantua and Casalle , as not being able to hold out without them , would fall of themselves , especially since Casalle not having victuals , would soon surrender ; and the Duke promis'd on the faith of a Prince , that it should not be relieved with victuals ; and to the end , that each Commander of each Army , as well the Emperours , as the King of Spains , might willingly agree to this , he offered to leave Piedmont free to be disposed of by them , to the end , that they might manage their war there as they listed ; and that he , contenting himself with 12000 Foot and 1500 Horse , would go with them into Savoy , and from thence into Dolpheny ; where mastering the ways which lead to Italy , he would hinder Commerce between France and the Army which was busied in defending Pinarollo , in such sort , as that Army not being able to be recruited either with Men , Victuals or Money from France , should either be forc'd to perish there , or abandoning Italy and Piedmont , should return to France ; and the French being thus kept from making opposition , Casalle and Mantua would easily be reduced : all of them except Spinola , did in part approve , and in part disapprove of the Dukes Proposal : all of them agreed that for the present they should forego the enterprises of Mantua and Casalle , and that they should march with their joynt Forces to recover the Dukes Towns , and to drive the French out of Italy ; but the other part of the Dukes advice was not generally agreed unto , for what concerned carrying the war with part of the Forces beyond the Mountains ; for this opinion appeared to be as dangerous , as the other of joyning in the recovery of the Towns of Piedmont was useful and requisite : but Spinola , were it either that he knew the mind of the Spanish Court , or out of the apparent advantage which would be had by the getting of Casalle , or that ●…e thought it but vain to go about recovering the places which were lost , whilst the way for relief was open behind them , or that he was jealous that the Duke might change his mind if the French should offer to restore his Towns , held it better not to expose the main Forces , the safety of affairs , and of the Kings Dominions , and his own reputation , upon the Dukes bare word , which he did not much relie upon , upon the uncertainty of Success , lest the Kings men might be worsted by the French , and that they should find difficulty in retreating , in case that any agreement should be made between the Duke and the French ; wherefore opposing the opinion of the whole Council , wherein the chief Commanders of the Army did intervene , and also opposing San ' Croce , he was of opinion , that Colalto should tarry with the most of his men to oppose the French , and that he himself should with the remainder attend the expugning of Casalle : from which resolution neither the Dukes intreaty , nor the contrary opinion of the whole Council , nor any other inconvenience which was urged might be prejudicial to the common affairs , could divert him : he therefore sent his Son Don Philip with 5000 Foot and 500 Horse to the recovery of Pontestura , San ' Georgio , and Lusignano , all of them being neer Casalle , which ( as hath been said ) were held and garrison'd by the French ; and he himself staid in Turin , to assist , in the Treaty of peace , which after the loss of Pinarollo was reassumed by the Legate . The Duke of Savey was not a little incens'd at this constant resolution of Spinola ; and that not so much for that he saw himself deprived of his assistance and of a good part of the Spanish Army , as for sear that if Casalle should be taken , the Spaniards would be less fervent in defending him , and in recovering his lost Towns : A consideration which had he not been blinded by his own interest , he might suppose might oblige Spinola as much to endeavour the taking of Casalle anticipately , as it was probable that the Duke , whose Interests the taking of Casalle did oppose , when he should have recovered his Towns in Piedmont , should use his best means to keep Casalle from being taken , as he had done formerly . Colalto was likewise much troubled at this resolution of Spinola's , being wrought upon by the Duke of Savoy's perswasions , and as some will say , by his great donatives ; for he , favouring the Dukes Cause , as if the Common Cause were concerned therein , desired it might be taken into consideration in the first place ; so as to boot with the emulation which was already grown between them , not only diversity of opinions , but distastes arose upon this occasion , from whence much prejudice did r●…dound to the main affair ; which being distracted by the several interests , and emulations of private men , was subject to great hazards , just like a Ship which is agitated by contrary windes : so as Collalto not willing to be left alone to prosecute the business of Piedmont , withdrew to the Army before Mantua ; saying publickly , that if others would prefer their Prince his particular cause , before what was the common concernment , he was likewise obliged to prefer the business of Mantua , wherein the Emperour was particularly interessed , before that of Casalle or Piedmont . The Legate being this mean while gone to Pinarollo , had acquainted Cardinal Richelieu with what had been agreed unto in Alessandria by Spinola , and San ' Croce : he found him willing to yield to all save to what concern'd the restitution of Pinarollo ; which he said it was necessary for him to keep , as well out of the pretences which the King of France laid thereunto , as for the security of Nevers his affairs , and of the peace which was to be concluded , which having been violated many times ( as he said ) on the Spanish side , he might justly fear it might meet again with some troubles , when he should be past back over the Mountains : but it was rather thought that he refused to restore Pinarolio , out of private ambition ; for he was very proud of having gotten a place of such importance for the Kings affairs ; and as France was much grieved when Pinarollo was restored to the Father of this present Prince , by Henry the Third , King of France , so being now as much pleased with the recovery thereof , the Cardinal would not , together with the advantage of the acquisition , lose the perpetual glory of having done so great a benefit to the Crown or France : but this being a point of such importance for the conclusion or exclusion of peace , in which things belonging to others are usually restored , the retaining thereof was now discuss'd , only as being contrary to the title pretended unto by the Kings Forces ; wherein Richelieu mitigated the Proposal , and reduced the retention thereof to the space of two years , offering the Duke Montcalvo , and some other Towns in Montferrat in pawn for the restoring of it : but this being held to be yet too hard a condition , wherein the observance of the agreement was reduced to the Arbitrement of the French , who when Casalle and Mantua should be freed , it was hard to say what they would have done ; it was finally proposed , that the Dutch should keep the Towns taken from the Grisons , and the French those of the Dukes , till such time as the affairs of Italy should be adjusted within fifteen days ; which when they should be adjusted and composed , whatsoever was retained should be by both sides restored . Spinola listned to this Proposal , which he thought to be more moderate , insomuch as discoursing thereof in the presence of the Duke of Savoy , and of the other Commanders , he said that he would readily agree thereunto , if the time of restitution might be prolonged for the space of two moneths ; the Duke who was already very much unsatisfied with Spinola , could not give way to such a length of time ; but letting his anger burst out which till then he had kept in , he exclaimed very much upon him , as did Colalto also ; and it being discovered that there was speech of a meeting between the Cardinal and Spinola , and that intelligence was held between them , the jealousie grew greater ; both of them being found to be no well-wishers to the Duke . This suspition was much fomented by the friendship which was contracted between them , when Spinola in his passage from Flanders to Spain , went to the Camp before Rochel , to kiss the Kings hand ; where being received with unusual favours by the Cardinal , the Cardinal was much commended by a relation which Spinola made to the King of the well ordering of that Siege , and by his assuring him of happy and speedy success , if the same course should be still taken ; and to all this it was added , that a dispatch which was at this very time sent to Spinola being intercepted , Richelieu sent it to him close sealed as it was , and unbroken up , which being known by the Duke , afforded him much cause of jealousie . Thus the Treaty of peace being broken , preparation was made for war ; and the Duke resenting Spinola's usage , sent the Abbot Scaglia to complain unto the King of Spinola's strange and rigorous proceedings , tending not onely to the prejudice of him the Duke , but to the dis-service of the Kings affairs , and of the common cause , which could receive no advantage by the Dukes dis-satisfaction ; and he made his Daughter in Law complain of the Cardinal in the Court of France , but particularly to the Queen-Mother ; who though she had been very well pleased formerly with the Cardinals greatness , began to be jealous of him now , by reason of his too great authority , and of the credit which he had won with the King ; so as it was in several manners ill spoken of ; some accusing him of too great hatred to the Duke ; that being ordered to deal friendly with him , his only endeavours in this expedition had been to incense him , and by his ill usage to alienate him from the Kings interest : some accused him of want of experience in Military affairs ; some of injustice and violence , who had turned those Forces which were destined to defend an injured Prince , to oppress another who was so neer allied to the King , a Friend and Confederate of the Crown , to the great scandal of the Kings Forces , to the danger of the enterprise , and of that Army , wherein were so many Lords and Commanders ; wherefore finding himself complained of , and apprehending the Kings displeasure , whereinto he might run by his absence , he left the management of affairs in Piedmont with the Marshals dela Force and Scomberg , and return'd with Cricky into France ; whither when he was come , and had given an account of his action , and of what streights the Duke had put him in , he had much adoto clear himself from the faults which were laid to his charge by his ill-willers . Thus went the Duke about to prejudice the Cardinals fortune by his endeavours , which he could never overthrow by his Forces , nor by his so many Plots and Stratagems . Whilst the business of peace was debated in Turin , Don Philippo Spinola was got neer Pontestura , and had begirt it on all sides ; and began his Batteries : the French had begun some unperfect Fortifications , and those of Casalle , that the longer that place held out , the longer might they themselves be preserved ; they thought good to lessen their own Garrison and Provisions , and imploy them in the defence of Pontestura , hoping that by gain of time they might the better mind their own Fortifications : but the effects proved otherwise , for on the fourth day the defendants began to parly , and on the fifth , agreed to surrender the Town , upon all the conditions they could desire , except that they were not to enter into Casalle , nor tarry in Italy , and they were bound to leave all their victuals and provisions behind them . Thus Don Philip became master of this place , and made the French go to Finale , and from thence to Marcelles , with little reputation : from hence he went to St. George his Castle , which was not above a mile and a half from Casalle , where there were but twelve French men in Garrison , besides the Towns-men , who were very well armed and prepared for defence : here they met with more resistance , for the defendants refusing to surrender , Don Philip began his Mines , which he began to make upon the Flank of a Tower ; but they did no good , by reason of artificial fire-works , which being thrown from off the Walls , burnt the pent-houses which shelter'd the work-men ; so they were forced to work further off , in a better cover'd place ; where being safer , they slew some of the defendants , amongst which the Captain of the French ; whereupon the rest fearing to be served so likewise , surrendred upon the same Articles that Pontestura had done , but not with the like infamy . Rossigliano remained yet untaken , where there were about 300 French and Montferrians ; this place being cut off from Casalle by the loss of St. Georgio , it was thought it would be loss of time to attempt it , since it could not prejudice Casalle : but Spinola , to whom Don Philip writ , sending word that they should proceed on , they went thither ; the place was strong enough and seated high ; Marquess Moncausier the chief of the French Garrison was Governour , a young sprightly man , desirous of fame , and to make amends by his valour for the obloquie that was laid by all men upon the French for having defended Pontestura so poorly : so the business proved somewhat longer and more difficult : the defendants upon the enemies appearance came forth , and after some skirmishing retreated into the Town ; to which the enemy drew neer , making their approaches on three sides , and on two sides their Batteries : but all their attempts , which were many , were manfully withstood , and the Siege was held out for 15 days : but at last , a mine being made in the third approach , to boot with their batteries , they were forced to yield upon the same conditions as Pontestura had done , only Moncausier , with some others , were permitted to go into Casalle ; which being block'd up by the loss of these places , and kept from all succour and victuals , and fearing to be shortly assaulted by Spinola's whole Army , it was not likely to hold out long : yet the French that were in it were not dismaid , but hearing that a company of the Dukes Horse were quartered in Morano , beyond the Poe , they went out by night , and passing over the River in Boats , they fell upon them at unawares , kil'd many of them , and brought many of them prisoners into Casalle . Spinola seeing the peace not effected , left about 6000 Foot in Piedmont , under the Camp-masters , Don Martined ' Aragona , Antoni●…dal Taffo , Nicola Doria , and Baron Shamburgs , and 1000 Horse under Ierardo Gambacorti , Governour of the Neopolitan Horse , with Orders to them all to obey the Prince of Piedmont , and he himself went to the Siege of Casalle ; and taking his leave of the Duke , he excused the necessity of this his resolution , upon the account of the great Garison of French which was in Casalle , which keeping the State of Millain , and part of Piedmont in jealousie , no reason of war would permit that that Rendezvouz for the enemies Arms should be suffered , by reason of the great inconveniences which might result from thence ; all their joynt Forces being in Piedmont ; and being confident , out of his experience in taking in of Towns , and by the opinion of his Captains , that the Town could not hold out for above 40 days : he promised the Duke that when it should be taken , he would return with all his Forces to assist him : Colalto also parted from Piedmont , leaving between three or four thousand Dutch there under the Baron Gallaaso , who were put in Garrison in Avigliana . Spinola begun the taking of Casalle about the end of May , not being resolved whether he should attempt it by Storm or by Siege : though they hoped the Siege would not prove long , by reason of the small quantity of victuals that were in it ; yet calculating that the number of defendants were lessened , by the sending of men into the Towns which were taken but a little before , it was judged that storming would prove the safer and the shorter way ; the rather for that the Forces of the French Army being sufficiently diminished , the fear of their opposition was proportionably lessened : wherefore it was thought better to dispute the business by force of Arms , then streightning it by Famine to depend upon the success of a Siege , which through uncertain and false calculations proves more uncertain and more falacious : but were it either that his felicity followed him not , but was fix'd to the Belgick soil , or that the several ends and emulations of the Chieftains who managed that war did turmoil his genius , or that his d●…ath , which shortly hapned , cut off the thred of his excellent fortune , he was forc'd to succumb in this . The Duke di Mena , Nevers his second Son , commanded in Casalle ; a young man , and but little experienced in Arms ; so as his person served for little more then for the authority and reputation of the Government and conduct of Affa●…rs , and to keep concord amongst the Captains , and Military obedience : in the Citadel was only a Garrison of Montferrians , under the same Marquess of Rivara , who had withstood the former oppugnation : the French , being 2000 Foot and 300 Horse , defended the City and the Citadel , who were commanded by Marshal di Toras , one who had won the same of much valour , and the opinion of being excellent at the keeping of Towns , by his singular and valiant defending of the Isle of Rees , which lies over against Rochel , against a treble assault of the English Fleet : the chief Fortifications , when Toras came thither , were only towards the Poe and towards the Plain , where it was assaulted by Don Gonzallo : it was but little or not at all fortified towards the Hill ; and Toras searing to be assaulted on that side , was very industrious in fortifying it : the Citadel had no out-works nor Fortifications , save two Half-moons ; the one of which shelter'd the Gate whereby relief was brought ; the other that which was towards the City . Toras made another very great one , doubly begirt , between the two bulwarks of the Citadel , where he apprehended to be assaulted . Neither were these provisions made in vain ; for Spinola thinking this the fittest place , began four approaches from thence ; the first whereof was committed to the care of the Camp master Filomarini his Neapolitans , and was directed against that part of the City which is called de Treventi , and lay under some Fortifications which were built upon a rise without the City ; and the wall of the City , together with that of the Castle , making an angle inwards , which the Assailants were to play upon , the on-set on that side was the more hard and dangerous : the other approaches led straight upon the two Bulwarks of the Citadel , betwixt which Toras had made his Half moon : to the first whereof , which was more inward , and neerer the Gate which leads to Turin , were two approaches made , the fi●…st by the Spaniards commanded by the Duke of Lerma , the other by the Dutch who were commanded by Shamburgs Lieutenant : the fourth approach , which was against the Bulwark , from whence the Campagnia is first discovered , fell to the Lombards share , under the two Camp-masters , Trotti and Sforza . Thus the Trenches being begun to be opened , every one endeavoured to come speedily to what was intended ; this mean while Don Ieronymo Augustini , being left in V●…llata to guard that Frontier , by Spinola's Order drew neer the Poe , over against Casalle ; and that he might streighten the Town the more on that side , he took up his Quarters there , wherein he was not well fortified when he began to attempt the neerest Island , upon which those of the City had made some Fortifications , for it was of great consequence for the safety of the City and of the Mills which were not far from thence ; foo●…ding over the River with his Horses fastned together , notwithstanding that he was plaid upon by Musket-shot from the Walls and from the Forts , he advanced so far as he became master of the Island , with the death of 300 French , part whereof were slain , part drown'd in the Poe , which is very deep , and runs very swift between the Island and the City : This being the first action attempted by those without upon such disadvantage , and yet with such courage and vigor , and proving so fortunate to the assailants , and so prejudicial to the assaulted , did much discourage the Cassalians , who were not accustomed all the preceding year to so fierce and bloody sport ; and the basenesse of the French , here , being added to that which they shew'd in defending Pontestura , they began to fear the worst , and to confide but little in the Souldiers of that Nation , upon whom they had formerly built so much : But Toras had occasion soon enough to signalize himself and his Souldiers , in an other action which he attempted with no lesse Judgement and Valour then Fortune , whereby he won Reputation to himself and to his men , and revived the almost extinct credit of the French in the Montferrians ; he was aware that the Lombards that were working upon the fourth approach had not as yet finish'd a redoubt , and that those who were to guard it were negligent , believing that those who were within , having already lost their Reputation , would not dare to assault them , he sallied forth with about 400 of his best and most experienced Foot , and with 50 Horse ; and falling upon them at unawares , cut them all in pieces ; And not tarrying here , he past on to the second redoubt , which being abandoned by three Ensignes , who with some of their companies had the keeping thereof , he easily master'd it ; Then passing forward to the third , with like Valour and like hope , he failed in his intent by the resistance he met with there , and by reason of the Horse which came in , led on by Count Soragna ; so as being forc'd to give back , he retreated to underneath the shelter of the Citadel , with more prejudice to the Enemy then to his own men , having slain three Captains and many Officers , and having wounded Count Soragna mortally , who died soon after , and kill'd above fourscore Souldiers , and wounded many more . This action did much incourage the defendants , and made the enemy more cautious , and delay'd the making of the approaches ; the which the more they advanced , were more subject to danger , to losse of men and delay ; the defendants failed not to sally out both by day and night , with sometimes greater , sometimes lesser losse to each side . Whilst they wrought thus with more toile and danger before Casalle , businesse cooled in Piedmont ; when the Cardinal and Cricky went away , the managing of the power was left ( as you have heard ) to the Marshals De La Force and Scomburg ; and Scomburg , who went afterwards to France , was succeeded by the Duke of Momorancy ; who distributing their men in Pinorollo , and in Brischerasco , stood more upon defence then offence ; For many of their Commanders and Officers were gon from France , many of their Souldiers had done so likewise , or were run away , and the Plague had play'd his part amongst them , and the Duke having sent about 10000 Foot into Savoy , under Prince Thomaso , to defend Savoy , fearing lest it might be invaded and possest by the King , made of the rest of his Souldiery a body of 15000 Foot , and 3000 Horse , made up of his own men , and of the King of Spain's men which were left him by Spinola ; which together with the Dutch were still increased , by the continual recruits which were sent in by Spinola and Collalto : And going into the field he incamped at Pancareli , a Town beyond the Poe , towards the Alps , 15 miles from Pinarollo ; and fortifying it with Trenches , he stood observing what the French would do , that he might oppose them . The French had their eyes upon Vigone , which though it were an open Town , yet of much concernment for the Corn that was in it ; they went thither very strong and assaulted it ; But the Prince of Piedmont coming in with some companies of Carabines and Musketiers , they were repuls'd . Wherefore they turned to Cercenasco , a Castle not far from thence , very convenient for their falling down into Carignano , where there is a wooden Bridge over the Poe , which the French desired to be Masters of , it lying conveniently for them to passe unto Casalle , they took it , and left some to defend it : But the Duke being desirous to recover it came before it with many men , when the French were retired to Pinarollo , and at the same time sent Marquis Villa with 1000 Foot , and 100 Horse , to attempt Bricherasco , formerly taken , as hath been said , by the French , and fortified . The event of these enterprizes were different , for Cercenasco yielded to the Duke within three days , and the Marquess though he fell upon the Fortifications by night , and was gotten a good way into them , yet was he forced quickly to retreat , through his mens faults , who being wholly intent upon booty , afforded those of the Garrison conveniency to make head and to assault them , and to repulse them whilst they were in disorder busie about booty : The French not content to have beaten them back went with all their Forces to recover Cercenasco , which they could not indure to loose . The Duke who was ready with almost all his men to receive them , though he was inferiour to them in Horse , those which were sent to Bricherasco not being yet returned , Momorancy was desirous to give battle , which if it had been done , would have been upon much disadvantage to the Duke ; but La Force would not give way thereunto ; Wherefore they retreated to their quarters about Pinarollo , and the Plague increasing very much in both Armies , they kept in their quarters , for many dayes , in the face of one another , as if they had been in tacite League , not doing any thing of moment . The King of France proceeded more hotly beyond the Mountains , who entring into Savoy with 8000 Foot , and 2000 Horse , had reduced all Savoy into his power , unlesse it were Mommiliano , for Prince Thomaso made no opposition , he resolved to begirt Mommiliano on all sides , and to besiege it a distance ; for it was a strong and almost invincible place : For being inclosed on all sides by his Forces , and impossible to be relieved , it must of necessity fall into his hands for want of victuals ; So as needing not many men for that enterprize , he sent part of his Forces to recruit his Army in Italy , which had need enough of help : And Prince Thomaso being sent for back by his Father , carried his men with him from Savoy to defend Piedmont . Thus both Armies b●…ing reinforced , they prepared for greater enterprizes , the French to relieve Casalle the Duke to withstand them . This recruit was sent under Momorancy , who was returned from Piedmont into France , after the businesse of Cercenaseo ; it consisted of 10000 Foot , and 1000 Horse , and ●…ell down by the valley of Susa : Momorancy intending to joyn with the Forces that were in Pinarollo , and crossing Piedmont to draw neer Casalle , towards which Marshal De La Force leaving a sufficient Garrison in Pinarollo , and in the other places , went by the way of the Mountaines to Giavenna neer Susa , waiting there for Momorancy ▪ who did not much value Avigliana , there being almost no Garrison there , for the Duke had sent for the greatest part thereof to Pancaler : Wherefore he easily took it , he likewise believed he should easily passe through the Canevese to Casalle , Spinola and the Duke were much troubled at the coming of this recruit , but much more with the news of the Kings coming with a greater force ; who having possest himself ( as you have heard ) of Savoy , was come neer the Alpes , and was at the same time seen upon the Mountain St Barnado ; So as the Duke perceiving that the King was offended with him , knew not how to fence himself against this third coming of the French ; and Spinola , who was ingaged before Casalle but with a few men , fearing lest , little to his honour , he might be forced as his Predecssor had been , to abandon that enterprize ; ( which contrary to the opinion of all ) he had of himself undertaken , knew not what to do ; Yet b●…ing much prest by the Duke , he sent 6000 Dutch to the Mountain , who were brought at the King of Spain's charge , but very then , from Germany , and six Troops under Pagan Doria , Duke of Avigliana , in the Kingdom of Naples , and Brother to Prince Doria a young man , and who the year before had entred into the Militia under Don Gonsallo , and was in the first businesse of Casalle ; and Spinola , to the end that if the King should come he might not be inforc'd to raise the siege , or fight , took the Souldiers from working in the approaches , and imploy'd them in making a crooked and high trench , wherewith he invironed the whole Camp. And seeing that by this new work , and by the men which he had sent the Duke , the siege would be slackned : and having in vain desired a thousand of his Dutch from Collalto , he sent to the Common-wealth of Genoa for a thousand men , which he would take into his pay ; But neither was this granted him ; for hearing of preparations of Armes in the Provence , the Common-wealth would not disfurnish her self ; and this the rather for that having formerly sent men to before Casalle , she could not receive them back when she needed them , without manifest danger of infecting the State , the Plague being very hot in the Camp before Casalle : So Spinola was forced to make use of those men to defend his own Camp , which he had begun to oppose others with ; and the Duke of Savoy fearing Avigliana , sent Count Verr●…a from Pancaleri with 3000 Foot , and Gambacorti with 400 Hose , to possesse themselves of the abandoned Trenches and Fortifications , that shut up the valley which leads from Susa to Avigliana . As they went thither , they found the Enemy very neer ; but having possest themselves of the Trenches first , the Prince came in with a great body of men , who reinforcing those stations with 2000 Foot , incamp'd himself with the rest at Riano , within two miles of Avigliana : both parties kept within their quarters , facing one another two dayes , some sleight skirmishes passing between them ; the third day the French finding it impossible to advance and storm those quarters , resolved to give over their going that way to Casalle , and endeavoured to retreat joyntly by the Mountain to Pinarollo , and passing over the Mountain Giavenna , to joyn with La Force , who was yet there with his men , the way by the Mountain Giavenna was very narrow and hard to passe ; so as two Brigadoes being already past over , the rest remained yet in the plain , in danger of being routed if they should be assaulted , for that they could not well be succour'd by those that were already past . The Prince thought it not fit to let slip this occasion , but without tarrying for more of his men , who were not above a mile off , would fall upon them with those that he had ready , hoping that they would suffice to get the victory ; He had with him about 5000 Dutch , two of the Princes Troops of Horse , and Doria's six Companies which were new men unexperienced , and were not above 300 Horse ; The French reere which remained in the plain , was 3000 Foot , and about 400 Horse , the choicest of all the Army , and Momorancy , and Marshal Di●…iate , with some others of the most experienced Commanders , remained in the reere , for the greater security thereof . The●…e was a great Meere or standing water between them , which men past over by two banks : the one whereof was on the back , the other on the flank of the French. Shamburg and Sults advanc'd by the latter , with half the Dutch , in a close Ba●…aglione , and with the Prince his Troops of Horse , by the other the Prince himself in person , with the rest of the Dutch commanded by Gallasso , and with Doria's Horse . The skirmish being begun , Momorancy divided his Horse into two squadrons , and took a little compasse upon the left hand towards a neighbouring Town called St Ambrosio , which led to the way of the Hill : The Prince conceiving that the French fled , and would climbe the Mountain by that way and get into a place of safety , or recover Susa , ordered Doria to fall upon them with his Horse , and Gallaso that he should send 200 Muketiers to back Doria's Horse ; The Muketiers went not , either for the confusion into which Gallasso fell , or for that he would not lessen his squadron : so as Doria fought Momorancy without his Musketiers , and fought very stoutly , with an equal number of Horse , but upon great disadvantage , for that both he and his Horse were new men unexperienced , and guided for the most part by Leiutenants ; whereas the French were veterane Souldiers , choice men , and commanded by Momorancy , a Commander of approved and try'd Valour : so as two of Doria's Troops running away at the very first encounter , the rest were presently defeated , and Doria having received many wounds was taken Prisoner , together with Captain Robustelli , who was shot with two pistol bullets . Rainero Guasco , Captain of the Carabines , who fell on first , escaped , but was sorely wounded : The Dutch that were on that side , when they saw the Horse run , threw away their Armes , and fled out-right without fighting , though the Prince did all he could to stop them : The other Battaglion which marched on the other side , fought valianly , and slew many of the Enemy , chasing them for a while ; and had they been assisted by the other squadron , they would assuredly have got the victory ; But seeing their companions run away , they also retreated to their quarters at Avigliana , and left the French free to pursue their journey : So as though all the rest of the Princes Army were now come in , yet the French having already mounted the Hills , and it being therefore impossible to pursue them , he forbore to do it . There dyed on the Prince his side about 500 , and about 400 were taken Prisoners and wounded ; 400 were wounded and slain of the French ; and the Prince lost 10 Dutch Colours , and one Corner of Horse : Being come to Pinarollo , they found it as hard to get to Casalle by that way ; for the Duke , to whom many of those were returned from Avigliana who were sent thither at the coming of the French , coming into the field , coasted continually along by them on the Plain within 3 miles , to keep them from victuals as much as he could ; for being hindred from getting any by the way of the Valley , they could get but very little by the way of the Mountains , and from Dolpheny or France very few were sent them ; so as what by Famine , what by Pestilence , they were much lessened : Wherefore desirous to get out of these streights , and to come into a more fruitful Countrey , ( for they saw it was impossible for them to get to Casalle without passing over the Poe , and it was as impossible for them to pass the Poe , being therein opposed by the Duke ) they turned towards the Marquisate of Saluzzo , where they knew they might have store of victuals , where they might have conveniency to refresh their wearied Army , and which had suffer'd much by Famine and Sickness ; and where they knew they might pass over the Poe , which takes its beginning from thence , almost dry-foot , and without any opposition . They therefore came to Ravell , a Town in that Marquisate , where passing over the River they went directly to Saluzzo : The Town yielded immediately , and sent them the Keys of the Gates , that they might get the better conditions : When they were come in , they found very good Quarter , and refreshments of all sorts . They came afterwards before the Castle , whither the Duke had sent 300 Foot but a little before under Cavalier Balbiano , which was within three days surrendred to them ; whereat the Duke was much grieved , not being able to endure that that Town should be taken from him before his eyes , and his Army looking on . The Duke also past over the Poe afterwards , and went with his Army to Savigliano , fearing to lose that place also , which though it were weak and open was yet of concernment ; for not being above 15 miles off , and seated diametrically opposite to Saluzzo , as Pancareli to Pinarollo , so was Savigliano a fit place from whence to observe the moving of the Army which was lodged in Saluzzo . The Duke was sufficiently ne●…led at the loss of so many Towns , and at the receiving of so many blows on both sides of the Mountains ; and being desirous to vent his anger in a battle , he sought all occasions to do it ; for examining well his own and his Enemies Forces , though he came somewhat short of them in Foot , yet was he stronger in Horse , which was no little advantage for the Victory upon the Plain . Spinola heard of the Dukes intention , who fearing the success , and the prejudice which in such a case might redound to the Enterprize of Casalle , he strove by reasons and by perswasions , and with protesting that he would recall the Kings men , to remove from that resolution : He bad him consider , that the men which he had sent him to defend Piedmont were the Garrison of the State of Millain , and the safety of the Kings Dominions ; that they were granted him , to the end that he might by them encamp , and face the French till he might recover his Towns , and to block up the way to all relief , and not that he should adventure them in a battle : That therefore he should forbear till the business of Casalle were fully perfected ; and that then he himself would concur with all his men in recovery of the Towns that were lost , and in the entire freeing of Piedmont from the French. The affairs of Piedmont and of Casalle were reduced to this condition ; and to this point was the Duke of Savoy brought ; so as to boot with seeing part of his Territories lost , part of them incumber'd by the Spanish Army , he was put to wage War in his own Dominions , not as a Prince or Ruler of the Militia , but as a Captain at the will of others ; and to back the taking of Casalle , contrary to his own Interest , with the evident loss of so much of his State , and with the danger of his own person ; when having long disputed with himself touching the business of Casalle , he had designed ( whilest he should be the Arbitrator of Affairs , as he thought to have been ) to handle the business so as without him no peace should be made . These were the acquisitions hoped for by the present War , this the arbitrement pretended unto between the two Crowns at the beginning of the War. These distastes , and some other high carriages in Spinola did daily adde to the Dukes disgusts , who was wonted to wage War according as he listed , and being impatient to be govern'd by the Spanish Agents , to shew his resentment against which he had not forborn to draw upon him the anger of that Crown ; nor had he stuck to provoke the anger of France , that he might resent the Cardinal Richelieu's strange and severe Proceedings against him and his Son ; and therefore it was conceived by many conjectures , that stomaching these rigorous dealings , he was inclined to close with the French ; and his chief Captains and Officers were often heard to say , that their Prince had lost too much in serving the Crown of Spain ; and that he ought to think how he might recover himself ; that Piedmont was ruin'd , as not being able to maintain so many Armies ; that the loss of Casalle made not for the Dukes Interest ; and that therefore it was necessary to close with the French , who had offer'd him great and advantagious conditions , if Casalle might be preserved : to this was added , that amidst all these molestations of the two Crowns , it was sufficient for the Duke to keep his Towns , and to Munite them well with Garrisons ; and that his betaking himself to the Field was only to please Spinola ; and Massarine being at this time come from France with new Proposals , the Prince was heard to say , that the French began to do reason : so as the King of Spain's Commanders , whose ears were continually fill'd with these reproaches , began to mistrust the Duke , and to fear lest he might make an Agreement , not unlike to that of Susa : but the news which was divulg'd throughout the Camp and all Italy , of Wallesteins approaching , and that he would shortly appear in Italy with a powerful Army ; the taking of Mantua , which soon after hapned ; and chiefly the Dukes death , which succeeded not long after , freed the Spaniards from these suspicions ; whereof they might have been secure enough by the aversion which had been formerly between Richelieu and the Duke : but as for Wallesteins coming , though he had earnestly desired to en●…er armed into Italy , and to wage War there like another Totila , and had much importuned the Court of Spain to that purpose , without whose consent the Emperour would not give way thereunto , and offered his best service to the King of Spain , for the preservation and encrease of his Majesties Power and Authority , against the Potentates of Italy , hoping to be as succesful therein as he had been to the Emperour and House of Austria in Germany ; yet the King and Court foreseeing the ruine which this mans fierce nature threatned to Italy , and abhorring to have their Authority increased by laying Italy waste , and by so much shedding of Italian blood ; but fearing much more that his Authority would rather be suffocated then sublevated , by introducing so many Forces into Italy , they would never yield thereunto : And the Duke of Savoy , who by secret Intelligence ( as it was thought ) held with Wallestine , and for the emulation and contentions which he foresaw would arise between him and Spinola , and who hoped to have occasion to put in practice his plots which he had contrived with Wallestine , being prevented by death , failed the witnessing his being displeased with the present Affairs . At the same time the business of Mantua proceeded more fortunately for the Imperialists ; who , after having had the better in some Action●… , had the fortune to surprise the City , and to make themselves Masters of it . The Cesarian Army had lien idle almost all that Winter in those parts , being only intent in keeping Victuals and provisions from b●…ing brought thither ; but the Spring coming on , it afflicted the besieged in several manners , and brought them into great streights . Nevers was aware that the Dutch having abandoned Rodigo , had fortified themselves in Goito , a place not far from Rodigo ; and cosidering , that if he could take that place and fortifie it , it would be a very fit place to exclude Commerce between Goito and the Dutch Quarters , which were in Gozzoldo , and that consequently Goito not being to be relieved , he might easily recover it : He sent five hundred of his best Souldiers thither , who , entring Rodigo without any opposition , began to fortifie it ; but this business proved prejudicial to the Mantuans ; for Galasso going thither with a good strength of men , and having first furnish'd Goito with vi●…uals , and le●… part of the Kings men in Rivolta , he came with 200 Horse , and about 800 of his best Foot Souldiers , to Rodigo , and having first possess'd himself of all the parts thereabouts , he tried whether the Defendants would surrender or no , who coming to parley , and finding it impossible to defend the place , and despairing to be relieved , ( for some Barques coming from Mantua with Souldiers , and some Troops of Horse which were to have assisted them , were with much loss repuls'd by those that were left in Rivolta ) they were forced to surrender upon sad conditions , all o●… them being to remain Prisoners at the discretion of the Enemy ; except the Captain , who was permitted to return to Mantua . The Mantuans had the like fortune , who in great numbers were led on by the two Marquesses Alfonso Guerriero and Carlo de Rossi , to the recovery of Hostiglia , a great Town upon the banks of Poe , where a Company of Dutch were quartered ; for Aldringer , who had notice thereo●… , ●…ollowed them , and being come to Governolo , though he heard they were stronger then he had supposed , went on with some Forces to assist his Party ; and finding some trenches at la Chiu●… di Serravalle , from whence , and from a Tower not far off , some of his party were much Prejudiced , he , from some of the neighbouring houses which he took annoy'd those that were in the Trenches with his Musket shot ; and having sent some of his men to cut off the way from the Defendants , they , fearing to be inclosed , forsook the Trench , and fled towards Hostiglia , and elswhere ; but being pursued by the Dutch , many of them were slain ; which being known by them who were before Hostiglia , they likewise gave over the Siege , and fled away with like fortune : For being pursued by those who were in Hostiglia , and by some other Dutch , who , crossing the Poe , came from Rovere to aid them , 300 of them were slain , and Guerriero and Rossi were wounded ; and the Quarters about Hostiglia were not only freed from danger , but better secured by new Fortifications and Garrisons : He went from thence to Serravalle , wherein , and in some houses thereabouts , were many Souldiers ; and because it was hard to take it , nor could it be done without loss of men ; by reason of its so strong scituation , which incouraged the Defendants to hold out , it was resolved to set it on fire , whereby many of the Defendants perished ; and those who escaped the fire fell into the hands of the Dutch , and were forthwith slain . The Duke of Mantua having lost many of his men by these misfortunes , and by the Pestilence , which encreased much in Mantua ; and the affairs of that City being daily reduced to greater streights , the Siege still continuing , though at a distance , the Defendants began to distrust their safety ; and those likewise did distrust it to whom the loss of that City would prove as prejudicial . The Venetians , to whom it belonged to sustain it more then any others , had at first been very forward in imploying all their Forces to defend it ; but their succours proving as yet not answerable to the others necessities , or their promises , they had afforded sinister , discourses of their intentions : Some alotted the slenderness of their supplies to the difficulty of introducing them ; others , to their backwardness ; many , to that they did not desire to declare themselves openly , and contrary to the Emperour , of whose greatness they were still jealous , and had great reason to apprehend it ; and many , to more hidden and malign ends , of reducing that Duke into a necessity of throwing himself into their Arms , and of yielding up that City to the Commonwealth , if , not being able to hold it , he should be necessitated to yield it to the Enemy . Nevers complained much hereof ; and the Embassadour of France , then Resident in Venice , no less then he ; and threatned , That if the Commonwealth should proceed so cooly on her part , his King also , who was less concerned in the Affairs of Italy then they , would do the like in Cassalle and Montferrat , and would leave them both to the pleasure of the Spaniard . The Commonwealth being either moved by these speeches , or by the danger that Mantua was in , in whose inte●…ests she so deeply shared , resolved at last to send stronger succours : She had about 3000 French paid by her , who were brought from Provence to Venice by Sea , part under Monsieur de la Valletta , part under the Duke of Candale ; to boot with many others of several Nations , to the number of 8000 : Zaccharia Sagred●… Commissary-General in terra firma , commanded in Chief ; the Duke of Candale commanded the Foot ; and Don Lewis de Este the Horse ; and Ieronymo Trevisano was Field-Commissary : Vallegio , a strong Town in the Territories of Verona , towards the confines of Mantua , five miles below Peschiera , was made the Rendezvoz for Arms , in pursuit of the Commonwealths resolution , which was , That Mantua should by all means be relieved . The Commanders of the Army , before the effecting of this design , would make Castiglione and Mormirolo , which were Towns neerer Mantua , secure , that they might the more easily relieve it , and secure the coming of Market-people , and the fruits of the field to that City ; and thought they had sent Forces to possess themselves thereof , yet considering afterwards , that to boot with the extraordinary expences which they must be at in fortifying those places , the business would not succeed according to their intentions , they bethought themselves better , and upon new resolutions , to take Villa-Buona , Marengo , and St Britio , places neerer Val●…ggio , not far from Coito : The business of Villa-buona , by Orders from Candale , was undertaken by Colonel Vimarcato , who was sent thither with his Brigade ; and that of Marengo by la Valletta , who , by order from the General , entred it with a good strength of men ; the sending of a Garrison to St Britio was deferr'd till another time : They began to fortifie both these Places ; and two Troops of Horse , and some Corsicks , were sent to Villa buona , to boot with Vimarcato's Brigade , which were already there : But Galasso , who minded what the Venetians did , did not slight this their action ; but putting the body of an Army together , consisting of 10000 , what Horse , what Foot , marched with it to Villa buona , and advancing some Companies of Croats , they encountred with some Capelletti , who being come from Villa-buona went to discover the Country , and were followed by some Light-Horse : La Valletta , together with many Voluntiers and Lancepresad●…es , went to order the skirmish , if any should happen , which being briskly begun , was but ill sustained by the Capelletti ; for the body of the Dutch advancing , which followed the Croats , the Venetians wheeled about , and were pursued to their Trenches , where the Souldiers that guarded them , being afraid , began to run ; but being rallied by their Captains , and made to take their former stations , they did a while withstand the Dutch , who strove thrice , but in vain , to gain the T●…enches , and to drive away the defendants ; in which interim , the Dutch had raised a Battery of six Cannons , which playing upon th●… Trenches and Half-moons , and indamaging them much , the defendants were forc'd to forsake them , and to retreat in great confusion and disorder ; for the Souldiers who with much ado had been made formerly to stand by their Captains threats , seeing some Pike men give back , were surprised with sudden fear , and fairly ran away towards Villagio , leaving their stations to the enemy ; whereof some of them following , and some having overtaken them with their Horse , they were inviron'd , and much bloody slaughter was made amongst them : true it is , that news of the F●…ght at Villa-buona being come to Valleggio , two Companies were presently sent thither , the one of Croats , the other of Capelle ti , and Commiss●…ry Antonius came soon a●…ter with some other Troops of Croats and ●…apelletti ; these being come to a place which they call Capitello , ●…ound that they ran away from Villa-buona ; and the Captains thinking that they were but few that followed them , halted , and putting t●…emselves in order , resolved by their opposing to back and secure those who running down right away thought to save themselves in Valleggio : but finding not long after that the Dutch were many more in number then they imagined , they alter'd their minds , and retreated also to underneath the shelter of the Cannon at Valleggio : whither when the Dutch approached , a new and greater Fight was begun ; wherein all the Vene●…an Horse drew into the Field and fought ; but not being able to withstand the Dutch , and being gauled by Musketiers , which the Dutch had placed in some little houses hard by , they likewise ran away to underneath the Ditches of Valleggio , where being defended by the Cannon , which held the enemy a while at a distance , they secured themselves ; the rest who were in Vallegg●…o not daring to come out to defend their own men , nor to enter into the Fight , nor to defend the Towns which were taken whilst they looked on , and were plunder'd , with great slaughter of the Inhabitants : the Dutch were quarter'd a little way off , and stood all night within sight of Valleggio , inviting the enemy to fight , who withdrawing their men into their houses , dreamed not of coming forth , but looking to be assaulted in their own Quarters placed their Souldiers to defend their Rampiers : but the Captains fearing they should not be able to make the place good , by reason of the cowardize and fear which they discover'd in their Souldiers countenances , they resolved to abandon the Town ; which whilst they endeavoured to do without confusion , and in good order , and had given fitting directions to that purpose ; the Souldiers had hardly notice thereof , when being surprised with greater fear then formerly , they began to run away in greater fear and disorder then they had done the day before : no commands of their Captains being able to stay them , they all fled to Peschiera and Gallasso , who had expected all night , and till four hours after Sun-rising the next morning , that they should sally out , began to distrust : he had precise Orders from the Emperour , not to enter or indamage the State of Venice ; wherefore not thinking to assault the enemy in that station , lest he thereby should disobey the Emperours command , he thought to turn upon Mormirvolo , whither he heard that 3000 of the Commonwealths Souldiers were gone : but finding by the firing of the Ammunition in Valleggio , that the enemy had abandoned the Town , he altered his mind , and return'd upon Valleggio ; whither being come , and finding it forsaken , he fell immediately ●…o pursue the enemy , and advanced a little towards Peschiera : before he was come half way , he got to the Reer , which was led on by Candale , wherein most French were ; and after that Candale had fought , and made some resistance , at last , being forsaken by his men , part whereof yielded , part fled , he was forced to retreat with the rest ; some of which got to Peschiera , part to Castel nuovo , and others to Garda , strong Towns of the Venetians , & were no further pursued by the Dutch : about 4000 Venetian Souldiers died in this conflict ; Gallasso sent 26 Colours ( four of which bore the French Lillies ) and three Coronets of Curassiers to Colalto , who lay sick in Marignano , upon the grea●…er Lake : the Prisoners were many , amongst which Valletta : the number of those that were slain and wounded on the Dutch side amounted not to 400 , amongst which the Serjeant-major to Frederick , of Saxony ; great was the reputation of the Dutch , after this success , answerable to the great depression into which the Venetians fell ; upon which almost all the hopes of the Mantuans depending , were totally lost ; and there not being any in the field who could defend that City , her condition was thought to be sad ; her safety being reduced to this point , whether the besieged or besiegers could longer suffer or resist the hardships of the Siege ; for the former had no hopes of relief , nor courage to ●…ree themselves ; nor had the others hopes of taking the City , or of ending their enterterprise , by reason of the Cities strong situation ; Famine , Pestilence and Military actions had reduced the defendants to so small a number , as they had not enough to supply the Guards of the City ; there was no good intelligence between the Duke of Mantua and the Venetian Resident . The Duke required many things , and the Resident limiting many of the demands , and of the needs that the City was in , related them to the Commonwealth much lesser then they were ; so as the Commonwealth did not sufficiently provide for the urgent extremities of the City : it was therefore necessary to give over much of the defence ; which the enemy perceiving , and minding their business , they watched all occasions to make themselves masters of the ill guarded and worse provided City , and to end their enterprise by surprisal , wherein they had good success ; for having caused six Barques to be brought upon Carts from the greater Casalle , a Town in the State of Millain , to St. Georgio , they put them into the Lake , and put some fourscore Souldiers into them ; which making a little before Sun-rising towards the Gate of the Castle which answers upon S●… . George , where little fear being had by reason of the water , there was but little or no guard kept ; and an assault being furiously given at the same time on the opposite part of the City , the Souldiers in the Barques clap'd a Pe●…ard to the Castle Gate , which being ill kept and worse defended , was soon beaten down and master'd ; where whilst they were fortifying St. George his Bridge , which ( as it hath been said ) was cut in sunder in the midst , was cross'd over by great Planks , brought to that purpuse , over which the Dutch Horse pass'd , and entred by the Gate which was opened , and possess'd but a little before , meeting with no resistance : the Dukes Palace was presently taken , which was neer that Gate , and as rich formerly in Jewels and Houshold-stuff , as any other Princes Palace in Italy ; though for some late years the continual wars had wasted much of her precious things : what was left was sack'd , together with the whole City : the Princess got into the Fort di Porto , whither the Princess Mary was forc'd to fly with her tender Babe ; the assault given lasted till the 14th hour ; but the defendants yielding at the last , who heard that the Dutch were entred on the other side , were pursued by the assailants , to the Church of St. Agnese ; and those who could get into the same Porto ; which when they saw the City lost , they strove to make good by some works which they made toward the City ; but wanting both Counsel and Provisions , and the defendants being dismaid , they listned willingly to Articles of Agreement , which were quickly propounded by the Dutch , who were desirous to compleat the enterprise : which Articles being agreed upon , the Fort was delivered up to the Imperialists . The Duke and his Son , with some of their followers , as also the Marquess di Coure , who as Agent for the King of France had ●…arried always in Mantua , were suffer'd to come forth ; and being waited upon by some Troops of Horse , they according to Articles retreated to Ferrara : The City was miserably sack'd , Military cruelty , ava●…ice and lust had room enough to vent themselves : it would be tedious to relate the monstrous effects and execrable examples which were the●…e acted ; as also to describe the miseries ▪ afflictions and indignities which the miserable Mantuans underwent ▪ we will therefore pass by them , as being matter for a Tragical Poem rather , then for an Historical relation : it was really a miserable thing , and much to be compassionated , and of great consideration , that that City which was by reason of its situation thought impregnable , and by experience ●…ad proved to be so for so many ages ( for it is not known that it was ever taken before ) should fall into the hands of the oppugners within less then one year . This loss was very ill resented by the Princes of Italy , who had not much endeavoured to defend it , by reason of the multiplicity of Forreigners that were then in Italy : nay , it became odious to to the Spaniards , who had so much endeavour'd it , and been at such expence in fomenting it ; by reason of the concurrence of authority and precedency of place : the news thereof coming to Casalle and Piedmont , did equally afflict both the Duke of Savoy and Spinola : the latter not so much for his Kings Interests , for which it made not that the Dutch should get so much footing in Italy , as for the emulation he bore to Collatto ; who proving more successful in what he took in hand , then he had done : he much maligned that fortune should be so favourable to him in a much harder business then that of Casalle ; and the Duke of Savoy , for that judging that the fury of the Forreigners would turn upon Piedmont , he foresaw that his State , by becoming the seat o●… the war , would be exposed to the like calamities and barbaris●…s by the same Nations ; and that he being every where invironed by armed Forreigners who had no dependency upon him , he should become the mark whe●…eat not only his enemies blows should aim , but even the like to his friends injuries , and supercharyes : he was also troubled to foresee the certain loss of Casalle , wherein he was forc'd to co-operate ; which if it should fall into the Spaniards hands , were it nothing else , how much would it lessen the Liberty of ●…is Principality : being therefore born down by so many afflictions of mind , by his bodily labour in war , by the miseries of his Country , and by the death of so many of his Subjects , what by Sword , what by Pestilence ; seeing Savoy lost , and so many Towns in Piedmont ; and , that which tormented him most , being struck with consternation , to see all his artificial cunning wherewith he for many years had ballanced the Arms of France and Spain , and had not only maintain'd his own fortune , but made himself almost Arbitrator between those two Nations , out-done , and deluded by Agents of both those Crowns ; and also seeing his reputation so decayed , whereby he thought he had raised his head above the clouds , and did even touch heaven with his finger ; and despairing ever to attain again to his former condition and grandezza , he fell mortally sick ; and not being able long to resist the violence of that sickness , he died in the space of three days , in the Sixty ninth year of his Age , on the 26th of Iuly , in Savigliano ; leaving his State much lessened and 〈◊〉 . It is said that his Father , Duke Emanuel Philibertus , a wise and prudent Prince ; one who was also well read in the wars of his time , between the Emperour Charles the Fifth , and Francis the First of France , had always admonished him , but chiefly when he lay upon his death-bed , that he should by all means end●…vour to keep peace betw●…en the two Crowns ; it being ●…he foundation and sec●…y of hi●… 〈◊〉 : and that he should meddle the least that was poss●…ble in any wars , ●…r contentions which should happen between them : an advice which was not well observed ; though by reason of the troubles which afterwards insued in France , it proved not unfortunate , but 〈◊〉 his Son occasion of becoming grea●…er ●…nd more glorious : ye●… w●…en France had ceased ( as at the present ) ●…rom intesti●…e tumults , an●… w●…s reduced under the exact obedience of a King , and of a solid and well regulated Government ; he found how wi●…e he might have been if he had observed it . The publick and private actions of this Prince would really afford abundant scope for long and good Discourse , on ●…e one , an●… on the other side : ●…d perhaps it ▪ would no●… be much a●… to enter ●…on it ; since the d●…course thereof falling 〈◊〉 w●… the conc●…ion of this Book , it would not m●…ch inte●…upt the thred o●… ▪ an Histori●… Narration , and would much satisfie their curiosity who shall receive satisfaction in reading these present memorials ; and yet it will be more wisely done , to leave it undone ; for as the private actions of this Prince might well become the Pen of a private Writer , who should undertake to write his Life and Actions particularly ; so do they almost mis-become the Writer of a general History : the publick and principal Actions of this Prince , wherein he did very much signalize himself , being written in this Book , without either adulation or rancour ; the wise and unbia●…ed Reader , who is to judge thereof , may of himself observe them , and thereout gather that , which as it would be super●…uous to mention in this place ; so the Author hath not thought ●…it to describe them , or to observe them distinctly and particularly . The End of the Eleventh Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . Book XII . The Contents . CHarles Emanuel , Duke of Savoy , is succeeded by his Son Victorio Amadeo ; who finding that the French had taken Carignano , goes from Savigliano to recover it , wherein failing , he comes to a confl●…ct , wherein the French have the better . The French go from Carignano to Avigliana , which they take . Collalto having taken Mantua , comes into Piedmont with fresh Forces . Peace is treated of in Italy , and in Germany ; and not being able to be concluded in Italy , a Truce is ende●…voured ; which being refused by Spinola , he dies soon after ; and after his death , is accep●…ed of by the Duke of Savoy , by 〈◊〉 , and by the Marquess of San ' Croce , who succedes Spinola in the Government of Millain , and in being General . The Truce being expired , the French come with new Forces from France to relieve Casalle ; and being come to the Trenches of Spinola's Camp , just as they were beginning Battel , peace is concluded in conformity to the peace formerly made in Germany ; in execution whereof , the interessed Princes Agents meet in Chirasco , and there adjust the differences between the Dukes of Savoy and M●…ntua ; a great part of Montferrat is assigned over to the Duke of Savoy ; and the manner of restoring the State●… of M●…ntua and Montferrat is agreed upon : as also the like of the Towns of Piedmont and of the ●…isons Towns ; after the effectual restitution whereof , the King of France demands Pinarollo of the Duke of Savoy , together with the whole Valley of Perosa , and obtains it . The proceedings of the King of France and of Swedland in Germany , against the Emperour , are treated of , and the Negotiation and Conclusion of Peace between the Commonwealth of Genoa and the Duke of Savoy : together with the miraculous Fabrick of the new Walls made at Genoa , and the strange preservation of that City from the Plague , wherewith the whole State of Genoa was infected , and more then half Italy . This twelfth Book and the whole present History is concluded with the Marriage between the King of Hungary , Son to the Emperour , and the Infanta Mary , Sister to the King of Spain ; and with the Duke of Urbin's death , and the dev●…lving of that State to the Apostolick See. THe death of the Duke of Savoy proved not so great an alteration to the main of Affairs , by his being succeeded by his Son , who was now almost 40 years old ; bred up in his Fathers School , a great Prince , and gallant Commander : so as being instructed by so excellent a Master in the Art both of War and Peace , none doubted but that he would equal his Father in both ; and being knowing and partaker of the Affair●… of State , and of all his Fathers Councils , ends , and resolutions , having for many years being vers'd in publick affairs , as well Civil as Military ; the Principality seemed not to be any thing changed by this new succession , but to be continued in the successor ; and his contrary conditions to Duke Emanuel afforded better hopes of peace and concord ; for instead of the hatred born by the Agents of both the Crowns to the deceased Duke ; in his Son the strict bond of Affinity with the King of France was to be considered , and of Consa●…guinity with the King of Spain : so as it was to be believed , that the former would not easily consent to the depression of his Sisters Husband , which drew along with it inseparably the like of his Sister : nor that the other would refuse any thing which might make for the good of a Prince annex'd to him both in blood and Interest ; and yet as Councils of State which give motion to all things , and whereby Princes govern themselves , do not contract Parentage , it was ere long known , how weak curbs Kindred or Conjunction in Blood are , to hold back the force of Domination , and the desire of enlarging Confines , and of bettering the condition of Principality . The French having pass'd over the Poe , and refresh'd themselves in Saluzzo , could not go to the relief of Casalle by that way , neither by reason of the enemies Army which was quarter'd in Savigliano ; wherefore they resolved to repass back again over the Poe , and to return to Pinarollo by the same way that they came ; and in their March backwa●…d they incamped under Ravil ; but finding it to be too strong they tarried not long there , but returned to Pinarollo ; and finding the Towns of Piedmont , for the most part desolate and void of Inhabitants , by the Plague ; and that the new Dukes Army was quarter'd in Savigliano , beyond the Poe , they fell down upon Vigone , Villa franca , and Villa nuova , and upon other Towns which lay lower ; and taking them without any resistance , they came to Pancaleri ; where they took up the same Quarters , and lodged in the same Fortifications , wherein the Duke had incamped a little before against them : they then had a mind to take Carignano , which lay a little lower within two Musket-shot of the Poe , where the woodden Bridge was , indeavouring to pass by that way to Casalle ; they therefore sent some of their Horse , under Mounsieur De la Tremoville , to Corignano , where taking a strong house which served for a Castle , they advanced to the Bridge . Duke Victorio being aware of their ends , came out of Savigliano , and marching with his Army on the hither bank , he made two companies of Carabines advance , that they might come the sooner to the Bridge , which got thither just at the same time that the French were come neer , the outer-more head of the Bridge ; and lighting off Horse back they placed themselves to defend it : And the French leaving a Commander with a Troop of Horse in Carignano , retreated to Pancaleri : The Spanish Horse came the same night to the Bridge , which the Carabines defended , and the next day the Duke coming thither with his Army , quartered upon the bank opposite to Carignano , keeping the Bridge in his poss●…ssion , which being broken off in the midst , met together by a draw ●…ridge , which being pull'd up on the Dukes side , fell down on the other side towards Carignano , so as the Duke might open the way to his men , and keep it shut from the Enemy . About 4000 Dutch were to come to Avigliana under Count Verrua ; by which recruit the Duke became stronger , he would not refuse to fight the enemy , but resolved to quarter on the other side of the Poe , that he might be neerer them ; to the which purpose he sent 500 hundred Foot , and a peece of Cannon , under the Camp-Master Luigi Ponse a Spaniard , to recover Carignano ; after the which he sent Gerardo Gambacorti with 4●…0 Horse , to the end that coming to the Capuchins place they might shelter the 500 foot busied in the taking of Carignano , and might also back the Dutch who were to come to Avigliano without any convoy of Horse , to the Camp. Ponse went with his men to force Carignano ; and whilst he was hottest in the business , Gambacorti who found that the succour was come , he left a company of Curassiers at the Capuchins plain , and advanced with the three other companies of Carabines , ●…towards Pancaleri ; where meeting with the Enemies Van led on by Marquis Diffiate , he began a stout skirmish , at the beginning whereof Gambacorti sent to the Duke to advance with the whole Army , or that whilst he fought the enemy , he might retreat with the Cannon , and men which fought before Carignano . But the Duke who had received n●…w advertisment from Verrua , would come neither that day , nor by that way ; but answered , that he would not advance with the Army , but wish'd him to entertaine the Enemy , till the Cannon were withdrawn ; The conflict lasted four hours , wherein the French increasing in number , cha●…'d Gambacorti to the Port-cullis of Carignano , where by reason of the narrownesse of the place he could hardly have retreated without disorder , had he not been seasonably succour'd by Martin d' Aragona , who was sent to him by the Duke with 400 Spanish Musketiers ; so as being incouraged by this new recruit , the French were easily repressed ; who thinking that the Enemies whole Army had past over the River , together with the recruit , were slacker in their pursuit , and afforded conven●…ence to Gambacorti , and to Don Martin of Aragon , to retreat back in good order by the Bridge , all the Cannon and Foot which were gon to the taking of Carignano being drawn off before them . The numbers that dyed in this conflict were equal on both sides ; the Duke of Tremuglia received a sore wound in the knee , by a Musket-shot , and a Captain of Horse was also sorely wounded ; the French quarter'd in Carignano , and the Duke on the opposite shore , observing one anothers wayes , and expecting another occasion for action , which it was not long ere it presented it self very singularly for the French. For the Duke being impatient to tarry on this side the Poe , and not being contented with his being fenc'd by the water , had a desire to go to the opposite shore , and to fortifie the head of the Bridge towards Carignano ; the businesse being argued , met with variety of opinions ; as for the new Fortification , it was considered , that by making it the Enemies army would be in a manner besieged , for it would be forced by the Garrison of that Fortification to live closer and more united , and would consequently find greater scarcity of Victuals and Forrage : And in case it should go to Turin , as it was feared it would , or would attempt going to Casalle by the Canevese , they might the easilier keep behind them , hinder their designe●… , and oppose all their attempts . On the contrary it was said , that the fitter , and more opportune the fortification should be , the harder and more dangerous it would be to begin it , and bring it to perfection , by reason of the Enemies being quartered so neer in Carignano ; who , were it only for Reputations sake , could not possibly suffer that fortification to be made under their no●…es . Moreover , that the intended work being divided , and separated by the water from the Army , it would be hard to succour it ; that therefore being content to keep the Bridge in their power , which afforded them sufficient convenience to keep behind any motion of the Enemy , they should make use of the safety that the River afforded them , against whatsoever the French should do . The contrary opinion prevailed for fortifying , which was thus devised ; that a half Moon should be made on the head of the Bridge towards Carignano , which should be flank'd on both sides , which were to be made on a little Island which the Poe makes nee●… the banks ; the care of the half Moon was committed to the Spaniards , and the trench on the right hand to the Dutch , and that on the left to the Italians ; and they were all ordered , that if the Enemy should assault them before they were fortified , they should retreat by the Bridge without making any resistance ; if after they were fortified , that they should ▪ defend themselves . They wrought two days quietly in their works , without being troubled by the French , who did but laugh at them ; but considering the consequence better afterwards , and knowing what prejudice it would occasion when it should be perfected , especially if they should be inforced to remove from where they were ; They sent for a good strength of men from Pancaleri , and sallied on the sudden forcibly from Carignano , to distribute them whilst the work was imperfect ; 1200 of the best and bravest French gave the first furious assault , the Dutch making but bad resistance , those very same who behaved themselves so bravely in the conflict at Avigliana , began to quit their stations and fled , without almost striking a stroke ; so as the half Moon which lay open on that side , after a long and valiant resistance , was lost , together with many men . Whereupon , the other Trench made by the Italians , who were not able to withstand the brunt , was also abandoned ; nor could the Duke send any to succour them though he endeavoured it : For the Bridge being too narrow to passe over many a-brest , the succour was too slender for such an assault ; nay , the confusion of those that came in to succour was prejudicial to themselves : for thronging together upon the Bridge , many of them fell into the water and were drowned ; those that dyed and were drown'd , on the Dukes side , were 500 foot ; those of quality that were slain , were Don Alphonso Swasso , Leiutenant to the Camp-Master General , and some Foot Captaines ; Don Martin d'Aragona , after given great trial of his Valour , was sore wounded and taken prisoner , Camp-Master Nicolo Doria , being shot by a Musket , dyed soon after , 200 of the French were slain , and yet both sides were equally affraid , for each party cut the Bridge in two on their side ; The French feared another better regulated assault , being very weak , and having lost many men ; and hearing that the whole body of the Dutch who were before Mantua , was come to the Enemies Camp : And the Duke that the French passing over the Bridge in the heat of victory , might cause great disturbance in the Camp , which was full of fear and confusion . Thus both of them being divided by the River , both of them were Masters of the Field ; the French , on that side the Poe which was towards the Alps , the Duke , on that side which lay towards Casalle ; the Armies increased almost at the same time ; for Collalto having taken Mantua came into Piedmont with 8000 Foot , and 1500 Hose , under Marshal Scomberg , who being to passe thorow the vally of Susa , Marshal De la Force , and Momorancy , after having tarried ten or twelve dayes in Carignano , and having well refresh'd their men with the victuals which they found there , went towards that valley to encounter them ; and the Duke , when they weregon , quitted his quarters , and took up new between Turin and Moncaleri : and having sent 2000 Foot to defend Turin , he betook himself to defend the stone Bridge , which was built over the Poe , neer Moncaleri , quartering 2000 Foot upon the Hill which overlook'd the Bridge on Moncaleri's side . When the French Army was come to Viola , it heard that Scomberg being come with new Forces from France had taken Avigliana , whereinto he entred without any opposition , finding it infected with the Plague and void of inhabitants , as many other Towns in Piedmont were ; he came before the Castle , which trusting to the strength of its scituation , stood upon defence , though the Plague was got amongst the garrison , and though the Castle was onely fortified after the ancient manner ; the Duke would have advanced to relieve the Castle , but he was perswaded to the contrary by Collalto , who was not naturally given to love danger ▪ Collalto foresaw , that by going to relieve the Castle they might perchance come to a battle , wherein the Dukes men being discouraged by the unfortunate successe of the two last actions , would not have behaved themselves better then before , and ruine depending upon the loss , he thought it would not be wisely done , to adventure the main conce●…nment upon a battle . So the Castle wanting relief , and more streightned for want of water , then by the Enemy , it fell into the hands of the French. This acquisition opened the way for the French into the Carevesa and from thence to Cassalle ; and it was not unlikely but that they might easily passe over the Poe over against that City , where being under the shelter of the Cannon of that pl●…ce , and joyning with the garrison which was there , they might easily pass the foord , and consequently relieve Casalle : which the Duke apprehending , he sent Gambacorti with 400 Horse into the Canevese , to the end , that passing over la Dora , they might master that way ; and Marquess Spinola , fearing the danger , munited the bank of Poe with a double Trench , the one against the River , the other against the City and Citadel , before which they wrought continually , bringing on their approaches ; insomuch as the Spaniards , to whose share the taking of the Bulwark of San ' Croce fell , were advanc'd so far as they were ready to fall into the Ditch , and attempted the Wall ; and when by the strong oppugning and by the scarcity of Victuals , the Town was not likely to hold out long , the Siege , defence and succour , were delaied by a Treaty of Truce , which being formerly begun , was not long after perfected ; and that the original and progress of this Treaty of Truce , and of another Negotiation of Peace which was at this time very hotly handled , and not long after concluded in the Diet at Ratisbone , may be the better known , it will be necessary to take the business a little higher . The Electors not being content to have made the Emperour lay down his Arms , by cashiering Wallestein , the Duke of Fritland , and by dissolving that Army which was so formidable to all Germany : they demanded that some order might be taken about the setling of the affairs of Italy , especially those of Mantua and Montferrat : they honested this their demand with the justice of Nevers his cause , who , as they said , was not to be put out of possession of his Dominions unheard : th●…y said likewise , that it was a great prejudice to the jurisdiction of the Empire , that the Spaniards , under the name and authority of the Emperour , should bereave a Vassall of the Empire of those States ; to make themselves masters thereof ; for if they should fall into their hands , it would be hard to exercise the Cesarean authority against them , and they would hardly be brought to acknowledge that they held them as in Fee from the Empire : they likewise complain'd that Armies were sent into Italy without their knowledge or consent ; alledging that this was contrary to the ancient institutions of the Sacred Empire , which they publickly said were broken and violated , as well in this , as in many other things : they tacitely reproved him for having by the Cesarean Arms and Authority assisted the rather violent then just ends of the Spanish Agents , against a Vassal who was ready to acknowledge that he held those States from Cesar , and did with all submission desire to be invested thereinto : they exaggerated the strange consequences which would result to Germany from these commotions ; for the King of France , and Prince of Italy , being desirous for their own safety sake to maintain those States , and that Duke , though they could not directly oppose the Cesarean and Spanish Forces in his defence , did notwithstanding hold intelligence together , and did assist the German Princes underhand , who were desirous of novelties , that they might alienate themselves from the Emperour , and incite the people against him ; and that they did also administer aid to the King of Swedland , to the end , that the Emperours Forces being held play in Germany , might not foment the Spaniards in Italy : they persisted the more confidently in these their complaints , for that they saw the Emperour unarmed ▪ and themselves favoured , and set on by the King of France , with whom they held strict and secret Intelligence . That King had sent Monsieur Leon , Embassadour to the Diet , to justifie in appearance his assisting a Vassal of the Sacred Empire , against the Spaniards , who under the colour of the Sacred Empire , strove to oppress him , and to possess themselves of his Dominions , to make way for the Monarchy of Italy , which they so much coveted : but in effect to sollicite the Electors and Princes of Germany , who were ill satisfied with the present condition of affairs , and to encourage them to joyn in beating down the Austrian greatness , and to favour the Duke of Nevers his cause ; which the Pope did also favour , who was ve●…y desirous to keep those States in the House of Gonsaga , to the end , that by excluding the Spaniards from thence , Italy might not hazard the loss of Liberty : but he chiefly favoured the emulation which all the German Princes bore to the Spaniards ; by reason of the excessive authority which the King of Spains Agents arroga●…ed unto them selves in Cesar's Court ; wherein pretending to be above all , they seemed as if they would govern the affairs of Germany as they listed ; and the Emperour as well for his conjunction in interest , as for his necessity of being supplied with moneys , was forc'd to adhere unto them : which the Germans not being able to tolerate , they did oppose their ends and interests : so as under colour of the justice of Nevers his cause , and of preserving the rights of the German Empire , they cross'd the Emperor in this very cause , and would maintain it against the Spanish Agents , who endeavoured to suffocate it by power in Cesars Court , as they did to oppress it by Arms in Italy : wherefore they reiterated their former Protestations , not to joyn in the defence of the war made by the King of Swedland , whose actions increasing in fame and reputation , began to make men bethink themselves . The Duke of Savoy also and Collalto fomented the speedy conclusion of the peace , who both of them writ to that Diet , and told the Emperour and the Electors , that Piedmont could no longer maintain the war ; whose affairs running manifest ruine , the Duke was forced either to succumb to the King of France , or to agree with him : if either of which should happen , all things would necessarily be ruined . The Emperour , who had no Forces on foot , and saw such an aversion in the Electors , and in so many other Princes to the wars of Italy , being scandalized at the unjust proceedings against Nevers ; the Emperour being also touched in conscience , and desirous of his Sons election , for which he had already given way to much greater things , easily consented to all their desires : many things were therefore treated of , many things pretended , and neer concluding , in favour to the Duke of Nevers , and to the great prejudice of the Spanish pretensions . Don Carlo Doria , Duke of Turcis , was then Embassadour in extraordinary from the King of Spain , in Ratisbone : being sent to that Diet to further the Election of the King of the Romans , in the person of the King of Hungary , Son to the Emperour , married at this time to Mary , Sister to the King of Spain : but this Election not being to be treated of in this Diet , because it was not in imated therein , as was necessary by the Laws of the Empire ; and for that the Electors of Saxony and of Brandenburg , ( disgusted by the Emperour , and almost quite alienated from him ) were neither come thither , nor had sent their Proctories thither : And after Orders taken in the Diet for the Affairs of Germany , and of the Empire , the Negotiations were reduced to the Affairs of Italy , and particularly , to the Duke of Nevers his Cause . Doria , who saw upon what disadvantagious terms the Peace was treated on for the King of Spain , and how far the French prevailed by the help and Intelligence held by the Electors ; and that the Emperour being forced by the leudness of the Times , and of his own Interests , could not govern his pretensions as he would have done , but was forced to incline towards giving them satisfaction , even much to the prejudice of his own Affairs ; he earnestly desired , and obtained it , That he not being sent to Treat of Peace in the Kings Name , might be permitted to acquaint the King upon what Conditions the Agreement was negotiated , before it was concluded . Thus having gotten a suspension for two moneths , they forbare to conclude what they were already agreed upon . Whilst the peace was treated on in Ratisbone , it was not abandoned by the Nuntio Panciru●…lo in Italy , wherein all parties were well inclined unto it : the King of France , Duke of Savoy , and Collalto , for the same reasons for which they did sollicite it in Germany , and the two last , because they liked not the business of Casalle . The Duke , by reason of the great prejudice which would result to him , if it should succeed happily ; and Collalto , out of the emulation he bore to Spinola , and his hatred to the Spaniards ; which respects , on the contrary , made Spinola very much desire it , lest that the bad correspondency with the Duke , and Collalto's emulation , might ruine it , to his great discredit , Collalto having appeared so averse unto it , as that he would not grant him one bare thousand men , though he cashiered them after Mantua was taken , and Spinola needed them much before Casalle : so as Spinola being inforc'd by so many difficulties and diffidences , had promised the Nuntio to quit the enterprise , if the French would forego the Dukes Towns which they had taken , and would retreat to beyond the Mountains : which Agreement being accepted by the King of France , would have been effected , had not his authority been restrained by new Orders from Spain ; for Abbot Scaglia , who was sent , as hath been said , by the late Duke into Spain , had acquainted that Court with Spinola's aversion to the Duke ; with the bad intelligence which pass'd between him and Collalto , and what sad consequences might thereupon insue to the prejudice of the common cause : he had also accused Spinola of being too apparently inclined to making peace , upon any whatsoever conditions , such as would not only be dishonourable for their Forces , but apparently dangerous for the common affairs ; and that it could not be known whence this should proceed , unless it were from his bad inclination towards the Duke , with whom he had proceeded so seve●…ely : so as nothing but ruinous effects to the common affairs could be expected from so great a discrepancy of humours , ends and wills ; since the Duke not being able any longer to endure it would be forced to use any means for his own honour and safety : to these powerful reasons , he added no less prevailing proofs : amongst others , the rough draught of certain Capitul●…tions of Peace , written by Spinola's Secretary , whereby though the King of France was obliged to free the Duke of Savoys Dominions , and to withdraw his Forces into France , yet was there no caution mentioned for the observance thereof ; so as it was in the Kings will and choice whether or no he would observe what he was bound unto by the Articles , though all things should be punctually observed by the rest : nor was this all : he covenanted by the same Capitulations that all the Potentates of Italy and Germany , the Electors by name , should favour the States of Mantua and Montferrat , in case they should be molested by any ; and the Duke obliged himself to afford passage and victuals to the French Armies , if they should be sent to succour those States : a League , or rather a Conspiracy , of all these Princes against the Emperour and King of Spain , if at any time the Emperour should upon any just cause proceed against his Vassal , or if the King of Spain should assist the Emperour ; and yet , said Scaglia , Spinola winking at so great indignities and prejudices , would willingly have accepted and subscribed it , had it not been abhorred by the Duke and by Collalto , with the unanimous consent of all the Captains , as being too insolent and too unworthy of the Cesarean authority , and repuls'd as too prejudicial to Piedmont , and to the State of Millain . These and other reasons prevailed sufficiently with the Conde Duca , who was more inclined to the Duke of Savoy , then to Spinola : so as there needed not many perswasions , to induce him to limit Spinola's authority in the point of making peace : so as when Mazarine going into France to Negotiate with the King , return'd to Italy , with the conclusion agreed upon by the King , he found all broken off and in disorder by new Directions : in this interim the old Duke being dead , a suspension of Arms was treated of by the new Duke , between himself and the Commanders of Cesar , and the King of Spains party , on one side , and the French Commanders on the other side , as well in Italy as out of it : by which all hostility and innovation of the Fortifications , hostile acts , and taking of Towns was inhibited : that the City and Castle of Casalle should be assigned over to Spinola , and that he should furnish the Citadel , being paid for it , with Victuals during the time of Truce ; that if the peace should be concluded in Ratisbone , it should be observed on all sides ; if not concluded by the 15th of October , that the Truce should cease , and that it should be lawful for the French afterwards to endeavour the relief of the Citadel , and for the others to defend it ; and that each of them might use their Arms , and do all hostile acts , as before the Truce ; that if the Citadel should not be succoured during the whole moneth of October , it should be delivered over to Spinola , who was to have Hostages given him , for the performance thereof : that if it should be succoured , Spinola should re-deliver the Castle and Citadel . The French Commanders durst not accept of this Truce , without express order from the King ; though Toras inform'd them often what want they had of Victuals , Moneys and Men , many whereof were dead of the Plague : protesting that he could not keep it longer then September : this Proposal being sent to Paris , it was easily agreed to ; for there they desired time for the delivery of Casalle , to the end , that thereby they might make the peace which was in treaty at Ratisbone , upon bette●… conditions ; or might have time to relieve it , if peace should not be concluded : Whereupon Monsieur di Bresse was immediately sent to Italy , with express Orders to the French Commanders and to the Duke du Mayne , who , as hath been said , was in Casalle , that they should accept of it : but some time being this mean while past , Casalle was not in the former condition ; for the besiegers , as hath been formerly said , were gotten into the Ditch , and the Neapolitans , who besieged the City , were fallen upon the Walls ; and the Plague having consumed many of the defendants , it might probably be supposed that for want of men the like might befall that place , as had hapned to Mantua ; it being likewise known that those within the Town were in great scarcity of Victuals ; wherefore Spinola , making his advantage thereof , would no longer listen to any suspension , to any Truce or peace ; especially as concerning making the Citadel longer-liv'd , by furnishing it with Victuals , and not innovating any thing during the Truce , nor making new defences against such succours as should come when the Truce should be expired . Spinola was at this time much wearied both in body and mind , by the labours he had taken , and by the agitation of spirit which he had suffered in these present Occurrences : the lessening of his power had wounded him sorely : wherefore falling sick , and his malady both of body and mind encreasing , he soon became unfit for managing so important an enterprise , or indeed for any other enterprise : it was therefore requisite to send for the Marquess of San ' Croce , who was then at Genoa , and for the Lord Chancellor and those of the Cabinet Councel , from Millain , who being come to the Camp , opened the Kings Orders , which provided for a successour in case Spinola , should die ; and therein they found San ' Croce nominated ; to whom Spinola relinquish'd the Government of all things . Spinola went from the Camp , and retired to Castel nuovo di Scrivia , in the Tortonese , to be cured of his sickness ; but being ancient , and his sickness encreasing , he dyed on the 25th of September , two moneths after the late Duke of Savoy . The Affairs of War and Government went less in reputation by Spinola's death : the Duke of Savoy , wearied with the troubles of a long war , which he saw was still maintained in his Country , and not being pleased that the Spaniards should suffer him to lose his State , so they might get Casalle , listned willingly to the offers of France ; which promised to restore him to the entire possession of all that had been taken from him , and , moreover , satisfaction and recompence for his pretences to Montferrat ; for the King of France finding what difficulty and danger there would be in relieving Casalle , by reason of the Dukes opposition , laboured to win him over from the contrary party ; and if the Duke could be safely re-possess'd of his own by peace wherefore should he wait for the recove●…y thereof by the uncertain and ruinous events of war ? moreover , by favouring the business of Casalle , he made fetters for his own slavery ; since then by preserving that place , he might recover his own State , and have satisfaction for all his pretences , what reason had he to endeavour the getting of it , with so much loss to his Subjects , and prejucice to his own Dominions : but these practices met with these difficulties : the Duke would not part from the Cesarean and Spanish side , without being effectually restored to all that had been taken from him ; and the King would keep it as a pledge for the restitution of Mantua already lost , and of Cassalle , if for want of relief it should chance to be lost . Yet this treaty being on foot made the Duke more remisse in his joyning with Spain , and desirous to handle the businesse so as that the Spaniards should desire a general peace , whereby he was sure to be restored to his former condition , and that Cassalle should not fall into the Spaniards hands : yet he wisely cloked these his ends with several artifices . He answer●…d the French , who promising speedy possession of all that he had lost , earnestly prest him to declare for their King , that ●…e could not in honour passe so suddenly from the friendship of the King of Spain , to enmity with him ; and that it would be too great an indignity that the same Sun , which at his rising saw him a Friend to that King ; should at his setting finde him his Enemy . That there should some time be allowed between the one and the other ; as Summer turnes not suddenly to Winter , without the interposing of Autumn ; nor Winter to Summer , without the like interposal of the Spring ; he offer●…d notwithstanding , to declare himself neutral for a while , till businesse might be brought to some reasonable composition , and that in case the Spaniards should fail of doing what became them , he would be ready to declare for France , and to oppose those who would oppose reason . These were the points discus'd in these present negotiations ; but neither was Collalto right to the King of Spain's cause ; for though now that his rival Spinola was removed , it appeared that he might more favour the enterprize of Cassalle , had it been for nothing else but that the easinesse of the success wherein he had cooperated , might double the glory which he pretended to by the taking of Mantua ; yet through the hate which he bore to the name of Spain , he held better intelligence with the new Duke then with the Spaniards ; and persisting in his first resolution of minding the defence of Piedmont , and the opposing of the French more then the taking of Cassalle , he would not afford any help thereunto . This his ill will proceeded not from the aversion of the Cesarean Officers to those of Spain , but from ill offices done him by the Spanish Agents to the Emperour ; for thinking that he bore no good will unto the King , they had used all the means they could to remove him from his charge , and that he might be sent for back into Germany ; and eertainly it had been done , had it not been for his Wife , whose favour with the Emperour defended him against the endeavours of the Spaniards . The Duke being therefore inclined to the French , for the recovery of his State , or to the preservation of Cassalle , for his own indempnity ; and knowing that the losse of that Town would mar the general peace , which was the onely thing which could put him into his former condition : and Collalto being totally inclined to favour the Dukes interest , and Sancta Croce not being of so warlike a disposition as was Spinola , but being rather mild and remiss , and much addicted to civil negotiations , much lesse to the troubles and dangers of war ; it was necessary that those that looked asquint upon the taking of Cassalle , having more field-●…oom allowed by the weaknesse of the present Government , should openly vent their dissatisfaction , and shew the greater resentment . The first action of want of respect towards Sancta Croce , and of great prejudice to the main affair , was the Truce and suspension of Arms , which Spinola refused , and which was now accepted of by the Duke in favour to the French , and by Collalto in favour to the Duke , which had it been never so little a while delay'd , the City and Citadel of Cassalle would certainly have been surrendered . This suspension being by them accepted , and subscribed without Sancta Croce his knowledge , nay contrary to his will , was presently sent to Sancta Croce to be by him subscribed . This appeared to Sancta Croce , and to the other Commanders , to be an action , as indeed it was , so proud and arrogant , as if the Duke and Collalto did thereby arrogate unto themselves the supream arbitracy of things , even about Croce's self ; Yet wanting Courage to contradict it , or to resent it , he unwillingly gave way unto it ; and the fear of the Dukes and Collalto's alienation prevailing over his dignity , he subscribed the Truce and suspension of Arms ; For had he done otherwise , the common cause being by them abandoned , or indeed cross'd , might be reduced in●…o great streights . The Truce being thus by common consent accepted , the King of Spain's Forces quit Piedmont , & retreated to the State of Millain , Collalto staying behind with the Cesarean Forces . Those who were before Cassalle , retired likewise into the State of Millain , to refresh themselves , after the labour which they had taken in the siege , except 2000 who entred the City & the Castle , which by the Articles of Truce were assigned over to Sancta Croce , and some few Foot , who stay'd to guard the Artillery and quarters . Sancta Croce spake with the Duke , and with Collalto , in Pontestura , after that the Truce was subscribed . They seemed to be both of them willing to refer all things belonging to the management of the war to him , and by respectful and reverent behaviour , sought to mitigate his anger , and to excuse what they had done ; it was not known whether they did this really to make satisfaction for what they had done , or to draw money from him , which they very much prest for ; for they were known to be in truth otherwise minded . Yet so weak of counsell was he , as he did not onely take all in good part ) but sought to buy their good wills with ready moneies ; ( whereof though he himself were in great streights , he disburs'd 200000 Ducates , part whereof the Duke received , part Collalto . And because by the Articles of Truce all making of Fortifications was forbidden , Sancta Croce imploy'd himself in making provision of faggots , and of other materials , upon any occasion which might happen when the Truce should be expired ; which notwithstanding he proceeded in but slowly , by reason of the gre●…t hopes he had of peace , which being joyned to h●…s abhorrence of war and expences , all provisions seemed superfluous . These hopes accompanied and nourish'd with great desire , had also made the Court of France negligent in making new recruits for Italy , had not Cardinal Richelieu , contrary to the opinion of the whole Council , laboured to perswade the King to the contrary : Shewing him that in case Peace should not be concluded in the time prefixt for Truce , it would be necessary that the Citadel should be surrendred ; which being come into the Spaniards hands , the state of affairs would be reduced to such a condition , as it would be bootlesse to hope for any sa●…sfaction or peace ; and that so the great expe●…ience , the so great labour and troub●…e which they had been at for the maintaining of Cassalle , would together with the reputation and honour of the Armes of France be lost ; the King being perswaded by these reasons gave order for the levying of as many Souldiers as could be , whereof a body of 1200 being raised was sent to Pinarollo , under Marshal Marigliack , which was a good recruit to the French Camp , it being much diminished . The 15 of Octob. drew neer , and no news being heard of Peace , they treated of proroguing the Truce , whereof Sancta Croce , who naturally abhorr'd the thought of War , and the Commanders and Council no less then he were desirous , by reason of the confusion and difference of opinions and humours which was amongst them , and for the distrust they had of the Duke and of Collalto , which made them despair of good success ; but the French , whose numbers were increased , fearing that they might dissolve by delay , and building very much upon the necessities and weakness of the Enemy , refused it ; as did also the Duke and Collalto , being displeased that the first suspension granted by them was ill resented . Wherefore because the world thought , and the Spaniards seemed assured , that what they had done was a that time very seasonable , they were now very backward ; to the end that the good of the former suspension might appear by the contrary effects , and that so Sancta Croce , and the rest who had blamed it , might learn at their own cost to listen better in the future to their Counsels . But the condition of affairs being much alter'd from what it was when the Truce was made , made the present refusal be approved ; the French were then weak , and despaired of relieving the Town , by reason of the stout opposition ; the City & Citadel were reduced to the utmost extremity for want of victuals , & by the advancing of the siege : it was now clean contrary ; the French were very strong in Piedmont , they met with little or no opposition , the City and Citadel were that mean while maintained with victuals by the Spaniards , and they had some provisions lay'd in for the future ; The fiege was much lessened , their courage cooled , preparations slackned , and , in fine , the affairs of the Camp were much worse in Counsell , Courage , and Union , and the reputation thereof was much diminished . The Truce being expired , and nothing that was done in Ratisbone being known in Italy , the French betook themselves to relieve the Town , but without victuals , or any other provisions for sustenance of the Citadel which they were to relieve ; their whole Forces consisted of about 15000 Foot , and 2000 Horse , to boot with some 4000 which were left in Piedmont , under Monsieur Di Tauanes , to entertain or to give pretence to the Duke , and to the Dutch who remained in Piedmont after the Truce , to keep from joyning with Sancta Croce , if he should oppose the succour ; and to infuse more terror into the Enemy , they used many tricks and inventions to make their preparations appear greater , and the number of their men more , as well of those who remained in Piedmont , as those who went to the relief ; There were three Marshals chose , who were to manage the whole businesse , Sforza , Scomberg , and Marigliack , and these were to command every day by turnes ; the Duke demanded men from Sancta Croce to oppose them , but did not obtain them , were it either out of distrust , or that knowing all the Dutch were in Piedmont , would have the remainder for his own safety sake keep before Cassalle . Wherefore seeing that neither the Dutch nor the Duke moved , the French Army past over the Poe a little below Saluzzo without any opposition , and came to Scarnafixo , where they mustered on the fifth of Octob. and march'd on the next day , having with them only six small pieces of Artillery . The Duke of Momorancy being gone to France after the Truce was concluded , was not present in this action . The marching of this Army , and the so constant resolution to relieve the Town , afforded much discourse touching the Duke and Collalto , whether they held private intelligence with the French or no ; it being thought , that otherwise it was impossible three Marshals should take a journey of fourscore miles in an Enemies Countrey , where they had no strong Holds for the safety of their march , or upon any occasion , for their retreat ; and therefore subject to be assaulted not without manifest danger , and forc'd to fight in any disadvantagious place with a fresh , nimble Army , stronger then theirs : An●… say they had been sure to meet with no opposition , or had had a safe Conduct sent them by the Enemy ; yet they might have supposed that they should meet with greater difficulties and dangers when they should be at the end of their march , and be come within sight of the Enemies Camp : For the Enemy being very well intrench'd , munited with Artillery , and being possess'd of the City and Castle of Casalle , they must necessarily either assault them upon too much disadvantage within their Quarters , or besiege them there ; either of which would certainly have been a desperate business ; but it was a no less dangerous and ill advised Enterprize to attempt the relief of a famish'd place without victuals , which had more need of speedy food for nourishment then of men to defend them : Whereinto if they should have gotten , who sees not they must have surrendred the Town the sooner , being to be the sooner famish'd by the entrance of so many men , and would have stood in more need of victuals . The Army being parted from Scarnafixo march'd to Raconiggi , from thence to Somariva del Bosco , then to Cerexola , that they might from thence come into the County of Asti , getting victuals from the neighbouring Towns : Whilest they advanced apace , and in good order , without any opposition , the others were n●…t idle before Casalle ; for having notice of the Enemies coming , they began to make Trenches , as well against the Citadel as against the coming of succour , but more diligently on the side of the Hills , by which way they thought they would march , it being the higher and more advantagious ; they therefore placed many pieces of Artillery there ; they likewise sent for those men back who were at the beginning of the Truce sent into the Territories of Millain ; and upon dispute whether or no they should meet the Enemy if they advanced , it was resolved to wait for them in the Trenches , that they might not lose tha●… advantage by going to meet them which they were sure to have by waiting for them . Whilest these Preparations were making came news of the peace which was made between the Emperour and the King of France his Agents at Ratisbone , by which many things were stipulated : Those wherein Italy was concerned , were , That upon the Duke of Nevers his humbling himself to the Emperour he should be re-invested into possession of his two Dukedoms , and received into protection by the Emperour : That upon notice of the peace all hostility should cease in Italy : That Trino should be given to the Duke of Savoy , together with as many Towns of Montferrat as might be worth 18000 Crowns yearly vent . The Emperour being desirous to better the Treaty at Susa , w●…e i●… either for that it did in some sort belong to him , so as he thought no account was made of that Treaty , it being made without his Authority , or were it to recompense the Duke for the losses he had suffer'd in the present Wars , wherein he had been ever constant to the Imperial Party , he ordered so many Towns of the Dutchy of Mantua to the Duke of Guastalla as were worth 6000 Growns per annum , to the Dutchess of Lorain what the Arbitrators should adjudge unto her within a certain prefix'd time : That the Dutch , restoring Mantua with the For●…s , and the Town of Caneto , should depart Italy : That the S●…iards should give over the Siege of Casalle , and should withdraw from Piedmont ●…o the State of Millain : That the French should pass back over the Alps , quitting all the Towns of Piedmont and Montferrat , except Pinarollo , Bricheras , Susa , and Avigliana : That the Duke of Savoy detaining Trino should withdraw his men into Piedmont : That Casalle and all the Forts and Towns of Montferrat should be restored , except such as should be assigned over to the Duke of Savoy : That Nevers should have leave to furnish such Towns as did belong unto him with Garrisons , as his Predecessors had done . These things being done , that the Emperour should cause the City and Forts of Mantua , and the Town of Caneto , to be assigned over to the new Duke ; and that at the same time the King of France should restore the four Towns held by him in Piedmont to the Duke of Savoy ; and that the new Fortifications which were made in them since they were taken should be demolished : When this should be done , that the Emperour would a●…andon all the Towns and places which he had taken in the Grisons Country , the Valtoline being therein comprehended ; and would slight the Fortifications , upon condition that they should not be made use of by any : That the Emperour and King of France should give Hostages to the Pope , for the observance of what was agreed upon . This was the contents of the agreement , and conditions of the peace of Ratisbone , for what belong'd to the affairs of Italy : And many other things relating to the affairs of Germany were likewise stipulated , which because they concern not our History , we will pass over . It was evidently seen what use the French Agent made in this peace of the Emperours necessity , and of the desire he had to have his Son chosen ; and how much the Electors were swayed by the interest of the Crown of France , being desirous to allay the great ends of the Spaniards , and to moderate the Emperours Authority and Inclination towards them ; confiding-upon the tacite Intelligence held by them and the other Germane Princes with the King of France , and upon the helps which they hoped for from him in these present occurrences . The Court of Spain was not well satisfied with this peace , thinking that the Emperour without any respect had unto the Crown of Spain , the Interests o●… Affairs thereof , and without any care of the Common Cause , had wholly applied himself to satisfie the desires of the Enemies thereof , granting them more then they could have demanded or hoped for ; and not being able ●…o endure that they could not with the Forces of so m●…ny Kingdoms ob●…ain the demolishing of the Citadel of Casalle , they complained that the expence o●… so many moneys , such Forces , and so many men , had not only not produced the fruits by them desired , but had irreconcileably alienated from them an Italian Prince , Lord of two States confining upon that of Millain ; had not got Savoy ; had scandalized the world ; raised jealousies in the Princes of Italy ; and which most troubled them , had more confirmed , and almost established and radicated the power of France , not only in Italy , but in Germany : So as the Italian Agents , not knowing whether they ought to accept of this peace or no , especially since they were sure it was not accepted nor approved of by Don Carlo Doria , the Embassadour for Spain in that Diet , they forthwith sent to Spain to know that Kings pleasure ; and expecting Orders from that Crown , they continued the Siege before Casalle , and kept out the French succour . Collalto was sick at this time in Vercelles , and having accepted and published the Capitulations without participating them to S ta Croce , Iulio Massarini , the Popes Agent , went immediately with them to the French Army , to the end that acquainting them that all things were agreed upon , they might proceed no further : He found it in Canale , a Town in the Territories of Asti ; and desiring to know the pleasure of the Commanders , he received a very doubtful answer . The French alledged , That the command to relieve Cassalle was immediately from the King ; whereas the Agreement made at Ratisbone came not from the King , but was made only by the Kings Agents : And therefore not knowing what to do in this case , they seemed much perplexed and irresolute : The truth was , that being uncertain whether they would be accepted or not accepted by the Spaniards , by reason of the disadvantagious Conditions for them , whom they found not any way obliged thereunto ; and finding that the time prefix'd for putting what was agreed on in execution , touching the Duke of Nevers his Interests , which was the chief point of the present War , was somewhat long ; they had reason to doubt , That should they supersede never so little , their Army might be dissolved before the time of executing the Articles ; and it was to be apprehended , That when the Spaniard should be free from fear of their Forces , they might know the advantage , and make use of the occasion ; by continuing to besiege the Citadel , now that they were sure not to be molested ; which if they should once be Masters of , there was no hope , no means left , to see the Peace performed . They therefore resolved to advance to relieve the Town , without losing any time , thinking , that if they should succeed therein they could not miss of some advantagious Composition , whereby the State of Affairs might be compounded with more reputat on and safety . The small opinion they had of the Spanish Army , and their firm belief , that neither the Duke nor Dutch would joyn there with before Casalle , did the more encourage them , and made them hotter upon the Enterprise . Mazarine wrote from the French Camp to the Duke , That in respect of the Peace made at Ratisbone , the French would proceed no further : And the Duke shew'd this Letter to Galasso , who was head of the Dutch that remained in Piedmont : And that they might have no occasion to remove , he , contrary to what he had formerly refused , immediately allotted them excellent Quarters . And though the Duke appeared to have done all this for the safety of Piedmont , against the French , who were yet there under Tavanes , yet the jealousie encreasing daily , that he held intelligence with the French , hoping to be by them restored to his State , he was suspected to dissemble therein : Nor was Mazarine exempt from like suspition , who , though as Agent from the Pope , he seemed to be a friend and mediator between all parties , yet the Pope himself appeared to be inwardly more inclined to the preserving than to the taking of Cassalle ; and his trusting to the French too much , when he writ to the Duke that they should advance no further , not suiting with the wariness and sagacity of a Mediator , made the Spaniards suspect the more that he did not proceed sincerely with them . But the streights that the Spanish Commanders were in forc'd them to swallow down any thing , and with less speculativ●… considerations , to dissemble also , and to minde the Kings business , which they saw was in too apparent danger ; and their perceiving that both Friends , and Enemies , and Mediators , and all , both internal and external accidents , did conspire and co-operate the ruine of the Enterprise , did weaken their Counsels , and confound their Resolutions . At the first news that was heard , that the Enemy , being entred into the Territories of Asti , did advance , Ieronymo Gambacorti was forthwith sent against them with a thousand Horse , with whom the Dutch Horse which were quartered in Acqui were ordered to joyn ; and the Duke of Savoy was also to send them 3000 Foot from Piedmont side , to the end that with this body of men they might , if not directly , at least indirectly , oppose the French , by molesting them on the Rere , on the flanks , and by keeping them from Victuals : But neither did the Dutch Horse nor the Dukes men appear ; the Horse being past over the Tannaro at Govone was entred into Piedmont , and was joyn'd to the others of their Nation ; and the Dukes men went not past St Damiano : And the Duke trusting perhaps to Mazarine his Advertisement , did not only not think of making any opposition , but indeavoured to keep the Dutch in Piedmont ; so as Gambacorti's Expedition wrought no effect at all ; onely that watching the Enemies ways , and finding that they advanced , he speedily gave notice thereof to the Camp , that they might be prepared to receive them ; whereupon it was necessary to have recourse to Collalto , and to get him to send for all the Dutch from Piedmont , to joyn with the Kings Forces against the French : But Collalto shrinking up his shoulders , and persisting in his opinion , would have the Dutch stay to defend Piedmont ; and the Peace made at Ratisbone , which he had proclaimed , whereby all hostile acts were forbidden him , did honest his denial : Wherefore the Camp being full of confusion and terrour , by reason of the uncertainty of the coming of the Dutch , and the certainty that the French did advance , quaked for fear . All men laid this hard dealing of Collalto to a tacite Intelligence with the Duke , and ( by the Dukes means ) with the French : But provision came seasonably from Germany against this so bitter and necessary accident . Don Carlo Doria , seeing it was impossible ●…or him to hinder the conclusion of Peace at Ratisbone , which he judged to be so prejudicial to the Kings honour , & to the safety of his Affairs , and that he could not stave it off till the Citadel of Cassalle should be taken , obtained Letters from the Emperour to Collalto , wherein he was ordered , Th●…t since by the Articles of Peace he could not have to do in that business in his behalf , and since it was not known whether the King of France would accept of the Peace or no , especially not being obliged to do it , That in ca●…e the French should not allow thereof , he should obey San Croce , and assist him with all his Forces . Thus the Cause and Title being altered , the War which was made before in Cesar's Name , was made in the Name of the King of Spain ; and the Emperours Forces , which were Principals at first , became accessory to the King of Spain's ; and the Kings , which were accessory , became upon this occasion Principal . Collalto , who before refused to send a thousand men to Casalle , and suffered all things to run to ruine , having received new Orders from the Emperour , summoned all his men into the field . Galasso was come thither the night before the French appeared , with some of them ; the rest came the night after . Gambacorti , after he had coasted along the French Army to the Confines of the State of Millain , retreated to the Camp : And the French parting from the Territories of Asti , went to Annone , where finding the Gates shut , they agreed for passage with the Towns-men , without giving or receiving any molestation . They came from Annone , by the Valley of Grana , to Occimiano , where staying that night , and the day following , they had notice , That the Spanish Camp was well fortified with Trenches and Artillery towards the Hills , and that therefore they might with less danger assault them on the Plain , where the Fortifications and Trenches were weaker , and imperfect : Wherefore they resolved to advance by the way of the Plain . Advancing thus on that side where they were least expected , they took Frassinetto , together with the neighbouring Bridge over the Poe , by which Victuals and forrage were brought to the Camp from Allessandrino and Occimiano , and whereby the Spanish Army was debarr'd Commerce with Allessandrino ; and there not being many Carriages nor Barques in the Camp , wherewith to throw over another Bridge , they began to want Victuals ; and the penury grew the greater by the coming of the Dutch ; nor had they draught Horses for the Train of Artillery , so as it was hard for them to bring them from the Hills , where they were already planted , to the Trenches towards the Plain , where there were not above eight little Pieces . All of them were so troubled with doubt , whether the Dutch would come to the Camp , or no ; and with fear , That if they should not come all would be ruined ; as their coming was not sufficient to cancel their fear , nor to curb their confusion : They wanted old and experienced Camp-Masters , and Serjeants , to put their men in Battle Array : Galasso was the only man who , by order from San Croce , took that care upon him , and who discharged it like a Souldier . The French seeing that , contrary to their opinion , the Dutch were come unto the Camp , found the disadvantage of their own Forces ; they were not only much inferiour to the Enemy in number , ( 20000 Foot and 5000 Horse being computed to be in the Spanish Camp ) and for that the Spaniards Horse were better then theirs , and in better order , but for that though their Trenches were imperfect towards the Plain , yet were they so high as they were able to withstand the first on set , wherein the French are usually the best : But the good order wherein the Spanish Army stood did chiefly amaze them , which was thus ; A great number of Pikemen and Musketeers stood on the front of the Trenches , behind which were two ranks of Battaglions in order , but at such a distance from the Trench as the Horse which were on the Wings of the Squadrons , and had their out-lets , might manage themselves in the space which was between the Trench and the Squadrons , and might commodiously go out and annoy the Enemies on the Flank who should assault the Trenches , or over-run the Country as occasion should require . It was , notwithstanding , impossible to Spuntare a Francesi , who advanced in a double Front , divided into three Bodies , each one led on by a Marshal , with the Horse on their sides , and preceded by some forlorn hopes ; and yet the diffidence , irresolution , and the fear of what might happen , in San Croce , kept things equally ballanced ; these desired Agreement rather then Battle ; and the others , though they more needed Agreement , yet seemed they less desirous of it ; and the seeing the Enemy so forward to accord , made them the more backward ; and God knows whe●…her the Mediators dealt sincerely in the business , or no : Mazarine went several times between the one Camp and the other , but in vain , the French being still resolute to relieve the City , and to fight ; at last , being got neer the Trenches , their Horse on the left Wing were set upon by some few Horse led on by Octavio Picolomini , who was advanced with them rather to discover then to fight ; so as all men thought they would have joyn'd Battle ; for some of the French Horse went to encounter them , and they came to the giving of fire ; but Mazarine coming at the same time from the French Camp , cried aloud , Halt , Halt ; whereupon all hostile Acts ceasing , they came to this Agreement . That Toras should come out of the Citadel with all the French , where the Duke du Mayne should tarry with 1000 Montferrians ; and , That they should swear to keep the Town in the Emperours Name ; That the Spaniards should do the like for what concern'd the Castle , and the City , and the Towns which they were possess'd of in Montferrat ; That the French Army should retreat into France , and the Spanish into the State of Millain ; That for all things else the Peace of Ratisbone should be observed . This being thus setled , San Croce , together with the Duke of Lerma , and Don Philip , son to the late Marquess Spinola , came out of the Trench , and the Duke of Nocera , and Count Iohn Serbellone , and about 30 other Lords ; the three Marshals came out of the French Army , with the like number of Lords and Commanders ; and here in the same place which was intended for Battle , they mutually embraced each other ; and Peace was established on the 26 of October , the year , 1629. which was readily put in execution for what was then to be done : A ra●…e and perhaps unhea●…d of ex●…mple , That two Armies , of two such enemy Nations , being so nee●… , nay , after the Skirmish was begun , should not only abstain from fighting , but should lovingly embrace one another with those hands which were ready to be imbrued in one anothers blood . All men praised the courage and counsel of the French , and their happy success , who , though far inferiour in Forces , could , notwithstanding , make such excellent use of the Enemies fear , as to make them agree and condescend unto what was contrary to all reason . And all men , on the contrary , wondred that the Spanish Army should be so void both of cou●…age and counsel , as not knowing how to make use of so many advan●…ages , but totally yield●…ng to the Enemies pre●…ensions , they should so easily grant unto them that main point whereupon the whole success of the present War did consist , and which being still maintained , would have established the foundation of the grandezza of all the Kings Affairs , and would have kept his Dominions in perpetual security ; and which being quitted , occasioned the loss of regal authority and of that preeminency and safety of the Kings States , for the maintenance whereof Arms had with so much scandal been taken up ; and which was the greater wonder , that they should abandon their own and their Kings pretensions , then when they were upon the point of obtaining them ; for it was most certain that the French Army was weary with so long a march , was less in number then what it appeared to be , worse in order for Arms , Horse , and all things appertaining to war , then upon the present occasion was requisite ; so as if the Spaniards had been more resolute and bold in their proceedings , the French would either not have dared to have hazarded a Battle , wherein they were to fight against well-armed Trenches ; or if they should have fought , they must necessarily have been defeated : but San ' Croce , who was not any ways experienced in matter of war , apprehended , and was afraid of all things . The two Armies being retired from Casalle , the Duke de Mayne remained with the Montferrians master of the City , Citadel and Castle of Casalle , under the Cesarean Commissary ; who though he was above all others , and had the chief command in outward appearance ; yet being only to command such things as du Mayne would obey , he was superiour rather in shadow and ceremony , then in substance : so little good was got by what was agreed upon . San ' Croce went to Sartiranna , and brought his men back into the State of Millain : the French divided their men into two parts ; the one part whereof marched under Monsieur d' Arpasone through the Territories of Asti : the other , wherein were the three Marishals , through the Canevese ; the restitution of the Towns in Montferrat remained for the full and perfect execution of the Agreement : but Letters being come this mean while to San ' Croce from Spain , with particular Orders what he was to do with the Citadel , which was undoubtedly held in that Court , that it would be lost , as not being to be succoured ; San ' Croce doubted that the new agreement would not be well resented there ; and as in great resolutions the thing chosen is almost always repented , the difficulties of what was found fault with being always imagined to be past ; and the consideration of what convenience might have resulted from the thing rejected entring in the place thereof : so San ' Croce having forgotten the dangers and difficulties of war , and being fuller fraught with the conveniencies and advantage of Victory , being also strucken with the Letters from Court , began to repent what had been done : wherefore he made several excuses to keep from restoring the Towns of Montferrat : which the Nuntio and Mazarin perceiving , they entred their protestations against the danger which might insue by the re-entrance of the French into Casalle , they not being yet gone far from thence , and who might bring things into greater confusion then they were before : the success differ'd not from the supposal ; for the Marshals sent Monsieur di Grange immediately thither with 2000 Foot ; who observing the time when the Cesarean Commissary was gone out , entred by the gate of the Citadel , and shut it upon the Commissaries face , who returned ; at which the Spanish and Dutch Commanders were much amazed , and very angry ; and to boot with their many complaints of it , the Dutch pursued those French which marched through the Canavese ; and the Duke of Lerma , and Duke Nocera , march'd after those that were gone by Astigiana , with intention to fight them , and to vindicate the affront : but the former having pass'd the Dora Baltea , and broken the Bridge , and the others being already come to Villa nuova , it proved all in vain : upon consultation of this new accident , several things were propounded ; amongst the rest , that since for certain there was but little Victuals in Casalle nor in the Citadel , and that the French who were entred thereinto had brought none with them , the Victuals which were already there would soon be spent : so as falling to the Siege again , and the Winter coming on , it was probable that the French , whose weakness was better known after the Town was gotten , then it was before , would not be able to relieve it ; that it would be sufficient to imploy the Dutch in the Siege , and that the Kings men might be withdrawn to Winter in the State of Millain , and so be ready to succour the Dutch if they should be assaulted by the French ; and that if the Dutch should tarry , or perish in that Siege , it would be of more advantage , then prejudice , in regard of the jeajousie that the State of Millain had of them . It was therefore concluded that , since the place could not hold out long , it must necessarily soon fall into their hands ; and that the French mens cunning would redound to their own apparent loss and prejudice : yet the weariness of war having corrupted the Commanders taste of Victory , it was carried , that affairs should again be composed ; whereunto the French , who were gotten into the Citadel , were not averse , for the danger of the the Siege , they being victual'd but for a few days : so as by the intercession of the Nuntio and Mazarine , they came to this agreement , that the French should quit Casalle , that the Spaniards should bring in a thousand sacks of Corn into the Town , and should restore such places as were to be restored ; to see which agreement performed , the Marshal sent Monsieur 〈◊〉 Freshe into Casalle , who was very neer breaking it again ; for upon the entring of the Corn , and going out of the French , Fresche hearing that the Spaniards , who had already quitted Rossigliano , St Georgio , and other places , were not yet gone out of Villa nuova , took occasion not to go out , but recalled the French who were already gone : but la Grange being against it , who would observe the agreement , and would not suffer his men to re-enter ; the Spaniards being incens'd at this second action , made their Souldiers return into Pontestura and Rossigliano , and their men dr●…w neer Occimiano , la Villata , and other Towns neer to Casalle , seeming as if they would reassume the Siege : but the Nuntio Pancirolo and Mazarine interceded again , and they and Grange laying the fault upon Fresche , the same agreement was again made , and was duly kept . The French went out of Casalle , and the Spaniards out of the Towns whereinto they were re-entred ; and San ' Croce ordered Carlo Guasco , Governour of the lower Montferrat , that he should remove the Ammunition out of Nizza , quit the Town , and assign it over into the hands of those , to whom it should be ordained by the Cesarean Commissary . Affairs being thus accommodated , the Dutch went to quarter some of them in the Valtoline , some in the Mantuan Territories , and some under Gallasso in the lower Montferrat , forcing Contribution from all the Feudatories of the Empire in Italy , and quarter ; raising great sums of money from them : they put for the like with the Genoese , desiring quarter of the Commonwealth for part of their men : but the Genoeses refused , and prepared Forces to repulse them , being more afraid of the Plague which they might bring with them , then their Arms ; therefore by the interposition of the Governour of Millain the Dutch were satisfied with some drinking money given to their Captains ; another accident hapned , which afforded new cause of complaint , for the not observance of agreements . The Duke du Mayne was in the Citadel with some few Souldiers ; for Montferrat being partly incumbred by the Dutch who were quartered there , partly possess'd by the Duke of Savoy , could not furnish men enough for the Garrison , it being also much impoverished of people by the Plague : fearing therefore some bad accident , especially since the Emperours , nor King of Spains Forces were not yet disbanded ; he acquainted the Marshals with the danger , who were quartered with their men , according to Articles , in the Towns of Piedmont : the Marshals dismiss'd 400 Swissers , who were of the Kings Guard , and who were under them , and went by their tacite Commission into Casalle , and were there received : but the Spaniards exclaiming against it , to appease the rumours , they were soon sent out : the resignation of the Towns of Montferrat remain'd for the intire execution of the peace of Ratisbone , which resignation was much sollicited by the Duke of Savoy , out of a desire that he had to end the differences , and his pretences to Montferrat , that thereby he might have Savoy , and his Towns in Piedmont , which were still detain'd by the French , restored ; who not being able to quarter their men commodiously therein , disposed of them , contrary to Articles , in many of the neighbouring Towns : at this time Collalto died , who was the third Captain General of this present war : he died of the disease whereof he had been almost always afflicted , and much more by reason of the distaste he had received ; for at last , by the much pressure of the Spanish Agents , he was sent for back into Germany by the Emperour , to give an account of his actions , and of his unfavourable proceedings in the business of Casalle , and in the King of Spains affairs ; he having done little else in all his Government , but disturb'd and hindered Spinola's and Croce's designs , in keeping that Siege from success ; and this not so much to vent his emulation , as by the unfortunate success thereof to signalize his glory the more in taking Mantua : wherein notwithstanding he had imployed little more then his name and authority ; having been almost always sick , and for the most part but o●… the Dutchy of Mantua : the business being still managed by Gallasso and Aldringer . To this was added that that City being rather taken by stealth then by force of Arms , and that stealth succeeding , when the City by reason of the great mortality of Souldiers and Inhabitants was like an expiring carcase , it lessened much the glory of the Victory ; and take away the difference of success , their glory will assuredly be greater , that suffer'd before Casalle , then theirs who had the Victory at Mantua . Collalto being dead , who had full and free authority from the Emperour to make peace , and to set a value upon the Towns of Montferrat which were to be restored , they sent into Germany , expecting new Commands , and new Deputations from the Emperours Court : they were likewise to expect the same from France ; for it was known that that King sent Monsieur di Servien , Secretary of State , into Italy with full authority . Cesar soon confer'd the Command upon Gallasso : but the Secretaries not appearing after many days expectation , made it be much suspected what the Kings mind was touching the observance of the peace ; to which he profess'd publickly he did not hold himself bound ; and therefore men knew not what to think touching the restitution of the Towns in Montferrat : the reason alledged by the King of France why he held himself not bound , was , that he having made another League with the King of Swedland , in favor of the German Princes , against the Emperour , much about the same time that the peace of Ratisbone was in treaty , or was as good as concluded ; and the Articles of Ratisbone repugning this League and Union , as also the King of France his protection of the German Princes , that King not willing to part from the League , nor from the protection therein contained , pretended that his Embassadour who under-writ the Articles of Ratisbone had neither Commission nor Command to oblige him the King touching the affairs of Germany , but only for those of Italy : so as being questionlesly free from those of Germany , he alledged he could not be bound to observe those of Italy , by reason of the correspondent connexion that the one had with the other : he therefore protested , that if he should agree to that peace for what concern'd the affairs of Italy , he would not do it , as bound thereunto by the Articles of Ratisbone , but out of his meer well-wishing to the peace and quiet of Italy . The Spaniards suspected also , that the delay made by the French Deputy proceeded from some end the King might have to keep the Spanish and Dutch Forces idle in Italy : which , the peace being once agreed upon , were destined , the Spanish for the relief of Flanders , against which the Hollanders made great warlike preparations ; and the Dutch , to succour Germany , where the King of Swedlands proceedings prospering ●…dingly , they very much press'd for assistance and succour : so to hinder the hazardous affairs of the Emperour and of the King of Spain , in both these places , from being relieved by those succours ; for nothing being to be treated of in Italy without the French Deputy , the Spanish and Dutch Forces were necessarily to remain in Italy till that business should be perfectly ended : only in favour to the Duke of Savoy , the Agents who were in Italy chose Cherasco , a Town in Piedmont for the place of conference , where the Duke kept his Court , it being a place least infected with the Plague ; wherea●… the Duke of Nevers complain'd very much , as of a thing tha●… would redound very much to his prejudice ; for that the deciding of ●…o weighty and important a business being to be made in the face , and before the eyes of his so great contradictor , the ballance would not be so rightly guided as it ought : at last , the French Deputy appeared in Italy ; who being kept some days in Susa by the Marshals , came to Cherasco about the midst of Febr. in the year 1631 : where Monsieur Pancirolo , Mazarine , Gallasso , Toras , the Spanish Embassadour for Piedmont , and Marshal Scomberg , were present : The Negotiation being begun , the first thing that was handled was that which concerned the Duke of Savoy 's pretensions to as many Towns of Monserrat as were to be assigned over to him , to the value of 18000 crowns annual revenue . And the Duke persisting that the Towns revenues should be rated according to the ancient Rent , and not as they went now ; contrary to what the Mantuan Agents pretended , as an expedient for this and all other differences and pretensions , the annual Rent of 18000 crowns was by the Deputies reduced to 15000 , according as the King of France had declared by the Articles of Susa ; For payment whereof fourescore and foure Towns were assigned to the Duke of Savoy , amongst which Alba and Trino ; But because it appeared that the revenue of these Towns came to much more then 15000 crowns , the Duke of Savoy was injoyn'd to pay for the overplus 500000 crowns to Nevers , and to quit the Infanta Margarit 's portion , which Nevers , as heir to Duke Francis , did owe ; In lieu of which portion , the Duke of Savoy , and ( in his name ) the Deputies and Arbitrators did assign to the said Margarite La Motto , Riva , and Costanza , three of those Towns which were at the present assigned to the Duke of Savoy , it being lawful for him to redeem them at any time upon payment of the portion . And by this assignation all the Duke of Savoy 's claimes and pretensions to Monferrat were understood to be fully satisfied . As for the performance of the other points , it was agreed , that within two moneths space Nevers should be put into possession of all his Dominions , except what was assign'd to the Duke of Savoy , that between the eight , and the twentieth day of Aprill , all the Dutch and the French should foregoe Italy , that the first should return to Germany , the others to France ; leaving those who were in the Mantuan Towns , which were reserved to the Emperour , and those in the Town of Piedmont , which were reserved for the King of France . That the Duke of Savoy should also withdraw all his men into Piedmont , not removing those who were in the Towns assigned now unto him : That within 25 dayes the Duke of Nevers should be invested into his two Dukedoms , in the same manner as his Predecessors had been . That this being done , the Forts which have been erected upon occasion of these present Wars , in the States and Towns which had been taken , should be demollished by the 23 of May , on which day Mantua and the Forts thereunto belonging , and Caneto , should be consigned to Nevers ; and the Towns in Piedmont , which were held by the French , should also on the same day be delivered to the Duke of Savoy , and presently after all the Grisons , Towns , and places which were held by the Emperour , as well in Rhetia , as in the Votuline , should be set free . But the difficulty consisting in the sure performance of what was n●…w agreed upon , each party doubting that the Towns of Mantua and Piedmont being to be restored on the 23 of May , it might so fall out that neither of the parties , either out of their own wilfulness , or for fear of being deceived , would make restitution ; or that if the one party should do it , the other party might not do so , which would redound much to the prejudice of the things agreed upon , as also of the satisfaction of all , and of the publick peace : it was therefore concluded , that within the 15 dayes prefix'd for the demollishing of the Forts , Hostages should be delivered up to the Pope by the Emperour , and by the King of France , to be detained by the Pope , till all things were performed . The Pope refused to receive Hostages for restitution of the Towns in Rhetia , for that it did not suit with Religion , nor with the Majest●… of the Popedom , to co-operate in making Towns be restored to Hereticks , which were posses'd by Catholicks ; and the French not being to be satisfied in this point without caution , it was agreed upon by an Article apart , between the Duke of Savoy and the French Agents , to which Gallasso seemed to give his consent ; That the Duke at the same time should restore his Towns to him , should put into Susa and Avigliana a Garrison of Swissers , confederates with the King , and Valleggiany ; who were to be chosen and pay'd by him the Duke , and who should swear to restore them to the Duke , after the due observance of what was agreeed upon at Cherasco . Though this capitulation seemed to be the Emperours intention , and that of the two Kings , who would have had freed Italy of the Dutch , and French , at one and the same time ; that without disadvantage of either party all places retained should be restored : yet b●…cause , for assurance of this agreement , it was resolved in the 16 Article of the Peace at Ratisbone , that hostages should be given , who were to be named by the I●…alian Agents , who were likewise to chuse to what Prince they should be given ; and moreover the said Agents were allowed liberty to do any thing else therein , which should seem best and safest to them ; and they choosing the Pope , who refused to receive Hostages ; This accommodation was found to satisfie the French , who received some prejudice in the point which concerned the Grisons ; but the more the French were therewith satisfied , the more unsatisfied were the Sp●…niards , and by their means the Emperour . The judgement given at Chirasco was also suspected by reason of the exorbitant assignment made unto the Duke of Savoy , of so many great and noble Towns in Montferrat , which to boot that by the common present calculation they came to 100000 ducates annual revenue , it was too prejudicial to the Duke of Nevers , and weakned the rest of his State so much , as not being able to undergo the burthen of maintaining Cassalle , nor to supply it with sufficient victuals ; the Arbitrators who were aware of it , ordered that the Duke of Savoy should permit Nevers to extract 10000 sacks of corn yearly , at the price of the Market ; which extraction , to boot with the limitation of time prefixed , reduced the maintainance and nourishment of that Town to be at the Duke of Savoy's pleasure ; who by denying it , might besiege it , and bring it into great streights . It therefore seemed strange , that the Agents of the King of France , who had by his Arms profest himself to be Nevers his Protector , should consent to what was so prejudicial to their Kings Client ; and the restoring of 500000 ducates , together with the freeing of Nevers from payment of the Infanta Margarits portion , being nothing else but a forcing of Nevers to alienate so great a part of his S●…ate at so mean a price as those two sums came to , made more for Nevers his prejudice , and consequently made the Arbitrement more exorbitant , and the conditions more unjust . At this time the Duke of Feria was again made Governour of Millain , in the place of Sancta Croce , with whom the Court o●… Spain was very ill satisfied by reason of his ill government of the Kings business : And though Feria did not like the thus dismembring of Montferrat , especially since the Duke of Savoy being possest thereof by the King of France his means , he was in appearance likely to depend more upon him then upon the King of Spain , who would never condescend that he should be Master of one foot of ground in Montferrat ; yet Feria , and the other Spanish Agents , dissembling their inward resentment of this point , as not appertaining to their King ; they exclaimed mainly , and protested against what concern'd the Garrison of Susa and Avigliana ; and Feria writ to the Emperour and to the King of Spain , that they should not allow of the Articles of Chirasco , nor to the restitution of Mantua ; he also complained of Gallasso in the Emperours Court , as if adhering too much to Collalto , he had inclined more to the Duke of Savoy then to the King of Spain : And it was bruted abroad , that Gallasso having received great sums of money from the Duke , had joyned with the French , in being so favourable to the Duke of Savoy , in the assigning of the Towns. And , as if affairs had been in a worse case then ever , Feria staid the Brigadoes which were sent for Flanders , and the Dutch , who according to the Articles of Chirasco were ready to depart ; notwithstanding that the Emperours affairs being ill handled by the Swedes at this time did very much require succour . The business being thus interrupted , and all parties being much incens'd by this backwardness in Feria , it was thought he the more desired to embroil business , that he might have occasion to exercise his warlike ●…alent , then to appease them ; wherefore as a friend to novelty he was commonly noted to be of an unquiet spirit : And this was observed even in the Court of Spain , which was held to be very ill satisfied with the peace of Ratisbone , and worse with the agreement of Gasalle ; it was therefore thought that Feria coveted to repair his Predecessors fault , and to signalize the beginning of his Government by actions contrary to his . But a Decree made by the Emperour after the peace of Ratisbone did much trouble all mens minds , by which he conferr'd all the authority of the Sacred Empire which could be conferr'd , in amplest manner , upon the King of Spain , against contumacious and rebellious Subjects : A Decree commonly practised in Germany against disobedient Princes , by which that Prince who is warranted to make War is permitted to possess himself of the disobedient Prince his Dominions , no restitution being to be made till he have paid the whole charge of the War : By virtue of this Decree , all Princes and Officers who are Subjects of the Empire are bound to pay obedience to him who hath this Commission , as they should do to the Emperour , and also to deliver up unto him all Towns and Forts , and without making any reply , to turn their Arms and Forces whithersoever that King commands . This Decree was occasioned by what had hapned before Casalle , after peace was made , by the King of France his protesting that he held himself not bound to observe the Articles of that peace , and by the agreement of Chirasco which gave little satisfaction ; for the Emperour finding that the French were not content with the peace , but that the King of France , at the same time that that peace was made , had made a new League with the Swedish King , clean contrary to the Articles of Ratisbone , and that he furnish'd him with mone●…s for the W●…r of Germany ; and knowing that he could not possibly repair the affairs of the Empire both in Germany and Italy at one and the same time , he thought fit to leave the care of the affairs of Italy to the King of Spain , the greatest Prince and Feudatory of the Emp●…e : And the Duke of Feria being substituted by the King in this Commission , Gallasso who managed the War , and Aldringer who had Mantua in possession , as also all the 〈◊〉 Princes , Feudatories to the Empire , were to obey him , and to assist him , as they would have done the Emperours self ; and Aldringer was bound to deliver Mantua unto him , and all the Towns which he held in that Dukedome ; for that Nevers , who having incurr'd the penalty of High Treason , by reason of his contumacy and disobedience , had no right to that peace , but was relapsed into his former fault ; and the Duke of Feria by virtue of that Decree might proceed against him with all the Forces of the Empire . For fear that this should be put in execution , the Venetians , the French , and all Princes who cared for the affairs of Italy , apprehended that all things would be ruined , if Mantua should be assigned over to the Duke of Feria ; they were therefore necessitated to endeavour by all means that the peace might be observed and ratified in the first place , and afterwards reform the Articles of Chirasco , in satisfaction to the Emperour and Spaniards . Thus the agreement of Chirasco being of force , it was instituted touching the restitution of the Towns and places belonging to the Grisons , whereof the doubt remained , that the French , instead of the Garrison which by the agreement they were to put into Susa , might keep Bricherasco ; but that Gallasso should be constituted in Mantua , and Toras in Turin , for hostages ; the one for the restitution of Bricherasco , the other for the Towns and places belonging to the Grisons : And because this new agreement was made on the 19th of Iune , the time of the former agreement being already expired , others were made like unto the former . In this second agreement the Duke of Feria was likewise limited more precisely touching the Garrison of Millain , and the number of the men were lessened which he was to keep there for Garrisons , contrary to what in the preceding peace , and particularly in this last of Chirasco , was observed ; for whereas in the former it was said , that the Kings Forces should not so tarry in the State of Millain as to cause jealousie in the Neighbours , in this last they obliged the Governour precisely , to send 6000 Foot and 1000 Horse out of Italy and Rhetia , of the extraordinary Forces which were in the State ; and that if after the restitution of the places there should yet remain a greater number of Horse or Foot then is usually kept in that State , they should be dismiss'd , or should be so disposed of as no more should remain there then was usually kept in Garrison in the time of peace . This agreement was perfectly observed : At the time appointed the Duke of Mantua was re-invested and restored to the City and State of Mantua , freed of all the Dutch , who shall for the future be no more called the Duke of Nevers , but Duke of Mantua : The Towns of Piedmont were also restored to the Duke of Savoy ; and lastly , for full and entire performance of what was cove●…anted , the Hostages were set at liberty ; so as Italy was likely to return into her former serene peace . But new clouds soon appe●…ring amidst this cleer weather drew all me●…s eyes upon them ; and seeming big of thunder , lightning and storms , made it be feared they would break out into some dangerous tempest . The King of France some few days after the Towns and Hostages were with satisfaction to all parties restored , demanded some things of the Duke of Savoy : which being directly contrary , not only to the Covenants , but to the fundamental points of the peace of Ratisbone , and of the Agreements made at Cherasco , did disturb the Affairs in several manners , perplex'd the minds of the Italians , and gave the Spaniards more cause of complaint , and greater reason to think themselves injured then before : he demanded the assignment over unto him of Susa and of Avigliana , or Pinarollo and Perosa , or of Dimone and Cunio , or lastly , Savigliano , together withall the Towns that are upon the passage to Castle Delphino : the reason of these his demands , he said , was , that he might have a way open to come into Italy , upon any novelty that might be attempted by the Spaniards , to the prejudice of his Confederates , and to secure himself of the Dukes friendship ; whom he once more saw inclined to joyn with the Spaniards against him . The occasion of these demands were alledged to be , for that together with the ardent desire which the Spaniards , as ●…e said , seemed to have , to exclude the new Duke of Mantua out of Italy , that they might unjustly usurp the States which did by right of succession devolve upon him ; and besides , that they for the same purpose had gone against the Articles of Susa ; and with their own Forces , and those of the Dutch , called into Italy by them , and paid by their moneys , had assaulted his Dominions and taken Mantua from him ; they now endeavoured to come to a third assault , when by reason of the restitution of the Towns of Piedmont , and the French their retiring into France , they were themselves alone in Italy , arm'd in the Field , the Duke being weak and unable to resist them , for want of moneys and men , who were consumed by War and by the Pestilence , wherewith his States had been so sorely afflicted . The King justified these his doubts and jealousies ; for that though the Duke of Feria had given his word to Galasso , that he would cashier the extraordinary Forces out of the State of Millain , and reduce the Souldiers to the number that were usually kept in Garrison in time of peace , according to the last Article of Cherasco ; he , on the contrary , had retained most of the Foot , to boot with Scomburgs Regiment , and the Neapolitan Horse , which he had not only not dismis'd as he was obliged to do ; but had raised others by the Marquess Rangone , and drawn them neer the Confines of Millain ; and that many Captains and Officers , under colour of Reformadoes , were sent by him to Naples , to raise more men , and bring them into the State of Millain ; that il Signore Merodes , a Captain of the Emperours in Alsatia had encreased his ●…roops with the men that were sent into Flanders , and that joyning with Archduke Leopold he threatned innovation against the Grisons ; and that in the mean while , Merodes and his Lievtenant did by several ways molest those people , and pick new occasions to break the peace : that the Duke of Feria being desired by the Nuntio Panciruolo , and press'd thereunto by the F●…ench , to cashier those men , so to remove all occasions of new jealousies , he openly den●…ed to do it ; and this for nothing else , but for that , as he sa●…d , the new Duke of Mantua had put new Garrisons of French Souldiers into Casalle , contrary to Covenants ; and for that the Grisons , contrary to the Articles of Ratisbone , had fortified the passes of Stainc , and of other places ; and that therefore it was necessary to provide against these inconveniences by way of anticipation , lest other more great might follow thereupon : that the Spaniards , who were now more powerful in the Emperours Court then the Dutch themselves , had labour'd very much , even since the Treaty of peace , that the Emperour would deliver the City of Mantua into their hands ; and that not being able to obtain it , they had treated with the Imperial Officers who had the Government of that City , to deliver it up unto them ; and that they had proceeded so far therein , as they failed but a li●…tle of having it done , had they not been hindred by such Officers as were faithful to the Emperour , and who would not consent to so great a piece of treachery : he also said that the Emperour bare no good will to the new Duke , nor was pleased with the peace that he himself made ; for that the next day after the investment was granted , he by a secret Article , procured by the Spanish Agents , had declared the investment should be null and of no effect , if at any time the Articles of Ratisbone should not be observed ; and , as if this were directly contrary to the same Articles , wherein he in express words covenanted that the investment should be granted in the same manner as it had been formerly granted to the former Dukes , the King alledged that that Declaration was procured only to serve for a pretence that the Spaniards might once more assault that Duke , and bereave him of his Dukedom upon any slight occasion : since they and the Emperour , who were parties in this business , were made judges of the breach thereof , and accusers of those that should break it : he further argued that the Spaniards fomented the civil dissentions of his Royal Court , and were of intelligence with his Brother and Mother , who were at this time fled from the Court of France , and were gone into Flanders : to the end , that he and his Kingdom being troubled with intestine dissentions , might not apply themselves to the Affairs of Italy , and so they might assault the Duke the third time with greater Forces : nor herewithall contented , that they endeavoured to draw the Duke of Savoy to joyn with them in their Plots contrived against the quiet of his Kingdom , as was discovered by Letters of the Spanish Embassadours Resident with the Duke of Savoy , which were intercepted ; and as might be better comprehended by the Abbot Scaglia's going into England : which Abbot being Embassadour from the Duke of Savoy in Madrid , at the same time when the Towns of Savoy and Piedmont were restored , was sent at the King of Spains charges into England to treat of new Leagues against France : he further urged the Cardinal of Savoy his going into Flanders , at the same time that the Queen-mother was to be there , and the imprisonment of the Baron S. Romano , who after having treated in Millain with Feria , and afterwards with the Spanish Embassadour in Turin , was gone into Languedock with the Dukes Pass-port , and with Order to raise men for the Kings Brother : moreover , Orders given for the going of 500 Spaniards , and 2000 Italians , at the same time , to Barcelona , to put those designs in execution which might by all men be imagined . Monsieur di Servien , who was the Kings Embassadour in Turin , hav●…ng delivered the Duke a long Discourse in writing upon these and other lighter complaints , he at last required an answer from him to these the Kings demands , within three days , to the end , that the King might know how to dispose of his Forces that were yet in the Provinces which confine upon Italy ; putting him also in mind , that he the Duke having gotten so great a part of Montferrat by the Kings means , and being consequently the only man that had got advantage by the late war , he was bound , both for convenience and gratitude , to do some thing for the safety of the Affairs of Italy , and for the satisfaction and reputation of the Kings Forces . The Duke immediately acquainted the Governour of Millain with the Kings demands , and with the threats which might apparently be seen , in case he should deny them : adding , that he the Duke not having wherewith to resist , must be forc'd to chuse the lesser evil , and to comply with the Kings will , unless he were furnish'd with 10000 effectual Foot , and 1000 Horse for the defence of Savoy , and with 6000 Foot and 1000 Horse for the defence of Piedmont ; and if they were paid what was their due ; he should submit to the Kings will. The Governour not being able to furnish him with so many men at the prese●…t , offer'd to send him as many as he was able now , and that he might be su●…e that for the future he would procure him what assistance he could for the preservation of his Dominions . The Duke , not content with these uncertain generalities , agreed with the French Embassadour to assign over Pinarollo and Per●…sa , and San ' Brigata to those very Swissers to whom Susa was assigned the year before , upon Oath that they should hold them for the King , for six moneths space ; and that time being ended , that they should re-assign them over again to him the Duke , unless by his own consent the time of assignment to the King should be prorogued ; that the King might put a Governour into them , who should take the same Oath . The Duke obliged himself also , and promised not to co-operate with them who should go about to trouble the peace of France , during the Kings Mothers , and his Brothers absence ; and to give free passage for the French to enter Italy , if they should be brought thither by any novelty against the Duke of Mantua . There was not any one who did not resent this so sudden and unexpected demand , and who did not wonder , and were not amazed at the Dukes so ready yielding thereunto : so as none were so void of reason , as not to think that it was agreed upon long before between him and the King ; especially by the many accidents and circumstances which went to the approving thereof . The Cardinal of Savoy went to Paris a little before the French restored the Towns of Piedmont , and Prince Thomas●… with his Wife and Children , on whom , the Duke having no Children , the succession of Savoy fell : the occasion of the Cardinals going thither was given out to be , for his own respect , that he might go from thence to Flanders to visite his Aunt the Archdutchess ; and for others to be present at some solemn Festivals which were to be had in that Court. When the Cardinal was come to Paris , he did not pursue his journey , but tarried there with his Brother , till such time as Pinarollo was assigned over into the Kings Officers hands ; which being done , they all returned to Piedmont : the going of these Princes to that Court , and their tarrying there till the assigning over of Pinarollo , made all men think that they were sent thither , and kept as Hostages of the secret Agreement between the King and Duke , contrary to the Articles of Ratisbone : the secr●…t Capitulation of the first Agreement of Cherasco , against which the Duke of Feria did so much exclaim , seemed to say as much . Servien's long delay in coming into Italy touching a business of so great importance , and wherein haste was required by all part●…es , though it was then attributed to some other cause , was afterwards ●…eld for cer●…ain , that it was done to give time for this resolution which was not as then ripe , nor digested : the notable prejudice suffer'd by the Duke of Mantua , so openly taken into protection by the King of France , and consented unto by the same Kings Agents , in favour to the Duke of Savoy , who had been a profess'd enemy to the Kings interest , and who besides h●…ving cost that Crown so great an expence of men and moneys , had also made him lose whole Arm●…es , and his reputation , in the enterprise of Casalle ; was commonly judged to be the price and the reward of this secret Treaty between the Duke and the King of France , touching the concession of Pinarollo : which may appear to be clearly comprehended by the very writing delivered to the Duke , by the Embassadour Servien , wherein after the ●…acite threats in case of denial , he endeavoured to perswade the Duke to give way unto the demands , by way of gratitude for the great obligation which he had to the King , by whose favour ●…e had gotten so great a part of Montferrat . The Kings suffering himself for so frivolous and sleight occasions , which by treaty might easily be compounded , to be brought to resolve upon a thing of so great moment , when France which required peace and restauration , broke forth into combustion of Civil War by the flight of his Mother and Brother , made all men believe that without assurance of having it readily granted , he would not have adventured to make such a demand : which if it had been denied , obliged him to undertake greater wars then those which , after so much expence of moneys and blood , he was to thank fortune for his coming off with honour , with Forces already wearied , and little better then beaten , and upon a less just title then the former . On the other side , the great respect , not to say fear , which the Duke when he was already restored to all his Dominions , shew'd to have of those Forces , which when he was in a worse condition he had so boldly resisted ; his so much distrust of aid from Spain , by which being assisted , he nor his Father fe●…red not to provoke the French Forces ; his having by his so high and almost impossible demands rather rejected , then desired those succours from the Duke of Feria , which he might have received , and was bound to accept of , rather then to quit so many places of importance . The Duke not being moved at so unjust demands , which rather then to have granted he was upon all accounts to have run any whatsoever Fortune his having yielded to the worst demand , and more pr●…judicial to himself of the four ; his no shew of resentment after such an assignation , but his pretending a reward for it from the Crown of Spain , as if he had once more thereby secured the State of Millain , confirmed the general prejudiciate opinion , that this demand was no news unto him , but a thing long before agreed upon ; this general opinion was af●…erwards better confirmed by the sale made by the Duke the next year of the same Towns to the King , and of their Territorie , wherein many other Towns were con●…ained ; and by this sale it was comprehended , that it was not his alledged zeal to the publick peace , nor the security of his Client and Friends , but his desire to have a gate alwayes open into Italy , which caused the King to make such high and strange demands , and so contrary to the Covenants of Ratisbone and Chirasco , agreed unto by his Agents in his name , and ratified by the King himself , in the effectual restitution of the Town of Piedmont ; the 500000 Ducates which the Duke of Savoy was to restore to the Duke of Mantua , for the overplus of the Towns in Montferrat , assigned to him by the Arbitrement of Chirasco , the which the King being obliged to make good to that Duke , he afterwards profes'd that he kept them against the same Duke of Mantua , for the charges he had been at in making war for the defence and maintaining of his dominions , was considered in the price of so many important Towns. The Duke granted , and afterwards sold unto the King those Towns upon which the liberty and subjection of Piedmont did depend , and wherein his sovereignty did consist , and his not being onely a great and free Prince and master of himself , but an Arbitrator of great affairs between two mighty Kings ; and their worth being inestimable , the Towns of Montferrat which were assigned , were sold at a very under rate . For if Duke Charles Emanuel did grant all the Country of Bresse to the King of France , a large Country and of great revenue , onely that he might keep Saluzzo , and thereby remain ●…ree and absolute master of Piedmont , the French being excepted ; what comparison is to be made between Pinarollo , and all the valley of Perosa , in consideration of the Marquesate of Saluzzo , especially the great opportunity and consequence of Pinarollo's scituation being considered ; and what proportion can the Towns assigned in Montferrat beat with Bressa which was granted , so great a Country and so full of numerous Towns ? Yet the now Dukes action was excused by the necessity he was in to comply with the Kings pleasure , who being posses'd not only of the Towns lately granted in Piedmont , but of all Savoy , and so many other Towns of Piedmont ; and having no hopes ever to regain them by force , it behoved him to do as the times required , and of two evils , to chuse the least ; since affairs were brought to such a condition , as he was rather to thank the King for what was in the Kings power to deny him , then to forego what not being able to regain , was really rather to be esteemed the Kings , then his ; and which being denyed gave occasion not onely to retain that , but all the other Towns that the King was posses'd of . Cardinal Richelieu being proud of so advantagious an acquisition , cove●…ed that it might never be cancel'd out of the memory of man , but remain in perpetual witnesse of what he had done for the Crowns advantage ; he also had contracted a particular and intense hatred against the Duke upon many accounts , but more particularly for having been brought to great extremities , both by the last Duke , and by this ; when he went the preceding year with an Army into Piedmont : so as Revenge being added to the propagating of the King●… affairs , he thirsted to see the House of Savoy reduced to such a weak condition and subjection , as the Dukes thereof should never be able to hold up their heads , or to gain-say the Kings pleasure ; nor ever to put such tricks upon any of the Kings Officers or Commanders as they had done upon him ; and so to leave the impression of his resentment for ever engraven in the depression of that Principality ; and not finding any better means how to effect it , he inform'd the Duke that he had no other way to regain what he had lost , then to lose Pinarollo , and the valley of Perosa : For the King , who profess'd himself not bound to observe the peace of Ratisbone , was not to receive any prejud●…ce by not accepting thereof , save only that Mantua should not be restored to the Duke of Nevers ; a losse wherein his Kingdom was but little concern'd , that City being so far distant from the confines of France ; Whereas by keeping Savoy and Pinarollo , with all the Towns he had in Piedmont in his possession , he got incomparable more advantage , which might largely make amends for the losse of Mantua , as well for what concern'd himself , as for what concern'd the Duke of Mantua , to whom he might procure whole Montferrat in lieu thereof , together with Savoy in fee , and so better both his own and his Clients condition : For if Nevers should be Lord of Savoy , he would become a greater Prince by the vicinity of his French Dominions thereunto ; and the King by retaining the sovereignty of Savoy , and possessing Montferrat , and the Towns he had taken in Piedmont , he would extend the skirts of his Dominions , and his authority equally on both sides of the Alps , with much advancement of Majesty and Reputation , by the great adherence that he would thereby get in Italy , and with much prejudice to Piedmont , which being surrounded by the Kings Forces , would in many respects be subject to the Crown of France ; and therefore the King being to receive such advantage by not accepting the peace , he would not by accepting it deprive himself thereof , unless he might be sure to retain Pinarollo , and the valley of Perosa . To these so hard and so severe conditions it may be believed , that fair promises were added of allowing the Duke of Savoy a good part of Montferrat , if he would give way to the Kings will : Wherefore the Duke being forced by necessity , and incited by appearing advantage , could not but consent to what was demanded . Thus the King of France , under the colour of maintaining the liberty of Italy , and of the Italian Princes , and under pretence that the Spaniards should not curb the Duke of Mantua , did himself first curb the Duke of Savoy , and made a Prince almost his Subject , who was not only an Italian , but one so neerly allied unto him : but neither was the Duke of Mantua , when he was restored to his State , in free and full liberty of Principality ; for besides the so great dismembring and lessening of his restored State , he being to receive a French Garrison in Mantua and in Casalle ( for that it was impossible for him to keep those places well Garrisoned ) became so dependant upon the Kings pleasure and will , as the Kings profess'd protection to him , did almost impose as much subjection upon him , as the Spaniards could have done : it being likely that the Court of Spain , which , as hath been said , was at first so neer granting him free and unconditional possession , would have consented thereunto much more willingly , if the new Duke should but have permitted them to put a Garrison into Casalle : in which case the King of Spain would , moreover , have been bound to protect him and Montferrat , just as he had done the Dukes his Predecessors , which ●…e had so constantly done , with such profusion of his Subjects blood , and of his own moneys , as without ever pretending any recompence , he kept their State untouched against the Duke of Savoy , a Prince so neerly allied in blood unto him ; and the subjection of the Duke of Mantua ▪ in respect of Montferrat , did double the subjection of Piedmont ; for as Pinarollo being assigned over unto the French ▪ opened a gate of free entrance into Piedmont whereby to be oppress'd : so was Casalle anot●…er gate , which kept the Spaniards from coming to succour Piedmont when it should be infested by the French ; and neither of these Princes being any ways able to resist the French , if once they were masters of these places , it was cleer enough seen into what condition the Liberty of their Principalities was reduced . The Grisons fell upon no less inconveniences ; for under colour that the places that were restored might not be again seized on by the Austrians , the King kept means how to enter there , by putting French Garrisons into them : The King of France his authority did hereby so encrease in Italy , if not in Propriety and Dominion of State , a●… least in such adherence , as they not being able to do withall , he might make use of his adherents States , as of those that were Patrimonial to his Crown : but the more the Duke was to be excused for his being necessitated to yield Pinarollo to the King , the less was his loss therein compassionated ; for he and his Father , whilst he was alive , had made that Principality hateful to the Italian Princes , by their joyning with the Austrian Forces , whilst they were thought to aspire after the oppressing of Italy by oppressing the Duke of Nevers : where●…ore the Italian Princes rejoyced , that as those Dukes had co-operated to enslave Italy , they had reap'd the fruit and reward of deserting the Common Cause , and were themselves taken in that snare of subjection , in which , so they might have part of Montferrat , they cared not though others , together with themselves , had been taken ; and the same Italian Princes were not displeased to find that there was a means found to fix the staggering of their conceits , wherewith they had tormented others ; and would not suffer any secure foundation to be laid ●…or ●…he common concernments : they were likewise much more c●…ntented , for that the more they saw the Duke waver in the favour of the French , they thought the commmon affairs the safer ; and they were the surer that the Spaniards having lost all hope of winning that Prince over to them , and knowing that the French , by the Territories of Piedmont and Montferrat , did almost confine upon the State of Millain , they would be forc'd to be the better con●…ent , and would ●…ay aside much of their haughty conceits and pretentions , by which they aspired to give Laws to all men , and to suffocate th●… Liberty and Sovereignty of the Princes of Italy ; and though the double and clandestine dealing between the King and Duke were contrary to the peace of Ratisbone , and to the Treaties of Cherasco , yet winking at so great a gainsaying , they allowed of the Kings justification ; and , on the contrary , the Declaration made by the Emperour touching the investment of the Duke of Mantua the day before , was judged to be clandestine ; and yet he who shall justly consider the cause which moved the Emperour to make that Declaration will find that he was not to be blamed for it ; nor had any , and much less the King of France , reason to complain of the Articles which were granted before ; for the Articles of Ratisbone being reciprocal between the Emperour and the King , it was clear that the one party observing them when the other did not , it was lawful for the observer to withdraw from what he had on his side done : but the original fault of the first moving against the Duke of Mantua conveighing sinister influences into all actions which did depend upon that moving , did little justifie any action which might any ways prejudice the Dukes interest ; and the Italians minds being incumbered by fear that the former wars of the Valtoline , and then those against Mantua and Montferrat , aimed at the inslaving of Italy , they allowed no place to any more subtile interpretations or considerations , to define what was just and honest ; since justice and honesty seemed to have taken up the highest seat in the balance , which did secure the Liberty of Italy ; and whatsoever co-operated to lessening the Spanish greatness , being held good for the common liberty and safety , was esteemed just and honest ; according to that saying , salus populi suprema lex esto : for this respect the Duke of Feria's suspition was not thought just , who seeing the French brought into Mantua and Casalle , and the Grisons parts gartison'd with French , pretended that it was against the Article of Peace , the events soon shewed that the pretence was not vain , since it was seen that those places fell into the hands of the French : so as their actions were applauded , and the Spaniards suspitions blamed ; some of the I●…alian Princes joyed to see that the French were became , as it were , Arbitrators of Italy ; and little less then masters of Mantua , Montferrat , and Piedmont , and Concha , if for no other cause , at least for that they thought them , by reason and opportunity , to be of equal power and authority to the Spaniards , and peradventure superiour to them , by reason of the adhe●…ence which those Princes would rather have with him , then with the King Spain ; for they desired to keep the Spanish Forces curb'd by those of France ; the Spaniards being grown jealous and hateful to them : this was the success of the ill advised , ill govern'd , and worse justifiable Spanish Forces ; this was the fruit they reaped of their so much stirring , to no other end , but that they could not tolerate that a Prince who depended upon France should have any possessions in Italy : nor were the King of France his Forces less fortunate out of Italy ; for to boot with the Garrisons put into the Grisons Country , whereby they depended no less upon his arbitrement then did the Dukes of Savoy and Mantua , he did at the same time assault Lorrain with a powerful Army , being offended with that Duke , who had received and fomented the Duke of Orleans , who , as hath been said , was fled from the Court ; and the Duke of Lorrain having no means to defend himself , the Emperou●… and all Germany being sufficiently molested , and a great part of Germany possess'd by the Swedes , he was forced to humble himself to the King , and to sue for peace , which was not granted him without parting with some of his chiefest Towns ; and being thus received into protection , he obliged himself not only to give free passage to the King through Lorrain , whensoever he would go with an Army into Germany , but to joyn with him in that war , and assist him with a certain number of men , whilst he went to defend the liberty of the German Princes , the ancient Friends and Con●…ederates of his Crown : wherefore when the King drew neer Germany with his Army , the Ecclesiastick Electors , and many other German Lords and Princes , put themselves under the protection of the Crown of France , pretending fear of the Swedish Forces , but in effect to have a Protector of their greater liberty to which they aspired against the Austrian authority . Much about the time that the Peace of Ratisbone was concluded , a League ( as hath been said ) was made between the King of France and the King of Swedland , in defence of all common Friends , and of all the German Princes in their oppressed Liberties , and to restore Germany , and the Princes thereof , to the same condition they were in before the war began : in which League the King of France obliged himself , to pay 400000 Crowns a year unto the Swede for maintenance of his Army : which was as much as to set up a Standard in maintenance of the German Rebellion , unto which all male-contents might have recourse : nor did the design prove vain ; for after the famous Victory of the Swede and Duke of Saxony , before Lypsick , as hath been elsewhere said , wherein the Emperours Army and that of the League was discomfited , and almost all slain , and wherein Tilly was also sorely wounded ; the Protestant Princes openly adhered unto the Swede , and joyn'd with him against the Emperour ; and those who in respect of the Catholick Religion could not openly adhere unto an Heretick Prince , who was manifestly bent to take ●…he Empire from the house of Austria , and to overthrow the Catholick Religion ; and who were unsatisfied with the Austrian Dominion ; taking pretence from their fearing the Swede , had recourse to the King of France , by whom being taken into protection , they covenanted neutrality between the Swede and the Emperour , and to permit the King of France to pass armed through their Territories ; by means of which protection they were secured from the Swedish Forces ; and the Emperour who was by this means bereft of the adherence and help of almost all the German Princes , and also openly assaulted by the Swede , and his adherents , and molested under-hand by the King of France , was brought to so low a condition , as not being well able to withstand so many enemies , the affairs of the Empire were in a very sad condition ; to this was added , that the Duke of Bavaria , who was head of the Catholick League , and the greatest maintainer of the Catholick Religion , and who next to the Elector of Saxony was the greatest support of the Empire and of the house of Austria , especially after Saxony his revolt , was also , though very secretly , confederated with the King of France ; which King by Articles of Confederacy was bound to maintain the upper Palatinate , and the Electoral Dignity , for ever , in this Duke , and in the house of Bavaria ; which State and Dignity being forfeited by the Prince Elector Palatines Rebellion , were for some years before confer'd by the Emperor upon this Duke of Bavaria : the occasion which moved this Prince to this resolution was commonly attributed to jealousie of the peace made at this time at Madrid , between the Kings of Spain and England ; for knowing that the King of Spain was displeased at the con●…erring of the Electoral State and Dignity upon him , and that the authority and power of the house of Bavaria should be so encreased , and that he had opposed the Emperour in conferring it upon him ; and knowing that the King of England , whose Sister was Wife to the Palatine , labour'd hard that the Palatine or his Son might be restored to their former condition , he thought he had just occasion to doubt , that the Peace made between the two Kings , who were for several respects desirous to deprive him of it , might tacitely contain some Agreement between them , to his p●…ejudice . And on the other side , having soon after that Peace was concluded sent the Abbot Scaglia into England , in appearance to treat of Truce and Peace in the Kings Name with the Hollanders , but in effect to treat o●… a League against him , as he complain'd , and as the King of France had heard ; therefore both Bavaria , and the King of France easily joyn'd in this Convention , for their own safeties sake , and that they might make plots not inferiour to those that were plotted against him . And that they might the better alienate the Bavarian from the Emperour , the Kings of France and of Sweden promised him the Imperial Crown , whereof ( when the Emperour should be beaten ) no Germane Prince seemed to be more capable then he , as being the most powerful of all the Catholick Princes , and who had most care of the Catholick Religion ; and for that he , as one of the Electors , had a Vote in chusing the Emperour ; and his Brother , who was Elector , and Arch-bishop of Collen , another Vote ; with whom the Arch-bishop and Elector of Triers would joyn , who was the first that had joyned in League with the King of France , and had received a French Garrison into that State , particularly , into the Fort of Hermenestein , a strong Fort , and of great consequence , being scituated where the Mose falls into the Rheyne : The Votes of the Electors of Saxony and Brandenburg , who were declared Enemies to the House of Austria , and who depended upon the Swedish King , would likewise have concurr'd in the same Election , when the Bavarian should be by that King promoted to the Empire , as he ●…ad promised . The Duke being therefore ●…ed with these hopes , and apprehending that the Austrians would deprive him of the Palatinate , and Electoral Dignity , and that they would restore●…it to the Palatine , totte●…'d in his intelligence with the Emperour , and met with a new accident , which gave him more and better reason to alienate himself from the Emperour . The Emperour being reduc'd to great streights by the Swedish Forces , by the rising of so many people , and by his being deserted by so many Germane Princes , had ( as hath been elsewhere said ) for the last remedy of the imminent danger the Empire was then in , which also threatned him , sent for Wallestine Duke of Fritland , and had once more made him general of all his Forces ; for he was the only man on whom it was thought the welfare of the Empire might sa●…eliest depend . There had been such high distastes between this Wallestine and Bavaria , as the Bavarian in the Diet of Ratisbone had been the chief cause of his being laid aside ; and , doubtlesly , had the Bavarian openly declared against the Emperour , and had adhered to the contrary Parties , the Affairs of the Empire would have been but badly sustained : But were it either , that he received such assurances from the Emperour as took from him all distrust , or , that his hopes of attaining the Empire seemed but small , especially since both the Kings who offered and promised it unto him were known to be ambitious of it themselves ; or , that he was at last wisely aware , that the two Kings did desire to separate him from the House of Austria , only that they might weaken it , and so the more easily suppress it , whereupon his ruine would assuredly succeed ; he medled not with any novelty , but stood firm and constant in defence of the Catholick Religion , and of the Imperial Majesty . To this was added , that the chief ends of the two Kings , and of all the German P●…nces , was to restore the Palatine to his former state and dignity : whereof they were much more troubled then was the King of Spain , to se●… Bavaria master . He therefore had no reason to trust them in what was directly contrary to the end of the common Arms , and to the universal desire and consent of whole Germany , which for the common concernment could not see the Palatine deves●…ed of his Dominion , and Bavaria indued the●…ewith ; and as it might be supposed , that the two Kings , out of these respects , did promise that unto him which they could not possibly effect ; so it might also be comprehended , that the same Bavaria seemed to make league and union with the two Kings , so to keep the Austrians from depriving him of the State and Dignity which they had confer'd upon him ; so uncertain and fallacious are the unions and confede●…acies of Princes . In this wavering condition were the Affairs of Germany , whereof the King of France seemed to be become no lesse Arbitrator , then of those of Italy ; for the Swede differ'd much from him in point of Authority , and profes'd to depend much thereupon , notwithstanding all the victories he had gotten , and all the happy course of his prosperity ; and the King of France his being deeply ingaged in the affairs of Germany took him much off from the Wars of Italy ; whereat , though the Governour of Millain , and the Spanish Agents , were much troubled , fearing his Forces which they saw were received into the Towns of Italy , yet did not his Forces do any thing after the assignment of Pinarollo ; all things passing quietly on , unless it were the preparations , and several levies of men , the Spaniards being obliged to keep greater Garrisons , upon occasion of Pinarollo , Cassalle , and Mantua . The new Duke of Mantua , though peacefully possess'd of his States , was not at all happy in injoying them ; for , not to mention the troubles which he past thorough , the monies spent , and the dangers which he ran in arriving at the succession thereof ; his Dominions were so lessened , so dismembred , so consumed and wasted both in men and monies , as his need of assistance from other Princes , to maintain them , was greater then the authority or Grandure that he got by them ; and having ingaged his Lands in France , in defending and maintaining his Dominions in Italy ; he lost the advantage of both his chiefest Towns , being possess'd by others , he had little more then the bare name of Principality left him : Nor was he in a more free and absolute condition of Prince , then when he was a Subject in France , and vassal to that Crown ; so as , he who would justly consider this Prince his condition , must think that his happinesse , in so great possessions , redounded to his greater misfortune , and that it had been better for him to have wanted them . To so many calamities and miseries was added the death of his two onely Sons ; the Eldest , who was Prince of Mantua , dyed in Goito six dayes before that Town was ●…estored . So as the succession of his Family fell upon a young Infant , and Son to Princess Maria , who after Duke Vincenzo's death was married , as hath been said , to the Duke of Retell , the present Dukes eldest Son , who had he lived must h●…ve been Prince of Mantua ; the other , who was Duke De Mena , or Du M●…yne , dyed some few moneths after in Mantua . To compleat the quiet and felicity of Italy , the composure of the differences between the Common-wealth of Genoa , and Duke of Savoy yet remained ; which being severall times treated of , given over , and re-assumed , could never be brought to perfection . For after that by Marquess Rambollie●…'s departure from Madrid the businesse was left unperfect ; Dom Ramires de Prado was sent by the King of Spain to the Camp before Rochell , with commission from the King and Common-wealth , to negotiate and to conclude that peace : Where , after much discourse , they came to this conclusion ; that Zuccarello should remain to the Common-wealth , upon the payment 100000 Crowns to the Duke , but with conditon that the Dukes right should be preserved to what soever more monyes he had disbursed , when he first bought that Marquesate . Neither of the parties , nor yet the King of Spain , were pleased with this peace . For the Common-wealth was not only troubled at so excessive a sum , at which they themselves against reason were assessed , but much more for that a gate was left open for the Duke to make new pretentions , which might occasion new Wars . The Duke , on the contrary , complained that his interests were valued at no higher a ●…ate , and moreover did not accept of the Peace , because the conspiracy of Genoa hapning at the same time ; he took new occasion of complaint , and altercation , upon the impunity which he pretended unto of the Conspirators , which was denyed by the Common-wealth : And pretending that their punishment was a breach of the Truce agreed upon but a little before , he thought that so great an innovation not being imbra●…ed , nor salved up by the peace of Rochel , that capitulation was void ; which did not perfectly compose the ancient grievances , and ●…eft the greater and more modern complaints undecided . And he being at that time joyn'd with the Crown of Spain , upon occasion of the Wars of Montferrat , neither had the King of France any authority to make him observe it ; nor would the King of Spain exasperate him , to the prejudice of the new conjunction : And therefore easily laying aside the Common-wealths complaints , touching the prejudice which she pretended to receive by that peace , he did not inforce the execution thereof upon her . Thus this peace by the repugnancy of the parties , and by the tacite consent of the Arbitrators , remained unperfected ; and the continuing of these differences seemed then to make for the King of Spain's advantage ; for the Common-wealth being necessitated to keep in Arms , and to entertain many to defend her , the King had an Army maintained at the Common-wealths charge , whereof he might make use according as the Wars of Montferrat should succeed ; this agreement then not being admitted of , and new occasions of distastes hapning , the Affairs between these two parties were in greater disorder then ever , and the Spaniards were not well looked upon by the Common-wealth , for having sided with the Duke in his complaints . In these difficulties did things continue during Duke Emanuels life ; when he was dead , the composure of all differences was by his Son absolutely refer'd to the King of Spain ; Wherefore the Common-wealth willingly accepted of the bargain , but with very expresse and precise exclusion of that point which concerned the impunity of the Conspirators , of whom they would not suffer any mention to be made , it being so exorbitant a thing , of so bad example ; and so contrary to the dignity and safety of Princes , The Court of Spain was not well satisfied with this exclusion , as if 〈◊〉 did mi●… become the Majesty of the King , that the Common-wealth should proceed with such limitations and reservations , when the Duke referr'd all things absolutely to the King ; at length , after many replies , the Commonwealth yielded , and put her self freely upon the comprimise : And the business being long disputed in that Court , between Francesco Lomellino the Common-wealths Emb●…ssadour , and the Dukes Embassadour Abbot Scaglia , and no resolution being made in that point , first the Pope , and then the King of France , after the re-assigning of Pinarollo , offered their indeavours and Authority to the Common-wealth , in the composure of differences , acquainting her , that they would give her better satisfaction then she could hope for from the Court of Spain : But the Common-wealth , which had already referr'd all unto the King of Spain , thought her self not in a condition to accept these offers ; wherefore thanking both of them for their favour shewed towar●…s her ; she excused her self for not being able to accept of the Grace done unto her by his Holiness , and his Majesty , without being faulty to his Majesty of Spain , since she could not alter nor vary any thing from 〈◊〉 she had once granted him . At last the Articles of Peace were concluded in Madrid , and published about the end of November , 1631. which in substance were ; That both Parties should be obliged to restore what had been taken ; by which it was declared , That the Common-wealth should restore the Towns and Places which she had taken from the Duke , the Artillery , Gally , and all Prisoners , and , That the Duke should do the like : That the Commonwealth should keep Zuccarello , paying unto the Duke at four payments 170000 Crowns of Gold , in f●…ll for whatsoever he could pretend unto upon that account : That all things held in Fee , or Rented , together with all Reprisals and Confiscations made during the War , should be restored to the former owners : That all who had served the contrary Parties in the late War should have general Pardon granted them ; namely , ten of the Conspirators , who were never to re-enter the Common-wealth , under pain of the former punishment , and of not enjoying the present Grace . The Commonwealth accepted Il Lodo , though unwillingly , rather for that they thought it not ●…it to countervene what had been adjudged by an Arbitrator chosen by themselves , then that they did not think themselves grieved by the great sum of money , in which they thought themselves injuriously sentenced ; and much more , by the impunity of the Conspir●…tors , to which they thought they should not have been compelled , as was promised them when they resolved to come to a free comp●…imise : But the Duke , on the contrary , exclaimed against this Decree , and refused to accept of it ; wherewith the King thought himself as much injured as he had been formerly displeased with the Commonwealth for limiting the comprimise . The Duke complained , that the King had been too sparing in limiting the Conspirators , as well in ●…umber , as in the Conditions of their Pardon , pretending , that all the Conspirators should have been freely pardoned , without any limitation ; he demanded , That the Galley might be restored in the same equipage , and with the same Galley-slaves t●…at were in her when she was taken : That the Artillery should be brought into Gavio , where it was left ; and , That it might be lawful for him to send men to bring it from thence in a military manner into Piedmont : That for the payment of the 170000 Crowns of Gold , the quality of the Crown in Gold should be declared ; and , That the Commonwealth should be bound to ascertain the payments at the prefix'd times ; and , That good security should be given for it in France , or in some other Parts , wherein he might confide . The King being much displeased with this stubbornness , would by no means be brought to any other Declaration , or alteration of Ill Lod●… , the rather for that he feared the Duke was thus backward by the Court of France its suggestion ; and it seemed that that Court thought her self prejudiced by this Decree ; for that these differences being to be determined , according to the Peace of Monsone , by both the Kings , the King of Spain had ended it himself , without participating therein with the King of France , not making any account of the Peace of Monsone , nor yet of the Peace of Rochel , which by common arbitriment was adjusted between the Commonwealth and the Duke . It was therefore suspected , That the Duke , in favour to the French , to whom by the assignation of Pinarollo he seemed to be joyned , would never be satisfied with any Declaration that the King could make , to the end that by this Appeal he might be loose , and , with scorn to the Spanish Authority , put the whole negotiation and decision into the arbitriment of the King of France . This suspition was increased by the King of France his offer to the Commonwealth , That he would end this business with more satisfaction to her , if she would put it to his arbitriment . Affairs stood thus in suspense for some moneths , during which time the Duke complain'd that so many of his Patrimonial Towns should be de●…ain'd from him by the Genoeses , and said , that he would have recovered them by force of Arms ; which if he should have done , his friends would not have been wanting in assisting him , whereby the King of France was understood : He therefore caused new rumours not only between him and the Genoeses , but even between the two Crowns , which would necessarily be engaged in defence , the one of the one party , the other of the other . The Cardinal Infanta , Brother to the King , being come into Italy , he was impowred by the King , and by the Par●…ies , with faculty to decide these points ; and the controverted points being formerly discuss'd before the said Cardinal , by Iovan Michael Zoagli , Resident for the Commonwealth , and by the Abbot de la Torre , Resident for the Duke in Millain , the Cardinal declared , That as for them who had served either party with Sword in hand in the wars , the Pardon should be understood to be free and general ; but as for those who had been guilty of any Commotion since the year 1625. it should be in the King to declare , whether they should be comprehended in the Pardon , or no : That the Galley should be restored in the condi●…ion that it was in at present : That the Artillery should be delivered by the Commonwealth in Savona ; and by the Duke in such places as should be neerest the Commonwealths Territories : That the Crowns should be understood , according to the Spanish valuation ; and that no mention should be made of the Dukes putting in security . The Duke accepted of this Declaration , but not the Commonwealth , in respect of the first point , wherein power was reserved to the King , if it should so fall out , whether offenders should be pardoned or no ; as well because the arbitrement seemed to exceed the Articles of Madrid , as also that they desired the business might at once be wholly decided , and that no power should be left in the King to meddle any further in the Commonwealths jurisdiction , by any Declaration : especially since the general word Commotion might be understood to reach to many other things , not at the present thought upon ; in respect whereof the Commonwealth held it not good to have any occasion of coming to dispute with the King ; whereupon the Cardinal made a new Declaration , wherein he pronounced , that none of those who were Prisoners for any commotion or other fault , unless such as were named in the peace of Madrid should be conceived to be comprehended in the pardon , save only such as were Prisoners of War ; and that the King should make no further declaration touching any that were guilty of faults ; all things were hereupon ended , and put in execution ; and an end was put to this War made by the Duke , upon account of Zuccarello in appearance ; but in effect , by many Princes who envied the Spanish grandezza , that they might lessen it by lessening the power of the Commonwealth of Genoa , so annex'd and so opportune to the power of Spain . The Commonwealth spent in this War above ten millions of Crowns , which were raised , partly by Taxes from private Citizens , partly by Gabels and new Impositions : true it is , that many Fortifications were computed into these expences ; for , not to mention the lesser , Porto Mauritio , Gavio and Savona , were fortified with Curtains and Bulwarks Royal ; but sta●…ely and worthy of wonder is the compass of the new Wall made about the City of Genoa its self , upon Mountains which do inviron it , which beginning from Capo de la Lanterna , which is on the West , and going round upon the back of the Mountains towards the North , terminates in the Valley of Bisagno , and joyns with Capo di Carignano , which is the utmost and most Easterly point of the City ; and turning from thence inward , along the Maritime shoar , joyns with the ancient Walls , incompassing about eight miles ; the whole Work is almost of Free-stone ; and so is , for the most part , the very Castle it self , which serves for Curtain and Bulwark ; except in some places , where being unequal , it is fil'd up with a strong Wall ; which being pargeted with Lime and Mortar , is not only strong , but very beautiful : this Fortification is exactly help'd by nature ; for the Mountains upon which the new Walls are built , to boot with their great height , are so steep and craggy on the out side , as the Walls need fear no assault ; the foundations so sound and firm , as they fear no mining , and seated so far off , as they are no●… subject to battery ; any hostility would be obviated by the ver●… tumbling down of stones : the Country thereabout is so barren , as no enemies A●…my can keep long there ; there wants earth to make Approaches and Trenches ; and yet , as if the nature of the situation were niggardly unto them , and scanting of munition and strength ; the Walls are wrought with such A●…t , Diligency and Industry , as Bulwarks are erected at due distances ; the Curtains proportionably extended , and the Ditches ●…ound about from 50 to 100 foot broad , and 12 or 15 foot deep in stone ; nor doth less diligence appear to be used on the inside , round about which there goes a way , which is at least 60 foot broad , very convenient for carrying Artillery , and for ordering defendants upon the Wall : the Bulwarks have dis-inhabitated the Cottages upon those Moun●…ains , and made Lodgings for Souldiers , digging Cesterns in the very Rocks : so as there is nothing left unprovided for , either by Art or Nature , which may make for the safety and defence of this great Fabrick . Art and Nature have been no less propitious and favourable in the Valley of Bisagno , where the situation is plain , and where there are no Rocks : the Plain lies between two little Hills , which thrusting out like two wings ; serve to the inward Works for two Flanks or great Bulwarks , from whence the Artillery may clear all the parts below ; for the currant of the River being for the most part gravelly , defends it ; moreover , the Bullets of the Artillery lighting from the two Hills upon the stony bed of the River would scatter such store of gravel upon the assaulters , as it would be impossible for them to advance : so as this part , which otherwise would be less defensible then any other part , is as strong as the rest ; nor hath so large a circuit need of many defendants for being almost unaccessible every where , the only Sentinels which keep from Scaladoes , and stoln accesses by night , which are only to be feared , are sufficient to guard it from any other misfortune : few and slender Corps de guarde , disposed in fitting places , will suffice to keep off any unexpected attempt ; for those mountainous and rocky places are not subject to any long thought on assaults : there were divers Inscriptions engraven on the Gates ; amongst which this , made by the Author of this present History , was reputed none of the worst . Quartum murorum ambitum aggeribus , fossa propugnaculis vallatum , stadiis 62 per juga montium , per ima vallium , per Maritimum littus deductum , Genoensium Respublica Libertatis Munimentum excitavit . Coeptum Opus , Anno 1630. Perfectum , 1633. The Commonwealth having thus by peace put an end to the troubles of War , might with much reason hope for better time for the future : the Commonwealth was at this time likewise free from another imminent which threatned her ; the Plague which , as hath been Formerly said , raged in all that part of Italy which lies between the Alps and the Apenine , even to the Adriatick , pass'd also into Tuscany : so as the State of Genoa , being every where begirt by so pestilential a disease , it seemed almost impossible she could escape it ; and yet such diligence was used , so good Orders given and observed for three years space , as the State of Genoa was not at all touched therewith , except in some part of the Western River , and beyond the Apennine . The Affairs of Italy being thus peaceably setled , this present History might seem to end opportunely here ; but three things ( which for not interrupting the History , have not yet been spoken of , and which may fitly be brought in here ) may not be pretermitted , without a blemish to this Narration . The first whereof is , that the Infanta Maria , Sister to the King of Spain , Wife to Ferdinando King of Hungary , and Son to the Emperour , came from Spain into Italy , the year 1631 , to pass into Germany ; and thinking it dangerous to go through Lombardy , by reason of the Plague which was then very great there , ●…he thought to come in her own Gallies through the Adriatick to Trieste : but the Venetians not being willing upon any whatsoever occasion to wave their pretensions ; and the King of Spain not being able by reason of so many Wars to assemble a powerful Fleet ; and howsoever not thinking it fit to expose his Sisters life to the hazard of a Naval fight ; and the Venetians on the other side , to conveigh her with their own Gallies to Trieste ; she therefore parted from Naples , where she had been all that Winter , and came to Ancona , and there going into the Gallies of the Commonwealth she was brought in great glory and splendor to Trieste ▪ from whence she went to Cesars Court. This same year 1631 , Francisc●… Maria , the last Duke of Urbine , of the Family of R●…vere , died ; who drew his ancient original from the State of Genoa , from whence came Sixtus quartus , and Iuli●… 〈◊〉 , Popes of famous memory , by whose means that Dukedom came into that Fa●…ily : he died , aged 82 years , in Castle Durante , not far from the City of Urbin●… , whither he had retired himself to live privately , that he might the better attend his souls health ; for some years before his death , he had not only sent ●…or some Prelater from Rome , to satisfie the Pope , who were to govern that State in his name , but , he had also brought 〈◊〉 Garrisons and Commanders into his Forts , who were to swear to keep it in his name whilst he lived , and in the name of the Church when he should be dead : he had that happiness dying , which did sufficiently make amends for the loss of his State ; for though that State could not come to his Niece after his death , he saw her Mistris of a much greater , having married her to Ferdinando the Second , great Duke of Tuscany ; he likewise invested Iulio de la Rovere , a Gentleman of Genoa , and a Venetian , being his neerest Kinsman , with the Towns of Tomba . Ripa and Monteralto , seated in the jurisdiction of Sinigaglia ; to the end , the memory of the Dukedom might not be extinguished after his death , but that some foot-steps of his na●…e and Principality might remain in the Family of the Rovere in that 〈◊〉 . Thus did Pope Urban by industry and negotiation get the possession of that Dukedom to devolve to the Apostolick See , without e●…ther Arms , or trouble , or any of those great oppositions which he would have certainly met with , had they not been wisely foreseen and diverted : by this Dukes death the Prefectura of Rome was also vacated ; a place of great preeminence , worth 12000 Crowns a year , which was hereditary , and which beginning in Francisco Maria , Duke dela Rovere , continued in Guido Ubaldo , and in this l●…st Duke Francisco Maria ; and the Pope confer'd it upon his Nephew Don Tadeo Barbarino , and upon his descendents . The burning of Vesuvius , a great Mountain neer Naples , was also memorable , which hapned about Christmass , and was so great and full of terrour , as a grea●…er hath not been known nor read of : Some earthquake preceded the night before ; and the Mountain breaking out into horrible thunder about break of day , it threw out a great flame , mixt with much ashes , and great stones , which , those that saw it say , were thrown above the first Region of the Air , and the ashes were carried by the wind into the Archipelagus ; the stones , which in great number and quantity were vented out , fell down at Mel●… , a hundred mile●… off : Great store of fiery rosin issued likewise out of the same Mountain , which branching forth into seven Rivolets , not unlike a swif●… Torrent , fell into the neighbouring Sea , to the infinite prejudice of many people , and of some Towns , which were thereby burnt . The same Mountain , on the opposite side belch'd out a swift River of water , which , causing great inundations , occasioned no less mischief then that of the fire , which burst out on the other side . The Sea , were it either by reason of the Earthquake , or for some other hidden cause , fled from the shore ; in Naples the Ships lay on ground ; and had not the Sea suddenly returned to its former Channel , they would have incurr'd danger of being broken . Neer to Sorento the Sea flew a mile from the shore ; and ( which is most miraculous ) the rosin , which being fired fell from the Mountain into the Sea , kept burning for above twelve miles , insomuch as when the fire ceased , great store of Fishes , rosted by the fire , floated upon the superficies of the Sea ; but none would eat them ; for that very ancient Writers witness , That the like accidents having hapned in the Seas of Sicily , the eating of such Fish caused death . It would be tedious to relate many other monstrosities which hapned thereupon ; especialiy since many Learned men have written whose Volumns upon it , with many Philosophical and Natural Observations , and Considerations , which are indeed rare and curious , but not worth an Historical Narration . The End of the Twelfth Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . BOOK XIII . The Contents . THe Peace of Italy , obtained by the Articles of Ratisbone and Cherasco , gives place for a digression of things which hapned elsewhere . This present Book tells you of the Duke of Orleans his going from Flanders into Languedock , and how , being routed by the Kings Forces , he was taken Prisoner . The Infanta Cardinal , Brother to the King of Spain , his Voyage from Barcellona into Italy . The Duke of Feria his marching from the State of Millain with a great Army , going for Germany , to make way for the Cardinal Infanta , who prepared to go for Flanders : What the said Feria did in Flanders . From hence we pass to the Narration of the Wars in Germany ; to the King of Swedland's death , and the like of Wallestine , with a brief Examination of his actions , intentions , and of his end . The Emperours Army takes the Field , led on after Wallestine's death by the King of Hungary , Son and General to the Emperour , with what he did till the Cardinal Infanta entred Germany , who parting with a great Army from Millain towards Flanders , jeyns with the Emperours Army , and fights the Army of the League of Germans and Swe●…es before Nordling , wherein the A●…strians have the better . The Infanta passes with his men into Flanders , w●…ere , when he came , he found a League made between the King of France and the United Provinces , against the Spanish Empire in those parts , which occasions an open breach between the ●…wo Crowns ; the occasion of which breach , with the reciprocal 〈◊〉 faults , & excuses made by both Parties are 〈◊〉 related ; and how after the Battle which hapned upon the Confines of France and Flanders , between the Armies of the two Crowns , the War pass'd into Italy . THe Peace of Ratisbone , had it been readily embraced , and punctually observed by the King of France , it was probably hoped would have put an end to all the troubles and commotions of Italy and Germany ; but being openly refused by the same King for what concerned Germany , and excused but in appearance only , and in respect of the business of Pinarollo , for what concerned the Affairs of Italy , it reduced the Affairs of the Empire and of Christendom into greater troubles and perturbations then those which they were in before . Italy would not therefore not onely not receive that ease which was hoped for , for new and greater troubles proceeding from the not observance thereof , greater prejudice and commotions did likewise result from thence , which before we proceed to speak off , it may not be onely seasonable , but necessary to take the business a little higher , and to touch succi●…ctly , and by way of compendium , upon what hapned out of Italy , in France , Germany , and Flanders ; To the end that the knowledge thereo●… may make the way more easie for the narration of those things which hapned afterwards in Italy , and which will be the proper subject of this present History . Nor shall this anticipated Digression be any interruption to the relation of the principall affairs of Italy , which though they were somewhat molested after the assignment of Pinarollo , yet being somewhat more quiet for a few years , they will afford a fit opportunity for a short and succinct relation of the warlike actions which hapned elsewhere in the time of her troublesom peace . So as what shall be said of forreign successes will seem a continued Story of the Wars and Commotions of Italy , and which shall afterwards be re-assumed ; and the forreign accidents which ▪ hapned during the peace of Italy , being very remarkable for their weight and concernment ; as they deserve not to be passed over so the pleasure and advantage which may be gotten by the knowledge of them will sufficiently satisfie for the paines and time that shall be imploy'd in the reading thereof . The League which was made between the King of France and the Swede , not long after the Peace of Ratisbone ; and the same Kings taking the German Princes into his protection , to the prejudice of the Emperours authority , obliged the King of Spain to provide for , and carefully to watch over the maintaining of the Austrian Empire in Gemany , against which all the Plots and Forces of the King of France were seen to be prepared . For the Declination of the Catholick Religion , which ran a hazard amidst so many troublesome Wars , did not onely depend thereupon , but even the declination of his own Dominions , and of the chiefest concernments of his Crown . Moreover the assignment of Pinarollo , which was rather forced from the Duke of Savoy , then voluntarily yielded after the peace was made : and the Citadel at Cassalle being still possess'd and garrison'd by the French , though the King of Spain seemed to wink at them ; yet since they struck so sor●… at the very foundation of his affairs , and of his Dominions in Italy ; they necessarily invited him to resent , or to repair these so high attempts against the Peace of Ratisbone , and the treaties of Chirasco , agreed upon for the Peace of Italy . The King of France his continual succouring and fomenting of the Hollanders did likewise prepare things for a manifest breach of the common peace ; yet both these Kings shun'd coming to an open declaring o●… War ; but inwardly hatching their reciprocal injuries , they prepared either to revenge received wrongs , or to keep off those which were threatned . But the King of Spain was at the present troubled most , to see that the King of France joyning with the Hollanders , and Protestant Princes of Germany , prepared to oppose his Brother the Infanta Cardinal Ferdinando , his journey into Flanders , wherein the Cardinall was first to advise , and then to succeed his Aunt Clara Eugenia , who was now grown very old in the government of those Provinces : And the King thinking that by reason of so many oppositions , it would be safer for him to go by Italy and Germany then by Sea , he knew that it was necessary to make way for him by powerfull Armies ; wherefore to boot with the great preparation of Arms and Men , made to this purpose by the Duke of Feria in the State of Millain , it was also thought necessary to molest France on the parts towards Spain , as well in regard of this expedition , as for relieving Germany and Flanders opposed by the French , that thereby the King of France being strongly assaulted on that side , might not onely be diverted from opposing the Cardinals journey , but also from fomenting the Wars of Germany and Flanders ; the Duke of Orleans , Brother to the King of France , who was already gon , together with the Queen-Mother , from the Court into Flanders , was thought to be a proportionate means , answerable to the assistance given by the King of France to the Rebel Hollanders : Who by making head , and holding intelligence with many French Lords that were displeased at Cardinal Richelieu his too great authority , and at the Government of those times , plotted new broyles in France ; he holding intelligence with the Duke of Momorancy , Governour of Languedock , and peradventure with the Duke of Guise , Governour of Provence , obtained 2000 excellent Horse from the King of Spain ; with which passing at unawares thorough France , without any opposition , ( for none durst take up Arms against the Kings Brother without express command from the King ) he came to Languedo●…k ; and by the assistance of the King of Spain's Army in Catalognia , he thought to raise commotions in the Kingdom , and to make a strong faction , whereby he thought to allay the Cardinals authority , and to alter the Government quite ; But being at the very first overcome by the Kings Forces , and taken Prisoner together with Momorancy , that fire was quench'd almost before it was kindled , which would otherwise have held France long in combustion , and consequently have kept the King and Richelieu from plotting mischie●… against the House of Austria . Yet this did not retard the Infanta's journey ; who mounting into the Gallyes at Barcellona , some moneths after Orleans his imprisonment , came from thence to Genoa the year 1633. where being received with great pomp , he saw and admired the great Fabrick of the new Walls , passing from thence to Millain , he found the Duke of Feria busie in raising an Army for his conduct , and so intended to go speedily for Flanders . War grew hotter in Germany after the battle of Lutzen , and after the King of Sweden's death ; for neither the Swedish Commanders , nor the German Princes who were alienated from the Emperour , were any whit dismaid after the Kings death ; for the Swedes , as if their dead Kings Spirit were revived in them , continued the War with the like Courage and Fortune , and the Princes and people of Germany being desirous of their pretended Liberty , to the recovery whereof they were with much satisfaction led on by the King , and almost put into possession , being resolved not to fall from so exalted a beginning by the death of their Leader , were wholly intent upon this , and joyn'd in heart and in intelligence ; and avoiding all Strife and Emulation , they formed a Faction which maintaining the dead Kings Quarrel might quell the Austrian Authority , and might bring them to their desired Liberty . Duke Bernard Waimer , descended from the ancient Dukes of Saxony , was chosen somewhat tumultuously by the Swedish Army to be their Captain General , the next day after the battle of Lutzen ; he was a Captain of Courage and Authority , and very highly esteem'd in the Army for his experience and Valour ; and moreover a great Enemy to the Austrian Name , for that his great Grand-Father had been bereft by Charles the Fifth of the Electorall dignity , and of the Dukedom of Saxony ; and he himself as descending from him , was kept from it by the subsequent Austrian Emperours . He muster'd the Souldiers that remained after the battle , and finding them to amount to the number of 16000 he went with them to joyn with that part of the Duke of Saxony's Forces , which not being present at the Bat●…le was yet fresh and intire ; and entring therewithall into Saxony , he drove out the Cesarean Garrisons who were possess'd thereof before , and did not onely recover the City of Lipswick , but all the rest of the Dukedom , not meeting with any opposition ; for Wallestein the Emperours General , being rather conquered then Conquerour , had quitted the Field and his Cannon to the Enemy after the battle , and was retreated with the remainder of his Army into Bohemia ; where ( partly ) minding the recruiting of his Army , ( partly ) detain'd by the rigor of the Winter , he suffered the Enemies Army to go whither it listed . But the German Princes having obtained the same assistance from the Deputies of the Crown of Swethland , which was given them during the Kings life ; and seeing the League confirm'd between the King of France and Crown of Swethland ; for the affairs of Germany they met in a Dyet about the beginning of the year 33 , with the chief Officers and Captains of the Swedish Army , wherein they agreed upon Nine Articles , for the maintaining of the common cause ; and for the maintenance of the War , which they resolved to continue in Germany with like fervour . They made Oxenstern supream Governour of the common affairs , who was Chancellor of Swethland , and who coming into Germany with the King , never parted from him ; a man of excellent Wisedom and profound Counsell , very valiant , and long experienced in Civil and Military Government ; to whom they gave a certain number of Deputies , chosen out of divers Provinces of Germany , which the Dutch call Circles , who were as so many Senators to assist in Counsell with him . They then divided all the Forces of their joynt union into four parts , and made four Armies of them , which were to carry on the War in four parts of Germany under four Commanders . Arnheim , the Duke of Saxony's General , a stern Captain , and little short of Wallestein in Military Affairs , was to enter Slesia with the first Army , of which Province the Duke of Saxony meant to make himself Master . The second was given to the Duke of Lunenburg , who was therewith to fall upon Westphalia . The third was assigned to Duke Weymer , who falling from the General-ship , to which he was chosen by the Army by this reformation , was to enter therewith into Franconia . Marshal Horne , and Col. Bannier , were appointed to command the fourth , two of the most famous Captains of the Swedish Army ; and Suevia and Alsatia fell to their share . These going into their several divisions , kindled a fire like so many Infernal Furies in four parts of Germany ; which bursting forth into a greater flame afterwards did lay it so waste and desolate , as the desolations made during the Kings life were far inferiour to them . For overrunning several Provinces , which were sometimes taken by the Swedes , sometimes retaken by the Imperalists , these Provinces served onely for a Theatre or Scene , whereon horrible spectacles of sad events were represented : it would be tedious , and not suiting to our purpose , to relate distinctly the encounters , losses , and victories , or the ruine of the poor people , the surrendrings , sacking , and the firing of Cities which were taken , and of making Provinces Widernesses ; for the several actions of every several Army , would administer subject enough for a particular Story . We will therefore limit our selves to those which were most famous , and which belong chiefly to the main of the Empire , and particularly , to such as may by connexion participate with the adventures of Italy , or which may have some influence upon them : And so keeping to this , as to the main body of the Tree , since we cannot imbrace the rest , we will leave out the Boughes and Branches , which will contribute but a little to the structure of this Digression ; the intention whereof is onely ( as hath been said ) to make the way plain for the narration of what hapned afterward in ●…ly , by a succinct Narrative of what hapned out o●… her . Horne and Banniere having done many things with good success in Alsatia and Suevia , sate down before Brisack , a very strong Town upon the left side of the Rheine , between Basil and S●…asburg , a place of great consequence , not only by reason of the neighbouring Bridge , but for the situation thereof , which lay very convenient for Italy , Burgondy , Alsatia , and Lorrain ; and having made good progress before it , they had brought it unto great streights : it therefore behoved the Emperour and the King of Spain , for their joynt interest , to have an eye to it , and to endeavour , that the loss thereof might not redound to the too great prejudice of the confining Provinces , and to both their affairs ; and particularly , that the loss thereof might not be too great an obstacle to the Infanta's journey ; who thinking to enter into Lorrain by Alsatia , and from thence into Flanders , by the Dukedom of Luxemberg , which was his shortest and safest way ; could hardly prosecute this his intent , if that Town should be taken by the enemy . The Emperour had no Forces in those parts , save what were under Aldringer in Bavaria ; the gross of his Army wās towards Bohemia under Wallestein ; and Aldringers Forces not being sufficient of themselves to relieve Brisack , it was resolved that the Duke of Feria should in all haste joyn with Aldringer , and go together with him to the relief of so important a place ; and thus as a forerunner make way for the Infanta's passage : the Swedish Commanders had intelligence of this , and of what Forces were to come ; and finding themselves too weak for them , they thought they might easily hinder them by making themselves masters of Constance , an Imperial City , seated upon that Lake which the neighbouring Rheine makes , and which taking its name from that City is called the Lake of Constance ; wherefore Horne leaving Banniere before Brisack , with as many forces as were sufficient to maintain the Siege , went with the rest to the taking of Constance , which if he should do , he might keep the two Armies from meeting ; and hearing that Feria advanced apace with a powerful Army , he would not betake himself to the tediousness and uncertainty of a Siege , but fell to take it by assault , before that by Feria's coming the two Armies should joyn ; but his design proved vain , as did also his fierce assaults wherewith he thought to effect his intent ; for the defence being stronger then the assaults , by reason of the continual re-inforcement of munition that entred the City daily , the business drew on in length , till such time as Feria's Army appeared . Feria came from the State of Millain about the end of August , and passing through the Valtoline was come to the Confines of Germany ; he brought with him 10000 Foot and 1500 Horse , all choice and veterane Souldiers , very well in order , and led on by valiant and experienced Captains : Giarardo Gambacorti commanded the Horse , Count Iohn Serbellone the Artillery , Iovan Di●…z Sam●… commanded the Spanish Foot , Count Salm●… and Scomb●… the Dutch Foot , which were divided into two Regiments ; the Marquess Tarracusa , the Neapolitans ; and Count Panigarola , the Lombards ; when these came to the Confines of Burgondy , 4000 Foot and 500 Burgondian Horse were added , and when they were pass'd Tirvolo , Aldring●…r joy●…d also with them , with the Cesarean Army ; which was come from Bavaria , and they went joyntly together toward Constance : The City was freed at the very news of the approach of so great Forces . Horne , so famous and so valiant a Commander , would not tarry to see them come : but leaving many Arms , and some Artillery in the Trenches , retreated more inward into Germany ; and joyning with Weymer , they received many Recruits , which came from the more inward Countries , under the young Duke of Wittenberg , the Palatine , and the 〈◊〉 O●…o ; and being thus reinforced , they resolved to encounter the Enemy , who pursued them : they therefore incamp'd and fortified themselves in some Woods and Hills , not far from Dutling , where they waited the enemies coming : but when they came nee●… , they durst not come forth into the open Campag●… , nor accept of Battle which was offer'd them ; but suffer'd themselves to be insulted over within their Trenches , by some Troops of Dragoons , and Files of Musketeers , which advanced from the enemies Camp ; after which they retreated to beyond the Danow , burning the Bridge which they pass'd over , to keep themselves from being overtaken by the enemy ; so they retreated into the Country of Wittenberg , thinking that the enemy being to take Rinfeld , and three other lesser Cities , before they could come to Brisack , Brisack would be forced to surrender for Famine , before the succour could come : but Rinfeld and all the other Cities yielded at the first appearance of the enemy , within 24 hours ; and Feria and Aldringer made such haste , as coming to Brisack , they found the enemy retreated from thence ; having brought in the succour , they made not any abode there , but hardly affording their men leave to breathe , they went towards Alsatia , and regained many Towns which had been taken by the enemy ; and made good progress in those parts ; and had made greater , and peradventure had wholly defeated the enemy , if Aldringer had co-operated sincerely in the begun enterprise , and in their ruine ; or had not the Dutch genius , naturally averse to that of the Spaniards , gain-said so gallant proceedings . Feria was entred Germany with Title of the Emperours Commander , from whom he had received ample Letters Patents , whereby he was not to be subject to the command or superiority of any other Captain : this so large and independent authority of Feria caused not only envy and emulation in Wallestein , who hated the name of a Spaniard , but jealousie and despite ; for not being able to indure that by the entrance of another Army into Germany , which should have no dependence upon him , that supream and universal authority should be lessened in him , without which he profess'd he would not have taken upon him the Generals command , and therewith the defence of Germany , he began to doubt that that body of armed men , which had no dependence upon him , had been secretly procured by the Spaniards , who much distrusted his intentions ; and been brought into Germany by them , not only to moderate his authority , but his actions also ; and to oppose his forces and his ends , and his too high machinations , which he found the Spaniards feared he had plotted in his mind ; and by express Order from the Emperour , not being able to keep Aldringer from going from Bavaria to joyn with Feria in Alsatia , yet he sent him such Orders ( as Aldringer , in his own discharge and justification , made known after Fritlands death ) as the execution thereof was likely rather to occasion the ruine of that Army and Enterprise , then the preservation thereof ; he could not tolerate that that Army should advance with such success so far into Germany , whilst he stood looking on : whereupon Aldringer , that he might obey the Orders of the General ( whose excessive authority , joyn'd to his fierce genius , was more formidable , and more punctually observed , then the Emperours benign Orders ) did not co-operate sincerely in enterprises with Feria ; but abusing the best occasions of warfaring , was not only a hinderance , but a confusion , and prejudicial to the proceedings which had been effected , if he had proceeded sincerely with Feria : the necessity that both of them were in to pass with their Armies into Bavaria , whither they were sent for with much anxiety and eagerness , by the Emperour , occasioned yet more harm , and had likely to have been the whole ruine of Feria's Army ; which that it may be the better understood upon what occasions they hapned , we must leave Alsatia and the parts of upper Germany , and pass into Saxony and the lower Germany ; and anticipately relate some accidents which hapned there . General Wallestein , having tarried after the Battle of Lutzen almost all the Winter in Bohemia , though he was very sollicitous in raising men , and in recruiting his Army , that he might come into the Field in the beginning of the Spring ; yet reflecting upon the miserable condition of Germany , upon the uncertainty and danger of War , and upon the ruines which might thereupon ensue , he applied himself to reduce the publick safety into some sort of security , by counsel , and without effusion of blood ; he therefore laboured to bring the Duke of Saxony off from the League of the German Princes , and to reunite him upon any terms to the Emperour ; which if he could have done , he verily believed that that Prince being the fundamental Basis of the aforesaid League , he being removed , the League would immediately fall to the ground ; and that the Ele●…tor of Brandenberg and many other lesser Princes would follow his example : so as that faction which joyn'd in Arms with the Swedes against the Emperour , being weakned , would infallibly be dissolved ; and that the Cesarean party being so encreased , the lesser Princes would come in to Cesar , some suing for pardon , some for composition ; and then the Swedes being but few in number , destitute of the German assistance , and bereft of the Maritime parts , would be brought to such a condition , as not being able to receive any supplies from their own Kingdom , they would be shut up , and as it were , imprisoned in Germany , and left to the discretion of the Cesarean party . Thus he thought it a better and a safer way , for the publick safety , to quench so great a fire of War by these Articles , then by the shedding of blood ; this which might really have been believed to be an assured wholsome Counsel , if it had been practised by fitting and adequate means , would doubtlesly have brought the Affairs of the Empire into a better condition of safety ; but being endeavoured by odd and foolish ways it did no good , but injured the publick welfare very much , and wronged the Inventer thereof much more ; for Fritland coming out of Bohemia in the beginning of the Spring , in the year 1634 , with a powerful Army , he pass'd therewith into Slesia ; where lighting upon the enemy in the parts about Suainitz , who were far short in numbers to him ; instead of giving them battle , wherein he might have been sure of Victory , he was the first who desired agreement and composure of differences : to which purpose a Truce was appointed for 15 days , to negotiate it ; during which time , so shameful Agreements were capitulated , as it was reported , between General W●…llestein and Arnheim , and other of the Colleagues Deputies , as none more pernicious , nor ruinous for Religion , and for the Sacred Empire , could have been made ; thereby whole Province ; of the Empire , were divided to the advantage of the Confederate Princes . Wallestein claimed the Kingdom of Bohemia for himself , in just reward of many labours undergone , and dangers by him run for the good of the Empire ; many other things were agreed upon in favour to Heresie ; such Laws were given to Germany as pleased the Confederate Princes , enemies to the Emperour ; and for the upshot , General Fritland obliged himself to joyn his Forces with those of the enemy , against whosoever should dare to oppose the putting of those Capitulations in execution , not excluding the Emperour himself , who received so much prejudice thereby , and whose concernments were so ill dealt with : these Capitulations being agreed upon , which seemed rather to be horrible treasons and seditious Rebellions , were subscribed by General Wallestein , and were delivered to Arnheim and the rest who negotiated therein ; which when they were divulged , gave , not without reason , great cause to suspect and distrust the actions and intentions of the Propounder , and who being servant to the Emperour had agreed thereunto ; whereupon , though Wallestein did afterward profess , that his intention in propounding them was to deceive the enemy , and to induce them by so large concessions , to drive the Swedes out of Germany ; which when it should be done , Cesar would be superiour in Forces , and might give them the Law , and force them to accept of any conditions . Arnheim and the other Deputies having received the Capitulations took their leaves of Fritland , and were already gone ; when not being gone one league off , they were troubled , that in this Agreement no mention was made of the Swedes , whether they were to tarry in Germany , or to go out : which hapned , because each party standing upon their advantage in the Negotiation , desired that such proposal should be made by the other side ; but being afterwards aware , that what was agreed upon was not safe , unless the establishment of this point were therein comprehended , they resolved to return to the Camp , and have it cleared by the General ; who being interrogated thereupon , it is not known , whether as being terrified thereat , and repenting what he had done , he imbraced the occasion which might make for his justification ; or whether continuing in his first design of bringing the business to that good end for which he profess'd he had moved it ; he freely answered , that the Swedes were to be prosecuted with the common forces , and ex●…irpated as disturbers of the publick peace of Germany ; and he was so resolute in this point , as no reason which could be alledged to the contrary being able to alter his determination ; ( and Arnheim and his companions consenting , by no means , that the Swedes should be driven out ) the Capitulations were cancel'd , and the Treaty of Agreement was at the same time almost concluded , and broken : yet the Capitulation was so detestable , as all men were generally much scandalized with it : the rather for that Wallestein strove not to regain his credit afterwards by contrary actions , nor to cancel the sinister opinions which he had thereby purchased : but , as if he scorned the vulgar opinion ▪ giving them new colours , he did consolidate them more and more , till in time they proved pernicious to him . The Capitulations being broken , Wallestein sent part of his Forces to assault Saxony ; which made the Duke thereof recall his men from Slesia to defend himself ; Arnheim , immediately after he had received his Princes Orders , marched with his Army towards Saxony ; leaving a Garrison in Slesia under the old Count de Toure , a chief Lord of Bohemia , whose authority was so great in the Diets of that Kingdom , as the Palatine acknowledged his promotion to that Crown from thence , which made the Count be declared a Rebell by the Emperour : Arnheim also left Colonel Tubal one of the chie●…est of the Swedish Commanders , to accompany the Count. Wallestein kept behind Arnheim , having also left as many men in Slesia as Arnheim had done ; but when he saw Arnheim so far advanced , as he could not return to succour the Count in Slesia , he faced about , and returning speedily to Slesia , he came thither just then when his men were ready to fight the enemy ; and he did so surround the enemy , as he took the Count and Colonel Prisoners , and gave life and liberty to all the other Souldiers and Officers , upon condition that they would march into the Emperours quarters , and joyn themselves to the Cesarean Army ; but the Colonel finding a means quickly how to escape , made men suspect that Wallestein had underhand given him his liberty , as he had openly given him his life . The Count having bargained for his own liberty delivered up the Towns in Slesia which were yet in his power ; and those of least consequence being delivered up , the Du●…mo di 〈◊〉 , which was the chiefest , and which commanded all the Province , and which by agreement was to be delivered up , held out ; so as the Counts presence being requisite for the surrender thereof , he was set at liberty , upon condition that he should return prisoner , if the Du●…mo were not effectually delivered up : which not being done , and the Count not returning , Fritland was still more blamed of collusion with both the prisoners ; and much more , for that having sent so many of the enemies to the Emperours Army , he was thought to have done it , for that owing their lives to him they should upon all occasions depend upon him ; yet professing himself abused by the Count , and breathing out nothing but revenge , he went with his Army to Turingia and Lusat●… , Provinces which belonged to the Emperour , but were in the Duke of Saxony his possession ; and prosecuting his former designs he seemed resolved to make that Duke and the Marquess of Brandenberg make peace with the Emperour ; he therefore made much progress there , took many Towns , amongst others , Franckfort upon the Od●…r , and Lansperg in Marca di Brandenberg , both of them great Cities , and of much consequence ; whereby he made way for passing further into the march in the Country of Brandenberg and in Pomerania ; in which case if he should come to the Coasts of the Baltick Sea , he would keep ( as he threatned to do ) the Swedes from being relieved from that Kingdom , and from returning thereinto : these threats , accompanied by the multitude of his Forces , and by his happy success , did so terrifie those Electors , as finding themselves unable to make resistance , they press'd very eagerly for relief from the Confederates ; protesting that that if they were abandoned , they must be forc'd to abandon the Common Cause , and joyn with the Emperour . Oxenstern and the other Heads of the League were divided in their judgements , not knowing whether they were to abandon or to relieve those Princes ; for by abandoning them , to boot with the great errour they should commit therein , and to boot with the loss of reputation , they foresaw the manifest ruine of their party and union . On the contrary , if they should relieve them , they must quit all upper Germany to the Emperour , so full of Cities and Towns upon the Rheine and the Danow , which so much to their praise and encrease of Dominion they had won ; and from whence they got infinite contributions of Moneys , Men , Victuals and Munition ; which Towns and Territories being abandoned were necessarily to fall into the Emperours power , if they should go to relieve Saxony ; and they should thereby infinitely weaken themselves and strengthen the Emperour : so amidst these streights they pitch'd their thoughts upon Bavaria , which A'dringer being gone into Alsatia , was bereft of all defence ; and they held it their absolute best course to fall upon it with all the Forces they could assemble ; taking it for granted that when they should have won that Dukedom , the way would be open for them to enter Austria , and to come even to Vienna ; they were confident that by this noble and generous diversion , without loss of honour , or of any thing they had gotten , nay by making yet much greater acquisitions , they might bring that relief to the Electors which they could not do if they should go directly to their relief with all their Forces , without manifest loss of honour and what they had gotten ; for the Emperour being assaulted in the midst of his Empire would be forced to recall his Army from offending the Electors , to defend himself ; so as Fritlands cunning would be deluded , and his counsels countermined wherewith he had fancied unto himself to destroy their League : The success out-did the expectation of so noble and generous a resolution ; for Duke Weymer being deputed to execute it , he with 50 Cornets of Horse , and 15000 Foot , took both sides of the Danow , and coasting along came to Ratisbone , where sitting down at unawares , he after several batteries forc'd it to surrender within 12 days : having gotten it , he advanced and took Straubingen and dechendorfe , great Towns upon the Rheine , and with such gallant acquisitions advanc'd towards Austria ; so as the Court of Vienna was in more fear then the Electors of Saxony and Brandenberg had been by Wallesteins proceedings : it was therefore resolved to send him precise Order ▪ to return , and relieve Austria ; who being unwilling to give over so happy success , and the great advantage which he hoped to reap thereby for the publick welfare , was troubled much at Cesars Commands ; thinking that if that part of Germany should withstand the enemies assaults a little longer , the assailants would be forced to change their course , and leave Bavaria and Austria free to the Emperour , so to relieve Saxony and the lower parts of Germany , which for their own safeties sake they could not abandon ; but this his backwardness being badly interpreted by the Court , which was not well satisfied with his late and former actions ; as if being more desirou●… that Bavaria should be lost , then relieved , he valued not the danger of Austria , so as he might revenge himself upon that Prince ; he was at last , but much against his will , forced to obey the Emperours re-iterated Commands : he therefore abandoned that Country , and quitted the so many Triumphs which he had won ; and when he was come within twenty leagues of Ratisbone , hearing that that Town was surrendered , he advanced no further ; but finding that the enemy drew neer Passao , a very strong place , situated upon the D●…ube , and which being thought to be the gate of Austria was of no small concern , he sent 3000 Foot ▪ to de●…end it ; but seeming not to care much for Ratisbone , and less for Bavaria , he retreated into Bohemia , and came with all his men into the City of Pilsen : the loss of Ratisbone , which forced the Emperour to recall Wallestein from Saxony , forc'd him also to send for Aldringer from Alsatia , to relieve Bavaria , which was powerfully assaulted by the Colleagues ; whose departure was necessarily accompanied by Feria , who wanting men , and being abandoned by Aldringer , could not tarry longer with safety in that Country ; nor could Aldringer tarry safely in Alsatia without Feria , nor retreat safely into Bavaria : so as , for their joynt security , which by disunion would have been indangered , it behoved them to joyn in abandoning Alsatia , and in prosecuting that voyage ; and Feria being necessitated to follow the same way that the Dutch had gone in the midst of Winter , to the great hardship and destruction of his men , who begging quarter and lodging , which were ransack'd and ruin'd by the Dutch who had gone before , and quite berest of all provisions , they could not get victuals for any money ; by which sufferings , and by reason of the cold weather which was very great that Winter , and which the Spaniards and Italians , who are born under more benigne heavens , could not well endure , and being also often gauled by the enemy , that Army was miserably wasted , great hardships having occasioned frequent and dangerous sickness in it : being at last , after so many sufferings , gotten into Bavaria , Feria died of a Fever in Monaco , and left the charge of his men to Count Serbellone ; and as by Wallesteins departure from the parts neer Saxony all the acquisitions which he had made returned to their former condition , so by the departure of these two Armies all Alsatia reverted into the Swedes possession , who returning to Brisack soon brought it into the former streights : The Infanta not being able therefore to build any longer upon that Army , for his journey into Flanders , nor for the freeing of that Town ; and it behoving him to take his journey the sooner , for that in the beginning of December 1633 , the Infanta his Aunt left this world ; and the Provinces of Flanders wanting a supream head by her death , press'd very much for his coming ; new Orders were therefore to be given , and new levies of men were to be made ; wherein neither the Infanta nor the Spanish Agents in Italy were slack , who diligently sent out Orders , some for men , some for other necessaries for that expedition ; and though the Crowns , Provinces and Kingdoms , were much exhausted by the select choice made by Feria , the year before , yet ere May was over , the State of Millain was full of new Military men , most whereof were old Souldiers of several Nations , commanded by men very considerable , not only for noble birth , but for valour and long experience in war. Count Monterei sent 6000 Foot , and 1000 Horse from Naples , all good men , and excellently well armed , under his Heir , the Marquess of Torazzona , two Brigades of Foot were raised in Lombardy , the one by Prince Doria , at his own expence , who were commanded by Carlo Gausco , Camp-master , the other in the State of Millain , by Marquess Lunato . Marquess Spinola raised also 500 Horse at his own cost ; and moneys were paid out of Cesars Court for recruiting Duke Feria's Army : Wallestein was demanded to send 4000 Horse of those that were in Cesars Army ; which he refused to do , pretending that he could not lessen his Army ; but indeed , because he did not like that this other Army which had no dependency upon him should enter Germany ; fearing that the Authority and Grandezza of such a Prince might eclipse his ; and moreover , that the Spanish Agents against whom all his thoughts were bent , might triumph over him . The Infanta therefore , that he might take from him his pretence of denial , gave order that moneys should be issued out of the Cesarean Court , for the raising of so many Horse in Hungary , which should supply the place of those that should be sent into Italy to augment the Infanta's Army : 600 other Horse were raised in Burg●…ndy by Count de la Torre , one of the chief men of Burg●…ndy , and 1000 Foot were also come from Spain under Count Fuenclara with these Forces , and with other , partly paid , partly noble voluntiers , did this Army march , and the Infanta therewith , towards Tirvolo through the Valtoline , and came to Zusteyne , to pursue his journey into Flanders through Alsatia , so to joyn with the Imperial Army , which was newly march'd into the fields under the King of Hungary , Son to the Emperour , he being chosen Captain General of the Cesarean Forces by his Father , in Wallesteins stead ; who a little before was not only deposed from being General , but declared by publick Edict , in the beginning of the 34 , Rebel and guilty of high Treason : whereupon he was slain by his own Souldiers , a singular accident , and very well worth consideration , and which drew the eyes of the whole world upon it , not so much for the singularity thereof , as for the circumstances which accompa●…ied this tragical event , for the consequences which it drew after it ; and for the discourse and impression which it occasioned in the parties ; for which it deserves really to be numbered amongst the most memorable that hath hapned in these times , or in many pass'd ages : since such an accident deserves to be described to posterity , with all the circumstances thereof ; though it was occasioned by many things which have already been spoken of , yet will it not at all be from our purpose , if somewhat exceeding the limits and confines of a compendious Narrative , we discourse particularly thereupon , wherein weaving somewhat more at length some things which have already been mentioned , together with many others which have not been spoken of , but may relate to the chief affairs of Germany , the discourse will rather deserve the name of a continuation of the thred of our History , then a digression from it ; whereby the Reader being a little diverted from the course of our begun Narration , and finding himself afterwards at unawares brought into the forroad , will delight to be joyntly instructed with the German events , and with the sinister contrivals of this Commander , which brought him to his end . Albertus Wallestein , Duke of Fritland , being deposed in the Diet at Ratisbone , as hath been said , from being General of the Cesarean Forces , and being afterward out of urgent necessity recalled to his former charge by the Emperour , was a man of much valour , and of no less fortune and authority ; and such a one , as if the things done by him in Germany be well observed , he certainly deserves the first place of as many Dutch Commanders as ever arrived at the height of fame and glory : he deserved well of the Empire , but much better of the Emperour , whose supream authority upheld by the valour and fortune of this Commander , rise to as great a height as did the like of any Emperour for many late years : he held that place with so absolute command and independency , as his not valuing even the Emperours commands was not imputed to him for disobedience or contumacy , but to his greater zeal of good Government , and to his better steering of affairs ; which being govern'd as he listed proved better for the Grandezza of the Empire : so as whatsoever transgression being done by another would not only have been accounted a fault , but would have been severely punished , being done by him was exempt from all suspition of errour : nor was his fidelity less then his authority , whereby he won so much credit of the Emperour , as his Imperial Majesty could never believe that any spot of Felony could ever enter so faithful a Commanders breast : yet could he not continue so long the course of his undoubted credit and sovereign authority , but that he wa●… , at last , forc'd unfortunately to submit to the natural vicissitude of all humane things ; and though experience teacheth us , that it is a natural and fatal propriety for all things , when they are come to the height of greatness , to be subject to declination and ruine , yet if we will abstract the fall of this so great and worthy Commander from the hidden , and by us unknown properties , of humane vicissitude , and shall seek for any more apparent cause of so great a down-fall , it may be imputed chiefly to two things . First , to his zeal of sustaining the Cesarean dignity against the prime Princes of Germany ; who thinking the Emperours greatness to be a lessening of theirs , set themselves fiercely against him upon this account , as against him who valued not the abasing of the common liberty of Germany , so as he might maintain the Emperours greatness ; to which was annex'd a second cause , his fierce and arrogant nature , by which he regula●…ed his actions ; for seeing himself firmly seated in the Chariot of supream authority , he was so encouraged , as knowing himself able to do all things , he thought he might lawfully do so : so as when his authority was not grown to that height , nor so generally hated , his faults were imputed to the pride of his imperious genius , and therefore easily pardoned , the greatness of his merits being considered ; so when the chiefest men found themselves thereby injured in their power , and that they began to examine his faults with spleen and hatred , they turned them into disloyalty , perfidiousness , sedition , and into affected tyranny , procured by mis-becoming and scandalous ways : when the Command●…n chief of the Emperours Arms was taken from him , though he did not only yield ready obedience thereunto , and shew'd great moderation in so great a lessening of Fortune ; yet such a con●…entation differing much from the haughtiness of his revengeful spirit ; it was thought that like an incensed Achilles , or injured Narses , he hatched vindicative desires against those who had wrought his down-fall , and particularly against the Duke of Bavaria , who had in all things cont●…nually appeared his bitter enemy , that he had plots against the Empire , and that he proceeded so far therein , as that he endeavour'd to get the Imperial diadem for himself : so as not unlike Narses , who conspired with the Barbarians against the Emperour Iustinian , he was suspected to hold secret intelligence with the King of Swedland , Duke of Saxony , and with the other Confederates , against the Emperour , and that he plotted the ruine of Germany ; for the invading , and taking of Bohemia , by the Swedish and Saxon Forces , which hapned a little after his deposal , and the rou●… which not long after was given before Lypsick to Tilly , who was made General of the Emperours Forces , was generally attributed to his counsel and instigation : but he evidenced his sinister intentions yet more when the Emperour recalled him , when after the loss of Bohemia , the affairs of the Empire were in very bad condition : he was doubtlesly upon that occasion bound willingly to offer his endeavours for the sustaining of his Prince and Country , even with the hazard of his life ; but the haughtiness of his proud spirit kept him from doing so noble and worthy an action ; for being re-called he seemed so far from accepting it , as at the first he absolutely refused it , and at last , making use of the streights and ruine whereinto he saw the publick safety was brought , and of the necessity which was ●…ad of his assistance , he had the boldness to demand so insolent and arrogant conditions from the Emperour , as one that had conquer'd his Sovereign could not have propounded prouder : Amongst other things he required ( and such was the necessity , as it must be granted him ) that his Arbitrement might be absolute , not only over the Arms and Souldiers , but in making war and peace , insomuch as it should not be lawful for the Emperour to give him any Order or Commission which might concern the manner of making war , or the negotiating or concluding peace ; which wars or peace he might conclude or exclude without the Emperour , but not the Emperour without him : he would have the choice and disposal of all Captains and Officers of the Army ; the like of the Governours of Provinces , even such as were patrimonial to the Emperour ; that the exacting of Tributes and Revenues , the distribution of Goods gotten or confiscated by war , might absolutely belong unto him ; and finally , that it should not be in the Emperours power to deprive him of the Authority of being General , unless he should give him six moneths warning thereof before hand . A greater Authority certainly then Dictatorship , which if it were always thought dangerous in a Commonwealth , it was not only incompatible under a Sovereign Prince , as being d●…ametrically ●…epugnant to Sovereignty , but altogether unsufferable and unpracticable ; and the granting thereof being nothing else but the bereaving a Prince of the essentiality , and the leaving him scarcely the bare name and meer semblance of Sovereignty ; it could not only be practised without manifest injury to Sovereign Power , but not so much as fall within the thought of a good Subject : so great a concession forced by himself was therefore unworthy , dangerous to the whole Empire , and the more formidable in one so highly offended , so revengeful , and so tenaciously mindful of injuries received , so inexo●…able , inhumane , and so disordinate in his affections ▪ and on the other side , capable of any howsoever weighty under●…aking , greedy of power , and of winding all things about according to his pleasure ; wherein he had no moderation of counsel , nor curb to his ambition : to this was added , for the greater prejudice of the present condition of Affairs , the great sway which he had purchased with all the Military men of Germany , who appeared ready to obey his beck ; every one therefore foresaw , that the excessive authority which of meer necessity was granted him , would rather make him aspire to greater things , and putting himself in a posture of giving Laws to Germany , rather then to free her from the calamities which she lay under . He was not wanting in co-operating to these Prognostications ; for his having abandoned the Field in the Battle of Lutzen , and his Artillery to the enemy , who might easily have been then vanquished , if instead of retreating he had sent for Gallasso's intire and fresh Forces , and those of other Commanders who were not present at the Battle , and recruited his Army therewith , and assaulted the enemies Camp , without giving them leave to breathe , whilst it was astonished by the Kings death , and by the loss of so many men who were slain in that conflict , was an action badly resented , and which argued much errour : his having after this cantonized himself in Bohemia , and suffer'd the enemy which was confused and half routed to ralley , and to recover Lypfick and almost all Saxony so easily , which were before possess'd by the Cesarean Forces ; and on the contrary , his having recalled Aldringer from Bavaria , and his hindring Ban●…ere at the same time from recovering his own State , were circumstances , which added to the former appeared very strange , and did more aggravate his conduct of Forces which were so freely and absolutely refer'd to him : but what hapned afterwards before Suainitz , and those infamous Capitulations stipulated therewith the Emperours enemies did more undeniably convince his loyalty , who had first let slip so 〈◊〉 an occasion of quelling the Emperours Enemies and Rebels : his not having afterward suppress'd Count Torres and Colonel Tubal , as he easily might have done , and his having let them both escape when they were his prisoners , and his having listed the enemies Souldiers in the Cesarean Militia , were great inforcements for the staining the candor of his fidelity : his appearing afterwards so repugnant to Cesars Commands , when seeing Ratisbone assaulted by the enemy , and Bavaria cry for succour when in such danger , not caring for the preservation of that so noble Province and important City ; and after the loss of Ratisbone , his so little care to recover it , whilst the enemies were not yet fortified there ; and his not betaking himself to defend Bavaria , which after the loss of Ratisbone was subject to the enemies inroads ; but having in lieu thereof cantonized himself again in Bohemia , without acquainting the Emperour therewith , did yet more aggravate the suspitions , not to say the faults , of his preceding actions : being come into Bohemia with all the blame which was laid upon him , he took no care to acquir himself thereof , but , as if all things had been lawful for him , he fell into greater and more important errours : he had ( as hath been said ) drawn the hatred and anger of the Electors upon him ; for having contrary to custom quartered his Army in their Dominions ; he now began to take the same license in the Emperours Hereditary Territorie ; an action which as it redounded much to the prejudice of his Imperial Majesty , so was it diversly construed ; some attributed it to pride and neglect of the Emperour , as if by reason of the supream power which he had obtained from the Emperour , he cared not to use that power against the Donor ; some , to his resentment for having been drawn contrary to his genius from the war against lower Germany , to defend Bavaria ; the greatest part suspected that under presence of quartering his Souldiers in the Cesarean Territories , he intended to begirt the City and Court of Vienna , and to imprison the Emperour within his Forces : moreover , the jealousie which he had conceived a little before at the entring of the Duke of Feria's Army into Germany in relief of the Empire , and of Constance and Brifack , and his yet greater apprehension and incensement which he shew'd afterwards against the Army led by the Infanta : having so perfidiously endeavoured the raine of the former , and the exclusion of the other out of Germany , were evident signs of his being highly displeased with those Forces , thinking that they were brought into Germany , only to curb and counterpoise his Army , and to secure the Empire against the novelties and revolutions which all the world apprehended from his scandalous and abusive Authority ; and though these and the like actions of this great Commander , being weighed in a more curious balance , might seem to have their defences ( as all humane , but especially Military actions never want ) yet did they not at all lessen the finister impressions radicated and accumulated by his so many misdemeanors in mens minds , wherewith they were generally so scandalized , as not admitting any defence , they all stood expecting some monstrous and formidable products of so immense authority , in a man so fierce , so irritated , and so apparently ill inclined ; and the total of Religion , and of the Empire , being treated of , they thought their suspicions certain ; every one therefore had a lash at him , all men exclaimed against him ; and with open months desired that provision might be made against the so neer and so certain danger : only the Emperour , who still confided in his loyalty whom he had ever found faithful to him , was of a contrary opinion , and would not without manifest proofs condemn his Officers ; and some of the chief men who assisted the Emperour , prevailed upon either by great rewards or promises , approved of the Emperours disposition , and excusing the faults which were imputed to him endeavoured by many arguments to assert his innocence : there were two sorts of persons that this mighty man had made his enemies , the Spanish Agents , and the Jesuites ; he was not mealy-mouthed towards either of these : of the former he was wont to say , That it was better being succoured by them with moneys , then with men ; and that both of them were to be absolutely banish'd out of Germany ; and it was said , that the banishment of the Jesuites was expresly articled in the Capitulations of Suainitz : so as the Spanish Agents , thinking that he sowed discord between the Empire and Crown of Spain , to the end that he might weaken them both , and so destroy them ; and the Jesuites thinking that he was resolved to subvert the Catholick Religion , which though in appearance he professed to worship , yet many of his actions having another aspect , he was no less suspected to be an enemy to Religion , then to the Empire ; and it was thought that he profess'd the Catholick Religion , only outwardly , and to keep in credit with the Emperour , who was a pious Prince ; but that , for the rest , that he intended to take away all the supports from the Catholick Religion , and from the Spanish Authority , that he might the more easily effect his designs against them . All of them therefore used their power with the Emperour , to contaminate these his endeavours ; amongst the Spaniards there was the Count d'Ognate , Embassadour in ordinary with the Emperour , and the Marquess of Castegnada , also Embassadour in extraordinary with the King of Hungary , both of them indued with excellent Counsel and Judgement ; who were very careful of the main Affairs . Fritland had made both these his enemies , no less then he had done the Duke of Bavaria ; but he had incens'd him now more then ever , for that after the loss of Ratisbone he would not give the least assistance to his State , which was then more in danger then ever : wherefore the Duke exclaimed against him in Cesars Court ; his keeping still in Bohemia added to his being hated and suspected ; as also the probable doubt , that he had still some design to make himself King thereof ; and that he tarried therefore there in these perturbations of Affairs , to execute this his design now , when in likelihood he might easily effect it : not so much in respect of the Authority he had over the Souldiers , who called him their Father , and were ready at his least beck ; as that all the Princes and Hans Towns of Germany being much inclined to abate the Austrian name and authority , would not only be well pleased therewith , but would favour it , and assist him therein : but the more necessary provision appeared to be had against the accumulation of so many mischiefs , the harder was it to finde them out . Cesars Decrees were of small validity against him who had the supream and absolute arbitrement over all Cesars Forces : so as the remedy appeared more dangerous then the disease ; and the Emperour still persevering in his resolution of not condemning one of disloyalty , of whose fidelity he was so well satisfied , he seemed not capable of putting on so stout a resolution ; but being at last overcome by so many exclamations and reiterated protestations , or were it that the prejudice he received by the quartering of his men upon his Territories grieved him ; when he saw the very City of Vienna environed with his quarters , and himself and his Court in a manner besieged ; before he would come to more sharp and severe courses , he made his desires known to him by Father Chiroga , a Spaniard , a religious Capuchin , and Confessor to the Queen of Hungary , that in consideration of his being so grievously troubled with the Gout , which was a hindrance to him in his Military actions , he would be content to give over his Command of being General , and retire himself , as he had done formerly , to a private life : but were it either that he thought this desire was made at the instant pressures of his enemies , or that he still persevered in his machinations , he would not be perswaded thereunto , but answered , that he had no desire to serve the Emperour against the Emperours will , that he was therefore ready to obey his commands ; but that it was also true , that as well he himself , as his Commanders under him , had upon his Paroll been at great expence , in raising men , for the recruiting of the Army , and that he was to see them paid for the expences they had been at , as the Emperour was to see him satisfied : that therefore he thought it reasonable , that , in the first place , his Majesty should finde means to pay what he ought him , and to his Captains ; and that convenient satisfaction being given in this point , he would give over his charge , and withdraw himself to a private life : but the Emperour not being in a condition of disbursing so great a sum of money , and the jealousies , and frequent protestations multiplying , he betook himself to somewhat a more severe way : he sent the Baron of Questemberg , who was his chiefest Officer , to him , and his chiefest Court-confident , and through whose hands the Affairs of greatest consequence passed ; willing him to complain , in his name , against his pass'd actions , and particularly for his quartering his Army in his the Emperours Patrimonial Dominions , and chiefly in the parts about Vienna , and he gave him also a very resentive instruction , whereby the Emperour complaining very much of the loss of Ratisbone , and of Wallesteins not recovering it , he added , that those quarters did so much trouble his Imperial Majesty , as he would rather lose a Field Battle , then indure them any longer : when Questemberg came before Fritland , were it either that he had always shew'd himself much devoted to his greatness , or were it that he feared to exasperate him too much , if he should deliver him his message by word of mouth ; judged it better to give him his instructions to read ; at the reading whereof Fritland being mightily incensed , said , that he would renounce his charge of being General , for he clearly saw all his enemies used their uttermost power to make him do so ; whereupon he published this his resolution in writing ; and ( which made much for irritating the Souldiery ) he caused several Copies of this instruction to be dispers'd amongst them ; he also gave Order to his Cousen the Count of Tersica , and General of the Horse , and to Count Chiuschy , his great Favorite , both of them Bohemians , who possess'd great Lordships in that Kingdom , and to the Marquess Illo , a Burgondian , and one who was also much his favorite , to negotiate with the Captains and Souldiers of his Army , and make them not consent to his laying down his charge : these obey'd the Generals commands , and began seditiously to publish throughout the Quarters and Precincts of the Army the wrongs and injuries which were done to their General by his enemies , the which not being any longer able to resist he was forced to renounce his charge , and once more to give way to the apparent hatred of the Court ; Saying that he who was a Captain loaded with Victories and Triumph , and who now was arrived at that height of greatness whereunto any humane thought could aspire , was not troubled to return to a private life , that once more , after having undergone so many labours , he might injoy the quiet due thereunto ; wherefore he was not troubled to disrobe himself once more of that command which against his will , and inforc'd , he had revested himself with ; that he was only troubled , even to the soul , to think that he must abandon so well deserving Souldiers , whose deserts he had upon so many occasions known , and whose valour he had tried ; but that he was much more displeased , and that it did very much afflict his soul , that by abandoning them he should be a means of their losing so excessive expences , which by his Orders , and upon his Paroll , they had been at in the raising of men ; which expences , together with the pay , and rewards due for so signal service , who was it that would pay them if he should abandon the Army ? who was better acquainted with the merits of every particular man then he ? who had seen what pains they had taken , what blood they had shed , what dangers they had run , hazarding their lives so often , and so generously , for the common safety : that they might easily see how little the Emperour valued their deserts , the blood which they had spent in his service , the sorrow they had suffer'd , and dangers they had undergone , for the safety and maintenance of his Imperial Diadem ; since he more esteemed the keeping of every Housholder of his Patrimonial Dominions from being never so little troubled , then the disbanding of that Army which had done , and suffer'd , such things for his service : that these were the things wherewith their General was grieved , and not the laying down his charge ; that upon this occasion he wish'd he had the wealth of Croesus , or the Mines of Potosie , that he might make good his word unto them , so to satisfie them for what he ow'd them ; but that having nothing now left after so many disbursements , which he also had been at for the common cause , unless it were the Plate destined for his own use , he was very ready to offer it them to satisfie them in part , for a much greater sum which he acknowledged he ow'd them : that he desired them they would accept of it , at least as an argument of his good will ; that as he was always desirous to remunerate them all , and each of them , for their deserts ; so did it much afflict him , that through the injuries of the times they were to be defrauded of their merits , as well as he : to these and the like Speeches sp●…ead abroad in the Camp , by those he imployed , they added , and minded them of the extraordinary parts , and of the other excellent parts of their Commander in Chief : how upon so many occasions , through his means , they had been Conquerors ; his good usage of them , his civility and liberality used to them all , his relieving them in their greatest necessities , his affability and humanity ; and , on the other side , they mentioned the bitter injuries and persecutions of the Court , the nets that were spread abroad for his ruine by his enemies , how ungratefully his so high deser●…s ●…ad been acknowledged ; and finally , they instil'd into the Souldiery all the affection , tenderness and piety , which might make them compassionate their Generals misfortune ; and all that might move them to sedition , so far as to exhort them to joyn with them , and to interest themselves in his just cause ; that they should not suffer themselves to be abandoned by their General , nor consent to so unworthy , and so unjust , oppression of a Commander so full of Victory , Merit and Valour ; who for his part would always side with the Emperour , under whom he had waged war so faithfully ; that he would persevere in his innate devotion towards his Imperial Majesty , but that , notwithstanding , they were obliged not to suffer him to be trampled upon by the common enemies , and not permit that he , who was the upholder of the Empire , the honour of the German Nation , and who was the common safety , should be unworthily suppress'd by the envy of a few strangers , and enemies to the German Nation . Wallestein was wont to confer the Captains places and the Offices of the Army upon such as did wholly depend upon him ; insomuch as if any were recommended to him by the Emperour , they were sure to be denied ; wherefore these things prevailing much with the Army , the Souldiers were all joyntly ready to go to the Generals quarters , ready to offer up their lives and bloods in preservation of his welfare and dignity , to vindicate the offences which were unjustly done him , and to receive the sign of sedition from him : but it was thought a more moderate way , that the Capta●…ns of the Army only should acquaint the General with the common sence of the Souldiery , and with their earnest desires that he would not abandon their hope and interests , by laying down his place of General . The General seeming at first unwilling to grant their desires , said , he would once more readily obey the Emperours commands ; but seeing the Souldiers pressures more fervent by his denial , he suffered himself to be overcome ; and , as if inforced , condescendded to the general desire of the Souldiery : But upon condition that the Captains of the Army should subscribe a certain writing , whereby they should swear not to abandon him , but to keep firm to him upon all occurrences ; and to follow him in all enterprises which might tend to the preservation of his Person , State and Dignity , and to the good of the Army ; in observancy whereof they were to spare neither blood nor life ; and in the last place , they protested they would prosecute those as Traytors , and disloyal persons , and punish them severely in their lives and goods , who should not subscribe to this Oath . All the Captains who were in the Camp readily underwrit this writing ; and it was said , that some would not swear , but upon condition that this new Oath should be understood in service to the Emperour ; and that this condition was rejected : but in fine , all swore in the Generals words , some willingly , some for fear of their lives ; for the Souldiers stood in a tumultuous manner about the Generals Lodging , ready to make those that should not subscribe pass the push of Pike . Gallasso and Picolominy , who were present underwrit , as did the rest : but instantly going from the Camp , under pretence of going to their quarters , to gather all their Forces into a body , they went to the Emperour to acquaint him with what had hapned , complaining and protesting that they were compel'd to do what they had done ; and offering their ready service to obey his Imperial Majesties commands , in extinguishing this commencing sedition . Aldringer was not then in the Camp , though Wallestein had used all means to have him there ; the Emperour being much moved at this novelty , presently published a Proclamation , wherein he proclaimed Fritland a Traytor , making Gallasso General in his place , and freeing the Commanders from the Oath they had taken , and pardoning all such as had subscribed , so as they would in a short time joyn with the new General , and swear loyalty to him in Cesars name : but he excepted Fritland out of this pardon , and some few who were his confidents , and had incited him to this sedition and conspiracy . At the first news of this Edict divulged through the Army , every man began 〈◊〉 bethink themselves ; some for fear of punishment , some out of hopes of pardon : Wallesteins self thought himself not safe amidst his souldiers , chiefly when he found that his chief confidents , Gallasso and Picolominy had abandoned him , and that Picolominy came with 3000 Horse to take him prisoner ; wherefore going out of Pilsen , a City of Bohemia , where the Conspiracy was plotted , and accompanied by those who were excluded pardon , he suddenly withdrew towards Egra , a strong Town of Bohemia , confining upon Saxony , wherein was a Garrison add a Governour , who were much his friends ; and hoping to be assisted by the Duke of Saxony , and by Duke Weymer , in this misfortune , he dispatched expresses to them , acquainting them with his condition , and making them plainly see that this was the time to quell the Austrian power ; he desired them either to come speedily , or send to Egra , where they might ripen the yet unperfect Counsels , and joyn in a solid union against the Emperour : he sent the like advertisements to others of the Swedish Army , with whom he had had some such intelligence before ; but being come with his associates to Egra , instead of finding any that would side with him there , he found his murderers , and those who came to nip this Rebellion in the bud ; for the Governour of that place , and those who were there , hearing of the Emperours Edict , received him within their Walls joyfully , but conspired his ruine . The Governour invited Fritlands associates to a splendid Supper , where whilst they were at the Table , they were slain . Fritland who being ill of the Gout rested in another Lodging , hearing an extraordinary noise at his Gate , got out of Bed , strove to open the Window , and to endeavour an escape out of it , the Window not being very high ; but the Door being broken open , he was knock'd down with Halberts . This was the end of Albertus Wallesteine , Duke of Fritland , and thus ended his vast and immense Plots ; a Commander who certainly deserved any other death then this : he was worthy to be compared to Stilico , one of the Emperour Honorio's chiefest Commanders ; not so much for the greatness of his Military actions , as for his misfortune of having stained them at the last with Treachery . This Stilico waging war , 1200 years ago for the Roman Empire against the Barbarians , was then , as Fritland now , the only support of the Empire , which was in a tottering and sad condition by the inundation of the Barbarians ; and being arrived , as this man was , to the greatest height as a private man could come to , he unfortunately lost his life for Treachery and affected Tyranny : and yet , as the spots which by our modern Mathematicians are round in the Sun , are so buried in the refulgency of the Sun-beams , as they are not of force enough to obscure the light and splendor of so great a Planet ; so Stilico's faults being out-done by the beams of his Valour , and by his famous Victories , did not at all blemish his memory to posterity ; wherefore we may hope that this our Commander may fare accordingly . The two Scipio's after the Victories won , and famous actions performed on the behalf of the Commonwealth of Rome , were likewise accused , and ended their old age miserably , the one in prison , the other in exile : Hannibal proved the like fortune amongst the Carthaginians : Bellesarius and Narses , two famous Commanders , ●…an the like misfortune under the Emperour Iustinian ; and to come to later times , Gonzallo Fernandes di Cardova , surnamed il Gran Capitano , being either guilty , or suspected by his Prince to be so , died banish'd from the Court , and not much better then Confined to a poor little Village . Howsoever , this our Commander wanted not authentick testimonies of his fidelity , even after his death : the confederates Commanders with whom it was thought that he had plotted so hamous Conspiracies , having always found themselves deluded by these feigned Treaties , did not believe him when he invited them this last time to Egra ; but not trusting him any longer , and fearing to be abused as they had been formerly , they moved not at all , but proceeded so considerately , as his speedy death freed them from that misfortune , whereinto had they been more credulous , they had undoubtedly fallen ; and as his most suspected actions , and those whereon his being guilty of high Treason were most grounded , are accompanied by several Arguments of his innocency , and seem not sufficient to convince him ; so those good wits have not been wanting , who by their eloquent declamations have endeavour●…d to prove his accusations false , and have vindicated his innocency : but , howsoever ; all that can be said in his justification cannot so far free him , but that his publishing the Instructions brought him by Questemberg , and the subscription under-written by his Captains , and accepted of by him , together with all that was done at Pilsen , must convince him of a manifest attempt against his Prince , it not being lawful for a Vassal , under whatsoever pretence , to jest in so nice Affairs ; and the unworthy Conditions which he extorted from his Prince before he would re-assume the place of General , and those hateful Conventions agreed upon with the enemies to the Empire , before Suainitz , were so enormous and scandalous as they are not to be defended : Moreover , who can doubt , but that his endeavours to ruine Feria's Army , and to keep out that of the Infanta , the one whereof was to bring so much endammagement to Germany and the other would have been manifest and cleer evidences of Treachery in a much meaner Officer then he ? It being a no less hostile Act to endeavour the destruction of any ones Forces and Armies by secret plots and machinations , then by weapon in hand . The same may be affirmed of his persecuting the Spanish Agents , who were so fit instruments for the Emperours service , and for his contrivals against the Jesuites , who are so great maintainers of the Catholick Religion ; it not being to be denied , but that the one was a manifest attempt against the Divine , the other against Humane Majesty ; for which certainly any of a meaner condition would have been blamed . Now let us reassume the thred of our Narration . The flame of this horrible Rebellion , which was likely to have undone all Germany , and therewith the Germane Empire , being extinguished almost before it was kindled , and sedition being also ceased in the Camp , the Army returned to the Emperours obedience , who being freed from so dangerous a storm●… made his Son the King of Hungary go into the Field with no less applause then success , who ( as you have heard ) was chosen General of the Emperours Forces after Walle stines decease , to whom the Duke of Bavaria presently joyn'd with his Army , and with the Army of the League , and being desirous to illustrate his first fruits by some signal service , he began with the recovery of Ratisbone , which was formerly taken by the Swedes : This is a Hans Town of Germany , scituated upon the Danube , almost in the bosome of Bavaria , a very opportune scituation for the safety of Austria , and for the regaining of Bavaria ; there was in it a Garrison of 3000 Foot ; and Weymer , who was formerly made General of the Confederates Forces , desired by the perservation of that place not only to preserve the glory of having taken it , but therein also the honour of his commencing General ; and being gotten thereinto before the King came before it , he lef●… a recruit of 1000 Foot , together with some Ammuniton , there ; and then leaving it , he used all diligence in raising as many men as possibly he could , to relieve it ; but it was too strongly opposed ; for at the very name of the Kings going to the Field , all the Nobility and Princes of Germany strove who should first joyn with him ; he had with him his own Army , and those of Bavaria and the Catholick League ; he still abounded in men , and had brought along with him a hundred pieces of battery ; yet the Defendants were not at all dismay'd , but continued their defence undauntedly for many days ; but their Ammunition falling short , they were at last forced to yield upon honourable Conditions , being still playd upon by 100 Cannon , and seeing no succour come ; for Weymer could not assemble Forces sufficient to relieve it ; he could not get Marshal Horne , nor the Lan●…grave , to come to that enterprise , though he had sent for them , they being both of them much displeased with his being chosen General , and were not willing to be under his command ; only Horne coming in at last , brought so few men with him , as , being joyned to Weymer's , they amounted not to 16000 fighting men , too small a number , and much inferiour to the Opposers . This Victory gotten so succesfully , under the first Auspice of a young Prince , of great Birth , it is impossible to express how much spirit it restored to the Cesarean Forces , and how much it revived their valour , which , Wallestine being dead , seemed almost quite extinct , conceiving , that he being gone who was thought to be the only support of Germany , no action of moment could be expected from Cesar's Forces . On the other side , that Victory did sufficiently abate the pride and haughtiness of the Enemy , who , puff'd up with success , were victorious every where ; and Fritland being dead , they thought they could meet with no opposition ; the Name of this young Prince was therefore not only exalted to the skies , but he was received and cry'd up as a new deliverer of afflicted Germany . On the contrary , the Confederates Forces , having lost much reputation by this action , forsook Bavaria , and retreated towards Aus●…erg , and Swevia , thinking that the Infanta would come by that way , and joyn his Forces with those of the victorious Kings they therefore betook themselves to hinder their joyning , from whence they foresaw great ruine and prejudice would ensue to their Affairs . The King , on the contrary , hearing that 〈◊〉 was assaulted by the Sa●…on Forces , was already marching to relieve that Kingdom ; but understanding by the way that it was sufficiently defended , and that the Assailants had been repuls'd with great loss from before the Walls of Prague , he sent some Regiments thither to strengthen it , and returned back ; and joyning with Bavaria , went to before Donavert , a strong in Bavaria , upon the banks of the Danow , which was yet held by the Confederates , and which confining upon Franconia , and the Country of Wittenberg , was the key of Bavaria on that side , a place of great importance ; and having recovered it also happily by assault , he also forced some other Towns to surrender : Wherefore having recovered almost all Bavaria , and left the Duke to recover the rest , the King went with his Army , and with that of the League , against the Country of Wittenberg , a fruitful Country , and which being till now untouch'd by the present Wars of Germany was thought to be the Magazine of the Confederates Army ; for the Duke of that Country being a Protestant , and having always appeared to be a capital Enemy to the Catholick Religion , and to the Austrian Na●…e , furnish'd the Armies of the League with all things necessary : Wherefore the King having refresh'd his men a little , went against Nordling , the chief City of that Dukedom , which joyning with Ulmes , not far off , was of great concernment for the Affairs of Germany . This the Kings resolution made the Chieftains of the contrary party very sollicitous to relieve it , lest it might be lost , as well as Ratisbone and Donavert ; so as they thought them bound to do their utmost to defend it . Express Orders being therefore sent to all the Forces , even those of Garrisons which were in several parts of Germany , they commanded them expresly to quit the places and Towns wherein they were , and to joyn with them immediately in so necessary and important a succour . The King , on the other side , hearing of so great an union , dispatch'd away a Messenger immediately to the Infanta , who was then come with his Forces to the Confines of Bavaria , desiring him that for the present he would give over prosecuting his journey , which he intended for Alsatia , and joyn with him in the common enterprize against the common Enemy : Alsatia was then abandoned , for almost all the Garrisons of the Towns thereof , upon General Weymers command , were marched towards Nordlingen ; so as the Infanta might more easily , and more securely , march thorough Alsatia . His chief intent was , to get as soon as he could into Flanders , where he was much desired by those Provinces which wanted a Governour ; but ●…hearing no better harmony then what concerned the defence of the Catholick Religion , the well-fare of the Empire , and the Grandezza of his own house , which depended all upon his joyning with the King ; setting all things else aside , and not caring for what was said to the contrary , he fix'd his thoughts , and pitch'd his resolution onely on this union . Taking therefore all necessary orders for it , he went with his Army towards Monaco , where Serbellone and Gambacorta , together with the remainders of Feria's Army , joyning with him , he drew towards the Danube ; and passing over it about Donevert , he came to the Cesarian Camp before Nordlingen , whither Weymer was come a little before with his Army ; and expecting other recruits was firmly set upon the relief thereof . He was quartered upon a Hill called Arespurg , just over against that part where the Cesarean Camp was pitch'd ; so as the City was seated just between as in a Diametre between the two Armies , and the Hill was within four hours march of the City , Weymer , out of a desire to end the business , endeavoured to draw the King out to battle ; but the King expecting the Infanta , kept within his quarters , and endeavouring to keep on the siege , would not hazard the publick and his private fortune upon the uncertainty of battle ; Being afterwards much reinforced by the Infanta's Arrival he neither quitted the siege , nor refused battle , if it should be presented by the enemy , but was prepared for both ; his Forces consisted of three Armies , his own of the Empire , that of the Catholick League , and that of the Infanta's : They in all made up the full number of 13000 Horse , and 20000 Foot ; in that of the Emperour , which was governed by Gallasso , under the title of the Kings Lieutenant Gene●…al , were 7000 Horse , commanded by Picolomini , and 5000 Foot , besides 2000 Hungarians and Croats , which served more to trouble the Enemies quarters with inrodes , then to fight in open fields . In that of the League , wherein Iohn de Vert , the Duke of Lorreynes Lieutenant , commanded at first , and afterward the Duke himself when he was come unto the Camp , were 3000 Horse , and as many Foot ; in that of the Infanta's , whereof the Marquess Leganes was Camp-master General , were 3000 Horse , under the Ma●…quess Spinola , and 12000 Foot under several Commanders , all choice and veterane Souldiers , composed of severall Nations ; besides many Gentlemen and Captains of quality , who served as Voluntiers . In this al●…eration of affairs , the more that battle was desired by the Imperialists , the more did the others coole in their desire thereof : yet Weyme●… continued the same fervency rather to fight , then to suffer such a City to be lost whilst he looked on , and had past his word to those of Nordlingen , to relieve them and free them from siege within six dayes . His loss of Reputation egg'd him much on thereunto , which ●…e foresaw he must undergo , if the loss of this Town should be added to those of Ratisbone and Donevert ; whereby all the Hans Towns of Germany , from whence he had so great supplies of Monies , Men , Munition , and of Victuals , for maintainance of the Army , would certainly quite forego the Leagues party , and turn over to the Emperour . So as those supplies failing , the General con●…ederacy would soon dissolve ; he was also encouraged to try his fortune , by his having been so often victorious over the Imperiall Forces , and by his being certainly advertised that the Infanta's men exceeded not 2000 Horse , and 5000 Foot ; Wherefore despising the numbers of the one , and the courage of the others , he perswaded himself of assured victory . On the contrary , Horn , the head of the Sw●…dish Militia , measuring things more warily , was against hazarding the Forces of the League upon the event of battle ; and almost all the subordinate Captains were of his opinion : They considered the uncertainty of battle , that their numbers were fewer then those of the enemy , that those whereof the Imperial Army was then full were valiant men , that there were three Armies in one , conducted by three great Princes ; that the King of Hungary had won much reputation by the Victories of Donevert and Ratisbone , that the Infanta and Duke of Lorrain , especially the Infanta , had store of valiant and experienced men ; that the presence of these Princes was much to be considered , by reason of the courage that upon such occasions it infuses into the Souldiery ; that therefore the hazarding of a Battle might prove dangerous ; that the Victory would be more certain by delay then by fighting , for that the Cesarean Army was streightned in Victuals , Straw and Fo●…rage , and could not , consequently , keep in those quarters long : on the contrary , that he was abundantly provided of all these things from the Country of Wittenberg , which lay on his back ; so as since they might overcome and provide for the freeing of the Nordlingers by cun●…tation , wherefore should they expose the main affair to the cast of a Dice ? to this was added the difficulty of the way by which they were to march , it being an uneasie Country for the carrying of their Cannon , and being possess'd and fortified by the enemy : that to boot with all this , they expected Count Otto of the Rhein , with 2000 Horse and 5000 Foot , and Count Cratz with 800 Horse and 3000 Foot , which were very considerable Forces upon this occasion ; which were neer ●…and , and therefore necessary to be tarried for : but Crats appe●…ring during this ambiguity of opinion , and the six days prefix'd for relieving the Nordlinge●…s being expired ; Weymer , who as General of the Con●…ederates Forces was to govern , being impatient of the least delay , or doubting perhaps that the Rhingrave would not , out of emulation for superiority , joyn with him , as he would not do in the relief of Ratisbone , not suffering any further dispute , commanded to proceed to the relief : he had with him somewhat more then 9000 Horse and 16000 Foot , whereof 4000 Horse and 5000 Foot were Germans , 4000 Horse and 2500 Foot Swedes , commanded by Marshal Horne , 6000 Foot were brought into the Field by the Duke of Wittenberg ; and the 800 Horse and 3000 Foot brought by Count Crats , which in all made up the number of 9000 Horse , and 16000 Foot. This resolution being put on , they marched from their quarters , intending to attempt a certain Wood , by which they were to pass before they could come to the Field where they were to fight ; and because it was thought it would be hard to get into the Wood , by reason that the way was so narrow , it was resolved that when they should have gotten it , they should proceed to assault the Camp which lay beyond the Wood ; and if they could not gain the Wood , that then they should forbear , and take up their Quarter in a convenient place , neer a little River , where they would wait for the coming of Count del Reno , who was thought to be within a days march . This Army appeared with this resolution before the Wood , three hours before Sun-set ; against which 3000 Horse were immediately sent under Octavio Picolominy , to discover it , and to entertain the enemy by skirmish : 〈◊〉 whose appearing as many of the contrary Camp advanced , and fought till night drew on ; the Imperialists were wholly unprovided of Muskets and Field ▪ Artillery , whereof the enemy was well provided ; the Imperialists therefore were worsted in this encounter , and forced to retreat with the loss of many valiant Souldiers , and of some Captains ; amongst which the Prior Aldobrandino , Nephew to Pope Clement the 8th , was one , who having served with a Regiment many years in those wars , had given good trial of his Military valour . The Imperialists loss in this first encounter was notwithstanding fortunate for them ; for it was the rise of a signal Victory gotten by them the next day ; for the Victors having after this made themselves maste●…s of the Wood , did not take up their quarters where they had designed , nor waited not the coming of the Count del Reno ; but having won the Wood , doubted not to pursue their Victory the next morning : on the left side of the Wood there stood a little Hill which commanded the Imperial quarters , and all the Plain wherein the Catholick Army were to receive the encounter , and wherein the main Battle was to be fought . The first of either of the Armies which should possess themselves of this Hill commanded absolutely the enemies quarters , and the place which was destined for the future Battle : Weymer had no sooner cast his eye upon it , but considering the advantagiousness of the situation , he designed to be master of it ; and there being another little Wood at the Foot of that Hill , he thought it necessary to possess himself of that Wood , before he should master the Hill : not content therefore with having got the first Wood , he would take the other that very night , to make way for taking the Hill , which he reserved for the next morning : the Infanta was quartered upon some other little Hill neer this which were to be taken , but somewhat more inward , and not so high ; and he and his Captains having considered the si●…uation of the higher Hill , they had sent ●…ome men thither ; and in order thereunto , they had sent Francisco l' Escovar , Serjeant-Major of a Brigade , with 200 Spanish Musketiers , and not long after 200 Burgondians , with some Troops of Horse , to guard the little Wood which was at the foot of the same Hill ; and thinking they had sufficiently provided for the defence of both these places , they did no more therein . But Weymer , who was firmly resolved to make himself master of the Hill , sent much greater Forces to assault that little Wood , against which though l' Escovar fought valiantly , yet the assailants remained masters of that second Wood that very night , as they had been of the other before , took l' Escovar prisoner , and slew many of his men , not without much loss of their own blood : this being the second bait which fortune laid to entice the enemy on to battle , made the Cesareans more wary and more diligent in defending the upper Hill ; for they saw the enemy did their utmost to take it , placing their chief hopes therein of that Victory which they thought themselves sure of : wherefore the Infanta ceased not to send redoubled forces all night to defend it , and to secure it from assault , which he was sure would be given the next morning : he therefore sent several Regiments both of Foot and Horse thither , some whereof were placed on the Front , some on the sides , where the assailants were expected ; and after these other Regiments were orderly distributed , who were to re-inforce the former upon occasion : they l●…kewise sent Artillery thither , and made Trenches for the better defence thereof ; which were perfected before the assault was given , though the situation was stony and wanted earth ; nor prepared they less for Battle on the Plain then on the Hill , expecting that the enemy would undoubtedly sally out there from the Wood which which they had taken . The Army was thus ordered in that Plain : on the right wing was the Duke of Lorrein , General of the Catholick Leagues Army , and his Lieutenant Iohn de Vert , with all the Cavalry of that League : on the left was the Imperial Horse ; in the Battle which was placed in the midst was Marquess Spinola , General of the Spanish Horse , and with him was his Lieutenant Paolo Deutici ; behind these were the Emperours light Horse , a good part whereof were Croats . The Infanta's quarters were over all these upon a little Hill , wherein was Artillery placed , and a good strength of men , to succour and defend the Troops t●…at were upon the Plain : at last , the morn appeared on the sixth of September , wherein the enemy were seen to come in very good order towards the well munited , and well garrison'd Hill , against which the whole force and conflict of the Battle plaid , little being done upon the Plain : for W●…ymer , who was to assault the Cesarean Camp , kept within the Wood , being more intent to send forth new recruits to the Hill , then to advance and confront the Enemies Army ; thinking , and not without reason , that that station being overcome , the Army on the Plain would undoubtedly be vanquished . The whole concern touching the Catholick Religion , and the safe●…y of the Empire , was disputed upon that Hill : the ge●…ting up unto it was very steep : Horne with 4000 Horse and 5000 Foot , the most whereof were Swedes , and the cho●…cest men of the Army , was one that led on the assault ; and Count Gra●…z was the other with almost an equal number of Combatants : it was defended by Don Martine d' Idiaques , with his Brigade of Spaniards , Don Gasparo Toralto , with his Neapolitans , Gerardo Gambacorta with the Neapolitan Horse , by Salma , Vormes and Leister with the Dutch Horse ; by the Counts of Torre and Alberg , with the Burgondian Horse ; and all these were to receive the first assaults : behind these were many Brigades of reserve , amongst the rest two Brigades of the Lombardy , the one led on by Carlo Guasco , the other by Count Panigarvola . Picolominy and Serbellone were appointed to order this defence ; to whose valour and experience the whole defence of the Hill was intrusted : the Generals , Gallasso and Leganes , had no certain place appointed them , but went every where , providing for , and disposing of all things requisite for that days work . The assailants mounted the Hill in very good order , and with a setled and constant pace ; the first that were assaulted were the Neapolitan Horse and Foot , and the Dutch ; and so fierce was this first assault , as though the Neapolitans resisted stoutly , the Dutch faced about and began to run ; but they were presently turn'd back by the Officers and Souldiers of the other Brigades who were behind them , who with their Pikes and Swords withstood them , and did not only force them to forbear flying , but to re-assume their abandoned stations ; wherein Gambacorta did much service with his Horse , who by Serbellones order fell upon the Flank of the Enemies Horse , who had already possess'd themselves of the station abandoned by the Dutch , and forc'd them to forego it , and to quit it to Dutch , who were driven back by his men : but Toralto's Foot speedily discharging their Muskets , disordered the Enemies Horse , who came on so furiously , as many who escaped the Musket-shot were thrown to the ground by the Pike-men , and the Foot who followed them , assaulted with no less sury , behaving themselves gallantly ; but were but ill handled by some Piles of Musketiers , who assaulted them on the Flank ; and yet answering them stoutly , a great conslict began , which grew at last to a fierce Battle , and continued a long time equal ; wherein the Dutch Horse , after some resistance , being again repuls'd they forsook their station , one of their Leaders was mortally wounded , and the other , which was Vormes , slain right out ; and they sled , some of them falling foul upon Toralto's Brigade , other upon that of Idiaques , by whom being again made to stand by their Pikes and Swords , they did not at all disorder their ranks ; and the assailants possessing themselves of the Dutch mens station , were masters of their Cannon , and began to turn them upon the enemy , and had certainly occasioned great disorder and prejudice , had not Serbellone prevented it , who made Idiaques advance with his Brigade , which was composed not only of brave and gallant Souldiers , whosevalour had been upon several occasions tried formerly , and who had been exercised in Military Offices and Commands ; but was also adorned with many of the Nobility , who were all placed in the first Files : these passing through a thousand deaths , sacrificing their lives for their Religion , for their Prince , and for their own glory , did not only recover the lost station , but made it good against many assaults which were given one after another ; and afforded the fugitive Dutch occasion of rallying once again , and of re-entring the Battle . Toralto's Neapolitans were already wearied , and lessen'd by long fighting , who no less valiantly then the Foot had fought valiantly for a while , and maintain'd their Ranks , and had slain many of the enemies , whose Forces plying upon this part , the Imperialists were likely not to have been able to defend it much longer , which Gallasso and Leganes being aware of , they sent thither a re-inforcement of a thousand Horse , and a great many choice Musketiers , out of the Brigade ; which were for a reserve ; and the hostile violence still encreasing , they sent thither afterwards Guasco's and Panigarvolo's Lombard Brigades , which entring with great courage sustain'd the Battle , which by the Neapolitans weakness began to give ground : these entred so couragiously , as the Fight seemed to be renewed ; and the defence revived which was almost given over ; and though Panigarvelo after having long maintain'd fight , was slain by a Musket-shot in the throat , and that Guasco wounded with two Musket-shot in the thigh , and with one in the right hand , endeavour'd still to fight ; yet not being able longer to keep on foot , nor to manage his sword , he was forc'd to retreat : but notwithstanding that one of their Commanders were slain , and the other withdrawn , the subordinate Officers and Souldiers of these two Brigades failed not in doing their duties ; but fighting still couragiously and in good order , they made good their station , and maintained themselves still stoutly against the Enemy , as if no harm had befallen their Captains . It would require much time to relate punctually all the actions , all the assaults , and resistances which were made ; for the defence and for the taking of that Hill ; how now these pursued , how those gave now back , how the one party did sometimes abandon their station , then repulsing the oppugners , regained them : it would be long to relate what dangers were run , to name what Captains and Officers signalized themselves that day by fighting , some by dying , some by overcoming . The final end was , that at the end of seven hours fierce bickering , the like to which was hardly ever heard or read of ; the defendants after several likelihoods of being conquered , remained conquerers : the occasion of this Victory was the happy success that the Cesarean Army had on the Plain ; for Weymer finding it impossible to overcome the defence which was made upon the Hill , after having lost the best men of his Camp by sending continuaally strong re-inforcement thither , went , desperately out of the Wood ; and in his weak condition went to fall upon the Cesarean Camp , which being well marshal'd in Squadrons , expected him ; and having fought unfortunately ( for he was bravely , withstood , and repuls'd by the Duke of Lorrein , by Iohn de Vert , and by Marquess Spinola ) he was forced to give back , and being pursued by the Duke of Lorrein with the Cavalry of the League , and by Marquess Spinola , with those the Infanta , and after these by the Croates , who afterwards advancing , possess'd themselves of the passes by which the conquered were to seek their safety ; those who fought still obstinately upon the hill , seeing that Weymer did directly fly with their chiefest strength , and that the way whereby they were to escape was prepossess'd by the enemy , they began to doubt that if they should persist any longer in the enterprise , they should be assaulted on the backs , and that not being able to escape , they should be undoubtedly cut in pieces ; and that though they should have the better upon the Hill , it would be to no purpose , since the body of their Army was discomfited , abandoned the fight , and gave over the enterprise , and left the Victory to the Cesareans ; which certainly would have proved their own , if when they had taken the second Wood , they had immediately fallen upon the Hill , whilst it was ungarded ; for being masters thereof , they would have unlodged the enemy who were incamped below ; who being forced to retreat could not have escaped utter ruine ; and there being no other Forces then in the Field to sustain the Empire and the Austrian Grandezza , they would have been the Arbitrators of Germany : On so sleight accidents do the victories or overthrows of Armies , and the preservation or ruine of Empires and Monarchies , often depend . Almost all the Imperial Cavalrie which were on the plain , followed those that fled , and made great slaughter of them ; more particularly , in a certain boggy place , which those that fled light upon , where both Horse and Foot being plung'd up to the knees , they could not acquit themselves ; but being unable either to fly away , or to defend themselves , were miserably slain . The Duke of Lorrein advanced , and took Horn and Crats prisoners , and many others of the chief of the Army : Weymer , by means of a fleete Horse , fled towards Ulms , accompanied with not above eight men ; which City hearing how he had been routed , shut the gates upon him ; so as being deprived of that Refuge , ●…he fled still through the Country of Vertemberg , and had the good fortune to recover Francfort ; the number of the slain in the battle is variously calculated . Some will have it , that 8000 were slain , and as many taken prisoners as they fled ; so as what with those that were slain , and those that were taken prisoners , and dispers'd , there hardly remained 2000 under Colours : This Victory was the more remarkable by the little loss of the Conquerours blood ; all that were slain or wounded on their side not being full 2000 , the Artillery to the number of 84 peeces of Cannon , all the Munition , all the baggage , and 300 Horse and Foot Colours fell into the Enemies hand ; not above the third part of the Conquerours Army fought in this battle : For the Imperial Army , and that of the League , stood in squadrons with the Infanta's Cavalry on the plain , being little more then spectators of what was done upon the Hill : And the encounter which hapned after on the plain , from whence the victory first began was very sleight , being rather a victory , then a combat , for the Cesateans , and for the conquered rather a fl●…ght then a fight . The Infanta's Army fought most , and but a part thereof neither , and by the confession of the Dutch , generally , and of Horn himself , the victory was to be wholly acknowledged from the Infanta's Army , and particularly from the Spaniards , Neopolitans , and Lombards , upon whom the whole battle w●…s charged . And such was their confidence and ambition , as they would not communicate the glory of the victory with any other Nation , by calling them in to defend the Hill ; in so much as the Duke of Lorrein being advanc'd with some of his Regiments from the plain , where he could not tarry any longer idle looking on , as he end avoured to climb the Hill and assist the defendants , he was with-held by his own men ; and kept from going any further on , before he could come to where the battle was fought . By this victory the Swedish party which was before so formidable , remained little less then quite overthrown ; Oxenstern who was their chief directer , one who had been always undaunted , when he heard the news , was so astonished as that he knew not whither to turn , or what to do , to repair so great a blow . He was at Francfort , whither Weymer was retreated after the battle ; and having quickly gotten 3000 Foot , which came from the Rhingrave of Hessen , and from the Duke of Luneberg , he with those , and with some others , partly fugitives , partly those that he had sent for from other Garrisons , went together with Weymer towards Mentz ; hoping to find some refuge there , whereby to stop the precipice of so great a ruine : But those of the Town , affrighted at such a turn of Affairs , were more desirous to obtain pardon for the faults they had already committed , then to incense the Emperour by committing yet more , so as they would not receive them . They therefore retired towards the neighbouring Mountains of Rheine , and threw a bridge over the River , that they might receive great succours which they expected from France . On the other side , the victorious Army , to which those of Norlingen did immediately surrender , passing into the Countries of Wittenberg , Franconia , & Suevia , thinking that they would all come in and submit themselves ; and that they might get great compositions from thence , which all the people and parts thereabouts did readily offer , to shun the sacking and desolation of their Country . The like did all the Cities upon the Rheine and Danube ; and those also upon the Iser , Occino , and Neccar , ( Rivers of that part of Germany ) which had sided with the Swedes . Thus the Conquerours minding more the reaping of advantage by their victory , then to subdue the remainders of the conquer'd party , afforded them conveniency of recruiting , and of recovering their former condition and honour ; which though it was attributed to weakness in the Imperialists Counsels , yet other more important reasons kept them from doing it , lest they might put those remainders into utter despair . They were yet posses'd of many principal Towns near the Rheine : And the King of France being very much prest by them for succour , made use of that present necessity which he saw they were in ; desiring that if they would have the demanded succour , they would deliver up into his hands the important Town of Filisburg upon the Rheine ; so as the Cesareans thinking they might more easily recover those Towns from them then from the French , were reserved in totally extirpating them , to keep them from despair : Thus in their low ebb of the reliques of the victories which they had formerly gotten made them secure and considerable even to their victorious Enemies , as they had formerly when they got them , made them formidable to Germany : Not long after the battle , it was consulted in the Camp , whether the Infanta returning backwards should go for Flanders thorough Alsatia , as he had formerly intended to do ; or whether being already so far advanced in Germany , he should pursue his journey through the Palatinate . For his going thorough Alsatia , the conveniency which he might have to relieve Brisack , which was again besieged by the Enemy , was pleaded ; and the easiness and safety of his marching thorough that Country , which was now free from Garrisons of the Enemy , they being gon , after the battle of Norlingen , to joyn with their General . The shortness of the march pleaded for the other way and the safety thereof ; it being void of the conquer'd Enemy as well as Alsatia , as also the much pressing of the Flemmings , that he would hasten his journey as much as he possibly could : Moreover , the Winter-season , which upon any the least delay before Brisack would come on , and would not only have block'd up that way but all other ways , made more against his turning back , and for his continuing the way he was in . After several debates it was carried , that he should go through the Palatinate ; wherefore the Infanta , in company with the King of Hungary , entring the Dukedom of Wittenberg , and having reduced it to obedience ( for the Duke thereof was fled with some few into the Country of Saltsburg ) came into the lower Palatinate , where the Infanta taking leave of the King , and having obtain'd 2000 Horse from him for a conduct , pass'd victoriously every where , and as triumphing over the Enemies of the Catholick Faith and of the Empire , not meeting with any opposition ; nay , all places through which he pass'd yielded to him , and he was furnish'd every where abundantly with victuals , and all sorts of refreshments . From the Palatinate he entred into the County of Nansaw , and being come from thence to Cullen , where he was honourably received by that Elector , he pass'd into Flanders with as much quiet and safety as he passed through Castile and Arragon when he parted from Madrid . He came into Brussels about the beginning of November , in the year 1634. where he was received not only with great pomp but with incredible applause ; his coming was very seasonable ; for the ground-work was already laid for a strong League in those parts against the Spaniards , between the King of France and the United Provinces , which was concluded on the beginning of March following ; and thereupon powerful Armies were prepared by them both to assault joyntly the Provinces which were obedient to the Crown of Spain : The King of France wanted only a pretence whereby to honest the breach . But this new and great rupture not being to be cloaked , the mask which had formerly been made use of between the two Crowns must be taken off , and open War must be made , which did necessarily require some pretence for its justification ; therefore the King of France made use of an occasion which hapned at this time . The Archbishop of Triers , one of the Electors , held ( as hath been formerly said ) much closer Intelligence with the King of France then with the Emperour and Austrians , with whom for many occasions he had been several times distasted ; and to boot that this City was a member of the German Empire , it had been anciently under the protection of the Dukes of Luxemburg , and by succession under the protection of the King of Spain , who succeeded the ancient Dukes in that Dukedom ; and the King of Spain , under colour of that pretension , was wont to keep some Souldiers in Garrison there , and to use some actions of Jurisdiction : The Elector seeming to apprehend the Swedish Forces had ( as hath been formerly said ) put himself under the King of France his protection , and received a French Garrison into the City , expelling the Spanish : Nor herewithal content , he , to the great prejudice of the German Affairs , delivered up to the same King of France the Town of Hermensteyne ; it was also said that he was to accept of the Cardinal Richelieu as Co adjutor in the Archbishoprick , to which the Electorship is annex'd , with intention of leaving that Dignity to him afterwards , and so introduce a Vote absolutely depending upon the King of France into the Electoral colledge ; A thing which though it was sufficiently contrary to reason , and to the preeminence of the German Empire , and repugnant to the Votes of the German Nation ; yet would it not have been ill looked upon by the Protestant Princes in those times , and to such as were ill affected to the Austrian Name . And the Emperour fearing these plots which he saw were a framing by this Electory , he ordered the Infanta that he should secure his person : In order whereunto , the Infanta put 2000 Souldiers in some barks cover'd with cloth , like to Merchants vessels which pass upon those Rivers , and sent them down the Mosell , towards Tryers , which is seated upon the bank thereof , whither being come by night , and telling the Sentinels that they were boats come from Lucemberg , they fastned two Petards to two Gates , by one of which they entred , and by the other 200 Horse , which were sent by land to that purpose by the Infanta , who coming to the Gate at the same time that it was beaten down by the Petard , the Horse and Foot entred the Town at unawares , cut the French Garrison in pieces , who were overcome with fear , and the darkness of the night , and easily made themselves Masters of the City , and of the Elector , who being speedily carried to Lucemburg , and from thence to Namures , and so to Brussels , was honourably treated there , as an Archbishop , and Elector , but was diligently guarded , as a Prisoner . The King of France held himself highly offended by this action , as if it had been done in a resentment of the new Protection whereinto that Prince had put himself ; he therefore made the Electors liberty be demanded of the Infanta , by his Resident who was then in that Court ; to which the Infanta answered , That what was done at Tryers was done by the Emperours express command , and that therefore he was to address himself to Cesar. The King not being satisfied with this answer , sent an Herauld to the Infanta , who did intimate War against him , and against the King of Spain , expresly declaring , and protesting , That that intimation should serve as effectually for the King of Spain as if it had been given to his own Person in Madrid . Many Discourses pass'd about under the Names of the Kings themselves , and of others , as they stood severally interessed or devoted to either of the Courts , wherein each side sharpely defended their cause . The most solid , and most ascertained Reasons of this breach , publish'd in print by the King of France , in his own Name , were , That the Elector of Tryers , being abandoned by the Emperour , when the Empire , beaten by the Swedish Forces , was not well able to sustain it self , not knowing whom to ●…ly unto for refuge , had put himself into his protection , to free himself from being suppress'd by them ; wherefore he deserved not to be made prisoner for doing so , without citation , or being condemned ; he therefore accused it , as not only unjust , but unworthy , being committed against a Sacred Person , an Archbishop , and one of the seven Electors of the Empire ; and that since it redounded not only to the great offence of his Crown , in respect of the protection whereunto the Elector had put himself , but to the like of the Apostolick See , and of the Electoral Colledg , the Pope and Electors were to resent it as well as he . To this was answered , That that Elector had never put himself into the protection of the King of France , but had only desired some assistance from him , as from a Prince that was his friend , against the Swedes ; so as even by the Electors own confession the title of protection was faulty , which was the chief foundation of the complaint , and of the injury pretended to be done to the King ; and if the Elector had desired or received help under the name of protection , he ought not to have withdrawn him from the natural Sovereig●…y of the Emperour , nor from the protection of the Dukes of Luxenberg , he being a Prince of the Empire , and under the protection of the ancient Dukes of Luxenberg ; it being a clear thing , That a natural Subject cannot withdraw himself from the Jurisdiction of his Sovereign Prince , nor prejudicate it by any action of his ; and that howsoever his protection against the King of Sweden did not extend against the Emperour , or King of Spain , the one being his Sovereign , the other his ancient Protector , no otherwise then fealty by a natural Subject of a Prince sworn to another Prince from whom he holds any Town or Castle in Fee , shall never be of force to engage him against his natural Prince , nor to withdraw him from his obedience ; That therefore the King of France ought not by title of new protection , to intermeddle with what the Electors Sovereign Prince was pleased to order . The ground-work of the breach seeming to be shaken by these Reasons , the King of France pleaded other former injuries , which he had at several times , and upon several occasions , received from the Crown of Spain ; and beginning from the reciprocal Marriages made between the two Kings , it was said that the Spaniards had never ceased to make plots against the quiet and safety of France ; and in the first place , That the King of Spain had waged war with the Duke of Savoy , under the honourable pretence of protecting the House of Mantua ; against which the same King did afterwards conspire himself , for no other reason but because the Duke would not joyn with him in making war with the King of France . To this was added , the revolutions of the Valtoline , to the prejudice of the Grisons , ancient Clients and Confederates of the Crown of France , which were endeavoured for no other end , and somented by the King of Spain , but only that he might carry the war more commodiously through the Valtoline , from Germany to Italy , and from Italy to Germany , and to make himself Master of the parts confining upon the Valtoline : That the Court of Spain , not being able to endure the good correspondency which was held between France and England , had , by means of Marquess Mirabello , his Embassadour at Paris , sowed dissentions and discords between them , and fomented the Rebellion of the Hereticks of France , to the end that the King being busied in suppressing them might not have leisure to defend Mantua and Montferrat , which were then powerfully assaulted by the Spaniards ; and that when the King of France had by the success of his Forces , and by the Peace of Susa , freed Cassalle the first time , the King of Spain had not only let slip that occasion of preserving Peace in Italy , and of securing the liberty of the Client of France , but had called in the Dutch against the City of Mantua , whilest his Commanders endeavoured once more to take Cassalle by force ; whereby the King of France was forced to send his Arms back again into Italy , to secure his Confederates , and to keep the Spaniards within some bounds : wherein faring as successfully as he had done the first time , which the Spanish Agents were not able to indure , they had betaken themselves to sow discord in his Royal family , making the Duke of Lorrein their Instrument therein ; and that thus they had endeavoured to Arm France against France : that the same King of Spain had sent a powerful Fleet to Sea to assault Provence ; and that he was neer assaulting it several times , had he not been sometimes detained by the season of the year , sometimes by storms : that , moreover , he had furnished the Duke of Orleans with Forces , to pass armed through France , to the end , that being back'd by the Army of Catalogna , and by the Fleet at Sea , he might trouble France : then falling upon the Affairs of Germany they complained mightily , that the Austrians ends tended only to make the Elective Imperial Diadem hereditary ; and that therefore under the specious pretence of the Catholick Religion , they aimed only at the abasing and annihilating of the Catholick and the Protestant Forces , to the end , that having extinguished the latter , they might the more easily subdue the others ; and so arrive at that Monarchy , whereunto though they had no reason to pretend , yet did they thirst after nothing more ; and that the King of France not being able neither in justice , nor for the safety of his Kingdom , nor in respect of his ancient and hereditary adherence to the German Princes , to tolerate that the house of Austria should make way to so great advantages , by the ruine of his Colleagues ; lest when he should have compassed his defire , he might pretend superiority over all Christian Princes ; had desired to see the affairs of Germany reduced into such a condition by civil means , as that the German Princes might live in safety , and not fear being ruinated ; and that so he might not be necessitated to defend them by Arms : and that therefore upon several occasions , & discourses of peace , he had always propounded a general peace , wherein all might be comprehended , and all things might be amicably composed ; for , said they , no peace is otherwise truly made , but , like fire buried under ashes , breaks forth into a greater flame ; that it made not for the King of France , nor for his honour , to compose differences with the Emperour , without including his Confederates , who might be overcome afterwards by the Austrian Forces ; and that the same consideration was to be had touching the affairs of the Valtoline : the King having made it be trea●…ed of in the peace of Cherasco , and of Madrid , that some course might be taken to remedy what was done to the contrary at the peace of Monsone : but that these endeavours not being listned unto , though they were propounded with much zeal to the publick peace ; the King was forced to take up Arms , so to get such satisfaction , which he could not do by friendly m●…ans . But the Court of Spain complain'd no less , nor did they cease to oppugne the accusations and complaints made by the French : these began from before , from the peace of Vervin , which was made the year 1601 , wherein all reciprocal offences being laid aside , it was agreed , that neither of the Kings should protect any one to the prejudice of the other ; but should renounce all Leagues and Intelligences contracted to the prejudice of either of them ; and that notwithstanding this , the year was hardly ended , when the French appeared in Holland , under the King of France his own Colours , against the King of Spains Forces ; nor did King Henry the Fourth , with whom that peace was made , ever re-cal so open Hostility , save only in appearance , and by vain Edicts , which were never put in execution : insomuch as the French continuing in that Militia , the King cared not for the complaints made by the Spanish Agents , but was wont to jest and mock at them ; whereby they infer'd that that King was the first breaker of peace , and the original occasion of any hostility which had been afterward either tacitely , or openly , committed against him ( if any such had been committed ) ; and that therefore the French had no just cause to complain : they added , that King Henry did contrive a League with great Potentates afterwards , against Philip the Third , which was unperfected by the said Kings sudden death ; and that though Philip the Third might easily have resented these so open Hostilities , and gainsayings of peace , after Henry's death , making use of the pupillar age of the then present King , and of the ill humours and factions of France ; yet publick peace prevailing over all resentment , he pass'd by so great an offence , and became the defender of the young King , and of the Queen Dowager , and consented to the reciprocal Marriage , to the end , that peace and union might thereby be the better established between the two Crowns : passing from hence to the League of Avignion , the year 1623 , whereof the present King of France was pretended to be the Author ; they said that from thence proceeded the following wars of Germany and of Italy , against the Emperour and King of Spain ; which being happily ended for the Austrians , the peace of Monsone insued , which the King of Spain did not only not countervene , but when it was concluded , had assisted the King of France with a powerful Fleet , in the so important business of Rochel , and had assisted him therein , at the same time when the King of France did openly assist the Rebels in Holland against him ; then coming to the last wars of Mantua and Montferrat , they complained that the King of France had taken upon him the protection of the Duke of Nevers , a Vassal of the Empire , against his Sovereign the Emperour , and against the Spanish Forces imploy'd in defending Cesars Authority : that the King of France had no occasion to interest himself in that business , which did not at all concern him , but was proper to the Emperour ; and much less reason had he to meddle in dividing Montferrat between the Dukes of Savoy and Nevers , though he had done it with much prejudice to the Emperours Authority in the peace of Susa : Wherefore the Emperour nor King of Spain had no reason to ratifie that peace ; that then they came to the peace of Ratisbone , wherein the Affairs both of Germany and of Italy being setled , it was soon broken ; for what concern'd the Affairs of Germany , by the King of France , by the League which he soon made with the King of Sweden ; and as for the Affairs of Italy , it was not sincerely observed , since he extorted Pinarvolo from the Duke of Savoy , contrary to the Articles of that peace ; and here heaping up all the accusations against the King of France , touching his protecting the German Princes , the Elector of Triers , and the Duke of Nevers ; they said that these protections did foment the Subjects of the Empire , against the Emperour ; just as if the Emperour of King of Spain , should take upon them to protect the French who had taken up Arms against the King of France , and should foment and assist them : so as the King of France numbers amongst the offences which he pretends to have received , that the Queen and the Duke of Orleans , the one Sister , the other Brother in Law to the King of Spain , both of them being gone from France , were received , with safety to their persons , in Flanders , and that 2000 Horse were given to the Duke of Orleans for a conduct ; so the Emperour and King of Spain might with much more reason complain of the King of France for giving the like protections and fomentations to the Hollanders , the German Princes , and the Duke of Nevers , who were in Arms against the Emperour : that therefore it was no less an injury to the Emperour , that the King of France should desire that the German Princes , who had taken up Arms against him , should be admitted into the peace which was in treaty between the Emperour their Sovereign and the King of France ; it being no better then to abet a Subject against his Prince , to prescribe Laws between a Sovereign and his Vassal , and to make the world know that the King of France was Arbitrator of Peace and War in Germany , and Moderator of the Empire : which were undoubtedly too high pretentions , and which were never put for , not practised by any ; that the case of the King of France his Mother and Brothers , who were fled into the King of Spains Dominions , and honourably received there , was otherwise ; that these were personal Offices between a Father in Law and Son in Law , and between Brother in Law in the like case ; nor did they extend further then to the person to whom they were done ; and if they would talk of the 2000 Horse given to the Duke of Orleans , these and other assistances , as the Fleet at Sea destined against Provence , ought to be opposed to the King of France his fomenting , so many both open and secret Hostilities against the Emperour and King of Spain ; since it was not reasonable , that it should be lawful for the King of France to undermine the Austrian Grandezza , and that the Austrians should act nothing against him : that the dissentions between the Crowns of France and England , and the wars made by the King of France against the Duke of Savoy , because he would not abet the Spanish designs , were not to be considered , being things notoriously false , and whereof there was no proof ; that the world knew the reasons of the differences between France and England ; and whence the distastes arose in the Royal Family of France , and what were the occasions of the war made against the Duke of Savoy ; and how much the then Queen Regent of France , and the Potenta●…es of Italy , did press the King to force the Duke to lay down the Arms which he had taken up to suppress the Duke of Mantua . These were the chief charges and defences made by each party ; and it being hard to say what was the just cause of this breach , those who understood the Affairs of the world best , were of Polybius his opinion , an ancient Authour , who discoursing upon the true occasions from whence the bitter Wars between the Romans and Carthaginians arose , makes no account of this or that hostile act which happened between these Common-wealths , or of any breach of peace between them , but layes the true reason of the Wars which succeeded between them , upon the meer Ambition that the one Common-wealth had to exceed the other . The like ( say they ) was the occasion of the Wars between these two Crowns and Nations , which contending for superiority , great Emulation arose between them , from whence those reciprocal hatreds which are grounded between them , cannot be cancell'd by any Peace . The roots of the like Ambition being hatch'd ( say they then ) in the Souls of both these Nations ; it was necessary that the fruits of hatred , continual jealousies , and reciprocal suspitions , by which their minds are continually agitated , should bud forth . From hence grow cruel hatreds , which branch out into secret treaties , into plots , and then into open Wars . Building therefore upon these foundations , they say , ' t is true that the King of France had promis'd to forget all faults past , in the Peace of Vervin , and that he had promis'd to forego all Intelligence with the Enemies of the Crown of Spain ; But that finding afterwards , that his Kingdom was bounded on the South by Spain , on the North by Flanders , which is under the Crown of Spain , on the East by Germany , in part obedient , in part subject to the House of Austria , and a little lower by Italy ; which is likewise partly subject , partly adherent to the same Crown : And thinking that being , as it were , imprisoned by the Austrian Forces he did enjoy the freedom which became so great a King , but that every the least addition of this so great power indangered the suppression and suffocation of his Kingdom ; he held his honour and authority to be but small , and that the eyes of all the world were fix'd only on the Austrian Sun. These were sharp goads to unsettle a well fix'd Resolution ; he considered also what commotions and troubles the meere Dukes of Burgondy , who commanded all Belgia , had caused in France ; that those Territories would now be incorporated into the Crown of Spain , and back'd by the Forces of Germany . That therefore it became him to think not only upon his honour , but upon his Kingdomes safety ; which being weakened by the late Wars , and vex'd with intestine dissentions , could not well secure it self from so great a neighbouring power ; that it was usual for Princes to keep others low , for their own better preservation , and to endeavour the pulling down of those that were more potent ; that principalities were maintained by these Arts. He therefore apply'd himself to get out of their streights , and to favour the Hollanders , lest if they should be beaten , the King of Spain should grow too strong upon those Confines , or at least that that wound being kept open , he might be lesse able to advance further ; that therefore this Resolution was more necessary then voluntary , arising from the interest of self-preservation , which is by natural reason more warranted to bruit beasts ; ( and surely then to men and great Potentates ) then it is prohibited by the gain-sayings of Peace : That such Peace wherein one of the parties is subject to the other , does not deserve the name of Peace , but is rather to be termed Slavery , and not likely to last long , as was clearly shewn by the Embassadours of Privernum ; who being asked , in the Senate of Rome , how long that Peace was like to last which they desired ? answered , that if it were a good one for them , it should be perpetuall ; if a bad one , very short . An answer which made those Senators know , that no people nor person can keep long under the sharpness of an unjust condition ; and this made them mitigate the conditions of Peace , which were granted to those of Privernum . That notwithstanding the King of France had pieced up that rent by the Truce , which was by his means made between the Crown of Spain and the Hollanders ; not without much satisfaction to Spain , which was then desirous to see an end of so expensive a War : So as the Spaniards had no reason to complain of any assistance given to the united Provinces , wherein the chief foundation of their Justice lay . That therefore when France was free of Civil Wars , and had regained her former vigour , the King not being able to be wanting to the just cause of the German Princes , who had recourse to him touching the succession of the States of Iuliers and Cleves ; though it was conceived that he had contracted several Leagues against the Austrians : Yet if that Kings life had not been cut off in the nick of time , all those Leagues and Unions spoken of would have soon been seen vanish into smoak ; and it would have been known that they served for nothing but appearing threats , since it made not for that the King who was then well in years , whose issue was young , and his Kingdom not yet seled , to enter into new Wars for the interests of other men ; and leave his Kingdom to his young children involved in forreign Wars : For he might be sure that Regal Authority which curb'd civil dissentions , ceasing together with his life , the Kingdom which seemed now to be united would fall into its former disorders , which would draw forreign Forces into the Kingdom : That the present King growng in years had given the King of Spain no occasion of complaint , but had alwayes corresponded with him , as became Princes that were friends and joyn'd in affinity . That the first encounters arose from what had hapned in the Valtoline , wherein the King had interested himself out of his being bound to protect the Grisons , and out of the great prejudice which was thereby occasioned to his own affairs , and to the German and Italian Princes . That the first intermission was in a civil manner , not by Arms , which the King took not up till the first conventions of Madrid were undervalued ; and that notwithstanding the King of France did temporise , to ripen some difficulties . But that seeing no satisfaction given , he was forced to betake himself to Arms ; the business not being yet well adjusted , he was once again necessitated to take up Arms , for the just and necessary defence of the Duke of Nevers , who was by violence kept from succeeding in the State of Mantua and Montferrat ; and for no other reason , but for that that Duke was born in France , was of kin to the King , and held great possessions of the Crown of France : That if the Auxiliary Forces of France , in the behalf of that Duke , if the Peace of Susa ought to be accounted violence or injustice , meerly for that they wanted the Cesarean Authority ; that the appearing of the Spaniards against that very Duke , not the division of Montferrat , made between the Spanish Agents and the Duke of Savoy , were not countenanced nor corroborated by the Emperour ; that if the merits of the cause , if the intention of Arms , and dissention between these two Kings , were to be balanced without byass , those of France would appear to be more just , and less concerned then those of Spain : Since the later tended to the offence , the other to the defence of an assaulted Prince ; so as the Spaniards had nothing to object against the Arms of France ; nor could the Emperour account his authority more injured by the French then by the Spaniards : And that the award of the cause , made on the behalf of the French by the Peace of Ratisbone , did more justifie the Proceedings of the French then of the Spaniards . For what concern'd the affairs of Germany many other reasons were alledged ; amongst the rest , that there was a difference to be put between the Princes of France and the German Princes ; that the Regal Authority of France was Monarchical , to which all the Princes of France are Vassals ; that Germany , on the contrary , was Aristocratical , consisting of several Sovereign Princes and free Cities , who chusing the Emperour for their Head , obey , not as Subjects to a Sovereign , but as Members and Colleagues of the Empire , enjoying many priviledges and exemptions which suit not with Sovereign Authority ; from which exemptions the Emperour not being able to derogate , if by any excess of private power , exceeding the known Authority of the Laws , he●…at any time endeavour to derogate from them , or not observe them , they hold themselves as much injur'd by him , as the Citizens of a Common-wealth would do , if their Head , abusing Authority , and contemning the publick Laws , should aspire at Tyranny : That all Germany did at the present groan under the burthen of the excessive Austrian authority ; that she had lost not only the substance , but the very shadow of her original Liberty , and was therefore forced to send for the King of Swedeland from the utmost Northern parts to recover their almost lost Liberty : That this defence did anciently belong to the Kings of France , to whom upon like occasions the German Princes had wont to have recourse : That the present King , out of his too great respect born to the House of Austria , had neglected this his duty to the German Princes ; that he could not without much loss of reputation degenerate from the Kings his Predecessors , nor by abandoning those Princes suffer the King of Sweden to prevent him in that office which did of due belong to him ; nor would the Concernments of his own Kingdom tolerate that the Austrian Authority should extend it self further by the oppression of those Princes : And as concerning the conclusion of peace with the Emperour , it was neither strange nor new , that the King should not make peace without his Colleagues the German Princes , since there have been so many both ancient and modern examples seen of peace solemnly concluded between Princes and Vassals that have risen up against their Sovereign Prince : The peace of Constance made between the Emperour Frederick sirnamed Barbarossa and the Cities of Italy which had rebelled against him ; the Truce between the King of Spain and the Hollanders ; so many peaces made between the very Kings of France and their contumacious people in the last Civil Wars ; and the peace made not many years ago between the Emperour and the Elector of Saxony , are sufficient proofs of peace made between a Subject and a Sovereign . It was therefore concluded , that the King of France his interesting himself in the civil dissentions of Germany , and in the several peaces that were to be concluded , was not only just , and usual , but more necessary then that which King Philip the second undertook in the troubles of France , which could neither in justice nor for convenience be parallel'd to this ; and though the King appeared to have undertaken them only for Religion , it was at last discovered that it was more govern'd therein by State interest , then by Religion ; and that therefore if there were any parallel to be made between the countenancing of Germany and that of France , France might be said to have learn'd the the Doctrine of fomenting the differences between people and their natural Princes , and of interessing her self therein , for her own safety and grandezza , from the School of Spain : but that the greatest part of these pretensions were rather seeming then substantial ; for Polybius , relating the true cause of the wars between the Romans and Carthaginians , doth not approve them as just ; and though some Princes use to keep inferiour Princes low , and to weaken the superiour ; such proceedings are to be esteemed rather tyrannical , then rational , and if King Philip the Second had attained to such Counsels , he would never have consented to the peace of Vervin , wherein Territories and Towns of importance were restored to the King of France , who was then the inferiour : wherefore that peace cannot be pretended to be slavery , though the Austrians were superiour to the French both in Dominions and Power ; for the Romans after the peace given to the Privernati , as they will have it , were superiour to them ; and if peace between Princes of unequal power may be violated by reason of the inferiours weakness , no firm peace would ever be made between them , unless the more powerful should divide States and Forces with the less powerful . They therefore concluded that none of the reasons alledged did excuse the King of France his countervenings ; nor could the League concluded by his means , some years after between Spain and the Hollanders , free him from the preceding countervening , but did rather aggravate it ; as well because the Hollanders , being strengthned by those fomentings , were made the more able to withstand their King , and to force him to so disadvantagious a Truce ; as also by continuing the said assistance to them when the Truce was expired : Passing then to the Affairs of the Valtoline , it was said , That the short relation of that business would suffice to let the world see whether of those two Princes were to be blamed . The King of Spain protected the liberty and the Religion of the Valtolinians , by securing them in both by some little Forts erected in the Valley against the imminent slavery of the Grisons , who were prepared to subjugate them by force ; and the Valtolinians wanting men to munite them , the French , and with them the Venetians , stormed very much , when Spanish Garrisons were put thereinto ; as if the Spaniards had no other end but to make themselves Masters of the Valley ; the King of Spain , to clear both them and the Venetians , deposited the Valtoline , together with the Fort●… therein into the Popes hands , who was chose●… by them both to be Arbitrator of the whole business , with power to dispose th●…reof as he should se●… reason to do ; that while this was depending , the King of France possest himself both of the Valley , and of the Forts by Force of Arms : that when the Pope sent men to recover them , the King , who would not make War with the Pope , upon this account agreed with the King of Spain in the peace of Monsone , to restore the Valtoline ; but upon very favourable conditions , touching the Liberty and Religion of the Valtolinians , and that the Pope should demolish the Forts ; whereunto the King of Spain condescended only because the King of France obliged himself to observe the Covenants which were made in favour to the Valtolinians ; so as the Forts were superfluous , seeing that the two Kings were ingaged by the Peace to maintain the Liberty and Religion of the Inhabitants : Therefore by this so favourable Peace to the Valtolinians , the King of Spain was justified in his first taking up Arms. Neither did the Duke of Nevers his business deserve much defence , if men will justly consider the result thereof ; for that Prince was not at all satisfied with the King of France his protection , since he was deprived of Cassalle , and of the greater part of Montferrat , which were conferr'd upon the Duke of Savoy , in recompence for his pretensions , and for Pinarollo , which was assigned over to the King of France , contrary to the Articles of Ratisbone and Cherasco ; so as the Agreement with the King of Spain , which was so much exclaimed against , would have been better for the Duke of Nevers then the protection of France , so much boasted of by the French. And for what concerns the medling in differences between a Sovereign and his Subjects , many considerations were propounded in favour of the Austrians ; for in Peaces made between the Emperour and the King of France , the King had more then once renounced such Leagues and Protections , and promised not to protect those Princes against the Emperour ; so that as the present discourse began with Polybius his Authority , the controversie may be ended by Lucan's Authority , who decides the difference between Cesar and Pompey , in these words . Tu nova ne veteres obscurent acta Triumphos , Et victis cedat piratica Laurea Gallis , Magne times . Te jam series , ususque laborum Erigit , impatiensque loci fortuna secundi . Nec quemquam jam ferre potest † Gallusve priorem , Austriacusve parem : Quis justius induat arma Scire nefas ; magno se Iudice quisque tuetur . Victrix Causa Deis placuit , sed Victa Catoni . Immediately after the intimation of this war , made in the King of France his name , to the Infanta , did the publication of the League made between him , and the Hollanders , which hath formerly been mentioned , follow ; and the execution thereof followed the publication forthwith ; for the King of France going to Campania , assembled an Army of above 20000 fighting men , and sent it into the Country of Lucemburg , under the conduct of the two Marshals , Chatillione and Bresse ; whereinto being entred , it presently took Orcimon and Rocca , strong places upon the Confines , but of small consideration , which yielded without fighting ; and afterwards it took Marca , a more considerable Town ; and so advanc'd into the Country which is under the King of Spain : Against this Army the Infanta sent out a strength of 10000 Foot , and of 3000 Horse , the most whereof were tumultuously ra●…sed , and made Prince Thomaso , of Savoy , their Commander in chief ; who being distasted with the Duke his Brother , was privately stoln from Savoy , whereof ●…e had the title of Governour ; and having first spent some moneths in the Court of Flanders , he joyn'd with the King of Spains Forces in those parts . The Prince being come neer the enemy , though he knew himself inferior to them in numbers , yet having the advantage in situation he refused not battle , which they presented him : Battle being given neer to the Town of Avein , after having fought valiantly four hours , he was worsted , left three or four thousand of his men dead upon the place , to boot with his Artillery , and besides many other Souldiers , and Captains of good condition , who were taken Prisoners . The Hollanders were by the Covenants of the League to assault the Provinces which were obedient to the Crown of Spain , a●… the same time , with another Army on their side ; and delaying to do it , they afforded the Infanta a breathing time after his defeat ; but coming at last into the Field , commanded by the Prince of Orange , who joyn'd with the French Army before Mastrick , they made up a Body of 50000 fighting men , abundantly furnish'd with Artillery , and all warlike preparations : the whole Country bein afraid of them , and yielding to so great and formidable Forces , they advanc'd without any opposition to Terlimone ; which Town presuming too much upon its self , would be the first that should oppose so vast and glorious an Army ; for which boldness it paid soundly : for being taken by assault , it was sack'd with more cruelty then hath been heard of , of many years . Wherefore the Infanta , having this mean while made up an Army of those that remained u●…slain at Avien , and of other Regiments , which was much inferiour to that of the enemy , insomuch as he was not able to keep the Field , put himself into Loveine with 5000 Foot and 2000 Horse : having quarter'd the rest of his Army upon the River Dee , distant above a League from Loveine ; and the Army of the League being marched towards tha●… City , after having taken Dist and Ariscot , it came up to the Reer of the Enemies Army ; and the Horse which tarried last , not having all of them pass'd the River , some of their Troops were de●…eated ; that Country was never so full of terrour since the war began : it was ov●…rrun , sack'd , burnt and miserably destroyed , without any hope of present help ; for the Infanta's Army half routed , half run away , kept within strong Holds , abandoning all to Military fury ; and doubtlesly the assailants might have done great things , had they known how to make use of occasion and of the advantage of time : but lying long idle between Loveine and Termilone , they afforded time to the Infanta to fortifie himself , and to expect a great succour which was sent him from Germany . The Colleagues finding the enterprise of Lorein to be too hard and almost impossible , to effect , by reason of the new Fortifications and number of defendants , they went to before Brussels ; where●…ore the In●…anta left 2000 of his best experienced Souldiers in Loveine , and went with the rest of his men to Brussels ; and the Colleagues returning from Brussels to Loveine , thought to find that Town unprovided by re●…son of the Infanta's departure , and that they might easily have taken it : but being abused in their hopes ( for they found it extraordinarily well garrison'd , and fortified round about ) they gave the business over ; and suffering much in their Camp for want of Victuals , they were forced to quit Brabant , and to retreat : which they were the rather necessitated to do , for that they heard Picolominy was marching up apace to them with 6000 choice Horse , after whom the King of Hun●…ary came , making long Marches . ●…ut there 〈◊〉 ●…ed not so great an Army to fr●… Flanders from so imminent a danger : a sor●… and unexpected accident , which be●…ll ●…e Hollanders , was sufficient to dissolve that Army which was so formidable to Flanders : In Gelderland , just where the Rhein dividing it self into two parts , makes a great Island , which was anciently called Battavia , and is now called the ●…mel Island , there is a very strong Fort , of such consideration , for the situation thereof , as it 〈◊〉 co●…monly held to be the in-let into Holland ; it is called Schinck Sconce , from him who knowing the opportunity of the seat caused the Hollanders to build it . This so important Fort being about this time surprized by the Infanta's Souldiers put the Hollanders into such co●…fusion , as ●…aving all other enterprises , they were con●…rain'd to im●…y all thei●…●…orces and ende●…vours in the recovery th●…eof : they th●…efore reca●…d the Prince of Orange and his Army , a●…d made him c●…e to defe●… their own Country : he therefore return'd to Holland ; and the French Army consumed by famine was ruined , and were paid for their detestable cruelties used to the Inhabitants of Termilone . Thus Flanders was little less then miraculously delivered from so great , and so neer a danger : but we have sufficiently discours'd of Forreign Affairs ; it is time now that we return to Italy , whereinto the Wars which were kindled in Germany flew ; and Italy sharing already in the effects of the peace which was broken between the two Crowns , it followed by consequence , the quiet which she thought she had got by the peace of Ratisbone , and the Treaties of Chirasco were discomposed , and the Wars formerly appeased in Lombardy , and in other parts , began hotter then before . The End of the Thirteenth Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . BOOK XIV . The Contents . THis Book tells you the redoubled going out of the Fleet from Naples against Provence , and the accidental disaster of the latter . The occasion , rise , encounters and progress of the French Forces , led by the Duke of Rhoan into the Valtoline . The endeavours of the French to alienate the Princes of Italy from the Spanish party , and to draw them over to their King. The Pope and Venetians move not . The Duke of Savoy goes over to the French , more out of necessity then of good will. The great Duke of Tuscany is constant to the Austrians . The Dukes of Modena and Parma , and the Lord of Mirandola , negotiate with the French : the Duke of Parma closes with the French , the others adhere to the Spaniards . The Commonwealth of Genoa , notwithstanding the great damages suffer'd by her Citizens from the Spaniards , and notwithstanding the distastes she had received in her reputation , refuseth to declare manifest neutrality , or partiality , yet in fact keeps confident to both parties . The State of Millain is assaulted by the French , and by the Dukes of Sevoy and Parma ; who going against Valenza del Poe , besiege it , but it is relieved , and quite freed by the Spaniards . The Duke of Rhoan , having routed the Dutch and Millain Forces , remains absolute lord and master of the Valtoline . BEfore the Austrian and French Forces broke forth reciprocally into open war , Italy being subordinate to the same disposition of affairs , was necessitated to do the like accidents . The King of Spain , when the Duke of Orleans , and the Duke of Momorancy's Forces succeeded not against France , resolved to assault Provence , which being then unprovided , and not expecting to be assaulted , afforded hopes of happy successe . Having therefore recruited and augmented his Army in Catalognia , he gave speedy Order for the rigging up of a Fleet at Sea in Naples , which being furnish'd abundantly with men , and with all warlike affairs , was to go forth to the prejudice of those parts , under the Marquess of Sancta Croce . And though that Kindom was exhausted both of men and monies , by its having re-inforced two Armies in Germany under Feria and the Infanta ; yet as if it had a Mine abounding therein , it was not long before by the extraordinary diligence of Count Montercy , Vice-roy of that Kingdom ; the Fleet , beyond all mens expectation , was ready to put forth from the Haven of Naples ; but failing in their supposal ( for neither Gallies nor men were ready for that expedition ) after having tarried long in Favigiana , a little Island near Sicily , and the winter drawing on , the business so speedily begun , and with such hopes of good , success was put off till the next year ; No man knew whether , or against whom , this so great preparation was intended : but though this expedition was much endeavoured to be kept conceal'd by setting up contrary Colours , and under contrary names and pretentions , yet at last after so long delay it was known , or atlest suspected , that it was intended against Provence . But the effecting of what was intended the year 1635 , proved difficult , and almost imposible : For the enterprize was disturb'd in the beginning by cross winds and storms , so as the intention of that voyage was discovered ; the Fleet went forth from Naples more numerous , and stronger then before , about the middle of May 1635 , and being 80 miles out at Sea , when meeting with contrary winds and great storms , it was forced , not without danger of Shipwrack , to make directly towards Corsica whither the winds drove it . Nor did the misfortune end here , but as if that enterprise had been undertaken in an unfortunate hour , the Fleet was hardly got behind Capo Corso , where it was shelter'd from contrary winds ; when another storm arose from the other side , more furious then the former , which sank 7 of the Gallies , with all the men and munition that were in them . The rest being scattered , some here , some there , were forced to throw their Horses , Munition , Artillery , nay the very monies which was to maintain the enterprise , over-board ; and with much adoe , got one after another into Porta Longone : So as this second attempt proved more disastrous then the former , and proved more unfortunate to the Spaniards then to their Enemies . But whilst the King of Spain , and his Agents in Italy , were busied in preparing against France by Sea ; those of France were not idle in making prepations against the King of Spain's Territories : Which preparations being by land , and not subject to the instability of winds nor waves , struck more home . The first blow light upon the Valtoline , the first occasion and original of which action , together with the pretence thereof , must be made known before we come to relate the proceedings . The Grisons being displeased with the peace of Monsone , ( as hath been said ) had never approved of those Capitulations ; nor would they allow of the annual tribute of 25000 Crowns , nor allow that their Magistrates should be yearly chosen by the Valtolinians , answerable to those Capitulations ; being therefore absolutely deprived of the preheminence , command , and advantage of so noble a part of their State , they desired and endeavoured nothing more then the lost possession of the Vally ; to which purpose they complained much , and made great pressures in the French Court. The Court of France was no less discontented , then the Grisons , with those Capitulations , ( as hath been elsewhere said ) not only for the prejudice which would thereby redound to their confederates , but for the like which would result to the Kings Affairs , if things continuing in the present condition , the Spaniards should be absolute arbitrators of that Vally , and might pass their men , and whatsoever they listed , through it , as freely as through their own Dominions . Wherefore it was no less endeavoured in France , then by the Grisons , how to find out some remedy against this mischief , without absolute countervening the agreed on Peace . Some looking narrowly into the points of that Capitulation , took occasion to question whether the Valtolinians did understand themselves to be thereby put into a state of absolute liberty and exemption , from the high and supream command which the Grisons had over it before the beginning of these commotions ; or whether the exercise of usual jurisdiction being only taken from them by the said Capitulations , they were , as touching sovereignty , in the same condition of subjection and vassalage that they were in before the insurrection . This was only to deprive the Spaniards of the passage which they had by that Vally , and so to rob them of the advantage which they pretended by the revolution of the Valtoline , fomented by them : For if the Grisons should remain sovereign Lords of the Valtoline , by vertue of those Capitulations , as they were before the insurrection , they were to have all jurisdicton and command there , except the ordinary jurisdiction both Civil and Criminal ; which was by those Capitulations granted to the Valtolinians : So as the allowing of passage was to be granted by them , not by the Valtolinians Strong Arguments made for this ; for if the Valtoline were to return by these Articles , to the same condition it was in the year 1617 , who doubts but that then when there was not any insurrection the leave of permitting passage to forreign Princes appertained not to the Valtolinians , but to the Grisons ? Moreover , no concession of Jurisdiction , how largely soever exprest , was ever interpreted to the derogation of the Concessors sovereign Authority . So as the exception made by the Peace of Monsone , in favour to the Valtolinians , being only touching the election of annual Magistrates for the administration of Civil and Criminal Jurisdiction , could not be extended to the supream Mastery which the Grisons had there , and consequently not to the granting passage : Nay , the yearly Confirmation of Magistrates being to be made by the Grisons to the Valtolinians , and the yearly tribute to be paid by the Valtolinians to the Grisons , witnessed that sovereignty was retained in the Grisons : And the quantity of the annual tribute being a more adequate price for the concession of usual jurisdiction , then of Supream power , which is held inestimable , was as much as to say , that the former was only allowed to the Valtolinians , and not the latter ; and yet it was as strongly urged on the contrary ; that the Grisons authority was violent , and tyrannically usurped , over their ancient Companions and Confederates , the Valtolinians , from which the Valtolinians having freed themselves by force of Arms , and their having renounced the Capitulations of Millain , made between the Duke of Feria and the Grisons , and this Sovereignty not depending upon the Arbitrement or disposal of the two Crowns , could not be any wise prejudiced by the Capitulation of Monsone : That the annual Tribute and confirmation of Magistrates was a meer remission , no concession of the Valtolinians , meerly to free themselves from being disquieted , troubled , or persecuted by the Grisons , but no price or acknowledgement of Sovereignty ; which being anciently their own , and now recovered by Arms , there was no need that it should be redeemed by moneys ; and on the other side , the Grisons Commonwealth being in a great part subjugated by the Austrian Forces , and restored by the said Capitulations , to her former liberty , was in all acceptions equivalent to the restoring of the Valtolinians to their ancient Liberty and former Sovereignty : nor was it probable that one of the two Kings , who had so openly engaged himself both by Arms and by particular Decrees for the protection and liberty of the Valtolinians , should mean to suppress them by the Articles of Monsone ; and that the other King , who boasts so much of the title of Just , should intend to favour the unjust Tyrants and violent Usurpers of their Confederates the Valtolinians liberty : nor did it belong to the titles of most Christian and most Catholick , wherein the one and the other of these Kings do so much glory , to reduce to the violent subjection of Hereticks those Catholicks who had so justly withdrawn themselves from it : nor that the King of France should by so gross dissembling blemish the glory which he had won in the first wars against the Hereticks of his Kingdom , by favouring Heresie upon this occasion out of his Kingdom , which he had persecuted with Arms within his Kingdom even to destruction ; but that ifit had been the intentions of the said Kings to revive the unjust , usurped , and now extinct Sovereignty of the Grisons , they should have manifested their opinions more clearly , since the weightiness of the affair did require it ; and not have woond it up mystically and obscurely in some few and general words : they therefore concluded that the reasons which were alledged on the behalf of the Grisons were new inventions , meer subtilties and sophisticated interpretations : But howsoever the French stuck stifly to the advantage of the words ; and being desired by the Spaniards that they would ratifie the agreement to the Grisons ; they answered , that the controverted point of Sovereignty first be declared , it not being , in their opinion , sufficiently cleared by these Capitulations : but the Spaniards replied , that the ratification should be first made as clear and without controversie , so that if any doubt should afterwards arise touching the Sovereignty , it might be friendly agreed by their Majesties , answerable to the Capitulation of Monsone : wherewith the French not resting satisfied , the King of France , to content the Grisons , made a Declaration by him self alone in the favour of their Sovereignty ; and pretended that to suffer people to pass through the Valtoline without their leave , was a meer gainsaying of the agreement ; and the Spaniards esteeming the French Decrees vain without the joynt consent of their King , pass'd as many men as they would through the Valtoline , and alledging that that Declaration should by the same agreement of Monsone be made by both the Kings joyntly , they pretended , that being made by one only , it was null ; and that to deny them passage was to contradict the said Capitulation . These Affairs continued thus controverted a while ; the King of Spain endeavouring to keep the Valtolinians on his side , promised to be aiding to them continually in their Sovereignty and Liberty ; and the King of France being unable to see the Valtolinians to depend totally upon the Austrians beck , favoured the Grisons pretensions , and would not consent that they should ratifie the Capitulations , and promised to put them into free possession of the Valtoline , which they so thirsted after ; and the more to nourish this expectation in them , he was a means why in the peace of Ratisbone , where it was covenanted that the places taken by the Dutch from the Grisons should be restored , the restitution of the Valtoline should also be inserted : which though it appeared to be express'd , that some Dutch Regiments might be taken from thence , which were sent thither a little before from Millain , lest the Swedes , which drawing neer Italy , were feared would enter by the Valtoline ; yet since the general words might bear another interpretation , they added to the hopes and expectations of the Grisons , and gave the King occasion to betake himself to these words , so to maintain the pretensitions of his ancient Friends and Confederates , and to make amends for the prejudice they suffer'd in the Capitulation of Monsone . The King of France reaped no little advantage by these hopes ; for though being deeply engaged in several affairs in Germany , he could not apply himself much to this of the Valtoline , yet feeding them with continual promise , he kept them constantly at his devotion , and depending upon his pleasure ; so as thereby he did not only recover the authority with the Grisons , which he had in that Nation before the revolt , but had munh encreased it these two last years ; for the parts of Rhetia being by the Emperor restored to the Grisons by the Articles of Ratisbone , which were taken from them at the very beginning of the Mantuan war , but upon condition that they should be no further fortified ; and the King doubting that the Treaty of Cherasco might be made null , and peradventure that of Ratisbone also , by the re-assignment of Pinarollo , he perswaded those people to keep them well munited , and particularly the passage called Stainck , that they might keep out the Dutch , if they should attempt to enter their Country again : he made also a Fort Royal be built neer il ponte del Reno ; and making them believe that those Fortifications made much for the recovery of the Valtoline , he put French Garrisons into the new Fort , and into that of Stainck which was newly fortified , all which the Grisons gave way unto , lest the King might be incensed at their refusal , and might waver in his promise of restoring the Valtoline : but the King finding afterwards what prejudice the passing of the Duke of Feria and of the Infanta through the Valtoline occasioned to his own concernments , and to those of the Germans his Confederates , he bethought himself of removing that obstacle which could only confound the progress of his affairs in Germany : he resolved therefore to send Forces to recover the Valtoline , which expedition was not called the maintaining of the Grisons Superiority , but the protection of the Valtolinians Liberty , totally repugnant to the Grisons Sovereignty , which liberty the King affirm'd was neer being suppress'd by the Spaniards frequent passing through that Valley : so as professing himself to be a Protector of all oppress'd people , he now intended to secure the tottering condition of the Valtolinians , as he had restored the Grisons to their former liberty , and had secured them from the Dutch by the building of Forts in Rhetia : he therefore made the Duke of Rohan his General for that enterprise , ordering him to protect them against the Spanish tyranny with his men , and with those which the Grisons should furnish him withall . Rohan was of the Lineage of the ancient Kings of Normandy , a Captain of a refined and experienced judgment , nurs'd up from his infancy in Arms , not only an Hugonot in Religion , but a chief Protector of the Hugonots in France , in whose behalf he had always fought against the Catholick Religion , and against the very King , insomuch as he was the last of the Princes and Chieftains of that party , who when they were beaten by the King , humbled himself ; and who being pardon'd his hostile Acts , was banish'd the Kingdom , and confined to the State of Venice ; where having staid some years , he by the Kings Commission went into Rhe●…ia , and was assistant to the Kings Embassadour , Monsieur Dulande , in the building of the Forts : he was afterwards imploy'd by the King in the German wars ; who thinking him to be a fit person to be imploy'd in the intended enterprise of the Valtoline , as one who had been much acquainted with the humours of that people , and of those parts , wherein he had lived , made him his General in that enterprise : nor did he erre in his judgement or choice ; for he did many singular acts , whereby he won much honour in the Valtoline , and obtained many famous Victories there , which had they been done in a larger and more noble field , they might have made him vie for honour with the most eminent Commanders of this age . When this business was first begun , war was not as yet intimated to the King of Spain , nor was the peace broken between the two Crowns : the business of Triers , from whence the breach of peace proceeded , hapned at this time . Rohan having received his Commission from the King , went from Alsatia with but a few men to the Grisons , whom he told , that the time which they had so long desired , and which the King had promised of recovering the Valtoline was at last come ; and acquainting them with the Kings Commission , he exhorted them to concur with him in this business , which was undertaken only for their good , and would redound so much to their advantage . The Grisons believing him , took up Arms immediately , and refused not to promote the cause with all their Forces : Rohan had not many French with him , so as he began the war of the Valtoline with almost none but the Grisons Forces : it is true , that the Venetians being very desirous that the Valtoline should return to its former condition , dismiss'd 2000 French which were under their pay , and who past easily into the Valtoline , and joyn'd with Rohan ; who about the end of March , in the year 35 , sent first to take the Counties of Chiavenna and Bormio , to the end , that the way being block'd up to the Dutch Forces by the latter , and to the State of Millain by the former , the Valtoline might the sooner be recovered , which was seated between those two Counties , not being to be relieved on any side . Nor was his counsel here in vain ; for about 1500 Foot , the most whereof were Grisons , and four Troops of French Horse falling down into Chiavenna , under the Embassadour Dulande , they took it , together with the black-house of La Riva , and presently began to munite and fortifie it . There also was a Fort erected in the plain of Chiavenna beyond La Mera , upon the way which leads from Millain , called La Strada Francesca , to keep any oppositions from coming that way : And taking also some Barques for Merchandize which they found at La Riva , they furnish'd them with Souldiers , and kept them to defend the upper Lake . With the like sp●…ed he sent about 600 Foot to Bormio , by the Mountains which were yet covered with snow ; who taking the unguarded Serra de Bagni , which stands upon the Mountain which overlookes Bormio , and confines upon Tyrvolo , they fell down and took the Town of Bormio without any resistance , together with the whole Country till you come to La Serra Della Valtolina , so as that Country fell into their possession : the Serra are nothing but certain great Gates or Portals of stone , made in form of an Arch , which are munited on the sides by ancient Towers with strong Gates of Wood , scituated upon the passes , whereby men enter and go out of that Country : Who soever will come into these parts must pass through these Gates , the passage in this Country being so streight , as the entrance thereinto is let in or shut out , just as in Cities or private Houses ; by the first Serra de Bagni the Dutch are kept out , by the other towards the Valtoline the Spaniards . These two Counties being taken and fortified , Rohan went from Rhetia , and entred the Valtoline about the beginning of May , by the way of Poschiavo , which lieth between these two precincts , having with him 4000 Foot , and 500 Horse , and reduc'd it into his power without unsheathing a Sword , or discharging a Gun ; and with much severity and inhumanity , forced the Inhabitants to abandon the Spanish protection , and to adhere unto the French. Then building a Fort at Font Martello , he fell down with his men towards Morbegno ; and quartering them in the Towns near the State of Millain , he began to unarm the people , and to put several Taxes upon them : Nor herewithall content , he forced them to swear Loyalty to the King of France ; and doing other things in the Kings Name , he profess'd nothing less then the maintaining of the Valtolinians Liberty , as by his Letters Patents he was bound to do , and as he had promised the Valtolinians both by word and writing ; wherein he did not so much offend the Valtolinians as the Grisons , to whom the King , and Rohan himself , that he might get them to joyn in this enterprise , had promised , that according to his directions from the King , he would reunited them to their State , and reduce them to their ancient subjection ; By which actions the Grisons were heinously scandalized , and made their complaints to Rohan himself , and required the observance of his plighted faith , and the restitution of what had been taken ; who answered , that when the War should be ended , the King would restore all unto them , provided that that they would reimburse him the monies which he had laid out : At which answer , being more angry and incensed then before , they almost all of them left him , and repassing over the Mountaines , went back again displeased to their own homes . By these so great , and so many alterations and novelties , the Austrians in Germany , and Spaniards in the State of Millain , were much moved , and all of them endeavoured to bring what speedy and necessary help they could thereunto , as to a blow which by the consequence thereof wounded the total of the common Affairs . But the more the State of Millain was necessitated so to do , the more was it retarded by weakness ; that State being then no less exhausted of military men then the Kingdom of Naples , the flower of them both being gon into the low Countries : So as they wanted Souldiers for their necessary Garrisons , much more to send into the field ; weak was the preparation or provision therefore which from thence could be applied against this commencing mischief ; the Cardinal Albernozzi was now Governour of Millain , a Church-man by profession , and not at all experienced in the management of War ; he immediately deputed Count Iohn Serbellone , with some few Foot Companies , for the defence of those parts : Who thinking that the first thing that was to be done was the recovery of Riva , gave orde that a Gally should be drawn out of the Arsenal of Como , which was built before these present Commotions ; and not thinking this sufficient for the businesse , an other Gally was built by the monies of the Genoese , great Masters at this mystery , which was greater . And seeing that the French were busie in fortifying places , to block up the entrance into the Valtoline , he betook himself also to fortifie other places , to oppose their proceedings ; but not succeeding herein , the French failed not to continue the works which they had begun , and brought them on to Morbengo and Trano , the best Towns of the Valtoline ; the latter being seated on the right hand , the other on the left of Adda : And joyning with the Duke of Rohan , who was already gotten to those Towns on the upper side , they sent 400 Horse , and 27 French Foot Colours , into the Towns which lay lower towards the Lake , striving to block up the Avenues to the Valtoline on that side , and to keep out the Spaniards , from whom , they being then quartered in the Towns about Fort Fuentes , they in vain endeavoured to secure themselves . The French proceeded the better in their works , for that Serbellone being then sick could not for many dayes oppose them ; so as necessarily Affairs proceeded but slowly on this side : But greater and more speedy oppositions came from Germany , which had they been so fortunate , as they were valiantly brought on ; or had they not been defeated by Rohans better fortune , they would assuredly have put an end to the woes that that Country suffered long under . Seven thousand Foot , sent by the Emperour under the Baron Fernamont , who had woon much honour in the recovery of the great Fort Filsburg upon the Rheine , met at Tyrvolo , near the Confines of the Valtoline ; who falling down with them into the Vally of Munister , he to succour himself on his back , built a Fort above the Town Sancta Maria : Then marching towards the Mountain Ombraglio , that he might enter the Country of Bormio , he was kept out by Rohan who had diligently prepossess'd the passes ; or Rohan hearing of great moving on that side , and foreseeing the danger which might thence arise , he feared , and not withou●… reason , that all his precedent actions would prove to no purpose , unless he should secure himself well on this side : Parting then from Morbegno , he marched speedily to Bormio , carrying many of his men with him ; and finding la Serra de Bagni , which is the usual way to pass from Germany to the Valtoline , sufficiently fortified and garrisoned , he feared lest the Dutch not being able to enter by that way , would come in by the lower way of Agnedina ; leaving therefore his men in Bormio , he went with some few to Agnedina , which is a part of Rhetia , and by the assistance of those Inhabitants , who are bitter Enemies to the Dutch , he soon block'd up and munited those Passes , and put the Agnedini in a defensive posture , assuring them that he would still defend them with his Forces , which lay not ●…ar off , in Bormio , in case they should be assaulted on that side . This being done , he returned to Bormio , where taking fit order for all things , he returned to Morbegno , fearing that the Fortifications were not there well finished , and that they might be assaulted by Serbellone ; but he cast his accounts amiss ; for Fernamont , who having well munited the new Fort of S. Maria , was passed over the Mountain Ombragl●…o , seeming as if he would send men to assault the Bagni , went to assault the Sconce Fraelle , and having taken it , he went from thence by unaccustomed ways , and having the good luck to meet with excellent guides , he came to a certain place , where playing upon those that defended la Serra de Bagni , on the Flank , the defendants were forced to quit the Serra to the Dutch , who much beyond either their own or their adversaries expectation , became immediately masters thereof ; by which loss the French did not only abandon the Bagni , but the Serra , and the Town of Bormio , and left the whole County at the disposal of the Dutch , who in a short space march'd on victoriously even to Tirano , in the midst of the Valtoline ; and Rohan , judging it impossible to resist so great a fury , abandon'd the Valtoline , and fled with all his men from Morbegno to Chiavenna , burning the Bridges of Adda , to keep from being pursued by the Enemy : But this his diligence was more then needed ; for Fernamont being come without any opposition to Tirano , and understanding that Count Montosi was with a thousand Foot in the Valley of Lovigno , which was on his left hand , he feared that he might pass from thence to Bormio , and block up the Gate of Germany which he had opened ; wherefore he forbore pursuing Rohan , and turning upon Montosi came to Lovigno , where he found all that Valley also abandoned ; for all the French which were with Montosi were retreated to the Mount in tops , and passing from thence to Agnedina , were come to joyn with Rohan , who was come to the same Agnedina by the County of Chiavenna . Thus far the affairs of the Valtoline went as well for the Austrians , and as ill for the French , as was possible ; and if Fernamont , leaving Montosi , had pursued his victory through the Valtoline , or had gone to Riva 〈◊〉 Chiavenna ; or if Serbellone had advanced with his men to Tirano , when the Dutch fell down to Bormio ; or had he advanced to Riva , when the French began to flye , doubtlesly they might have carried the whole business : But though the necessity of securing the Pass of Bormio may excuse Serbellone's slow proceeding admits of no excuse . Fernamont's second errour was greater ; he might have returned to the Valtoline , when he found himself safe behind by Montosi's flight , and joyning with Serbellone might have gone to Riva or Chiavenna , which being almost abandoned , he might easily have made himself Master of them ; entring into the Countrey of the Grisons by the Valley of Lovigno he might have encounter'd Rohan , who in his flight past that way ; he might have fallen down upon Chiavenna by the Grisons Countrey , and might have made himself Master thereof , it being inclosed between his and Serbellone's Forces : But not doing any of these things , any of which if he had done he might have been sure of Victory , he left his men in Lovigno , and went privately to Tirvolo , only to provide victuals for his Army , that he might maintain them without incommodating the Countrey ; a resolution , which , though it was commendable for the piety thereof , was to be blamed by reason of War ; for Rohan , going to Coira , and assembling the Inhabitants together , he encouraged them the best he could to re-assume the business of the Valtoline ; which if it should fall into the hands of the Dutch , they might despair of ever regaining it ; whereas he faithfully promised to restore it to them , as soon as it should be recovered ; and said , that he had Orders from the King so to do . The Grisons abhorr'd that the Valtoline should fall into the hands of the Dutch ; wherefore they chose , as the lesser evil , to go immediately to the recovery thereof with those very French who but a little before had appeared so desirous to retain it for themselves : they therefore joyned all their Forces with those of Rohan , and fell down into the Valley of Lovigno , and coming at unawares upon the Dutch before Sun-rising , who looked for nothing less , but were drowsie , or fast asleep ; The French placed a good number of their men behind a certain wall near the Church , which they made use of as of a Trench , to beat down a Bridge which was over a little River ; the rest fell upon the Dutch , and slew many of them , who being in disorder , and not able to resist , were forced , not without much loss , to retreat towards Molina , a Town near Bormio , at the foot of the Mountains , where the Pass and Serra of the Bagni is : They tarried there till Fernamont was returned from Tirvolo , and had sent 1500 Foot and some Troops of Horse to take Mazzo , a Bridge upon the Adda , some few miles above Tyrano : But Rohan hearing thereof went , without losing any time , toward the same Bridge , by the Valley of Poschiano , where meeting both of them almost at the same time , they fiercely disputed the possession of it ; and the question was undecided till night , and the decision was put off till the next morning , both sides keeping quiet all that night , and each side guarded the head of the bridge , by which both parties strove to enter , and to advance . Fernamont came the same night to the Dutch with the Van , and knowing the bridge , and the Enemies Forces which were on the opposite shore , he returned to Bormio ; and bringing the rest of his men thither the next day , he encouraged his men with words , and more Forces : Wherefore Rohan fearing to be fallen upon on the back by Serbellone , quitted the head of the controverted bridge , and retreated to Tyrano ; and being ascertained afterwards that Serbellone was not ready to move , he resolved to assault the Dutch , who were quartered in a Town near Mazzo , though he was inferiour in number , but superiour in well armed Cavalry . The assault was given so couragiously , as after a long dispute the French had the better , and put the Dutch to a direct rout , be all the rewards , all the fruits of Victory ; their 's the Territories which should be gotten by driving out the Spaniards ; all which he faithfully promised should be divided amongst them ; reserving only the praise and title unto himself of being the preserver of Italy , and the quelle●… of the Spanish Empire therein : by these and the like perswasions he tried them all ; and endeavoured to kindle such a fire in Italy against the Spanish Government , as the King of Spain being entertained in the quenching thereof should forbear bringing the like into other mens houses , or at least should not be able to extinguish that , which being brought by him the King of France into Germany , was endeavoured likewise to be continued and increased by him ; but these his designs though they were much laboured and negotiated by his Agents and adherents in Italy , found not that correspondency in the Italian Princes , which he had fansied to himself ; for the propounded plot , the more plausible it was for the novelty thereof , and for the desire that all men had and have of Liberty , the harder of digestion it seemed to those who being indowed with more wisdom did foresee the mortal infirmities which the bad concoction thereof might cause to the imperfect health of this body in general , and to the particular members thereof ; for though the Spanish Forces , and commotions in these last wars of Mantua and Montferrat , had been as hateful to the Italians as they were dangerous ; and the Arms and commotions of the French the more acceptable , as being more advantagious for Italy at the present ; yet was not their hatred so much against the Spaniards , nor their confidence so great in the French , as to free themselves wholly from the fear of the Spaniards , they would submit themselves to the arbitrement of the French , as they foresaw they must do if their common Forces should prosper ; and though they were not displeased to see the French masters of Pinarvolo and Casalle , since by the possession of these two places they curb'd the Spanish power , and rendred it less formidable to Italy ; yet they could not be pleased , nor think that it stood with the common interest , that when the Spanish Forces should be totally subdued , the French should succeed in their place ; and if they were to be accompanied by the Empire of one of them , they rather chose the Spaniards company , whose moderation being proved for the space of a hundred years ( if you will dispence with the arrogancy which is natural to that Nation ) made their Authority and Empire appear more tolerable : they were therefore content , seeing they thought it impossible to obtain absolute liberty , to see the Spanish power lessened , as it was at the present , but not totally bea●…en down ; so as inclining to neutrality between the two Crowns , their intention was so to counterpoize the Forces of both the Crowns , by the Italian Forces , as by the help of the French they might keep the Spaniards short , and by joyning with the Spaniards they might not suffer the French to encrease in power too immoderately ; and so secure their own liberty by this equality , as they might neither be suppress'd by the one , nor lorded over by the other ; therefore the Venetians , though to boot with their having opposed the Austrian Forces in the Mantuan wars , they had also assisted the French in the Valtoline ; yet for what concern'd the remaining affairs of Italy in general , and the State of Millain in particular , they abhorred all novelty , and seemed more inclined to preserve , then to beat down the Spanish Empire ; nor did the Pope ( though he had always studied the Grandezza of France ) seem to persevere in his accustomed course of favouring and promoting the French interest ; but being content to see the Authority of France radicated in Italy , he was not pleased that the roots should spread further . The Duke of Savoy though he was necessitated to second the will and pleasure of the King of France , yet the manifest slavery which he foresaw he should be subject unto , if the French should be victorious in Italy , made him unwilling ; for when the Spaniards should be driven out of the State of Millain , he should be deprived of the prop which their Arms and Power in Italy was to the Liberty and Sovereignty of his Dukedom , against the French Forces , wherewith he was in danger to be overcome , if the French should succeed in the State of Millain instead of the Spaniards , whereby his Dominions would be imprisoned by the French Forces , and he himself made absolutely subject to the arbitrement and will of the King of France , and of his Agents . The King of France was aware of this difficulty , and that therefore he could not safely build upon the Duke , though he should enter into the League ; and on the contrary , having found by experience some years before , that though Pinarvolo and Susa , with other Towns of Piedmont , and almost whole Savoy was possess'd by his Forces , yet it was impossible for him to relieve Cassalle so much as with one succour , without the Dukes permission ; and that consequently he should find it much harder , the Duke not concurring with him , nor joyning in the League , to assault or possess himself of the State of Millain , he resolved by present offers and future promises to win his good will , and to promise that he would make him absolute Lord of the State of Millain : these promises were the rather credited by the alliance the King had to him , and by his affection to his Sister , who being Daughter to a King , and Sister to two Queens , the King was desirous to confer regal dignity upon her , to the end , that not being inferiour in degree to her Sisters , she might enjoy the title of Queen , which he profess'd she should be deservedly honoured with , when to the State of Millain , Piedmont and Savoy should be added ; and as an earnest peny of his promises , he made the Duke General of his Forces and of those of the League , bargaining to allow him 12000 Crowns a moneth ; not being aware , that as no force tames , no time consumes , nor any present reward counterpoizes the Liberty and Sovereignty of Principality ; so no tie of alliance or blood can secure it . The Duke consenting to what he could not refuse entred into the League , and accepted of the Generals place , which he was to exercise more according to his own concerns , then according to the interests of others ; it was said , and the French did confirm it by their publick complaints and exclamations , and the sequel ( though somewhat ambiguously ) did afterwards prove it ; that in the interview that pass'd between the Duke of Savoy and the Infanta , when the Infanta came with his Gallies to Villa Franca , there pass'd secret negotiations , by which the Infanta endeavoured to draw the Duke over to the Spanish party , and to win him from the French ; and that the Duke acquainted the Infanta with what necessity he had to keep fair with the Crown of France , lest his State might be over-run by the French Forces , who might enter by Pinarvolo ; and that though he might be sure to be succoured in such a case by the King of Spain , as his Father had been , yet he was sure that Piedmont could not be the precincts , as it always had been , wherein the conflict between the Forces of the two Crowns should happen ; and that though the Spaniards should be victorious , the Combate could not but be very prejudicial to his State , and ruinous if the success should prove otherwise ; so as , he said , he was not to declare for the Spaniard , but upon urgent occasion : but that when occasion should serve , he would always make it known , how much he valued the preservation of the Spanish Empire in the State of Millain : others added more particular promises , that he would never consent to the taking of any Towns in that State ; but that fighting only in the Campagnia , he would carry things with respect to the affairs of that Empire ; and finally , it was commonly believed , that a counter-league was tacitely agreed upon between them , for the common concernment . The Dukes of Modena and Parma , and the Lord of Mirandola , appeared contrary to the Popes and Duke of Savoy's inward maximes ; who driven either by their dislike of the Spanish Empire , or allured by the great hopes they had in the King of France , or eg'd on by the desire of inlarging their Confines , wherein they thought themselves all of them too much streightned , or being moved by all these respects , they gave ear to the new confederacy : Those of Modena and Mirandola , though they entred into the Negotiation , it is not well known , whether they concluded and subscribed it , or no ; for , as shall be said hereafter , they were diverted from it , before the publication : but the Duke of Parma , who was more incens'd against the Spaniards , and incited by more resentments and greater hopes , did not only willingly and readily enter into the League , but amidst the so many troubles and damages which did result to him thereupon , shew'd such solid resolution and constancy therein , as it seemed not only strange but monstruous to all men : every one wondring that a young Prince should so totally abandon the footsteps so happily trod in by his fore-fathers , and should so eagerly embrace contrary Counsels . The occasions of this so great and constant alteration , if we will believe what he published by his Manifesto , were of themselves so slight and so inconsiderable , as they were generally held rather pretences , then real causes thereof : so as several discourses arose thereupon ; the most universal was , that the Duke being young when his Father died , and his Uncle the Cardinal , who was his Guardian , dying not long after , grew to have haughty thoughts , and that being of opinion , that the obsequie and adherence to the Spaniards , which was held by his Grand-father , Father and Uncle , to be the chief foundation of Principality , was nothing else but meer slavery ; and that the Sovereignty of Italian Princes , who adhered to the Crown of Spain , was meer subjection ; that ●…e therefore aspired to more absolute liberty , for the arriving whereat he thought that the peace of Italy , and the present condition of affairs , was a great obstacle which made him prone to embrace novelties , and that he was fed with hopes by the French , that the Spanish Empire being laid low , he might arrive at more greatness , and acquire new Dominions ; and it being conceived that so young a man could not be capable of such high conceptions ; it was commonly held that Count Fabio Scotto , who was his Chamberline and favorite , one who was wholly inclined to the French , in whose service he had one of his Sons , and from whom it was thought he received a Pension , did kindle these thoughts and hopes in the young Prince : it was thought that this man fomented his Princes inclination with several suggestions , and that he strove by several means to incense him against the Spaniards , and adhere unto the French ; propounding unto him the continual servitude which he derived from the obsequies of his Grand-father and Father to the Crown of Spain ; the meanness of his State and his low condition , whilst he should continue to do so ; and on the contrary , the liberty , esteem and encrease of fortune , which he assuredly would purchase by adhering to the Crown of France ; also the condition of the present times , which concur'd thereunto , did much foment such thoughts ; for when this Prince began to interest himself in these affairs , fortune began to smile upon the King of S●…dens proceedings , and to ●…rown upon the house of Austria ; and therefore he , either perswaded by others , or by himself , that the fortune and power of the King of France , who was the chief upholder of the Swedish Forces , being to be much advanced by the ruine of the house of Austria , it must needs be excellent Counsel , to abandon the falling fortune of that Crown , and to be one of the first that should adhere to the others encreasing fortune . The Court of Spain had from the beginning discern'd the sprightly genius of this Prince ; and thinking by some shew of resentment to make him return to the way of his predecessors obsequie and devotion , they made him stray the farther out of it ; for when mention was sometimes made of this Prince in that Court , they would talk of his elder Brother , who being a natural fool , was declared incapable of succession ; sometimes they took Don Octavio into consideration , another elder Brother of the Dukes , made legitimate , though a fool , and inabled to succeed in the Principality , when his Father , Duke Ranutio , had not , nor hoped not for , any lawful heirs : which things were brought upon the board rather to threaten the Duke with the doubt of succession , if he should persist in these novelties , then that there was any thought to put them in practice ; and Duke Alexander , Grand-father to the present Duke , having done homage to King Philip the Second , when the Citadel of Piacenza was restored to him by the said Philip , and having been invested therewith , upon condition that he should keep a Governour there , in whom the Crown of Spain might confide , he thought that the King might have some pretence or colour to be judge in the controverted succession , and that he might see his sentence perform'd by force of Arms , when he should by the Dukes comportments be constrained to renew those things touching the succession , which should he persevere in his forefathers devotion , would be laid aside . This medling with a part so sensible , and which could by no means endure to be handled , occasioned quite contrary effects to what was imagined ; for the Conde Duca , who having framed such conceits forbare not upon occasion to speak of them openly ; whereas he thought thereby to suppress the eager desires of this Prince , found afterwards that they served for bellows to make flame higher ; for the Duke thinking that the Court of Spain meant , under these pretences , to make use of these ●…etters , grew so inraged ; as any the least commotion he heard of in the State of Millain , much more the taking up of Arms by the Duke of Feria and by the Infanta moved him beyond measure , as if they had been undoubtedly prepared for his ruine ; so as the fear of losing those possessions he had , being added to the hopes he had fancied unto himself of augmenting them by joyning in League with the King of France , he began to raise men for his own defence , to munite his Forts , and to hold closer intelligence with the King of France , that he might the better secure himself against such threats ; and raising his thoughts yet higher , being big with conceit of the liberty of Italy , he , like another Charles Emanuel , did so zealously covet the beating down of the Spanish Empire , as not only one , but many Charles Emanuels seemed in all mens opinions to be risen up in this young Prince ; and his actions shewed in the progress of time , that Count Fabio was not the Author of these sprightly counsels , but that they were the proper and natural conceptions form'd in the Dukes own Idea . The Alienation of this Prince and of the Duke of Modena , though they were none of the greatest in Dominions nor in Forces , did notwithstanding discompose the affairs of Spain in Italy , and were of no small moment to the safety of the State of Millain ; Commerce by Land being totally separated by their States , from between the Kingdom of Naples and the State of Millain , which was so necessary for the conveyance of Horse , which could not be carried by Sea without much inconvenience ; in which case , the State and Havens of Genoa ( which by reason of the good correspondency between the Crown of Spain and that Commonwealth , had formerly been a safe landing for the Spaniards ) being now become doubtful ( as shall hereafter be said ) by reason of the bad satisfaction which many of the Genoese Citizens received from the Court of Spain , or not safe by reason of the French Fleets which were upon the Mediterranean ; and the Valtoline being in the hands of the French ; Italy and the State of Millain were subject to be invaded by their Armies : so as the affairs of Spain were subject to manifest danger , and strange events . The Spaniards therefore apprehending what might happen , strove to re-gain , at least , the Duke of Modena , who drew along with him the Lord of Mirandola , who depended much upon him ; for if Modena should be wrought upon , Commerce with the Kingdom of Naples was sufficiently secured , since his State confined on the one side with the State of Bollognia , on the other with that of Crema ; so as Horse ( which are not usually denied passage by the Popes through Romagna ) entring thereby into the Dukedom of Bollognia , and from thence into that of Modena , they may enter into the Territori●…s of Cremona , and from thence into the State of Millain , without touching upon Parma . Don Francisco di Melo , one of the chief of the Nobility of Portugal , descended from the noble house of Braganza , and consequently famous for birth , but more for worth and dexterity , and great abilities which he had in the concernments of Italy , where he had lived long with the title of Embassador in extraordinary from the King of Spain , in the Commonwealth of Genoa , was return'd now with title of Embassadour in extraordinary to the Princes of Italy ; wherefore being thought a fit Instrument for such a business by Cardinal Albornoiz , he was sent to Modena and to Mirandola , where having trea●…ed successfully with both the Princes , he deviated the intelligence which both of them had contracted with the French : the Lord Mirandola was by agreement made with the King of France , to have received shortly a French Garrison into Mirandola ; but Melo withdrew him from those treaties , and reduced him under the perpetual protection of the Crown of Spain ; and he prevail'd so much with the Duke of Modena , as foregoing also the treaty of League with France , which was already either concluded or neer concluding , he made him joyn in League with the Crown of Spain ; upon condition that he should forthwith send his Brother , Prince Reynaldo , who was afterwards Cardinal , to defend the State of Millain with a Brigade of Modeneses ; and on the other side , deliver'd him possession of Correggio , which had been the reason why that Duke had been displeased with the Crown of Spain ; he , moreover , promised him in the Kings name many honours and dignities ; upon which promise●… the Duke ere long went to Madrid , where he was honourably received , and made General of the Ocean , with a stipend of 24000 Crowns a year . The great Duke of Tuscany , either was not desired by the French to enter into the League , or being desired , refused ; it was not to be feared that he would enter into new Counsels , were it either that , with the wisest , he did think them good for the common good ; or were it for that being Son to a Sister of the present Emperour , he thought himself in honour interessed in what concern'd the Austrian Family ; which was the cause why in the late wars of Mantua and Montferrat , he had openly declared for the Austrians ; and holding the State of Sienna , in Fee , from the Crown of Spain , upon obligation to succour the State of Millain with a certain number of men , he could not well joyn in Confederacy with other Princes against the said State ; and therefore soon after the war was begun , upon the same Melo's going to him , he entred into League with the Crown of Spain , which was after establish'd by his Secretary Dominico Pandolfini , and sworn unto in defence of that State , and was bound to send the Brigade of Foot , which he was to have sent to the State of Sienna , and which was accordingly sent under the Marquess Camillo dal Monte ; and , moreover , he of his meer will and pleasure , obliged himself to pay 4000 Swissers , and to send 500 Horse , which he soon did , under the Marquess Ricciardi ; for which noble and generous action , the King made Iovan Carlo , Brother to the said Duke , and who was afterwards Cardinal , Supream General of all his Majesties Fleets in the Mediteranean : the French therefore had no hopes of prevailing with that State. They thought they might build more safely upon the State of Genca , by reason of the displeasure which many of those Citizens at this time conceived from the Court of Spain ; by means whereof they thought they might divert that Common-wealth from that good cor●…espondency which so many years had been held between her and the Crown of Spain , so happily . And that it may be known how this dissatisfaction hapned , it will be necessary that repeating somewhat that hath already been touch'd , we make a particular discourse thereupon ; the which may serve not so much to acquaint the present Age with what hath hapned in these our times , as the future . The Common-wealth had held for an undoubted Maxime of State , that the King being concern'd in that State , by reason of her negotiations with that Crown , should stand for ever well affected to the liberty thereof ; And the King likewise , out of the same considerations , was of the same opinion , that the Common-wealth should alwayes stand well affected to his Crown . From this conformity of opinion did that perfect and affectionate correspondency result , which made them never weary of assisting one another reciprocally ; and a whole Age of experienced happiness being past , there was nothing done either by the Spaniards or Genoese , where●…n the dignity of that Crown , and the preservation of the Common-wealths liberty was not joyntly intended . The Genoese allowed the Kings of Spain to maintain a great number of Gallies in the Haven of Genoa , whereby those Kings kept their Dominions in Italy joyn'd to their Kingdomes of Spain , which were so far divided both by Sea and Land. Passage was granted easily , at the request of that Crown , by the Genoese , through their Common-wealth ; Those Kings made use of the Genoeses in their Affairs and Imployments of greatest importance , trusting them with the supream command of their Fleets at Sea , and of their Armies by Land ; being enlivened by this nearness and affiance the Genoese , brought home all that by their industry and negotiation they had formerly gotten in several of the parts of the world , into the States and Dominions belonging to that Crown . And the richest and wealthiest of them , having imployed their riches and fortunes in the service thereof , were both a great help to the Spaniards , and received much honour and advantage thereby . By these mens industry those Kings turn'd all the Indian merchandize into Gold , and they conveyed not only the Spaniards Gold but their own , and the like of all Europe , whither soever the occasions of that Crown required , as oft as the treasures of America came not time enough , or were not sufficient to supply them . And all things went succesfully by reason of the credit and great correspondency which they had gotten in all the world by their real and punctual proceedings ; a most happy Age , wherein nothing was contended for between so great a King and the Common-wealth , but reciprocal zeal and passion how to serve each other . The War made these late years by the Duke of Savoy , wherein he was assisted by France against the Common-wealth , added new and stricter tyes to this so great an union ; wherein the King having been very ready and zealous to defend and preserve the Common-wealth , she found she had not placed her hopes of preservation formerly in vain in the union of that Crown ; for the Common-wealth finding her self abandoned in those necessities by all the Princes of Italy , nay by the Pope himself , not without apparent scandal , she found no Arms ready to fence her self against so great a Tempest but those of Spain ; which coming , in both by Sea and Land to her assistance , the Common-wealth being assisted only by the Forces of Spain , was able so to withstand the Assaulters , as she had the better of the business ; by all which successes , the King and all his friends might easily perceive that the joyning of the French Forces to those of Savoy against the Common-wealth , was not only to resent the buying of Zuccharello , but to bound the Austrian greatness ; and to begin the abasing thereof in the ruine of Genoa ; and that likewise the fall of that Common-wealth was not affected by the Rebublicks and chief Princes of Italy , for any other end , save only that holding her to be too cordially united to the interests of that Crown , they thought they could not safely build upon her for those ends which they were intent upon ; which were , to pull down the Spanish Grandezza , the preheminency whereof they could not see , and patiently suffer : So as the ones security , and the others greatness , which were apparently practised against , being joyned to the reciprocal advantagious bonds of such an union , it seemed that no future chance could interrupt it . But the felicity of this world is not so secure , but that when it is come to the height , it declines ; for the storm which troubled Genoa was not well over , when on the sudden , the so well grounded union was disturb'd and indangered ; it is hard to penetrate into the true and intrinsecal cause of this change of this Scene . But the Spaniards thinking that they had merited exceeding much of the Genoese , by the assistance which they had given them , pretended mighty matters from them ; which not being granted neither by the publick , nor by the private persons , begot ill blood in them , and particularly in the Conde Duca ; who was of a high spirit , one who naturally abhor'd ancient customes , inclined to novelties , no wayes desirous to give satisfaction to such Princes as were friends to the Crown , and ( chiefly ) not to the Genoese . Neglecting therefore that good correspondency which Charles the fifth , and Philip the second , and the third , had still endeavoured to preserve , he began on the sudden , and under colour of the emptiness of the Kings Exchequer , to seiase upon their riches , which by reason of their greatness being become odious in that Court were also esteemed hurtful and prejudicial , as if they had been accumulated by wasting the Kings Patrimony . Which conceits being promoted by the Conde Duca his authority , some books or libels concerning them were disperst abroad in Madrid ; which though they were confuted sufficiently , yet they were readily embraced by the other Spanish Agents . Whence very great inconvenience , loss , and dissatisfaction redounded to the Genoeses : And the first blowes being made at private Citizens of Genoa , who would not consent to the injurious negotiations which were propounded to them by the Conde Duca ; therefore what began with private men past on to the publick distast ; by reason of the former Wars of Genoa , some alterations had sometimes hapned in that Court , to the prejudice of the Contract : But such as by reason of their slenderness and seldomness might well have been endured . And if the Kings , forced by some necessity , made any alterations , yet knowing how useful and necessary the maintaining of the Contract was , they avoided breaking it , and endeavoured to piece it up by making amends , some way or other , to the negotiators . So as the Contract was kept still on Foot , and the sharpness or bitterness of the losses suffer'd by the past alterations were abundantly salved by the assistance which was given in the subsequent Warrs . But the War being ceased , this mischief in those Spanish Agents , against the Genoeses , began to be revived again , and renewed with such vehemency , as being continued beyond all measure or end , it necessarily brought the Genoeses even to the precincts of desperation : no gre●…t enterprise or action was resolved upon in that Court , or in the Spanish Dominions in Italy , where some design was not had upon the moneys of the Genoeses ; the arming made in Naples against Provence by the Viceroy Montersi , was not only put together at first , and in a great part formed by moneys taken from the Genoeses , but was recruited and re-assumed twice or thrice by the same moneys : this mischief began first by the Kings Decree published in the beginning of the year 1627 , a year after the war of Genoa ; by which the satisfaction and payments , which were formerly assigned to the Genoeses , in somuch Gold and Silver , which should be brought by the first Plate-ships from America into Spain , were altered ; in lieu whereof so many yearly rents were assigned to them out of the Kings Revenue , and out of impositions . The Conde Duca , and the other Spanish Agent esteemed it a great advantage to make use of those ready moneys which they had of the Genoeses upon new occasions : but as all novelties which are not introduced out of true but appearing reasons , bring forth often sad accidents ; so was this resolution occasion of strange inconveniences , in prejudice to the contract which was so necessary for that Court ; for the King by this Decree suffer'd much in his Credit and Reputation of contracting , which was formerly so highly valued : the negotiating Genoeses did likewise suffer not only in their own particular concernments , but generally in their Credit , which being formerly incredible with all Nations , began by this Court-novelty , and by this alteration of pay , to lessen . Forreign Nations suffer'd , which had trusted their moneys in the Banks of the Genoeses ; to the end , that they might exchange them from place to place throughout all Europe , for the maintenance of the Spanish Armies and Fleets : a great contrivement which had been long happily experienced , and such as the Gold and Silver yearly brought in by the Plate-fleet , and the Annual Revenues of the Crown not being sufficient for it , did like a devouring whirlepool , always open , require indefinite ready moneys , at all times , and in all Regions ; which could be had no where else , but from the Mine of the Genoeses Credit ; all Merchants in all places suffer'd in their Commerce and exchange of Moneys ; which is the only means to make use of ready moneys with least danger and expence in far-off Countries : the detaining these moneys in this Court occasioned all this inconvenience ; just as when the chief Fountain is dried up , all the Rivulets which derive from thence do grow dry likewise , and the Grass is burnt up . By these unusual accidents the good correspondency between the Genoeses and this Crown began somewhat to slacken , advantage being the best nourishment to inclination , and prejudice the worst venome ; but these novelties began soon to cease . For the Spaniards finding , at last , how necessary it was for so vast a machination to have Architects that were excellent at Traffick , who were born out by credit , and very cunning in the winding and turning of Moneys and merchandize ; and finding that the Florentines , who in emulation or spite to the Genoeses , were brought in by them to the contract , were not able to undergo such a burthen ; and that therefore their Negotiations did not only not proceed so well as they had hoped , but that Trade was interrupted , to the great prejudice of the Crown , it behoved them to reduce it into the ancient channel , and , in a great part , to put it again into the hands of the Genoeses ; and this resolution was the rather taken , for that the Spanish Officers found , that Negotiation by the Genoeses was not so very prejudicial to the Kings purse , nor to the bettering of their own fortunes , as some of them had believed ; for to boot that they found that the consideration money was not so excessive , as had been thought ; and that all the mischief proceeded from the great expence which the passing of business through so many hands , and in so many places , brought with it , they afterwards , that they might make the Genoeses plunge themselves further into business and negotiation , and take upon them greater bargains , made the King invite them by Commendams , Titles and Rewards , more then the emolument which the businese did naturally bring with it ; and though the interrupted negotiation began to grow better , yet many Staple Towns of Trade were wanting , and therein many of their Creditors for ready money , who instead of ready moneys which were due unto them at their Marts or Fairs , were forced to receive payment in credit given in far-off Countries : so as the affection of the Genoeses being moved by so much prejudice , made the Citizens grow somewhat testy ; and on the other side , that Hob goblin which misguiding the Spaniard in point of profit in negotiation had troubled the current of business , did also continually vex their minds , by the noise of the Genoeses wealth , and did suggest thoughts into them of taking from them what they had gotten . They did not re-attempt their goods nor the payments of the contract , finding the great inconveniences which were occasioned by the last retentions ; and which were more apprehended now , by how much it was more necessary to maintain the credit of the negotiating Genoese , which was not a little diminish'd by the late Decree ; and for that they saw the urgent necessities of the Crown , reduced by that Decree into great streights : Leaving therefore the Negotiation untouched , they seized upon the yearly Rents of the Genoeses , which were in Naples , Spain , and in the State of Millain , and which were of great worth ; a resolution which was ill resented and worse digested ; for none being , almost , prejudiced under the name of Forreigners , but the Genoeses , against whom the King had no just pretence at all , the injustice did the more appear , for that the natural Subjects goods were not retained : this afforded occasion of several discourses ; as , whether the Kings Exchequer got more discredit , or advantage by it ; whether the Kings designs were more advanced , or more retarded thereby ; whether it did fasten or slacken the devotion of the Genoeses towards the Crown : Contrary effects arising from the same cause which brings profit , and shews Penury , which is a help to the Royal Revenue , and darkens Majesty , captivates the goods , and alienates the affection ; leaving it in doubt , whether there be any thing of Royalty or Monarchy in that Project , which is neither order'd by Justice , nor accompanied with Generosity ; and because for justification of such a Decree , provision might be had for repairing the loss , they talk'd of assigning reparation to such as were grieved ; but the restoring was not so ready nor equal to the dammage undergone , as was the benefit of the second retention efficacious in behalf of the Kings Exchequer , to make the Officers desirous to reiterate it to the prejudice of the same Genceses ; the second decr●…e was therefore determined , which was the more felt , as the disease was more confirm'd , and touched many in their livelihoods and families ; which was stomack'd by many , and began to corrupt that confidence and trust which was formerly had of the punctuality of that Crown , touching the payment of the Revenues thereof , which were sold for ready monies . Wherefore they bethought themselves of being more backwards in interessing themselves again with that Crown , and to listen more to novelties ; and finding what great defalcations were made in their principles , by the retention of the Revenues , they began to fear , what hapned , that the malady would be everlasting , and grow dayly worse . They therefore studied as much as they could to rid their hands of the Revenues , by selling the Principal ; that they might imploy the price thereof in other States , in whose justice they mought more safely confide ; since such vast sums could not be imploy'd in the Territories of Genoa . So as some thought of sending their monies to Rome , some to Venice ; but this was presently hindred by the same Spanish Officers . For being desirous to keep the Genoeses subject to the Kings interests out of their own concernments , they by indirect means hindred the sale of their principal ; which proved very prejudicial to the Genoeses ; who not being able to receive their Revenues , nor to make use of their principal , were forc'd contrary to all right , to keep it subject to a continual diminution ; and the retention continuing , many Citizens lost their greatest wealth , whereby they maintained their families . Wherefore the Common-wealth which heard continual complaints hereof , and evidently found how much the prejudice of private , persons which was insufferable , did redound to the publick loss ; was forced to complain thereof to the King , by Cesaro Durazzo , whom they sent Embassadour in extraordinary to him to that purpose : And he bringing back no satisfaction but in words , and faithful promises of making reparation for what loss had been suffer'd , and of desisting from being so in the future , which was not made good ; for the retention continued , and the Citizens began again to resent yet more , and to grow cooler in their affections to that Crown . This ill disposition was yet more fomented , by but bad satisfaction which the Common-wealth it self received at the same time from the Officers of the Crown : Which beginning ( as hath been said elsewhere ) from the impunity of the Conspirators , which the same Officers with such eagerness press'd for , was resented with no little admiration and grief by the private Citizens , and as constantly denyed by the Common-wealth . And as it was seen that this earnest pressing of the Spanish Officers arose from the immense desire they had to satisfie the Duke of Savoy's ardent desires , who was then a bitter Enemy to the Common-wealth , and the chief favourer of the Conspiracy ; so did the Common-wealth think her self the more injured by that Crown ; for that preferring the Duke of Savoy's reconciliation before the sincere and never interrupted friendship of the Common-wealth , it had concluded peace with the Duke of Savoy , whilst the differences between that Duke and the Common-wealth , were not yet well composed . To this was added the ardent desire of that Crown , that Monsieur Di Sabran , Resident for the King of France , should not be permitted to tarry in Genoa , which was interpreted by the Spaniards as a beginning of the alienation between the Common-wealth and the Crown ; by which occurrences the Kings Officers believing that the Genoese fell much off from the union , and good correspondency towards the Kings Affairs ; and fearing lest the wound should fester , which might occasion more mischief , they bethought themselves of a means , by which the generality of the Citizens should be inforced to be better inclined to the Crowns concernments then they held them to be ; and more desirous to joyn with the Court Agents in their desires ; which was an excepting some of the Citizens , who were held to be most affected to the Crown , from the retention of Revenues : thinking thereby to insinuate unto the rest that they might be the better able to get their rents , if they would appear partial to the Kings interest . This caused great commotion amongst the Citizens , all of them detested it , as seeds of civil dissention sow'd by the Spanish Agents amongst the Citizens . And the Common-wealth knowing how deeply this struck at the foundation of publich Concord , did at the first hearing very much resent it ; thinking that the solid and well regulated Government of the Common-wealth might be thereby much disordered ; since those that were excepted might mind more their private then the publick good . And those that were excepted were as much displeased thereat as were the rest ; who thinking themselves to be more noted then favoured by that exception , seemed particularly offended . The Common-wealth therefore , that she might countermine and render this decree vain , which was so pernicious for her , ordered that whatsoever rents should be paid to those that were excepted should be shared equally by all that were concern'd in the like rents . So the Common-wealth making use of her Native Liberty , would make Italy see , and all Christendom , how far she undervalued any Interest in respect of the liberty , The proceedings of the Marquess Sancta Croce , Generall of her Spanish Fleets at Sea , did likewise much irritate all the Genoeses ; who though in respect of what he had done for the Common-wealth , when he was made by the King Captain General of the Forces that were sent to relieve her , he had received all the satisfaction both of honour and gratitude that she could give him ; yet the seeds of bad satisfaction being already sowed ( as hath been said ) by the Conde Duca , to the prejudice of the Genoeses interests ; Sancta Groce who was one that did chiefly depend upon the authority of the Conde Duca , was of all others most sollicitous and most accurate in seconding his Genius , greedily embraced the occasion which presented it self , of sharing in his resentments . For being in Messiina , with the Galleyes and Standard royal , when the Common-wealths Gallies came thither with her Standard , he intended some innovation , in prejudice to the precedency which was usually given there to her Standard ; which Luca Iustiniano , the Common-wealths General , hearing , though he had much adoe to believe it , yet he took notice thereof , complained much , and endeavoured to remove him from the thought thereof , both by affectionate entreaties , and by evident reasons alleadged on the Common-wealths behalf . But in vain , for Sancta Croce was resolute in his intention ; so as Iustiniano seeing he could do no good upon him , that he might avoid further inconveniences , resolved to be gon ; and bringing news to Genoa of Croce's comportments , he inceased resentment generally in the minds of all the Citizens , who were very much offended with the Spanish Officers for the continual injuries which they received from them : Wherefore the Common-wealth took from him all the priviledges which she had granted him for his former services . The Common-wealth was also very sensible of another sad accident , which hapned not long after , almost within sight of the City . Ten Holland ships came to Genoa fraught with merchandize , and victuals , which belong'd partly to the publick Granary of Genoa , partly to the private Genoeses , and partly to forreign Merchants who resided in Genoa . Don Melchiore di Borgia , General of the Neopolitan Gallies , was in the Haven of Vai neer Savona ; and hearing of these ships , put to Sea , and assaulted them , and took them , and carryed them away to Naples , with their lading as lawfull prize ; alledging for his defence , that being Holland ships , who were Enemies to the King , he might lawfully take them . The Common-wealth held her self offended by this action , several wayes ; chiefly , for the violation of the jurisdiction of her See ; pretending , as undoubtedly she might , that the jurisdiction of the whole Ligustick Sea did anciently belong to her , she having won it with her own Fleets , having anciently defended it from the Saracens ; which pretension is approved by ancient Cesarean priviledges , and by the authority of the most famous ancient Writers and Civilians . Moreover , she held her self injured by the interruption of commerce , and concourse of Forreign Ships in her Havens , for wrong done to the publick Store houses of the City and of the Common-wealth ; for the loss that redounded to private Citizens and to Forreigners , who resided in the City upon account of business , and to the Custom-house ; and finally , for the violation of the Laws of Hospitality : whilst the Kings Captains abusing the reception which is court●…ously given in the Havens of the Common-wealth to the Kings Ships , they rewarded the courtesie with injurie and go out of their Havens where they are friendly received , secured , and furnish'd with all necessaries to injure , the vessels of the Common-wealths confederates ; who frequenting the Haven of Genoa , come under assurance of publick faith , and of the Common-wealths protection , to supply the City with victuals , and to maintaine Commerce , which is one of the chief foundation of the City and State of Genoa . And really the Ships that were in Vai were rig'd out by the monies of the Genoeses , which was detain'd in the Kingdom of Naples ; and was not only received and provided of all refreshments in the Ligustick Sea. So as the Common-wealth seeing that the Captains of those Ships abused such civility , and had turned her high favours not onely to the abuse of her friends , but of her self , had occasion to complain of this action , which might justly be esteemed hostile ; for indeed , what was it but debarring of free Commerce between Forreigners and the City ? What , but to pretend to besiege the City by Sea ? To the end that those vessels might not enter the City , which were by her favour permitted to enter ; So as after fitting complaints made both in publick and private , there were three Embassadours chosen . The first was sent to Spain , to complain of the injury received from Don Melchior di Borgia in the Ligustick Sea , and to demand satisfaction : This was Lucca Iustinian●… , who being descended from a Father who had been long since Doge , not long after his return from this Embassie , was with much applause chosen also Doge , as his Father had been before him . Another was sent to France , to complain of the taking of many Vessels of Genoa , which were taken by the French , who coming out of the French Seas with Letters of Mart granted by the King , committed Piracy upon the Mediterranean : This was Iovannai Baptista Saluzz●… , one who had been long employed in Embassies for the Common-wealth . The third , with title only of a Gentleman of Genoa , was Iacomo Negrone di Melchiore , a young man , but of great hopes , who was sent to the United Provinces of Holland , to complain of what had been done in the Ligustick Sea , of the common prejudice done to their Vessels , and to the Merchandize intended for Genoa , to acquaint them how it was resented by the Genoese , and with the remedy which was endeavoured and expected from the Court of Spain , to the end that those Provinces might not have the Navigations of their Vessels disturbed nor interrupted afterwards . The two last of these Embassies were ill interpreted by the Spaniards , as esteemed to be sent for the holding of closer intelligence with the King of France , and with the United Provinces . This jealousie of the Court of Spain was augmented by another provision which it behoved the Commonwealth to make , touching the unloading and passage which was to be granted to the Subjects of Forreign Princes : For formerly , when for almost a whole Age the Spaniards had met with no competition in Italy from the French , neither by Sea nor Land , the concession or inhibiting of landing or passage could cause no inconvenience ; and therefore it being thought of little or no concernment to the main Affairs , the arbitrement of concession or denial was in the two Colledges ; but now , when almost the whole state of Affairs was altered in Italy ; by the French Forces , which kept frequently in Piedmont and Lombardy , and by the shipping of the same Crown , which entered the Mediterranean not long after , ( as shall be said hereafter ) it became the Commonwealth to reflect more upon the importancy thereof then she had done formerly ; wherefore , as things of greater concernment , it was thought fit that they should be resolved by the same Colledges , but by the intervening of the lesser Colledg , according to the publick Laws , which referr'd the dangerous affair of such accidents to the said Colledge . The result of this new deliberation was , That concession being to be carried by the most Votes , the Spaniards thought it would be a harder business to be decided , by reason of the times , wherein they thought the Genoeses had slackened their studying the Kings good , many of the Genoeses complaining , and , as being greatly concerned by the retention of their Rents , exclaiming , that it was an unworthy and unjust thing , that the Spaniards should purchase the conveniency of passage from the Swissers for great sums of money , and other honourable terms , and that the Genoeses , receiving no recompence , should moreover be deprived of their rents , which was the fortune wherewith they maintained their Houses and Families ; and which not being given gratis , but bought with ready monies , was due unto them by all Laws both Humane and Divine : And that , moreover , the publick dignity was contemned , and their Hospitalities were thereby violated . The King not approving of what Borgia had done , and being desirous in some sort to satisfie the Genoeses complaints , which were prest home by their Embassadour Iustiniano ; did at last order by decree , that their merchandise and vessels which were taken should be restored ; and as the ready execution would have generally much quieted mens minds , so the difficulties put therein by the Spanish Agents in Italy did exasperate them , and made the proviso unsatisfactory . But on the other side , the Spaniards did much resent the Common-wealths resolution ; and not being able to endure that the free concession of landing , unloading , and passage formerly granted unto those of their Nation , should be now any ways controverted ; they thought that the favour their King had shewn in the last War to the Common-wealth , should be prefer'd before any motive which should have made the Common-wealth put on such a resolution . The Court of Spain had much adoe to believe that so great a conspiracy against the Common-wealth , and the great losses suffer'd by that War , should proceed onely from the Duke of Savoy's anger concerning Zuccharello , but rather for that the Common-wealth , contrary to the ends and interrests of all the Italian Princes , would constantly maintain union with the Crown of Spain : so as the assistance given by Spain upon that occasion to the Common-wealth , ( to boot that it was not gratis , nor at the Kings expence , as those which were subministred for the protection of Montferrat ; but paid for by the monies of the Genoeses ) was onely due to the Common-wealth from the King by the Laws of gratitude and good correspondency , but requisite for the safety of the Kings Affairs in Italy ; which would have run much hazard by the loss of the Common-wealth . But howsoever , who knows not how far the merit of benefits received may be cancelled , and the memoy of them quite forgot , by loading those that received them with wrongs and injuries ? And yet the Common-wealth minding more the substance of Affairs , then Accidents which may happen , shew'd plainly to the whole world , and to the King and Court of Spain , in the ruptures which hapned afterwards , how considerately she proceeded in her actions . For the Genoeses being amidst these Commotions , the French thought they might prevail much with the Common-wealth ; and thinking that if they could draw her over to their side , they should have as good as effected their business ; they endeavoured to make her declare for them , as they had done the like with many other Princes of Italy . But the Common-wealth which would never be brought to declare for Spain , was far from doing so ; but carried her self so discreetly in her actions , as neither of the Crowns had reason to complain of her : So as she was equally pleasing to them both ; and her carriage in the disputes which succeeded afterwards between the Forces of both the Crowns , was well received . Wherein she wan so much credit with the French , and of Spain's Admiral , being then in the Haven of Genoa , with the Standard royal , and with other Gallies , the Admiral of France , came at the same time into the same Haven , with a greater number of Gallies and better provided for fight ; and the conflict might have proved dangerous to the Spaniards , had not the Common wealth interposed her self : So that as if both of them had put their differences to be decided by her , they stay'd there quietly with incredible respect , and forbearing all the while of their abode there . And both their Admirals coming on land walked up and down the City without any quarrelling ; and that seemed to happen at this time in the Haven City of Genoa , which hapned in Noah's Ark , where beasts which were at enmity with one another , laying aside all their rancour , lived peaceably together . The like hapned not long after in Savona , whereinto eleven Neopolitan Gallies being entred , which had landed some Souldiers at Finale , they were overtaken by thirteen French Gallies , and after them came a great many French Frigats , not far from Savona ; which assuredly would have made themselves masters of the Neopolitan Gallies , had not Iohn Baptista Baliano , who was then Governour of Savona , willed the French General to forbear all Hostility , which the French were ready to have used to the Enemy : So as the King of Spain and his Agents might perceive , how differently the Common-wealth ( though so many several wayes injured by his Agents ) had carried her self , from what some Italian Princes had done , who were near ally'd to the Austrian blood , and who had received great honours and favours from the King : One whereof ( as shall be said in its due place ) being hardly desired to do so by the French , declared absolutely for Neutrality ; and the other joyn'd with the French , and went with them to assault Millain . These were the practices of the King of France , wrought in Italy by his Agents ; and these were the fruits thereof ; but yet that King forbore not to attempt that by Arms which he could but weakly compass by negotiation ; not having drawn any others over to side with him , but the Dukes of Savoy and Parma , the latter more then willingly , the other much inforced ; when War was openly declared , he raised an Army of 2000 Horse , and 12000 Foot in Dolpheny , and sent it into Piedmont under Marshal Cricky ; to the end that joyning with the Forces of the Dukes of Savoy and Parma , they might begin to fall upon the State of Millain : Which being then unprovided of men , many whereof were employ'd in the Valtoline against Rohan , was but in bad condition to defend it self . The Duke of Savoy was to concur in this enterprize with 2000 Horse , and with about 10000 Foot , and the Duke of Parma , with 7000 Foot and 1000 Horse ; which made in all 5000 Horse , and above 25000 Foot , a formidable Army for the State of Millain , though it had been sufficiently provided of Souldiers , much more now when it wanted them so much . Cricky appeared about the end of August , in the year 1635. with Title of Lieutenant to the Duke of Savoy , who was chosen ( as hath been said ) Captain General of the League , and of the King of France his Forces in Italy ; and having thrown a bridge over the Sesia , he presently took la Villata , together with the Fort which the Spaniards had built there ; and thought he lay idle there some days , expecting the Colleagues , yet he kept the Enemy in suspence , they not knowing where this so great a preparation would first fall : Doubtlesly they minded most to assault that part which the Millanois call beyond the Poe , in which , to boot with the Cities of Alessandria and Tortona , the Town of Valenza is scituated , upon the right hand of the Poe , just over against la Lomellina ; which though it were but badly defensible , either by scituation or art , was notwithstanding of great consequence in respect of the Poe , which dividing this part from the rest of the State , and there being no other Town upon the whole extent of her banks , fit for the casting over of a bridge ; therefore ●…as when it was held by the Spaniards , it kept both parts of the State ) joyned together by that bridge ; so being lost , and the two parts disjoyn'd , the one part could not well assist the other ; it was therefore to be feared , that if Valenza should be lost , all that part of the State would soon be taken ; and that the other part being thereby weakned , and cut off from the Sea , they should be totally debar'd all Maritime succour ; so as this being added to the loss of the Valtoline , it was cleerly seen how great a loss to the State of Millain the taking of Valenza would prove : the inconvenience grew the greater , for that the Duke of Parma being alienated , the accommodation which ( that part being lost ) his territories could give for bringing relief by Sea , was also lost ; so as it was probable that Valenza would be the first place that the enemy would fall upon ; and therefore the Cardinal who was the Governour , and the other Office●…s , were troubled how to withstand this so imminent danger , their forces being weakned , and their Souldiers exhausted ; especially since those few that were left to defend the State were sent for a little before to keep Flanders from being assaulted by the French , and Hollanders ; to the slenderness of the forces was added the weakness of government ; the Cardinal , who was Governour , was by profession a Church-man , and little , or not at all , vers'd in what belonged to war ; though Don Carlo Colonna , a Commander long trayn'd up in the wars of Flanders , by orders from the King , commanded in chief the forces of the State ; but Marquess Spinola , who was General of the Horse , and of a susperior quality , quitting his own command upon this occasion , as not induring to be commanded by him , chose to serve as a private Volunteer ; the other Captains , though they did not openly refuse to serve , yet did it but unwillingly ; so as the disagreement , and disaffection of the Commanders , being added to the weakness of the forces , made the defence dangerous ; the danger was yet great , for fear lest the Duke of Rohan , a Commander of known fame , might fall with his men from the Valtoline into some other part of the State , and might so divert those few forces , which being all joyned together were not sufficient to defend one part : or that joyning with others he might make the assault the sorer ; amidst these dangers , the Duke of Parma , who had never been provoked by any hostile act , stuck not to be the first that entred armed into the State of Millain , in hostile manner , with seven thousand Foot , and one thousand Horse , all very well appointed , about the beginning of September ; he was not above twenty four years old ; but being sprightly , and building rather upon certainties then hopes , he at first entred the territories of Tortona , and crossing over , those of Allessandriae thought to joyn with the Marshal , who was in the Villata , and with the Duke of Savoy , who expected his speedy joyning with his Piemontese in this enterprise ; and not being well entred into the State of Millain , he encountred twenty five thousand Foot , divided into two bodies , at Ponte Carone ; the one Spaniards , led on by Don Gasparod ' Azevedo ; the other Neapolitans , conducted by Philippo Spinola , sent from Naples by the Vice-roy Monterei , and landed but a little before in the Seas of Genoa . Azevedo marcht foremost , who not tarrying for Spinola , who followed half a days match'd behind , he fought the Duke ; and being at the first shot in the head with a Musket he fell down dead ; wherefore the Spaniards , though for a while they resisted valiantly , yet being exceeded in numbers , they were routed , and put to flight , the Duke hoping hereby for greater things ; and being glad that he had begun so fortunately , went more couragiously forwards ; but he had lost many of his men , part whereof were slain in the fight , part disbanded in the march ; he found the Marshal at Piovera , who was come thither with his men , to guide him , and secure him in his march ; and turning with him back , he encamped before Valenza ; where assigning the lower bank to the Duke for his quarters , and the upper bank to the Marquess Villeroy , who had some French Regiments with him , he himself kept with his men upon a hill behinde the Town ; which being block'd up on all sides , could receive no succour from any part , but onely by a bridge of Boats which was thrown over the Poe ; the Town was not thought able to hold out longer then six days , either by those that were within , or those that were without , and those of the Spanish Army were so full of this opinion , as they cared not to defend it , thinking it better to quit it , and spare those few Captains , and Souldiers lives , in this so great scarcity of men , which if they should tarry to defend it , must necessarily be lost ; so as they were much astonished and confused , not knowing whether they should adventure the lives of the Defendants , not to lose the Town , or ( not to lose the Defendants ) abandon a place of such importance ; to this was added , that there being none to command in Chief there , but onely he who was trusted with it in time of peace , and whom they that were to enter would not obey , it behoved to send one of better quality and experience thither ; Marquess Spinola , one upon whom the eyes of all men were bent , though come thither as a Volunteer before the Marshal went from Villata , had begun to make some fortifications ; but would not take the place upon him , it being far inferior to the place of General of the Horse which he must then lay aside ; and it was refused by all others , fearing lest they might lose either their lives or honours there , or peradventure both ; so as they inclined rather to spare their men , then to defend the Town , which they held as good as lost already ; it hapned that when the Marshal went from Villata to meet the Duke of Parma , the Spaniard observed that he left Valenza behind him , and took the way towards Allessandria , and afterwards , towards Tortona ; so as they imagined he would first go to the taking of some one of those Cities ; wherefore Marquess Spinola went with some few Souldiers into Allessandria ( where General Colonna was , with the gross of his men ) and offered himself ready to defend either that Town or Tortona , if either of them should be assaulted by the enemy ; but when he saw the Marshal return from Piovera , and go , together with the Duke , to before Valenza , he hasted thither , with Colonna , and the men which were with him ; and being come into the Town he found it provided of an excellent Commander , the Marquess of Celada , a Spaniard nobly born ; whom being come a little before from Spain , and seeing that they were likely to abandon Valenza , could not suffer such an amazment , and therewith such a prejudice to the affairs of the Crown , and so great a lessening of the honor of Spain ; he therefore offered to take upon him the defence of that Town , and to sacrifice himself and his fortune in so dangerous a business , for the publick honour , and safety ; who being a Gentleman experienced in Arms , and sent from the Court , with title of General of the Horse of an Army , which by the Kings order and expence was to be raised in Alsatia , his offer was accepted , and much commended by the Governour of Millain ; the singular example of so generous magnanimity encouraged many and fill'd them with generous emulations ; so as not able to stand spectators of the loss of that Town to the loss of their reputation , they resolved to follow him ; he entred Valenza two days before Colonna and Spinola came thither , from Allessandria , with men , artillery , munition and victuals ; Spinola took upon him the already begun defence the more willingly , now that he saw the place commanded by so gallant a person , whom he had very well known in the Wars of Germany ; and not refusing to serve under him , the generous Spaniards would not exercise command over him , but left the titular , or seeming government , to Martine Galeno , who was the Governour before , in whose name all things were done ; and they two , Celada and Spinola , joyntly and unanimously , did with much care and vigilancy minde the defence of the besieged Town ; and seeing it provided of all things necessary ( for new provisions were daily brought in by the bridge ) they fell to fortifie it ; but the Town being environed onely with an old ruinous wall , they first began to perfect the work which Spinola had begun , which was a great strong Trench ; which being Flank'd with eight bulwarks , begirt the Town at a competent distance , on the outside ; by which work , which was handsomly begun , and perfected , they hoped to keep the enemy from the wall , as long as possibly they could ; and having time and convenience , through Cricky's negligence , to finish the work , they munited it with many men ; and for the better defence , they , besides the Bulwarks , made certain low Redoubts in the ditch , which they call Capponiere , by a word taken from Capons pens , which they are like ; to these Capponiere some slingers were sent by a cover'd way from the bulwarks , who kept the enemy at such a distance , as he could not come neer the wall , before he was master of the Capponiere ; the taking whereof , as it was very hard , they being under the shelter of the Cannon , and musket of the Bulwarks which were on their backs ; so were they easie to be recovered , in case they were lost ; for those that take them being play'd upon by the same Cannon , and Muskets which did first defend them , they are forc'd either to abandon their purchase immediately with much loss of blood , first shed in the taking of them , and afterwards in abandoning them ; which being abandoned are easily re-taken by the said Slingers , through the same cover'd ways , who when they can make no longer defence , got with safety into the bulwarks ; the loss therefore succeeding the defence , and the defence the loss , provision was had for the long preservation and safety of the chief Bulwark , by which the place was secured ; a moderen invention , the which the sleighter it seem'd to be , proved the more efficacious ; for it is apt to weary the fiercest assaults that can be given to Bulwarks ; nor did they employ their time onely in fortifying and muniting , after Celada and Spinola were come , but in sallying out also , and in assaults ; for finding that the Duke of Parma's quarters were not yet perfectly fortified , and hearing that his numbers were much diminished by the running away of many of his men , they thought they might easily make themselves Masters thereof by assaulting them early in the morning , whil'st the Souldiers were asleep ; but the event answered not expectation ; for as they sallyed out , upon break of day , towards the Dukes quarters , they were driven back to within their own walls , and fortifications , with loss of men , and reputation ; Richardo Auvoyadro , General of the Dukes Horse , a stout and well experienced Flanders Souldier , whil'st he was diligently looking to affairs espied the enemy , and giving an Alarm immediatly , went out himself unarm'd , as he was , on horsback , with onely fourteen other horse which he found ready , and in order , and encountred the enemy : and falling upon a squadron of Carabines , which were advanc'd before the rest , he a●…ter a sleight Skirmish beat them back , and afforded time this mean while for the rest to arm , and put themselves in order to defend their quarters ; which the enemy being aware off , and fearing they should fail of their hopes , they retreated to within their works , in great confusion , leaving some of their men dead behinde them , and amongst which Don Iovan di Chiavari , nephew to Cardinal Albornizi ; whose death was recompenced with the like of Avogadro ; who after having repuls'd the Carabines , being transported with the success , advanc'd forward , and going to assault some Curassiers , was slain by a Musker shot , to the Dukes great grief ; who confided much in his Councel , valour and experience ; Valenza being fortified , and 5000 good foot being left there , Colonna went out with only 800 Horse , and retreated to Pieve del Cairo , a Town beyond the Poe , in the ●…omellina , six miles from Valenza , expecting more men , which were to come from several parts ; and in the interim was a Convoy to the Provisions which were continually sent ; and this he did , lest it might be taken by stoln assaults , which would have been prejudicial to the relieving of Valenza ; wherein many valiant and experienced Commanders tarried , the very flower of the Spaniards , besides Marquess Spinola ; so as by the confidence that was had of them , by the Works and Fortifications which were continually made , and by the continued assistance that Don Carlo Colonna , who kept in the Lomellina , gave them , the condition of the Town seemed to be somewhat bettered : This confidence grew greater , for that the besiegers were found not to proceed with such vigour and diligence as they ought to have done . The Duke of Parma , who being of a fiery spirit , and desirous to bring the business to a good and speedy end , thought every least delay a loss of time ; nor could he endure that the business , which of its self was like to be short and sure , should be prolonged , or any ways doubted , by giving the enemy opportunity to fortifie ; wherefore he continually sollicited the Marshal , that he would begin the Trenches , prepare the Batteries , and do all things which might make for the speedy taking of the Town : but the Marshal continuing his carelessness , lay still idle , and as if seized on by a fatal dull drousiness , seemed as if he had left thinking of the business ; and minding hunting more then warlike actions , he did nothing for more then twelve days , but go daily to the Forest to hunt wild Beasts ; and past his time in other delights and entertainments , to the wonder and amazement of all men , nay , even of the enemy , who often from their quarters saw him go a hunting ; he profest he would not meddle with the business before the Duke of Savoy , who was General , should come into the Camp with such Forces as , by the Articles of the League , he was bound to do ; and so much did all men wonder at this his manner of proceeding , and at these his failings , as not knowing whereunto else to refer it , it was almost generally suspected that he was bribed thereunto by the Spaniards ; as if not knowing what else to do in this perplexity of affairs , they had blunted the enemies steel with their gold : which the Duke of Parma suspecting , he for very anger bit his lips and his fingers ends ; but at last , when the Duke of Savoy's men appeared under Marshal Villa , who were not , both Horse and Foot , above 5000 fighting men ; and when not many day●… after the Duke himself appeared , they consulted upon the manner how they should go to work ; which having resolved upon in three days , and all requisite provisions and orders being taken , the Duke left the Marquess Villa to command his men , and return'd himself to Vercelli . The Dukes men were quartered in the Lomellina , a little above Valenza , upon the banks of Poe , where there is an Island , by which two Bridges being thrown over , one on either side of the Island , conveniency of Commerce was afforded between the Duke of Savoy's quarter and that of the Marshals , which was on the other side the Poe , beneath Vicenza , and Parma's quarter which , was neer at hand ; who having lost many men , some whereof were run away , and some ready to run ; and he fearing another assault , he desired to be recruited by Cricky ; the Marshal being weary of his so many pressings to expedite the business , was very slow in granting him any recruits ; the chief reason why Marquess Villa took up his quarter in the Lomellina , was to keep the Town from being relieved by that way ; so as being streightned and inviron'd on that side of the Poe by Parma and the French , and block'd upon this side from receiving any relief from the State of Millain , the Town might be brought to surrender the sooner ; and that he might the better do this , he sent some Souldiers by night to assault the Fort which guarded the head of the Bridge ; and sent some others afterwards , to the end , that whilst those within the Fort were busie in defending themselves against the assaulters , they might fire the boats which upheld the Bridge , as they did ; and after a fierce skirmish the Half-moon being taken , which gua●…ded the Bridge of the Fort , the assailants entred , hoping to take the Fort it self quickly , when the use of the Bridge being cut off by firing of the Boats , new men could not come from Valenza to defend it ; but many came out from Valenza , who quench'd the fire , and defended the Bridge , and who also recovered the Half-moon that was lost , forcing the assailants to retreat ; but that which the Piedmontese could not effect , was done the next night by the River , which swelled so high as it brake the Bridge , and disordered the Boats ; which Villa being aware of he sent a greater number to re-assume the assault , who for a while were kept off by the Cannon and Muskets which plaid upon them from the Town ; but at last they took the Fort , though they were held play , till the Garrison , by means of the Boats which were yet fastned to the bank , got off with the loss of about 200 men , whereof some were drown'd whilst they sought to save themselves from the enemy ; the rest being carried down the River in two Boats ; the one whereof got safe to land , the other being driven upon the shore in the Parma quarters , were at first shot at , but afterward , upon yielding themselves , were taken Prisoners . This accident did much trouble the Spanish Camp , which being weak for want of men thought it self not safe in Pieve , whither , as hath been said , it had retreated , when it came out of Valenza ; wherefore Colonna , calling a Councel of War , ask'd their opinion touching the urgency of the present condition ; the greatter and better part were for retiring from those quarters ; thinking it the better course to preserve their men , then to tarry in Valenza , which not being to be relieved when the Bridge was b●…oken , would assuredly be assaulted by Villa , who , being a wise Commander , had found the weakness of their men and quarters . Colonna inclined to this opinion , who to this purpose had sent some to finde where they might quarter with most safety thereabouts : but Frederick Imperiale , Son to the Marquess of Oira , Nephew by the Sisters side to the late Marquess Spinola , an approved Souldier , and train'd up under his Uncle in the wars of Flanders , was of another mind ; and with him did Pietro d' Aro joyn , who was Lieutenant of the Horse ; their reasons were , that they were to keep that station , were it only not to shew their fear and weakness to the enemy , and not to make the defendants despair of succour by their removal ; that it was not probable that Villa , who was a no less wise then valiant Commander , being bound to keep the Town from being relieved , would quit his station to hazard an unsafe enterprise ; that the place was capable of Fortification , and that it could not be long ere new Forces would come from the State of Millain , who were ready to march , and who when they should be come , the besieged would cease to fear any longer . This opinion was approved by all , and was successful in the sequel ; for that very night there came thither a Brigade of Lombards , speedily raised at his own charge , by Cardinal Trivultio , in the name of his Son the Prince , and brought unto the Camp by Count Carlo Marliani , consisting for the most part of Souldiers that had fled from the Duke of Parma , whilst going out of the Territories of Piacenza , he went to joyn with the French Camp , and which were incited by the Cardinals authority , and by his large pay ; they were a great help to the condition of affairs , in this so great scarcity of men , and when things were tottering , having not only weakned the Dukes Forces , but strengthned the Spanish Camp ; so as Colonna , who together with the remainder of his men , Valenza being well garrison'd , could not keep the field , nor look the enemy in the face , but was likely to have abandoned his station ; was able by the coming of this Brigade to make his station good , to face his enemy , to maintain the affairs of the Town in reputation , to keep the enemy from forraging , to scoure the Country to the prejudice of the enemy , and to attempt somewhat upon the Towns thereabouts , particularly against Sartiranno . Don Martino of Aragon came thither also not long after , with some Companies of his Brigade which were quarter'd in Novara ; and some few days after there came two other Brigades thither from Naples , raised by the Viceroy Monterei , as soon as he heard that the State of Millain was assaulted ; the one consisted of 1200 Foot , conducted by Don Carlo della Gatta , the other by Lucio Boccapianola , wherein were 1600 men ; so as the Camp was much re-inforced by the coming of these men ; but though these Forces were sufficient for the safety of the Camp , and for the keeping of the Field ; yet did they not at all serve for the defence or relief of the Town , which was severed from the River , and inclosed by the enemy on both sides , who were very well fortified ; and which Town was already begun to be batter'd , and assaulted : the chief Battery was placed by the Covent of the Capuchins , situated at the foot of a Hill , behind Valenza , which by reason of the neerness and height of situation did absolutely command it ; the others were disposed of lower in fit places ; but though they all plaid continually , yet did they but little harm , not playing all upon one place , but sometimes on one place , sometimes on another , according as they were levelled , to the no little wonder of the defendants , who laugh'd at such Batteries ; and the assailants seeing how little good they did thereby , began to turn their Batteries upon the houses ; but were it either the fault of the Cannoniers , or the ignorance or treachery of those that ordered the Batteries , they got no more advantage thereby ; for the bullets flew so high , as , for the most part , they either fell into the River , without touching the houses , or upon the opposite bank of the Lomellina ; so as they only beat down one Gate , and the tops of two neighbouring Towers , which were soon mended by the defendants diligence . The Duke of Parma was impa●…ient to see this , finding thereby the miscarriage of the enterprise , foreseeing the ruine of his so high hopes , and the insuing of the like to his own Territories ; to this was added , that Cricky who did not much mind the Siege , was very negligent in the Government , and in the Discipline of the Camp ; so as his men were likewise much lessened by running away : he was therefore forced to send for 2000 of the Militia of Montferrat , till he might receive new recruits from France ; and the Duke being in greater want of men then the Marshal , ( for his men ran so fast away , that of 1000 Horse which he brought with him from Parma , there remained but 200 , and of the 7000 Foot , less then 3000 ; ) nor knowing from whence to get any more , he lay idle in his quarters ; and there being no good correspondency held between him and the Marshal , he could not expect any assistance from him ; and though the Dukes displeasure appeared to be somewhat mitigated by the coming of a Gentlemen , who was sent to the Camp by Cardinal Richlieu , to keep the Duke steadfast to the League , and to chide the Marshal for his proceedings , as well in carrying on the Siege , as in his behaviour to the Duke ; and to wish him in the Kings name that he should hereafter treat the Duke with all honour and satisfaction ; yet these reprehensions being thought to proceed from some complaints made to the Court by the Duke , they caused no good effects inwardly ; and were so far from sweetening their distastes , as they did rather exasperate the malignancy which they had conceived one against another ; and yet the Duke , continuing constant to the League , did not only not repent what he had done , but notwithstanding so many distastes and misfortunes , profess'd more constancy still in his resolutions to Monsignior Gorio Pannolini , Vice-legate of Bolognia , who was sent unto him by the Pope , who being much press'd by the continual complaints of the Spanish Agents , had sent him to admonish the Duke seriously , and to wish him that he would retire to his own Dominions , and not persevere in the League any longer , to the so great perturbance of Italy , and of the publick peace . The Pope , all the while that the Duke appeared so highly distasted with the Court of Spain , that he prepared for Arms , that he took Commanders and Souldiers into pay , with manifest appearance of making war with Spain ; never cared to suppress so great a commotion , nor to sprinkle a little water upon so great a flame ; nor did the event of this Negotiation deceive the judgement which was made thereof ; for when the Vice legate was come unto the Camp , and had delivered his Embassie to the Duke ; the Duke did not only not at all value it , but acquainted the Marshal with it ; wherewith the Marshal thinking himself injured , he complained bitterly to the Vice-legate , that the Pope should use his authority to divert the Kings Colleagues , and to withdraw them from siding with his King : at the making of which complaints the Duke being present , he seemed also to be displeased with the Vice-legate ; so as the Vice-legate return'd with little satisfaction , and less fruit of his Negotiation , to Bologina ; and the Pope not any ways resenting this success , nor having at any time after press'd the Duke to desist from this enterprise , he did not only not appease the anger of the Spaniards , but did the more confirm the general jealousies which were conceived at these proceedings : it being unlikely , that he who , when he might , cared not to keep his Vassal from beginning such a business , should endeavour to withdraw him from it , when he was deeply engaged therein . Now to reassume the Siege of Valenza . New recruits came daily to the Marshal from France ; so as the Camp being much encreased , when they saw they did no good by their batteries , they fell to assault the Trenches , about which , as also about the Capponiere , much labour was taken , with variety of fortune , and mortality of the parties ; the end whereof proved , that several reiterated assaults proved still unfortunate to the Assailants , who were never able to take any thing save one Capponiere , which they got not without much loss , and did not keep long ; and yet the Defendants having lost many men , and not being able to be recruited , they began to forbear making out any more salli●…s , whereby they had not a little prejudiced the Enemy ; so as minding only the defence of their Trenches , they endeavoured to preserve themselves as much as they could , and to draw out the Siege at least so long as that the earth might become untractable by the rains of the approaching winter , and might force the Enemy to be gone . But though the defendants had the better of the businesses in repulsing assaults , yet was it not had without the loss of many men , whereof Cesare Caraffa was slain for one , and a Spanish Serjeant Major ; but many more of the meaner ●…ort of Souldiers , and many of the Captains , Officers , and Persons of Quality , of the Enemy , were slain ; but all this was not considerable , by reason of the continual recruits which they received from France ; and it was reported , that ten Regiments were upon their march ; so as the Town was not likely to hold out long : Moreover , by reason of the length of the Siege , many things necessary for the maintaining of the Town grew scarce , Moneys , Salt , Match , Oyl , and Grist , the Enemy having beaten down the Mills which had furnish'd the Town with Grist ; and none being left but two hand-mills , the general necessity could be but badly supplied : Therefore all hope of preserving the place grew daily less and less , not only in the defendants , who through such wants decreased , but in those who laboured to relieve them ; for it being to be done either on this side , or on that side the River , it was ( if not impossible ) very hard to be done on either side . There was no thought of relieving it by the Lomellina , the Bridg being down ; and to relieve it on the other side was too desperate a business , the Mountain at the Foot whereof the Town stood , the Hill which stood on the side of it , the fields and banks which environed it being all of them possess'd , and well munited by the enemy ; and Parma's quarter was at last recruited by the Marshal : The difficulties growing thus great , the chiefest of the Spanish Army began to detest the generous resolution of Celada and Spinola , by which they and so many of their best men had engaged themselves in that defence , and whereby they had been obliged to hazard the Garrison and State of Millain : not knowing therefore very well what to do , they inclined rather to abandon then to relieve the Town ; and beginning now totally to despair of keeping it , they began to think what they were to do when it should be lost ; and foreseeing that when the enemy should have taken Valenza , they would go either into Allessandria , or into the Territories of Tortona , as they openly threatned they would do , they began to build a Fort beneath Valenza , there where the Tanaro falls into the Poe , intending to throw a Bridge over there , whereby passing over into the Territories of Alessandria , they might the more easily get into that part of the State , to relieve either of those Cities if they should be besieged , or to defend the Campagna if it should be annoyed by inroads , or at least that they might bring some help to the languishing Town , if any way might be opened whereby to do it on that side ; which though they were but slender undertakings , and but of little hope , yet the extremity wherein they were did either perswade them to it , or made them believe it to be the least of evils : whilst the Spanish Army was amidst these miseries , troubles and dangers , three Brigades came very seasonably ; the one Spaniards , under Don Iohn di Garray , the other two Neapolitans , under Achilles Minutulo , and under Andrea , Count di Marianella , which made in all about 4000 good men , and well appointed , who were sent by Sea by Marquess Sancta Croce ; who being gone the third time from Naples with the Fleet to Sea , to assault Provence , and hearing the great danger that Valenza was in , ( and then the State of Millain , ) held it his better course to endeavour the preservation of that State , then to put for possessing what belong'd to another ; deferring therefore his chief enterprize , he very seasonably landed these Brigades at Finale , and sent them to before Valenza , by whose coming the Spanish affairs got a little breath , and every one began to hold the abandoning of Valenza , and the Captains therein , to be not onely ignominious , and detestable , but dangerous , and ruinous ; so as they resolved by all mean●… to relieve it ; to this purpose they held a consultation in Dorno , a Town between Pavia and la Pieve del Cairo , whither all the Commanders , and Chief Officers being come ; as the Cardinal Albornozzi , and with him Don Francisco di Melo , Don Antonio Ronchillio , who was Lord Chancellour , and divers others of the Councel both of State , and War ; they all were of opinion that the Town must be relieved ; but with such caution , and circumpection , as that by so doing they might not be enforced to a battel , which notwithstanding the re-inforcement which was come , they did , all of them , abhor : the resolution was in it self repugnant , by reason of the neerness of enemies army , for the caution did absolutely resist the execution of it ; and yet the business being long discuss'd , there was a remedy found : Don Martin d' Aragona , and Don Iohn di Garrai , took upon them the charge of this business , and propounded a means which was generally approved , and found a way how to relieve the Town safely , without hazzarding battle ; and it was this , that some place should be found out in the Lomellina , neer the Poe , and neer Valenza , capable to receive the whole Army , and all provisions necessary for the maintenance thereof , which might be so fortified , as they might not be compelled to quit it , nor be brought to fight , neither by assault , nor want of provisions ; from whence they proved thus , that it might be possible to relieve the Town , without being forc'd to fight ; the men which lay before Valenza would either come & joyn with the Pidemontese , who were quarter'd on this side the Poe , and which were fewest in number ; or they would not come ; if they should not come , who could doubt but that the Army being safely quartered in the Lomellina , wherein were 6000 Foot , and 1200 Horse , all of them good men , and well appointed , and being to be masters of the field , might by boats brought by land bring into the Town what relief they listed , and not so only , but by the advantage of their numbers force the Savoyards to quit their quarters ; and if they should come to joyn with them , and that the greater part of those that lay before Valenza should pass from that place to this , it was certain that they could draw the enemies army out of their quarters , without much slackning the siege of Valenza ; in which case , the Town wanting opposers , they would not need many defendants , whereof having already more then needed , the same effect would be wrought by the passing over of the enemy , as if they should be succor'd by the defendants ; moreover the enemies trenches being weakned , & almost abandoned by that coming over , men enough , and sufficient provision might be convey'd into Valenza , from the City of Alessandria ; these things being granted , they proved that doubtlesly the Town might be relieved , without their armies being forc'd to fight ; this dilemma was generally approved of , so as some might be sent to discover the countrey , & the enemies fortifications , before the resolution should be put in practice ; but because there was some difference in opinion between Aragon , and Garrai , about the manner how the succour should march towards the river , and about choosing the place where the whole Army might be safely quartered ; as also where they were to put the Boats into the water , which were to conveigh in the succour ; they were both of them ordered , that taking along with them Colonel Frederick Imperiale , Vincenzo Monsury , and the Count Trotti , they should go to discover the Country , and choose out both the safest places ; having with them a Convoy of four troops of Horse , they viewed all the parts thereabouts narrowly , not without some opposition made by the enemy , who met them with the like number of Horse , so a Skirmish hapned between them , with some advantage to the discoverers , who effected what they went about ; they found a place neer a Chappel , between Frascarvolo and the Poe , as fit as might be for their purpose ; being far from the enemy , munited before by a deep way , and behind by a rivulet of cleer water , which served not onely for a ditch , and safety , but for drink for the Camp ; and which was of more concernment , the place was almost fortified of it self ; they found it a harder business to choose the other place , for conveying the boats over , by reason of the Fort , which being first built to defend the head of the bridge belonging to Valenza towards Lomellina , and which ( as hath been said ) was afterwards taken by Marquess Villa , was still held by the enemy , and commanding both the upper and the lower side , kept them from all hopes of compassing their intents ; and the less , for that though the retaking of that Fort was a thing not difficult of it self , yet was it dangerous to put for , for fear lest the attempting of it would draw all the Enemies Forces to defend it ; in which case , they must either go thither with their whole Camp , and come to a battle , or not coming , quit the business ; the one of which was contrary to the resolution they had taken , the other of little honour , and less advantage . For their design being discovered by the attempt , they would fortifie the bank better ; they therefore out of these respects left thinking of taking the Fort , and therewith the discovery of the upper bank , which lying between the Fort and the Piedmonteses quarters , they could not well do ; and went to discover the lower side , where they observed a place which being far enough off was out of the Forts reach , and fit to bring relief . So as they all approved it , except Imperiale , who said that the same distance which rendred that place free from being offended by the Fort , made it also too far off for bringing relief , since it answer'd not just upon the banks of Valenza ; but between Valenza and the Parma quarters , so as the boats which should be put in there , would be necessarily carried lower by the current of the River ; and falling towards the Parma quarters would not relieve the place besieged , but the besiegers . He therefore was for bringing succour by the bank above the Fort , where the current would carry the boats to the very side of Valenza ; and that to keep them from being endangered by the Piedmonteses quarters , the body of their Army should advance , and by its interposition keep the succour from being offended . But this was not then neither approved , as being contrary to the resolution of avoiding being compelled to fight ; they therefore continued their choice in both these places , and the Camp master General had notice given him thereof , that he might advance with the Army . The Army marched , and being come to the place near the Chappel , they made a flying squadron of 800 commanded foot of several Nations ; which being led by Marquess Torrecuso a Neapolitan , was sent to Frasearvolo , which was the nearest place to the Enemies quarters , that lie might keep there , and secure those who wrought upon the Trenches , and that he might be ready to receive and withstand the first incounters . The rest of the Camp staying at the Chappel , there made up the body of an Army ; and immediately giving out Mattocks , Pales and Spades , fell to fortifie , and perfected their works in one night and day ; and having brought thither the provisions which had been diligently provided by Senator Arias , they stood expecting what the Enemy would do in this so great alteration of Affairs . They were not long in comprehending , that counsels and resolutions which are taken in common are better acted then discours'd of ; for the Marshal and Duke of Parma , fearing Villa's quarter , and that relief would undoubtedly be brought if they did not pass over the Poe , went with the greatest and best part of their men to the Piedmont quarter , where the Duke who was come but a little before from Verselli was ; and thinking it now time to fall to work , they marched out in ranks into the field , to assault the succouring Army ; they were about 4500 Foot , who all obeyed the Duke of Savoy , the General of the Colleagues ; they advanced on the left hand towards Frascarvolo , having sent some Troops of Horse before , and some Foot towards the right hand near Poe , to hold those Forces in play , and to oppose them which should come from the left wing of the Spanish Camp. Torrecuso march'd out with his men from Frascarvolo against the Enemies Army , when he saw it march toward him ; and putting his men into a squadron , advanced with certain Files of Musketeers , and posses'd himself of a great hedge which was before him : Under the shelter whereof he very seasonably let fly a shower of Musket-shot , against the Enemies van which approached ; whereat the Spaniards , who were at dinner , stood to their Arms , and put themselves in a defensive posture . The General was in his quarters , which were between the Artllery and the body of the Army ; he ordered his Foot and Horse to draw out into ranks , the Foot within the Trenches , and the Horse at the place appointed for the Magazine ; and in this interim the skirmish grew hot between Torrecuso and the Enemies Camp. The Generall wholly intent how Affairs should be governed in this onset , and knowing Torrecuso wanted Horse , commanded Don Alvaro Quinones , Leiutenant General of the Neapolitan Horse , to go speedily and receive or withstand him with three Troops of Horse , which were then upon the guard ; and sent Don Iohn di Garrai first to him with a strength of Musketiers , and some carts of Ammunition , and afterward Don Martin of Aragon . Quinones finding Torrecuso alre●…dy much ingaged , kept in a place a little distant from the skirmish ; and Garrai , with Aragon , advancing , re-inforc'd some stations which they held to be convenient to maintain the skirmish ; which when the General saw it grew greater then was thought it would have done , and that Quinones stir'd not , he sent Colonel Imperiale , with two Troops of Horse , to assist the fight , with directions to tell Torrecuso , that he should not ingage any further , and to protest unto him , that if he should be further charged by the Enemy , he would send him no more help then what he had already done ; because , according to the common sence , he would not indanger a general battle . He notwithstanding endeavoured with the Horse , which Imperiale brought , to defend those stations which were reinforced by Foot : So as the skirmish being maintained valiantly , and in good order on this side , it continued for full four hours ; neither side sending out any more men : For Colonna would not , as it was agreed upon , ingage himself in a general combat ; and the Colleagues Army , which esteeming the Enemy to be far inferiour to them in Forces , was gon out with an intent to fall upon them , and defeat them utterly ; seeing how Affairs were ordered , and that the Enemy , without coming out of his Trenches , sent a good strength of men out against him , conjectured that the Enemy was stronger then he thought at first he was ; so as he cared not much to inforce the first encounters any more , but kept on the fight with sleight skirmishes till night coming on , he retreated to his quarters , from whence he was with such fervour come . Though some will have it that there was no good correspondency between the Duke of Savoy & the Marshal , which was the cause why things were not acted as it was agreed they should be . Torrecuso seeing that the defendants had the better , and having received orders not to advance any further , retired also into Frascarvolo , more like a Conquerour then conquered ; and to observe his orders , he with-held his men from pursuing the Enemy , as they were desirous to do . But the Spanish Commanders being aware , that by the coming over of many of their men to that part , the Camp before Valenza was much lessened , and the Trenches but badly guarded ; order was given that 500 Foot should come from Allesandra to Valenza , with good store of match , which the Town wanted much . These were led on by the Camp-master Lodovico Guasco , being guided by Maximiliano Stampa , Count di Monte Castello , nephew to Guasco , who knew those ways very well ; and passing on succesfully between the Duke of Parma's quarters and those of the Montferrians , they were not at all disturb'd by the enemy , that side being open , without Trenches , and almost abandoned ; but they ran danger in approaching the fortification of their friends ; for as they drew near Fort Rosario , a Fort which stood towards the Mountain , and which had been bravely defended all the time of the siege by Ottaviano Sauli , a Gentleman of Genoa ; and the fore-runners , or Scouts , not having given the true watch-word whereby they were to have been admitted and received , but had given the last nights watch-word , Sauli doubted that some treachery might lie hid under that false word , and therefore made them keep aloof off with his Musket shot , wherewith some of them were slain ; but when Guasco , and other Captains who were very well known to Sauli , began to parly , they were soon known , and let in ; by this happy success another better fortune followed ; for Cricky , and the Duke of Parma , ●…earing that this relief was brought into Valenza , which was reported to be greater then it was , they began to apprehend the safety of their own Trenches , quarters , Artillery and Baggage , in case they should be assaulted by those that brought in the succour ; for knowing in what woful condition they had left them , they verily believed they would have been taken and sack'd , with the loss not only of their honour , but of their Artillery , and with the destroying of their Fortifications , and the loss of those few men that were left to defend them , so as they thought good to return speedily to their first Quarters . This so sudden resolution of the Colleagues facilitated the bringing in of the whole relief by the Lomellina ; for the Spanish Army being encouraged by the preceding days success , and seeing that the Enemy had abandoned the field , knew they were absolute Masters on this side the Poe , and saw not any thing that could keep them from relieving the Town ; leaving therefore all their Militia , with half their Foot , under the command of Camp-master Boccapianola , to guard their Quarters , they went out early in the morning with the rest of their men , and marched towards the upper bank . The Horse , which was commanded by the Count di Sora , marched on the right wing , within sight of the Piedmontese Quarters , to the end that the Foot , which were divided into three Squadrons , being sheltred by them , might advance safely towards the same side , and with them the munition ; and three Troops of Horse went before the Foot Van. The convoy of relief went on the other side , towards the place that was chosen on the lower bank , led on by the Marquess Lunato , and Colonel Frederick Imperiale , to whose charge the whole business was committed : Two pieces of Cannon went before them , with some Foot ; and behind came a competent number of Carriages , loaded with Boats , and with all things requisite for relieving the Town . In this posture did the Army march , being favoured by a thick mist , which kept them from being seen by the Enemy ; and whilst the Scouts went without any opposition to the other side , Don Iohn di Garrai , who having better considered the windings of the Poe , and finding by the manner of the Enemies proceedings that no Forces would come from the Piedmontese Quarters which might any ways make him apprehend a general Battle , ( having first agreed with Colonna , that the succour would come safe between the aforesaid Quarters , and the Fort ) he ordered Lunato and Imperiale that they should go thitherward , and towards the place which was first proposed by Imperiale , to execute their Commission : The new Order was obeyed forthwith ; so as the succour wheeling about behind the Fort , it drew neer the bank which was above it , where it was playd upon by Musket shot , which came in abundance from the said Fort , and by two pieces of Cannon , which play'd from the top of the opposite shore ; but the Cannon shot , though it were dreadful , yet being made but seldom , they did more terrifie then endammage ; and to the hail of musket-shot which came from the Fort , no readier nor fitter remedy could be found out then to assault the Fort : Wherefore Colonel Imperiale , who attending still upon the succour , saw how necessary it was to provide against this inconveniency , sent to advertise Colonna how affairs went , and how requisite it was to assault the Fort ; whereupon Colonna forthwith commanded some Companies of Spaniards and Italians , that they should assault that Fort , who going boldly on , took it ; for they did no sooner skirmish then scale it : The Marquess Torrecuso was the first man , who having moved l'Imporiale a little before to favour the putting of the Boats into the River , was intent upon the passing of them over , it being the action of most importance ; when he saw the Foot advance to give the assault , leaving the whole care of the relief to Colonel Imperiale , he headed them with his sword in his hand ; and plucking the Stakes from out the Steccado , wherewith the whole ditch was environed , he was one of the first that got upon the Parapet ; all the rest , moved by his example , followed him ; so as most of the Garrison were slain , and the Ensigne and Captain were taken prisoners . The succour past on the mean while without any disturbance , and advanced with their Boats , which falling down the stream , came happily to the Shore at Valenza , and by them as much relief as was desired was conveyed in , the Enemy looking on , who endeavoured in vain to hinder it with their Cannon and Musket shot from the Capuchins Chappel . By this succour the Town was not only well provided of all things needful , but wholly freed from Siege ; for the Colleagues despairing to make further progress , foreseeing that by the approaching winter the earth would become so spungie as it would not be to be wrought , and that the Army being bemired , and not able to receive any food , would be besieged even in the open field , they resolved after fifty days siege to give over the Enterprise , and to retreat , to the no little confusion of the Commanders in chief , who being at variance within themselves , and unsatisfied , laid the fault of this ill-guided Siege one upon another . The Duke of Parma parted not long after , much discontented , for France , where he intended to give a clear and full relation unto the King how Affairs had been carried in this Enterprize , and to desire to be protected by him , and to be defended in his Dominions , which , when this business miscarried , he apparently foresaw was exposed to the invasion of the Spanish Forces , for his having sided with France : But this happy success was a little overcast by the death of Colonna , who through his extraordinary pains taken in this Siege , died the day before the Town was relieved . Valenza being freed , the Colleagues Army dissolved . The Duke of Savoy retreated with his men to Vercelli ; and the Marshal to Cassalle ; upon whom the Gates of the Town were shut , upon pretence that there being scarcity of Victuals in that City , it could not provide food for so great a number of men , without evident danger of wanting necessary nourishment for them that were in the Town already ; wherefore he was forced to divide his men amongst the Towns of Montferrat , which though they suffer'd the like want of victuals , yet being weak and unable to refuse giving quarter , they were forced to yield to the stronger power ; the remainder of the Duke of Parma's men were likewise distributed into the same Towns ; the Duke himself being retreated to Cassalle , where he had the Castle given him for his lodging : on the Spaniards side , their Armies were also put into their Winter quarters , except some of Serbellone's Brigades , which were sent to recover the Valtoline ; for at the same time , which was about the beginning of November , Fernamont who had raised more men in Tirvolo , prepared to pass the Moun●…ains once more , to reduce the Valtoline into its former condition ; & to this purpose he had sent to Millain and to Serbellone , to agree upon the time when they should fall upon the French joyntly , Serbellone , on the State of Millains side , and he by Tyrvolo , that so they might effect their business the sooner and more safely ; but Rohan's speed prevented these designs , who hearing how neer the Dutch were , sent immediately 1000 Foot to Bormio , whither not long after he himself came with the remainder of his men : being come thither he found the Dutch fallen down by unknown ways into the Plain ; without any delay , he once more assaulted them ; and not without loss on their side , forced them to re-pass back over the Mountains to Tyrvolo : they being gone , Rohan leaving a Garrison in Bormio , and fearing lest Serbellone might fall upon him on his back , and hearing that many Grisons were come down to assist him , he made the like haste as before , and brought 4000 Foot with him , amongst which 200 Zuricani ; he appeared , unexpected , at Morbegno about noon , where Serbellone was with 3500 Foot and 200 Horse , and not having heard of the rout given to Fernamont , expected news of his coming , to the end , that according to appointment he might at the same time fall upon the enemy on the back ; but he fared no better then Fernamonte , for whilst he was at dinner , he unexpectedly was assaulted by Rohan ; and not having time to assemble his men , who were dispers'd into the parts thereabouts , he was soon overcome and routed , many of his Captains being slain or taken prisoners , amongst which the Count di San , the second Captain of Horse , and Count Valenza , Nephew to Serbellone ; and Serbellone's self being pursued by the enemy fled to Fort Fuentes , wounded in the arm and on the back ; such Souldiers as could save themselves fled , some one way , some another way , to the neerest Towns of the State of Millain . Thus Rohan having beaten the enemy the fifth time , remained all that Winter master and peaceful possesser of the Valtoline , of the Counties of Bormio and of Chiavenna ; and greatly rejoycing , forc'd the Inhabitants to new agreements , pretending that the Valtoline , contrary to the Articles of Monsone , was wholly and totally fallen into the arbitrement of the King of France ; and not being able to obtain of those Inhabitants , though beaten by his Forces , and several ways oppress'd , any thing of what he demanded , he began by strange rigour and extortion to tyrannize over them ; but they little confiding in the promises of liberty and maintenance of their Religion , which were made them in the King of France his name , patiently underwent their bad treating , and would never forego the authority and protection of the Crown of Spain ; promising themselves , and confidently believing to be preserved and maintain'd by the King of Spain in their intire Liberty and Religion , according to his Promises and Decrees : miserable and woful wretches , whom you shall soon see abandoned to their former yoke of slavery , by those in whom they so much trusted , and for whose sake they suffer'd so much at the present . The End of the Fourteenth Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . BOOK XV. The Contents . THe King of Spain , for the preservation of the State of Millain , sends a new Governour , new men , and good store of money thither . The Duke of Savoy returning thither with his men , and with those of France , takes Bremi , and reduceth it to a Fort Royal ; and by frequent inroads troubles that side of the Country . The Duke of Parma's Dominions are assaulted by the Spanish Forces , after his going for France ; and are defended by Marquess Villa , who is sent thither by the Duke of Savoy . With a good strength of Horse and Foot , and is defended by strong diversions till the Spring ; in the beginning whereof , the Duke of Parma returns from France , endeavours by means of the Colleagues Forces to get into his Country , goes to Nizza Della Paglia ; being to throw down a great Trench which was made upon the bank of Scrivia , he turns back ; and repassing the Poe , endeavours to effect his design on that side ; but meeting with strong opposition there also , he is forced to return ; and passing again with some men over the Poe , he tarries with them in Nizza , till such time as the Duke of Savoy , going with the body of the Army into the Confines of Novara , to annoy that part of the State , may divert the Governour from guarding the Grand Trench , and leave free passage by that way for the Duke of Parma ; Who by several accidents abandoning the design , marcheth with a few men towards the Sea ; where getting into a little Vessel , he passeth incognito into Lavigiana , and gets into his own Territories . The Duke of Savoy passeth succesfully over the Tesino , and causeth such terrour and confusion in Millain , as the Governour is forc'd to abandon the Trench , and defend Millain . And going with all his men towards the Enemies Camp , he assaults it in ●…ornavento ; but the Duke freeing himself from the assault returns to the greater Lake ; whither being come , and fearing that the Governour who was gone to Romagnagno , would assault him on that side , resolves to return towards Piedmont . The Governour seeing the State freed of the Enemies Army , betakes himself , partly , to recover the Towns taken by the Enemy , partly , to resent himself to Piedmont , and the Duke of Parma's State ; and having sent what Forces he could thither , he proceedes so far , as the Duke who was retired to Piacenza , maintains a siege till such time as , seeing no succour , he is forc'd to compound with the Governour . The War of Parma being appeased , the Governour turns upon the Towns in the Langhe , which were yet held by the Enemy ; and having taken some of them , he hears that the Duke raiseth Forces in the Canavese ; he marcheth towards him , and having in vain provoked him , to battle , he sends Don Martino of Aragon with a strong body of men to discover Vercelli , against whom Marquess Villa , who was returned from the State of Parma , coming forth with a no less number of men , a great Skirmish is had , wherein the Marquess hath the better . The Governour understanding afterwards , that Count Verrua was gone to besiege the Roccad ' Arazzo , he prepares to defend it : And succeeding fortunately therein , his happinesse was imbittered by a great defeat which the Duke gave to Don Martino of Aragon before Monbaldone . After which the Duke returning victorious to Verselli , within a moneth after dyed . Some Islands in Provence are taken by the Fleet which came from Naples . A French Fleet comes from Britany , enters the Mediterranean , with which an other joyns which was provided in Provence ; both which keep in the Ligustick Sea , doing but little good , and less in Sardignia , and Winter in Tolone ; but putting to Sea in the Spring , they recover the Islands which were taken the year before by the Spanish Fleet. The Pope labours to compose the Wars between Christian Princes , but in vain . A League is concluded between the Crown of Spain and the Grisons , by which the Valtoline returns , upon some conditions , under the ancient Dominion of the Grisons . The State of Millain is at last freed from the French Forces , by the recovery of Bremi . NEws being come to the Court of Spain of the assault given by the Colleagues Army to the State of Millain , and of the scarcity of provisions , and Garrison , which were there ; though Burgondy were assaulted at the same time by the Prince of Coude with another Army , and Flanders and Germany were full of several perturbations ; ( all which required extraordinary provisions ) yet the King would have the State of Millain , of all other parts , chiefly and fully secured and furnish'd . For it being the Bulwark , and , as a man may say , the Rendezvous of the Spanish Arms , the greater the prejudice should be that would result by the loss thereof , the more necessary was it to provide for the safety and preservation thereof . And Cardinal Albornozzi who was a Church-man , not being very proper for that Government , in so turbulent and dangerous times , and the care of that State being to begin by the choice of a Governour , who might be fit for that charge , and for the condition of the present time●… ; Don Diego Philippes Gusmano , Marquess of Liganes , who had formerly served in Flanders , was constituted to succeed him : Who though he went speedily from Court , came not to Millain before the midst of October , a little after Valenza was freed from the siege ; and not long after that by the rout given in the Valtoline , the recovery of that valley appeared desperate . With him came many Spanish Cavaliers , who being zealous of that Crowns Reputation and Grandezza put themselves to serve as Voluntiers under this new Governour ; he brought also a million and a half of Ducates , which was brought after him in Gallies . But the Duke of Savoy and the Marshal , being with no great honour driven from before Valenza , and hearing how ill they were spoken of in the Court of France , and particularly the Duke , ( who heard himself taxed of double dealing , ) they endeavoured to give better satisfaction to the Court then yet they had done , by recovering their lost Reputation . Having therefore mustered their Forces at Villata , which was yet in their possession , they went to the Lomellina ; and going to Candia , whither 400 Foot were sent by the new Governour , they met with some opposition ; but making themselves presently masters of the place , the 400 Foot were sent prisoners to Gasalle : And not thinking that place convenient for their design , as being too far from the Poe , they went lower , and took Sartiranna ; where were 200 Foot , who being as the others , forced to yield , were , as the others were , sent prisoners to Casalle ; from hence they march to Bremi , a Town upon the Poe , with whose scituation being satisfied , they resolved to make use of it for a ground-work of their premeditated designes . For considering that , by casting a Bridge over here , they might over-run the Country of Allessandria and of Tortona , and the Lomellina and Country of Pavia joyning thereupon , they thought that when they should have fortified themselves there , they might make a good part of the State of Millain , on each side of the River , subject to their commands . Falling therefore with all diligence to do what they intended , they within a short space erected there a Fort Royal , big enough to receive an indifferent Army ; and puting thereinto a good Garrison , they thought they might keep firm footing in the State of Millain , and lay a good foundation for the further designes they had upon that State ; and if they should do no more , they thought they should win much glory and reputation in keeping a quarter in that State , and an almost impregnable bulwark , by which they hoped to have subjugated part of that , the whole whereof they so much thirsted after : The Duke of Savoy was thought to be a chief plotter of this , being defirous to cancel the sinister opinion out of the French , which they had conceived of him , by reason of what had hapned before Valenza , by giving them this place in lieu thereof , which was of greater consequence , and a more convenient seat : And therefore he did not onely assist the already begun Fabrick by his care and diligence , but stuck not sometimes to work thereupon with his own hands as a private Souldier . The work was begun about the end of November , in a time when the Lomellina having already been the seat of the War before Valenza , was wholly destitute of victuals , forrage , and of all things else necessary for the maintenance of an Army , in a time when the earth being cover'd over with Ice and Snow , and the ways deep , it was impossible they could be disturbed in their work ; an advantage which was well repaid , by the prejudice that the same difficulties occasioned to the labourers , and to the whole French Army ; for the Souldiers not being able to resist the bitterness of the season , and the scarcity of victuals , so many of them died , as in a short time , and before the Fort was finished , they were reduced to a very small number ; yet the work was finished , and abundantly provided of all warlike necessaries ; but not being able to tarry in so desolate a Country for the scarcity of victuals , a sufficient Garrison being left there , all the rest of the Souldiery went out , and ran plundering up and down , some in the lower Montferrat , some in the parts about Alessandria , where taking Towns , they , with much rigour used towards the Inhabitants , got together as much victuals as they could , and brought it all speedily into the new Fort. The Duke of Parma was not present at this building , being gone to Paris to negotiate his own interests with the King , hoping not only to be rewarded and honour'd , but to be by him assisted in the maintaining of his Dominions , which in his absence were exposed to the assaults of the enemy ; in defence whereof , the Duke of Savoy , were it either to regain the Kings favour , and to cancel all shadows of suspition , or to ease Piedmont from quartering , he sent the Marquess Villa with 1800 Horse , and 4000 Foot , to boot with the remainder of the Parma Forces , to go joyntly to the defence of those Sta●…es . The Marquess marching out of Cassalle , and having without any opposition cross'd through the Country of Alessandria , came to Scrivia a River which runs neer Tortona ; but the new Governour , who hearing of this marching , was before hand , got into that City , hoping assuredly to hinder the enemies passage over that River ; to which purpose he placed two pieces of Cannon , and some Sacres , upon a certain rise on the inward bank , on the opposite side whereof the enemy marched already ; and he also placed all his Musketeers there : he also sent a Troop of Dragoons beyond the River to discover the enemy , which were driven back over the River by the Marquess his Guard , and forced with much loss to get within shelter of the Artillery on the other side . The Marquess drew out his men in battle array to venture foording his men over ; and after having skirmished a while , finding himself inferiour to the enemy both in Forces and situation desisted from passing over there , and tried whether he might not overcome the enemy by Military industry : this River is foordable only in three places , the first in this place which was well guarded by Tortona ; another five miles lower at Castel nuovo ; the third between these two , which is called passo della Lupa . The Marquess would not venture over here , it being so neer the other place , and from him : the Prince being come to Traghetino , within three miles of Castel nuovo , found that Villa stood expecting him in the field with his men in order ; and not thinking it fit to face a Captain and old Souldiers proud of their late got Victory , with fresh and unexperienced men , staid expecting new recruits from the State of Millain ; where , by order from the Governour , some 3000 Foot were in readiness to assist the assaulted State , under Don Iovan Vasques Cornado , Governour of Cremona , and 800 Horse under Don Vincenzo Gonsaga , Lieutenant General of the Horse of the State of Millain ; who being come from the greater Cassalle , in Barques along the Poe , to Boreto , a Town of Modena , landed there , and joyn'd with Prince Lewis , intending to fall joyntly upon the State of Parma . Marquess Villa , at the news of the coming of this recruit , was gone from Castel nuovo to the banks of Poe , between Barcello and Colorno , thinking that this succour would land there , that so he might keep them from landing ; but seeing them fall lower , and fearing what did indeed happen , that when they should be landed they would march into the Country of Parma , he thought to oppose them at the pass of Lenza , a little River which divides the States of Modena and Parma , upon which there were two Bridges ; upon one of the which , called Ponte della Sorbolla , he himself stood with his men , and sent 500 men of Parma to defend the other , thinking that the enemy would fall on by that of Sorbolla : but seeing that they went to assault the other , and that having driven away those of Parma , not without some loss , they were pass'd to this side the River , he feared that they would overrun the Country even to the Walls of Parma , as they might well do ; wherefore leaving the Parma Militia to guard the Bridge of Sorbolla , he went himself with his men to the Hospital St. Lazzero , to keep them from advancing neerer the City ; between the River Lenza and the City of Parma there goes a large way , with a great Ditch on either side ; the Prince and the Spanish Commanders , thinking to charge through to the City , by that great way , they put their men in order ; and so did Villa his : a Van of 500 Musketeers march'd before the Prince his men , half on the one side , half on the other side of the way ; betwixt whom the Horse marched , and behind them the rest of the Spanish Foot , and in the Ree●… came those of Modena , 5000 Foot and 1000 Horse , in number . The Marquess disposed of his men en Croupe ; and were it either that the Spanish Horse which advanc'd wanted Musketiers , or that the way through which they came galloping was so narrow , as no more then five Horse could come on front , it was easie for the Marquess ( who already was pass'd over with the Piedmont Horse ) to make head against them , and to keep back and repulse the enemies Horse by his Musket-shot , who being dispers'd fled , some to Castel nuovo , some to Ponte Curone , some being lo●…e wounded , some slain . Don Martine d'Aragona received a sore wound himself , and the Governour not appearing with any succour , the foord was forsaken ; so as not only those who were already pass'd , but those that tarried behind , pass'd over together with the Foot , without any gainsaying ; Villa being doubly glorious , first for having deluded the enemies advantages by his cunning , and by his valour routed their Forces , he pursued his march , and came with his men to Castle St. Iovanni , and from thence into the States of Piacenza and Parma ; and having distributed his men in these States , instead of being a guard and defence unto them , he drew a new war and a new enemy upon them ; for he had no sooner refresh'd his men , but that he entered the Dukedom of Modena with 1000 Horse , and 200 Foot , without giving any notice thereof to the Duke of Modena ; and having taken Castel nuovo del Regiano , he made a Rendezvouz of Arms there , and quartered his Horse in the neighbouring Towns , putting compositions upon them . The Duke of Modena took this freedom ill , as he had reason to do ; chiefly finding , as it was true , that this was not done by Villa's own motion , but by order from the Duke of Savoy , and the Marshal ; and perhaps also from the Court of France , in resentment of his parting from the League with France , without saying any thing , and for having wholly joyn'd with the Spanish party , when so great a change was least looked for ; it not being likely that the Marquess would otherwise have done so great an affront to a Prince , who was son to a sister of the Duke of Savoy , whose Captain General he was : the Duke of Modena thinking therefore how to defend himself , and how to resent so great an affront , muster'd 4000 foot , and 1000 horse of the trained Bands of the State , with whom , and with two field pieces , he sent his uncle Prince Lewis , to oppose those who had entred his State in hostile manner ; and having sent news to the Governour of Millain of this unlooked for affront , he expected good succour and assistance desended by the same forces ; he therefore placed his design on the passage at Castelnuovo , as being further off and unguarded ; so as while he kept his files in order upon the side opposite to Tortona , he feigned as if he would try his fortune over that foord , that he might so keep the Governour at bay , but ordered his horse to go down the river towards Castelnuovo ; where foording over the river without any opposition , he made himself master of the further shore ; and when he thought his horse were well advanced , he withdrew his foot , and marched after them ; the Governor being too late aware of the Enemies purpose , began to doubt that he might pass over that foord which was unguarded ; wherefore he dispatch'd away Don Martine d'Aragona speeedily thither with the greatest part of the horse , and some foot , to the end that he might be there before him , to defend the passage ; but with express order , that if when he should become thither , he should finde the enemy were not yet come neer the foord , he should endeavour to keep them aloof off it ; and if they were come so neer , as that they were already begun to wade , he should withdraw a little into a wood which was not far off ; for that he himself , who prepared to follow him , would come thither , when half the enemy being not well over , he might enclose them between his men , and those of the Aragons who were in the wood ; and so having destroy'd that part , the rest who were beyond the water , might be forc'd to wheel about , and might easily be overtaken , and being in an enemies countrey , and over-power'd by numbers might be assaulted , and defeated : but the design failed , were it either that the Aragon did not perfectly obse●…ve his orders , or that the Governour tarrying longer then he ought to have done , marched not soon enough ; for the Piedmont horse got to the foord before those of the Aragon , who though he got to the other side with some of his fleetest fore-runners at the same time when those of Piedmont entred the river , and endeavor'd to munite the bank with the militia of Castelnuovo , and to hinder their passage ; yet instead of retreating to the wood , and affording time for the Governour to advance , he gave order that his horse , leaving the foot behinde , should advance as fast as they could ; which the horse observing , they came thither , when the first part of the enemies horse , on the head whereof was Marquess Villa , having overcome the opposition made on the other side , had already foorded over with Musketeers otherwise . He placed 200 Musketeers on the Front , which were entertained by a great squadron of horse , 200 more Musketeers were on the right hand of the horse , a good part stood behind some trees that were cut down , which served for a Trench ; he fortified a place behind him with Parma's Souldiers , to serve him for a retreat , in case he should not be able to resist so many men ; nor herewith content , he did not fill up the whole breadth of the way with Artillery , to the end that if he were forc'd to retreat , he might do it without confusion , contrary to what the enemy did , who promising themselves assured victory , provided not any place of retreat : the Skirmish was fought with much valour and courage , and the Spaniards came very hot on at first , thinking to discompose the enemies ranks at the very first onset ; but they were soon deceived , meeting with as stout resistance , for above two hours space ; but at last being overpowered in numbers , Villa was forc'd to retreat , which he did without disorder , by the part of that way , which he discreetly had left open : Don Vincenzo Gonsaga pursued them fiercely , as also Baron Battavilla , and Count Arese ; who being opposed by Don Mauritio of Savoy , with his regiment , they met with some resistance ; but not long after the first falling on Scipione Fiesco , brother to the Prince of Messerano , and Captain Guirini were taken Prisoners , and many were wounded and slain ; so as not able to make his party good any longer , he was disordered , and retreated without confusion also , by that part of the way which was left open ; and certainly they would all have been certainly ruin'd , had not Marquess Villa , who had all this while assisted in the fight , rallied all the valliantest of his men , and putting himself on their head , fought undauntedly , and withstood the violence of the enemies , who thinking themselves sure of victory , came up in close ranks , and cheerfully pursued the chase ; and though the Piedmontese met with hard usage by the Musket-shot , wherewith many of them were slain , yet did they so resolutely resist , and the assailants were played upon so fast by the Musketeers , who were placed behind those trees which being cut down , served them for a rampier , or trench , as Gonsaga , Battavilla , and Arese , who fought on the head of the horse , being wounded , Villa easily disordered the enemies horse , being now without leaders ; and forc'd them afterwards to fly back in disorder ; Villa pursued them till night , which came soon on , and then he left free passage for the enemy to fly , and to retreat ; and he bringing back with him above a hundred prisoners , and of these some of the Chiefest , he retreated victoriously towards Parma : the City refusing to receive in so many men , shut the gates upon them , but took in the Captains , who were nobly treated by the nob●…lity of Parma , and the rest were sent to quarter in S. Secondo , Soragna , and in Fontanello . At the same time that this succour was sent directly from Millain to the Duke of Modena , the Governour would also assist his State , and his affairs by diversion ; he therefore ordered Don Carlo della Gatta , to enter the Dukedom of Piacenza with 4000 foot , 600 horse , and six pieces of Artillery ; who in obedience thereunto , sat down immediately before Castel S. Iovanni , the first Town of that Dukedom confining upon the State of Millain ; and placing his Artillery against the walls of that Town which were weak , and old , and not lined with earth , the Towns-men , who saw they could not resist , surrendered the Town ; and Gatta entring thereinto fell to take the Castle , wherein were 120 French men , who after 15 days siege were forc'd to give it up ; during which time the Governour desired that the horse , who were not imployed in that service , might over run , and lay waste the countrey of Piacenza , to help the Duke of Modena , yet more by diversion , which was molested by Marquess Villa : wherefore the Marquess of Carracena , who commanded them , chose out 300 of the best horse , and went first to assault 250 French horse , who were quartered in the Towns three miles from Piacenza ; he fortunately routed them , and chased them till they came to a certain rivolet which ran cross the way , which when the French had past , they rallied , and faced about , and being routed again by Carracena , they got under a Town called Rottofreno , from whence some Foot came forth to aid them , they fell to skirmish the third time ; wherein Carracena being sore hurt in the leg by a Musket-shot , he retreated and gave over the fight ; so as the French Horse which pursued them , routed them , and had the slaughter of them till they came to Castel San ' Iovanni , which when they were come neer unto , the rest of the Horse which were there coming forth , together with a Foot Company to assist them , they fell into further disorder ; for this succour coming the same way as those that were pursued did , they were broken and disordered by their own men , who fled back by the same way : in this action about 100 of Carracena's Horse were slain , and some taken prisoners , amongst which Beccaraia a Captain of Horse , who was first sore wounded ; and yet the entrance of Gatta and Carracena into the Territories of Piacenza was not to no purpose ; for it freed the Duke of Modena from having his Country molested by the Piedmontese ; it being necessary to send for Marquess Villa back to relieve the parts about Piacenza ; so the Duke of Modena being free from this disturbance , had leasure to resent himself , and to take Rossenna , a Town belonging to the Duke of Parma , which was wholly environed by the Territories of Modena . The Spaniards took likewise Colorno , a Castle belonging to the Duke of Parma , considerable for its strength , and for the opportunity which it afforded of passing to the City of Parma ; and some moneths before , Fiombo , and Guadamiglio , two Towns in the Territories of Piacenza lying beyond the Poe , were taken by the Marquess of Carracena . But the Governour , that he might revenge himself yet further upon the Duke of Parma , gave order to Gerardo Gambacorta , General of the Neapolitan Horse , that he should enter his Territories with two Dutch Regiments , the one of Horse , conducted by Count Slic , the other of Foot led on by Colonel Gild ' Ais ; and that they should proceed further against him . The Duke of Savoy and the Marshal thought that it would redound to the discredit of the League , if they should suffer those States to be invaded whilst they stood idly looking on with their fingers underneath their girdles , and should behold the misfortunes of that their Confederate Prince , whereby they might fall into the displeasure of the King and Court of France , the King having given the care of preserving his Dominions in charge to them ; since therefore they could not directly assist by opposition , they resolved to do it by diversion ; so joyning their Forces , and making up a body of 9000 Foot , and 500 Horse , the Marshal went therewith from Vercelli , and passing over the Sesia , took Palestre , an open Town , where there was no Garrison , from whence he went to Confienza , and then to Robbio , where there were some small Foot Garrisons ; and taking them upon conditions , he pass'd with all his men over la Gogua , a River in Lomellina , and went to Vespolano , where for two hours space he was stoutly resisted by the Towns-men , who when they were able to do no more , quit the Town , and retreated to the Castle : The Marshal entred the Town , and quarter'd his men thereabouts ; but at so small a distance , as they might easily come together and joyntly defend themselves , in case they should be assaulted : The Governour hearing of this new commotion , sent Orders immediately every where , that all the Foot and Horse should meet about the Tessino ; he recalled Gambacorta with his Dutch Regiments from the parts about Piacenza ; and fearing that the enemy might fix their eyes upon Vigevano , he ordered them to march with all diligence towards that City ; whereinto having formerly sent 100 Spaniards , he went from Millain to Biagrassa , where Gambacorta was come that very night with two Dutch Regiments , and with the Horse from the Country of Piacenza ; and there being only a hundred Spaniards and some few Dutch in Vigevano , he feared that the Marshal might keep that City from succour , if the Marshal coming to the Tessino , should hinder the passing over of that River , and consequently it would be taken ; wherefore he commanded Gambacorta that with all speed he should passe over the Tessino , and should secure that City and all the adjacent Towns from being sack'd , and from inroads ; all which being punctually performed by Gambacorta , the Governour pass'd with the rest of the men to Vigevano , where he tarried some days to expect a Regiment of Dutch , conducted by the Baron di Lezer , who was to come shortly , and also to tarry for the Artillery which was come out of Pavia , and could not be long a coming . In this interim some of the Marshals Forces advanced to a little weak Town called Civagliana , which they took , leaving the Castle unattempted , which they would not tarry to take , the enemy being so neer ; but the Governour , who was in Vigevano with 6000 Foot and 2000 Horse , thought it stood not with his honour , that the enemy should advance armed further into the State of Mallain ; and should continually grieve the Inhabitants , sometimes with quarter , sometimes with composition : he therefore resolved to march into the field , and keep them from such insulting ; he went straight to Novara , intending to come upon the back of the enemy , that so by keeping him from returning he might easily vanquish him ; being gone a few miles he heard news , that the Marshal was gone with his Army out of Vespolno , and that he was ready to give him Battle if he should advance ; and that to that purpose he had sent some Forces that morning to Sastrego , a Town neer Strano , where the Governour was to quarter that night : the truth is , that the Marshal was advanced with 1500 Dragoons , and 1000 Foot , to Serano , and leaving them all in a certain Wood , he himself advanced to discover Serano , where he intended to lie that night , and so to advance towards the Tessino . The Governour hearing this , which was also confirm'd unto him by Gambacorta , who was so far advanc'd , and got so neer the Enemy , as he could not retreat , he sent him forthwith order to fall upon him ; assuring him that he would come in unto his succour with the rest of the Forces . Gambacorta was not slow in executing his orders , nor the Marshal less slow then he in receiving the onset ; thinking that the whole body of the Enemies Army was not there , but onely some Troops of Horse which went for forrage , or to quarter in the neighbouring Towns : So as falling together by the ears , they fought a while with equal Valour and Fortune , till two Troops of Dragoons of the Spanish party advanced ; who gave fire so fast , as beginning to disorder the first ranks , which were already well advanced , all the rest were routed by the Commissary General of the Cavalry , Don Ferdinandod ' Heredia , and turning their Horses heads began to run , and were pursued for a mile and a half by Gambacorta ; till being come to the wood where the ambush lay , they staid . Gambacorta doubting the coming of the Governour , whom he saw not yet appear , and seeing that the Enemies faced about , and prepared to resist feared an ambush , and forbore pursuit ; nor durst he with unequal Forces run the hazard which he apprehended , as if the Governour had come he would have done , and so have gotten a fuller victory , for which he deserved to be accounted not onely a valiant , but a cautious and prudent Commander . For being content with the slaughter and imprisonment of many , he very seasonably with-drew himself and his men from the imminent danger . There were slain in this conflict about 150 of the Marshals men , and some 60 taken prisoners ; and all the mischief befell the Duke of Savoy's Horse , which fought more stoutly then the rest ; and hereupon some dispute arose between the Duke and the Marshal : The Duke complaining that the Marshal , upon the first declension of the fight , got upon a fleete Horse and to save his life abandoned the Dukes Horse . Those that were worsted retreated from Vespolano to Palestre ; and the Governour going to Novara , pursued the Enemy , who though they made some shew of facing him , yet when they heard he was come neer them , they past back over the Sesia , and retreated into Piedmont : Hastily freeing that State , which but a little before they had so resolutely assaulted . And as this assault proved unfortunate for the assailants , so neither had the diversion intended that effect which was hoped for : For the States of Parma and Piacenza were molested in the interim ; the Duke of Modena was assisted in the State of Parma , and the Kings men , notwithstanding this unexpected assault , were not sent for back from the parts about Piacenza . But both the Dukedoms of Parma and Piacenza , were sack'd , fired , and laid desolate ; and yet was the Duke of Modena sent to by the Pope to forbear all Hostillity against the Territories belonging to the Church , and was desi●…ed by his Wife , who was Sister to the Duke of Parma , to come to composition ; and the great Duke of Tuscany , Brother in law to the Duke of Parma , interposed himself also in the business of compounding ; wherefore the Duke with-drew his Souldiers to within his own State. But notwithstanding , the Spaniards , who were come to succour Modena , forbore not to ransack the Country , and to commit other hostile acts ; Carlo della Gatta , having taken Castell St. Iovanni , went to Rottofreno , a Town 7 miles from Piacenza , and not far from the Poe , took it , fortified it , and put a Garrison of 600 Foot , and 200 Horse into it , which curb'd and troubled the whole Country . It was likewise thought fit to molest the States in those parts which lay nearest Genoa ; 400 Foot were sent to Frederico Imperiale , under Sergeant Major Francesco Tuttavilla , and two Troops of Horse , the one Curassiers , the other Dragoons ; who together with some of Prince Doria his Militia , being raised in Bobbio , went against Valdetara , a large Town belonging to the Duke of Parma ; where the Horse not being yet come , 70 of the Trained Bands of the Country were entred ; but L'Imperiale making himself master of the parts thereabouts , and causing two peice of Cannon to advance , it yeilded : That Town being taken and well garrison'd , he went to destroy Le Ferriere , a very advantagious place belonging to the Duke of Parma , to which the way lies by a very narrow passage at the foot of a high Mountain , called Della Penna , wherein was a Garrison of the Duke of Parma's subjects ; L'Imperiale came against it with 500 Foot , and the Troops of Dragoons ; the Pass after the first volley was abandoned , all men running shamefully away ; passing on , he came to Le Ferriere , wherein there being a Garrison of the Country-men , with some peices of Artillery and Morter-peices , he met with some resistance ; but it lasted but a while , for it yielded the same night that Imperiale came before it , and all the Forges and instruments thereunto belonging , were forthwith destroyed ; which was done by order from the Governour . Moreover , the Souldiers were permitted to plunder the whole Country , who got thereby great booty in cattle and victuals . Some few dayes after he past to the plain of Piacenza , where he found the whole Country forsaken by the Inhabitants who fled , and Imperiale advanced no further ; for hearing that greater number of the Dukes Forces , both Horse and Foot , drew nigh , he kept his men on the side of the Mountain , expecting greater recruits from Millain , which did not onely not come ; ( for at Millain they endeavoured to send greater Forces on that side against the Dukes dominions ; ) but these very men were sent for back , to be used in more necessary imployments . The State of Millain was molested by the French at the same time that the Duke of Parma's Country was annoy'd by the Spaniards : For the Garrison of Bremi , over-running the adjacent parts of the State of Millain , made themselves be soundly felt ; and on the other side , the French were much afflicted with sickness , occasioned by the ill ayr , and marshes thereabout ; whereof 40 and 50 dying on a day , they within a few moneths lost above 4000 of their men ; and it was thought , what between the building and maintaining of that Garrison , that Fort cost the French more men , then the taking of such another would have done ; and diminishing not onely by the death of so many , but also by the running away of multitudes , the French Army already was reduced to so small a number , as it could not have subsisted long , had it not received new and great recruits . Nor did the Kings men suffer sore hardships here onely , but the Inhabitants of the County of Como shared in the like . The Duke of Rohan being ( as hath been said ) after the rout given before Morbegno to Serbellone , peacefully possess'd of the Valtoline , and having with him about four thousand Foot , and five hundred Horse , was impatient to think he should lie idle ; and envying the Marshal , who made himself be so terribly felt from the Fort of Bremi , and who did so enrich himself by booty , desired to do the like himself , and to get more footing in that State : He therefore made some small barques in the Valtoline , which being brought in the beginning of the Spring , 1636. to the bank of the little Lake , full of Souldiers , he put them into the water ; and going to Pradel , he took it ; and going by the way called Francesca , and thence to the three Pievi , Towns belonging to the State of Millain , he burnt and consumed them , together with many other neighbouring Towns. He came next ( but without Artillery ) to Fort Medegin●… , whither Lodovico Guasco being sent a little before with a strong Garrison , Rohan proceeded no further , but retreated to the Valtoline . But greater preparations for War then those of Rohan , or the Marshal , were made the preceding Winter in all parts . Nine Troops of Horse , and nine Regiments of Foot , were newly fallen down from the Alps ; and the King of France having set his heart upon being Master of the Mediterranean , he assembled many Ships and Galleoons in Britany and Provence , and increased the number of Gallies in Provence , wherewith he gave out he would do great things . On the other side , the Spaniard made no lesser preparations , as well to defend his own Dominions , as to offend those of others : They had taken order for four Regiments in Germany , two of Horse , and two of Foot , whereof one was Curassiers , the other Dragoons , which they expected shortly ; and being to pass thorow the Swissers Country , they had already sent moneys to those Cantons , to the end that being paid , they should not hinder their passage : Moreover 3000 Spaniards were entered the State of Millain , sent from several parts , and 1000 Horse from the Vice-roy of Naples , who being sent thorow Romagna , into the State of Modena , were already come into that of Millain : But before these , the French Regiments appeared in Piedmont ; and the Duke of Parma , was also come thither , who was returned from France loaded with promises , and satisfied with the Courts good intentions and effects ; for he brought precise Orders to the Duke of Savoy , and to the Marshal , to re-place him in his States ; in obedience whereunto , the Duke of Savoy went anticipately into the Field , together with the Duke of Parma , and the Marshal ; their chief intention was , as the effects did afterwards demonstrate , to put Parma into his State ; which when they had done , they should , with his men , and those of Villa's which they should there finde , assault the State of Millain , either by the territories of Tortona , or by those of Cremona , whilst the Duke of Savoy , and the Marshal should do the like by that of Novara , and by the Lomellina ; or if they liked it better , they should turn upon the State of Modena , and oblige the Spaniards to assist that Prince with good forces , who for having abandoned the French party , and adhered to the Spanish , they desired to suppress , and thus by either of these ways to divide the Spanish force●… , and make them less able to defend the State of Millain . Thus the Duke going from Vercelli , and the Marshal from Cassalle , they joyned their forces together , which amounted in all to about 18000 foot , and 4000 horse , and past over the Poe at Bremi , and the Tanar●… at Filizzano , and from thence advanced to Nizza della Paglia , to repossess the Duke of his Dominions : The Governour was then far inferiour to them in men , the regiments not being yet come which were expected from Germany ; so as not thinking it fit to oppose them in open field , he resolved to fortifie the right bank of Scrivia with a great Trench , which beginning from the skirts of the Appenine should run along the river to where it falls into the Poe , which would be above fifteen miles in length , which the river it self served for a ditch , the river being very dangerous to wade over , by reason of the swift current , and which therefore made this fortification unaccessible ; so as though it seemed not to be defensible , as requiring many more Souldiers to defend it then the Governour had to place there ; yet since the river admitted access to the trench , but in very few places , those places being well munited , it was sufficiently well provided for elsewhere , by the swiftness of the river , and by some Corps de Guard placed in convenient places , which might hinder any desperate attempts which might be made by the enemy where they should think them weakly guarded ; and yet the Governour being desirous that the defence should not be defective , he brought thither all the Souldiers that he could get either in the State of Millain or elsewhere , even to the lessening of the usual garrisons , and most important places ; he did not onely summon the common Souldiers thither , but the Officers , and best experienced Commanders ; nay , he himself would assist there in his own person ; nor did his counsel herein , nor his expence , and labour in that work prove vain ; for the enemies being as desirous to overcome that Trench , as the Governour was to defend it , they sent the most experienced of their army to discry it , who finding it untakeable , and unpassible they gave over the thought of attempting it ; they thought it not good to expose their Souldiers at one and the same time to the swiftness of the river , and to the shot of the Spaniards ; they therefore resolved to try another way ; they went from Nizza , and past back over the Poe , and coasted along the left side of the river , till being come to Giarvola , they had past by the head of the Trench of Tortona , which terminated on the opposite bank : here they thought to pass the Duke over into the Countrey of Piacenza , in their Boats which followed them down the stream ; and so they thought to couzen the Governour ; but they found new difficulties , which opposed them also in this their enterprise ; they first saw Marquess Spinola with many Musketeers on the other store , ready to hinder their passage ; wherefore not thinking it fit to attempt it there , they marched on ; hoping they might advance so far , as that they might find Marquess Villa on the other shore in the confines of Piacenza , with his own men , and with those French who were in that State under Count S. Paule ; who might receive the Duke , and secure the passage over the river ; Villa , upon orders received from the Duke , was really joyned with Count S. Paule , and was marched thitherward ; and having in his passage recovered the Town and Castle of S. Iovanni , was come to Arena , a Town in the Territories of Pavia , to receive the Duke , whom they expected suddenly to see on the other shore ; and having driven away some horse which were in Arena , they kept in those parts ; but the Dukes met with new and greater oppositions , which kept them from advancing so far ; Count Ferrante Bolognino , a Knight of Ierusalem , one who had been long vers'd in the wars of Flanders , and who was newly come to Italy , to serve as Camp-master in these Wars ; having received orders from the Governour to hinder the passing over the Poe , had made some fortifications upon the mouth of Tessino , and had drawn thither also many mills , upon which , as also upon the banks , he had placed many Cannons and Musketeers ; So as the two Dukes finding these new difficulties , and oppositions as hard to overcome as those of Serivia , they past no further on ; but betook themselves to make inrodes into the Countrey , and to prejudice the Towns thereabouts ; which causing great fear in those of Pavia , they knew not how they should be able to defend themselves from being sack'd , if the enemy should draw neer their walls ; and truly there not being so much as one Souldier in the Town , ( for the Governour , as you have heard , had sent for them all to the Trench ) the danger of that City was not inconsiderable ; not onely in respect of plunder , but also that it would be very hard to get the enemy who was very strong , out , when he should be possest thereof ; the Governour apprehending this sent Spinola immediatly to defend it , with five hundred Musketeers , which yet were not sufficient to free those Citizens from fear , who for their greater safety , and to keep the enemy from their walls , were resolved to break down an arch of that noble and magnificent bridge , which close to the City stands over the Tessino ; but these and other provisions which were h●…d , were more then was needful for the preservation of Pavia , for the Confederats , letting slip so fair an occasion , whereby they might have conveyed the Duke safely into his Countrey , drew back , though they were not pursued , and returned to Bremi ; where not giving over the thought of conveying the Duke into his Countrey , they resolved to make the enemy forgo the Trench by a lusty diversion ; which being abandoned , they might pass him over with a few men into the country of Piacenza ; they knew that the continent of Novara , as being that part which of all the State of Millain was farthest off from the Trench , was totally without Garrison , or defence ; wherefore they thought , that by going thither with the main body of their army , they might cause the Trench to be abandoned ; so being come to Bremi , they sent the Duke of Parma with 3000 foot , and 300 horse towards Nizza , to the end that when the Trench should be forsaken , he might pass with those men into his own dominions ; they afterward gave out that they intended three things , to the end that the Governour being to defend them all might speedily leave the passage over the Trench free to the Duke : The first was to sit down before Valenza ; The second , to go take in Sandoval ; And the third , to march strait towards Novara : The Governour hearing these designs published , did at the same time make two provisions ; he sent Don Iohn di Gattai with 3000 foot , and some horse , to succour Valenza , whether Don Francisco di Melo resolved to go soon after ; and he sent Gambacorta with the greatest part of the Cavalry , to relieve Rottofreno , wherein there was but a small Garrison , for that part thereof were sent for to the Trench : wherefore it was streightly besieged by Marquess Villa , who finding the Dukes expectation vanished by withdrawing of the Leagues Army , and hearing how the forces were lessened about that place , did not let sl●…p the occasion of going to take it ; both these provisions were well warranted ; for Garrai getting into Valenza , whilst the enemies army looked on , endeavour'd sollicitously to perfect the Fort S. Diego , which was already begun upon the Banks of Poe , in the same place where the Fort was much guarded the foot of the Bridge of Valenza , toward the Lomellina , that upon the like occasions that place might be secured ; which Fort was soon perfected , or at least put into a condition of convenient defence ; so as being assaulted by the French whilst they marched from Bremi to Novara , it did not onely resist the assault , but two hundred horse going forth under the shelter of the Artillery of the Fort , they repuls'd the assailants , and slew some of them , and in particular the Ma●…quess of Canesi , a prime Cavalier of the French , and of great expectation , and Gambacorta , who went to Rottofreno , finding the passes well block'd up , and fortified by Villa , returned back , not doing any thing ; yet the preservation of that place being of great consequence , he was sent thither again with the same Cavalry , accompanied with a good strength of Musketeers ; and being come thither he did not onely bring in the relief , but made the enemy remove just when the Town was ready to surrender ; which mean while notice being come to the Trench , that the enemies Army was marched towards the territories of Novara ; the Governour being very careful of those parts which were wholly unprovided of any Garrison , sent Don Martine d' Aragona and Lodovico Guasco away with all speed , and with a good strength of men to mark what way the enemy went , and to defend the Towns of those parts as well as they could from them ; and to the end that the enemy might not attempt passing over the Tessino in the Barques which usually go thereupon , he gave order that they should all be detained either in Pavia , or in the greater Lake , from whence Tessino comes . The Governour continued ( notwithstanding ) with the main Body of his Army at the Trench ; except it were those who were sent to Valenza when the enemy drew neer the Town , and who returning were busied in keeping that pass block'd up from the Duke ; the Duke was come already to Nizza with the men that were allotted him ; where he tarried till he might see the Trench abandoned , that he might pass into his own Dominions ; whilst the Army of the League , being come into the Territories of Novara , overran that Country , firing and laying all things waste where they came , sacking some Towns , and bringing others under composition ; and as it went to Fontaneto , a Town not much fortified , but of much consequence for entertaining Commerce with Vercelli and Piedmont , the Towns men who confided in the Castle which was there , made some resistance ; but being overcome on the fourth day , they were miserably sack'd , in revenge for the death of Marshal Toras , who was unfortunately slain by one of the first Musket-shot that was made out of that Town ; a death unworthy so gallant a Commander , and which was very ill resented , not only by his friends , but by his enemies , for his singular valour , and for the gallantry of what he had done . Fontanero being taken , they talked of going to Sandoval , or to before Novara ; but a strange and unexpected accident hapned , which made them think of greater things : six French Souldiers , who according to the fashion of the Spanish Souldiers wore red Scarffs , coming to the Tessino , feigned themselves to be Spanish Souldiers ; and seeing the Barque wherewith they cross the River , and which is commonly called Porto , on the other shore , as he is called Portenaro who guides it , they earnestly desired the Portenaro that he would come and pass them over to the other side , offering him a good reward for their waftage : the Portenaro thought them to be friends , by the red Scarffs which they wore , and being too credulous and too greedy of gain , went to the other side the River , and took them into his Porto , who presently slew him ; and passing over to the other side , they found the Country abandoned by the Inhabitants , who by reason of the neerness of the enemy were fled to the tops of Mountains ; so they took some Cattel , and passing with them over the River , they went and acquainted the Duke and the Marshal with what they had done , and shew'd them how easie it was to pass over the Tessino . The enterprise was very hopeful , and glorious beyond expectation , and was not to be despised ; and so much the rather , for that to keep in the State of Novara , as they had done till now with little advancement , made but little for their honour ; wherefore that somewhat might be done , they thought they were forc'd to embrace any whatsoever hard imployment , and then much more this which was so easie , and which was so propitiously presented to them by fortune ; they were the more encouraged to this enterprise by what little esteem was had of the enemies Forces ; which keeping still within the Trench , they thought they would not dare to encounter them , and that at the present they would shun coming into the open field , to keep from hazarding the welfare of the State upon the uncertainty of a Battle ; having therefore sent some Horse over the Tessino , to discover the Country and the affairs better , they tarried expecting their return ; that they might the better ground their resolutions ; and finding by what they brought back , that they agreed , in their relation , with what the others had said , they threw over the boats which they had brought with them in Carts , and making a Bridge of them pass'd the Army over to the other side ; and staid some days waiting some happy occasion , which this so fortunate accident might present unto them ; the Bridge was thrown over neer Casa della Camera ; the first thing which they did after they were passed was to break the Sprone ( which is nothing else but the keeping in of the Tessino with great stones , to the end , that the water being thereby stop'd may rise into a channel , which they call ill Naviglio , whereby they pass even to Millain , carrying and re-carrying boats full of provision ( from the Lake whence the Tessino comes ) to Millain , and which are necessary for the City , and for the Inhabitants ( who live upon the Lake ) and to take away the water from the Naviglio , that so they might streighten the City in point of provision ; and bereave it of the advantage it got thereby ; they afterward fortified themselves in Tornavento , a little Town on the left bank of the Tessino , and extended their Fortifications to the Brughera ; which is nothing else but a Copse of many miles about where nothing grows but brush-wood or low shrubs , which those of Lombardy call Brughi ; they tarried there some days pillaging those parts ; and having no place to take , nor Mountains nor Riv●…s to pass over , nor no enemy to encounter ( for Guasco was not yet come thither , and Don Martine d' Aragona , being far short of them in numbers , who heard in Novara that the enemies Army had passed over the Tessino , did also pass over it himself a little lower , and was come to Bigarasso ) they might march safely to the Walls of Millain ; when the enemies passage over the Tessino was heard of , and that an infinite number of the Inhabitants thereabouts were flock'd together , with their Wives , Children , and with what else they had of most value , as to a place of refuge , the Citizens fell into such terrour and confusion , as greater was never known in the memory of man , or was ever read of in ancient Story . The City of Millain was bereft of defendants , and as it were , exposed to be assaulted by the enemy , who was very strong , neer at hand , and was hourly expected to appear before the City walls ; they saw the Governour and all the chief Officers stood idly , minding only the keeping and defending of the Trench , and that they did not at all care for the rest of the State , so as they might keep the Duke of Parma from passing over ; that this was the chief thing whereupon all their thoughts were bent , that they cared not though the enemy burnt , plundered , and laid the Country waste ; they saw that the Army which had been raised at the peoples so great expence , and which had suffer'd such hardship in their quarters all the Winter , made nothing at all for their sa●…ety at this time of so neer danger ; so as the people exclaimed in the streets against the Spaniards , and against the Governour himself ; and bewailing their miseries were neerer tumultuating , then preparing to prevent their imminent danger : many also thinking the City lost sent away what they had , of most precious , into the State of Venice ; so as the Gates of the City were pester'd by those who believing in her safety ran thither with what best things they had , and by th●…se who not confiding in her safety fled away with what they had of most precious , and convey'd them into safer places ; they were all the more disturb'd by hearing that the Duke of Rohan was fallen down by the Valley of Sarsina into the State of Millain , and was come neer Lecco , which if he should take , he might safely come to the City , and joyning with the Confederates Army might put for mighty things ; so as in this great confusion , many of the chief Gentlemen had recourse to Don Ranchillo , a Spaniard , and Chancellor of the State , who in the Governors absence supplied his place , desiring that he would use his authority , and that he would endeavour the peace and safety of the City : he had at the same time received Letters from the Governour who was at the Trench , of the same tenure ; wherefore beating up Drums immediately , to raise as many Citizens as he could , as well Gentlemen as others , he distributed them upon the Walls and Gates in several places to defend them : he also took care for repairing the walls and Gates , where it was most requisite , wherby , and by other provisions , men began to be of better hopes ; they were chiefly quieted by the coming of Prince Borsoda Este into the State with 2500 Dutch , who sent them immediately towards Lecco to oppose the violence which Rohan threatned , and to keep him as far from the City as he could ; but the confusion of the Confederates was not less then that of the Millainois , when they found themselves in an enemies Country , which was laid waste , abandoned by the Inhabitants , and wherein the neighbouring Towns not being able to furnish food , contribution nor quarters necessary for their daily sustenance , they were forced , not without delay , difficulty and danger , to have them from Piedmont , and from the Continent of Novara ; they therefore knew ●…at to keep there with so much inconveniency , was impossible ; and that to go to Millain , as their so happy passage did in honour bind them to do , was dangerous and difficult ; for if they should do so , they must necessarily , in the first place , abandon the Bridge , which not being to be fortified , it was impossible to secure ; and the impossibility of securing it arose from the left side of the Tessino , which being very high and commanded by many Hills , it was altogether as impossible as necessary , to fortifie all those Hills , so as to secure the Bridge from battery , and to fortifie them so , as that the one might be a help to the other , and that they might all joyntly concur with that which guarded the head of the Bridge ; for otherwise any one of those Hills being taken by the enemy , and a battery being thereon placed , the Bridge must necessarily be beaten down , the Army must be debar'd the River , being in an enemies Country , wanting the conveniency of retreating , and of those succours which they were only to expect by the Bridge ; being , moreover , exposed to be insulted over by the enemy , who ( it was to be supposed ) would quickly come , and fall upon them , to their ruine and undoing : to this was added , that they heard a flying rumour , that the Governour hearing that they were pass'd over the Tessino was already removed , and was already come with his Army very neer Millain ; so as if they should go thither , the Governour must either necessarily be got before them with his Army into the City , or come upon them when they were hottest in besieging it , or when they should have finished their Siege ; in any of which cases there appeared manifest ruine ; for if he should come before they were sat down before the City , it would be a rash and headlong resolution , to go to assault a great City well peopled , and that they should not be able to continue the Siege , having an enemy Army upon their backs , and that in their retreat , which would be necessary , they were likely to receive a great blow ; and that , say they should take the City , the Souldiers would assuredly fall to plunder , and would not obey their Captains commands , but flying from their colours , and running about the City without any Military Discipline , nothing but ruine was to be expected ; they therefore concluded , that their going to Millain would afford the enemy an opportunity of obtaining a signal Victory : Yet the Duke of Savoy had much a do to keep the Marshal from going thither . Who alleaged that the pressing over the Tessino had alwayes been dreadful to that City , and was likely to prove so now more then ever . That therefore it behoved them to make use of the occasion , and aspire after the victory , which they could not fail of , if they would couragiously go about it : That else they had done better never to have passed the Tessino , then after so happily past it , to do nothing . That to make any doubt thereof , was nothing else then to abandon the occasion of overcoming , and to shun victory : That the French Army had never past the Tessino , but that the issue thereof had been the entire acquisition of the State of Millain . Wherefore then should they now forbear , when the Enemy , who were inferiour to them in Forces , and far more inferiour in Courage , would never dare to shew their faces , nor hazard battle ? When the people full of confusion and fear , and moreover , very ill satisfied with the Spanish Government , would joyn with the●…in the ruine of so abhorred an Empire . But reasons to the contrary , and the authority of supream command which resided in the Duke , prevailing over the Marshals Allegations , and the having also heard for certain , that the Governour was at last gone from the Trench , and was come neer the City ; the Marshall was forc'd to give way to the Dukes will , not without much murmuring : Not proceeding therefore any further , and being forc'd to go from thence by Famine , they resolved to go towards the Lake , and to take Sesto , Anghiera and Arona , which were scituated in the mouth thereof ; which believing they should take without any manner of difficulty , they thought to be thereby masters of the whole Lake : Whereby they should command the onely passage which the Spaniards had to bring men from Germany into the State of Millain . And not being now able to bring in any by the Valtoline , that State would be a prey to the French Armies , when they should assault it with greater Forces . The Duke therefore preferring the safety and advantage of this proposal , before the airy and perillous enterprize of Millain , made the Bridge be broken up , and ordered that the Army should march towards the Lake ; putting some of the Boats , whereof the Bridge was made , into Carts ; and drawing some against the current of the River , they marched with their Army divided by the River ; the Marshal with his French along the left side , the Duke along the right side , with his Piedmontese . But the Governour having , in this interim , heard of the Enemies being past over the Tessino , by messengers sent unto him from the City , & of the confusion of that City , the desolation of the State of Novarra , and of the Towns on this side the River , he at last left the Trench ; and sending precise orders to all those that were either in the Country of Tortona , or in the parts about Picenza , to follow him , he past over the Poe and the Tessino , with Don Francisco di Melo , and some others , and came to Pavio ; and without entring Millain , he went directly toward Biagrassa . He sent Melo , notwithstanding , to Millain , to be Governour of that Castle , lest some disaster might happen in so great confusion . For fearing lest the Enemy might approach the City , he thought fit to put a wise Governour thereinto , and one of authority . Melo being come thither , was very diligent in bringing Ammunition into the Castle by night , lest if it should have been discovered , it might have caused greater fear in the people : He also armed 1200 Horse which were come a little before from Germany , and put the much confused Affairs of the City into better Orders . The Horse being armed , were presently sent to Biagrassa , and with them 13 Companies of Neapolitans ; and those who were come from the French , and from the parts about Piacenza , past over the Poe and the Gravalone , and went to joyn with the Governour , who in a short time was able to muster 15000 Foot , and 5000 Horse . And whilst others were coming , the Governour went with three Troops of Horse from Bigarassa to Tornavento , the same day that the Enemy going from thence went towards the Lake . The Marshall hearing this , who marched on that side the River , and was not advanced full twelve miles , halted , and advised with the Duke , and they both resolved to return back , and go to their former quarters of Tornavento and Brughera ; for it was very probable that those who marched on this side with the Marshal might be defeated if they should be pursued by the Enemy , being divided by the River from their associates : For the River , which runs very swiftly from the Lakes mouth to Tornavento , would not suffer them to throw over the Bridge there , that so they might joyn their Forces together ; nor did the same swiftness of the River permit that the boats which were drawn against the Current could come time enough to peece with the others , before the Enemy might come upon them . Whereas on the contrary , by returning back , the Boats which were below , would anticipately come to the former place ; so as the Bridge being speedily put together , they might meet with their joynt Forces , before they could be assaulted by the Enemy . This Resolution was soon put on and executed ; and about the going down of the day , the Duke and the Marshal came both of them to Tornavento , the Duke on that side , and the Marshal on this . The Marshals chief care was to fortifie that place , and the Dukes , to cast over the Bridge speedily ; a little below Tornavento , where the Enemy might advance , there was a great ditch , which had been formerly made by the French , when they were masters of the State of Millain , that they might bring the water of Tessino thereby , and convey it elsewhere ; which ditch , because it proved to no purpose , and had cost much money , was then , and is yet called Panperduto , ( which we may translate lost labour ) the Marshal made use of this ditch for a Trench and Parapet to his men . For intending onely to stand upon defence , he had left Monsieur Di Boisac , Commissary of the Horse , without , with 300 Horse , that he might flank Panperduto , and playing upon the assailants on that side , might keep them from being assaulted . The rest of his men he kept within the ditch , where on the Front , and on the left side , they were sheltred by the same ditch ; on the right side by the Naviglio , and on the back by the Tessino and Tornavento . Being thus securely seated , the Marshal stay'd expecting the Governour , who being returned before the Marshal from Tornavento to Bigarassa , made his men advance to Constanzano , within three miles of Tornavento , that he might gaul the Enemy on the back , in case he should continue his march towards the Lake , and that he might fight him if he should tarry by the way . The Governour came to Constanzano , the same night that the Marshal was returned to Tornavento : And notwithstanding that all those that were at the Trench , nor other that he expected , were not yet come to him , and those that were already come were very weary by their long and speedy march ; yet placing his hopes of victory upon coming before the Bridge should be perfected , which till it should be so kept , the Enemies Forces un-united , he was ready to go to assault them ; the rather for that two hours before day Gambacorta was come to him with part of the horse wherunto he was driven , not so much out of the danger which delay might occasion , by giving the enemy leasure to perfect the Bridge , as for that his Army not being able to continue in the place where they were , out of many reasons , but especially for want of water , he could not , without much danger , and without loss of honour , retreat , the enemy being so neer ; so as the choice was turn'd to necessity , and the peoples murmuring made the necessity greater , who being subject to such charges , and to such trouble in quartering , could not endure that the War should be spun out , without hopes of ever seeing an end of their so many sorrows and calamities ; he therefore doubted that if he should delay fighting them now that they were so neer , the people might go wild , and perhaps produce some bad effect ; so as their opinions were not listned to who thought it rashness to go in the condition they were in to assault an Army well munited within its Works , and which , when the Bridge should be made , would become more powerful ; but the peoples crying out for battle prevailed over these and many other considerations ; and the Governour inclining to give them satisfaction , gave order to fight ; he had not now above 10000 Foot in his Camp ( for all the Foot were not yet arrived ) and between four and five thousand Horse , who by reason of the streight situation were placed behind the Foot , in nine Squadrons ; so as the Foot were to undergo the whole brunt of battle , without receiving any help from the Horse . Marquess Spinola was by the Governours side , and Don Francisco di Melo who was come that very night from the Castle of Millain , out of the great desire he had to be present at this action : The conflict , or rather the assault , began four hours after Sun-rising , on the second of Iune , and endured till three of the night ; so as they fought fifteen hours without any intermission , and was continued by the assailants , with much valour and constancie , though upon so many disadvantagious terms ; the enemies were very well shelter'd ( as hath been said ) on all sides , and yet the assailants , who gave the assault with naked breasts , and in open field , advanc'd so far , as they came to push of Pike , for all the hundred horse which were left without by the Marshal ; for though they turned at first to good purpose , to keep the assailants aloof from the Trenches ; yet the Governour having sent Gambacorta against them with five hundred horse , and after him another squadron of as many Curassiers , commanded by Augustine Fiesco , Gambacorta fell furiously upon the Enemy , and drove them into a wood which was behind them ; whereinto when he with his men entered , they were furiously played upon by musket shot from the Enemies Trench , whereby some of them were slain , amongst which Gambacorta , who was shot through the body with two Musket bullets ; A death which was esteemed a great loss ; he being a gentleman of a stout heart , good at Counsel , and well vers'd in military affairs , wherein he had given good proof of his valour : wherefore his death was much resented by the whole camp ; the horse which entred the wood with him , their captain being slain , were forc'd to retreat , and were pursued by the enemies horse , which ( in this the others consternation , ) had time to rally themselves ; they chased them till they came to Fiesco's squadron , who did not onely make head against them , but forc'd the French back into the same wood ; whence not daring to come forth any more , the assailants , when that impediment was removed , had opportunity to advance unto the Trenches ; amidst all this toil and danger the heat was excessive great , and there was no water thereabouts ; so as the souldiers , hot with continual fighting , having no shade to shelter them from the Sun , which shone then excessive hotly , nor water wherewith to quench their thirst , they could no longer withstand the extream heat , which consumed them both within , and without . Serjant Major Octaviano saw a Wind-mill somewhat far from the place of fight , but well guarded by the enemy ; he went thither with a good many Musketeers , and driving the Defendants away , not without much contest , he became master thereof , and opened unto the thirst-burnt Souldiers a large vein of water , who as soon as they heard thereof forsook their ranks , and without any respect ran confusedly in crouds to refresh themselves therewith ; this refreshment enabled the army to continue the fight more vigorously ; and the Governour hearing what refreshment the Army had received , ordered Sauli to have a great care of that station , and not to abandon it without particular order from him ; but all this while the victory was far off , the Duke of Savoy having re-made the Bridge , past over with his fresh-men to this side the river , and brought very seasonable succour to the French , who were ready to forsake the field ; by whose coming though the defence was much strengthned , yet did not the assailants fail to play their part , but kept the field as before ; and therefore though the Dukes arrival took from them the glory of victory , yet was it not sufficient to make them losers ; at last that which the night could not do , the wearyness of the souldiers did , which put an end to the assault three hours after Sun-set ; the assailants departed in good order , not losing one man in the retreat , being well back'd by the Cavalry ; but this was more then needed ; for not any of the enemy ( a thing no●… often read of ) came out of their Trenches , to pursue them ; their end being onely to keep their quarters , they thought they had done enough to keep from being driven from thence ; or peradventure , the Gallantry shewed that day by the assailants made them keep in ; but because the place where the sight was was incapable of quarter , being nothing but brush-wood , without water , save that of the Mill , without Trees , without fortifications , or forradge for the Horse , which had born armed men all that day , without either food or rest , they were forced to go quarter at Biagarassa , which was fifteen miles off ; this business decided the difference between the Duke and the Marshal touching going to Millain ; and the Army that was assaulted had the honour , though not the title of victory , which was due to it by Military law , for having kept it's station ; and it would have carried away entirely the title of Victory , if the Duke of Parma , who was the chief occasion and end of these conflicts , had made use of the occasion of passing over the ●…rench at Tortona at the same time when it was abandoned by the Governour , and had so past happily into his Dominions . This Prince , as you have heard , was sent from Bremi to Nizza , with a convoy of three thousand Foot , and three hundred Horse ; to the end that the going of the Consederates army towards the territories of Novara being likely to draw the Governour , with his men , from defending the Trench , to defend these parts , the Duke might make his way by that Trench , when it should be abandoned , and pass securely into the Countrey of Piacenza . The business succeeded as it was designed , and better ; for the Governour being forced by the unexpected passage of the French over the Tessino , hastily to forsake the French which he left guarded by Carlo della Gatta , with onely five hundred foot , too small a number by much for the large extent thereof , and the weather being then very dry , and the Scrivia very shallow , it had been easie for the Duke to pass the Trench , and come into his States ; and if , as easily he might , he had done so , what greater glory could the Confederates have won , then to have then put that Prince happily and honourably into his Dominions ; and that whereas to keep them from doing so the Governour would force them to fight with so much disadvantage , against the Trench of Tortona ; they to effect it , by better and more advised counsels had compelled him to abandon that Trench ; nor had their glory ended here ; for they might moreover have boasted to have almost totally freed the Dukes Dominions , and to have brought his Convoy safe into the territories of Piacenza ; which being joyned to the forces which were there already might have defended that Prince from being injured by the Spanish forces ; which successes would assuredly have been glorious , and memorable , if the Duke of Parma had co-operated to perfecting of the common ends and Counsels ; the reasons which hindred the Duke of Parma from doing so may be guest at by a letter which he writ to the Duke of Savoy , in answer to one written to him by the said Duke , two days before the conflict at Tornavento ; wherein Parma was exhorted to advance , and get into his Dominions by the Trench which the enemy had abandoned ; whereunto Parma answered the day after what had hapned at Tornavento ; that it was impossible for him to undertake that journey , for want monyes ; that moreover he wanted victuals , munition , and carriages to convey his baggage , though it were but little ; and that it was impossible for him , though he should make never so much diligence , to repair so many wants ; especially since he who was deputed to defray the expences had refused to pay a small sum of money which he had desired ; he also said that by the convoy which was given him he had no power to command , nor to make the Souldiers obey him ; so as he could not make use of them who were become very contumacious ; for though , at first , they seemed very willing to serve him , yet not long after they had altered their minds at the instigation of others , who had suggested unto them , that they should not be satisfied in their pay , when they should be come into his Countrey ; wherefore perceiving that ill blood began to be bred amongst them , and that this malady began to spread abroad in the multitude , it had so infected them , as many of them had run away that very night ; and that therefore he had given them leave to go unto the Camp , to the end that his Majesties affairs might suffer no prejudice by their absence ; and parting that very night from Nizza with seven other horse , he went towards the Sea , whither being come about break of day he hired a little Vessel at Voltri , and steering directly towards Lerici , and passing incognito through the Luniggiana , he came unknown and almost unaccompanied into the same City from whence he departed ten moneths before , so nobly attended by Lords and Souldiers , full of high and generous designs , like one who had return'd from war in triumph ; and yet when he was come home , he seemed more distasted with his success , then sorry for what he had done . Marquess Villa , by reason of new advertisements which he had received , was gone with the Piedmont Horse and Foot to Voghera , to assist the Duke in passing over the Trench ; but hearing that he was gone towards the Sea , intending to go by that way into his States , he resolved to march to Piedmont whither he was sent for by the Duke of Savoy : he therefore went from Voghera to Castel nuovo upon the Scrivia , where refreshing his Souldiers and his Horses , he went strait towards the Trench which was not far from Castel nuovo , and making a sufficient gap by Mattockes and Spades , he pass'd through it , so neer Tortona as he was saluted by the Artillery , though without prejudice ; whereby the Duke might know how glorious an action he had let slip . Having once more pass'd through the Territories of Alessandria , with like happy success as he had done before , the Countrey being unfurnished of Souldiers , he came without any opposition to Asti , and from thence to the Duke , who was still with the Marshal at Tornavento , that they might not lose the glory which they had won by making that place good against so fierce an assault ; and as if they expected a second assault , they seemed not at all to fear it , but stood fix'd , and resolved to receive it ; but not being re-assaulted , nor being able to tarry there any longer with so many dis-accommodations , and being greatly molested with abundance of Horse flies or Hornets , which the dead unburied carcases had either drawn thither , or generated , they resolved to remove from thence , leaving these words writen in a conspicuous place . Quod non potuerunt Hispani , potuerunt Taffani . What the Spaniards could not do , Hornets and Horse-flies did pursue . And making their first march towards the Lake , when they were come thither , they threw a Bridge over between Sesto and Castelletto , Towns which lie in the mouth thereof , intending to go from thence to before Arona , and to take it ; and thinking to make themselves first masters of Angiera , a Town which lies also upon the Lake , over against Arona , they planted Batteries against it . The Count Bolognino was entred Arona with a good Garrison , which would have withstood the Siege a good while , if it had been attempted by the enemy ; but a new and unthought of necessity forced them to retreat and quit the Country ; for the Governour , after what had hapned at Tornavento had made up the Body of an Army neer Buffaloro , between Biagrassa and Tornavento ; and having sent Melo back to guard the Castle of Millain , and Bolognino with Forces into Arena , he threw two Bridges over the Tessino , by which passing over that River , he gave out that he would go to Romagnano , a Town on the left side of the Sesia , where he might commodiously besiege the enemy , who were quarter'd in the mouth of the Lake , and hinder their proceedings , and keep them from retreating ; so as they must ncessarily be consumed there , for want of meat ; for that Country being abandoned by the Country people , who were withdrawn to the Mountains , and the Governour keeping in Romagnano , they could not be nourished by the Country , nor receive victuals nor succour from Piedmont , nor from the County of Vercelli , by reason of the craggy Hill which riseth from Romagnano towards the Lake : on the side whereof there were only three ways , which being guarded by reasonable Garrisons , excluded all passing from Piedmont to the Lake : this evident danger being foreseen by the Duke , and by the Marshal , they quickly gave over the enterprise and retreated ; and passing back over the Tessino , they got before hand into Romagnano , where they fix'd their quarters , seeming as if they would keep there ; but the Governour being come to Carpignano , he incommodated them there , and begirt them on sundry sides , and sent some men into the Country of Vercelli , to hinder the bringing of provisions to Romagnano ; wherefore they were forced to go from thence , and abandoning the State of Millain , retreated into Piedmont , being lessened both in Forces and Honour ; insomuch as the rest of their Army being disbanded , most of the French retreated to Pinarvolo , and from thence into France , and the Piedmonteses kept in Piedmont . The Confederates Army being dissolved , the Governour betook himself to drive out the French Garrisons , which kept yet fortified in some parts of the State of Millain ; and sent several Commanders to recover them . Don Martine d' Aragona recovered Fontaneto , in the County of Novara , which was taken by the Confederates , and till now kept with a stout Garrison . Don Vincenzo Gonzaga recovered many other Towns in the same . Giuseppe Monpavone , Governour of Alessandria , drove the French Garrison out of Annone ; and it being a place of consequence , he fortified it ; and now there remained no Towns in the hands of the French , except Bremi and Villata . Villata was quickly slighted and abandoned by a small Garrison which was in it ; so as all the remainder of the French were in Bremi ; which being a strong Town , and well munited , the taking of it was put off to another time . The Governour also shew'd some resentment against the Duke of Savoy ; Lucio Baccapianola , by his Orders , entred Gattinara , and without any opposition took it , and sack'd it ; and Don Philippo di Silva , who succeeded Marquess Spinola in the place of General of the Horse , entred the County of Asti with some Horse , and took Arazzo , Montealto and Montegrosso ; and some of the Garrisons of Alessandria , made inroads into the enemies Country , burning and sacking many of their Towns : which actions did gainsay those secret intelligences which said , and more publickly the Marshal , that the Duke held with the Spaniards ; but greater resentments were plotted against the Duke of Parma , who being come into his State was not idle ; for though the Marquess Villa was gone from thence ( as hath been said ) and was returned to Piedmont , and that consequently the Duke wanted that assistance , yet overcoming all difficulties with his undaunted spirit , and having yet some two or three thousand French with him , part whereof were come with Marquess Villa , part sent to him by the River of Genoa , with permission from the Genoeses , and having added to these a Body of his own Subjects , and some others that he had taken into pay , he once more besieged Rottofreno at a distance ; nor herewithall content he by way of resenting Prince Doria's attempts against Valdettaro , sent to take St. Stephano , a Town belonging to the same Prince in Fee from the Emperour , seated upon the Confines of the State of Genoa ; and passing over the Poe was entred into the State of Cremonia ; and doing much prejudice to the Towns of that Country , he pretended revenge for the ruines occasioned in his Country by the Kings Souldiers ; wherefore the Governour , being scandalized at these new attempts , and seeing the State of Millain almost freed of the Confederates Forces , he sent some of his men under Don Martine d' Aragona to prejudice that Duke , with order to quarter in those States , and that without attempting any thing against the chief Cities he might over-run the Country , to the end , that the Duke being mortified by such losses , and terrified by fear of greater , might learn to know how unable he was to defend himself against the Kings incensed Forces . Don Martine being entred into the State of Piacenza first , freed Rottofreno from being besieged by the Dukes men , drove away the assailants , and killing and taking many of them prisoners pursued them to underneath the Walls of Piacenza , he afterwards recovered the Castle St. Stephano for Prince Doria , which was taken from him by the Dukes men ; and Cardinal Trivultio being entred at the same time , by Orders from the Governour , with a Regiment of Dutch , into the States of Cremona and Lodi , he drove out those that were placed there in Garrison in some Towns that the Duke had taken but a little before in those parts ; then passing over the Poe , and joyning with l' Aragona , he went to possess himself of the State called Palavicino , by which acquisition all Commerce was almost interdicted between Parma and Piacenza ; many Towns of those Territories were afterwards taken , and the Salt-pits were destroyed , which brought in a great revenue ; and the Duke of Parma , not able to keep the Field against the Spaniards , retired to Piacenza where he was first besieged at a distance , and closer afterwards : it is a thing verywell worth observation , to think how that Prince amidst so many adversities , and being so neer utter ruine , did notwithstanding keep so close to his first resolutions , and how he kept his first hopes , against all probability of not only obtaining his pretensions , but even of being preserved from imminent ruine ; for though he had much reason not to doubt that the King of France , who was his onely hope , and who endeavoured now to get the Princes of Italy to adhere unto him , would suffer that the first and almost onely one of those Princes , and who so freely and so couragiously had declared for him and his Crown , would suffer that he should now upon that account be opprest and ruined ; making him thereby an example to others , how little they were , in the like case , to relie upon the protection of that Crown ; yet the Affairs of that King were at that time reduced to so bad a condition , that they rather seemed to need being assisted by others , then to assist others . The Cardinal Infanta , going from the Confines of Flanders with a gallant Army , was entred Picardy ; and having taken La Capella and Corbie , two principal places upon those Frontiers , over-ran that Province victoriously ; and burning , and sacking all before him , he was advanced even to the Walls of Amiens , and St Quintins . And the King not having Forces in readiness , to with-stand so sudden , and so unexpected a storm , caused Men and Armes to be tumultuously raised , for the defence of Paris it self ; and by an Edict , which the French in their Language call Arierban , which is as much as to say , the last Call , ( which the Kings of France never make use of , but in extream necessity ) he summoned all his Feudatories , and all his Nobility , to assist in defence of the publick safety , which was then tottering . Nor was this all the danger of that Kingdom ; for the Prince of Conde was forced to rise from before Dole , a Town in Burgondy , whither he had been sent a little before by the King with a powerful Army . For Gallasso being assisted by people of the same County was entred Burgondy with a strong Army ; and over-running all the Towns thereof on this side the Some , had taken Merabaule , and was come to before St. Iean di Beaulme , a Town standing upon the Some , between Verdune and Shalloune . Nor was this Kingdom in less danger on the parts towards Spain ; whither the King having sent a powerful Army , commanded by the same Prince of Conde , wherein were many Signieurs of France that served to assault Spain on that side ; and the Prince being encamped before Fonterabie , a frontier Town of Spain over against Gascony , he had reduced it to great extremity , not without much danger to Spain , if it had faln into the hands of the French , as necessarily it must have done , had not the Admiral of Castille come from Spain with 10000 Foot , and 1500 Horse , which passing over the Pirenean Mountains , came unexpectedly to before Fonterabie , just as it was upon Articles of surrender , and freed it luckily ; for at the Admirals appearing , the Prince of Conde raised the siege , and the Admiral taking St. Iohn di Luz , and besieging Bayonne , over-ran Guascony , plundering and bringing the parts thereabouts into composition ; how could the Duke of Parma expect or fancy unto himself any assistance from the King of France , whilst his own Kingdom was so full of troubles , and assaulted on so many sides ? and which was worse for him , the French were almost gone all out of Italy , and the Spaniards were increased in numbers and reputation , and left untroubled by that League which was intended for their ruine . He saw apparently that could not be diverted from prejudicing him ; nay , the Governour of Millain having heard that some few French , who were yet in Cassalle , were ready to pass over to Piacenza in boats , when they should see the Poe swolne with water , had ordered that a Steccado should be made over that River neer Valenza , to withstand those Forces , and had a good Garrison to be placed there to oppose those boats , and all others who should go upon that River : And the Governour had given order to Cardinal Trivultio , to have an eye to those parts ; who fearing lest some Mantuans , and some of the State of Venice , not being able to enter the nearest way into the Dukes States , might by way of diversion assault the State of Cremona , or of Lodi , he went first with the men that were assigned him to the frontiers of those Counties , to defend them from any incursion ; so as that Prince was excluded from any succour on every side . There was onely one loop-hole left open , from which he might hope for safety amidst these so many streights ; which was the King of France his Fleet , at that time come into the Ligustick Sea , as shall be said in its proper place . But to boot with the hindrance ( as shall be said ) which the Spanish Gallies gave to the landing of the French Fleet , keeping it from landing its men ; the Governour who was himself with part of his Army in Alessandria , stood ready to oppose any who should land in relief of the Duke , or to prejudice the State of Millain . This was the condition of this Dukes Affairs ; and to fill up all his misfortunes , the Emperour after having taken the Duke of Saxony off from the Protestant League , and brought him by the peace of Prague to side with him , he had also at this very time compass'd his fervent desire of seeing his Son , the King of Hungary , Elected King of the Romans ; an Election which had suffered great opposition , by those who desirous to abase the Austrian name , used all the means they could to keep him from it ; the which being overcome by the dexterity and several negotiations of the Spanish Agents in that Court , and particularly by Count d' Ognate , it was happily atchieved about Christmass , the year 1636. In which Election , the Marquess of Castagneda , who was Embassadour from Spain with the same King of Hungary , upon whom the Election fell , did very much co-operate . True it is that the success of the Austrian Forces at this time did very much facilitate this choice ; which having shut up the Swedes in the furthest corner of Pomerania , and were neer driving them out of Germany , obliged some of the Electors , though contrary to their wills , to permit that the Imperial Diadem should be continued in the House of Austria ; the peace and union of the Duke of Saxony , and this Coronation , and the late victories , did doubtlesly redound much to the greatness and security of the Austrian name : so as the Duke of Parma might see how prosperously the Austrians whom he had abandoned , proceeded ; and on the contrary , how the d●…vo-King of France his affairs , which he had so readily and with so much tion embraced , how much , I say , they had miscarried , and consequently he might easily perceive to what condition his affairs were brought ; and that to stand pertinaciously to these designs was nothing else but to fight against heaven , and to run head-long into ruine ; he might also know that the Princes of Italy were not well pleased with this new fire which he had kindled in Italy . The Pope , in consideration of the Sovereignty which the Apostolick See hath over the Duke of Parma's Dominions , feared that they might be possess'd by the Spaniards ; and was angry that the Duke who was his Feudatory should so obstinately subject himself to so many evils ; wherefore not only he , but the great Duke , whose Sister was Wife to the Duke of Parma , interceded for him to the King of Spain and his Agents , to be more reserved in their resentments , desiring them to pardon somewhat , in respect of the merits of the former Dukes of Parma , much in respect of tha●… Prince his young years , and not to discompose Italy ; and they continually sollicited the Duke , sometimes by fair means , sometimes by foul , that he would foresee and know his danger , and the like of the common affairs ; they prevailed more with the King of Spain and his Agents , then with the Duke . The King seemed willing to pass by so many offences , and to restore his Territories free and entire to the Duke , as they were before he had used any hostility , without lessening his former authority or liberty ; but all this was nothing ; for the Dukes devotion to the King of France was such , and had so bewitched him , as he was no more himself ; so as not knowing how to forsake this earthly deity , by whom he hoped to obtain an earthly Paradise , he seemed to rejoyce in becoming a Martyr , and in sacrificing his State and Fortune in maintenance of his Faith and Devotion towards that Deity whom he had once adored , and to whom he had wholly dedicated himself ; wherefore the losses he had suffer'd , the dangers he had run , and those which did still threaten him , nor the afflictions of his people , ( who desirous to rid themselves of so many sorrows desired he would incline to peace ; ) nor any fair conditions that could be offer'd him , could do no good upon him ; nor did they appear adequate remedies to mitigate his mind , but rather made him the more refractory . The Governour not being able any longer to endure so much obdurancy justified the Kings intentions to these Princes , which was not to oppress this Prince , but to reduce him and all Italy to quiet ; and resolved at last to alter his way of proceeding ; and to proceed with more severity since he saw fair means could do no good ; he therefore gave order to Cardinal Trivultio to besiege Piacenza yet closer , and sent Colonel Gill di Hays to him , a valiant and understanding Souldier , who by order from the Cardinal assaulted Rivalta , and took it within five days ; there were in it 400 Foot , whereof 50 French , who went all free out , and the French were sent with a sufficient convoy into France . The Cardinal designing afterwards to take the Island which is incompassed by the Poe , over against Piacenza , sent Serjeant Major Ottaviano Sauli to take it ; who going first to discover it , with the Engineer Prestino , drew afterward neer it with his men ; who being got into the Island they first repuls'd five barques loaded with Souldiers which were sent from Piacenza , as soon as the enemies design was known , to prepossess the Island ; he also fortified the bank which was opposite to Piacenza , and built a Fort in the midst of the Island , whereby he became master of it , and began to streighten the City ; and at the same time the Cardinal and Marquess Antonio Pietro Lunato , who was General of the Artillery , did much molest the City with their Artillery ; affairs continued thus for above a moneth ; in which time the Cardinal sent Don Vincenzo Gonzaga to take several Castles in the territories of Parma , and Gill di Hays , to take others in those of Piacenza ; by the taking whereof the Cities of Parma and Piacenza being more streightned were quite excluded all communication ; at last the Duke seeing the Mills neer the City beaten down by the enemies Artillery , the State almost wholly possess'd by the enemy , all Commerce kept from the City of Parma , himself and his Wise so streightly besieged in Piacenza , as the scarcity of victuals was so great in that City , that wanting meat even himself to eat , he held it for an extraordinary present to receive every week a Calf from Ottaviano Sauli , which was duly sent him by order from the Governour , and which being safely kept was all the flesh he had for his own Table for the whole week ; finding himself therefore , I say , thus streightned , and having no hope of succour , he foresaw he should be reduced to utmost extremity , if he should not yield to these so terrible tempests ; wherefore he began to listen to conditions of Agreement , which were still kept on foot in Millain for all the fighting and batteries , by Count Carpegna in the Popes name , and in the name of the great Duke , by his Secretrary Dominico Pandolphino ; nor was the agreement hard to be made ; for the Spanish Agents being desirous to have an end of all this trouble , accept of any conditions : when therefore it was known that the Duke would parley , all hostility was suspended , and an agreement was quickly made between Don Francisco di Melo , Embassadour plenipotentiary from the King of Spain to the Princes of Italy , and Secretary Pandolphino . The Articles were approved by the Governour , and by the Duke ; but were never published but by what was comprehended by the sequele , and by what was commonly said , they were ; that the Duke returning to the King of Spains devotion should enjoy the same , nay greater honours under the protection of the King Spain , then formerly ; that he should renounce any League made with any other Prince , against the Crown of Spain ; that he should dismiss all the French , with a Passport that should be given them by the State of Millain , whereby they might safely pass into France , and that in lieu of them the Duke should have a Garrison of Italians , Dutch or Swissers , such as the King should confide in : That the Governour should withdraw all his men into the State of Millain , quitting all Towns that were taken ; and leaving them in the same condition they were in before the War ; all which Articles were fully performed on both sides . This Peace , as also the precedent War , afforded diversity of Discourse . Many praised the Kings moderation and magnanimity , even to the skies , who being so highly offended by so inferiour a Prince , had notwithstanding suffer'd it , with a Princely Grandezza , and had considered t●…merits of the offenders ancestors , and the youthful spirit of the delinquent , against whom he had made war more by constraint , then free will ; but with such moderation as by the manner both of taking up Arms , and of laying them down , it was evidently seen , that the King never intended to suppress this Prince , but only that by making him lay down his fierceness he might receive him into his protection , and make him capable of all honours and favours that he could expect from his Majesty ; that therefore the Kings Forces had fought rather to subdue the Prince his obstinacy , then his Towns ; and rather to win his good will , then his Dominions ; many , on the contrary , detracting from the praise of so singular an action , attributed all that had been done neither to the worth , nor to any good intention in the King , but to meer necessity which had forced him to do so ; for to have resented himself against this Prince , to the oppressing his Principality , and possessing himself of his Dominions , though perhaps he might easily have done it in this present conjuncture of times ; yet to keep them would be a very hard business , and apt to cause immortal wars ; so as after having been at much expence in getting them , after having been troubled with war to keep them , all would end in a necessary restitution ; that herein the States appertaining to the See of Rome were concerned , which would never sit down by so great a loss ; that the great Duke of Tuscany was herein concern'd , a Prince so well affected to the Crown of Spain , and who had merited so well thereof ; and whose friendship was now of great concernment thereunto ; that the Duke of Parma's wife who was niece to the Emperour was concerned herein , so as what reason had he to distaste the great Duke in a thing which so neerly concern'd him , in his sisters behalf , and by alienating him to give occasion to him who could not sit down by the ruine of his sister , and brother in law , to fall upon new resolves by way of resentment ; was the condition of affairs such as this time , as that it made for the Crown of Spain to alienate a Prince who was most sincerely inclined to the interest thereof ? that what was yet of greater importance , the satisfaction , and safety of all the Princes of Italy , was herein concerned ; who thinking so great an increase of the Spaniards power in Italy was a decrease of their own Empire and Liberty , would have turn'd the whole world upside down , rather then suffer those States to be joyn'd to that of Millian ; to what purpose was it then to destroy a Prince , whose destruction would occasion war to succeed war , hatred to succeed hatred , enmity to succeed enmity , to the so much prejudice of the destroyer ? that there was fresh example , what wars , troubles and dangers , the taking away of the Palatinate from it's natural Prince had occasioned , and did still occasion to the Emperour , and to the House of Austria ; that the Examples of the Valtoline , and Duke of Mantua in Italy , were yet more evident ; thus they , by these arguments , and examples , concluded that necessity was turned to vertue in the King of Spain . But the Duke was the subject of no less various discourse ; some praised , others dispraised the generosity of his mind , which could not submit to the injuries and oppressions of the Spaniards , but had dared to oppose their insolencies ; that he had given a singular example of a free spirit , becoming a Free Prince ; and had taught the Spaniards , who had wont to insult over the Princes of Italy , how they ought to esteem them , how respectfully they ought to proceed with them , and what the greater and more powerful Potentates can do , when the lesser can make such noise ; that the reason why he had not compassed the chief end of his high and generous pretences , was not out of any fault of his , but of others ; it being apparent , that if they had proceeded effectually before Valenza , Italy would never have seen a more illustrious day for her liberty , then that wherein he went out armed from his Dominions , when fighting the Spaniard at Ponte Carone , he had the better of them , and slew their Captain , who led them on so proudly against him ; that success cannot detract from the glory of enterprises , especially when their miscarriage proceeds from casual accidents ; that howsoever , amidst so many adversities he had made the Spaniards see that a great part of their losses , and dangers , had proceeded from his alienation ; that the Pavian , and Novarese Towns , the Cities of Millain , and Pavia , together with their territories , had doubtlesly suffered more prejudice upon his account , then the parts about Parma , and Piacenza ; and that Millain , and Pavia had been as neer being lost as Piacenza and Parma ; that therefore the Potentates of Italy were always to acknowledge the lessening of the Spanish pretensions , the moderation , and respect , which shall hereafter be used towards them , the esteem which shall be had of them , and their liberty , from this Prince ; others , on the contrary , ascribed the actions of this Prince neither to worth nor generosity , but to madness of youth ; for beginning at their beginning , and continuing to the end of the Tragedy , they said , that without any just occasion given , he had swerved from the footsteps of his forefathers ; who having placed the soundest foundation of their Principality upon Friendship with Spain , had never reason to repent it ; what reason then had this Prince to doubt the favour and protection of that Crown , if he had continued to follow his Predecessors foot-steps ? but that from his Infancy he had aspiring thoughts , and greater pretentions then became his condition ; that he seemed to undervalue the Friendship of Spain ; and that by inclining more to that of France he had begot no little distrust of his intentions , which caused the Spaniards to conceive ill of him , and to spy into his ways ; whereby discovering his aversion , he had given them occasion to complain thereof , and sometimes to break forth into words of just resentment ; which might have served to admonish him ; but he esteeming this medicine poyson had broken out upon small occasion ; nay indeed upon none at all , if he would consider things justly ; chiefly when the question was touching a Prince so inferiour in force and power to the King of Spain , and when greater things had been past by , by greater Princes , and wink'd at , to keep them from disturbing the publike peace ; how many distastes had Duke Charles Emanuel suffered before he broke with Spain ; nor did he ever come to any breach till his own Dominions were assaulted by the Spaniards ; so as he may rather be said to have taken up arms in his own defence , then against the Crown of Spain ; how many injuries have the Venetians past by , nay how many the Popes themselves , not to mention other Princes ? how many dislikes have been wink'd at between the two Crowns of Spain and France , and between them and other Princes ; that great Princes do sometimes use acts of superiority and Seigniorie towards lesser Princes , and the lesser have been known to think it wisdom to suffer them ; nor do greater Princes use always to look big upon lesser , but to proceed moderately with them ; generously pardoning the defects and failing of lesser Princes committed against them , without so much as taking any notice thereof otherwise the world would be turn'd upside down , if arms were to be taken up upon every small offence ; that this is kept for the last refuge of an assaulted , or tottering State ; not to offend or provoke one that is more powerful ; not to vent hatred upon the weaker , or to secure suspition ; that then there being no occasion of a breach , it must necessarily be concluded , that either fear of being opprest by the Spanish forces , or hopes of getting either the State of Millain , or part of it , by adhering to France , or a desire to put Italy into her former liberty , by driving out the Spaniards , had thrust him upon this novelty ; as for fear , it was said , that being strengthned by the so many merits of his predecessours , he could not possibly dread those forces which had been such a prop and defence to other Princes of Italy , that had not deserved so well of the Crown of Spain ; that Ferdinand the Cardinal , and after Duke of Mantua , might serve to witness this , who having given more manifest signs of alienation from that Crown , both in Rome and elsewhere , then Parma had before the breach ; yet when he succeeded his Brother in the Principality , contrary to the expectation of all men , nay of himself , he was received into the Protection of the Crown of Spain , and effectually defended by the Forces thereof , against the Duke of Savoy , who was joyn'd in alliance and interest to that King ; and yet this Ferdinando was not munited by the merits of his predecessors ; nay his Father was sorely suspected to have conspired against the Crown of Spain ; and as fear appeared not a sufficient occasion to justifie this commotion , so had he less reason to be induced thereunto by hope ; for not to say , that the aggrandizing of ones self is no just reason to make war ; he who shall balance these hopes justly will find them not to be well placed , but that they were very ●…rail , and unconsiderable . The French pretend that the State of Millain doth by ancient right belong unto their Crown ; and therefore is unalienable either in part or in whole ; and they have spent more blood and moneys to get it then it is worth ; and will any one then believe that if the French should get it , they would give it him , or divide it with him ? especially since he concur'd to the getting thereof with so small Forces ; and if reason did not convince him in this , former examples might have excluded him from all hopes thereof . Lewis King of France won that State , assisted by the Venetian Forces , and covenanted with them expresly for the City and County of Cremona , together with whole Giaradada ; but as soon as he atchieved his intent , he re-demanded of the Commonwealth all that by the said Covenants was due unto her ; and this not under any other pretence , but for that it being a State appertaining to the Crown , it could not be dismembred from it ; and as for the so specious pretences of the Liberty of Italy , which never moved the greater Princes of Italy , how could they rationally fall into the conceit of this Prince ; who being none of the chiefest amongst them , neither for Forces , Wisdom nor Experience in wordly Affairs , might learn by their proceedings , that though they were sometimes perhaps incited by greater provocations of more absolute liberty ; yet they have always temporized , lest being freed for the present they might be afterwards forc'd to yield to worser conditions ; and being content with having brought Italy now to a greater equality , studied how to preserve her in it : these were the considerations which were commonly had upon these occurrences , which as we leave undecided , so will we leave them free to be approved or disapproved , as every one shall think fit . And now to return to our discourse , a little before this very time , when the Duke of Parma's Dominions were by this peace freed from war , Donna Anna Caraffa , the only Daughter and Heir to the Prince of Stigliano , a chief Lady in the Kingdom of Naples , was married to the Duke de Medina dellas Torres , a chief Lord of the Family of Gusman , and one of the Grandees of Spain , and who lately succeeded Count Moanterey in the Vice-royalty of the Kingdom of Naples ; from which marriage a Son was soon born , to whom together with the large patrimony in that Kingdom belonging to the Mother the Patronage of Sabioneta did belong , as being descended from a Sister of Vespatian Gonzaga , married to the Grand-father of Donna Anna ; this place , by reason of its strong situation , is almost impregnable , seated in the State of Cremona , towards the Dukedom of Mantua ; and therefore of great consequence , not only for the City of Cremona , but even for the whole State of Millain ; and whereupon the Spaniards had fix'd their eyes long before , being very desirous to be masters of it . The Princes of Italy who did not love that the Spaniards should get this place , were very jealous of this their desire ; and the Spaniards never having been able to get footing there , though that Lady , as also her Father , both by birth and marriage , were Subjects to the Crown of Spain ; yet they obtain'd their ends in these times without any violence , or just occasion of complaint to the Princes of Italy ; for the aforesaid marriage , and the birth of this Son , Heir , and Successor to that place , made way for them to get that which they valued so much , and so much desired ; but this place being for some respects assigned over to the Duke of Ranusco , and that assignment was now descended to the now Duke of Parma , who was his Heir and who succeeded him ; therefore the Duke of Medina and his Wife , in their own names , and in the name of their Son , sent to Don Francisco di Melo to recover the deposited place . Melo went to Parma , where that Duke not being able openly to refuse restitution , he demurred upon the expences of the Garrison which had been kept there during the time of depositure , which he said came to 300000 ducats ; and Melo being unwilling that the business should be retarded for point of moneys , the sum of 300000 ducats being reduced to 200000 , the Duke was contented to assign the place over to him , and the Italian Garrison marching out , a Spanish Garrison was put into it , to the great satisfaction of the Spanish Agents : but this was not done before the Castle of Rossenna was restored to the Duke of Parma , which was taken from him by the Duke of Modena , as hath been said , when he first moved against the Duke of Parma ; with which restitution the differences between those two Princes were adjusted ; it was generally thought that the Duke of Parma did so easily part with this , to revenge himself of the Venetians , with whom he was much unsatisfied , because they had never lent him any the least assistance in the present war , but had suffer'd him to submit to the Spanish Forces ; knowing very well how much the Venetians would be troubled at the Spaniards having of that place ; but though the Duke was not assisted by the Venetians , or by his Brother in Law , the great Duke , with Arms ; yet could he not deny but that he was favoured by them both , by their powerful endeavours that his Dominions might not be taken from him , which doubtlesly prevailed more with the Spaniards ; and it is certain , that these two Potentates were ascertained by the Spaniards , that they made not this war to oppress him , but to extinguish that fire in him which was not ple●…sing to these two Potentates , nor to the other Princes of Italy , in respect of the common concernment : wherefore having , without advising with them , and contrary to their liking and minds , continued his commotion , they had no reason by assisting him , to be drawn into a war which they foresaw would be pernicious , to their particular , and to the common interest ; and which would make Spain their enemy , and keep them from using their best endeavours in that Court for his service . The Governour being rid of the business of Parma , which as a stumbling block had been a great hinderance to the proceedings of the Kings affairs , applied himself to re-gain the Langhe ; which are little Castles held in see of the Emperour by several Lords , situated in the Mountains of Liguria , confining partly upon the State of Millain , partly upon the Commonwealth of Venice , partly upon Piedmont , and Montferrat ; and at the present garrisoned , partly by the French , partly by the Piedmonteses . The Governours Forces were at this time encreased by men come from Spain , Naples and Germany ; and he expected others from the Swissers , which made him betake himself the rather to this business : it was not long since the Duke of Savoy , being desirous to defend himself in those parts , had taken the County of Milesino , seated on the back of Savona , wherein was a Castle called Cengio , very strongly seated , and very convenient for passage by Sea ; and which standing in the midst between the Marquisate of Finale and the State of Millain , was very proper for the preservation of that Marquisate ; the possession of this place caused much jealousie in the Spaniards , who were desirous to open a passage by Finale for the men which for the future they intended to land there ; and also because , when Finale should be assaulted , it was not to be succoured by the State of Millain , but through that County . The Governour was therefore forced to clear those parts from the enemies Garrisons : to effect the which , he began with the Town and Castle of Ponsone ; whether under the conduct of Emilio Gliglino , he sent a body of men , part Spaniards , part Italians , part Dutch ; who coming within sight of the Town took it without any opposition . For the Garrison which were French , at the first appearing of the Enemy abandoned it , and retreated to the Castle ; to the taking whereof , Artillery , and greater store of forces being required , Don Martind ' Aragona was sent thither with more men , and with Artillery , which being planted against the Castle , and the Defendants hearing no news of any relief , it was within a few dayes surrendred . At the same time Gill de Hays , boasting that he could surprize Nizza , he was sent thither by the Governour from the City of Alessandria , with three Regiments of Foot , and two of Horse ; who parting two hours before Sun-set was to have been that night at Nizza , which was not above twelve miles off : But not coming thither till two hours after the Sun was up , and therefore not able to take it by surprize he possess'd himself of the Convent of Capuchins , where he fortified himself ; the Governour thought himself ingaged in that enterprize ; wherefore he quitted Cengio in the Langhe , that he might not leave the business of Nizza unperfected ; he therefore went thither himself in person with all his Forces , and having opened Trenches on severall sides , even almost to the ditch , a Parly was heard beaten on that side , where Serj ant Major Ottavino Sauli was advanced further then the rest with Marqness Cosmo Richardi his Brigade ; who entring the Town , and Hostages being given on all sides , the Town was soon surrendred . This business being over , the Governour sent presently some Brigades to take in Aiano , a strong Town in the County of Asti , where it confines upon Piedmont , and therefore of great consequence for getting into Piedmont . To which expedition , the Camp-master General , Phillippo di Silva , was deputed ; who in his passage took a Town called Costigliole , neer Aiano ; and finding there great store of Corn and Wine , he sent Ottaviano Sauli to possess himself of Montegrosso , a neighbouring Town also , seated upon a Hill well peopled , having a strong Mannor-house which serves for a Castle ; whose Defendants standing upon their defence , and having stoutly resisted Sauli's assaults , were at the third assault overcome , and many of them slain ; and the Castle after obstinate opposition was also taken . Then they went with all their Forces to Aiano , which stands upon the rise of a Hill , and commands all the plain about it : Silva not thinking that he needed any Artillery , failed in his supposal , being forced to keep five dayes before it till the Artillery was brought , where with he made two batteries ; and having plaid a while upon the Town , he took it upon good conditions ; which when he had done , he re-inforced it with new works , and put a strong Garrison into it . The Governour went from Nizza to Annone ; and passing over the Tanaro , upon a Bridge which was thrown over at Croce Bianca , he thought to attempt the taking of Asti by assault ; but Marquess Villa being come thither , with about 4000 Foot , he forbore the ●…attempt . But considering of what importance the Castle of Arazzo was for the safety of Aiano and Annone , he sent some to take it , and to fortifie it , and put a good Garrison into it . From thence he past over the Poe to Valenza , resolving to quarter in the Canavese , that he might vex the Duke on that side : And being come thither , he quartered his men in Pertegno , Assigliano , Riva , Costanzo , Carenzana , and Desana ; and hearing that the Duke and the Marshal , who had past over the Poe at Pontestura , were come with all their Forces to Morano , a commodious Town for neighbourhood of the Poe , and strong by reason of the moorish ground about it , he used all the art he could to draw them out of those plashes ; and to this end sent to take Balzola , a Town equally distant from either of the Armies : which being taken , the Duke endeavoured to recover it by might ; but failing thereof , he began to fortifie the parts about it , that he might besiege it ; but the Town being soon relieved , he was forc'd to return to Morano , from whence the Governour could never draw him out to battle ; and the Governour not being able to keep long there for scarcity of Forradge , and finding that the Duke was resolved not to stir out of those miry places , he returned to Costanza , where he stayed some dayes without doing or receiving molestation ; except that having sent Don Martino to discover Bremi and Vercelli , he was met by Marquess Villa ; who was come with some Forces from Vercelli , with whom he skirmished , and Villa worsted him . Many were slain on the Aragon's side , amongst which Camp-master Boccapianola , and Spadino a Captain of Horse , and Antonio Ulo●… , with seven other Horse Captains , were taken Prisoners and sorely wounded . The Governour heating afterwards that Count Verrua was gon with a body of men to Rocca d' Arazzo , he resolved to go to the relief thereof with his whole Army : He therefore sent for recruits from Alessandria ; wherefore Count Galleazzo Trotti came from thence , and wading thorough the Tanaro entred the Town with 300 Foot , for Count Verrua was not yet got thither ; in which time , the Governour passing over the Sesia and the Poe , came to Annone , not far from Arazzo , where he found Don Martino , who being by him sent with 5000 Foot , and 1500 Horse , was come thither the day before , just as the Enemy ( who were already intrench'd before the place ) began their batteries . The Governour commanded Don Martino , Don Iohn de Garrai , and Monpavone , to discover where they might bring succour ; who brought word back that truely the business would be hard , but not impossible ; wherefore the Governour gave order to advance . The Tanaro runs between Annone and the place besieged ; and the bank being higher on that side then on this , and well fortified by the Enemy , the others , who must needs come to the hither bank if they would relieve it , when they were come thither were subject to be play'd upon by the Enemies Musketters . Moreover , the Duke of Savoy , and the Marshal , were come to the besiegers Camp , with as many men as they could bring , with firm resolution to keep back all succour , and to take that place in the face of the Enemy . But it being impossible to ford over the River any where without endangering the loss of their men ; and it being necessary for them to pass over it , if they would bring succour , the business seemed more desperate ; but the industry and valour of the succourers overcame the difficulty , who having prepared many Gabbions for defence , advance to the River side behind those Gabbions , conducted by Garrai ; and by the shot which being shelter'd by those Gabbions , they made at those of the contrary shore , they forc'd the Enemy to abandon it . In this interim , Aragon having thrown the Bridge of boats over which he brought in Carts , Don Iovanni Romero , past over with 1000 Foot , to whom many of the Garrisons were added ; and going joyntly to assault the Enemies Trenches , they fell upon them in good order , and without much Resolution . But meeting with no less resolute resistance , and being over-powred by the Defendants number , and by the advantage of scituation , they were likely to have been repuls'd ; had not the Artillery , which at last was brought unto the Camp , and which were speedily placed in a convenient place , by the Marquess of Caracena , made them abandon the defence , and given the assailants full victory , with much prejudice to the Enemies Camp. The combat lasted from noon , the first of August , till night , which parted the fray : The next day the Duke and Marshal , though they had seemed to fortifie all night , and to maintain possession , yet they went away by break of day , without any molestation ; for the Tanaro which was between them , and the deepness of the way , kept them from being pursued , onely some Horse followed them , more to shew their Courage , then out of any thought of damnifying them ; especially since the Duke and Marshall being come , the Enemies Camp was so increased , as there were in it above 8000 Foot , and 1000 Horse . They left great quantity of Arms and Munition in the Trenches ; 500 of the besiegers were slain , and many more wounded ; few of the Relievers were slain , but m●…ny wounded , which rendred this dayes action more famous . But this success was soon allay'd with as much misfortune , which not long after the Spaniards suffered in the Langhe , under Don Martino , whither the Governour had sent the said Don , with 4000 Foot , 800 Horse , and 6 pieces of Artillery , to secure Finale , which he foresaw would be endangered by Sea , by the French Fleet , and by Land by the Duke of Savoy . The whole body destin'd for this service consisted of Spaniards , under Don Antonio Sotelo , of Dutch , under Prince Boro d' Este , and led on by Gil de Hays , and Colonel Leiner : The Horse was commanded by the Baron of Lisao . Don Martin being come to Carcare , a place appertaining to the jurisdiction of Finale , he heard that the Duke being gone from Asti with a strong power , was come to Saliceto , and hasted to inclose him in those streights ; and that possessing himself of those passages whereby he had entered the Langhe , he intended to keep him out of the State of Millain ; he therefore sent 600 Foot to inforce Finale ; and by common consent of the Commanders it was resolved to retreat , and to prevent the Duke in his design , and therefore to return to Bistagno , where being to meet with more Forces , and being neerer the State of Millain , they thought they should be safe if they could get thither . The difficulty of this consisted in that he who will go from Spigno , a place by which they were to go , and get into Bistagno , must pass by Monbaldone , which is almost in the midway , and so must pass underneath the Dukes Musketiers , which being led on by Marquess Villa , were to their knowledg already got thither , which made this resolution dangerous ; yet their necessity of getting into a place of safety , and their hopes that by their industry , orderly marching , and by their valour , they might overcome all difficulties , they resolved to advance , the rather , for that being better informed , they knew that the Duke was not yet come thither with all his men , but that the Van was only there under Marquess Villa ; they therefore made their Horse advance under Lisao their Conductor ; and after them Gil de Hays with his Dutch , which made the Van ; and then Sotelo's Spaniards , with the Artillery and Munition , who was followed by Prince Borso with his Regiment of Dutch ; the Rere was brought up by Colonel Leymer , with his Regiment of Dutch Horse , back'd by two Companies of Dragoons : Marching in this order , when they were come neer Monbaldone they saw some armed men in certain Inns , against which Don Martin made two Files of Musketiers advance , to possess himself of those Inns , and drive away the Souldiers which were there : These Orders were succesfully followed ; for the Musketeers drove the others out , and made themselves Masters of their habitations : This mean while the Horse were commanded to halt , and to face the Enemy , who kept still at Monbaldone ; and the Foot coming up at the same time , they made a Squadron , and caused the Artillery to advance with a sufficient Guard : ●…he Squadron , from which Files of Musketeers continually issued forth and skirmished , marched but slowly , giving the Artillery time to advance , and get to a place of more safety , where they were afterwards to halt , and entertain the Enemy till the Artillery were come to Bistagno . Those who had formerly taken the Inns seeing that the Artillery and the Foot were well pass'd on , and got into a place of safety , they likewise would retreat , and went to joyn with the Horse who stood upon the plain and 〈◊〉 the Foot , who when they should have marched were also to r●…eat ; but on a sudden they might see Marquess Villa fall down with the Horse from Monbaldone , and charge the Foot , which being in plain open field were abandon'd by the Horse , which not making any resistance began to fly so shamefully , as the enemy leaving the Foot began to pursue them and cut them with their swords ; and afterwards falling upon the Foot , did so disorder the Squadron , as some flew one way , some another , in great confusion ; and the Artillery and Munition being abandoned fell into the enemies hands . The Duke of Savoys coming with the rest of the Forces to Monbaldone made much for the happy ●…ssue of this action ; for coming when the fight was begun , he assisted in getting the Victory ; many Spaniards were slain in this conflict , and many taken prisoners , amongst which some Commanders : it was thought that if Lisao , who commanded the Horse , and was the first that began to run , had made head and charged the enemy , the Foot would have had time to have charged their Muskets again , and to have rallied ; so as all might have succeeded happily ; and that this march might have equal'd the succour which but a little before was given to the Rocca d' Arazzo . Lisao who was justly blamed for this default , alledged for himself , that he had told Don Martino it was impossible for him where had placed him , if the enemy should assault him ; and Don Martino complain'd of the Governour , who when he sent him into those parts , promised he would fall upon the Territories of Vercelli , so to divert the Duke from the Langhe , which promise he had not made good ; with this Victory Duke Victorio ended his life just a moneth after he had gotten it ; he died in Vercelli , where the Marshal also was ; and it was commonly enough said , that he was poysoned , though the Physitians , who cut him up , said that there appeared no signs thereof in his bowels . This suspition was occasioned by an invitation which was made by the Marshal , some few days before the Duke died , to the Duke , Marquess Villa and Count Verrua , where after having been sumptuously feasted , they fell all three immediately sick ; the Marquess mended within four days , but the Duke and Count died within 8 or 10 days : it was notoriously known that great hatreds , diffidencies , detractions and imputations , pass'd reciprocally between the Duke and Marshal , which made that to be suspected which befell the Duke , and the Count , who was most inwardly acquainted with the Dukes ends and intentions . The Duke was of an accurate understanding , he foresaw the manifest ruine of his Principality by this war ; if the French should beat him they would be his Masters ; if they should be beaten , they would be his enemies : it behoved him therefore to carry the business so as that he mig●… not be oppress'd by Victory , nor ruined by the loss of it ; and chie●…y , so as the Spanish Empi●…e , which was his only support in Italy against the French , might not be weakned ; so as though he did many things to the Spanish prejudice , yet he never endeavoured their ruine and destruction ; by which artifices he made the world suspect , that not being able to do less , he shun'd the danger which he saw did threaten him ; so as his not being able to manage the common a●…ms freely , as it rendred his actions doubtful of double dealing , so did it make them excusable : but these were divulged opinions , without any proof or certainty , only that the Marshal published them ; he embraced many enterprises , and had many designs : a little before his death , he treated with Don Andrea Fossa , Abbot of St. Theodoro di Genoa , who was after chosen General of the Cannons of Laterane , to joyn in League with the Commonwealth of Genoa , seeming to value her very much , and professing himself to be as well affected to her , as his Father was the contrary ; he therefore gave him Order to lay some foundation for this ; but his death , which ensued soon after , put an end to this and to all his other negotiations ; he died on the 7th of October , the year 1637 , in the 50th year of his age ; besides Daughters , he left two Sons behind him , Francisco Giacinto , the eldest , who died a year after his Father , in the sixth year of his age , and Charles Emanuel , who succeeded him , and was not above four years old . This Prince his death was believed to be very prejudicial to the Crown of Spain ; for as , whilst he lived , the King of Spain might assure himself he would never be absolutely against him ; so being dead , and the Government of the State falling upon the Dowager Dutchess , who was Sister to the King of France , all men thought she would be absolutely guided by him ; and people were generally much troubled to think , that if the young Duke should die , who seemed not then to be over healthful , the States of Piedmont and Savoy would fall unto the Crown of France ; and it was forthwith seen that the French did greedily aspire after them ; for the Duke being dead , the Marshal , who was in Vercelli , endeavoured to bring a French Garrison in thither ; and had done it , had not Marquess Villa , who was not perfectly recovered of his sickness , been aware thereof , and brought many of the Dukes Militia into the Town , by which he seasonably prevented the Marshals designs . This Dukes death was the occasion of great wars to Piedmont , which we will leave to speak of till the next Book ; for we must now give over the affairs of Lombardy in the condition we have spoken of , and looking a little backwards , re-assume the proceedings at Sea ; which , not to interrupt the Land affairs , are of purpose treated of here . About the time that the things which have been spoken of , hapned on Land ; the Fleet at Sea , which having put twice forth from the Haven at Naples could never light upon Provence , fell at last upon the two Islands of St. Honorato , anciently called Lerino , and St. Margherita : the latter being divided from the former by a narrow channel ; small Islands , and almost uninhabited ; Count Monterei was the occasioner of this enterprise ; who having laboured the sending out of this Fleet twice , and spent vast sums of money therein , was loth that this enterprise which he esteemed as his own , and from whence he hoped to reap great things , should vanish away in smoak ; and seeing that the defence which was prepared in Provence , and the lessening of the Fleet which was shatter'd by tempest , made the enterprise unpossible to be effected as it was first designed , he turned his force upon these two Islands . The Marquess of Ferrendina did also co-operate herein , who appearing in the Seas of Genoa , with a Squadron of Spanish Gallies whereof he was Captain ; being well furnish'd with Souldiers , he found the Marquess of San ' Croce with the Neapolitan Fleet in the Haven at Vai , who had but few men aboard , he having sent them , as you have heard , to before Valenza . Ferrendina incited San ' Croce to joyn with him in taking of these Islands ; which when they should have taken , they thought they might at least be able to hinder those of Provence from Trafficking by Sea , and be ready for some greater enterprise as occasion should be offer'd . About the midst of September , San ' Croce , Ferrandina and Don Carlo Doria , Duke of Tursis , went with 22 Gallies , 5 Ships and some Shallops , towards those Islands ; whither when they were come they landed their men the same day in the Island San ' Margherita , as being the greatest and neerest the Continent , and therefore apter to be relieved ; they without any withstanding became masters of it , taking a small Fort which was all they found in it , wherein were 50 Souldiers in Garrison , who after having made some shot , surrendred the Fort : they went afterwards with their Gallies to batter a certain Tower called le Crocette , which was newly built upon a point of the Continent , so neer the Island as they plaid upon them with their Artillery from the shore over against them , whereof they thought they might easily make themselves masters ; but the Tower resisting , and many men coming to defend it , they gave it over ; they then went to the Island St. Honorato ; where though they met with more resistance , because there was there a greater Garrison and better Fortifications , yet it was surrendred though it held out somewhat longer then St. Margherita ; there marched out of both these Islands about 400 Foot ; and the Viceroy of Naples receiving advertisement of all that was done , abundance of victuals , Munition , Arms and Artillery , and all things necessary to munite them , and maintain them were sent from that Kingdom ; there was great fame at this time of Maritime preparations made by the King of France , both in the Seas of Britanny and Provence , to furnish out a powerful Fleet , and to keep it in the Mediteranean , not only to secure Provence from the Spanish Fleet , but to resent himself upon the Kingdom of Naples for his offences intended against Provence : it was therefore given out that the King of France , holding intelligence with many Lords and others of that Kingdom , ( who were held to be dis-satisfied with the Spanish Empire ) would send that Fleet to prejudice that Kingdom ; which when the Vice-roy Monterei heard , it made him not only provide for offending Provence , and for securing the State of Millain , but for defending that Kingdome , in case effects should be answerable to what was said : No appearance was ever found of the intelligence or dissatisfaction which was spoken of , though strict inquiry was made thereinto ; and yet without omitting to provide for the war of Lombardy , which the Viceroy minded as much as that of Naples , he made all places where the Fleet could Land be munited with strong Garrisons ; he gave order for levying a Dutch Brigade , he armed at least 40 men of war , he re-inforced the Gallies , made great provision of Arms , Ammunition and Artillery ; he made many Brigades be raised throughout the Kingdom , he gave order that the Mediterranean Militia should be in readiness to come , if occasion should serve , to the sea side ; he chose 15000 of the best experienced Neapolitans , to defend the Walls ; and he did apply himself with such diligence and indefatigableness to have a care of all places , as he might be truly said to be the soul which did at that time maintain and inanimate the vast body of the Spanish Monarchy , which was assaulted on so many sides ; all these provisions were so ascertained and so fitted , as the French Fleet , which was numerous for Vessels and Souldiers , hearing thereof , forbare not only assaulting , but approaching the Coasts of that Kingdom ; and keeping long in the Ligustick Sea did not any thing worth so great a preparation ; nor could it ever hinder the passage and landing of Souldiers which were sent from Spain , and from Naples , to the State of Millain , for the requisite re-inforcement of the Army in Lombardy ; for at the same time that the French Fleet lay in the Ligustick Sea , the Spanish Gallies came to shore at Finale whilst they looked on , and landed as many men as they pleased , without any hindrance . The French Fleet consisted of 60 ships , which were come from Britanny , into the Mediterranean , commanded by Henry of Lorreyne , Count Harcourt , and by Monsieur De Sordi , Arch-bishop of Burdeaux ; to which were added 13 Gallies of Provence , amongst which was the great Galleoun Guise , commanded by Count Poncurletto , all very well rigg'd , and provided of Artillery , and all other Navall necessaries ; they sailed all of them by the Islands , which were taken by the Spaniards but a little before , not making any one shot at them , though they were provoked by many made from those Islands ; and tarrying a while at Villa Franca , they appeared in the Ligustick Sea , about the end of September , 1636. The Spaniards Forces at Sea were far inferiour to this Fleet ; wherefore it became the Spanish Gallies to give way to the French Fleet , and to keep out of the reach of Cannon , wherein the French exceeded them . And yet the Duke of Ferrendina , who was in the Seas of Genoa with his own squadron and other Spanish Gallies , understanding that the Enemies Fleet was come to anchor at Mentone , a place not far off , belonging to the jurisdiction of Monaco , made towards them ; and appearing before them about break of day , began to shoot at them ; and after having hit them with many Cannon shot , returned to the Haven of Vai from whence he was come . These Spanish Gallies kept still in some of the Havens in the Sea of Genoa , to the number , for the most part , of 40 : and though both the Fleets profess'd to bear all respect to the Common-wealth , and not to do any act of Hostility against either other , whilst they kept within the Havens of the Common-wealth , and did effectually make good their professions ; yet not satisfied with the exact cautiousness of the Militia , they attentively observed the wayes of one-another , lest they might be taken unawares , where they could not evade danger in so neer neighbourhood ; and more particulary the Spanish , as being weaker both for number and quality of vessels , and consequently more subject to misfortunes . They therefore were extraordinarily diligent in learning the first motions of the Enemy ; and to this purpose , to boot with much diligence on land , they kept Feluccaes , and other vessels at high sea , by which by fires at night , and by smoak in day time , they were continually advertised which way the Enemy went : And yet the Spanish Fleet was one day in very great danger of being sunk or taken . This Fleet stay'd one whole night in the Haven at Vai , knowing that the other lay in the Haven at Alassio , not above thirty miles off ; from whence the French Fleet put to sea , and favour'd by the darkness of the night , undiscovered by the Sentinels , they upon break of day appeared so neer Vai , as had not the Spanish Gallies cut their Cables , and speedily put to Sea , the French Fleet could never have got a more famous victory : They got away in so good time , as they past all safe away , and escaped the Enemies hands . These two Fleets kept long neer one another , in the bosom of the State of Genoa , without coming to a dispute ; but the French finding at last that they got but little good , and less honour , by staying here , that they might not return to France without having done any thing worthy so great a preparation , and such threats , they resolved to assault Sardignia , whither they hoped to come unexpected and unlooked for by the Inhabitants , so as they might do some good there . And coming to land in the desolate Haven of Orestano , a City no less desolate in Sardignia , then was her Haven ; and little inhabited by reason of the malignity of the air , they entred thereinto on the Saturday , in the time of Carnivale , when the Inhabitants dreaming of nothing less then of being assaulted by so many ships , were more busie in feasting and revelling after the manner of the Carnivale , then in defending themselves : Wherefore being terrified , they fled most of them to within land ; those who stay'd behind sent some to the ships to know what they did intend ; Answer was made , that they intended to take the City , and to keep it till such time as the King of Spain should restore the Islands which he had taken in Provence ; so they landed their men , and entred the City the next day , which was almost abandoned by those few Inhabitants which there remained , where they refreshed themselves with those good things which they found ready there to make a good Carnivale . But two dayes after , armed men began to appear upon the neighbouring hills , who skirmish'd with them ; and the French being therein worsted , they fearing that the numbers of the Enemy might increase , they retreated the second day of ●…ent , not without some loss both of men and reputation , to winter in Provence . When the Commanders of the Spanish Fleet heard this , they finding that Winter was already begun , did also disband their Fleet , sending some squadrons to winter in Spain , some in Genoa , some in Naples and Sicily , till they might put to sea with more safety the next spring . But the French Fleet , about the beginning of March , 1637. went , together with many of the Nobility and Souldiery , to recover the Islands ; and having possess'd themselves of the convenientest passes , to keep off any succour that might be brought , they might see a great ship which passing thorough with a fore-wind by the Fleet , entred into the little neck of water which divides the two Islands ; and thinking to be safe there amongst Friends , was the next night wholly burnt . Count Monterei had sent it from Naples , loaded with Victuals , Munition , and all things necessary for the maintenance of the Islands ; it brought also 40 peeces of Artillery ; for the Vice-roy being glad that the Kings Forces had at last got good footing there , and hoping that the crown would be much advantaged , and Provence much prejudiced thereby , had a special care to keep them . But Count Harcourt , Generall of the Fleet , fearing what was true , & despairing to recove ; the Islands if that ship should land her provisions , sent one of the fi●…e-ships full of powder , and artificial fire-works which was in the Fleet ; which entring by night where the ship was , fasten'd her self with grapling-irons to the ship ; and giving fire to the train ; the Mariners got out of the fire-boat into a schiff which was behind her , and retreated without any harm to the Fleet. The fire took soon hold , and quickly devoured the ship and all that was in it ; some few escaping , who threw them selves into the Sea : So as the Garrisons in the Island , missing of those supplies , could continue defence the lesser while ; the which they notwithstanding drew out a long while , by reason of the many Forts , Trenches , and other works , which were well munited , so as the French were to win them by inch-meal . They assauted S ta Margherita first , which resisted stoutly a long while : The ships accosted it , and with their Cannon beat down the first rampiers , which were erected to keep them from landing ; they then landed their men , but not without much effusion of blood ; and having taken some small works , they came before Fort Monterei , which was munited with four bastions , together with their ditches and two half moons ; the French thought they should meet with stout resistance there , and therefore wondred very much when they saw it abandoned ere assaulted ; for the Defendants were retired to a neighbouring Fort which was greater then all the rest and was called a Fort Royal ; and flanked with five Bulwarks ; in the mid●… whereof was a Tower , which in that Island served for a Fortification ; The French being Masters of Fort Monterei began to draw a trench cross the Island , wherein they might the more safely lodge ; then coming before the Fort Royal , and other smaller Forts , they endeavoured to take them ; many were the assaults , and many the Sallies which were made ; the oppugners behaved themselves like good Warriours , and the Defendants like good Souldiers , and that Island served for a Steccado of Val●…ant Champions ; Don Michaele Perez defended the Fort Royal , a valiant Sardinian , who upon this occasion played the part of a good Souldier , and of a wise and bold commander , who kept this place against a powerful Fle●…t by Sea , and a flourishing Army by Land , wherein was all the Nobility of Provence , besides many other Nobles who were come from the more inward parts of France ; he kept it from the 24 of March , till the 12 of May following , without being relieved ; for Don Mel●…liore di Borgia , who was sent with the Neapolitan Gallies to relieve it , seeing a powerful Fleet ready to resist him , had no mind to have to do with so many Cannons , against which he thought it was impossible for him to live at Sea. Perez got leave from Harcourt to send to Millain for succour ; but none appearing within the perfixed time , he surrendered the Fort Royal , and the other forts , upon very Honourable conditions ; even with leave to carry away two pieces of Artillery with all his train and tacklings , and with permission that he might have vessels allowed him , to carry himself , and Souldiers , and all their goods to Finale 986 persons came out of the Island , honoured and praised by the Enemy for that valiant behaviour , and the Captain was highly esteemed and favoured by Harcourt ; the Island Honorato was not defended like this ; wherein was another Fort which surrounded our Ladies Church , and was a Pentagon , consisting of five Bulwarks , begirt with ditches , cover'd ways , half Moons , and other works ; there were six other Chappels of devotion in the Island , dedicated to several Saints ; which being reduced into little Fortifications defended the Island , having two Cannons apiece in each of them , with sufficient Garrisons ; the Fleet after having made 300 Cannon shot , landed their Souldiers in the cloud of smoak ; which ere they were come within Musket shot of the Fort , beat a Call , and quickly agreed to surrender up that place , and all the other Fortifications , upon such conditions as the General should be pleased to give them ; about some 500 March'd out on the 14 of May with their Arms and baggage , but without Colours : they had Boats allowed them to carry them to Port Hercules ; this was the end of this enterprize , which without any good done , occasioned vast expence to each of the Crowns , and much loss of blood to that of France . The Spanish Empire at Sea suffered not a little by the coming of this Fleet , for it never had any competitor before in the Mediterranean , but b●…re absolute sway there ; but the coming of this Fleet did not onely trouble the Crown in the possession , and command thereof , but made the name of France of more authority to other Princes who had any possession on her shore ; Moreover , many armed vessels come from Provence under her protection , which by Letters of Mart from the King of France committed piracy upon the vessels of the King of France his Enemies ; in which letters of Mart , the Spanish , Neapolitan , Sicilian , and Sardinian vessels were directly named , and indirectly all those of any other nations , though friends to France , were included , in case any the least goods appertaining to any subject of Spain should be found therein ; for then all the other Merchandise , as well of Friends , as enemies , became lawful prey , by the ancient Laws and constitutions of the Crown of France ; and neither did the smaller vessels onely , but even the Fleet it self seized on Merchants Ships in the Mediterranean , of which no discourse of restoral was to be had , if there were any the least thing in them belonging to any of the Kings enemies ; and this rigour was so abused , as the French Mariners would by force , and by threats , make the owners or masters of such ships as were taken , confess before the Judges that the goods therein contained belonged to the Crown of Spain ▪ and did without all remedy appropiate them unto themselves ; this was the condition of the affairs of Italy both by Sea , and land ; yet Germany was in a worse condition ; which being a Province full of Noble Principalities , and oppulent Cities , which enjoying almost absolu●…e liberty under the Emperour , constituted so many Potentates , and Commonwealths ; so as by reason of the abundance of Inhabitants , it had always been a fruitful mine of Souldiers , and Armies , was now so desolated and wasted by intestine dissentions , which were openly fomented by the King of Swede , and underhand by the King of France , as some of the Provinces thereof had almost no inhabitants left in them ; nor did Flanders nor France fail in feeling their share of the mischiefs which the influences of the Stars , or rather , the hand of God irritated by our sins , drew down upon all Christendom ; and therefore all Christendom being plunged in War and Ruine , which instead of being extinguished did daily increase , the Pope , the Common Father of Christians , thought good to interpose his authority , in composing so many Wars , and in reducing so many discords to peace and union ; this holy endeavour was not onely praised by all men , but in appearance willingly listned unto ; those seeming most desirous thereof who in their hearts were furthest from it ; the City of Cullen was chosen for the place of Negotiation , where the Princes were to meet by their Embassadours , with full Authority as Plenepotentiaries ; the Pope chose Cardinal ●…inetti , who was sent thither with the title of Apostolick Legate ; the King of Spain , who shewed a great readiness to peace , sent thither the Duke of Alcala , Don Francisco di Melo , and Don Ronchiglio , Chancellour of Millain ; the Emperour nominated the Bishop of Wurtzberg , Count Fuccaro , and the Count Counsellour Ferdinando Maximiliano Kurtz , and the King of France Marshal Berse , and Mounsier Davo : but the Emperour , and King of France , were slow in sending them thither : the occasion of this delay was , for that the Emperour Ferdinando the second being dead a little before this negotiation , who was succeeded in the Empire by his son Ferdinando the third ; who before his Fathers death , was chosen , as hath been said , King of the Romanes ; those who were not pleased that the Empire should continue in the house of Austria took occasion to pretend that the Election of the King of the Romans , and consequently the present succession to the Empire , was not Legitimate ; as being done without the intervening of the Electour of Triers , who was still Prisoner in Flanders ; of these , the King of France , professing himself head of all the rest , would never not onely acknowledge , but not so much as call the present Ferdinando the third , Emperour , nor King of the Romans , before he was chosen Emperour ; and the Emperour being desirous to get the King to acknowledge this his title , desired him that he would grant a Pasport to the Embassadours which he was to send to Cullen ; thinking that the King being to make some decree for safe conduct could not chuse but name him Emperor ; which to evade , he did not onely refuse to grant such a pasport , as being superfluous in the Emperours own Dominions ; but desired that the Emperour would give Pasports , and safe conducts , to all the Princes and Hans Towns of Germany , his Confederates , as he professed , that they might pass safely to the Convention at Cullen , and there safely Negotiate their several interests ; he required also that safe conduct might be given to the United Provinces of the Low-Countrys , and to the Queen , and Crown of Sweden , who were so deeply concerned in that peace ; he alleadged for this his pretention , the bond of League which he had with all these Princes , States , and Cities , which would not suffer him to conclude any peace without their agreement ; he added , that if he should enter into this Negotiation without them , he should give them just cause of jealousie , and complaint , as if he had abandoned them , contrary to the Articles of Confederacy ; the Emperour not permitting that the Princes , and Hans Towns of Germany , under the Command of the Emperours , and who had rebelled , should be admitted to treat of peace in company with him who was their Sovereign Lord , denied absolutely to grant them safe conduct ; the rather for that onely the Plenipotentiaries of Sovereign Princes were admitted into the convention at Cullen ; but the King who had taken up arms in this cause , not upon any account of his own , but in defence of the Germane liberty , said , that he having no interest in that cause save only the patronage of those Princes , he was but accessory , and the Princes Principals ; so as there was no reason that the Principals should be excluded , and the accessory admitted ; and that it was no new thing , but an ancient custom , and now in practice , that in disorders which sometimes happen between Sovereigns and subjects , agreement be made by covenanted Articles ; and as for the Queen and Crown of Sweden , the Emperour did not refuse to grant safe conduct , if it should be demanded by her , and by the Deputies of that Kingdom , and not by the King of France ; but the Swedes were so far from desiring it , as they were entred into private treaty with the Emperour ; absolutely denying to come with the other Princes to the Convention at Cullen ; because they knew that the Cardinal Legate , who had the first place in this convention , would treat them as Hereticks , and consequently would not suffer them to intervene in any treaty of peace ; nor would use such respect to their Agents , as he did to those of other Princes ; the Emperour , on the contrary , complained of the difficulties interposed by the king of France ; as if they were apparent Arguments , that he did not onely not wish well to peace , but that he was more intent then ever upon War : and upon fomenting the Insurrections of Germany ; and that therefore out of these pretensions proceeding slowly in the Treaty of Peace , he intended to give occasion to other Princes , ( who though they desired peace , would not for their own honours sake seem to desire it more then others ) to proceed with the like slackness in this affair , which was so necessary for the peace of Christendom ; and therefore the Emperours Plenipotentiaries , nor those of the king of France , not appearing in Cullen ; those of the king of Spain who were come to Cullen after the Legate , lest by being come before the rest to the Diet , they might seem more greedy of peace then others , they never appeared in that capacity before the Legate , nor did they seem to be come to treat of Peace ; and the king of France , finding not long after that his pretences , being contrary to the Negotiation so much desired by all , were generally ill resented , and that they were imputed rather to his no inclination to peace then to any thing that he alleadged , he recalled his Plenipotentiary power confer'd on Berze , and Davo , and gave it to the Cardinal of Lyons , brother to Cardinal Richelieu , which occasioned other difficulties , which troubled the Treaty no less then did the former ; for the Caesarean Agents , thinking that this was done on purpose that the French Embassadour might by his Cardinal dignity precede all others ; ( whereunto the Emperour nor King of Spain would by no means consent ) they refused to send theirs thither . These , and other pretentions , occasioned such difficulties , as not onely no conclusion was come unto , but no commencement was given to the Treaty which was propounded by the Pope , and in appearance so much desired by all ; so as the Negotiation proved abortive , and ended before it began . Let us now return to the Affairs of Italy . A Treaty began by chance , and almost unthought of , in the beginning of the year 1637 , which being afterwards continued and concluded , put a period to the business of the Valtoline , between the two Crowns , and the Grisons League , in the subjection of the Valtoline , which by the Articles of this Con●…ederacy was remitted upon some conditions to the three Leagues : And that the foundation of this business may be the better known , it will be necessary that we re-assume the whole business from the beginning , and repeat some things which have been loosely related . The ancient Confederacy between the Crown of France and the Grisons , appearing to those people to be turned almost into subjection , was not willingly suffer'd by them , who thought themselves daily more streightned and more invaded in their Liberties by the Agents of that Crown ; it began to be very bitter , when by reason of the Grisons joyning in League with the Venetians , the French pretended that their ancient League was thereby prejudiced ; and their resenting it made the Grisons suspect that they had gone along with the Spaniards in that insurrection which hapned afterwards in the Valtoline : these bitternesses encreased by the peace of Monsone , by which the liberty of the Valtolinians was approved of , so much to their prejudice , by the same King who was the Grisons Protector , contrary to what the King had always promised , and which was profess'd publickly to all the world by Arms ; but they grew greater and more insufferable , when thinking by this last endeavour of the Duke of Rohan to be restored unto the ancient and free possession of the Valtoline , they saw they were kept from it by the French Forces ; and when any endeavour of restitution was had in the Court at Paris , the King , as Protector of the Valtolinians , did not restitution , upon condition ( notwithstanding ) that the Catholick Religion should be secured there without any mixture of Heresie , and that the Civil and Criminal Justice should remain to the Valtolinians , answerable to the Capitulations of Monsone . This was caused , for that the King of France finding that he could not maintain his authority in that Valley , which he greatly desired to do , without much disturbance to his own affairs , without much war and expence ; and that assigning it to the Grisons , it would be immediately taken away by the Austrian Forces ; and that he should be obliged to recover it again ; so as the loss succeeding the recovery , and the recovery the loss , a perpetual circumvolution would ensue , which would make him subject to perpetual wars and much expence ; being desirous to get quit of this trouble , he had a design to win the hearts of the Valtolinians ; and by granting them all that they had from the Crown of Spain , to alienate them from that Crown , and make them wholly depend upon his Crown ; and by this means to spare the continual expence he was at in maintaining that Valley at his devotion ; embracing therefore the cause of their Liberty , he offer'd the Valtolinians more advantagious conditions then they could get from the Austrians , whilst they should depend upon his protection : this course did totally alienate the Grisons from the Crown of France ; nor did it gain the Valtolinians , who could never be brought to confide in the Kings promises ; which if they should have done , they were sure they should be more prosecuted by the Arms of Austria , which confined upon them , then by the French which were so far from them ; and the Grisons did believe that the unexpected conditions , so contrary to that absolute Dominion which they pre ended to under the Valtolinians , and which they expected to obtain from the King of France , were but cunningly propounded to cause delay , which would at last end in a manifest exclusion of the promised restitution ; so as they were highly offended ; and , moreover , the Fort which Rohan did still keep well munited with French Garrisons in Rhetia , seemed to them to be but formal fetters of the publick liberty , which they saw was reduced to greater subjection , whilst the Valtoline was possess'd by the French : they likewise observed Rohans residence in Coira , the Metropolitan City of Rhetia , where he carried himself imperiously with them , rather like a Princely Governour then like a Guest or Embassadour , seeming as if he labour'd to overthrow the publick Liberty . To these publick distastes other private grievances were added , by reason of detaining the Pensions which the King was used to pay to the principal men of that Nation , to the end , that by their authority they might keep the people well affected to him ; so as failing of those advantages , they did by contrary endeavours strive to divert those that did depend upon their authority , from the French : these people being therefore much incensed , and weary of this usage , they hatched ill will ; and persevering but untowardly in the ancient League with that Crown , they consulted with themselves how they might throw off their present condition , which they thought was reduced to slavery , and shun the worser which they feared they should shortly be brought unto ; but having well debated these things , and finding that they could not compass their ends , without being upheld by some great Potentate , they quietly dissembled the iniquity of their present condition , the best they could , expecting some opportunity whereby they might free themselves from this imminent subjection . On the other side , the Court of Spain and her Agents in Italy , knew as well the necessity , as the difficulty of recovering the Valtoline ; especially in times of such insufferable troubles ; and considering the jealousies and suspicions , and afterwards the hatred and enmities that the recovery thereof , if they should get it , would bring upon them from the Venetians , and from all the Princes of Italy , who for their own safety sake did not well endure the Spaniards superiority in that Valley ; they considered also the continual wars which they must have upon this account , the expence of moneys , the shedding of blood , the great disturbance which that Valley occasioned to the Kings Affairs , which like a Bone out of Joynt did discompose the whole Body of the Austrian Monarchy . Things being in this posture , Don Frederick de Henriques , the Spanish Embassadour , happened to be in the Court at Ispruch , and a Deputy of the Grisons , who was named Granazza , one of great credit and Authority in that Common-wealth , between whom occasion being acdentally offered of discoursing of the Valtoline , something arose between them touching the composure of those affairs , which like seed sown in well prepared ground , took root , and produced the fruits of those Agreements which did afterwards insue ; for the business being well discuss'd and digested between them , they agreed that the French should be driven out of the Valtoline , by the joynt Forces of the King of Spain and of the Grisons ; and that the Catholique Religion , and the profession thereof , being allowed to the Valtolinians , without any mixture of Heresie , the King of Spain should adjust businesses between them and the Grisons ; which if the Valtolinians should not agree unto , they should be no longer assisted by the King of Spain's Forces . They likewise agreed upon a perpetual Confederacy between the Crown of Spain and that Republick , with free leave for the King of Spain's people to pass thorow the Rhetian State , and upon obligation of serving the Crown of Spain in the Wars of Millain with a certain number of men , to be paid by the King of Spain ; together with many pensions promised to the prime men of that Nation . Things being thus rather rough-cast then perfected , the Grisons , who were impatient of the Company of the French , took heart , and causing some Forces to come from the State of Millain , they made themselves masters of the Valtoline , and drave the French from thence ; and being assisted from Germany , they recovered the Forts of Reno and Steinc , which were yet held by the French ; and afterwards coming to a general insurrection , Rohan himself was taken prisoner , from whom , when they had got him into their power , they got by Agreement stipulated the restitution of as many Forts as were yet in his hands , and the withdrawing of all the French out of Rhetia , upon tie that he should remain Prisoner till all that he had promised were performed . This news being heard in Millain , the Spaniards were not so much delighted therewith , as they were afraid that the Agreement made at Ispruch would vanish to nothing , if during six weeks time the King of France should get power or authority in that Diet ; nor did they fear in vain ; for that King leaving the way of War , as too tedious and costly , fell to Treaty , to keep those people in their loyalty ; and to this purpose , besides moneys given about , he offered to give them the Valtoline freely , without any condition belonging to Religion or Justice ; but nothing would do any good ; for the Governour of Millain having sent Agents into those parts , with monies , and power to offer much more then the French did , he prevailed , so as the Grisons stood firm to what was agreed on at Ispruch ; for being weary of their ancient friendship with France , they desired to try new Fortune ; which they assured themselves they should find more prosperous in the Confederacy with Spain . The Grisons knew that the possession of the Valtoline , which was the principal point of this Negotiation , was to be held more safely by the friendship from Spain , then from France ; for their Confederacy with Spain secured them from any disturbance they should have in the Valtoline from Germany , or from the State of Millain , with the confining Principalities ; whereas they could not keep from being offended , nor secure themselves of protection and assistance from France , by reason of the far distance thereof , in case they should be molested in that Valley by the neighbouring Austrian Forces , by reason of the difficulties and excessive charge which the recovery of that Valley did continually cost that Crown ; and howsoever it was much better for them to be sure not to be molested by the neighbouring Forces of Austria , then after being molested to be protected by the far-off the French. The prefix'd time being past , Rohan , who had several times indeavoured to escape , but still in vain , was forced to surrender the places held by him , and to free them from the French , with which he was set at liberty , and was forced to resign up to the Grisons all that he had got in those parts , and so ●…o be gone , elsewhere with little honour . The Grisons being thus fully restored to Liberty , sent their Deputies to Millain to conclude this so important Treaty : The Valtolinians sent their Deputies thither also ; but the business growing excessive difficult , and the Governour not knowing how to decide it , they were all turn'd over to the Court of Spain ; whither the Deputies being come , and being very well received by the King of Spain , and having their expences discharged all the time they were there , the business was almost two years in hand . The Valtolinians pleaded the ancient Rights of their Liberty , the Grisons tyrannical oppression , their zeal to Religion , their constant loyalty to the Crown , and towards the Austrian name , their protection of Liberty , given by his Majesties particular decree , and promised them by his royal word , the Pontifical Decrees , and the Sacred Canons , which forbid that Catholicks should be under the subjection of Hereticks , the Popes own Authority , who would not permit that the Empire of the Grisons should extend to that Valley , the Articles of Monsone , the offers made unto them by the King of France , if they would accept of his protection , their constant refusal thereof ; and finally , the sufferings which they had undergone for doing so . They also desired that the condition of the Grisons , with whom his Majesty treated of joyning in League , to the prejudice of their Liberty , might be considered : they being Hereticks , Enemies to the Catholick Religion , falsifyers of their words , who term not standing to their Covenants , liberty , and the being obliged thereunto , Slavery ; and that they would bear with any thing , so they might get the Valtoline again , which when they should have gotten , they would renew their confederacy with France , with the Venetians , and with any other Potentate that they should please to renue it , or to continue it with , and would carry themselves without any respect to any conventions ; so as the present agreements would neither gain their affections to the Crown , nor would it secure the covenanted passages , but would be the loss of the constant Faith and Loyalty of the Valtolinians , and of the sa●…e passage thorough that Valley , which his Majesty had till now constantly enjoyed . All which reasons being alleadged and reiterated over and over , and amplified , were not sufficient to hinder the things agreed upon at Ispruch . For the Court of Spain were confident that the Grisons would continue constant in the observancy thereof , for the same reason which had brought them to make this new confederacy ; which was , what was said , before their being sure , during the confederacy , not to be disturbed in their possession of the Valtoline by the Austrian Forces , from whence they could onely expect molestation . So as the King might be sure , that whilst no novelty should happen , on his account , in the Valtoline , the Grisons would not violate the new confederacy ; and so that , to shun any occasion of trouble in the Valtoline , they would forbear any of the least alteration of what was agreed upon . And the King thought that he had fully satisfied the Valtolinians , both in their spiritual and temporal interests , by the two conditions which were annexed to the Confederacy . The first whereof was , that the Catholick Religion should be sincerely observed there , without any mixture of Heresie . The other , that a Tribunal should be erected in that Valley of two grave men , and men of authority ; the one to be chosen by the Governour of Millain , the other by the Grisons ; to which Tribunal the Valtolinians were to have recourse , in point of any civil or criminal grievances which they should receive from the Grisons Agents or Officers . Thus the Valtolinians obtained entirely the chief point concerning Religion , for the preservation whereof , according to their own profession , they had first taken up Arms ; and they did in a great part receive satisfaction in the other point , touching their politick Liberty ; they not being to be oppress'd for the future by the Grisons in these two points . And yet this settlement , for what concern'd the cause of the Valtolinians , was variously discoursed upon : Some blamed it , as being unworthy the Religion and Majesty of the King , for the reasons alleadged by the Valtolinians ; and for that it seemed , drawn thereunto by the great advantages which he got by this new convention , he had abandoned , nay suffer'd his Clients the Valtolinians , who had deserved so well of him , and of the Catholick Religion , for which they had undergone so great and so many troubles , to be trampled upon in their Liberty and Religion by the tyranny of the Grisons . Others , though they wondred at the Kings determination , did notwithstanding execute it , out of the necessity whereunto the Kings Affairs were at the present reduced . But those that discoursed hereof more freely did not only approve of the Kings Resolution , but without any regard almost had to the v●…in name of the Liberty and protection of the Valtolinians , did commend it as being done justly and wisely : Considering that the Liberty of the Valtoline , as it leaned upon the King of Spain , was of its own nature odious to all the world ; and impossible to be maintained by humane force . They therefore concluded , that the King neither could , nor ought to permit , that his Royal Authority , and therewithall the Catholick Religion , for want of his assistance should be endangered in other more important places , by his up holding the Catholick Religion , and the politick liberty of that little Canton . The Affairs of the Valtoline being then adjusted , the Deputies were sent to Millain , that the conditions of the confederacy might be there stipulated , as they were afterwards : But whilst this so hard , and so important business , was discussed there , the Governour by his Forces , but much more by his Industry , ended the important enterprize of Bremi . This place ( as hath been formerly said ) was of a large circuit , and very commodiously seated , environed with ditches , flank'd with Bulwarks , abundantly provided with Victuals and Ammunition , munited with a numerous Garrison , and briefly , reduced into a Fort Royall ; and therefore held by the French to be a strong defence , and Rendezvous for Arms , capable to receive an indifferent Army ; and holding it , for these respects , impregnable , they called it a new Rochel . The Governour before he would betake himself to this place of so great concernment openly , would have all his preparations ready , and that so secretly as the Enemy should not be aware of it : To this end , he distributed many Souldiers in the parts thereabouts , under the pretence of quartering , and under the colour that those places might be better garrison'd by reason of the neighbourhood of Bremi ; he therefore sent some to Valenza , some to Alessandria , others to Montaro , and into Lomello , into which place he also sent Victuals , Munition , Straw , and other provisions , fit for the intended enterprize . And to make the Enemy the less apprehend this siege , he sent men to Filizano , giving out that from thence he would make himself master of Mount calvo : He also considered the custom of the Poe ; which swelling in May , when the snow falls down from the Alps , would be a great hinderance for the Armies abode in those places , which at that time are subject to great inundations ; being therefore to anticipate the enterprise , he provided much Hay and Straw ; which though it were very hard to get in any quantity then , Winter being well nigh ended , yet diligence overcame all difficulties . These things being thus ordered , he commanded that they should fall to executition , which was carried so silently , and so unexpectedly , as the Souldiers were before the Walls , even almost before they were discovered ; their secrecy made them so confident of good success , as they prepared Scaling-ladders to attempt taking the Town by surprize , and so to make themselves masters of that Fort by stealth , before which it was thought that whole armies would be consumed before it could be taken . The Governour therefore ordered that four Bodies of Souldiers , commanded by the best experienced Camp-masters , should , by night , about the midst of March , 1638 , at one and the same time fall upon the Town in four several sides ; the first that were to give the two first assaults , were Don Antonio Sottelo and Count Ferrante Bolognio ; the first coming from Mortara about the coming on of night , with 3000 Foot , and the other with as many from Valenza , and bringing with them all necessary instruments , they were each of them to possess themselves , in the several places appointed them , of the banks of Poe joyning upon the Town , and there to fortifie themselves ; and so by bereaving the enemy of any benefit of communicating by the River , exclude all succour by that way , which was thought would assuredly be sent from Cassalle : the business proved lucky , and better then was supposed ; for Sottelo advancing to a certain place called Bonobo , lying between the River and the Town , which was seated very high , and fit for the business , made himself master of it without any opposition . Bolognino did yet more fortunately discharge his part ; he went at the same time out of Valenza , and having assaulted the lower station called Corno , and which was fortified and garrison'd by the enemy , he at the very first drove out the enemy , took the place , and began straightway to fortifie against the enemy ; and then raising Trenches along the bank , went to joyn with Sottelo , who advanced with his Trenches likewise from Bonobo ; and joyning together , they at very first block'd up the Town from the River ; and having each of them brought many sacks with them , which they filled with earth , and made sudden Trenches with them , and many Barques being come to them from Valenza with Faggots , and other Instruments for perfecting their Fortifications , they raised that work higher : on the same night Don Iovan Vasques Coronado , and Don Carlo della Gatta , were ordered to accost the ●…own from two other parts , further from the River ; the former coming with Sottelo from Mortara was to assault the ●…own on that part which is called Forbice vecchia ; and the other coming from Lomello , was ordered to approach it by the Covent of the Capuchins ; and when both of them were got thither they were to fall a scaling ; wherein if they succeeded well , they were to give notice to Sottello and Bolognino , that they might do the like with the Ladders which they brought with them ; and if the first Scaladoes should not succeed well , they were either by real or seeming assaults , to endeavour to divert the defendants from that part of the River where Sottello and Bolognino were ; that so they might leave them the Fortification on the bank unmolested by the enemies Garrison , on which Fortification the ground-work of the business lay : nor were they to forbear fortifying their stations , and to sence themselves from the Musket-shot of the enemy , before day-light , if they should miscarry in their Scalado ; but both of them finding the defendants readier and more intent upon the defensive part , they failed in the chief intent of the Scalado ; for as soon as they approached , a hail of Musket-shot was let fly at them , together with thunder of Artillery , and lightning of artificial fires , which though they kept the oppugners from making Scaladoes , or giving assault , yet could they not keep them from fortifying the stations wherein they were . Don Martin d' Aragona was the Head and Superintendent of all this Enterprize , to whom only the Governour had communicated the whole design from the beginning ; so as he ordered all things as his Lieutenant ; and diligently applying himself to all parts , ordered all things requisite for carrying on the work : Tiberio Brancacchio Camp-master was also ordered to go with his Brigade from Alessandria , with many Carriages , many Sumpture-Horses , and store of Artillery , to Valenza , and from thence to Sartiranna , to drive the Enemy from thence ; who moving early , and being come to the intended place , after having made forty shot of Battery , took the Town , which the Captain of the Garrison yielded upon Articles : And Brancacchio going from thence , went by Orders from the Governour to joyn with Gatta ; nor were the horse idle , but were distributed into such parts by which succour might be brought . Don Vincenzo Gonzaga was to guard the Passage over the Poe with 1500 Horse , at Villata , where it falls into the Sesia : the custody of Frassineiro fell to Ferdinando de li Monti Captain of the Dutch Cavalry , with as many Horse : the guard of Lomello to Don Alvaro di Quignones , that he might be ready there , as occasion should serve ; but Marquess Cricky as soon as he heard of this so sudden , and so unexpected assault , sent nine Barques from Cassalle , where he then was , and in them 1200 Foot tumultuously and on the sudden put together , together with much provision and munition ; not so much to supply the Town , as to defend the bank of the River , to the end , that the enemy , who he thought was possess'd thereof , might not keep it , nor block up the way from succour ; but the design being foreseen and prevented , they did not onely not possesse themselves of the banks , but neither did they bring in succour ; for the Barques coming to shore at Sotelo's quarters , were encounter'd , and after a long fight departed , being hardly dealt with ; and passing afterwards to where Bolognino was , three of them landed their Souldiers ; and the others fiercely fighting would have done the like ; but meeting with stout resistance , after a long fight , fell together with the munition wherewith they were fraughted into the enemies hands ; two of the three Barques which landed Souldiers were sunk , and 70 prisoners were tak●…n , whereof two French Captains ; and hardly 200 of those that were landed , being favoured by the night , got wounded into Bremi , the rest being slain or drown'd ; the defendants afterwards sallied out to recover the Sconce Corno , which was taken at the first by Bolognino ; who finding the defendants negligent , drove them out ; but Bolognino , with some 200 of his men , got it again within two hours : then the Governour came to the Camp ; who viewing the stations , Works and Fortifications made by his men , commended them , to the great satisfaction of the Commanders and Souldiers ; and having given several other Orders touching the fortifying of quarters , and the environing the Camp with a Trench , he retired to Sartiranna , from whence , as from the neerest place , he might give out Orders , visit the Camp , as he often did , and provide things necessary ; but Fortunewould have her share in this enterprise ; for an accident which hapned help'd much not only to the taking of this Town , but to the total of all affairs . The Marshal seeing the unfortunate success of those that were sent from Cassalle , thought to place a battery upon the shore opposite to the enemies Trenches , to the end , that the shore being cleansed , the way might be open to bring in succour by water ; and whilst , accompanied by three or four Horse-men only , he stood behind a Tree on the opposite shore , looking with a Prospective-glass , where the battery might best be raised , he was hit by a Sakers-bullet , which was shot from the enemies Trench ; and falling dead from off his horse , his body was carried into Cassalle , and after solemn obsequies , was carried into France ; whither it was accompanied by almost all the flower of those few French who were yet in Italy ; so the French being without a head in Italy , became like a body without a soul : on the contrary , this chance added force and courage to the enemy , who began to make their approaches , whereby to come to battery , and then to assault ; the batteries were raised in five places ; the one of six Cannon in Sottello's quarter , another of four in that of Vasques ; the third , of four Cannon more in Bolognino's quarter , the other of three Guns apiece , the one in that of Carlo dela Gatta , and the other in that of Prince Borso : all which playing continually upon the Town , and falling with their approaches into the ditch , the defendants at last beat a Parley , and not long after concluded that they would surrender the ? Town , upon Articles , that all the French should march out safe and free , and might have a safe conduct to convoy them to Cassalle ; that they should go out with Drums beating , match lighted , Colours flying , Bullet in mouth , their Flasks full of Powder , and that they might carry with them what Baggage they would : There marched out about 1800 , whereof 1400 bore Arms , the rest were sick o●… wounded ; and they were attended by 3000 Horse to Cassalle , under Don Vincenzo Gonzaga . Upon these terms was Bremi surrendred , after thirteen days Siege ; a place of so great concernment for the preservation of the State of Millain ; well provided of instruments and munition for its defence , and of victuals for the defenders ; and since it seemed strange , that such a place , so well provided , should be surrendred in so short a time ; the French , who were not able to endure it , impleaded the Commander thereof , a man of low birth , and perfer'd by Cricky ( whose Groom of the Stable he had been ) to that charge ; he was accused of cowardize and of treachery ; and not long after by Order from the King he was beheaded publickly in Cassalle ; but more for cowardliness then treachery . Many will have it , that having gotten much money by dead pay , as not having kept so many Souldiers as the King allowed for , he surrendred the Town for fear of losing the moneys he had got , in case the Town should be taken by assault ; and that this was the treachery which he was accused of : This Town continued in the hands of the French from the end of November 35 , till the end of March 38 , wherein it was re-gained ; when it was taken , it was better fortified ; and the French having kept it so little a while , it was said that they had built , furnish'd , fortified and munited , it for the Crown of Spain : being taken it seemed also to be a curb to Cass●…lle , which was but 15 miles off , and that it kept all that part of the State of Millain from the inroads of the enemy ; and that from thence the Spaniards might now make inroads into Montferrat and Piedmont ; and what was of more importance , the French could not boast that they had any receptacle for their Armies in the State of Millain , to the conquest whereof they had aspired ; great rejoycing and Bon-fires were made for this in Millain ; but afterwards , upon consideration that all the aforesaid advantages were not to be parallel'd with the cost and care of keeping it ; and that the pre●…udice would be much greater which would result to the State of Millain , if it should be re-gained by the French , then the advantage which was had by keeping it , it was not many years after dis●…antled and demolished . The End of the Fifteenth Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . Book XVI . The Contents . THe Duke of Savoy being dead , differences arise between the Dutchess Dowager , and the Princes her Husbands Brothers , touching the Guardianship of the young Children , and the Regency of the State. The Dutchess in the Princes absence is sworn Governess and Regent ; being compel'd by the King of France , she renews League with him . The Governour of Millain goes to before Vercelli , and after a long Siege takes it upon Articles . The Princes of Savoy assisted by the Spaniards and Piedmontese take many Towns , and make much progress ; they go to before Turin , and having tarried before it some days , retire without doing any thing ; falling , as before , to over-run Piedmont , they are received every where ; till Forces being sent to the Dutchess from France , under the Duke of Longueville , she recovers Chiavasco , and other Towns which the Princes had taken . The Prince Cardinal , fearing Corneo , goes to defend it ; and Prince Thomaso , going once more with the Spanish Forces to before Turin , surprizeth the Town ; and the Governour of Millain coming in unto him , they with all their Forces , attempt the taking of the Citadel , whither the Dutchess was retired . The Siege is suspended by a Truce , which being ended , the French under their new General Count Harcourt , take Cheri ; but being presently besieged by the Governour of Millain , they are forc'd through Famine to quit it , and retreat in face of the enemy to Carnignoula . BUt for all this , though the State of Millian was free from Wars at home , yet could it not long continue the quiet which it enjoyed by the recovery of Bremi ; and as if it had been by fatal misfortune subject to a Series of troubles , being freed from defensive Wars , must be ingaged in Wars offensive , not long after , for the Interest of others ; The Duke of Savoys death , the minority of his Children , their Guardianship , together with the Regency of the State , which was disputed between the Mother and the Uncles of the Infants , caused Civi●… Wars in Piedmont ; wherein France being zealously interressed for the Mother , and Spain for the Uncles , civil War was mixt with Forreign War ; which being not long after the Dukes death brought by Spanish Forces into Piedmont , was there exercised with much fervour between the two Crowns ; the which Piedmont being to afford field room , and the State of Millain Arms and fomentation , the Millinaeses suffered no small prejudice upon the same account wherein the Piedmonteses suffered much more ; for the better knowledge whereof it will be necessary to take our rise a little higher . There hath always been a competition for the guardianship of the Pupil Princes who are to succeed in the States , between the Mother , and the neerest kindred of the Fathers-side ; which competition , though by the Roman Laws it be generally decided on the Mothers behalf , yet being in substance variously practised by the Princes of the blood , is not as yet decided , but depending ; for it hath sometime been given absolutely to the Mother , sometime to the kindred on the Fathers-side , and sometimes joyntly to both ; nor hath Piedmont been exempt from the like Competition ; where though sometimes the kindred on the Fathers-side have been allowed the Guardianship of the Pupil Princes , yet this hath hapned either by force of Arms , or by the Mothers death , or because the Fathers kindred have been chosen to be Guardians ; but this case not having hapned in this our age , it was not evident in what condition the kindred was under the Supream Regency of the Mother ; and every one interpreted this obscurity to the Mothers advantage ; yet the condition of times , and accidental Circumstance , have always had a great stroke herein ; in these present ruptures , the Princes could not be more crossed , not onely in their pretending to Guardianship and administration of State , but even in their returning to their own Country , from whence they were excluded ; for to boot that they were far off when the Duke their brother died , whereby the Duchess met not with those oppositions which she might have had , had they been present ; their being in much disgrace with the King of France made much against their pretentions at the present ; for whereas they had formerly profest to adhere constantly to the King of France and his party , they had with little respect quitted him a little before their brothers death ; and with much scandal to his Majesty , were gone over to the King of Spains side ; Prince Thomaso was the first , who being distasted by the Duke h●…s brother was gone from Savoy , where he was Governour , and past privately with his wife and Children into Flanders , to the Infanta his Cousin-german ; where taking up Arms , he stuck not to come into the open field as Captain and Conductor of the Spanish Forces , and to march with open Colours , as hath been elsewhere said , against the Ensigns of France ; and the Prince Cardinal , going not long after his brothers departure , upon the same occasion , from the Court at Turin , went to Rome , where he openly disclaimed the protection of France , and turned over to the Emperour , and to the House of Austria ; For which actions , the first being hostile , and the other so high an affront to the King of France , his Majesty was much offended , holding the one for an open enemy , and the other as totally alienated from him and therefore desiring that the affairs of Piedmont might totally depend upon him , he would not suffer that either of those Princes who were become followers of the Austrian and Spanish party should have any thing to do in the Guardianship of their Nephew , or in the Government of the State ; which he would , as in justice it did belong , should totally and integrally depend upon his Sister . He therefore informed her , and his Agents did publickly protest , that if she should receive the Princes into Piedmont , much less admit them to share in the Regency , or administration of State , she would countervene the league which was made between him and the late Duke , and which was yet in force ; and he desired that the Chief Towns should be assigned over to him , for the safety of the young Duke , lest the Uncles assisted by the Spanish forces might make themselves masters of the State , to the perpetual exclusion of their Nephew ; Thus by reason of the Princes being absent from Court , and through the King of France his anger conceived against them , it was easier for the Lady Christiana , sister to the King of France , and Dutchess of Savoy , to take absolute possession of the guardianship of her Children , and of the Regency of the State ; to the which she was called by the Laws , and by the ancient customs of the House of Savoy , and not without some testimony of her Husbands Will. She therefore obtained that title by succession , and reduced the Forts , Arms , Revenues , and treasure of the State , into her power ; which she did the more easily , for that to boot with her right to the regency , she was then fortified with both domestick and Forreign Forces which were then great and powerful in Piedmont for the Duke , a little before his death , and also the Marshal , knowing how great an advantage the Fort of Bremi was to them , had an intention to take Vigevano , a City in the County of Pavia , and to fortifie it ; and aspired to greater things : There were therefore about 18000 fighting men in Piedmont , part French , and part Piedmontese , who were in a readiness for such an Enterprize . The supream command of the French did , by the death of their General , the Duke , undoubtedly fall upon his Lieutenant-General the Marshal ; and none would think but that he would adhere unto his Kings Sister . The Piedmontese were commanded by Marquess Villa , General of the Dukes Horse ; one in whom the Dutchess might safely confide , he being a well experienced Commander , and of approved valour , and one whom she upon all occasions had favoured very much . The place of General of the Foot , being vacant by Count Verrua's death , was soon conferred by the Dutchess upon Iohn Iacinto di Simiana Marquess of Pianezza , who was then Lieutenant-General of the Horse , a man both very wise and valiant . Her brothers favour being added to all this , she was immediately after her Husbands death sworn Guardianess of her Children , and Sovereign Regent in Vercelli , by all the Gentlemen and Officers of the Court , and by the military men that were the●…e present , and afterwards was sworn the same in Turin by the supream Senate of Piedmont , and by the particular decree of the same Senate , and by all Magistrates , Feudatories , Subjects , and Vassals of the Ducal house ; and in all this , no mention was made of the Princes , nor durst any seem thereat distasted ; and yet the sequel proved , that though the former carriage , and present conditions of Dowager Dutchess , naturally born to Govern , were satisfactory to all , and Universally acceptable , yet many of the Piedmonteses , out of an inward affection , and devotion to their natural Princes , were not well pleased that they should be excluded ; but the evident knowledge that their exclusion proceeded not from the Dowager , and that she had no hand therein , did not only acquit her from so much rigour in the opinion of the world , but was a powerful lenitive to mollifie the minds of those Piedmonteses who were well inclined to the Princes ; and many of them considering , more wisely , how many inconveniences the plurality of Gaurdians had occasioned in other States , setting all other respects aside , were better pleased that the Regency should be restrayn'd to one alone , then diffused into many ; and it being agreed upon by all that the Mothers right was to be preferred before any other Competitour , they were not onely not displeased that it should be in the Dowager , but did willingly give way unto it , as justest and safest for the State , and for the publick quiet ; One of the first things the new Regent did , was to send messengers to both these Princes , to acquaint them with the Duke their Brothers d●…ath , and how she had taken upon her the Guardianship of her Children , and the Regency of the State ; and withal how displeased the King of France was with them both ; and acquainting them how strong the French Forces were in Piedmont , she admonished them , and did earnestly , exhort them , that they would keep where they were at the present , lest if they should come into Piedmont , they might fall into some great inconveniency , by some orders that the King of France might give to his Commanders , which it would not be in her power afterwards to divert ; and telling them how that all this was done , against her will , she exhorted them that they would endeavour to appease the Kings anger , and by joyning with him again get into his former good opinion , to the end that they might all of them joyntly co-operate to the young Dukes quiet , and safety ; and as a token of her good will towards them , she promised to make speedy payment of the Arrears , and for the future of their annual allowances , called in French Appenage , which were sequestred from Prince Thomaso , by the late Duke , after the battel of Avein , because he had carried Arms there against his confederate the King ; and as for the Prince Cardinal , though they were not absolutely sequestred , they were detained , or but slowly pay'd , for his having past over from one protection to another , nothing could disturb the calm commencement of the Dowagers Regency , as it was thought , but fear of the Spanish forces , if they should take upon them to maintain the Princes pretences ; and should strive to bring the Princes into Piedmont , and into the Regency of the State by meer force ; which was not very unlikely , by reason of the requisite jealousie , which Piedmont being to be governed by the Dowager , who was so straitly united to the Crown of France , might with good reason bring to the State of Millain ; and she was much troubled that she could no further be friend them , by reason of the League which continued yet for some Moneths with the Crown of France ; Fortune , which would also have her share in these Ruptures , did miraculously assist her herein ; for the Spanish Agents who governed the affairs of that Crown in Italy , reflecting upon the condition of Piedmont as it was now altered by the Dukes death , and foreseeing the tempests which were likely to fall upon that State , considered also what might redound to the State of Millains , and to the Kings affairs in Italy , by those alterations ; Wherefore weighing the business well , and conferring together by Letters and Messengers , when they had discuss'd all thing considerately , they were all of one mind , that to avoid all inconveniencies , they must not distaste the Dowager in her regency , nor cause any jealousies in her . And the Court of Spain being acquainted with this their resolution , did approve of it , out of the great desire they had to see the Affairs of Italy quieted ; the said Agents , doubting that the Dowager would be compelled by the King of France to renew the league , which he had contracted with the late Duke , and desiring to be assured of her , and to assure her , they propounded unto her , that the King would be obliged not to molest her in her Regency , but would assist her strongly , if she would joyn in League with him , and help to drive the French out Piedmont ; and not allow passage , for the future , to the Forces of that Crown thorough her Dominions . And lastly , that he would endeavour to make the Princes her Brothers in law observant to her , so as she would give each of them what did of right belong unto them . It appeared clearly , that the Spaniards by their offers labour'd more to accommodate their own Affairs , then to favour those of the Dowager ; which , if she should accept of these offers , would run apparent ruine ; since she could not but draw her Brothers enmity upon her , by adhering to his Enemies , without manifest danger . Wherefore being desired by Abbot Vasques , an Agent for the Governour of Millain , that she would send some trusty person to Genoa , with whom he might , by Order from the King , negotiate some Affairs , to the common good and satisfaction ; when she heard by Cavalier Olgiato , whom she sent to Genoa , what Vasques proposals were , she answer'd freely . That she had alwayes nourish'd thoughts of Peace , and that she would be alwayes ready to quench any fire which might be kindled ; wherein she would engage her self to the utmost of her power therein . But that she could by no means , nor did it any wayes suit with her to enter into Warr against France upon the account of Spain , nor to separate her self from her Brother in the present conjuncture of times . And that since she had restored their Appenages to the Princes her Brothers in law , which was sequestred from them by the late Duke ; and treated with them as civilly , and with as much affection as the present condition of Affairs would permit her to do , she knew not what they could pretend unto more , nor wherein else the King , upon this account , would interpose himself . And she was so stead fast to this , as she would not consent to stand neuter between the two Crowns , though she was much press'd thereunto by the Abbot ; alledging that , during the League , it was not lawful for her to make such a promise : So as the Spanish Agents seeing they could get no more from her , who they saw could not effectually promise more , they were for the present satisfied with her good will and intention , which they knew must , for her own interest sake , keep her from desiring any alteration ; nor did they think to alter their good inclinations towards her . This was the substance of the negotiation in Genoa , between Abbot Vasques , and the Cavalier Olgiato ; before which meeting things being past contrary to all mens expectation , between the Dowage , and the Spanish Agents , with reciprocal satisfaction ; it was publickly argued throughout Italy , that secret intelligence was held between them , and that a secret neutrality was agreed upon by the Dowager , between the Arms of both the Crowns . For the Governour of Millain , according to common resolution , did openly profess to be far from thinking of molesting her , no not upon the least occasion . It was also observed , that the Dowager did not in any manner disturb the Government in the business of Bremi , and that which past in the Court at Rome , about these times , did corroborate this indulg'd opinion . As soon as the Cardinal heard of the Dukes death , and that the Dowager had taken upon her the Regency , to his exclusion , he thought himself much affronted , to be made subject to her Authority ; and resolving not to submit to such exclusion , he went privately , accompanied with a few , out of Rome towards Piedmont . This so sudden departure caused great commotion in that Court ; and every one thinking that it was not done without knowledge of the Spanish Agents , it was much talked of both in publick and in private ; and it was held to be the beginning of the troubles of Piedmont . Wherefore the Marquess of Castell Roderigo , who was then Embassadour from Spain at Rome , seeing all mens eyes turn'd upon him , upon this occasion , did publickly declaim against it ; and with many asseverations protested to the Pope , that it was done , not onely without his counsel or participation , but without his imagination ; and that he and all the Spanish Forces were far from dreaming of any novelty in Piedmont ; and that the Dowager should not be disturbed in her Regency by them , nor by the King of Spain . These things being known in the Court of France , and consequently well weighed by the Cardinal Richelieu , an attentive looker into the ends and counsels of other men , and especially into those of the Dowager , he thought it impossible that the Spaniards setting their own interests aside , and those of the Princes , so neer alli'd in blood to their King , and who had lately declared themselves to adhere to that Crown , should be , without any compensation , so free of their favours to the Dowager in her Regency . Wherefore he could not believe but that she not being content with the King her Brothers protection , had also anchor'd the ship of her Regency upon the protection of that Crown . And therefore , though that Crown was very well satisfied upon the account of Bremi , ( knowing that it was long ere she had been desired to assist in that defence ; and that as soon as she was requested she made preparations , which should have appea●…ed before Bremi , had not the too hasty surrender thereof prevented their march , ) yet were they not altogether free from being jealous of her sagacity , and of so many favourable Demonstrations made to her by the Spaniards . When the Cardinal was therefore come to Savona , he sent the Abbot Soldati to the Dowager , to acquaint her with his coming thither ; whereat she being very much moved , she presently dispatch'd away to him by three several ways the Count di Camiana , the President Morozzi , and Monsieur di Druen , with Orders to represent unto him , in her Name , the impossibility of her receiving him , or his Brother , whilst they adhered to the House of Austria ; and that the Officers and Commanders of the King of France his Forces , which were very strong in Piedmont , did freely profess they would proceed with them in hostile manner , if they should come neer Piedmont ; and that if she should receive them she should go against the League , which would make them pretend that she should assign over the Towns unto them ; and to pacifie him the more , she gave order to those that she sent , to promise him in her name , that she would pay him his allowance or Appenages , whereof she sent him by these her Messengers some ready moneys in hand : The Prince was pacified , or at least seemed to be so , with these Proposals ; and intending to winter in Genoa , staid some days in Savona , and afterwards altering his minde , he returned to Rome ; whither when he was come , he was disquieted with what had happened in Piedmont after his Brothers death ; he began to sollicite his interest with the Pope by word of mouth , and by Letters and Messengers with those Princes from whom he thought he might receive any advice or assistance ; he made his complaints to them all of the injuries which he had received , and strove to justifie his pretences ; he alledged the ancient Institutions and Customs of Piedmont , by which he pretended the Guardianship of the Infant Princes of Piedmont , and the Regency of the State , during their minority , did belong to the next akin by the Fathers side ; That Thomaso , Uncle to Bonifacio , had thus exercised the Guardianship , joyned therein with Cecily , Mother to Bonifacio ; That thus Amadeo , Guietta of Burgondy being excluded , was Guardian to Philip , and the younger Sons of Thomaso di Conte Moriana ; That Lodowick of Savoy , and Amadeo Conte di Genoa , had thus been Guardians to Amadeo who was afterwards called il Verde ; wherefore he ought not to be now debarred the same priviledg , being so neer allied in blood and interest to the Duke his Nephew ; That he and his Brother could not justly be banished their Country , not having done any thing that might deserve such a punishment ; That contrary to all reason , they were declared to be Enemies to those States , the safety and preservation whereof , especially in such dangerous times , did only belong unto them ; That the Mother was governed by the advice , and ( to the horrour of all men ) begirt by the Forces of those who having great designs upon those Dominions , were known to be more desirous to get them for themselves , then to defend them for the Orphans ; which the possession of Pinarvolo and Cassalle did sufficiently witness ; That the Marshal had given proof of this in Vercelli , by the jealousies which he caused there at the instant of the Dukes death ; after which Books declaring the presention of that Crown to the States of Savoy and Piedmont , were publickly sold in Paris : How could those Forces be therefore confided in , which pretend to the owning of those States to the which at the present they professe protection ? that the exclusion of the Uncles did expresly tend to this , that the Mother might be govern'd as they pleased who had procured the Uncles to be excluded ; with these and the like examples which were subject to many exceptions , and might be replied unto by many other examples , did the Prince Cardinal goe about to justifie his and his Brothers cause ; and both of them thinking that they might ground their pretentions best in the Court of Spain , they laboured there , and with the Spanish Agents in Italy , to get their cause to be embraced by them , and powerfully assisted by their Forces ; wishing them also to consider , how much danger would redound not only to their Kings Reputation , but to his Affairs and Dominions , that the supream arbitrement of Piedmont should depend upon the pleasure of the King of France , by his Sisters means ; which King making himself master afterwards of the chief Towns confining upon the State of Millain , the Crown of Spain might get a new and a powerful neighbour ; that it became not his Majesty to suffer that he and his Brother should be so persecuted , for the name sake only of having adhered to him ; then he strove to perswade the●… that the business would be easie , by reason of the peoples inclination , who desired , beyond comparison , rather to be govern'd by their natural Princes , then by a forreign Lady , who was suspected , by reason of her greatly enforced and necessary dependancy upon the King her Brother , upon whom being of necessity to relie ; a blind man might easily see the ruine of the house of Savoy , and the danger of having the people recommended to their protection , subjected to a forreign yoke ; and that therefore it was most certain , that when the people of Piedmont should see their Princes accompanied by any considerable strength , they would unanimously abandon the Dowager , and adhere to them ; but these reasons could not prevail with other Princes who were concern'd at a further distance with the concernments of Piedmont ; and much less with the Spanish Court and Agents , whom it concerned more neerly ; were it either that they were weary of seeing the war renewed in Lombardy , or that fearing , according to the ancient Spanish maximes , that to wrastle in Piedmont would undoubtedly draw on war from France in the State of Millain , they desired rather to enjoy the present advantage , then hastily to provoke trouble ; they therefore held it better not to disquiet the present peace , though it were doubtful , then to enter into new wars , which might be long , and costly , and of uncertain event : thus thinking it suited better with the common interest , not to innovate , then to maintain the Princes presentions by Forces , they proceeded cooly and reservedly with them ; and seemed more inclined to disswade them from pursuing so dangerous a business , then to adhere unto them therein , whereby to make the Dowager jealous ; they found yet the Princes of Italy lesser inclined to them , who being desired by the Cardinal that together with their so just cause , they would embrace the common concernment of Italy , which did so much depend upon the good or bad success of Piedmont ; none of them would so much as appear to favour their pretences . The Dowagers affairs seemed therefore to proceed successfully on this side ; if fortune had not pleased to put a spoke into her wheel here , the Dowager could ●…ave desired no greater safety to her self , nor to her Sons Principality ; and the Princes , though exiled , might have shared in the happiness , as was thought by those who saw best into business ; but the heavens had destined it otherwise ; for the King of France , who was more obliged then the Mother her self , by reason of the protection he profess'd to take of the young Duke , to preserve the peace of Piedmont , which was so necessary for the present affairs of his Sister and Nephew , became the chief instrument of disturbing it ; to the great admiration of all those who considering the inconstancy and vieiffitude of humane affairs , wonder'd that the Spaniards who had great reason to oppose the Dowager , should willingly offer her peace ; and that the King of France should purposely disturb it . This King was with miraculous fortune and valour got rid of the wars and troubles whereinto the Austrian Forces had brought his Kingdom , as hath been said before ; wherefore he prepared to revenge himself by falling upon the Emperour and King of Spains Territories with as much fervour as they had done upon his ; to this end , he had disburst moneys to the Hollanders , and to Duke Weymer , to the end , that these passing back over the Rhein , might enter Germany with the men which he had furnish'd them withall ; and re-enforcing the Swedish weakned party , might renew war with the Emperour ; and these having at last recovered Schincks Sconce , and making ready a powerful Army which they joyned with another Army that he had raised in his Kingdom , and entring Flanders might assault those Provinces , which were under the King of Spain , and embroil them as formerly they had done , but the Swedes and Hollanders covenanted with the King , that he should assault the State of Millain with a powerful Army , at the same time that they should fall upon Germany and Flanders ; to the end , that the Austrian power being assaulted on several parts might be the more easily subdued , and that the King of Spain being molested in Italy might not assist the Austrians in those parts : he therefore substituted the Cardinal of la Vallette , in lieu of deceased Cricky , in the command of his Forces in Piedmont ; and assigned him men and moneys , wherewith to renew the war in the State of Millain , which could not be done without the consent of the Dowager of Savoy , the French Armies being to pass through her State , before they could enter the State of Millain ; she was therefore desired by the King not only to renew the League which was made with her husband , and which was then expiring ; but that she would joyn her Forces in Piedmont with his , and resolve to make war upon the State of Millain . The Dowager being no less affrighted , then surprized with this demand , by which all her designs were overthrown , said , and did all she could to evade it . First , she represented unto his Majesty , how much better peace would be for her and her Son , in those his tender years , then war ; how much the present times did differ from those when her Husband lived , wherefore she was to govern her self by other Counsels ; that for the present the safety of her Sons States consisted chiefly in peace , and the ruine thereof in war ; she therefore desired him not to put her upon so dangerous a point ; that it better became the protection which ●…s Majesty profess'd , to preserve peace in Piedmont , and to keep 〈◊〉 ●…om the revolutions and combustions of war , then to put it to the hazard of dangerous events by fomenting war made by his Majesty elsewhere ; that the intreaties of his Widow Sister , and the innocence of his little Nephew , ought to prevail more with his Majesty , then the fierce cruelty of the Swedes and Hollanders , or the ambitious and unquiet advice of his Counsellors , who pretend to vent their rage against the house of Austr●…a , at the cost of Piedmont ; that his Majesty ought not to subscribe to the revengeful spirits of other men , in prejudice to an Orphan Prince , who had put himself under his protection ; 〈◊〉 therefore desired that his Majesty would be contented to consent to a Truce with the Austrians for what concern'd the affairs of Italy , or at least to a suspension of Arms touching those of Piedmont ; to the end , that his Nephew and Client might enjoy quiet , and might avoid those dangers which the wars that his Majesty would interest him in would draw upon him ; that he would therefore suffer him to encrease in peace , and be well setled in his Principality , that so he might be better ' able to serve his Majesty in weightier affairs . These so just intreaties , accompanied by so strong reasons , might have prevailed with the King , but they could not move the solid resolutions of Cardinal Richlieu , who like the Primum mobile , would turn about the lesser Planets , and make their interests absolutely submit to those of the King. Being therefore resolved to revenge himself upon the Spaniards for their attempts made upon France ; and being also moved by the ancient competitions and emulation which he had long hatched against the house of Savoy , he cared for nothing less then the peace and safety thereof , so as it might make way for his resentments ; wherefore confiding upon the continual good success of his Counsels , and upon the prosperous conduct of the Arms of France , he was ashamed that the Dowager should so much distrust them ; and professing that both she and her Son would be freer from mischief , whilst they were within the King of France his quarters , then in the peaceful quietness which the Spaniards offer'd her , he would compel her , not only to depend upon the Kings party , but to joyn with the King in carrying on the war against the Kings enemies , as the King would with her , against her enemies : but the Dowager persisting in being very averse from entring into any offensive war , the Cardinal told her freely , that she ought not to complain , if the first thunder of war , which was intended for elsewhere , should fall upon her Sons Dominions ; so being much oppress'd by the Kings demands , and by the Cardinals authority , she tried whether she could avoid offending either of the Crowns , by going a middle way ; she therefore offer'd the King free passage for his men through Savoy and Piedmont , and very earnestly desired him that that might content him , and that he would suffer her Son to enjoy his Territories in peace ; but the Cardinal not being herewith satisfied , she condescended ( since she could not chuse ) to the desired League ; but only as far as concern'd defending of their common Dominions , not the offending of others in theirs . The Cardinal would go no less , but grew more severe in his demands ; for thinking ( as he said ) that she had agreed upon some secret intelligence with the Spaniards , he would force her to declare her self openly to be their enemy ; he therefore required that she would declare her self absolutely for an offensive League against any whososoever ; whereupon the Dowager called all her Counsellors and chief Officers of her Court together , and acquainted them with this so important business ; and though they all saw the great danger which the renewing of the League would bring upon the Dukes State , and upon the Dowagers Regency ; yet following the late Dukes example , they thought they had better break with Spain , then provoke the Forces of France . Thus the Dowager being forced to take poyson for a medicine , consented to the renewing of the League , in the same manner as it had been agreed upon by the Duke her Husband . This resolution , though it were ▪ violently extorted from her , was notwithstanding the best the Dowager could put on in these times of ruptures , not so much for her own interests , as for those of Piedmont . For finding that the King of France was resoved to make the State of Millain the seat of War , to joyn with him therein , was nothing else but to suffer the calamities of War to fall upon the State of Millain , and to free Piedmont from them : Whereas by doing otherwise , she must have made Piedmont the seat of War ; the two last Dukes afforded clear examples in both these cases . Charles Emanuel , joyning with the Spaniards , would oppose the succour which the French intended to bring to Cassalle ; whereby he did not only lose Pinarvolo , and other . Towns in Piedmont , but did keep the War a long time in his own Dominion , to the great prejudice of his people : and Victorio Amadeo , by joyning with the French , carried the War into the State of Millain , and brought all the mischiefs that accompany War thither , freeing his own people from them . And yet because , in the conclusion of the League , Piedmont was assaulted by the Spaniards ( as shall hereafter be said ) the people , who began to make trial of the trouble and mischiefs of War , blamed the Dowager , attributing the cause thereof to the renuing of the League . Wherefore those Piedmontese who wish'd well to the Princes inwardly , strove to make her and her Government odious , which had till now been acceptable to all , and whispered amongst the common people , that she had renewed the League to maintain her power of Regency the better , and to keep the Princes the more securely far off . These whispers prevailed with those who knew not what violence she had undergone ; nor what Wars and mischiefs would have resulted from the contrary resolution : For doubtlesly , if she had been assaulted by the French for refusing to renew the League , she had been forced to call in the Spaniards to her defence ; who were very ready in such a case to maintain her against her Brother . So as they might then have more justly reproved her for calling in the Spanish Forces , which they so much desired . Moreover , the falling foul upon Piedmont was resolved upon in the Court of Spain , long before the League was renewed . For they no sooner heard of the League made between the King of France , and the Swedes and Hollanders , to the prejudice of the Spanish Crown , and particularly to the State of Millain ; but the King of Spain thought it became him to provide for the necessary defence of those parts ; and as for the Affairs of Italy , he gave order to the Governour of Millain , that he should immediately march with his Army against Piedmont , and should prevent the Forces of France and Piedmont ; by which he was likely to be immediately assaulted in the State of Millain . To this effect , he sent him monies and men ; and promised him that he should be provided with all things abundantly from Germany , and from the Kingdom of Naples : So as the necessity which the Civilians call Causativa , by which the Dowager was compelled by the Cardinal to joyn with her Brother against the Spaniards , was turn'd to a necessity , which the same Civilians call Praecisa ; & therefore she who was very unwillingly drawn to renew the League , and who by many subterfuges delay'd the subscribing it , when she saw her self assaulted in Piedmont by the Spaniards , thought it no longer fit to defer it . The Governour of Millain had scarcely done with the troubles before Bremi , nor were the Souldiers well cured of the wounds which they there received , when these commands came to the Governour of Millain from the King ; he thought that the State of Millain being now free from the French by the recovery of Bremi , his Government should hereafter be peaceful ; but being surprized by new and unexpected orders , he was forced to turn his sayles according to the unlooked for wind , which was contrary to his calculation . He therefore by means of moneys newly received , gave order for the raising of 4000 Swissers ; and propounded Vercelli to himself for his first enterprize ; to the end , that when he should be master thereof , his way might be open for further progress in Piedmont . This new War made by Spain against Piedmont was made in the Kings Name , without any mention of the Princes or their Interests , which the King did not then think good to have to do with ; were it either that he thought his Forces sufficient to invade Piedmont , without those of the Princes , or that he thought the making use of their name would do him but little good , and be of great expence to him ; or that he thought it misbecame his Forces to embrue their hands in civil Wars , and to foment discord between the Nephew and Uncles , equally allied in blood to him : However it was , the Governour , in obedience to the Kings commands , sent speedily and secretly to all the Souldiers that were quartered in the Lomellina , that they should march towards Palestre ; where having immediately thrown a Bridge over the Sesia , he made his Horse pass over it , that the passes about Vercelli might be taken , and so all supply kept out ; and the Foot being come the same day , towards night , they were suddenly quarter'd in several places about the Town . The Spaniards and Burgondians were quarter'd between the River Sero and St. Bartolomeo , the Italians were quarter'd between St. Bartolomeo and the Zocolanti , or Franciscan Fryars . The Dutch and Grisons , which were newly confederated , and which Grisons were never before known to fight in the Spanish Camp , were quarter'd between the Zocolanti and the Sesia : the Island which is made by the Sesia and the Sero , being the most dangerous place of all the rest , as most exposed to be assaulted by the Enemy , was allotted for quarter to the Marquess Iovan Francisco Serra , a Genoese ; to whom the Governour gave a Brigade of old Neapolitans , that he might serve with them as Camp-master in the present war : and because the place required a better Garrison to defend it , there were added some Companies of Spaniards , and Grisons , and some Millaineses ; and that so sudden and unexpected a moving might not appeare strange and unjustifiable ; the Governour leaving Cardinal Trivultio , at the Helm of the State when he marched into the State , published a Manifesto in form of an Edict , wherein repeating what hath been formerly said , he told ; that the King of France , contrary to the Articles of Ratisbone & Cherasco , had through threats gotten Pinarvolo from the late Duke ; and had afterwards constrained him to joyn in league against the State of Millain ; which notwithstanding the King of Spain , bearing with that Dukes Childrens minority , and considering that those States were governed by a Dowager Princess , had pardoned the hostility committed against him by the Father , and the Grand-father , and not using any resentment against the Orphans , or the Widow , or State of Piedmont , had continued his love and Protection to that Ducal House ; so as he had not onely forborn all hostility , but had acquainted the Dowager , that if she desired peace and friendship with him she should not assist the French Armies with men , Victuals , or any other thing , nor continue the league with the King of France , but should continue a real Neutrality between the two Crowns ; offering her , moreover , to assist her with all the Forces of his Crown , in case she should be troubled by her brother , for her Neutrality ; that the Dowager not being permitted by her brother to embrace so justifiable , and so convenient a contract , was forced to enter into a league against the State of Millain , to the end that the King of France might afterwards possess himself of the Orphans State ; that therefore his Majesty being desirous to continue his Protection to the State , and knowing that there was no other humane means to free it from oppression ; but to make himself master of the Towns of Piedmont , he was compelled to assault them , not out of any intent of keeping them , but to drive out the French , and to compel them to a good peace ; by which when they should restore Pinarvolo , and all other the Dukes Towns , his Majesty would also restore whatsoever he should have gotten by his Arms in Piedmont ; and that so the House of Savoy being put into peaceful and quiet possession of the States which it inherited from it's predecessors , might enjoy them in peace and security ; he profest therefore that he intended not to make War upon the Natural Subjects of the Country , nor to enter Piedmont as an Enemy ; wherefore he exhorted the natural Piedmonteses , that as he would not suffer his Souldiers to injure them , they should also forbear wronging his Souldiers ; & that keeping correspondency with his Majesties Forces they would not oppose their so justifiable intentions , which aimed only at the well-fare of their natural Prince , and of Piedmont : and he lastly declared , that if they should do otherwise , and assist the French Forces , he should be forced to alter his manner of making War , and make them partake of the miseries which war brings with it usually . This pretence of Protection , clad with gracious and affectionate appearance , was not generally thought real , and , in process of time , was known to be feigned by the Governour , to make his taking up arms appear less odious ; for the King of Spain , his Court , and whole Nation , provoked by Wars made against him , sometimes by Duke Charles Emanuel , sometimes by Duke Victorio , who joyned in league with France , to his prejudice , and now lastly by the present Dowager ; who having renewed the league with her brother , was ready to make War upon him ; not being able to suffer any longer so many hostile Acts , resolved at last to cast aside all his Royal respects which inclined him to the good of Savoy ; and though he knew that the Dowager was compelled to that War , and that neither she nor her young son were guilty of their predecessors attempt , and much less of this whereunto they were forced ; yet seeing that the King of France , who was more neerly concern'd in his Sister and Nephews interest , cared little for what of prejudice might redound to them thereby , so as he might make War offensive upon the State of Millain ; neither did he the King of Spain , who was the party assaulted , think himself bound to suffer himself to be wrought upon by those respects of love and compassion which prevailed nothing with the King of France ; The Edict being published , the Governour , in execution of the Kings Commands , went to encamp before Vercelli ; which was a City begirt with walls , strengthned by Bulwarks , and environed by a large Ditch , beyond the which were many fortifications , ordered and made with incomparable industry by Duke Charles Emanuel , when it was restored to him by Articles of peace , in the year 1617 , after it had been taken from him by Don Pedro di Toledo : by which excellent fortifications which rendred it almost impregnable , it was in a manner new built . The Marquess Dogliano son in law to General Villa , a great confident of the Dowagers , was Governour of the Town ; who together with his Father in Law opposed the Marshal , when after the Dukes death he would have taken it : two days before the arrival of the enemies Army , there were two Troops of Horse entred into the Town , which were sent from Turin ; which came in a very seasonable time : for the more secure the Town was by reason of the fortifications , the more need it had of Souldiers ; for there were in it only three Troops of Horse , the two Troops that came last being therein numbred , and the Foot of the Garrison , together with the Citizens which were fit to bear Arms , were far short of that number which was requisite to defend all the works ; but the Defendants , though they were but few , trusting in the relief which they shortly expected , betook themselves couragiously to the business ; they knew that the French Army was fallen down from the Alps , and was come into Piedmon●… , more in number by what was given out then indeed they were ; but in effect , being joyned to the Dowagers men they made neer about 7000 Foot , and 3000 Horse . The French Army was commanded by the Cardinal Della Vallette , and by his elder brother the Duke of Candale ; who though they Commanded the Kings Forces in Piedmont with equal Authority , and with the like title of General , yet the Cardinal had the preheminency in Authority ; both by reason of his being Cardinal , and for that the Cardinal Richelieu did more confide in him ; but as the news of these Forces , which were presently to come to relieve the Town , did much encourage the Defendants , so did it make the Governour of Millain the more careful to fence himself against such a force , which he foresaw would fall upon him , when his Siege was at the fairest ; and therefore having allotted their quarters to each nation he betook himself with all diligence to draw the line , which was about ten miles in compass ; a work not only strong for the large compass thereof , for the greatness and heighth , but more for the deepness of the ditch which it was environed with , for the Artillery which was set in several convenient places , and for being very well tackled : the line was soon finished through the diligence which the Governour caused to be used therein ; but though the work nor workmen were not disturb'd from without , for the great store of rain which fell , kept the enemy from advancing fast , yet were they often assaulted from within by the Garrison of the Town ; who whilest the Army being busied about their Fortifications , did not much minde the Siege , made out four Sallies at one and the same time ; which being given in four several places , they were at last repulsed , though they fought valiantly ; and in one of them , which was made on the Governours own Quarters , they left many behind them , whereof four Captains , and one Serjeant Major . The line being finished , they fell to make their approaches , and order was given to make batteries ; the Spaniards and Burgonians wrought over against a great Tenaglia which was before them ; the Dutch and Grisons wrought over against another Tenaglia which stood on the Front of their Quarters ; and the Italians wrought also hard against a great Bulwark which was without the City , all of them striving who should be the first that should finish their task . And whilst these were thus busied , they ceased not to molest the City in several manners , particularly with Granadoes , which flying on high , and then falling into the City , broke down houses , and few many . They betook themselves also at the same time to the taking of certain little houses , which though they were without the Enemies Fortifications , were not abandoned by the Defendants . The Dutch went against these on one side , and the Italians on another ; and at last they took them , though not without much loss of blood to the assailants ; amongst the rest Bartholomeo Palavicino was there slain , a Captain of Horse , whilst he was backing the Foot who fought against the little Houses ; Count Iulio Cesare Boromeo , Camp-master , was also slain there . The Defendants were not discouraged at the loss of these two Houses , but sallying out the next day , they recovered that which the Dutch had taken , and slew almost all that had taken it , and took the Captain Prisoner , who was notwithstanding rescued by his own men before the fight was over , and the same House was again regained by them , not without much loss of blood : But as the Camp without was held work by the sallies from within , so did not they cease to molest the Enemies Country which was without , by sending out Horse . Don Vincenzo Gonzaga routed a Troop of Tronsono's Horse ; and others did the like . The news of succour which was coming did this mean while encrease ; and the Dowager being much concern'd in the preservation of this Town , resolved to go her self in person to Crescentino , where the whole body of the relieving Aemy was to meet : Here she assisted at the general Musters , encouraging the Souldiers with her presence , and by her fair demeanour , and by her speech , wherewith she was richly endowed by nature ; she incouraged the Captains , and chief Officers , giving them rich presents , and omitted not any thing which might incite them to expedition , and to behave themselves bravely in this business , which , the more to inanimate them , she called hers : but the Army was retarded by the abundance of rain , which kept them from marching ; at last , after long delay , they marched on with ten piece of great Cannon . The Cardinal , and the Duke his Brother , who were naturally given to be extraordinary circumspect , slow and irresolute , in all their Military actions , did also much delay this succour ; insomuch as they appeared not in sight of the besieging Army till 20 days after they had begun the Siege . The Governour had therefore the longer time to perfect his Fortifications , and to bring on his approaches , and to throw a Bridge over the Sesia , by which he might send to encounter the enemy , in case they should attempt to relieve the Town on that side ; at last the first ranks of the French appeared on this side the River , and all the rest appeared soon after ; but the Commanders stood some days idle , contemplating the strength of the Trenches , which finding to be almost unvanquishable , they also threw a Bridge over the Sesia , over against the Abbey of St. Lasaro , by which they sent men to possess themselves of that Abby , which being defended but by 60 Souldiers , after the making of some shot , surrendred ; here the French made their head-quarter , and began diligently to fortifie it ; viewing attentively on which side , and where , they might best bring the relief ; and the Governour , though at the first appearance of the enemy he seemed very desirous to fall to an assault , lest in case of delay his Army might be assaulted by the enemy on the back , yet he was kept from doing so , for that all things were not ready for an assault . For though the Spaniards were already come to the brink of the ditch of the Tenaglia , on the front whereof there stood a Half-moon , which was made undefensible by their Cannon-shot ; and though the Dutch were also gotten to the ditch of the other Tenaglia ; yet the Italians , who were in the middle between them , were not come within 45 paces of the Bulwark which they were to assault ; and yet the Governour fearing to be disturb'd if he made any longer delay , setting all considerations of whatsoever difficulties aside , gave Order that every one should be ready in their quarters , about two a clock at night . Thus the sign being given at the hour appointed , they fell on couragiously ; and finding the defendants awake and vigilant , the conflict was great , and hard , the defendants assisting themselves with Granadoes , Fire-works and Stones ; and the assailants as valiantly overcoming all difficulties , continued constant in the enterprise . The Spaniards having first of all bereft the Half-moon which stood before them , of all defence by their Artillery , got upon the Tenaglia , and killing some , and taking other some of the defendants prisoners , they became masters of it , and fortified themselves therein ; the like befell the Dutch , who likewise took the other Tenaglia : The Italians met with more difficulty , as not being yet fully prepared ; the Bulwark which fell to their share yet overcoming all difficulties , they advanced unto the ditch , and driving away the defendants betook themselves to the Bulwark , which not having been plaid upon appeared impregnable ; yet being masters of the ditch they would not quit the enterprise ; but digged a Mine , the fear whereof made the Bulwark be abandoned the next day ; and the assailants took it , and fortified themselves there : the defendants were astonished at the loss of these three chief places ; the rather for that they saw it was done whilst the French Army looked on ; who without moving suffer'd these three so important Works to be lost ; and yet when those within the Town were offer'd fair conditions by the Governour , they shewed much courage and confidence in their answer : but , on the other side , they acquainted the French Army with what they had suffer'd , and in how great danger they were of being lost , if not soon relieved , not only in defending themselves against assaults , and in sallying out , but for want of bullet , to supply the which all the Pewter of the City had already been made use of ; upon which news the French Army advanced to within Musket-shot of the City on Sandoval side , and intending to break down the enemies Bribge they sent a Fire-boat down the River , which being detained fell on fire to no purpose ; yet resolving to bring relief , they cast their eye upon the Island made by Servo and Sesia ; and thinking that , as indeed it was , to be the weakest part , they resolved to pass by there ; and to keep the Spanish Camp from re-enforcing the Island , upon the coming on of night they made several seeming assaults upon sundry parts of the Line : nor did the Stratagem prove vain ; for the enemy fearing that the succour would be attempted on a part which was guarded only by the common people , they sent for some men from the Island , thither ; though the Marquess Serra , whose charge it was to defend the Island , did sufficiently oppose it ; so about the fourth hour of the night a Body of 1500 Foot advanced , part French , led on by Colonel St. Andrea ; and partly Savoyards and Piedmontese , led on by Colonel Senantes . The Cardinal deputed Monsieur di Castellano , a Marshal of the French Camp , and the Marquess of Pianezza , General of the Dowagers Foot , to order the whole action ; who had leave to cull out the best commanded men both of the French and Piedmontese , to order the business , to discover the foords , and to pass their men thorough them , whilst the rest of the Army stood ready to keep off any diversion : the relievers waded over the foord , which came up to their middle ; and the Marquess Serra prepared for defence industriously , notwithstanding his Forces were dismembred , they were stoutly resisted every where ; and the attempt would doubtlesly have failed , if aguard of Grisons , who were placed between the Spaniards and Italians , had fought as stoutly as the rest did ; but no resistance being there made ( for they basely abandoned the station at the very first brunt ) the relievers began to pass over the Line . Serra who was imploy'd elsewhere when the business began , came to that place ; and finding that the defendants had basely thrown away their Arms , and were directly run away , he encouraged those few that followed him , and gave in amongst the thickest of the enemy ; where fighting with much danger to himself , and encouraging others by his example , he stopt the current of the relievers ; and though he was shot through the Arm by a Musket , he continued fighting , till Francisco Tuttavilla , Lieutenant to the Camp master General , came in to his relief with a squadron of those who were under Bolognino ; and who having no certain place allotted them to defend , were appointed to go where there should be most need : And Bolognino coming in with the rest after Tuttavilla , those relievers who had not yet past the line were repuls'd . Moreover , the Horse which being distributed into several squadrons stood in guard between the City and the line , were faulty also upon this occasion ; some whereof ran down-right away , and part being deceived by the succourers , who in the dark night cried Viva la Spagna , past by those Horse , and stole into the City ; and about 1200 of them entred with the succour , which did prolong the life of the Town for a few days , but was not sufficient to do so long : For the Enemy having possess'd themselves of the chiefest out-works , those of the Town were not able to recover them , though they endeavourd it . For they sallied to recover the Bulwark which was taken by the Italians ; here the conflict was greater then in other parts and it had been recovered , had not Bolognino advanced with the most of his men ; and , after a bloody contest , forc'd them to retreat ; and the assaults given for the two Tenaglia's had the like fortune ; from both which , after a fierce fight , the Assailants were beaten back . The Governour being angry to see the Town relieved , made some Officers be proceeded against and put to death ; who thorough their carelesness were the occasion thereof : And when he saw the Defendants beaten back from the recovery of those places which his men had taken , he made that part of the Island be better fortified and put more men into it , by which the Enemy had got in , and made all the batteries be doubled , the approaches advanced , and all things necessary prepared to give another general assault . And because a squadron of Horse appeared beyond the River , which turned towards the foot of the Bridge that was thrown over on the other side , he ordered some Horse to go out against them , who forc'd the Enemies Horse to retreat , and slew many of them . The French Army finding by these proceedings , the impossibility of advancing with succour , they fell to battery , and placed 16 peece of Cannon on the side just opposite against the City ; which commanding the Island , play'd furiously upon the fortifications wherewith it was munited . The like was done from the City , not so much by Cannon , as by Musket-shot ; which being given fire unto neerer hand , hurt many of the Garrisons of the neighbouring works and Trenches . Those who defended the Island did not onely shelter themselves against these batteries , but raised a counter-battery , whereby they did much prejudice to some Regiments that were come to quarter neerer . In this interim , those of the City made out a good and gallant sally with 600 Musketeirs , against a little Fort which was raised in the Island , by which ( if it had been taken ) great relief might have been brought into the City . And to this purpose Marquess Villa , who held intelligence with those within the Town , was come to the River side , and was ready to introduce it ; but neither did this attempt succeed ; for those that defended the little Fort stood firm , and with-stood the first affault , till fresh Horse came in to their assistance ; who playing upon the Enemy on the flank , forc'd them after a long and obsimate skirmish to retreat , having slain above 50 of them , and taken eight of their Captains , whereof four dyed , and four remained Prisoners ; by reason of this misfo●…tune , and for because the Spanish Horse scouring the Country , kept back victuals , and keept the Enemies Camp from forraging , the Cardinal , and Duke of Vallette , who had made the battery onely to satisfie the pressing desires of the Dowagers Commanders , began to think upon giving over ; they were hereunto incited by the reinforcement of 4000 Swissers which were by the Governours orders newly come unto the Camp ; but they were compelled much more to abandon the enterprize speedily , hearing that Cardinal Trivultio was come from Millain , with 8000 good Foot , and that he was upon his march to assault them in their works ; so as growing cautious , and circumspect , according to their custom , they were resolved not to be entrapped between the Cardinal and the Governour , who was now re-inforced with new men ; they therefore removed their Artillery , and past back over the Sesia , and going round the line by long marches , they intended to fall upon the enemy on the opposite part of the line which was over against the Pralvolo ; which resolution , as it occasioned great consternation amongst the besieged , who thought themselves abandoned ; so did it much comfort the besiegers , who were not long able to continue in that condition , by reason of the prejudice they received by battery , from which they could not well shelter themselves by reason of the stony & gravelly earth ; and more by reason of the thunder of Cannon , and hail of Musket-shot , which absolutely impeded their works by day , and beat down those which they could make in the nights , which were now grown short ; and it was thought by the Piedmontese , and by the Spanish Commanders , that if that battery had been continued a little longer , the Town would undoubtedly have been freed , and the Victory gotten . The Lords of Vallette , being freed from Trivultio's imminent danger , by passing over the Sesia , sent some of their Horse a little lower , to the end that being past over the Sesia at Palestre , by which way victuals were brought to the Spanish Camp , they might block up that Avenue . Palastre was not onely taken , but sack'd , and great booty was gotten there ; these Horse quarter'd in the neighbouring Towns , thinking that by their yet further keeping the Spanish Camp from Victuals , it would the sooner be forced to raise the Seige : they failed in this design , as well because the Camp was already provided with as much as might serve them for a fortnight , ( in which time the enemies horse would have been forced to seek new quarters ) as also that though the passage by Palastre was blocked up , that of Novara was open , by the enemies departure from the Abby , which was more commodious for the conveying of Victuals . There hapned many Skirmishes between these Horses and those who guarded the line on that part ; and it being known that the French Army , though it was past over the Sesia , would not give over the business ; but rather that being recruited by new Forces come from France , they would quickly return , and joyning with the Horse at Palastre , would resume it with more vigour ; therefore the quarter by the Abby was better fortified , whither that recruit of men were sent , who did defend the Island when it was in greatest danger ; nor did their provisions cease here ; the Governour did greatly desire to make use of this advantage of the enemies being gone , that he might the more safely give a general assault , without danger of being fallen upon by the enemy on the back : he therefore ordered all things with the greatest diligence that might be ; to this effect , he sollicited all his men to throw galleries over the Ditch ; he made the battery by Cannon be redoubled , to make breaches ; and provided for all other things necessary . So as all their endeavours were to get to the walls by the shortest way , though it were not very safe doing so ; and whilest they were intent hereupon they heard that the enemy would quarter the next day at Prarnold , a Town on the right hand of the river under Vercelli , not above a mile distant from the line ; wherefore though things were not very well in order , the Governour gave directions for a general assault to be given the next day ; the Italians battery had not as yet made a sufficient breach in the Wall ; and the Spaniards though they had sprung a Mine between the Bulwark de Nobili and that of S. Andrea , yet it proved uneffectual , by a strange accident ; for twenty yards of the Wall which was blown up by the violence of the fire fell down entire and whole into the same place where it stood before , and did so joyn , as there appeared not any the least gap whereby they might enter ; the Dutch were onely in somewhat a better condition ; for they had made themselves masters not onely of the platform , but also of a half Moon which was in the Tenaglia which they had gotten a little before ; these three Nations going , by the Governours orders , to the assault , they fought with more courage then fortune : for the Italians , who under Count Iovanni Boromeo coming with much courage to the breach which was made by the Cannon , and which was not yet perfected , were sorely gauled both on the Front and Flank , by four pieces of Cannon , by Musket-shot , and by stones , So as not being able so much as to get over the Ditch , which was partly full of water , and partly full of stiff Clay , they were forced to go about by the Gallery , at the Foot of the Wall , and to go round about above fifty paces , to find the breach , to which not being able to get without much prejudice ( for they were every where exposed to the enemies Muskets ; ) Don Carlo Della Gatta resolved to fall with his Brigade upon the Bulwark from whence the assaulters were played upon ; this Bulwark was made of earth and Fagots , and was environ'd with a dry ditch ; so as Gatta thought he might easily gain it ; which if he had done , he held for certain that , the impediment ceasing , the breach might be easiy entred ; but he was deceived : for being shot in the leg by a Musket , he was forced to retreat ; and though his Serjeant Major Iovan Battista Brancaccio got , with some of the hardiest of that Brigade , beyond the middle of the Bulwark , yet they were stoutly resisted , and at last repuls'd : as were they also who were gotten to the breach through so many dangers , under Boromeo ; nor did the Spaniards do what they intended ; for having in vain attempted that place where the Mine had played to no purpose , and failing of their hopes by reason of the green bulwark , by which they were play'd upon on the Flank , they sent 500 Foot to take it ; who having fought a long while , they sometimes thought to gain it ; as they had done , notwithstanding that it was stoutly defended , had not the Governour Dogliano , who saw the danger , sent a body of French seasonably thither under Colonel S. Andrea , a stout and understanding Commander of the same nation ; who though he fell being shot by a Musket ; yet having together with the rest discharged the part of a gallant man , the Assailants were forced to retreat ; nor did the assault given by the Dutch prove more effectual ; who when they had gotten the plat-form and the half moon , ( as hath been said ) went to assault the breach which they had made : For though it was noysed that the Spaniards had scaled the walls , which made them desirous to appear no less forward then they , yet finding the Defendants very ready and resolute , it was not possible for them to advance . So as the Governour of Millain finding by the many disadvantages of the unseasonable assault , and by the good order and resolution of the Defendants , that it would be but loss of time to persevere in the enterprize , and that it was impossible to do more ; after four hours fierce and obstinate fight , he ordered a retreat to be beaten , and that the assault should be given over , by which there was nothing got but the plat-form and half moon which the Dutch had taken , and the death of Colonel St. Andrea , which was reputed a great loss by them within the Town . But neither did the Dutch keep that long which they had gotten , for they were driven from thence within a few hours , being assaulted before they were fully fortified . And notwithstanding that they resisted stoutly , yet so furious was the assault , as ( none coming to assist them ) they were but hardly dealt with , and many of the chief of them were slain ; amongst which , the Lieutenant of Prince Borso , who commanded them : The reason why no succour was sent , was , for that the Enemies Horse hearing that the assault was given came from Parvolo , and by falling upon the Line endeavoured to assist the assaulted City , at least by diversion , by drawing the Enemy from assaulting the City , to defend their own Camp , as they necessarily must do . The Assailants and Defendants having vied who should shew most Valour and Resolution , the Marquess of Caracena , with his Brigade of Spaniards , began to sink a Mine under that wall which played , and the Italians sunk another under the wall that was batter'd ; and the Dutch , not being able to sit down by the affront which they had received , endeavour'd the next day to regain the works which they had lost ; and going in a great body to assault them , after a long contest , they lodged in the half moons parapet , advanced to the foot of the plat-form , under which they sunk another great Mine : And when fire was ready to be given , and that they were prepared for a general assault , the Marquess of Caracena , as he was ready to give fire unto his Mine , and to fall to an assault , might hear a parly beaten from within the Town , wherewith he presently acquainted the Governour ; who commanding that all offence should be forborne , wish'd him to know of the Enemie what Articles they demanded ? they demanded that Hostages might be given , and then that the treaty might begin ; which being granted , the Treaty lasted long ; at last the difficulty was reduced to the time of surrender : The Town demanded eight dayes , and the Governour would give but two hours , and both parties being stiff in their proposals ; and answers , it was at last agreed , that the Assailants should enter the works that were yet in the Defendants hands , beyond the ditch , at two hours before sun-set next day , and that the Defendants should march out of the City at two of the clock the next day , and deliver up the City to the Governour ; with leave to carry away the bones of Duke Victorio , who was there slain and buried : In performance of which agreement , the works were presently quitted , and afterwards the City was delivered up unto Marquess of Caracensa , who took possession of it , at the end of 40 dayes after the siege was begun . The Souldiers marched out with their Arms and Baggage , Drums beating , Bullet in mouth , Match lighted , and Colours flying , and carried with them three peeces of Cannon , with a safe-conduct , to convoy them ( and necessary carriages ) to St. Ia , as was agreed upon by Articles . And they marched out , if not glorious for their gallant defence and keeping of the City , at lest with much honour both to the Commanders and Souldiers , for the singular Valour which they had shewed in defending the City . The Dowager was much troubled at the loss of Vercelli , she being thereby deprived , at the beginning of her Regency , of so noble and important a place , the very Bulwark and Frontier of Piedmont ; and she was not well satisfied with the Cardinal of Valletta ; who being at the time of the surrender in Parvolo , but two miles from Vercelli , if he had behaved himself otherwise then he did , it was thought the City might have been preserved ; for he was taxed commonly with coolness and irresolution , in the whole carriage of this business . Vercelli being surrendred , the Spanish Army kept there , busying themselves in demolishing the line , and in repairing the walls which were beaten down by battery . And at the same time the French and Piedmontese retreated not far off to Costanza and Petegno , where they tarried till the Spanish Army returned to the State of Millain ; which they did not till they had furnish'd Vercelli sufficiently with Victuals and Munition , and with a very good Garrison ; At whose departure , the French and Piedmontese Army went to the parts about Cassalle , where they lay loytering all that Summer . For the Governour fell fick of a Fever which he had contracted thorough his pains-taking during the siege , and which made him keep his bed two moneths ; so as he forbore troubling the Enemy , & was not troubled by them . But Don Francisco di Melo , who was gone long before into Spain , being returned into Italy about the end of Summer , with the command also of Governour of the Forces in the State of Millain , went not long after the beginning of September into the Field with an Army ; and passing over the Sesia at La Motta , made as if he would go to Trino , that he might draw the Enemy into those parts ; but turning suddenly upon Bremi , he past over the Poe ; and sending Carlo della Gatta to take Pomaro , he kept in Giroli till the business of Pomaro was ended : which whilst it was prolonged by the difficulty of battery , and by the necessity of reiterating Mines , the Cardinal went out of Cassalle , together with the General of the Horse , to spy what the Enemy did ; and finding that they came to meet him , he retreated to Cassalle , leaving the Gene●…al of the Horse in the Field , that he might seem to make some resistance , between whom , and the General of the Spaniards Horse , some little skirmishes of very small moment past ; and the Spaniards being on their way towards Alessandria , the French and Savoyards past over the Poe , and having taken Montemango and Rifrancore , they went to Filizzano ; where throwing a Bridge over the Tanaro , they tarried till towards the end of October , daily skirmishing with the Enemy , till both of them , forced by the cold weather , and for want of Forrage , returned to their winter quarters ; the Castle of Pomaro being first taken , which was immediately demolished : whilest affairs proceeded thus slowly in Lombardy , there hapned a Sea conflict , and that no small one , above Genoa , between fifteen French , and fifteen Spanish Gallies : those of Spain were conducted by Don Roderigo di Velasco , Captain of the Admiral of Sicily , whom all the rest were under ; and they were full of Foot , who were to land at Finale , and so to go for the State of Millain ; which being known by the French Gallies , which were come from Provence in equal number under their General , Count Poncurletto , well provided of rowers , and fighting men , and who keeping upon the Seas of Provence went in pursuit of the Spaniards , but with intention not to fight them till they had landed their men ; it hapned that the Spaniards , for some occasion of their own , came to Anchor upon the shore of Finale ; which when the French knew , they thought that they had landed their men there , and that therefore they might safely fight them , and take them whilst they returned empty to Genoa : the Spanish Admiral , who was more couragious then considerate , being aware thereof , refused not battel which he thought was presented by the Enemy , not considering how much the Kings interests were concern'd in that conflict : the French made towards the Spaniards , full of fervour , and hope ; but when they were come neer , and found them well provided of men , they were somewhat astonished ; yet being so near as they could not retreat , they must be content and fall to work ; but one of them which shut up the left wing , for meer fear , hoysed sail before the fight began , and escaped the danger : they encountred some miles above Genoa , on the first of September , the day being fair and calm ; they fought a long while with equal fortune valiantly on both sides : The Spaniards were more in number of fighting men then the French , but came short of them in number and quality of Mariners , who were all Voluntiers , and well furnished with pebble-stones , which ( abandoning their Oars in the conflict ) they threw in such abundance , as the Spaniards not being able to hold their Muskets in their hands , and much less govern them , they were for a while much impeded , and of no use : The French exceeded the Spaniards also in Targets , and in certain little Castles which stood on their Prows , lined some with course Canvas , some with Mattresses , whereof they provided themselves well , as being come with an intention to fight ; whereas the Spaniards , who came casually to fight , were unprovided of any such defences ; but the French had much more the better of the Spaniards , by the shameful running away of four of the Spanish Gallies , who , the first Volley of Shot being given , withdrew themselves , and in the heat of the conflict abandoned their companions ; and yet the eleven Spanish Gallies which remained fought so valiantly , though upon such disadvantage , as when the hail of stones ceased , they slew many of the French , and begun to have the better of the business , had not a stratagem used by the French gotten them the victory ; who began to cry out liberty , liberty ; at the hearing whereof , the Spanish Gally slaves , who were partly Turks , partly people that were condemned to the O●…r , or sold for a prize , mutined and began to turn upon their Masters , who not being able to resist their enemies at home , and abroad , after an obstinate and fierce Fight were rather Conquered then Conquerours ; and the French being but hardly dealt with , the Fight was rather parted , then given over ; where in an hours space , there were slain 4000 , between Souldiers , Mariners , and Gally-slaves ; the French took five of the Spanish Gallies ; and the Spaniards took three of the French Gallies ; the French returned towards Provence , but with so few men of any condition whatsoever , as they could hardly rid any way , not sailing above 12 or miles a day ; and set aside the greater number of Gallies that were taken by the French , and the Spanish Admiral 's being taken Prisoner , who being sorely wounded died within two days , and that the French were Masters of the Field ; they got nothing of advantage by the Fight ; and they return'd so slowly , as they left the Admiral of Spain by the way , not being able to carry her along . Not long after this conflict the young Duke of Savoy died , in the seventh year of his Age , on the third of October , 1638 , within one year after his Father ; whose death was the last thing that hapned that year , and made more way for what hapned afterwards . Charles Emanuel succeeded him , the only remaining male-issue of Duke Victorio Amadeo , being but four years old ; wherefore the Princes succession growing the neerer ( for the women , according to the Law Salick , do not succeed in Savoy ) their pretentions increased the more ; and it seemed more justifiable that they should be admitted into the Regency with their Sister in Law ; that in case this their Nephew should die , there might be no occasion of con●…ending with her for succession ; but that changing the title of Guardian into that of absolute Prince , he of the two Princes who was to succeed might remain Duke without any interruption of right . These ends and intentions were corroborated by speeches that were quickly given out both in Italy and elsewhere , that the Child , who was of perfect health , was melancholy , and of a weak complexion , and like his Brother , not likely to live long , and that he was subject to great sicknesses ; that the Dowager joyned closer with the French ; and did not only willingly keep them in Piedmont , but brought them in ; that she treated of putting Towns and Forts into their hands ; and that which irritated the people more against the Dowager , and took them off from the good inclination they bare her before , was , that the King of France his first Son being born a little before the Duke of Savoys death , the Dowager was in treaty of a marriage between the young Dolphine and her eldest Daughter , with the States of Piedmont and Savoy for her portion ; as if the succession did belong to her after the death of the two last Dukes , excluding her two Uncles ; and for the better confirmation of this rumour , it was also said , that the Court of France had fallen upon the same consideration , as might be known by certain printed Papers which were publickly sold in Paris touching this business ; and that the Dowager had put this case to her favorites , the Civilians of Piedmont , which was very unlikely , not to say , a fiction ; for , not to say any thing of the disparity of ten years in age , which was between these two young Princes , and of the various contingencies which might disturb this match ; it was more then certain , that the Dowager could have no such thoughts during her Sons life ; and in case he should die , her authority would be at an end , whereby it would be impossible to effect it ; and yet these rumours had some impression upon the common people , who look not inwardly into things , and upon such as though they consider them and know them to be very vain , are notwithstanding born away with passion , and desire of novelty . The Princes pretences being favoured by these rumours and new accidents , began to be embraced and protected by the King of Spains Forces , whose Agents had been hitherto deaf to all entreaties , and far from embracing them ; and the people having been found to be averse to those ends and intentions in the business of Vercelli , wherewith they adorned the war already made against that State , they began to believe , that if war should be made in Piedmont upon the score of putting the Government into the Princes hand , the business would proceed the better ; and that if the Princes would appear therein themselves in person , it would excite the people to be more fervent in driving out the French , and in suppressing the Dowagers party ; they therefore applied themselves to maintain the Princes pretences with their Forces , and to listen the more willingly thereunto . The Prince Cardinal , hearing of his Nephews death , was once more privately stollen from Rome , and was unexpectedly come to Piedmont ; and because at that very instant the Town of Carmagnuola was found to favour him , and soon after the very Citadel of Turin , it was thought that he was come with a firm belief to be admitted into them both ; in which case , taking it for granted that he should undoubtedly be favoured by the people , and back'd by the Spaniards , he was sure that the Dowager would be able to do little , and that his pretentions would be brought to a happy end ; but such designs , being usually fallacious , proved to be so very much in this case ; for being come within a few miles of Carmagnuola , he found the Treaty was discovered and prevented ; so as being kept out from thence he turned towards Cheri , as a fitting place whereby to get into the Citadel of Turin : being come to Cheri he found there , that the Treaty of the Citadel was also discovered and prevented . The Dowager was not a little moved , when at the unexpected coming of the Prince she found so important Treaties discovered ; and much more when she saw the Spanish Forces were advanced to the Confines of Alba and Asti ; yet not at all dismaid , she failed neither in Courage nor Counsel ; but drawing the Piedmontese Garrison presently out of the Garrison of the Citadel , she put thereinto a Regiment of Lorreiners , commanded by the Signeior di San ' Martino , a Gentleman well vers'd in Arms , and an ancient servant of the Court of Turin , who had been often imploy'd by Duke Victorio in the Government of Vercelli , and of other chief Towns ; and she secured the former Governour , and the other complices of the treaty ; she got the Cardinal della Valetta , to convey them to Sommarina del Bosco ; she doubled the Guards of the City , and those of the Dukes Palace , and put all the Souldiers in Arms ; which being done , she dispatched away Count Gabaleone , who was Commissary General of her Foot , to the Cardinal with Letters , and with a Company of her Guard ; who coming into Cheri , and making himself master of one Gate , went to the Prince Cardinal ; and giving him the Dowagers Letter , he told him how much her royal Highness wondered at his Highness coming in that manner to Piedmont ; he acquainted him with her jealousie , by reason of the circumstances which preceded , and accompanied his coming , and with what had been then discovered ; and finally , he let him know how unsafe it would be for him to tarry there , in respect of the French Forces threatning him with so imminent danger ; he told him that , notwithstanding , he was very loth that any thing of bad should befal him ; to witness the which , he offer'd him her Royal Highness Guard to wait upon him to some place of safety . To all this the Inhabitants of Cheri's intreaties were added ; who fearing to be proceeded with severely , if they should be thought to receive the Prince , desired him that he would not be cause of so much mischief to them by his tarrying there ; wherefore the Prince finding that his intelligences did no good , that the Dowager was fortified and well provided upon all occasions , himself unarmed , being accompanied onely by two Gentlemen , a Secretary , and three Foot-men , he thought fit to give way unto the times , and to wait a better occasion ; wherefore staying but one night in Cheri , he departed thence the next morning , and went towards Annone ; being still followed at a distance by the Dowagers Guard , conducted by Gabaleone ; but with such respect , as he seemed rather to be honourably attended by them to the confines of the State , then compel'd to go out ; he tarried in the State of Millain , expecting the Prince his Brother , who was to come thither shortly from Flanders ; and being displeased he writ back to the Dowager , that under vain pretences , and contrary to all Laws both Divine and Humane , he was banish'd from his Paternal Country which God and Nature had given him ; and complaining of the imputations wherewith he was charged , that he held intelligence in the Towns of Piedmont , and of his being threatned with the French Army , he added , that as the small company which he brought with him into Piedmont did fully demonstrate the vanity of the imputations which were laid unto him ; so it shewed how little he feared the French Forces , building upon the peoples love and favour , against any attempt of the French ; he , finally , desired her not to credit such imputations , and not to shew any resentment upon those who were maliciously blamed to have held treaties with him ; but this his intercession prevailed not ; for being found guilty , they were by the Senate condemn'd to be put to death ; process was made against the Governour , who was kept prisoner in Turin , till such time as he was set at liberty by the Princes when they took Turin , as shall be said hereafter ; and he died afterwards of a natural death , whilst he took up Arms in the Princes behalf , whose quarrel he embraced as soon as he was at liberty . The Princes forbore not , for all this , to pursue their pretences ; and being desirous that their justification might precede their taking up Arms , they made use of the anger which the house of Austria had conceived against the Dowager , for her having renewed the League , and for her having joyn'd in Arms with the King of France ; and by the favour of the Court of Spain , which had embraced their cause , they obtained a Monitory Decree , directed to the Dowager from the Emperour , as from the Sovereign Lord of Savoy ; wherein she was fairly exhorted , to forego the League which she had renewed with France , and to appear before the Cesarean Tribunal , to justifie the Guardianship of her Son , and the Regency of the State which she had taken upon her . The Senate , and Nobility and people of Piedmont , were also ordered by the same Decree , to perswade the Dowager that Cesars Orders might be duly executed ; but all this would not do , the Dowager would not admit of such Decrees or Citations ; pretending them to be novelties , and attempts upon the Sovereignty of the Piedmontese Principality ; no Emperour having ever formerly interssed himself in Guardianships . This mean while Prince Thomaso , about the end of February , in the year 1639 , came from Flanders to the State of Millain , to prosecute his and his Brothers pretentions ; whither as soon as he was come , they agreed upon the manner and way of making war upon Piedmont . The whole business was by the Emperour refer'd to Don Francisco di Melo , the King of Spains Plenipotentiary to the Princes of Italy , with whom , after many discourses , it was concluded ; that war should be made , to possess the Princes of Savoy in the Guardianship of their Nephew , and in the Regency of the State ; and amongst other things it was agreed , that the King of Spain should assist them herein , and should work with the Emperour , to declare them to be their Nephews Guardians and Regents of the State , to the exclusion of the Dowager ; that the Towns whereinto the Princes should be received by the peoples free will should have Garrisons put into them by the Princes ; and that those which should be taken by Force of Arms should have Garrisons put into them by the Governour of Millain : he being bound to restore them to whom they should be decreed by the general Peace ; and that howsoever the Politick Government of Justice , and the Revenues , should belong unto the Princes , as Governours of the State : but the Governour , who was to make the war , refused to subscribe these Capitulations ; for he said , he was ordered by the King of Spain , to make the War of Piedmont upon his Majesties account ; wherefore he could not alter the title without new Orders : but he assured the Princes , that he would connive at , and underhand allow them whatsoever was contained in the Capitulation . The Princes might clearly see by this , that the Spanish Agents were not to fight upon their interests , but upon those of the King of Spain ; and that they were to make use of the favour and assistance which the Princes had with the people , for the more happy progress of the Kings Forces in Piedmont ; and they might have known it better by the very substance of the Agreement , though the Governour should have subscribed it : but the necessity which the Princes were brought into made them care the less for future danger , so they might escape the present ; or were it that they did assuredly hope , that all the Towns , even those wherein the strongest Garrisons were , the Garrisons and Governours being Piedmontese , would willingly receive them , when they should appear with convenient Forces ; for they were so confident of the peoples favour , as they thought it would be always in their power to dispose of them as they listed ; wherefore being desirous to forward the business , they thought good to give way to what the Spaniards desired . The Governour making use of the pretence of putting the Princes into the Government of the State , did not only think to drive the French out of Piedmont , but to make himself master of the chief Towns of that Principality ; and so to make the Princes , and all Piedmont , depend upon the King. Things being thus established , the Princes plainly let the Dowager know their intention ; which was , to come to Turin , to keep there , to serve her , to take order for their own and for the common affairs , to defend the Vassals , to free the State from the imminent danger of Forreign Forces , and to preserve it for the Duke , to whose Guardianship , as also to the Goverment of the State , they were chosen and deputed by the Emperour , even to the exclusion of her the Dowager ; and yet they added , that they would be contented to take 〈◊〉 in , for a third , in the Guardianship and Regency ; declaring finally , that nothing less would content them , and that they were resolved to do their utmost , and to lose their lives , rather then not compass this that was so justly due unto them . The Dowager , who neither in respect of the King of France his authority , nor for her tie of consideracy , could not only not receive the Princes who ad●…ed to the Spaniards , in part , nor in whole , into the Guardianship or Regency , but neither suffer them to tarry in Piedmont , thought this answer to be an intimation of War ; but was not thereat any whit abash'd , but gave order that Proclamations should presently be made throughout the State , that the people should take up Arms for the defence of their Lord the Duke , whose preservation was concern'd in this War ; and for the defence of their Country , which was shortly to be assaulted by Spanish Forces , led on by the Princes ; she hoped by this means to prevent their intentions , but she failed therein ; for the people ( as the sequel will demonstrate ) were much devoted to their natural Princes ; and more inclined to be govern'd by them then by the Dowager , who was not now so well beloved by the people as she was before this innovation , by reason of her so great dependency upon the King of France , by her renewing the League , and by her removing of the Garrison and Governour of the Citadel . On the contrary , the people did much compassionate the Princes , by reason of the hard condition wherein they were , being banish'd their Country , deprived of their Revenues , and kept , as if they were publick enemies , from the administration of those State Affairs wherein they were so much concern'd . The Dukes unhealthfulness ( as it was given out ) and the small hopes of his life , did much work upon the peoples affection , on their behalfs ; as on those whom they expected should quickly succeed in the Principality ; and the rising Sun having already found many worshippers , the generality of the people thought they had but small reason to place any hopes in the Dowager , and were more inclined to the Government of the rising Princes , then to that of hers , which for the aforesaid reasons they thought would be quickly at an end : they also doubted that very much which the Princes themselves gave out , that in case the young Duke should sail , the Dowager had resolved to make her Daughter Queen of France , giving her the States of Piedmont and Savoy for her Dowry , to the irreparable prejudice not only of the succession of the Princes , but also to the peoples liberty , wherein when the Ducal-house should be debar'd succession , they ran manifest danger to be subjected to the French yoke , and be made slaves thereunto ; wherefore thinking themselves more concern'd to adhere unto the Princes then to the Dowager , they forsook her intrest , and past violently over to the Princes party ; and yet many others confiding in the Dukes health , and in the Dowagers authority , adhered constantly to her : the people of Piedmont were therefore no less confused , and differ'd no less in opinion , then were the Dowager and the Princes ; between whom no composition being to be made , War must necessarily ensue . The Governour of Millain did , of all other things , chiefly design to end a petty business ; which though it was but a small one , was of no small consequence ; which was , to take Cengio , a little Castle in the Langhe , seated on the back of Savona , but strong , & fitly situated , not only for the predomination of the Langhe , but for the passage of Souldiers , who landing at Finale go into the State of Millain ; and of those who upon occasion were to be sent from the State of Millain to Finale , in relief of that Marquisate , if it should be assaulted by the French Fleet , as it was then doubted it would be : the Governour thought also that the Princes would be much helped by this to enter Piedmont , assisted by the King of Spains Forces : for this Castle was very necessary to Piedmont , for the keeping of the Langhe , which the Duke of Savoy did formerly affect ; wherefore both the Governour and the Princes thought assuredly , that the Dowager , who would be forced to succour this place with all her forces , would be necessitated to draw out the Garrisons from out the more inward parts of the State , and would leave them undefended , and open , to be assaulted by the Princes ; Don Antonio Sotelo was therefore sent with some Brigades to clear the ways which led to that Castle , and to keep it from having new Garrisons put into it ; and after him went Don Martind ' Aragona , who was intended to be the chief Governour of this enterprise , with a good body of men ; who at his first coming there , as he was spying out the fittest places to plant his Artillery , was shot in the head by a Musket , whereof he immediately died ; in whose place Sotelo was chosen by the rest of the Captains , who fell all of them very busily to effect this business ; but the Dowager , and Cardinal Valletta hearing thereof , were not slow in providing to prevent it : The Cardinal marched with his French from Cassalle , and Marquess Villa from Turin with almost all the Dowagers Forces , and joyning together they came within sight of the Trenches which the Enemy had made ; who kept themselves patiently therein , suffering the Bravadoes which were often made by the others ; but when the Enemy seemed to be weary , and tyred , they came unexpectedly with much fury , out of their Trenches , and after a long Fight routed the assaulters , killing about 300 of them ; and having pursued them a while , they retreated ; and those of the Castle seeing no more succour appear , and finding the batteries already all in order , and that the Enemy were prepared to give an assault , they surrendred the Castle , at the same time that the Governor sent to take Cengio . Prince Thomaso went from Vercelli with 2000 Dragoons , about Sun-set , and having marched all night , appeared about break of day before Chivazzo , a great Town upon the left side of the Poe , twelve miles from Turin ; he sent Count Serravalle before with eight Horse , under pretence of carrying Letters to the Governour of that place , kept there , till the Prince , who came after him with the Dragoons , became easily Master thereof ; there was then no Garrison in this Town ; the gates were guarded onely by some few Towns men : for though it was a place of great consequence , yet being far from the confines of the State , and almost within the bosom of Piedmont , it was not judged to need a Garrison , the rather for that some squadrons of Horse were placed to guard the banks of the Dora Baltea , which were thought sufficient to guard all the places seated within that river : but the Prince past a little below them , so they were no hindrance to him ; but passing succesfully on , he made himself Master of the Town ; at which unexpected accident the Inhabitants were much troubled ; but when they heard [ live Prince Thomaso , cried , ] they past from a great fear wherewith they were posses'd to great joy and gladness : and flock'd unto him with much applause ; and were the first of the Piedmontese who rendred him ready obedience as Guardian of the young Duke : the Inhabitants of Chivazzo were not they alone who seemed to rejoyce at this happy success , but even those of Turin did the like : wherefore it was the common opinion , that if the Prince had presently marched thither , he might likely enough have been received there with the same acclamation and applause , and acknowledged for Gardian of the Duke , and Governour of the State ; the rather for that that City was wholly unprovided of Souldiers , they being all gone to succour Cengio ; the Dowager therefore apprehending danger sent in great haste for the Cardinal , and Count Villa , from the Langhe , to provide for the hazardous condition of Turin , which was much the occasion of the loss of Cengio ; for the relievers hearing of the Dowagers from Turin , went with all speed thither , and quitted the relieving of that Castle ; the Dowager when she heard of what had hapned at Chivazzo , sent the young Duke , and his sisters , from Piedmont into Savoy , as into a place of safety ; whereat the Piedmonteses were much distasted . Marquess Villa's wife , who had formerly been the Dukes Governess , went along with his person : and her children went along with her , as play fellows to the young Duke , and his sisters ; or , as others would have it , as hostages for their fathers Loyalty ; Chivazzo being taken , the Prince , no occasion being known why , went not to Turin , but towards the City of Inurea , which presently yielded ; and the Prince Cardinal joyning with him , they went together to Biela ; where they were likewise very readily received ; then turning towards the Valley of Austa , they found the people there also very ready to render them obedience , wherein the Baron of Castiglione had a great hand ; though the Marquess di Broz , who was Governour of that Valley , and very faithful to the Dowager , endeavoured the Contrary ; for which he was imprisoned by the Princes : thus were they possest of that Valley , and in a very short time reduced likewise the whole Countrey of Biela , and of Canevese , to their devotion ; the Prince Cardinal tarried to carry on the acquisition of Piedmont , whilest Prince Thomaso went to joyn with the Governour of Millain ; who marching with his Army out of Vercelli , was also entred Piedmont ; and leaving S. ●…a and Pontestura behind him , he marched tovvards Crescentino , and by the way met the Prince , who was come from Chavezzo to meet him : they agreed joyntly to fall at one & the same time upon Crescentine & Verrua ; wherefore Don Iohn di Garrai being returned victorious from Cengio , was ordered by the Governour , not to pass the Poe , but to affault Verrua , at the same time that they should sit down before Crescentino . Verrua was affaulted by Garrai , and taken ; and soon after the Castle was surrendred by the Governour thereof , who presently past over from the Dovvagers party , and sided with the Princes : and the business of Crescentino succeeded as happily on the other side of Poe , where there was not above 800 Foot in Garrison : some assaults were given , & the best resistance was made that could be : but when they saw the Artillery ready to play upon the Walls , they surrendred : the Walls were immediately throvvn dovvn by order from the Governour , to avoid the lessening of their forces , which must needs have been occasioned by frequent Garrisons : they resolved afterwards to go to before Turin ; and therefore the Governour being past the Poe , and joyned with the body of the Army , they marched towards it , verily believing that the Dowager would not stay to be shut up in the City , and that they should be the more easily received by the Citizens , she being gone ; and that the Cardinal of Vallette , and the Dowagers Generalls , Villa and Pianezza , would not continue to defend the City which was ready to mutiny ; against so gallant an Army : but they found the contrary ; for the Dowager , not at all dismaid at what had hapned ; and knowing how necessary her presence would be to the preservation of that City , which was the Metropolis of the State ; and that it was onely her presence that kept the City from revolting , resolved to tarry there ; the Cardinal of Vallette , and Marquess Villa , were already come thither with their Forces from Cengio ; and though they heard that Verrua and Crescentino were besieged , yet they went not to relieve them ; thinking it necessary for them to preserve their men to desend the Capital City , which they thought would ere long be assaulted by the Enemy ; but hearing that the Princes advanced with the Spanish Army towards the City , they sent some French companies out against them ; between whom and the Spanish Army there passed some sleight Skirmissies : the Army marched towards Rivoli , Colegno , Grasasco , Bienasco , and other neighbouring Towns ; partly , to know the scituation of the City ; partly , to give time for the ripening of some intelligence which the Princes held in the City : as also to observe whether the Citizens were better inclined to the Princes , or the Dowager : perswading themselves that the abode of the Army wherein the Princes were , thereabouts , would move the people to insurrection : to move them whereunto the Princes Writ to the Chief Gentlemen , Ministers , and Magistrates of the City , declaring that they would receive the Gaurdianship of the Duke , and Regency of the State , from their hands , acquainting them with their pretentions , and objecting many things , whereby to make the Dowagers power and authority invalid . But nothing could perswade the City to favour them ; for the Dowager had made extraordinary provision to curb such Citizens as were likeliest to mutiny ; she placed Corps de Guard in many parts , set forth severe Proclamations against any one who should but offer to stir , she sent many of those who were most suspected out of the Town , and imprisoned some : The Artillery of the Citadel was also turn'd upon the City ; and she her self coming out amongst the people , with an undaunted and manlike Courage , did in her own person animate some with the suavity of her speeches , and terrifie others with her bitter threats . So as the Prince , contrary to his expctation , finding such quiet in the City , resolved to draw the walls , and to streighten the Town ; hoping that want of things necessary would sooner make it yield then force : He did draw neer the City , though he was shot at from the walls , and though many Companies both of Horse and Foot sallyed out of the City , which he easily drove back , and made himself mas●… of the Bridge , and Covent of the Capuchins . So as the Horse passing over the ●…oe , by means of the bridge , came to the new Ga●…e , from whence some Troops of French Horse came out against them , who were also forced to retreat into the City ; where the Citizens seeming very unwilling to take up Arms against the Princes , there was no confusion wanting . And the Dowager being to provide against inconveniences both within and without , would not have been void of thoughts , if Affairs had continued long in that condition ; especially since Prince Thomaso was already drawn neer the walls , and was master of the field , and endeavour'd to succour himself by Trenches , and by his approaches to come to grapling ; having environed the Suburbs with Trenches , he sent a Troop of Horse toward ill Ponte della Dora , to drive away some squadrons of French Horse which were there to guard it , but they could not do it ; for they were kept back , and forc'd to retreat by the Artillery of the Porta Palazzo . The Prince Cardinall came at this time to the Camp , who went to quarter with his Brother and the Governour in the Vallentino , a Palace of pleasure , within 400 paces of the City , upon the left side of the Poe , a little above the Capuchins bridge , part of the Army quarter'd about this Palace , and part quarter'd in the Suburbs between the Poe and the City . They then planted two batteries ; one at the Casetta Verde , against the Porta Nova , and the other at Albergo , from whence they they began to play upon the City . But this was of more terrour then prejudice to the people , whom the Assailants did not desire to harm very much , but to keep them well inclined to the Princes party . Whilst things were carried on thus , before and about the City , the Princes and Governour found that the Defendants minded onely the safety of the City , for the preservation whereof they had abandoned all out places ; and being neither willing , nor able to lie long idle there , wasting time more in expectation of popular commotions , then in being intent upon taking the City by force ; they resolved to send Count Galleazzo Trotti with 600 Horse , and 600 Foot to take Pontestura ; who having easily mastered the Town , sat down before the Castle , whither the French Garrison , who at the first appearance of the Enemy had abandoned the Town , had retreated . And when the Governour of Millain found that a great body of men were sent from Cassalle to relieve it , he sent Don Luigi Ponse after Trotti , with a good number of Souldiers ; who coming to Pontestura , just when Trotti being gone to encounter the succour which came from Cassalle , had repuls'd them , began to pursue them , which he did to underneath the Walls of Cassalle ; and in that interim , the Castle seeing the relief repuls'd , yielded ; from whence six hundred French march'd out in good order , and went to Cassalle : Some Treaties of agreement were had , whilst the Camp lay before Turin ; for though the Dowager were assured by her Captains and Officers that she could run no danger , there being a competent number of Souldiers in the City able to defend it , and by reason of the secure and ready refuge which they had to the Citadel ; as also of the succours which they might confidently presume would speedily be sent from France ; yet , were it either that she might divide the Princes from the Governour of Millain , or that she might allay the fervour of Arms by Treaty ; she listned to the propositions of agreement which were propounded by Monsignore Caffarelli , the Popes Nuncio then Resident with her , in the Popes name , and they were these . That the Princes should acknowledge her to be Guardianess and Regent ; So as they might have some Towns allowed them for security of their persons , and that each of them should Governour of some Province ; into which Towns or Provinces no Forreigners might be introduced , as neither into any other part of the State. And that there should no account be made of the League made with France ; nor that any of the parties should hereafter enter into Le●…gue with any Forreign Prince or Potentate , without reciprocall agreement . These Proposals tended , as all men might clearly see , to take off the Dowager from adhering to the French , to the end that being deprived of so great a stay , the Princes Authority by the favour of the people might be greater then the Dowager did now allow it to be . The Dowager was aware of this , who answered , that they should have Towns , and Governments , and all reasonable advantages allowed them , if being reconciled to the King of France , who she assured them should very willingly receive them into favour , they would order things so as she might have no occasion to fear the Spanish Forces . These Proposals being diametrically opposite came to no conclusion ; for the Princes perceived , that as they had endeavoured to separate the Dowager from the King of France , that she might be subject to their authority ; so she , by her answer , shewing that she understood their ends , did endeavour to separate them from the Crown of Spain , so to reduce them under her Authority , which was maintain'd by the French Forces ; so as not being able to agree , and the Princes and Governour of Millain finding at last , that by reason of the good order taken by the Dowager the City made no commotion , and that they were there without will , or wherewithal to force it , they after having stayed there eight days , resolved to be gone , and to go against such Towns of the State as were neither well provided , nor could easily be succour'd : The Prince Cardinal departed first , and went down the Poe to Chivasso , and from thence to Inurea ; and the Governour of Millain leaving eight Brigades of Foot , the Neapoli●…an Horse , the Dutch Curassiers , and Dragoons , and four pieces of Artillery with Prince Thomaso under Carlo della Gatta , pass'd with the rest of his Army over the Poe at the Capuchins bridge , and went to Pontestura ; and Prince Thomaso with the men that were le●…t him went by the bridge of Montcalleri , strait towards Villa nova ; whither being come about break of day with a thousand Horse en croupe , he at the very first took a half Moon ; and seeing the Sun was gotten well up , wherefore he could not pursue his intended surprisal , he pass'd that day in articling with Count Carlo Cacherano Governour of the Town , wherein he strove to perswade the Count that he intended only to keep the State for the Duke unprejudiced by the French Forces : But the Governour being firm , and not consenting to any thing he could say , the Prince ordered an assault to be given the next day two hours before day-break ; which was done unexpectedly , but with such rigour , as though the Garrison , which were Piedmontese , and some French , made stout resistance , yet the Prince took the Town , and made the Governour and Garrison Prisoners : The Town was sack'd ; only the Churches and what was carried thither was preserved : The booty was great ; for the Town was great , rich , and well provided of all things ; and the Towns-men , not thinking to be so used , did not much minde carrying their Goods into the Churches . The Prince leaving a Garrison there of 1500 Foot and 3 Troops of Horse , under Don Michele Pignarello , who was Camp-master , went with the rest of his men to joyn with the Governour , who was gone to Montcalvo ; whither being come both at the same time , and Iohn di Garray coming thither the next day , the Town was taken upon surrender , the Captain retiring to the Castle , where he intended to make what resistance was possible to be made ; the which he valiantly did ; insomuch as the Governour of Millain seeing how obstinate defence was made , and being sollicited by the Prince to greater Enterprizes , he left Don Luigi Ponse with 2000 Foot , and Marquess Caracena with 500 Horse , to continue the Siege ; and taking the rest of his men along with him , he went , together with the Prince , to before Asti. The Commendator Balbiano was Governour of the Town , who being placed there by the Dowager appeared to endeavour her service very much , but was so careless therein , as he was suspected to hold secret intelligence either with the Spaniards , whom he had served in the Wars of Flanders , or with the Prince , whom when the Town was surrendred he served ; for a Regiment of Piedmontese , which was of the Garrison of the City , being revolted over to the Prince , and the Citizens being either terrified with the sacking of Villa nova , or by the revolting of the Garrison , or being given to favour the Princes , they declared openly that they would not bear Arms against them ; so as the Governour not resisting so great a commotion retreated with the other Garrisons into the Citadel , and left the City to do what it listed ; and the Citizens sent the Keys immediately to the Prince , who was not well entred the City when the Castle was also surrendred . It fared otherwise with the Siege of Montcalvo , which held out against Batteries , Mines , and Assaults , before it yielded ; but when the Captain , who was a Frenchman , was slain , the Souldiers yielded up the Town after eleven days stout Siege . This fortunate success encouraged the Prince and the Governour of Millain to undertake the Enterprise of Trino ; but the Captains of the A●…my were against it , fearing the success , by reason that it was so strongly munited as it was thought impregnable : It was seated in a soil wherein was great store of water , and little less then Marish ; it was extraordinarily well munited and fortified by Duke Charles Emanuel ( who understood Fortification very well ) when he took it in the second War against Cassalle ; it was walled about double , and doubly ditch'd ; the first and most inward wall was very high , and strengthned by twenty great Towers , upon which 20 pieces of Artillery were placed ; the second circuit was a very large and high Platform , whereupon were eleven half moons ; and this did not only keep the inward Wall unprejudiced by battery , but kept it from being seen by the Enemy : Between these two circuits there was a large deep ditch , and beyond the outermost another ditch as large and deep ; Count Rovero was Governour thereof ; but Monsieur Mer●…lez was Captain of the Garrison , one of the most ancientest French Colonels which had served the Dukes of Savoy , and therefore of great esteem amongst the Piedmontese . All the Council of War , hoping for little good by this , did disswade from it ; but the Prince and Governour of Millain , who were much encouraged by their late fortunes , feared not being forsaken thereby in this enterprise . The Dowager doubted that , Asti being taken , the Enemies Army would come either upon St. Ia , or Trino , both which were unfurnished of Garrisons ; she therefore committed the charge of them to Marquess Villa , who went immediately away from Turin with 800 Foot , and 1000 select Horse , intending to distribute the Foot in those two Tovvns : As he came neer St. Ia he understood that Don Ferrante della Monti waited for him upon the way , who was sent into those parts by the Governour of Millain , with about 500 Dragoons , to keep out any relief that might be brought into Trino . The Marquess hasted his march , desiring to encounter Don Ferrante ; but he failed of his desire ; for he was retreated towards le Vertole , neer to Crescentino ; so as the Marquess coming without any opposition to St. Ia , he left the 800 Foot there , and two Troops of Horse , leaving order with the Governour of the Town that he should keep half the Foot for his ovvn defence , and should send the other half of the Foot , and the two Troops of Horse that very night to Trino ; and he himself went presently tovvards Livor no , and Bianza , that he might finde out Don Ferrante ; but missing him , he pass'd over the Dora , and came back to Turin . The Foot and Horse were kept two days in St. Ia , before they vvent to Trino ; vvherefore Don Ferrante , vvho had heard that Villa vvith his Horse vvas pass'd over the Dora , made tovvards the Foot and Horse that vvere going to Trino ; and meeting vvith them in the Forest of Lucidio , assaulted them , slevv many of them , took many prisoners , and vvounded many ; and those Horse vvhich could escape got into thick Woods ; and those fevv that escaped death got into Trino . This happy success being heard in the Camp just as they vvere consulting upon going to Trino , made them resolve upon the Enterprise ; for the haste of sending these supplies did clearly shevv , that the Tovvn vvanted Defendants , as indeed it did ; for the danger of Turin had dravvn the flovver of all the Garrisons of those parts to defend that Capital City : And the Prince and Governour of Millain , taking this present victory as an earnest penny of happy success in this so great Enterprise , thought themselves the more obliged not to refuse the invitation which fortune made them ; going therefore from Asti , and passing the Poe at Pontestura , they marched to Trino , which they resolved to assault on four sides ; they took up four chief quarters ; two of Spaniards , in one whereof lodged Don Antonio Sottelo , Don Luigi di Lincastro , and the Marquess of Tavera ; in the other the Marquess of Caracena and Don Luigi Ponce ; in the third , which was the Italians , were quartered Marquess Serra , and the Counts of Bolognini and Borromeo ; in the fourth were the Dutch quartered , under Prince Borzo and Colonel Lener ; and 14 pi●…des of Cannon being disposed in convenient places for battery , they began to play hotly upon the Town , and at the same time to make their appreaches ; and by the diligence of the Pyoneers the approaches were already brought to the b●…ink of the ditch , over the which they threw two Bridges ; and the Neapolitans , under Marquess Serra , had already taken a Mill that was very convenient for the assault , which was much desired to be given both by the Commanders and Souldiers ; at this time Colonel For●…mestre came to the Camp with 1000 Foot ; and Don Michiele Pignarelli with a Neapolitan Brigade ; so as being encouraged by these recruits , though all things were not yet ready to give assault , yet as if good fortune had govern'd all things , contrary to all Military reason , assault was ordered to be given , which they thought it was the more necessary to do , for that they heard that Marquess Villa , and the Cardinal of Vallette , muster'd men every where , wherewith they intended to relieve the Town : all the Camp-masters and Colonels , which were twelve , had places appointed them , where they were to fall on . The Prince , the Governour of Mi●…ain , Don Iohn di Garrai , and Carlo della Gatta , assisted in the ordering of Affairs ; and the defendants apprehended by these preparations that assault would quickly be given ; and therefore endeavoured to fire the Bridges which were thrown over the ditches , and the other Works which did faciliate the assault ; they persisted in a resolution to defend themselves ; grounding their resolutions not so much upon the largeness and deepness of their ditches , and the marishness of the ground by which the enemy must pass to give the assault , as in the number of their Artillery ; and yet all the assailants , as if they had been assured of Victory , not considering these difficulties , went all of them to assault the several places allotted them ; and this they did with such brave courage , as having overcome the Ditches and other Fortifications of the first circuit , it was not hard for them to enter the City by the second ; for all the people being imploy'd in defending the outward Fortifications , where the chief resistance was intended to be made , the inward Walls wanted defendants ; so as the former being gotten where the most defence was made , it was easie to enter by the other , where there were but few defendants ; and therefore whilst Marquess Serra and Don Michiele di Pignatelli , who were to fall upon two Half-moons which fenced the Circuit , and which were better fortified , and harder to be taken then the other Works ; whilst I say , they were intent upon what they had to do , the Marquess of Caracena , first , and Don Antonio Sottelo , Don Lewis di Lincastro , and Count B●…rromeo , who had on the opposite part overcome the outward circuit , entred the City ; and being entred assaulted those on the back , who constantly and manfully opposing Serra and Pignatelli , manfully persever'd in defence of the place ; the defendants nor assailants in these parts , not knowing yet that the Town was taken , and that the business was done ; the City was sack'd and the booty was great , for many had brought the best things they had thither , as to a place of safety , from the Towns of Piedmont and Montferrat , and many were taken prisoners ; amongst which Rovere , the Governour of the Town , and Colonel Meroles , who yielded themselves upon discretion , when they saw the defence grew desperate ; and so confident was Meroles , as being tempted before the assault was given , by the Prince , to surrender the Town , he would not hearken to it , but made the Artillery be discharged upon the Messengers ; nor were the Citizens less confident , who fearing nothing less then to be taken , did not carry their things of best value into the Churches , where they might have been preserved from the fury of the Souldiers ; who though they spared nothing , were very observant of the Churches ; and bare great respect to what was thither brought , and towards those who had refuge to them ; the paucity of the besiegers death made the business much more glorious , who were not in all 300 , amongst which only two Spanish Captains ; the justification of their cause , in civil affairs , added much to the Princes good success in what was Military ; the Dowager being cited , as hath been said , to appear before Cesars Tribunal , did never appear , no not so much as by her Proctors ; wherefore the Emperour , by publick Decree , named the Princes to be the lawful Guardians of the young Duke , and Administrators of the States , excluding the Dowager by name ; which Declaration , as it encouraged the Princes to continue the War , so made it the people adhere the more unto them : this Edict of the Emperours being publish'd by the Princes throughout all Piedmont , they in the first place declared all that had been done by the Dowager as Guardianess or Regent to be void and null ; namely the League made with the King of France ; they commanded all the Magistrates and Officers not to tender her any longer obedience ; and that they should appear at Asti , to receive from them the confirmation of the Offices and Charges confirm'd upon them by the Dowager : they commanded the people not to pay her any thing that was due to the Dukes Exchequer ; and the Senate , Counsellors of State , and Magistrates , that they should make no Confederate meetings , upon pain of losing their places , and other arbitrary punishments ; all these things being added to the so sudden loss of so many principal places in Piedmont ; whereinto Spanish Garrisons were put by the Princes permission , made the King of France not only endeavour to restore them to their former condition , but under this pretence to desire the Dowager , that as the Princes had put all the places which they had won into the hands of the Spaniards ; so she would be pleased to put those that yet remained in her possession , into his hands ; wherefore that she might not distaste the King , upon whose Forces she wholly did depend ; and for that she did believe that by putting them into the hands of the French , she might preserve them from the Spaniards , the Dowager condescended to the Kings demands ; and gave way that Cherasco , Savigliano and Carmagnuola , should have French Garrisons put into them , upon condition that the Revenues , Justice and Sovereignty of them should belong unto the Duke , and that the Towns should be restored without any pretence to be made by the King , for any expence he should be at by keeping the Garrisons there , and that the like should be done with those that should be recovered from the Spaniards , which should be restored immediately after their recovery to the Duke , without any defalcation to be made for the expence of their recovery ; and it was , moreover , covenanted that no peace nor suspension of Arms should be made in Italy for above one year , wherein the Duke should not be restored to all Towns taken by the Spaniards , or held by the French. The Dowager before these conditions were agreed upon , and before the Towns should be assigned over , would acquaint the Princes with them , informing them how much the Duke was prejudiced by bringing the Spaniards into his Towns , and exhorting them to a good agreement , whereby all these evils might be rooted out ; and she offer'd them all fair dealing , with preservation to hers and her Sons dignity and safety ; but she received no other answer to all this , but the same which had been made unto her at Valentino . The Spanish Army went from Trino to St. Ia ; where the Captain of the Town not awhit dismaid by the good fortune which the Princes Forces had had , nor terrified at what had befallen Trino , refused to accept of honourable proposals made by the Princes ; and shew'd great readiness and resolution to defend the Town , though he saw himself every way begirt by Spanish Garrisons , and quite cut off from that part of Piedmont which held out for the Dowager ; therefore the Governour of Millain went with part of his men to Livorno , and from thence to Pontestura , where he fell to fortifie that place , lest the French might succour Cassalle by that way , and the Prince remained with part of his men before St. Ia , knowing that the place was in want of victuals , wherewith it could not be full furnish'd from any part , so as it would soon be forced to come to a Parley . He did , notwithstanding , so besiege it at a distance , as the Dowagers Commanders despairing to be able to relieve it , they resolved to try diversion ; Marquess Villa went therefore out of Turin with a body of Horse and Foot , and with 12 peece of Cannon he went to Montcalleri , and from thence advanced to Asti , that he might make the Prince rise from before S●… . Ia : But finding that the Prince did not remove , and that he had not Forces sufficient to take that City , he return'd to Turin : where joyning with the Cardinal of Vallette , their joynt Forces amounting to 8000 Foot , 4000 Horse , twelve peece of Cannon , and 40 cart loads of Ammunition , they resolved to go directly to relieve St. Ia ; marching at a slow rare , according to Vallettes custom , they found the River Dora so swoln by rain as they could not throw a bridge over it ; so as they were fain to tarry there two dayes ; in which interim , the Prince coming with some Forces to the opposite shore , some sleight skirmishes past between them : And the Cardinal and Villa being hindred by the River , and being stoutly opposed by the Prince ; and hearing that the Town was surrendred two dayes before the time prefix'd , for surrender , in case succour should come , the Cardinal of Vallette , to the end that his endeavours might not prove altogether vain , fell upon Chiavasso , which resolution though it was then thought to be but to little purpose ; yet since it succeeded , was very lucky for the Dowagers party . They sent to Turin for four other peeces of Cannon , wherewith they planted their battery against the Gate which looks towards Crescentino . The Prince and Governour of Millain were come to relieve the Town with 4000 Horse , and 6000 Foot , and were gotten to the Chappel called L' Eremita , within a mile of the enemies Camp ; where taking up their quarters , they put themselves in battle array ; and began not onely to annoy the enemies quarters with their Artillery , and with sleight excursions , but being come within shot of Musket , they fell to skirmish , wherein some of the Spanish Horse that charged were beaten back . And just as the battle was ready to be given , to which both the French and Piedmontese prepared themselves with much Courage , came the Duke of Longueville , whom the King of France had sent with 2000 Horse , and 4000 Foot , when his Majesty heard that the Spanish Army was encamp'd before Turin ; a recruit which came very seasonably both to the Camp and to the Dowagers whole party , which did droop very much . At the Arrival of these men , which was just upon the coming on of night , and the Spaniards Courage cooling , they retreated ; the next day the Spaniards finding how hard it would be to relieve the Town , by reason of the recruit which was come to the enemy , they began to prepare to be gone , which they did without any disturbance . The Cardinal of Vallette , and Duke of Longueville , did then send to Seback , who was a Dutch-man and Governour of the Town , wishing him , that since there was no hope of relief , he would surrrender . To which he answered , that he desired first to have leave to send to visit the Spaniards quarters ; the which being granted him , and he being told by those he sent , that the Prince and Governour of Millain were gone ; he promised to yield the Town , if it were not relieved within three dayes ; and no relief appearing within the prefix'd time , he surrendred the place , and march'd out with 1500 Dutch , leaving such French and Piedmontese there , according to Articles , as had fought against the Dowager in the Princes behalf . The loss of Chiavasso , which being recovered , opened the way to receive and send out any thing to Turin by the Poe , made the Governour of Millain fortifie Crescentino , which he had dismantled a little before ; to the end that Navigation by the Poe , which ( Chiavasso being recovered ) was free from Turin to Cassalle , might be blockt up by fortifying Crescentino ; but whilst the two enemies Armies were busied before Chiavasso , the Prince Cardinal was not idle , nor were his endeavours ineffectual : For coming out of Asti , onely with his own attendants and some others , he over-ran the other part of Piedmont , where there being no forreign Garrisons , he was received by all the inhabitants with great applause , Ceva , Cuneo , Mondoni , Beve , Saluzzo , Fossano , Droueto , Busca , and Demonte , did willingly come in of themselves to his own person , or to those that he sent to them ; and all the chief Towns of those parts and places of any condition , besides the mean people . All this was done without shedding of blood , and without shot of Musket , meerly out of the peoples devotion , and by Treaty of the Governours of the several Towns : And putting Governours and Garrisons into them , he retreated to Fossano , lest Chiavasso being taken , the French might turn upon those parts , and retake the Towns that had surrendred to him . Nor did he guess amiss , for the adverse Army turning upon those parts , Saluzzo , at their very first appearance , sent Commissioners to surrender it self in a friendly manner . The Duke of Longueville went then with his men to Carignano , and from thence to Racconiggi , ten miles from Fossano ; but he had no minde to go to Fossano , thinking it stronger then it was ; nor would he meddle with it though Villa and Pianezza strove to perswade him it was not so strong as he thought : They therefore left him in Racconiggi , and went with the Dowagers men towards Fossano , to make Longueville see the easiness of the Enterprize ; who when they appeared , the Inhabitants thinking that the whole Camp came , surrendred the Town that very night ; but the Prince Cardinal was first retreated to Cuneo , the strongest place of all those parts , and peradventure of all Piedmont . From hence Villa and Pianezza went to Bene , which Town , though it were strong enough , yielded the next day . The Governour Vargas , who was a Spaniard , retired with the Garrison into the Castle of Bene , resolving to hold it out to the last : Villa and Pianezza divided the care thereof between them ; Pianezza quartered in that part of the Town which was nearest the Castle ; and Villa kept in the field with the Horse , to keep off succour . Pianezza began to make Trenches ; and whilest things were in this posture , Duke Longueville appears with his men ; who leaving the Castle to be taken by Pianezza , kept also in the field : The mean while Pianezza , who was come with his approaches to the Castle wall , fell to make 2 Mines under 2 Bastions , whereunto , after nine days , giving fire , and a sufficient breach being made , he fell to assault , which was withstood weakly ; for the Defendants thinking to save their lives , by retreating into the Keepe , minded getting thither more then fighting ; but they were so hotly pursued , as that most of them were put to the Sword ; and Captain Vargas being wounded and taken Prisoner , the Castle was taken with much effusion of blood . These two places being taken Cuneo remained , which was separated from the acquisitions made by the Prince Cardinal , and were likewise the worse for being separated from it : Prince Thomaso fearing it , especially since his Brother was there , went with a body of men from Asti to Mondovi , to try whether by lending some help he might free them both from the imminent danger wherein they were : But hearing that Duke Longueville was coming to assault him with Forces much stronger then his , he retreated to Ceva , from whence he joyn'd with the Governour of Millain , who was with his Army in Asti : Wherefore Mondovi being abandoned by the Prince yielded to the Duke , who without any opposition made there a rendezvouz of Arms for his own , and for the Dowagers Forces , which were under her two Generals , joyn'd with Longueville in that Enterprize . The French and Dowagers Generals hearing afterwards in what weak condition Cuneo was , they resolved to go thither ; they had great hopes of taking it ; for the Prince Cardinal would either go out of Cuneo , or he would not ; if he did , Corvo , who was Serjeant Major there , offer'd to yield the Town to them ; and if not , they were sure to take it , by reason of the small provisions that were there ; and if they should take it , it would put an end to the Civil War , since the Prince Cardinal , who was the Head of the controverted Guardianship , would be therein taken Prisoner ; whereof Duke Longueville made himself so sure , as he writ thereof to the King , as of a thing done ; but they were much deceived , for Cuneo was not taken , and Turin was lost , which the Prince Cardinal did cunningly foresee ; for Prince Thomaso whilst he was in Mandovi , going to see him at Cuneo , and having earnestly desired him , not to suffer himself to be enclosed in that unprovided place , which was not such as he ought to adventure his person therein , and therewith the whole affair , he absolutely refused his advice ; for he held undoubtedly , that if he should go out , the Town would be lost ; and on the contrary , that the Governour of Millain would either come with all his Forces to relieve him , or that else he would go to Turin , which he might easily take , all the Dowagers and French Forces being now in these parts ; and the Siege of Cuneo being to be abandoned for the necessary defence of Turin , the freedom of his person , and the like of the Town would ensue ; but these very thoughts falling into the minds of those who fought on the Dowagers behalf , they likewise knew what dangers Turin , and the Citadel , and the Dowager that was therein , would be subject to ; if when they should go with almost all the Forces of Piedmont to an enterprise so far off , the enemy making use of the occasion should come strongly against Turin , whilst it was unprovided of defence : it was therefore thought necessary that the Cardinal of Valletta should go with all his men to defend the parts thereabouts ; which resolution was approved of , and pursued by the Cardinal , and was as good , as necessary ; and if it had been as well perform'd as it was plotted , it had quite ove●…throvvn all the Prince Cardinals Counsels ; fo●… both Turin and the Dovvager would have been preserved from danger ; and Cuneo would have been taken , with evident hazard of the Prince Cardinals person ; but the misfortune in performance marred the design , and made good the Prince Cardinals opinion ; when the Cardinal Valletta was gone , Duke Longueville went to Cuneo ; and on the sudden , in the night season , assaulted the out Works , and forc'd the defendants , with much loss to them , to forsake the Works and betake themselves to defend the Walls and the Gates , which the assailants had well nigh taken as they pursued them : he therefore had happily begun his business , and had fair hopes of ending it successfully ; but before the Trenches were begun to be made , the whole thred of the business was cut off by a Letter of the Cardinal of Valletta's , wherein he signified to Longueville , that the Enemy came very strong against him , and that he could not possibly withstand them , unlesse he were recruited with eight hundred more Horse ; though the Duke was somewhat amazed at this demand , yet he readily sent the desired Horse , that the Cardinal might have no occasion to fail in what was by common consent agreed upon ; but the want of these Horse forc'd the Duke to abandon Cuneo , and to retreat to a Town neer to Fossano , called St. Albano ; whereby one part of the Prince Cardinals judgement was verified , that Cuneo would be abandoned to relieve Turin ; and the other part proved as true , not long after ; for Prince Thomaso having had speech with the Governour of Millain in A●…sti , and having perswaded him to relieve Cuneo , and his Brother , at least by diversion , got of him 600 Spanish Foot under Marquess Caracena , and 2500 Horse under Carlo della Gatta ; with express promise that all the rest of the Forces should immediately follow him ; so he went forthwith from thence , and came speedily to Villa nuova ; where getting 500 other Foot under Camp-master Tuttavilla , he past over the Poe about the evening , and came by night to Vallentino . Villa nu●…va , Carmagnuola , and Turin , make a just triangle ; wherefore when news came to the other two Cities , that the Prince was come with a great body of men to Villa nuova , they were both much terrified , and began to cry out for help : The Dowager sent Count Piveas●… forthwith to the Cardinal of Valletta , desiring that he would hasten to defend her and the City of Turin ; and the Cardinal fearing , no less then she , to be assaulted in Carmagnuola , not knowing what to do , did not stir . The Prince kept in Vallentino till midnight , giving out fitting Orders for the surprizal of Turin , and in maturing intelligence with those that guarded it ; and having ordered all things well resolved to assault the Town on four sides : The Marquess of Caracena was appointed to assault the Castle Gate with the 600 Spanish Foot , which were the very best of that Nation ; that beating it down with a Petard , he might make himself master of it . Tuttavilla was sent to scale the Wall between the Bastion of S ta Maria , and that of Citta nuova . Colonel Alardo was ordered to fall upon the Posto di nostra Signora towards the Citadel ; and Count di Vich was sent to fasten a Petard to Porta nuova ; and each of them had sufficient Orders , Instruments , and Men , given them for what they had to do ; each of them did punctually perform what they were appointed , at one and the same time , which was at fi●… a clock at night ; and the darkness of the season was a great furtherance to the enterprise ; and yet Caracena could not fasten his Petard ; for he found the Bridge drawn up , and the Ladders wherewith he was to scale the Walls were too short ; he notwithstanding fell to break the Steccadoes which lay along the Courtain toward the Bastion Verde ; and entred thereby into the Garden of the Pallazzo Ducale . Tuttavilla , who was abandoned by his guide , who could not endure the noise of a Musket , marching alone with his Squadron , and groaping in the dark , light upon a Half-moon which was defended by 500 Souldiers ; and after having skirmished a while with them , he at last made himself master thereof ; then entring the ditch , to fall to the Scalado , he also found his Ladders too short ; wherefore being called upon by Caracena , he resolved to go to him , and being joyned , they entred the City by the Garden , and formed two Squadrons upon Piazza San ' Iovanni . The Dowager hearing that the enemy was entred the Town , withdrew with her Guard into the Citadel , being waited upon by the Lord Chancellor , some of the chief Magistrates of Turin , and by a great many Ladies and Gentlemen . Caracena and Tuttavilla went to the Castle Gate , they broke the Portculles , and appli'd a Petard to the Gate , which being thereby thrown down , the Horse entred , which waited there to be let in . Fontana , Captain of the Gate was thought to hold private intelligence with Prince Thomaso , as also Amerino , Captain of the Swissers who were deputed to defend the Steccado ; who being corrupted by moneys made no resistance , but presently past over to the Princes party ; for which he was question'd by the Cantons . Count Vischio , by reason of the great darkness , and opposition made by the defendants , lost his Guide , and his Petard ; so as not being able to execute his Commission , he entred the City by the Bastion Verde ; by which the Spaniards and Italians also entred , the Castle-Gate not being as then opened ; nor could Colonel Alardo do what he was appointed , being stoutly opposed , but he entred by the Castle-Gate , which was now opened ; so as before full day the City was reduced into the power of the Prince , not any of the Citizens appearing in defence ; for the Dowager had commanded , that upon pain of death , none of them should stir out of their doors ; but when they heard that she was retreated into the Citadel , and that the Prince was entred the City , they ran out to the streets and Piazzas , with unusual expressions of joy , and flock'd about the Prince , with incredible applause ; but their congratulations , which lasted many hours , were not any hindrance to what was necessary for defence ; for they presently fell to block up the ways which led to the Citadel , to keep the City from being from thence assaulted ; which was diligently observed all the rest of the day : at night Lights were put in all the Windows , and the Citizens stood with their weapons in their hands , together with the Souldiers , to defend the streets , fearing some sallies out of the Citadel ; and the Prince made the Rampiers be raised , to keep the City from being prejudiced from the Citadel . The next day things were better secured , by the entrance of the Governour of Millain , with the rest of the Army ; who , together with the Prince , viewing all parts as well within as without the City , by which the City might be entred , they munited it with Souldiers and other necessaries . To end the work , compleat the Victory , and to put an end almost to the War , there remained the blocking up of the Citadel on the out-side , and the keeping it from any succour by continual circumvallations , which required not the guarding of above three miles ; for the Citadel was more then half begirt by the City . Five days after the City was taken , the French and Piedmontese Army appeared coming from Cuneo , who when they heard the sad news of the loss of Turin , marched speedily to relieve the Citadel ; and finding no Trenches to keep them off , nor any Forces in the Field to oppose them , they secured the Citadel : they quartered their men without , opposite to the City , towards la Porporata ; and none but the chief Commanders went into the Citadel , to kiss the Dowagers hand , and to consult of what was to be done . The Dowagers affairs begun to better a little by so seasonable a succour , and the French began to be much encouraged ; the Spanish Army was in the City , and all the Citizens that were fit to bear Arms were very diligent to defend it ; moreover , the Trenches which were over against the Citadel were in good order , and did shelter the City indifferently well from the shot which were made from thence . The Marquess of Caracena having assisted therein with no lesse diligence , then danger ; who foreseeing how much the defendants might be damnified by the Garden of the Carmelites which commanded the Trench and streets of the City , if they should be possess'd by the Enemy , prepossess'd himself thereof , and munited it well , and put a good Garrison into it ; and therefore though both the French and Piedmontese , who were in the Citadel , did much desire to assault the City , and to drive the Enemy from thence ; yet the Cardinal of Vallette opposed it , and by his Authority of Supream Command of the French Forces , curb'd the general desire ; yet being overborn by the General order of Longueville and of the other Commanders , and for that he would appear to have some hand therein , rather then out of his own addiction , he consented that 300 of the best men of the French Army should assault la Citta Vecchia under the Marquess Nerestano ; who accosted the walls , and fell on furiously ; but being stoutly opposed were forc'd to retreat , with the loss of many of them ; amongst which the Marshal Nerestano , and the Camp-masters Alincourt , and Valiaci , together with other officers , and gallant Souldiers , and with little loss to the assaulted ; by which , as well he , as the rest of the Captains , having found by experience how much harder it was then they had imagined to recover the City , and the Dowager being put to great streights in the Citadel , they thought it fit that she should go from thence , and should go , together with her Court , to Susa ; which was so necessary as it was presently done ; she went out with an undaunted spirit , bearing in her bosom two consolations amongst so many misfortunes ; the one that if she had been suffer'd to Govern according to her own will she had not fallen into such misfortune ; the other , that the King her brother , who had brought her into that condition , would doubtlesly bring her out of it , at her departure she left the Citadel in charge with the Duke of Longueville , who received it , as deposited by her , in the King of France his name ; for she confiding but a little , upon this occasion , in the Piedmontese , and in so great perplexity , and cross fortune , not having Forces sufficient to defend so important a place , threatned by so neer and powerful an Army , and not having wherewith to fight , nor to subsist for above two moneths , she thought she could not do better , then to put it into the protection of the King her brother ; being come forth , and attended by a competent number of hers , she came to Susa , where she waited , looking in vain where this so great storm would finally fall ; a treaty of Truce was afterwards introduced between the Abbot Vasques , in the Governour of Millain's name , and Mousieur d'Argenson , on the behalf of the Duke of Longueville ; which was desired by Longueville , not so much for the scarcity of provision in the Citadel , as for the precise orders which he received from the King at his departure from Court , and which were often after reiterated ; by which he was enjoyn'd that he should rid his hands as soon as he could of the Wars of Piedmont , to the end that they being over he might go into Flanders , or Germany ; but Prince Thomaso was totally against it , thinking any whatsoever Truce injurious to his cause , and to the whole business ; and for that he knew , for certain , that the Duke had orders to rid his hands of the business as soon as he could ; so as departing with the forces he brought , and Vallette's men being diminished , the French Forces grew very weak ; for there was great scarcity in the Citadel ; he moreover ( that he might keep the Governour of Millain from consenting thereunto ) added , that the Truce would be destructive , not onely in relation to the Citadel of Turin , but to Cassalle ; it being certain that by the Truce some respit would be given to them both ; and did further alleadge , that the Truce would be prejudicial to the affairs of Flanders , Germany , and Spain , as well as to those of Piedmont , by reason of the aforesaid orders given to Longueville , to go to some of those parts ; and that the King of France , when he should have respite from the Wars of Piedmont , would intend those other Wars the more ; but the Governour , who did not believe that Longueville had any such orders , desired to return to Millain , and be free from the troubles of Wars , and perhaps also , being distasted , that such a Garrison should not be put into the Citadel , when it should be taken , as he would have ; and that so the victory should not appear to be his , but anothers ; he therefore was for listning to the Truce ; so they chose Deputies to Negotiate the business ; the Dowager chose Marquess Villa . Prince Thomaso chose Count Messerati ; the Cardinal of Vallette , and Duke Longueville chose Mousier d' Argenson ; and the Governour of Millain chose Abbot Vasques ; all the●…e meeting in Vallentino , the Truce was concluded , which was to begin on the fourth of August , and to end on the twenty fourth of October ; the conditions to be these : That the City , and Citadel , should remain in the Condition they were at the present , with power to either of them to make what Fortification they listed ; so as that neither of them should advance their works beyond a Line , which should be drawn by common consent between the City and the Citadel ; that the Armies should withdrew into their own Towns and Provinces , and should forbear all Hostility ; that none should go from his own quarters , into the others , without a pasport ; that Cassalle should continue in the same condition it was in at the present ; onely that it might be Lawful for the French to change 600 sick and infirm Foot of the Garrison of the Citadel , for as many strong and able men ; and that it might be lawful to change Prisoners . The Truce being thus concluded , Arms were forborn . The Governour retired to Millian , carrying some of his Army along with him , leaving some in Piedmont , and quartering some of them upon the Confines ; Prince Thomaso was not onely unsatisfied with this Truce , but thought himself thereby injured , thinking that the Governour of Millain had abandon'd him when his business was at the fairest , and when he was as good as in possession of the Citadel ; nor were the Emperour , and the Infanta of Flanders less displeased thereat then he , both of them apprehending that when the affairs of Piedmont should be quieted Longueville would come down with his Forces either into Flanders , or Germany ; so as they complained grievously thereof , all three , to the Court of Spain ; which being no less ill satisfied therewith then they , feared that when the War should be at an end in Piedmont , it would for certain break out in greater fury in Catalognia ; wherefore the Governor of Millain was very hardly spoken of in that Court ; and the King of Spain being scandalized both for his ovvn affairs , and those of others , and the Governour roundly check'd , and a strict account required of him for it , it was generally thought , in Italy , that the contention touching the putting a Garrison into the Citadel of Turin had made the Governour of Millain make Truce fearing that it might occasion much strife ; but the Governour alleadged nothing in his defence but the diminution of his Forces , which was occasioned by the many Garrisons which he was necessitated to leave in the Towns which were taken in Piedmont , whereby not being able to keep the Field , he thought it better to desist with honour from that enterprize by the way of Truce , then to do it with shame , as he foresaw he must ere long be forc'd to do . But the expiration of the Truce shewed how little justifiable this his plea was ; for though the French Army was recruited with new men during the time of Truce , and that no supply was sent to the Spanish Camp , yet the Governour of Millain march●…d into the Field with more men then the French did , as shall be said . But as the Governours plea in his own defence would not bear water ; so the Emperour and the Infanta's fear of Longuevill's Forces proved vain . For those Forces were left behind in Piedmont , to the end that that Country might not be unprovided of men ; and Longueville was sent into Alsatia , with onely the Dutch Regiment , to succeed Duke Weymer in being General of the French , which Weymer then dyed ; and yet the King of Spain , either to resent this action of the Governours , or to satisfie Prince Thomaso , commanded the Governour that for the future he would be advised by Prince Thomaso . The Truce was not well concluded , when the King of France , and the Dowager were held to be the breakers of it ; he by her will having brought French into Susa , Avigliana , and Cavor : Wherefore 600 sick men of the Citadel of Turin being by the Articles of the Truce to be changed for as many strong and able men , the Governour of Millain would not allow of the change ; against which the French objected , that the reciprocal Articles of the Truce did not oblige one party between themselves ; they therefore said , that the King and Dowager making joyntly one of the parties , they might do any thing between themselves , without offence to the League ; and on the contrary , they complained that the Truce was broken by both the Princes : for that the Prince Cardinal by authority of his pretence had made no less acquisition after the Truce , then his brother had done by all his Forces ; since going without any Forces from Cuneo to the Maritime parts , he had obtained Villa Franca and the haven thereof by voluntary surrender ; as also the Fort S. Sospiro , and the City and County of Nice , where he was received by the people with much applause ; and that driving out the Governour of that Castle , which by art and scituation was impregnable , he soon after forc'd the Castle to surrender : And that all the people had sworn fealty to him , as to the Dukes Guardian , which was verily a great acquisition ; that City , Castle , and Haven being one of the chief keys of Piedmont , upon which the French had alwayes an eye , and were alwayes intent upon the recovery thereof , as part of Provence , which of ancient right did belong to the Crown of France ; and this purpose 4000 Foot were at that time sent from Provence under that Governour , and the Kings Fleet kept hovering upon those Seas ; but that the Prince Cardinal had subverted these designes , who without Arms or any opposition , by the bare authority of his presence , and by the peoples ready obedience , had obtained a Fort which had already wearied the Forces of France , back'd by a powerful Fleet at Sea of the Turks , which was sent to the taking thereof . The present conjuncture of times did assist the Cardinal much in this affair for the French Fleet , which kept flo●…ng upon those Seas , and the people of Provence who came upon those Confines , made those of Nice much afraid that they should lose that Fort , if it were not secured by some powerful Chiestain , in those dayes wherein they could look for no help from Piedmont , by reason of the great alterations that were there , and wherein the Dowager being necessitated to assign over her principal Towns into the hands of the French , they feared she would be forc'd to do the like with Nice : So as they thought they could not do better for the House of Savoy , in these perillous times , for the preservation of that important place , then to deliver it up to the Prince Cardinal , who for his own concernment would not suffer it to fall into the hands of others ; and who by the assistance of the Spanish Forces might defend it from the French. The people of Provence came neer to Varo , where they did and received some prejudice ; but hearing of the Truce which was made at Turin , they returned back ; and the French Fleet which was feared would assault the Town at the same time , either had no such intention , or , as the people said , and thought , was kept from acting any thing by a thick mist. The French pretended that this action of the Prince Cardinal in taking Nice after the Truce was made , was undoubtedly a more open and manifest breach thereof , then the Dowagers bringing in of French into Susa ; especially since it was done by one party , to the great prejudice of the other : And they thought that Prince Thomaso had also broken the Truce ; who when it was made , obtain'd a Declaration from the supream Senate of Piedmont , for the putting of Caesars Decree in execution , touching the Guardianship and Regency , to the prejudice of the Dowagers Affairs which were chiefly in question ; though she , in defence of her right , and to keep her Sons sovereignty indemnified , which she thought was intrench'd upon by Caesars Decree , made the supream Senate of Savoy declare both the Emperours Decree , and that of the Senate of Turin-hall . But because the Governour of Millain , and the French , did truly observe the Truce , the rest did nothing to discompose it , but onely complained ; all the time of the Truce the Fortifications of the City of Turin went on , and the French furnish'd the Citadel with whatsoever it wanted ; during the Truce some composure was also treated on between the Dowager and the Princes : For the Princes presupposing that their advantage in Forces should make the Dowager willing to divide , if not the name , at lest the substance of Guardianship and Government with them ; and being desirous also to make the people see by these overtures of Treaties , that what they did was out of necessity , and not of choice , they sent Messarati , a great Confident of theirs , to Sus●… , ●…o propound some terms of accommodation to the Dowager ; which were : That she should be Guardianess and Regent , and they her Assisters or Coadjutors ; that all writings and dispatches should be signed both by her and them ; that the Governours and other Officers should be joyntly chos●…n by her and them ; and that the publick Revenues should be also disposed of and managed by them joyntly . These Proposals were neither wholly rejected nor wholly accepted , but thus moderated by the Dowager : That the signing which was desired by the Princes should be granted them in things of greatest importance ; as in Leagues , Agreements made with Forreigners , Alienations , Marriages , in making perpetual Leagues , and the like : And touching the chusing of Officers , that they should have leave to except against any that they should not confide in , in the Offices of greatest concernment : And as for the Revenues , that proposal was totally rejected : No mention was made here , that the Dowager should quit the League made with France , nor that the Princes should pass over from the King of Spain's party to the French ; a chief point , and which was the basis and foundation of all agreement ; from whence it might be seen , that these Negotiations had rather semblances then substance . But the French , who saw how hard it would be for them to maintain the Citadels of Turin and of Cassalle , the one being in an Enemies Countrey , and the other far from any places which were held by the French , and environ'd with Spanish Garrisons , they began to bethink themselves how advantagious it would be for them , if they could win over Prince Thomaso to side with their King ; by which they should not only secure both the Citadels , but should re-gain many places of Piedmont , by means of the peoples favour , who they saw were much inclined to Prince Thomaso : They thought therefore to draw him over to them by large gratifications ; they made very advantagious offers to him , wherein in process of time , and upon occurrences , they enlarged themselves . The King was gone from Paris to Dolpheny , the more to countenance his Sister , and the Affairs of Piedmont ; and when he was come to Grenoble he was desirous to speak with her , and sent for her to come to him : She very willingly pass'd the Mountains , and went to see the King , with great hopes of receiving comfort from him in these her so many and so sad afflictions ; but instead of comfort or consolation , she found her self wounded with yet a more mortal accident then all the rest . Cardinal Richelieu being ( as he always was ) desirous to improve the Grandezza of the Crown of France , not content with such Towns of Piedmont whereinto the Dowager had consented ( as hath been said ) that French Garrisons should be put ; nor being content with the very Citadel of Turin , which was lately assigned over by the Dowager into the hands of the French , made the King desire her that she would permit that a French Garrison , under a Piedmontese Governour , might be put into Mommiliano , the only refuge , and , as may be said , the sacred Anchor of the Principality . She had no readier answer for this so unexpected demand then her tears , which pour'd abundantly down from her eyes ; which , as they mitigated the Kings desire , so did they the more exasperate the Cardinal Richelieu's acrimony , who was the Authour of the demand ; who treating thereof afterwards with the Dowager , tried first to win her consent thereunto by Reasons , saying , That since she was to fear her husbands Brothers , and that she could not trust much in her Subjects , she ought to resolve upon nothing but upon throwing her self into her Brothers arms , and absolutely rely upon him : And when he saw he could not work upon her by his reasons , and found that her denial proceeded from her Counsellors , who were by her , who perswaded her never to yield to any such demand , he strove to terrifie them with threats and angry looks , that they might alter their minds , and perswade the Dowager to grant what the King demanded ; but his perswasions to her were in vain , and his threats and severe looks as vain to the rest ; for the Dowager not at all astonished or dismayed at her former adversities , nor at this present demand , which was fuller of horrour then all the rest , resented the unjustness of the demand with a more then manlike courage ; and her Officers and Advisers , not daunted with the severe threats of one that was likely to put them in execution , kept constant in their Loyalty to the Dowager , and to their Duke : Moreover , the Savoyards , who had some inkling of this business , being very averse unto it , entred the Town with a Garrison , resolving to lose their lives rather then it should fall into the hands of the French. The Cardinal being more then meanly incensed at this denial , began to sit upon the skirts of the Dowager , and , in revenge , desired occasion to ruine her affairs , which he was not long in meeting with ; for Prince Thomaso having sent Count Messerati to the Court of France , to treat with the King and Richelieu upon the large offers which were made him , he found them at Lions , in their return from Grenoble , and brought back word from the Cardinal , That not only the offers which were made unto the Prince should be confirmed , but promised greater things touching his pretentions with the Dowager , and that he should be maintained and upheld therein , so as he would drive out the Spaniards that were in Turin ; and that even the Dowager should be excluded from thence ; for he would order it so as she should keep in Savoy , and that she should be forced to all his pretentions , except such as the King could not with honour consent unto : But all these offers would not prevail with the Prince , were it either that he doubted they would not be made good , having small reason to expect that more account should be made of his concernments than what he appa●…ently saw was made of the Kings own Sisters ; or were it that he was advised to the contrary by the Prince Cardinal , and by Messerati's self , who was totally inclined to the Spanish party : But resolving not to break off the Treaty altogether , the Prince answered , That he would not accept of any of those offers , unless he might be permitted to remain a friend to the Spaniards , or at least be a Neuter between the two Crowns ; which not being granted him ( for the King of France his only end in making him so great offers was , that , together with him , he might make War upon the State of Millain ) the Treaty broke off ; and yet the greatness of these offers , which at the present seemed to effect nothing , like seed sown in good ground , produced afterwards new and more high pretentions , which brought forth at last the fruit of those dissentions and alienations which were at the present expected ; for the Prince , being proud to have such offers made him by the King of France , began to be scandalized , that though he was a Prince , and Child of Spain , and had been honoured so in appearance , yet in reallity he was treated but as a private Cavalier , without any setled allowance , whereby he might maitain his Court and menial Servants , but was fain to use means daily to the Governour of Millain for his maintaining of them ; and much more , that the had no independent Authority or Command , as became a Prince of his condition ; and though when the Truce was made , and wherewith the King of Spain was not well pleased , the King had ordered the Governour of Millain that he should do nothing for the future without consult●…ng with the Prince : yet were it either that the Governour had some private Orders to the contrary , or that he was tied by his Order only to consult , but not to execute , or that he abhorred to have his authority bounded by the Prince his pleasure , he acted not according to the Prince his opinion , but as he listed best himself , from whence dis-satisfaction grew daily . The Prince began to demand that he might have an Army depending upon none but himself , which he might manage as he would himself ; and that he might have a certain perfix'd allowance setled for the maintenance of himself , and of his Court. These were high demands ; and such as were not easie to be granted , the scarcity of men and moneys in these times being considered , and the present condition of affairs ; but though the passages between the Prince and French had made the Court of Spain jealous of him , yet they made him as necessary for them , since they saw the French endeavoured so much to draw him over to them ; so as neither the Agents in Italy nor the Court of Spain durst exasperate him by denials : his demands were therefore refer'd by the King to Count Sirvela , who going to the Prince assured him of the Kings good opinion , and said he was very willing to give him satisfaction ; but because the Prince , when he came out of Savoy and sided with the King of Spain , had sent his Wife and Children to the Spanish Court , as Hostages of his fidelily , and had given her Commission to put him and his whole Family into the protection of that Court ; and that his Wife in performance thereof , by the consent of President Costa whom the Prince had given her for her Counsellour , had subscribed a publick writing to that purpose in Madrid , which the Prince would never ratifie , though he had been often desired to do it ; therefore the Count who was very willing to give him all satisfaction , demanded the ratification of that writing , before he would enter into any treaty with him . The Prince , who when he had nothing to relie upon but the King of Spains favour was slow in ratifying it , was now more obdurate therein when he was so sought unto by the King of France ; so as no treaty was commenced , the Count thinking it stood not with the Kings honour to proceed otherwise ; and perhaps he had received such instructions from the Court , to prolong the conclusion of the treaty by propounding such difficulties . The Governour of Millains carriage to the Prince cooperated to these proceedings , who was more liberal to him in furnishing him with monyes then he had been formerly ; and did more frequently follow his advice in the managing of War ; and granted more unto him then he had formerly done ; especially in things wherein the main business was not concern'd , to the end , that obtaining that in effect which he could not do by express covenanting , he might adhere the more constantly to the Kings party ; so as what by reason of the better satisfaction which he received , what by the progress which the Spanish Forces made in Piedmont , and by the yet greater which he hoped they would make , he bare the better with it . Let us now re-assume the thred of Affairs which ensued , from which the Treaties of Peace , and the Interests of Parties have a little deviated us . The Truce being concluded , and the Duke of Longueville being gone ( as hath been said ) into Alsatia , the Cardinal of Valletta●…ed ●…ed in Rivoli , being much distasted and anger'd at the heart , by reason of the unfortunate success which had hapned in his Generalship , the blame whereof he saw was laid upon him ; and his Brother , the Duke of Candale , who was joyn'd with him in the Government of the War , died seven moneths before him in Cassalle ; so the Arms of France in Piedmont wanting a Commander in chief , the King of France sent Henry of Lorrein , Count d' Harcourt , thither to be his General ; he who by his Fleet at Sea had happily recover'd the Islands of Provence from the Spaniards ; who being come to Piedmont a little before the Truce was to end , being desired by the Nuntio to prolong it , seemed very willing thereunto ; yet the effects shewed that he dream'd of nothing less , then of consenting to any the least delay ; but he appeared otherwise , that he might lull the Governour asleep , and make him negligent in making provisions ; to the end that when the Truce should be expired they might fall to War again , as he was resolved to do : his reason of not proroguing the Truce , was , the necessity of relieving the Citadel of Cassalle , which was ready to be lost if it were not speedily relieved . On the contrary , the Governour of Millain , though by his Speeches and Demonstrations he seemed to be wholly averse to the prorogation ; yet he desired nothing more , in his heart , then that the Truce might be prolonged , out of his thirsting after the same Citadel of Cassalle ; which being but weakly garrison'd , and being every where begirt with Spanish Forces , he knew that by a long Siege it would fall of it self into his hands ; and thought that it was reduced even to extremity : but Prince Thomaso who desired more to make the Citadel of Turin sure , then to gain that of Cassalle ; and who , contrary to his will , had given way unto the Truce , was unwilling to have it prolonged , neither did he believe it would be ; for that the new General , as well as the Governour , foreseeing how prejudicial the prorogation would be to the Citadel , he was sure it would never be granted : he therefore admonished the Governour not to suffer himself to be fed with vain hopes , nor to trust the enemies fair speeches , who as soon as the Truce should be expired would assuredly march into the Field ; wherefore he exhorted him to be prepared , lest he might be assaulted at unawares . The Governour was of another opinion , either out of his desire of seeing the Truce prorogued , or being detained by the inconveniences which lying in the Field bears with it , or by reason of the great expences for necessary preparations , which believing that they would be superfluous if the prorogation should succeed , as he believed it would , he desired to spare ; and finding that Harcourt could not be rid of the Nuntio , who continually sollicited him to prolong the Truce , he argued that he had a good mind thereunto ; but being at last ascertained by the Prince , that the French who were quartered abroad in several parts of Piedmont during the Truce , now that it drew neer to an end , went to joyn with their General , who lay in Carmagnuola , he began to be un-deceived ; wherefore going from Millain , he went , but not with all his men , to Pavia , and from thence to Asti , where he tarried observing the enemies proceedings ; who giving still good words , and holding on the treaty more then ever , would not suffer the Governour to despair of a good conclusion , which he strove to make him believe was now neerer then ever : at last Harcourt making an express Messenger appear at the very expiration of the Truce , who feigning to be sent from the Court , brought him precise Orders from the King not to prorogue the Truce , but to carry on the War , he bad farewel to all Negotiations , and also to the Nuntio , who out of hope of obtaining a prorogation did study it much . The French when this feigned Post appeared were ready drawn out in order ; so as the General , at the same time that he dismiss'd the Nuntio , commanded them to march toward Montcalleri , they being about 9000 fighting men , whereof about 7000 Foot , and the rest Horse , those Piedmontese being numbred in , who were come to joyn with him under Marquess Villa . The Governour understanding ( contrary to his expectation ) that the Treaty was over , went from Asti to Villafranca , where he heard from the Prince , that the French marched to Cheri ; and therefore he counselled him to draw neer to St. Paolo , and to the Towns within a mile of Villafranca , by the ne●…ghbourhood whereof he might secure Cheri , and oppose any design of the enemy , without exposing his men to danger being so neer Villanova ; he sent him word that he would come out of Turin with 2000 Foot , and 600 Horse , and that he would come to Cheri by the way of the hills , so as the enemy being assaulted by one of them before , and by the other behind , he might undoubtedly be discomfited . Cheri is a Town of large circuit , abounding in all things , full of Inhabitants ; and being one of those which made up the circle of the siege of Cassalle , Harcourt having cast his eye upon it , thinking that if he should take it , he might open a sure and fit way to send relief to Cassalle , which was now his chief intent . There were but five hundred Dutch in Cheri , who were sent thither , when the Truce was expired , by the Prince under Colonel Formestre , together with some troops of horse , too small a number for so great a circuit . The Governour of Millain sent the Prince word from Villafranca that he would advance , and wish'd him to do the like from Turin ; to the end , that enclosing the Enemy between them , they might easily rout them . But fortune often makes a laughing stock of the best grounded designs ; the Governour being come to the foot of a hill , which was the mid-way between him , and Harcourt , and which kept the French and those of Cheri , from discovering the Spanish Army : The Governour defer'd passing over this hill till the next day , which if he had done the same day , as undoubtedly he might , Harcourt would not have dared to attempt Cheri , for fear of being assaulted by the Governour , whom he would have seen upon his back ; and the Inhabitants and Garrison of Cheri , encouraged by the Governours being so neer , would have done more then they d d in their own defence : but no opposition appearing , Harcourt came to the Town ; from whence-six Troops of Horse issued forth , and skirmished four hours space with 400 French Horse , which were the first that appeared . But af●…er a long fight , the main body of the French Army came up unto them , which forced the others to retreat to Cheri , upon whom the Gates of the Town being shut , lest the enemies Horse might enter a long w●…th them , they ran as fast as they could towards Turin , whither they got safe and unpursued . The French being come to Cheri , were notlong in planting their Cannon against the walls , but it was more then needed ; for those of Cheri seeing none appear to assist them , and wanting men enough to defend the Town , they feared to be plundred : So as the same night , without the consent of the Dutch Captain , they by Marquess Villa's means articled to surrender the Town ; the next day Prince Thomaso , who marched with his men towards Cheri , might see the Dutch that were come out of Cheri come towards him , and the Governour who had past over his in another part , heard of the surrender . They both were astonished at the news of so sudden a surrender ; and having lost the hopes of their expected victory , they halted upon the Hills , expecting to hear from one another , what they were to do next ; But Harcourt hearing that the Governour advanced , left his baggage , artillery , and all incumbrances behind in Cheri , and march'd with his men into the field , and advanc'd to fight him ; which when the Governour heard , he made two squadrons of Horse , and some Musketiers , advance , that they might fall upon the enemies Van ; and immediately ordered Don Iohn di Garrai , to draw out the Souldiers in order ; and whilst the Horse which were sent before by the Governour skirmish'd with the enemies Van , Carpano Captain of the Spanish Horse , and Tavanes Serjeant Major of the French Army , were hurt ; but Harcout hearing that Prince Thomaso was faln down from the hills and was come to assault him on the back , lest he might be taken between them , made his Reer his Van , and with speed retreated to Cheri , whose Inhabitants were doubly blamed upon this account ; First , for having been too hasty in surrendring , when two reliefs were so neer ; Secondly , for not having advertised the Prince of the enemies going out of the Town , when they went to encounter the Governour , for then he might have advanced , and might have recovered the Town , might have taken the baggage and artillery which were left therein by the French , and might have falne upon the enemy joyntly with the Governour . The Governour , when he saw the occasion was over , went to Santena , a Town within three miles of Cheri , upon the way by which you go from Cheri to Carmagnuola ; and mustering all his men together he resolved to besiege the enemy , from thence , who were in Cheri . And knowing by those that he had taken , that they wanted victuals very much ; he made account , that since they could receive none but either from Carmagnuola or Montcalleri , he might hinder any from coming from Carmagnuola , by his keeping at Santena , and might also keep any from coming from Montcalleri , by sending a Garrison of a thousand Foot thither , and some Horse , and that consequently the Town would quickly be relinquish'd for want of food ; which Harcourt foreseeing , he thought by one and the same means to free his men from Famine , and ( which was his main end ) to send relief to the Citadel of Cassalle , which stood in great need thereof . He therefore sent 400 Horse out of the Town , with men en croup , who passing by the hills of Montferrat which lead to Cassalle , met with no opposition , except at the village Gazzino , where some Troops of Prince Thomaso's Horse were commanded by his General Don Mauritio , who though they made some resistance , yet the French made their way valiantly thorow them , and got with little loss into Cassalle ; and Marquess Villa came forth also with almost all the Dowagers Horse , and thereby not onely freed the Town from Famine , which began to be very great , but thought also to get food for the Town ; but he intended first to fall upon the Prince , who over-ran the parts about Montcalleri , and raised contribution : And to the end that he might not be hindred by the Enemies Army , the rest of the Horse march'd out at the same time and faced the Enemy , thinking by this means to keep them within their quarters : But being met by the Enemies Horse , he was forced to retreat once more into Cheri ; nor did the same Horse fare more fortunately in the sally which they made out by night not long after , with intention to fall at unawares upon the Horse quarter , which being commanded by Gonzaga , lay in Poirino , a Town not far from Santena ; for the first Charge being stoutly withstood by Aisaldo , who was Captain of the Horse guard , the rest of the Horse had time to put themselves in order ; who charging the Assailants , after a long dispute and much resistance put them to flight , and took Aisaldo from them , who being wounded in the head was carried away Prisoner by them . And for all this , those that remained in Cheri wanted bread ; so as the French were forced to go elsewhere to get victuals , if they would keep there : They therefore endeavoured to get some from Chiavezzo , which though it was somewhat far off , and divided from Cheri by the Poe ; yet the water being then so low as that it was foordable , they thought that by great conducts they might secure the passage ; and because Cheri suffer'd more in want of Grist then Grain , and Chiavezzo wanting Grain , they sent Loads of Grain thither , and brought as many Loads of Grist from thence ; whereby they thought they might sustain themselves , and prolong the Siege ; which they might have done , if a provision had not been found against it ; for the Governour had sent before to break down all the Mills of the parts thereabouts , and placed Garrisons in the Towns neer the high-ways , by which the Convoys pass'd , and made the Countrey people be ready with their Arms in hand , to oppose any of the Enemy that should passe that way ; so as the Convoys being often routed , provision of bread grew very scarce in that Town ; yet Marquess Villa , according to his promise , brought some relief from Carmagnuola to the great Famine that was in Cheri , which he did luckily and without oppotion ; for the Governour having removed his Quarters from Santena to Poirino , the way which leads from Carmagnuola to Cheri was left almost open , which whilest the Governour tarried at Santena was quite block'd up : But this relief being but very slender , it being no more then what was brought en croupe behind 600 Horse , and the French having no hopes of any more from elsewhere , it was impossible for them to tar●…y longer there , especially in respect of straw which the horses wanted extreamly . Almost all the French Horse which were in Piedmont were in Cheri , which if they should be lost , neither the Citadel of Turin , nor Chiavezzo , nor any Towns of Piedmont , could be longer kept ; and the very Citadel of Cassalle was held as good as lost if these horses , which were the sinews of the French Forces , should be lost : And many things made against the coming of new recruits from France ; for the King , besides provisions made for the Wars of Flanders and Germany , was wholly bent upon the Enterprize of Catalognia , which was at that time in insurrection against the King of Spain , and had sent all the Forces that he could raise in his Kingdom thither ; so as no wise man could dream of any supplies : To demand conditions of the Enemy was the to●…al ruine of the King of France his Forces , and of both his and the Dowagers honour ; for the Prince and the Governour knowing very well what advantage they had would not have been satisfied with mean conditions ; and if they should have yielded to any conditions , they would have demanded the Citadels of Turin and Cassalle , Chiavazzo , and whatsoever was then upon the point to be lost ; nay , they would hardly have pardoned the Souldiers lives ; so as they would have pretended to as plenary a victory by way of agreement , as if they had won it by force of Arms. It therefore was more honourable to venture life in maintaining the Towns they yet had , then ignominiously to abandon them to the Enemy . Harcourt was thus generously minded ; who being in these streights would rather run the hazzard of his life and fortune , then be forc'd to yield to ruinous conditions : nor did this his Generosity prove vain ; for Fortune , which always favours the couragious , seemed to be desirous to preserve this gallant Commander for more glorious Victories . He was to do one of three things , to get from thence , and to escape an ignominious and ruinous surrender ; he must either get into Chiavazzo by the same way by which he had caused victuals to be brought , and from thence to the Citadel of Turin ; or else go towards Bat●…igliera , a Town which stands upon the skirt of the hill , and from thence go through the Langhe to Alba ; or else ( which was the most dangerous undertaking ) get into Carmagnuol●… by the way of Santena , which the Governour of Millain had lately abandoned : The greatest danger of the last lay , that whereas if he should betake himself to either of the other two , he went still further from the Enemy ; by the third he should fall into his very jaws ; yet Harcourt liked the last best ; for if he had endeavoured to get into Chiavazzo by the first way , he must pass through the narrow ways of the hill ; and in case he should be pursued by the Enemy , he must be forc'd to abandon his Cannon and his Baggage ; if he should go the second way , which was exceeding troublesome , he could carry neither victuals nor ammunition with him ; and being to march still through an Enemies Countrey he exposed himself to apparent danger of being routed , if the Governour of Millain should follow and overtake him : He therefore chose the third way as the securest , though fullest of danger . And because he had made a false March to be beaten when he stirr'd not , several nights before his coming , it hapned that when he caused it to be beaten the night that he went away , the Enemy either did not hear it , or believed it to be feigned , as were the former ; so as he had time and conveniency to be well advanced with his men before the Enemy knew he was gone ; but though he should have pursued him he could not have speedily overtaken him , for several reasons : But howsoever ●…e sent his Horse after him to gall him on the Rere ; but it was late ere these got to him ; and when they came they found the Enemy engaged with the Prince , who coming from Montcalleri fell upon them , believing that the Governour would do the like at the same time on his side . The Prince gave a furious and gallant assault , with various fortune for a while ; but the French finding that the Spanish A●…my was got up unto them , they placed their Attillery loaded with Musket-bullets , in the Rere , and turning them upon the enemies horse , they hurt them not a little ; and therefore being forced to forbear , partly in expectation of the rest of the Army ; partly to keep from being further prejudiced , they advanced no further ; the Prince his own person was much endangered , by the valiant resistance made by the French ; but at last he made himself master of a Bridge which they had abandoned ; the coming on of night , which was very dark , and the Countrey being full of underwoods , and Rivulets , kept the Governour from falling upon the French , whilest they were in Fight with the Prince ; for he thought it better to make the Victory sure , by deferring the Combat till the next day , then to undergo those dangers and disasters which battels by night are subject unto ; but Harcourt reflecting upon the danger he should be in , if ( carrying till broad day ) he should be assaulted on both sides , he fell upon the Prince at midnight so furiously , as though he was stoutly resisted , he got the better of the business , he regained the Bridge , over the which he past his men before the dawning of the day , and secured both them and himself ; when day was up , the Governour found that the assured victory which he had promised himself over night had escaped his hands ; which if it had fallen out otherwise , it had undoubtedly put an end to the War : as this success redounded much to Harcourts . Glory ; so did it occasion much murmuring against the Governour , in general , and in particular , by your Prince , who complained , as if the Governour out of private rancour and indignation , had by affected delay and slow marching shun'd falling upon the Enemy ( who if he had been taken in the midst between them , he must of necessity have been overthrown ) as if he had not onely not cared to put an end to the War , so to keep the Princes from obtaining their pretences , which he seemed not to wish well unto ; but as if he had exposed the Prince his person to the Forces of a more powerful Enemy , to the end that he might be defeated , and have his own person endangered : the Piedmontese joyned all , generally , with the Prince in his Complaints , and not a few of the Captains of the Spanish Army ; who could not know why , when the Governour might have followed the Enemy in a straight line , he had pursued him in an oblique one ; and yet there wanted not some who defended this action , alleadging in excuse of what had hapned , that the Governours slowness was not to be ascribed to affectation , or to any sinister intention to the Prince , but to a good rule in War , which says , it is better to make a bridge of gold for an enemy to march away over , then by incensing him to make him desperate , and put the whole affair in hazard ; they praised him , for that he had been contented to free Cheri from the Enemy , without unshe thing a sword , or endangering his men ; applauding the genius of the Spaniards , who are known by so many experiences to shun pitch'd battels as much as they can , and never to come unto any , but when forced by necessity ; after this the Governour sent towards Alba and Nizza , to drive all the French out of the lower Moniferrat ; and to this purpose he sent the Camp Master Emilio Ghilino , to drive them from Vezzeme , and Bubbio , two Castles neer this part of Moniferrat , where the French were as yet ; who defending themselves better then it was thought they could have done , he sent the Marquess of Caracena thither afterwards with his Brigade , and with some pieces of Artillety ; who drove the French from both those places ; and reduced them to his power within three days space : thus the Governour having put strong Garrisons into the Towns of Piedmont , and left 5000 Foot and 1000 Horse with Prince Thomaso , undercamp Master Bolognino ; the winter coming on , he retired with the rest of the Army to the State of Millain ; and having quartered them in several parts of that State , he prepared all that Winter for the next years War ; this mean while the business was not given over between the Citadel and the City of Turin ; for as soon as the Truce was expired , those of the Citadel began to draw neer the Enemies Fortifications ; by new Trenches , and works under ground ; and having sprung a Mine , a fierce Skirmish ensued , by which those of the Citadel advanc'd to very neer the Trenches of the City , and could not be driven from thence till the next night , when the Princes Souldiers , having also sprung a Mine under the Enemies new advancements , they also made a great assault ; wherein though they were stoutly resisted , and were repuls'd more then once , yet they got the better of the business , and made those of the Citadel not onely forsake the station wherein they were ; but forced them to retreat a little more backward then where they had been before : they then fell to make use of their Artillery ; those of the Citadel endeavoured to beat down the great Tower in the great Piazza , from whence they were play'd upon in the Citadel ; and those without strove to beat down the Keep within the Citadel , from whence the houses of the City were beaten down by the Artillery of the Citadel ; and each of them obtained their ends , but not alike ; for the Tower , after above 2000 Cannon shot , was beaten down to the ground : and the Keep of the Citadel was onely beaten down so low , as the City could receive no prejudice from thence ; but notwithstanding , the City and Citadel continued plying one another with Musket , and Cannon shot , whereby many were slain , and many hurt , and ( amongst the rest ) Mounsieur di Cavogne , Governour of the Citadel , received a sleight hurt in the face ; and in this manner did things continue here all the Winter ; In which interim they forbare not to fortifie the City against the Citadel : Harcourt being with them who were preserved at the Bridge gotten to Carmagnuola , quarter'd his men in those Towns of Piedmont which held yet for the Dowager ; amongst which were Saluzzo , with all the Marquisate , Alba , Fossano , Chirasco , Savigliano , Bene , Carmagnuola , Chiavasso ; and yet Harcourt was not idle ; for he furnish'd the Citadel of Turin with such things as were chiefly necessary , for some moneths ; and when the Governour of Millain was retreated , he vex'd some Towns which held for the Prince ; he took Busca , a Town between Cuni and Savigliano , and passing to Rossona , and Drovero , they yielded to him upon conditions , before his men came to him : he went then to Rovello , which having easily taken , he quarter'd there all that Winter ; but the French were generally hated by the Piedmontese , who taking up Arms denied to pay them usual contributions ; and abhorring their government , declared themselves for the Prince ; who that he might not spend that Winter idely , sent the horse which lay idle in Turin to scour the parts about Chiavasso , where , together with much other hurt which he did , he streightned that Town very much , which the French desired to relieve , but could never do it ; the Governour of Millain met also with a no inconsiderable encounter , wherein he lost five Troops of Horse , which were quarter'd in Constanza , and kept the territories of Canava from being overrun by the Garrison of Cassalle : which Troops whilest they lay careles●… there , were assaulted , a●… unawares , by four hundred Horse ▪ which came out of Cassale , who slew some of them , took other some prisoners , and suffer'd but very few of them to escape : and yet all this while , peace and agreement was treated on between the Dowager and the Princes , not without desire to see it Effected . The End of the Sixteenth Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . Book XVII . The Contents . YOu shall read in this Book the Treaties of Agreement between the Dowager and the Princes ; and the Interest between the Princes and the Governour of Millain ; how the Governour goes with a powerful Army to Cassalle ; how it is relieved by Harcourt ; how he fought the Governour before he could bring in the succour , and had the better of the Fight , and did not onely relieve but perfectly free the place . Harcourt , being victorious , goes presently to Turin ; he takes the Capuchins Bridge over the Poe ; fortifies himself there ; and afterwards begirts the City with a vast line , and endeavours to get it by famine , Prince Thomaso being in it ; but ere long he seeth the Governour upon the Hills with a powerful Army , coming to relieve the besieged Prince ; the Governour finding it impossible to bring the succour by that way , tryes to get a pass over the River , towards Montcalleri : and having gotten it , he passeth over the Poe ; where quitting the Hills , he takes up new quarters ; and thinking to make the French abandon the enterprize by famine , he possesseth himself of the Avenues by which Victualls were brought to the Camp ; so as they would have been quickly made to remove , had not Prince Thomaso , who was impatient of delay , made the Governour to fall upon the Enemies Trenches , and to relieve him so ; which falling out unfortunately , and the Governour not thinking himself any longer safe in his quarters beyond the Poe , returns to his quarters upon the Hills ; where he 〈◊〉 assisting the besieged in what he was able , till the City was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; which hapned two moneths , and eleven days after the un●…te 〈◊〉 given to the French Trenches , that the besieged City might be relieved Prince Thomas●… comes 〈◊〉 of Turin , and retreats to Inurea ; 〈◊〉 ●…e it defined by Monsig●… Mazzarini , who was come Embassadour from the King of France into Piedmont a little before Turin was surrendred , to joyn with the Frenchie but Count Siruela coming to him from the Governour of Millian , he makes new capit●…lations with him , to joyn with the Crown of Spains and the C●…ns Della Rivera , being sent by the same Governour , to the same purpose , to the Prince Cardinal , the Embassadour Mazzarini having notice thereof , forc●…th Prince Thomaso to joyn with the French upon conditions ; one of which was that the Prince should go to Paris within one moneths space ▪ which condition was not observed ; for the Prince instead of going to France , passeth secretly to Nice , where he and his brother ●…e connfirm their union to the crown of Spain , to Rivera , the Embassador Mazzarini who went to Nice , to confirm the one Prince , and to draw the other over to the French party , laboured the contrary verymuch ; at the same tim●… the Governour of Millain it sent for into Spain , and is succeeded in that Government by Count Siruela ; the French go to Montcalvo , take the Town as their first arrival , and afterwards the Castle , which yields without expecting succour . THough the Princes saw their cause brought to an advantagious condition through the assistance of the Spanish Forces , and by the Popular favour , and that they had the better of the Dowager , who had not as yet been assisted by the French , answerably to her need ; yet finding it very hard to recover the chief Towns of Piedmont , some of which were fallen into the French-mens hands , some into the Spaniards ; and the Citadel of Turin , which was the head and foundation of the State , at the present posses'd by the French , which if it should be recovered was likely to fall , contrary to their will , into the hands of the Spaniards ; they did inwardly resent it , and began at last to find that , by experience , which before these commotions it was impossible for them to comprehend by Reason ; that they were not likely to be concern'd in the good of any victories they had got , or hoped to get ; and that by overcoming , they overcame not for themselves , nor for the Duke their Nephew , whose protection they pretended ; but that they submitted themselves , the Duke , and the Principality of their family to the disposal of others ; they might also conceive how little reason they had to rely upon the Spanish Forces which were managed with ends differing from theirs , and aimed at things much more differing ; especially if that were true which the Prince complained of so bitterly , that the Governour of Millain had abandoned him , in the dangerous conflict which he had at the Bridge Dellarotta ; they also seemed to have reason , not onely not to confide in , but to abhor the favour of , the Spaniards , which looked more after their depression , then their exaltation ; as they might find , moreover , by the Truce concluded so unseasonably , and contrary to all expectation , before Turin ; and much more by their pretending to put a Spanish Garrison into the Citadel of Turine these things did certainly cause much greater Commotion in the Dowager , who was powerfully assaulted by her enemies , weakly protected and defended by her friends , b●…reft at the same time by both of them of her chiefest Towns , and even of the City and Citadel of Turin : besides , forced by the Cardinal of Richelieu to yield to unreasonable conditions , or else to be fiercely prosecuted by his bitter malice : all wise men thought therefore , that the frequent Negotiations which pass'd all Winter long between the Dowager and the Princes , would have produced the desired , and so necessary agreement ; but they were deceived . The Princes were at the present in much Authority and Grandezza , and were , with no expence to themselves , brought by the Spanish Forces almost to what they desired . The Prince Cardinal was possess'd of the City , Fort , and almost of the whole County of Nice , of Cunco , Mondovi , of the Marquisate of Ceva , and almost of all Piedmont , from Carmagnuola to the Sea. Prince Thomaso had the City and County of Asti , Trino , together with the Canevese , the Valleys and Cities of Inurea , Biela , and Aosta , and the City of Turin : They executed all Jurisdiction in all these places ; they chose all Officers and Governours ; they received all usual Revenues and imposed Taxes ; the people did not only freely follow them , but readily obey'd them ; they had moneys from Spain to maintain the present Wars , and their Courts ; and , what was most considerable in these ruptures , they were much sought to by the King of France , by whom , before this War , they were not only kept from the Guardianship and Regency , but banished out of Piedmont , as publick Enemies : Wherefore considering their former condition , their present State , and what they were to be , if , abandoning such noble acquisitions , they should submit to the Dowagers Regency ; it was impossible that they should forsake their present fortune , to receive afterwards , as a great favour from the Dowager , their Childrens Portions , which were so short of the splendour they lived in now : Neither did their ends and hopes cease here ; for believing that the Governour of Millain would undoubtedly put them the next Spring in possession of the Citadel of Turin , they thought they should have atchieved their utmost pretences , and be become absolute Arbitrators of all things ; and that they should be in a condition , not only of not receiving Laws from the Dowager , but of doing what they listed in Piedmont : Neither did these their hopes appear to be idle ; for besides that they might hope well by what was past , they saw the French were very thin in Piedmont , and that they had but small or no hopes to be recruited from France . On the contrary , the Spanish Forces in Italy , by what recruits were already come , and by what was expected the next Spring , were very powerful ; so as not being likely to meet with any that would withstand them , they promised themselves assured Victory . And no comparison being to be made between what they were offered either by France or the Dowager , and what they at the present enjoy'd , and might promise themselves for the future , from the peoples favour , and the assistance of Spain , they could not parallel the slender hopes of what was to come , with their present advantagious condition ; so as they could not listen to any accomodation ; and if they did , it was but to feed the people with vain hopes , to sell their conjunction the dearer to the Spaniards , and for other particular ends of their own . On the other side , the Dowager , though it might be thought that her unhappy present condition might make her accept of any thing , yet , finally , she could not allow but of what stood with the joynt safety and dignity of her self and Son. Several Proposals and Articles pass'd between them all the Winter , by which the Princes questioning her lawful Authority , they aimed at bringing all to a Triumvirate , consisting of her , and of themselves , to the Arbitriment whereof all things should be referred ; a specious Proposition in appearance , but which finally comprehended nothing but the absolute exclusion of the Dowager from all Sovereignty and Grandezza , and the bereaving her of all Liberty ; for the Princes being sure to joyn in any whatsoever resolution , she must necessarily be excluded from all choice , and must submit to their joynt opinion : What would her Authority be then in this Triumvirate ? What would her Guardianship and Regency be ? How could she secure her self of her own and her Sons Affairs ? Was not this to put her self , the State , and her Son , into the absolute discretion of the Princes , between whom and her there were so many differences and diffidences ? It was better for her assuredly to be at her Brothers will , and to run any fortune together with him , then to joyn with her Brethren in Law , who were her Rivals , and so bitter Competitors . And as the Proposals made by the Princes were not in reason to be accepted of by the Dowager , so neither could the Princes , being in so advantagious a condition , allow of the Dowagers Proposals , though they were more justifiable . The Dowager pretended , That as the Principality of Savoy was Monarchical , so the Regency in her must be Monarchical ; so as detesting that it should degenerate into an Oligarchical Triumvirate , she would be sole and Sovereign in the Regency . The considerations wherewith the two Crowns proceeded in these Affairs , were such , as no cure was to be found for these present evils , without a general Peace ; for the King of France pretending that Piedmont should be absolutely at his disposal , his intention therein was to carry the War freely , and without any let , into the State of Millain . On the contrary , the King of Spain , endeavouring to keep the French Forces as far as possibly he could from his Dominions , was necessitated to uphold the Princes pretentions , and to use all means to exclude the Dowager and French from Piedmont ; and so under colour of making War there in the behalf of the Princes , to make himself master of all the chief Towns , and to keep the French from the State of Millain ; and this design proceeded so successfully , as the King of France , distrusting a good end of his designs , by reason of the great obstructions he met with , forewent the rigour of his proceedings hitherto against the Princes , and was induced to make great offers to Prince Thomaso , to the end , that by his joyning with him , he might miss those oppositions which the people of Piedmont and the Spanish Forces made to the progress of his Arms ; and the King of Spain was forced to consent largely to the will and interest of the Princes , and to command his Agents that they should not distaste them , lest being distasted they might pass over to the French party ; and might bring the Arms of that King into the Confines of the State of Millain ; so as a general peace seemed to be the only means to piece up all these rents ; but though all treaties of accommodation were in this desperate condition , yet the Dowa●…er from the profundity of her sad fortune found out so adequate an expedient , and so proportionate to the present conditions , as if it had succeeded well ( as it was very likely to do ) the Civil Wars had been wholly ended , and Forreign Wars , unfomented by the Civil , would have been much ceased , if not quite extinguished : She was very apprehensive that she should be wholly excluded all administration , if Prince Thomaso should accept of the offers made him by the King of France and Cardinal Richlieu ; and foreseeing that that would be as displeasing to the Prince Cardinal , she sought to close with him ; wherefore telling him that he was the more obliged to endeavour the quenching of Civil Wars , which arising from domestick dissention would undoubtedly cease , when the others were at an end , by his being neerest to succeed in the Principality : She therefore exhorted him to give way to her just Regency upon fair and reasonable conditions ; she offer'd to give him her eldest Daughter , the Princess Maria Lodovica for Wife ; she who it was so much doubted might carry the succession of the Principality to the Blood Royal of France , if she should be married to the Dolphine . The offer was not mean , nor of small consideration ; for the Prince Cardinal did not only ascertain the succession of the Principality in his own person , which in case the Duke should die , he feared might receive incumberances thereby ; but did assure to himself the favour and good will of the Dowager , who from being his Brothers Wife , becoming his Wives Mother , was interessed in a neerer tye of alliance with him ; so as he might promise himself she would be much govern'd by him , and that he should have a great stroak in the Regency , and in the administration of the State. I is to be observed that the Ca●…dinal was very de●…irous of issue , and no●… finding any Princess in these times more suitable to his ends , he was very well pleased with the offer , and did readily entertain it , which did much facilitate the Articles of Agreement ; which being dictated by him ve●…y conformable to the Dowagers intentions , were sent to her from Nice , and were for the most part accepted of ; and those whereof there was any dispute were reduced to so neer a composition , as there were great hopes all things would be well agreed ; for it was not very impossible but that the Prince Cardinal might come over to the King of France his party , when by this m●…rriage he should be become his Nephew : But Prince Thomaso hearing of this Treaty was very much incens'd , and endeavoured by all means to discompose it ; he thought that though in reason he had not equal pretence with his Brother to the Guardianship , he was not yet inferiour to him in authority , by reason of his Military worth , by reason of the good will the people bore him , and by what he had done in the present debates : they were both likewise comprehended in the Emperours Decree ; so as he thought it not fit to give way to any accommodation , whereby he should be debarred all authority and command : it was also thought that he liked not that his Brother should ma●…ry ; he and his Children being thereby be●…est of so●…neer hopes of succession ; be therefore took it ill that any accommodation should be treated of without his cog●…izance ; and fearing that if it should be concluded , he should sall to the ground between two stools , he presently sent Marquess Bagnasco , and the Commendatore Pasero to Nice , to disswade his Brother from making any such agreement , by the same reasons by which the Prince Cardinal had disswaded him to accept the offers which the King of France offer'd him ; and to enter his protestation against it ; in case he should make it . When they came thither , they found the Prince Cardinal absolutely resolved to embrace the Dowagers motion , the desire of quiet prevailing with him , and marriage whereunto he was exceedingly inclined ; but being put in mind and made to see how fair a course of fortune , both to himself , and Brother , he brake by that resolution ; how great a prejudice their dis-union would be to the common cause : what great offers the Prince had refused generously , to keep from abandoning him ; how little reason he had to confide in the Dowagers promises ; and how little good he could expect from the marriage , though it should succeed : they exhorted him to follow his Brothers example , and to persevere constant to the Spanish party , by whose favour and forces being so far advanced , he might hope that when the Citadel of Turin should be gotten ( as certainly it would be ) they should be put into such a condition , as he should not only obtain the marriage for certain ; which was now uncertainly promis'd him , but much greater things . The Cardinal being won upon by these reasons , and professing that notwithstanding this , he would value his Brothers interest as highly as his Brother had formerly done his ; he began to proceed but cooly in signing those very Articles of Agreement which he himself had sent to the Dowager ; excusing himself , that he had sent them to let her see how well he was inclined to her , and that he would use all means possible to bring his Brother to be included the●…ein ; but that it became him not to divide the family further , whilst the uniting of it was in treaty . Thus he sent the Articles to Turin ; where they were reformed by the Prince , and much altered in the most essential parts ; for being desirous to have a share in the Government , the Prince inclined to the Triumvirate , wherein he being to make one , he was to have his share in the administration of the weightiest affairs ; whereunto the Dowager would not consent for the aforesaid reasons ; and yet being desirous to preserve the Dominions which he saw would be manifestly ruin'd by these dissentions , she who was always a well-wisher to peace and quiet , strove to keep the treaty on foot ; which being handled with much patience and accuratenesse would by her sollicitous endeavours have been brought to perfection , had it not been sometimes interrupted , sometimes prolonged by the Princes delays , who were not yet well resolved what to do . The occasion of the delays and demurs made by the Princes was attibuted , by some , to their constancy to the Austrian party , by whose favour and forces being so far advanced they thought they could not in honour abandon them , as they must have done if they should condescend to the Dowagers desires ; others said it was because the Princes could not give over their aforesaid advantages , nor their yet greater hopes , if they should prosecute the common cause by Arms ; which and by what means it hapned , it will not be far from our purpose to touch upon briefly . The Princes kept the Treaty still on foot with the French , and by their means with the Dowager ; and Prince Thomaso did publickly admit of Monsieur d' Argenson , one in great authority with the King of France , who was often busie about him , beating the iron whilst it was hot , that he might bring the Prince to end the business . The Governour of Millain and the other Spanish Agents did resent this ; and many thought that this which seemed to be a wavering from the Spanish party , would at last break out into an open alienation . But the Princes , who did not much confide in the Spanish Forces and Counsels , did not resolve by abandoning the Treaties with France to deprive themselves of the favour and assistance which they had thereby ; for they making their accounts also , found that the same continuation was not onely a great cause of keeping the people faithfully devoted to them and their party , but served to shew their greatness , which certainly was the more conspicuons and resplendent ; whilst the world might plainly see , that at the same time that they were effectually protected and upheld by the Crown of Spain , they were sued unto and entreated , and had large offers made them by France , which they waged War against , to adhere unto the Crown of France : and which was yet of greater importance , the continuance of the said negotiations did not onely serve as a curb to the excessive power of those Arms which protected them , to keep them within their due limits , but as a preservative against any machination , which might peradventure be plotted against them and Piedmont by the Spaniards ; and finally the fear of losing them , made the Governour of Millain much more willing to give them all possible satisfaction . The Princes therefore being neither able , nor having reason to neglect such advantages , they excused the continuing of the Treaty with the French , by the necessity they were in of keeping the people constant to them by these feigned demonstrations , by the hopes which they conceived of an approaching peace , and of the sorrows of a not far off War ; and to assure him the more fully of their firm intention of persevering constant to the common cause , they used to communicate freely unto him all that pass'd between them and the French ; and telling him that they could ground no certainty thereupon , they strove to make him believe it was impossible it should be ever effected ; and thus they endeavoured to quit all jealousies , and to make the Governour of Millain b●…ar with their French negotiations ; but their freedom in communicating their occasions to him did rather irritate then appease the Governour : For he thought that the exact notice which they gave him of what great offers were made him , was a secret threatning of him that they would embrace them , if at any time they should not be satisfied in their pretentions ; which partly concern'd their private interests , partly the publick concernments ; the private consisted in what hath already been said ; that Prince Thomaso might have an Army given him , which might wholly and integrally depend upon himself , which he might manage as he lifted upon all occasions ; and that monies might be assigned to both of them for maintaining their Courts ; and that neither of them should have any dependency upon the Governour : the publick aimed at being absolute Arbitrators of the Regency of the States : As for the first , though Prince Thomaso , by denying the ratification which hath been formerly spoken of , did himself hinder the resolution therein ; yet the Governour being desirous to satisfie him , took order for providing him speedily with monyes , and was fully bent to consolidate him in that regency , wherein at the present he had put him , and to advance it . But the Prince not thinking all this sufficient , and thinking it unworthy of his own greatness to keep in the Kings Army without command , several distastes did many times arise , by the which the Prince appearing to be daily less satisfied with his present condition , the Governour did not onely desire to satisfie him in his own particular concernments , but added a great willingness to content them in their publick pretentions , so to keep them from foregoing the King of Spain's party . To this purpose , he added his yet more powerful endeavours to those great ones which were used by the Princes ; for finding that all the Princes ends aimed at the taking of the Oitadel of Turin , he held them in hopes that that should be the first thing that he would take in hand the next Spring ; by which hopes being sed and dazled , they could not listen to the Dowagers proposals , nor to those of France ; neither of them being able to make them any such offers . So these reciprocal hopes and jealousies continuing between them all that Winter ; when the next Spring of the year 1640. began , the Princes seeing the Governour busie in drawing the Army into the field , they quit their pretentions of having men and monies assigned them , as inferiour to their conceived greatness , and minding this which was the publick and greatest importance , they began to sollicite the Governour to make good his promised assault ; who sometimes held them on with the same hopes , and sometimes raised difficulties , which made against their desired ends . But now that the Spring was come , not being able to dissemble any longer , he declared his mind unto them , and shew'd them the necessity of taking the Citadel of Cassalle first ; that going with his Army to Turin , he might not leave that place behind him , from which much mischief might redound to the State of Millain ; that otherwise he must divide his Forces , and must leave part of them in that State , and go with the rest to the taking of the Citadel of Turin ; that they might see how prejudicial such a division would be to both those enterprizes ; that they should suffer him therefore to acquit himself first of Cassalle , which when it should be over , he promis'd them faithfully he would apply himself wholly to the business of Turin Citadel . The Princes strove by forcible arguments to make him alter his mind ; shewing him that the good success of Turin would not only be a great furtherance to the main of their affairs , but even to those of the King of Spain ; they told him that he who would make himself master of the Citadel of Cassalle must first begin with that of Turin ; which being lost , the other must needs be lost also by the French ; who being driven out of Turin could not keep in Piedmont , but must be forc'd to pass back over the Alps , and leave not onely Cassalle to the arbittrement of the Kings Forces , but also the whole affairs of Piedmont ; so not onely Cassalle , but Chiavazzo , Carmagnuola , together with all the other Towns held by them , must be abandoned ; that therefore many other greatly good successes did depend upon this . They represented unto him the weakness of the Enemy ; who were reduced to a very small number ; not exceeding 4000 Foot , and 2000 Horse , ill appointed , not able to keep the field , nor to defend the Citadel of Turin , much less to cause any jealousie to the State of Millain from Cassalle ; moreover that the Kingdom of France , which was not onely troubled with the Wars of Flanders , but with those of Catalonia , and intestine risings , was wholly diverted from the Wars of Italy ; that Normandy was up in Arms against the King , whose example would certainly be followed by many other Provinces ; that there was therefore no fear , that new Forces should come from thence to Piedmont ; and on the contrary , that the Spanish Camp being redoubled by so great recruits which were coming from several parts , might easily compass any whatsoever enterprize ; much more that of the Citadel of Turin which was already half taken ; they therefore earnestly perswaded him to betake himself to the taking thereof ; but contrary reasons perswaded the Governour from the going to take the Citadel of Turin , and to go to the taking of that of Cassalle ; first his jealousie of the Negotiations still continued between the Princes and the French ; to this was added the competition touching who should put the Garrison into the Citadel of Turin ; which not being yet decided , the Governour foresaw that the Princes would bring it in play when the Citadel should be taken ; so as he was refractory therein , which when it should be taken would afford occasion of disorders and dissentions , which might afterwards make the Princes go over to the French , when they should not be masters of the Citadel ; on the contrary , the felicity which he promised unto himself in the taking the Citadel of Cassalle , made him believe that it became him not to weaken the flower of his Forces , which he had assembled with so much trouble , and with such expence to the Kings Exchequer , in the taking of the Citadel of Turin ; which Forces when they should be employed in the taking of Cassalle would undoubtedly win unto the King a place of such importance for the safety of the State of Millain ; and by which acquisition so great preheminency and advantage would accrue to the Kings affairs over the neighbouring States ; and ( which was not least to be considered ) the acquisition whereof would make so fair a way to the generall peace ; he was moreover disswaded from taking that of Turin , lest the Princes when they should be posses'd thereof , assenting to their self interests , and to the Common concerns of the I alian Princes , would do what they could to keep that of Cassalle from falling into the Spaniards hands , and that they would hinder it by underhand dealing ; wherefore preferring the good of the Kings affairs before that of the Princes , he resolved to employ his fo●…ces which were then fresh and entire in the enterprize of Cassalle ; believing that the hopes of being afterwards assisted in that of Turin , might keep the Princes faithful to the Spanish party ; and make them co-operate in that of Cassalle ; and what was of mo●…e importance , the Governour knew how much the Court of Spain was concern'd in the business of Cassalle ; not so much out of the desire of getting it , as for that they thought the French would have slackned the War of Catalonia , for the preservation of Cassalle ; or the Court was not well satisfied with the orders given to assault Piedmont , and that they were too exactly observed , and could have desired , that the Governour , contrary to their orders , had begun with the enterprise 〈◊〉 Cassalle , so to draw the forces of France into those parts ; so as though he was honoured with the title of a Grandee for the taking of Vercelli ; yet he had some orders of Revocation to the contrary , which Revocation not afresh to incur , and that he might at the same time help to secure the State of Millain , and also free Catalo●… , he could not but prefer the business of Cassalle before that of Turin ; amongst these publick reasons , there wanted not some private ones ; arising from a certain ambition in the Governour , to signalize his name in the Court of Spain , by the acquisition of that place which he knew was so much desired there ; and look how much he saw that enterprize had proved unfortunate to his predecessours in that Government , the more diligent he was therein , hoping that his glory would be the greater in bringing it to a happy end , there were also certain other private emulations between him and the Princes , which did not make the Governour any thing at all well affected to their interests ; for an being Infanta of Spain they treated somewhat briskly with him , punctually expecting from him all those observances and respects which are due to the Infanta from the subjects of that Crown ; to that heighth , that in the Campagnia where great Princes use to keep open table , and to honour their Commanders with sitting at meat with them , they never invited him to dine with them , nor ever did he negotiate with them but bareheaded , and standing ; and when he was indisposed in his feet , he treated with them either by messengers or letters ; this his aversion was much increased by the Princes arrogating unto themselves all the honour of the good that had succeded ; not attributing it to the Kings forces , but to the love of the people of Piedmont ; not to the Governours valour , or Counsels , but to their own : alleadging for proof thereof , what great difficulties he met with before Vercelli , when he attempted it without them ; on the contrary , the Governour , who came not short of them either in counsel or Military valour , alleadged ; that the peoples affection would have been curb'd , and kept back by the Dowager , without the assistance of the Kings forces ; just as befel the Prince Cardinal , when being entred into Piedmont , he would try what the Authority of a Prince of the blood unarmed could do : and when the Princes came first with a powerful Army before the Walls of Turin , the Dowagers Authority was such , as she did so hold the people within bounds , as none durst ever speak , much less declare themselves in favour of the Princes , or raise any sedition , so as to let them see that he was able to undertake , and to effect great enterprizes without them , he was desirous to apply himself to this , wherein the Princes not having any thing to do , the business might be acknowledged to be wholly his : and consequently the honour which he undoubtedly expected from the happy success thereof , might belong wholly to him , and not be communicated to any others , private and publick interests being thus joyned , the Governour having all things in readiness sent Carlo Della Gatta , general of the Neapolitan Horse , at unawares to preoccupate the ways that led to Cassalle , to keep the Monferrat Souldiers who were dispers'd abroad in that State , from entring thereinto ; and he sent the Count di Monte-Castello after Gatta to take L'occimiano , both which having observed their Orders , they appeared on Palm ▪ sunday , the year 1640 before that City ; and took the Town St. Giorgio without fighting , which had a Garrison in it only of 40 Souldiers under a French Captain ; and the Governour being recru●…ed with new men from Germany and Naples , came thither with the whole Army the next Eas●… day ; his Army consisted of 12000 Foot , and 5000 Horse , to which soon after were added 2200 Foot come from Spain . The Garrison of the place did not exceed 1200 Foot , and 300 Horse : The French Army , which was that that could only ●…lieve it , being very weak , was thought unable so much as to attempt it ; so as the Governour made himself sure of Victory : To this was added the intelligence which was said to be held between the Governour and some of the chief of the Town , not without the Dowagers knowledge ( as was thought ) who was not well satisfied with the French Garrison ; being come within sight of the City , he thought to fall to work , to the end that when he should have taken the City , as he thought he should e●…sily do , he might quarter his Army more commodiously under covert , and by a short line to be drawn without the Citadel he thought to save the time and labour of making large Trenches , as his predecessors had done , when they were to lodge their Army in the Campagnia : he therefore made only two quarters ; the one at the foot of the Hill ; and the other upon the Plain towards Frassinero , two good miles distant one from the other . To the latter , whither he sent above 1000 Horse under Carlo della Gatta , and 400 Foot , under the Camp-masters Serra , Trotto and Gliglino , was added 900 Swissers ; that of the Hill was divided into two bodies . The Marquess of Car●…ena , who succeeded Don Francisco di Selva in being General of the Horse , commanded the one , and Don Lewis di Lincastro the other ; and the Governour , who lodged in one of them , commanded them both : here were eight thousand Foot , and four thousand Horse ; they then began their approache against the City , which was besieged on three sides ; on two , between the Citadel and the Castle ; and on the third , neer the Poe , which they called Degli Italiani , intrusted to Marquesse Serra , and they also took a certain House called la Fornace , which proved very commodious for the Siege ; but fortune which would deri●…e ●…ssured hopes of the Governour and his great Forces , appeared very little favourable to him from the very beginning ; for the great rains which fell for many days together , were of great prejudice to him , not only in the commencement of his works , by which he was to make his approaches , but in preserving those which wee already made ; for it destroy'd them all : and the water having sunk down the ways had also made the fields unmanagable ; so as the two quarters , which were far one from the other , could not communicate together . To these hinderances was added many fierce sallies , which ( though they were with equal fierceness repuls'd ) they did not a little disturb the Works and hinder the Work-men : Whilst the Army did thus little good , expecting fairer weather , the Governour that the Souldiers might not be idle , sent Thomaso Alardo with his Regiment of Dragoons , and 400 Foot to take Resignano , who having at first taken the out-works , had also begun a Mine , which when it was finished , he gave fire unto , and did thereby much good ; for throwing as much Wall as sufficed to give an assault , he went thereunto , but unfortunately ; for some of the Souldiers would not fight , and others were crush'd by many Gabbions of earth which fell from the earth-work of the Wall that was blown up , falling down , when they hasted to get upon the breach ; those who were forwardest in advancing were repuls'd with the death of the valiantest amongst them ; and many Spanish Captains were wounded , and Toby Palavicino , who fought valiantly , though they were forsaken by their Souldiers . This mean while it was given out , as it proved true afterwards , that Harcourt , taking the greatest number of the French Souldiers that he could out of the Towns of Piedmont , accompanied by Marquess Villa , who brought 1500 Horse with him , and by the Marquess Pianezza , who brought 2000 Piedmontese Foot , to whom also some Montferrians were gorten , had got together a body way of an army , with which he betook himself to bring succous by the of Villanuova , and that he brought with him twelve pieces of Cannon , and some Carriages of Victuals and Munition . The more unexpected this news was to the Governour , they made the greater impression in him ; calling therefore a Counsel of War , it was consulted whether they should march out against the enemy , and fight him in the open field , or rise from before Cassalle and go speedily to Turin ; giving out that the business of Cassalle was but a feigned attempt , to draw the enemy thither , so to keep up the Souldiers reputation : The great advantage in number of Souldiers , far more valiant then the enemy , who were said to be most of them Vagabonds , driven from their houses by Famine and War , made for the first opinion ; that ( therefore ) Victory was not to be doubted , if they should come to battle ; and that body of men being destroyed , wherein were all the Forces which the enemy could make in Italy , not only Cassalle , with the Citadel thereof , would fall into their hands , but also the Citadel of Turin , together with all the other Towns of Piedmont ; which being unfurnished of Garrisons , and not able to hold out , nothing could be imagined ; but that they would yield at the very news of the approach of the conquering Army . To the easiness and advantage of this Course necessity was added ; for the enemy not being far off , and the Army which was before Cassalle lying in the open fields , divided into two quarters , with a great interval between them , not fortified either by Trench or Rampier ; it was impossible for them to resist the joynt Forces of the enemy , without marching joyntly out into the field ; that therefore since the great store of rain , and the shortness of time , would not permit them to fortifie the Camp , it was without all question necessary to joyn all their men into one body , to march with them into the field , to encounter the enemy with their accustomed bravery ; being certainly assured , that not being able to withstand them they would rather run away then fight , and so afford them occasion of a signal Victory , which drawing many other Victories after it would put an end to the War , and would render his Excellencies name immortal . Two things stuck with the Governour touching this so good and glorious resolution ; First , the doubt of the conflict , that it might make way for the relief ; presupposing that when the conflict should be begun the enemy would send relief to the Citadel by another way , and having gotten their intent would withdraw themselves from the battle ; whereby the taking of the Citadel , which was thought would be soon done , would be prolonged ; the other , the Governours own genius , who did naturally abhor pitch'd Battles ; and perhaps precise Orders from Court , which forbad coming thereunto , when it might be avoided ; both which were powerful occasions of the loss of a famous Victory , which would assuredly have been gotten if they had fought , and would have ruin'd the enterprise ; for if the Governour presupposed so much courage in the enemy , who were inferiour to him in Forces , as they might lessen their men , when the conflict was begun , to send part thereof to relieve Cassalle , why had not he courage enough to send some of his men to oppose the succour ? and yet Harcourt made it be seen that dangers are overcome by encountring them , not by avoiding them ; and on the contrary , that to examine dangers and inconveniences too narrowly , and to keep within Trenches expecting that good fortune should fall into ones mouth , was nothing but to neglect the fairest occasions of overcoming ; to ruine enterprises and pull dangers and dishonour upon ones self . The Governour being therefore not pleased to encounter the enemy , nor shamefully to abandon the enterprise which he had begun with assured hopes of compassing it ; he chose a middle way , which though frequently used in extream ruptures is usually dangerous , and which in this proved directly ruinous ; and it was not to expect the coming of the enemy in open field , that he might keep from being forc'd to fight ; but within a line of circumvallation , which he gave Order should be presently begun , and finished as soon as possibly might be ; so giving over making of approaches , the face of affairs was in an instant changed ; and this new work being to encompass Mountains and Plains , it required many Pyoneers to bring it to perfection , and more men to guard it ; wherefore great store of Work-men were sent for from the State of Millain , and the choicest of the Militia of that State ; and all this not seeming sufficient , those were sent for back who were gone to take Rosignano , and 1500 of those who were left in Garrison in Turin ; Prince Thomaso was also desired to come and assist in the enterprise with his Cavalry , who though he very much resented , that the Governour by going to before Cassalle had deluded his expectation of going to take the Citadel of Turin , which he had so faithfully professed all Winter long he would do ; yet hoping for mighty affairs by taking the Citadel , he held it not fit to break with the Governour upon this occasion , nor by foregoing the Spanish party not only lose all his future hopes , but all that he at the present enjoyed in Piedmont by means of the peoples favour : taking therefore all things in good part , and making a vertue of necessity , he suffer'd that the Kings business should precede his ; and not thinking it fit to abandon the City , he sent his bastard Brother Don Mauricio of Savoy to him with 800 of his best Horse ; who passing over , after the taking of Turin , from the Dowager ( who had made him Captain of the Dukes Guard ) to the Princes party , was by Prince Thomaso made General of his Horse : all which diligence proved altogether vain and insufficient ; for Harcourt made such haste as he prevented the perfecting of the line of circumvolution ; and besides they had not men enough by many to defend the vast circuit thereof : it is true , that the Hill above Cassalle being thought to be impassible , by reason of the deep stiff clay , they were not over careful of minding the Trenches there ; nor were there sufficient Garrisons provided for defending that part , for the Governour held for certain that the very situation thereof was enough to keep the enemy from falling on that part . The Army being in this condition before Cassalle , Harcourt comes with the two Generals Villa and Pianezza to Rosignano ; where mustering his Forces , he found them to amount to the number of 6000 Foot , between French , Piedmontese and Montferrians ; and to 3000 Horse , part French , part Piedmontese ; and the Governour continuing in his opinion , that the enemy could do nothing of moment by the Hills , and that therefore he would advance by the Plain , he placed all his men to guard that part of the Trench towards the Plain , where the Gatt●…la falls into the Poe ; where he thought the enemy would come , thinking that being stoutly resisted there , and desparing to make his way on that side , and much more by the Hill , he would absolutely give over the business ; for it being impossible for him to maintain his Army , which wanted all manner of things in those parts , what could he do else but return to Piedmont , but he was deceived ; for Harcourt coming from Rosignano , and appearing within sight of the Plain about noon , he made his Foot tarry upon the skirts of the Hills , and being desirous to know the position of the enemies Camp , and of the line of circumvolution before he did any thing , he descended into the Plain , together with the Signeior della Turenna , della Motta , Odancorte and di Plessi Pralin , with Villa and Pianezza , and with Roccacerviera , Serjeant Major of the Battle , back'd for his more safety by some Troops of Horse , and advanced a little into the Plain , where he staid till he had inform'd himself sufficiently , and so return'd to the Hill , some Cannon-shot were made at him , and he was saluted by some Dragoons , but received no prejudice at all by them . The night coming on , the Spaniards thought that the Enemy had found such difficulties in the Plain as he would forbear attempting any thing ; and they thought themselves safe enough on the Hills side , for the Reasons already said : Wherefore thinking that the Enemy despairing of any good success would attempt nothing , they consequently held themselves sure of Victory ; and applauding the Governour for his wisedom and military wariness , they approved of his counsel , who had chosen to sit still and overcome ; so they minded nothing but reciprocal congratulations : But Harcourt , not at all deterr'd by any difficulty he found on the Plain , after some consultations , thought to assault the French towards the Plain on three sides that very night , a good part whereof being spent in consultations , and in ordering their marches , and one of the Guides b●…ing run away , who was to have guided them to the furthest place where they intended to fall on ; at last , when day began to clear up , changing his resolution , Harcourt resolved to try whether the natural difficulties of the Hills would not be more easily overcome , then the oppositions upon the Plain : he therefore made a Bridge be thrown over the Gattola about break of day , in that Valley , by which beginning his course , he afterwards made his men pass over the Bridge before day , thinking to make them ascend the opposite hill , and there to re-attempt the enterprise : which design being soon discover'd , the Governour sent the Dragoons , with some Foot Companies , to desend that hill which the enemy strove to get up ; but the provision was but weak and in vain ; for Harcourt finding that he must either mount there , or shamefully give over the enterprise , advanced almost all his Forces against those Dragoons , and succeeding therein , drove them , after a long dispute , from the station which they had taken but a little before ; and being master thereof , endeavoured to make twelve pieces of Cannon be drawn that way . The Governour , by the bad success of his men began to fear the worst ; and going from his quarter , he commanded Don Mauricio to advance with half his Horse , to defend a certain station beyond the line , seated upon the hanging of a hill , behind an Hermitage , where 400 Musketiers were placed , that he might oppose the enemy who was to ascend by that way , and not suffer him to get any higher . Harcourt , when his Artillery was got up the hill , made four batteries of them , wherewith he began from Sun-rising to play upon the opposite Plain , with much prejudice to the quarters which lay below , and to the enemies Squadrons ; then leaving the Piedmontese Horse and Foot under Villa and Pianezza , to the end , that holding the enemy play there they might diver them from succouring the hill when the French should ascend ; he march'd by the climbing of the hill in this order . il Signore della Motta Odencourt mounted on the left side with six Regiments of Horse , and as many Foot , together with some Troops of Dragoons . Harcourt himself got up with the rest of the Foot on the right hand , the rest of the Horse under the Vicount of Turin , march'd up in the Rere ; they all got well up , having not only overcome the difficulties of the situation , which the Governour thought was not to be done ; but the opposition which was made at the Hermitage , which was abandoned at the very first assault ; and then that of the Horse under Don Mauricio , which were placed behind the Hermitage , which not being back'd by any Musketiers , after some resistance made , was at last forced to retreat ; so Harcourt having overcome this impediment also , pursued his march the more freely , and got to above the Trenches . The hills were but badly fortified ; for the line of circumvolution not arriving at the height thereof , it was commanded by the part above it ; and the Work was made in such haste and disorder , as both the line and the ditch which munited it were in many places overlooked by the ground that was without ; and there were but few defendants , for the Governour ( as hath been said ) thought that part sufficiently secured by its situation ; but some of the chiefest Spanish Commanders thought that the enemy would not adventure an assault even from hence ; so much did they confide in their own Forces , and made so little account of the enemy ; amongst which was Don Antonio Sarmiento , one of no small authority , but better at the Gown then Sword ; and yet he did not only meddle in giving Counsel , but in issuing out Orders in the Camp ; and thinking that Harcourt durst not give an assault , but that he endeavoured by feigned attempts to divert the Camp from that side , by which he thought to steal in the succour , he persisted so much in this opinion , as he would not alter his mind , though he saw Harcourt gotten to the top of the hill : And seeing a certain lower part of the line subject to be damnified , and not caring to defend it , he sent the Souldiers that had the guard thereof , into the field , and placed them in an eminent part without the line , thinking that defence might be better made there ; but he was mistaken , and it proved to be of very bad consequence . Harcourt being gotten to the top of the Hill , and seeing his advantages , and the disadvantages of the Enemy , he began to hope well , and that he should be Conquerour that day , wherefore he cheerfully disposed of his men for an assault ; and he himself , and Count de Plessis Pralin , who commanded that station , went to assault the upper part of the Trench ; who having chased away those who were placed by Sermiento to guard the more higher outward part , they went to assault the upper part of the line , hoping to have the like success there ; but it proved otherwise ; for two Brigades of veterane Spaniards , who were long accustomed to War , being set to defend that place , the Assailants were thrice repuls'd ; but at the fourth assault , which was more fierce then the former , the Defendants were forced to yield ; and at the same time that part of the lower Trench which was unfurnish'd of Defendants by Sermiento ( as hath been said ) being assaulted by Turenna , was easily broke through ; so as the line being thrown open in two parts , the French , like a swift Torrent , ( which having broken down the bank doth overflow the fields ) burst in into the Spaniards quarters ; and at the same time , Villa and Pianezza , did not onely assist by way of diversion , in the plain , as they were ordered , but valiantly advancing they also broke into the Trench in the plain , which was much better munited then that upon the hill ; a Fort munited with a good ditch stood opposite to them , which without any defence made , was taken by the Foot. So as they having forc'd the line below , at the same time that the other had broken into that upon the hill , they entred the line ; and speedily making a Bridge , with materials which they found upon the place , to make the Horse pass over the ditch , which Villa made them forthwith do ; so they passed in , and Turenna joyned seasonably with them , who having but a few with him , pursued the disordered Enemy . The French being entred ( as hath been said ) on the hils side , divided themselves into three parts ; one , which was the greatest , and which was led on by Count della Motta , fell on the left hand upon the Spanish quarters , which were upon the skirts of the hill ; the other two , which were led on by Harcourt and Count Plessis , took to the right hand ; and being come over against the Citadel were met by part of the Garrison thereof , and by many young men of Cassalle , who stood in ranks under the Artillery of the Citadel ; and all of them joyntly fell to pursue the Enemy , who abandoning their Trenches in great confusion , retreated partly because the French were entred the line of Circumvolution , on the hills side , and the Piedmontese on the plain ; partly , because the Governour , hearing what had hapned upon the hill , was gone to his quarters : So as finding themselves abandoned by their Commander in chief , and hearing the bad success upon the hill , they feared to be assaulted on the back , and confusedly gave over all defence : And such was the confusion , as they did not onely not know what they had to do , but were so intangled within themselves , as the Pikes , without any distinction , mingled with the Musketiers . So being pursued by Villa and Turenna with their Horse , they were at first ill handled . The Dutch and Burgodians who kept the lower Trench , the assault or confusion not being yet come to them , kept their stations , and valiantly received and answered the Enemy . Marquess Caracena helpt much to the extricating them out of this confusion , who coming in , where he saw the croud of people intermingled and in disorder , out of meer madness and anger fell upon the French on the flank with a squadron of Horse that was at hand , routed them , and afforded conveniency to the others to rally , and put themselves in a posture of defence ; and having freed them from the Enemy , seut them to recover a certain station which guarded a Bridge over the Gattola , and which was taken a little before by the French : Nor herewithall content , he rallied together many others that were scattered up and down the fields ; and in the interim whilst he behaved himself couragiously , every where , amidst greatest dangers , he received a mortal shot by a Musket thorow the left side , and was carried out of the field almost dead to a poor Cottage . But two other Champions came in to the rescue of the imminent ruine of the Camp ; Carlo della Gatta , and Marquess Serra Gatta , being sent for by the Governour from his quarters at Frascinero , a little before the fight began , came in with a thousand Horse ; and being come to the Camp when things were in greatest confusion , he advanced with his thousand Horse , and with some other that came in unto him , as neer as he could to the Citadel , with keeping without reach of Cannon , where he drew up a powerful squadron in the open field , under the shelter whereof all that were disbanded and disordered , had safe refuge ; and Marquess Serra being with his Italians in their quarters neer the Poe , heard the unexpected news of the rout , and therewith received strict and penal orders to retreat ; and that since things were in disorder and ruine past all remedy , he should go with his men to beyond the Poe over the next bridge , so to keep himself from the danger of the Enemy , who would quickly be upon his back . But he , though he were much astonished at the unexpected advertisment , did not forego the field , nor did he despa●…r of safety ; but encouraging his men , he drew them into a squadron , and made himself strong in the field ; and sending his Artillery to beyond the Poe , stay'd with his men in rank to keep back the Enemy who made towards him ; so as many Souldiers who ran away escaped death under the shelter of his squadrons , as others had done under those of Gatta , not onely Troops and Companies , but whole Brigades saved themselves under these two refuges . The Camp-master General , Don Iovan Vasques Conrado , came under the shelter of Gatta and the Neopolitan Horse ; as also the Brigade of Naples which was all Spaniards : Don Vincenzo Munsuriu's Brigade , that of Lombardy , that of Martino Maxica , and Battavilla's Brigade of the Burgondians , together with the Artillery which were drawn from off where they play'd against the City , and those which defended a little Fort , not far from the Burgondian battery ; behind Serra came the Governour himself , with the greatest part of his Court , and part of the Artillery , who in stead of his threatned punishment gave Serra a thousand thanks for not having obey'd his orders . Serra's own Brigade , those of Trotto and of Emilio Ghiglino , the Regiment of Swissers , and a Brigade of Papenheim's Dutch : And those that came under the shelter of Gatta went safe with the Artillery to Frassinero , and from thence to Bremi , by a bridge which was thrown over there ; and those who received shelter by Serra past over the Poe with their Artillery by a Bridge neer his quarters , and got with all quiet safety to Allessandrino : so the retreat amidst so great a discomposure proved safe , and honourable , even to the admiration of the Conquerours ; who doubting least those who were rallied under these refuges might have regained the Victory , were contented with the relief which they had brought , which was the chief end of that days action : and ordered their men onely to keep the Enemy from rallying , but not to provoke them to battel ; and truly the counsel was not bad , for when the confusion was quieted , and the disorder over , the Spaniards had yet so many left alive , as , though they had not been able to keep out the relief , they were sufficient to have routed the conquerours , and to have taken the victory from them , so many Brigades as have been named remaining untouch'd ; besides those who escaped away unhurt , and but little prejudiced , elsewhere ; for the Dutch Regiment under Prince Borso , and the two Spanish Regiments , who had fought so valiantly upon the hill , were retreated safe and unpursued , making their advantage of the night , to Pontestura ; the like befel some 400 who were placed upon the hill , without the Trenches , who rallied together in an upper plain neer Saint Georgio , under Don Alonzo Vargas ; moreover the foot of Frassinero's quarter , which had not fought at all , nor were not assaulted , were fresh , and untouch'd , about 5000 of the Horse were also undamnified ; so as the Victory being gotten rather by industry , and valour , in having won the hills , then by much havock and ruine of the conquered Army , the Governour might have kept the field with the remaining Forces , and have done what he pleased ; but these things are thought upon when the danger is over , and when confusion is past , which bereaves the wisest of Reason ; the Governour , who thought he had ventured too much already , thought rather how to save his men that were not yet routed , then to expose them to further hazard ; out of these respects , the Governour chose neither to reassume the enterprize ; nor to do what was thought by many of the Commanders would prove successful in the siege of Cassalle ; who grounded their reasons upon the coming in of many men into Cassalle , and but little victuals , so as it must necessarily be brought soon to surrender : these advises were therefore far differing from the Governours genius , who was cautious in all his actions , and too much cowed in this ; the quarters under the hill fared otherwise , where there was no fighting , nor battel , but downright plunder on the conquerours side , and running away on the conquered ; the conquerours found the Enemies quarters almost void of men , but full of booty : especially that of the Governour , wherein were not only great store of Silver-plate , and of other moveables belonging to the Governour , and so many other Lords and Commanders that lodged there ; but also monies , which were to be used in the enterprize , which all fell into the hands of the French ; so as the Souldiers who were greedy of handling money , loved not to handle Iron , especially not having to employ it , for all the Enemies were fled ; the Governours Cabinet was also Sack'd , wherein many secrets were found , and amongst the rest the of King Spains Cypher , with all writings of account ; some of those that fled from hence got safe into Pontestura , not being pursued by any ; but many of those very many which fled to the Bridge neer Margherita , over the Poe , were drowned ; for they crouded so fast one upon another , as they fell by the sides of the Bridge into the River ; and the great number of men , and cattle , and some carriages , did so overload the bridge , as one of the Boats whereon it was built , sank ; and so great was the number as well of men , as cattel , and carriages , that were there drowned , as they fil'd up the vacancy of the Bridge ; and those who were not yet past over saved themselves by passing upon the dead Carcasses : there were not above a thousand of the Souldiers slain in the battel ; 2000 were wounded , and taken prisoners , amongst which some of the chiefest of the Army ; those who perished in the Poe were most of them victuallers , and the poorer sort of people who follow after the camp . Harcourt sent , generously , all the Governours servant , who remained prisoners , to their Master ; and Marquess Villa redeemed all those that belonged to Marquess Caracena , and to Vasques , and sent them to their Masters ; the writings also were sent back for some sleight rewards disbursed , to those that had them in custody . Harcourt being victorious by so happy and so important a relief to a place of such concernment , with a number so far inferiour to those that were fortified within their works , did not forget himself with this happy success : but having scarcely refresh'd his men , and furnish'd the Citadel with some Victuals , he went two days after the victory towards Turin ; and being desirous to purchase yet more glory , he thought he should have done nothing , unless he should also set the Citadel of Turin at liberty , and put the Dowager into the condition she was in , as she did earnestly request the King , his Agents , and Commanders , and as the King had strictly ordered his Commanders : this could not be done without the perfect recovery of the Citadel of Turin ; whereunto he couragiously betook himself , and whereunto he was much enheartned by the smallness of the Garrison that remained in the City , from whence the Governour had sent for a good part to before Cassalle , and Prince Thomaso had sent away 800 Horse : and he thought that but small succours would be brought from without for he held ( for certain ) that the Governour , from whom succour could only be expected , would not hazard the remainder of his men after having been so baffled and beaten in the relief of Turin , to the so great prejudice of the State of Millain ; he moreover was put in greater hopes , by the scarcity as well of Victuals as of Warlike provisions , which he had learned by discourse was in that City ; for he calculated that the French , Spanish , and Piedmontese , which one after another had been fed in that City , must have consumed all the Victuals that were there ; and the Poe being block'd up all the Winter , on the one side by Chiavazzo , on the other side by Carmagnuola , he thought it impossible it could be furnished by that river ; and much less by land , by reason of the great scarcity of Cattel that was in those parts ; he thought there was greater want of Warlike provisions , by reason of the great profusion which necessarily must have been made thereof the preceding Winter , in the many Mines , Batteries , Assaults , and Fights between the City and the Citadel ; he also built much upon the Citizens good will ; not so much out of the inclination which many of them might privately have unto the Dowager , as of the meaner sort of people , who living upon their handy work , which was fed by continual concourse and traffick , they could not hold out long , the Gates of the City being shut up , so as it was thought impossible that they should hold out a siege long ; all which things though they had an appearance of truth , yet the sequel shewed that they were badly calculated ; for none of them cooperated to that Victory which was thought so sure ; for the City ( as was afterwards known ) was provided with victuals more then needed ; and as for warlike provision , ( which was that which they wanted most ) they wanted not witty new inventions , whereby they got enough thereof ; they might want Defendants to free the City from siege , but not to defend it ; the people , and all the Citizens , kept always constant in defence of the City , and stuck close to the Prince ; and , what made most for the main affair , the Governour of Millain , contrary to Harcourts supposal , appeared within a few days with a powerful Army before the City ready to relieve it ; for having a little digested the misfortune at Cassalle , he feared ( as it fell out ) that the Enemy would forthwith come before Turin ; and knowing how weak the Garrison was , and what scarcity of Warlike provision there was in the City , he immediately sent 1500 Souldiers thither , part Italians ; under Marquess Sirra , and Vercelline Viscount ; and part Burgondians , under the Baron di Vattevilla , all of them choice and Veteran Souldiers ; to which about 4000 others of several nations being added , which remained under Bolognino in defence of the City , they amounted to well neer 5500 Foot , who were all to obey Don Antonio Sotelo General of the Artillery of the State of Millain ; who was sent thither with supream authority to command all the King of Spains Forces ; many loads of powder , and other warlike tackling , were added to this succour ; & the Governour Writ fervently to the Prince , encourageing him to persevere in defending the Town , and promising him that , to boot with these succors , he would come thither himself shortly with a powerful Army to relieve him ; and set him at liberty ; and telling him that what had hapned at Cassalle was but a trick of Fortune , and had rather dispers'd then discomfited his men ; that he stay'd now to rally them under his Colours ; to the end that with them , and with others which he expected very shortly from other parts , he might come and relieve him and the City ; All those that were sent by the Governour got luckily into Turin ; and Don Mauritio got thither also , who was returned with the Prince his Horse from Cassalle , though somewhat lessened by Harcourts Cannon which thundered from the hills ; but little powder could be brought in for want of Waggon horses ; and the ways being afterwards block'd up , and possessed by the En my , the rest could not enter without much prejudice to the Enterprise ; especially for that Prince Thomaso had sent 400 Horse before the ways were block'd up , to be a conduct to that Munition , which Horse was not suffered to return for the aforesaid blocking up of the ways ; so the Prince was not only deprived of that provision , but also of those Horse , which had he had them , he would doubtlesly have made greater impressions upon the Enemy by sallies then he did ; but now he was forced to be more circumspect in his night Assaults : 3000 Citizens , able to bear Arms , were added to the Kings men , who were employed in desending the City , and also many Country people , who were come thither for refuge , who were a great help in their handy-works ; so as the Prince , though he wanted fighting men and war-like amunition , yet finding that the Governour was mindful of him , and of preserving the City , and taking that assistance which he had already sent as a Token of what he would do in the future , he was not wanting to himself , in doing what he could , in so short a time , to defend the City . Turin stands in a large and pleasant Plain , twelve miles Eastwards from the Alpes ; the Poe runs almost within a Bow-shot of it on the East side , and on the North the Dora comes almost to one Angle of the City ; and a little beyond la Dora runs la Stura , both which Rivers fall into the neighbouring Poe : on the South side runs the Sagone , rather a Torrent then a River , which falls also into the Poe over against Cav●…reto . The City thus scituated is divided into three parts , the new City , the old City , and the Citadel . The new City joyns to the old on the South , they are only divided by a Wall , but are both enclosed within a Wall ; and as the new Town advanced a little further then the old towards the Poe , so not thrusting out so far towards the Alps it leaves a spacious Plain , whereon the Citadel stands ; which being further from the Poe then the City wants not only the conven●…nces which she might receive by the neighbourhood thereof , but not being able to command the River cannot debar it from Navigation . The Citadel is a Pentagon : The circuit of both the old and new City is flank'd round about with Bulwarks and with Ditches . The Prince when he was master of it did not believe he should be forc'd to defend it from without , but imploy'd himse●…f totally against the Citadel , and neglected securing the City on the out side , but learning , by what had hapned at Cassalle , that instead of minding the taking of the Citadel , it behoved him to take care of descending the City , he fell with all speed and diligence to fortifie it from any assault that might be made from without ; and leaving smaller matters , his chiefest care was to defend the Bridge over the Poe , which , as whilst it was in his hands it kept the way open for the bringing of succour , which he expected would be brought from the Governour ; so when it should be taken by the enemy , it kept out any succour that might be brought by that way ; for then the reliever must find some other way to pass his Army over the River , which was almost impossible to do in the face of a powerful enemy . This Bridge is made of Stone , and is the best that crosses the Poe ; at the left side of the foot thereof , towards Turin , stands a little Burrough ; the other which stands on the right side lies under a little hill , upon which there is a Church , and a Covent of Capuchins ; and this side being all hilly , other higher hills stand above that of the Capuchins , one above another . The Prince munited this Bridge at both ends with Trenches ; nor herewithall contented , he munited very well the aforesaid Church and Covent ; and , Moreover , built a little Fort upon another higher hill which overlooked the Monastery : he put 300 Foot into these Fortifications , and Victuals , and Ammunition sufficient for fifteen days , within which time he hoped the Governour would appear with his Army . These Works were not fully finished , when the French Army appeared on three sides ; the first that appeared having block'd up the Passes of Susa , Lanza and the Canevese , advanced to the City towards the Dora , and the new Park , which answers upon that Angle of the City which is called the green Bulwark , and which includes the Dukes Palace and Gardens , in defence whereof the Prince had made a sudden Trench , formed like a pair of Shears ; the other quartered on the upper hill , above the Church and Covent of the Capuchins ; and the third , passing the Poe at Montcalleri by a wooden Bridge that is there , advanced to the Palace Valentino ; whereof , after a small Skirmish , making themselves masters , they the next night took the Burrough , which ( as we said ) stands between the City and the Bridge ; and not meeting with any resistance there , they assaulted the Bridge where they found some resistance ; but having mortally wounded the Captain , who did defend it , they made themselves also masters thereof : the Garrison retiring towards the Monastery , as to an advantagious place ; which was not able neither to keep there long ; for the little Fort which ( as hath been said ) was built , and fortified by the Prince above the Monastery , was at the same time assaulted and taken by those who had taken up their quarters upon the hill which was above that Fort : whence playing upon the Covent which was beneath , they easily took it , though they were manfully fought with ; for at a third assault the assailants entred the place , and from thence went to the Church , whither the defendants had retreated ; where , without any respect to the holiness of the place , they put all to the sword that were there , except the Officers ; and sacking , moreover , not only such secular things as were brought thither as into a place of safety ; but without any distinction laid hands upon such as were sacred , and dedicated to divine worship ; by which good success waxing more bold , and meeting with no opposition ( for the Prince being desirous to keep his men within the Walls , would not go out ) they did not only give themselves to better the Fortifications which they there found , but joyned another Fort which they themselves made , to that which the Prince had erected above the Monastery ; which commanded all the other Fortifications , even those of the Bridge : they likewise fortified the heads of the Bridge better ; and extending their Trenches towards the Burrough , they placed a very strong Garrison there of 2000 Foot and 1000 Horse , which were commanded by Count Plessis Pralin : the rest of the Army was distributed into several quarters about the City ; the Inhabitants whereof were the same day so enclosed within their walls by theenemies Army , as they could not hear news of any succour from the Governour ; unless it were by various inventions which they found , and which did often deceive them , by which they inform'd the Governour of what streights they were in , and sometimes received hopes of succour . The Governour was much troubled at the scarcity of powder that was in the City ; wherefore he sent Carlo della Gatta with 2000 Horse to Inurea , that he might endeavour by a greater force to bring in that Ammunition which was left there , but it proved in vain ; for la Gatta being come with that Ammunition to Cassalle , five miles from Turin , and having found conveniency to inform the Prince of all things , he was willed by him to retreat ; for that it was impossible for him to get into the City , he being first to overcome La Stura and La Dora , which were then munited with strong French Garrisons ; but in his return passing thorough the Canavese , he found the Town of St. Mauricio taken again by the French , and ready to be sack'd , which he freed with the death of all the French , whom he put to the sword . Harcourt kept this mean while in the Vallentino , expecting that the people should rise in the City , as the Prince and the Governour did , when they came first before it the preceding year . But this proved in vain ; for for all that he could do , there was not any one amongst the Souldiers who was discover'd to comply with the Dowager , or were blemish'd so much as with any such thought , but all of them during the whole siege proved faithfull to the Prince . Wherefore Harcourt failing every day more and more of effecting his desire by that way , he try'd another ; La Dora falls a little above the City , by a cleft into a Channel which conveyes water to the Mills , which serve the people with grist . He therefore gave order that that cleft should be dam'd up with earth by night ; so as the Mills not being able to go for want of water , the City which abounded in Corn , began to want bread : For there were onely two hand-mills within the Town , which could not possibly supply so great a multitude with grist ; so as the City was in a short time like to be famish'd for want of bread , though it abounded in Corn. Harcourt resolved to reduce the City yet to greater extremities , and to make it altogether despair of succour , with hopes whereof being fed , it patiently suffer'd all hardships : For at last he began to draw a line of Circumvolution ; which beginning from the bank of the Poe , about a Musket-shot above the Vallentino , ran along the plain towards the West , and came to the Church Della Crocetta , just over against the Citadel ; and then winding about the Citadel , came to the great Edifice called La Porporata ; and continued to the Dora , crossing with it came to the little house which is called Bianchina ; and then declining by the Madalene , to the mouth of the same River ; where being broken off by the source or course of water , it was reassumed again , and terminated in the neighbouring banks of Poe ; a compass of eight miles , which being furnish'd with small Forts and other works was divided into six quarters ; wherein the French and Piedmontese Armies were thus distributed . Count Plessis Pralin , the first Marshal of the Camp , was quartered from the bridge to the Parco . This quarter contained within it the Burgo , and the fortifications of the bridge , and of the Capuchins hills : From Vallentino , where the line began towards La Crochetta , and so forwards towards La Porporata , La Dora , and Le Cassine divia d' Albera , was General Harcourt quartered , and with him the Viscount Di Turenna , Camp-marshal of the French Horse : The Circumvolution made a great bow from one bridge upon the Dora , to another bridge below the Parco , and neer the Poe ; to which La Dora served as a string : wherein Ill Signeior della Motta Odencourt , field Marshal , was first quarter'd ; who commanded a small body , part Foot , part Horse ; who were left by Duke Longueville , and were subordinate onely to General Harcourt . But afterwards the Porparata was assigned him for his quarter , together with a good part of the line on both sides , and with him were Villa and Pianezza quartered with the French and Piedmontese Horse . The Citizens of Turin saw themselves thus surrounded , and as it were imprisoned , and were not able of themselves to break the line , which did not onely threaten their liberties , but their lives and fortunes . And in these great streights all their hopes lay in being relieved by the Governour ; which they were day by day inform'd should be ere long : For he having rallied his men , and re-inforced his Camp , was come from Vercelli to Crescentino , and by a bridge thrown over the River there , marched straight to Cheri , where having stay'd some days to get his men together , he endeavour'd by all possible means to get neer the City , to free both it and the Prince from fiege ; in which time the Prince desirous either to try the Enemies Forces , or to give a trial of his , sally'd very strong both in Horse and Foot by night out of the City , and fell upon Motta's quarter , which was at the Magdalene beyond the Dora ; and charging him whilst they were all a sleep , his men entred even into the Rendezvous of Arms of that quarter , wounding and killing many before they could put themselves in a defensive posture ; which proved not such , but that after having done them much prejudice , the Prince might get to within the shelter of the Cannon of the City , whereinto he retreated with little loss to himself , and more to the Enemy . This action revived the spirits of the besieged , and much more the bringing back of the water of Dora to the Mills , which was done by the Citizens ; a great band whereof , back'd by a squadron of Musketiers , went out of the City , and coming to where the water was dam'd up , broke as much of the earth which closed the orifice , as made way enough for water to turn four wheeles ; and the next night the current of the River broke down the rest , so as the water came plentifully into the Channel , much to the comfort of the City , which thereby got bread enough . To these two happinesses , which amidst so many evils appeared to be great ones ; a third , yet greater , was added at the same time . The relieving Army appear'd at the last upon the highest of the Capuchins hills , on the twentieth day after the Enemy appeared , and the one and thirtieth after the business of Cassalle . In this Army were 4000 Horse , 700 Dragoons , and 12000 Foot ; to whom were added no small recruits both of Foot and Horse , sent by the Prince Cardinal , and 600 Mountainers , who being by the War driven out of their houses had desperately taken up Arms. This so goodly Army was not onely a terror , but a wonder to the French ; who ( thinking that the whole Spanish Forces had been defaced by the Victory gotten at Cassalle ) could not believe that they could be so soon got together , and brought to dispute the business with them ; and being but few in number themselves , and not sufficient to munite so great a Oircumvolution , they much doubted what the success would be ; the Governour was fully resolved to do nothing herein , but was furthest out of the reach of fortune , and what might be gotten with least danger and effusion of blood . Wherefore be resolved to bring the relief by that part of the hills which was scituated a long the River of Poe ; and particularly there where the Enemy had fortified above the Covent of the Capuchins and the bridge ; and where when they should have taken the Fort which was built by the French , and which was above them all , they might command all the lower fortifications and the bridge ; in which case he might have an open way to come with his men to the City , and not onely bring what relief was requisite to the besieged , but by discomfiting the Enemy would have raised the siege ; and would have largely revenged himself for the blow he received before Cassalle . This design would have succeeded happily , if the Governour had been so diligent in executing it , as the Prince was in assisting him : For guessing by the appearing of the relieving Army from those hills , and the rather by some lights , that the Governour would assault the upper Fort that very night ; he went out when it grew duskish , with all his men , out of the Town , and drew neer the bridge , intending to assault it when he should hear the assault given from above ; by which being likely to make a great diversion , he might have much assisted the Governour in his assault . But the Governour who would consult with his Commanders what was to be done concerning the main affair , before he would do any thing , put off the execution till the next day ; by which delay the Prince being frustrated in his expectation , retired to the City ; and the French were very careful to lay bare the Fort , that very night taking the earth from it towards the Enemies Camp , and so made it unacceffible and impregnable . And because they saw all the Enemies force drawn up thither ; they called all the best Souldiers and Commanders of the Camp , as if Harcourt foresaw how much the getting or losing of Turin lay in the keeping or loss thereof . The Governour seeing , the next day , how hard the taking of that place was made by that nights work , he forbore assaulting it , and kept four days upon those Hills , upon which having raised some batteries , he played upon the lower fortifications ; and the French , that they might free themselves of that molestation , sallied out one night very strong upon the Enemies Works , to the end that if they got no other good else thereby , they might at least cloy the Ordnance , and free themselves of the mischief they received thereby ; but meeting with stout resistance , they were repuls'd with loss , and forc'd to retreat to their own fortifications . And yet the Governour knowing that the laying of them level with the ground made but little for the main business , and that to beat down Forts , which would be continually repaired by the neighbouring Army , was to no purpose ; and that the City being streightned on many sides , he resolved to change his quarters , and to go to Montcalleri , which is a great Town upon the right hand of the Poe , a little above Valentino , where there is a wooden bridge over the River , which is strong and safe enough ; which the Governour thinking to make himself master of , that he might pass thereby over the River , when he could not do so by that of the Capuchins ; he when he came first upon the hills , sent a Regiment of Dragoons to take the Town and Bridge . The Town was abandoned at the first appearance of the Dragoons , and the Bridge was at the same time burnt ; so as the taking of the Town made nothing at all for the Governours purpose ; for he must find means to make another good and solid Bridge , whereby to pass over his Army , if he would effect the intended succour ; he therefore ordered Carlo della Gatta , to go with a good strength of men to Montcalleri , and to throw over another Bridge a little above that which the French had burnt , where two Islands were made by the Poe , which were very commodious for the passage . La Gatta went thither , and past over 500 Souldiers in boats to the other shore , under Serjeant Major Lomelino , by which those who defended the further shore being beaten back , he began a Fortification upon the bank which he had won ; that it might serve to keep back the enemy , if they should oppose the throwing over of the Bridge ; but as soon as Harcourt heard of the enemies being past over , and of the Fortifications which they made there , considering of what importance it might be , if the enemy should enter on that side , and accost their Trenches , he forthwith sent the Viscount di Turenna to disturb the Work ; who went with a great body of Musketiers , and was followed by Harcourt's self , with a great strength of men to back him , if there should be occasion . The place where Lomelino fortified himself was environed , for the most part , with a great ditch full of the water of the Poe ; the Souldiers being afraid , and not daring to pass over it , Turenna , to upbraid their cowardliness , threw himself , with some of the chiefest that were about him , into the ditch , and undauntedly past over it , though the water came up to his breast ; the Souldiers being thereby encouraged did all follow him ; and surrounding the enemy who were busie in fortifying themselves , and others coming in by where the ditch came short , a fierce Skirmish began , wherein the assaulted , not able to save themselves by retreating fought stoutly ; but Turenna , who fought amongst the foremost , receiving a sleight hurt in the heat of the conflict , was reported to be dead , at which the assailants grew so enraged , as being recruited by new men which continually came in , they began to fight desperately , killing not only those who fought , but those who yielded ; and being superiour both in number and in force , they slew them all , part whereof perish'd by the sword , and part were drowned in the water . Lomelino's self , who was taken prisoner , could find no mercy with the enraged rout , who refusing great sums of money to save his life , allaid their anger in his death ; by which cruel action the Spaniards being highly incensed , they likewise grew cruel , so the conflict began to be very bloody . The French were much rejoyced at this happy success , who having already kept the Spaniards twice from passing over the River thought themselves sure of Victory ; and made publick fires of joy in the Camp , witnessing it with three Vollies of Muskets , and with discharging their great Guns ; but the City was as sad , and the Spanish Camp grew very diffident , both of them finding how hard a business it would be to pass over the River ; wherefore it appearing impossible for them to relieve the City as they intended , they began to consult how to do it by diversion , by going to Carmagnuola , thinking that the French would not suffer Carmagnuola to be apparently lost , for the uncertain hope of taking Turin ; and the Prince himself , seeing how hard it would be for them to pass over there , advised them to go higher up , toward Villa franca , 22 miles above Turin , where the River being foordable , they might throw over a Bridge without any opposition ; but Villa franca was judged to be too far off , and that the march would prove incommodious , as well in their going , as in their returning ; and so great a march so neer the enemy was not likely to be made without being forc'd to fight ; wherefore that resolution was not taken ; and yet the Governour had so great a desire to relieve the Prince , as he attempted to pass over once more , a little below Montcalleri , where the Poe dividing it self into three branches makes other two small Islands , more commodious for passage then the former two above Montcalleri , which had been unfortunately attempted ; and though the River was much swoln by the fall of waters , and that the further shore , over against these Islands , was well munited with Trenches and Garrisons ; yet he resolved to send the same Gatta , with greater Forces then before , to make a trial . Gatta , being come to the shore side placed some pieces of Artillery there ; and embarquing some Souldiers in some Shallops , he past them over by night into the Islands ; who when the Souldiers were landed , they began to send over materials for Fortification in the same Sciffs ; so as they made Trenches , with great diligence , in the second Islands , before day break , and before the enemy were aware ; but at last being awakned by the going off of a Musket , which unfortunately took fire , they presently put themselves in defence . This going off of the Muske●… , instead of disturbing them in their Works , made them work the harder ; so as , about break of day , the Islands were wholly cover'd with Trenches , and in a good posture of defence : both the Generals hasted immediately to the two several shores , to provide against so sudden and so unexpected an accident ; upon which the main affair of the whole business was thought by both parties to depend ; by the Spaniards , for encouraging the enterprise ; by the French , for the disturbance thereof . The French strived five times to fortifie their shore with new & better Fortifications ; but were still beaten off by Musket-shot from the Islands , and by Cannon , charg'd with small bullets , from the opposite shore , with great slaughter to their men ; notwithstanding that the chiefest of the Army were sent for thither to defend it ; nay , though Souldiers were drawn thither out of the Citadel , and the Governour of the Citadel invited to come and hinder the passing over ; but , at last , giving over the defence of their shore , Harcourt withdrew his men so far inward , as they were out of the reach of the Spaniards Muskets which were placed on the side of the Island , and made them stand ready to play upon those whom they should see first appear upon the assaulted shore . The Spaniards , when they saw the shore abandoned , failed not to throw over their Bridge , and to fortifie the head thereof ; where they began a Half-moon ; about the making whereof whilst a hundred Souldiers were very busie , a good strength of Horse and Foot appeared on the shore to hinder the work , and to drive away the Work-men ; who according to Orders which they had r●…ceived retreated over the Bridge back into the Island ; and the Bridge not being yet well fastned , broke , so as 25 of them fell into the River , and were unfortunately drowned ; yet a h●…il of Muske●…-shot , mix'd with the thunder of Cannon , continuing from the Islands , which made much slaughter amongst the French who were upon the Plain beyond the River , Harcourt was forced to cause a Retreat to be beaten , and not only to abandon the shore , but even the Plain , which was full of dead bodies ; and retreated to within the line of circumvolution , leaving the Passage free to the enemy ; who fastning the Bridge better , past over the Poe victoriously , and became masters of the Plain , which they had valiantly won , and much to their glory ; as many of the French , if not more , were here slain , as were Spaniards in the first attempt ; and many of them were wounded , amongst which the Governour of the Citadel , and many of the Souldiers of the Citadel were slain ; so as expecting to be assaulted within their Trenches , the French fell diligently to finish their line of circumvolution , making new Forts thereupon for their more safety ; and Harcourt having found by experience what scarcity of bread the besieged underwent by taking away the water from their Mills ; he attempted once more to take it away by a greater diversion ; he therefore immediately caused greater banks to be thrown up against the mouth of the Channel ; which being the worst of evils that the City could undergo , the Citizens , and the Prince endeavour'd to disturb that work ; and to put the water into its wonted course : but they could not do it , for a great many of the French assisting in the work defended the Work-men , and kept the enemy from hurting them , and from impeding the work ; but going thither afterwards with greater forces , they made a gap which brought water to three Mills ; but this lasted but a while , for the bank was quickly made up , and the Mills went dry as before ; yet some Hand-mills being in this interim made , the scarcity was by continual labour lessen'd ; and the City was somewhat better provided of bread ; but the people were more afflicted , when hoping by the Armies so glorious and so victorious passage over the River , to see it apply it self presently to their relief and freedom , they saw it lie idle in the Plain which it had won , and that it did not any thing to shew that it c●…red for the welfare of the besieged , which made them all complain grievously . That which kept the Governour from acting , was , that he might fortifie himself in the place which he had taken , against the ●…allying out of the enemy ; and that it might not be in the power of the enemy to draw him out to battle there , where having the Poe upon his back , he had no where whereby to retreat , in case of of ill fortune , but by that narrow Bridge , which he had caused to be thrown over ; but when he had fortified he was not over diligent in assaulting the enemies Trenches , as if he intended not to hazard his Army under the enemies Fortifications ; preferring therefore cautious , before couragious counsels , and the preserving of the Kings Territories before the●…e re●…et of Turin ; he aimed at keeping the French Army from Victuals , and at forcing it to quit the siege rather by Famine , then by the Sword : and thus , without adventuring or hazarding the Kings Forces to free the City , and the Prince , and yet to preserve his Army against any unthought of accident which might happen , the French Forces being in Piedmont . The Princes intentions were diametrically contrary to these ; who thinking it reasonable that for the preservation of himself , his Sisters and the City , all the Kings Forces and Interests were to be hazarded , held it also necessary to be done so for the safety of the State of Millain ; for all Piedmont being to be lost by the loss of Turin , he held that that State would be but badly preserved after such a loss ; and he the Prince not being a bare Captain or Governour of a Town , he thought he ought not to suffer himself to be reduced to such extreams , as that he might afterwards be necessitated to beg his life , or at least his liberty , of the Conqueror ; that therefore it became him , when he might see from a far off that it was impossible for him to hold out , and that he could not be relieved , to prevent surrendring , by Articles suiting with his condition . These complaints went accompanied with tacite protestations , that he would accept of the large promises made him by the King of France , if he would yield to the treaties of agreement which were yet on foot ; alledging and giving out , that if the Governohr would carry on affairs , aiming only at the Kings private interests , he ought not to wonder , if he the Prince , passing by the common concerns , should advise and govern himself , according to his private ends , and those of his house . These were the debates and altercations which past between the Prince and Governour during the whole Siege , whilst the Prince complain'd that he was abused in his expectation , not seeing any effect of so many promises , nor of his hoped for succour ; and the Governour , that he was drawn into precipices , as concerning the common cause , by the Prince , and by the too couragious attempt propounded by him ; which tended not to the good leading on of the succour , but to the apparent ruine of the Army , and of the whole enterprise ; which would certainly be brought to a good and honourable issue , by safer and more cautious Counsels . Thus the Prince , who was naturally stout and couragious , detested the Governours comportments , and accused him of timerousness , and sometimes of double dealing ; and the Governour , the more he saw the Prince desirous to hazard all , upon the fortune of a general assault , the more he thought his Counsels and Proposals to be destructive : he therefore would not be drawn from his resolution of delivering the almost famished City , by famishing the French Army : he therefore sent his Cavalry to over-run the Country , and forrage the highways by which Victuals might be brought to the enemies Camp ; and he found his counsel to be good ; for he daily heard news of the intercepting of Victuals . This his design was also more authenticated by Letters written from the Dowagers Agents to the General , which were intercepted , wherein he was told that he was not to build much upon any help from Savoy , unless he would keep the ways open for succours from else where ; and the sequel did approve of the Governours counsel ; for Victuals growing very scant in the French Camp , their Souldiers would come to the Walls of the City , and beg a piece of bread , which sometimes was given them even by the Prince his permission ; and for that the City wanted Grass and Forrage for Horses more then bread , a bartering was agreed upon between the besiegers and besieged for Grass and Straw , for bread ; a great sign of the extream want the besiegers were reduced to . The Prince complained grievously of the Governour , and propounded sometimes one thing , sometimes another , that he might be once free of the misery he was in ; but he was not at all moved therewith ; he was more moved by the treaties of agreement which were still kept on foot between the Prince and the French Agents , and with the great offers that were made the Prince , if he would adhere to France , and forego Spain , and if he and his Brother would quit all claim of Regency to the Dowager ; wherefore it became the Governour to be very careful of distasting the Prince , lest being allured by the French offers , and scandalized at his proceedings , he might embrace the former ; wherefore the Prince proposing , finally , that since he continued constant in overcoming the French by famine , it would be better for him to leave a competent Garrison in Montcalleri , which might secure that Bridge , which kept the way open between his Camp and the parts beyond the Poe ; and to go with the rest of the Army to Giuliascho and Collegno , Towns three miles on the back of Turin , upon the way which leads to Pinarollo , and Susa ; for that by residing in Collegno , which is situated upon the Dora , he would not only block up the aforesaid ways of Susa and Pinarvole ; but those of the Canavese and of Piedmont ; by which the enemies Camp would be formally besieged , and would be forc'd for fear of famine to rise in a short time . The Governour , were it either that he approved of this advice , or that he desired to like whatsoever the Prince proposed , ( provided that he were not thereby to hazard his men ; ) resolved to follow it , the rather for that he was counsell'd so to do by the Count Sirvela , who was Embassadour in extraordinary from the King of Spain , to the Common-wealth of Genoa ; a Gentleman of excellent parts , and who was then in the Camp , and by whom the Governour was much ruled ; and who , having by the Kings appointment been ayding to the carrying on of the main affair in all this Campagnia , had had his share therein . The Governour therefore had already constituted Don Luigi Ponze , Di Lion , Commander of 2000 Foot and 800 Horse , who were to be left for the safety of that quarter , when he should go with the rest of his men to those Towns : This advice was also furthered by news from France , that the King being at last moved by the imminent danger of this enterprise , if speedy succour should not be sent , had taken order to send good recruits both of men and victuals to the Camp in Piedmont . But on a sudden , ( nor was it known upon what occasion ) the Governour cut his resolution in two , which certainly would have been better for the full accomplishment of the enterprise , if it had been entirely executed as the Prince advised : He sent Don Carlo della Gatta with a good number of Horse , and with about 4000 Foot to Collegno , to the end that quartering and fortifying himself there he should do what ▪ the whole Camp was to have done if it had gone thither , which was , to block up all the avenues from succour and victuals . Gatta past succesfully on with his men to the place appointed , by the way of Mille Fiori ; though a thousand Horse went coasting along by him , which came out of the line of Circumvolution : For the Prince sallying at the same time out of the City , had faln upon the Enemies quarters toward the Dora ; and the Governour was gone to give a feigned Allarme to Vallentino ; and the Garrison of Cheri , being recruited by the Trades-men , had at the same time assaulted the fortifications which were above the Capuchins . So as the French being diverted into many parts could not much impede Gatta in his passage ; who coming to Collegno , drove out the French Garrisen , and being master thereof , began immediately to fortifie it better : The Governour also instead of taking Grugliaseo , look Bianesco , which stands upon another way which leads from Pinarvolo , but a little lower then Graliasco ; and consequently neerer the quarters of Montcalleri , by which the besieging Camp was somewhat more streightned , and almost as much besieged as the City . The taking of Collegno caused much jealousie in Harcourt , who apprehended that his Trenches might rather be assaulted on that side then elsewhere ; and they being weaker then the rest , he put stronger Garrisons into them , and fortified them better towards Collegno ; the same day that G●…ta came to Collegno he met with a fair occasion of intercepting a great conduct of Victuals , as he did ; and of routing a Regiment of the Dowagers which served for a Convoy thereunto : he also defeated 500 Horse , and 500 Foot of Count Verrua's ; which were coming from Susa to the Camp , and either slew almost all of them , or took them Prisoners , except the Count , who got safe with some Horse to the Camp Vincenzo della Marra , a Neopolitan Gentleman , took also 60 load of Corn and utterly defeated the Convoy ; and the Governour having sent the Horse of his quarters towards Millefiori had a gallant Skirmish with the Enemy , where the Corps de guard , which were therein was totally put to the sword ; at the same time , or a little before , the French having thrown a Bridge over the Dora , between the Meadows called Vanchiglia , and the New-Park , which made very much for Communication between the quarters of the Burgo , and of the Capuchins , with those beyond the Dora , the Prince took a fancy to try whether he could deprive the enemy , or no , of that conveniency , and free the City of the inconvenience which might result by the communication of those quarters by means of that Bridge ; he to this purpose Sallied out by night very strong , both in Horse and Foot ; and though he cut the Ropes in sunder which fastned the bridge on this side , yet the enemy easily mended it , and put it into it's former condition , and made some fortifications for the safety thereof ; the Prince being desirous to attempt the same again , he sent Don Mauritio with 300 Horse , thither , and Marquess Serra with two squadrons of Foot , one Spanish , one Italians ; these sent Fra. Iovan Pallavicino with some Foot to discover the Bridge ; who finding it newly fortified , whilest some sleight Skirmishes past between him and the Enemy , they might see five companies of Horse come from the Borgo , and advance towards them , to cut them off from joyning with their companions ; against which Don Mauritio's Cavalry advancing , Fra. Iovanni had conveniency to withdraw to a place of Safety , and incorporated himself with Serra , who went not onely to shelter Don Mauritio's Cavalry with his squadrons of Musketiers , but to fall upon the enemies Horse , which were forced with much loss to face about , and get into a place of safety : and though some other squadrons of Horse came from Vallentino to relieve him , yet they came not time enough ; for they were de ained by the Cannon which played from the works of the City , and by musket-shot which poured down from the Walls ; but the Bridge not being ruined neither by this second attempt , the Prince threw another Bridge over the same River , that he might pass over to the other shore when he pleased , and receive any succour that might come by that way ; a difficult business ; for all the Bank beyond the River was defended by a Battery levell'd against the Mills ; but the knowledge that Marquess Villa ( who together with Pianezza was quartered there ) was gone with most part of the Piedmontese Horse elsewhere ; and the Enterprise being intended at the third hour of the Sun , when the night Guards being relieved grow remiss , encouraged them to the Enterprise , which was wholly given to B●…lognino , who going forth with Horse and Foot , threw over the Bridge with little loss , over which the Foot pass'd the next day ; part of them were sent towards the Park , against some Foot which guarded a Redout , which was over the against the old broken bridge of the Park ; which Redout being assaulted , and the Defendants cut in peices , was taken ; the other part went to assault a body of men who guarded a half Cannon , placed over against the new bridge ; who being routed , the half Cannon fell into the assailants hands , which they began to draw towards the Dora ; but Pianezza hearing thereof strove to repair the loss . He therefore headed two squadrons of French Horse which were in that place , and the ordinary Troop , and spur'd on a pace to assault the Enemies Horse ; and skirmishing fiercely with them , ( the half Cannon and those that carried it away put to flight ; ) the Foot with some of the Horse past back over the Dora , the rest were chased by Pianezza towards the Park ; yet were the takers but little prejudiced ; for the Enemy having in the heat of the pursuit left the half Cannon behind them , they immediately took it again , and brought it to the banks of the Dora , where it was under good shelter ; and being impossible to be recovered , it was carried in triumph into the City . But the French were as well damnified by the Garrison within the City , as by the Army without ; for together with the continual pressure of victuals , the Garrison of Collegno having ransack'd the Country as far as Pinarvolo , had spoiled the mils which were not far from that Town ; and put the Town in such a terrour , as it kept the Gates shut for many dayes . And Gatta going with 1000 Horse afterwards into those parts , fell upon St. Secondo , a Town neer Pinarvolo , where he kill'd 200 Dragoons , and took their Captain Prisoner . The Prince Cardinals Horse likewise , which were sent ( as hath been said ) to the Spanish Camp , being come from Beinesco under Count Broglio , fell upon Rivalta , cut the Garrison in pieces , and made themselves Masters of the Town ; by these successes affairs proceeded well for the relief of the City , and but ill-favor'dly for the besieging Army ; which was yet much more streightned by famine , and which was very grievous within the time of Circumvolution , no victuals being possible to be brought thither , so closely were all the Avenues block'd up ; insomuch as they were forced to make use of that small remainder of Victuals which was in the Citadel , whereat the Governour thereof complained much , who being forced to obey the Generalls command protested that he would give over his charge meerly for want of victuals , and that he must be forced to surrender the Citadel , when the Army through famine should be necessitated to raise the siege ; but Harcourt cared but little for all those words and protestations , as knowing that if the siege should be raised , the Citadel must inevitably be lost ; ●…nor herewithal content , he laid hand upon the victuals which were le●…t for the sustenance of the Garrison in Chiavazzo which did but ill supply the want of the famish'd army ; so as Harcourt who thought to have furnish'd Turin by siege , did famish his own camp , the the Citadel , and Chiavazzo ; and had he continued long in this condition , the City had not onely been freed by famine , but the Citadel and Chiavazzo would have been taken by the relieving Army ; and the Camp was already brought to that low condition , as the daily allowance of bread ceasing , some few ounces of Rice taken from the Citadel , were in lieu thereof distributed amongst the Common Souldiers ; nor fared the Captains any better ; and yet Harcourt persevered constant in his resolution of taking the City ; nay , being offer'd composition by the Nuntio , he would not listen to it : but as if he had been Conquerour , demanded that the City might be absolutely delivered to him , which he would keep in the Dukes name during the Dowagers Regency ; and as if he had been certain of what was to ensue , he protested he would continue the siege , till such time as the Horses that were in Turin should have eaten all the Hay and Forrage that was in the City , and the men all the Horses ; he moreover continued making great offers to the Prince : in so much as such constancy being altogether contrary to the Genius of the French , who are impatient of suffering , it caused much wonder in all men , who confest that the French did therein not only out-do themselves , but did even out-do the Spaniards , who are excellent good at suffering ; but it was now almost impossible that the business could hold out any longer : for the Souldiers having undergone all the extreams which it was possible for humane nature to tolerate , many of them fell sick , many died , and many ran away , some into the City , some into the Spanish Camp : and every one of them relating their share of the great extremities that the besiegers were in , they occasioned ( which was miraculous ) so various , differing , and contrary opinions between the Prince and the Governour , as the result thereof proved almost the utter ruine of the common affairs , and the safety of the French : the Prince , who grew daily more and more impatient of delay , and infinitly desirous to see himself freed from siege by a general assault , thought it was now high time to assault a body of an Army which was languishing , afflicted , and macerated by famine , sufferings , and assiduous labour , and which seemed not fit to manage Arms , and could but ill bear with the Governours phlegmatick patience , who ruling rather like a Cunctator then Dictator , persisted the more in his resolution of overcoming by sitting still , for that he saw the Enemy reduced to the utmost brink of necessity , and that the main aff●…ir consisted in having patience for a few days : But the news which was divulged of the great succour both of men and meat which was sent from France , and was already arrived in Piedmont , troubled the Prince above all things else , fearing that if it should come before the Siege was raised , all the Governours calculations would be subverted , and the siege would be reduced to its former condition , with little hopes that the Governour , who would not move when he had so fair an occasion of overcoming , should hazzard his men in keeping off the succour , or in relieving the City , when he should see the Enemies Camp recruited with men , strengthned , and invigoured by the great supply of victuals . The scarcity that was in the City of gun-powder , did make the Prince more desirous to see an end of so great anxiety before so necessary a sustenance of defence should fail : And amongst all these agitations of mind , great jealousies and suspitions were not wanting , making him believe , or lest doubt , that the Governour by whom he thought he was abandon'd at the Ponte della Rotta , should be as careless of relieving him at the present ; not out of any wariness , or any mystery of War , but rather for that hatching his accustomed tancour in his breast , he looked with an ill eye upon his weighty interests , not caring to assist him in his so great streights . These considerations made the Prince impatient in expecting what the issue of the Governours designes would be . But it was thought he was most grieved to see how happily the Governours designes proceeded , which was no less hateful to him then to the Enemy , and was more mad thereat then Harcourt ; foreseeing by the manner of his proceeding his own utter undoing , the ruine of his family , and the loss of his peoples liberty for which he fought . The Prince knew as well as Harcourt , that if he the siege should in any way raised , that if the siege should in any way be raised , the Citadel would undoubtedly be thereupon surrendred . He also knew that if the siege should be raised by famine and not by the sword , the Governour would enter into the City victorious , with his forces entire , and would doubtlesly use such supercheries as Victors usually do ; and would set forward his pretentions to the Citadel , which he the Prince being so short of him in forces , could not obviate . Therefore not onely he , but all the Piedmontese was so fill'd with horrour , as they were in doubt whether that it would be better for them , that the City should be relieved by that way , or not at all relieved . And not knowing what to do in so great extremity , they could think of no better way to evade it , then by using their utmost means that the Spaniards and the French might be brought to fight together ; hoping that if the French should be beaten , they might be masters of the City ; and that if the Spaniards should be worsted , they might be masters of the Citadel ; and that the Piedmontese , who were in the midst between them , might be able to oppose the Victors , and to preserve their Ducall Family and their own liberties ; in which bustling the Prince might probably promise himself , that the remainders of the French Army , as also those of the Citadel , being of Enemies become his Friends , might joyn with him in excluding the Spaniards ; and he was almost certain , that the Governour , to shun greater inconveniencies , would give way that the Citadel should rather remain in his hands , then in those of the French. The Commendator Pas●…ro , one of much experience , and in great authority with the Prince , was cry'd up for the Author of these counsels ; which being divulged about the Court were approved of by the Piedmontese nobles , as those who being naturally more inclined to the French then to the Spaniards apprehended , that to fall under the Spanish Empire ; was the worst of evils that could befall them . They therefore thought that , to keep from that misfortune , they had best embrace any thing how slender so ever , and expect better fortune . The Prince being oppress'd by the nearness and by the greatness of the danger , which though it was foreseen when a far off , yet was it never so inevitable nor formidable as now . Being therefore resolved to do all that was possible , he sent a Letter to the Governour on the seventh of Iuly , wherein he signified unto him , that he could hold out no longer , and that if he were not relieved within four dayes at the furthest , he would without more a doe accept of the French offers , and would surrender the City : Which Letter was very unfortunate for the Prince , and for the business in order to the relief , and to the raising of the siege , was the ruine of the common affairs , did overthrow the Princes cause ; and on the contrary , raised the French Army out of the extream precipice and danger whereinto it was more then manifestly brought . The City was not effectually in so great streights as the Prince would fain have made it been believed to be ; for it had great store of Corn , nor did it want grist as before , that default being much supply'd by hand-mills which were daily made : And though , in conforminy to what the Prince had writ , the Governour was also informed by Don Antonio Sotelo , of the aforesaid wants , who though he was chief of the Kings men , and affairs that were handled in the City , had upon many occasions appeared ap●…e to please the Prince , then careful of the Kings concernment ; yet the Governour had received contrary intelligence from other Captains , and in particular from Marquess Serra ; who looking more narrowly into affairs , knew that the City might hold out longer ; and woe his mind freely to the Governour , and did assure him that there were those who had offer'd to maintain the City with bread for two moneths , at no exorbitant rates : Which offers the Prince refused , as thinking them impossible to be performed ; and though there was more want of powder then of bread , yet it was found that the City held out , and made stout sallies upon the Enemies quarters , twenty days after the eleventh of Iuly , and yet had received no recruit in powder ; and the danger of the French succour , which was said to be very neer , proved vain ; for La Gatta being stronger in Collegno then the relievers , who were not above 4000 Foot , and some Horse , it was impossible for to pass that way , or to force the Garrison . The Governour seeing himself taken off from continuing his designes , and bereft of the victory which he so longed after , and was neer getting , by the Princes so precise pressures , and resolute pro●…estations , he was much astonished , and was the more confused , for that by letters , which he received at the same time , he was informed ( as hath been said ) that the City was in a far different condition from what it was represented to be in by the Prince ; so as suspecting the Princes pressures must needs ayme at some hidden end ; amongst many things which he thought upon , at last he light upon one or two ; either that the Prince had closed with the French , or was upon agreeing with them . And that therefore , that he might the better honest his surrounding of the Town , he put him upon the poynt of speedy relief , that so he might provide for himself , abandon the King of Spain , and b●…ake himself to the King of France ; or else that he would revive his claim to putting of a Garrison into the Citadel . The Governour had alwayes proceeded so reservedly with the Princes , as without either assuring them of his intent , or making them despair , he had still held them in expectation that they should be pleased ; and they were always confident to have what they pretended unto either with his will or against it ; wherefore he was forc'd to vary his determination in the Enterprise , though it proceeded on very successfully , and to put the certainty of Victory upon the uncertain chance of a Dye : He therefore began greatly to doubt what peradventure was true ; he knew no better way how to avoid this exigency then by feeling Paseroe's Pulse with offering him six thousand Pistols to procure the Prince to delay his expectation of succour for fifteen days , to the end that he might the better attend the keeping out of that relief which was expected by the enemy from France ; hoping , nay firmly believing , that if that succour could be kept out , the Siege would be raised before the desired time of delay should be expired ; and that by this means he should not need adventure his Forces in relieving the City . The care of this was committed to Marquess Serra , who was chiefly trusted by the Governour in carrying on this Siege ; but this Negotiation not being to be ended so soon , by reason of the difficulty of giving and of receiving advertisement , and for that it becomes those that negotiate in such affairs to wait the conjuncture of times ; the eleventh day being come before the Negotiation was ended , the Governour , who had precise Orders from the King not to give the Prince any occasion of foregoing his party , he suffer'd himself to be pul'd on by necessity , and by the Prince his inclinations , ( as one doth sometimes who rides an unruly horse ) and resolved , to please him ; he therefore agreed upon the doing of it in this manner . The Governour was to go from his quarters of Montcalleri , and Gatta from his of Collegno upon the break of day , on the eleventh day , upon the sign being given by certain fires , and should fall upon the enemies Trenches . Gatta was to assault those which were between the Porporata and a certain Channel which is called Martinetto ; and the Governour , those which do terminate on the banks of Poe neer Valentino : that the same night 1000 Horse should be sent to the Prince by a Foord over the Poe , which being joyned to his Horse might enable the Prince to sally strongly out of the City that same night , and face the enemies Horse . The Prince was to go with this recruit of Horse , and with the Spaniards which were with him , towards Valentino , to facilitate the Governours entrance on the innerside ; and to the end that these three , which were the chief , actions might succeed the better , the Governour was to place eight piece of Cannon upon the hills beyond the Poe , and to play therewith upon the tops of the Trenches , and drive the enemy from thence , and so facilitate the assault that was to be given on that side . Divers provisions also were made to the same purpose , thus ; The Dragoons and Croats were to be sent to scoure along the other parts of the Trenches , to keep them in aw with feigned assaults , and intent upon defending themselves . Don Silvio of Savoy was to advance towards la Stura , with the Horse that were without , and was to fall upon the Quarters beyond the Dora , or at least to seem as if he would do so . The Mountainers beyond the Poe were to assault the Forts upon the Capuchins Hills , with the Horse which were of the Garrison of Cheri . These three diversions were to be made at one and the same time , to the end that the besiegers being assaulted on these three sides might not come to assist the Trenches which were to be assaulted by the Governour and Gatta ; things being thus ordered , an accident hapned which made the Governour alter the hour appointed for the assault ; he heard that the succour from France was come to Giavenna , a Town five miles from Collegno ; and searing that if Gatta should go to give the assault by break of day he might run danger of being fallen upon by the French , who were the Convoy for the succour , on the back , he ordered him to forbear falling on till noon ; when if the French should not move , he should ; and according to Orders should give the assault ; but if the French should be already moved , he should keep within his quarters till he should receive new Orders . Gatta heard , by his Scouts , that the French would not move that day ; whereof he advertised the Governour ; and being come four hours before Sun-set to the Trenches , he fell couragiously upon them with 4000 Foot , and 2000 Horse ; his first assault was bravely received , and at last he was repuls'd , and had some of his men slain , amongst which Camp-master Emilio Ghiglino , la Motta , who was in defence of that part with his Regiment discharg'd the part of a valiant Souldier , and judicious Commander ; but coming with more vigour to a second assault , the Foot scaled the Trenches , and making way for the Horse , the Horse and Foot joyntly entered , who , had they been more considerate , this very action had freed the City ; for the breach which was made being made good by Garrisons and Fortifications , the Line was open , and at the disposal of the Governour , who without forcing the Trenches at Valentino might have entred by this breach and have destroyed the besiegers , and broken the line of circumvolution ; and if he had not resolved to put himself to this hazard by keeping that breach in his possession , he might have sent what succours he had pleased into Turin ; so as the besiegers losing their hopes of the Siege would have risen of themselves , and have given the business over ; but whilst Gatta , when he had broke into the Trenches ran with his Horse towards the City , according to his Orders received from the Governour , to joyn with the Prince , and cared not to guard the breach which he had made , and whilst some of the Foot that were entred fell to plunder the enemies Huts and Pavilions , and other some to pursue in disorder those that fled ; the French who were driven from desending the Trenches had time to get under the shelter of the Artillery of the Citadel , and to rally , and re-order themselves ; and being assisted by many others who were come from other parts of the line to help here , they made a good body , and turn'd upon the enemy , who were in disorder and busie in plundering , whereof they slew and wounded many ; and it hapned that Don Michele Pignatello , Captain of the Rere , who entred therewith , when those that were entred before were ill handled by the French , was assaulted as he would have defended himself ; and though he resisted stoutly , yet having no Horse , for they were all gone towards the City , he found he could not well keep the field ; so spying a little Fort not far off , between the City and the line of circumvolution , he entred thereinto with the best of his men , thinking to defend himself there ; but the Fort not being able to receive so many men , those who got in resisted as long as their powder lasted , and afterwards betook themselves to their Pikes ; but the defendants valour was overpower'd by the multitude of French , who still encreasing in numbers took the Fort , and put all the defendants to the sword , except Pignatello , and some Officers , who were taken prisoners ; what with these , and some others that were amongst the Tents , 500 of the Spanish Army were slain , but not without revenge ; for many more French perished , amongst which two Camp-marshals , twelve Lieutenants , four Captains and seven Officers , and Colonel St. Andrea was taken prisoner . The worst that befel the besieged was , that the French making use of the errour committed by the relievers presently made up the breach of the Trench which Gatta had abandoned , and kept out 70 load of powder , part whereof fell into the hands of the Enemy , and part was carried to Collegno . The Prince had no notice given him that the hour of assault was altered ; for the shortness of time and difficulty of giving advertisement could not permit it ; he therefore waited all that night in Arms with his men , expecting an assault should be given at break of day , and that the re-inforcement of Horse by Vanchiglia should appear ; he continued in this posture till noon ; but failing at last of his so long expectation , and not expecting that any thing that had been promised should be performed , he much unwillingly retreaed to the City , and dismis'd his men who were very weary , that they might repose themselves after their long watching , and p●…ins which they had taken the preceding right : when not many hours after he heard of the assault given by Gatta ; and not long a●…ter he might see the Souldiers appear victorious , who brought him certain news of the succours being entred ; wherefore he suddenly summon'd all his Souldiers to their Ensigns , and though he had not above 300 Horse with him , he notwithstanding resolved to go towards Valentino , to facilitate the Governours entry on that side , according to agreement ; he took Tavora's and Serra's Brigades along with him , and the Burgondian Souldiers , and advancing with his Cavalry towards the Trenches be took the hedge which incompassed the Fort which shelters the way that comes from Montcalleri and Pioppi ; he sent others to get ground upon the Fort which defends Valentino towards the City ; and a number of Ci●…izens , who went out with the Prince , joyning with some of Serra's men , took a redoubt first , and then got in even to the Palace of Valentino , which they took and plundred . Gatta at this time joyned with the Prince , together with 2000 Horse which were entred before ; so as being thus strongly recruired he advanced towards the Trenches which were then assaulted by the Governour on the out side , or ready to be assaulted ; and being gotten to Pioppi he took a Farm-house and a neighbouring Chappel which environed the Fort which was assaulted on the out side ; and though he saw the souldiers very desirous to fall upon the same Fort on the inside , yet he held it better to restrain their forwardness , till he might see the succourers Ensigns ●…dvanced in that Fort ; for the Governour , at the same time that Gatta assaulted the Trenches , was gone from his quarters to Montcalleri , and went to assault Valentino ; but not with any intention of adventuring the rest of his Forces the●…e : his chief end was to entertain the Enemy in desending that part , so as they might not oppose Gatta , who when he should have broken into the line of circumvolution was to joyn with the Prince , and fall joyntly on the Trenches on the inside , and assist the assault from without , to the end that the Trench being thrown down both within and without , they might raise the Siege , and ruine the besiegers . The eight Cannons on the Hill beyond the Poe had from the break of the day plaid uncessantly upon the Parapets of the Trenches about Valentino , which were to be assaulted ; and having broken down a Bulwark which was neer the banks of Poe , towards which the Governour sent Don Lewis di Lincastro , with his Brigade and with many Ladders , Bridges and little Huts , after whom he also sent the other Camp-master Don Iovan Artiaga , with his Brigade , and with some of Prince Borso's and Don Pignatello's Brigades , against a Fort which flank'd the way from Montcalleri , and which was the same upon which the Prince expected to see the victorious Ensigns set ; but these and the rest being somewhat at a loss , they occasioned some confusion : yet they went on to an assault ; but though the assault were twice re-inforced they could do no good upon it , but were at last forced to retreat ; wherefore the Governour , finding that the aids from within were not answerable to his Forces without , began to apprehend Gatta's success , since he could not hear that he was entred ; so as night drawing on , and having lost 500 Foot in that assault , and six Captains , he caused a retreat to be beaten , and gave over the enterprise ; a more unfortunate or disastrous succour then this hath not been read of ; for it ended very unfortunately , not only for that Gatta had no ways aided the Governour in his assault , nor for that he had not guarded not kept open the breach he had made , and whereby he entred ; but for that having carried neither powder nor victuals with him , it served to no purpose ; for without these those that were entred were neither able to force the Enemies quarters , nor to defend the City ; so as their entrance did but little good , nay rather harm , since they were to be sed by the Cities Victuals ; those who entred , being as it were so many imprisoned Sampsons , imployed in nothing but in turning about Hand-mills , to supply themselves with Victuals and the City with Grift : nor did the mischief cease here ; for the Governours Army being deprived of so noble a part of his men , who being broken into the Trenches were there shut up , was rendred unable for bringing any more succour ; and on the contrary , the French Army was hereby freed from all danger ; it languished before for hunger , and was only sed with slender hopes whether the succour which was expected from France would force its way , or no , through the Pass , and opposition which was made at Collegno ; where their fear was certainly greater then their hopes : but Gatta's assault removed all difficulties ; for that he might give , it he had left but a small Garrison in Collegno , and the Gates almost open ; so as the French succour made use of the occasion , and almost beyond all expectation came the next day after Gatta's entrance to the Enemies Camp , and having recruited it with Victuals and Men did in an instant free it from the misery it was in , being almost ready to ask mercy of the Enemy , or to retreat as it did at Cheri , and made it frollick and couragious , and of being almost conquered it became Conqueror ; and having no cause to fear the Spanish Army , it became doubly formidable ; as well by the encrease of its own Forces , as by the weakning of the Spanish Army . The Scene of affairs being thus strangely altered , new and more fervent rancours and reciprocal complaints arose between the Prince and the Governour , and between their Souldiers and Captains ; each of them laying the fault of this disaster upon other . The Governour , that he was too much importuned to this action by the Prince , and said that if he had continued a few days longer in his own course he had assuredly gotten a famous Victory , without effusion of blood ; he also complained that the Prince had not assisted from within the assault which he gave without , which was the occasion of all the misfortune ; on the contrary , the Prince exclaimed horribly upon the Governour , for that he had not sent him any Horse by Vanchiglia , that he came not really , and with all his Forces to assault the Trenches ; that he had altered the time appointed without giving him any notice ; and he also complained of some lesser failings , which he said did concur to the misfortune of the success . It would be too tedious to relate the bitter accusations which they laid one upon another , or rather the redargutions which past between the fautorers of them both ; to insist upon which too accurately belongs not to the Office of a good Writer . The Governour , seeing this unfortunate success , and the loss of those men who were entred the City without Ammunition , bit his fingers ends for madness , was grieved at the very heart , and blamed himself for having suffered himself to be removed from his first resolution ; and considering that the mischief would be yet greater , and irrecoverable , unless he could find some means to send Ammunition of War into the City , he cast about how he might do it ; and having long thought upon the business , he could not light upon a better way then to convey it over by the Ford of the Poe called Margerita , over against Vanchillia ; he therefore sent some loads underneath the Hill , which coming into the Valley which answers upon that Foord , they came to the River ; but the Governour having made signs to the Prince by some fires , that he should send Horse to the River to receive them ( for all commerce between the besieged and the Spanish Camp was so block'd up as they could not converse but by such signs ) that now hapned which doth often times fall out , that the signs not being understood , but very little good was got thereby ; so as none appearing from the City at the Foord , the Carriages returned back by the same way that they went : And on the other side , fearing what might ensue if no help were found out against this default , got together as much Salt-peter and Sulphur as he could , whereby he provided , though but in a scant measure , for the necessary and daily defence : But the Governours Forces being so dis-joyned as they could not be of any help one to another , and finding that the Enemies Forces were not only refresh'd , but recruited , he began to bethink himself rather how to secure those men which he yet had , then how to relieve the City , or how to recover his losses ; so as giving over his first design of famishing or besieging the French Camp , nay , doubting the safety of his abode at Montcalleri , he would provide himself of a more secure quarter : Repassing therefore back again over the Poe , over the which he had passed a little before with such glory and honour , he went to his first quarters upon the Hills , where he thought he might keep more safe from being assaulted , where he might better defend himself , and watch any occasion which should be offered of relieving the City ; which Harcourt perceiving he took a course , that fearing less to be assauted on the other side beyond the Poe , he might draw many of his Forces closer toge●…her , and joyn'd them almost all in defence of the bridge and Capuchins Forts , where he made new Forts and new Trenches , that he might the better resist any attempt that the Enemy might make upon those confining parts : Nor herewithal content , having by experience known how easily the Enemy had made way to relieve the City , what danger his Army had incurr'd by Gatta's entrance , he strove to prevent the like disasters for the future : He therefore began a second line of circumvolution , which was two thirds lesser in compass then the former ; which though it needed a lesser number of Souldiers to de●…end it , yet he drew a good part of the Garrison out of the Citadel to guard this second line , which beginning from the furthermost angle of the Citadel struck strait toward la Dora , and crossing the Dora ex ended it self a little further , and then falling towards the Poe enclosed the new Park , and then crossing the Dora again drew neer the banks of Poe , and running along thereby to Valentino joyned in a crooked line to the Citadel , from whence it began . The Citizens were much afflicted at this second line , whose numbers being encreased both in Men and Horse , they were forced to let them partake of that Bread and Forrage which was hardly sufficient for themselves : Finding therefore , for certain , that things could not continue long in this condition , they began to think of a remedy : Many entreated the Prince to attempt getting out of the City , and to get with a good strength of Horse to the Governour ; and to try whether he could prevail more with him by his presence then by his Letters , to do some gallant action for the freeing of the City more then he had yet done : They wish'd him also to consider , that when his person should be safe , come what would come , the common Affairs would not be so much damnified as if he should meet with any misfortune in his own person ; and out of this respect only he was sollicited by Letters from the Governour . But the Prince re●…used absolutely to do so , not being able to abandon his Sisters in the common danger , who had followed their Brothers fortune with such constancy ; nor to forsake that Countrey where he was born a Prince , nor those people who to maintain his Cause had put themselves into those troubles : And this Proposal being absolutely denied , it was resolved that Gatta ( who whilst he kept idle in the City , by reason of the Souldiers and Horse that were entred with him , was rather an incumbrance then a help ) should a tempt forcing the Line with the same Horse that he brought with him , at the same place of the Porporata by which he had entred , and should go joyn with the Governour ; whereby the City was to receive a double advantage ; which should thereby be eased of the great burthen of maintaining so many Horse , and the Relievers should be made better able to assist it . This motion was presently embraced , and put in execution , every one thinking that it might be easily effected ; for the Enemy having drawn almost all his Forces towards the hills had left all the other parts slightly guarded . Gatta went out in the dark of night with the Neapolitan and Dutch Horse , being guided by some Troops of Croats , and one of the Prince Cardinals Troops , led on by Count Broglia , which carried spades and mattocks to throw down the Trenches , and which might levell the way for the rest , who kept with Gatta under the Bastion della Consolata , expecting News when the way should be levell'd . These went out , and luckily threw down the first Line , and afterwards ( though with some more difficulty ) the second ; but they met with a very great impediment beyond it , which was a great ditch newly digg'd behind the Trench , whereinto the water of Dora was brought ; and for their further misfortune , the earth of the Trench which was beaten down falling into the Ditch , and mingling with the water made it muddy , and harder to be pass'd over : Wherefore being astonished at this difficulty , which they saw was not to be overcome , whilst they were thinking what to do , they were discover'd by the Enemy ; and though some of them escaped by wading through the ditch , many , notwithstanding , who attempted the same stuck fast , and not being able to recover themselves were taken Prisoners , or were stifled in the mud , amongst which Captain Lamas was one of the first ; the greatest part fled towards the City , some whereof saved themselves , some were slain , or taken prisoners by the Enemy . Gatta seeing this misfortune gave over his intended voyage , and went into the City again ; which not being any wayes eased by its disgorgement returned to its former streights ; which the Citizens endeavouring to get out of , and finding that the scarcity of Grist , which was encreased by the many mouths which were added to the eating thereof , was that which would hasten their deaths , they attempted to open another channel to the Dora , a little below the old and accustomed one , which was notwithstanding much hindred by the Enemy . The Engineers disputed very much whether the lowness of the Dora would not hinder the design , but it proved easie ; though not without much danger and labour , and expence of time ; for they could not work but by night , by reason of the Enemies Musketiers ; yet in a months space they perfected the work , but could bring water only to four Mills , which was a great consolation to the City ; but this comfort lasted not long ; for the Enemy after having endeavoured by divers Batteries to beat down the Mills , which were notwithstanding frustrated by the diligence of the besieged ; Harcourt made an out-let for the water on the opposite side of the River , by which the water was turn'd away and the Mills were left dry ; it remained that some provision might be found out to furnish the City with Ammunition of War , since by the abundance of Hand-Mills which were made they provided sufficiently for Grist . The Governour agreed with the Prince to send him 200 load of Ammunition at a certain hour of night , which was to be conducted by Don Vincenzo Gonzaga , accompanied by a good body of Horse , which was to bring the supply to Motta's quarter ; whither the Prince was to send Horse to receive it : but neither did this design prosper ; for the nights being very short , and Gonzaga being to foord over la Stura and la Dora , after he had foorded over the Poe , before he could come to the place appointed , he knew he could not get thither before the Sun would be up ; so as perceiving day break a little after he had gotten over the Poe , and fearing lest he might be met by the way , he returned back . This night the Prince was come in his own person out of the City to receive so necessary and so desired a recruit ; and with him was Don Antonio Sottelo with all the Horse , back'd by Marquess Serra with Foot ; and being come to the place appointed he was discovered , and assaulted by the Enemies Horse . The Prince withstood the assault manfully , and after a sore contest repuls'd the Enemy , wherein la Serra behaved himself gallantly , who sheltering the Horse with his Musketiers afforded them conveniency of forcing the assailants to wheel about , who being pursued left above 200 of their men behind them , and five Captains wounded ; not above ten of the Prince his Forces being left behind , amongst which a Dutch Captain , who being stript was , to the admiration o●… all men , found to be a woman ; who having always kept company amongst Souldiers in mans habit , was never known to be what she was , but alway conversing like a man , and fighting as valiantly as any man , was in a few years gotten from being a Foot Souldier to be a Captain of Horse ; when she was taken , her life was offer'd her if she would demand it ; but she scorning so low a behaviour , chose rather , with an undaunted spirit and high words , to die honourably , then to live a life which she should have obtained unworthily . The day beginning to clear , and the Prince seeing no Ammunition appear , he ordered a retreat , which was orderly and gallantly made even in the face of the Enemy , though not without much grief for not being succoured by their long expected Ammunition ; but ere long the besieged were provided of Powder and all things necessary for defence , by an unusual and never before practised or known way , convey'd with safety and speed from the Camp to the City . Commerce being block'd up , as hath been often said , between the Camp and the City , so as there was great trouble of giving and receiving advice upon reciprocal occurrences and necessities ; a certain invention was found out , by a hollow Bullet , whereinto Letters were put , and the hole stop'd up with a stopple made of a piece of Wire ; which being put into a piece of Artillery , was shot from the Camp into the City , and from the City into the Camp , the sign being formerly given by a great smoak , to them who were to receive it ; that they might watch where the Bullet fell : by this means the Prince and Governour conversed freely , such conveyance being to be sent hourly ; which were afterwards , by way of mockery , called flying Posts ; and as it is not hard to add to things which have been formerly found to succeed well , this lucky and useful invention was improved in the conveying of Ammunition for War in bigger Bullets , capable of fifteen pound weight of Powder , which being more carefully squeezed together and put into a Mortar-piece , were by the force of fire blown into the City over the Heads and Trenches of the besiegers who were very angry thereat ; and finally , this invention served to furnish the City with Salt-peter , and with Salt , for want whereof it suffer'd much ; especially , since men being glad , for want of other meat , to eat the flesh of horses , this food eaten without Salt caused much sickness and mortality in the City : above a thousand of these Balls or Bullets were thrown into the City , which furnished the besieged with above 15000 pound weight of Powder . Thus did the besieged behave themselves , sparing their Victuals by parcimony , and encreasing their Grist by Hand-mills ; and provided for their defence by this new device of flying Bullets , comforting themselves with hopes of being one day freed from so many afflictions ; amongst these adventures it fell out , that Monsieur d' Argenson , and Monsieur di Govone , who was Governour of the Citadel , as they went from the Camp to Pinarvolo were taken prisoners by two Troops of Horse , carried to Cheri , and were by order from the Governour sent to Millain . Argenson was President of the Senate at Grenoble , a Gown-man , but very well credited in Affairs both of Peace and War ; and of such authority , as little of any moment was done without his approbation , not only in the Camp , but neither in all Piedmont . The Prince and Governour were very well pleased with the taking of these two Gentlemen ; for having it in their thoughts to surprize the Citadel , which was but weakly garrison'd , a good part of the G●…rison being drawn out and placed ( as hath been said ) in guarding 〈◊〉 ●…ard Line ; they thought that the Citadel would be the more ea●… 〈◊〉 now that it wanted a Governour ; and now the competition 〈◊〉 ●…he Garrison , which had formerly been the occasion of all the scandal , and of the ill Government of the present War , and which , as it were , spoil'd and disordered all the common designs , could be no longer an obstacle ; for the Prince having upon this occasion desired the Governour , that he would give over his pretentions . The Governour , who saw all things in so desperate and ruinous a case , was better content that it should fall into the Prince his hands , then into those of the French ; and resolved at last , though too late , to please the Prince therein ; but this too late remedy served but little to the expiring enterprise . The Prince when he had obtain'd his desire , said ( for what reason it is not known ) that it was not now time to make the in●…ended attempt ; which made the Governour interpret the proposed enterprise in a sinister sence , as if the Prince , verily believing that he should have his desire denied , had intended to take some fair pretence of concluding the treaty of agreement with the French , which was never yet laid down ; so the design of surprizing the Citadel vanish'd , diffidence and mis-understandings did daily encrease ; all was full of jealousie , which discomposed all Negotiations : Yet the Governour took no notice of any thing , by reason of the precise Orders which he had from the King ; he continually provided the Prince with all things necessary ; and particularly with Powder , though not without great expence ; he listned willingly to any thing that the Prince propounded touching the relief of the City ; but he interposed such difficulties in all attempts , as retarded the execution till the occasion was over ; nay , to seem no less desirous of relieving the Prince , then the Prince was of being relieved , he would sometimes propound other courses which might appear better and more convenient then those proposed by the Prince ; which afforded matter of dispute between them , which of their opinions were the best ; so as whilst the business was arguing , the opportunity of putting either of their opinions in execution was let slip : by which it might be conjectured that the Governour being unwilling to adventure more then he had done on the eleventh of Iuly , enter●…ain'd the Princes proposals more in words and appearance , then in reality ; not so much doubting the weakness of his own Forces , as distrusting the Prince his corresponding with him in the executing what should be attempted , as he had experienced in his assaulting Vallentino . Amidst these diffidences which past between the Prince and the Governour , a sad accident hapned in the City , which might easily have ruin'd the whole business , had not a sudden remedy been found . The Souldiers began to fail of their pay , and it was impossible for the Governour to pay them ; so as the want of pay being added to their necessitous living , many began to speak big ; the Grisons being more seditious then the rest gave apparent signs of Mutiny ; and the other Nations were likely to have followed their example , had not the prime Authour and Head of this sedition been imprisoned by his Colonel , condemn'd to die , and presently made to pass the pikes in the presence of them all . The terrour of which example , though it did for the present quiet them all , yet the same necessity remaining , more univerversal sedition was likely to have arose : But the meer fame of Marquess Serra's wealth , which won him credit thorough all the Towns of Europe , did the like in Turin ; so as the meer news that he desired to take up mony upon interest , brought him in all the ready mony that those of Turin had ; who thinking it more secure in his hands ; then in their own houses , lent it him , to secure them from the Souldiers sedition , and from firing the City . He having by this means borrowed about 150000 Ducates , did by making ready payment pacifie the Souldiers not onely for that time , but during the whole siege ; but the jealousies did still encrease between the Prince & the Governour ; who finding himself daily press'd by the Prince to new undertakings , and being threatened by him that he would close with the French , unless the Governour would do as he would have him ; he bethought himself also of treating with the French , so to make the Prince jealous : He held the imprisonment of President Argenson to be a good expedient herein ; in whose writings which he had with him , when he was taken prisoner , an instruction was found from the King of France , sufficiently contrary to both the Princes interests , and in particular , to Thomaso's person : And this President being one who knew most of the secret practices belonging to Italy and Piedmont , the Governour sent Abbot Vasques to treat with him in the Castle of Millain , where he was prisoner : The Abbot was wary and quick-witted , and very fit to carry on such a business , and a great Confident of the Governours ; and ( which was most requirable in this present occurrence ) very ill inclined to the Princes , and to the House of Savoy ; and it was known , that Argenson being in Vallentino the year before , when the last Truce was there treated on and concluded , and wherein Argenson was imploy'd on the behalf of France , and the Abbot on that of Spain ; the Abbot in some familiar discourse which past between him and Argenson , said ( were it in jest or in earnest ) that it would do well for the two Kings , and for the preservation of peace and common union , if they would destroy the House of Savoy , and divide the Territory thereunto belonging between them ; since it was found by experience , that the Princes of that Family were the fomenters of the continual Warr and Dissentions between the two Crowns . To which speeches though the President answered somewhat roundly , that his Kings intention was not onely to maintain , but to support and further aggrandize that House ; yet it was thought that the Governour being encouraged by these instructions which were found with the President , failed not to sound the business , and to introduce some Treaty which might not be very good for the Prince ; if for nothing else , yet that he might at least deal with the Prince , as the Prince dealt with him . What the result thereof was is not known , the business being wholly conjectural , and which had no foundation but onely the Abbots going to the President . But it may well be affirmed , that the Prince did contract no small jealousies by this expedition , which he thought tended much to the prejudice of his interests ; which he did manifest by taking away the mannaging of the common concernments from the Nuntio , who was a great Confident of the Governours , which he put into the hands of those that adhered unto the French , all things necessary for bodily sustenance growing this mean while daily more and more scarce in the City ; and the Forces in the Spanish Camp decreasing , affairs were brought to great extremity to both of them : And though about 2500 Foot were come to the Spanish Camp from the Maritime parts , yet did this recruit last but a while , more falling sick then were well ; and the number of those that ran away being added to those that were sick , the Camp was in a short time much lessened . On the contrary , the French Camp did daily increase in numbers and Forces ; and though there was much mortality amongst them also , yet was the arrival of new recruits greater then the mortality . The news of Harcourt's good and generous actions being divulg'd in France drew many noble men and Gentlemen from that Court to Piedmont ; many Lords came nobly attended thither at their own expence , and many greater recruits came thither . Marquess Villeroy with 1500 Burgondian Foot , and 400 Horse , Count Tonniere from Dolpheny with 400 Horse , all of them of the noblest of that Country , which he commanded under the title of Constable ; and Monsieur di Castellano from Provence with four Foot Regiments , and 400 Horse . So as in so great a dis-equality of Forces , it was thought impossible to relieve the City : And yet the Prince , who was indefatigable both of body and mind , and very vigilant upon all occasions , having by severall night sallies found the Enemy to be dowfie and negligent in their guards , did likewise observe a woodden bridge , which was newly thrown over the Poe by the French , between Vallentino and the Capuchins bridge . And judging it very convenient for his ends , he designed to bring in succour by it ; this bridge was guarded by onely two small Forts , neer the foot of the bridge which was on the left side of the River towards Vallentine , the other end being totally unguarded . They therefore that would come thither from the City must make way by the lower Valley , and then take some little works not far from the aforesaid petty Forts , and afterward the Forts themselves . These difficulties did not at all trouble the Prince , who thought they might all he overcome , if all the Forces which could be raised in the City would go o●… unexpectedly by night and fall upon them : He therefore desired that when he should have overcome all those difficulties , and should be master of the bridge , that the Governour should be ready with all his Forces , on the other side , to pass over the River by that bridge , and joyn with him in suppressing the French Camp ; wherein he did not doubt of success . And to the end that the weakness of the Governours Camp might not keep him from taking this resolution , he ordered Don Silvio to joyn with the Governour with 1000 Foot and 600 Horse , and that the Marquess Bagnasco should do the like with a thousand other Foot ; by means of which recruits , and of 2000 Foot that were come from Millain , he thought the Governour could not under pretence of weakness refuse the proposal . He therefore acquainted him with his advice , with his reasons for it , and with the manner and form how it should be put in practice , desiring and exhorting him , that he would assist him on his side with all possible force and punctuality , and joyn freely in this attempt ; which , as it might justly be thought to be the last , so he did promise unto himself it should prove the happy end of the siege and of the war. He also writ unto him what was to be done for the happy conduct of the enterprise , which was , that he was to come privately with all his men about the going down of day , and that he should be two hours before day at the foot of the hill , that was nearest the Bridge , where he should tarry till he saw the six squibs fly , which he would give fire unto when he should be master of the bridge , that then he should advance to the bank , and joyn with him by the bridge ; concluding that he should let him know sometime that day , whether he would do this or not ; for otherwise he protested he could hold out the siege no longer , but was resolved to close with the French. This proposal , to boot that general diffidences made against it , and the Governours wonted aversion to hazard more then he had already done , seemed full of difficulty and danger , and impossible to be effected , and destructive to what both the Governour and the Prince was to do . For as for the Prince , he being to fight by night against an Enemy , recruited by new and gallant Forces , and many of the Nobility , against several Trenches and Fortifications , the attempt would be more then rash ; and as for the Governour , though fortune should so favour the Prince his bold attempt , as that he should make himself master of the bridge ; yet the other misfortunes remained , which were to be met with in passing over the River ; for the bridge by which they were to pass over was not made of sound timber , but onely sustained by small rafters , and so streight , as not above three foot could march over it a●…brest , without sides or parapetets , exposed on the one side to the Muskets of the bridge neer the Capuchins , and behind to the Arillery placed upon the Capuchins Covent . So as give it for granted that the bridge were both sound and firm , those that should pass pass over it must needs be torne in pieces by the Musket-shot and by the Artillery ; and those few who by miracle should get to the other shoar , not being shelter'd by those very little Forts , they must necessarily be welcomed over by the Enemies Musketiers , who would undoubtedly be come thither and would kill them ; so as they should not come to relieve others , but to be slain themselves . Out of these Reasons , the Prince his design which was carried on rather out of a great desire of freeing himself , then by any well weighed reason , was not approved by the Governour : But because the closing with the French , and surrender of the City , was added in case of refusal , the Governour resolved to satisfie the proposal rather in shew then in substance . The Prince was therefore inform'd , that he should be satisfied according to his own manner ; and to this purpose the Governour moved the same night with his men towards the place appointed . The Prince believing in the Governours correspondency betook himself cheerfully to the business ; he gave order that a thousand Dutch , who guarded the Trenches opposite to the Citadel , should at the sign of going off of a Cannon assault the Citadel ; to divert the Enemy in so important a place , he disposed of the Ecclesiasticks , and others of the weak vulgar , in defence of the Walls ; he went out of the City himself with the rest of the Garrison , and with such Citizens as were fittest to manage Arms ; and being full of hopes , he appointed several parts for falling on to his best experienced Commanders ; he deputed others to defend those ways by which the Enemy might break in to disturb them : all these Commanders did their devoire ; the line of the inward Circumvolution was broken , and the other Fortifications taken ; then coming to the Bridge , they also easily mastered the other smaller Forts ; so as the Prince seemed to have wholly p●…rformed his pa●… . The last thing that was to be done was to give fire to the squibs , whereby to call in the Governour ; but he came not ; some said , because he was killed who was to fire the squibs ; but this appearing to be too unlikely , others said , that the Prince knowing that the Governour was too far off to come in time enough with his men to his succour , thought it was superfluous to give fire to the squibs ; which appeared to be less likely then the former alledged reason ; the truth was , that the little Forts were not well taken , when all the French flock'd in so fast as they were abandoned as speedily as they were taken ; those that defended one of them ran away ; and those of the other , who made some resistance , were cut in pieces , so as there was no time to call in the Governour by firing ; the squibs , who had he been come to the Bridge which was recovered by the French ; could not have gotten thereby over to joyn with the Prince . The whole French Camp moved at the first going off of the Cannon , which was the sign given by the Prince to his men to fall on ; and General Harcourt , accompanied by a good body of men , hazarded himself in the business ; but being entertained by Marquess Serra , who was appointed to defend that station , though he met with stout opposition , yet more men coming in unto him , he made his way thorow the Enemy ; in which conflict Serra fought valiantly ; but having lost his Serjeant-Major , six Captains , and many of his best Souldiers , he was forced , for safety of his life , to throw himself down head-long into a Valley that was below . General Harcourt did at this time also run great hazard of his life , being shot with a musket-bullet thorow the brims of his hat , and thorow the lock of his hair ; and yet having rid his hands of Serra , he hasted to recover the Bridge , whither at the same time came also Viscount Turenna , Plessis , Pralin , the Dowagers two Generals , Count Tonniere , and the chiefest of the Camp , from several places , who presently recovered the little Forts ; and when it was cleer day , the Assailants being plaid upon by the Cannon from the Capuchins Covent , the Prince , after a long and stout resistance , got gallantly out of the Conflict , and retreated with his men towards the City , having left behind him about 250 of his men , ( whereof some were slain , some taken , ) and having slain as many of the Enemy . Thus the attempt which was so orderly , so vigorously , and so hopefully made by the Prince , vanish'd : But the Prince not at all dismay'd by this unfortunate success , quitted not the Enterprise ; he invited the Governour to make the same attempt the next night , either after the same manner , or how the Governour should otherwise please ; but he foreseeing the unlikelyhood of the attempt , was further from it then before ; wherefore the Prince not having received an answer sutable to his mind , seeing no hope of succour , but that his condition grew daily worse , to keep himself from being reduced to the utmost extremity , resolved not to defer surrendring the Town any longer , but yielded it up at last upon these Conditions : That on the 22. of September the Prince should put the City into Count Hancourt's hands , who was to receive it in the King of France his Name , who would re establish it in the Regency of the Lady his Sister , under the Sovereignty of her Son the Duke of Savoy : That the Prince should be permitted to go whither he would ; and , That it should be at the Infanta's will , either to tarry , or go out of the City , and follow the Prince : That the Spanish Garrison might have leave to return to the Governours Camp : That the City should enjoy her Priviledges ; and , That Justice would be therein administred as formerly , in the Dukes Name : That the Citizens should peacefully enjoy their Goods and Fortunes ; and , That Hostages should be reciprocally given for the performance of what was agreed upon . Nothing was concluded touching the differences depending between the Dowager and the Princes , notwithstanding that during the Siege it was tr●…ated on by the Marquesses of Pianezza , and Villa , the Dowagers Lieutenant-General in Piedmont , and Abbot Mondino , General Gunsiero , and by Count Muzane , in the Names of Prince Thomaso , and of the Cardinal : Nor was there any mention of the Princes their adherence to the Crown of France : But three moneths were appointed for the discussing and concluding of these things . Cardinal Richelieu seemed not to be any ways satisfied with this Agreement , when he heard thereof , being desirous that Harcourt should never have conseted that the Prince should have had his liberty , without obliging himself to joyn with the King of France his party : But Harcourt , were it either that he found his Army much weakned , or that he was transported with the greediness of Victory , or that , as a Prince of Noble descent , he commiserated the misfortune of a Prince as highly descended , and with truly generous and singular moderation , he thought it greater glory to use a mean in Victory , then to triumph fully , after the dangers and troubles which he had undergone in this Siege ; he shun'd delay , and deferred the discussion of this point , which peradventure was of more importance for his Kings Affairs , till another time . The Articles being concluded , such abundance of rain fell , as the Rivers overflowed the Campagnia , and hindred commerce ; so as the delivering of the City was necessarily defer'd for two days : but it was resigned on the 24 of September , four moneths and fourteen dayes after the fiege was begun . The Prince march'd out of the City , if not gloriously , yet worthy of praise , being rather content to let fall so principal a part of his pretentions , then to dispute it further , to the manifest danger of his State , and of the Principality of his house , it being certain , and afterwards confest by the Prince himself , that though he might often have taken the Citadel , he cared not to do it , left ( as it was very probable ) it might fall into the hands of others , whereby the exclusion of the Duke his Nephew and of his whole Family , might ensue ; the Infantas , his sisters went along with their brother ; who though they were very much desited by the Citizens , and by the Nobles of Piedmont , as also by the French , and particularly by Harcourt , to tarry in the City , with profers and promises to be honourably treated , yet they would , as they had still hitherto done , follow the Prince in his Fortune ; almost all the Nobles that were in Turin , and an infinite number of Citizens , accompanied the Prince when he went out , witnessing the like obsequiousness and constant devotion towards him at his departure , as they had done during the siege . He went that night to Rivoli , and the next day to Inurea , where he intended to reside . The Spanish Garrison went to the Governour to Cheri , he being retreated thither with his men from the hills , who parted soon from thence to Asti , resolving to make a Magazine of Arms there : and he quartered his Horse , and part of his Foot , in the parts about Montferrat , to refresh themselves after their sufferings in the siege . Many of the French Nobility went into France , and part of the Souldiery were distributed in the Towns near Piedmont , and part kept in Turin , whereof some few Horse and Foot were sent to re-inforce Cassale . The City of Turin remained under Harcourts Government ; who after having governed it two moneths with much equity , moderation , and satisfaction to the people , resigned it over to the Dowager ; who coming from Savoy into Piedmont made her solemn entry into Turin , on the 18. of November ; where she was received not onely with triumphant Arches , and new Gates of Stone made in the Walls , but with unspeakable and universal applause of the People , who had not forgot the clemency and benignity of her Regency . A true example of the instability of popular affection , which feeding alwayes upon novelty are as exactly cloyed with the present Governours , as ready to embrace new ones : nor was the Dowager wanting to her self upon this occasion ; she received them all graciously ; and as if she had forgotten all that was past , she conferr'd her favours indifferently upon them all . The first thing she did after her return , was , to abolish the Decree of the Senate which was made in favour of the Princes their Regency , alleadging that it was extorted contrary to all right and reason , by the violence of the Spanish Forces ; and the Cesarean Decrees were also declared null , as repugnant to the Sovereignty of the house of Savoy , which was never wont to receive Laws in the like case from the Cesarean Tribunal : and successively she was , by the joynt Vote of the same Senate , sworn Governess of her Children again , and Regent of the State. For the entire establishment of Affairs , it remained that the differences between the Princes and the Dowager , and King of France , should be agreed , which in the surrender of Turin was reserved to be treated of during the Truce which was then agreed upon , a little before the said surrender . Monsieur Iulio Mazzarini was come from France with Title of the Kings Plenipotentiary ; who having been often with the Prince and his Agents , in Valentino and Borgo , during the siege had handled these Treaties long . The Embassadour propounded that the King of France should forthwith restore such Towns as were in his possession to the Dowager , as Regent , if the Spainiards would do the like with their Towns which they had taken of hers ; and that if the Spaniards should not do this , the Prince should oblige himself to adhere unto the King of France his party , upon very satisfactory Conditions which should be given him , and this was wholly agreed unto by the Prince before he went from the City , upon condition that he should first give notice to the Spanish Agents of the offered restitution , and that he should desire them to restore what they had taken ; which in case they should do , the Prince should not be bound to forgoe their party . He further protested , that he would first send to Spain , to demand his Wife and Children which were kept in that Court as Hostages of his fidelity ; and it was agreed , that all this should be carried on with much secrecie ; lest being known it might prove an impediment to his re-having his Wife and Children from that Court. The Prince going out with this clog'd and conditional agreement inform'd the Governour of Millain , immediately , how ready the King of France was to restore what he had taken : and desired him that he would do the like on his Kings behalf : and he sent Count Messerati into Spain to make the same request for the restoring of the Towns , as also of his wife and children ; the Agents in Italy , and the Spanish Court , were much troubled to hear of this restitution ; and it was conceived that the Prince was absolutely agreed with the French , which it was always doubted he would do ; Count Sirvela was sent by the Governour to speak with the Prince in Inurea ; to sound his inclination , and to feel his pulse ; who though he were greatly scandalized with the Governour ; yet being moved by his loss of Turin he could not forget the great hopes which by reason of his former successes he had drunk in ; not that he had already agreed with the French , but , though he appeared otherwise , was far from it ; and could not think of foregoing his former hopes of so great a part of Piedmont , which he enjoyed whilst he adhered to the Spaniards , nor yield to the Dowagers absolute Sovereignty , as if he had agreed with the French he must do . The Embassadour was sure the Prince Cardinal would be of the same mind ; who was possest of the so important places of Nizza and Cuneo , and of so large and fruitful a Country : he knew , on the other side , how highly the Court of France was offended with him , what Orders had been issued out from thence against his person ; how Cardinal Richlieu had abused others ; wherefore not holding it fit to confide in that Court , after several complaints past at the first meeting between the Prince and Count Sirvela , and much dispute touching their particular interests , it was not hard for Sirvela to induce the Prince to persevere in adhering to the Spaniards ; but , because Sirvela would come to no agreement with the Prince , before he should ratifie the Writing which was subscribed in his name by his Wife at Madrid , whereby the Prince put himself and his whole Family into the Kings protection , swearing fealty to him : The Prince made the said ratification ; and for what concern'd his private interests , he was content to stand to what should be agreed upon by the Prince his Brother at Nizza . The Affairs of Spain went well by this Negotiation of Sirvela ; for though the Princes did not assist much in the present War , but occasioned great expence by their adherence , yet by their union they kept Piedmont a friend to Spain : The Towns which were therein held by the Spaniards required lesser Garrisons , and ( which imported more , ) this Union kept the French Forces from the State of Millain . The Governour therefore sent Count Riviera to Nizza to treat with the Prince Cardinal ; but Sirvela had not negotiated much , when the French Agents growing apprehensive , began to press hard upon Prince Thomaso to declare himself for their King , since the Spaniards were very backward in restoring the Towns they held ; and the French accompanied , these their pressures with threats . The Prince procrastinated this business as much as he could , pretending that he was to wait the resolution of the Court of Spain , as well touching the restitution of the Towns in Piedmont , as also the like of his Wife and Children ; pretending likewise that to hasten this business too much was to ruine it : but two moneths and more being past ; the French being impatient of longer delay would admit of no more words , but were so continually buzzing in his ears , as the Prince seemed enforc'd to yield to their importunities , or else to break with them ; and being in a weak place , not provided to defend himself , and not finding the Spanish Forces in a condition to protect him , nor believing that the Governour would adventure any further in maintaining him then he had done formerly ; and on the contrary , not finding any great certainty in Sirvela's proposals ; he knew he was but in a bad posture to withstand the imminent thunder of the French , in case he should not yield unto their wills ; whereupon not knowing what better course to take , he came to this agreement with them , about the beginning of December . That he would put himself into the protection of the Crown of France ; that he would come himself in person to Paris , by the middle of Ianuary , at the furthest , to wait personally upon his Majesty of France , and to assure him of his readiness to serve him , with leave notwithstanding to return ; That he would send to Spain to demand his Wife and Children , and the restitutions of the Towns of Piedmont into the hands of the Dutchess , as Mother and Governess of the Duke her Son ; which if the King of Spain should refuse to do , he would joyn with the Forces of France in Italy against the Spaniards ; That if restitution should be made that obligation should cease , with a salvo , notwithstanding , to his protection from France , and his adherence thereunto ; The King of France should be bound to preserve the succession of Savoy and Piedmont in the Male-line of the house of Savoy ; That he should restore the Towns held by his Forces for the Duke under the Regency of the Dowager ; so as the Spaniards should do the like with those Towns which were in their possession ; That he would help to make a match between a Son of the Princes and a Daughter of the Duke of Longevile's , one of the richest Ladies of France ; and that he would co-operate in composing the differences between him and the Dowager , together with many Pensions to be given to him the Prince , to his Wife and Children . Upon which account some moneys were disburst unto him in present to prepare him for his journey : moreover , some promises were made him , that he should have some Territories given him out of such Lands as should be gotten in Italy , whereby he might have where with to maintain himself and his posterity in a condition becoming their qualities ; it was agreed , out of the same respects , that this Convention should be kept secret ; and the Truce was prorogued for all February next . The Prince also promised ( but not under his hand ) that he would cause the Castle of Asti to be delivered up to the French ; and he was not permitted to acquaint the Prince his Brother with any of these agreements , so severely did the French press him in this agreement ; but his aversion to observe this agreement was as great as was their urging him thereunto , to witness which the Castle of Asti was not delivered up , though 500 Horse with men en Croupe came to it by night to receive it ; who having told the Sentinels that they brought Letters for Don Emanuel , Brother to the Prince , and Governour of the Castle , were not admitted , but were bid to come when it should be clear day ; when being discovered they were saluted as enemies by Cannon-shot both from the Castle and Citadel ; and the Garrison of the Castle , which were Piedmontese , was recruited by the Spaniards . The Prince Cardinal having heard how great a blow he had received by the loss of Turin , and how little the Governour had done towards the preserving thereof , desired to find some way to preserve himself from ruine , which he saw was not far off : he therefore sent the Abbot Soldato , one in whom he did much confide , to the Court of France , to lay the foundations of an union there , which he thought to make with that King ; offering to joyn with him upon some conditions . The chief whereof were three ; That a Lieutenancy might be permitted him , in the County of Nizza , and to keep the Towns thereof without any dependency upon the Dowager ; that the Guard anship and Regency should be absolutely in the Dowager , except in matter of Peace and War , Confederacies , Alienations , and the like ; That his Majesty should be bound to restore all the Towns to the Duke which he held of his , within three years space , together with any others that he should recover . The other conditions were of lesser concernment , and such as reflected only upon the Prince Cardinals own occasions . The King abhorring that the Princes should hold so principal places , whilst he should be prescribed terms of restitution , denied both the Articles , not without some disdain ; so the Abbot return'd to Nizza re infecta ; and the King having quickly notice of the Agreement made in Piedmont , not doubting but that they would be made good , was very well pleased therewith , as was the whole Court ; and desired very much to see the Prince come ; who sought nothing more then to evade the performance of those Agreements , which he profest he had unwillingly consented unto ; wherefore the time prefix'd for his going into France being come , he did not much mind the taking of that Journey , though he was much sollicited thereunto by the Embassadour Mazzarini , and by the other French Agents ; but in lieu thereof , he past thorow the States of Millain and Genoa , to Nizza ; where being equally distasted , as was his Brother with the negative which was brought from France , they treated of the common affairs . This so sudden departure of the Prince , and so contrary to the late made agreement , did , and not without reason , in●…use jealousie into the Embassadour Mazzarini ; who presaging the sinister influences , which that conjunction , as an ominous Constellation of so great Planets , would cause , went to Nizza , to see whether he might prevent the imminent influence which he foresaw . But all was in vain , for the Princes were already almost agreed with the Spaniards ; so as being press'd by Mazzarini , the one of them to persevere in , the other to enter into convention with the French ; they answered , that the Spanish Agents were at last perswaded to restore the Towns ; but that as the King of France offer'd to restore those that he held to the Regency of the Dowager , so the King of Spain offer'd to restore what was held by him to the Regency of them the Princes . The King of Spain had not really done this , nor was there time enough past to have a positive answer in the point come from Spain ; nay , it was at this very time agreed upon between the Princes and the Spanish Agents , that the Towns should be garrisoned by the Spaniards in the same manner as they were at the present , till the general peace should be made . The Proposal was an artificial trick agreed upon between the Princes and the Spanish Agents ; for that all of them believing that the French would not accept of it , the Spaniards might shun the odium which would be laid upon them for desiring to keep what they were possess'd of ; as also for that the refusal might make the Princes adhere the more constantly to the Spanish party . And on the behalf of the Princes , to the end that the same refusal might serve the one for a pretence of foregoing the convention which he had entred into ; and the other from thereinto entring . The Embassadour as soon as he was come to Nizza , hearing the proposals , perceived their ends in it ; wherefore he immediately answered , that it was ridiculous , impossible , and a thing procured by the Princes themselves . Many were the debates hereupon ; the Princes endeavoured by fair words to perswade the Embassadour to what he could not believe ; and if the Embassadour should not agree to the restitution out of his mistrust of them , they might have occasion not to confide in him , who would not trust them ; but that if the business were rightly weighed , it must needs by very advantagious for the Duke , for thereby the Towns would be taken out of the hands of Forreigners , and put in those of the Natives , and would so come to be posses'd by the Duke : A chief essential poynt , which so it might be done , the manner mattered not ; for means would not be wanting afterwards to accommodate that touching which the form of estitution appeared now strange . And therefore if he could think of any middle-way which might satisfie both the Crowns , they desired , him to propound it ; for they would be ready to part with any thing that should of due belong to them , so as the restitution might be made to the Duk●… ; at last , adding intreaties to their reasons , they endeavoured by all means possible to perswade him not to give over the Treaty , which was almost already brought to a conclusion , shewing how much the King did not onely study to preserve the Dukes Grandezza , but to encrease it . Wherefore the Embassadour , who was the King his Plenipotentiary , ought not , nor could not differ in opinion from his Majesty , but was bound to observe it ; all these perswasions could not work upon the Embassadour , who knew that the King would not permit that the Princes should have any thing to do in any of the Dukes Towns. For this would not be to compose differences , but to occasion greater dissentions , to fortifie factions , which the King thought made against his Nephew the Duke , to foment discord , and rather to encrease then to appeale War in Piedmont : To shun which inconveniencies , the King desi●…ed that the restitution should be made by himself , and by the King of Spain , into the Dowagers hands as sovereign Governess and Regent ; which being the ground-work wherein the Dukes Grandezza and safety did consist admitted of no allay ; much less of what was propounded by the Princes , and held to be diametrically opposite to the safety of his Nephews Dominions . Wherefore the Embassadour not thinking that the business would admit of a reply , said , that since the King of Spain would not restore the Towns into the Dowagers hands , according to agreement , the Prince was absolutely obliged to joyn with the King of France , in the recovery of them : He therefore parted from Nizza incens'd , and with but little hopes that the agreed capitulations should take effect . The Princes were not at all dismaid at his departure ; but as if they had had the better end of the staff , and had justified to the world that the agreement had not been impeded by them , they made use of the Embassadours backwardness and departure , to justifie their inclination to peace ; to which purpose they published Manifestoes , and endeavoured to lay the fault of breaking the agreement upon the Embassadour ; alledging that when the Spaniards made no mention of restitution , the French were wholly for restitution ; but that as soon as the Spaniards mentioned restitution , the French had nothing to say . At last the Princes seeing the State of their Affairs reduced to the condition they desired , thinking all Treaties broken with their advantage , and to their reputation , and all conventions made with the French abolished , they agreed , on the fifth of May , the year 1641. in Nizza with the Embassadour Riviera , and drew up in writing what they had spoken of ; the sum whereof was ; That the King should keep all the Towns he had in Piedmont till the ge●…ral peace should be concluded , which should not be made without including the Princes : That Prince Thomaso should have an Army raised for him of 4000 Foot and 500 Horse , whereunto he should be bound to adde 1500 Horse more , and 2000 Foot of his own : That the Prince should be General of this Army in the Kings name , to whom he should take the same Oath that Generals use to do : That this Army should be paid by the King , by the hands of his Officers : That the Prince should be bound with this Army to joyn with the Governour in defence of Piedmont , the State of Millain , and Montferrat . That the Prince Cardinal should have a thousand Spanish Foot given him to defend the County of Nizza , and 7000 Crowns a moneth allowed him for the maintenance of another thousand , which the Cardinal should raise of his own men . That neither of these Princes should treat directly nor indirectly with the French , with the Dowager , or any others , without consent of the King or his Agents : Together with many other Heads which concern'd their own private Interests . This Agreement being confirm'd by Prince Thomaso with Count Sirvela in Segli , a Village five miles from Genoa , as the Prince returned from Piedmont , was afterwards ratified on the 15th of April in Gaila , a Town of the NOvarese , by the same Sirvela , who was chosen Governour of Millain . The first point , concerning the restitution of the Towns , was moderated in a writing apart , in point of the time of retention ; wherein it was agreed , that in case the general peace should not be concluded within six years , all the Towns except Vercelles should be delivered up to the Emperour , who was to keep Dutch Garrisons therein until the general peace . The change of the Governour of Millain did much good in the making of this agreement ; for whilst it was in treaty , the Princes having made several complaints to the King of Spain against the Marquess of Leganes , the King sent for him into Spain , and had appointed Count Sirvela to succeed him in that Government ; who was as great a confident of the Princes , as Leganes was the contrary ; and the Princes confidence being much encreased by the change of the Governour , they betook themselves more heartily to the Spanish party ; and the rather for that at the same time Count Harcourt return'd to France ; and not long after Embassadour Mazzarini and l' Argenson , all of them the Princes chiefest Enemies ; and after them many other Commanders ; so as the French Army in Piedmont was not onely much lessened in Authority , but in Forces ; so as that fear ceasing in the Prince which had compel'd him to that Capitulation , he thought he was now in a better condition of safety and liberty , and that he might dispose better of himself and of his affairs ; he and his Brother being therefore resolved to joyn with the Spaniards who sustain'd them , and to part from the agreement made with the French , which reduced them to nothing ; Prince Thomaso gave over holding intelligence with the French about the end of the Truce , who sollicited him to go to Paris , and declared that he could no longer stand to the Capitulation , out of many reasons ; particularly , for that the things agreed upon were not kept secret , they themselves having divulged it in the Court of Spain , to the which he attributed the detaining of his Wife and Children ; and to aggravate their omissions the more , he complained that that divulging was a trick used by them , to the end that he the Prince being the more irritated against the Spaniards , for that their denial , might adhere the closer to the French ; but that the King of Spain being contented to restore the Towns , notwithstanding the publication of what was to be kept secret ; as also to the restoring of his Wife and Children ; so as he would still adhere to him , he could not forego such an occasion without offending the Laws of Nature , which obliged him more streightly to so dear pledges , then any thing else could oblige him to the King of France ; that it would certainly be too mad a resolution , and for which he deserved to be for ever blamed , if when he might re-have his Wife and Children , and the Towns without any noise or trouble he should chuse to recover them by force of Arms , by a thousand dangers and calamities , by the tedious dangerous and uncertain delays of War ; to the irreparable prejudice of the Duke , and to the desolation of the people , and of his Country , to the preservation and welfare whereof , he as a Prince of the blood was bound by all Laws both Humane and Divine ; that therefore there was no place left for the French Convention , seeing the King of Spain was ready to deliver up unto him his Wife , Children , and the Towns ; and that if the offer'd restitution should not , for some circumstances , be liked of , there was place left for some accommodation ; wherefore utter breach was not to be desperately run upon : with these and the like reasons the Prince endeavoured to honest his cause , and to justifie his foregoing the former Convention ; he complain'd also that the Embassadour Mazzarini had way-laid him in his return from Nizza to Piedmont , to take him prisoner ; which he also discover'd was plotted in the Court of France ; not so much by what was discover'd in Argensons instructions , as by the rumours raised by Cardinal Richlieu , when he heard that Turin was surrendered , with his the said Princes freedom , and by many complaints which had thereupon been made against General Harcourt ; the same Cardinal appearing to be more troubled at his the Princes freedom , then joyed at the taking of the City ; for greater proof of his distrust in Cardinal Richlieu , he also alledged that he had received advertisements from many Princes that were his friends , at Paris , to be well advised●…ere he came thither ; for that when he should have put himself into other mens power , he should not easily know how to get out of it . And , moreover , that he had found by the Negotiations had in that Court , touching his adherence to that Crown ; that the Cardinal was absolutely determined utterly to ruine his Kinsman , the Count of Soisons , who was then accused of having plotted some novelties against the Government of that Kingdom ; whereof the said Prince being found neither conscious , nor complice , he had reason to doubt , that since the Cardinal durst dare so much against a Prince of the Blood Royal , he could not expect more safety for his own person , nor for the interests of his Nephew the Duke ; for which reasons he thought he had just occasions not to go to that Court. Amidst these debates , Count Turenna , chief of the French Forces in Piedmont , and Marquess Villa , head of those of the Dowager , fell both of them before Montcalvo ; and having easily taken the Town , they betook themselves to take the Castle , whither the Spanish Garison having forsaken the Town , had withdrawn themselves . The taking whereof rested wholly on Marquess Villa , for Turenna was retired to Piedmont ; and though the enterprise was thought would prove long and dangerous , by reason of the strength of situation , multitude of defenders , abundance of Ammunition and Victuals which were in that Castle , yet , contrary to all mens imaginations , Marquess Villa had it surrendred to him within a few days ; which had it been a little longer held out by the Captain would have been relieved by the new Governour , who was raising men to that purpose : whilst these things were adoing , the Governour took about a thousand Foot from his own Army , to give a beginning to that of Prince Thomaso's , that they might be at the Princes disposal , they being to be defrar'd by the Governour ; part of these were sent to garrison Inurea , under the command of Count Vercelline Visconnte , where it was thought the French would first fall on ; the rest were sent to quarter in the State of Millain , for the ease of Piedmont ; moneys were likewise given him for the increasing of his Horse , and for raising the 2000 Piedmontese Foot ; and as , on the one side , the Prince turn'd the moneys given to this purpose to other uses , not making his obligation good ; and did also refuse to take his O●…h unto the King ; so neither , on the other side , did the Governour supply the rest of the men which he was to g●…e unto the Prince ; were it either in respect that the Spanish Army was so small as that he could not make his word good to the Prince , without almost wholly disbandoning it , or for the Prince his breach of Articles , particularly in refusing the Oa●… , the Governour not thinking it safe to trust the greatest part of the Kings Forces in ●…his hands , who refused to take the accustomed Oath . And yet each of them did bear with the other in their equal unobservance ; and the Governour kept the Army ready to defend the Prince , and did apply himself to please him , as he could , in the carrying on of the Warr ; yea sometimes to the prejudice of the common-cause . The thousand Foot were also sent to the Prince Cardinal , commanded by well experience●… Officers , and the 7000 Crowns a moneth were readily paid him , for the raising and paying of the thousand Piedmont which were to garrison Nizza , the Castle whereof , as all the rest of that Country , was abundantly provided with victuals , munition , and with all things necessary for their defence from Naples ; with promise that they should , upon all occasions , be so still . Monies were paid to both the Princes , notwithstanding the present necessity thereof to keep the Courts , which they did in greater lustre then ever their Father had done . The End of the Seventeenth Book . THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY . BOOK XVIII . The Contents . THe Crown of France and French Commanders being but badly satisfied with Prince Thomaso , for his non-observance of the Capitulation made by him , go to drive him out of Inurea ; which being better defended then assaulted holds out till the Governour sends succour : who going afterwards to before Chiavasso forces the French almost to quit the Enterprise , that they may relieve Chiavasso ; and Don Vincenzo Gonzaga coming to the French quarters before Inurea , forceth them , much to their prejudice , to give over the Enterprise wholly ; and the Prince enters joyfully into the City . The Dowagers Generals recover Ceva , Mondovi , and the Castle of Carru , and then joyning with the French go to before Cuneo , and take it . The Spaniards take Montcalvo . The Prince of Monaco drives out the Spanish Garrison , and introduceth the French , to the great prejudice of the Spanish Affairs ; the misfortunes whereof are by a short digression related . Cardinal Richlieu dies . The Conde Duca falls from all authority and greatness in the Court of Spain . The differences between the Dowager and the Princes are at last composed . The Princes for sake the Spanish party and adhere unto the French. Prince Thomaso joyning with the French , after some small actions done to the prejudice of Spain , goes with the Duke of Longuevile with a strong Army to before Tortona , which after a long time is taken ; but some months after is re-taken with much ado by the Spaniards : in which interim Prince Thomaso recovers Asti , and all the Towns that were held by the Spaniards in Piedmont , except Vercelli . THe not observing of the Agreement made with so much study and industry between the King and Prince by the Embassadour Mazzarini angred not only the French Agents and Commanders in Piedmont , but also the Court at Paris ; which being held on by the long hope and desire of seeing a Prince appear as a Trophy of the Kings Grandezza , who had been so totally alienated from him , and finding themselves abused therein were much unsatisfied ; and Cardinal Richlieu , who it was not known whether he would receive him graciously or not , was not only offended to be so basely deluded , but thought it a great affront , to that he should be seen by the world to be so much mistaken in his trust ; and that he had thereby failed of removing that obstacle which had been so repugnant to the happy concourse of the Kings designs : Likewise the King not being able to tolerate that his favour and protection should be so little valued , was scandalized , that a Prince who had neither Towns nor Territories , nor any Authority but such as had been obtained by Treaties , and which was dependent should so neglect him and his protection ; when in all reason he should have held it his greatest happiness to be received thereinto , as into a safe Harbour ; he did also much resent it , that the Prince in defence of his breach of word , should alledge the anticipical publishing of the Agreement made in the Court of Spain ; he termed this conceit an abortive product of the Intellect , and a shew of his sinister affection who had formed it . The French Forces were ( as hath been said ) much diminished at this time in Piedmont ; but General Harcourt was shortly expected to return from France with a gallant re-inforcement of Foot and Horse : those few French who were yet there were quartered about Chiavasso , not far from Inurea , at which their aim was ; and though the Commanders , to cloak their design , feigned some other intents ; yet the Prince being jealous of their neighbourhood , as conscious of the wrong he had done them , went to Millain , and endeavoured to have from the Governour ( upon whose favour he did much build ) a certain number of men , which being added to his own Forces might be sufficient to assault on the sudden one of the French quarters , which lay in disorder beyond the Dora , not far from Inurea , hoping , as he gave out , to rout it with a dry head . Turenna , upon the absence of the Prince , took occasion to assault Inurea . To effect the which , he sat down before it , not waiting for General Harcourts return , who was come neer Piedmont : it was generally thought that he was put upon this by the Embassadour Mazzarini , who having boasted in his Letters sent to Paris , that he had brought the Prince over to throw himself at the Kings feet , was troubled that he was cheated in his chiefest Negotiation . Turenna having past over la Dora at Montalta , about the midst of April , 41 , took up his quarters upon the neighbouring hill which commanded the Town ; and the Horse passing over not long after , and the rest of the Foot , they took up another quarter towards Vercelli : Don Silvio di Savoy was Governour of the Town , who was left there by his Brother the Prince , when he went for Millain ; as soon as he saw he was assaulted , he gave notice thereof to the Prince ; who was not then well satisfied with the Governour of Millain , who had denied to send him the men he had desired , wherewith to fall upon the French quarters : but finding now how necessary it was to defend a place of such importance to the Prince , he needed no intreaties , but was very ready to assist him ; he therefore sent for his men immediately from their quarters , which whilst they were assembling , the oppugners having notice thereof caused some Cannon to come , and plaid upon the City for two days space on three sides ; and having made 400 shot , they gave a fierce assault ; there was but few of the Prince his Souldiers at this time in the Town ; the chief burthen of the defence lay upon the stout Garrison which was brought thither by Count Vercelline Visconte , Camp-master , and a gallant Souldier ; it consisted of Italians and Spaniards ; the latter under Don Pietro Gonzales , Lieutenant to the Camp-master-general , a gallant and well experienced Souldier , subordinate to Visconte ; by whom the assault which was five times re-enforced being stoutly withstood , it was five times more re-assumed in the space of four hours , and as oft repuls'd ; wherein there died about 600 of the assailants , amongst which many of the Nobility ; and about 100 of the defendants . The Governour advanced this mean while with the succour ; and the Van of the Army being come to Bolegno , three miles distant from the French quarters , Harcourt , who was now come to the Camp , hearing thereof , resolutely resolved to encounter it before the main body of the Battle and the Rere should joyn with it ; he therefore went towards them with the most of his men , and they being fewer in number , he would easily have scattered them , had not the Governour and Prince Thomaso commanded Cavalier Aiazza to go with four Troops of Horse , and some Foot , from the Village Birvolo , whither he was come to fall upon the French on the flank , charging him to do all he could to entertain them , till the Artillery and the rest of the Foot should come up , who were not far off ; but Marquess Villa coming out against Aiazza charged him so home as he forced him to retreat to Birvolo , where through the advantage of the situation the Foot who were pursued recovered Aiazza , whom Villa had taken , and the rest of the Spanish Army coming in very seasonably this mean while , the face of affairs alter'd ; for the French being plaid upon on the one side by the Artillery , and fiercely faln upon on the other side by Prince Thomaso , and the Marquess Caracena who was arrived with fresh men , they were forced to retreat to their quarters . The Fight was fierce and bloody , wherein above 400 of the French were slain , of which many Officers and Captains ; about 50 of the Spanish Army were slain , and as many hurt , whereof four Captains ; it was thought that if the French had assaulted the Van one half houre sooner , they had certainly routed them ; and had the day lasted but one half hour longer , the Spaniards would have gotten a famous Victory , and have ruin'd the Enemy totally ; for they were in great confusion when the night parted the Fray. Governour Sirvela sent a relief of 800 Foot into the Town ; and being desirous to make himself master of Chiaverano a Castle two miles distant from Inurea , and as far from Colegno , he sent men to take it ; who beating down the gate with a petar'd met with such resistance as they were at first forced to retreat ; but afterwards re-inforcing their assault they took the Castle ; the Prince desired , and press'd very much that they might go to assault the Enemy in their quarters ; but Sirvela , Caracena , and the rest of the Commanders , were of another mind , intending to carry on affairs with more safety ; but that somewhat might be done whereby the Town might be freed , and the Prince not seem to be abandoned , they resolved to try whether it might not be done by diversion , they therefore went to before Chiavazzo , the loss whereof would be of greater importance to the Enemy then the getting of Inurea ; so as it was likely they would give over the one to defend the other ; this counsel was so well taken as that Inurea being reasonably well relieved , they might spin out the defence thereof , and not endanger the loss of it by their going to Chiavazzo ; the design did not fail , though the Prince was not much pleased with it , being loath that the other Town which was of so great importance to him should be endangered ; but finding the Spaniards loath to hazard all upon one chance , he consented to the diversion ; passing over the Dora therefore at Rivarotta , the Army marched to Chiavazzo , the Prince going foremost with 1000 Foot , and Don Vincenzo Gonzaga with 1000 Horse ; being come to the Town , the Prince desired to try the taking of it by Scaladoe , whereunto the Governour was hardly perswaded , yet he gave way unto it , that he might not seem to reject all the Princes proposals : but it succeeded not well , for the Assailants were repulsed , and many of them were slain , and wounded , to the number of above 400 ; so as the enterprize proving harder then was thought , they began to repent their diversive resolution ; but knowing that if they should give it quite over they would be laugh'd at , and that the enemy would not rise from before Inurea when that Army should be gone from Chiavazzo , they began to make approaches ; whereby they came in three days to the Ditch ; which being full of water , they found it redious and troublesome to pass over it ; yet they got over upon galleries and planks ; and coming to two Bulwarks they fell to mining ; the Defendants Sallyed out upon them stoutly , but were beaten back , leaving many dead behind them , and some Prisoners , amongst which the Governour of the Town 's Lieurenant , who led , on the Sally ; the Horse were not this mean while idle , but scouring the Country they took the Victuals and ammunition which were bringing to the Camp before Inurea ; as , on the other side , those which were brought to the Spanish Camp were hindred by the Cavalry of Cassalle , which passing over the Poe ; made inrodes oftentimes as far as to S. Ia , and Vercelli , when the Spanish Army was gone to Chiavazzo , the French being out of fear of being assaulted on the back began to make several assaults upon Inurea , and to play with their batteries upon the walls ; but so valiant were the Defendants , as they rendred all their attempts vain ; nor being content with defending themselves they made out several Sallyes ; one whereof was done so resolutely as they past on even to a battery of three pieces of Artillery , which they had takes , had they not been assaulted by the French , whose Horse was come up to them when they were come to the Battery : and then seeing it would be rashness to oppose so great a Force , they retreated to within their walls , still fighting , and in good order ; whereby the French finding how hard the business would prove ; and hearing that Chiavazzo was very neer being taken , and that it would be assuredly lost unless it were speedily succored , Harcourt was forced to abandon the one , that he might not lose the other ; so as after 35 days fiege , wherein he had lost about 3000 men , he resolved to quit it , and to go relieve Chiavasso ; the Prince and Governour perceiving that the French Army was marching towards them , and that they had therefore obtained all that they had pretended to by their diversion ; they past over the Poe upon a bridge of boats which they had purposely prepared , and retreated with their Artillery , baggage , and with all their men , cutting the bridge behind them , and dragging the boats to the other shore , to the end that they might not be pursued by the Enemy : all was done in good order , without the loss of one man through the great diligence & skill of Prince Thomaso , and of the Marquess Caracena , to whose care the retreate was committed ; but understanding whilest they made their retreat , that Harcourt , when he went to Chiavazzo , had left the bridge over the Dora , before Inurea , well munited , that he might return to his former quarters , when he should have freed Chiavasso , and reassume the in●…e mitted siege ; or else that he might withdraw his baggage and ammunition which he had left in his quarter , to the end that he might the more speedily relieve Chiavazzo ; to keep him from doing either of these , Don Vincenzo Gonzaga was sent with 500 Horse towards the bridge , that foording over the Dora at Verolengo he might get speedily into Inurea ; nor was this in vain ; for Gonzaga was not well come to Inurea , when he might see the enemies Van upon return , and make towards the bridge ; part whereof being already past over was assaulted by Don Gonzaga's Horse , which were enforced by many choice Foot of the Garrison , and after a long and stout dispute , he forced the Enemy to give back , and to forsake their quarters , with the loss of much victuals , munition , and instruments of War , which were found there ; which being brought into the Town , Inurea was well furnished with what they wanted most , at the cost of the Enemy ; wherefore Harcourt thinking it impossible to reassume the siege , gave order that the bridge should be broken , and retreated to Visea and to other neighboring Tovvns ; the Spanish Camp passing over the bridge at Verva went to Livorno , where hearing of Harcourts retreat , the Prince went joyfully to Inurea , and the Governour , with Cardinal Trivultio , and other Commanders , to Millain : whither being come they sent their Army to their quarters : Harcourt being gone from before Inurea , though his Forces were weak by reason of the men that he had lost there , and because the recruits which were usually sent from France , every spring , were not yet come , he applied his mind to the surprisal of Alessandria , which was proposed unto him by Seignior Covogne , Governour of Cassalle , as an easie enterprize ; and which now that the Enemies Army was sent to their quarters , might be effected with a few men , and maintained by small Forces ; he therefore sent Marquess Villa towards it about the end of Iune with the Dowagers Horse , which amounted to about 800 , and with 1000 French Foot which Harcourt gave him of his men : and Harcourt to back him went to Battigliere a Town in the territories of Asti , and from thence to Cerisola : where hearing that the business was not to be attempted , for that Cardinal Trivultio was entered that City with a good body of men , and that therefore Villa was gone towards the parts about Alba , he fell to consider what was next to be done ; he aspired after great actions , and such as might equal his former ; but he wanted Forces equal to his desires : Marquess Pianezza , General of the Dowagers Foot , propounded the taking of the Fort of Ceva , alleadging that it would require but a few days , and small Forces , and was notwithstanding of great consequences , to pursue the rest of the Campagnia ; with more considerable progress ; and that notwithstanding Harcourts self might be free with the whole body of his Army , fit to oppose any attempt of the Enemy , and to secure the Country the mean while , till supplies might come from Frances whereby when he should be recruited , he might be●…ake himself to more important enterprizes ; he said moreover that Marquess Villa would approve of it , by reason of the great advantage that would thereby redound to the Dowagers affairs ; and for that being already upon the way to Ceva , he would advance thither the more easily with his Horse , and with the French Foot which were with him ; and lastly , he p●…ofer'd to go thither himself in person with 1500 of the Dowagers Foot ; ' desiring only one Regiment of French , and three small pieces of Artillery , assuring him that without further incommodating his Army , he and Villa would speedily dispatch the business . Harcourt was pleased with the proposal , and gave way unto it ; so Pianezza went towards Alba to joyn and settle the business with Villa ; who approving of the design took upon him to go with 800 of the choicest Musketiers , and with the greatest part of the Horse , but without baggage , to prepossess himself of the Town , and of the victuals that were there , and to block up all Avenues from the bringing of any succour to the Fort , whilest Pianezza should advance with the Foot , Artillery , and Munition ; Villa at his first arrival made himself master of the Town , and of some neighboring places , which might have been a hindrance to him in taking the Fort : and Pianezza having overcome the difficulties of the ways which were bad enough for the bringing of Artillery , came within three days to the Town of Ceva , and joyning with Villa the next day , which was the fourth of Iuly , began to attach the Fort ; their men were divided into two parts : Villa placed himself with one part under a certain Tenaglia which had been abandoned by the Enemy ; and Pianezza with the other part , on the right side of the said Tenaglia against a bulwark which was neer the gate ; and ordering their Cannon they betook themselves to take away their defences , and then to fall upon the wall , and to make mines ; whilest these things were doing , Harcourt kept about Alba to oppose any succour which should be brought to the Fort , or to prevent any design that the Spaniards might have , of falling upon any other place : but it was more then needed : for 〈◊〉 Governour keeping still in Millain , and the Prince in Inurea , thoug●… Cardinal Trivultio was gone to Allessandria , where the chief Heads of the Army were met , and where the people of those parts being m●…t were ready at any beck of the Commanders ; yet the many provisions which were there taken proved to no purpose ; they being to expect resolution from Millain , which not being according to the Prince his Genius , the time for action was spent in sending & re-sending the consultations , answers and replyes , between Millain , Alessandria and Inurea . Wherefore the siege continuing without disturbance , Marquess Pianezza had been very diligent in working the Mines on his side ; and though he had met with some obstacles , yet he overcame them and went on . So as his Mine being per●…ected , before that of the other side , he feared lest the Enemy might blow it up ; be summoned them to surrender , threatning that otherwise he would give fire to his Mine , which when it should be once done there would be no more place for parley : And answer being made that they desired first to see some effects , Pianezza drew up his men immediately that they might fall on , as soon as the Mine should have play'd ; which having made a breach of 25 paces br●…ad , the besiegers made a furious assault ; which being manfully with-stood by the Defendants , order was given for redoubling it with greater vigour : But the Defendants having done their best at the first , they feared what might ensued if they should be re-assaulted . Where●…ore seeing all things ready for giving a new assault they did beat a parley , and articled to surrender ; whereupon about 200 Spaniards and Piedmontese march'd out , and were according to Articles convoy'd to Bagnasco . This business was of great consequence to the Dowagers affairs ; for to boot with the great advantage she got from that whole County , the taking of this place drew after it the like of the City , Citadel , and County of Mondovi : For the Fort of Ceva being taken , and afterwards the Town of Mulasana , the Marquesses resolved to go to the taking in of Carru , a strong Castle in those parts which held still for the Princes ; and Pianezza marching thitherward , with some squadrons , advanced towa●…ds the City of Mondovi , in●…ending rather to frighten it , then out of hope to take it ; nor did this prove amiss , for those Citizens being terrified when they saw the victorious Forces advance towards the City they f●…ared they were come to take it ; they therefore threw open the Gates , and willingly surrendred it . He pursued his march afterwards towards Carru , which despairing of re●… surrendred within twenty fours . Ceva , and the City and County of Mondovi being taken , all the neighbouring Country return'd to the Dowagers obedience , together with the Fort Carru : Whereby the City of Conio , being almost quite separated from all the other Towns of Piedmont , which were ●…eld either by the Princes or Spaniards , it was thought it would not be hard to take i●… ; especially since it could not be succor'd by the County of Nizza , on which it confined ; not so much for that the Prince Cardinal had no Forces to draw into the field , as though he had had any , or that he should be furnish'd with any from Spain by sea , yet the ways were so bad which led from the se●… side to Pie●…mont , and the passages so difficult , as it was impossible to convey men thither : So as no Forces were to be feared from that side ; and Harcourt being willing to make use of the occasion threw himself immediately before it , with his own and with the Dowagers men . The enterprize was very hopefull , nor of less advantage and consquence , by reason of the scituation , which being placed at the foot of the Apenine , where being cut off from the Alps it divides the County of Nizza from Piedmont . Conio is seated in an eminent place , enclosed between two Rivers , which falling down by two Valleys , formed by the Apennine , and running some few miles by the plain which lies beneath , enclose that Town between . Of these two Rivers , the one , which is called Ghez , runs so close by one side of the Town , as it serves it for a safe and deep ditch , and by the height of the steep banks makes it unaccessible ; the other , which is called Stura , being about a bow shot from the Town , is not of so much safety to it ; wherefore the Fortifications are the stronger on that side . These Fortifications , according to the ancient custom , were very great and good ; but being much ruin'd by time , they were well secured by many Rampiers , with some half moons and out-works , after that the Duke of Longueville ( as hath been said ) had been before it : So as , at the present , it was sufficiently well fortified . In the uppermost part of Conio , there stands a Citadel , which is well munited by the nearness of the two Rivers , which joyn together a little beyond it , and by Fortifications ; the Garrison consisted of 1400 , part whereof were paid by the Prince Cardinal , part by the Spaniards . The first were commanded by Count Broglio , the others by Leiutenant Colonel Catteneo ; to these were added all the Citizens , and many of the Country people who were fit to bear Arms. Count Iovan Baptista Vivaldo was Governour of the place , which was sufficiently provided of Ammunition and Victuals ; it was much esteemed for the opinion which was held of it , that it was not to be taken ; this Fame it had gotten , not onely by the scituation thereof , but for its having withstood four Royal Armies , led on by excellent Champions . Wherefore Harcourt , who thought the glory he had won in his former action , somewhat eclips'd by his unfortunate success in the siege of Inurea , aspired not onely to regain his former reputation by this action , but to purchase much greater , if he should effect that which many famous Commanders had failed in : He ordered Marquess Villa to prepossess himself of the avenues , taking with him 1500 of the Dowagers Horse , and 1500 of the Kings Horse ; who at the very first rou●…ed a Corps de guard of Carbines , commanded by the Commendadore Pagliero ; then going to St. Dalmatio , to block up the wayes which le●…d from Nizza , and passing within Cannon-shot of Conio , 300 Horse from the City fell upon his Rere ; which facing about , and being led on by Count Camerano , Son to General Villa , a young man , but of great expectation , beat them back to beyond the River Ghez . The like befell 400 Country people , who as they arrived at the Town fell upon them behind ; but being pursued by the same Camerano , they were routed , so as Villa quarter'd safely in Borgo St. Dalmatio ; the next day as he would have passed over the Stura , so to go to Nostra Lignora del l'Olmo , he found the Bridge prepossess'd by about 400 of the Country neighbours , who broke the bridge and defended the passage ; but Villa causing the bridge to be re-made before their eyes , made his Horse pass over thorough a foord not far off , and his Foot over the bridge , and fell upon the Country people , slew many of them , and went to quarter at Nostra Lignora d' Olmo , and at the old Town . The mean while General Harcourt advanced with the whole Army , and within sight of the City ; where he taking up his quarters before he began his siege , he heard that the Prince had muster'd all his men together in the Canavese , and the Governour his in Alessandria , whereby they caused apprehension in Chiavasso , Turin , Carmagnuola , and in the neighbouring Towns ; wherefore he ordered Marquess Villa to go to the parts about Turin with the Dowagers Horse , and some French Foot Regiments , not so much to oppose the Enemies attempts , as for the safer and easier conduct of the Artillery , which were to be brought from thence to Conio ; which when they came to the Camp , they began to make Trench es . The first was drawn on against the Bastion di Nostra●… Signora d' Olmo , where Castellano , Camp-Marshal , was to fall on , the second against the Bastion del Caraglio under Count Plessis Pralin ; against whom those within the Town made a fierce sally , which proved very bloody , and prejudicial to the besiegers , and wherein they lost many men , amongst which two prime Gentlemen , Leva and Fausone . H●…rcourt caused a third Trench to be afterwards opened against the Bastion St. Anna , whilst Pralin's men were already got to the Counterscarf of the Ditch to lodge there , but he was valiantly repulss'd by the Desendants . Wherefore Motta's men joyning with Pralin , after a long and bloody fight , they took the place , where Seignior della Moretta was slain ; yet the Defendants lost no Courage , nor the oppugners : They sprung several Mines in several places , and many sallies were made by both parties , to hinder each others works ; wherein the Defendants shew'd much valour , particularly Count Broglio ; the business was very doubtful on both sides , and dangerous ; which was increased on the besiegers side by news of Prince Thomaso , who press'd the Governour of Millain extraordinarily for speedy succour , and who , it was said , would speedily appear with powerfull Forces . Treaties of Agreement were therefore willingly listned unto , which were introduced by Ripa , Bishop of Mondovi , with the Prince Cardinal , whom by Letters , and by the means of Abbot Soldato , he advertised what danger Piedmont was likely to run , if the French should become masters of that place . He therefore moved that the Town might be surrendred upon fair condition to the Duke , under the Dowagers Regency ; which would be much better for the Family of Savoy , then to suffer it to fall into the French hands . The Cardinal was not averse to the Proposal , he therefore sent Abbot Boschetti immediately away from Nizza to Limone , the furthermost Confines of the County , to hold on and to conclude this Treaty , which could not but be very acceptable also to the Dowager ; since thereby the Princes and the French should be excluded from possessing the place , which without any hazard should fall to her and to her Son. Wherefore she sent Instructions to her Referendario Philippo , who was in the Camp , to hasten the conclusion thereof ; and not onely the Dowager , and Prince Cardinall , but Harcourt , without whose consent the Dowager would do nothing , gave way willingly thereunto ; thinking that the case being so doubtful , much glory would redound to him by the surrender of the Town , though it should not fall into the Kings hands , since by his means it should be taken from the Prince Cardinal , and be put into the Dukes hands . Many were the debates and many the Proposals which were made to the Prince Cardinal , to make him condescend to the surrender ; but he would accept of none , being assured by the besieged , and by many of his Court , that the siege would finally prove vain : Harcourt therefore wished it might speedily be concluded ; for when the Town should be ready to surrender he would hear of no Treaty , but his threats were in vain ; for the Prince Cardinal was resolved not to admit of any treaty , not so much out of the strength and impregnability of the place , as out of the great hopes he had of powerful succour . Prince Thomaso , who was as desirous to preserve the Town , press'd the Governour of Millain exceedingly for forces to relieve it ; but could never get him to come directly to the relief of Conio ; for the Spanish cautiousness would not permit him to hazard so great a strength of men so far within Piedmont , and leave so many of the Enemies Towns on his back ; especially being to pass over so many Rivers with Artillery , Baggage , and Victuals , to overcome difficult passes , to fight continually , and to defend himself from being infested by Marquess Villa , who beating the Campagnia with his Horse , would gaul him , now on the one side , now on the other , and would continually incommodiate him ; and , which was of greater consideration , he was to affront an enemy , stronger then himself , and who was intrench'd ; wherefore the Governour and other Captains , not thinking it fit to hazard themselves in so dangerous a business , they resolved to try whither they could free Conio , or no , by diversion , as they had done Inurea ; they therefore gave the Prince a good strength of Horse and Foot , who went from Asti , together with the Marquess of Caracena , to Ceri , whereby they infused jealousie into Carmagnuola , and Chiavasso ; but Marquess Villa mar'd these designs , who either foreseeing , or fearing these drifts , put forces into both those places ; so as the Prince being frustrated in his intention , turned back upon Chirasco , a place of greater concernment , and fitter to relieve Cenio by reason of the neerness thereof . Cherasco is one of the strongest places of Piedmont , not so much by nature as by art , but not equally on all sides , and which had been long neglected , as being no frontier Town , and wherein was at this time but a weak French Garrison , it being one of those Towns which were assigned over by the Dowager to the King of France , in the year 39. so as the Prince thought he might securely take it ; but Marquess Villa did here also deceive him ; for fearing that the Prince being kept out of the other two Towns would come before this , he sent word immediately to Seignior di Savigni , who was Governour thereof , that he might call in all the Country people thereabouts ; and he also sent him a Troop of Dragoons , and 500 foot were sent to him from the Camp ; nor did Villa's diligence cease here , for fearing also Savigliano , and the quarters of the Camp , in case the Prince should adventure to fall unexpectedly upon either of them , he sent men into Savigliano , and went himself at the same time into the Campagnia with the rest of his men , advancing so neer Cunio , as he could not be kept from thence , if it should be needful for him to go to the Camp ; the Prince going from Cheri with 1500 choice Foot , and with all the Cavalry of the Camp except the Neapolitans , marched towards Chirasco ; and not having notice of the new recruits sent by Villa , he betook himself with much courage and hope to the enterprise ; he divided his Foot into two parts , and making the greatest part of his Cavalry get off Horse-back , he ordered assaults to be given by night on sundry parts ; but all the Squadrons which were sent met with such hinderances as they could not fall on at the same time ; so as they did but little good , and gave the defendants opportunity to make the greater resistance where they were assaulted , and the Towns-men who shew'd themselves faithful to the Dowager took up Arms , and ran couragiously to make defence ; so the Prince being repulst , not without much loss , retreated to Sommariva , where he tarried some days ; but being egg'd on by honour , and by the prejudice which would redound to their party if the Town should be lost , he would try his fortune once more , which , the place being newly re-enforced , did not favour him ; yet both parties fought valiantly for many hours , the assailants mounted the Walls several times , and were still beaten back : they sometimes entred the Town , and were repuls'd ; and in these interchanges of fortune , the defendants having the better of the businesse , about break of day the Prince was forced to retreat having lost above four hundred men : The more unfortunate these diversive attempts proved , the more successfully did the Siege of Conio proceed ; for Harcourt not being at all diverted by these the Enemies attempts , and joy'd that Chirasco was out of danger , which otherwise might , peradventure , have made him forego Conio , to relieve it , he continued more constant in the Siege ; he therefore laid aside all treaties of agreement , and betook himself more roundly to the taking of Conio : but neither were the Prince nor Governour discouraged for their bad success , nor did they forbear attempting to relieve the Town by diversion . The Governour sent Don Iohn Vasques , Camp-master-general with the Foot , and Don Vincenzo Conzago with the Horse to assault Rossignano , who when they were come neer it , hearing that above 200 Montferrians were entred the Town , forbare doing any thing there ; and went by Order from the Governour to Montcalvo , where whilst there was fair hopes of doing good , the Prince , who was with almost all the Horse , and with 600 Foot , in the parts about Villanuova , advertised the Governour that he heard there was not above 600 Foot in Chiavasso , wherefore he thought it fit to attempt the taking of it ; for it being a place of almost as great concernment as Conio , it was not unlikely but that the Enemy might forego the one , not to lose the other ; but the Governour who had oftentimes found the Princes Forces to be more forward then fortunate , was not willing to yield to the proposal ; the rather for that he was very neer taking Montcalvo : yet being much sollicited , he ( though much against his will ) bad the Prince take up his quarters about Chiavasso ; and that if he should hear that no new recruits were entred the Town he should send him word , and he would come in to his assistance with all his men ; hoping that in the mean while he might take Montcalvo . The Prince upon the Governours promise went with 600 Foot which he caused to come from Inurea , and together with him went the Marquess of Caracena with the Horse , and took up their quarters ; and finding that the Town was not re-enforced , he advertised the Governour thereof , desiring him to joyn with him in the Enterprise . The business of Montcalvo was not yet perfected , though it advanced prosperously every day ; wherefore the Governour , who that he might not prefer the certainty of the business of Montcalvo before the uncertainty of that of Chiavasso , had against his will permitted the Prince to go to before Chiavasso , the more he saw the Siege of Montcalvo draw neer an end , the less fit he thought it to abandon the one , for the uncertainty of the other ; wherefore feeding the Prince with delays , he entertained him so long with words , with sending and re-sending Messengers , till he might see Montcalvo taken ; but the Prince being frustrated of all hopes , and finding that the Governor continued his delays , arose from before Chiavasso , and retreated to Inurea ; being sufficiently scandalized that the Governour should rather suffer him to ri●…e from before Chiavasso , then Vasques from before Montcalvo , which he alledged did not only redound to the prejudice of his the Princes honour , but to the like of the whole present War ; for he said that the streightning of Chiavasso would certainly have forced Harcourt to abandon Conio , whereas the loss of Montcalvo , being of much less importance , would have contributed nothing thereunto . The Prince being gone from Chiavasso , the Marquess of Caracena foorded over the Poe with his Horse , and went to St. Sebastiano , were he quartered his Horse in the Towns of Montferrat neer Verrua . The Siege of Conio was not in this interim at all intermitted , but continued with more vigour on both sides : Sallies , Assaults , Mines , Galleries were made use of ; great were the endeavours of the Assailants , and great that of the Defendants ; neither yielded to other in courage nor valour ; their vigilancy and diligence were equal ; every one was so ready to die , as death it self being afraid at their countenance seemed for very terrour to shun them ; but Harcourts singular fortune , which appeared averse unto him in the enterprise of Inurea , and which was not undertaken by his advice , would make him an amends in this , which was done by his consent : being therefore very much gladded that neither the business of Chiavasso nor of Chirasco , had necessitated him to forego the Siege of Conio , he endeavoured the more to put an end to that enterprise , that he might come time enough to relieve Montcalvo ; he therefore placed a Battery on the edge of the Ditch , ordered a Mine at the Bastion del Ulmo , sollicited Count Plessis to finish another Mine which was begun against the Bastion of Madonna ; which when they were perfected , he caused a parley to be beaten for the surrender of the Town ; but the defendants being resolved to see the effect , 25 Foot of Wall was presently blown up ; and yet the besiegers could not come conveniently to the breach , for the Bastion was Plat-form'd wit sand and stones ; so as it was not without blood that they quartered themselves at the foot of the Wall that was blown up . Harcourt not being here with dismaid , would gain the top of the Bastion by a new assault ; and the other Mine at the Bastion del Olmo being ready to play , the defendants resolved to parley ; and after some debates Articles were drawn up , and Hostages were given ; and after 53 days Siege , on the 15th of September , Harcourt entred the Town triumphing and victorious . The Victory was the more singular , for that this Town had not been taken in many age●… : it was surrendered upon honourable conditions , and the Garrison marched out , which was reduced to the number of 400 Foot and 200 Horse . Harcourt having dispatch'd this enterprise went speedily to relieve Monicalvo , which he would without doubt have done , had it not been surrendered two days before his arrival . Conio being taken , the Dowager ordered Marquess Pianezza to go with all speed to recover Rovello , a strong Town , and held by a Garrison of the Cardinal , as Conio was . This place confined upon the County of Pinarvolo , and was very convenient for the French interests , by reason of their desire to dilate that Confine ; and the Dowager thought it necessary to the prevent the French from throwing themselves before it ; nor was she therein deceived ; for Orders being come from the King that Conio should be restored to the Dowager , Harcourt , knowing how desirous Richlieu was of getting that Town , detain'd the Kings Order , and used several pieces of cunning that the Siege might not succeed , or that it might be defer'd ; but Pianezza's diligence prevailed , who made himself master thereof , and put a Garrison of Piedmonteses into it ; so as the restitution of Conio , as it was ordered by the King , was not disturbed : by the demolition of this Castle , it was assign'd over to the Dowager the next year by the Duke of Bullion , who succeeded Harcourt in the place of General ; and not long after Demont was likewise assign'd over to her , a Town in those parts , which was possest by the French ; which actions being glorious to that King , who shared not therein in what his Forces had done , nor in the arbitrement of fortune , but did all out of his goodness and Royal Magnanimity ; it is incredible what gladness it caused in the Piedmonteses , and in all the Italians ; and these ●…ctions serving as a testimony that he would restore all the other places which were held by his Garrisons , in Piedmont , there was none that doub●…ed but that he in his own time would restore all ●…e ●…est . Conio , and the two other adjacent Towns , being taken , the Princes authority was totally excluded from out this side of the Mountains ; and their power being confined to the County of Nizza , it was thought it would not be of any long consistence ; not long after the Armies were retreated to their quarters , the Prince of Monaco , having driven the Spanish Garrisons out of that place , brought in the French ; and deprived the Spaniards of that station situated in the utmost Western Liguria upon a Rock , which thrusting out into the Sea shapes a kind of Haven which is of great consequence and conveniency to the Spaniards : The occasion of so great a novelty and alteration is diversly related . The Prince thereof complain'd of the subjection he was held in by the Garrison , of the little account that the Spanish Agents made of him , of the losses which he suffer'd by adhering to that Crown , not having received those emoluments from the Kingdom of Naples which were assigned unto him for his adherence to the Spaniards , which he formerly was used to receive ; and , moreover , that when the Garrison wanted their pay , he was sometime forced to appease them by satisfying them out of his own purse , and to shun the plunder which was threatned by the Souldiers , as also to avoid the danger of the place , which being by occasion of the present Wars much diminished in the Garrison thereof , the Kings Agents minded not the re-inforcing thereof , nor the putting a sufficient number into it for necessary defence ; especially at this time when the King of France his Fleet lorded it over the Mediterranean , and lay not far from Monaco ; and whereby he found the designs which the French had upon that place , it being ●…o weakly Garrison'd ; so as out of these respects he was forced to free himself from these apparent injuries and dammages at home , and from the imminent dangers threatned from abroad ; on the contrary , the Kings Agents , partly , denying the blame that was laid upon them , partly lessening it , and excusing it , partly by the calamities of the present times , pretended that all this had hapned by the Prince of Monaco's own instability ; they complained that both he and his predecessort having enjoy'd priviledges and ●…enenues for above 120 years from the King of Spains liberality very punctually ; that he , now when he saw the Crown reduced to such streights , should without any occasion abandon it , and betake himself to the French , meerly to better his condition ; and that when in reason he ought to bear with some inconveniencies of the present times , considering what great affluence he had formerly received , and ought to shew himself more constant in his devotion to that Crown , he was past over to the Enemies party , not without prejudice to the Crown of Spain . But these are things , the verification and discussing whereof would require more time , and the decision thereof not appertaining to the Author of this History , it will suffice to have lightly touch'd upon the accusations and excuses . Yet the same Agents who had some knowledge of the fact before it was done endeavoured to prevent the danger ; but the success was so sudden , as all provisions and remedies came too late ; and truly the more unexpected this blow came , the soarer and more insufferable was it : But greater blows then this , which the Crown of Spain received at these times , both in Italy and elsewhere , made this appear the less ; for the Kingdoms of Spain we●…e so shaken , first by the Insurrection of Catalonia , and afterwards by that of Portugal , a●… they never were the like since that Crown arrived at so much greatness . The Catalonians after their Insurrection had recourse to the King of France , and by submiting to that Crown had got assistance against the King of Castile , whose Forces were entred Catalonia to reduce it : So as the French Forces entring that Province also , they often routed the Castilians , and having finally made them almost all retreat to the neighbouring Kingdom of Arragon , they rendred the recovery of Catalonia very difficult , which was almost wholly lost ; and the King not being well provided of men to quell the Catalonians , and to drive the French out , who had almost made themselves Masters thereof , he was forced to make use of the Portugal Garrisons to subject the Catalonians . So the Portugueses being quite rid of the Castrlian Garrisons , made use of this occasion to withdraw themselves from the Castilian Empire , which was to them so hateful and so insufferable . They thereto made Don Iohn , Duke of Braganza , their King , who was descended , by the Mothers side , from the ancient Kings of Portugal ; and the Castilian Forces not being able to subdue both these Insurrections , they were necessitated to insist first upon that of Catalonia , whereinto the French poured in men at their pleasure ; wherefore the Portugal Insurrection was but weakly withstood , so as it grew daily greater . The new King was better established in his new Kingdom , as well by reason of the peoples love , as of the friendship and favour of other Princes ; who out of Emulation to the Spanish Grandezza fomented the Insurrection of the Portugueses : So as what by the natural Forces of Portugal , and by what he received from forreigners , the new King kept the Castilian Forces conveniently from the Confines of Portugal . To the loss of the Kingdom of Portugal was added the loss of all the Kingdomes and Provinces of the East Indies , and of all the Seas and Islands belonging to that Crown , and in the Western parts of Brasil ; for being govern'd and garrison'd onely by the Portugueses , and none but Portugueses being suffer'd to saile towards those parts , nor to tarry there by the way of Traffick ; as soon as the news of the new Kings exaltation to the Crown , who was of the Royal lineage , was come into those parts , they all joyntly & with great applause acknowledg'd him for their King , and readily swore Allegiance to him . The Spaniards also at this time lost many considerable places , and battles , of no small consideration in Flanders ; the Fleets of the said Crown were almost dissipated by naval Conflicts , by contrary Winds , and by other casual disasters ; their Forces being afflicted by several misfortunes in Lombardy and Piedmont had lost their former lustre The Austrian Empire suffer'd also very much in Germany ; and not being able to hold that mutual correspendency , nor to receive such aid as had wont to pass between it and the Crown of Spain , both those Crowns lost much of that Authority and Grandezza whereby they had made themselves so considerable , and so formidable with the greatest Princes of Christendom , for almost one whole age ; and because Germany being lacerated by continual Wars , and impoverished in people , could not furnish the Wars of Italy , and the State of Millain , with Souldiers , as it had wont to do ; nor Spain whose Exchequer was exhausted could subminister that quantity of monyes to the Germane Empire as it formerly had done , nor take order for great Levies of Dutch for Italy ; the Spanish forces in Lombardy and in Italy were necessarily reduced to great vveakness and discredit ; insomuch as the Potentates of Italy , to vvhom they vvere so formidable before , as doubting nothing more then to be over-run by them , they vvere vvholly bent upon pulling them dovvn : being novv totally free of that fear , and as much terrified with the apprehension of the French forces , which they saw were gotten to a fatal greatness in Spain it self , in Flanders , in Italy and in Germany ; they studied how to maintain that Spanish Empire which they endeavoured to suppress so much before ; all of them holding it for undoubted , that the lessening thereof would prove the lessening of their ovvn States ; amongst these the Venetians , who formerly had always been more averse to the ends and interests of the Crown of Spain then any others , changing their counsels with the alteration of affairs , began to be their first and most zealous protectors ; they being the onely bank which could keep out the stood of the French fortune from overflowing and drowning Italy , and their own Dominions ; which they willingly hazarded some few years before , when the Duke of Rohan falling down by the Valley of Sarfina from the Valtoline into the State of Millain , when the Duke of Savoy and Marshal Cricqui being past the Tessino infused such terrour into the State of Millain ; the same Rohan being now to pass over a little patch of the Venetian State of not above two miles long , before he could come to the State of Millain ; the Commonwealth which had been so favourable to him before in the getting and keeping of the Valtoline , were so averse unto him , upon this occasion , as they would by no means permit him to come over that very short space of Ground ; which had they done it would have much increased the danger of that State ; not onely the Spanish Agents , but all the Potentates of Italy , were very well satisfied with this action ; who knew not so much by her present , as by her past , nay , contrary carriage , how intent and watchful that Commonwealth was over the well-fare and preservation of the publick peace , and liberty ; the same respects made the Governour of Millain more wary in engaging themselves in battle , finding that by the want of ready leavies of men in Germany they wanted the conveniency of supplies to their armies , when they shall by any accident be routed , or otherwise worsted ; to this was added , that Spain it self by reason of the Wars that were then very hot there , required men both from Germany and Italy ; so as not being able to send men into Italy , the Spaniards were doubly weakned in Lombardy ; both by the want of those Souldiers which they could not expect neither from Germany , nor Spain , and by those which they being to send into Spain , could not employ them in the Wars of Italy . Let us return to the affairs of Piedmont , where the Armies being retired to their quarters , the cessation of Military actions afforded opportunity to the concluding peace between the Dowager and the Princes , which had been often broken before , and often reassumed : but the occurrences of affairs having taken away many difficulties which had formerly obstructed it , both parties grew weary of the War ; which the Dowager saw grew daily more prejudicial to the people , and to the Duke her sons State ; and the Princes likewise found that their hopes grew daily less ; the Prince Cardinal who was naturally more inclined to peace and quiet then to the troubles of War , desired daily to marry , out of the great desire he had of issue , whereby he might continue the Principality in case of succession , which appeared not to be far of , if not by the conceived weakness of his Nephew , at least by frailty of humane condition ; and not knowing any Princess in those times more conducible to his ends , then his Niece , he desired very much to have her for wife ; and the Dowager , who had formerly promoted the treaty thereof , forbare not to allure him to peace and union by this alliance . Conio being lost , and therewith all that part of Piedmont , from whence he received so much revenue , and seeing himself confined to within the confines of the County of Nizza , he doubted he could not maintain himself long in that State , notwithstanding that he was possess'd of the impregnable Fort of Nizza , and of those of Villa Franca , and S. Sespiro ; all which were sufficiently provided with Warlike provisions from the Kingdom of Naples ; and that he might hope they might daily be supplied therewith from thence ; yet the present Agents being very slow in furnishing him with monies , ( which he wanted more after the loss of Conio , then before ) he began also to fear , that he might want provisions when he should need them ; and which was of more concernment , he being to introduce forreigners into them in case they should be assaulted , and particularly Spaniards , there was such reciprocal distrust between him and the Spanish Agents , that he held the Forts to be as good as lost , if ever he should be compelled to bring them in ; wherefore to free himself from the imminent danger that he foresaw both he and his family was in , and to obtain his ends , which were inclined to peace and marriage , he earnestly desired agreement ; on the other side Prince Thomaso , who knew the Genius and inclination of the Prince Cardinal , feared lest the marriage might be made , whereby he should be excluded from all pretentions : which if it should so happen , he could have no pretence of taking up Arms against the Dovvager vvhen she should be united to his brother ; so as he had but small certainty of his present condition , and vvas very doubtful of the future ; Moreover he was ill satisfied with the assistance of Forces which he received from Spain ; but he was chiefly terrified at the prosperous success of the French , and the contrary of the Spaniards ; who failing in all mens expectation , as much as the French bettered , did prognosticate the unfortunate fall of those who thought to better themselves by them ; these auguries and prognostications did so work upon the Prince , as the dangers , and ruines which were yet far off seemed to him to be present ; he therefore thought it better to secure his fortune on that side which was uppermost , and to get at last free from the slavery and danger which he foresaw he must undergo by adhering to the losers ; it was also thought that an accident which hapned at this time in France weighed down the balance of the Prince his resolution ; some Princes of France , who were not well pleased with the present Government of that Kingdom , and consequently not with Cardinal Richlieu's Authority , were gotten into Sedan , a very strong Town of the Duke of Bullion's ; the first whereof was the Count of Soisons●… 〈◊〉 Prince of the blood , betwixt whom and the Cardinal there had been 〈◊〉 disgusts ; this Prince thought to kindle such a fire in France , by the 〈◊〉 of other discontented Princes , and by the assistance of the Span●… Forces who were to come from Flanders , and joyn with him in this enterprize , as that thereby the Cardinals authority should undoubtedly b●…●…d in the dust ; the business which had been long a framing there broke our at last , and a battle insued thereupon in open field between the Counts Forces and those of the King ; those of Sedan had the better of the Kings men in the conflict ; and by a very famous victory the conspirators were likely to have compassed their ends , had not the King and the Cardinals fortune exceeded the Victory , by Count Soiso●… death who was slain in the battel by a Musket shot which defeated the Colleagues ; for the rest of the Princes of that faction wanting that ●…eaning-stock ; and being dismay'd at his loss who was their Chie●…n , and of the Blood-royal , stood no longer to the business ; but running , some one way , some another , abandon'd the Comm●… cause , and every one endeavoured their own safety . 〈◊〉 Soiso●… was Brother to Prince Thomaso's wife ; and leaving no 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 him , the succession fell to his sister ; wherefore the Prince was thought to be conscious of Soisons conspiracie , and that he expected what the event thereof would be , and accordingly would dispose of himself in his adherence either to Spain , or France ; and that it had been the Counts perswasions which had prevailed with him to forego the Capitulations made with Mazzarine ; wherefore when he saw the unfortunateness of the success , and that his brother in Law was slain , he was forced to take new resolves ; either because he could build no more upon the conspiracy of Sedan , so to joyn with the Spaniards ; or else for that his half-brothers estate being fallen to his wife , he could not forsake so great a Fortune , but close with France , from whence he continually received great offers ; nor was the Dowager wanting in promoting the business ; but making use of what had hapned in France , she represented unto the Prince with what opportunity to advantage his interests with that Crown , and desired him that he would not injure his wife and Children by refusing it ; to this was added , that the Spanish Agents , either for want of mony , or by reason of the news that was given out , that the Princes who were ready to conclude with France , were somewhat slow in disbursing monies , fearing that they might not onely be ill imployed , but to the Kings prejudice ; the Princes were therefore forced to agree with the Dowager , not being able to maintain the Towns they were possess'd of from being taken either by the French , or Spaniards , to the irreparable loss of their Family : and , which was worse ; if the French , whose fortune they feared , should become masters of the Towns which were possess'd by the Spaniards in Piedmont , they saw they must be exiles from their Country , and rely upon the Spaniard for maintenance : Prince Thomaso being out of these reasons resolved to agree , made : his mind be known to the Dowager by the Protonotory Bergera , who was after Archbishop of Toledo , desiring that the City of Inurea might be assigned to him for the security of his person , and that he might be Leiutenant General of that Province , and of that of Biela ; upon which he promis'd her to remit the Dukedom of Aosta freely unto her ; and for what concern'd the guardianship , and Regency , he would not differ from what he had agreed unto , and that he would absolutely joyn with the French ; the treaty was readily reassumed with the Dowager , and with France ; President Leone , the Count di Mussano , and el Patrimoniale Moneti , were chosen Deputies by the two Princes to treat thereof in Turin , and Moneti was chosen President ; the businesses as far as concerned Prince Thomaso's interest , were as good as adjusted : greater and almost insuperable difficulties arose touching the interest of the Prince Cardinal , who though he desired agreement more then his brother , who being unwilling to dispossess himself of the Towns in the County of Nizza , persisted in his pretentions to the Lieutenancy of that County totally , and wholly independent upon the Dowagers Regency , together with the retention of all the Towns therein , and particularly of the Castle of Nizza , a place of great consequence ; which pretentions being too repugnant to the Dowagers Regency ( whereunto she would not by any means consent ) there was much a do to salve all . At last , but after many months debate , the Princes condescended to the Dowagers Regency , so as all things were accorded upon these Articles ; that the Dowager should be Governess of the Duke , and sovereign Regent of the States of her Son Don Charles Emanuel . That she should choose a Council of State , consisting of such persons as were worthy and capable of such an honour , wherein the Princes might intervene when they pleased : That in the Letters Patents wherein it was wont to be said , with the opinion of our Councell , it should be said , with the assistance of the Princes our Brothers , and with the approbation of our Councill : That in business of great concernment the Princes should likewise subscribe , that the Prince Cardinal should be the Dukes Lieutenant General in the County of Nizza , and Prince Thomaso in that of Inurea and Biela : That the Governours and Officers of Justice , War , and of the Finances , should be chosen by the Dowager , such as should be Subjects to the House of Savoy , and capable of those employments ; but those of the County of Nizza , such as the Prince Cardinal might confide in : That those who were already chosen by Duke Victorio , by the Dowager , and by the Princes , should be confirm'd or removed as the Dowager should please ; but so as the Princes should be therewith satisfied . And to this purpose , there was a writing made a part , declaring that all those who had adhered to the Princes should be provided for , excluded , or changed : That the Oath of Allegiance to the Duke should be renewed , with an expression , that if the Duke should die without issue Male , the Prince Cardinal should succeed , and so successively the Heirs Male ; and that the said Princes should take the Oath of Allegiance to the Duke : That for what concerned the order of the Annuntiata , and of the religious orders of St. Mauritio and Lazaro , the accustomed constitutions and rules should be observed : That the goods and reprisals should be interchangeably restored , and that all the Subjects should be received into the Dowagers royal favour , and into the grace of the Princes : That to boot with what hath been said , two thousand Foot , and a thousand Horse , should be allowed to Prince Thomaso , for the Garrison of Inurea , and for the defence of the Provinces allotted him ; to boot with these Capitulations made between the Dowager and the Princes joyntly , there should another agreement be made , in particular , between the Dowager and the Prince Cardina●… ; the Articles whereof contained in a writing a part were ; the Marriage between the Prince Cardinal and his Niece the Princess 〈◊〉 Lodovica : That the Dowagers Goverours should come into the ●…owns of the County of Nizza , with a competent number of Souldiers : That the Governours who should enter should be permitted to dismiss as many of the old garrison as they should please : That the new Governours should , notwithstanding , swear unto the Prince that they would not admit of any successour in the Government of the Town , who should not be a Subject of the royal House of Savoy , and that the successor should do the like in the charge committed unto him , before he should enter the Town , and so should those do in the Government of the Town ; that as well the Governour , as his successors , should swear not to restore the Town to any but him the Prince , or to the Heirs Male of the House of Savoy , in case the present Duke should die without Heirs Male lawfully begotten . The Prince Cardinal not contented with all this , demanded 30000 Ducates of the Dowager , to distribute amongst the Spanish Souldiers , whom he was to cashiere , and many other advantages for those Officers who were to go out of the Forts . The Dowager , though she were reduced to great streights by the present time granted all unto him readily ; not onely out of Princely Liberality , but out of singular Wisdom , as not ayming at any thing , but at the assuring those so important Towns to her Son upon any whatsoever conditions , and to reunite the House of Savoy , which was so divided within it self , to real peace and agreement . The same day the agreement made by the Princes with the King of France was confirm'd and subscribed by the Princes , and by Monsieur d'Aque Buone the Kings Embassador ; whereby the Princes were received into the favour and protection of the Crown of France . And the Marriage being approved of between the Prince Cardinal and the Princess Maria , and the Princes gratified with pensions and donatives , the King of France upon the making of a generall Peace was to cause Prince Thomaso's Wife and Children to be restored unto him , and to approve of the allowing Prince Thomaso the 2000 Foot , and 1000 Horse , provided that he should be obliged to serve the King therewith . And that the King should assure both the Princes of his assistance in their successi●…●…n case the Duke should die , and keep his promises made to the Pope●…●…ents , and to the other potentates of Italy , touching the restitution of the Dukes Towns wherein he had any Garrisons . On the other side , the Princes promised and obliged themselves to dismiss the Spaniards which were in their service , that they should openly declare themselves to be of the Kings party , and to renounce all treaties with the Spaniards , and that the Prince Cardinal , in particular , should renounce the protection of the Empire , and that Prince Thomaso should be bound to serve the King in person , in War , against the Spaniards , as his Majesty should be pleased to appoint . All the other Articles which were to be agreed upon , on the 14th of Iune , the year 42 , together with many other writings which were signed the same day , were forthwith sent to France , that the King might approve of those which related to the agreements between the Dowager and the Princes ; and ratifie those that were made between the Princes and his Embassador . By these Capitulations ( which were afterwards perform'd with satisfaction to all , as shall be said ) an end was put to the Wars of Piedmont . In the Articles which were made between the Princes and the French Embassadour the Princes were bound to dismiss all the Spanish Souldiers that were with them ; but it was not express'd when ; whereunto they thought themselves engaged after Ratification made with the King. But this was the hardest point of all others to execute , and which caused much trouble , especially since the whole Garrison in Inurea were Spaniards ; yet Prince Thomaso found means how to be easily rid of them . At the same time when these Affairs were upon concluding , instead of General Harcourt the Duke of Bullion was made Commander in Chief of the French Forces , he who had hatched the aforesaid Rebellion in the Town of Sedan ; but after the Battle , and death of the Count Soisons , upon humbling himself to the King he was pardoned , and was taken into the Kings favour , who when he was come into Piedmont ; and had ioyned with the Dowagers Forces , march'd into the field , and passing into Alessandria was come as far as Filizzano , and Corniente ; Don Iohn Vasques , who was Governour of Alessandria , and who was retreated with his men into that City , fearing that he would pass over the Tanaro , sent all his Cavalry , and 1000 Foot , under Don Vincenzo Gonzaga , toward that river to oppose the Enemy ; some skirmishes past betvveen these and the Enemy on both sides the river ; but Bullion making as if he vvould goe somevvhere else , vvhich vvas said vvould be either to Pontestura or Trino , the Governour went from Millain to Vercelli , to hinder any design of the Enemy , and to keep him from sitting down before either of those places . Upon this occasion , Prince Thomaso advised him to take up one quarter before Pontestura , wherein he might put 2000 Foot , and 1000 Horse , offering him his Spanish horse and foot , which , as he said , lay idle in Inurea : The Governour accepted his offer , being unwilling to disfurnish other places ; wherefore the Prince sent both Horse and Foot from Inurea , towards St. Ia , but ordered the Horse that when they should be come to such a certain place , they should hault , and suffer the Foot to advance . But it being quickly known that Bullion was retreated from Tanara , the Governour sent back the Foot to Inurea , and the Prince refused to receive them , under pretence that there was a Truce made between them ( the Princes ) and the Dowager , and that to shun that this reception might seem a novelty , he did not think fit to let them in : They therefore retreated to Vercelli , so that by this cunning trick the Prince quitted his hands of the Spanish Garrison . Nor did the Prince Cardinal want means to free himself from the like incumbrance ; for either having received , or seeming to have received notice , that Don Francisco Tuttavilla , Captain of the thousand Spaniards which were granted him for the defence of himself , and of the County of Nizza , had treated with the Garrison of the Castle to his prejudice ; he sent for him into the Castle , and seeming to resent the action he commanded him to go immediately out of the Castle , together with his men , who were there ready to depart , and that he should go out of Piedmont ; which being done , both the Princes were masters of themselves ; and might the better make good their agreement . This dismission was done very seasonably ; for had it been longer delaid , it had hindred not only the execution of this so important business , but had hazarded the whole agreement , by reason of a sudden accident which hapned in Cassalle . Bullion , who after he could not get over the Tanaro was returned to Montferrat , had quartered his men in the Towns thereabouts , and going himself for pastime to Cassalle , out of a desire to see that Citadel , which was held to be impregnable , when he was come into the Citadel , contrary to his own expectation , and the like of all others , was by order from the King seized upon by the Governour of the Citadel , and sent back well guarded into France . This hapned just ten days after the agreement made by the Princes , and five days after they had cashiered the Spaniards ; which made it be generally conceived that this was done by way of resenting what had hapned at Sedan , notwithstanding the Kings pardon : this seemed to be an example to the Princes , who did always distrust that the Articles made with the Court of France would not be made good unto them ; and it was commonly conceived that had not the Princes declared so absolutely in the behalf of France , by dismissing those men , they would have demurred upon those Conventions ; but being quite deprived of the Spanish assistance , though they knew not what might succeed , they were forced to rest contented , and to expect from whence this blow proceeded , and what it aimed at ; but all doubts and apprehensions soon ceased , it being known that the Dukes imprisonment proceeded not out of any old account , but out of ●…ew jealousies , that he was complice in a new conspiracy made against the Cardinal Richlieu , by Monsieur St. Mark , Grand Escuyer de France , and favorite to the King ; so as all occasions of diffidence ceasing , and the Kings ratification being come from France , with satisfaction to all , they fell to do what was at the present to be done ; but there was a knot found in the Prince Cardinals businesse which was hard to be untied , which proceeded from whether the Marriage should precede the resignation of the Towns in the County of Nizza , or the resignation the Marriage ; whereof there being great distrust on both sides , some solution must be found for it ; which after much discussion , was ; that the Marriage should be celebrated in Nizza , by a Proxey to be of purpose deputed by the Princes ; which Proxey was to swear , upon pain of life , that the Marriage should be consummated as soon as the Towns should be resigned ; and that the Governours who were to receive them in the Dowagers behalf should swear unto the Prince , before they entred the Towns , to re-deliver them to the Prince , if they should find the Princess her Proxey backward to celebrate the Marriage . Things being t●…us adjusted , the Prince Cardinal sent Iovan Dominico Doria , Marquess of Cerie , to Turin with sufficient authority to celebrate the Espousals by words , for the future , between him the Prince , and the eldest Daughter of Savoy ; after which celebration , the Marquess Pianezza was chosen Proxey by the Princess to celebrate the Marriage by words in present ; and the Dowager deputed Carlo Vittorio Scaglia , Count di Verrua , to receive the Castle of Nizza ; and Iovan Baptista Solaro , Count di Monestervolo , to receive that of Villa franca ; and Count Alessandro Borgarello that of St. Sospiro . The Proxey and the Deputies went from Turin towards Nizza ; and with them went Monsieur Zecchinelli , the Popes Nuntio , who carried the Popes dispensation with him , for the celebration of the Marriage , and power to receive the Cardinals-Cap from the Prince ; when they were come to Nizza , they all took their solemn Oaths to observe what they had sworn to in the Capitulations ; and subsequently the Towns were deliver'd up , and the Marriage was celebrated on the 21 of September , the year 1642 , with infinite satisfaction to all parties concern'd , with incredible applause of the people , who being over-joyed to see the Princes joyn'd in a good peace and hoped that being freed from the calamities of War th●…y should enjoy the fruits of peace . Count Verrua being entred into the Fort and Castle of Nizza , and the others into the others of that County , they dismist all the old Garrisons which they found in them ; so as they remained in the full and absolute power & dominion of the Duke & Dowager ; and the Princes when they had dismist the Spaniards , before they publish'd the agreement which they had made with the Dowager , and with the King of France , they sent to the Governour of Millain , demanding the restoral of the Towns that had been taken to their Nephew the Duke ; and the Governour being desirous to know from them , before he gave his answer , if when restitution should be made , they would continue in Peace , or in War , with the Duke , he could receive no clear answer , but one that was uncertain , and very dubious ; and the Princes thinking that if he should not be sure of peace ●…e would make no restauration , and that he would be hardly brought to do it when he should be assured of it , wit●…out waiting any longet for answer from the Governour , nor from the Court of Spain , from whence resolution was to come , they published the agreement ; and Prince Thomaso marching into the field as a Souldier of the King of France began to manage those Arms against the King of Spain which before he had managed for the King of Spain against France ; he therefore headed the French who remained in those parts after Bullions imprisonment ; and being followed by Marquess Villa with the Dowagers men he fell to recover the Towns which were held by the Spanish Garrisons : he began with Crescentino , where he met with grea●…er resistance then he expected ; for the Governour seeing that the French Army after Bullions imprisonment was retreated into Piedmont , and that being divided into several quarters it lay about Verrua , feared Crescentino : wherefore he sent the Marquess of Caracena with all the Horse , except those of Naples , to recruit it with Men and Munition ; which Caracena having very well performed , passing over the Poe at Pontestura , he went by Orders from the Governour to St. Salvadore . Serjeant Major Alonso Vasques was Captain of the Garrison , who did not only vigorously sustain the Siege , but troubled the Enemy with many sallies ; and though the place were not much fortified , nor very hard to be taken by him who should be master of the field , yet it held out stoutly for 15 days , in which time the Governour doubting Trino , and St. Ia , he had time to put good Garrisons , and other 〈◊〉 into them , the charge whereof he committed to Marquess Caracena , who stealing secretly out of Vercelli re-enforced Trino twice by a way which leads not far from Crescentino , whilst the Prince was hottest about it : The like he did in St. ●…a , where he found no opposition . These provisions were very seasonably made ; for the Duke of Longueville appearing at last , after mid August , in Piedmont , who was appointed to succeed Bullion in the place of General of the ●…rench Forces ; and having brought many men with him , wherewith he was to carry the War into the State of Millain ; now that the Princes were past over to the French , it behoved the Governour , who had not equal Forces to face him in the Field , to munite the Towns of the State , and those of Piedmont , with good Garrisons ; and yielding the Field to the French , to watch where this gre●…t cloud would settle at last : it was generally conceived that Prince Thomaso was drawn to side with the French , by strong promises that they would get him some Territories in the State of Millain , which should be peculiar to him and to those that should descend from him ; and the sequel shewed that the County of Tortona , and peradventure that of Alessandria , together with all on this side Poe , towards the State of Genoa , was promis'd him ; that , moreover , he was intended to be made General of all the French Forces in Italy : but that Court not thinking it fit to bestow upon him a charge of so great importance at the very first , especially the Hostages of his Wife and Children being considered which were in Spain , it was judged more convenient to give that imployment to the Duke of Longueville , who was joyn'd by affinity and correspondency to the Prince : wherefore that Court thought fit to mitigate the Prince his pretentions by that choice , whereby they had sufficiently provided for his interests ; especially the Orders being considered , which , as hath been said , were given unto Longueville , to carry on the War according to the Prince his designs and ends ; but the Prince not being content with these provisions , and expecting better satisfaction , to the end that the Souldiers might not lie idle in the interim , in a time proper for War , the Duke whilst the Prince remain'd in Inurea , went with his own men only , to the taking of Nizza and Acqui ; to the end that when those places should be taken , way might be made for the intended design upon Tortona ; which when it should be effected , the State of Millain was to be assaulted , according to the P●…ince his ends and interests . Nizza was not much stronger then Crescentino , and whosoever was master of the field might easily take it ; nor was it very well garrison'd : Wherefore Baron Batteville was sent to recruit it with 200 Souldiers , who entring the Town , after the places thereabout were t●…ken , the Garrison was encreased to the number of 450 , an insufficient number to defend it , and yet Batteville did all that was to be done therein ; but a greater breach being made in six hours space then the Enemy intended , by reason of the bad condition of the earth , and several Mines being ready to play , they began to treat of surrender ; and Longueville being resolved not to yield to any other conditions , then those that were granted to Count St. Paul , by Marquess Leganes , when he took it the year before ; the defendants were en●…orced to accept of such conditions as the Enemy was pleased to impose upon them ; which were , that the Garrison should be sent , thorough France , to the County of Burgondy , which was under the King of Spain . ●…he Governour had intended to relieve this place another time , by sending 100 Horse , and as many Dragoons , thither before the surrender ; but the resolution being divulged , and the Conductor , who was no friend to Batteville , carrying the business but ill-favour'dly , it succeeded not ; for the relievers being come neer the Enemies Camp , they found the Enemy ready to repulse them ; so they returned to Alessandria , from whence they were come , not having done any thing : a greater disaster befel a Regiment of Horse which were sent to Montaldo , ( a Town within six miles of Nizza ) to incommod●…ate the Enemy in their Forrage ; for being fallen upon by a greater number of Horse , it was routed with loss of seventy Horse , and the Captain had much ado to save himself . Not long after Nizza was taken Don Mauritio of Savoy went with a good Body of Horse , and some Foot Companies , by night , from Inurea to Arbo , a Town in the Territories of Biela , neer the Sesia , whither 500 Horse were sent to be quartered , under the Lieutenant General of the Millain Horse , whom he assaulted three hours before day on two sides ; the quarter was put into great confusion ; and though the Lieutenant-General , with some of his best men , made head against them , yet the rest fled awa●… , and saved themselves by foording over the Sesia : The Lieutenant having but few with him , and being abandoned by the rest , got over also by the same foord into the State of Millain , leaving all his baggage , and many of his Horse , behind him to the Enemy ; there were not many slain , for the foord being neer the quarter , saved many of them . Don Ieronymo Salvaterra was taken prisoner , and Don Luigi Benavida , both of them being wounded ; and if Don Mauritio had been aware to have placed some to have guarded the foord , the victory would have been much greater : The Marquess Caracena , who was then in Vercelli , thought to have served the Enemy with the like sauce ; for hearing that the Princes Horse were quartered in five places above Biela , he rallied the Horse that were run from their quarters , and joyning them to those that were in Garrison in Vercelli and St. Ia , he marched with them and with 400 Foot about Sun-set , thinking to fall upon the Prince his Horse which lay about Biela . But he fared not as did Don Mauritio , by reason of the disparity of the Countries through which they marched ; for Caracena marched through an Enemies Country , and Mauritio thorow his friends quarters . Wherefore the latter past with great silence and secrecie , whereas Caracena found the Country up in Arms , and the bells of the Towns by which he marched ringing aloud ; so as not being able to get to the place he intended before noon day , his resentment proved vain , save onely that he light upon 60 Horse which were given to Biela , which he routed , and took some of them prisoners . Nizza being taken , Longueville sat down before Acqui , which he within a few days took , and went to quarter at Gui , intending , as was imagined , to go to the taking in of Tortona ; but he was disswaded by Prince Thomaso , who thinking to succeed in the surprisal of Novara , as he had plotted it , invi●…ed the Duke to joyn with him in that enterprise . Wherefore the Duke returning to Cassalle joyn'd with the Prince , who staid for him at Balzola and Morano ; and passing together over the Sesia , they marched towards Novara : But whether it were that he could nor come at his appointed time to the Gates of Novara , by reason of the excessive rain which had fallen for two days , or that they had heard that the Marquess of Caracena , fearing what the issue of this march would be , was entred Novara with above 500 Horse , and a great many Foot : And that the Governour of Millain , who was then in Alessandria , had sent some foot from Garrison to Garrison by Valenza and Mortara , so speedily as that these recruits coming before the Enemy arrived , the Prince began to doubt his design ; he and the Duke retreated to Confienza , and passing over the Sesia distributed their men in Constanza , Dezava , Carenzana , and in other Towns thereabouts . Where having tarryed a few days , and moneys being sent from France , they went to the former designed enterprise of Tortona . The French Forces , and those of the Dowagers in this Camp , rose to the number of 5000 Horse , and 10000 Foot : Marquess Villa led on the Van , Longueville followed with the Body of the Battle , and Prince Thomaso brought up the Rere ; and passing over the Poe to Cassalle , and over the Tanaro to Filizzano ; Villa advanc'd presently to possess himself of all the places neer the City , to keep out Men , and Munition ; which when it should be done ; this so important City would undoubtedly have been reduced within four dayes : For Tortona being far from Piedmont , none could imagine that the Enemy should leave the Towns unrecovered , which were held by the Spaniards in the heart of the State , and advance to this , especially since the winter drew on , and by the difficulty of bringing relief which was to be brought so far through an Enemies Country ; wherefore as if it had been out of all danger , it had in it a Garrison of only 100 Souldiers , and no Commander of note . But the enemies diligence was prevented by the Governor Siruela , who not knowing what to think of the haste which the Enemy made , and not being able to comprehend where they intended to go , though he wanted Foot to secure so many places , subject to be assaulted by so great Forces ; yet after having sent succour to Allessandria from Valenza , he sent 800 Foot to pass over the Poe at Bassignana , and to keep in Piovera ; and ordered Don Iohn Vasques Coronado , who was in Allessandria , that if the Enemy should tarry in those parts , he should send for those 800 Foot , and with them succour Annone , Rocaurano , and Aste ; but if he should see them make towards Tortona , he should forth-with send them to assist that City ; which was wisely foreseen by the Governour ; and being punctually observed by Vasques , excellent effects did the●…eby redound to the Kings Affairs . For these 800 Foot being luckily got into the City before Villa's arrivall , some few of them onely who were neer in the Rere , not being able to escape Villa's diligence who took them , the Town was inabled to hold out the siege long , which consumed more then the moiety of that flourishing Army ; which if they had quickly taken , they might easily have made themselves Masters of all on this side the Poe , towards the Apennine ; and would , ( their Forces being entire ) have had opportunity to have effected the Prince his vast designes : Not long after Bernardine Galeotti a Neapolitan , and Prestino , who was an excellent Enginier , being sent by the Governour , stole into the City ; passing over the Mountain which was not as yet guarded nor possess'd by the Enemy , and were both of them a great help to defend the City . The Army being drawn neer the City , and having at the very first taken the Suburbs , they planted their Artillery against the walls , trying if the Citizens would willingly surrender , which they not doing , they began their battery ; wherewith having made a breach , Galeotti found the City was not to be defended , wherefore they retired so hastily to the Castle , as they had not time to carry their victuals along with them , nor to break down the mils which were neer the walls , things which did afterwards much accommodate the enemy , who entring the City the fifth day , when the Garrison had abandoned it , and the City by the Bishops interposing , surrendred upon condition : So as the Enemy began immediately to begirt the Castle with Trenches , and possess'd themselves of the Church & Monastery of S. Dominico , which stood between the City and the Castle , the Garrison not having fortified it , to keep from 〈◊〉 men in the defence thereof , having hardly enough to defend the Castle : And yet either foreseeing , or already finding how prejudicial the taking of that Convent would be unto them , they ●…ndeavoured to recove●… it the next day by a stout sally , but were forced to retrea●… . The Duke sent the Horse afterwards to scour the Country , who without resistance took the Castle Nuovo di Scrivia , which Prince Thomaso chose for his quarters , and having placed a quarter also in Pontecurone , he took Voghera , which threw the Gates open ; then turning upon the Towns and Villages there●…bout , he got good store of Victuals , and brought it together with much more booty into the City : but those who dwelt upon the hills resisted , and preserved their goods and persons , with much prejudice to their opposers ; the first and most important resolution of the opposers was to take Serravalle , a Town scituated upon the way that leads to the Sea , which being a place of great consequence , whereby commerce with the Sta●…e of Genoa was either block'd up , or maintained , the business was committed to Marquess Villa , who going from the Camp with the Piedmont Horse , and five French Regiments of Foot , which in all made 1500 Horse , and 3000 Foot , he marched thitherward ; and took first Stasono which did willingly surrender , and came afterwards to Serravalle , where taking the Town without resistance he betook himself to the Castle , whither the Garrison was retreated , and where there was not any provision ; and yet it held out , and afforded the Governour Siruela time ( who was very desirous to preserve that place ) to get together as many men as in so great streights he could from the Garrisons of the State of Millain and of the Towns in Piedmont , having called Count Galliazzo Trotti from Asti , and Don Vincenzzo Monsurio from Vercelli , who by reason of the neighborhood of the State of Millain got into Allessandria without any hinderance , with all their men : Fra. Iovan Pallavicino , Camp-master , met with more difficulty , and danger , who was sent for by the Governour from Villa nova , vvith order , that leaving men and munition sufficient to keep that place from surprisal , he should come into Allessandria vvith the rest , vvhere the Governour stay'd expecting him : to vvhich purpose he sent him ●…00 Horse to be his convoy . Villa nova is neer upon 40 miles from the City of Alessandria , in the midst of Piedmont , neer to Towns strongly Garrison'd by the Enemy ; so as he was to march through the Enemies country ; which Pallavicimo did with much valour and speed ; and though he past very privatly to keep from being discover'd by the Enemy , yet was he pursued by the Garrison of Carmagnuola , which overtook him at the bridge of Villa Franca , and strove to keep him from passing over it ; hoping to effect their desire by re●…son of 200 carriages which he brought along with him laden with warlike ammunition , and also one Cannon , so as they promised themselves clear victory , with the slaughter of all his men , and the getting of all his munition ; but Palavicino not at all abash'd at their approach placed himself with his ranks in order before the carriages , and facing about made head against the Enemy , and held them play till the Carriages and the Cannon past over the Bridge , after which his men began to march in good order , with their faces still towards the Enemy , and still fighting ; who passing over after them did still pursue them , till Pallavicino be●…ng come with his men to Gombino , a Town two miles distant from the Bridge , made himself master thereof , and fortifyed himself in an advantagious place , where he stay'd with his men in order , expecting that the Enemy should advance ; but they not daring to assault him upon such disadvantagious tearms , left pursuing him , and retreated towards Carmagnuola , suffering Pallavicino to pass freely into Allessandria , whither he came safe with his men and carriages ; this so great recruite being so luckily come to the Governour was of great consequence ; for with them , and with some other men that he had , he made up a body of 5000 Foot , and 300 Horse ; with the which marching into the field on the eighth of Octber , he came to Fregarvola , a Town neer Bosco , intending to go from thence to Serravalle , whither he had sent some Foot already , that they might endeavour to get one after another into the Castle ; and though his men were fewer in number then the Enemy ; yet the Enemy being distributed into several quarters , the Governour doubted not , but that he being more in number then any one of the Enemies quarters , his design might take effect : Nor was he therein deceived , for it fell out better then was expected ; the Duke of Longueville who was before Tortona with but a few men , hearing of this expedition , and fearing that the Enemy might fall upon some part of the Trenches which were ill provided of Defendants , and might enter into the Castle , and so into the City , and cause some important mischief , sent speedily back for all the Horse which were dispers'd abroad in several parts , and brought them neerer Tortona ; and moreover sent for Marquess Villa from Serravalle ; who writ back that he thought it better to quit Tortona , and be masters of Serravalle , then to abandon Serravalle , and come to before Tortona ; for that the way by Sea being block up on that part to the State of Millaln , Tortona would not be able to hold out long , and way would be made to further progress ; he therefore advised him to give over that Siege , and to joyn with him in the taking of Serravalle ; but Longueville persisting in his own opinion , redoubled his order with more efficacy ; Wherefore Villa leaving Serravalle , though unwillingly , forewent that Castle , and the Town which he had already taken : So the Governour having by the meer fame of his march luckily freed Serravalle , which was held as good as lost , he sent a sufficient Garrison thither to guard it , and furnished it with munition ; keeping afterwards in the Town of Bosco , he stay'd there , to keep the victuals and munition from coming to the enemies Camp , which were sent from Piedmont by Montferrate ; believing that the Enemy not being able to maintain that siege long for scarcity of victuals and munition , must of necessity give over the enterprize ; and to this purpose , he acquainted the Commonwealth of Genoa , how unjustly they intended to invade the State of Millain , and how prejudicial that would be to the Genoeses ; wherefore he exhorted that State not to afford any conveniencies to their enemies ; the Commonwealth hereupon took into consideration , how that all the Castles which she held beyond t●…e Apenine were open , except it were Novi , which was onely inviron'd with old we●…k walls ; and that sharing more of the sterility of the ne●…ghbouring mountains , then of the fruitfulness of the valleys of Lombardy , they are of themselves not onely unable to feed Forreign Armies , but even not onely to provide for themselves , and that they ●…eeded to be provided with victuals from their neighbouring Towns. Wherefore since they were more furnish'd with victuals from Novi then from home , the inhibition desired by the Governour would be superfl●…ous , and no ways helpful to his pretended end , but would be ve●…y prejud●…cial to those people , who would be thereby provoked to Military Licentiousness , by the pillaging and plundering the whole Countrey in resentment of the affront ; nor would the mischief cease here ; for the King of France would be offended with the Common-wealth for this action , which peradventure he would esteem little less then Hostile ; wherefore the Commonwealth having acquainted the Governour with these reasons sent a competent number of Souldiers to Novi , under Philip Palavicino , one well vers'd both in Civil , and in Military affairs ; and enjoyned him that he should endeavour the quiet of those confines , and to keep them from the inrode of disbanded Souldiers , and not to suffer any innovation whereby the liberty of that market might be prejudiced ; so the French whose quarters lay neer that Market , coming thither to buy victuals at any rates , the prises rise to such a heighth , as it drew great store of Victuals from the 〈◊〉 of Millian , which was no little ease to the French Army ; which the Spaniards not being able to suffer , who were for the most part quartered beyond Tortona towards the Poe , could not make use of that market , as the French did ; they complained of the Commonwealth , as if she had favour'd the French more then them ; not seeing , nor being willing to see , that almost all the victuals which were brought to Novi came from the State of Millain , and that they not being able by any means their own scourers of the Country could use , to keep their own subjects from bringing victuals to Novi , they were cause of that mischief●… to themselves which they pre●…ended to receive from the Commonwealth ; thus the French Army , without loss of any time , continued to besiege that Castle , about which having taken up their quarters , and drawn a line about it , they made four approaches toward it : two towards the City , and two towards the Mountain and Turenna's Regiment being quartered over against a certain half moon , he vvas forced by a gallant sally which was made to quit it ; the like to which befel another Regiment which was quartered upon the edge of the Ditch , it being bea●…en back by another fierce sally : several other sallies were likewise made with various Fortune , but for the most part with advantage to the opposers . And Bosco being inconvenient to the Governour Siruele , by reason of its ●…ar distance ; for he could not from thence hinder a convoy of powder which was sent from Cassalle , though he had sent the Marquess of Caracena to intercept it ; he thought he might keep out relief better by removing to Pozzola , which lay upon the rode way to Tortona from Novi , and Monferrate , not above six miles from Tortona , which was divided from thence by the Scrivia ; he therefore went thither with all his men ; but not being able to tarry there long by reason of the scarcity of water and forrage , and because he thought the Castle could not hold out long , he thought it necessary to give over the thought of bel●…guering the Enemies Camp , and to relieve it by open force ; he therefore resolved to go from Pozzuolo , and to march towards Sale , vvhich lies a little lovver tovvards the Poe , on the le●…hand of Scrivia ; he marched in battle array , in case he should be assaulted by the Camp from before Tortona , as he vvas threatned to be ; he vvas also moved to remove his quarters , hearing that Marquess Villa was gone from the Camp , and having past over the Scrivia was marched towards the Tanaro , to receive there a good quantity of powder , which he knew was to be brought from Cassalle ; which the Governour 〈◊〉 of , he had before sent order to Valenza that they might be careful to intercept it ; and those of Valenza were not negligent in observing his Orders ; for having assembled both Horse , and Foot from the neighbouring parts , they went in pursuit thereof ; and lighting upon the Convoy , they fell so furiously upon the Convoyers , as to save the●…r lives , and not being able to save the Powder , they threw a great part of it into the Poe ; and being come neer Bassignana , they left the rest upon the banks of the Tanaro ; and Marquess Villa being come to that River , and seeing the Country people busie in sharing the rest , he set Musketiers along the shore , for fear of whom the Country people fled , and left the Ammunition ; and Villa spying a Barque which lay hulling in the River , without any Boat-men , he made some of his men swim towards it , who took it , and brought over the Ammunition in it ; and laying it upon carriage-horses which they had brought to that end , they brought it safe to the Camp before Tortona , whither Villa came safe also before the Governour of Millain got from Pozzuolo to Sale ; who since he had mist of meeting with Villa in his return , as he intended to have done , he sent some of his men to recover Cas●…el nuovo di Scrivia ; from whence a Troop of Horse that lay there in Garrison going out to discover the Enemy , they skirmished with them , and were repuls'd by them ; and the keeper of the Castle at his return found the gates shut upon him by the Towns-men ; so as failing of that refuge , he went to Pontecurone , to joyn with the Horse which were quartered there ; and the Governour passing over the Scrivia with the rest of his men , went to Castel nuovo ; which made all the Country towards Tortona on this side the River be abandoned by the Enemies Horse and Foot which were quartered in those parts , who came all to the line of circumvolution about the Castle : whereupon the Governour went to Pontecurone , and finding it empty he made there a Rendezvous of Arms , and placed some Troops of Horse there which were newly come from the State of Millain ; and hearing that there were only 100 French in Garrison in the Castle of Voghera , he sent Forces to drive them out ; which was done without any difficulty ; for the French at the very sight of the Spanish Colours surrendred the place , and retired , as the rest had done , to the ●…renches about Tortona : all on this side the Scrivia towards Tortona being taken , and the Governour being master of the Field , he betook himself wholly to relieve the Castle , the Condition whereof he could by no means hear , so diligently we●…e all the Avenues guarded ; which made him much doubt the preservation thereo●… , not knowing how long it could hold out ; and it was given out by the Enemy that it would soon be surrendered : And yet because he would not be failing to himself , nor leave any thing undone which might make for the presesvation of so important a place , he was very diligent in getting provisions , whereby to keep the Castle from ●…urrendring ; wherefore he hasted to relieve it ; he knew he could not effect his design by any way but by that of the Mountain , wherein he was to meet with two great difficulties ; the first , that the Enemy foreknowing it , would fortifie the Trench on that side the more strongly , and would place his whole Forces there , since he could not apprehend fear in any other place : The other difficulty proceeded from the inconveniencies which were found in the scituation of the Mountain . The Castle of Tortona stands upon the top of a Hill , which being severed from higher Hills declines gently for the space of three miles on the East side of the City , which lies just at the Foot thereof ; so as the Governour , if he would relieve the Castle , was to begin from the highest and furthermost tops of the Hills , and by the ridge thereof appro●…ch the well munited Trenches which shelter the Castle on the Hills side : Nor was this all the difficulty ; about a mile before you come to the line of Circumvolution , the Hill declining by degrees shapes out a gutter , which falls into a Valley , whither he who will advance must fall down , and then climb up again to the opposite top : This gutter or slit was very incommodious and dangerous , if the Enemy should have munited the edge thereof , as it was probable they had done ; therefore the resolution of bringing relief was fuller of danger then hope : But the Governour , who thought the loss of this Castle to be the worst of evils that could befal , was resolved to try his Fortune ; he therefore took up two quarters on the very top of the Hill , and possessed himself of Montgualdone and Sarzano ; and falling down from thence , he came without any opposition to the Gutter or Slit ; where he found Longueville and his men on the opposite height well prepared to defend that Pass ; nor herewithall content , he fortified himself with a good Trench , and with Artillery , upon the edge of the top of his hill ; so as from thence he commanded all the Enemies Troops , and all the avenues by which he might be assaulted . The Governour being come to the slit , began also to fortifie the top of his hill ; and contemplating the Enemies advantagious position , he began to find , that he could not send to assault it , but by ways which by the fall of waters were made slippery , and which were so 〈◊〉 , as but a few could march on front ; so as to attempt an assault against a long , stout , well munited row of men , would be a great piece of folly ; there remained but one thing to be done , that he might not seem to have moved in vain , and to have done thus much to no purpose ; which was , to send some men to try an assault upon some Corps de guard which were without the Trenches , placed upon the hanging of the slit , neer a little solitary Chappel which was there , to see whether the Enemy being provoked thereby would forego his advantages , and fall rashly down into the Valley , whereby fighting in an equal place , way might be made for the intended succour ; as this conce●…t was idle , so proved it unuseful ; for though Marquess Villa came out of the Trench with his Horse , back'd with some Squadrons , and falling upon the assaulters , be●…t them back to a certain little house which they had formerly possest themselves of , and which stood in the middle between the two Camps ; yet no more was done ; but all the Corps de guard being sent for back , returned to the Trench ; and the French Commande●…s shewed themselves more wary in maintaining the advantage of their 〈◊〉 , then ready to hazard the unce●…tainty of Ba●…tle either upon equal or unequal terms ; and therefore the Governour finding that the Enemy was not minded to forego his advantage , he attempted , but in vain , to put 300 men by night into the Castle . Both the Armies kept their stations that night , the next day the rain increased ; so as the Spanish Army not being able to convey in their Victuals , and their Souldiers being exposed to the rain , the Governour was forced to think of retreating ; he therefore made his Horse advance , and left Don Vincenzo Gonzaga with a good strength of Horse and Foot , to keep the station where his Army was quartered till his Souldiers might be march'd off : who met with many great obstacles in their retreat ; for being to passe over the Gru , ( a little rivulet at other times , but which ran now with very much violence being much swollen by the fall of waters , ) they were fain to climb up a hill beyond it , and to draw up their Artillery by it , which by reason of the rain was become hardly passable ; wherefore they resolved to march both Horse and Foot by the current of the Gru ; wherefore the General of the Horse , Marquess Caracena , sent some Horse that night to guard the lower part of that rivulet , to defend the Army in its march , by whom he was afterwards informed , that many Horse were come out of the City of Tortona , marching towards Vighizvolo , by which the Army was to pass with their Artillery ; wherefore the Marquess doubled the aforesaid Guards , charging them to mark well the Enemies way , and to give notice of every the least proceeding : The Guards returned , averring their former advertisement , and , moreover , that the Horse and Foot marched toward the same stations that the Spanish Army had left ; whereupon the Spanish Army haulted , to consult upon what was to be done : the joynt opinion was , that they should continue their begun march , for that the advertisement might be false ; and if otherwise , they might by continuing their march get to Vighizvolo before the Enemy ; only Caracena opposed the general resolution , averring that the Horse which marched in the Rere should be so long held skirmishing by the Enemies Horse which advanced by the Valley , as the rest of the Enemies Horse which marched by the hill might come up unto them , and fall upon them , and that not being able for want of Foot to defend themselves , they the Spaniards would be routed , that the Enemy would pursue their Victory , and advancing forwards would also rout the Foot : he concluded therefore , that it would be better to bring all their men into one body , and keep in that station which was very strong , as being between two hills , which were higher then those on which the Enemy was ; and that keeping the Gru before them which ran between the two Armies , it was impossible they could fight them upon such advantage without passing over the Gru , which he desired the Enemy would dare to do ; for by so doing their utter ruine would undoubtedly ensue , and the loss of all their men , whereby they the French might obtain a signal vi●…tory ; and if , as it might be believed , the Spaniards might think this too dangerous , and so keep idle where they were , they might draw up their Artillery ; which might be done in one day or two , and the Baggage might march securely in the Rere . This advice was generally disliked , all of them persisting in their former resolution of marching along the Gru ; but the Marquess knowing the certain danger they should run into by that march , said resolutely he would not go that way , and gave order to the Horse to march the way he should direct them ; and was so resolute therein , as the rest changed their minds , and came over to his opinion ; and ere long , by an accident that hapned , his opinion was clearly found to be the best , and the only safe one ; a thick cloud arose upon day-break , which took away the sight of the Campagnia and of the hill ; which vanishing away a little after Caracena's opinion was approved of , several Troops of the Enemies Horse and Foot were discovered on the hill ; which made them all aware , what imminent danger the Army would have incur'd had not Caracena persisted in his opinion ; wherefore the whole Army very much applauded the Marquess , as their deliverer from so great a danger , and acknowledged themselves infinitely obliged to him ; and not long after they might see the French Troops which lay towards Vighizvolo joyn with those upon the hill , by which Caracena's counsel appeared to be the sole safety of that Army , which was at that time of such importance for the preservation of the State of Millain . Both the Armies kept their stations , not acting any thing : the French not daring to assault the Spaniards began to retire towards the Camp , two hours before Sun-set ; which the Spaniards perceiving they also removed , and went towards Pontecurone , whither it came without any encounter , but weary ; the Artillery was drawn by the Dutch of Prince Borso's Regiment , and by some others of the same Nation , by strength of Arms , up the hill , and safely brought to Pontecurone , for which they had good store of drinking money given them : a retreat , which the fuller it was of danger and difficulty , the more praise-worthy was it . The Besiegers thinking that the Castle would immediately be surrendered , now that the relieving Army was gone , whereby they were deprived of all hopes of relief , sent to demand the Castle ; but it was manfully answered , that affairs were not yet brought to terms of surrender . In this interim a great supply of Victuals and Ammunition was brought to the French Camp by the way of Acqui ; nor was Piedmont content only to send considerable succours to the enterprise of Tortona ; but the Dowager making use of this occasion design'd to take such Towns from the Spaniards as they were possest of , and to free Piedmont absolutely , whilst it was unprovided of requisite Garrisons . To this purpose she got together a considerable body of men , composed of the Military remainders in Piedmont , and drawn out of the Garrisons thereof , and of Montferrat ; to whom she added those that were sent by Marquess Villa , when he parted from Serravalle ; and this was approved of by the French and Piedmonteses ; for by sending of these men into the field , one of two things was likely to result : either the recovery of ●…e Towns , or the withdrawing of the Spaniards from defending ●…ortona ; and because the recovery of the Towns was the thing chiefly intended by the Dowager , her opinion was approved of by Marquess Pianezza , who propounded the enterprise of Verrua first , and next that of Vercelli ; not so much in consideration of their slender Garrisons , as for the safety and conveniency which would redound to Piedmont thereby , and for that nothing else would more div●…rt the defending of Tortona . And the manner of effecting both these enterprises being discuss'd , the French Embassadour who could hear no more acceptable news then the recovery of Verrua , which opened the way to France for the relief of Cassalle , joyn'd willingly with Pianezza in his opinion : Wherefore some Horse were sent to Verrua , to possess themselves of the Avenues thereabouts , that they might keep out the Spanish succour which might be sent thither from the confining Towns of Trino , Pontestura , or Villa-nuova . The good success of this enterprise consisted in expedition ; wherefore Pianezza having sent men by the Poe to this intended enterprise , and ladders and other necessary instructions along with them , he marched towards the Town ; where he applyed ladders that very night , by which he forced the Defendants to fly unto the Castle , so he easily became Master of the Town , which did facilitate the taking of the Castle . But before he would attempt it , he would try how the Defendants minds stood ; he therefore beat a Call , summoning them to surrender : whereupon they par●…ed , and the next morning yielded upon honourable conditions , by which the place was restored by the Spanish Governour to Pianezza , who received it in the name of the Dowager and the Duke . Verrua was a place of gre●…t consequence , by reason that it commanded the Poe ; which when Marquess Pianezza had so easily gotten , he bethought himself of greater enterprises , as to recover Verce●…li , where the Garrison was much diminished , by reason of the necessary defence of Tortona the Marquess cast his eye upon two Tenag●…ias , that of St. Andrea , and that of the Citadel ; which not being guarded answerable to their great●…ess seemed easie to be taken , if they should be attempted by night ; and when they should be taken would be a safe quarter against the City . But this business required more men , wherefore it had been forme●…ly thus ordered in Turin , that all the French should joyn with Govognes , Governour of the Citadel of Cassalle , who coming from thence with part of the Garrison should take the Tenagl●…a of the Citadel , and Pianezza with his P●…edmontese was to take that of Sr. Andrea ; but whilst this enterprise was in hand , it was inter●…upted by no sleight accident : The French Embassador ●…earing that Verrua was surrendred to Pian●…zza , who held it in the Dowagers name , began to complain , pretending that since the French concur'd in the enterprise as well as the Piedmonteses , the French were to have entred there in Garrison ; where●…ore he much resented that Pianezza should do so grea●… an injury to the King of France's Forces : Whereunto the Marquess answered , that he was the Duke of Savoy's Souldier , not Souldier to the King of France , that the Town appertained to the Duke , that the Spanish Governour had surrendred it to him , as to a servant of the Dukes , as ●…e had done in other the like cases , particularly in the recovery of Ceva , which was recovered by the joynt Forces of France and Piedmont ; wherefore he ought not have done otherwise upon this occasion ; but some distasts falling out hereupon , the Embassador sent Monsieur di Malici , Marshal of the Camp , and Governour of Pinarvolo , to command the French that were with Marquess Pianezza ; who being disgusted at this affron●… , turn'd over not onely the French , but the Piedmonteses also , to Malici , and r●…turned himself to Turin : For which Longueville was angry with the Emb●…ssador , and told him that this change of Commander was contrary to his instructions . Pianezza before he departed , acquainted Malici and Covognes , with what was resolved upon Turin touching Vercelli , who being advanced with their men to within five mile of that City , suddenly altered their minds , the cause not being known , and turn'd upon St. Ia , hoping to take it by a Scalado ; but they failed therein : for Monsuri●… , Camp-master and Captain of the Garrison , having had notice thereof , was vigilant and defended himself manfully , not only against the Scalado , but against several assaults , and repuls'd the Assailants much to their loss of blood : Who not knowing whither better to go , marched towards Tortona , to bring that real help thither , which they could not do by diversion , being sent for thither , as they said , by Longueville ; which resolution though it proved not so prejudicial as the assaulting of St. Ia , yet it did no good ; for being come to Acqui , where they heard that Don Vincenzo Gonzaga was come from Bosco to oppose them , and to keep them from going to Tortona , they haulted , waiting for an answer from Duke Longueville , to a desire made unto him by Marshal Malici , that he would send him a Convoy which might conduct him safe thither . Longueville and Prince Thomaso , were not well pleased ( as was said ) with their coming , for they despaired of good success in this enterprise , which proved every day more difficult ; and therefore desired any just occasion of quitting it with honour : They therefore were no sooner acquainted by Marquess Pianezza of what was resolved in Turin concerning Vercelli , and with what ease they thought they might take it ; but they thought they had light upon the occasion which they wish'd for , of changing the●…r languishing hopes of taking that Castle , with the recovery which they for certain promised themselves of the Citadel of Vercelli , upon which they pitch'd their thoughts , and were resolved to fall upon it when they first heard the City was taken ; and they were troubled that the others leaving Vercelli were coming towards Tortona : Wherefore they writ to the Marquess , wishing him to keep still at Acqui ; the Governour Siruela growing apprehensive of that City , by reason of what had hapned in Piedmont , and by the advancing of the French and Piedmonteses towards Vercelli , he sent some Forces from Pontecurone to strengthen it ; he had also sent Don Vincenza Gonzaga , with a body of Horse towards Bosco , to fall upon the succour and munition which past from Montferrat to the Enemies Camp ; who when he was come to the place intended , and heard that Colonel Mauzino was past over the Scrivia , and that he was gone with some Troops of Horse to seek forrage , went to meet him , and lighting upon him at Bazzaluzza , gave order to assault him ; which Don Diego di Villaroi , Captain of the Horse , who marched in the Van , presently did . And the Governour coming after with the rest , a fierce skirmish ensued , wherein many of those that were assaulted were slain , many fled , and many were taken prisoners ; amongst which Colonel Manzino himself , with many Officers and Souldiers , to the number of two hundred ; few of the Assailants were slain ; but Don Carlo Caracciola a Captain of Horse , whilst he was fighting valiantly according to his custom , was shot in the head by a Carabine , and kill'd . The Castle of Tortona , this mean while , was streightly besieged , and the besiegers being falne into the ditch , and got to the wall , fell to make Mines , and the workmen were very much prest by the Commanders , fearing lest being much lessen'd in men , & despairing of succor from Piedmont , by reason of opposition made by Gonzaga , they should be forced to give over the enterprize ; and the approach of Winter , against which they had no defence , made them despair the more ; another no small inconvenience befel them by Serravalle Garrison , which fell by night upon the neerest and greatest of the mi●…s which furnish'd the Camp with Grist ; and though they were play'd upon by a neighbouring company of Musketiers , yet they at last wan the Mill , and slew all the Musquetiers , set fire upon the Mill , and retreated with little loss to Serravalle ; the strong defence which was made by the Defendants made the taking of the Town be much doubted ; and the Governour not being able to make the Enemy remove , did what he could to incommodate them by keeping away succour , by turning the water from their Mills , by sending in slender succours secretly to the besieged , that they might hold out the longer ; hoping in what the Enemy feared , that the approaching Winter which began to be very bitter , it being now the midst of Novemb. would keep the enemy from working : but the besiegers diligence did much obstruct the stealing in of succour into the Castle ; so as though some relief was stoln in , yet being discovered by the Scouts they were forced to fl●…e ; at last , the Mines being ready to play , the enemy were wished to yield before fire should be given to them : who returned no answer , but that they expected commands from Spain ; fire was therefore given to the Mines ; some of which , particularly those which were towards the City , wrought good effect ; so as a strong assault being given , wherein many of the assailants perished , they at last lodged in the breach which was made in the Bulwark by the Mine : yet the Engeneer Prestino's diligence rendred that advantage vain ; who caused a defence of boords and rafters to be made , which cut off the Bulwarks on which the enemy were lodged from the Castle ; and the Defendants having munited that work on their side with a trench began to stand man for man , and to fight the oppugners upon equal terms ; which they might the better do , for that the Mines on the outside the Castle did but little hurt . Three hundred of the choicest Foot that were in the Spanish Camp were at this time convoy'd into the Castle , conducted by Don Diego Alvarado , Serjeant Major of the Neapolitan Brigade ; by which recruit the Defendants being encouraged , and furnish'd with ammunition , which every one of those that came in brought in a Wallet ride about their necks , sallyed stoutly out upon the enemy , and forced them to abandon the breach whereon they were ; the oppugners seeing so good a succour got into the Castle began to despair of the enterprize , gave over mining , which they saw did but little good , fell to their batteries again , more out of rage , then out of any good they expected thereby ; but it so hapned , that as they had got but little good by all their attempts which they had hitherto advisedly made ; so by this , from which they expected little or no advantage , the whose victor was occasioned ; for they made one shot against the Keep of the Castle , which beat down part of it , and the ruines thereof fell upon the remainder of the victuals , contrary to all expectation ; so as the Defendants having lost all their victuals , nothing but surrender was to be thought upon ; thus forced by necessity they parlyed , which ended in a surrender upon honorable conditions , having leave to carry away five piece of Cannon ; a thing not heard of upon the yielding up of places furnish'd with greater store of Artillery ; and it was also expresly covenanted , that they might have five days allowed them to expect if any relief or succour should be sent them ; which time being expired , and no relief appearing , they march'd out in number above 1000 Souldiers , with Arms , Baggage , Colours Flying , Match lighted , and with their five piece of Cannon , which served to trumpet forth their valour , and they were attended to the Confines of Allessandria , being very well received in all places , and much praised for the resolution they had shewed during the whole Siege ; Galleotti , in reward of the great valiour he had shewed in defending the Castle , was made Camp-Master ; which honour he did not long enjoy ; for he was unfortunately slain not long after with a Musket shot ; the Spanish Garrison marching out , the French entred on the 26 of November , which was the day of surrender ; who found the walls so torn and rent by the Mines and batteries , as not being easily able to mend them , they made what shift they could to defend them , with fagots , rafters , and other things ; the Conquering Army retreated to the neighbouring Towns , where having tarried some days , they at great rates got all the victuals they could from the neighboring parts , wherewith they furnish'd the Castle , and departed to Piedmont , but were much wasted and consumed ; and as they marched through Monferrat , they were yet more lessened by the great store of rain that fell , and by other sufferings ; a good part of the Horse being gone to the Confines of Montferrat , were strucken with a pannick fear at the meet same that the Governour of Millain was with an Army upon their backs ; So as running directly away they light upon a path that led to the Orba , a little rivulet , which being swoln by the fall of waters ran very swiftly ; those who came first to the water side , not being able to go back ( so fast were they followed by those that came after ) were forced into the water , where entangled amongst themselves , both the first and the last were miserably drown'd ; the foot fared no better for being dispers'd , some here , some there , they were pilladg'd , and slain ; the few that got to Piedmont were quartered in several quarters , and rallied ; so as , were it not for the getting of a deserted City , and a Castle which was half beaten down , the business prov'd prejudicial to both sides , and reciprocally ruinous . But it is true , that the taking of this City , and the recovery thereof by the Spaniards , was the occasion of the Piedmonteses recovery of many places which the Spaniards had taken in the former Wars ; which was no little advantage to the French and Piedmonteses ; for otherwise it would have been more troublesom and chargeable for them to have done it : The Governour of Millain , though he had done all that was possible for the preservation of the Castle that was lost , so as the loss the eof could not be ascribed to any default of his ; yet being very much troubled that it should fall out in the time of his Government , and that that had befaln him which had not hapned to any of his Predecessors , since the State of Millain was joyn'd to the Spanish Empire , he was grievously vext , and being desirous to repair so great a loss he minded nothing but how to recover it ; he therefore thought every hour a year till the Winter were over , that he might wipe away that stain which he thought lay upon him for that loss ; which he the rather hoped to do by the death which befel in France to the Cardinal Richlieu , whose Authority and Counsel , as they had kept the Enemies of France in terror whilst he lived , so they ceasing with his death , every one thought that so excellent an Architect failing to the good Government and prosperous conduct of the Affairs of that Kingdom , they would decline apace from that height to which they were brought whilst he lived . He died about the end of November , in the year 42 , of a natural death , after a long and noisome or troublesome disease ; he was very stiff for the advancement of the Regal Sovereignty , as also of his own Authority ; and this to that degree , that so he might arrive at any thing which might advance either the one or the other , he did not abhor doing any thing , though it were not clad with honesty nor justice ; so as he knew , better then any other , how to make use of that saying of Iulius Caesar ; That if reason were to be violated , it were to be violated for reason of State ; and therefore he was termed by some the new Tiberius of our times : he rose to such authority in the Court , and had so great a power over the Kings genius , as he was to have many encounters , and to shock not only with the Princes and Grandees of the Kingdom , and with the Queen Mother , but with the Kings only Brother , who was then Heir to the Kingdom : insomuch as the Queen Mother not able to tolerate such preeminence and authority , which did even out-do hers , went out of the Kingdom , and would never return , unless the King would remove the Cardinal ; which the King not doing , she lived an exile from France many years , and died in Cullen , a little before the Cardinal ; whither , having run through many Countries , she at last retired her self ; and the Brother , having gone several times out of France , for the same Reasons , and severall times return'd , not able to bear with so great a predominancy in the Cardinal , conspired often against him ; and how much the Princes and Grandees of the Kingdom were distasted with this transcendent authority , was shewn by frequent Conspiracies against it , and against the Government of the Kingdom ; not without danger sometimes to the Kings person . The people also , and the Provinces of the Kingdom , not able to bear with the many grievances which were laid upon them , for maintaining the immoderate expences of War abroad , did often rebel ; but all these Conspiracies and Seditions did rather encrease , and confirm his greatness , then any ways lessen it ; and the King himself was not able longer to endure it ; because all the Lords and Office●…s of the Kingdom , as well Gown-men , as those of the Sword , either dazled with the Cardinals so great splendor , or attracted by hopes of favour , or drawn by fear of hatred and revenge , which they saw they could not shun , followed the Cardinal , and did , as it were , worship him ; it was thought , that the last Conspiracy of the Grand Escuyer de France was not plotted without the Kings tacite consent , as being desirous to be rid of that over-shadower of his Regal Majesty ; and though the vanity of this opinion may be convinced by how easily the King might have supprest him , if he had listed , and by that the Conspirators held intelligence with the Crown of Spain , & had been promised assistance from thence ; yet it is very certain that the King being weary of such a Minister of State would , have been well enough contented to have had his wings clipt , had not the managing of the great affairs which past at the present through his hands made his service too necessary to his Majesty at this time ; howsoever it was , the Cardinal died , if not in the greatest voluntary and free favour of the King , which he had so abundantly enjoyed before ; yet in his forced and necessary favour , which did the more authorize it ; Forreign Princes also , who were Friends and Confederates with the Crown , had no less reason to complain of his rigorous actions , then the French : he having made them prove the acrimony of his genius , which was inclined by all means to his Kings advancement and greatness , as if not fully , may , in some sort , be comprehended by the context of this History ; and yet all things succeeded so prosperously both within and without the Kingdom , as that though he entred into the conduct of publick affairs when they were sufficiently full of trouble , variety of Religions , Factions and Contumacies , as well of the Princes as People ; and consequently in a tottering and dangerous condition , he restored the Catholick Religion fully , and supprest Heresies , and restored the Kingdom to perfect peace ; won credit to Military Discipline ; and re-ordered the publick Government excellently well in order ; he kept all Enemies not only out of the Kingdom , but assaulted them vigorously at their own homes : he did not only secure the Confines of the Kingdom , but did much dilate them by the acquisition of considerable Provinces ; and finally , he rendred the name of France glorious , and remarkable above all other Nations ; he died full of glory , and worthy to be honour'd for his singular service done unto the Crown , with the glorious Title of Pater Principis , & Patriae . Many attributed the felicity of so many actions to his extraordinary good fortune ; but because her wonted inconstancy repugns such continual good success , we must needs confess , that Cardinal Richlieu's actions were not carried on by the will of Fortune , but govern'd by a more then humane wisdom . The King , not without reason , bewail'd the death of this great Minister of State ; for he said well who said , that the bounds of the Forces of the Kingdom consisted in the Authority of his every where credited and feared Counsels ; and doubtlesly , the effects of so great a loss would soon have been felt , had not the same Cardinals providence , whilst he was yet alive , repaired so imminent a danger , by leaving a new successor to that Government which was like to be vacant after his death ; which was Iulius Mazzarini , whom we have often mentioned , who being at the Kings intercession created Cardinal not long before ; and brought by the said Richlieu , whilst he was yet alive , into the Government of the most important business of the Kingdom ; which shewed that he knew him to be the ablest man , and most capable of all others , to enter upon the conduct of Publick Government ; and therefore preferring the publick good before his private conveniences , and before the interests of those that were neerest to him in blood and alliance , he propounded him to the King for his successor , though he were a Forreigner , and an Italian by birth ; who after Richlieu's death , having by the Kings good will , taken the Reins of Publick Government into his hands , with fortunate presage , and more fortunate success , gave proof that the Kingdom wanted not Government neither at home nor abroad , nor found it any change of Governour ; so uniform do the Affairs of the Kingdom run now , as they did before ( as shall be said in its proper place ) and , if it may be lawful to say so , not onely equally well , but advantagiously better . Two moneths after Cardinal Richleiu's death , the Conde Duca fell from his grace of being Favorite in the Court of Spain ; wherein he had continued for the space of 22 years in absolute authority , but with universal hatred : which hatred , added to the great misfortunes with befel that crown under his conduct , was the occasion of his fall ; for the King , moved by the exclamations of so many people , who were discontented with the Government of this Favorite , and with the blame laid upon his publick and private comportments , from whence they professed all their disorders and misfortunes had proceeded , resolved at last to remove him ; and taking from him the management of publick and private Affairs confined him to Locches , not far from Madrid ; but not long after he was confined to Thoro , a City in old Castile , where after some years he died . Truly it cannot be denied , but that this Gentleman was very zealous of his Kings greatness , and was extraordinarily accurate in ordering publick affairs , wherein , foregoing all Sports and Pastimes , he was very assiduously diligent and careful . Moreover , he was not to be bribed ; nothing in him was vendible ; he seemed wholly intent upon the Kings grandezza , and upon the good Government of publick Affairs ; but these excellent gifts were , I will not say , corrupted with as many vices , but distemper'd by the excess of the same vertues ; for he , taking the advancement of the Kings and the Crowns Prerogative to be the most refined Maxime , and the end of all good and perfect Government , seemed so intent thereupon , as not at all minding the peoples satisfaction or interest , he cared for nothing else : not knowing that the peoples satisfaction is the true basis and surest founda●…ion of Principality ; and that no Empire that is violent is long lived ; so as this , which he thought to be the true and perfect Rule of Government , did degenerate ▪ into manifest Tyranny . Hence proceeded his immense desire of extinguishing the Liberty and Franchise which the Spaniards call Fueros , by which the Kingdoms and Provinces of Spain , under pretence of liberty and exemption , have always been willingly obedient to the Crown of Castile ; whereof they do boast much , and have been always careful exactors : but this State-minister not caring to distaste them in this which was the foundation of their ready and willing obedience , as Vassals to his Majesty , endeavour'd to annul those their Customs or Fueros , and to reduce the people of Spain into the form of meer Provincials , absolutely as subjected to the Crown of Castile ; which did so embitter their very souls , as made them fall into rebellion . Many have said , and it is generally believed , that this Minister of State did use the Catalonians with all extremity of rigour , purposely to make them rebel , to the end that upon that pretence he might deprive them of all priviledges as guilty of High Treason , and reduce them to meer subjection , till by his continual vexations he wrought his ends upon them , and gathered the bitter fruits of his Tyrannic●…l Counsels . The like be●…ell the Kingdom of Portugal , which being by rigor and bitterness compell'd to rebell , chose the Duke of Braganza , the only branch of Regal blood in Portugal , for their King ; which when the Conde Duca heard of he hasted joyfully to the King , as rejoycing at this rebellion , and c●…aved thanks from him for the good news he brought him , that he was now become absolute King of Portugal , and Master of all the Territories and Fortunes of the Duke of Braganza , which were very great in that Kingdom . Nor did this his tyrannous ●…allon confine it self only to the people and Provinces which we●…e subject to the Crown , but it extended to confederate friends and Princes ; who having been treated by the former Kings with all Love and Respect , and allured by benefits and honors largely con●…er'd upon them ; he began in an imperious manner to distaste , and af●…erwards to whip them soundly : His Government was grown so hateful to the very Castilians themselves , as he grew detested and abhor'd by them all ; the Grandees of Spain being in several sorts distasted and ill tre●…ed were not able to endure it , went voluntarily to the Court , and retired themselves from their own jurisdictions , so as the King was almost left solitary alone at Court ; it was observed that the two greatest Princes of Christendome were , at the same time , and by severall wayes , deprived of their chiefest favorites , and almost rob'd of that lustre and splendor which Princes use to receive from the numerous attendance of the greatest Personages of their Kingdomes . One of them by the excellency of Vertue , which drew them after her possessour , and with drew them from the King ; the other , by the hatred which all men bore to the Favourite , which made the great ones keep far from Court. Wherefore when the Favorites fall was hea●…d of , as the King returned ●…rom the Escurialle to the Court , he was met by ten Grandees a league before he came to Madrid , which caused the King who had not for a long time before been so attended , ask what the matter was , and if any strange accident had hapned at Madrid ? to which Don Melchior di Borgia answered , in all their Names ; that now the time was come wherein his Majesty should know the true devotion which the Grandees Spain bo●…e to the Crown and to his person ; and that if they had not waited upon him formerly as they ought , it was out of those reasons which were well known to his Majesty . Nor were they the Grandees onely that were distasted with the grea●…ness of the Conde Duca , but the Nobility and all other inferiour persons lived discontentedly , by reason of their hard usage ; and those few who enjoy'd any favour at Court came so hardly by it , as they thought it hardly thanks worthy . So as the Fountains of Regal bounty being shut up , and those of hardship and ●…igor only open , the publick Government was become nothing but severity , which made men only not dissatisfied , but mad and desperate ; and though he were not ignorant of all this , yet did he not alter his way of proceeding ; but being sure that all this hapned for his being wholly intent upon the Kings service , he did rejoyce and glory in it ; and if the Castilians fell not into rebellion , as did the Catalonians and Portugueses , or into conspiracies as did the French , it must only be attributed to their great continency , and to their obsequious devotion towards their King , which made them , by a singular example of Love and Loyalty , rather suffer the indiscretion and unbridled Will of the State-Minister , then under pretence of reforming the publick Government venture upon disturbing the publick Peace , to the prejudice of all men . All men , and himself acknowledged that fortune crost all ●…his undertakings ; and just as he was far from favouring other mens desires , so fortune appeared to delight in thwarting his . But though it may be true that his unfortunate Genius had a great part in ruining his designes , yet it cannot be denyed that much of his miscarriages proceeded from his choice of those whom he deputed to work his own and the publick ends ; for he alwayes prefer'd his own confidents before those that understood more then they ; and depriving himself and the Kingdom of their worthy parts , he commonly committed the carriage of the most important Affairs to the hands of unexperienced men , as may be seen by some unfortunate successes by us related . And so faulty was he herein , as having not long before his fall , declared one Iuliano to be his natural Son , and Heir to his County of Olivares , and Dukedom of St. Lucar , whom , as if he had been born again , he called Henry by his Fathers name ; and never having made any the least account of this Iuliano before , had suffer'd him to live a Vagabonds life in Taverns and Bawdy-houses , exposed to all those miserable adventures to which men that are so given are subject , even till by good fortune he had escaped an ignominious death , to which for enormous faults he was adjudged by Law ; this his declaring of his Son-ship was publickly confirm'd by Regal Authority , to the loathing and detestation of all men , but more particularly , to his neerest of Kin : Which hatred and detestation grew the greater , for that this new Henry having gotten nothing by his formerly led life but customs answerable thereunto , he had nothing in him of gentile or handsome , but a rusticity of manners , and an incapability not only of what was Lord-like , but even of what was civil , or like a Gentleman . To this his Declaration that this Henry was his Son , was added the undoubted succession of his Paternal Inheritance , which contain'd very large Territories and Titles , deriving from the supream dignity of Grandee , together with an infinity of riches . So as this new Henry was raised to the highest pitch of greatness in Spain ; and being desirous to match him nobly , he endeavoured to marry him to one of the prime Ladies of the Court , to the Daughter of the Constable of Castille , a chief Lord of Spain , who boasts himself to be descended from the race of five Kings ; & not being able to effect his desire , by reason of the Constables detestation of the match , not thinking that the immense wealth , nor the great titles honours , which this new 〈◊〉 had accumulated , was a sufficient recompence for the sordidness of his past life , and of his unhappy inclination , by which his blood and those that should descend from him should be contaminated ; which the Conde Duca pe●…ceiving , he got the King to command the Constable to consent to the Marriage without reply ; which the Constable would not give way unto , unless it were absolutely declared in the Matrimonial Covenants , that he was compell'd thereunto by the Kings Command . Nor did Olivares his vast ends and desires cease here , for he was ambitious to introduce him into the management of the principal Affairs of the Crown , albeit that his said sordidness , and the incapacity of his Genius was unfit for any imployment : So as at the very first step , he destined him to be President of the Indies , removing the Count of Castriglio , a worthy Gentleman , and meritorious State Minister , of much Power and Trust , from that place . He aspired also to procure him the honour which the Spaniards call Aio del Principe , to whom the Government of him that is to succeed , to be King of so many Kingdomes , and the instructing of him in noble and generous Sciences , belongs . Thus he by degrees aimed at the making him his Colleague , and to succeed him in his place of Favourite , which he could not believe that himself should ever fore-go , no not when he was even upon his downfall ; an example very unlike to that of Cardinal Richlieu . This Favourite being removed , the King would take the Government of the Kingdom upon himself ; which though all men were infinitely glad of , yet did not the change prove very happy , but the remedy came too late apply'd to the malady with which it was already gangren'd , and become almost incurable . Let us now return to the Affairs of Italy , which we have left off by so many digressions of Affairs in forreign Courts . February , in the year 1643. was not well begun , when the Governour of Millain march●…d into the field with his Army , which consisted of 5000 Foot , and 1500 Horse , and going out of Alessandria went to quarter in Figarvolo and Bosco , and sent the Marquess of Caracena from thence , with 2000 Foot , and 1000 Horse , by Pozvolo , to possess himself of the passes above Tortona ; who coming before day to the Scrivia , over against Tortona , advanced two files of Musketiers , whereby he made himself Master of the Capuchins Covent , which stands a little without the Gate that leads to Serravalle ; the French not being aware of him , by reason of the thick mist which kept them from discovering the Enemy , but finding , when the mist was over , that the place was taken , they presently endeavoured the recovery thereof , but in vain ; for Caracena advancing with 200 Horse , and with some Musketiers , drove them back into the City ; whither Don Iohn Vasques Coronado being come by the way of Castelnuovo with the other 3000 Foot and 1500 Horse , he possess'd himself of some houses neer the opposite Gate which looks towards Millain ; and not long after , the Governour came thither with his Guards , and Don Vincenzo Gonzaga with the Neapolitane Horse : here they called a Councel of Wa●… , whither Caracena was called for from his quarter , which was on the opposite side : in which councel they took not onely into consideration how they were to carry on the enterprize , but whether they should begin it or no ; in both which points the Captains of the Army did disagree : but the Governours desire prevailing , and for that they had already proceeded so far as there was no away left to avoid it , all other considerations were laid aside ; the rather for that Marquess Caracena , opposing the difficulties and delayes which were objected , touching only the taking of the Town , cleared all that could be said , by assuring them that he would give the City into their hands within less then two days . The quarters were therefore disposed of ; that of the Capuchins which was already taken was assigned to Caracena , and to Vasques that on the opposite side over against the Gate that leads to Millain , to which two Spanish Brigades were added . Caracena was also appointed to chuse a place for battery ; which being chosen he began to batter ; and a great part of the Wall being beaten down within two hours , the City capitulated . The Garrison which was left in the City by Longueville , and Prince Thomaso , were fifteen hundred Foot ; amongst which were many good Officers ; Monsieur di Frolenville , Governour of the City , commanded over them ; a Gentleman well experienced in Warre , who not finding himself able to defend the City with so few men , abandoned it ; and keeping the Covent of St. Dominico in his hands , retreated into the Castle : four Batteries were immediately erected by the Governour against this Covent ; from which the defendants not being well able to defend themselves , they tried to free themselves of that trouble by sallies ; in one of which the assailants had well nigh taken that station of St. Eufemia , from whence the Covent was most annoid ; but the frequent sallies did not incommodate the opposers so much as the season . The Country was laid desolate by the former Siege , from which no Forrage was to be had for horse , for the space of twelve miles , and there was great scarcity of all things necessary for humane life ; and , moreover , the store of rain that fell , and the earth being cover'd with Ice and Snow , hindred the making of provision ; and the excessive cold weather made the Souldiers unable to work ; they seemed to be more besieged by the season of the year , then the enemy was by them besieged . The Governour had foreseen these difficulties , and had in a great part provided against them , having made all things necessary be brought to the neighbouring places , and brought them commodiously to the Camp by Mules , which were provided on purpose ; he shelter'd the Souldiers from the cold by store of clothes which were already prepared for them ; he had made great provision of Hay and dry Straw for the Horses , of Bread and Ammunition for the Souldiers ; and what was wanting in these provisions was supplied by the constant suffering of hardship , which could not last long . The Army was not a little comforted by provisions of Victuals , and other things which they had from Novi , from whence and from the State of Millain victuals were sent in more abundance then formerly , as also from the State and City of Genoa ; which did much pacifie the anger of the Spanish Officers , who complain'd of the Commonwealth , for not keeping the like assistance from the French Army the year before ; and served to let them see that the Commonwealths good will was not lessen'd towards that Crown : Wherein the dexterity and discretion of Gasparo Franzone , sent in Commission at that time thither from the Common-wealth did much good , who behaved himself to the satisfaction of all parties , for the Spaniards were sufficiently provided with all things necessary from Novi ; and the French were also the like upon many occasions which they had of stealing succour into the Castle ; and upon many other occurrences , they found the Commissary not averse to their Interests . The Enterprise therefore ( though with many and infinite difficulties ) was continued till a better season , which they might prosecute more commodiously , according as the several inconveniences lessened ; and this the rather for that they were comforted in these their sufferings by being certain that they should not be disturb'd by any considerable succours : they knew that there were no Forces in Piedmont to draw into the field ; and the last years Army ( as hath been said ) was almost quite extinguished ; and the same rigour of the season withstood bringing of new supplies from France , to boot with the urgent occasions of Wars in Catalonia , Flanders and Germany , wherewith that Kingdom was opprest . Moreover , the Governour judging that the Castle was not over-well provided with Victuals , thought rather to take it by Famine ( after the first skirmishes and batteries ) then by the sword ; and the defendants were of the like mind ; who being left by the Duke of Longuevllle , and by Prince Thomaso , in great hopes of being relieved , and wanting Ammunition wherewith to maintain fight they held it better to spare those few that yet were left , till such time as the undoubted succour should come ; to the end that they then might assault the besiegers on their backs , and facilitate the succourers approach to the Castle ; so as the Governour forbore batteries , and they forbore sallies . Thus a kind of tacite truce and suspension of Arms seemed to be agreed upon between them . The Governour when he first resolved upon this enterprise , though he could not be disturb'd by new succours from without , for the aforesaid Reasons ; and therefore though he had begun the line of circumvolurion on the outside , yet thinking it better at the present to streighten the Castle with Trenches , so to keep them from sallying out , he gave over the line , and applied himself wholly in muniting , and fortifying himself against the Castle : but he failed in his account ; for the Governours falling upon Tortona being known in Piedmont and in France , both th●…se places resolved to prepare for defence of that place which they had gotten ; wherefore they began to make ready a great and gallant succour : Men and Moneys were sent by Sea and Land from France for this enterprise ; those which were sent by Sea landed in Oneglia , that they might go from thence to Piedmont , where in a short time there was a strong and well munited Army put together , which caused the Governour to alter his mind , who thought that the Victory would consist chiefly in keeping out succour ; wherefore he began to re assume the working of the other line of circumvolution which was already commenc'd ( as hath been said ) about the Walls of the City , which was full four miles in compass , and was begirt with Ditches , flanks , with Forts munited with Stoccadoes , and Fortifications both within and without ; the Work surrounded both the Castle and the City , serving to keep the City from being ass●…ulted from without , and the Castle from relief , if any should be brought : the outermost houses of the City towards the Castle were well munited , and the Streets mouths which led unto the Castle were stop'd up with earth , which served for a fence against the Castle on the inside ; and not content with all this diligence , and provision , the Governour strove to keep succour●…s far from the Castle as he could . To this purpose he sent 500 Horse towards the Frontiers of Montferrat , not only that they might keep back the succour which might come by Piedmont , but also that by laying the Country waste , they might keep the relievers from accommodations , if they should advance by that way ; nor did these diligences prove vain , for Monsieur Plessis Pralin , the King of France his Lieutenant General in Piedmont , and the Marquess Villa appeared together about the midst of March , in the year 43 , with 2500 Horse , and 5000 Foot , and advanced to St. Salvadore , within five miles of Alessandria ; and Prince Thomaso passing over the Dora with 1000 Horse , and 2000 Foot , threatned Novara , and the adjoyning parts ; wherefore the Governour , for the better security of those parts , had sent the Marquess Caracena thither , with a good strength of Horse and some Foot , most whereof were taken out of the meaner sort of people of that State , that he might observe what way the Enemy went , and cross his designs ; but the Prince returning quickly to Cassalle , and joyning with the French and Piedmontese Army , told them they must cast a Bridge over the Tanaro ; wherefore Caracena , by Orders from the Governour , went from the Novarese to Alessandria , to open that way , and to keep the Bridge from being cast over ; but the Prince finding himself opposed by Caracena desisted from his design ; and passing back over the Poe at Cassalle , he went with the joynt forces towards Palestre and Vespolano , and Caracena went to Mortara , where some skirmishes past between the Horse of either party , in one whereof Cavagliere Aiazza being engaged with 150 Horse was taken prisoner ; but Caracena fearing lest the Prince , to relieve Tortona by diversion , might fall upon some Town in that Marca , past back into the Lomelina and the Novarese , in pursuit of the Prince , to oppose his proceedings in those enterprises , whereunto he saw him most inclined . The Prince knowing that he was followed and observed by strong Forces approached sometimes neer Novara , sometimes neer Bremi , sometimes neer Mortara , as if he intended to fall upon all , or some of these places ; but durst not fasten upon any : but fell to over-running the Country , where plundering and pillaging the best things that were there , he much prejudiced the Inhabitants , and took away much Corn and Cattle , which for the most part he sent to Cassalle . Caracena being somewhat inferior in Forces , durst not face the Prince , who having more men was master of the field , and seeming as if he would march along the left side of the Poe to Giarvola , threatned to pass his men over there to the other side ; and so to go to the relief of the besieged Castle ; which the Governour having notice of , he got as many men as he could from Serravalle , and other places , dissolving the quarter at Pontecurone , and sent a great body of men , with six pieces of Artillery towards the shore over against Giarvola , to resist the Prince , if he should venter to pass over the River : which the Prince perceiving , he retreated again to Cassalle , intending to make way for relief by the Tanaro : which the Governour doubting , he sent Caracena and Gonzaga , with almost all the Horse , and between three and four thousand Foot , to defend that River ; wherefore the Prince resolving not to venture upon that Pass , threw himself at last before Asti , imagining that the Governour would either quit the Siege of the Castle , and come with all his Forces to defend Asti , or else would not at all move from the Castle : if he should not move he assured himself he should take Asti , by reason of the weakness of the Garrison , and the Inhabitants inclination to love him ; and if he should move , he should certainly relieve the Castle , and City of Tortona , and might peradventure take Asti also ; there were but 1000 Foot , and 200 Horse in Asti , under the command of Captain Pietro Gonzales , a valiant Commander : the Governour fearing the loss of that City , left a competent number of Souldiers before the Castle of Tortona , and recommending the care of that Siege to Don Iovan Vasques Coronado , went with the greatest part of his Forces into Alessandria , that he might offer at relieving Asti at a neerer distance ; the Prince at his drawing neer that City endeavoured to steal over the Tanaro ; and to this purpose having got a barque which served to pass travellers over the river , and a Mill which was fitted to the Haven , he by means of these past some Souldiers over to the Abbey of S. Bartholomew ; that they might raise a little Fort to guard that shore , where he left four Companies in Garrison : the Governour having notice thereof sent Don Vincenzo Gonzaga that way with 3000 Foot , and 200 Horse ; who when he came to the Abbey slew some of the Defendants , and drove other some away , took and destroy'd the Fort , and made himself master of the Ba●…que , and of the Mill ; and the next day the Governour came to the same Abbey , and clim'd up a hill together with the same Gonzaga , and the Marquess of Caracena , and Serra , from whence he discovered the City , and the Prince incamp'd before it ; and having by the consent of his companions sent 400 Horse over the Foord of Tanaro , to relieve Asti , giving the Captain express order , that as he went towards the Foord he should observe what signs should be given him from the hill ; and perceiving that the Prince marched with all his horse to withstand their passage over the Foord , the Governour made signs immediately to the Captain of the Horse , that he should retreat , who obeyed him ; the Governour by this unfortunate attempt lost all hopes of relieving the Town ; and not daring to forgo Tortona , wherein he was so much concern'd , for the preservation of Asti , which he could not possibly effect without coming to a battle ; which Gonzales foreseeing , or as some others say , being advised by the Governour so to do ; and finding it impossible for him to defend so great a circuit of Wall with so few men , after some shot was made , he agreed with the Prince to abandon the City , retaining the Cattle , and the Citadel , so as 200 Horse which he had with him might be suffer'd to pass safely into Alessandria ; which being agreed upon , and performed , the City came into the Prince his power , who presently fell to make Mines under the Castle , and Citadel ; so as the Castle being play'd upon by the Artillery , and molested by Mines , and some assaults , which were valiantly withstood , surrendred after three days space , upon condition that Gonzales might go with 200 men which he had with him into the Citadel ; whereupon the Prince got the Castle , and fell to besiege the Citadel , which not being able to hold out for want of Victuals did ere long sur●…ender upon honourable conditions , by which Geonalea with the Garrison went safe into the City of Alessandria , and the Prince by the full victory of that City became also master of the Tanaro ; the Governour foreseeing that Asti being taken the Prince would presently fall to relieve Tortona , and to that purpose that he began to send quantity of provision into Nizza , and Asti , ordered Marquess Caracena to go with Horse and Foot to the taking in of Acqui : whereunto Caracena thinking that it was needless to use Cannon by reason of a breach that was in the wall , which though it were fil'd up with earth and bavins , he went to give an assault on that part : but not being able to force it , he tarried there till Cannon were brought from the City of Alessandria , which as soon as the Citizens saw they surrendered Acqui , their lives being saved , the womens honours preserved , and respect being born to Churches : that the Citizens might suffer less prejudice , onely the Spaniards were suffer'd to enter , who sent much of the meal that they found there into Annone , and much whereof during the Siege was carried into the Castle : about which Caracena not willing to busie himself , especially since he had sent back the Cannon into Alessandria , he sent Colonel Stoz with great part of his men , to oppose a body of Horse which was sent by Plessis , and Villa , to relieve the besieged place ; which relief being repulss'd by Stoz , Caracena past on to Rivalta in Montferrate , where he fell to lay the country waste , as well to feed his Horse with the unripe corn , as to incommodiate the succorers in their march , as much as he could : 800 Neapolitan Horse were at this time come unto the camp , which the Governour sent to Pozzvolo , and the parts adjacent , that they might keep off whosoever should come to relieve the place besieged : he moreover caused deep ditches to be digg'd about the line of circomvolution , and , finally , ommitted not any thing that was necessary for the obtaining of the victory , which he so much desired . Souldiers came also daily to within the line from the States Militia , and many Millainese Lords , amongst which Prince Trivultio , who in the siege the year before came to the camp with 1500 Foot and 200 Horse , all of them being his own Vassals , and at his own charge conducted ; and not at all wearied with so great an expence , he was one of the first that came now to the recovery of the lost City : Prince Thomaso came also with so numerous a succour , as was thought could not be withstood ; and foording over the Scrivia four Miles beneath Tortona , he came to within four Miles of the City ; and kept his men in the Towns of Alvernca , and Castellari , which are at the Foot of the hill ; the next day being accompanied by Marquess Villa he went up the hill with four hundred Horse , to discover the most convenient stations , which when he had done , he caused his men to come up the hill with the Artillery , and placed them in Ranks , together with the Artillery against the Line , and made as if he would presently fall to an assault , but did not ; the Spanish Army was ran ked on the other side , with in the Line , with their Artillery , ready to receive and repulse the threatened assault , but resolved not to stir out , nor to forgo their advantage , nor to hazard that victory which they thought they were sure of as long as they kept within the ●…renches ; at last after four days , the Prince drew off , and foregoing the thought of relieving the City , and consequently the victory which he had so much striven for , he came down the hill on the same side that he had come up , making his Rere his Van , & his van his rere ; being come upon the plain , he made some shot towards the Castle , which served for a sign to the Desendants to wish them to surrender ; which they did the same day upon Honourable conditions , of carrying with them four pieces of Cannon ; they marched out to the number of 1300 , and were convoy'd to Rivatella whither the Prince was retreated . The Prince retreated some days after towards Asti , and in his passage much prejudiced the parts of the S●…ate of Millain through which he went ; the Souldiers sack'd the Noble rich temple and Covent del Bosco , erected formerly by Pope Pius the fifth , who was born there , and had endowed it with many ●…ich revenue●… , and had furnished the Vestry wonderful richly ; The Prince lay idle with his Army some days in l'Astigiana to refresh them ; and finding how prejudicial it would be to make any acquisition in the State of Millian , he thought it would be better to rec●…ver the Towns of Piedmont which we●…e yet held by the Spaniards ; and to joyn with other Forces which the Dowager then raised to recover her own Towns : for when she saw Prince Thomaso gone with the Army to relieve Tortona , she gathering together all those that remained to defend Piedmont , sent them under Count Broglio , together with her own guards , and those of her Sons , to recover Villa nova ; which was reinforced , by orders from the Governour , by two hundred Horse , which were sent thither from Trino and Pontestura , as soon as he discovered the Dowagers intentions : so as it seemed to be sufficiently secured ; wherefore the Dowager , as soon as the Prince was return'd with the Army from Tortona , sent Marquess Villa thither with his own Cavalry onely , to keep the French from concurring in the enterprize ; Villa when he was come to the camp weighed the condition of the place , which being seated in a plain , far from any woods , from whence onely he could have bavins to make Trenches , that place appeared untakable ; being therefore content to besiege it at a distance , he imploy'd himself in keeping out succour , and in laying the Countrey waste , so to bring the Towns-men to surrender ; and the Commander of the Town coming within a few days to Parly , the surrender was agreed upon , on condition that the Articles should be allowed of by the Governour of Millain ; and being commanded by the Governour to make good the Town , for that he would come quickly to relieve him , the treaty broke , and the siege continued ; during which time the French Army was recruited with new men brought by the Viscount Turin ; so as those being added to the Dowagers men , the Army was made 15000 Foot , and 5000 Horse . Prince Thomaso was to command them all , for Longueville was already returned to France ; wherefore the Prince , hearing that for certain there wa●… but 600 Foot in Garrison in the City , of Alessandria , and his own recrui●…es considered , thought it not fit to let slip the opportunity of making himself master of that City either by Scalado , secret intelligence , or by storm ; for he thought his Forces so far superiour to the Garrison , as he should meet with no resistance ; and hoping that when he should have taken it , it being almost upon the confines of Piedmont , he might keep it more easily then Tortona , which was far from thence , he joyned his Forces to those of France , and of the Dowagers , in the plain of Cassalle , and betook himself to the enterprize with firm opinion of good success ; being come to the Walls of Allessandria , he quartered himself in the Orchard neer thereunto , on both sides of the Tanaro , and sent Viscount Turen to take up his quarters on the East side . The Governour Siruela began ●…o doubt Valenza , by reason of the joyning of the Forces in the Plain before Cassalle , and by the Prince his sp●…edy march ; wherefore he went from Pavia where he then was thither ward , giving order to his men to follow him : But having heard before he came to Valenza , that the Prince was gone with all his Forces to before Allessandria he was much more surprised , by reason of the small Garrison which he knew was in it ; wherefore he sent for Count Galliazzo Trotti and ordered him that he should endeavour by all possible means to get quickly into Allessandria with all the Horse that he could muster . Trotti failed not in obeying his orders , and having gathered together about 1500 Horse , went about it , he knew that it was not safe to enter by the Gate which was nearest Valenza , because the Prince was incamp'd before it ; he therefore resolved to enter by the Gate which looks towards Genoa , on the opposite side . But doubting Count Turen , who he knew was incamp'd on that side , he marched towards Tortona , seeming as if he went to guard that City ; and when he was advanced so far by that way as none could observe him , he returned on the right hand and went towards Castellazzo , where he past over the Bormio , and deceived Turen , who conceiving that ●…is march towards Tortano was but feig●…ned , and that he would soon return by the same way ▪ & foording over the Bormia there would endeavour to get into Allessandria , set himself to guard the foord over Bormio , which is usually fr●…quented by those which pass to and again from Tortona , which foord lies four miles below that of Castellazzo , hoping to light upon him the●…e in his return . But Trotti who had past over Bormio a little higher ●…ame without any obstacle , about break of day , to the walls of Allessandria so unlooked for , as he was plaied upon by the Cannon as an Enemy , till Colonel Stoz , who was very well known , advanc'd , and assuring the Defendant that it was succour , was received with infinite joy and Jubi●…e . Trotti being entred with so great are inforcement , Don Antonio Sottello , Governour of the City , being as it were revived from the dead , went out and fell upon the Prince his quarters , where there hapned a long and bloody skirmish , which continued till the coming on of night ; when the Prince finding for certain that so great a succour was entred , and consequently failing of his hopes , thought it best to make use of the obscurity of night , and to retreat ; so the City of Allessandria was miraculously free'd . Count Siruela ended his Government honourably with the recovery of Tortona , and the freeing of Allessandria from so neer and so imminent danger , who was succeeded by the Marquess of Velada , who was come from Flanders , where he had been General of the Horse , and was therein succeeded by the Marquess Caracena ; who having qui●…ted the place of General of the Horse in the State of Millain , wherein he had succesfully served , went to take the like charge upon him in Flanders . As the beginning of this Government met with no favourable succe●…s ●…o fared 〈◊〉 not much bette●… afterwards , Villa nova was surrendred to Marques●… Villa ; not without some imputation to the Governour of the Town , who being cited to Millain to give an account of 3000 sacks of Corn , which together with the Town were delivered to him , by which he might have maintained the Town longer , he durst never appear ; wherefore he was thought guilty of fraud in delivering up the Town : This loss was ere long followed by the like of Trino ; for Prince Thomaso retreating from Allessandria to Cassalle , after having stay'd a while in those parts , causing no little jealousie in the Towns of the State of Millain , confining upon Piedmont , he at last sat down before Trino , the Garrison whereof he knew was lessened a little before by the new Governour . But having quartered his men at his first arrival in the neighbouring Towns , and keeping as it were idle for three dayes , he gave occasion for the entring of two succours ; the one of two Companies of Horse , and one of Foot from Vercelli , the other of 300 Dragoons from Bremi ; so as the Prince beginning to believe that if more relief should be suffer'd to enter , the enterprise which he thought would have been easie would prove otherwise , he began to begirt the Town at a nearer distance , and drew his line round about it ; and whilst this was in doing , the opposers advanced by a covered way to a half moon , who being repuls'd by a fierce sally made by the Governour Batteville , were forced to retreat a little with much loss : But the line being afterwards perfected , the Prince , with his Brother Don Mauritio , and Viscount Turen , divided the out-fortification between them , and fell to take the half moon ; which when they had taken , they betook themselves to the Cities Bulwark , and made a great mine underneath it , which made a great breach , by which the Prince did verily believe he should enter the City . Wherefore before he came to an assault , he intimated to Batteville , that he would have him surrender ; which Batteville refusing to do , a fierce assault was made , which being thrice given was thrice repuls'd with loss to the Assailants . But the Prince preparing for another assault , Batteville who found his Munition grow low , his men weary by their long pains taking , by their continual watching , and not able to make any longer defence , surrendred upon honourable conditions , in case he should not be relieved within five dayes : Which being expired , and no relief appearing , he march'd with his men out of the Town , which was delivered over to the Prince , and furnished with a French Garrison , as were all the other Towns of Piedmont which were regain'd . The Prince went from Trino with his Army much lessened , by the running away , sickne●… , and death of many , occasion'd by the badness of that ayre , the malignity whereof had influence not onely upon the meaner sort , but upon the chief Commanders ; for Turen , Marquess Villa , and his Son Count Camerano , fell sick , and were forc'd to return for cure to Turin . Nor did the Prince himself scape free , for falling sick of a Fever he tarried many dayes in Inurea , so as the care and government of the Army fell to Monsieur Plessis Pralin , who being recruited with more men from France sat down before Pontestura ; where meeting with no resistance save only some sallies which the Garrison made upon his quarters , he proceeded slowly in the siege ; but having afterwards gotten into the Town by a breach made by Cannon , & taken it , he soon a●…ter took the Castle ( upon conditions of fair war ) whereinto the Garrison was retreated ; which Castle was afterwards demolish'd by the French that they might not be forced to munite it , ( as would have been requisite ) with a good Garrison . Thus did the Spaniards lose the Towns in Piedmont , which they had gotten with much effusion of blood , and expence of moneys , hoping to make themselves thereby sole Arbitrators of that State , and to keep the French out of the State of Millain : But by the misfortune of the Affairs of that Crown , they failed in these designs ; for the Forces which were sent thither from Spain , having occasioned the coming of the French thither , the Spaniards saw the French not only possest of many Towns , and even of the Castle of Turin , but of those which were taken by the Spaniards , and which they recove●…ed , just as befel the Citadel of Cassalle ; so the Spaniards saw the French become Arbitrators of Piedmont and Montferrat , and saw them come even to the Confines of the State of Millain . The new Governour finding his Forces too weak to make resistance minded more the defence of the State of Millain , then the maintaining of what the Spaniards had gotten in Piedmont ; wherefore he gave himself wholly to view the Forts , to furnish them with all things necessary , and to re-enforce them with strong Garrisons , in case they should be assaulted , as he feared they would be ; there rema●…ned nothing to the entire recovery of Piedmont , but Vercelli and St. Ia ▪ Vercelli had so strong a Garrison in it , and was so abundantly furnish'd with all provisions , as it was judged vain to attempt it without a puissant Army ; and St. Ia , now that both Armies were retreated to their Winter quarters , was rese●…ved for one of the first enterprises of the next Campagnia ; so as the Military affairs being by the sore Win●…er reduced almost to a taci●…e Truce ; Prince Thomaso growing to confide more in the Court of France , now that Cardinal Richlieu was dead , resolved to go thither ; from whence he retu●…ned much satisfied with not only honourable favours , but with imployments of great authority , being made General●…ssimo of the French Forces in Italy , with power to use them in what enterprises he should please , for which he had good pay assigned him , and good store of men . The pay came to 200000 pounds Sterling ; and the men to 12000 Foot and 3000 Horse . The Prince being return'd went into the field the beginning of the next Spring ; and entring into the lower Montferrat , entertained himself in the Langhe in affairs of small impor●…ance ; then going to Cassalle he sent Don Mauritio with a good strength of men towards Arona ; and following afer himself with the rest , he endeavoured to take it ; which he easily might have done , had not Camp-master Fra Iovanni Pallavicino , who marched with incredible speed , prevented him with Morta●…a's Brigade . Count Riviera accompanied Pallavicino in this march with a few men , and being both of them come in 24 ●…ours to Anghiera , fi●…ty good miles from Mortara , they found Don Mauritio before Arona , busie in digging Trenches and raising Bat●…eries ; and ●…he Prince meeting with so great opposition , and hearing that the Governour drew n●…er with all his Force●… , resolved to give over the enterpri●…e , and returned with all his men into Piedmont : whither w●…en he was come , he sat down before St. Ia , and having made his Approaches , and his Batteries , he gave himself wholly to the taking of it ; but he was detained by an accident of no small importance ; for the City of Alessandria having kept her Gates lock'd one whole day ; about two a clock at night , sent out 1500 Horse , under Don Vincenzo Gonzaga , and two Foot Brigades : the one of Pallavicino's , the other of Don Gregorio Britto . Gonzaga was to take the City of Asti , and Pallavicino and Britto the Citadel ; Gonzaga failed of his intent ; but Pallavicino and Britto fared better ; for coming by night to the Citadel , they assaulted it at unawares , and took it before the Garrison , which was but weak , were well awake . The Dowager and the Prince , hearing of this so sudden and so unexpected success , sent both of them speedily to repair it . The Dowager , with fortunate speed , sent the Companies of her guard and of her Sons , commanded by the Counts of Aglie , Feusasco , Piusasco and Tana , who coming hastily to the City with their Souldiers , which were 300 Horse , and some Foot which they took up in their march , entred the City in sight of the Enemy who having taken the Citadel meant to take the City , which they easily might have done , had not the Citizens and the Garrison , who were encouraged by this recruit , put themselves in a posture of safety , not fearing to be over-powered , as they had hourly reason to doubt before ; they therefore breathed a while , expecting the Prince his coming ; who not being able to march so fast , by reason of the number of men which he brought with him to relieve the languishing City , came thither just then when the Enemy , by reason of his appearance , thought it good to draw off from the City , to the necessary defence of the Citadel . The Prince having reduced the City to her former condition of safety , did so munite it , as that it was not only able to defend it self , but to threaten the Citadel ; and retreating to Camerano he gave himself to impede any attempt which might be made by the Spaniards , who notwithstanding conveyed both men and munition into the Citadel , which were sent them from the Governour , who was come into Alessandria : but the Siege of St. Ia , although somewhat disturb'd by this accident , was not given over ; for the Prince having substituted the Governour of Cassalle , Covogne , in his place , it was strongly continued ; the Town was much plaid upon by batteries , and sallies stoutly repuls'd ; insomuch as Don Diego Alverado , who was Governour of the Town , having made honourable resistance , when he saw the Town was no longer to be maintain'd , surrendred it upon honourable conditions . The Prince having rid his hands of this business , betook himself wholly to the recovery of the Citadel of Asti , which being besieged , and batter'd in vain , held out , and did not only annoy the besiegers with their great and small shot , but even the City it self ; but not being able to do any more , it yielded to the Prince ; who , since the defendants had suffe●…ed themselves to be reduced to the utmost extremity , would not receive them , but upon discretion ; which he used , notwithstanding , very modestly , suffering the common sort to go forth friendly , and detaining their Captains and Officers only till such time as two piece of Cannon , which were drawn out of the Citadel , were restored by the Governour , and some prisoners of War that were in his hands . The City and Citadel of Asti being freed , the Prince went with some 5000 Foot into the Langhe ; and having left Marquess Villa , with the Dowagers Horse , for a relief on his back , he advanced to the Ligustick Sea , even neer to Finale , intending to fall upon that Marquisate both by land and sea , when the French Fleet should be come from Catalognia to Provence , and to make himself master of it ; and the Prince being already come to the Gates of the Town was lodged in the Church called Pia , within Musket-shot of Finale , and had taken up some other convenient quarters . The Garrison was but weak in Finale , a good part thereof being sent two days before by Don Iohn di Castro , Governour of that Marquisate , to defend Cingio , fearing lest the Prince should assault it ; and it wanted provision of bread , but both these wants were supplied by Genova the Spanish Embassadour : victuals were sent thither by Sea , and the Governour sent Fra. Iovanni Pallavicino with 1300 Foot from Millain , who with no less speed and fortune then he had done at Arona , past over the Mountains neer Genoa , and being come to Voltri went by the sea side to Finale , where he entred with his men before the face of the Enemy . The Prince had not brought victuals with him to feed his men in that barren Country , for he expected to be furnished therewith by the French Fleet ; which not appearing , the Prince seeing the Town well recruited and provided , himself and his men in great scarcity of victuals , and hearing that the Militia gathered together apace round about , knew he could not tarry there without much danger ; wherefore he gave over the enterprise , and retreated into Montferrat , freeing that Marquisate from the danger it would have fallen into , had the Prince tarried therebut one day longer ; for the very next day after his departure the Fleet appeared at Sea ; which hearing that the Prince was gone towards Montferrat , return'd also to Provence , from whence it was come . This being the last thing that was done by the Spaniards , French and Piedmonteses , in the year 1644 ▪ ( for the Armies were sent to their Winter Quarters , after this business of Finale ; ) We will end this our second part : and in the third , will treat of the Wars which were raised elsewhere , between the Pope , on the one side , and the Commonwealth of Venice , the great Duke of Tuscany , the Dukes of Modena and Parma , on the other side ; which having hapned at the same time that these by us related did , we , that we might not confound order in the Affairs of the two first Books , have reserved for the following part ; where looking back they shall be related and pursued with all truth and sincerity . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A33560-e117500 † Caesarve priorem , Pompeiusve parem — Lucan lib. 1 :