All the famous Battles that have been fought in our age throughout the world, as well by sea as land, set forth at large, lively described, beautified, and enriched with sundry eloquent Orations, and the declarations of the causes, with the fruits of them. Collected out of sundry good Authors, whose names are expressed in the next Page.  
IMPRINTED AT LONDON by Henrye Bynneman, & Francis Coldock.   

Authors from whom this work is selected.  
JOnius, Both the Guicciardine's, Natalis Comes, Popelliniere, Bizari, Patten, and other the most approved Historiographers, that have best blazed these matters, beginning at the Battle of Tarro, in Anno Domini. 1495. where jonius and Francis Guicciardine begin their Histories, and continuing until the famous Battle of Lepanto, in Anno, 1572. where the Turkish power was discomfited on the Sea under the conduct of Don john of Austria, collected by john Polemon.   

¶ TO THE RIGHT Honourable, Christopher Hatton, Captain of the Queen's majesties Guard attending upon her most royal person, vicechamberlain to her Highness, and one of her majesties most honourable privis Counsel.  
MY especial trust is, that your Honour will pardon my boldness, in making you patron of this work: which when I had caused my friend to collect, and translate out of sundry approved Authors, and thought that it could not but generally delight all Noblemen and Gentlemen of this Realm, I weighed with myself what particular parsonage was meetest to be presented therewith: At length, remembering your Honour, and considering not only what room you are placed in, but also with what valiant and noble mind you are endowed: I chose you before others, being glad that I had so fit a work to dedicated unto so worthy a Patron. Beseeching your Honour to accept of this sign of good will and loyal intent. I need not commend the worthiness of the work, or the true setting down of every Battle therein contained: each Author hath his several title where he is inserted, according to the course of the History, whose credit shall sufficiently commend their Description. Wherefore I cease, wishing unto you Galens' health, Croesus' wealth, and Naestors years, with increase of honour, and the attainment of perfect felicity.  
Your honours most ready at commandment, HENRY BYNNEMAN.   

The battle fought in Anno Domini. 1495. at Tarro in Italy, not far from Parma, between Charles the French King, the eight of that name, and the Venetians and Milanese, under the conduct of the Marquis of Mantoa.  
MAximilian the Emperor, Ferdinand the King of Spain, the state of Venice, Lewes Duke of Milan, and A●exander the Bishop of Rome, being streken into fear with the rare felicity of Charles the French King, who had without wound conquered the rich Realm of Naples: about the first of April in Anno. 1495. made a solemn league between them, with these conditions, that with one consent, and common charge, they should set forth so greatea power both by Sea and land, as should be thought sufficient to defend their common safety. And for the furnishing of this exploit, the Spaniard had sent a strong Fleet into Sicily with five thousand footmen, and six hundred Horsemen: the Venetians had rigged forth a Fleet of forty Galleys, and also for a supplement of their power by land, had hired a great number of light Horsemen in Epyrus, Macedonia, and Peloponesus: the Milanese levied soldiers in Germany, the Emperor promised to descend himself into Italy with an invincible army of Almains. But the French K. being much moved with this unlooked for conspiracy of those Princes, the which although it was said to be concluded only to defend themselves, yet he knowing it was stricken against him, thought it best being then in Naples, speedily to return unto Rome, and from thence into Lombardie, meaning by his sudden coming, to discourage the unprovided Pope from his intended purpose: wherefore leaving the rest of his power bestowed in garrisons in most opportune places of the Kingdom of Naples, marched towards Rome with four thousand Horsemen, as well men of arms, as light Horsemen, besides the ordinary retinue that the men of arms do accustomably draw with them, and about eight thousand footmen of Swissers, Almains, and Gascoignes, besides a sufficient furniture of great ordinance, and namely of field pieces. With this power he entered Rome without resistance, (the Bishop and his Cardinals being fearfully fled.) But when he was come unto Pisa, he had intelligence that Lewes the Duke of Orleans (whom in his expedition unto Naples, he had willed to remain at Asti, in the frontiers of Piedmont, with a strong band of Horsemen, and also having heard of this league of the Princes, had commanded to levy Soldiers in all places near abouts,) had taken Novara, a City belonging unto the Duchy of Milan. The taking whereof, made Lewes the Duke of Milan very earnestly to desire the Venetians speedily to set forth a power, seeing he could not in that iniquity of time obtain present aid of any other of the confederates to stay up his staggering state. The which the Venetians did both gladly grant, and speedily accomplish: their army being within few days in the field, at the bank of the River of Oglio, the General whereof they created Francis Gonzaga, Marquis of Mantoa, a lusty young Gentleman, desirous to serve in the wars, and win renown: with whom they joined according to their manner, two Venetians Lieutenants, or Providitori, Mel●●nor Crevisano, and Luke Pisano.  
In the mean time the King hasted with great journeys to pass the Apennine Mountains, and to join with the Duke of Orleans before the power of his enemies (which he had intelligence were levied in all quarters, and passed the Po) were come unto the straits of the Apennine. Troublesome and painful was the carriage of his ordinance down unto Burgo from the steep Mountains, where the wonted Horses could not draw them, for the shelving and winding of the ways, but the Soldiers were forced to transport them with their hands and shoulders, and every Horseman to carry a pellet of fifty pound weight before him on the pommel of his Saddle. From Burgo they began at the length to come down into a broader way, which leadeth to Foronovo, and sent before the Marshal Gien leader of the vanguard, with a strong band of Horsemen and footmen, and with him Antony Bassey, the Colonel of the Swissers, and james Trivulzi a Milanese, to take up a place at Foronovo for the army to encamp in.  
The King used Trivulzi as it were for his guide, and reposed great trust in his counsel, both for his singular knowledge in martial affairs, and in the Country, and also for the old enmity between him and the Duke of Milan, whom he continually sought to annoyed unto his uttermost, whereby he grew afterward to wonderful riches, and great martial glory, to the destruction of all Italy.  
Now was the Marquis of Mantoa (with whom had joined the Earl of Giazza with the power of Milan) at Glareola, a Village on the farther bank of the River of Tarro, in a place very commodious, not only to bridle the Parmesanes, if they should attempt to revolt, but also to be a sure guard to the fortresses near abouts, and finally if the King would march on forward that way, to set upon with all the Venetian power in a place of great advantage, his vanguard as it came down the hill.  
In this mean time whilst the Frenchmen approached unto Foronovo, Gonzaga having intelligence by spies of their coming, sent the light horsemen before, the chiefest conduct of them being assigned unto Nicholas Annonio, a Slavon, a very valiant man, to stay the Frenchemenne by skirmishing with them, until he were come with the strength of the men of arms, and the light bands of the footmen.  
They valiantly do his commandment, and suddaynelye giving a charge upon their enemies, disordered them on all sides, and many being slain and taken, and also one Ensign gotten, forced them very fearfully to turn back, before that the men of arms, and the aid of the footmen could come, which foil happened unto the Frenchmen, because they were not acquainted with their manner of fight: for when the Frenchmen with a certain fervour of fight, did more eagerly pursue the Greeks, at once both courageously charging, and also with great art fleeing back, and thereby did break their array: the Greeks did suddenly again return into the fight, and then many of them and light, did set on the Frenchmen, being dispersed one from another, and laden with armour, and also unwarely floung forward, and so easily beat them down with their hooked and very heavy Turkish swords or mauls of iron. Gonzaga seeing the Horsemen wearied with a long and painful journey, revoked them from pursuing of the enemies unto their Camp: and contented with this good success, returned unto the army, all his men being very joyful, and many bearing the heads of the Frenchmen upon their Lances.  
Among the Prisoners was there taken one Ant, a Captain of a band of Swissers, a man well known before time to the Earl of Giazza. He politicly lying, did augment the number of the french Horsemen and footmen that were in the vanguard, for to fear the Italians from oppressing them, who had overboldly marched before their fellows, and also falsely affirmed that the King with the middle battle, and Seigneur de Tremoville with the rearward, were not far off, the which lie doubtless saved Marshal Gien, who distrusting the small number of his Soldiers, and they also disordered with the skirmish, had got him into an high place, that there in his camp defensed by all means he could, he might stay for the King, yea though he followed after slowly. But when this occasion of destroying the vaantgard did seem unto some to be offered as a mean to obtain afterward an absolute victory of the King, the Marquis of Mantoa was of the mind, that nothing aught to be then attempted, but in any case the rest of the King's power was to be stayed for, that when the King their enemy were in sight, they might more safely and nobly fight with his whole power in a pitched field: for the Italian army did exceed them in number, and it seemed that they would also have overmatched them in the battle, if that fortune had not failed them, who shamefully swerved from the discipline of their ancestors.  
Thus the King having gotten the space of the whole next day, and timely overtaking the vanguard, encamped at Foronovo. Between the two Camps ran the river of Tarro, which falling down violently from the steep Apennine Mountains into the enclosed valleys beneath, with a rocky and unequal Channel, at length having gotten the open fields, runneth into the Po. The Venetians encamped on the left side on the broader bank of the River, not far from the Village Appiano, in the lower ground: but the Frenchmen on the right, having on their left hand the Town Medesano, and being on the higher hills, they might easily see the Camp of their enemies, which by reason of the great number of tents pitched round about, gave a show unto the eyes of the wondering Frenchmen of a very great army.  
When the King saw himself and his army brought into such a place, as out whereof there was no hope left to escape, unless victory▪ become his guide: to assay the intents and minds of the Providitori, he sent an Herald to request of them truce for certain days. For Hercules the Duke of Ferrara, favouring the engrafted lingering of the Providitori, had a little before written for a most certainty, (thereby to stay the stomachs of the King, and the French Captains all dismayed with that unlooked for martial provision and furniture of their enemies) that neither the Providitori, nor his son in law the Marquis, had any authority or commission from the Senate to fight a general battle. The Herald being brought unto the Providitori and Captains, said, that his master did greatly wonder, that the Venetians, whom he had not provoked by any injury, were come with such a power of warlike men to impeach his return into France, that his Majesty did request, according unto the just law of nations, that with truce they would help his army, as it travailed, with victuals for money, and suffer them with quiet journey to pass into France: if they would thus do, than his majesty was to give great thanks unto the Signiory of Venice and their Captains, but if they would not, than the French Soldiers would not only open a way for themselves by true prowess, but also make a causey for their King with the slain carcases of the withstanders. To whom answer was made in few words, if that King Charles would abandon his counsels and purposes of conquering Italy, and withdraw his garrisons out of Ostia (the Haven of Rome) and Novara, and march without doing of any hurt, he should have free passage to go his way, but if he neglected so to do, then also the Venetians would not neglect the injuries done unto their allies, and as they were bound by the league, pursue with sword the public enemy of all Italy. The Herald who had curiously viewed almost all things in the Italian Camp, being returned unto the King, told many things woefully and fearfully of the situation and munition of their Camp, of the number, the furniture, and cheerfulness of the Italian Soldiers: in somuch that the King himself, and many of the Captains, as men attached with a supreme care, seemed to doubt of the safety of themselves, and of all the army, for in discoursing and consulting, some were of the mind, that it were best to return back unto Pisa, and being joined with the Florentines, chose the seat for the wars in Toscan: Other having no regard of dishonour, counseled speedily to cross the vales of the Apennine, and hast to Asti, leaving behind them both carriages and ordinance: the rest willed no consideration to be had of the Duke of Orleans, but the King to compound with the enemy, who did overmatch them in all things, so that they might thereby assuredly provide for the safety of the King and his whole army. Finally there were few, who thought that the life and liberty of the King was rashly to be put into the danger of unequal fight, when there was no man found that being more woeful for the King's safety, than for his own, was not of the opinion, that the event of the battle would be far worse than all other things: in somuch that they seemed unable either to find end to their advices, or assured mean to save the army in that danger. But then they report that Trivulzi, on whom specially all men's eyes were cast, did with the great expectation of all men speak in this manner. They that do consult of the doubtful chances of warfare at such time as peril is present, aught to fetch that one way and mean, both of safety and also of victory, which is only jest from stoutness of courage, & fearless heart, for when force doth most urge in a matter, and there is most need both of stout advice and courageous adventure, there a man to abate his stomach, & dismiss his mind, and to be attainted with fear, is both shameful, and also most times pernicious: but yet the same seemeth to be much more dishonourable & untimely, when that by over woefully weighing and pondering the perils, we do make and imagine them to be greater & worse than they are indeed. divers that have spoken before me, grave men, and (which bindeth greater credit unto their words) very courageous and valiant warriors, have doubted, and that too very vehemently, of the safety of you, most invincible Sovereign, and of your whole army: that is to wit, by rehearsing what penury of things and famine do hung over both men and Horses, what asperities of places, what straits do hinder our journey, and pull from valiant men the use of prowess: and finally what kind, and how great an army of our enemies do foreshutte and stop the ways against us, being few in number, and wearied with the toil of so great a journey, that we may not by any means escape, so that it is better to try all other ways, than with despaired victory by contending with force, to hazard the whole, as though (as it liketh some,) that to the end we may escape unto the safe Alps, the most noble and always victorious King should take a most dishonourable and lamentable journey over the Mountains of Liguria, (all the baggage of the army, and the great ordinance being by secret and shameful flight jest behind for our enemies:) or else that we turn our backs towards them, and return again unto Pisa, that anon after our enemies environing us both by sea & land, we being tamed by famine and yielded, may be a laughing stock unto that whole world. Neither also do I like of the advice that your Majesty should by a shameful composition obtain of your armed enemies a safe return into France. For by what other faith shall we assure ourselves all things to be peaceable, than by the self-same whereby even now they so impudently broke the late leagues? But in this let us credit the perfidious, for they also do sometime use to keep their faith given, that they may afterward deceive more timely, & with greater gain. By this unhappy covenanting are not so many valiant men that do nobly defend the kingdom of Naples, being destitute of all hope of help, forsaken, and also betrayed unto their most cruel enemies? and if the garrison be withdrawn out of Novara, shall not the course that is begun to a more ample victory be utterly interrupted and cut off? Doubtless I see, that the same one only counsel is both safe and honourable, which doth seem unto other most hard and dangerous, namely, that abandoning all thought of peace or flight, we make us a way with our swords: Neither because that I do promise that in the success all things will be easy for you, nor do despair of the victory, would I seem to foresee in mind more than the rest, and more arrogantly to forefeele the whole event of this instant matter, for this may be granted not unto my wit, but unto my practice in warfare, and experience of Italian affairs, sith that for the space of these many years, I have been present in all the wars of Italy, whereby it was not hard for me abundantly to learn the counsels, minds, arts, and the very discipline, both of the Princes, and also the Captains and soldiers thereof: all which things have at the length with my often not obscure perils, so taught and instructed me, that they have made me neither, foolishe-hardie, nor altogether fearful. First of all will not I believe that which doth so vehemently fear their hearts, that are moved with the greatness of the danger, that is, that the Venetians will of their own accord bid us battle, for besides that ye understand by the letters of certain, that the Lieutenants and Captains have no commission from the Senate to fight, who will believe that a people of nature given long to linger and draw forth wars, will for an other man's cause; without any their necessity, hazard all their power in a pitched field: for it is too too foolish for a common wealth that doth flourish in everlasting wise counsellors, and riches that cannot be consumed, to covet gay triumphs by a doubtful and bloody battle, when they may, and not rashly look for the mature and certain victory of the universal wars, that are not feared with the great charges of them. Neither indeed do I think that Lewes Sforza, a man of nature fearful, suspicious, and very wary, doth earnestly labour by his secret counsel, to have the french power quite destroyed by the Venetians. For what other end will there come of that victory (which God forfend) than that the Duchy of Milan become a booty unto the Venetian victor, which they by invading and tearing with impotent arms, have always with singular covetousness desired? But admit that Lewes will do nothing to day as a wise and wary man, and that the Venetians by a new and sudden counsel will commit the Empire of Italy to the arbitrement of doubtful Mars: is there any doubt therefore (courageous Sovereign Charles) to be made of the victory? let vain fears depart from valiant hearts, seeing that all things that every good Chieftain doth wish to have when he shall fight, do promise unto us undoubted hope of good success. first of all, a cause passing good, faithful and old Soldiers, great store of ordinance, a very indifferents place, and finally regard of none other thing, but common safety and glory. The prowess of the Italian Soldiers here to day neither do I debase nor extol, for I should do loudly or impudently, if I should utter my judgement thereof, so that keeping still my shamefastness unviolated, I doubt not to confess and affirm this one thing, that we shall deal with an army of fresh water Soldiers, and of Omnigatherum: for the greatest part of those Horsemen whom we see glistering in their crests and armour, have never put on armour before, but at a pomp, when that arms were mustered, and in sporting fights and shows: nor ever heard sound of Trumpet: for indeed, there have been no wars in Italy these many years, nor no just and bloody battle foughten: but the footmen will not only not sustain the force of the Almaigne Esquadron, but being inferior both in armour, weapons, and courage, will not abide so much as the sight of them, coming upon them with so great order and array. Then there remaineth that we do greatly fear the arts and subtle policies of some old beaten Chieftain. Alas what ambush will he lay, or with what array will he bring forth his army through the incommondious fords of the rough river, to invade us marching in array of battle? a springal Chiefetayne that never saw Camp of Soldiers besides this of his own, whereunto he is preferred rather for the title of his name, than for merit of tried prowess? Therefore mine opinion is (invincible King) that we march on still forward as we have begun, and your majesty shall do well, if that you do adhort the Soldiers not to doubt of the event of the battle, and to contemn their enemies. The baggage of the army being sent away a little distance from the armed ranks on the left hand towards the hills, would I purposely object to be rifled by the enemy, who is more greedy of pillage than of fight. On the right hand towards the river, let the great ordinance be placed against the enemies. I with my college Gien will lead the fore ward; and the way, and being nearest to danger, will valiantly endeavour, that it nothing repent your highness to have followed this counsel: the rest of the martial charges let the Captains (and specially the ancient) part amongst them, and let them march forward unto victory with the army prepared for both chances of battle and travail: for neither their wonted virtue, nor your fortune shall fail them, who being made noble by perpetual victories, have learned to fight valiantly, yea, and if it were but for only glory.  
After that Trivulzi had pronounced this Oration, with a countenance full of confidence, no man almost seemed (although in some of their hearts fear were fettled) which did not cheerfully assent to his sentence, and swore that they would not depart the field but victors. Then Charles disposing his Horsemen, to repress from all parts the greeks, who almost every hour with great cries, stirred up sundry tumults in his Camp, and watching almost the whole night, the next morrow as soon as it was fair day, broke his fast, and commanded the Soldiers to do the same, and to prepare both their bodies and hearts as well to fight, as to march forward: and not long after he being clad rather in strong, than fair armour, mounted on Horseback, environed with seven young Gentlemen of approved fidelity and prows, armed, appointed, and trimmed in all points like unto himself. As he set forward, the Soldiers saluted him with so cheerful voices and gesture, that they interrupted him when he began to encourage them: beseeching him to have no doubt of the victory, which they had now in their hands. For when he was on Horseback, he seemed to be taller and more lively than he was indeed: for of nature he was a very little man, and by reason of his old disease, weak, and not strong legged to go on foot, but then he looked like unto a valiant and fearless Souldioure, for his face, eyes, and specially his hawks beked nose. There guarded him on both sides two companies of noble horsemen, with whom were intermingled the guard of Scots. Moreover, Matthew the bastard of Bourbon, in whom the King reposed very great trust, and Robinet Framesell, the valiant conductor of the Duke of Orleans his men of arms, environed him with their companies of Horsemen, one on the right side, and the other on the left. There followed about a two furlongs behind them, the third and the last battle, the conduct whereof had Foix, a noble man of Guien, and Seignieur de Trimoville, who afterward for his great acts, become a renowned Chiefetayne. With them was a great power of excellent Horsemen. But in the vanguard were seen the Esquadrons of the Swissers and Almains, their chiefest hope and strength, and the great ordinance. The Marshal Gien and Trivulzi marched before with a company of light Horsemen, to show the way unto them that followed. An arrow shot behind them followed the Swissers and Almains, to whom their Colonels Gilbert of Cleve, and Antony Bassey, men skilful of their tongues, had promised in the King's name triple pay, if that they saved the King by their faithful and valiant hands.  
With them on the left hand were joined the Gascoignes, Archibalistes, and almost three hundred archers of the guard, who through unlucky counsel, had sent away their Horses, and marched on foot, that they might shoot the more strongly. But the great ordinance being drawn with equal pace close to the batallion of the footmen, were placed against the river, and the battles of their enemies. The drudges of the army, and all the rascal rabble marched with the ●uggage towards the hills on the left hand: but the Marquis who had determined if the Frenchmen had bent● on the ●este hand towards Medesano, which was the way unto Dertono, to pursue them on the back with all his power: when he saw them come down from Foronovo in array of battle, thinking it not good any longer to stay, using the counsel of old Soldiers, arranged his battles in this order.  
All his whole host was divided into nine battles, the number of his men were above two thousand four hundred men of arms, a few less than two thousand light Horsemen, and about twelve thousand footmen.  
In the first battle was Peter Dodo a Venetian with six hundred Greek Horsemen, and Alesso Beicacuto with almost so many Archers on Horseback, who did not use bowes of wood as did the Frenchmen, but crossbows of iron. To them it was enjoined to compass the hills on the back of their enemies, and to charge the left side of the vanguard, and by skirmishing, to stay the marching Frenchmen from their intended journey.  
In the second battle was the Earl of Giazza with the power of Milan for this consideration, that as soon as Trivulzi and Gien were encountering with the light Horsemen, he upon the right side should set upon them, being then occupied and troubled. That battle consisted of six hundred men of arms, and three thousand Almain and Italian footmen. The General himself calling to him his Uncle Radulph, and Ranuccio Farnesis, with about five hundredth men of arms, & so many archers, & four thousand footmen, took upon him the charge to encounter the middle battle, wherein was the King. But the fourth battle to charge the rearward, was assigned unto Fortebraccio de Montoni. Also three battles of succour were appointed with very good order indeed, but with a very shameful event, so that Antony de Feltri the bastard of Urbine, should timely aid the General, when the signal should be given: Aniball Bentivogli, & Galeazzo Palla●icini when need required, should follow the Earl of Giazza, and finally Lewes Aduocato, and Frances Gambara, Bress●ns, and Soneino Beazono a Gremenese, should attend upon Montoni. The reason why these battles of succour were ordained was this: that when every battle of the Frenchmen being entangled with their own peril, could not secure the next being in distress, they should all of them be at one time beaten down almost from all parts.  
The eight and ninth battle were placed a little father off, for as aid against all uncertain chances. But Taliano Pio, & Charles Meliteo were left with the rest of the army to guard the Campe. Moreover, the masters of the great ordinance were commanded to plant their ordinance in a long rank on the bank of the River of Tarro, in as commodious places as could be provided by martial art.  
When the battles were thus set in array, the Marquis returned unto the Providitori, who albeit they being suspended with very weighty care, judged it contrary unto the reason and trade of their common wealth, to dareyne battle, yet such was the cheerfulness of the host, singularly well arranged, and appointed to fight, that now it repented them of their overwary counsel, and were thoroughly filled both with joy, and assured hope of victory. Neither was there any man honourable, either for his age, or martial dignity, that then durst consult with cunctation and suspense, whether the battle were to be adventured, or openly to make any doubt of obtaining the victory: for most of the fresh water Soldiers being lifted up by a certain hot desire to fight, and a trust reposed in their strength, were so lusty, that if they heard any men speak somewhat warily, or considerately in that danger of the whole state, they openly railed upon him with many reproachful words, and called them draw backs, and fearful dastards. And it happened, that when Radulph Gonzago said, that he thought the place would be incommodious for them to fight in, and therefore would have had it first made even and level, he was straight ways malapertly scoffed at by Mario Caluisano a goodly lusty youth, and one in great favour with the Marquis: for he told him with unreverend speech, that they which were so greatly afraid of their skin, might do well immediately to get them thence, and shroud themselves warily within the walls of Parma. I pray God (quoth Radulph then) that these foolish hardy kil●owe princoxes, do valiantly follow me, piercing into the mids of the enemies, for they shall receive the strokes not of painted and trilling vain stanes, as they do at games, but feel of the strong and sturdy steel. God grant we may imbrue these brave cassocks and coats, rather with our enemies, than with our own blood. Radulph indeed was the true and the best judge and valour of foreign warfare: for from his childhood he had been one of the Henchmen of Charles the Duke of Burgoigne, and was present at those three last battles, in which he being at length vanquished, lost his martial power, which before was feared of all men, and his Duchy, together with his life.  
In the mean time, when the Frenchmen now drew near, and the Soldiers were excited unto the battle by the often thunder of the great ordinance, the Marquis turning himself unto the Lieutenants, said: If you think it for the behoof of the common weal, that we do valiantly bridle the foolish hardiness of the Frenchmenne, which with barbarous vanity do promise' themselves the Empire of all Italy: we must not long consult, but now when the Fyffe and Trumpets of our enemies do call us, we must out of hand bend our hearts to fight: for if by linger we shall let our enemies escape out of our hands, we shall not find hereafter so good an occasion to oppress him, and shall in vain pursue him being light and uncumbred, and with wasting all the Country hasting through the painful and blind paths to succour his people at Novara: I for my part if ye shall command it, will let the Signiory of Venice to understand my service, and will stretch all my strength of body and mind, to show that the ancient honour is not taken from the Italian Soldier by foreign nations, and that through our valiance, a most renowned victory may be gotten of the proud enemy for you Venetians, the true and assured setters at liberty of the dignity of Italy. Thereunto, (his college also assenting) thus answered Trivisano: Go to (most valiant General) seeing that you do testify with surpassing courage, so singular a good will towards the Venetian name, and that the honour of saving Italy doth instantie you to win the fruit of everlasting praise, command the battle to be sounded (the which I pray God may be good and fortunate unto the Signiory of Venice, and their confederated fellows) turn the arranged battles against the enemies, and endeavour by vanquishing valiantly, that your house renowned for the perpetual glistering of ancient glory, may be made to shine 〈◊〉 bright through the honourable title of a new victory. And without any more tarriance at one time, the Drums, Trumpets and great ordinance began to sound, and the battles arranged in such order as we have declared, made toward the enemy through the River in three places, but they ran forth so rashly and unluckily, that they, who were carried with so great courageousness, were troubled and half overcome by the great iniquity of the places, before they could come unto their enemies: for the Channel of Tarro was very ill to pass over, full of turnings and windings, and very much cumbered with Willows growing therein, and also the brims of both the banks were very hard both to go up and down. And moreover, many quagge mires, and blind gulfs were made by the great rain that fell the day before. And finally, the fords of the river were every where stony and uncertain, through which difficulties (as it must needs happen) the course and force of the passengers was greatly hindered. And albeit they were sore annoyed with, these incommodities, and the greatest part of them could hardly get out themselves, nor overtake them which marched before, yet they valiantly charged their enemies, and ran together with Spears and sword, and in three places attached a hot and variable fight, now fortunate to one, and now to the other:  
The Frenchmenne had stood still in a place very safe, the which on that side which the Italians came, was very uneven, and cumbered with many trees, so that when the Italians clambered up the hill, they fought (dispersed with the thick battles of their enemies) with greater force, than art, and in the end with adverse fortune. On the contrary side, the Frenchemenne making their battles thick and close together, and not unadvisedly stirring out of their place, received them that charged them, and that done, environed them round about, and with their short sword assaying where the blade might best enter into the body, did thrust them in, and beat them down. In the mean time, the Greek horsemen that had invaded the fore ward, being repelled on all parts by the men of arms, and their hot spur Captains Annonio and Busichio departed out of the battle wounded, suddenly turning their Horses, flew together to rifle the baggage, which by the counsel of Trivulzi had been objected unto the enemies, that they being occupied about the spoil, a more ready and easy passage might be made for the King. There the Lackeys, drudges, Women, stragglers, and moyletters were foully tossed among the beasts, and falling packs, and when they repugned, or sought to save the goods, being slain among them, almost all the baggage was taken and rifled. This tumult caused all the field to ring of the dissonant outcries of so many nations, by reason whereof, thither ran all the bands of footmen that were near, who being also greedy of pillage, without shame broke their array. But than arose there a very bloody and miserable fight among the ri●●ers themselves, every man pulling one from another the kings baggage, and the weaker still oppressed by the stronger, were slain with the pillage in their a●mes.  
This thing by the consent of all men, brought safety unto the frenchmen, for their foreward when the Greekes once inclined unto the spoil, valiantly received the charge that the Earl of Gi●zza gave overthwart them, and succoured the second battle that was in distress, and also the second being augmented with strength and courage, repelled the Marquis of Mantoa with great slaughter, and aided the third, which Montoni had disordered. At the last, when the two battles of the Marshal and the King vehemently pressed the Italians on both sides at one time, Radulph and Ranuccio being circumvented in the mids of their enemies were slain, and also almost all the whole band of the familiars of the Marquis, among whom were many noble men. There fell also before the General's eyes Caluisiano, & the band of an C. singular good Soldiers footmen, that had been chosen to guard the Marquis, were slain, and trodden down. The Marquis himself (who with wonderful prows had pierced through the mids of the Horsemen, even unto the ordinance, and the masters of them, and the Horses by whom they were drawn, being slain, had overwhelmed with a tempest of Horsemen a band of Gascoignes appointed to guard the ordinance, and also the archers of the King's guard) with much ado got himself out of the mids of his enemies, his Horse being grievously wounded. For all men did avy, strike at, and pursue him fleeing throughout the whole battle with a spire of silk in the crest of his helmet.  
The same fortune also felt the Italian footmen that were in the Earl of Giazza his battle, for when the foremost ranks of them did (as the manner was then) shake from the ground their long forks, stayed up with their left arm, but the next ranks of Soldiers defensed with Targets, hurled javelins with broad heads, and the rest after them shot quarrels out of crossbows: they were received of the Swissers, not only without any fear, but also with slaughter: for they being very skilfully cast into a close Esquadron, did lightly contemn that fond kind of weapons, and manner of fight, for as soon as ever they approached, almost three hundred extraordinary young men, who for commendation gotten by extreme peril, are called the Desperates, the Forlorn hopen, leapt for the from both sides of the Esquadron, and with mighty two hand sword, began to cut off those unruly pikes, with whose hardiness almost all the Italians being feared, before they expected the impression of the Esquadron, turned their backs. In that place one band of Almains, which had with great hardiness invaded the French Ordinance, and had stoutly resisted, was slain by the furious charge of the Swissers. And withal, a very sudden shower of rain, mixed with hail, thunder, and lightning, did in so apt a time afflict them being foiled, and now ready to flee, that God himself seemed to fight for the Frenchmen: for the River of Tarro (which a little before ran as though it had been dried up) was now grown so great through falls of waters from the Mountains and ditches, that neither they which reposed hope of safety in flight, could safely escape, neither durst the untouched battles that longed to go succour their discomfited fellows, once pass the River, which with swift and violent stream carried away men, Horses, armour, weapons and all. Neither in the mean time did the ordinance cease on either side, although with doubtful, but vain peril, they were often shot off even amongst the blended battles. In all this so hard state of things, the Marquis forsaketh not himself, although he were attached with incredible sorrow, seeing so many valiant Gentlemen that had come thither only for good will towards him, yea and his uncle, environed by their enemies, and no succour to be hoped for. There was on the left hand a deep ditch of water that ran down to certayve corn Milles, into this ditch were both footmen and Horsemen carried by headlong flight, foully struggling and striving together. The which when the Marquis saw, he changing his Horse, came thither, and rebuking the flight, and staying the ensigns of divers troops, he gathered together one strong band, who although they were sore wearied by the sundry incommodities of fight, flight, & finally of rain, yet valiantly renewed the fight, & with slaughter repelled the Frenchmen that pursued them amain. There Seigneur de Mioll, and the Bastard of Bourbon, being wounded by Alesso Beicacuto in the neck, were taken not far from the King, & divers renowned Horsemen of the french side slain: But the coming of the Earl of Pen●a was a great stay, that they which had first attached the fight, were not quite destroyed, for he being brought prisoner out of Naples, now when his keepers were busied in that danger of the battle, had escaped in the mids of the tumult unto the Venetians, and what by telling that the Frenchmen were vanquished and put to flight, and also by cohorting them not to let go assured victory out of their hands, he restored unto the fearful and fleeing such courage, that with the authority of his name, he caused all that he met with, to return into the battle. But the Frenchmen pursuing the Italians being discomfited and broken by the first and second battles, were impeached by the swollen river from winning of an entire victory, even as a little before, the rising of the river had been a let unto the rerewardes of the Venetians, for following & succouring their disordered foremost battles. But this is well known, that the Marshal Given, although Trivulzi and Frances Sicco, the Captain of the Florentines, vehemently obtesting him not to suffer an occasion of destroying their enemy to be lost, would not pursue them when they fled, or go one foot forth, for that he thought he aught not rashly to departed out of the sight of the King's battle, the event of the fight being as yet uncertain, & the K. being circumvented from all parts by divers, although utterly scattered troops of the enemies. Not long after, many of the Captains gathering together about the King, caused the retreat to be sounded, that with joined bands and battles again arranged, they might expect what their enemies would do: for they not only saw fresh & whole battles of them on the farther bank of the river ready to receive the encounter, but might perceive both their own Horses and men wholly wearied, and therefore thought it best rather to rest, than pursue their scattered enemies, as they which were contented with that victory, the which considering the peril appeared greater than itself, because they had by arms and prowess made themselves a way, not only in spite of their enemies, but also with their foil & discomfiture. The Marquis also after he had in vain looked for aid (because the rest of the battles feared with the discomfiture of their fellows, & the hardness of passing over the risen river, had detracted to fight) wound himself out from the hindermost tail of the departing Frenchmen, & passing over the river in a better ford, returned into the Camp unto the Providitori▪ There perished in that battle of the Venetians & Milanese above four M. among whom were besides Radalph and Ranuccio, john Picinnino, nephew unto the famous Captain Nicholas, Galeazo Correggi, Robert Strozza, and Alexander Beraldo, Captains of Cornets of Horsemen, and Vincent Sorso, who led a regiment of footmen, and Malfacto and Gabanello, who being of the guard, had whereas at other times, than specially in the battle, gotten the praise of singular prowess, when with their weapons they made a way through the mids of the enemies for the Marquis to escape. But on the french part beside the multitude of the rask all rabble, which made the slaughter greater and fouler, there were lost about a thousand soldiers: and also julian and Dason lieutenants of companies of horsemen, and Vardey the Captain of the Archers on Horseback, and the Captain of the troop that guarded the King, and also noble men called by the names of their towns Torsy, Semple, and Ambrun. But the King self in deed a notable loss with great grief, when he understood that almost all the Archers of his guard were slain (who as is said before) sending away their Horses, fought on foot. And the report is, that himself was in no small danger of life, when the Marquis breaking through his battle, and disordering the whole wards, he being almost left alone, made head, and drew his Sword, and confessed that he was doubtless saved by the invincible strength of his fierce fighting Horse, which was a clean coal black, with one eye. The Frenchmen lodged that night upon the next hill beside Tarro, having lost all their baggage and tents, and brought to extreme lack of victuals, who although they had undoubtedly gotten the victory, and were very joyful, yet did they greatly fear their small company, and had a special care for the saving and carrying away of the number of the wounded, which was thought would be a very hard thing, by reason of the ill and troublesome journey that they had to go: for they saw that their enemies had a great number of light Horsemen, through whose unwéeried diligence and swiftness, they might cut off victuals, stop the ways, and by pursuing and hagling on the hindermost, much endamage them, and specially the heavy armed Swissers. But the captains being busied with this fear and care, and very weary: the Almains and Swissers, when the King had with liberal hand divided among them a thousand Crowns for a reward, took upon them with great noises of Drums, the charge of keeping the Camp that night. On the other side in the Venetian Camp were they diversly affected, for almost in every cabin were some attached with sorrow, and other with joy, as every man's hap had been either to have lost his fellow and friend, or to have gotten rich pillage: for all the King's furniture, plate of silver and gold, rich apparel, hangings of all sorts, and sacred furniture set with precious stones. Finally the riches of the Kings of Naples, which were now in carrying into France to garnish the triumph, was taken by the basest of the Soldiers and the Greeks. But when all the Captains with the Lieutenants were assembled together, every man spoke according to his humour: for some (and they far the greatest number) who seemed to be oppressed with fear, thoughts it good to dislodge, and to save their army, in whose safety consisted the safety of Italy. Other that had but in the battle; and had thereby taken to them greater courage than they had before, would have the enemy invaded again, and being weakened with wounds, and amazed with fear utterly destroyed, saying, that they had not been overcome by the prowess of the Frenchmen, but by the iniquity of the place. But then the Marquis of Manto● spoke in this manner: If that with equal consent we had been all to day either hardy or fearful, we had not been now to consult whither we should forsake our lodging, or invade our enemies: for either we should have supped more merry with the epptyve King in our enemies Camp, or certes have been held in thi● most safe trench, with strength and courage not lessened: but whereas extreme counsels in dissenting heads do always hurt, but the mean generally do good, neither will I suffer the fearful to flee back, neither permit that the valiant again hazard the fortune of fight: for as though our rashness were not yet sufficiently chastised, to set upon our enemies in an unhappy place, and of great disadvantage, what else is it, than to téese wild beasts, and to provoke them, being made mad with the extreme danger of death? for extreme necessity turneth into rage, and most times maketh them that do utterly despair of life, of cowards most valiant men. But whereas some do counsel that we remove our Camp farther from the enemy, God forbid that men should be of the mind, that the shame which we have received to day through the cowardice and flight of a few, we should heap up higher by fond dislodging, as it were with utter dishonour. For what will this sudden dislodging signify unto our near enemies, than a grievous wound gotten, extreme fear, and finally a most shameful flight? therefore we must tarry in this lodging, and valiantly endeavour, that the incomm●ditie that hath been taken, may be repaired through my more wary counsel, and your more happy prowess. First of all we will command the hurt men to be carried to Par●●●, and there 'cause them to be cured, and the bands that have not fought, shall have the charge of the Camp, that the wearied may take some rest. I will go about the watch myself, and will strengthen with sure garrisons all ways and entrances, and this will I to the uttermost, endeavour that we may lie in safety from the violence of our enemies. tomorrow will more manifestly show us the motion and minds of our enemies, and will open a safer way to our counsels. The Providitori lightly assented to this opinion: for although the Marquis seemed to have performed rather the duty of a valiant Horseman, than of a prudent General, yet they were so far from reprehending him of rashness, for that unlucky event of the battle, that they had him in admiration, as made more renowned through this new glory of approved prowess and invincible courage: for although the aged men were of themselves men of great honour, and such as had borne great dignities at home, yet did they rejoice for that augmentation of martial praise as most honourable, and did think that the most glorious triumph of almost taking so great a King prisoner, and of the victory well near gotten, through the hardy attempt of the Marquis, was taken from them through the unskilfulness or cowardice of a few.  
The next day the King sent unto the Venetian camp for truce for three days, the which was denied, and only that day granted for to bury the slain men on both sides. The next night the King about one of the clock after midnight, causing many fires to be need in the Camp to deceive his enemies, dislodged without Trumpet sounded, or Drum strooken, in somuch, that he had 07 marched certain miles before his departure was known to the Venetians. But as soon as it was light, and the Marquis had intelligence that the enemies were dislodged, he sent the Greek Horsemen, and also the Earl of Giazza, and his brother Fracassio with the light horsemen, to pursue them, who although they might much have endamaged the Frenchmen mar●●ing almost in seeming man●●, yet they did the●● no ha●●e, whither for ●●●ate good will, or by the commandment of the Duke of Milan, who feared as much the Venetians obtaining an entire victory, as the Frenchmen with their unappaired power, I leave unto other to judge. But after this, the Duke of Milan for●●● the Duke of ●●●ans to surrender Novara.   

Of the Battle of Seminara, fought in the kingdom of Naples in Anno. 1495. between Verdinande King of Naples, and the great Gonsalues Captain of the spaniards on the one side, and the Lords Obegnie and Persive for Charles the French King on the other.  
Anon after the departure of Charles the french K. out of the kingdom of Naples. Ferdinand the king of Naples wafted out of Sicily with about seven HUNDRED horsemen, and five M. Spaniards and Sicilians, sent by the K. of Spain, under the conduct of Gonsalues de Cordova, unto Rezo in Calabria. The which Town and castle they took as also they did Saint Agatha, and then all the Towns there abouts, partly for desire they had of their king, and partly for the weariness of the Frenchmen, opened their gates unto Ferdinand: so that now he was come so far into the country, as SEMINARA. When the K. Obegny, govornour of Calabria for the french king, had intelligence hereof, he sent for Seigneur Persive out of Basilicata, to bring with him all the garrisons that were in that country, with whom he with his power meeting at Terranova, before that his enemies had knowledge of Persives coming, marched to Seminara to fight with Ferdinand out of hand, or if he would hold himself within the walls of Seminara, nor durst not commit himself to the open field and fight, that then he would return as victor, making manifest unto the world the cowardice of the enemies. The which thing he thought would be of great moment to keep the people in their duty, specially seeing he did think that within few days aid would come unto him out of Campagna, Puglia, and Abruzzo. But Ferdinand who had not yet intelligence of the coming of Persive, and had been advertised by espies of the power of Obegny, which was very small, nothing doubted to issue out of the Town, and encounter his enemies, thinking that all the estimation & favour that he had gotten a little before, by bold attempting and valiantly trying of Fortune, would now be lost by one, infamy of being shamefully enclosed by siege, and the dishonour of conceived fear, if that he should hide himself without the Town, But Gonsalues in whose head was that power of exact prudence, whereby he afterward passed almost all the rest of the Captains of our age, began to admonish the young Prince, greedy both of recovering the Kingdom, and of winning glory, earnestly desiring him not to go out of the Town before the purpose and power of their enemies were more certainly known, that those counsels are honourable enough, which promise' ●●●uritie to doubtful matters, but those are most shameful and miserable, which through rashness when that we vauntingly show a vain vigour of heart, are wont to destroy all means to obtain the absolute Conquest and conceived victory. And must we then (said Ferdinand) recover the Kingdom with as grease cowardice, as we lost it, and not rather in these so prosperous beginnings prove that fortune by doing and attempting, which we found adverse by setting still and abstaining from sight in 
* That was, when Charles won the kingdom.  Romagna & Campagna, as though the beginnings of wars have not the greatest moment for the successes that follow, & those exploits that are courageously begun, unless they be valiantly prosecuted, have they not a soul and unhappy end? Fortune will be with us Gonsalues, which hath hitherto stood with the Frenchmen, seeing that she now smileth on our first enterprises, neither will she ever forsake them, whom of her own accord she calleth unto victory, unless that we do shamefully forsake her by our dishonourable linger. Let us once see the faces of the Frenchmen, which only Fame (and that to very vain) hath made terrible, and let us courageously, setting foot to foot, try both ours and their strengths. We are superior in footmen, Horsemen, the good will of men, and finally in the favour of Fortune, neither must we doubt of the prowess of you and your regument. For who is there of you, that if we should fight man to man, would not gladly desire his Frenchman or Almaigne to encounter withal, and also would valiantly slay him? I doubtless for my part will first before you all boldly charge the first brave Gentleman that I shall see in their battle, and by happy hardiness give you an example, that ye running upon them with like heat, may through equal courage bring back a speedy victory from this drunken enemy.  
There were many noble men present at this Counsel, who afterward came to the estimation of great Captains, Andrew de Altavilla of the noble house of Capua, Hugh of Cardonna, Theodore de Trivulzi, and of the spaniards Emanuel Benavides, Peter Paces, Alberade, and Pennalosa, who being very desirous to fight, prayed Gonsalues that he would not distrust the prowess of the Soldiers, and promising to behave themselves valiantly, adhorted Ferdinand to command the army to issue out of the Town. Seminara standeth high, and from the Town run there hills along unto a little valley, the which sendeth forth a river out of a low bottom: at this vale begin the Champeine fields, whither the Frenchmen were now come from Terranova. Ferdinand marching three miles along the hills, came to the river, and lodging his footmen on the hither bank upon the least hand, and all his Horsemen being stretched out along like unto a wing on the right hand, looked when his enemies would pass the river.  
Over right against the footmen of their enemies, did Obegny and Persive set their Swissers, being cast into one battaylion, they placed the foot men of the Calabrians behind them, as it were to succour them, and divided between them the Horsemen, who were little lack of four hundred men of arms, and after the order of the Frenchmen twice as many light Horsemen, and passing over the river in a square battle, made towards their enemies. The Spanish Horsemen seeing that, set spurs to their Horses, and cheerfully ran forth, and when they being overmatched both in armour, weapons, and strength, could not make the thick battle of the men of arms to give ground, giving a shout began to turn their Horses, and after a Spanish kind of sight, to retire unto their fellows, with fetching a round compass, that both discouraged the hearts of the Arragonian footmen, thinking their horsemen had been discomfited by the enemy, and so fled back, and also encouraged the Frenchmenne courageously to press on them, so that Obegny on the right hand, and Persive on the left, hotly charging the battle of the footmen with their Horsemen, disordered them before that the Swissers could bend their pikes towards them, and many of them being overthrown, quite cat-stered the whole ●attell. Fer●●●●●sse 〈…〉 a●●●●ting his Soldiers to return into the battle, like a valiant Horseman ran upon his enemies, accompanied with certain men of arms of his servants, and broke his Lance on the breast of a Frencheman of Ma●●●, and ano●e after being overwhelmed with the multitude of his enemies, was forced to ●●ée, being pursued of many, by reason of his crossed and gilded annour, but overtaken by none, when (see the such) his Horse foundering, threw him down headlong into a very narrow place, in a hollow way, neither were the frenchmen far off from him, being encumbered with his Horse lying upright upon him, and his foot ●●taug●● in the stirrups: when john; brother unto ●adr●w otiation came to his help, and of entie●●mis, worthy of eternal memory, offered him his own swift Horse to save his life, upon whom Ferdinander (as he vau●ted excellently well) speedily leapt, although he were in heavy ●●f●plete armour, and so escaped the enemy. But A●●●uilla being on foot, was anene after stayn● by the Frenchmen. ●●egry having stain a great part of the footmen, lodged not far from the place of en●o●●tes, so ●●at●● was said, that he little knew how to use the victory, because he neither pursued so many noble men (among whom was the Cardinal of Arragon) nor incontinently brought his victorious army before Semi●●●●, through the which leisure both the noble men and the King came by divers ways in safety untoothe ships and Go●salues also, who by valiantly fighting, and by repairing the array in many places, had doubtless saved many, entered the Town, and carried away the baggage, and all the better part of the furniture of the Camp, and then got him to Rezo, the Frenchmen afterward pursuing him in ●●yne.   

The Battle of Eboli, fought in the Kingdom of Naples, between Persive, Chiefetayne for Charles the French King, and Thomas Carafa Rarie of Matalone, General for Ferdinand the King of Naples, in Anno. 1495.  
KIng Ferdinand and the great Gonsalues being escaped (as ye have heard) out of the battle of Seminara: the king embarking his power that was left, sailed 〈◊〉 the City of Naples, where he was received in by the well willing Townemen, and many noble men Arragonites repairing unto him, he straightly besieged Monipensier the French Viceroy, and other in the castle, the which he had entrenched round. And also the great Gonsalues had repaired his power at Hezo out of Sicily, and warred on the Calabrian●? Monpensier signified unto Obegny and Persive, that he was not able to hold out long, unless that aid were spéedyly sent unto him, either by sea or land. Upon this they sent for the noble men that were of the Anjou or French faction▪ to repair unto them with their hands, and also gathered together their dispersed people, and then dividing the army, Obegay went against Gonsalues and Persive with Bernardive Sanseverino Prince of Besignino, who had brought a cornet of Horsemen, and four hands of footmen, hasted to Naples, & came to EBOLI, a town not far from the river of Cochile, standing upon a very high her, and enclosed round about with a deep valley. Ferdinand having intelligence of the french men's coming, had sent his Captains & power thither before, to let the passage of thee, whose way lay by Salerne, himself remained at Naples, to the end he might be present at the parley of the Frenchmen, who seemed willing to entreat of taking truce, and yielding up the castle. The General of the kings, arm was Thomas Carasa, Prince of Matalone, a man utterly ignorant of foreign warfare: but there's were with him many good warriors & among them Venazi D. of Camerino, & Lucas Sabello, who knowing which way the Frenchmen minded to travail, and having diligently viewed their power, gave advice with small journeys to follow at their enemies heels, who marched directly to Salerno to cut off their victuals, and not to join in battle with them, before that a place of disadvantage had taken and offered them to be oppressed, or else (which seemed to be best) incontinently with all speed to take the Town, called the little Lake, and the inhabitants thereof, being commanded to abandon the Town, and to set it on fire, that the enemy might not use the victuals and bouses thereof, and then to march speedily to Salerne before the Frenchmen. But the rest of the Captains and Soldiers contemning the small number of their enemies, did burn with so great desire of fight, that being incited by a foolish courage, they cried out that it was not for the dignity of the King, and of so great an army, that the victory which they almost held assuredly, should be sought, not by the right way & open prowess, but by going about the bush, and dastardly suttletyes. Moreover, this rashness of many, did the government of the hasty Chiefetayne augment, who had brought nothing into the field besides approved fidelity, and the name of his renowned house, for he reproving those that were set to follow wary counsels, and not all upon lustiness and honour, said: What my masters, neither are the Frenchmen now adays those ancient Heroes, whom France for their miraculous strength of body hath celebrated in their sabulous Poems, neither are we altogether women armed and garnished after this manlike guise, so that we must doubt to set upon, and overcome these Barbarians walking with drunken train, as soon as ever we see them. And immediately after he had thus said, he commanded Proclamation to be made, that every man should make himself ready, and bridle his Horse, and after the third watch, all the army issued out of Eboli. Persive and the Prince of Besignano had passed over the river of Cochile by a bridge, anon after the break of the day, and marched towards Salerno, but when they saw their enemies, they retired back above three furlongs, that they might range their battles in a more indifferent place, and there laid their left side close unto a mighty wo●●●, that ad●●yneth with the open fields, that their small army might not be enclosed round about by the multitude of their enemies, for they were scarce one thousand Swissers, who being backed with eight hundred Calabrian footmen, made a square batallion, and close to the side of the footmen stood the Horsemen, being of Frenchmen and Italians of all sorts a thousand. But the Earl of Matalone following the old order which hath oftentimes destroyed the Italians, divided his army into five battles, the which were stretched forth in length from the middle battle with equal front like unto direct wings. In the middle battle was he himself, and Lucas Stabello flanked on the left hand with a thousand Spaniards, and on the right with three thousand Italian footmen. But in the uttermost wings were on the one side Venanzi the Duke of Camerino, and on the other Hierome de Tutavilla the Earl of Sarno, with either of them their companies of Horsemen for this purpose, that as soon as ever the Earl of Matalone should charge the Swissers on the front with his footmen, and the French Horsemen with his Horsemen, Venanzi should even then get between the Frenchmen and the wood with his Horsemen, and the spaniards, and on that side valiantly invade them, and at the very same time the left wing should be led by Tutavilla, upon the side and back of the enemy: the reason of this devise was not absurd, if that the hearts of the Soldiers, and the movings and goings of the battles, whom fortune maketh subject unto a thousand chances, did fully answer unto the counsels and commandments of the Captains, as it then happened. For besides that the Arragoman battles were unwisely placed full against the beams of the Sun rising, which did very much dazzle their sight: yet they seemed also to be unadvisedly ranged, for that the ranges standing a small distance one from an other, had neither strength enough to abide the shock, neither yet had every rank space enough jest to turn about their front, if need should be, but that one should be encounbered and disordered by an other: but that which was a great detriment, and i● warfare utterly to be detested, the S●●●l●yers being overlusty and crank (as fresh water Soldiers commonly are) and having neither learned to be obedient, 〈◊〉 to fight well, discharged neither duty of discipline. For as soon as ever the great ordinance was shot off far from them, certain of the Horsemen, lusty and brave Gentlemen, that they might intercept from the rest of their fellows the honour of approved prowess, without commandment, charging their staves, did out of array one after another, run their Horses upon their enemies, whose charge when the French Horsemen had received with the strong front of their unshaken battle, & many of them being broached upon their enemies lances, & cast off from their Horses, were slain: all the rest incontinently ran their Horses back again amain, & lighting upon the Spanish footmen, disordered their battle, and drove them upon Venanzi his wing of Horsemen, in such sort, that they not only broke the ranks of the Horsemen, but also threw them down to the ground. Besides at that very instant, the Arragonian footmen running apace, gave with like rashness the onset on the Swissers: for when some of them bearing Targets, had hurled their javelins, they drew their sword, and other bore either boarespeares with ears or rhompheyes, with an hooked head of iron, that would cut on both sides, they could not come unto the body of the Swissers squadron, for their long pikes, and therewithal followed such a change of courage, that they which even now ran forth with singular fierceness, and surpassing cheerfulness, incontinently turned fearfully back, & namely, when that their Horsemen ran in among them. Persive being astonished at the miracle of so great a chance, that he might not fail unto Fortune, who vehemently favoured him contrary to hope, did valiantly set forward, & courageously running over the heaps of men and Horses falling down, did within the space of half an hour (which is almost incredible) quite overthrow the power of his enemies, and that almost, without any wound of his own Soldiers, well-near all the Italian footmen were slain by the Swissers, and with them also a band, which had been levied at Naples, of the Ruffians and cutters of passing hardiness: there also perished valiantly fighting, whéns the rest turned their backs, these stout petito Capthynes, Henry a Gentleman of Consie●, Lewes Sq●arcia, and Vincent Cape●●. The thick woods through the which the armed could 〈◊〉 easily go●, defended the Spaniards, and light and nimble fellows without armour. But the Earl of Matalone, and the rest of the Captains having lost many of the Horsemen, shamefully fled unto Eboli. But when they were hardly received in at the gate, and the french Horsemen pressed at their backs, Venanzi a man of a constant conrage, stoutly sustaining the invasions of the enemy in the hindermost tail, and fight valiantly, was there slain. Furthermore, the rest of the Horsemen, being in number almost three hundredth, fetching a compass through very ill ways, came flinging unto the foregate of the town, but the townsmen were so amazed with fear, that no man would suffer the gate to be opened, nor was moved with the danger of their friends, holding up their suppliant hands unto the walls to save their lives. But as the French had become victors through the unskilfulness and cowardice of their enemies, so through their fatal sloth knew they not how fully to use the victory. For Persive lost the occasion offered to destroy the Horsemen, perhaps because not surveying round about the utter ●i●ch●s, the situation of the town, he brought his power only ●nto the broad green that lay before the town, wondering & looking that they which had so shamefully fled, should open the gates unto the victors. But not long after, when he lacked ordinance to win the town, and the Prince of Besignano had fallen down ahnost dead, through the stroke of a pellet of a Serpentine, shot off from the bulwark of the town, which pellet had stricken off the handle of his sword, and battered his breast plate, they retired back to spoil them that were slain: after whose departure the Horsemen were delivered of extreme fear and danger, and retired into the town. And within few hours after came the Spaniards, straggling in dy●●rs companies, being saved through the benefit of the wood. But if ●ersiue had encamped before Eboli, most men do hold, that the townsmen (because they were of the faction of Anjou,) would have opened the gate unto them the next day, & delivered the Arragonian army into their hands. The hoped fruit of this battle was not received, for before that hasting Persive could come unto sight, Mompensier had given hostages for the delivering up of the castle within a certain day, unless there came so great a power of frenchmen the Ferdinand's army would abandom the field, and hide themselves in Towns, and also that he might be victualled, had covenanted, that he and his power would not stir until that time. Now Persive not daring to break through the inexpugnable munitions which the K. had cast up at Caia, a place not far from the West gate of Naples (which way the Frenchmen must needs go, to come unto the Castle) retired back again into Basilicata, leaving the castle to be surrendered.   

Of the Battle of Terranova, fought in the kingdom of Naples, between the Lord Obegny, Chiefetayne for Lewes the French King, and Hugo of Cardonna, Captain for Ferdinand the King of Spain, in Anno. 1506.  
WHen that Lewes the French King, and Ferdinand the King of Spain, could not agrene about the division of the Kingdom of Naples, whereof they had spoiled King Fredenke, Dom Hugh de Cardonna having levied in Sicily three thousand footmen, & three hundred Horsemen, arrived at Rezo in Calabria, and in a great skirmish distressed james Sanseverino Prince of Mileto, who stirred the Calabrians to revolt, and succoured Didaco de Ramires, that was besieged in Terranova, and burnt and sacked the Town, and after this put to flight Martiano the Prince of Rossana. When the two Sanseverini Princes of Salerne and Besignano had intelligence of these exploits, they levying up power in all parts, and arming their tenants, joined with the Lord Obegny, who hasted from Cossenza to repress Hugh. There were with Obegny Monsieur de Griguines, and Monsieur de Malherbe, the one Captain of the Gascoigne Archers, and three thousand Swissers, the other (Griguines) of all the light Horsemen, but his chiefest strength was in his men of arms, among whom, an old band of Scots did excel, which consisted of the familiars and faithful friends of Obegny, Hugh lodged at that time in a plain, on the South side of Terranova, and being broken with the coming of his enemies, calleth the Captains into Counsel: and although he was increased with a new supply, yet he thinketh it best to shun the open fields, and mindeth to retire back unto Saint George's Castle, which standeth on the Apennine Mountains. But the new Captains that had lately come out of ●payne, impeached the performance of this determination. Among this new supply, were Emanuel Benavides, and Antony de Leva, who become afterward a renowned Captain, and two Aluerades, the father and the son, they had brought with them four hundred men of arms, and light Horsemen, and four bands of footmen. They said, it was dishonourable, yea and flat shameful to remove their Camp back, and to retire before the enemy came into sight, and before they certainly knew, what and how great their enemies power was: and this reasoned they the rather, because a Calabrian espy, a man of a doubtful fidelity, did affirm, that the French could not be there within two days. But this opinion of the frenchmen, did Obegny, an old Captain egregiously deceive, for he using french speediness, and marching all night through an unused way, taught him by the Calabrians, showed unto the spaniards his battles ranged, and commanded the battle to be sounded. The right wing did the two Sanseverine Princes stretch forth in form of a croysant. In the left wing was Griguines Captain (as I have said of all the light Horsemen) but in the middle battle stood Obegny almost close unto the Princes, with the men of arms, cast into a thick troop. Malherb set his Swissers, standing thick together, and his Gascoignes in loser ranks (that they might shoot the more commodiously) close to the side of the light Horsemen.  
On the other side the spaniards, although they were fewer in number, and deceived of their purpose, yet without fear they arrange their battles, and encourage one another to fight, and withal constantly receive the charge of the Frenchmen: there was to be seen a cruel fight, neither side having ability to shoot off their ordinance. But in the heat of the fight, whilst Cardonna doth perform (and that with marvelous constancy) the office both of a Chiefetayne and a Soldier. Griguines fetching a compass about with his extended wing, gave a charge overthwart the footmen, and disordered and defeated them, and immediately the Swissers and Gascoignes were also upon the jacks of them with such violence, that the Spanish footmen being broached with the pikes, and shot in with the arrows of their enemies, fearfully fled. But in another quarter, all Cardonna his Horsemen, being by his commandment cast together into one round troop, sustained the Calabrian Horsemen with evened slaughter. But when. Obegny came forth with his battle, neither the Spanish nor Sicilian soldiers did abide the violent charge of the Scottish men of arms, but hastily turning their backs, ran away amain unto the Mountains, Cardonna rating, and in vain bidding them turn head, and retire fair and softly. The Horsemen being thus put to flight, the footmen were slain and trodden down from all parts, but the greatest part of the Horsemen escaped unto the straits of the Mountains. At this conflict Griguines pursuing his fleeing enemies, was slain, being run into the eye with a lance, when he had pulled up his beaver. Neither was Obegny in small peril of death, when the Spanish Horsemen, (as we afterward learned of Antonino de Leva) having enclosed and almost taken him prisoner, went about to pull off his helmet, and doubtless had slain him, if he had not been saved by the coming of the Prince of Salernes Horsemen, who casting themselves into a wedge, scattered those that were clustered round about him. Furthermore, when that the rest of the noble money had escaped by the Mountains, Hugo last of all forsaking his Horse whom he had huckened, because the enemy should not enjoy him, créeped by the snowy Rocks unto Bubalina Motta, and then gathering together, and a little refreshing his Soldiers that had escaped out of the battle, he went down unto the City of Hierazzi. The baggage and carriages of the spaniards, fell unto the pillage of the French Soldiers, and Pesauntes, the ensigns with many goodly Genets of Spain, were brought unto Obegny, and the number of them that were taken prisoners, was greater than of them that were slain. Neither could that victory seem joyful unto Obegny, seeing it cost him the death of that most valiant Gentleman his dear friend Griguines.  
After this battle, when Obegny had without wound taken Bubalina Motta whither his enemies had fled, there was no man almost in Calabria that did not incontinently turn his devotion towards the Frenchmen victors, the spaniards fleeing into the strong Castles, which they thought the Frenchmenne would hardly win in the Winter season.   

The Battle of Gioia, fought in the Kingdom of Naples, between the Lord Obegny, General for the French King, and Andrado, for Ferdinand the King of Spain, in Anno. 1506.  
FERDINAND King of Spain hearing of this overthrow in Calabria, and how that his Lieutenant General in the Kingdom of Naples Gonsalues, was besieged in Puglia, sent Portecareri with a strong fleet & army into Naples, under whom served Alfonse Caruaiall with. 600. Horsemen, & Ferdinand Andrada, who had brought out of Galicia & Biskay about. 5000. footmen, but Portecarery died as soon as he came unto Rezo, and so the supreme government fell unto Andrada, who consulting with Hugo de Cardonna, marched with his army into the territory of Terranova. And the very same day also came Obegny from Bubalina Motta, to take Terranova, which when Alrerade a Spaniard had taken before he came, he after a light skirmish, to try the force of his enemies, turned to castle San Gi●n, not far from Seminara, in the which place, seven years before he had vanquished in battle King Ferdinand and Gonsalues. Neither were the fields famous for the late overthrow of Hugo de Cardonna far off, in somuch, that Obegny being fierce through his former victories, although he were inferi●ure in number, yet beholding with his eyes the fields fatal unto his foes, but fortunate unto himself, was led with a joyful abodement to adventure the third battle: and for that intent, sent his Herald Ferracute unto the spaniards, who with proud mouth offered the field unto them, as men of no val●o, and accustomed to be vanquished. Hugh being of himself i●rensed, through the heat of his disceyving heart, was of the opinion, that the offer of battle should be accepted, and that for the bringing of the message, Ferracute should have a basin and a cup of silver, and presently sent for his brother (who was not far from thence) to come with his footmen: but his Soldiers refused to go forth, except their wages behind, that had been so often promised them, were now paid. But this contumacy of the Soldiers, he easily dissolved, by giving unto them all the gold and silver he had, and gauging his friends credit for the rest, and so the footmen were brought into the Camp. But Obegny after certain skirmishes marched to Gioia, whom the spaniards incontinently followed, and the next day came Obegny down from Gioia, in array of battle, which as soon as the spaniards espied, they also incontinently arra●nged their battles. In the wings were Emanuel de Benavides, and Caruaiall. But in the middle battle were Hugh Antonino de Leva, and Aluerade the father, with the old footmen and horsemen. A little behind this battle stood Andrada with the horsemen that came lately out of Spain, and the Galician and Biskay footmen, who after the ancient manner of the Roman warfare, used pavices somewhat long and inflected, and javelins to be hurled. But Obegny himself was in the vann●gard. Alphonse Sanseverino was in the second, and Honorato Sanseverino in the third, and did lead the bands of their friends and tenants. But Malherbe was Captain of the square batallion of the footmen, with whom was the great ordinance, which being shot off on both sides, the Horsemen came forth. But when Obegny went about to avoid the Sun that shined in his face, he miss of his purpose, for a troop of Spanish light Horsemen took the place before him, so that he turned about, & gave a vehement charge on emanuel's wing. But when the sight was most hot, and emanuel's wing did very hardly sustain the fort of the Scots, Hugh, Antony, and Aluerade succoured them, and then they sought on both sides so fiercely, that both frenchmen and Spaniards fight with their swords, were intermeddled together, neither did the one or the other doubt of the victory, when loc with speedy counsel Caruaial brought about the left wing, and giving a charge upon the backs of the fore ward of the enemies, brought such terror unto them, being busied with the doubtful fight, before that Obegny having his battle distressed, fled. And the horsemen of Andrada defeated Alphonso Sanseverino, that brought aid with the second battle: and with like lot was Honoratus put to flight, and the third battle overthrown: and within half an hour (which is scarce credible) there was a notable victory gotten, almost all the French footmen being slain: both the Sanseuerines, Honoratus, & Alfonse were taken prisoners. But a troop of Scots took away Obegny out of the hands of his enemies: and then Malberbe and he met, and fled on the spur to Gioia. But there they stayed not long, because, news was brought, that the Spanish horsemen were at hand pursuing them: but Obegny in the dark night came to the castle of Angitula, often complaining of Fortune, that had now illuded and deceived him, having been invincible until that day, and victor in twelve Britain and French battles. The Spaniards pursuing him, besieged the Castle, which Obegny yielded up himself within few days after, when he understood how the Duke of Nemours the Viceroy of Naples, was discomfited and stain in battle.   

¶ The Battle of Cerignola, fought in the Kingdom of Naples by the Duke of Nemoures, Viceroy and General for Lewes the French King, and the great Gonsalues, Viceroy and Lieutenant General for Ferdinand the King of Spain, in Anno. 1506.  
THe same day that the Lord Obegny was overthrown at Gioia, the great Gonsalues de Cardonna Lieutenant General for the spaniards in Naples, having received a supply of Alwaynes, issued out of the Town of Barletia, wherein he had been after a sort besieged seven months, by the Duke of Nemoures, Viceroy for the French King, and marched to CERIGNOLA, with intent to besiege the Town, or to give battle unto the Frenchmen, if they would attempt to succour it. The Duke of Nemours forsaking Canossa, was encamped not far from Cerignola, where he called together the Captains, consulting with them whether it were best to fight or no. But through untimely alteration, the greatest part of the day was spent in consultation, when he himself, Monsieur de Formantes, and Monsieur Darsey for weighty considerations, thought it best to defer the fight until the next day, but Monsieur Cyandey the Captain of the Swissers, and Signeur de Alegre, stoutly contended, that victory which had always luckily happened unto the Frenchmen, when they were hardy, was not to be sought by slothful and dishonourable linger, but by speedy and manly encounter. By which sentence Nemoures understood, that his honour and fame was greatly touched: for he had heard a little before, how Alegre had spread very evil words of him, as though he being no great skilful nor valiant Chiefetayne, was afraid to join in battle with the enemy, and had suffered with the foul blot of the French honour, and the great impairing of their strength, his army to be fleeced, and pulled by the subtle enemy. Whereupon he not enduring this reproach, without stay said these words: Go to then, seeing it seemeth so to some, that we must this day by battle make one end or other of the wars, such as Fortune will alotte, certes I will satisfy by honourable death, if not the public desire of the French King, yet at the lest mine own honour: and this said, he incontinently gave the signal of battle, although the Sun were scarce an hour and an half high, and made towards the enemy with three arranged battles, not with equal front, but one a little behind another, so that when the right wing wherein he and Arsye were, ran forth, Ciandey should shoot off the great ordinance from the middle battle, wherein stood all the footmen, and should follow a certain space behind the fore ward: and in like manner Alegre should admove the third battle unto the left side of the Swissers when he should think good, so that the French battles by reason of their unequal length, much resembled in the setting forth the three hindermost fingers of a man's hand. But on the other side Gonsalues set against them six battles with direct front, two of Horsemen were in the wings, and one backed the Almain footmen, so near unto whom stood the Spanish footmen, that a far off, they seemed to be both one battle, but yet so that there was space enough left for the Horsemen that stood in the mids, to issue out if it were needful. But all the light Horsemen he sent forth under the conduct of Fabricio de Colonna, and Didaco de Mendozza, to stay the enemy by skirmishing, whereby such a thick cloud of dust was raised, that the French vauntcurrers could not one whit see before them, and this was augmented by the smoke of the great ordinance, which fleeing over both armies, did hurt neither of them. But when Gonsalues commanded the great ordinance to be shot off again, Leonard Aleccio told him with great fear and sorrow, that all the barrels of Gunpowder were there by chance or falsehood, set on fire, with which news, Gonsalues being nothing dismayed, said: I do gladly receive this good abodement, for what greater joy can happen unto us, than to have seen the lights of victory coming forth? neither was his prognostication false: for Nemours charging the Almains, & the Horsemen of the left wing, untimely sticked fast in the ditch, the Gonsalues had cast up before his Camp, in somuch that when he being repulsed, turned his troop to seek some other way to come unto the enemy, he was slain with an Hargubusse shot, almost before Cyandey had given the onset on the Almains. And the like luck received Cyandey of the same ditch: for the Almains with their Pikes, and the spaniards with their arquebusiers, disordered and slew the Swissers being very ill troubled with the ditch, and also Cyandey himself, who turned the hands and eyes of all his enemies upon him, because he fought on foot with a great plume of white feathers on his headpiece, and stoutly strived to get out of the troublesome place to come to the enemy. But when Nemours was slain, Arsy and Alegre fled, whom the Spanish horsemen pursued, slaying and taking many: among whom was Formantes, and then returned unto the Camp, when the Sun going down had not given so much as half an hour of perfect light to end the battle, which doubtless saved Alegre and Arsye. There were slain of frenchmen four thousand, and that with so great celerity and felicity, that when the battle was begun and ended within half an hour, there perished not an hundred of the spaniards. I heard Fabricio de Colonna say, when he told the success of this battle, that the victory was not gotten so much either by valiancy of the Soldiers, or prudence of the General, as by the small rampire, and shallow ditch cast up before the Camp, which caused the Captains that ran after him, to revive the ancient martial discipline in fortifying their Campe. Gonsalues following the victory, expelled the Frenchmenne quite out of the Kingdom of Naples, the which he conquered for his Sovereign the King of Spain. This battle was fought the nine and twentieth of April, seven days after the battle of Gioia.   

¶ The Battle of Vaila or Giaradda, fought in Lombardy, between Lewes the twelve King of France, and the Venetians, in An. Domini. 1509.  
MAximilian the emperor, Lewis the French King, Ferdinand king of Spain, julius bishop of Rome, & Alfonse the Duke of Ferrara, being entered in to league against the Venetians, because they had everoched upon them all, Lewes, the French king marched from Milan with a great army against the Venetians, who had also a great power in the field beyond the river of Adda, under the conduct of the earl of Petilia General, & Barthlomew de Aluian, the Camp master, and George Cornarie, and Andrew Grittie, Legates or Providitori. But when the French king being desirous to fight, could get the Venetians by no provocation out of their fortified camp, he dislodged, with intent the next night to lodge either at Vaila or Pandino, where by cutting off their victuals that were brought from Cremona and Crema; he might force them to dislodge, as in very deed it did. Now there were two ways to come unto those places, one the lower and next to the river of Adda, which was the longer, because it was ●rooked: the other further from the river, which was the righter and the shorter. The lower way took the French army, wherein were above two thousand men of arms, six thousand Swissers, and twelve thousand Gascoignes and Italians footmen, with great furniture of ordinance and pioneers. On the upper way on the right hand marched the Venetian army wherein were two thousand men of arms, above twenty thousand footmen, and a great number of light horsemen, part Italians, part Grecians. The Greek horsemen were the avauntcurrers, but by reason of the bushes and shrubs, that occupied all the space between the two armies, they straggled not so wide, as otherwise they commonly used to do, and this also was a cause, that one army could not descry another. And as they thus marched (but the Venetians with swifter pace) it ●●●●ed, that the forward of the Frenchmen, wherein were. u C. men of arms, and the regiments of the Swissers under the conduct of Charles de Amboise and john james de Triulzi, were upon a sudden gotten very near unto the rearward of the Venetians led by Barthlomew de Aluian, wherein were eight hundred men of arms, and almost all the best footmen of the whole army, but in no very good array, because Aluian did not think that day to fight. But when he saw his enemies so near unto him, whether incited by his wonted heat, or for that he was brought into that state that he must needs fight, incontinently signified unto the Earl of Petilia, who marched before with the vanguard, either his necessity or purpose, requesting him to come to his aid, to whom the earl answered, that he should march on and shun the conflict, for so both the reason of the war required, and so the Senate of Venice also willed. But in the mean time Aluian placing his footmen with fix great pieces on a little bay, made to let the course of a certain brook then dry, which ran between the two armies, gave a charged at his enemies with such violence and valour, that he disordered them, being holpen herein, because the fight was begun among certain Vineyards, where the Frenchmen could not for the vines readily use their horse: but this peril caused the king to come forward with the strength of the army, and thereupon the avantgarde, and the middle battle charged on the soldiers, of Aluian, who having conceived great hope of victory through the happy beginning, flew about hither and thither, in kindling and inciting his soldiers with most vehement words, and very fiercely fought they on both sides, the Frenchmen taking again heart of grass through the succour of their fellows, and also the battle being brought into an open place, where they might freely use their horses, wherein they did far overmatch: beside they were not a little inflamed by the presence of the King, who taking no more care of himself, than if he had been a private soldier, lay open to the danger of the ordinance, and cess not (where need was) to command, encourage, and threaten his soldiers. On the other side, the Italians being made hardy by the first success fought with incredible valiancy, neither failed Aluian in doing in any ●●nction of a very excellent soldier and chieftain. At length when they had fought about. iij. hours with singular valiancy, the Venetian power having received in the plain and champain field a great slaughter and discomfiture by the horsemen, and also the ground being made so slippery by a great shower of rain which fell whilst they fought, that the footmen could ●et no fast footing, & especially being destitute of the succour of their fellows, began to fight with great incommodity, & yet nevertheless when they fought with passing prows (although now hope of victory was lost, rather for glory, than for safety made the victory bloody, & for a time doubtful: but at the last their strength being rather lost than their courage availed, they never turning their backs, were slain where they stood, among whom Peter one of the house of the Marquesses of Monte Sanmaria in Tofcan, a captain of a regiment of footmen, was much commended. This so stout valour of but one only part of the army, bred a constant opinion in many men's minds that if the whole army of the Venetians had entered the battle, they had horn away the victory. But the earl, whether because as he stayed himself when he turned about to fight, he was impeached by the fleeing battle of Aluian, or as the report went, for that he had no hope of victory, and was very angry that Aluian durst fight contrary to his commandment, and had thought it better to have that part of the army to be conserved, than the whole lost through another's rashness, he kept the greatest part of the army from fight. In this battle were few horsemen lost, the greatest slaughter lighted on the footmen of the Venetians, whereof some say there were. viii. M. slain, other but only. vj. M. on both sides. Bartholmewe Daluian was brought prisoner unto the king's Tent with one of his eyes, and his face sore bruised and made black and blue, twenty pieces of great ordinance were taken, the rest of the army escaped, no man pursuing them. In the place where this battle was fought, the French king built a Chapel which he called Sancta Maria victoria. After this overthrow the Venetians were easily spoiled of almost all the Cities that they possessed in the main land of Italy.   

¶ The Battle of Ravenna, fought in Italy, between Gascon of Foix Duke of Nemours, general for the French king, Lewes the twelfth, and Reymund de Cardonna, viceroy of Naples, & general for the king of spain, and julius the Pope. Anno. 1512.  
GAscon of Foix, General of the army in Italy, of Lewes the French King against the Pope, having intelligence that the power of the Spaniards, and the Pope were coming according unto their promise to succour Mark Anthony de Colon●a besieged by him in Ravenna, fearing the irruption of Mark Anthony, broke up the siege, and withdrew three miles from the town towards the army of the league: and that night making a bridge over the river of Ronco, & digging down level the banks of the River, that the soldiers might in all places pass over more easily, the eleventh day of April (being Ester day) the Almain footmen passed over the River by the bridge, but all the soldiers of the forward, and middle battle through the Ford: the rearward led by the Lord Ivo de Alegres, in the which were four hundredth men of arms, remained on the bank of the River towards Ravenna: that if needs should be they might aid the army, or else bridle the garrison and townsmen of Ravenna, if they happened to sally out: but to keep the bridge, which had before been built upon Montone, he left Paris Scot with one thousand footmen, which being done, thus he arranged his battles: the vauntguarde, (before whom went the great ordinance) consisting of seven hundred men of arms, and Almain footmen, under the leading of the Duke of Ferrara, and the Seneschal of Normandy, was placed on the bank of the river, which was on their right hand: so that the footmen did flank the lefts wing of the horsemen. near to the footmen of the avant-garde, were set the footmen of the mind●le ●●●t●ll all being right thousand, part Gascoignes, and part of other Countries of France: the captain of this battle was Alegres. Then further from the banks of the river stood the rearward, who were Italian footmen, in number u thousand, conducted by Federicke de Bozzolo. This battle was flanked by all the Archers on horseback, and the light horsemen being in number three thousand. Behind all these battles, which stood not directly one before another, but embowed like unto a Croisaunt or new Moon) were six hundred men of arms placed, led by Seigneur de la palace, and Cardinal Sanseverino, Legate of the council of Pisa, assembled against the Pope, a man of a mighty body, huge heart, clad from top to ●oe in very bright armour, accomplishing rather the function of a Captain, than a Cardinal or Legate. Foix left no peculiar place or charge for himself, but picking out of all the whole army thirty of the valiantest Gentlemen, chose to be free, to the end he might have an eye to every place, and to help all men.  
And among all the rest was he most of mark, for the brightness and beauty of his armour and cote of arms, with his countenance very merry, and his eyes full of fierceness, and almost sprintkling out fire for joy. When he saw all his host ranged to fight, mounting the bay of the river, that he might inflame his soldiers hearts, he spoke with eloquence (as the report went more than warriorlike, in this manner:  
That which ye have so much wished (my fellow Soldiers) namely that ye might once come to encounter your ennimtes in the champain fields, see now fortune which hath been unto us in so many victories a benign mother hath given us this day, offering us an occasion of winning with immortal glory such a victory, as never chanced within the memory of man any more magnificent, for not only Ravenna and the cities of Romagna shall be wholly left unto your power, but shall be the least part of the rewards of your prowess, for no man more being left in Italy, that can set himself against us, we shall run even to Rome without any impediment: where the inuncasurable riches of that wicked Court, pulled so many ages out of the bowels of the Christians, shall be your booty and pillage: and ye shall gain so many most proud ornaments, so much silver so much gold, so many precious stones, so many most rich prisoners, that the whole orb of the world shall envy your fortune, from Rome with the same facility shall ye run forward to Naples, and there revenge so many received injuries: When I do way your prowess, your fortune and your glorious victories, gotten within the space of a few days: when I do behold your countenances and deeds: when I do call to memory, that there are very few of you that have not even before mine eyes, given some notable proof of your prowess, by doing of some egregions act, nothing doth come into my mind that may intercept from us the felicity of this victory. Our enemies are the same Spaniards that at our coming shame ully fled out of Bolongue by night, they are the same men, that but few days ago, gotie themselves out of our hands, by no other means than running away, and taking the walls of Jmola and Faventza, or the mountains. This nation never fought with our armies in the Kingdom of Naples in any open or indifferent place, but always with the advantage and help either of munitions, rivers or ditches, not trusting to their valour, but to deceit & ambushes. And yet these Spaniards are not those old beaten fellows in the Neapolitan wars, but fresh water soldiers, altogether unskilful, who never fought against any other weapons, than the bows, arrows, and blunt lances of the Moors, yea and yet by them a people weak of hody, fearful of heart, unarmed and ignorant of all Martial acts, were they overthrown the last year with great shame in the Isle of Gerbe: Where this same Peter of Navarro a Captain of so great a name among them, 
Nau●rro was General of the Spanish footmen, a man of great skill in undermining.  gave a notorious example by his runnng away, what difference there is between shaking of walls by the fury of gunnepowder, and fighting with true hardiness and fortitude. Now they being shut within a ditch, which they made this night for trembling fear, and the footmen covered with a Rampire, and trusting to their hooked Wagons, stand still, as though they should try the battle with these childish instruments, and not with valour of heart, and strength of breast and muscles: Believe me, our great ordinance shall soon force them out of their holes and boroughs, and drive them into the open and plain fields. Where it shall appear how far the force of the Frenchemenne, the fierceness of the Almains, the noble prowess of the Jtalians, doth excel the craftiness, and deceits of the Spaniards. Nothing can diminish our glory, but that we do so much overmatch them in number, that is to wit, almost double: and yet to use this commodity given unto us by fortune, shall not be ascribed unto our dastardye, but unto their imprudence and rashness, whom not courage nor valiantness, but the authority of Fabricio de Colonna, for his promises rashly made unto Mark Anthony, or rather the justice of God doth draw thereunto, that the pride, and unspeakable heinous facts of Julius the false counterfeit Pope, and so many deceits and treacheries of the King of Arragon, against the goodness of our King, may be most justly punished. But why do I use many words? why do I so long defer the victory by adhortations, altogether unneedful unto Soldiers of so great valour, as I do fondly spend time in speaking unto you: March on (valiant hearts) in your appointed array, with full assurance that I shall this day give the Empire of all Italy unto my Prince, and the riches thereof unto you. I your Chieftain will be with you at all places, and as I usually have done, so now also will I lay open my life unto all perils: accounting myself the most fortunate Captain of all that ever have been, sithence that through this days victory I shall make my soldiers the most glorious and the richest of all the soldiers and armies that have been these three hundredth years.  
This Oration being ended, and the air ringing with the noise of the trumpets, drums and the most joyful acclamations of the whole army, they began to march towards the Camp of their enemies, not two miles distant from the place where they had passed over the river: which camp of the confede rats was pitched along the bank of the river: on their left side was the river: and a ●●●che (as deep as the shortness of the time had permitted so be m●●de) defenced all the whole Camp on the right side. In the fore front they had left open the space of twenty yards, that they might make excursions with their horses: As soon as they perceived that the frenchmen were passed the river, they thus ranged their battles: The vaunt guard of eight bundreth men of arms, led by Fabricio de Colonua high Constable of Naples, was placed along the bank of the River, unto whom were adjoined on the right hand six thousand footmen, also along the river stood the middle battle of six hundredth men of arms, flanked with four thousand footmen, the leader whereof was the Viceroy himself, and with him were the marquess of Palude, and the Pope's Legate John de Medici. Moreover along the same bank of the river stood the rearward conducted by Caruaiall a Spaniarde: in that battle were four hundredth men of arms, and four thousand footmen, all the light horsemen (whose General was Davalos marquess of Pescara, a very young Gentleman, but of passing great hope) guarded the right side of the footmen behind, that they might secure that part that fainted: the great ordinance was placed in the front of the men of arms, and Peter de Navarro, the General of the Spanish footmen accompanied with five hundredth horsemen, had tied himself tone certain place, but had set at the ditch in the front of the footmen, thirty Wagons like unto the hooked Chariotes, used in ancient time: Whereupon he had placed field pieces, and very long boar spears to sustain the more easily the furious feeze and charged of the frenchmen: in which order they expected the impression and charged of their enemies strong army within the munition of the ditch, the which counsel, as in the end it profited nothing, so did it appear at the beginning to be pernicious, for it was the mind of Fabricio de Coloma to invade the enemies assoon as they began to pass over the river, thinking it more commodious to encounter with one only part of the enemies, than to abide in the camp defenced with a single ditch: but when Peter de Navarro (whose counsel the Viceroy did follow, as oracles) repugned, it was decreed (though nothing prudently) that they should be suffered to pass over the river. Now the Frenchmen beingcome within 〈◊〉 hundredth pa●en of the ditch, stayed when they saw their enemies kept themselves within their Camp, not stirring one foot, lest that otherwise they should give their enemy that advantage which themselves desired to have: so both armies stood stone still above two hours, but innumerable pellets were in the mean time shot out of the great ordinance on either side, by whom, the French footmen suffered not a little detriment: for Navarro had planted his ordinance in such a place, as he might much hurt them: but the Duke of Ferrara with great celerity brought a part of the great ordinance behind the army unto another wing of the Frenchmen, where the archers on Horseback stood, which wing because the army was of the form of a croysant, was almost on the back of the enemies, from whence he began cruelly to flank their sides with very great detriment, and namely of the Horsemen, for the Spanish footmen being brought by Navarro into a low place along the rampire of the river, and by his commandment laid flat on the ground, could not be hit. Fabricio called out with a loud voice, and urged the Viceroy, with chick sending of messengers, to begin the battle, before they were absumed by the fury of the great ordinance: but Navarro being led by perverse ambition, would not assent, for since he had promised himself victory, through the valour of the Spanish footmen, yea, though all the rest of the army were slain, he thought that his glory would be the more augmented, the more the detriments of the rest of the army were heaped. But now the men of arms and light Horsemen, had sustained so great slaughter, that it could be no longer borne, and with a miserable spectacle mingled with horrible cries, now Horsemen, now Horses, fell down dead, now heads and arms torn off from the rest of the body, were seen fleeing in the air, whereat Fabricio exelayming, And must we all (quoth he) shamefully die through the wilfulness and perverseness of one Maran, and must this army be utterly all lost, not one enemy slain by us? Where be our so many trophies of the Frenchmen? must the honour of Spain and Italy perish for the pleasure of only Navarro? and when he had spoken these words, no longer staying either for the signal, or commandment of the Viceroy, he drove his Horsemen over the ditch, whom when the rest of the Horsemen followed, Navarro was forced presently to give the signal unto his Regiment, who rising up with great ferocity, encountered the Almains which had now approached them, so all the battles on both sides being mixed, a marvelous mighty battle was begun, and the greatest without doubt, that Italy had seen in many years, for that at Tarro was scarce any thing else, but a strong encounter of Horsemen, and the battles in the Kingdom of Naples were rather disordering of array, or rash attempts than battles, and at Giaradaedda, the smallest part of the Venetian power had fought: but here all of both sides, being mixed together in a plain, without impediment of waters or munitions, two mighty armies fought with hearts firmly fastened, either to vanquish or die, being inflamed not only by peril, glory, and hope, but also with the mutual hatred that the nations bore every one to other.  
In the encounter of the Almaigne footmen with the spaniards, two Colonels of great fame, named jacob Emser an Almaigne, and Zamude a Spaniard, fought as it were by challenge before the frontes of the battles, in which fight, the spaniard slaying his enemy, become victor. The Horsemen of the confederates were not comparable unto the French Horsemen: besides, they had been that day so endamaged, and torn by the ordinance, that they were made far inferior, so that after they had awhile sustained the force of their enemies, rather by stoutness of heart, than strength of body, and Alegies sending for palace with the rearward, and also the thousand footmen, which had been left at Montone, had charged them on the side, and Fabricio de Colonnae fighting very valiantly, had been taken by the Soldiers of the Duke of Ferrara, they seeing themselves no longer able to bear the force of their enemies, and also taught by the examples of their chieftains, turned their backs. For the Viceroy and Caruaiall never tarrying the uttermost trial of the valour of the Soldiers, fled, leading away with them the rearward almost whole and untouched, with whom also fled Antony de Le●a, a man then of low state, but one that afterward being exercised by the space of many years, in all degrees of martial service, become a very famou●●enerall.  
Now all the light horsemen were overthrown, and Pescara their Captain wet with blood and wounds, was taken with him, and also the marquess of Palude, who had brought into the fight the second battle, through a field full of ditches, bushes, and briars, which much disordered the array: and besides that, the ground was now covered over with the carcases of Horses, and men slain, which was no small hindrance unto them. But yet the Spanish footmen, being forsaken of the horsemen, fought with incredible fierceness, who although they had been a little driven back at the first encounter with the Almains, by reason of the strong ranks of their pikes, yet after they came within the length of their sword, and many of the spaniards being covered with Targets, had got between the legs of the Almains, thrusting them in, in those unarmed places with their daggers, and committing a great slaughter, they were now come almost unto the mids of the battle, among whom, the Gascoigne footmen having gotten the way between the River, and the Rampire, had charged the Italian footmen, who although they had received great loss by the great ordinance, yet had repelled them to their singular commendation, if Alegres had not given a violente charge on them with his Horsemen, with greater force, than good fortune: for when he saw his son Viverroes slain in his sight almost at the very first encounter, he unwilling to live after so great grief, flung in with his Horse into the thickest of his enemies, and fighting as become a most valiant Captain, after he had slain many, was slain himself.  
The Italian footmen, when they could no longer sustain so great a multitude, began to shrink, but part of the spaniards coming to their succour, they kept still in the battle, and the Almaigne footmen being oppressed by the other part of the spaniards, could scarce stand up any longer. But now all the horsemen being put to flight, Foix with a great multitude of Horsemen, set on the Spaniards, who rather retiring, than driven out of the field, did with their array in no part broken, take the way that lieth between the river and the high bank, marching with equal pace with their front very thick of men, and so repelling the Frenchmen with the strength thereof, began to retire and depart out of the field, which Navarro beholding, was more desirous of death than of life, and therefore not departing out of the battle, was taken prisoner: but when Foix could not abide to see the Spanish footmen thus go away safely, and victor-like, with their whole ranks unbroken, and perceived that the victory was unperfect, unless they were broken as well as the rest, in great fury charged on the tail of them with a troop of Horsemen: but he incontinently being enclosed by them, and thrown off from his Horse, or as divers say, oppressed with the foundering of his Horse, was slain with a pike thrust into his side: and certes, if they aught to wish for death, as the common opinion is, that are come unto the highest degree of felicity, then doubtless this noble Gentleman's death was most fortunate, having gotten so glorious a victory. He died a very young man, having now won among all men immortal fame, for that within the space of three months, being a General almost before he was a Soldier, he had with incredible celerity and ferocity gotten so many victories. The Lord Lautrech (his Cousin germane) being hurt with twenty wounds, lay besides him almost dead, but being carried to Ferrara, was saved by the diligent cure of the Chirurgeons. Through the death of Foix, the Spanish footmen were suffered to go their ways without impeachment. The rest of the army was now scattered and put to flight, all the bag and baggage taken, together with the ensigns and ordinance: and the Pope's Legate, john de Medici, Fabricio de Colonna, Navarro, and the Marquesses of Palude, Bitonto, and Pescara, and many other Princes, the chief of the nobility, and men of name of the Spaniards, and Neapolitans. The number of them that were slain in this battle, is altogether uncertain, yet among the variety of many reports, most do affirm, that on both sides, there were at the lest ten thousand slain, of whom the third part were Frenchmen, and the rest of their enemies: but without all doubt, according unto the common manner of Mars, the valiantest and the stoutest men, among whom of the Papists or the Pope's bands was Raphaell de Pazi, a Captain of famous renown, and innumerable were hurt. But without controversy, the loss on the victor's side was far the greater, by reason of the death of Foix, Alegres, and many of the French nobility, and of jacob, and other of the valiantest Captains of the Almain footmen, unto whose prowess this victory bought with no little effusion of blood, was chief attributed. Moreover, many of the Captains of the Gascoignes and Picardes (the which nations that day lost all their glory among the Frenchmen) were slain with Monsieur de Molard, but the death of Foix surpassed all other losses, with whom the courage, strength, life, and fierceness of that army was utterly extinguished. The greatest part of the vanquished that escaped out of the battle, fled unto Cesena, and from thence unto farther places, neither did the Viceroy stay any where, before he came to Ancona, whither he brought but very few Soldiers, many being spoiled and slain in their flight, for the Duke of Urbine not only stirred up the Countrymen against them, but also sent Soldiers to do the like in Pesaro, they only escaped safely that passed through the dominions of the Florentines. But although that after this battle the victor army took and sacked Ravenna, yet within very short time, when the covetous Treasoucer of Normandy to save charges, had dismissed the Italian Soldiers, and part of the men of arms had returned into France, and the Emperor had revoked the Almains, they were by a new army of Swissers, that came down to the Pope's aid, with whom also joined the Venetians, quite dispossessed of the whole Duchy of Milane, and all that ever the French King had in Italy besides.   

¶ The Battle of Riotta or Novara, fought in the Duchy of Milan, between john Trivulzi, and the Lord Tremoville, generals for the French King Lewes the twelfth on the one side, and Maximilian Sforza, the Duke of Milan, and the Swissers on the other, in Anno. 1513. out of iovius his history.  
THe French King Lewes the twelfth, not brooking his loss of Milan, chose two Captains of great authority and skill to pass the Alps: they were Trivulzi and Tremoville: and also sent for Robert de la March out of the land of Luke, with the black regiment of Almains, and Lewes Lord Beaumont out of the frontiers of Navarre, with those bands of Gascoignes that served Signeur de la palace a little before at Pampelona against the Spaniards.  
Among them he also mingled certain ensigns of footmen, consisting of very chosen men: for then every Gentleman which was not appointed unto an Horse, did with singular cheerfulness think it for his worship to serve on foot.  
All this power being very well appointed, with a great furniture of great ordinance, he commanded to hasten into Italy. Maximilian Sforza the Duke of Milane, having intelligence of this provision in France against him, soliciteth the Swissers to come into Lombary in his defence, the which he easily obtaineth. And first of all, the Hamen or Majors of the Cantons of Vry, Switz, and Vnderwald, as next unto Italy, passed the Alps, whom the bands of Glaron, Zuch, Lacerne, Sciphausen, Zuriche, and Berne followed in another company. And in the third and last company were five thousand footmen, under the conduct of Altosaxe an expert Captain. But Sforza being dismayed with the unlooked for revolting of Sacranoro Visconti, who kept about him at Milane a great number of desperate unthrifts, as well of the nobility, as other, joined with the first company of the Swissers, and went to Novara, there to expect (far from privy awaits and Treason) the conuning of the rest of the Swissers.  
The French power came before the Town of Novara, but when they had intelligence that the second company of the Swissers were at hand, and also that Altosaxe was at Galarita, they withdrew to a place called RIOTTA, twenty furlongs from Novara, near to the River of Mora. But as soon as ever the second company of the Swissers had entered the Town, and broken their fast, the captains assembled together to consult what was best to be done, where Craffe the Haman of Zurich rising up, said, I beseech you invincible brethren, suffer not the exploit that ye have with valiant hearts determined, to be corrupted through the untimely staying for Altosaxe and his company, for the safest and happiest way to good success will doubtless fall out, to be only by celerity. Neither need we (that are rightly and valiantly resolved) aught else than speedy execution, lest we may nothing courageously fail unto so great occasion which is offered unto us, to put us in hope of a fair day, which yet may be prevented by a light moment of time, for ye a few bands of invincible valour will be enough to oppress the enemies, whilst they think we will attempt nothing before Altosaxe be joined with us, let us therefore use their error, and by an unlooked for onset, bring sudden terror not without assured slaughter and flight, into the hearts of the enemy, puffed up with unadvised pride, and erroneous opinion: doubtless we have already vanquished, if the victory conceived and assured by this honourable devise and counsel, be presently pursued by fearless hearts, and valiant arms. Craffe had no sooner ended his speech, but all the Captains and ensign bearers without stay, assented unto him, and gravely consulted upon the manner how to attach the battle, whereupon the Soldiers were commanded to refresh their bodies with meat and rest, and to repair unto the ensigns after the second watch, & then the captains should tell them before the dawning, what they would have done. Now whilst all men's minds were musing on the event of the future fight, & the Sun was now going down, behold, a wondered chance happened: all the frenchmens dogs forsaking their Camp, entered Novara in one great troop, and began to lick the hands and legs of the Swissers that warded, and wagging their tails, and laying down their ears, fawned now upon one, and then upon another of them, as though they were now become their Masters, or shortly after should. But the Swissers (to the end they might make a show, that they meant some other thing than that they intended indeed,) commanded the Drums to be sounded all the whole night, now in this part of the City, and now in that, to make the espies, if there were any in the City, to believe that they would issue out of the Town, and thereby keep their enemies, who they knew had been in armour all the whole day on Horseback, armed also all the night long. But they commanded all their own men to strengthen their bodies with sleep, and to stay for day, that every man might in the clear light show his valour, with a noble contention for honour. For these are the most severe laws of the Swissers, that whosoever shall in the sight of the army do things for fear, which are shameful and unmeet for valiant men, shall be incontinently slain by their next fellows, so that the greater fear doth overcome the less, and for doubt of a shameful death, an honourable death is not feared. Now a little before it was light, the captains chose out of all their army (which was about nine thousand footmen) one thousand men of approved prowess, who should have the charge of eight falcons, and accompany Maximilian and his Horsemen, who were very few, but of the chief of the nobility. The rest did cast themselves into two battles, and marched all whist without sound of Drum towards their enemies two divers ways. But Triwlzi, who although he were accounted a Captain of approved and beaten wisdom, yet thought nothing less than that a few, and those weary footmen, would before Altosaxe were come, issue out against a very strong power, or attempt any thing touching the fortune of the battle. When he understood that the enemies power was in sight, raiseth up Tremoville, and the rest of the Captains, commandeth the signals to be sounded, & the ordinance to be placed against the enemy, and all things that he had learned by experience and discipline, to be administered according to the necessity of the peril. The shortness of the time was such, and the hearts or the enemies so ready to fight, that the French horsemen had scarce time to bridle their horses, and put on their head pieces: as they which had stood a great part of the day and night in armour, attending what should be commanded them: and at length though very late, when news was brought that all was quiet at Novara, had got them into their cabins to take their rest. But the light horsemen, as men sooner ready, in good time enough ran forth with a very long wing stretched towards the left hand, and met with the thousand Swissers as they were coming, who, that they might avoid the great ordinance, that now tempested upon them, marched towards the river of Mora, fetching a little compass about, and then minded to pass over the river by a bridge, and set upon the backs and tents of the enemies. Thus the Swissers marching on towards the bridge in a broad way, began to be torn in pieces with the ordinance which flanked them on the side, and to be vehemently pressed by the horsemen. But then Mottine with unappalled heart altered his counsel, and willed Maximilian (who was in great danger, the Epirotes insulting round about him) to departed out of the fight, and incontinently to return unto the City, that so he might keep the head of the wars, which then lay open unto the acerbity of fortune, for to enjoy the noble hoped victory. But when he nobly refused so to do, and with constant heart desired that he might be suffered to take the chance of common fortune, two petty Captains, and so many ensign bearers, took his horse by the bridle, and pulling off the crest from his helmet, and casting about him an old cloak to bide his coat armour, led him out of the field, forcing him to return unto the city with a troop of horsemen, that he being a dangerless beholder of their prowess, might there exspecte the news of speedy victory. Mottine being thus delivered of that woefulness, relieth his swaying battle, which had now jest three of their Falcons, withdraweth the wounded into the mids of the battle, and with great force beats back the insulting Epirotes, and slaying Alexio Bosigno a noble Geeke their captain ●●ite defeateth them. And with the same feeze is also carried into the enemies Camp, and there the drudges and stragglers being slain, and the Soldiers of the station disordered, took the carriages and baggage: But a little before these things were done by Mottine, an other company taking a longer journey thorough the Corn fields then grown up, and thereby receiving small hurt by the ordinance, had charged the side of the enemy.  
The French power was divided into three battles: Tremoville and De la March having the leading of the wings, and Trivulzi of the middle battle: and the Batallion of the Lancequenetz had gotten them within a ditch between the battles of the horsemen, because their Trench being of a new and wonderful workmanship invented by Roberte de la March, for to enclose them against the chance of battle, could not be pitched and set up in that sudden coming of the enemy.  
Upon this Esquadron of the Almains, the Swissers bringing about their battle towards the right hand, courageously turned themselves, for that they understood the victory would be easily obtained, after they had once defeated the chiefest force of their enemies army.  
The French Captains seeing this, incontinently commanded the great ordinance to be shot off upon them: the ranks to be broken thorough with great slaughter, and anon after the men of arms also vehemently charged them on the left side. In this tumult the Amans of Berne and Zuche were slain: yet the Soldiers nothing appalled with their captains deaths, neither with their own peril, nor the horrible slaughter of their fellows, gathering their strength together, do cast themselves into a ring, and with great valour do propel the horsemen: and straightway, as they had before determined, passing over the ditch, set upon the Almains. whereupon incontinently began a bloody and cruel fight, yea and that without either words or noise on either side, saving only an horrible clashing of armour and weapons, and the soft sighs of them that fell down dead.  
The Almains that they might revenge the slaughter of their countrymen the last year at Pavia, and now by new renown redeem the glory of warfare, lost fourteen years before at Bruderholtz in the confines of Basill, fought very fiercely. But the Swissers, that they might yet one day quite destroy their old and peculiar enemies, fellows that had run out of Germany, and served the French King in reproach of the Emperor, were no whit behind either in strength or fervency of courage.  
But whilst the Swissers and Almains thus fought at push of pike, news was brought unto Trivulzi and Tremoville, that the baggage was taken, those that were appointed to keep the Camp slain, and all places filled full of tumult and slaughter. The fame whereof, so troubled the Frenchmen's minds, that a great part of the horsemen (every man being careful for his bag and baggage,) ran thither without commandment, to recover the pray.  
Also in another quarter almost at the same instant, the third company or battle of the Swissers, showed themselves at the front of the frenchmen, which battle (whilst the Frenchmen had in vain shot off their ordinance into the wood that stood before them, by reason the Swissers to deceive the enemies had politicly left among the trees certain unprofitable drudges, to make a show of armed men) had crept along by a side way, by little and little stooping and trailing their pikes after them.  
And now so great was their contempt of the flying bullets and so terrible their charged, that the French and Navarrine footmen (their Captain Beaumont being slain) and two bands of Genoveses and Salucians, were quickly defeated, and also their ordinance taken and turned on the backs of them that fled. When the rest of the horsemen saw the great ordinance gotten by the enemy, in whom the frenchmen had in all wars reposed more trust, than in their arms and prowess, that the Almains were now almost quite destroyed, their tents taken, the enemy overthrowing all, & now large lords of the field, between shame and fear they turned their backs. When all men were thus dismayed, the Captains themselves were fearless enough (considering the fearfulness of the state) and went about to rally the ranks that were disordered, and turned themselves towards the dissonant cries of their own fellows, made them to abide and fight, encouraged the petty Captains and ensign bearers to put away fear, and so long to sustain a few peasants of weary, unarmed and now weakened with wounds, until the light armed had enclosed them. The Lansquenetz bear the brunt of the battle, and the fight is repaired in all places. But the horsemen being nothing moved with the words of the encouraging and commanding captains, shamefully fly: For the Swissers although their Captain Mottine were slain by a piece of ordinance, yet having gotten the Camp, did all bloody fiercely invade the left side of the horsemen, and on the right side, and on the back a greater power with terrible pikes, did very sharply urge the affrighted and disordered horsemen. There perished in repairing the field, Monfalcon Captain of the Duke of Albany's company of horsemen, and Coriolano Trivulzi, a young Gentleman of singular hope. But the Almains, who losing half their men and two ensigns and their General Floranges grievously hurt, had fought very constantly a long time: Now when they saw themselves to be forsaken by the horsemen, and the rest of the footmen in all quarters to be defeated, and the great ordinance taken: thinking that flight was shameful, and yet nothing safe, did set the points of their weapons upright according unto their manner and yielded themselves, seeking mercy of the victor enemies. In this grievous uproar Robert de la March Lord of Cedan, attached with impotent sorrow to see his two sons the lords Floranges and Gemese enclosed by the enemy, and almost in desperate danger of life, burst in even into the midst of his enemies battle with a troop of horsemen, and took them up lying among the dead bodies miserably bewrayed and imbrued with the blood of their wounds, and being half dead, laid them overthwart the neekes of two horses, like unto two cloak bags: and thus with singular praise both of fatherly pity and warlike prowess, he carried them away, preserving their lives to purchase renown in future and more fortunate fields. Thus the Swissers fight in three companies or battles, within an hour and an half dispatched and finished a famous battle, and a most weighty war. Neither yet although the Swissers saw so many of their enemies lie slain before their face can they once to the spoil, notwithstanding that precious furniture of household, and all the baggage of the rich army did allure their minds: for they remembering their country discipline, which doth not permit them to take any armed man prisoner in the battle, nor to pursue any that flieth: stood still a great part of the day, fearing jest the French horsemen incited either through the policy of their Captains, or their own shame, would come back again, and oppress them while they were busied in spoiling the dead. But their enemies ran away with such fear and pertinacy: that Trivulzi galloping to & fro all dusty and hoarse with crying unto them, was not able either by fair or foul speech, or the authority of General, to stay the ensigns or to retain the horsemen that casting away their lances, galloped away foremost. It is well known, that Grittie the Venetian Providitor, who being a companion of this unlucky journey ran away with them, oftentimes said among this company of hasting horsemen: Ye old horsemen that fling away so fast upon the spur to day, be not the men of arms of the Venetians, but those noble Gentlemen of France, that used to call them women runaways. Certes it never happened before, that Captains, (at all other times invincible and fortunate,) being furnished with so great an army, were defeated by a few footmen, fortune now listing to sport a little. It is reported that the French horsemen might have been all wholly destroyed in their flight, if Maximilian Sforza had had but two hundredth men of arms, for not one of the French horsemen carried lance beyond Sesithes: (so great was their heat to escape) yet a while after Silvio Sabello, and Corradino Cribelly, with certain light horsemen, pursued them even to the town of Trecato. But the Contadmes or Peasants running out of the fields and ●ainlets unto the spoil, cruelly slew where they saw any booty, the dispersed and fearful Frenchemenne wearied, and quite spent, at ditches, hedges and all other places that did let their course. The same day the Swissers gathering together the slain bodies of their countrymen, carried them on their shoulders into the City, that the last honours might justly be done unto them that had singularly well deserved of the common wealth.  
There were slain of them in this victory about a thousand three hundredth, of whom they brought into the Town above seven hundredth torn into pieces with the great ordinance, and almost as many were wounded. But on the French part were slain to the number of eight thousand of all sorts. Among the Captains of the Swissers, the almost monstrous valour of Jordin of Vnderwalde was specially noted, who (by the credible report of many,) slew twenty of his enemies with his halberd, carrying away the just rewards of assured praise. But Maximilian being very joyful for so happy success, called the Soldiers together, and the tears trickling down his cheeks, & scarf able to speak for joy, he gave them all hearty thanks, and that which might be a gift of present pleasure, he gave them in reward of their prowess all the victuals that was taken, to be divided among them, besides the ordinance and all the spoil and pray that was gotten. But the trench that was taken from the enemy, he set up in a public place, as a monument of the victory: And forasmuch as we have seen the manner of the making thereof, we do think it good to describe the same, that it may be both a pattern and also profitable unto the posterity.  
A square plot of fifty paces every way, like unto a small Camp being measured out, four strong posts sharped at the end, were driven into the ground at every angle one, standing above the ground navel high: the sides were defenced with lesser posts or stakes, a certain space being left between post and post: between the posts went rails, which they might take off and on, they being fastened together with iron books or clasps. The Almains stood within this munition, which was defenced round about with almost an hundredth Harquebuzers a crock. Through the defence thereof, Sedan had thought verily that the force of his assailing enemies would not only have been sustained, but clean dashed broken and defeated, for he was of the belief, that the Swissers before they could come to use their pikes and to hand strokes, should be paid for their inconsiderate invasion: It being likely that the esquadron terrible, for their pikes, and safe and invincible for their strength, would defend the trench, and at length opening the munition, break out upon the disordered enemies, and so obtain an undoubted victory.  
But this engine invented by a warlike wit, and brought over the Alps with so great labour and charges, as it did greatly delight the eyes of the beholders both for the novelty of the fashion and the hope of victory: so Fortune after her wonted guise scorning such subtle inventions, took success quite away from reason, and the work, when it should have taken most effect. But this deceived the Almains, that they thought it not needful that day to set up their trench, which lay in the Wagons, seeing the camp did then go back from the enemy. When we conferred with Tremoville at Bolongne about these matters, he did not fond say the fault in Trivulzi, as though that he would not encamp (as Tremoville had persuaded him) on his own lands, for destroying of the grass that then was ready to be mown. But Trivulzi as he that had never been vanquished before, when he declared much of the event of this battle, did refer it wholly unto the injury that was fatal unto his renown: for he said, that the skilfullest Captain in the world could not by any means redress rash men and Soldiers, made stark staring mad by degenerate fear.   

The Battle of Ginghat, fought in Picardy between Henry the eight King of England, and Monsieur de Piennes, general for Lewes the French king, in Anno Domin. 1513.  
WHen that HENRY the eight king of England, besieged the City of Tyrwin with three camps, of whom himself conducted one, the Earl of Shrewsbury an other, and the Lord Herbert the third: he had intelligence that Lewes the French king had levied an army under the conduct of the Lord Piennes, for to victual the City, which was sore oppressed with penury. Whereupon king HENRY passed over the river with all the retinue of his own camp, & his ordinance, for to impeach the French passage in that part. In the mean season a French man being taken in skirmish, in hope of pardon of his ransom, declared that the French army with their full power and strength, were coming from Blangie, to the number of fifteen thousand horsemen to aid Terwyn, on that side of the water. And to the intent that the army of the Earl of Shrewsbury and she Lord Herbert should not aid the King: there were appointed five thousand of the fifteen thousand, on the other side of the water, to invade them on the other side of the water.  
The King had no sooner pitched his field, and set in order his ordinance, but that he was advertised by the Northern prickers, that the frenchmen to the number of twelve thousand were coming forward in array of battle. Whereupon some counseled the King to take down his tents, but the King said, I will this day that my field be made and set in as royal wise as may be, and all my rich tents set up: which was done. Then the King called the Lord Darcie, and commanded him to keep his field, treasure, ordinance, and other stuff: who was loathe to go from his master, but by strait commandment. Then every man prepared himself to battle, resorting unto the standard, the horsemen marched before the footmen by the space of a mile: still came Curriours bearing tidings that the French army approached. The King bade set forward in the name of God and S. George. The Almains (that served the King) seeing this, to what purpose it was not known, suddenly embattled themselves on the left hand of the King, and left the front or breast of the King's battle bore.  
As the King was thus marching forward towards the battle, to him came the Emperor Maximilian with thirty me of arms, he and all his company armed in one suit, with red Crosses: then by the counsel of the Emperor, the King caused certain field pieces to be laid on the top of a long hill or bank, for the out-scourers. Thus the King's Horsemen, and a few archers on Horseback marched forward. The King would fain have been afore with the Horsemen, but his Counsel persuaded him the contrary, and so he tarried with the footmen, accompanied with the Emperor.  
The Frenchmen came on in three ranks, six and thirty men's thickness, and well they perceived the King's battle of footmen marching forward: the Earl of Essex, Captain of the Horsemen, and Sir john Peche with the King's Horsemen, and the Burgonions to the number of eleven hundredth, stood with banners displayed in a valley. The Lord Wallon, and the Lord Ligny with bastard Emery (Burgonions) and their bands, to the number of four hundred Horsemen, severed themselves, and stood aside from the Englishmen: so than the Englishmen were but seven hundredth, yet they with banner displayed, removed up to the top of the hill, and there they met with Sir Henrye Guilforde, with an hundredth tall Archers on Horseback, which had askryed the Frenchmen. Now on the top of the hill was a fair plain of good ground: on the left hand a low wood, and on the right hand a fallow field. The Lord Wallon and the Burgonions kept them aloof, then appeared in sight, the Frenchmen with banners and standards displayed. Then came to the Captains of the Englishmen of arms, an English officer of arms, called Clarenseux, and said, in God's name set forward, for the victory is yours, for I see by them that they will not abide, and I will go with you in my coat of arms. Then the Horsemen did set forward, and the archers alighted, and were et in order by an hedge all along a village called Bomy: the Frenchmen came on with three and thirty standards displayed, and the Archers shot apace, and galled their Horses, and the English Spears set on freshly, crying Saint George, and fought valiantly with the Frenchmen, and threw down their standards, the dust was great, and the cry more, but suddenly the Frenchmen shocked to their standards, and fled, and threw away their Spears, Swords, and Maces, and cut off the bards of their Horses to run the lighter. When the hinder part saw the former part fly, they fled also, but the sooner for one cause, which was this. As the Englishmen mounted up the hill, the horsemen of Albany (commonly called Stradiotes) were coming downwards on the side of the hill before the French host, which suddenly saw the banners of the English Horsemen, and the king's battle following upward, thinking to them that all had been Horsemen, than they cast themselves about and fled: the Frenchmen were so fast in array, that the Stradiotes could have no entry, and so they ran still by the ends of the ranges of the french army: and when they behind saw the fall of the standards and their Stradiotes in whom they had great confidence, return, they which were farthest off, fled first, than up pranced the Burgonions, and followeth the chase, which was pursued three miles. This battle was of Horsemen to Horsemen, but not in equal number, for the Frenchmen were ten to one, which had not been seen before t●me, that the English Horsemen got the victory of the men of arms of France. The Frenchmen call this battle, The Battle of Spurs, because they ran away so fast on Horseback.  
This Battle was fought the sixteenth of August, in the which was taken the Duke of Longuile, the Lord Cleremonde, and many other noble men, to the number of twelve score, and also all the standards and banners, which with the prisoners were brought to the King's presence. The Burgonions kept their prisoners, and brought them not to sight. The same went, that Monsieur de la palace was by them taken, and let go. But the other sieve thousand Horsemen, that had been appointed to invade the Earl of Sherewsbury, came not down, but only skirmished with Sir Rice ap Thomas. But the Citizens sallied, and were valiantly beaten back by the Lord Herbert. After this victory the City yielded, as also not long after did the famous City of Tournay.   

¶ Flodden field fought between james the fourth King of the Scots, and Thomas Earl of Surrey, General for Henry the eight King of England in Anno. 1513. out of Paulus iovius.  
Whilst Henrye the eight King of England thus molested the French King in France, james the Scottish King incited by the French King, and also egged on by his own natural hate toward England, which he well hoped now in the absence of the King greatly to annoyed, proclaimed wars against the King of England, and withal entered his land with a great army, besieged Norrham Castle, took it, and made it level with the ground, and from thence marched (wasting with fire and sword) to besiege the strong town of Berwick. In the mean time the Earl of Surrey whom King Henry for his approved fidelity and prowess had left behind him in England his Lieutenant, with a power to keep the borders towards Scotland, levying an army, went against the Scot, who miserably wasted all the Country. There were with him the Lord Dacres, warden of the West marches, a renowned man for all martial praise, Edward Stanley, and Bastard Heron, which Heron brought with him a strong troop of Horsemen, which he being of late banished both from England and Scotland, had cunningly trained in robberies, and other with aids, which were levied in all parts by the Queen, for at the bruit of the new wars, not only the countries near unto the Scots, as lying open to the danger, but also the shires far off of their own free wills, rather for hatred than fear, hasted to the Earl, all men taking very unpatiently the injury of violating the league lately concluded between the two Kings.  
james had then lodged his army on the top of an hill, which the inhabitants do call Floddon, in a place very strong both by art and nature, for on the left hand a great marsh and slimy gulfs, overgrown with tufts of Willows, did possess all the plain underneath the hill. On the right hand ran the river of Till at the foot of the hill with deeper Channel, and swifter stream, than could be passed over by ford. Their backs were defensed with steep hills and very thick woods. But at the front where nature had only left a gentle coming up, and only way unto it, king james had cast up a ditch, and placed all his ordinance on the inner bank thereof, and so strongly defensed himself, that to be entrenched round, or assaulted from the lower ground, he could not without pernicious encounter. When Surrey was come thither, he wondering at the iniquity of the place, thought it not good to assault the King's Camp, but sent an Herald unto the Scottish King with a message, the sum whereof was this, That king james in breaking the solemn oath of peace, and in polluting the rights of most holy inviolable kindred and affinity, by inferring wars unto Henry, when he was now absent, by burning his Towns, wasting his Countries, and murdering his Subjects, when they feared no such thing, had done most wickedly & cruelly, therefore he was come with an army to revenge the said injuries. King james himself should choose an indifferent place, and certain day to darreine battle, for he would without any staying or doubting, give him battle as soon as ever he would permit any equality. Then james (as he was a Prince of a stately stomach, and tried hardiness,) courteously speaking unto the Harrolde, thanked Surrey, and openly commended him, that of his own accord he desired the field, whereas he had long feared with woeful and troubled mind, that he would by all sleights rather have avoided the same: and therefore according unto that courage, he should make ready his weapons, and the third day after expect the arranged battles of the Scots in the open fields, that there he would severely set in judgement upon those injuries which he had untimely and reproachfully mentioned, and at the day prefixed, make an end by annes both of all old and new controversies. Surrey was encamped in a plain, three miles from the enemy, and there ranged his army: but james although he were ready to fight, yet kept himself within his camp and munitions, because all the most expect of his nobility, much misliked to join in battle: but above all other, the Earl of Huntley (than whom there was none in that army accounted either more valiant or more politic) spoke in the counsel Chamber so loud, that the guard also might hear him: that there was nothing more foolish or vain, than to fight at the appointment of the enemy, and at his will and pleasure to adventure the fortune of a pitched field, that the King should keep himself in that commodious place, and by linger, ●lude his fierce foes, considering there was in the eminies camp great penury of bread, neither could victuals be easily brought out of the inward parts of England, the way being very foul, by reason of continual rain that had fallen, that the King within short time by sitting still, and doing nothing rashly, should not miss to fight very fortunately, and give the enemies (being tamed by the iniquity of the place, and lack of victuals) a safe slaughter unto his Soldiers. Besides these words of Huntley, many things accounted for foretokens, although they were thought to be vain, and proceeding of chance, had stricken Religion and new terror into the kings heart, for as he was sitting in counsel with the Captains, deliberating about the manner of the battle, an Hare leapt out of his tent, and being stricken at with a thousand weapons, escaped untouched through the mids of the station. Moreover, the Mice had grawen asunder the string and buckle of his headpiece: and the report went, that the veils of his inner tent were in the morning besprinkled with a bloody dew. When the King for these causes came not forth into the field, Surrey who for sundry incommodities could no longer stay in those morish foul & filthy places, neither did think that the King would fight unless he were compelled by extreme necessity, dislodged, and leaving the enemy on the left hand, and passing over the river of Tyl, marched unto a better place at the end of Barm wood, that he might there in a more fertile and safe place refresh his Soldiers, whom with great journeys and thin diet, all those three days he had sore wearied, and in the mean time expect new power, and according to the movings of the enemies, who had with their multitude filled the next hills, he likewise should follow a new trade, in administering the wars. Nothing divided the two Camps, but only the River of Tyl, neither did either party abstain from tempesting with great ordinance, and other shot. But a hill at the hither side of the river, rising up gently a mile high, served Surrey to great use, for it defended the front of his Camp from all injury of the enemies ordinance. From that hill Thomas Lord Howard Surrey's son, a young Gentleman of passing prowess, surveying the hills the lay about it, upon whom the enemy was encamped, and the plain beneath, showeth his father that the Scot might easily be excluded from Scotland, or else being gotten out of his strong lodging, be brought to fight, if he would again transport his army over Till, in that place where before he had come over, and fetching no great compass about, would show himself on the back of the enemy, as far within as the straits of the hill would suffer. Surrey who had wholly bent his mind to fight, sent certain men very skilful in the Country, and also in martial discipline, to view the place, who upon their return, when they reported unto him the very same, and his sons counsel was confirmed by all men's opinions, he incontinently commanded the army to dislodge, and three miles from thence passed over the River by two bridges in two companies at one time. But james conjecturing Surrey's intent, lest by remaining still on those hills, and being intercluded from Scotland much against his dignity, he should lose free liberty to forage, and therewithal too, (which he thought much appertained to retain his authority) lest by detracting the fight, and being like unto one besieged, he should seem to repose more trust in the place, & the munitions, than in the prowess & valour of his Soldiers, strait way dislodged, and marched directly to take the next hill, whereof he greatly feared his enemy would have prevented him, but it was brought to pass through his own celerity, and the industry of the drudges of the army, who had at the kings departure (as was commanded them) filled all the Country with one smoke and black mist, by setting on fire the Soldiers Cabins, the straw and all the rest of the forage, that King james was come to his purposed place, before Surrey, who was but one mile from him, either perceived his departure, or could see the long train of his marching army. King james thus possessing the top of the hill, Surrey came with all his power unto the foot thereof, and staying there a little while, determined with himself, seeing the hill was neither very high nor hard to ascend to climb it, and to fight before the enemy had fortified his camp, and then calling together the Soldiers, he declared unto them into what place and case they were come, that on the one side the high banks of the river, and on the other the steep hills, that ran along many miles, took quite away from them all ways of flight, yea and all hope of life, unless they fought lustily, and vanquished valiantly, and therefore they should courageously encounter their forsworn enemies, who breaking the league, thought through the occasion of the kings absence, to win the Empire of the whole Island: neither should their hearts be troubled with their great multitude, for it had but sufficiently tried by the often victories of their ancestors, how small strength and constancy there is in Scots, that God himself would be with them in the field, as he hath always heretofore been justly against the breakers of their faith, and the contemners of his and man's laws and Religion, only the Soldiers should retain still the memory of their old prowess, for by the consent of all men, the most just cause of wars is to propel injuries, and defend by arms their Houses, Children wives, and that which seemeth to be much more renowned, the dignity of the Papal liberty, the which with noble heart, and holy counsel, had taken upon him to defend, and so accordingly by God's assistance, had driven the ungodly oppugners of the inviolable Majesty, being discomfited in battle, their captains taken prisoners, and their strong City won into the inner parts of France, and therefore they should under the conduct of the same God, fight against men defiled with the same contagion of polluted Religion: and if they made account of the honour of their Country, the kings estimation, and finally their own glory and safety, that they should follow him their Captain, ready either to vanquish gloriously, or else to die honourably. The Soldiers cried out incontinently, that he should give the signal of fight, and nothing doubt to deraign battle, yea though in a place of great disadvantage: for they stoutly said, that they would with their wounding weapons climb the top of the hill, and never return into the Camp but victors. Then Surrey in this hope and courageousness of the Soldiers, divided all his power into three battles. The fore ward he assigned unto the Lord Howard, wherein he also placed Edmund another of his sons to govern a part thereof (Hall makes it a wing.) He himself led the middle battle, and ordained Sir Edward Stanley to be Captain of the rearward. He placed the Lord Dacres with the Horsemen for a battle of succour, and disposed the great ordinance in certain distances among the ranks, and in the front, and so with a round march maketh towards the enemy. In the mean time, when the King saw the glistering of the armour, and the several battles of the enemy (as he might very well from the hill) thinking that occasion of victory was that day given him, if he being than superior both by the sight, the ground, and also the number of men, did out of hand fight with the enemy, he gave the signal of battle, and turning unto the nobility of his Realm, who stood near unto him, used such a like speech: Seeing most valiant compéeres in arms, that we shall this day fight with better condition and more advantage, than ever any of our ancestors hath heretofore done with this enemy, remember that now is the time of supreme occasion to revenge your injuries, which ye feared would never have come, and have hitherto in vain wished for, when ye suffered all villainies and reproaches of these most proud enemies: but we that have borne these things so long at home with sighing for vain anger, often crying unto God for revenge, and at length in this most goodly occasion, have taken so just and so needful arms, should doubtless show ourselves very vile and abject persons, and of all men the vainest: if now when deeds and true prowess are needful, and that we must set foot 'tis foot, and by wounds and death seek for glorious victory: we should fear the face of our enemies, and with timorous heart measure the perils of battles, I for my part being contented with the old limits of my kingdom enjoyed with good peace, could have passed my time in rest and quietness, and have been without the perils and labours, that wars do daily bring: If without care of dishonour I had preferred mine own private felicity before both the dignity of my country, and your safety. But by your general consent in that passing great opportunity of revenging of your wrongs, and of all other things, when you were all of one opinion, that wars were openly to be made, because that those things which we and our progenitors had suffered at the hands of our most bitter and spiteful enemies were shameful, grievous, and intolerable: I forthwith proclaimed wars with great courage, and that which doth make me hope of victory, ye with greater endeavour and desire, singular fervency, and incredible alacrity, have followed the ensigns, that one day by doing some notable act, and as it were the uttermost work of valiancy, ye might show the egregious fortitude of your hearts, and end those immortal controversies by a notable victory? For what may there any doubt be had of the prosperous success of the victory, seeing the army of the enemies is in nothing to be compared with ours, theirs consisteth wholly of a kind of fresh water Soldiers, that will quickly run away amain, being take up in haste without regard of prowess, and ●uenished with weapons and armour only for a show of Soldiers, for all the old men of war, or such as are meet for the field indeed, either for strength of youth or good parsonage are ca●●ed away by King Henry into France. And will not you then from the higher ground with the multitude of your weapons 〈◊〉 ●he●●●● a sort of wretches, 〈◊〉 we in number, and spent with wea●●nesse and fam●●ie assoon ●s they shall 〈◊〉 da●e 〈◊〉 approach you. They clamber up the hill, ●o● because they be so hardy, but for that they are needy, and must needs do it: that they may at once more honestly and speedily by death escape the pinching pains of unwonted labour & hunger: after the manner of wild beasts, whom when fretting fury hath once vexed their hearts, and famine their bellies, extreme anger driveth into raging madness. Draw your swords therefore with me, and cut the throats of these fresh water Soldiers: and be ashamed not to go thither for fear of death, whither ye shall see me your Captain lead you the way for renown and glory. The soldiers succlamed unto the Oration of the king yet speaking, with the clashing of their weapons and dissonant cries, without any longer delay, the king first sending out of sight his own horse and then all other doing the like, to the end that all men's peril being made equal, all hope of flight quitetaken away (as it is the manner of that nation) he might show both his strength of body, and valiancy of mind, divided all his power into five battles, for this reason: that the middle battle, wherein was his chief standard, should be guarded on both sides with two battles: as it were with wings. In the right were the Earls of Huntley, Craforde, and Montrosse, in the left the Lord Hume, and the earl of Lennox, and Arguile, reported to be expert men of war. He had ordained a knight to be captain of every band, and with them certain French captains, whom King Lewes had sent into Scotland a little before, to teach them the discipline of war: and all the ordinance (which could serve to no great use down the hill) being bestowed in a fit place, he himself stood in the middle battle, against Surrey.  
Now had Edmund advanced the foremost bands up the hill, when the ordinance on both sides being shot off, and the first ranks, disordered, Hume brought down his spears on foot, who lay with so furious force upon the Englishemenue coming up the hill, that the valiantest of the ring leaders being slain and Edmund strooken down, they had turned almost all that battle into flight. And now was there●● hope to abide, the hands being both affrighted, and also defeated, unless that in so great danger, on one side Bastard Heron a renowned man for his wonderful strength of body and noble courage, and imbrued with his own and his enemies blood had, lifted up Edmund: and from another part Dacres being intentive to all sudden chances of the battle, had sent an hurlewinde of horsemen overthwart the side of the enemies. And therewithal the Lord Howard also coming after with the most chosen men, the battle was without doubt restored, and courage was rendered unto the vanquished. So the fortune of the battle being made equal, and then more englishmen coming still up band after band, the afflicted being intermeddled with the fresh, began with emulation of prowess to advance the front of the battle up the hill.  
Now when they were come unto the strength of the Sedttes, and both sides fought almost with greater hatred than strength, Montrosse and Craforde coming into the foremost ranks to encourage the Soldiers, were there slain valiantly fight, and the esquadron of the spears on foot was broken through, scattered, slain, and utterly defeated by the horsemen and footmen. But in the lef wing almost at the same time, Stanley being joined in battle, had won the hill of the Scots, and with the multitude of his arrows, lighting thick upon them, had brought them into that case, that now they fought not close together, but their ranks being loosed and thin, and as men that sought to avoid the shot, their ensigns began to sway and shrink hither and thither. Which when Stanley perceived, he fetching about three bands of succour upon the open side of the enemies, brought so great terror, that they were not able to sustain their violent charge, and stand to it, but incontinently fled, and running headlong down the hill, hid themselves in the Woods. There Arguile and Lennox retaining with voice and hands, the inclined battle, were slain.  
In the mean time King James, who had a little before joined in battle with Surrey, as soon as he saw that the array of his men was disordered in the wings, and his enemies were spread abroad round about his skirts, adhorting the band that was appointed for his guard, and the old soldiers, and the noble men that were about him, that they would do nothing unworthy of themselves, nor their ancestors: brought his battle into the mids of his enemies. So that a new battle arose again afresh, and sharper than the first: because all this Scottish battle being well armed, had very well sustained the arrows of the englishmen, and certain Captain of the foremost ranks being slain had pierced almost to the English ensigns. There were on both parts very tall men, chosen by both Captains for the supreme and last chances of the battle: and the fight (as it must needs be in such a case) was divers and doubtful, one while to the one, and another while to the other prosperous and deadly. The King himself fight on foot before the ensigns, maintained the fight with great pertinacy, inflaming some with praise, and other with shame, finally crying out to them all with divers encouragements, that since now they had gotten their enemies, they should be revenged on them with sword and wounds, the which thing they had so greatly desired, and so greedily thirsted after. On the other side, Surrey when the best of his Soldiers were either slain or wounded, contended with great valour, still withdrawing the wounded into the hindermost ranks, very earnestly encouraged his men to bring the battle to the dint of sword, and where the enemies most urged, there also fought he most stoutly. But whilst this hot conflict lasted at the ensigns with uncertain event, the lord Howard and Stanley, who having defeated their enemies at both wings, came victors unto the middle battle, turned their powers upon the enemies, charging him in two quarters: and therewithal in very good time Dacres ran upon the backs of them, with a very thick troop of horsemen, so that when the Scots were slain on the from, the sides and the back, and being wearied with labour and wounds, could not break through for the heaps of slain carcases, weapons, and armours, they being on each side enclosed, were forced to fight in a ring.  
But when the King saw his chief standard thrown down, and Adam Forman that bore it slain before his face: then doubting nothing, but that he must immediately die, that he might deliver his heart from imminent reproaches, ran forth unto the thickest of his enemies, and there was slain fight very valiantly. Nor far from him certain great men of the Church contending with equal pertinacy, and prowess, were likewise slain: One archbishop, two bishops, and four Abbots: and of noble men, and men of mark for dignity of knighthood, and honours of warfare, thirty six. Hume and Huntley getting horses in this tumult through the benefit of the night approaching, escaped into Scotland with the hindermost bands and battles, which consisting of a very cowardly kind of Soldiers, had not struck one stroke: There were slain that day about eight thousand Scots, and almost so many taken: but all the ensigns were gotten, and two and twenty pieces, of ordinance, among whom were seven culverins of great hugeness, whom the king for their likeness one unto another, had named the seven sisters. The Scottish Camp was with the same fease won and spoiled: the kings body was found the next day by Dacres, and brought to Berwicke, and there a long time lay unburied for the englishmen thought him unworthy of the holy honour of burial and grave among Christians, after death for that he had in life time favoured and maintained the Frenchmen and Schifmatickes.   

¶ The Battle of Vlmo fought in Venegia, between Raimonde of Cardona General of the army of the league made by Maximilian the Emperor, Ferdinand the King of Spain: and Bartholmewe de la Aluiano or Liviano, General for the Venetians in Anno. 1513. Out of iovius.  
ANno Domini. 1513. Raimond de Cardonna captain of the army of the league against the French King invaded Venegia with fifteen bands of Spanish footmen, under the conduct of Ferdinand marquess of Pescara, every band containing three hundredth Soldiers, and seven bands of Lansquenetz led by James Landawe, every band consisting of five hundredth Soldiers: (both the Spaniards, and the Almains were old Soldiers, and had fought very valiantly of late at Ravenna) with seven hundredth men of arms of King Ferdinandes old companies, and also one hundredth and fifty Almain men of arms under the conduct of Rician and Celemberg, the emperors Captains: and also a company of light horsemen, whose captain was Succaro Heduo: and besides two companies of men of arms of the Pope's power led by Troilo Sabelli, and Mutio Colonna, and a company of light horse under the government of Vrsino Mognani: finally with six hundredth Spanish horsemen serving under Peter de Castro, among whom many were archers.  
With this power and twelve falcons he invaded Venecia, because the Venetians had that same Summer joined with the French power in Milan against the Duke, when that Trivulzi, was discomfited by the Swissers.  
But when he saw that he could not get out the Venetian power to fight with him, neither could he win either Padua, or Treviso, where they kept themselves: he passed over the river of Brenta: where after they had with fire and sword, wasted all that country being of singular fertility, he encamped at a village on the Sea coast called Maestre: from whence as the nearest place of the main land unto Venice, he holding the stately seat of the enemy, commanded the ordinance to be laid upon the nearest part of the shore, and to be shot off in reproach and spite of the proud City, as though he had laid his battery against them City, as in deed some pellets lighted in it.  
The which spiteful part bred such indignation in the hearts of the angered signory, who not without tears beheld their princely Manor houses burning in all parts of the Country, that they wrote unto Liviano their General who was at Padua with a power to repress the insulting insolency of their enemies with arms, and whensoever he should get opportunity of time and place; to give them battle.  
Liviano gathered together almost seven hundredth men of arms, and few less than two thousand light horsemen, seven thousand footmen, and great store of field pieces, with him also joined Sacramoro Visconti, being excluded out of Milan, with about seven hundredth horsemen, very well appointed. Moreover this barbarous burning had excited a great number of Contadines or peasants, unto whom Liviano had before sent Paulo Manfrony an expert Captain, to rule and guide with reason and counsel the rude multitude, commanding him to permit no occasion of invading the enemies on the back, whensoever he should see them either troubled with the woods, or rivers, or busied with battle. The news of the approach of Liviano made the army of the league to cease their wasting, and to seek to pass over the river of Brenta: the which they politikly did in the night time, deceiving Liviano: who being driven from his first council, marched to a place called Vlmo three miles from Vicenza, to take the straits of the next hills, which way the Leaguers must needs pass to go unto Verona: which the Emperor then possessed.  
But Liviano stopped the passage of the straits, with casting by of ditches, trenches and rampires, wherein he had placed his great ordinance, so that it was not possible for the enemy to pass that way without assured destruction, and again to take an other way about by the mighty Mountains, and the thicks Woods of Basiano seemed to be worse than an adverse battle: the Peasants cruelly pursuing them that had lost their baggage, as men utterly vanquished and turned out of their ancient honour, Now was the army of the League come within sight of the enemy, and were encamped so near unto the Venetians, that they heard the neighing of their horses, and the noise of their camp, and were wonderfully annoyed by Liviano from the higher ground with the great ordinance, so that the horsemen were forced to seek low places, and great trees to defend themselves, and the footmen to lie flat upon the ground. But when night was come, proclamation was made, that all the fires throughout the camp should be put out, that the enemies might have no mark to direct their shot more certainly: and also thorough the persuasion of Prospero de Colonna (who ruled all the army, although Raimonde was General) all the Wagons and booty that they had gotten, was burnt, that they might more speedily march the next day before it was light towards Basiano: hoping assuredly of victory, if they could get the enemy out of the strong place of advantage for to follow them. It was somewhat late ere Liviano understood of the departure of the enemies, by reason of a thick mist that arose (as it commonly doth in such moorish countries) but assoon as he perceived that they were gone, he sent Bernardine Antiniola his sister's son, a valiant young Gentleman, with the light horsemen, and three Falcons to endamage the tail of them, and to view whether they went: for his mind was not to join with them in battle without great advantage, knowing his footmen not able to match the old Spaniards & Lancequenetz: but determined only to vex, annoy, and stay them with often skirmishes, as they marched through troublesome and ill ways: that he might deliver them (being wearied with travel, watching and famine) into the hands of the Peasants swarming about them, so to be destroyed. But Antiniola very hotly urging on the tail of the enemies, attached a very sharp encounter with the Almain horsemen: in the which he being repulsed, had forsaken his ordinance: but after that other troops of horsemen succoured him, the fight was again so furiously renewed, that not only the three pieces of ordinance were recovered, but also the Almains put to flight, in such sort, that Prospero commanded all the horsemen to open their troops and to make way through the mids of them for the fleeing Almains: and lest they should else have disordered the whole battle, he also commanded Pescara to turn head with his Spanish footmen towards the Venetians. There was with Liviano, Andrew Lauridame the Venetian Legate or Providitori, a vehement man, neither less greedy of revenge, than of glory, but one altogether unskilful of the wars. He hearing good news from all parts of the auaunt●urrer●, hasted unto the General (as he was vehemently stirred up with the sharp affects of hope and grief) and said unto him: Why linger you General? the enemies escape: an assured and notable victory will slip out of our hands: it will rather be accounted falsehood, than cowardice, if that you linger any longer: neither can this opinion be taken away, unless you do incontinently command the signal to be given, and pursue with all your power the fleeing and disordered enemy. Then Liviano turning towards Hugo de Pepoli, and Guido de Rangoni, said: let us adventure though rashly yet nobly the footmen of battle, seeing that over great power of superiority, doth overcome reason: lest if I be to day wary and considerate, I shall anon after being accused before the signory of cowardice or treason, and oppressed with wrongful hatred, be put to death by the adverse and malicious voices of the unskilful, as was unlucky Carmagnola. That be uttered these speeches, we learned of those that were present at thou. Then causing the signal to be sounded, he pursued the enemies with three battles: the leading of the right and left wings which were both of light horsemen, had Antonio Pio, and Bagleone, but the middle battle, wherein were the men of arms, and Sacramoro Visconti, Guido de ●●●●goni, and Hermes Bentivogli, he himself conducted. The battles of the footmen marching also with equal p●●e 〈◊〉 the one and the other side of his battles, the horsemen on both sides encounter very fiercely: and now Liviano fleeing hither and thither, and trying out that this day would be the end of their labours, and the begynuing of their dewardes, had enkindeled his soldiers with so great dessce to vanquish, that many of them pierced thorough the thickest of their enemies, even unto their Ensigns, and striving to bring them away, and bring strongly resisted, tore thou into péetes, and slew Ebrardde Cornia the enfigne bearet of M●●tiaks company, a valiant old Gentleman, and his courageous sontie.  
But whilst the horsemen thus encounter together in the scout with equal hope and fear on both sides: Prospere road unto every rank, encouraging them, and commanded. Pescara to advance forward on the one side with his Spaniards, and Landaw on the other with his Launsqueneti, and to charge the footmen of the enemy, the which they did with such fury, that the bands of Babo Brescehelli, whom Liviano had for the opinion of then notuble prowess placed in the foremost cankes, scarce once attempting the encounter, turned their backs almost before they had seen their en●●●; although their Captains, men of singular dalor endeavoured by encouraging, threatening & beating to make them abide, & sought themselves very valiantly in the forefront, where they were slain also: among whom were John Bernardino, Alezzo Seraphino, Alfonso M●to, Phillippe Carsoleio, Aniball de Simoni, and Baptista Docto, who had placed about him a crew of very valiant Soldiers, choser out of divers hands, which were all stain by Pescara, who there valiantly caught on foot before his Spaniards with apike in his hand.  
Then the middle battle of the Venelian horsemen being bared on one side of their footmen, began first to be driven bark, and being urged more sharply, anon after with slaughter to be put to flight: neither could the disordeted battle be repaired or made to stay, when the foremost ranks were slain, although that all the valiantest horsemen eudevoured to their uttermost to sudden the impression of their ●minses. So that when all such as resisted were slain the ensigns were thrown do●●, and namely the ensign of 〈◊〉, the which Authony Mon●o● had long time valiantly kept, but at the last lost it, together with his life, and at the same brune, Sacramoro and Hermes being unhorsed ●●were slain by the Lance quenetz. But Pescara Gentlmanlike saved Otho Visconis, brother unto Sacramoro, although there had been before a private quarrel between them.  
Now when the horsemen of the right wing saw the middle battle, wherein they reposed all their hope of victory, and that which they thought should bear the brunt of the battle, slain and put to flight, they shamefully burling away their armour and weapons, ran away amain, and Antonius their captain appressed with the weight of his armour was drowned in the River of Becchilio. The right wing also with like cowardice did the like: for when Paul Baglione had not brought about speedily: enough the right wing by reason of the moorish and slimy ground where upon he had lighted by going about to enclose the enemy: & Liniano also had more hastily attached the battle than he had thought he would: it came to pass, that his soldiers seeing the slaughter and flight of other of their fellows, and also distrusting their own strength, fled away whole and untouched. Yet in the front, although that fear and flight had taken the bartes of all the soldiers, many valiant Captains, whilst for the dignity of their martial service passed, they endeavoured to retain the soldiers, to keep the array and ground, were at length fight courageously slain, being for saken by their soldiers, and enclosed by the multitude of their enemies.  
But Paul Baglione having lost his two base brothers, Troiano and Hierome, and all his horsement scattered, in utter despair fled away, and lighting on a marish, was taken by the Spanish horsemen.  
In the mean time, Liviano, although he were forsaken of Fortune, and left alone by his soldiers, still rating them for fleeing, yet went busily about to renew the fight: but at length being broken in heart, and spent in strength, he fled, and came to Padua. The rest of the Captains were almost all taken in the chase, or slain by the Almains, who spared no man: and many also were drowned in the river of Bachillie, for when they came weary unto the river, either they were or owned in the stream, or were overtaken and oppressed by the enemy as they stood deliberating whether it were best to pass it or no. And thus they perished by divers chances. The Lansquenetz also, & the Spanish footmen, breaking their array, pursued the flight, slaying those that the horsemen running before, had overthrown, or whom the throng of them that fled, and the heaps of armours and weapons. With whom they every where met, had hindered or stopped. Andrew Lauredame Providirou, a ●●ant unworthy of that calamity, (if he had not been the unlucky author of that unfortunate battle) was taken: and albeit after he was withdrawn, he promised a mighty mass of gold for his ransom: yet was he most cruelly stain by a rascal droudge. But Andrew Gritti got him to Vicenza, and was there very hardly saved, for assoon as the Venetians began to fly, the perculleiss of the gate was let down, which was the cause of many a man's death, for they missing their hope of entering Vicenza, in going back again met with the enemies, by whom were slain Captains of companies of horsemen, Charles Monrons, 〈◊〉 Saxatello; Constantius Pio son to Anthony, and Meleagri● of Fonli, but there were slain of captains footmen, and petty captains, above six and twenty. Many were saved by the Italians and Sp●●mardes, but those whom fortune cast on the Almains (having before sworn to spare no man) were all slain There died of the Venetian army that day being the vij day of October, about seven. M. whereof four C. were men of arms: a thing that had never happened before in any battle. There were also taken xxiij pieces of ordinance with all the ensigns, yea and this almost at●●icued without wound of their enemies, for there were lost but only two men of mark, & they were of Mittius de Colonnd is company: Eberard de Cornia his ensign bearor, and Camillo Maximo, & knight of Rome, a young Gentleman of rare towardness. There was never army in our age that had fought either with more shameful end, or was vanquished with less damage of the enemy: in so much that the marquess of Pescara even in the mids of his joy for the victory, detesting the dastardliness arolynesse of the Venetian Soldiers, openly protested, that he was very heartily sorry, that it was his luck to have been inserted by dies auncessours into the land of Italy, 
Pescara his ancestors came out of Spain.  that brought forth so feeble & faint hearted soldiers. But after this great overthrow given, the army of the League, by reason of the approach of winter, were forced to forsake the field, and to return unto their wintering places.   

¶ A Battle fought in anno. 1514. at the river of Boristhenes between. Basilius the great Duke of Moscovie, and Constantine General of Sigismunde King of Polande. Out of iovius.  
WHen Basill the g●● are Duke of Mosconie had by treason taken the strong town of Smoleincho, he sent three companies of horsemen to waste Littaw. Against whom Sigismunde King of Polon sent his approved Captain Constantine with an army of 〈◊〉 thousand Foloman m●● of aunts, twelve thousand Lithuam●●● 〈◊〉 ●b●o●●e a● archers on horseback, and three thousand footmen, part harquebusierz and part pikemen, in whose puissance if they once joined in battle the reposed assured hope of victory. Basill, who had above fourtse thousand horsemen doubting nothing of the event of the 〈◊〉 battle, suffered the P●●lonian power quietly to pass over the river of Boristhenes or Nept●● that he might have the more full and noble victory: and when be understood by his espites, that all the Polonians were passed over, turning himself towards his Captain, her spoke as followeth. Our eniu●●●ane pass the River, to late to return again, if ye 〈◊〉 play the men. Wherefore (most valiant fellow Soldiers) a●●●one as ever ye shall receive the signal, break forth as thick together as ye can clustes, and after ye have once powered down & short of shafts upon your enemies battles, than every two of you encountes one enemy: and persuade, yourselves that by this days victory ye shall sack the rich Cities of vil●●nd 〈◊〉 the Chief● Cities of Li●●●● and Pol●●.  
When he had th●● said, ●eech●se out of all the whole host about seven thousand horse●●●, whom he commanded to enclose the enemy behind at the back: and when they perceived the battle waxed hot at the front; then they should with all their power set upon the enemies at the back, fearing no such think: for on the left hand was there a little valley, hedged in as it were with little hills, running along, and covertly clothed with very thick bu●yes and briars, fitly serving to hide such an ambush. But of the rest of his power he made three battles.  
The forward, wherein were twelve thousand horsemen, he placed an the right wing, and made Michael Golijza a valiant man. captain thereof: the second he appointed for the left wing near unto the hills, to the end it should be as it were a battle of succour: but at the wagons, carriages and bagg●●●● of the army▪ be himself st●●de with the middle battle, wherein were placed the strength of the army.  
On th● contrary ●●e Constanti●● not being ignorant that the vn●●aned enemy would in no respect be equal unto him, if he could at the first brunt sustain the multitude of their arrows, and bring the matter to hand strokes, and that the battle might not altog●●●e be foughtes by thick tronnes of horsemen, he placed, all the men of ●●mes in the ●ro●●, to receive the first force of the ●●●●wes, but strengthened both wings, with Lithuanians, and their backs with the footmen.  
And riding from rank to rank, he said unto them: we must this day fight not for glory, nor by arms to recover Smole●cho lately lost by frauds, but to impeach that the perfidious and most shameful Muscovites, may not reign over the Polonians, and Lithuanians. Neither (fellow Soldiers) will I enkindle you unto prowess and victory, more by any adhortation, than by putting you in m●nd that the river Boristhenes is at your back, which if ye (being discomfited by the armed enemy,) cowardly think ye may again pass over, by giving place, or shamefulye fleeing, ye shall make it famous, for a perpetual ignominy of your Country, and your notble discomfiture and ●aughter. But that ye do not suffer so great dishonour and soul fact to be committed under my conduct, I do beseech and obtest thee (O God most bounteous, and almighty and ye holy Ladist and Caffimire, the defenders and pastrons of the Polontas Empire, and I do bow an altar and Church unto both of you if it may stand with your pleasures, that the Poldnian vanquish and I discomfiring and putting to flight the annimye, may, bring home a speedy and entire victory. While Consta●●ine was yet speaking, the Moscovils founded the battle, and the rewithall Michael commanded his horsemen to run forth f●ourth e●●●●ng, and to shoot their arrows. Neither did Constantine (as head instructed the Captains when he arranged the battles) keep in the men of arms, but they were commanded incontinently to charge their stames, but running upon the endways, to bring the rouflices unto the sword. And suc●●e in deebe was the 〈◊〉 that being come beyond the fall of their evil 〈◊〉, they escaped the greatest part of that shower, and a●● represting in with the be easts of their horses and their weapons, took from the arhers on hor●● back the use of their bows, and their second arrows, in whom they had reposed great conside●●.  
On the other shoe the Lu●●●nians stre●●ving out their widge as long as they could possible, charge the sides all the iu●●● shuting innumerable arrows upon their thick battles: where with all the Moscovites being opprossed, when they could neither: beack through in the front, being drged by the men of arms, nor not give bark, their followed behind thrusting them forward, the● broke their array and flew out side long upon both the wings of the Lithuanians, and there as one time attached two encounters in divers places: yea and the same time also the horsemen, who as we told you were se●e by Basill at the back of the Polonians through the hidden valley, with ●●deous cry, and great sound of trumpets, that they might seem the greater number, invaded the Polonians on the 〈◊〉, which being once perceived, tertaine captains valiant men, amongst whom was the Palatine Polosky, notwithstanding Constantine had straightly commanded them not to stir out of their places, nor to sight without his commandment: Yet thinking that in sudden and dangerous chances of sight all things are not to be done according to straight prescript, but the present occasion of things must be encountered, since they could not then run to ask the generals counsel, because he fought busily a●me other quarter nor in any case in that shortness of time, certify him thereof, turned the esquadron of the footmen on the enemies. The esquadron being by their array immovable and strong, although they had received some detriment by the arrows, yet notwithstanding discharging all their harquebusiers together at once, by that tempest of pellets staying the for●ōbranks of the enemy, came to their pikes and halberds, and by their impulse and valo● repulsed the enemy. When the horsemen being impeached with their multitude, could not get out to spread abroad themselves, and traverse their ground: they sustained the sight in that straight and throng with greats slaughter. There when the sight warred h●t, y●e might have seen man and horse th●u●t through with a stroke, other overthrown, and great heaps of slain men lying every where, and all places filled with the blood, and groving of dying m●n. But in another quarter Constantine having disordered the ranks of the enemy, and almost quite destroyed Michael's horsemen, was now come unto the middle battle, and attaching a sharp encounter, had disordered the fo●●ndste ranks with his violente charge and slaughter. When Basill distrusting of the middle battle, and his own strength, gave back, but yet turned not his face, as one that expected the supreme event, thinking verily that the horsemen which he had sent before to inu●de the Pul●uiam o●r the back, would strike a sudden and therefore the greater fear into the hearts of the Polonians, neither foreseeing nor distrusting any such unlooked for invasion. But the footmen that defeated them, turning their ranks, and coming with speedy pace upon the battle of succour, broke all the rest of his hope and heart, So that Basill departing out of the battle with a troop of noble horsemen, fled amain upon the spur: whom that battle incontinently followed, which (we showed you) was placed at the hill for a succour, being not once able to abide, not not the look of the bloody and victorious footmen. Then followed a foul flight all the field over: but yet the middle battle with great constancy received the enemy, that eagerly urged. For Basil had placed all the armed and valiantest Soldiers of the whole host about the ensigns, and in the front of that battle. So that they fought long with variable fortune, and most eager and fierce contention on either side, and divers Polonian horsemen of mark, and two young noble men were there slain, as they over hotly ran their horses into the thick battle of the enemy. At the length the Lithuanians and footmen, after they had defeated them with whom they had encountered, came also upon them from divers parts with furious force: the Moscovites before they should be constrained to sight also behind: thought best to provide for themselves by speedy flight. The Polonians victors winning the enemies camp, got a great and rich pray by the king's furniture, and five thousand horses. They slew above seven thousand men. Michael also and certain other famous captains were taken, whom with the ensigns that were taken, King Sigismunde afterward in triumphant manner brought bound into Vilne. After this fortunate sight Constantine besieged Smolencho, but not with the like fortune: for Basil had in his flight sent thither certain companies of horsemen, and strengthened the Town with a new garrison: thinking that if they could sustain the first assavites of the enemy, that then the Polonians being excluded by the time of the year, would never once mind to besiege it: for this battle was fought the eight day of September. When Constantine perceived that the winning of it was harder than he had hoped, neither would the nature of the very cold country, suffer the Soldiers to lie abroad in the field, he despairing to achieve this enterprise, reduced his army home again over the river of Boristhenes.   

¶ The Battle of Chois, in Armenia the great, fought the fift of August in anno. 1514. between Selym the great Turk, and Ishmael the Sophy of Persiae.  
WHen Selym the great Turk in revenge of the wrong done him by Jsmaell the Sophy, in marrying his daughter unto Amurathes his enemy, and the banished son of his brother Achomates, and also in aiding him with a power to invade Cappadocia, had entered Armenia, the Sophy, although he nothing at all suspecting any invasion of the Turk that year, had sent the greatest part of his power against the Coraxenes▪ yet to save the beautiful and pleasant town of Chois from sacking, encamped within sight of the Turk, and reposing great trust both in the hardiness of his soldiers, and also in his own good fortune, thought it best to the end he might strike the greater terror into his enemies hearts, not to defer the time, but roundly to join in battle with them: and incontinently sent an Herald unto Selym, and with him certain men of war, who should diligently view what kind and how great the army of the enemies was, how many pieces of ordinance he had, and what the form of their Camp was. But they should do this message unto Selym: that Armenia was assuredly the Persians, neither had there ever been any contention between the Turks and them for it, and therefore he marveled why he was come into that province with an enimious army. But if perhaps be emulating the ancient prowess of Alexander the Macedon, thought that so much land of right was his, as victory and fortune by encroaching arms should get him, that then he should make himself ready, and even the next day try what his own and other men's power was able to do: Selym answered thereunto, that apparent injuries were in fresh memory. Wherefore the Othomannes might justly take arms against the Persians, both his grandfather Mahomet, and Cassen his uncle in time paste, and now of late his father Bajazet, and hym●●● also whilst he was oppugned with the arms of his brother Achomates, had received of the Persians both very great detriments, and notable reproaches. But although these were great and very weighty matters, yet did he not think them to be causes worthy of wars: but his only request was, to have Amurathes his brother's son yet his enemy, and the waster of Cappadocia, delivered into his hands, whom if he would according to equity friendly yield up unto him, that then as the mutual rights between Kings for the defending and strengthening of their Empires required, he would withdraw his army and return into his own dominions: But if the Sophy neglected thus to do, that then he would waste Armenia and Persia with fire & sword. The Herald being dismissed, both princes kept themselves within their camps. But the next day Selym by the encouragement of all his Soldiers, brought forth his power into the open field, and marched in array of battle towards the enemy, who lodged two miles off, thinking that Jsmaell, a chieftain of so great name, would make no stay, but according to his word incontinently join in battle with him.  
But as for the number of Persians, what kind of horsemen they were, what armour and weapons they bore, he could not lightly learn: for besides the natures and wits of that nation, fraught with subtle policies and wisdom, so great was the love of the soldiers, and so great their reverence toward Jsmaell their king, that there was not one man found that fled unto the Turkish Camp, whereas on the other side (as it was afterward learned by the Persian prisoners divers daily fled from Selym unto Jsmaell. Selym who is reported to have had that day in the field four score thousand horsemen, placed in the right wing Cassembassa the captain of the Europian horsemen, and in the left Sinambassa an Eunuch, with the horsemen of Asia, the Acanzi going before or avauntcurring: which Acanzi are horsemen of divers nations, that voluntarily follow the wars, being thereto excited in hope of booty and spoil.  
The middle battle was assigned unto the Asappes, a multitude of r●●●l and half unarmed footmen, who for that they are accounted no loss at all, are always objected unto the first encounter and brunt, thereby to blunt their enemies blades. Behind the Asappes was the great ordinance, disposed in direct front, guarded with four thousand horsemen. He himself with the chosen horsemen of the guard, and all the Janisars stood for an aid and secure in a place somewhat higher than the rest, and being entrenched with a double circle or trench of ordinance and carriages round about him, had placed the sumpter camels according to their custom, so linking them one to an other with long chains going cross their breasts, that they seemed to be a strong munition: wherewith he being enclosed, might aid those that he saw in distress, and (if any harder chance should happen) from thence as from a Castle with the flower of the whole army sustain all the force of the enemy. Moreover he willed the Asappes, that assoon as the enemy's horsemen began to approach, that then they should immediately sever themselves a side into two parts, thereby to leave an open gap to shoot off the great artillery full on the enemy. On the other side Jsmaell, who had certainly learned by fugitives all the counsels of the enemy, calling unto him his Captains, told them that it would be nothing to win the victory, if they could but escape the tempest of the ordinance: which thing he affirmed might easily be brought to pass, if the horsemen as soon as they once saw the battle of the Asappes divided, would also be intentive and ready incontinently to break their array, and likewise to sever themselves into two wings. Wherefore he caused two chief standards to be borne, the one was the Imperial standard, the which he disposed in a certain place where he stood himself, with the force and flower of the horsemen: the other he assigned unto his approved Captain Vstaogle with the rest of the army. Jsmaell had about him thirty thousand horsemen without any aid of footmen, and of them were there above ten thousand men of arms, very valiant Soldiers, well practised in the wars, and famous for their nobility. They had very excellent horses barded with strong steel, and their helmets were all crested both for a braverne and also to terrify the enemy: moreover they bore Semiters, and after our manner, malles of iron, & also very strong Lances. The rest of the horsemen being armed with open and somewhat long head pieces and cuirasses, used either great bows, or else lances of Ash after the Sparishe manner: and as for guns they had none, in which one only thing they were overmatched by the Turks. But, so great courage and valiancy was in the hearts of the Persians, that they despising the multitude of their enemies, and contemning the peril of the ordinance, doubted nothing to give them battle. The signal being given, Jsmael set forward with all his army, adhorting all his Soldiers, that they would retain in memory their old martial praise, and that they would follow him their chieftain, (whom they had thorough many most prosperous battles, made the most mighty King of all the Orient) now marching against the enemy: that they were to encounter with a sort of unarmed Turks, using only a light staff and a Target, whose horses are of stature low, weak, and carrion lean, and almost starved with hunger, that they would never abide, not not the first shock of the men of arms. On the other side Selym seeing the dust of the enemies army coming, commanded it to be proclaimed unto all the army by the Colonelles and captains, that the battle was at hand: wherein if they fought valiantly, and vanquished the Persians the conquerors of nations, they should enlarge the ottomanical Empire from the Persian Ocean unto the mount Caucasus. But if they remitted any thing of their wonted prowess, that then being in that huge wilderness of the strange Country, and unmmeasurable deserts, there were no hope of escape to be looked for, for either they should shamefully die, or else with everlasting reproach be slaves unto the Persian women: since that behind them so far from their Country, both the mighty river Euphrates and the monstrous mountains of Taurus, and also beside that, the unfaithful Aladule possessing the straits, had taken away from the vanquished all hope of return into Cappa●ocia. Now when Jsmaell approcked, and the Asappes at the signal given opened their ranks, and in the space between them the fashions were short off, he incontinently deducting his horsemen gave a charge upon the right wing of the Turks, with such seruencye, that there was a very sharp encounter between the half armed Turks, and the complete armed Persians: so that Cassembassa and the foremost ranks being slain, and so shootly the other one after another discomfited & defeated, they propelled all that wing even unto the aids and succours where Selym himself stood. In another quarter Vstaogle receiving no small detriment by the ordinance, because he had not so speedily got himself and his company out from that danger, charged the Asians, of whom he slew a great number, but not with the same felicity, that Jsmaell had, for whilst he sought very eagerly among the foremost, he was slain with an harquebus shot, through which chance the Turks recovered again their daunted spirits: so that they, who even now driven from their ground had lost above the third part of their fellows, now very lustily renewing the fight, sustained the men of arms, and setting against them the Harquebusierz, by whom the horses of the Persians were most affrighted, drove them headlong in one troop upon the Asappes. The Persians either compelled by necessity, for that having received great detriment, they had also lost their captain, and could not rule their horses affrighted with the noise and thundering of the ordinance, or else seeing the side of the Asappes lie open, whereby they thought a better hand might there be had, with thick troops gave a charge overthwart the footmen, whom they overthrowing with great slaughter came unto the ordinance: and there enclosing the masters and gunner's, slew them all, who unadvisedly shooting off their great pieces in that great hurl of things, had foully slain a great number indifferently aswell of their own fellows, as of their enemies, and with continued course came through, as it were victors unto the right wing, where Jsmaell fought with the Europian horsemen: who having lost their captain, and being repulsed and wearied with wounds, had before time withdrawn themselves unto the aids and battles of succour. But now when they were urged on the side with another company of the enemies, feeling themselves unable to sustain their impression: began to cry out (as in their extreme peril) for secure unto the battle of aid. In this hard state of the battle, Selym losing the chain of the wagons, opened the Trench in two places and incontinently sent forth a part of the horsemen of his guard.  
And then turning himself towards the Janisars, he said: The victory of this day is reserved for your valour & service: wherefore pluck up good hearts, lusty lads, and behave yourselves valiantly, break forth courageously, and being now fresh and lusty, set upon your weary and wounded enemies. The bodies of their horses even melt with sweaie, and the horsemen themselves do now faint under so great a weight of armour. The Janisars (notwithstanding these speeches) did neither speedily nor readily obey Selym, but in so great desperation of things, willingly kept themselves within the munitions. So that whilst they made courtesy to set forward, the Persians in this heat of the victory, being spread round about the Europians, slew them all, Selym beholding it, and in vain hasting to secure them. Fabricio Carrecto the great Master of the Rhodes, unto whom all these matters were very diligently reported, wrote unto Leo the Pope, that the Janisars were not obedient unto Selym, neither could they be adduced either by his adhortation or prayers to secure the distressed Europians, as they that (doubting the utter loss of the battle,) liked better to expect the event, than with apparent peril to object themselves unto the storm of the horsemen, who had destroyed the rest of the footmen.  
Now had the Persians from all parts invaded Selym, who made his abode in the battle of succour: When Senambassa drawing after him his wing all to torn & greatly diminished, came all in time, the enemy following through the mids of the heaps of the Asappes, and then sending for & bringing certain fresh troops that had escaped whole from the violent charge of Vstaogle, the fight is restored, & namely through the surpassing prowess of the two brothers Turabey and Mahomet Malcocks, who being equal among the Turks in nobleness of stock, unto the house of the Othomans resembled and showed the noble prowess and courage of Malcocke their father, the renowned captain in that lamentable road made by the Turks into Venetia, and Carnia. And also not despairing but erected into hope, and very cheerful, Selym commanded all his ordinance to be shot off upon the enemy: which thing he had reserved for the supreme danger: wherewith so many horses and men, both Turks and Persians being blended together, were slain, that when the men had lost the use both of eyes and ears through the dust, the smoke and noise of the ordinance, and the horses also being affrighted with the unwonted terrible roaring, contemning the bridles, carried their riders an other way, the battle was broken off, the victory being as yet uncertain. Jsmaell being carried out of the danger of this storm, perceived himself wounded with a Harquebus shot in the shoulder, when by the advise of his friends he went out of the battle▪ to look upon his wound: which only thing did doubtless bring safety unto Selym and all his. For the Persians incontinently following Ishmael, and his standard, lost and forsook the undoubted victory, (and by the opinion of all men,) for a great part already gotten. But when he found that his wound was but light, for that the pellet could not pierce deep, by reason of the singular temper of his Armour, he purposed to return again into the battle. But bearing that Vstaogle was slain, in whom he reposed great trust, for his passing skill in martial matters, and his friends also still counselling him not to neglect his wound that was yet hot, but to have special regard of his life, he began to retire in a square troop, with a slow pace, that his departure might not seem to have any show of flight: and going unto Taruis the chief City of Armenia, yea and of the Persian Empire, after he had willed the chief of the city, to open their gates unto the Turk, and receive his garrison, least through vain constancy they might receive some great detesment, he departed into Media.  
But the Turks being sore shaken with so many losses, having neither courage for fear, nor force through faintness, to pursue took without resistance. There were found, besides tents wrought with the needle, and interwoven with silk and gold, and other precious furniture of household, many women of great nobility, who had followed their husbands, all of whom Selym released without any ransom. They that were present at this battle had reported, that among the heaps of the men that were slain, divers women were also found, who putting on helmet and harness, and following their husbands, had died with them valiantly fight. Selim lost in this battle above thirty thousand men, among whom besides Cassembassa the Belerbech of Greece, seven Sanzaces and the two Malcockes, who were slain, as the one brother endeavoured to secure the other, being enclosed, and besides the despised multitude of Asappes objected to slaughter, the horsemen of Sclavony, Macedony, of the Tribals, Epyrus, Thessaly and Thracia, no doubt the flower and strength of his army, who were in the right wing, were for a great part either slain or sore wounded. Now unto Selym being victor by the confession of the enemies, came there Ambassadors from Chois, and the Cities thereabouts, and also from Taruis, yielding themselves unto him, who marched to Toruis, minding to winter there: but he had not made his abode there above ten days, but intelligence was given, that Jsmaell, having sent for a strong power of Jberian and Albanian horsemen, was coming towards Taruis with the Parthian horsemen, and those that had been at the battle of Chois.  
Then Selym calling to mind how hardly in the field he had sustained thirty thousand Persians, with an hundredth and fifty thousand Turks, and had vanquished them rather by chance, and his ordinance, than by true prowess, and estimating with all the great power of the Citizens of Taruis, whose fidelity and multitude he suspected: departed thence and hasted to pass over Euphrates, marching a longer way about for fear least he should meet the approaching Iberians, who although they passed withal possible speed, assoon as they once understood of the Turks departure, yet could they not overtake them, being posted over Euphrates before the Iberians could come: yet when the avauntcurrers of the Iberians had gotten the sight of them, they caused such a tumult among the Turks, before their hyndermoste tail could pass the river, that about two thousand of them were drowned, and part of the baggage and certain falcons, were left in the River sticking fast in the mud, whom the Sophy afterwards weighed up, and carried away.   

¶ The Battle of Marignano, fought not far from the City of Milan, between Francis the French King, the first of that name, and the Swissers under the conduct of Matthew the Cardinal of Zion, and Rosti, but in the quarrel of Maximilian the Duke of Milan, in anno. 15 15. Out of iovius  
FRancis the French King at the beginning of his reign, seeking to recover the Duchy of Milan, levied a puissannte army of four thousand men of arms, every one drawing with him three or four horses, & eight thousand light horsemen, the captain General of all which horsemen was Charles Duke of Bourbon, and high Constable, of forty bands and more of Lansquenetz, under the conduct of the Lord Floranges, and Charles Duke of Ghelders (who among other brought an approved regiment of old Soldiers, called of their black ensigns, the black regiment) and of twenty bands of Gascoignes, Navarrines, and other borderers on the mountains Pyrences, under the conduct of Peter of Navarre. They for the greatest part were Arcubalisters, and Archers, but a kind of soldiers that would toil like horses, very venturous, light and nimble, excellent to keep or assault a town, and also to skirmish.  
Then had he so great store of great and small artillery, as would well suffice two great armies, and the wagons and carts that carried boullets, gunpowder, pikeaxes, crows of iron, and all kind of tools, and other things to make easy the troublesome ways thorouge the rocky Alps, were almost innumerable: All this provision was drawn by the perpetual labour of five thousand mighty strong horses.  
There also followed for desire of pillage a strong regiment of voluntary footmen, under certain ensigns and Captains, and with them three thousand pioneers. With this army, which for number and furniture, passed all that any man had seen in our days: Francis passed the Alps, and encamped between the town of Marignano, and the city of Milan, both aswell to interclude the armies of the Pope, and the king of Spain from the Swissers, who were come to Milan to defend the Duke, and to make Liviano the General of the Venetians his confederate, more strong by the propinquity and dearness of his Camp, as also to defend him from the Spaniards, that were very near him.  
But whilst the king was encamped at Marignano, Maximilian the Duke of Milan, and Matthew the Cardinal of Zion (the bringer of the Swissers into Italy) called the Captains and Lieftenauntes into the Castle, to sit in counsel how these perilous wars should be administered.  
There many were of the opinion, that the way to obtain the victory, was in no wise to join in battle with the Frenchmen before they had united their power with the Popes and Spanish armies, (the one whereof) consisted of fourteen bands of Italian footmen, and three thousand horsemen: the other of eight hundredth men of arms, and a thousand light horsemen, besides a regiment of old Spanish footmen: whereof every soldier being as famous for his valiant acts, as rich by reason of great spoils, did match both petty Captains, yea and Captains in chief, not only in approved stoutness, but also in bravery of armour: or at the least before they had brought the French King, who trusted much in his munitions, thorough some necessity into a more indifferent place. And it was apparent, that the Swissers should easily obtain either the one or the other, if they would march unto a place called Binasco, standing in the way unto Pavia: for if the French King would for all this journey of the Swissers, persist still in his sure defenced lodging, that then they might easily go from Binasco by the town of Sanangelo, and through a country abounding in all kind of victuals, unto the river of Po, whereby the bridges which were ready built, the armies of the confederates might join with them: but if the French King fearing lest he should be stopped both from the City of Paura, and also from the stone bridge over the river of Tesino, (where he had left a small garrison) would march unto Pavia: that then either they might fight with him with more equal condition, or else incontinently turn on the left hand unto Lody: and there sending for, and receiving into their Camp, the powers of the Spanish King, and the Pope, they should strait way turn Liviano from his purposed forney, and dash the passing great hope of victory, that the frenchmen had conceived by their former fortunate successes. But when these things were declared, and also plotfes and charts were showed, wherein were described the ways and site of the regions, that the rude witted men might more certainly understand and know those things which were counseled, then divers Captains (who induced either by their old judgement, or else by French gold, lately given by Francis had accepted conditions of peace with him, at a village called Galarato) by their dissenting & enterlasing of vain difficulties, and affirming that those things were to be surveyed with great consideration and maturity, clean overturned all this mean and way of wholesome and good counsel. Wherefore least the hearts of those that were faithful might languish by tarriance, and the good wills of the uncertain multitude be turned into perfidiousness: the Cardinal thought it best to bring them by all sleights to fight with the Frenchmen out of hand, thinking thereby either to win a notable victory, or if the Swissers received the overthrow by unfortunate fight, to some unappesible enmity and immortal hatred between the French nation, and the Swissers. Having therefore communicated his counsel and purpose with the ensign bearers, and the most faithful chief men of the Cantons: he secretly admonished Mutio Colonna (a captain of the Pope's horsemen) that of a set match, when he had received the signal, he should 'cause an alarm to be cried, and as though the frenchmen approached unto the suburbs with a great power, should issue out with the horsemen, and with counterfeiting as great fear & peril as he could possibly, should crave aid of the Swissers. He also commanded the foremost bands of the Swissers to do the same: who being of great renown of valour, and hatred towards the frenchmen, had still requested at the beginning of all wars, to have the places next unto the enemies. And so accordingly the Soldiers had no sooner dined, and were gone to take their noon nap, but the trumpets and drums suddenly sounded at the gates of Rome, and anon the rumour of the coming of the frenchmen waxing hot, all the bands one after another, when the foremost told them, that followed, the cause of the alarm, made themselves ready, and with incredible fervency of fight, issued out at the gate: whom also the mistrusted regiment following with advanced ensigns, hasted on heaps unto the gate, lest they should seem in that tumult, which appertained unto the public safety and estimation, either to have forsaken those that were before, or to be of another opinion touching the cause of the wars.  
The Cardinal being notorious for his hat and scarlet rob, road upon a great horse before the marching ranks, with his cross borne before him, and still as he came unto the ensign bearers, the petty Captains or any Soldiers of mark, for notable facts, he would encourage and enkindle them to make speed, saying that God and the holy Saints, did promise' them the victory of that day, in the which they should not only by valiant fight destroy all the whole nobility of France, brought under the conduct of a Princox King between two armies of his enemies, but also breaking the power of the Venetians and Genovese by their fortitude and felicity, give laws and conditions unto all Italy: nor that the hired Almains, in whom consisted the King's chief strength (whom yet they had often foiled in fight) were so estranged from the Emperor or were of so prodigal prows, that a man might think they would for the Frenchmens' sakes, who indeed were their utter enemies, fight against the honour of all Germany: neither yet they should think that the Gascoignes, very runaways, or those horsemen that braved it in their silks and chains of gold, who had used to repose a little more safety in their horses and spurs, than in their sword, strength, and stomachs, would fight either more stoutly or constantly, than they had done before. But that labour and peril which was left, was to be undertaken with a noble heart in winning the ordinance of the enemies. Where if any of them were slain, they might most constantly believe, that their souls being cleansed from all spots of sin by him, with the Pope's authority, would forthwith fly into heaven, leaving behind on the earth a notable memory of their singular valiancy. As the Cardinal rid to the foremost ranks, every where still pronouncing these speeches: there followed him Galeaze Visconti, john Gonzaga, Cambero and Aquila the Pope's Legates, and divers horsemen of those families, that of ancient good will favoured the name of Sforza, and had joined themselves with the Swissers, when they issued out. And also certain armed bands of the commons, and cutters, intermeddled themselves of their own accord with the company passing by.  
They had scarcely marched three miles from Milan, neither was the French Camp above thirty furlongs from them, when they began to shoot off their great ordinance, which was ten falcons: which thing brought great hopefulness & admiration unto the Italian horsemen: for Mutius riding with changed cheer unto the Captains of the first company, began to ask them what madness had moved men skilful in martial matters, and the masters of that discipline, to strive with the unseasonable thundering of their ordinance, to rouse the enemy whom they had thought best to invade being unprepared and looking for nothing less than battle. Unto whom it was courageously answered by the foremost ranks, that they should fight well enough according to the discipline of war, even with the armed and provided enemy, if their mistrusted fellows, and the ensigns of all the Cantons with one counsel and intent descended into the field with them: which thing they hoped might be brought to pass, if that through that feigning of more certain signs, that the battle was begun, had come unto the ears of their following fellows, whose valour vanquished by infamous hire and money, if that there were no shame at all in them of the public dignity, yet at the least the groans of their kinsfolk falling down dead before their eyes, the religion of a soldiers oath, and the fear of judgement, which would anon after be given at home against the forsakers of their fellows, they thought would be able to stir up and inflame them: for so great trust of valour was in their proud hearts, that they despised with very great contempt the most mighty and strong power of the enemies, neither did they think that any store and multitude of great ordinance, or any munitions of place would stay their force from breaking into their Camp, by bearing them down and vanquishing. Above all other, there were three valiant fellows, but men of barbarous prowess, called Pelegrine Landaberg, Centy Amerer, and Ralph Long, that led the three voluntary bands of most valiant Soldiers that were placed in the front.  
As soon as ever these men were come within the sight of their enemies, they incontinently burned out with so great heat of fight, that they could not be held back by the rest of the Captains, who with better counsel had commanded the ensigns to stay, and to take a place to lodge in, and to refresh the Soldiers, who were weary of their journey, but that they would needs haste towards the enemies with speedy pace.  
Burben and Trivulzi were encamped at saint julians' Church in a small village, and wisely lodged at the left side of the high way, which was defenced on all parts with steep and deep ditches, and after the manner of the Countries, with high banks, next unto them the King himself, and behind him the Duke of Alaunson, (unto whom by right of blood the kingdom of France did appertain, if that Francis died without heir male,) had placed the middle battle and rearward, one being severed from the other. by a small distance. They being thus lodged in three parts, that the three great armies, might the more commodiously and speedily be an aid one unto another, when chance did require, were enclosed within a large and very well defenced place: for round about were many ditches made by the husbandmen, to water their lands, and Navarro had also added new munitions in commodious places, where it was thought good and needful, and also had set up against the enemy, mighty targets fastened in the ground, and closed together with great ropes, that the Gascoignes being defended and covered by them, might shoot at the enemy more safely and ceratinly. This form of the Camp, and the nature of the place had Mutius and certain of the Captains of the Swissers riding unto the higher part of the bank, for to survey the camp, incontinently marked, and then had also noted, that on the right hand there was a commodious place left for them to lodge in, where was a pretty low plain, enclosed almost on two sides with a small river that ran down unto corn mills. They began to counsel the Swissers to encamp in that place, and their bodies being refreshed with rest and meat, to think nothing rashly of fight: they also told them, that as victory proceedeth from counsel and good advise, so vain and sorrowful attempts from unadvised hardiness: and that those men do oftener feel the adverse events of fight, that trust to overcome their enemies by desperateness and feeze, than those that seek victory by profitable tarriance and reason. Moreover they said, that the enemy was provoked against all abodement, because by an old observation of that nation, that day of the week was all the year after unfortunate, upon the which Childermas day had fallen.  
This was the thirteenth of September. But when that fury and fatal madness (the which had never happened before unto the Swissers in the wars) had taken away obedience from the soldiers, and authority from the captains: the busier sort ran forth and attached a very cruel fight with the Gascoignes and Almains.  
Trivulzi and Burben, having intelligence long before, of the coming of the enemies, had set their men in array of battle, and placed their ordinance in a fit place, but now being doubtless pressed, did set on fire all the houses of the village, both to stay the feeze of the enemies by the fire, and also to bereave them of the use and munition of the houses, and then reduced their men into a larger place. Before the French ordinance, was there a mighty ditch, which must be passed over with extreme peril of desperateness, the which ditch was kept by Navarro his bands, and the Launsquenetz men of passing valour, with their thick ranks. This ditch a band or ring of very desperate youngmen, doubted not to pass with more assured death than victory.  
They were very chosen fellows taken out of all the Cantons, men in the prime of youth, and of singular forwardness: who by a very ancient order of that Country, that by doing some deed of passing prowess, they may obtain rare honour of warfare before they be grown in years, do of themselves request all perilous and hard pieces of service, and often use with deadly praise to run unto proposed death. These men do they call of their immoderate fortitude, and stoutness, the desperats, forlorn hopen, and the frenchmen Enfans perdus: and it is lawful for them by the prerogative of their prowess, to bear an ensign, to have conduct, and double wages all their life long. Neither are the forlorn known from the rest by any other mark and cognisance, than the plumes of white feathers, the which after the manner of Captains, they do turn behind, wavering over their shoulder with a brave kind of riot. They with noble courage ran full upon the ordinance, and after that they had valiantly and long fought with great loss in the place of great disadvantage, at length, when that they would for no incommodity give over, they driving the Almains out of the place, and beating back Navarro his bands, came over the heaps of the dying unto their ordinance. The which (in number seven pieces) being taken, they relying themselves again, urged their shrinking enemies, and disordered all the whole forward.  
In this great danger Trivulzi and Bourbon slew hither and thither to repair the distressed battle, to the uttermost that they could do by strength, or provide by counsel, sending in the horsemen in divers places.  
Neither failed Navarro unto his Soldiers, by chiding some, and ask other, whether that they had come from the farthest part of the Ocean, and the Mountains Pyrenees, only for to turn their backs, and most shamefully to fly out of the field almost before they had seen their enemies, that they should pluck up their hearts, and make ready their harquebuses, and bows, and abide so long, until that their sides were guarded with fresh succour of horsemen, and think that they aught to wipe out, by fight that day valiantly, the note of cowardice, or of ill luck, that they had gotten at Ravenna by fight ill. So at one time, a mighty troop of horsemen breaking upon them, and the Gascoignes being stayed by adhortation and shamefastness, and the Lansquenetz keeping their place for anger and shame, a cruel and variable fight is renewed: both sides are invaded with the horrible noise of the ordinance and weapons, and the ensigns are torn into pieces: Anon Cenry and Pelegrine are slain fight courageously, and Pure the Captain of the Praetorian or guard band, and with him four ensign bearers are slain by a great culvering shot from the side. Neither did the Swissers, (who fetching a longer compass about had come unto the enemies) fail unto the their distressed fellows, for they gathering three bands together into one, came in two companies with fresh strength and courage, and encountering with the footmen on the left hand, slew Sciatalarde, a Captain of the Gascoignes of renowned name: and Lewes and George Earls of Hellempurg, noble men of germany.  
But in another part, they losing a little their ranks, did receive in among them the charging horsemen, where they fought long with variable and doubtful fortune: for although the men of arms cruelly treading to death the dispersed and the overthrown, did with the force and fease of their horses break through with slaughter the flight and thin small bands, yet when they met with the thick ranks, they were either broached with their long pikes, or else their horses being slain under them, perished through the weight of their armour. There were slain in that place very valiantly fight these Captains of companies of horsemen, the Earl of Sancerre, the Lord Imbercourt, a renowned man for his singular prowess and long service in the wars, the Lord Bussy de Ambois, and Francis brother to the Duke of Bourbon: and Bourbon himself was in the like danger of life, as he himself said, being among the thickest of that bloody broil. But afterward I heard the contrary of the king himself, who affirmed, naming witnesses, that Bourbon durst not secure his enclosed brother, and retired untouched out of the sight of the enemies unto the middle battle. Also whilst that Trivulzi endeavoured in vain to secure his enclosed and dying ensign-bearer he being tossed among the pikes and halberds of his enemies, and his horse wounded, and the crest strooken off from his helmet, got himself out of this danger by the rescous of his company of horsemen.  
And now was the battle hardly sustained in most places, and the Swissers, for that they had passed over the very ill ditch, had with great valour won the ordinance, and defeating the footmen, and disordering the horsemen, had won the place where their enemies had stood, seemed to have the better of the battle: when the King advancing forward with him the middle battle, and commanding Alencon to follow him with the rearward with equal pace, and many pieces of ordinance being bestowed by the Captains in certain places by whom the Esquadrons of the Swissers might be annoyed on the sides, came in very good time with the black regiment, and a mighty number of horsemen, he courageously professing both to his own Soldiers, and also unto his enemies, by his coat armour of sky colour, powdered with Lilies of gold, that he was the King, was conversant in the fore front, valiantly laid on the enemy, and perillouslye galloping his horse hither and thither, encountered the hottest of the enemies, & finally inflamed his soldiers not only with words & adhortations, but also with singular example of true prows: for the Swissers did press on so fervently, and stood to it so sternly and stoutly, yea and so great was the valour and courage, yea of them that were wounded and were dying, that the King in that iniquity of fight must needs forget his majesty, contemn his life, and repair his inclined state rather by valiant hand and strength, than by sleight, counsel or advice. The horsemen also who had by running away at Novarra and Turwin, lost the old opinion of their prowess, did now lest that if they should again give place, be marked for ever after with everlasting ignomy: contend to satisfy the King (who fought valiantly in the sight of them all) either by honourable death, or else with noble victory. There were slain in this encounter the Prince of Talemonde, son unto Seigneur Tremoviile, and Seigneur de Roy, a man of great nobility in Picardy, and Seigneur Vantell, who bore the extraordinary standard of the kings troop, and many more of the valiantest horsemen, and Mounsieur de Moy that bore the ensign of a very noble company of horsemen, because they being impeached and entangled with the ditches and vines, could not get out and orderly range their bands. But of the Swissers there was slain Ralph Long, that great stirrer up of the multitude, and also Flech, a man more renowned for his valiancy, than his stock, and Wolter Offy, who for his singular prudence, & mighty strength (which are not lightly blended together in men of that nation) had gotten great opinion of prowess in all wars, & especially at the battle of Novara. They fought continually seven hours without ceasing▪ for when the sun had failed them in the mids of the heat of the battle, the Moon that then shined bright, kept both armies in arms. And the fight was horrible and very bloody, as long as there was any light at all. But anon when the Moon was hidden with the clouds, although they being wearied with toil and wounds, and their weapons blunted, sought place for rest, yet in the mean time through mutual error both friends and foes were slain by blind and frantic blows. For when the Almains not being much unlike unto the Swissers, neither in tongue nor habit, were blended together with the Swissers in divers places, at length the watcheworde bewrayed them, and then foul slaughter was committed in the dark. Neither ceased the ordinance all night: but as they were shot off without any certain marks, so did they 'cause more terror than slaughter. The Cardinal, who had not this day failed unto his Countrymen in hope, care and toil, did by mistaking the place, light among the Almains, but got himself out of the danger by counterfeiting their tongue by a rougher voice, and passying the ditch returned unto the burning houses of the village, whether Rosty and Anglarde, being invited with the shining of the fire, and many other of the Captains resorting, as it were unto the generals tent, had caused the mighty horn of a wild Vri, (the which being delivered by hand from their ancestors, is kept with great care and religion at Vri, the authors of the liberty of the Swissers) to be sounded, that the dispersed and wandering Soldiers might be called unto the ensigns. This no doubt saved many, that were intermeddled in divers places among their enemies, because they could have no certain recourse unto their fellows, the likeness of the sounds of the drums confounding their ears. Both armies by reason of mutual fear passed the whole night without sleep, yet were more ready in heart, than in strength for to fight again: for although the valiant, & also the cowards were both tired with the long toil of fight, yet with divers habits of heart they were excited either with desire of fight, victory, or fear of death. The Cardinal, and the rest of the Captains, although that the first opinion seemed greatly to have deceived them, for that they had not (as they had hoped) vanquished at the first charge their enemies, yea being disordered with great slaughter, and lost with almostle vain attempt the stoutest of their men: yet forsake not themselves and call many into counsel, and when that it pleaseth them all to expect the light, and to fight again, they do decree that certain be sent to Milan, to request all kind of help, for that they had come forth unprovided of all things. john Gonzaga is sent to fill with new hope Maximilian, and the Citizens of Milan, who were hofull of the event of the battle, and to send from the City out of hand bread and meat ready dressed, and many vessels of wine for the soldiers that fainted for weariness and thirst, and to convey unto the Camp great ordinance, shot and powder with all possible speed. But when the Counsel was broken up, the Captains and ensign bearers spoke diversly among the Soldiers, according as every man thought of the Cardinal and of the event of the battle. Some being desirous of honour and victory, made light of the great loss that they had in deed, and did extol and augment with false tales, the valiant acts of their fellows, and the slaughter of the Frenchmen.  
Contrariwise, those of the adverse faction, that they might speedily provide for their own safety, and also augment the danger of dignity, and life in the Cardinal, who was environed with extreme difficulties, disbended, and returned to Milan. Also the Pope's horsemen, who for their small number had served to no great use, did for a great part of them, either for fear or despair forsake their captains, and return into the City. But although the king were delivered and rid of the greatest fear, and mightiest danger, and seemed to have nobly sustained men of so great valour, yet being hofull for the fear that remained, and as it were the last care, expected the end of the troublesome night, and uncertain fortune. Neither did he give greater rest unto his body, which was wearied with the weight of his armour, and was scorched for thirst and continual toil, than pulling up his beaver to take breath, lean a little while upon a great piece of ordinance, whilst that his horse was changed. And then incontinently turning to the charges of a chieftain, sent unto Liviano to come unto him with his army, and anon drew in and made his Camp less. After that the devise had been liked of the Captains, to whom he had imparted it, and because that the enemy professed the place where his fore ward had stood, he placed within a better defenced plot above six thousand Almains at the bank of the ditch, and commanded them to guard the ordinance, which he had commodiously planted there in great abundance. And in another quarter he joined a great number of horsemen with himself, and willed Bourbon, and Alencen, to admove the first and third battles unto his side with equal order and front: so that he standing full butt against the enemy, did, as the place required, stand in steed of the fore ward, and used the two other battles placed on his left and right sides as it were for wings. Neither far from that place had Navarro, and a great multitude of Almains encamped, pitching down their ensigns in the ground, because when the battle was broken off by the going down of the Moon, they could learn neither the form of the Camp, nor the king's counsel and purpose.  
The King, that he might view with his own eyes how the ditches stood, and how broad the field that lay between them, and the high way was, road forth with a few horsemen within the sight of the enemy, and anon the dark vanishing by little and little into the dawning, the King went to encourage the Almains, whom being erected by great promises, he adhorted to finish the battle by fight a little while, and to take the rewards of victory already gotten. He also full of assured hope, and courageousness, vehementely enkindeled them by rehearsing the injuries and discomfitures, that the Swissers had done and given the Almains, rather through the benefit of fortune, and the great advantages of times and places, than by true prowess. Wherefore they should persuade themselves that this was the proper and ready occasion to revenge the Massacre of their kinsfolks, and fellow Soldiers, and also the mean for to show by valiant acts, that as the Almains did excel them in nobility, and faithfulness: so neither would they grant unto these clowns the martial glory for valour and skill in arms. And also using the like speech he adhorted the French horsemen, not to degenerate from their forefathers, who had in former ages excelled all nations for service on horseback. Neither were the batells ranged among the Swissers with less hope & courage, although the greatest part of the soldiers, as they had with divers chances lodged in sundry places, ye & within the munitions of the enemy, being refreshed with no succour of meat did hardly with fierce hearts sustain their fainting limbs. For the victuals that by the procurement of Gonzaga should be brought from Milan in so short time, & namely in the night season; which doth commonly hinder haste in all doings, could not be brought unto them timely enough, & made ready. And also most of them when their breakfast was offered unto them anon after the break of the day, being called to the battle by the noise of the drums, and the roaring of the ordinance, left their meat desired before, and also needful to repair their strength.  
At the beginning divers Captains assembled together, among whom was Haisler & Focte a famous man, for the honour of his age, and the cognisances of his office, and Chezze Amman, who had served in the fields above forty years petty. Captain, ensign bearer, & Captain in chief, and had won singular praise in the forefront, at that famous battle at Nancey, in the which the Swissers slew and destroyed Charles the Duke of Bourgogne, and all his power. These men whether adduced by consideration of the great loss that they had received, or having intelligence of the departure of divers of their fellows, and also now seeing through the benefit of the light, the great disadvantage of the places, judged it to be best to abstain from battle, thinking that they had gotten estimation enough by yesterdays encounter for to break the haughty hearts of the frenchmen. But after they had gone about in vain to stay, by dissuading prayers the ensigns, which were now advanced forward, and to retain them by standing against them in the way they should go: they also yielded unto the fate and wilfulness of the soldiers. So Ralph Segne, Visembach of Vnderwalden, Vlderick jock, & Zambron, desperate captains of singular valour, ordering among themselves how they would attach the battle, made towards the enemy in two companies or battles. The foremost and greatest battalion, wherein was placed the ensign of the Canton of Zurich (the which is of highest dignity among the Swissers) hasted directly against the King's battle, the which we told you stood in the mids. The other company which had stood upon the right hand a little beneath the houses of the village that was burnt, fetching a greater circuit about, began to bend towards Alencon the Captain of the rearward, for this intent, that when the avaunt guard had turned the king and the strength of the French army upon them, they might with furious charge set upon the side of Alencon, who was entrenched with weaker munitions, and defenced with less guard, and his battle being broken through, they might pierce into the side of the left wing and the back of the king's battle. But unto an other multitude of their fellows, who were encamped in a field on the left hand, on this side the high way, they appointed no certain charge of attaching fight, because they were thought to consist of Cantons being of small fidelity, but did set them three hundredth paces from the rest, over right against the right wing, wherein Trivulzi and Bourbon governed. When the Swissers had gone forward an arrows shoot, the frenchmen in continently at one instant time shooting off all the king's ordinance upon them, slew so many of them with singular celerity, that they which had taken counsel of foolish hardiness, were punished for their rashness before that they could come to hand strokes, yea or approach unto their enemies. Now since this chance had caused an horrible wasteness and slaughter in the mids of the Swissers, so that there was no longer one body of their battalion, their ranks being torn: part of them that feared the second volley, began to turn their backs and to retire, but part despising the ordinance, again gave a charged upon the enemies, and with more constant valour and desperateness, than ever they they had used before, giving and taking many wounds, passed the ditch, and encountering with the Lansquenetz and the king's horsemen, did many acts of savage prowess: for when Trivulzi and Bourbon stretching out in length their wing, and fetching a compass about with their horsemen, had charged their left side, they were forced, to fight with double front. But the Launsquenetz, who had in this most sharp encounter lost their stoutest Captains, james Condey, Henry Ricurt, and Saxey, being mad●● for anger and grief, did valiantly set forward, and repressed their violence, and with the shot of their harquesses, tumbled from his horse Pontin●r (one of great renown among the Captains of the Swissers, for the tallenesse of his stature, and the valiantness of his heart) as he road unto the ranks, and encouraged his soldiers with a loud voice, and used reproachful words against the Almains: who in the fight of the Swissers anointed their bloody pikes in the tallow & grease of his mighty and fat body, that ran out at his wide wounds, which thing is accounted among the Barbarians, in deadly hatreds for a very grave ceremony of revengefully acquitted. There also Zambron, and Anty Eucher, men of strong courage and terrible stature, while that they guided with singular skill mighty two hand-swordes, in the mids of the Almain batallion, cutting off a great number of these pikes, and slaying many of their enemies, were at the last oppressed, when all the whole battle turned upon them. Then also was Chezze Amman slain, his horse being first killed, and h●●● himself also shot in with three arrows: a man who being of that years, had by encouraging and fight many hours, committed the duty neither of a very good capitain, nor a most valiant soldier, where as the rest of the Captains (that I spoke of) had died before that they came to fight with the enemy, being for he into pieces with the ordinance: And when john Berre the ensign bearer of the Batallions, being wearied with many wounds was not able any longer to keep the ensign, he pulled it off from the ●●a●●e, and tore it into very small pieces, that his enemies might not gain it, and then died: Moreover in the mean ●●●e, the second battle, which we told you deflected unto Alencon, inferred so great ●●rror unto the rearward, that the horsemen for a great part (Monsieur Beaument their ensign bearer being slain) at the first meeting turned their backs, and fled a main on the spur towards Ledy, which caused the Peasants and many espies that were in the fields, seeing the French horsemen fleeing among the carriages, to writ unto all parts of Italy, that the French King was discomfited, and the Swissers had gotten the victory.  
And doubtless the Frenchmen in the quarter had ●en brought into very great danger, if that Emar Prieus, and the Lord Obegney captains of singular experience, who were with Alencon raring them that fled, rolying the ensigns, and casting the Soldiers into a ring, had not borne the ●runt of the fight with surpassing pain and toil. And also Liviano was a great succour unto the disordered: who with a company of noble men of arms came before the rest of his power which followed after. And as he was a man greedy of fight, and to do some fear, encouraging his horsemen to follow him without doubting or staying, so he gave a charge overthwart the side of his enemies: whom two bands of Swissers (turning their ensigns) received very courageously, and wounding many, and slaying Capino the son of the Earl of Petilia, a young Gentleman of passing towardliness, did repel far from them the hotly urging horsemen. Yet that company of Swissers bring more terrified by his coming, than his power, for that they thought all the whole power of the Venetians, (who were indeed near) were already come, began to provide for their safety; for some of them being quite spent with weariness, wounds, thirst, and sweat, got them into the Gardens that near adjoined: where a great part of them were slain, when that the horsemen were sent ofter them, yea from the king's battle: other retiring into the next village, after they had long time defended themselves at the gate, & walls, under the conduct of Tuler Cefuse, a very valiant captain, at the last being won and vanquished with the ordinance and fire, most cruelly perished: but other being dispersed, and fleeing back unto the greatest company or battle of their fellows, the horsemen chase them in those very large and open fields, had been wholly destroyed, if that by the advise and valour of certain old soldiers (who in that frowning of fortune being mindful of discipline, never failed unto themselves and their fellows) they had not retired unto their fellows that were on this side the ditches and high way, in a thick Esquadron. Almost at the very same time the third battle of the Swissers, the which we showed you had stood over right against Trivulzo and Bourbon, either because they saw the iniquity and disadvantage of the battle, or else were adduced by detestable counsel, for that they had rather satisfy their faction and hatred, than public necessity in being beholders of the slaughter and prowess of other men, began to retire with their ensigns towards Milan, neither would they as men thoroughly attached with fear once come into the battle to fight, the which yet they were almost forced to do: seeing that they had all the light horsemen in sight, & were often shot at with the great ordinance: which being politicly hidden behind the horsemen, were at the last when the troops had opened at the sound of the trumpet, often shot off in the void spaces. Therefore when the rest of the Swissers (whom we left fighting at the kings battle) inflamed with fury and wrath, kept their ground rather by obstinacy of heart, than strength, and saw other fresh regiments of Launsquenetz to whom the light had not yet come, ready to come upon them: they despairing of the victory, sounnded the retreat, for a little before they had received a great detriment at the ditch: being marvelously endamaged from the higher ground by an innumerable multitude of arrows, shot by the Gascoignes Arcubalisters, who being placed hard by the harquebusiers, that the one might have time to charged their harquebuses, and the other to bend their cross bows, did so shoot off one after another by hundrethes, with mutual running back, that the battle of the Swissers being overwhelmed with the continual hail of the shot, were without revenge beaten down, they in vain seeking succour of prowess and valour. The battle being thus broken off, when that Rosty, Run, Anglarde, and the other Captains could not secure so great and so drsordered a multitude, by admonishment, and commanding them what they should do, nor easily do the duties of captains, the soldiers themselves, yea although they were quite spoiled by so many incommodities, did in that iniquity of things prescribe unto themselves with marvelous constancy and singular skill, what was to be done, that they might not seem to fly. For having a care of the wounded, two soldiers did with singular pity carry on their arms and shoulders one man weakened with wounds, and bringing back every one of the pieces of ordinance that they had brought from Milan, strengthened the hindermost tail with a guard of the fresher Soldiers. But they marched with so stayed a part, that their departure seemed to have no similitude of flight: neither indeed could they be easily invaded, because they were defenced on both sides of the high way with very deep and continual ditches. The Frenchmen, who had stood armed in the battle twenty hours together, and the most part of the time with doubtful victory, and their limbs now slowed with sweat, and their horses fainted for weariness, and had almost lost the sense of their eyes and ears with the thick mist of the raised dust, and the incessant and horrible thundering of the ordinance, made an end of pursuing: yet having so gotten the victory, that they rather vanquished them by fight valiantly than taught, that by all men's opinion it is impossible to overcome them again by any power. The Swissers being very courteously and liberally received and entertained in their old lodgings at Milan, did put in the public hospitals those that were grievously wounded, and then gave the rest of the day and the night following to recreate their bodies. The next day they filled the broad street that lieth before the Castle, with so great a number, that by the estimation of all men, they seemed to have riceyved almost no loss at all. There they holding a counsel, requested three months pay, and unless that it were presently paid, they said they would go home. But when Maximilian could not perform it, because he had not so much ready money, they incontinently advanced their ensigns at the gate that leadeth to Como, and went home. When a view was taken of them that were slain, the Frenchmen contended, that of the five and twenty thousand Swissers that had come forth into the field, scarce the one half of them returned, and that of their men there were not above three thousand slain. But the Swissers did very much augment the number of the Frenchmen that they slew, and holding a muster at home in their country, confessed that they had lost in that voyage, to the number of five thousand very valiant men. Among the carcases of the enemies, claud Duke of Guise, brother unto Antony Duke of Lorraine was found drawing onward to death, but yet was saved. This young Gentleman of singular towardliness, was capitain of the Lansquenetz, and had fought so valiantly in the fore ward, that being sore wounded, and at length the whole battalion of the Swissers lying upon him, he was beaten down among the dead of his own men, and his enemies. After the departure of the Swissers, the King had the whole Duchy of Milan yielded unto him with the Duke, and also Placontia and Parma by the Pope.   

¶ The Battle at Synga fought in Syria between Selym the great Turk, and Campson the Sult an of AEgipt, in anno. 15 16. Out of iovius.  
SElym the great Turk intending a second voyage against the Sophy, sent Legates unto Campson the Sultan of Egypt, whom dée understood had lately entered into league with the Sophy: that he might without any displeasure or impeachment of his, pursue the Sophy with wars, who had brought so many and so grease calamities into Asia, and by inducing of new superstitions, vehemently laboured to deprave and defare the most certain laws of the Mahumetane religion. But when Campson had answered that he would have no peace with him, unless that he would abstain from molesting the dominions of the Sophy, and also restore Aladine the expulsed son of the King of the Aladoles unto his father's kingdom: Selym changed his purpose, and striking down from the Mountain Taurus into Comagene, came with above an hundredth thousand armed men, and a great number of field pieces within two days journey of Alep● (where the Sultan was with a small power) before that proud Campson; who had thought to terrify Selym with his only authority, and the greatness of his name, could be persuaded that he, had passed the mountains. But when he was thus caught unprovided, and was forced to consult in the mid● of his danger what was to he done: he began to waver, and to be tossed to and fro, with fear and shame, not being able to be readily resolved, whether be should with stout stomach abide by it, and try the fortune of battle with great disadvantage, or warily gius place unto the imminent deadly storm, and retire back into more safer places until that he had levied a greater power. There were some of the Captains that preferred safe advises before glorious, and above all other one jamburd, surnamed Gazelles, a man brought up by the great Caitbey, and a valiant man, and famous for martial prudence, and also Captain of Amanus, and Apamia, who as he thought it would bring great calamity to encounter in battle the mighty and old army of the enemies, with so small power: so he said that it was best to retire back with spéedse march, and to choose the seat for the wars at Damascus, the which might very safely and easily be done, because the Turkish army having many footmen, and also being cumbered with wagons, was flow to pursue them. In the mean time all the rest of the Mamaluches which were in garrison in judea, and Egypt, being sent for, and also the Arabians their neighbours hired to serve them, the wars might be prolonged until that the enemy might be easily overcome through lack of victuals. Neither would Aleppo, if that it were strengthened but only with a small garrison, strait way yield unto the Turks, seeing they had no other ordinance with them, than field pieces, and by this time to, there would 〈◊〉 aid of Persians out of Mesopotamia, and also the Sophy himself underst anding of the Turks voyage, would break forth into Asia the lesser, neither would the Christians, (if they were requested by legates) fail to supply great ordinance against the common enemy, out of the Isles of Cyprus, and Rhodes. Which being gotten, and their power made match unto the Turkish, than he might (if he thought it to be so glorious a thing to adventure the battle) not rashly descend into the field. But very grievous, and weighty wars, which have at the first vehement and sudden violent braides and forces, do commonly languish in time through the prudent linger of their adversaries. Therefore he should not haste to make proof of fortune, seeing that the errors and escapes of wars, which oftenest proceed from the unskilfulness and rashness of the chieftain, all good men may bewail and heartily detest, but to restore and amend them, not not the immortal Gods themselves are able. Gazelles had moved many with his opportune and grave sentence, but that the stovering of the Soldiers, and the foolish courageousness of the Mamaluches (the guard of the Sultan) were a great impeachment unto Campsons' cares, for well hearing of the truth: for assoon as they had heard more certain news of the coming of the Turks, they leapt and skipped over all the Camp, for incredible joy, laughed, smiled, and rubbed the elbow, and one gratulated another, that a time had come wherein they might show their valour and win glory: And that now they would hold fast this so long wished for occasion, through the which they discomfiting, and slaying his enemies, would extol their Emperor Campson above the title and most renouu●ed fame of Caitley the great. Neither wanted there some of the chief, who by rehearsing of flattery, and vain boasting, with how great glory they had discomfited at Tarsus the mighty army of the Turks, almost with no labour, boldly said, that the enemy would be easily and speedily vanquished. But specially Cayerbey, the lieutenant of Alexo and the Province of Comagene, hasted by speaking many high words of the zealous endeavour, prowess, and heat of the Mamaluches, to make light of those things which had héene reported of the provision, furniture, and number of the enemies, and to overthrow the reasons of most wholesome counsel: The which he did of pernicious treason, as he that had intelligence that the Sultan ment● to put him to death, as he had also done his brother, but deferred the execution thereof, because that he had in the Camp a very strong power of friends, and also was singularly well beloved of the Citizens of that mighty City, wherein he possessed a very strong Castle. Moved with the which peril, he had sent privy messengers unto Selym, who should in his name offer to pleasure him privily, to the uttermost of his power, and to show unto him all the counsels of Campson, and what his power was, and to advise him to hasten to fight with the Sultan. Thus Campson despising Gazelles counsel, the which was very faithful and wholesome, and impelled by the adhortation of the traitor Cayerbey, and of all the Mamaluches incontinently at the first news of Selyms approach determined to deraign hattell with him. The Sultan was encamped in a commodious place at the river of SINGA, almost x. miles from the City, for this reason, that the soldiers might use the dearness of the River, and be removed out from the houses and delights of the City, and yet nevertheless might be easily holpen with the commodities, riches, and power thereof. The Mamaluches (a kind of ordinary soldiers, out of whom the Sultan was always chosen) were scarce twelve thousand: but every one of them according unto the greatness of his wages, and wealth, had many servants attendant on him, very well appointed with armour and horses. The Mamaluches terrible men for their long herds, and threatening eyes, mightily brawned in all parts of their bodies, and very nimble, do use to fight with such art, that after the first shot of their Lances, they with a certain wonderful agility and valour, do use now their arrows, casting their shield behind them, than their mace of iron, sometimes a sword crooked like unto a scythe, as the place and encounter do require. Their horses are strong and hot, and for making and swiftness like unto the Genets of Spain, and that which doth seem to be beyond the opinion of our men, they do especially excel in so great docility, that they have learned by nature and usage to reach up unto their riders a lance, or arrow taken up from the ground with their teeth, to know the enemies, and to fly on them with their teeth, and beating down all cound about them with their heels: and all this do they by signs and certain voices uttered by their masters. Upon these horses are seen saddles guilt, bits of silver, defences for their necks & breasts of pron plates. The horseman himself is contented with a shirt of mail, or a coat of plate. The horsemen of the fore ranks, and all that are ren●umed for riches, wear helmets, the rest do think themselves sufficiently defenced against all blows by the linen cover of their head, the which is finely wretahed with many rolls: but the basest fort use read thrummed hats that can not be cut thorough with the weighty stroke of asworde. Campson divided his army into five battles: the first he committed to Cayerbey, because that the battle was fought in his province: the second to sibey, who was furnamed ●●lman●, that is to say, the Tumbler, for his wouderfull nimbleness of body: he was Prince of Da●iascus, a man of singular fidelity, and prowess. These two battles should at one time charge the right and left wings of the Turks. Then did Gazelles ●ol●we with the third battle for to, succour the one o● the other, as the case should require: The fourth glisering with guilt armour, Campson himself led, twelve furlongs distant from the rest, as it were for a battle of succour.  
The fift battle was left to guard the Campe. But Selym had so arranged his army, that according unto his accustomed manner, he placed the horsemen of Asia in the right wing, and the horsemen of Europe in the left: but the janizars with the great ordinance in the middle battle. And before the janizars in the front of the middle battle stood the most bravely appointed and valiant horsemen of the Guard, among whom Selym would be that day contrary to his wont. Is soon as the armies approached one unto the other, Cayerbey for show of a noble courage gave a sharp onset on the Europian horsemen, and strait way as though he would have enclosed their battle, he defeated with a long circuit about on their backs, where he dysordered with greater terror than slaughter the hindermost tail, where the drudges, the baggage, and innumerable Camels were: that being both valiant and also traitorous, he might seem both to satisfy his honour, and also his falsehood.  
But in another quarter the Prince of Damascus, that he might invade the enemies on the open side, omitting the front, and bringing about his troops towards the left hand, gave a charge overthwart the enemies: and the Mamaluches fought so fervently, that committing a great slaughter of the Asians, they pierced like unto a most violent stream even unto the ensigns, which had been placed in the mids of the battle. Neither after that the foremost were overthrown, could Mustapha's the Bellerbech (he was an Hungarian, son in law unto Bajazet) and Imbracorbassa the master of the king's horse (who contended with great force unto the contrary) longer slay the horsemenue, but that they fled.  
So the victorious Prince having cut into two parts the wing of the enemies, was come sidelong unto the footmen, and the backs of the horsemen of the guard, and filled almost all the middle battle with slaughter and tercou●. The Turkish state stood in great danger, for that Selye was by the incursion of the enemies almost cut off from his foot●●● (in whom he reposed his greatest hope) and also the horsemen of the guard were very sharply pressed by Gazelles: who following the fortune of the Prince of Damascus, had now charged the middle front, and finally the Asian horsemen being disordered and defeated, could find no mean to repair the fight, when Synambassa came to succour them being in great distress. By his coming, who had been vexed by Cayerbey with none or small fight, and thereby brought in a fresh multitude of horsemen, the audacity of the Mamaluches was abated, and the courages of the Turks increased, and anon after the victory also was taken away from the enemy. When by selym's commandment the ordinance was shot off full upon the enemies: whose unaccustomed thundering did so affright the Mamaluches their horses, that their riders could not rule them, neither could they themselves do any good with all their singular and wonderful valour, because they were enclosed in the mids by the infinite multitude of their enemies. Yet notwithstanding, in this asperity of things, were not their hearts broken, neither although they were forsaken by Cayerbey and fortune, failed they unto themselves, either in advise or valour: for uniting themselves all together into one thick troop, they broke through the battle that stood before them, with the slaughter of the Europeans, and the detriment of the wing of the horsemen of the guard, and began to make their continued course unto the Camp and City. Anon all the rest also were made to fly, Sinambassa pursuing them with the lightest and the freshest of the horsemen: for Selym, who had that day without all doubt appeared greater than himself for the patience and sufferance of body that he showed in that extreme heat, the courageousness of his heart, and the felicity of his counsel had (fleeing hither and thither) adhorted his men to follow the victory, and pursue the affrighted. Now had Camps●n advanced forward his battle, either that he might secure his men, or be present at the victory, if the Turks were vanquished: when he understood, by the way of those that fled, that Cayerbey had revolted his power was defeated, neither could now the flight of them he stayed: finally so great was the force of the ordinance, and so great the multitude of the eniuries, that they were able no longer to sustain them. With the which news the haughty old man of. lxxvij. years, who living in perpetual tranquillity of state had never before seen fortune frown, conceiving a supreme grief, almost wounded, nor long after a company of his own fleeing men, and also of the pursuing enemies (who being carried with violent course upon the spur, threw down all that they met indifferently without regard) coming upon him: Campson being loaded with years, and the weight of a mighty Hernia or rapture, and also fainting for extreme heat and sorrow, was smouldered in that dust. Moreover as the Mamaluches fled amain unto the Camp, and from thence unto the City, the Princes of Damascus, and Tripoli endeavouring to sustain the force of their urging enemies, in the hindermost tail were slain. But Selym causing a few tents to be set up in the same field where they had fought, and the greater part of his army being placed in station, passed that night without sleep, as he that being ignorant of his victory and fortune, did greatly fear least that men of so great valour would have returned again that night, and given a Camisado unto his camp: Sithence he himself had seen, that they were defeated, and made to fly rather for fear of the ordinance, than by the true prowess of his Soldiers. But afterward when Gazelles, and the rest of the Mamaluches had more certain intelligence of Campsons' death, they departed from Alepe with speedy pace, & hasted unto Damascus at the fourth watch, their horses being scarce yet refreshed of their weariness The next day Selym marching forward, granted unto his soldiers the spoil of his enemies Camp, the which was full of all royal riches: and from thence marching unto the City, received the yielding Alepans with their Captain Cayerbey, and granted them to be free from paying tribute. There died in this battle not above one thousa●● Mamaluches, but more of their servants: and greater slaughter was committed in the flight than in the fight. For when their horses fainting with sweat, and dying every where for thirst, they were set on foot, and were easily oppressed by every towardly soldier, for a great number of noble horses died, because they being very fat and kept over delicately in the shadow: and stable, could not bear vehement and unwonted labour, and namely that day, when the Sun scorched all things with his immoderate blaze. This field was fought the five and twentieth of jugust, upon the very same day (which is wonderful) that two years before he had vanquished the Sophy in battle. But they report, that on Selim's fide there were stain above three thousand horsemen: that hereby we may confecture how great a slaughter he had received if that the left wing, which had remained untouched the ought the benefit of the traitor Sinambassa, had also lighted on his Prince of Damascus: albeit in very deed seeing that Selim was sully strengthened and established with the fresh and yet whole and unto guard of his footmen: it was thought that he could not come into any danger of safety or ignomy. Two days after was the body of Campson found, without wound, by them that were appointed to search for him, the which Selim commanded to be openly showed: that those nations which thought wish obstinase credulity, that Campson was yet living, and gone towards Cairo to repair his power, might be deprived of all the rest of their hope, and also they which were faithful unto the Turk, might he made ever after more firm, now that all suspicion of that matter was quite taken away. Nor long after, when the body began to stink, and the fame of the common people seemed to be sufficiently reproved by showing of the body three days, it was buried with small funerals at a very ancient Temple of the City. Aleppo being yielded, Selim marched unto Damascus, a City of very great riches and power, which also yielded: whose example caused the Cities on the Sea coast, and especially Tripoli, Beritus, Sidon, and Acres, to send Legates unto Selim, with surrender of themselves unto his clemency and fealty.   

¶ The Battle of Gaza, fought between Synambassa Chiestaine for Selym the Turk, and Gazelles Lieutenant of Tomumbey the Sultan of Egypt in anno. 15.16. Out of jonius.  
AFter the death of Campson, Selym minding to pierce Egypt, sent before from Damascus Sinambassa into judea with fifteen thousand horsemen, and a strong power of Marquebusiers, which had been chosen out of the janizars and Asappes, for to surney all that region; and to open the way unto Gaza, the which was cumbersome and troublesome, by reason of the Arabians. That City standeth on the Sea coast, and in the fines of Egypt, near unto the sandy deserts, through whom they must go with a hard and painful journey that will tranaile unto the farther A●gipt, and unto the City of Cairo. The Citizens of Gaza, because they had no garrison of soldiers, at the very first received Synambassa, and subtly thanked him for that he had vouchsafed to deliver them out of the intolerable slavery of the Mamaluches: for the memory of the which benefit they promised to be, and remain true and faithful unto Selym and his successors for ever. But whilst that Synambassa expected in Camp within an arrow shoot of the City, the coming of Selym, learning out diligently in the mean time the region that they must pass thorough to go into Egypt, and endeavouring to win the friendship of the Arabian Captains, and suborning espies to go unto Cairo, to learn the counsels of the Mamaluches and Tomumbey (whom they had chosen after the death of Campson to be Sultan) the Citizens of Gaza, who by nature were extreme enemies unto the Turks, and now began to feel daily great damage through the present Turkish army, certified Tomumbey of the coming of Synambassa, and also gave him to understand, that the same power of the Turks might be easily oppressed and destroyed before that Selym were come, if that a strong crew of Mamaluches with skilful Captains were sent unto them: for whilst the Mamal●ches did in the dead time of the night at a time agreed upon between the Citizens and them, invade the fléeping Turks, they would also at the self same moment, sally out of the Citiz and disorder and deface the enemies camp with fire and swood. Temumbey and the Mamaluches do incontinently like the devise, and send Gazelles with sire thousand horsemen or Mamaluches and a great multitude of Arabians. But he was scarce departed from Cairo, but Synambassa had intelligence thereof by Syrian espies, and how they hasting without any carriages, would be there within two days.  
The which news, as it saved the Turkish army, to also was it of great moment to the obtaining of the entire victory of the whole wars. But although Synambassa had no intelligence at all of the falsehood of the Gazans, yet because he did suspect (as he was a man of a provident and wise head) that the like might happen unto him, determined left that he might have to do with two enemies at once, to meet the Mamaluches by the way, and to try the fortune of fight. Therefore dislodging after the second watch, he with great silence departed out of the sight of the City, and marched fifteen miles in the way towards Cairo.  
Now he was come near unto a small village, where all travellers do commonly use to ledge, by reason of the commodity of a plentiful Spring that riseth in that place.  
It fortuned that Synambassa was minded to stay in that village, and also Gazelles had likewise thought to rest there certain hours and refresh his men and horses, that he might fly to Gaza in the night time on his refreshed and ●ayted horses: when almost at one time it was told the Chieftains on both sides by the avantcurrers, that there was a mighty dust raised, and that the enemies approached.  
Gazelles being vehemently troubled in mind with this unlooked for chance, for that he perceived he should miss of his purpose and intent, and be unable to match the enemy, if he would encounter him, special ye seeing hy● d●oses were weary: yet for all this, h●● hearts faileth him not, although he worse forced presently upon a sudden to devise what was to be done for the common safety of the whole army: and adhorteth his soldiers to make ready their weapons, and to think that the thing which they could not do by ambush and stealth, as they had meant they must now dispats he openly by true valour. On the other side Synumbassa having his men far sooner set in array, than Gazelles could, because he had told them long before at leisure, what he would have to be done, if they should happen to sight: used ●●●ng and cheerful speeches unto all the ranks of his soldiers but the end of his oration was, that they should quite forget all fleeing away, seeing that all places round about them would do shall and ●●●urions to them unless they were victors: and speriasly that they should fully persuade themselves this one thing, that nouman should perish that day, but he whom God almighty had prodestinated to death by the most certain laws of fate, and that with equal peril the valiant should find safety in the minds of the ●●●●nses swords, and also the fearful death in their most safest ●●ight through the power of ●oau●●●●ble l●t. The harquebus●●● were in the wings, the which were stretched forth in length, with a single array and one man not standing very near unto another, that they might be able to use their harquebuses more fo●●ly, and compass he the●●nimy: but the pike men were placed in the 〈◊〉, for to sustain the impression of the Mamaluches. But Gazelles approaching, sent the troops of the Arabians before, for to disturb the wings, and he himself with a square battle charged the middle battle of the Turks. The fight was very cruel, & a long time doubtful, for that the Turks yea though superior in number, were not able is abide the force of the armed horsemen, & now being beaten 〈…〉 ground, and dispensed some one way, and some an other, by the Mamaluches, that broke in among them, looked round about for flight, both with eyes and hearses: when by Synambassas commandment the harquebusser●, who had with the first storm of their sho●● 〈◊〉 a way the Arabians, reducing their wings enelosed all the who●● battle of the enemies. Then both men and horsemen were a fair● 〈◊〉 shenk ended● with mortal yellets, which were shot by 〈…〉, and no place for prowess was left unto the enclosed, for when that any troop of Mamaluluches did run their horses violently upon the Turks, they by reason of their lightness and nimbleness, being accustomed to give ground, did very swiftly fly back: and in all places this was their endeavour, not to encounter them with their horses, but to use only their harquebuses. When Gazelles saw that his horses were tired with extreme weariness, and that now many of his stoutest men were either slain or hurt, and he himself was grievously wounded in thenecke, he with the rest making themselves away with their weapons, fled unto Cairo thorough those wildernesses that he came, losing all his Ensigns.  
There perished in this battle the Captain of Alexandria, and Orcomas the Governor of Cairo, men of great account, and besides them a great number of Arabians, and almost a thousand horsemen of mark. Neither did Synambassa win a joyful and unbloody victory, for he lost above two thousand horseman, and among them some of the best of his Captains. But because the fight had continued from noon to Sun set, the Turks were not able to pursue their enemies, their horses being almost dead for thirst, and they themselves fainting thorough lack of meat, and extreme labour: but encamped in the place where the battle was fought near unto the Spring afore mentioned.   

¶ Three battles fought between Selym the great Turk, and Tomumbey the Sultan of Egypt, in the years. 1516. and. 17. Out of iovius.  
AFter that Selym had intelligence that Synambassa had taken Gaza, and discomfited Gazelles, and also he himself had received a fresh supply of soldiers by sea from Constanethople: he marched with his whole army unto Gaza, and from thence within eight days came near unto the chief seat of the Sultan, called Caier, Synambassa always going a days journey before him. Six miles from the City, is there a Village called Rhodania, into the which place Temumbey the new Sultan, had brought all his old and new provision and furniture of great ordinance, and had made ditches cross over all the plain field, and the high way, the which ditches he had covered over with small sticks and earth laid upon them: and he himself had stood in an opportune place with the Mamaluches, who were about xii. thousand, & a great number of Arabian horsemen, for this intent, that when the host of the Turks did begin to approach, they might be beaten down by the unthought of ordinance before that they could come to reach the Egyptians with their harquebuses, and then he himself being spread round about them, would incontinently fight with them being disordered and fallen into the ambush.  
These things were so cunningly and prudently devised, & also perfected in so good time, that no man in the army did think that the victory of that day was any thing to be doubted of. Doubtless a great calamity hanged over the Turks, if that Fortune, who as she always favoured Selym, so she enemy like, and sharply persecuted Tomumbey, had not defeated the painful endeavours of the Mamaluches, through the perfidiousness of a few persons.  
There were in the Sultan's army four Mamaluches, Albanoyses borne, who did greatly stomach it, that Tomumbey was full sore against their will, advanced unto the royal seat, by the voices of the adverse faction. They, whether impelled by lewdness of disposition, or adduced by hope of rewards and more liberal entertainment, because they thought that now seeing their own side went to wrack, it were wisdom for them to seek new and more certain friends, fled unto Synambassa, as unto the chiefest Turkish captain, and their countryman. By these horsemen Synambassa, and incontinently after Selym, understood all the counsels and intents of the enemies, and how great an ambush Tomumbey had laid for them with singular suttietie and art, into which they must needs fall, unless they did forsake the high and direct way. Whereupon they being guided by the same fugitives, did fetch a great compass about on the left hand, and before it was day came again into their old way, and with arranged battles, and produced ordinance (that there might be no stay to attach the fight) showed themselves at the backs of their enemies, avoiding the front of their camp. When Tomumbey saw this, he conjectured by the march of his enemies, that his Ambush had been disclosed through the treason of his own men. But although he were tormented with incomparable grief of mind, for that all those things which he had done with the toil of so many men, and with so great endeavour, was quite dashed, and cast away in one moment of time by spiteful Fortune: yet nevertheless, as he was a very stout man, he incontinently revoked all his senses unto counsel & wonted valour, & calling unto him all the captains, speedily told them what he would have to be done. Tomumbey being placed in so great strait of things, must do all things at one time: he must give the signal unto the soldiers, whereby they were willed to mount on horseback, & to take their weapons, to turn the order of his cape, to arrange his battles, to encourage his soldiers, & to traduce his ordinance into contrary quarters, as the case did require All which things, as one chieftain could not do alone, but hardly and confusedly, so were they hastily & to halves and perversely administered at one push, by many. But the thing that did most hinder the speedy dooying of all things, was the huddling together of all men for to remove the ordinance, the most of which were ill favoured and huge pieces made of iron, and set in great stocks of wood, with rings of iron after the rude and naval workmanship used in old time: they by reason of their mighty weight could not be moved out of their places, without the draft of many beasts, and great thrusting and heaving with iron crows and levers, and with the grievous labour of men. But the great pieces that were mounted on wheels, being drawn by the witless & hasting multitude with the great clamour of those that pulled, haled and showed throughout all parts of the Camp, did with their tumultuous passage disorder those that were mounting on their horses, and the Soldiers that were repairing unto the ensigns. But two things were a great help unto those difficulties, that is to wit, the cheerfulness of the soldiers, and the singular constancy of them all far greater than a man would believe: for that they had not by any conceived fear, fallen from their hope and hearts, as it commonly happeneth in sudden chances, in whom, yea the old soldiers, do oftentimes forget their old valour: but being twice vanquished in battle, they had always resumed greater confidence and courage than they had before, because they persuaded themselves, that not valour and sail in fight, but only Fortune sailed them. Therefore when Tomumbey had set his men in array, and the soldiers with hot desire of fight, had requested the signal, he commanded all the multitude of the Arabians, to fetch about their wings on the back of their enemies, and to attach the fight first, so that the Turkish horsemen might be troubled and disordered, with a doubtful danger of fight, before that he himself had run forth with his induced troops. straightway he commanded the great ordinance which had been now brought about, and directed against the enemies, to be shot off. And incontinently did the Turks the same: who had once shot of their smaller & greater pieces, when they were a just distance of, and quickly charging them again, had now drawn them within an arrows shoot of the Egyptian ordinance: they fought a long time on either side with only often shooting off of their ordinance, while that the armies approached. In the which contention, almost all the Egyptian gunner's were slain, and most of their artillery his mounted from their wheels, and broken into pieces by the violence of the pellets of their enemies. For the Turk had very skilful Gunners in his camp, whom he had alured by his great rewards, and rich entertamment out of Italy and Germany, and specially many out of that filthy rabble of jews, who being expelled by the piety of king Ferdinand out of all the Spain's, brought afterward such rare unused and deadly arts into all the Orient, to spite our men withal. The captain of all these Gunners was one james, borne at Reggio in Lombardy, a man of passing skill in these arts: who being enticed by the Turkish gifts, had a little before forsaken the service of Christ, and revolted unto Mahomet's superstition. But after the fight is on both sides brought unto handestrokes, the Mamaluches raise a cruel and horrible cry, and in three quarters charge the Turks with great valour: for Selym keeping his old order, so marched, that he approached in the form of a croysant. The Captain of the Asians in the right wing, was Mustapha's, and Innubassa of the Europeans in the left but he himself governed the middle battle, wherein was the Esquadron of the janizars, with a great multitude of ordinance. But Synambassa, being made general of the field, had chosen for himself a certain battle or band of the most valiantest horsemen, taken and picked out of all the companies, for to serve for all uncertain events of the battle. Unto whom he added out of selym's esquadron five hundred footmen of passing prowess and swiftness, that he being re●●●e in all places of the battle for all chances (were they never so sudden,) might secure that part of his fellows, which was most pressed by his enemy. So that when almost at one time Tomumbey had stood in the middle battle against Selym, and the wings of the Mamaluches had encountered the Turkish with equal front, and the Arabians had fought valiantly at their backs, as they had been commanded four fights were holty attached at one time in divers places.  
They that were present at this battle, do report, that through the cry of the Soldiers, the noise of the drums and trumpets, the thundering of the artillery, the cloud of the dust, and the clashing of the weapons, all men's minds were so amazed and confounded, that they being all on both sides alike, blinded with fury, they rushed forth with mad desperaetnesse, in such sort, that neither could the voices and watch words be discerned and known one from an other, nor the ensigns seen, nor the commandments of the captains heard: they by mutual error slew a great number both of their own fellows, and also their enemies without all regard: for never before that day had any armies encountered together inflamed with greater hatred, never had two most mighty Emperors more constantly and fervently showed their valour of body and heart with less care of life and safety: For when both of them manifestly perceived & saw, that with like danger of themselves and their armies, they had set their lives and empires at six and seven, they also understood that there would be no other hope left unto either of them, but that which the victory itself would bring.  
Now Gazelles enkindeled with desire of honour and revenge, that he might repay unto the Europeans a foil equal unto that which he had received at Gaza, charging Innubassa with great violence, had overrun the foremost & the resisting troops, had thrown down the Guidons and the Arabians pressing on the victors at their backs, had made the vanquishing companies of all wars, where the strength of the Thracians, the Thessalians, and the Macedons were, to turn their backs, which never any enemy had seen before: Then Synambassa being ready and intentive both with mind and strength for all occasion of victory, flew upon the side of the enemies with a fresh and strong company of his men, and repaired the battle which was inclined and foully scattered. But anon after, Synambassa who had discontinued the manifest victory of the enemies, by exercising a supreme deed of prowess, was slain very valiantly, fight before his men, after that th● Mamaluches under their fierce captain Bido, had turned themselves on their new enemy. And also his horsemen endeavouring to tak● up from the ground their dead captain, and to save him, were fo● a great part slain & put to flight by Gazelles, who did spread abroad his troops, that they having more roone, might more freely vs● their swords, in which kind of fight, the Mamaluches do most excel: and also that noble hand of janizars being enclosed, were overrun and slain, after that they being forsaken of the horsemen, had long time very valiantly resisted. But in another quarter, Mustapha's giving a vehement charge with all his horsemen upon the left wing of the Egyptians, wherein commanded the most renowned captains Neylius Diadarius, and Giapal Oreemas, very sharply urged them. They had a little before received a notable, detriment by the ordinance which was by chance shot from Selymb middle battle travers the field. Mustapha's perceiving it, and being very desirous to abolish old ignominy, very sharply urged them being once disordered, and bringing in his troops by wedges, broke through, over ran and beat them down, and being notorious all the battle over for his voice and armour adhorted the Asians to think that they must now recover either by passing prowess, or honourable death their ancient martial honour, the which they had lately lost at the battle of Aleppo. Also at the same time Tomumbey having broken through the middle battle of the horsemen, was come unto the footmen, and as he was a mighty man both in body and strength, did many notable acts with his semitarre: and also the Arabians enclosed the outer wings of the Turks, and forced them in many places to fight with double front: when Selym advanced forward his esquadron of footmen, the which was his only and assured help in this extremity, whose charge neither could the fierce and harded horses, nor the victor's men abide: for part of his soldiers being harquebusierz, did much muschiefe when they were impaled with pikes, whose immovable force being closed together into the array of one body, bore down all that they encountered. Yet they fought with variable event on both sides, from the fourth hour of the day, until Sun set, neither was there any part of the armies, which suffered not sundry alterations, fortune being now prosperous, & then adverse: for both the vanquished, & the victors being made mad with mutual and implacable rage; fought with obstinate hearts: the Mamaluches disdaining that the victory should be taken from them by those men of whom they had slain so many, but the Turks chafing that they whom they had before vanquished in two battles, did so long time resist them: in so much, that yet the languishing arms, and the bodies wearied and tired with wounds, which were held up by only wrath and pertinacy of heart, might féeme would have been able to have continued an other day in murdering, if that the very night had, not brought an end unto so great a slaughter.  
Tomumbey, who no doubt was vanquished, distrusting the entire loss of the field, first commanded the retreat to be founded, that his men, who now could not match the esquadron, might seem not to have been beaten back, but led back: The which thing he thought was of very great moment to establish the hearts of his soldiers, and also to retain his own authority: for that same dame Fortune, who had deceived his first hope, did seem to promise' unto him, (who hoped, as men in misery do) for better lot, prosperous events of things, if that his heart quailed not, and he saving that power which was yet left, would repair the wars. The battle being broken off, by the coming of the night, the Turks who were victors, and had gained the ordinance and tents of the enemies, pursued until it was late nights, the Mamaluches that marched to Cairo almost in fleeing manner.  
In the flight were taken Biadarius, who could make no speed, by reason of his grievous wounds, and with him Bidon, who had one of his knees broken with the shot of a falcon, which did also kill his horse. The next day Selym commanded both of them to be slain, either because they could not be healed, or for that it was decent, that he might with so worthy sacrifices appease the spirit of Synambassa, for whom he singularly lamented. Although the Turks had nobly vanquished, yet was their power vehemently decayed, yea through these fortunate battles. The fourth parts of them was quite spent with sickness and wounds: and also a great number of their horses were brought weak, through the toil of the long fourney, and specially by the weariness of this day. For the which causes, Selym was constrained to renut somewhat of his old manner in hasting: for he knew not as yet the minds and devotion of the Egyptians that inhabited Cair, neither did he yet understand by fame, in what place Tomumbey soforned, and what he intended to d●. But before he had maturely and diligently learned out all these things, he in no case minded to commit the safety of his own person, and of his whole army unto the innumerable Citizens, & the greatest City of the whole world. Wherefore staying four days in his old Camp at Rhodania, he caused the wounded to be cured, and the bodies of his slain soldiers to be buried in the ground, but left the carcases of the enemies to be torn into pieces by birds and beasts. And then he dislodged, and marching toward Cairo, encamped in a plain between old Cairo and Bulach (for the City of Cairo is diulded into three towns: old Cairo, new Cairo, and Bulach) that they might be the more commodiously served of water.   

The Battle at Cairo.  
IN the mean time Tomumbey being nothing broken with so many and so lamentable unfortunate successes of things, but gathering together the Mamaluches from all parts, had pitched his camp in a commodious place between new Cairo, and the river of Nilus, had armed an eight thousand Aethiopian bondmen, the which kind of men he had not used before by reason of the memory of an old rebellion. Morcover, he opening the old armoury, had delivered armour and weapons unto the sons of the Mamaluches, and the Moors their retainers, the jews, and the Arabians, & with all diligence had prepared greater and more cruel wars against the Turks, than he had made before. But after ward when his devise to give a camisado unto the Turkish camp, had been disclosed unto the Turks, who being prepared therefore, had with loss repelled his foremost ranks: he by the adhortation of all his captains entered the city of Cairo, for the Mamaluches being vanquished in all battles, thought that they must take another way in administering the wars, and therefore counseled him to strengthen the City, by placing his army in guard in the most commodious places thereof, and to impeach the enemy from entering the town: for in this lamentable state, seeing that they must needs fight for their houses, wives & children, they thought it honourable & correspondent to the glory of their ancient valour, to die fight in the sight of them, & before the doors of their houses. So every horseman, or Mamaluch, going to his own house, furnished all his household, and the top of his house with all kind of weapons, and every one suppliauntlye desired the Egyptians of his street and ward, that they would take arms against the common and cruel enemies, nor suffer themselves to be slain, and their wives and children to be carried away for slaves: for if the savage and most covetous enemy should win the victory, (which God forbid) they would not spare, not not them, yea though they would bear themselves indifferent, and healye neither the one part nor the other, because that victory being fraught full of licentiousness and insolency, will know no man, but him, that without staggering and doubting what to do, did help with goods and hand the fortune of their part, while that the wars were of uncertain event. Most of the richer sort of the Egyptians, as they did foresee that the alteration of the state and of the Empire, would be very hurtful, and bring great loss and hindrance unto their traffic and wealth: so in devotion and help they failed not unto the Mamaluchs. Contrariwise most of the mean sort of the Citizens, and a mighty multitude of the worse, who being void of danger, do always gain by other men's losses, remembering all the villainies and extreme oppressions that they had suffered almost three hundredth years under the Mamaluches in wailful and wretched slavery, kept themselves within the doors, waiting for the event of the supreme fight, and rejoiced in their sleeves, that not without the care of almighty God a time had come, when their wicked and outrageous lords should be punished for so many heynours' facts, yea and the revenge should be sought by the blood of strangers: whereby it would come to pass, that they should anon fully satisfy their eyes with a most desired and wished spectacle and sight. In the mean time Tomumbey with most intentise labour and travel, fortified the gates, and all the ways into the City, appointed Captains over every street, made adhortatorie orations in every court, market place, and assemble of people: suffered not any light loitering to be used in the works, and finally, (which is thought to be the most hardest thing in calamity, and danger) showed a surpassing great hope, and a renewed and singular valour in his unappalled face and countenance. But the Mamaluches over and above necessity, (the which do use in extremities to enkindle and to make mad and desperate, yea the very cowards) being stirred up by emulation, did speedily and courageously execute the duties and offices of Captains, for every one of them, as his wit, invention and industry did bear, made ditches cross the most notorious streets, and also laid mighty great pieces of timber overthwart them: other did set in privy pits, holes, and ditches very sharp stakes, upon whom the enemies unwarily falling might be gored: other furnished with guns according to their store, the windows and houses that stood in the turning of the streets, that were much frequented. All which things were done with so great celerity, that no man no not the ioyliest fellow of all the Mamaluchs, made courtesy to take the spade, or to do any servile or foul work: so the all things seemed not to have been devised before they were done & finished. Although the city being very great & very old, was enclosed with no walls, yet there were gates, & but certain ways into it, of whom the one with direct and very broad way or street did lead from the East gate unto the Castle, and into the mids of the City. The rest of the ways into the City had very narrow paths, and ill favoured streets, in whom the ordinance could not be well and aptly drawn, neither could arranged battles safely join together. Into this place and way had Tomumbey chief brought a power, because he understood that of necessity the enemy must break in at that place by reason of the wideness of the streets, but the other quarters of the city father off, he kept with small guards: but the inner and middle parts of the city, where the castle stood: were guarded with a very strong part of his power, that they being very intentive, might speedily run with succour to all places of the city, where that the cry of the enemies, & the peril of their fellows did call them, because that the city being of all other the greatest, could not be defended round about the outward compass with so small power, namely ways lying open into it in every place. But when Selym certainly knew that Tomumbey was entered Cairo, and all the Mamaluches gathering their strength into one, would try the uttermost fortune of the wars, he admoved his host more near unto the City, and adhorted his soldiers to think that they must that day entirely vanquish, and quite destroy their enemies, whom they had so often overcome, and to take a little pain more, that they might receive the rewards of their former labours and victories: the which would be so many, and so great, as they had before coveted with immoderate minds: that there remained a few men with the forsaken and naked king, who because they being attached with wounds and fear, were not able to abide the field, had decreed to expect at home in the sight and arms of their wives, and children, the supreme and last cast of wretched life. That the Egyptians of their own accord had sent for him, for they deadly hating the name of the Mamaluches, did most greedily expect their destruction, and did promise' to fight from their houses for to destroy that progeny of most wicked and savage men. But yet notwithstanding, that the very absolute victory of the whole wars consisted in the utterly vanquishing of the remnants of the defeated and thoroughly affrighted army: because they could not be accounted overcome, that yet hoped were yet in arms, and possessed the siege of the Empire, and the greatest City thereof.  
Therefore they should think, that whereas their safety and glory, then also their whole state and welfare did consist in the event of that day. But that it would be a thing almost of naught, and of no danger, if that they would persuade themselves that they must needs vanquish in this new kind of fight, as they had valiantly done before under his conduct in all other. The soldiers hearts burned for desire of spoil, and being ready and deducted into ranks, expected the signal of the irruption: When Selym entering the City at Bassuell gate, sent in his horsemen at many places at once, but the janizars at the broader way: horsemen met with horsemen, and attached a cruel fight in the turnings of streets, and narrow lanes, but the footmen drawing forth their falcons and culverins before them in their front, did flank with them all the streets, along as they went, making them naked of defendants. But when they were come unto the munitions and ditches, and went about to remove the logs, and great beams that lay in their way, and to pass the ditches: and on the other side the Mamaluches valiantly obsisted, they fought on both sides with so great valour, and so great pertinacy of hearts, that never none in our memory encountered either more fiercely or more bloodily, for both the Mamaluchs & the Turks showed all their strength, and all their sleights of war, in this one dangerous fight, not being ignorant that they fought in this last encounter for life and Empire: seeing that sporting fortune did set indifferently before them both supreme rewards for the victors, and extreme punishments for the vanquished. Very great slaughter was committed at the munitions, by reason that the Turks unwarely running into the blind and prive ditches, pits and holes fell down into them by heaps, one upon another, the hindermost thrusting them forward that were before: and other were gored on the sharp stakes. The Mamaluches their wives and children did with manlike hardiness hurl and tumble down tiles and great stones on them that were beneath. On the other side, the Turks would with their harquebuses fetch such off as they could see in the windows, and on the houses, and break open the doors where they saw any hurtful thing hurled down, and fight within the houses with divers event. Also the Egyptians beholding the fortune now of the one side, and then of the other, did with divers devotion take for enemies and assail them both, that unto whether of them lot would give the victory, they might seem also to have greatly aided that party. Many encounters were attached in divers quarters at once, as they ran into divers streets, yea and in sundry parts of one street, now this company, now that lighted upon new troops of the enemies, & they that urged the victors in the front, were often intercluded by the enemies, & were beaten down behind. The ways, and the space that were left between house and house, were (an horrible thing to behold,) so wet of the gore blood that ran out of the slain men that lay on leaps every foot, that the raised dust, which at the beginning was very thick, was now quite laid. Yet nevertheless the air was darkened with the smoke and mist of the guns, and the clouds of arrows, and so great was the cry of the soldiers, the clashing of the weapons, the thundering of the ordinance, that the earth seemed to tremble and quake, and the houses to be torn into pieces. They fought continually two days, and so many nights with doubtful fortune: but yet so that the Mamaluches who being few in number, & were not able to sustain the labour and watching, had withdrawn themselves by giving back by little and little into the inner parts of the City, forsaking the foremost munitions. The third day when the Mamaluches were in the very pitch of the peril of all their whole state, and all that ever they had (which thing is wont to augment the supreme enterprises, endeavours and hearts of all men) they renewed the fight with such surpassing valour, that they drove the Turks a great way back and intercepted certain of their falcons. Which chance, they say, made Selym to despair of the victory, and then he commanded the houses to be set on fire in all places, he being also impelled unto that heinous and cruel proclamation almost by just wrath conceived against the Egyptians, because that a little before Innusbassa had been grievously wounded in the head in selym's sight with a stone thrown out at a window. Now were the houses light on fire, now was heard the howling of the weeping and suppliauntly entreating Egyptians, and new the Turks fighting somewhat faintly, expected that the retreat should be sounded: when see, news was brought by many men at once, that in another quarter the Mamaluches being beaten from their ground, and defeated by urging Mustapha's, had reposed their last refuge in running away: for Mustapha's through the intimation of certain Egyptians, and fugitive Mamaluches, had come unto a very large street, where the Mamaluches had set their horses ready bridled and saddled: that if any ill chance happened, they might have recourse thither, and taking their horses, flee unto those next places whither they had determined to go. He got all those horses and led them away, having chased their guard, the which, as in a part of the City, that they did nothing suspect, was very weak, consisting wholly of boys, and horse keepers. This thing (as it commonly happeneth in weighty and unlooked for chances) did marvelously wraken their valour and impression. Wherefore when hope of flight was taken away, and they perceived themselves to be enclosed round about, and that the fight was sustained by none other hope, and by none other help and aid, than prowess, they being vanquished by their own confession, turned their backs. Many hasting unto Nilus with Tomumbey, who had in vain tried all arts of valiancy, wisdom and devise, that he might not be vanquished in this battle, passing over the river by boat, went into the region of Seiectica. Another multitude hid themselves in the houses of the Egyptians, and in most shameful lurking dens. But above a thousand and five hundredth of the valiantest of the Mamaluches fled unto the greatest Temple in all the City, where after that they had long time defended themselves, as out of a Castle, because they would not yield but upon honourable conditions: at the last being vanquished by thirst, weariness, wounds, and ordinance, they yielded themselves unto the will and pleasure of the victor. A part of them were slain presently before the Church by the angry Soldiers: Selym winking thereat, and part were certain days after carried down the River to Alexandria. When the victory inclined, Selym sent two bands to put out the fires, and also sending about criers throughout all the City, caused proclamation to be made, that all the Mamaluches that would come in, and yield themselves, within twelve hours should have no hurt, but all found after that time, should die for it, and also that he would give rewards unto all those Egyptians that would diselose the Mamaluches that lurked, and contrariwise incontinently stick them that had hidden any: and selling their wives and children, burn their houses. Upon the brute of this proclamation, a great number of them came abroad, who were straightway put in irons, and also afterward all most cruelly slain in prison, for that they were said to have practised an escape. But divers that would not violate the rights of friendship and faith by bewraying their friends, being accused by their neighbours, suffered loss of life, dying very constantly for their friends.  
After this, the soldiers being made fierce through the victory, searched all places, drew out all them that were hidden, and slew them, and also spoiled the Egyptians their houses, and left nothing shut and secret. The very same day Gazelles happened to come unto Cairo, who had been sent a little before into Thebais to levy Arabians, and to hire aids. Then he seeing the state to be quite everted, and that he was able to do no good, either by hand or counsel, came in with three Arabian Captains, and many horsemen, and yielded himself unto Selym, who entertained him with all his train very honourably, every man according to his calling.   

The Battle at Nilus.  
BUt Tomumbey being (as ye have heard) fledds over the river of Nilus, into that region that is called Seiectica, which lieth towards Cyrenaica: although he had been vanquished with so many mischiefs, yet be courageously repaired the wars. There had come unto him a strong crew of Mamaluches from Alexandria, who were sent for by letters out of the garrison of the City, and many also followed him in the flight. Moreover the Arabians of Africa repaired unto him: and also the Moors the inhabitants of that country, promised him their good will and help: yea and sundry Egyptians of Cairo, whose houses and households had been spoiled, and dishonested by the covetous and lecherous Turks, promised that they would raise an insurrection and tumult, if that he would speedily come thither one night: that it should be brought to pass that all the Turks which were lodged in the houses of the City, should be suddenly destroyed by the cry, and invasion of all the whole people: for the Citizens having suffered at their hands, all abominable and enemy like parts, could not longer abide the injuries of the most proud and malapert oppressers. They also said, that the Turks were brought from a very mighty army unto a contemptible number, for a great part of them were slain in the ba●el●s at Ihed●nia and C●●r●, and almost all the rest were quite spent with wounds and sickness. But whilst that Tomumbey was busied about the preparation of these things, Albuch●●●r the greatest man in of ●●●ecti●● for authority, lands and riche●, came unto Selym, either that he ●●g●● avert fr●● his country, and lands, the mischief of imminent usuries, or else to win the victor's favour by treason, and certified hi●● of the po●●er, and new devices of Tomumbey and the ●●tizens of C●re. The which when Selym understood, he caused strong and strait; watch and ward to be kept in all parts of the Gitie, her commanded the suspected Citizen●●o be kept 〈◊〉 the cas●●l. the 〈◊〉 he h●dde easily taken the garr●●● forsaking it) and plated in diuers places all ●lo●g the river of Nilu●● great number of vessels furnished wy●● ordinance and soldiers for to watch and keep the farther ●au●ke of the river. But yet he 〈◊〉 i●hing●●ith himself wi●● how great peril● he ha● fought so often with his most v●li ●u●verti●●●e●e, and how hard 〈◊〉 thing it would be fore hive to intercept Tomumbey, who by slaying into waste and unknown regions prolonged the wars, and s●ll goth new and new asdes, and also considering that his power being so small and so far from sue●●●r, might be easily oppressed in that most mighty City by the huge multitude of men of uncertain faith▪ was desit 〈◊〉 rather to end the wars by composition, than by contending with force to entangle himself in new dangers: and especially seeing that he had intelligence by those of the province of Seiectica; that companies of horsemen of all sorts were levied in all parts by the Mamaluches that had fled into divers regions and that the navy which had been sent imoto the sl●●●ghts of the red se● in the Arabian goulf against the Po●●ugals, was looked for at P●rs Svezzia. In that navy were above three thousand Mamaluches, and Amyrasses, an Ray Solomon very skilful Captains; and a great number of brass yéeces: whereby it se●●en the Tomumbey might be able to repair the received incommodities, & come again unto the City, be●ing sent for by: his friends to repair thither▪ But the mighty care of the Persian affairs did most move him, lest that if Hymbracossa, whom he had sent before unto the mountain C●nrus, should not be able to match the Persi●● power, that then he should be excluded out of Asia the less, and Syria, before that the Constantinopolitan fleet could come to Alexandria with supply of soldiers and victuals. Wherefore he sent very honourable men of the clergy, and also among them, certain Argiptians of great estimation in ambassade unto Tomi●●ley: who should counsel him to l●y● down arms, and at length acknowledge the fort●●e of the victor, and therewith should also give the●● saith, that if he would come in suppliant sort unto Sely●●, be should by the humanity and benefit of the victor and conqueror, obtain the kingdom, the which he had not been able to keep by arms: but if he would proceed in renewing the warns, and forget his own weakness, that then after the fortune of the wars were throughly adjudged & determined, he should according unto his d●sert, fl●● no condition of dignity & life at a●g●●d selym's hand. But ●he● these ambassadors were come into Se●●ction they were with scantily and barbarous cruelty, slain by certai●● ●●●al●cht●, before they had any ●●dience.  
The which proud and cruel fact, broke off all Selyms patience, who was a man by nature yea being not moved, very vedement & fierre: & straightway he proclaimed avoiage into Seiestita against Tomumbey, & commanded victuals to ●e prou●●ed therefore & gathering together boats from all parts 〈◊〉 a sure & very broad bridge to be built over the river of Nilu●, thinking it neither for his dignity, nor for the present occasion to pass over in boats.  
But when Tomumbey understood by espies and the Citizens of Cairo, that a voyage was prepared against him, and a bridge made over Nilus, he fearing the falsehood of the Provincials, whose hearts, he lightly suspected were alienated from him, by the revolting of Albuchomar, because of his great power and authority among them: determined to try the self same Fortune of battle, which had so often times deceived his hopes: for he being inferior in all things, could not draw forth the wars, nor expect his enime: neither did he think it good for him to flee again with loss of his dignity, through farther wildernes●●●.  
Wherefore consulting with his Captains, (she which was the last attempt that he and the Mamaluches made) he departing in the break of the day from Seiectica with four thousand armed horsemen or Mamaluchs, and double the number of Moors, and Arabians, hasted to Nilus with journey continued day and night that by hardy attempt he might deceive the Turks, who he understood would suspect no such thing of the vanquished, & very weak enemy, and also that he might by celerity prevent the fame of his approach: thinking that he should by his sudden unlooked for coming, destroy that part of the Turkish power that had first passed the river, before that they could be succoured by their fellows. Neither did the space of the time deceive his opinion: for the hours being very truly reckoned with the celerity of his march did agreed jump: and as he had conjectured it would happen the forward of the Asians had passed over the bridge. The Mul●tters and boys that were of selym's chamber ranging some what far to seek a more pleasant place to pitch their tent in, were the first that saw the dusto of the approaching enemy: and Must●pha was straightway certified thereof, and a alarm was ●ryed.  
The which rumour did cast great fear into the hearts, both of them which had already passed over, and also of those that stood on the hither bank ready for to pass, Tomumbey charging suddenly with great valour the Asians, while they were making themselves ready and resorting unto the ensigns, slew the foremost that durst sustain the shock of the assatlantes, dispersed other, and forced them to flee. Neither after th●t almost all the whole forward was overrun and trodden down, and the rest disordered was Mustapha's, able (although he fought fearless in the fore front, and cheerfully encouraged his Soldiers) to repair the array, or to retain the turned into flight: foo in this cruel and unsuspected chance, every place was full of h●dling together of people, slaughter, slight, and fear, and all along on the bank of the river, both above and beneath the bridge, were companies of men seen looking behind them and crying for ●●●ccor.  
And many being driven by the urging trou●●es of the enemies unto the verse brink of the b●nke, fell down into the river and many also perished at the end or head of the bridge, when they ●oulde not run over it for them that were continually sent over from the further side: and also many that would have climbed the bridge, being impeached by fear, and thrust back by their fellows, were drowned in the river. The bridge was so broad, that four horses might well go over in a rank, and a great number of them be sent over in an hours space. But because the ordinance was to be drawn over, fewer horsemen were sent, than the greatness of the danger, or the sudden chance did urgently requited: neither was there any help or aid in the ordinance which could not be speedily drawn over, or shatte off from the hither bank unto the other against the enemy without g●ea● damage to themselves, by reason of their own men that stood in the way. In the mean time Selym, who had run down unto the river side at the beginning of the hurly burly, filled small boats with janizars arquebusiers, and sent them over to succour their distressed fellows, and also commanded the horsemen to haste over by the bridge. The speedy Mariners using all celerity, often returned, and took in more, so that within a short space they had set over many bands of janizars. Whose coming, did confirm the Asians, who were disordered, and now hardly sustained their enemies violence.  
●ls● Ca●ogl●● the son of a Tartarus king, encouraging his troops v● T●ra●es to take the over with their horses, came to the farther bank of the ●●uer, to the ad●●●rasion of all men, léesing but a few of his men● for the Tartars had ●carned to swim over on their horses accustomed thereunto, the very violente and mighty rivers of Tanall and Volga. Also at the same instant Tomumbey for seeing ha● spe●●● victory consisted therein) endeavoured to pierce with thick troops unto the head of the bridge, and to ●ntim●●t● that then for to interclude his enemies, he might pull ●●●ay the foremost boat, and cut in sunder the cables, with which that row of boats were tied unto the bank. Which being cut off the whole bridge being of necessity resolved and undone, would through the violence of the nightie stream, be carried away with the Turks that were upon it. This caused a very dangerous conflict, for the chosen and best armed Mamaluches that urged at the front, fought with singular valour: and on the other side Mustapha's perceiving the danger, brought the ensigns, and all the valiantest fellows unto that place. So that they both contended with such surpassing prowess, as the weightiness of the case required: the Mamaluches manifestly seeing that if they could win the place; that then they should with short work afterward overthrow the former victories of the enemies: & the Turks understanding the unless they kept and saved the bridge, the safety of themselves, and the rest of the army, then and of their Emperor was brought to utter despair. But Mustapha's prevailed through the Harquebusters, and the troops of Greek horsemen, of whom now many had passed over, and the enemies were repulsed and being fiercely urged, forced to give a great way back. Tomumbey that he might give some space unto the Mamaluches to breathe them, who were not able to fight fiercely, because their horses were tired, and that he might again try by them after they had repaired their strength, the extreme and last chaunes and fortune of the battle, adhorted the Arabians and Moors to sustain the fight until the Mamaluches had a little breathed themselves. The which when they had valiantly performed, and anon after the Mamaluches having somewhat recreated their horses and bodies, had come in their place: the battle was again renewed with so grea●e valour, that Selym distrusting the victory, doubted not to ascend the bridge, and run to secure his men, although that his friends earnestly besought him in no wise so to do. His coming (which brought hope into the hearts of the soldiers, who desired to ●●inne rewards and praise by doing some notable feat of prowess in their emperors sight repressed the endeavours of the enemies, who were straightway all forced to fly through the valiance of the janizars. They were pursued over all the fields by those horsemen that had not been at the fight, and also by the Tartars, who galled them with their arrows. But afterward Mustapha's, Cayerbey, and Gazelles, were sent with a company of fresh and swift horses, to follow the foot of the fleeing, and not to suffer Tomumbey to escape away, whom the third certain ●esauntes found standing in a marish up to the waste in water among bulrushes and reeds, who for fear of death delivered him to the Captains, who brought them unto Selym. But he would not vouchsafe to see him. But after he had caused him to be along time tormented in vain for to disclose the treasures of ●●pson, at last he commanded him to be carried about all the famous streets of the City on a vile Carmell in an old ragged garment, with his hands bound behind him, and then 〈◊〉 he hanged up with an halter, for the murdering, as be pretended, of his Ambassadors, although the noble Prince were altogether guiltless thereof. The like fate also befell unto all the Mi●●●●hos and horsemen that were in prison, or could he taken. After the shameful death of Tomumbey, who was executed the thirte●th day of April, in Anno. 1517. all the whole Empire of the Sultan yielded; as also did all the Princes that had been Tribucartes unto the Sultan evea unto the domintons of Prestra john.   

¶ The Battle of Bicona, fought in the Duchy of Milan between Prospero de Colonna, and Ferdinand Marquis of Pescara, Generals for Charles the Emperor, and the Lord Lantrech Chieft●ine for Francis the French King in Anno. 1522 taken out of Io●●● in the life of the Marquis of Pescara.  
ANno. 1521. Charles the fift Emperor of Rome, and Leo the tenth Bishop of that city, conspired together (for displeasure conceived) to expel Francis the French king out of the Duchy of Milan, and to place therein Francis Sforza brother unto Maximilian, late duke of Milan, but then prisoner in Fran●●e. The which erploite Praspero de Colonna, and Ferdinand marquess of Pescara, the one being General of the horsemen, & the other of the too te●●en, did in ●●r●e per●●●● that same year, having won Placontia, Paiula, N●●ara, Alexandria, Como, Puni●, the City of Milan, and divers other places of the duchy, which caused the French King to send down the next year, Renee the bastard of Savoy, and great master of his horse, and Seignour de la palace, and other with a new supply of soldiers, unto the Lord 〈◊〉 his lieste●āt general in Milan. With this power and the old that he had before, & also being aided with an army of the Ve●●ans, he laid ●●ege unto the city of P●nia, the which yet he broke up, when the Emperialls (who had lately received a new supply out of Germany of 〈◊〉 thousand Lans●●●●●; under the conduct of George Tr●ndes●erg) were come from Milan is ●etor Pania: and marched towards Landr●●o, that he might come to the City of Milan as void of garrison, before the imperials could return, or if he could not so do: he hoped some good opportunity of battle in place of advantage would be gotten by often dis●edgings and sundry iorueys. But Prospers and Pescara incontinently going bathe again the same direct way that they came, 〈◊〉 at Milan many hourex before that Lautrech, who marched somewhat about, could come thither, although he used passing celerity. The Lautrech having thus miss Milan, marched to Monze for many regards, and namely counseled thereunto by Gutti the Legate or Providitors of the Vinetian army, that he might he victualled with more e●●●ment of ways from the Regions beyond the river of Adda: and also the Swissers requested it, being desirous to go home, as they that being wearied with the unlucky wars, in whom fortune would favour none of their enterprises: had languished both in body and heart, and therefore with proud and lead tongues requested to be dismissed. But the Bastard of Savoy, palace, and Galeazo, Sanseverino grand Esquire, or master of the horse unto the King, going unto the Swissers earnestly desired them that they would not haste to forsake them, and by their infamous departure quite overthrow the assured hope of ready victory: seeing that Francis of all Kings the most liberal, would requited this their singular benefit, not only by frank dealing with themselves, but also with their wines and children.  
Surely the Captal●●● and 〈…〉 well a●●ec●ed, and very faithful, but the common sort of the soldiers, as they which were bou●●●e by no gifts, did very lewdly waver: but yet so that it seems that all of them would fight valiantly, if they were speedily brought to deraign battle. When Prasper● and Pescara understood the intent of their 〈◊〉, they staying almost never a whit at Milan, eu●●●●● thei●●● were well furnished with all things, being fully ref●●ed t● giver the enemy battle, if that any indifferent occasion were offered. They eveauped themselves at a village called Bicocna: in a place very fafe and commondious: for on the right 〈◊〉, it was enclosed with the ditch of the highway, but ●●●the leasie, and on theh●●ke with two small rivers secuing to water the corn fields, but in the front it had a cross way so broad, that two waives' meeting might pass one by another, the which was on both sides so low, that the edges of the corn fields were navel high abo●● it. This way for that it was very hollow, did Pescara use for a ditch, and in the front thereof pla●●● the ordmance and footmen: and behind stood the horsemen with Prospero. But Francis Sforza the Duke of Milan, who had brought thither bands of the Citieof Milan, and all the nobilitle of the whole duchy, that he might be present at the battle, encamped in the high way. Now the Captains of the Swissers being singularly addicted to the French welfare, and honour, and namely Albers Petra a captain of sucpassing same in many wars who had then the chief authority among the Swissers, assoon as nows was brought by the horsemen that the Emperitialls were encamped middle way between Milan, and Mo●za, and were in a plain and level piece of ground not above five miles from them; they can unto the French Captains, and Alber● spoke unto them and told them, that the soldiers could be kept by no means but that they would go home unless they were lid into the field to fight: and that he himself might satisfy the king's Majesty (who had very well deserved of him) and also the dignity of the Swissers, was fully resolved to give hatzell: neither aught they to doubt of the victory, if that the frenchmen as they were by bucey bound) would with courageous hearts follow the Swissers, who would pierce even unto the ordinance of the enemies: If that there were any that would rather linger shamefully, than fight valiantly they aught not to be thought faithful to the king, or the common wealth. Therefore he, to show his fidelity and unfeigned heart unto the King, would go against the enemies yea with only the Swissers, if no man else would follow. This courageousness of Albert was not displeasant unto Lautrech as that man that had rather fight yea with doubtful event, than to be forsaken by the Swissers: for this was his opinion, that their hot valour, seeing that they did request the battle with such flaming hearts, was to be used out of hand, namely seeing that he seemed inferior to the enemies, neither in footmen, horsemen nor yet in number: for he privily accounted it an ignomy, if that now, as it had happened the year before, he should again be driven out of Lombardy, and never fight battle, and namely seeing that whereas the Swissers, then specially the french horsemen had always in vain requested of him with many prayers, that they might show their valour in a pitched field: which thing (as it often happeneth in adverse fortune) had got him great envy among the Frenchmen. But palace both gréenously offended with the rashness and arrogancy of Albert, and also moved with the nothing timely inclination of Lautrech, praised in deed at large the good will and devotion of the Swissers, but could in no case abide to hear the counsel of assaulting the Camp, as a device full of extreme madness, and deadly desperateness: often saying that he, who had warred old in the Italian wars, did very well know the valour of young Pescara, who always useth to fight lustily and the arts of old Prospero, who had learned to lodge his army skilfully to the discommodity of his enemy, & with his own chiefest and highest praise. He did not think the french state was brought unto that despair, the as it were in extreme necessity, they should rather choose to fight and be vanquished, than by staying with very good and wholesome reason moderate the violent feeze of unadvised courage. Wherefore what was more safe and better, than to get them between Milan, & the enemies camp, and encamping themselves there, force the enemies (being intercluded from the city, and victuals, either to fight with disadvantage, if that they would assail their Camp, or certes if they would return unto Milan, to offer them the field in an indifferent place. In deed the Lord Lautrech, who had the supreme government, might fight with disadvantage both then, & also at all other times, when he would: but it was the duty & part of a wise General, never to provoke the enemy, unless he having before surely shifted the event, might with firm reason assuredly promise' himself undoubted victory. But then thus (answered the Lord Lautrech) we need not slothful lingering in sitting still, but lively valour in fight tore-cover the honour and Duchy lost: the which doubtless can not be done, if we do suffer the Swissers, who are now going away, to departed home and do no feat of prowess. Wherefore make yourselves ready to fight, that we may this day end the wars one way or an other. Thereunto replied palace: God assist the mad and desperate: I for my part, that I may not seem to have shunned the peril, will certes fight on foot in the forward of the footmen: ye French horsemen, behave yourselves to day valiantly, that in a hard case, rather fortune than courage, may seem to have failed you. So before the Sun was up (it was the xxix day of April) Albert leadeth forth his regiments of Swissers (they were about fifteen thousand) with the ordinance, being puffed up with so foolish, or certes fatal pride, that he would not one whit be ruled in any thing by either Lautrech, or palace, Captains of great skill, but with barbarous stateliness, promised that he would charged the Emperialls full in the face. And without stay, the famous Petro de Navarro, and the renowned Captain Biciarde, being sent before to survey the situation of the enemies Camp, Lautrech made two battles of all the french horsemen, the first he committed to his brother the Lord Lescune, commanding him to fetch a great compass about, and to invade the enemies on the backs, but he himself followed the main army. It was enjoined unto the Venetians, who were on the left hand, to back the Swissers, being thereby quite out of danger, or certes very far from any. Moreover john de Medici was commanded to go before all the battles with his horsemen, who were very passing excellent, consisting both of light horsemen, and also men of arms) and with the light bands of Italian footmen, who also served under him, that he coursing this way and that way, might take all prospect from the enemies, and not suffer their avaunt currers to take any view of the French power. So the footmen being hidden by Medici's horsemen, approached with great pace, not being seen of the enemies, yet the foremost of Lescunes' horsemen were (by reason of their glistering armour) seen of the imperials between certain trees upon the left hand: but they did fetch such a great compass about, that they seemed to be beyond the camp, and to march towards Milan. In the mean time Pescara, (than whom, no man kept a more constant judgement of mind in sudden chance) commanded Gastaldo to scout with a company of horsemen: he had not gone far, but that he met with Medici, and then their horsemen skirmished together very bravely, now one side, and then the other was driven back, and the lose shot came also in among them: finally they were so blended together, that neither the one was suffered to have any certain knowledge of the approach of the Swissers, nor the other of the situation and array of the enemies camp. The ordinance as I said, was opportunely placed in the front of the ditch, and the footmen were cast into four battalions, but yet so with equal front, that Almains and Spaniards were mingled together by course. The captain of the Almains was George Frondesberg, a notorious man for his mighty body and strength: the harquebusiers standing before the pikes occupied all the whole length of the front: when Pescara commanded by as new and witty, as afterward happy devise, that they should not set fire to their pieces before that they had seen volagues discharged at his commandment. But he willed the foremost ranks, that after they had discharged, they should immediately stoop down on their knees, and charge again that the second ranks might incontinently discharge without danger of the foremost, he also commanded the second, and then the third, and so the fourth to do the same: so that when the last had discharged, the first and the s●●ond ranks should quickly and readily shoot off again they●●●charged pieces. So that this order being repeated incessantly, the footmen of the enemies might be beaten down as it were with a continual storm, before that they could come to hand strokes. Event wanted not to Pescara his devise. For when the Swissers approached, they first shooting off their great ordinance, as also the imperials had done, ran amain unto the ditch, suspecting nothing of the disadvantage of the place: Where all things were opportunely administered by Pescara, both with great quietness, and also celerity, and he did suddenly let fly a storm of small shot, which did so much mischief, that not only the ensigns, but whole bands fell down at once: yet Albert himself lustily scaling the rampire flew unto Frondesberg; whom he knew, and calling him by an opprobrious name, did with a mighty arm thrust his pike into his side, grievously wounding him: but Albert himself was immediately slain, being strooken at from all parts round about. And also that band of desperate fellows that succeeded him with frantic feeze, were easily slain by the Almains and Spaniards from the upper ground.  
In this encounter Alfonse the Marquis of Guasto, cousin germane to Pescara, was wounded in the arm. But the rest of the Swissers after they had been a long time turmoiled and troubled among the heaps of the slain, and the piles of their pikes, turned their backs. Also at the same time Lescune bringing about his horsemen, both give a charge upon the backs of the enemies, and passing over two ditches doth break into the Campe. Ambrose Landriano the Captain of the Duke's wing of horsemen, is defeated and taken prisoner, the tents are cast down, the hales of Antony de Lena, and the Earl of Termine, and their silver plate fall to the share of the lackeys and drudges. There is a wonderful great hurly burly raised throughout the whole Camp, fear attacheth not only the Soldiers, but also the Captains themselves, yet Prosperi gets himself quickly out of the fear of this sudden chance, and setteth his horsemen cast into troops against the Frenchmen, A●ir●o, and the Earl of Collisa valiantly helping him, 〈◊〉 Antonin de Lena running th●●her foremost of al. Now Lescune fought upon the bridge with singular prowess: which if he could have gotten, the French horsemen had doubtless broken into commit a great slaughter of the imperials: when see the duke's horsemen advancing forward their guidons from the high way, received the encounser: also a band of Italians Harquebusters speedily ran unto their succour, and also the Milanese, that lay beyond the river in a very safe place, did shoot their field pieces overthwart upon the enemies: Frances Sforza the Duke was in that quarter a continual encourager: the fight was divers, and cruel, as that which was fought in a place very cumbersome in all parts, not only for the ditches and deep streams, and small rivers, but also for the ropes of the tents, and many long poles, that were set up to tie the horses unto. But there was a very sharp encounter at the bridge: for there Lescune himself being notorious for his Caparissons, and plume of feathers in his crest, contended with great valour to break through: whose prowess the Monsieurs Montmorency, Baiarde and Pontiremy, very forward Capitains', honourably emulated: and also Frederick de Bozolo one of the house of Mantoa, had pierced into the high way, but the iniquity of the place did withstand the prowess of the French horsemen. For neither were they able to break through with thick troops, nor yet to defend themselves, because they had brought no and of footmen. So the Frenchmen that fought on the bridge; after that many on both parties had been cast down headlong into the river, with fowl slaughter of men and horses, were at length driven from the bridge: Lescunes horse was slain under him, and anon after when he had taken an other, he was wounded in the mouth with a sword, which was thrust through the bener of his helmet, and Mounsieur Baccalaure the Ensign bearer of Monsieur de Brion was slain, and Hugh Earl of Pepoli, had his leg shot through with an harquebus, the French guidons were reft and torn: and the Harquebusters that were beyond the ditch, turning themselves on the side of the enemies, did with their often and thick shooting much endamage the men of arms, and specially their horses. In the mean space, the battle of the Swissers being defeated, the footmen freste cried, Victory, victory: this most fayful cry brought from one to another event unto the hindermost ranks, the Frenchmens' hearts incontinently quailed: but the courage of the Emperialls increased: Lescune windeth himself out of the fight, and with singular constancy (although he had lost many of his horsemen) recovereth his brother Lautrech, who when he saw the slaughter & flight of the Swissers, constantly stood still with his whole battle. But when Pescara saw the foremost ranks disordered, and the footmen turned into flight, entreated and besought Frondesberg as earnestly, as he could for his life, and adhorted the Almains, that they would pursue the fleeing and beat the backs of the discomfited, take revenge of the nation that was the most deadly enemy of the Almains, and finally without any danger, win an entire victory. But when he could not obtain this of them, who of insolent contumacy would not obey, and with terrible muttering requested to have triple pay: he for to enkindle them by example, sent forth three bands of Spanish footmen. But because they ran forth scattered, neither would the Almains follow them, they lieging Guinea, a valiant petty Captain, were almost enclosed, partly by the Swissers that drew back the ordinance, and partly by john de Medici, who running traverse the field, guarded the backs of the departing Swissers with a strong troop of footmen and horsemen: yet the Imperial horsemen, when Prospero commanded them, and Pescara requested them with angry countenance to make haste, pursued them and then Medici boldly turning his troops upon them the horsemen shirmished together above two hours, for both the French and Venetian light horsemen repaired from all parts unto Medici's standeres. But at the beginning of the battle when the Swissers were overthrown, almost all the Venetian power went away with Theodoro de Trivulzi their Captain, never once attempting to fight. There perished of the Swissers what in the fight, and afterward of their wounds, about three thousand: among whom next to Albert Petra, arnold of Vnderwalden did most excel for authority and valiant courage. But there were slain of the Frenchmen Mounsieurs de Molans, and Ghisci, and two noble young gentlemen Mounsieur de Montfort, and de Turnon. But of the Emperialls Peter Earl of Colisa, of the house of Cardona, Pescara his mother's brother, being shot into the eye as he plucked up his beaver, with the quarrel of a crossbow, whereof there was but one in the whole field The next day after when the imperials pursued the frenchmen, they dissolved all their army, the Swissers went home, the Venetians repaired unto Bressa, Lescune & Medici to Cremona, Bozzolo with the rest of the horsemen to Lodi, and Lautrech the bastard and palace into France. Then the imperials following the victory, won Lodi, Cremona & finally all the duchy, except the castles of Milan, Cremona, and Nu●ara, and then also sacked the rich City of Genea.   

¶ The battle fought at Pavia in Lombary between Francis the French King and Charles Duke of Bourbon, Charles de Lanoy viceroy of Naples the marquess of Pescara captains for Charles the fift Emperor on Saint Mathies day in anno .1525. written by iovius in the life of the Marquis of Pescara.  
IN the year of our Lord .1524. the Imperial power having utterly expelled the Frenchmen out of all the duchy of Milan, invaded France, & besieged the strong City of Marsiles in Provente: but when they heard of the approach of Frances the french king with a puissant power, they speedily broke up the siege, and hasted into Italy: whom the king pursued so fast, that the imperials were no sooner entered the City of Milan, but that he was also at the gate, and took the city, the Emperialls forsaking it, and fleeing with all their army unto the City of Lody: but that they had before placed Antony de Leva in the city of Pavia, with all their Lansquenetz (being five thousand) and five hundredth Spaniards footmen, & two cornets of horsemen The king not staying at all at Milan (but only leaving the L. Tremoville with a power to besiege the castle) marched incontinently to Pavia, & came thither the 28. of Octob.) which he besieged so long, that Charles the duke of Bourbon (who had revolted lately unto the Emperor, and had then the government of the Imperial army in the duchy of Milan) went into Germany, & brought from thence George Frondesberg, with twenty bands of Lansquenetz, and Nicholas the earl of Salme with two thousand horsemen, and Ferdinand the Archduke of Ostrich, sent u C. horsemen, and six thousand Lansquenetz. As soon as all these Almayus were arrived at Lodi, the Imperial power did set forth against the French king at the earnest persuasion of the Marquis of Pescara, who won both Lanoy the viceroy of Naples (who being fearful of léesing his proper province, would have gone unto Naples with the horsemen, and namely the Neapolioans, and all the light armed footmen of the almains and Spaniards, to defend the kingdom of Naples, against the Duke of Albany, whom the French king had sent with ten thousand men to invade Naples, in the which enterprise he also should be aided by the Pope) to turn and to bend all their force against the French king: & also had gotten the Spaniards to go forth to fight, which they at the first refused for long lack of pay. So their army being mustered (wherein were found (saith Francis Guicciardine seven hundred men of arms, and so many light horsemen, and one thousand Italian horsemen, and above sixteen thousand footmen, part Spaniards, and part almains: (but iovius seemeth to insinuate a greater number:) they departed from Lodi the five and twentieth day of january, and marched towards the French king, taking the town of saint. Angelo by the way, that they might forage and be victualled freely without interception. The King understanding of the winning of saint Angelo, removed from the west part of the town into the camp of Seigneur de la palace, who lay on the east side close unto the wall of Pavy park. He also made strong munitions from the wall of the Park even unto the river of Tesino: and beating down a part of the Park wall in three places, he made three ways, as it were three mighty gates, that his horsemen, who did almost all of them lodge in the park on the left hand close unto the wood side, might speedily at all times help the footmen, and also the station, that the King had left on the west side of the Town. But after that the Imperial power was encamped near unto the French, there was many a sharp, shirmishe attached; and also Le●● incessantly sallied out of the city: in one of these skirmishes, or more truly after one of them, (when that he showed unto the lord Bon●uer the Admiral of France, the place and manner of his fortunate skirmish) john de Medici was shot into the leg out of a low cottage, and to grievously hurt, that as despairing of life, he obtained of the king to be carried down the river unto Placenza with the incomparable incommodity no doubt of the Frenchmen: for he was so courageous, vigilant, and expert a captain, that there was no soldier so very a coward and faint hearted, that would not cheerfully follow his ensigns, and would not desire to be seen in the ●●elde with him. Also about the same time (as though that fortune being sore displeased with the Frenchmen would bring all incommodities upon them in one day, the hands of the Grisons, (who were six thousand) being revoked by domestical wars began suddenly to advance their, ensigns & to depart home: for james de Medici a Mildness: afterward created Marquis of ●●drinian had at the comm●indement of Francis F●rza, and the earnest request of Pescara invaded the Grisons upon a sudden, and won the town and castle of Clavenna, and thereby brought great terror unto all the whole nation. The which danger being certified by the magistrates unto the Grisons that were in the french camp, they could not be caused to tarry by any entreaty, although they were offered double wages: & which did augment the incommodity also, divers ensigns also of those Swissers that were their confederates followed them, although that Marshal Lescune openly reviled with reproaches of avarice & perfidiousness their Colonel. Then when that be obstinately persisted in his purpose to be gone, challenged him unto the combat. Now had the armies lain many days almost close one unto an other with so near front, (a thing that had never happened in our age) that it was wonder that the soldiers would so long abide the incommodities either of perpetual labour or most hard winter, and would ●●ert●se their bodies with continual watchings and shirmishes: neither a thing seldom seen, although all things in all parts were beaten with the great ordinance, yet would they not join in battle, fortune inclining▪ neither to the one side nor the other. But hope of guerdon and praise, the noble stirrers up of mens hearts and fear of dishonour, which is a very sharp prick, yea unto dastards, did wonderfully sustain and hold them up, who contended with equal power, as though they must vanquish not by force, but by sufferance: for the french king being of an high mind, thought it for his dignity rather to suffer all hardness, than not to maintain the fame of egregious constancy, the which virtue seemed to be strange to the French men's nature: for as they had gotten all the victories of former times, rather by hot courage, and swift feeze, than long perseverance: so in deed they being tired by the long linger of the Imperial Captains, and broken by tediousness of long wars, had lost the name of their ancient glory. He also knew that the besieged were distressed with incredible penury almost of all things, and namely of wine, the which by long custom and usage is the thing that holds up the bodies of the Almains, & makes the●●● cheerful and courageous to sight, he also understoods that those men which had arrived lately out of Germany, & also the spaniardes, & Italians, could not be long kept together without wages, seeing that the month was now almost out, the which they had promised at Pescara his ●ntecaty to serve without money: finally seeing that his camp was fortified in all places with so great rampires & munitions, he did not think that the enemies were so●nuche to be feared, that he aught to leave his enterprise with ignominy: seeing that they which had proudly come with so great feeze & violence, & boasting, to assault his camp, seemed by dishonourable lying before it xx. days with frustrate attempt, to have spent not only their victuals, provision, and money, but also that terrible fame of fiersnesse. Yet nevertheless not being ignorant how much his power was diminished, he very earnestly endeavoured to augment his army with new supplies: yet doth Guicciardin writ, that he had in his camp. 1300. men of arms, 10000 Swissers, & so many Lansquenetz. 50000. french footmen, &. 7000 Italians, although that through the shaud of the captains & the negligence of his officers, the number of the footmen was far less than be paid wages for. But first of all other things, the king made truce with the Genovese, the 4000 Italians might be inconttuently brought into his camp from Sau●na by the Marquis of ●alures, but Gaspar Mayno a Milanese suddenly setting upon this power with certain bands of Sforzans, as they passed ●uer the river of Burnta, did so defeat them that he brought the captains prisoners, & almost all the ensigns unto Alessandtia. Thus the K. having lost the hope of aid from Savana, sent for Tremoville from Milan, with a company of horsemen, & for the greatest part of the footmen; the besieged the castle of Milan. Now there were at Milan, by Guice●ardins report. 300. men of arms, 6000. footmen of Grisons, & Walisse land men, & three thousand French footmen. Tremoville carried with him to the king all the footmen, except two M. The K. also commanded Momorentey, who was captain of the third french camp, which lay in the small Island, that the river of Tesino maketh before the city of Pavia, to bring all the most chosen horsemen & footmen into the greater camp, & leave the earl of Claramont with a certain to keep the Isle. The sum of all the kings intent & purpose was this: to send forth a part of his horsemen unto S. Columbano, that they fleeing about and remaining at the backs of the enemies, might take away from them all ability to be victualled, & to forage freely at their pleasure: & in the mean time he would keep himself within the munitions & continue still the siege, & expect, intentive, and ready, with what event Albany did enter the kingdom of Naples, and what the Pope & the Venetians his confederates would attempt: yet there wanted not men of great quality for their long service in the war●, who with free speech did discommend these counsels which were fraughtful of supreme peril, & endeavoured to pluck out of the kings mind that determination of fatal sentence: & specially above other Tremoville, Galeazo Sanseverino, Palisse, & Theodoro Trivulzi: for they said the both the honours and dishonours of warfare are defined by none other estimation, than the supreme victory, whereunto a prudent and grave Chieftain would revoke all his cogitations? for what may seem unto men skilful in martial matters to be more foolish and shameful than being not forced by necessity, to bring the king's person into that peril: whereby the whole Realm of France should endanger both their dignity and safeties finally, what could be moro estranged from reason, than with less number of Souldtors and with less reward of victory, to fight a doubtful battle with their most valiant and desperate enemies, For a● their adversaries their hope was reposed in hasting 〈◊〉 t● le●itie, that before they were vahquished by difficulties of all things, they might fight with more indifferent conditions while that they are yet strong by great and fresh power. What said palace, do not our sharp● witted enemies most manifestly see, that by stay and tarriance our power groweth stronger and strong●t, and contrariwise that theirs is greatly lessened, and also their devices and endeavours do wax weak and will be turned into an uncertainty, seeing that within these few days, their money and victuals, provision, and the good wills and aids of all men will quite and utterly fail them? All things surely, if we play the wise men, will speedily fall out fortunate for us, and adverse for them: so that we get us out of this pound●, and encamp ourselves at large at Binasco, that the battle being avoided, we may by continual linger frustrate the rage and violent feeze of these wild beasts, thereby to obtain assured victory: for the Almains (unless I be deceived) will assoon as ever they come out of Pavia, demand their due wages of the ●e●y Captains, as poor men that are almost starved up for lack of meat, and also wanting all other necessary things neither will gay glozing and large promises now any longer serve their turn to appease and please their soldiers, but present and great store of gold, for over and above their ferocity naturally engrafted, their valiant service will not without just cause make them insolent: and thus they being defrauded and deluded, will either raise up some sedition, or else being contented with the glory of constancy will incontinently return home: in so much that I do not despair, but that the rest of them, as than which have now delivered their kinsmen from siege▪ will return into Germany, when that no present money shall be paid them. In the meantime, both that privers that are our friends will with more open end evour help us, and also France at hand will commodiously and abundantly supply all things that the wars shall require. Surely your Majesty hath vanquished, if that you will vanquish by new and wholesome reason your mind which is induced with the vain praise of perseverance. For it seemeth not to be the part of a wise and good chieftain, to seek glory by 〈◊〉, that may bring dishonour, 〈…〉 assured destruction under a certain false, or shadowed name of constancy. These things were true, and so much the greater authority was in palace his words, as he was accounted to by more forward to fight, and more fervent than the rest of the Captains. For it did appear that he had been adduced, not by some doubtful, but a most certain reason, for to forsake his old wont, and his natural judgement: sith that he had before time deserved the name rather of an effectual and valiant, than a linger doubtful, and wary Captain. And also unto this effect (which seemed to be sent out of Clement the Pope's mouth) did Albert Pio Earl of Carpi the king's Ambassador, writ unto him from Rome, and very diligently and earnestly admonished and counseled him to shun the hazard of universal sight by removing his camp back unto Binasco: because it seemed that the feeze and violence of the fresh and fierce Almain enemy was not to be broken by force, but by timely and commodious staying and lingering. This also very well liked Renee of Savey the king's uncle, who, as one hofull for the king's safety, had condemned all hazard of battle. But one above all other Bio●niuet the Admiral, who had through his sine wit, great art, vigilancy, and serviceableness, gotten him a most sure and firm place of favour with the king, spoke against them that counseled the breaking up of the siege, in company modestly, but in private and withdrawn talk, when he was alone with the king, very vehemently. What (saith he) shall a King of so passing courage, and instructed with the surpassing precepts and experiments of martial discipline, as your Majesty is, be with this root of dishonour and infamy ruled by Tremoville a man very extreme old, or Galeaze? all the sense of both which men's lively and speedy vigour, and lusty courage, three score and ten years have dulled and blunted? What and hath not that noble order of fight, wherein of late palace most surmounted, now waxed through cold in him by encroaching age? It is so in very deed: in so much that me thought he playeth to day the very fond man in counseling that thing old man like, wherein he himself was never good, nor doth not now lend us the help of valiant hand, the which we do to day need and he hath been always ●●●●●t to 〈…〉 also ●●sely therein excel among the stoutests. But as for Theodoer, it is meet that he follow the inclination of his age, nature and disposition: seeing that he had rather by suspecting, doubting and providing that every thing, which is far off, fall not, warily to save himself and your royal army, than by fighting valiantly, and byentring into the chances of wars with not most certain and infallible event, seek for and get, yea almost an assured victory. What then doth impeach, but that I may set against these worn old men fire hundredth others, that have for valour of courage and their noble acts deserved the name of captain's General: whose noble hearts fear never entered, for it is the usage & manner of French men to vanquish famously, when their king is present, doth give them the signal of battle, doth encourage them, and fight himself, as we have learned to ●●ght valiantly & fortunately at Tarro, under the conduct of king Charles, at Adda under king Lewes, and under your Majesty, with so great commendation at Milan? Surely we are not the same men that we have always been, that is, valiant & desirous of honour, if we do once think that we aught to fear lest these mighty high rampires, & these strongly entrenched camps, may be expugned and scaled one night as it were by thieves and cut throat robbers. But for God's sake let not this dismaiall of a few bloodless men, redound unto the ignominy of the Swissers and Almains that serve your highness, and the old horsemen, who whereas they do utterly despise and contemn yea in an indifferent field, this army of the enemies levied up by sudden and hasty musters, and choice, and hired for small wages, do also repose in the fortune & name of your royal person, who laying apart Majesty, will fight most valiantly of all other, the moment of most assured victory. But although the king being suspended with a very sharp care, did very diligently weigh in equal balance the words of his Captains, yet fortune inclining, he followed those counsels which seemed most honourable, and most meet for his high heart. But this habit of hearts was among Themperials, that not only every Captain, but also every common soldier did think that the victory was certainly theirs, if that they coul●e join in battle with the king, by any indifferent means, before that he got him thence. On the which only occasion of fight, among other, Pescara was so vehemently bend, that whilst he with incredible patience and desire, did both day and night view and survey all things: it is reported that he withdrew from nature the desires and necessaries of ●●ats, and sleep, to the grievous hurt of his health. But sithence it was apparent that the King's Munitions could not be won, but with doubtful event, and assured loss of soldiers: he determined to enter into the Park by breaking open the wall, that fetching a little compass about, he might come to Mirabelle, the which is a lodge of singular pleasure, very commodions for hawking and hunting, standing almost in the midst of the Park, the which is sixteen miles about. In that place the King removing from his eld lodging▪ had placed his horsemen, and had left there a great company of merchants, and stragglers, and men of peace. Now was Pescara desirous to take this place specially, for two causes? for if he could without empechement of the enemy get Mirabella; (the which thing was first purposed in this journey) than he manifestly saw that with his surpassing praise, and the infamy of the French men, Leva were delivered from ●●ege, and also the enemies were utterly excluded from the City of Milane: But if the King to impeach that journey, would nothing doubt to issue out of the munition of his camp for to fight, than ability would be given commodiously to join in battle with him: the which thing the imperials did so greatly desire with ardent hearts: and in very deed were forced by necessity to wish and seek it, because they wanted money to pay the soldiers, and also now the hearts of their old allies were not doubtfully turned unto the French king. All these things as they were invented and devised by a saylfull and sharp piercing wit, in like manner did Pescara declare unto the captains, describing every thing with so great efficacy and couragiousnesst, that he seemed to rejoice not in the victory surely surveyed, and found out, but gotten and obtained. And also Lanoy and Bourbon conceiving greater confidence, did now believe that they had vanquished. For when that he proved all things by most weighty arguments and grave speeches, his credit and authority increased so almost immeasurably, that it was utterly void of obtrectation and envy: (the which vice doth always hurt flourishing, virtue) and in so much that the chief captains did of their own accords commit unto him the supreme authority in wholly ordering this matter, the which thing was almost more glorious unto him, than afterward to have vanquished, as he that having often at other times tamed his enemies, yet had this one work only left him to overcome envy by unwonted glory: and certes it seemed a wonder, that Lanoy who was yea ambitiously desirous of honour and the highest authority, and Bourbon, who had the chief charge of martial affairs, preferred him before themselves, as the better warrior not only by secret, but also by free and open judgement, for Piscara was at that time void of all authority and honour, because he had before in the journey to Marsilas given up the office of governing the footmen, unto the marquess of Guasto his uncles son and his own heir apparent. But he was so loosed of peculiar charge, that he alone almost administered all things, and taking incredible toil both in body and mind, was still among the footmen, the horsemen▪ the victuallers, the purveyors, and ordinance, & continually viewing and seeing that nothing were done over hastily, negligently or unskilfully. So then the resolution being allowed of all the inferior Captains, and the exploit taken upon him, Pescara sent Arrio, one that had charge of horsemen (promising him great rewards) unto Antony Leva, to tell him that he should incontinently sally out of the City, when he should have intimation thereof at the time appointed by the shooting off of two mighty great pieces of ordinance. Neither did fortune fail unto Arrio: for he setting forth in the dead time of the night, came in safely with his troop (fetching a great compass about) unto the back gate of the town, having deceived the Frenchmen that watched, by an happy lie: for when they asked him for his watch word, he feigning himself to be one of Medice● companies, (as he had also counterfeited their habit with a while cross) made his excuse, that he could not tell the watch word because he had been two days out of the King's camp in a wood. After the Pescara had intelligence by a fire made out of the top of the tour, that Arrio was fortunately entered the town: he commanded Salsede to break open the wall of the Park, delivering unto him to do it withal, Rams made after the ancient form: and also iron. Crows and Pickares. But he commanded Lewes Viacampe, and also Hercera, and Gaioses, to stand with their bands in several places over right, against the munitions of the enemy, and make a noise all the night long with their weapons and Drums, and by putting them in fear, and provoking them, keep them still occupied. But when they had received word that he was entered the Park, they should incontinently follow with their bands. He also willed Honofito Montano to stand not far from the Park wall upon an high bank over right against the black regiment of the Lansquenets, and so to bestir himself and his men, that it might seem that the bands were in arms throughout all the camp, as they had used to be many nights before. He also commanded that all the carriages of the army should go forth into the high way towards Lodi, with a guard of a troop of light horsemen, and also commanded an other company of horsemen to take way that lay upon the left hand, that if there were espies in the Camp, they being distracted and deceived by so many and divers goings forth, and so sundry preparation of all things, might not be able to tell the French men any thing for certainty. But Salsede who had come in the dead time of the night unto the place before prescribed, spent the night in long beating and bouncing in vain, so that the dawning was broken before that he had opened the wall in three places, somewhat later than Pescara would have had it. For the wall being made of Brick after the old building, was very strong, and resisted the Rams with singular contumacy, although they were driven against it with the arms and strength of whole bands. The first man of all that was sent into the Park by Pescara, was Alphons Marquis of Guasto, with the valiantest of the Spanish and Almain footmen, and three companies of horsemen. Incontinently Greco justiniano, a Genovese, who watched in the station next unto the place, where the enemies broke in, was chased away. There were with Guasto about five thousand men, unto whom it was enjoined to march directly to Mirabello, and to take that place without any return. When that Guasto entered the Park, Pescara said unto him with severe, but yet with cheerful countenance. Pluck up a good heart unto thee (valiant brother) for this day thou must endeavour to win the place: but if that your hands (which God defend) shall not suffice against your so often vanquished enemies, then see that your bodies by dying honourably, do nobly pay (your enemies not unrevenged) that which they do own unto unto their valiant hearts. To whom Guasto answered with a joyful countenance: I will this day manfully do my devoir, that I being either alive, or dead, the honours of our house may be augmented by heap through some new and famous deed of prows: and then breaking into the Park with square battle, marched to a stream called Vernacula, meeting with none of his enemies, and then passing over the small river, went to Mirabello, where, because of the largeness of the house, a mighty multitude of merchants, stragglers, sick soldiers, and men of peace had settled themselves, and great store of victuals, and much of the King's furniture of household was also laid there. And there was among all other (that he might lodge the more quietly and wholesomely) the Pope's Ambassador Hierome Aleander, a man very excellently learned, and of great fame, namely for his wonderful memory. So when the enemies had flown thither unlooked for, all that whole company was straightway oppressed, and all things were in a trice spoiled, and then Guasto gathering his bands together into one, as Pescara had commanded him, he did set up the Imperial Ensigns within the ditch of the house. In the mean time, Pescara immediately bringeth in the rest of the footmen: Lancy and Bourbon do send in the horsemen: the artillery is drawn into the Park by Oxen and horses, although hardly yet at one time. The fields are filled with white linen battles: for all the imperials had by Pescara his edict put their waistcoats uppermost, and they which lacked waste coats, and specially the Almains, had so covered their breasts with white paper, that by the unwonted white, the weapons glistering between, a show of a greater and more terrible host might he presented unto the eyes of the amazed French men. For now the dawning had brought in fair broad day light, and the somewhat thick cloud which had been spread over the fields, began to vanish away by little and little. But the French King, who perpetually watched intentive for all chances, is nothing appalled with that novelty, and therewithal, as it become either a King of high heart, or a skilful and stout Chieftain, giveth sign by the Trumpetie, that every man taking his armour and weapons, should stand by the Ensigns, he commandeth the great ordinance to be drawn forth by the harnessed horses, and by the Captains (as need was) administereth all things speedily, but yet not without all tumult and uproar, for he had learned long before by the report of Greco justiniano, what the enemies went about by thick thumping against the wall of the Park, and when he heard the thundering of the enemies ordinance, whom Leva by appointment had answered with the like number, he had judged by conjecture, that it was doubtless a sign either of attaching battle, or of attempting some great exploit. It is also reported, that he sharply reproved certain, that of vain flattery told him, that the imperials being oppressed with penury, and lack of all things, were fleeing back again unto Lodi. Thus when he plainly seeth that the battles of the enemies march with full pace not unto him, but to Mirabello, he thinking it not good to linger, leadeth the Swissers and lansquenets out of the munitions: he commandeth the French footmen to stay in the Camp with Bussie de Ambois, he leaveth the Italian footmen in commodious places under the Castle against the sallies of Leva, and marcheth himself unto the enemy in array of battle, with this order, that on the one side, the great ordinance, and on the other, wings of horsemen should flank the Swissers, and march with them with equal front, one as far forth as another: and not far off the Lansquenets were flanked in like sort with other horsemen and ordinance. They report that when the King led the footmen out of the camp, he being very joyful in countenance, nor any thing fearing the malignity of fortune, said unto the Captains that stood round about him: that he went not rashly forth to fight the battle, never calling reason into counsel, but with a right and noble judgement, seeing that he could with most equal lot wish nothing more commodious for the winning of the victory, than to get his enemies not within ditches and munitions, (as it had often happened at other times) but in the open and wide fields, and in their march and journey: where it might be seen, what the standing Esquadrons of Swissers & Almains were worth, what force the most strong horsemen had, what good the great ordinance flying our swift wheels could do. For against the Lansquenets, who only of all other seemed most to be feared, he did rightly set the Swissers, as their matches indiscipline, furniture, strength, and courage, so also always their most bitter enemies by natural hatred. But he thought that the Spaniards would not be able to abide, not not the first impression of the black regiment of Lansquenets, if that they would keep their ranks in thick array: neither if that they would fight scattered, and running hither and thither, that they could escape from being overrun by the horsemen. Doubtless these things were foreseen, and provided with very good advise and reason, if that (as it most times happeneth) insolent fortune being foe unto noble devices, had not perverted all things by confuse order. For they ran together in sundry places with so great confusion of horsemen and footmen blended together, that never any armies fought more confusely and scatteringly. For hap came straight ways into the place of Martial prudence, and valour was oftentimes vanquished by an unthought of chance, when rashness seemed by happy event to usury the name of mature counsel and reason. In the hindermost tail of the imperials were seven bands of Italian footmen, and three of Spaniards, appointed t● guard five battering pieces of ordinance. When they hardly followed the rest of their fellows that went before, because that almost as soon as they had entered the Park, the wheels sinking in, the ordinance sta●ke fast in a watery plot: it came to pass, that they which were last in order, were contrary to hope, the first of all that met the Frenchmen their enemies. For the King seeing them separated far from the rest of the army, did out of hand send thither Philip Lord Brion, & Frederick Earl of Bozzolo, with a strong company of men of arms, & with certain speedy pieces of ordinance, and also certain small lose companeiss of footmen were joined with them. They do speedily his commandment, and do set upon the enemies being busied in weighing up the ordinance. There is a cruel fight: but although the imperials fought with singular valour, yet they sustaining neither the storm of the ordinance, nor the force of the horsemen, took the wood adjoining to save themselves by the guard of the trees, from the violence of the insulting horsemen. So the Frenchmen quickly cutting off the legs of the drawing beasts, do get the ordinance, and with the same violent pursuit do enter the wood, where being oppressed with the disadvantage of unaccustomed encounter, Sebastian Squaccia, a man of passing prows was slain, and with him certain stout petty Captains and Ensign bearers, yea, and four whole bands. This exploit being prosperously done in the sight of both armies, as it did greatly augment the courage of the King and the French men, so did it strike Pescara with incredible sorrow, because he could not secure them. But on the other side, he being greedy of fight, as soon as he saw the King's army (the which he did not think would have come forth into the field out of their camp) wonderfully rejoiced, as though he had conceived the victory. Neither stayed he, but immediately sent Falzi, an horseman of his acquaintance, unto Lanoy to admonish him to stay his march, and all things set apart, and turning the Guidons towards the enemies, incontinently to encounter them: he also signifieth the same unto Bourbon, and Nicolas Earl of Salern, and gallopeth himself to call Guasto, but Guasto as soon as he had seen his enemies, leaving Mirabello marched back to Vernacula, and setting his men in array of battle, had turned the ensigns towards the enemies: for he did not think that in this moment of time, he aught to obey that which had been at the first commanded him, but speedily to use the new counsel which chance did present. Then Pescara said: this is well brother, you have done that which I would you should: wherefore haste you on the left hand unto the enemy with speedy pace, and valiantly endeavour that the victory may most specially arise at your wing. When he had thus said, he flew unto the Lansquenets, in whose valour and strength he did foresee that the weight of the battle, and the whole victory did consist. In the mean time, a troop of the Imperial light horsemen, boldly charging the black Esquadron of Almains, were easily repelled, and thrust back with foul disorder, into the valley of Vernacula that lay underneath, and also the French ordinance being commodiously drawn with swift horses into all quarters with marvelous skill and celerity, did so annoy the enemies, that the Spaniards, yea laying their breasts flat upon the ground, could scarce escape the fleeing pellets through the benefit of the lower greunde, and Lanoy and Alarco were forced to bring their fearful troops of horsemen behind a country Cottage, which happily defended them. But then the king being vohemently incited by these, as it were beginnings of not doubtful victory, and moved both by the disposition of his own nature, and also through the adhortation of his Captains, doubted nothing to give the signal, & to dismarche to give the charge. The rest do the same: and before all other palace the leader of the vanguard, did in the right wing charge the Imperial horsemen, who were now lustily turned. This feeze and charge of the Frenchmen, as it was grievous and terrible to Lanoy, so by the opinion of many men it seemed to have afterward not doubtfully carried away the victory from the Frenchmen: for by that headlong and speedy departure, not only the Swissers and Almains, who could not follow after with equal pace, were bared of the guard of the horsemen, but also the use of the ordinance was for a great part taken away, for that the Gunners were forced to cease shooting, lest that they should strike both the sides and backs of the king's troops, who were run forth far before them. But never in our age did horsemen encounter together more courageously and strongly: for on both sides old beaten Captains and horsemen, fought with burning hearts, not for only glory (a thing yet that doth most sharpen the edge of true prowess) but also for the Empire of Italy. The Frenchmen being greedy of revenge, sought in all places of the encounter most narrowly for Bourbon, as a forsaker of the King and his country, with the ignominy of treason and perfidiousness: but all in vain, for Bourbon that he might more safely show his valour, had given his Cognizaunces unto his familiar freude the Lord Pomperant, and fought himself in his coat, and appareled like unto a private soldier. But the King himself being notorious for his coat of cloth of silver, and specially for his tall stature, fully performed the duty of an encouraging Captain, and a valiant warrior, he setting spurs to his horse, broke through the enemies battles, he encountered those that he met, and namely those that were most of mark for velvet and gold. In this uproar, Ferdinand Castri●ta, who brought his pedigree from the Kings of Macedon, and was also a noble Captain, was slain by the Kings own hand: and Hugh of Cardona, the Lieutenant of Pescara his company of Horsemen, was also beaten down, two Guidons were torn into pieces, and the horsemen of Ba●ier, whom Ferdinand the emperors brother had sent, lustily attaching the encounter, and most constantly fight, were defeated: so that now the Guidons and troops of Lanoy and Barbon did almost sway and shrink back. For the French men were superior in horsemen, both for number and strength, because the Imperial men of arms did lack the aid of light horsemen, for of the three troops, the first had gone to Mirabello with Guasto: the second, as we have toldo you, being shamefully repulsed by the black Almains, had fled back: But the third being left without the Park, under the conduct and guiding of Guy Gaino, did guard the carriages, and baggage of the whole army. Also that surpassing company of horsemen, which consisted wholly of Italian and Spanish Gentlemen, and was the peculiar company of the Viceroy, aided them not at all, as they which were not at the battle. For Lanoy had commanded Monsieur Verereis a Fleming, his cousin, and Lieutenant over that hand, to stay without the wall of the Park, nor by any means to stir from thence, until that he had received from him by assured messenger, the token of departure, and of entering the fight. But when the battle was incontinently attached, and very hot, and Lanoy had all his senses and memory so vehemently occupied about the present and terrible matter, that he sent no man to call his cousin: the young Gentleman thinking that he must in any case obey his uncles commandments, and the precepts of Martial discipline, stood still, and moved not until the end of the battle: neither could he be adduced to go forth into the field by any entreaty or chase of the horsemen, unto Lanoy, being for these causes in great distress, and hardly sustaining the force of the King's battle. Pescara (who viewing all things and places with wonderful and present prudence, and specially with intentive eye, did meet with and redress every difficulty in this place and in that, finally in all parts, sent about viii. C. Spaniards arquebusiers to secure him, who being suddenly spread round about at the back & sides of the French horsemen, beat down a mighty number of them with their terrible storm of pellets. And also he set straight after them a band of armed Pikes: & then the arquebusiers being safe through their guard, did more boldly and incessantly use their harquebuses. When the kings horsemen had received this great incommodity, they not being able to abide thick together in troop, and thinking that if they did spread abroad their wings, they should be able to repugn with less peril: broke their array, scattered themselves abroad. But when by this devise they met with more infestuous fortune, they being relied again into a thick troop, for shame and anger run upon the arquebusiers. But the Spaniards being nimble by nature, and light armed, did swiftly flee back, losing their array, and by turning and winding this way and that way, eluded the violence of the horses, and being augmented in number, they did as they had been taught both by long experience, & also by the new precepts of Pescara, scattered themselves all the field over without order, twenty & thirty, & ten or sixteen (as it happened) in a company. This was a new kind of fight and not usual, but very cruel and miserable, because that the use of noble prows in the horsemen was utterly lost, the Harquebussers with great advantage dispatching all before they could reach them with their Lances: neither could, yea the most strongest arms do any good long, but that they which were thick and many together, were slain by the thin and few, and often the most famous Captains and horsemen were everywhere stricken down with unrevenged death, by the base and common footmen. Also in another quarter, Guasto having from the right wing advanced his footmen, & bringing in his wing of horsemen, had now prosperously encountered with Anna's montmorency and his horsemen, being defeated by the arquebusiers, he himself before other, had gotten the enemies ordinance, having slain the Gunners. But it happened in this encounter (which I think is not to be passed over unspoken of) that Guasto and Montmorencie (who afterward become most famous Chieftains) did a good while (as we have learned of them both) very sharply fight one with tother, man to man, with this event, that not long after montmorency his horse being slain by Gastald●, he was at length taken by Errera a Petty captain of the Spanish footmen. Guasto being made more courageous by this success of things, did set upon the lesser battalion of the Swissers, who were appalled with the loss of the ordinance, and the flight of the horsemen, and therefore did attach the fight with doubtful and lingering acts. But than might you see (an incredible thing to be spoken) that nation which a little before were feared of all men for their excellent & approved valour in the field, and specially in a battle, quite forgetting both honour & discipline, and also their engrafted ferocity, to refuse to fight wellnigh before they had once charged their Pikes, and for fear of honourable death, sought an infamous and most shameful destruction in the very deep river. Floranges in vain going about to keep them still in the battle, and and to confirm them with great obtestations, & he who was of very familiar acquaintance with that nation, & indignity one of the Marshals of France offered & professed that himself would fight on foot in the forefront with his peculiar company of horsemen, all of them sending away their horses, insomuch that either angry God, or certes that fatal day unto the King did seem to take away the wonted vigour of their huge and mighty bodies and hearts. Neither with less deformity did also another battalion of Swissers flee, which, as it was fuller for number of bands, so it stood a while unmoved, but when they were a far overwhelmed by the Harquebussies, spreading themselves round about them, with certain perpetual shower of pellets, and the valiantest of the petty Captains (as it doth most commonly happen) were slain in the foremost ranks, and when they had seen the discomfiture of the King's horsemen, they hurling away their Pikes, turned their backs. They report that when john Diespach (who had the highest authority among the captains of the Swissers) saw the bands shamefully to flee, not not once attempting to fight, & slanding in their way all to chased; was not able to stay the Ensign bearers, by reviling and beating them back, he being compelled by most grievous dolour, would not live after so great a foil and shame received, but in that decree of hardy heart ran into the thickest of the enemies, and died very honourably: yet the Swissers that survived, did say the fault of this overthrow and slaughter in Alencon, who had married the King's sister, because that he as a man nothing valiant, and a long time a beholder of the inclining battle, at the length fleeing away (whilst that the fight was yet hot) with the untouched and whole horsemen of the rearward, had by overthwart hasting cross them, and violent impulsion, broken the battalion of the Swissers, that fought nobly in good array. But in the right wing of the French men, the black Almains only of all their footmen sought sharply and valiantly with the Imperial Almains, as it were, in the very despair of their lives, and of victory, yea they encountered together almost with greater hatred than strength (the which yet did surmount) for that their hearts being enraged one against the other through long dissension: they did think that unto neither of them that should be beaten from his ground or give back and retire, there would be left any hope at all, either of pardon or Martial mercy. The imperials were wood angry that the black Almains, contemning and scorning the emperors Majesty, and despising the authority of the Almaigne name, had come with Mercenary arms, for to besiege and assault their brethren and cousins, in the behalf of the French men their ancient enemies. On the other side, the black Almains thought it most honourable to do most valiant service for that King who had maintained them so many years by his liberal wages, to keep the saith of their oath, and in no case to admit aught that should be unfitting for old soldiers. Neither in deed was there any man among them, that was not fully persuaded, that he aught in this doubtless last act of life, and endeavour of warlike work, revenge the injury of insulting fortune with unwonted valour and honourable death. When the Esquadrons drew near one unto the other, Longamentes, a very noble Captain of Auspurg, came forth alone before the battalion of the black Almains, challenging unto the combat George Frondesberg and Mark Sitsch, by lifting up his hand, and with a loud voice. But he being refused with a ghastly hemming, and withal stricken at by many men at once, was soon slain, and a common soldier, as it were, for a triumph▪ held up aloft his cut off hand with his bracelette and rings, and then the imperials giving a great shout ran forth courageously. But whilst that the two battalions made one towards the other. Pescara was between them on horseback, but in a footemen armour, often desiring Frondesberg to amend his pace, and rehearsing the battles before time, in whom his prows had been seen, enkindled him to win a victory of all other most noble and most worthy of memory. So when both battalions ran together, and Pescara galloped his horse on the enemies, he was wounded in the face (which was bore) and afterward his horse being slain under him, he was also thrust through the left leg with a Pike. In this terrible clashing together of weapons, he had doutblesse been oppressed by the Pikes both of his enemies and his friends, unless that now at this pinch▪ when he could hardly wrestle out himself, first an horseman of his own household, and afterward the petty Captains and Ensign bearers that were near at hand, had not with much ado got him out and saved him. In the mean time, Frondesberg and Sitch stretching out in length their battalions on both sides with wonderful skill, for to enclose their enemies, received them as it were into their bosom, and then straightway clasped together their wings, compassing them in round, and five them all, who resisted very manfully and constantly, so that one regiment fight with three, and therefore repugning with unhappy valour, almost no man of the black regiment escaped. There perished besides Longomantes, Richard de la Pole, surnamed the white Rose, son unto the Duke of Suffolk, who for his honourable birth being descended of the blood royal of England, and his great skill in Martial affairs, had been made Captain of the black regiment. Also Francis brother unto Anthony Duke of Lorraine, a young Gentleman of passing prows, who being notorious for his armour and crest, had requested a place in the foremost rank before all other men, and also two Almains, Earls of Hortumberg and Closfen, famous men of war, and Theodoricke Sconberg knight brother unto Nicolas the Bishop of Compagna, and one also of great fame for his honour of Ambassades, in which he had been often sent, for the industry of his excellent wit. Thus whilst the Swissers are put to flight in one quarter, and the Almains slain in another: almost at the very same time, the King's battle is broken by the arquebusiers and the horsemen, to whom also came the Pikemen. But then every notable Captain, and notorious horseman runs to defend and save the King. Many for desire to do their last service in the sight of the King, do forsake their appointed places and wards. Now whiles that Salice his horse being slain under him, doth hardly retire unto the Swissers, he being laden with years and armour is intercepted by the horsemen. But being yielded unto Gastaldo, Vsurtes a Spaniard, envying that the horsemen should have the ransom and prise of so great a prisoner, did set his arquebus to his breast, and slew him. And also Tremoville an old Captain that had won many noble victories, is also shot through in two places, and slain. Moreover Galeazo Sanseverino galloping his horse this way and that way, with singular cunning, repelleth the enemies, and fighteth valiantly: but at length being slain in the King's sight, paid that by honourable end of life which he owed unto the King's great favour towards him, and the fame of his noble name▪ When his horse fell down under him, he calling unto William Lord Langey, a noble Gentleman, who endeavoured to help him in his fatal fall, said: Son, let me take my fortune, and run back as fast as you can to defend the King: and if you do escape, friendly reverence the memory of my name, and honourable end. It was a battle of all other most deadly and adverse for the horsemen, for the deadly bullets were shot from all parts by the nimble Spaniards, who were spread round about them: and now they used not such small pieces as they had done a little before, but greater, whom they called Arcubusses, with whom they would strike through, not only a man of arms, but oftentimes two men and two horses at a shot, so that the field being strewed over with the miserable lying along of the noble horsemen, and the heaps of the dying horses, did both hinder the valour of the horsemen, if that they would endeavour to break in with thick troop: and also if that any man accounted his life dearer than his honour, he could not cedily and speedily flee, for the heaps of the stain that lay every foot in his way like unto great rampires. In this cursed state William Lord Bonivat the Admiral, after he had long galloped to and fro, endeavouring by adhortation to stay the Swissers, and also the horsemen that were ready to flee, seeing at length that the battle was doubtless lost, neither would he either to be punished, or to live in ignomy, survive so great an overthrow, whereof he himself was reported to be chiefest author, with grave and obstinate shame ran into the mids of the enemies, and offering his throat unto their weapons points, was slain there, as he ●●ade with open face after the manner of the Captains that gallop to and fro, and command the soldiers what is to be done. But when the king was bared almost of all the companies that were appointed to guard his body, and so many had been slain round about him, and the rest had scattered themselves abroad into all parts, he laboured to get himself out from his enemies: but certain horsemen of sundry companies being mingled together, followed him, as one that was richly appointed and appareled. Neither doth the king forsake himself, although he were forsaken by his horse and fortune, but turning his horse this way and that, defendeth himself with his sword against the infulting imperials, and both giving and taking wounds, doth valiantly repugn. But while he striveth to go unto the next bridge which went over a small water course, his horse was thrust in▪ and fell down. The first men that came unto him lying under his horse, were Didaco de Abila, and john Orbieta, a Biscaian, they not well knowing him, did shake their sword over him, and willed him to yield unless that he had rather be slain. In the mean time came Monsieur de la Motte a Frenchman, Lieutenant unto Bourbon, who knew him by the face, although it were foully imbrued all over with the gore blood of his wound. But when Motte adhorted him to yield unto Bourbon, who was not far off: the king chafing at the name of the traitor, and speaking as though he commanded, said: Call me hither Lanoy. Who in the mean time that Motte galloped unto Bourbon, being sought for in every place by the calling and running of the soldiers, came timely, and removing from the King the great company of them which stood hovering over him, & causing him to be pulled from under his horse, did reach forth his hand, and helped him up. Abila pulled o● his ga●●let, and they that were next, his coat armour▪ the which they tore into pieces, other got his girdle, and other his spurces, every man hasting to catch some thing of the Kings, the which he might be able to show with not obscure credit, either for his honour, or for to win rewards. After the King is taken, the imperials in all places cry, victory, victory. The French men's hearts quail, they foully flee in all parts of the field. The Swissers being fearful like sheep, run into the river of Tesino, and being utterly unskilful of swimming, are drowned by whole troops at once, but other of them casting down their weapons, suppliantly desire life. But rare praise of humanity and mercy appeared that day, but in those that were tired with much slaughter: for that mighty victory made the soldiers proud and merciless. And Leva his soldiers, who had sallied out late at the castle & new gate, of all other raged most greedily and cruelly: for as they had not e'en present at the battle, so they opportunely issuing forth after the victory, met with the affrighted and wounded, intercepting from them all hope of flight. Also the Italian and French footmen, who we told you were left about the castle & the camp, the king when he doubted of the victory, had sent for to come to his aid, and Bussie de Ambon hasting into the battle, brought them with him, but they lighted upon the Lansquenets, that had defeated the black Alma●nes, & by them were defeated & put to flight, Ambou being slain. But the dearness of the camp gave many space to escape: for the Lansquenets would not break their array, to follow any man, but they stood in array of battle, even until the very last of the fight, ready against al'chantes, because they are forbidden by a severe & very noble law of martial disciplins to go out of their array & wards, i● take any enemy prisoner, or to gather up the spoils, the which other men greedily catched. By reason where of it is well known, that almost never a noble prisoner, & a very little of the spoil and pillage came unto the hands of the Alma●nes, but as the Spaniards by valiantly discoms●ting the horsemen, & the Swissers, doubtless won the victory: so as it were by very good right, they got and obtained the most precious pillage, and the noblest prisoners. There were taken prisoners He●●e king of Navarre, and Renee the vastard of Savoy, the king's uncle, & great master of his house: who died not long after among his enemies by an ague that grew upon him by reason of his wound, and also montmorency, Brion, Bozzole, Obegn●, Floranges, who was Captain of the Swissers. Fortune saved Francis of Bourbon, Count of Saints Poule, lying grievously wounded among them that were slain, when that a Spaniards did cut off his finger as though he had been dead, that he might have his ring. With contrary fortune Lescu●e whom none of the French nobility did excel in strength of body. and valour of heart, being shot into the hip with a great pellet, died of his hurt at Pavia, within ●yne days after. They report that when as he lay sore grieved with his deadly wound, and the Imperial Captains, and namely Guasto often visited him, he bitterly cursed Boniuet, and his pestilent nature, and said moreduer, that he sought for him in that infortunate field▪ that he might revenge the public mischief with his infestuous sword, for that he had through his perverse counsels brought so great a foil and dishonour unto the French name, and namely unto the king, who had nothing deserved it. There also perished the Counts de Tour●er, a noble gentleman: and seigneur de Turnon, who had been General with Lesparre, ●●●tu●●● brother, in the wars in Navarre, at the which time they aduance● the French ensigns even unto the river of Ebr●, the Spaniards being then busied with evil wars and tumults. Turnons' body could not be found. Only the Duke of Alencon escaped away untouched▪ with a mighty troop of men of arnies, that he might bring into France the 〈◊〉 of ●o great an overthrow, who perhaps would have ●●ne worthy of the singular praise of prudence▪ if that it might have been thought that he had fled rather to save a company of valiant men, for to succour France which was brought into great lack of good men of war, than for to keep himself harmless, and get him out of danger, the horsemen following him because he was their Captain. But Alencon dying within few days after of great grief of mind, Roch de Main his Lieutenant defended the fame of that return by an honourable testimony, which was: that he himself (who was a lusty courageous Gentleman, & an approved man in martial skill) did reduce the horsemen home full sore against the will of Alencon, thinking, that seeing the victory was past all hope, that necessity was to be obeyed Moreover, when Claramont that lay in the Isle, perceived that he could bring no succour unto the lost battle, encouraging his soldiers not to be dismayed with this cruel mishap, but with confirmed and manly hearts, to follow the Ensigns, to win safety, and not doubtful praise by constant return, educed his soldiers in warlike order, and passing over the river, and cutting off the bridges after him, first came unto the town of Mortaria, & afterward into France without any incommodity. And the like did they that besieged the Castle of Milan, for they suppressing the fame of the received overthrow, and in the mean time spreading a false bruit of victory, escaped away safe with all their bag and baggage under the conduct of Theodor● de Triwlzi. But it is reported, that there were slain in the battle to the number of ten thousand. And afterward the King to obtain liberty, renounced for ever all his titles unto Naples, Milan, and Asti, and the superiority over Artois, and Flaunders, and paid unto the Emperor twelve hundredth thousand crowns. But three things I do think worthée to be added out of iovius. The first, that the king told the Marquis of Guasto, that he had thought assuredly to have died in the battle, but that angry fortune envied him an honourable death, and reserved him life against his will, for to be a gazing stock unto that scorning dame: the second, that the King being entered into talk with the Imperial Captains about the event of this battle, affirmed, that if the battle had been to fight again, he would not doubt to use the same order that he had done before, as the very best, but that he was deceived by the Swissers, who had shamefully deceived, not only his, but also all men's opinion, and that he was covetously defrauded by the Italian Captains, who did take wages for a great number m● than they had in their bands. Finally that he was to hastily forsaken by the third battle of the horsemen. And the third thing that I note is, that all which he had written, and namely of this battle, he had learned it by the report of the greatest Princes and Captains themselves, whose great friendship and familiarity he had deserved and gotten, that he might be able to writ the truth in his histories. But in that long and hard study of honest labour, no man did more fréely● and cloquently favour him, than Francis the French king, who told him all things with marvelous order and upright truth of the success of the wars, and namely of this battle, first at Marsiles, and afterward at Nizza, with his so great admiration, that those things which were uncertain and obscure, he conferring them with the testimonies of his enemies, found them to be most true and plain.   

¶ The Battle of Nugas in Hungary, fought in Anno domini. 1526. between Solyman the great Turk, and Lewes the king of Hungary.  
ANno domini. 1526. Lewes the King of Hungary having intelligence that Solyman the Turk was set forward from Constantinople with a mighty power, to invade Hungary, sent Legates in vain, unto all the Princes of Christendom for aid, and summoned an armed parliament after their order, where the Bishops brought the bands that they were bound by the tenure of their lands to find scarce half full, and also less money than they aught. But the nobles of the Temporalty, as they that had forgotten the old discipline of war, and had never seen the Camp of the Turkish kings, but used to fight by incursions inskirmishes, did of a certain arrogancy naturally engrafted in their proud hearts, so contemn the Turks, that they boasted that they would with a small power overthrow and destroy in a pitched field, yea, a mighty army of Turks. And among all other, Paul Tomorrey, a Friar, Archbishop of Tolosse, who in roads had used often to skirmish, was carried with so great fierceness of mind, and so great desire of hoped victory, that he made many sacred sermons unto the soldiers to encourage them to fight, and promised that he himself inflamed with religion, would break his in●estuous staff first before all the Nobility, on the front of the Turkish battles. A little before they had levied with the Pope's money certain bands of Almains and Bohemians, with whose guard they thought that the battle of their horsemen might be established, and the force of the Barbarians sustained. For neither, yea by a very diligent muster could they find that there in their were army both of horsemen and footmen five and twenty thousand soldiers: so that the desperateness of Tomorrey, and the rashness of the rest of the Captains that requested the battle, was greatly condemned by the old soldiers, who said, that it was most miserable to encounter with that enemy, who would bring into the battle a power eight times greater than theirs. Wherefore some thought it good, that the young King should be removed out of the imminent danger. Stephan Verbet counciling in vain, that for the public safety, the person of the young king should be kept in the castle of Ofen, without the hazard of fight, for both the events of the battle. But the enraged soldiers cried out against it, and said, they would not fight unless the King led them. Then Tomorrey speaking his opinion, obte●ned that they should fight out of hand, and the ●●●ble King under the defence of the great God, should go ●●●th against the enemy to give the signal of the battle. So with frantic feeze and unlucky advise Lewes marched even unto Nugass, which is a small town almost middle way between Ofen and Belgrade. Now the Turkish vanguard approached very near, when that the Christians consulted whither it were best to keep themselves in their camp, environed round with wagons on the bank of Tho●aw until that the power of john the Veruode or Lieutenant of zipserland were come, who was reported to haste thither with great journeys. But Tomorrey, who should obey the Veiwoode if he were come. by reason of the dignity of his office, blaming all cause of stay that he might still retain the government of the army for hope of victory and hasting headlong to his fall, so withstood this wholesome counsel, that he drought the unwary king into a very unequal hazard of battill. For the Turk had sent four battles of horsemen before, who by course dividing between them the hours of the day and night, should continually molest the kings Camp on all sides. And they besieged it so streightly, that no man durst to go forth either for fuel or forage, not nor unto the near bank of the river of Tho●aw to water his horse, but that he fought with great danger, and disadvantage, by reason of the multitude of the Turks. Through the which necessity Tomorey was forced to arrange his battles, and to fight a pitched field for the ancient honour of that Nation, before time invincible, and the dignity of the King's name. The form of the battle, or the array, was almost single, that is to wit, the bands of the footmen were stretched forth in a long rank, and in commodious places, the horsemen were interlaced, that the Barbarians overmatching in number, should not enclose the whole battle, and the Hungarians be forced to fight almost in a ring. The Camp and tents being entrenched with chained wagons, were left on the right hand with a small band to guard them, and near unto the trench had Tomorey placed not with absurd counsel, a band of chosen horsemen, that the King might be defenced by the●● strong and ready guard against all uncertain chances. But that day, unlucky unto the Hungarian name, and ●●●ste unfortunate unto the King, overthrew this last wholesome device, for at the very first encounter, although the great ordinance of the Turks being lenesled to high, did no hurt, yet were our battles without any labour quite overthrown, namely Tamorey, and almost all the nobles of the Hungarians being slain, and the Usarones (which are the light horsemen of the Hungarians, being scattered and put to flight, and with them all the rest of the horsemen being foully discomfited and slain. In this so great asperity of fortune, when that a troop of Turkish horsemen had galloped to rifle the tents, and they were hardly defended by the guard that was placed in them, that band of chosen horsemen, the which (as I said before) should have been a guard unto the King, could not contain themselves, but broke out upon the assaulting Turks, that they might save the Campe. In the same moment of half an hour, King Lewes seeing all his power in all places beaten down, and also being bared of them, whom he had hoped and prepared for his guard, did begin to flee, but his headstrong horse turning on one side, did cast him into a marsh, where he was drowned. Then the Turk prosecuting the victory, took Ofen, the chief City of Hungary, where he did no more harm, but only took out of the castle three goodly statues of brass, set up by the famous King Marthie, and then returned to Constantinople, leaving Hungary to be almost quite destroyed by civil dissension.   

¶ A Battle fought on the sea in Anno domini. 1528. at the Cape of Orso in the kingdom of Naples between Vgo de Moncada, and other imperials, and Philippine Doria, for the French King Frauncu the strf●.  
THen the Lord Lautrech General for the French King had driven the acmie of the imperials out of the city of Rome which they had sacked into the City of Naples, he sent for Philippine Doria vice-admiral unto Andrew Doria, the French Kings high Admiral in Italy, to besiege the city by sea. By whose coming with viii. gall is, he thought all hope of victuals by water would be cut away: & so much the rather, because the news was, that the Venetian fleet (their confederates) of twenty galleys would shortly pass the Faro of Messina, to annoyed and keep the sea coast of the kingdom of Naples. The Imperial Captains being moved with the report of these news, thought it for their safety to fight with the Genoese, before that the Venetians were passed the Faro. The imperials had only six galleys, and two foists, but trusting to the valoor of their soldiers, and to four long boats of great ships, whom they had fraught with Harquehusiers, and other small vessels, whom they call Fragates, they nothing doubted to fight with the Genovese, for the flower of all the Spanish soldiers was embarked with the marquis of Guasto, the general of all the Italian & Spanish footmen, who had gone aboard the Admiral galley with Vgode Moncada the viceroy of Naples. For Dorbine the master of the camp had diligently chosen man by man the most valiant soldiers, and those that had been accustomed unto the Spanish seas, and among them the most forward petty Captains and Ensign bearers, whom he knew could brook the loathsomeness and tossing of the sea. There also went aboard Ascanirde Colonna, the Lord high Constable of the kingdom of Naples, and many other noblemen of their own free will, as doubting nothing of the victory. And lest that the Almains should give place in prows unto the Spaniards, about two hundredth of them under the conduct of Conradine Glorne, had filled two galleys, and with great cheerfulness rowed unto the Isle of Crapy, and there at a pleasant spring, long and sumptuously banqueted, yea and heard Barecta a Portugal, (who had built him a Cottage or Cell in those solitary rocks) preach unto them, he vehemently adhorted them to use their ancient valour, & being mindful of the piety that they aught to bear towards their country, to revenge those cruel Genoese, and by valiant victory to deliver out of miserable and infamous bondage so many valiant Spaniards whom the merciless Genoveyes kept tied with chains for galley slaves, afflicting them with continual stripes and reproaches. While that Barecta preached in this manner both long and hotly, Biardo Agnesis, a Neapolitan, not so much addicted unto the French faction, as offended with the arrogancy of the Spaniards, took a small swift Boat, and flew unto Doria, giving him intelligence of the number, furniture, and Captains of the Imperial fleet. Nor long after the Imperial navy departing from the Isle, with many flags hanged cut, came into sight of Doria, who was then about a small furlong called by the Mariners the Cape of the Bear, or Orso, not far from the famous promontory now called Campanella, and in ancient time Atheneus. This brave show of the enemies their fleet seemed not a little to have moved the Genoese at the first sight, but anon after the skilful sea men did centemne them, and not fond, because they had not according to the discipline of the sea, places on the tops of their Masts for men to stand in and fight. But then Philippino assembling together all the Captains and Masters in the Admiral galley, spoke almost these words unto them, showing with his finger the fleet of his enemies coming towards them: Valiant fellows (said he) and good countrymen of invincible prows, a great honour is set before us (as I see) by almost a certain victory, sith that we do surpass in number of galleys, and all Martial furniture, yea and courage of heart and skill in sea fight. Let our enemies in God's name be, as they do boast of themselves, noble warriors by land, doubtless they will not be able in conflict by sea, either readily to traverse their ground, or yet to cast themselves into rings, seeing that they shall fight among the benches of the row slaves, and on the straight hatches, and must receive the pellets of the Guns, as chance shall bring them, no place being left either to retire, or to leap aside, namely the great number of the rowers empeaching them: So that they lying open unto strokes, and being terrified with their danger, will not be in any wise able either to stand stoutly, or to change their place politicly. Therefore seeing that we must not once think of retiring back, and lest we do incur dishonour, must needs fight with our offered enemies: persuade yourselves that the glory of our ancestors gotten by so many prosperous conflicts by sea, is reposed in your valiant hands and skill. This glory (as I think) aught every good Citizen, not only to conserve, but also to augment, lest that otherwise we may be thought both of our fellows, and also of our enemies to be degenerates, and men forgetful of our discipline. But think that Andrew Doria our Admiral is present, & will be a witness of prows & cowardice, for to give rewards unto the valiant, or by equal right, ignomy unto the cowards. The Captains and Masters gave such a shout as the cheerful and greedy of fight do use, and in few words setting order how to receive and invade the enemy, returned unto their galleys, that they might aptly make ready all things which should be needful for the instant fight. The sum of their speedy decree was this: that Philippino should directly go against the enemy with his five galleys, but Nicolas Lomellino rowing into the main sea with his three galleys, should fetch a compass about, and after the conflict was begun, in commodious time, courageously run upon the decks and sides of the enemies their galleys, and chief of the Admiral, Philippino launching forth from the foreland into the open sea, offered himself unto the conflict, neither did Vgo refuse it, and the rather for that he believed, that these three galleys of Lomellino, whom we spoke of, had fled away for fear, and did think that the five of Philippino should fight with him much overmatched. When they drew near, and both the Admiral galleys directed their stems for mutual encounter, Guasto with wholesome counsel adhorted Vgo to hasten first to shoot off his great gun called a Basilisco, that the thick smoke thereof might take away from the enemy all certain stroke. But Vgo (who would be accounted very skilful in sea affairs, and a little before had gainsaid at the Isle of Crapi all the old masters of the galleys, who dissuaded the fight, upbraiding them with cowardice) deferred so long to shoot, that Philippino being very diligently intentive therefore, and aptly leveling the first shot of his Basilisk with piercing the Imperial Admiral, passed from the stem to the deck, slaying thirty men, and among them Peter of Cardonna, a kinsman of Guasto, and Leo Tassino, one borne in Forrara, who had slain upon a quarrel between Guasto and the Duke of Potenza, the Duke his son, a gentleman of great hope, and Gusman a spaniard, a gentleman that played very excellently on the Cittern. But the Basilisco of the Imperial Admiral did no great harm unto the Genoveys, because that the Gunner could not see how to shoot right for the smoke of the Genua piece, and also the Genevoys lay not so open as did the Spaniards, upon the open hatches, but being defended with a sure netting made of strong boards, shot with harquebuses a crook out of loop holes, they themselves being safely covered. But in the mean time three of the Imperial galleys, of whom one was called the Gibba, the master whereof was justinian a Genua, but the Captain of the soldiers, was Cesar Faramusca, the other two, the Secamia, and the Villamarina, so called of their valiant masters Secamo and Villamarino, run upon two of Doria his galleys, named the Pilgrim and the Handmaid, and fight very vehemently, and the hardy Spanish soldiers leap into them, when Lomellino saw this, he timely turned his course, and at one time his three galleys, discharged their three Basilisco's upon the Imperial Admiral. The Moor hitting the deck, struck off the rudder. The Neptune slaying certain of the galley slaves, did so shake the Mast, that the sails yards fell down, and oppressed many with the fall, and among them Hierome of Trani, who had succeeded his father Antonello in the office of Master of the ordinance unto the Emperor. finally the Mistress broke of the Imperial beak, and sore annoyed the stem. Neither stayed they, but speedily rowed for to aid the Pilgrim, and the Handmaid, that were now boarded. Then the Moor turning about herself very artificially, discharged such a tempest of small and mean shot, which fell as thick as hail upon the Gibba, that she was brought into great danger. For besides the slaves and the Mariners, and soldiers foully slain, Cesar Feramusca was also borne over the board dead with a shot of a small Falcon, and justinian the Master was shot into the thigh, and Baredo a Captain of an hundredth arquebusiers, was hurt with three deadly wounds. In another quarter two Imperial galleys called the Perpenniana and the Oriana encountered with the Mermaid and the Fortune, whom when they had much endamaged and almost boarded, they seeing the discomfiture of their fellows, left and fled away in safety: for they despairing of the victory, because they saw the banner of the Admiral thrown down, and the Secamia and the Villamarina circumvented, and the Pilgrim and the Handmaid whom they had boarded, recovered, and the small fleet of long Boats and foists scattered, had chosen rather to save themselves for the Emperor, than with the rest to fall into the same mischance of adverse fortune: although that this counsel, as to soon put into practice was blamed of many. Incontinently after the flight of these two galleys, the victory was granted unto Philippino: for Vgo being slain with a small Falcon, Guasto being grievously burnt with wild fire in the neck near unto the care, and also his helmet sore battered to his head by stones, and other things thrown down from the tops, and Ascanio de Colonna being wounded in the right hand, and in one of his feet, yielded themselves unto Lomellino. In the winning of this victory the galley slaves of the Moares and Turks stood Philippino in great stead. For when Philippino had promised them liberty, and had taken off their chains, and weaponed them, and adhorted them as the fierce enemies of the Spaniards, and namely of Hugo to fight lustily: they courageously leapt unarmed into the enemies galleys, armed only with sword and target, fight very fiercely. On the Empertall side were lost about seven hundredth old soldiers Spaniards, beside so many Mariners and slaves, but Philippino the victor lost of all sorts five hundredth, and among them divers skilful Mariners, but no master of any galley, but only one Of the imperials, two galleys, one Foist, one Brigantine, and certain long Boats were drowned, two fled away, and the two other were taken, and one of them was the Admiral. Of the imperials were slain besides Vgo, and Feramusca, the stoutest Captains of bands, Macinio, Daia, john Biscaine, Zambron, and Bar●d: But there was taken alive besides Guasto, and Ascanio de Colonna, Francis Hirarde the master of a galley, the brother of the Captain of the Castle of Naples, who, had the brawn of his fat buttocks struck off with a piece of ordinance, Philip Cerbellion, john de Gaietta, Monsieur de Verreis a Fleming, Monsieur de Acogne a Frenchman, who had fled cut of France with the Duke of Bourbon, and Sereny a Spaniarde, Scribe unto the Senate of Naples, and worthy knights Camillo de Colonna, and Aniball de Gevari. The rest of the petty captains, Ensign bearers, and soldiers, that were not maimed with wounds, were incontinently put in chains, and turned to the Oar, in the place of the rowing slaves that had been slain in the fight, and the Turks and Moors that for their valiant service were made free. Not only no profit, but great incommodity fell unto the Frenchmen by this victory. For when Francis the French K. requested of Andrew doria to have that noble men taken in this battle, to be delivered unto him, Andrew revolted unto the Emperor, and carried all Genoa with him, the which hath continued ever since faithful unto the Emperor and his house. And also a great mortality rising in the French Camp, the power was utterly defeated by the imperials.   

¶ Of the Battle of Landriano in the Duchy of Milan, fought Anno domini. 1529. between Antonio de Leva general for Charles the Emperor, and Francis of Bourbon, Conte of S. Poule, general for Francis the French King,  
THe Conte S. Poule, and the Duke of Urbine Generals for the French king, and the signory of Venice, after that they had won Pavia, for the behoof of Francis Sforza, now oppressed by the Emperor, understanding that Antony de Leva the Imperial Captain had a great power of soldiers in the city of Milan, the which they had meant to have besieged, thought it best to besiege it far off after this manner: That Urbine should go back unto Cassiano, upon Adda, and suffer nothing to be brought into the City out of the most fertile Country of Martia, but in another quarter S. Poule should lie at Abiato, and cut off all victuals that might be brought unto Milan by an arm of the river of Tesino. For they did hope, that their enemies which could not be subdued by force, would not be able to abide the incommodities of a long siege. This being determined at a village called Landriano, ten miles from Milan, Urbine dislodging, marched unto Cassiano, admonishing S. Poule with equal digress to bend his journey to Abbiato. But the day being well spent, S. Poule said, that he would not remove that day, but would go the next morrow unto Pavia, and leave there certain great ordinance, and other weighty carriages. But Leva who most diligently watched for all occasion to hurt his enemies, understanding that Urbine was departed from S. Poule, and conjecturing that the French men would not speedily set forward, called together all the Captains, and commanded them to be in a readiness with all their soldiers, to go forth with him about one of the clock in the morning, cohorting them to go this journey cheerfully, and promised to give them for a booty the vanquished French men before the sun arose. But if (said he) they do more hastily flee (as surely I do not think but they will) yet the tail of them will fall unto us for an assured booty. The soldiers crying out, answered, that he should proceed to conceive in his mighty mind, valiant acts, correspondent to his former victories: for they would with cheerful and fearless hearts take upon them this dangerous journey, and doubtful hazard that he had commanded them. And without stay he putting on his glittering armour, (although he were tormented with the pain of the gout almost in every joint) sent the horsemen before, and he himself with two battles on each side, the Almains on the one side, and on the other the Spaniards flanking the Italians that were appointel to the guard of the great ordinance, hasted to the enemies, whom he found not yet removed, and busied about dispatching away of their baggage. S. Poule who had thought nothing less than that Leva would come upon him, with all his power arranged in battle when he was preparing to dislodge: seeing (the sun was now risen) the battles of his enemies with shirts over their armour, after the manner of them that give a Camisado in the night, was astomed, and as it doth commonly happen unto those that are so caught unwares, was attached with great fear, and not without cause: namely, for that he had commanded the Conte Guido de Rangoni to go before with the vanguard unto Pavia, and there to provide lodging for him and the rest of the army. Thus he being unprepared, and unready, and also disjoined far from the forward, was circumvented with so great perturbation of the middle battle and rearward, that he was forced with wonderful uproar, and tumultuously to set his men in array, and in vain to repugn, being quite put out of heart by the violence and celerity of his urging enemy. Fortune also gave Leva space to win the victory by an unlooked for chance. For when one of the great pieces had broken his wheel, and fallen in the mids of a dirty way, it was a great discommodity unto them, for the French horsemen, yea, and the best of them were lighted on foot to lift up and amend it. For by an old usage of theirs, they do account it a great dishonour to leave any of their ordinance behind them as they march, to be gotten by the enemy. Through this staying both Rangoni was gotten so far before, that he could neither be called back, nor in time told of the sudden coming of the enemy: and also Leva had time to bring forward his footmen, who being advanced forth, and the horsemen fight very courageously, the middle battle of the Conte S. Poule with whom the rearward had also joined, began in a moment of time both to turn their backs. When that Antony de Leva clad in glysteting armour, and adorned with a brave crest, commandeth himself to be brought into the forefront borne ●y force of me no● with terrible voice adhorteth his soldiers, and terrifieth the French men with his fierce look and fiery eyes. In the mean time the Almains that served the French king (a thing which had almost never happened at other times, shamefully turned their backs, as they that were of the omnigatherum, that had in former time served the French King, or else had been taken up in the region which is on this side the Rhein, and doth abut upon L●r●i●●, who have no great estination for Almain valour and discipline. The Almeynes and the French footmen, and after them also the Italian bands followed without any care had of dishonour, and small was the slaughter, because that neither the arquebusiers could shoot among the confounded and blended ranks, nor the great ordinance be discharged without equal peril. The Conte S. Poule assaying dangerously to take a dich with his horse, was taken by the horsemen, nor far from him the valiant claud de Rangoni, the Captain of the rearward had the like luck, but S●●phan de Colonna escaped, although he had been cast by his horse headlong into a ditch. Leva having gotten all the Ensigns and ordinance, and taken the General prisoner, wan great estimation in the world. But the French men openly complained of Guido de Rangoni, whom they said had left them to the spoil through his over hasty pasting: but Guido defended his honour by alleging the commandment of his General: challenging all his obtrectors to the combat, But afterward in familiar talk●, the Duke of Urbine decided this controversy (both Leva and the Marquis of Guasto assenting unto him) who gave judgement, that they had both with almost equal error swerved from the discipline of war, the which doth will that in marching, the Captains that lead distict and several bands, do with mutual diligence, by horsemen riding to & fro, measure the march, nor suffer the Ensigns to go any thing out of sight: the avantgard to observe with what pace the middle battle marcheth, and so likewise the middle battle the rearward, that every battle may● be readis at hand for all sudden incursions of the enemy, and to secure that battle which is circumvented: and finally to sight with all their power vuited into one. This victory utterly destroyed the French power in Milan, and made Francis Sfuza whom the French King maintained, to come in, and suppliantly yield himself unto the Emperor.   

¶ The Battle of Frumentaria fought on the sea by Roderick Portundo, Admiral unto Charles the fift, and Aidin, and other miscreant Pirates, in Anno Domini. 1529.  
AFter that Rhedoricke Portundo had brought Charles the Emperor out of Spain into Italy to be crowned. He in his return, hearing that fifteen vessels of the Turks and Moors Corsale● were before the Isle of Erumentara, came into great hope to oppress them. Wherefore of his fifteen galleys, he chose out eight of the strongest, and furnished them with the rowers and soldiers of the rest of his gallows, and obtained of the Captain of the Isle of Ibiza about a hundred and fifty valiant soldiers, whom he bestowed in his galleys. Portundo being thus angmented & strengthened, was fully resolved to sight with the Barbarians, and setting all things in a readiness, departed about the third watch from Ibiza, and made towards Frumentara, which was ten miles off. The Barbarians seeing galleys coming, speedily got them aboard, and prepared to sight. But when it waxed light, john, Portundo his son numbered the navy of his enemies, and therefore admonished his father not hastily to sight being overmatched i●● number. Portundo vehemently and bitterly reviled him as a coward, and that so insolently, that he swore he was not his son, who feared his enemies, who were furnished only with foists & Brigantines, so that, yea he himself alone would with his only Admiral galley drown all those small vessels of the Barbarians. Portundo was in deed a man of a noble and stout courage, but very lofty and proud: and so through vain boasting being made obstinate, wilful, and untameable, no consideration either of assured or very hard dannger, nor any horrible show of present peril presented could fear him. Then his son (who was both of surpassing prows, and also prudence) replied: God grant (father) the we may rather be ashamed of our conceived fear, than sorrowful for our foil. But Portundo made such baste towards the enemy, that he was far before the rest of the galleys who were not able to row so fast, and looking back, commanded the slaves in his Admiral to cease rowing, that the rest might overtake him, and they were called unto both by voice & whistle, to make haste, that they might make front with the Admiral. Aidin of Smirna the Archpyrate, who was surnamed Cocciadiab●l●, seeing the unequal course of his enemies, and that one coming behind another, they could not make front with the Admiral, calling together the soldiers and masters, with speedy deliberation resolved upon this counsel, that the stronger foists should run directly upon their enemies with their stems, but the smaller should every two on both sides lay aboard one of their enemies galleys. Friendly fortune favoured the Pirates, but was a cruel foe to the christians. For Assanes, Celebine, and Solyman, the most desperate and fiercest fighters of the Pirates, at one time ran upon the Admiral, one on the side, and the other on the stem, and before that succour could come, siue Portundo with all the soldiers, and took the Idmirall galley, so that suddenly the banner was thrown down, the which did much diminish the courage of the rest, and with the like speed did Aidin himself lay aboard the Cock, the Captain whereof was john Canticler, who was slain, with all his men. In the same moment of time, an other Pirate called Salec, valiantly setting upon the galley of Derthosa, the Captain whereof was john de Civeres, and also the next thereunto, wherein was john, Portundo his son, took them both, Civeres being slain, and john taken, and all the soldiers slain. In the same moment of half an hour, Mathewe Sances was slain by Saba a Pirate, and his galley taken. But Naggali. did so hotly pursue the hindermost of the Spanish galleys that fled, that one, wherein was Martin Oriego, he lost, but the other wherein was john de Cordova, he forced to run herself upon the rocken: the galley was taken, with the captain, who would not flee away after so foute an overthrow, but all the rest fled out of her, but were so fiercely followed by the Pirates (who also went a short) that many mot were taken than escayed.   

¶ The Battle of Gabiniano, sought between Philibert Prince of Orange general for the Emperor Charles the u and Fer●●i● a Captain of the Florentines, in Anno. 1530.  
AVno domini. 1530. the Florentines being streightly besieged by the power of Charles the Emperor whose general was Philiber● Prince of Orange, for banishing the family of the Medres, sent for a Captain of theirs called Fernaio, who had gotten great glory of late for the valiant recovery of the city of Vo●●e●ra from the imperials▪ and also for no less famous defending thereof against them, that he with his power assaulling the Emper●alles without on one for and the garrison of the City sallying out on the other, some fortunate sight might be committed, to deliver their country from the imminent peril of sack and servitude. Fernaio accordingly gathered his power together, which was three thousand footmen, and of armed horsemen and Epyrotes, or Albanoises unarmed, fine hundredth the Captain of the Epyrotes was Nic●tas Masio, surnamed Pulled●●. But of the other horsemen Charles earl of Ciuitella, and Amico Arsula. Besides this power, he had also solicited the Mountain men about P●st●ia, of the Cancellariel action, who as they had promised, were looked for to be press to join with their countrymen, 〈◊〉 they matched that way. He had also laid on Sumpter horses above an hundredth stunkes of wild fire, and also ten pieces called. Moschattes, the which being laid upon re●●es of ●oods, are commonly used to be a guard in sai●●● she for the footem●n against the violence of the horsemen. Which this power and furniture, and a ●er●●tue provisson of victuals, and specially of Bishes, as much as might suffice the soldiers, hasting through the woods and mountains (if that they could find none other victuals among those poor mountain men) he did set forth from Pista, and fu●uing towards certain of the Captains, spoke these words: (My valiant hearts) we are commanded to go, neither must any indignant violence of danger he seared, seeing that we must in any case obey the Senate, who do maintain and find us, and doth repose the hope of their supreme safety in our noble valiance▪ He seemed unto some not to have spoken with his wonted chearefulnesss, as though he did abode how unluckilye he should fight in a voyage that he made at other men's appointment and pleasure. In the mean time the prince of Orange having intelligence by spies, of the intent and journey of his enemies, wrote unto Fabric●o Maramaldo, and Alexander Vitelli, (who lay with their regiments in the territory of Pis●) that with all possible speed they should haste to cut off Fernaio his journey, and follow him at the hard heels. There also followed Vitelli, a hand of Spaniards, who being put out of wages by the emperors commandment lived by robbery, them did Vitelli abhort to do some good service in this voyage, whereby they might deserve pardon of their mutiny, and be entertained again into wages. The Prince also sent before out of the Camp, R●scio the Earl of S●n second●, Marito de Colomia, and Sculengo with their regiment●●, and also adjoined Theodore Bischeimi●, the Captain of the Epyrote horsemen, unto Rasci● his wing of horsemen. After them sold wed a regiment of old Lansquenets, and also he himself with all the light horsemen, and also the men of arms marching towards Pistoia He travalling all night ●a●ue unto a place called Lagoni, almost and way between Pist●ia, and a town named Gabiniano, where he stayed to refresh the horsen with a little rest, and the soldiers with a light breakfast. While that he thus rested, there came a priest unto him running, who told that Ferna●● was at hand, and had entered, sacked, & burned the town of S. Marcelles, out of she which he had hardly escaped: and moreover, that the imperials were at the heels of them, the which was known by the often cracks of the harquebuses. Then the Prince commanded Francis de Pratey, and Rossales Spaniards, and zucers an Epirot, to go before with all the light horsemen, to whom he added for a guard Pompeio Farino, with three hundred arquebusiers, and admonished them that still as they went, wheresoever they found the way narrow, so that the horses could not well pass, that they should place upon commedious hills certain bands of Harquebusters, for this purpose, that if the horsemen after they were come into the sight of their enemies, chanced to be pressed, than they might retire fayze and foftlye unto those sure guards: but if that they met with any level ground, the which they saw was commodious for horsemen, they should stay the enemy so long by flow skirmishing, until that he were come with the men of arms. When the horsemen were come unto Gabiniano, and could not be suffered to enter the town, they turning about, road under the wall of the town towards S. Marcelles, and began to skirmish with the avamtecurrers of the enemy. For Fernaio was minded to come unto Gabiniano, thinking that his enemies would not have met him with so great speed. Yet there had been some, who being skilful of the country, and having received more certain intelligence of the coming of their enemies, had counseled him to climb the high mountains besides Saint Marcelles, and so safely come down again at Scarparia, the enemies not being able to pursue him in that very straight and troublesome way. To the which advise inclined the valiant. Captain Pa●lo de Cere, who accounted the loss of the baggage but small, so that escaping their enemies, they might come in safety to Florence. But Farnai● with a lofty mind detesting that advise whith might give some sign of fear and flight, marched still forward, the horsemen going before with their Captains, Charles the Earl of Civirilla, and Arsiolas. And whereas Gabin●ano is two miles from S. M●railler▪ the auant●arde which ●arnarde Strozzi, surnamed Cap●●unzo, led, was come unto the gate of Gabini●no, when the & Ensigns of the re●einarde were yet at Saint M'arcelles gate. The way is not very ill, but that they must go a little down the hill, for Saint Marcellea, which standeth in a low bottom enclosed counde about with mountains. Now the imperials, who as we have elf you, were scents before, molested the hindermost of the enemies. For Refe●● had brought a band of arquebusiers with him, every horseman taking an harquebuster behind him, who with their shot much vexed the enemies. But when Maramaldo saw that the enemies bended towards Gabiniano from Camalenbo, where they lodged the might before, be crossing over the mountains and woods, was come to Gabiniano. And also Vitelli by another shorter way, but very ill, was encamped not far from the town. In the mean time Fernaio tiding on a white horse with his sword drawn, adhorted his men keeping their array, to haste to take the town first, the which was then in sight, and to propel the urging borsemen of their enemies, for the Earl of Ciuitella and Atsula fight with singular valour, did not only sustain their enemies, but also the charge, being on both sides often renewed along the shelving banks, forced their enemies to retire with turned backs. While, that they thus sought with great tumult and noise, for that certain bands of arquebusiers had been sent forth out of Fernaio his battle, and also the shot of, Pompey: (who as we have showed you) had been sent to be a guard unto the horsemen, had intermeddled themselves in the conflict of the horsemen, and now many men had been slain on both sides, when Maramaldo got into the town at the farther gate, and at a part of the wall which was easily thrown down at the very same time that Fernaio entered in at the foregate. Ind thus a cruel and bloody fight was committed along the town, so that they fought with great contention in the mids of the Market place: for Fernaio leaping off from his horse, and taking a footemen Pike, laid about him lustily. Neither failed Maramaldo unto his men, but casting them into the form of a wedge, fought fiercely to win the whole street. In the mean tune, part of Fernaio his battle following their Captain, fought valiantly in the town, but part defleeting along the town wall, and having gotten a commodious place among the Chestnut trees to defend themselves against the insulting horsemen, overwhelmed their enemies with a great tempest of small shatte. By them (as it was afterward known) who were in number almost five hundredth, was the Prince of Orange slain, when he hastred with the men of arms to be present at the fight. Neither was he straight way known being speedily spoiled of his coat of cloth of silver, and his guilt armour. They say that before he was wounded, he fought or horseback, hand to band with Nicolas Masio the Greek, who battered his head piece with a Mall of pron, and Orange often assayed to thrust him through with his sword. But Masio fearing the shock of the men of arms, fled back unto the Chestnut trees, but the Prince, pressing forth over hardily, received two deadly wounds by barquebusse. Almost at the very same time Vitelli charging overthwart the rearward, which Paolo de Cere led, did so break their array, and scatter them almost at the first encounter, that he got all their ensigns: although that Paul himself valiantly resisted; and lighting on foot, repaired the array of his men, and also renewing the fight, broke through unto the town to aid Fernaio. But when it was bruited abroad that the Prince was stain, and the troop of the men of arms (a thing shameful to see, and incredible to he reported) was fled back headlong: Fernaio crying victory, victory, gathered the Florentines close together, and began to press on the appalled imperials. And if that the lansquenets (who had not yet stirred, but kept in array not far from the town their Esquadron, as it were a Castle to receive their fellows) marching forward, had not repressed the tumultuous procursions of their enemies: doubtless not one of the horsemen had made courtesy to flee, seeing that many of them, & before all other Rossales following the example of Chiscera the captain of the men of arms, fled with continued course even unto the gates of Pistoia, with so great perturbation, that the same that the Prince was slain, and his army discomfited, was brought unto Gonzaga, who lay in siege before Florence, and also unto the Consalioner within the City. At the very same moment of time, Vitelli pursuing a while, and urging and slaying the regiment of Bail● de Cere, as he entered the town, did timely hit upon the gate where Maramaldo had entered, and then such a cruel fight was remed, that one could scarce pass along the street for the heaps of slain men. But Fernaio and Paul being tired with long fight, and the scorching heat of the mids of the day, took a high h●●se, and from thence pelied the imperials with harquebuses, until that all their horsemen were overthrown, and destroyed by the light horsemen of their enemies, who for shame would not follow Rossales when he fled, but did cast themselves into thick troops, and a little before the bands which either could not enter the town, or which had remained without by Fernaio his commandment, and had slain Orange, using such Malles of iron, as the helmets could scarce resist, had been overthrown: neither did the prepared trunks of wild fire do any great good that day. For the Florentines could cast but few of them upon the Almains and horsemen, neither because their baggage was spoiled, and their Sumpter horses put quite our of order, could, the Moschats be made ready, and laid on their rests, as they had trusted and hoped to have done. Then Fernaio and Paul acknowledging the event of adverse fight, and fortune insestuous unto the Florentine name, all their soldiers being either slain or taken, and all the houses of the town won and sarked, and Maramaldo having now gotten assured victory, yielded themselves, and incontinently Fernaio was brought armed as he was, unto Maramaldo, who said unto him: when that thou didst jewdlye hung up my Drummre with an halter, against the law of arms, hadst thou thought ever to have come into my hands? Then answered Fernaio: this is the chance of Mar●, who is not always wrongful, and the like may also befall unto to you, strung in the field. But if th●● you murder me, you shall wind by my death, mother profitable, nor honourable praise. But Maramaldo reviling and calling him a Captain made of a Merchant, com●●●aunded his helmet and his armour to be pulled of, and thrusting his sword into his throat, left him unto the soldiers to be stain. But afterward Maramaldo used to say, that he slew him not for any private quarrel, but to please the soldiers, and namely the Almains, who would have chafed that the Captain of their enemies should have bens saved, after that their so great a General was slain. There were slain in this conflict on both sides, little lack of 〈◊〉 M. For many died afterward of their wounds. And of the Florentines, Captain de Borgo, and Francis, and Paul Corsi, Charles Carl of Ciuicell●, and Alph●ns Stipician●, And of prisoners taken Paul de Core, Amico Arsula, Masi●, and Captiuanz● Strozzi. But there were stain of Maramaldo his regiment, john Mai● his valiamitest Captain, and three Enfigne bearers. Anont after this victory, the despairing Fl●●●●e●nes yielded their almost starved City, and whole oppressed state unto the mercy of the Emperor, who deprived them of their liberty, and created Alexander de Medies, base son of young Laur●nco do Medici, Duke of El●rnce, and of all the dominicus theceof   

¶ The Battle of Exech, fought in Hungary between Cazzianer General for King Ferdinand, and Maho●ut Lieutenant for S●lyman the Turk, in anno 1537. Out of iovius.  
ANn●. 1537. Ferdinand the Emperor sent Cazzianer the Captain of Vienna into Hungary, with a power of ten thousand horsemen of Almains, Hungarians, Bohemians, and Carinthians, and sirtene thousand footmen Almains and Italians, to win the town of Exech upon the river of Drawer, which Mabomet lahia●gles the Turkish Captain of B●lgrade, and Lieutenam general of all ●●●se patten, has fortifies in a part of Hungaris called Prossega, and made it to be the feat of his wars, to vex the kingdom of Hungary. But before that this army could come unto Exech, the sixteen thousand footmen were brought through sickei●sse unto eight thousand, and the rest were also much weakened with diseases, the which inconunoditie was also smut ●asucably augmented through lack of victuals: so that they were not so senne come before the town (wherein was Mahomet with fixtens thousand men) but that they were forced to break up their siege, and to retire hark unto a cowne called Car●, the Tickes pursuing, and continually skiclasshing with them, in which skirmishes they slew Peter Raschinius the Marshal of the bohemians, and Baule B●●chitius the Captain of the Hungarians, one accounted the valiantest and most expect Captain of that nation. And the Christians hearing by certain rancours that Mahomet looked for ●ewe and strong supplies of soldiers: the Christians tarefully deeréed, that all the whole army should haste unto a town called Walpons ten miles of, where was stor● of victoals, leaning behind them their great ordinance which could not be easily, carried, and setting on fire all their gunpowder, and destroying all the rest of the Martial furniture of the army, and all such baggage as could not be carried on horseback and that Cazzianer should give the signal when they should dislodge, with a kind of Pipe that the Almains use, and is called by them Schalmeyen. Now was the time of the second watch almost spent, and all men watching, did so expect with hofull hearts the signal of dislodging, that they thought every little moment of tarriance to be a year, and very incomdious: and divers Captains of great mark by frantic instinct, broke off all stay▪ and hasted to departed without commandment, and to go before their fellows. They say that this heinous & shameful departure was begun by the light horsemen or Vsar●nes of the Hungarians, who trusting to their knowledge in the blind ways and woods, ●ent their course towards Valponi, whom Ladislaw More, a noble man of Hungary following with dishonourable example, fled unto his own castle of Zeuthuerzebeth, and also all the horsemen of Staermarke forgetting shame, with great tumult hasted after with their Captain john Hunganolt, who had been appointed to lead and defend the rearward. In the mean time it was fearfully reported unto Cazzianer, that the Usarones were fled, and that Ladislawe, and Hunganolt had done the same with the horsemen of Staermark, and that the rest of the army never a whit expecting the sounding of the Schalmeyn (as it had been decreed) made themselves ready for the same flight. Then the astonned and affrighted General, got him to horse, and forgetting to give the signal (for he had surely thought (as he said afterward) that all the army had been already gone before) fled away unarmed, leaving behind his tent rich of silver, plate, and other ornaments. In this hurly hurly the Carl of Lodron Colonel of the Lansquenets, is waked out of his sleep, and being told by his servants that the General was run away, he fearless answered, that it could not be that he would so shamefully and falsely forsake them, and so as one grievously tired with watching many nights, and great toil taken in the days, he returning into his tent, and laid him down again to sleep. Nor long after the noise and uproar in the Christians their camp, is brought unto the ears of Mahomet, who lodged within the shot of a small piece of ordinance, all the Barbarians rise up, and prepare themselves to invade their enemies. But Mahomet thinking it good to know more certainly what the enemies intended, and for that consideration the day light was to be stayed for, commanded his men to stand still in a readiness, and with silence to expect the signal which the use was to be given throughout all the ranks, by the soft sounding of a drum on horseback. For the old Captain, yea, and an old man in deed, who had bene practised in many conflicts against our men, somewhat doubting it to be a feigned flight, would not be drawn into fight, but in a place of great advantage for his men, as he that had been fully resolved before, to obtain the victory not by sighting any universal battle, but after his manner by fleecing the Christians by parts and pieces. At the break of the day Lodron is called up again, he heareth the noise of the imminent Barbarians, and seeth that he was forsaken of far the greatest part of the horsemen: he in vain complaineth that he was betrayed, yet his courage nothing quaileth, he speaketh unto the footmen, and adhorteth them to be mindful of their wonted prewes, and to think that the danger which froward fortune then brought, was to be overcome by only fortitude of heart, that valiant men aught to mind honest death, and not most shameful flight, the which would also be uncertain: that he himself who had often fortunately led them in many wars, was fully resolved by repulsing the enemies, to reduce them into safety, or else honourably to end his life with them in valiant fight. The horsemen of Carinthia, Saxon, Ostrich and Beheme, who like unto obevient soldiers in vain expected the signal of dislodging, appointed by the General, neither would be companions of that shameful flight, came unto Lodron thus confirming his soldiers, as unto the valiantest man, beseeching him that he would take upon him the charge of General in the place of the traitor. For they would be obedient unto all things that he would command them, and as long as strength and weapons would endure and hold, would most constantly fights with the barbarous enemy for Christ's religion and their very good King. Lodron would not take upon him the offered office, professing of a certain noble shame fastness, that he was unworthy thereof, yet he of his pity, and magnitude of mind pitying the unworthy lot & case of so great an army, exercised the charge, the which he took upon him with protestation, so long as fortune would licence. They report that when he made an oration unto the soldiers, and detested and vehemently discommended all hope of flight, there was an old Alwaine soldier found, who durst to say unto him courteously, but not unwittilye: Flight, good Captain my Lord of Lodron, can seem to be fo●sha●●efull a thing in you: when that you riding on a goodly horse may be thought to ride about to ●e we who do● flee, Lodron understood the witty meaning of the old soldier, and lighting down on foot, huckened his horse with his dr●●en sword, nobly crying out: This day (fellow soldiers) shall ye have me both captain, and soldier to fight with you on foot with equal condition. Therefore that ye may not seem to have deceived my opinion, valiantly endeavour to win the vi●●o●ie, or else to end your warfare with me by an honourable death▪ and not unrevenged. Moreover, with like courtesy he gave the rest of his horses unto the soldiers of his acquaintance, that were weak either by wounds or sickness. The sore-most troops of the horsemen, and the foremost bands of the footmen: were scarce out of the munitions of the Camp, when that the Barbarians with cruel howling spread themselves round about out men, and their horsemen attached many skirmishes at once in divers places as our men marched, and with this event, that our men sometimes egregiouflye sustained their charge, and at other valiantly running their onset, propelled far from them the urging Barbarians. In these sundry conflicts Any Macer Fuchstat, a Saxon, Captain of the Carinchians, was sayne, fight very fervently, being taken by the Turks to be the General, by reason of the ornaments of his cognisances, & with like lot were slain above xxiv. horsemen of noble mark, & their ensign-bearer. Among whom were iij. noble men. Andrew Refcht, Christofer Hernaw, & George Hemelberg. But in another place a very bloody skirmish was attached with the Saxons, the men of Misne, Thuring, and Frankland, who followed the guidons of the Sixon horsemen, for of them (who fought with singular prows) above xxxuj of the galantest, either Captains, ensign bearers, or Lieutenants of companies were slain, & Chwenrick the chief captain of the Saxons was taken prisoner, and died afterward in prison among the Barbarians. The men of greatest nobility of them which were there slain, were Sebastian Methesce, & james Scullemberg. And also with the same lot of frustrated valour, the Austrian horsemen when they had resisted a good while, were at the last slain, after that. N●●●l●s Turrian their Captain escaping, many men of great mark for valiance ●bir●h had been slain: as Fettay, & Holchirch, noble men, & next to them Ho●enfelder, & Aanspurger, and also two very hemons noble m●● of the house of Maideg, an● with them Limberg & Velezer, men of great worship. And also men borne in the upper Ostrich, William Folgehemstorph, Leonarde Lamberg, Gaspar Bargheim, and Schellemberg, men famous for their dignity at home, and also in the field. But far the greatest slaughter was committed on the Bohemians, whom being disordered by the janizars through continual tempest of small shot, sent overthwart them the old troops of Turkish horsemen, hotly charged and beat down every where with their heavy semitarres, & iron malles, no man succouring them when they were enclosed, and their Captain Albert Slith had sooner g●t him out of the mids of the slaughter than he aught to have done. But the battallon of footmen being afflicted with great detriment, and brought even upon the very point to break array by the janizars and Asappes, who wonderfully annoyed them from a certain high bank of a woody marsh, with their harquebuses and arrows, but would not come to hand strokes with them. Amurathes invaded on the side with the horsemen of Bostie, and quite disordered, and defeated, beating them down fiercely with sword and battle axes. Lodron himself was driven by the violence of the horsemen into a Moorish and foul dirty hole, where, when he being grievously wounded, and also much encumbered with the slippery dirt, endeavoured to show his supreme valour, he was willed by the Barbarians rather to yield, than to be slain, the which he did, with three bands of footmen, who were all that were left him: whom the Barbarians promised to save, as men of singular valour. For now the unmerciful Barbarians imbrued with the abundant blood of our men, were glutted with slaughter, in so much that many of their arms fainted, and they turned themselves very greedily unto the pillage, following those that being dispersed some here some there, thought to have escaped the enemies hands by faint and fearful pace: with this success, that many were taken prisoners to be made gaves, few footmen escaped, and almost all the rest of the horsemen that had not, 〈◊〉 we have told you, fled before the battle, were lying slain once all the whole field. For this shameful dis●x●●s●ture at Exech. is said to pass all the lamentable overthrow we● that ever were given to the Christians in former years: for the flower of the horsemen and footmen, were slain and unite destroyed rather through the rashness and fault of the General, than the prows of the enemies, so that it caused great lamentation almost in every country of Christendom. For it had never happened before, as one might see by the adverse battles of Sigismunde the Emperor, and king Lewes, that the Barbarians were both victor, and also unbloody: so that our men which died at Exech unrevenged, may seem to have much augmented the detriment received with great ignomy. But afterward when it was thought that ●●dran could not be carried alive unto Constantinople, by reason of his grieuoi●s wounds, he was sayne by his keepers, & his head sent thither. But Cazzian●r being cried out at by all men, as a man unworthy of light and life, requested of the King, that he might safely come unto Vienna to clear and acquit himself & but when that the King gave him but ill countenance, and comniaun●ing c●rtaine to attend upon him for fleeing away, deferred him trial, he being doubtful of his safety, privily escaped, and fled unto Mahomet, by whom he was put in hope to have good entertainment of the grand Seignever, and the whole country of Croatia to hold it of him by homage, so that he would promise' to his uttermost to annoyed the Austrians. But when he went about to sollicit● & familiar fre●●e of his called Skrin, a noble man of that Province, to revolt also with him unto the Turk, he was slain by him one night in bed, and his head sent unto King Ferdinand.   

¶ The Battle of Buda or Ofen, fought in Hungary between Mahomer Bassa General for Solyman the great Turk, and William Earl of Rocandulphe, Chieftain for Ferdinand the King of Hungary, in Anno. 1451. Out of jonius.  
WHen that in Anno 1541 a great power of King Ferdinandes under the conduct of the Earl of Rocandulph, besieged the ●●●is of Bu●●s or offen, kept by the favourers of Steven the ●ong son of john the V●●●●de, who had long contended with Ferdinand for the kingdom of Hungary, Soliman the Turk sent a great a●mie led by Mahome● jassa to secure his vassal Stephen. This Turkysbe power with whom also joined certain Hungarians▪ favourers of the pupil, encamped near unto R●candulph, and very much ve●●d h●●● with often skirmishes, in whom the Turks had most commonly the better. The Turks and their confederate Hungarians had also brought thither a fleet by the river of Thonaw, the which navy lay at a final Island called Gapella, over right against their army by land. But Rocandulph had a navy twyes as great: for he had xxiv. Fragates of great and small Nafades (a hind of ships of war used by the Hungarians in the rives of Thonaw) about four score, and little fewes than an hundredth Hulks & Hoys. But after that many bloody skirmishes had been fought between the two armies, that lodged very near one unto the other. At last Peren the captain general of the Hungarians in Ferdinand's camp, was friendly advertised by George Valentine the General of the Hungarians with the Turks, that Solyman himself approached: wherefore he should provide speedily for the safety of himself and his countrymen: Whereupon Peren resorted unto Rocandulph, and the Captains, declared unto them what news he had received, willed them speedily to departed thence, or else he would not other ways neglect the safety of his countrymen. Although that the opinions of the Captained did vary, yet all were of this mind, to remove unto Pest by night, only Rocandulph dissented; and flatly affirmed, that he would not depart from Offen without the commandment of King Ferdinand. Whereupon the Earl of Sabine was sent in a swift Fragate to Vienna, to bring from thence the kings resolution. In the meant time, fear urging, and Peren chase, they determined to waft over to Pest in the right season, when the Moon shined not, by four passages: in the first they embarked all their great ordinance, and the Hungarians: in the second, the Almain and Bohemian horsemen: in the other two, all the footmen, and the bag and baggage of the army. Batocke an Hungarian, and Balthasar Pocan an Almain had the charge committed unto them, to transport the army without tumult. Fortune failed not unto the first and second passage. For although that when the Citizens of Offen and the Turks saw from the high places all their enemies vessels to be gathered together, did lightly suspect that, which was in very deed, and every man according to his head, did adduce sundry causes of this new uproar, yet they had no foresight of the sudden flights of their enemies, but it was not long unknown unto them, who did intentively and diligently scout and prie: for two Usarones fleeing from Perens unto Valentine, gave him intelligence of the intent of their enemies, and Mahomet being incontinently advertised thereof by Valentine, hasted with almost all his power to assault the enemies Campe. He brought forth the field pieces, the Fan●zars going foremost, and the rest of the footmen, whom the younger horsemen dismissing their horses, followed on foot, and with terrible howling assaulted the Campe. Then the Austrians perceiving that their flight was descried, were put out of heart: yet the Bohemians, and also those Genmaynes that warded at the bridge of the Island, did valiantly and manfully resist. There was a great uproar and tumult throughout all the whole camp, and namely at the bank of the river, when every man conceiving fear, hasted without order, and without shame, yea and by wounding one another to get a ship board. For the dead time of the night, and then very dark by cloudy weather, made all things to seem more terrible, yea unto the valiant. But Rocandulph could bear no rule in the dark, and in so great a noise and uproar of his own men, and crying of his enemies, and the mighty thunder of the artillery tempesting from all parts. He, besides his grief of mind, lay then on his bed, being wounded by a marvelous chance. For as he was writing of letters unto the King, alpellet of a Falcon lighted in his tent, and broke in sunder a chest, a piece of a board whereof wounded the Earl in the shoulder very grievously. Moreover, the rest of the Captains of the footmen, vehemently envying at the already transported horsemen for their fortunate flight, the which was now taken from them, did as men busied with their own fear, nor preferring the public peril before private safety, rather abide still, than repugn their assailing enemies. So then first the upper camp, where Peren had lodged, was taken by the bands of the Captain of Belgrade, and Valentine, and the Almains were driven down with headlong flight from all the hill of Saint Gerarde. Neither do they in Ofen let slip this good occasion offered to interclude their enemies, but incontinently sallied out at the gate of the water tour, and at that gate of the Camp that was over right against them, assailed the stations which was now forsaken, and casting upon the enemies balls of wild fire, endeavoured to burn the tents. But George the Regent of the young King, with as sudden as happy devise, did set on fire at the King's stables mighty heaps of straw and hay, whereby there suddenly appeared such a great shining flame, that when the Thonawe received on his bright water the shining of the light of the fire, and it being spread abroad by reverberation, was cast forth very like unto day light, came unto the back of Pest●, all that soul fight bath of the tumult●●n the l●●de, and also of the flight of the water was apparently bebelde. But than was the ordinance directed, and shot from all parts at the fleeing fleet, so that the vessels which had been disordered, yea, with the uncertain shoots, were now shot at not only from the water tour, and the castle of Ofen, but also from the Turkish camp, and from Cepellia: and now that so great light was brought into all places, Casson also the Admiral of the Turkish fleet rowing the lighter vessels up the stream, gave a charge on the side of the enemies navy. So a conflict by water being also attached, our men fought unfortunately in all places: certain Hoys laden with soldiers were taken, and many drowned, and sunk with the ordinance, all the river was filled full of slain men, and the wretched company of Mariners and soldiers that laboured to swim to the shore. For when the janizars overthrowing the foremost bands, had broken into the lower camp, and the rest of the Almains fleeing into the Island by the bridge, were wounded in the backs with Semitarres: they for fear of honest death sought shameful destruction in the gulf of the water. Many were drowned in the deep channel, or else were repulsed and thrust from the ships by the weapons of their enemies. Three hundredth vessels being that night with incredible conturbation intermeddled together, & for a good while remaining together, one would have thought there had been a bridge made over the river: but Ferdinandes Fragates, and the greater Nasades despairing, got themselves speedily out of the hands of the Turks, and keeping the enemies from them with their ordinance, shot out at their stems, went up the river unto the Isle of Comora. Also the army by land had the like luck in the camp: but the Bohemians manfully repugning, ended their lives very honourably, as also the bands of Otho and Hech, the chief Colonel of the footmen, died of wounds received in their fore parts: but divers escaping by the top of Saint Gerardes' hill, when they were come unto the edge of the cliff that hanged over the camp, darkness, and fear of their instant enemies, confounded their hearts and senses, and so they fell down headlong from the cliff, and broke their necks. But many running out at the principal gate of the camp, met with them of Ofen, and exercising the clemency or cruelty of their enemies, as they were of divers dispositions, sitions, were either slain or saved. But when the sun rising did discover the slaughter of our men, and the victory of the Barbarians: about three thousand men of all sorts, who erecting their ensigns at the Church of Saint Gerarde, on the hanger of the hill had souldiourlike cast themselves into a ring, were slain by the enutroning multitude of their enemies: yet almost the third part of them, casting down their weapons, desired to have their lives saved, and yielded to be kept for a show more shameful and worse than death itself. At the same time also Casson bringing his victorious navy unto the bank of Pest, struck such terror into their hearts that had escaped (and might easily have defended the walls) only with their Turkish clamours & the thundering of the artillery, that the horsemen ran so fast out at the gates with fearful flight, that one of them did hurt another in the througing forth. For the Almains forgetting their wonted prows, did so tremble at the name of the Turks, that when they saw in the Boats the beads wrapped about with linen, they ran a way affrighted and unarmed, leaving behind them their plate, and all their dearest and best baggage, with their wagons: yet the Usarones stayed a while, with whom greediness of pillage prevailed more than all fear of death, they being busied in rifling & spoiling of the merchant's shops: for a noble and rich Mart of all wares was set up at Pest, Merchants resorting out of all parts unto the safe seat of the strong and very commodious town for that it was without danger of the wars, and the tumults of soldiers, and yet near unto the camp, there being but a short cut over the river between the town and the camp. But when no man descended▪ the walls nor gates, Casson incontinently broke into the town, and slew certain of the spoiling Usarones, but he took such delight in christian blood; that he spared no man in the town, not not the sick, of whom there was a great number, nor the women that followed the Almains, for they killed all sorts and sexes indifferently, unless it were those whom goodly parsonage and strength had reserved to be slaves, or the flower of tender years had purchased pardon, for hope of lechery. So that it is reported, that there were stain in these wars by sundry chances above xx. thousand Christians. But there were taken in Pest, in the Camp, in the Island, and in the ships, that had not yet been discharged, six and thirty very goodly battering pieces, but of smaller mounted on wheels an hundredth & fifty. Moreover, the enemy got such wonderful store of gunpowder, & iron shot, armour, weapons, and victuals provided for all the winter, that by estimation of the Barbarians that booty was accounted far the greatest part of the victory. But when the Turks having won the munition, sought in the mids of the camp, Rocandulph lying in his bed, desired rather to be slain in his tent than to survive so great an overthrow, but he was against his will and chafing thereat, carried aboard a boat by his physician and chamberlain, and so transported into the Isle of Comora, where a little while after he died of the grief of his wound & hurt. But all the prisaners, who were in number about eight hundredth, being presented unto Soliman at his arrival unto the camp, were by his commandment all slain; except certain known captains and noble men, among whom were Balthasar Pocan, and Task an old captain, master of the watch.   

¶ The Battle of Ceresoles, fought in Piemonte beweene Alphons Marquis of Guaesto, General for Charles the fift, Emperor, and Francis Duke of Anghieu, General for Francis the French King, in Anno. 15●4. Out of Paulus iovius.  
WHen that Francis Duke of Aughieu, Lieutenant General in Piedmont for Francis the French king, besieged with a great power Carignano, a strong town, and of great importance in Piedmont, Alphons Marques, of Cuasto, Governor of Milan and Piedmont, for Charles the Emperor, being moved with the peril of the town, and the Captain whom he had before faithfully promised to secure, as soon as he had received out of Germany two regiments of Lansquenets under the conduct of the two Scaligers, and six thousand Italians (for the most part shot) led by Robert Prince of Salerne, with whom an old Captain Cesar Massio was joined for a counselor, and seven hundredth men of arms (but yet in comparison of the Frenchmen, but light horsemen) and a singular cornet of old men of arms from the Duke of Florence under Radulpho Baleone, and to these were adjoined his old store a few Spaniards, and the regiment of Lansquenets of Baron Seisnech, whose bands were not full: he marched towards Carignano. But before he came there, he was met with in a plain between Ceresoles, and Carmagnola, by the French power, the which was thus ranged. In the middle battle stood the Gascoignes, and the rest of the old French footmen singularly well appointed, and very bravely, close unto whom stood the strong regiment of Swissers that had served long in those wars in Piedmont, and strongly backed all the front of the Gasc●ignes, which stood very broad. The right wing was appointed unto the Swissers that came lately out of their country, who with singular heat of hearts had desired to fight. But the Gruieres a kind of half clownish soldiers, and of no great use, were placed in the left wing. These Grueres do devil about Geneva, and Losanne, and border on Berne and Satin. Among these Gruiers were certain Italian bands, namely of banished men of Milan, Savoy, and Piedmont, were admixed. This was a great battle, and had many ensigns. But because it consisted for a great part of fresh water soldiers, and men of divers languages, and had also been taken up without great choice, they gave almost no opinion of assured valour, or firm consent. Moreover, between these three battles of footmen, there stood also three of horsemen. Between the middle battle, and the esquadrons of the Swissers stood Monsteur de Thermes, with whom were all the light horsemen, and one troop of men of arms to strengthen them. And the Lord Boutiers guarded the open side of the Gruiers with an other power of horsemen. Then the Marquis seeing this array of the enemies, dso set right over against the middle battle and the Gascoignes, a whole battalion of Almain footmen (whom he did take to be of invincible strength) with this order, that in the forefront he placed Aliprand Madruches brother unto the Cardinal of Trent, who had desired to have that honour. For the lusty and valiant young Gentleman had in time before courageously professed, that he would with his only regiment (wherein were not full three thousand) encounter, and valiantly overthrow the Swissers, whose force the Marquis seemed not unskilfullye to fear. Behind him, the two Scaligers led their regiments, their ensigns being placed in the mids of the hattell. The right wing against the Gruers was appointed unto the Spaniards, but so that he adjoined unto them five bands of Lansquenets under the charge of Seisnech, men meet for a standing fight. He placed all the Italians in the left wing, and willed them by little and little to climb the hill, which rose up gently from the small valley, as the better place, and willed them not to stir from thence, lest that they should be disordered and defeated by the Swissers that stood against them, to whom they were inferior in discipline: but to stand still in array and be obedient unto the commandments of the Prince of Salerne and Massio, and use their harquebuses as the chance of the battle should require. Philip Lanoy a Fleming, Prince of Salmona, who was General of the horsemen) was commanded to stand in the void room between the Lansquenets and the Spaniards, and Baleone did the like, standing directly against Thermes. But Charles Conzaga had a special charge to observe and invade Boutiers, who stood right over against him. The battles on both sides being thus arranged, and the great ordinance on both parts shot off, the signals were sounded, and the battles began to approach, between whom the Marquis riding to and fro with great danger of the pellets which slew from the great ordinance and harquebuses round about his cares, and viewing all things with his eyes, perceived that the Almains came forward more slowly than he would have them, insomuch that he came near unto them, and courteously encouraged the Captains to amend their pace: when see, he beheld undoubted signs of deadly fear in the faces of the Scaligers, they looking more sad and pale than they were wont. Wherefore turning towards his familiars, Scalengo, Landriano, and Saiaureda, who continually followed him to receive messages from him, and to carry them unto the battles and ranks, said: Almighty God avert this ill abodement, and be with us to day with his omnipotent power, as we have great need thereof, seeing that I do see in these Almains, in whom is reposed all our trust, & the mean to obtain the victory, no cheerfulness to fight, now the enemy is present & provoketh them, the which thing hath never happened before this time. The first that ran together, after that the Marquis had given the signal through the encouragement of his soldiers, were the horsemen of Thermes and Baleone, the which they did with so great valour, that on both sides many were borne to the ground, and after their staves were broken, they courageously used their battle axes and sword. There Thermes charging on the Italian footmen, was repulsed, and his horse being hurt, and falling to the ground, he was taken by a fresh water soldier. But although Baleons' wing of horsemen excelled in prows, yet they being inferior in number, could not sustain the force of the French men of arms. So that many of them were slain in that sharp conflict, and among them julie Azzo, son to the Prince of Tuder●●, and Baleone having his horse slain under him, hardly escaped wounded unto the Italian footmen. But in another wing Fortune (who useth as it were with a kind of play, eftsoons to exchange the events of battles) seemed to smile upon the Spaniards and old lansquenets. For they under the conduct of Raimonde de Cardonna, and Seisnech, charged the Gruers so courageously with a Manique of arquebusiers, that they disordered all their battle, and made them to flee, and got the Cottage that they had stood by, and certain pieces of ordinance, and also with great slaughter broke through a troop of horsemen that was sent to secure them. In this encounter, the Monsieurs Destro, and Charles Dross, who were the chief conductors of that ●●ing, were slain, and also Monsieur de Assier, a young Gentleman of singular hope, over hotelye breaking in, was cast out of his Saddle by the Almain Pikes, and died within three days after of his two wounds. In this speedy, but uncertain féese of victory, the Spaniards being inflamed, so fiercely followed the fleeing Frenchmen, that with continued course they did flea and take even unto Carmagnola. At the very same time the lansquenets who had lain flat on the ground that they might avoid the great ordinance, being commanded by the Marquis, arose up, & taking up dust, threw it over their shoulders, the which is an old & religions custom of that nation, thinking by that ceremony to win the favour of bloody Mars, and then they made towards the enemy. Aliprande, who was in the forefront of the battalion, going certain paces before the Esquadron, challenged to the combat Monsieur de Molle, a notorious Captain on the French side. But when the Frenchman refused it not, they ran together so furiously, that one wounding the other in the face, they both fell down to the ground, Molle being thrust in with deadly Pike a little above the eye, and Aliprande into the ball of the cheek up to the ear. Thus both the captains falling down, a very sharp and a bloody fight was begun by the foremost ranks, where the strength of the most chosen soldiers and petty Captains of both armies fought for the dignity of their name, and for glorious victory. Aliprandes regiment that went forward very hotelye, was more slowly followed by the Scaligers than they should have been, by reason of the impeachment of the low and uneven ground, whereby neither could their Pikes be borne with equal order, nor their ranks be aptly set close together. But in the hottest of the fight, the Imperial horsemen made into the left wing of the Frenchmen where Boutiers stood with his troop ready to fight, and ran forth very courageously, but vainly, & as it appeared anon after, very incommodiously and shamefully. For when they were come unto the Frenchmen, they never once giving any charge, not nor so much as charging their stanes, whirled themselves round about like unto the form of the Moon, either to train out the light horsemen from the guard of the men of arms, or because they being light armed, durst not adventure upon their enemies, who were all in complete armour, or else were adduced so to do by an uncertain speech uttered (as they said) by Goit their Captain, who commanded them to turn about their horses, that they being overmatched, might not fight with the men of arms by encountering them with their horse's breast to breast, and with thick troop, but with often running upon them, and incontinently recoiling back again, after the manner of the Moors. This unlooked for turning away of the imperials caused first the Frenchmen to marvel, and anon after also their fellows assuredly to suspect that they did flee: so that Boutiers suddenly with great valour charged on the backs of them that turned: who, although that the Marquis cried out, and rated them, could not be stayed, but with headlong course ran upon the Esquadron of the Almains, and finding it lose behind the ensigns, opened and broke through all the whole battalion: and also the French men following them, got in too at that breach, and with small ado slew all the foully disordered hindermost ranks, because that they were not armed with head pieces and Costelets, as were the fore ranks: the Frenchmen carving off whole limbs from the unarmed, with their broad and heavy sword, not unlike unto wood knives that hanged at their saddle bows. But when the Swissers who stood over right against the Italians, saw this wavering and slaughter of the Almains, they neglecting and omitting the Italians, turned their infestuous ensigns on the Almains, as on them, whom for natural hatred they bore them, they accounted for their very and peculiar enemies: neither in deed could they commodiously charge the Italians for the hollowness and inequality of the place: and also they thought that if the Almains were timely destroyed, than the victory were surely gotten. This chance of counsel suddenly taken, brought not doubtful safety unto the Italians, but most assured destruction unto the Almains: for as the Italians being inferior both in furniture and number, men thought would not have sustained the force of the impression of the Swissers, namely seeing that they had before seen the flight of their horsemen, so the Almains that did very constantly propel the Gascoignes and old Swissers that fought in their front with singular valour, were not able to bear the fresh force of these Swissers that charged them on the side, so that being disordered by the mad miserable irruption of their own horsemen, and succoured by no man, but slain behind by the French horsemen, and in the front by the urging enemies their footmen: after that their captains were slain, and their ensigns thrown down, they turned their backs, and were almost eucrye man slain. There died with the Scaligers divers noble men of great renounce for sundry honours borne in the field, and Captains of bands, and most honourable of all, Vulcan son to the Earl of Furstemberg, Michael Prensinger, Lieutenant to Brannor Scaliger, & Anty Vrse, a man of great fame for his many martial voyages, and Hildebrande Tunney, Balthasar Chaldese, james Figer, Matrice Burse, Adam Brall, and the Baron of Grinisten. But Aliprande Madruckes being sore wounded in many places, was found half dead among the slain carcases, and taken prisoner. But when the Italian footmen saw the Almains defeated, and the horsemen fled, they using a devise rather needful and profitable (as it afterward appeared) than honourable, fearing the victors, began to get themselves out of danger, and to retire through that low place that I spoke of, but yet still keeping array, and so no strong band of their enemies molesting or pursuing them, they came before midnight unto Asti, whither long before had Lanoy come whole & untouched with his horsemen: but anon after the sun was set, the Marquis came thither wounded a little above the knee with an harquebus shot that went through his steel saddle, as also his helmet was battered with the many blows of horsemen's Malles: but because he wore not at that time the Ensigns of a General, as he was wont to do, but only a black and mean cassock, he was not known of his enemies, and so defending himself with his sword, got out of this bloody broil. But the cause why that the French horsemen did not set upon nor pursue the Italians, we learned, was this: They having lost Terms their Captain, and also being dispersed, had turned themselves to oppress the right wing of their enemies. For when the Spaniards, Seisneches, and lansquenets that had defeated the Gruers, and had pursued them far, returned joyful of their valiant service, and were ignorant of the discomfiture of their fellows, they being suddenly amazed with the sight of that slaughter, and also being in suspense what to do, lighted on the victor Frenchmen, by whom being enclosed as in a pound (the horsemen environing them round, were taken prisoners almost without wound, because the valiant men thought it better in this desperate state to yield to fortune, than to repugn with foolish & deadly pertinacy. There yielded Raimonde of Cardonna, the Camp master, son unto that Raimonde, which was General at the battle of Ravenna, and with him Captains of great mark, john Beaumont, Lewes Ch●xada, Consalres Hernandes, and Chevedes. But the Baron Seisnech getting on horse, escaped the danger, and Charles Gonzaga when he saw the horsemen shamefully flee, that he might not be attainted with the like dishonour, broke in among the French men, and being hurled off from his horse, was taken prisoner. And also Hercules Martinenge, borne of a noble house at Bressa, being incensed with the self same shame, but with harder lot of honourable attempt, lustily thrust into the thick battle of his enemies, with his cornet, as it become one brought up by Guasto, where he was slain, with his brother Attilio. They report that there was stain xii. M. of whom far the most were Almains. And whereas there was in the field almost with equal number on both sides above xl. M. footmen, the victory happened not unto the Frenchmen altogether without blood, namely seeing that their left wing was defeated & put to flight, and divers of the French nobility slain. I heard afterward the Marquis himself say, that he had never thought but that he should have sustained and defeated the force of the French horsemen (which was otherwise to be feared) by his bacquebusiers, as it had happened at the battle of Pavia, and also he did overmatch the enemies their footmen in strength of thick Esquadron. The fruit of this victory was nothing else but the winning of Carignano.   

¶ The Battle of Scrivia in Lombardy, between the Prince of Salerne General for Charles the Emperor, and Peter Strozzi Chieftain for Francis the French king, in Anno. 1544. Out of iovius.  
WHen that the Duke of Anghieu had given the Marquis of Guasto that famons overthrow at Ceresoles, the French king devouring in hope the Duchy of Milan, began to reinforce Anghiers' power, and for that intent sent Peter Strozzi, a banished man of Florence, into Italy, for to take oppe soldiers, the which he did with great speed, hiring about Mirandula seven thousand Italians with his own money, with whom also joined Martinengo a noble man of Bressa, with his company of horsemen, and also Francis Orsins the earl of Petilia, & is. banished men of Naples, the duke of Somma, & the prince of Capazzi, who had levied power in the Roman territory. But when that Strozzi would have passed the Po, the Marquis of Guasto who had gathered together a power, showed himself on the other side of the river ready to impeach his passage, & also sent the prince of Salerne with the greater part of his power to take the straits of the mountain Apennine, that he might not pass that way neither. Whereby he was forced to seek safety by retiring back over the painful mountains. But with in iij. days, the Prince & Strozzi were in sight one of tother at the river of Scrivia, & began straightway to skirmish. But when Strozzi for fear, of the princes horsemen, passed over the river, & withdrew himself to the vineyards that stood on the hanger of an hill, certain of the Prince's bands of footmen took a hill near unto them. The which the Strozzians could not abide, but did set upon them so fiercely, that they put them to flight, and forced them to lose their ensigns, and also to forsake their two pieces of ordinance. Then Strozzi being very joyful of this good success, as though he had seen victory now coming towards him, by the adhortation of Mathewe, a Captain more adventurous than skilful, could not keep in himself, but broke forth out of the vineyards, and cried victory, victory, and sent unto the Captains of Petilians regiment (for he himself being grievously hurt by chance in the leg, stayed at Placentia) for to follow with speedy pace with the rearward, and to be present at the victory begun. Petilians bands who were not ruled by one man, but many, and were obedient not unto the skilfullest Captains: but the noble men of greatest honour, as soon as they heard the cry of victory, could not be kept in, although that Somma and Capezza commanded them to march unto the vineyards in a thick Esquadron, but that they ran forth with loosed ranks, and by their thin array gave occasion unto the horsemen of the enemies to break forth, to the which occasion Salerne failed not rating the horsemen, who a while lingering with infamous sloth, would neither run their horses lustily, as though they were weary, nor courageously charge the Esquadron. When (said he) will ye think that the ignomy lately taken at Ceresolos must be wiped away by some valiant fact, if that ye do not now charge overthwharte the side of this thin Esquadron of the weary enemy marching with loosed ranks? The horsemen blushed, and immediately gave a courageous charge on the enemy, Bartholomewe Grece the Lieutemant of Beleons company being the first that broke forth: the ill closed battalion of the enemies was broken through, and at length the horsemen charging on all parts, and the footmen following, all the Swissers were foully defeated and scattered, with this event, that few being slain, all were almost taken unhurt, the memory of the unbloody wars of our father's being renewed. For the Italians did courteously spare them that yielded, being contented with the spoil. Neither were the Almains and Spaniards present, whose cruel hands reioyeing in slaughter, few had escaped. And also with good lot the two Neapolitan banished Princes, Somma and Capezza, who were in assured danger of death, were let go, when that every soldier thought that the noble men allied by blood unto Guasto and Salerne, were rather gently to be let go, than to be severely delivered unto detestable death by the judgement of Strangers. One only noble man, and he also a young Gentleman of surpassing towardliness, Ulysses Orsino, was stain in the fight with a harquebus shot. Strozzi himself escaped into the near dominions of the friends and confederates of the Frenchmen, with Nicolas the form of the Earl of Perilia, and Flaminio the Earl of Anguillara. This overthrow dashed all the intended attempts of Anghien. This battle was fought in june, and that at Ceresoles in Aprist before.   

¶ The Battle of Locken fought in Saxon, between Charles the fift, Emperor of Rome, and john Frederick Duke of Saxony, in Anno 1547. 24. of April Out of Natalis Comes.  
WHen that the army of the confederale states of the Empise assembled against the force of Charles the fift, their Emperor, who was fore displeased with their straight alliance, was dissolved, and the chief conductors thereof john Frederick Duke and Prince Elector of Saxon, and Philip the Landgrave of Hessen were returned home to defend their own countries: the Emperor passing over the river of Elb, entered Saxony, hasting with his only horsemen to fight with the Duke before he had dispersed his power into his impregnable holds. And in deed the imperials used such celerity, that they were upon the Saxons before that they were ware of them, in so much that when the Imperial anantcurrers were suddenly come so near unto them, that they could not well be set in array, all the Saxon army was fraught full of trembling and fear, and were even upon the prick to flee all away: of so great moment in wars is celerity alone. But whilst that the avant-couriers Imperial being very few in number, stayed for more power, which continually came unto them: the Duke had leisure to set his men in array, but yet not as he was wont, and as the discipline of wars would have it, but as the present necessity requested and permitted. He divided his footmen into two Esquadrons, whom he guarded on both sides with his horsemen, and placed his great ordinance, and his baggage, and carriages in the mids. In the mean time the imperials were so increased, that they doubted not to encounter their enemies, who now marched towards Wittenberg. And first there passed between them light skirmishes, whom the Saxons still marching on their way forced not off: seeing that they did not only stoutly resist them, but also repelled with slaughter such as over hardily pressed upon them. afterward when that the Duke of Alva, the Imperial General was come into sight with a great troop of horsemen, the Saxons fearing by the great cloud of dust that was raised up, that the emperors whole power was come, began to march on a round pace: the which certain of the Imperial light horsemen taking for a kind of flight, gave a great shout, and lustily charged the Saxons: and certain men of arms went about to enclose them on the other side. But a great troop of Saxons arquebusiers on horseback, charged the Imperial horsemen, with so great violence, and so mighty and horrible a storm, that not one of them durst abide, but incontinently turned their backs, and were forced to flee back among the men of arms. These horsemen were taken up in the confines of Hungary, Polove, and Croatia, and had to their Captain Bartholomewe, a Croatian, an old and expert soldier. When that the Saxon understood that his footemens'▪ hearts were a little confirmed through the valour of these horsemen, he commanded that the footmen of the Earl of Bichlinghen, in whom he reposed greatest trust, and the horsemen of john Ponicawe, and Gangulph of Eislinghen should be placed against the front of the enemies, willing them that if they were invaded and charged for to feign that they gave place until that at commodious time the signal of fight should be given. While that the Saxon is doing of this, the Emperor with the King of the romans had overtaken Alva his horsemen: Wherefore his Majesty thinking that opportunity of fight was offered him, whereof he was very desirous, and because that the day was now well spent, he incontinently arranged his power into a vanguard, and a battle. In the vanguard he placed six hundredth Lances to the charge of Maurice Duke of Saxon, six hundredth Hungarian horsemen, and seven hundredth Italian horsemen, and one hundredth arquebusiers on horseback, they being all in number two thousand. He divided them into three troops, the Hungarians stood on the right wing, the Almains on the left, and the Italians in the mids: of the rest of his power he made the battle, the which he divided into two Esquadrons, of whom he committed the one unto the King of the Romans, but the other he led himself: the one consisting of seven hundredth horsemen, and the other of one thousand, part Lances, and part Harbuebusiers on horseback, and willed his soldiers to advance in such order, that the front should be broadest, contrary to the usage of the Almains, who do make their front narrow, and their sides broad. The reason hereof was, because it is not only goodly unto the eye, but also very sure. For in this array a battle cannot so eastlye be enclosed, by reason of the breadth thereof, the which may happen with no great difficulty, if that the Esquadron be narrow. The Saxon had six thousand footmen cast into two Esquadrons, and nine Cornets of horsemen, which was two thousand, six hundredth, and four score horsemen: but be himself riding from rank to rank, provided for all necessaries in all places. And when he saw but only the forward of the imperials, because that the dust did hide the battle, he was in good hope that he should be able very easily for to sustain the force of so few horsemen. But when he was admonished by his Marshal, to go a little on one side, that he might more diligently view them with whom he should fight, he saw also the battle arranged, wherefore understanding that all the Imperial horsemen were come, and also perceiving their array and purpose, he returned unto his host, and determined to take a wood full of Marshes, and very blind narrow paths, thinking that through the benefit thereof, he should be able to prolong the fight until it were night, and then he should be safely shrouded therewith, and commodiously recover Wittenberg. But there was between both the armies so large an open plain, as would suffice for them to fight in, for it was above three hundredth paces long: the which plain, the imperials thought if that they could get, than they should defeat their enemies. Wherefore Alva sent the light horsemen before for to impeach the enemy from taking thereof. But because that the Saxon footmen and two troops of horsemen stood thereupon, the imperials were forced to retire unto their fellows, the exploit unatchieved. But Alva with a stronger troop of Almain horsemen, strengthened the light horsemen, who contrary to his expectation had been repelled, and adhorted the rest to glory and valiance, and greatly were his commandments advanced through the skilfulness of the soldiers, who did execute Martial precepts speedily an exactly. Wherefore they renewing the fight, did so valiantly give the charge on their enemies, that they had almost made them to turn their backs. The Saxon perceiving the faint courage of his men, that he might not be environed on all parts, and the way of his safety taken from him, called a troop of horsemen from the left wing, and commanded them to succour their distressed fellows, and as the shortness of the time would suffer, adhorted them in this manner to retain the stoutness and glory of their ancestors: Unless that ye yourselves (fellow soldiers) did very well know that almost all man's nobility and glory doth consist in Martial matters, it would have been needful for me to declare with many words, that our ancestors got estimation, glory, and empire by none other thing, and I would have revoked into your memory their diume and wonderful acts. But seeing that the straightness of the time doth not bear it, the which doth require fortitude of heart and strength of body, than any eloquent speech: This only thing do I say, that at this time we must fight for all that we have: the conservation whereof, is reposed in only fortitude, and valour of arms. For if we shall play the valiant and stout fellows, as in deed we aught to do, this day will be unto us the happiest day that ever shined, and of greatest memory among all our posterity. For we may (I do not say) defend our goods, country, liberty, religion, wives, children (although that these things are of themselves most dear, and of such price, that for them all perils are to be contemned) neither conserve the recovered principality of Saxony, but with surpassing praise and admiration of all foreign nations, augment the glory of the German name, deliver from thraldom, and make free the Almain Empire, and fear the rest of the enemies of the Germans from ever again vexing of Germany, and finally obtain a glorious and quiet peace for ever. But contrariwise, if we give place to fortune, who is mostly friend unto the hardy, but seldom unto the fearful, we must needs come into the hands of our enemies with extreme shame, and at one time lose all that we have, & possess. By these reasons were the Saxons a little confirmed, who being set in such array as was thought best for that present, the Duke himself stood with his horsemen before his footmen, that they might be confirmed. For he did not a little distrust their prows. In the right wing against the imperials he placed Ernest the Duke of Brunswick with the horsemen of Nicolas Bernarde, and john Segherne, whom he did take to be his best. He gave order, that if the imperials did give any charge in their battles, they should shoot off all their Pistolets and harquebuses at once, and always keeping their array, suffer the invasions of their enemies, and also commanded that no man on pain of death should go out of his place, for he himself would be careful to bring them secure: and thus they fair and softly expected the onset of the imperials. The Saxon himself road hither and thither, opportunely providing and seeing to all things: then he commanded the horsemen and certain arquebusiers to give a charge upon the Imperial light horsemen, that the rest of his footmen might the more commodiously get into the wood, through whose guard they thought they should be safe. But by this time had the Emperor joined with the vanguard of his men, and with few words adhorted his soldiers to attach the battle, crying Saint George, Hispaine, and the Empire. But when all the Imperial troops ran forth together equally fronted, they came unto a dirty plot, where many of the horses did slide, as in a slippery place: wherefore the battle was forced to stay until that the fore ward were passed the slough lest that else both battles should be disordered, and one intermired with another, whereby it came to pass, that they going aside, the avantgard was passed by at that same time that the Saxons gave the charge that I spoke of with very good order, on the light horsemen of the imperials. When that the Emperor saw this opportunity to have a fair day, he sent from the one side men of arms, and from the other the arquebusiers on horseback, and Duke Morrice to charge that part of the Saxons that had before seemed to be the more fearful. The battle was begun in the right wing, where the Saxons discharging their shot altogether, as they had been commanded, the fight seemed at the first to be very cruel. But when that the light horsemen of the Italians and the Hungarians charged them in another part on the side, and would grant the shot no leisure to recharge their pieces again, and in another quarter, the men of arms of Naples, Duke Morrices, and the arquebusiers fiercely urged: they so fervently charged the Saxons on all sides, that the vanguard which had not entered the wood, was opened and scattered. It was marvelous to see within how small a space of time, and as it were in a moment all the army of the Saxons was overthrown & defeated, the light horsemen and the Hungarians pursuing the victory with wondered celerity. The Saxon although he endeavoured opportunely to secure his men, and timely to provide all things: yet when he saw that so great a number of his men were laid on the ground, and overthrown, he determined to save himself by taking the wood, after that he certainly perceived that he was in no wise able to resist with the rest that were left him. But when he was disclosed unto his enemies by one that was taken prisoner, and his Princely port, and almost Kingly majesty did persuade them to believe that it was he in deed: first two Italians pursued him, and although he were valiantly defended by his men, yet at the last, when that more of the imperials came, he was taken prisoner after no small fight by Hippolito a Vientine, who pulled off his head piece, and did put him on an hat, in sign of a prisoner. But when that the imperials came afterward into the wood, they found so many armours and weapons thrown away, and lying on the ground, and so many slain bodies heaped in the ways, that it was a lamentable sight unto their countrymen, some seeing their berthren, other their cousins and friends slain by them, and also it was no small impediment unto the rest to pursue the chase. Moreover, there were such a number of prisoners taken, that many of the imperials led fifty or xx. prisoners a piece with their haudes bound behind them. But because that the imperials seemed to be greatly dispersed for desire of spoil, the which is no small danger in victory, for that unknown aide● may come to the vanquished, and with small labour defeat the scattered victors (a thing which hath often happened) the Emperor commanded the men of arms to be called back, & the retire to be sounded. But incontinently after news was brought unto his majesty that the Saxon was taken. There were stain of the Saxons about ij. M. footmen, & above seven. C. wounded, & more than unto. C. taken, & of horsemen v. C. slain, & far more taken, & yet many Germans were let go by the Germans: of all the army not above iiij. C. horsemen, & so many footmen escaped to Witemberg. Few of mark were slain there were taken beside the Saxon, Ernest the Duke of Brunfwicke, and Charles of Thuring, and two of the Saxon his secretaries: There were also taken xvij. ensigns of footmen, & ix. of horsemen: great store of household stuff, money, and martial furniture, two Culnerings, iiij. Demiculuerings, four Demicanons, and five Falconets. His eldest son john being wounded in two places, was thrown off his horse, but being succoured by his friends, & he that had wounded him being slain, he escaped to Wittenberg. There were slain of the imperials unto the number of five hundredth, because that the fight being begun at eleven of the clock, continued until seven: for the Saxons marched fight fifteen miles from the river of Elbe. After this victory, all Saxony yielded, and also the Landgrave came in, and other Almain states submitted themselves unto the Emperor, who was now absolute victor.   

¶ Muscleborough field fought in Scotland between Edward Duke of Somerset, and james Hamelton Earl of Arraine, Regent's of England and Scotland, during the nonage of Edward and Marie, the Princes of the said Realms, in Anno. 1547. Taken out of William Patens.  
WHen that Marie the young Queen of Scots was not delivered unto the English nobility to be joined in happy marriage with Edward the sixth, the young King of England, according unto faithful promise made: Edward Seimar Duke of Somerset, and Protector of his majesties person and dominions, invaded Scotland the third of September, with an army by land of ten thousand footmen, of whom six hundredth were arquebusiers, s●ure thousand men of arms and demilances, and two thousand light horsemen, and of them two hundredth were hackbutters on horseback, thirteen hundredth pioneers, and fifteen pieces of great ordinance, and a fleet of Lxu. vessels, whereof the Galley, and xxxiiii more were perfectly appointed for the wars, and the residue for munition and victual. The Admiral of this fleet was the Lord Clinton. The ninth of September the Englishmen were encamped within two miles of the Scottish power, levied and led by Iames Earl of Arrane, Governor of Scotland. The next morning the Scots leaving their lodging which was very strong, and of great advantage, and to the intent that aswell none of their soldiers should lurk behind them in their camps, as also that none of their Captains should be able to flee from their enterprise, having caused all their tents to be let flat down to the ground ere they came out, and then all aswell nobles as others (few except) that were not horsemen, appointed to leave their horses behind them, and to march on with their soldiers on foot) hasted towards the Englishmen, who were also marching against them, but neither side any whit ware of the others intent. But the Scots staying a while upon the way, our Galley shot of, and slew the master of Greyme with xxv. near him, and therewith so scared the four thousand Archers brought by the Earl of Arguill, that where (as it was said) they should have been a wing to the forward, they could never after be made to come for ward. Hereupon did their army hastily remove, and from thence declining southward, took their direct way toward an hill called Fauxside Bray. Of this, Sir R●fe Vane Lieutenant of all our horsemen, quickly advertised my Lord Protector: who thereby did readily conceive much of their meaning, which was to win of us the hill, and thereby the wind and the Sun of it had shined, as it did not, for the weather was cloudy and louring. The gain of which three things whether party in fight of battle can hap to obtain, hath his force doubled against his enemy. In all this enterprise they used for haste so little the help of horses, that they plucked forth their ordinance by draft of men, which at this time began freely to shoot of towards us, whereby we were further warned, that they meant more than a fl●rmish. Herewithal began every man to be smitten with the care of his office and charge, and thereupon accordingly to apply himself about it: and also my lords grace, and the Council on horseback as they were, fell straight in consultation. The sharpness of whose circumspect wisdoms, as it quickly espied out the enemies intents: so did it among other things, promptly provide therein to prevent them (as needful it was) for the time as●ed no leisure. Their devise was this: that my Lord Grace of Wilton Martial of the army, and Captain General of all the horsemen, should with his band of Bulloners', and with my Lord Protectors band, and the Earl of Warwick's (Lord Lieutenant of the army) band, all to the number of xviij. C. horsemen on the one half: & Sir Ralph Vane, with Sir Thomas Darcie Captain of the pensioners, and men of arms, and my Lord Fitzwaters, with his band of Demilances, all to the number also of xuj. C. to be ready and even with my Lord Marshal on the west half, and thus all these together afore, to encounter the enemies a front, whereby either to break their array, and that way weaken their power by disorder, or at the lest to stop them of their gate, and force them to stay while our foreward might wholly have the hills side, and our battle and rearward be placed in grounds next that in order, and best for advantage. And after this then, that the same our horsemen should retire up the hills sides to come down in order afresh, and infest them on both their sides, whiles our battles should occupy them in fight a front. The policy of this devise for the state of the case, as it was to all that knew of it, generally allowed to be the best that could be, even so also taken to be of no small danger for my Lord Martial, Sir Ralph Vane, and other the assailers, the which nevertheless, I know not whether it were more nobly or wisely devised of the Council, or more valiantly and willingly executed of them. For even there with good courage taking their leaves of the Counsel, my Lord Martial requiring only that if it went not well with him, my lords grace would be good to his wife and children, he said he would meet the Scots, and so with their bands these Captains took their way towards the enemy. By this were our foreward and theirs within two flight shots a sunder. The Scots basted with so fast a pace, that it was thought of the most part of us they were rather horsemen than footmen: Our men again were led the more with speed. The master of the ordinance Sir Francis Fleming, to our great advantage, plucked up the hill then certain pieces, and soon after planted two or three Canons of them well nigh upon the top there, whereby having so much the help of the hill, he might over our men's heads shoot nighest at the enemy. My Lord Protector (whose peculiar charge of all this voyage, was the conduct of the middle battle) being clad in fair armour, took his way towards the height of the hill, accompanied with no more than Sir Thomas chaloner▪ to tarry by the ordinance, whereas he mought both best survey us all, and secure with aid where most he saw need, and also by his presence be a defence unto the thing that stood weakest in place, and most in danger, the which thereby how much it stood in stead, anon shall I show. But the Scots in the mids of their swift march, were all at a sudden stay, and stood still a good while (the cause whereof is uncertain) and then made hastily towards us again. I know not (to say the truth) whether more stoutly of courage, or more strongly of order, me thought then I might note both in their march. But what after I learned specially touching their order, their armour, and their manner of fight, as well in going to offend, as in standing to defend, I have thought necessary here to utter. Hackbutters had they few or none, and appoint their fight most commonly always on foot. They come to the field well furnished with jacke, skull, Dagger, Buckler, and sword, all notably broad and thin, and of exceeding good temper, and universally so made to slice, that as I never saw none so good, so think I it hard to devise the better, hereto every man his pike, & a great kerchief wrapped twice or thrice about his neck, not for cold, but for entering. In their array toward the joining with the enemy, they cling & thrust so near in the ●ore rank shoulder to shoulder together, with their pikes in both hands straight afore them, and their followers in that order so hard at their backs laying their Pikes over their foreg●ers shoulders, that if they do assail undissevered, no force can well withstand them. Standing at defence, they thrust shoulders likewise so nigh together, the forerankes well nigh to kneeling, stoop low before for their fellows behind, holding their Pikes in both hands, and therewith in their left their Bucklers, the end of the Pike against their right foot, the other against the enemy, breast high, their followers crossing their Pike points with them forward, and thus each with other so nigh, as place & space will suffer, through the whole ward, so thick, that as easily shall a bore finger péerce through the skin of an angry Hedgehog, as any encounter the front of their Pikes. My Lord Marshal notwithstanding, whom no danger detracted from doing of his enterprise, with the company and order afore appointed, came full in their faces from the hills side, with present mind and courage continuing their course toward the enemy. And my lords grace also at his place furiously tempested aloft with the ordinance. The enemies were in a fallow field, whereof the furrows lay sideling toward our men: By the side of the same furrows next us, and a stones cast from them, was there a crossedich, or slough, which our men must needs pass to come to them, wherein many that could not leap over, stack fast, to no small danger of themselves, and some disorder of their fellows. The enemies perceiving our men fast approach, disposed themselves to abide the brunt, and in this order stood still to receive them. The Earl of Anguish next us in the forward, as Captain of the same with an eight thousand, and four or five pieces of ordinance on his right side, and four hundredth horsemen on his left: behind him somewhat westward, the Governor, with x. M. inland men (as they call them) the choicest men counted of their country. And the Earl Huntley in the rearward, wellnigh even with the battle on the left hand, with eight thousand also. The four thousand Irish archers as a wing unto them both, last in deed in order, and first (as they said) that ran away. These battles and rarewarde were warded also with ordinance according. Edward Shelley Lieutenant under my Lord Grey, of his band of Bulleners, was the first on our side that was over this slough, my Lord Grey next, and so then after two or three ranks of the former bands. But badly yet could they make their race, by reason the furrows lay traverse to their course. That notwithstanding, and though also they were nothing likely well to be able thus a front to come within them to hurt them, as well because the Scottish men's pikes were as long, or longer than their staves, as also for that their horses were all naked without bards, whereof though there were right many among us, yet not one put on, forasmuch as at our coming forth in the morning, we looked for nothing less than for battle that day, yet did my Lord and Shelley with the residue, so valiantly and strongly give the charge upon them, that whether it were by their prows, or power, the left side of the enemies that his Lordship did set upon (though their order remained unbroken) yet was compelled to sway a good way back, and give ground largely, and all the residue of them beside, to stand much amazed. Before this, as our men were wellnigh at them, they stood very brave and bragging, shaking their Pike points, crying, come here Loundes, come here Tykes, come here Heretics, and such like opprobrious words: Our Captains that were behind, perceiving at eye, that both by the unevenness of the ground, by the sturdy order of the enemy, and for that their fellows were so nigh, and straight before them, they were not able to any advantage to maintain this onset: did therefore according to the devise in that point appointed, turn themselves, and made a soft retire up toward the hill again. Howbeit, to confess the truth, some of the number that knew not the prepensed policy of the counsel in this case, made of a sober abvised retire, an hasty temerarious flight. My Lord Marshal, Edward Shelley, little Preston, Brampton, and Gerningham, Bulleners, Ratcliff, the Lord Fitzwater's brother, Sir john Cleres' son and heir, Digges of Kent, Ellerker a pensioner, Segraue. Of my Lord Protectors band, my Lord Edward his Grace's son, Captain of the same band, Stanley, Wodhouse, Conisbie, Hergill, Morris, Dennis, Arthur, and Atkinson, with the other in the fore rank, were not able in this earnest assault both to tend to their fight afore, and to the retire behind: the Scots again well considering hereby how weak they remained▪ ran sharply forward upon them, and without any mercy slew every man of our men that abode furthest in press, and a six me (of Bulloners' and other) than I have here named, in all to the number of xxuj. and most part gentlemen. My Lord Grey yet, and my Lord Edward (as some grace was) returned. again, but neither all in safety, nor without evident marks they had been there: for the one with a Pike through the mouth was razed a long from the tip of the tongue, & thrust that way very dangerously more than two inches within the neck, & my L. Edward had his horse under him with swords wounded sore, & I think to death. Like as also a little before this onset sir Thomas Darcie upon his approach to the enemies, was stricken glancing wise on the right side, with a bullet of one of the field pieces, & thereby his body bruised with the bowing in of his harness, his sword hilts broken, and the forefinger of his right hand beaten flat: even so upon the parting of this fray, was sir Arthur slash at with swords, & so hurt upon the wedding finger of his right hand also, as it was counted for the first part of curing to have it quite cut away. About the same time certain of the Scots ran out hastily to the king's majesties standard of the horsemen (the which sir Andrew Flammake bore) & laying fast hold upon the staff thereof, cried a king, a king, that if both his strength, his heart, & his horse had not been good, & hereto somewhat aided at this pinch by sir Ralph Coppinger a pensioner, both he had been slain, & the standard lost, which the Scots nevertheless held so fast, that they broke and bore away the neither end of the staff to the burrell, and intended so much to the gain of the standard, that sir Andrew (as hap was scaped home all safe, and else without hurt. At this business also was my Lord Fitzwater's captain of a number of demilances unhorsed, but soon mounted again, scaped, yet in great danger, and his horse all hewn. Hereat further were Caverley the standard bearer of the men of arms, and Clement Paston a pensioner, thrust each of them into the leg with pikes, and Don Philip a Spaniard in the knee. divers other maimed and hurt, and many horses wounded beside. By this time had our foreward accordingly gotten the full advantage of the hills side, and in respect of their march, stood sidelong toward the enemy, who nevertheless were not able in all parts to stand full square in array, by reason that at the west end of them upon their right hand, and toward the enemy, there was a square plot enclosed with turf (as their manner of fencing in those parts is) one corner whereof did let the square of the same array. Our battle in good order next them, but so as in continuance of array, the former part thereof stood upon the hills side, the tail upon the plain, and the rearward led by the Lord Dakers of the north wholly upon the hill: so that by the placing and countenance of our army in this wise, we showed ourselves in a manner to compass them in, that they should no way scape us, the which by our power and number we were as well able to do, as a Spider's web to catch a swarm of Bees. These undiscrete gadlings that so fondly brake array from the horsemen in the retire (as I said) ran so hastily through the orders and ranks of our fore ward, as it stood, that it both there disordered many, feared many, & was a great encouraging of the enemy. The earl of Warwick who had the guiding of our fore ward, right valiantly had conducted the same to their standing, & there did very nobly encourage and comfort them, bidding them pluck up their hearts, and show themselves men, for there was no cause of fear. But to return unto the Scots, they were somewhat disordered with their coming out about the slaughter of our men, the which they did so earnestly then intend, that they took not one to mercy: but more they were amazed at this adventurous & hardy onset. My Lord's grace having before this for the causes aforesaid, placed himself on this Fau●siae Bray, & thereby quickly perceiving the great disorder of these strag●ng horsemen, hemmed the in from further straying, who sir ●●se Va●e soon after with great dexterity brought in good order again, & therewith the rest of our strengths by the policy of my Lord's grace, & diligence of every captain & officer beside, were so aptly applied in their feat, that where this repulse of the enemy & retire of us, was doubted of many to turn to the danger of our less, the same was wrought (according as it was devised) to our gain and victory. For first at this slough where most of our horsemen had stood, sir Peter Meutas captain of all the hackbutters afoot, did very valiantly conduct & place a good number of his men in a manner at the faces of the enemies. Whereunto sir Peter Gamboa a Spaniarde, Captain of two HUNDRED hackbutters on horseback, did readily bring his men also, who with the hot continuance of their shot on both parts, did so stoutly stay the enemies, that they could not come further forward: then our archers that marched in array on the right hand of our footmen, and next to the enemy, pricked them sharply with arrows as they stood. Therewith the master of the ordinance to their great annoyance, did gall them with hayleshot, and other out of the great ordinance directly from the hill top; and certain other gunner's with their pieces a flank from our rearward: most of our artillery and missive engines then wholly thus at once with great puissance and vehemency occupied about them, here with the full sight of our footmen, all shadowed from them before by our horsemen, and dust raised, whom then they were ware in such order to be so near upon them: and to this, the perfect array of our horsemen again coming courageously to set on them a fresh. The miserable men perceiving themselves, then all to late, how much too much they were misinformed, began suddenly to shrink. Their governor that brought them first to the bargain, like a doughty Captain, took hastily his horse, that he might run foremost away. The Earl of Anguish and other chief Captains did quickly follow as their Governor led, and with the foremost their Irishmen. Therewith then turned all the whole rout, cast down their weapons, ran out of their wards, off with their jacks, and with all that ever they might, betook them to the race that their governor began. Our men had found them at the first, and sharply and quickly with an universal outerie, they flee, they flee, pursued after in chase amain, and thereto so eagerly, and with such fierceness, that they overtook many, and spared in deed few. Before this, at the time of our onset came there Eastward five hundredth of their horsemen up along this Fauxside ●raye, straight upon our ordinance and carriage. My lords grace (as I said) most specially for the doubt of the same, placing himself thereby, caused a piece or two to be turned toward them: with a few shots whereof they were soon turned also, and fled to Dakith. But to return unto the Scottish chase, it was continued with blood and slaughter five miles in length, westward from the place of their standing, which was in the fallow fields of Vndreske until Edinburgh Park, and wellnigh to the gates of the town itself, and unto Lyth, and in breadth nigh four miles from the Frith sands up toward Dakith southward. In all which space, the dead bodies lay as thick as a man may note cattle grazing in a full replenished pasture. And for the smallness of our number, and shortness of the time (which was scant five hours (from one wellnigh unto six) the mortality was so great, as it was thought the like afore time not to have been seen. In deed it was the better maintained with their own sword that lay each where scattered by the way, whereof our men as they had broken one, still took up another, there was store enough, and they laid it on freely, that right many among them at this business broke three or four ere they returned homeward to the army. There were thus slain in field, of Scots xiii. thousand of the which number (as we were certainly informed by sundry and the best of the prisoners then taken) beside the Earl of Loghemwor, the Lord Fleming, the Master of Greym, the master of Arskin, the master of Ogleby, the master of Auendale, the master of Roven, and many other of noble birth among them: there were of lords and lords sons, and other Gentlemen slain, above xxuj. C. and xv. C. were taken prisoners, among whom were there of name, the Earl Huntley Lord chancellor of the Realm there, the Lord of Yester, Hobbie, Hambleton Captain of Dunbarre, the master of Sampoole, the Lard of Wimmes, and a brother of the Earl of Casselles. Two M. by lurking and lying as though they were dead, scaped away in the night all maimed and hurt. Herewith won we of their weapons and armour more than we would vouchsafe to give carriage for, and yet were they conveyed thence by ship into these parts, of jacks specially, and swords above thirty. M. The camp also was taken well replenished with their simple victuals, and also some pieces of plate and chalices were found. After this my lords grace took the town of Lyth, with thirteen vessels in the haven, the which he burned with the town, brought under the English obedience all Tividale, and their marches, all the lords and Gentlemen thereof coming in, and swearing fealty, and within the mids of the land did win (and placed there garrisons) S. Colmes Ince, and Broughtie crag, a place of great importance standing at the mouth of the river of Tey, whereby all the use of the river might be cut from Saint john's town, Dundee, and many other towns in those parts. And upon Michaelmas day returned over the Twede, with loss not of above lx. men.   

¶ The Battle of Weser fought in Saxony by Morrice Duke and Prince Elector of Saxony and his confederates, against Albert Marquis of Brandenburg, in Anno. 1553. Out of Natalis sins.  
WHen that Albert one of the collateral line of the house of Brandenburg, raged with a great power through Franklande, and Saxony, sparing neither friend nor foe, he brought his faithful friend Morris Duke of Saxon in his top, who being aided by the power of Ferdinand king of the Romans, Henry the Duke of Brunswick, Philip the Lantgrane of Hessen, the Bishops of Wirtzpurg, and Bamberg, the city of Nuremberg, and other, did by taking of a straight, force Albert to fight. The wind blue with Albert, which doth somewhat help in fight, and also he had taken a little hill that stood in the plain, and  the great ordinance was shot off on both sides, but with small detriman● of either army. But although that Albert was inferior unto his enemies in horsemen, yet he was very well furnished with eighteen goodly Cornets of horsemen, and in footmen did much overmatch them. The hosts began to draw near one unto the other by little and little, and suddenly a most cruel battle was begun, they fight on both sides with great valour and courage. In the mids of the fight, Albert commanded the best of his horsemen to charge four Cornets of Morris his men of arms, the which was done, both parties approaching one so near unto the other, that for lack of room they could not break their Lances. The shot encountered together with noble courage, singular prows, and incredible alacrity and charefulnesse. But at the last, Albert being invaded on all parts, and weakened through the great slaughter and discomfiture of his men, was forced to seek safety by flight, and fleeing with only eight horsemen, left his defeated people, his ordinance, furniture, and baggage unto the merciless usage of his enemies. This battle which was begun in the morning early, continued almost until night, and was fought in a plain that lieth between the Duchies of Brunswick and Lunenburg: in the which battle were taken liiij. ensigns of footmen, and fifteen of horsemen, & there were slain iiij. M. horsemen, and many footmen. There were taken on Albert his side, of noble men, the Earl of Warenberg, and Nicolas Berney, and many other slain. On Morris his part were slain, Charles Victor, and Philip Magnus, sons of Henry Duke of Brunswick, and many other noble men. Many ensigns of albert's power were saved, by reason of the great woods that were near at hand, and also of the speedy approach of the night. But Morris himself being shot into the body at the battle with a Pistolet, died the next day. There were some that thought he was not wounded by his enemies, but by one of his own familiars, to whom he had done reproach in former time, the revenge whereof he deferred until this commodious time. This one adverse battle did so break the power of Albert, that whereas before he was invincible, a terror unto all germany, and spoiled all states at his pleasure, he was never afterward able to do any thing, but being anon after again overthrown in fight with his small power, by Henry the Duke of Brunswick, was turned out of all his dominions, and forced to die in banishment.   

¶ The Battle of Martiano, fought in the territory of Seine in Italy, between john james, Marquis of Marignano, General for Charles the u Emperor of Rome, and Peter de Strozzi Chieftain for Henry the second, King of France, Anno. 1553. Out of Natalis Comes.  
ANno domini. 1553. Henry the French king to molest the Emperor Charles in Italy, sent Peter Strozzi a banished Florentine, and one of the Marshals of France, to take into his protection the noble city of Seine, and to his uttermost to endamage Cosmo the Duke of Florence, a faithful favourer of the Emperor. Which caused Charles to send the Marquis of Marinian his Lieutenant in Milan, with a power to besiege Seen, the which he was forced to discontinue, when Strozzi invaded the dominions of the Florentine, whom the Marquis sought by all means to defend: and made Strozzi to retire again into Seine, out of the which he came again, after that his power was so augmented, that he had two thousand Gascoignes, and so many Swissers, two thousand five hundredth Lansquenets, six thousand Italians, and about one thousand horsemen, with intent not to refuse to join in battle with the imperials, if that any good occasion should be offered, although that they were xiv. thousand footmen of Italians, Spaniards, and Almains, and one thousand five hundredth horsemen, partly men of arms, and partly light horsemen. Between these two hosts passed many bloody skirmishes, and namely one upon the xxviii. of july, in the which continuing ten hours, were one thousand and two hundredth slain on the French side: and of the imperials above four hundredth. But when both armies had long lodged very near one unto another, they were in great distress for water, for the which they must continually fight when either men or horses needed it. Moreover, the soldiers being pinched with penury of victuals, & tired with the continual toil of skirmishing (the armies lodging so near together) many wearied with this warfare, dropped away out of the camps by little & little, so that both armies began thereby to be much weakened. Then the Marquis of Marinian made proclamation that all men that would departed from the French camp, should have safe passage through the Duchy of Florence, and if they would serve the Emperor, they should have better entertainment than the French king gave them. And like kind of liberal promises did Strozzi also cause to be published. On the first of August they skirmished again, in the which conflict both the horsemen and the footmen of the imperials having the better, struck no small terror into the hearts of the Frenchmen. But when Strozzi saw that by the Italians their sliding away from him, he was brought to weak for his enemy, he went about by little and little to withdraw his host out of danger, sending his carriages and ordinance before: but yet so, that he would not only not seem to fléee, but also of his own accord to offer the battle unto his enemies, the which yet he thought he should avoid, because it was so near night. But his counsels being known of the imperials, were infringed by them, for they incontinently followed him in array of battle, and light arquebusiers were sent before to haggle on the backs and tail of the Frenchmen, and to hinder their march until that the Imperial horsemen could overtake them, who were gone forth unto the river of Thiane for water. The Marquis eagerly pursuing and following Strozzi, thus ordered his army: He did cast the Almains into a square battle, placing the Spaniards under the conduct of john de Luna in the left wing, and the Italians in the right. But the Earl of San Fioria stood with all the Horsemen on the left side at the foot of the hill called women's hill, over right against the French horsemen. But thus were the French battles arranged: A thick battalion of Italian footmen stood upon the women's hill directly against the Spaniards, an other of Gascoignes and Frenchmen, and a third of Swissers, the horsemen were set opposite to the Imperial horsemen, and were guarded with seven hundredth arquebusiers. Strozzi had before him Martiano, behind him Luciano, on his left hand Fogliano, and on his right divers other towns. When both the armies stood thus arranged in order of battle, and the Marquis was doubtful whether he should try the fortune of the battle that day or not, he was impelled through many reasons, and specially by the Spaniards, to determine to fight: wherefore after he had given the signal, he got him unto the rearward. For seeing he fought almost against his will, he thought if that any ill luck happened, he would provide for his own safety: but if that all things succeeded well, than he would encourage his soldiers to follow the victory. As soon as the signal of the battle was given, the Conte of San Fiora passing over a ditch that ran along the plain, gave the charge on the French horsemen, who were all led by the Earl of Mirandula. They fight fiercely on both sides, but the French men being inferior in number, and also overmatched by reason of the strength of the men of arms, although they were guarded with arquebusiers, were put to slight and defeated, the which happened, because that Bighet fled with the chief guydon as soon as ever the enemy gave the onset. When this had happened sooner than could be credited, San Fiora fearing that there was some ambush laid, would not at the first suffer his horsemen to pursue his fleeing enemies, as the reason of the victory required. But afterward when he certainly understood that it was a true slight and not a feigned, he granted his horsemen leave to follow the enemy in chase, which when Strozzi saw, he utterly casting away all hope of the horsemen, and their repairing of the fight, seeing that the pursuing of the imperials would grant them no place to strengthen their course, and to stay and stand, and understanding that he should be environed round about on all parts, if he did come down into the plain, but on the other side, if that he stood still on the hill, he should be very greatly annoyed by the ordinance of the enemies, and besieged, he of necessity determined to adventure a pitched field. And because the straightness of the place did so require, he reduced his three battles into one battle, for that at neither side there was any use of arquebusiers, who had in their often skirmishes spent all their powder, and emptied their flasks. The imperials standing still, expected the coming & charge of the French men, and namely seeing the French footmen and Swissers came forward very lustily and courageously, the imperials used the benefit of a good deep ditch that ran cross the plain, near unto the bank whereof, they placed their foremost ranks: for it was judged that they which should first pass over the ditch, would come into great difficulties, and give an easy victory unto their enemy, by reason of the going down and climbing up again of the ditch. Now seeing that matters of very great importance are set before wise chieftains, as the glory of their armies, Empire, the safety of their subjects, and all human felicity, they ought to be most circumspect in all things that do appertain unto their honour, and the safety of their people, and to provide and foresee that those things which are profitable and good for them, if that they cannot get themselves, yet then at the lest to be sure that they suffer not their enemy to have them, because that the commodities of the enemy, do redound unto their calamities. For the which effect, the natures and dispositions both of his own soldiers, and of the enemies are to be known, their counsels and devices to be learned out, their weapons and martial furniture to be understood, and their art in setting their men in array, and the nature of the place must be viewed: of the which things if that any one be not well known, or neglected, oftentimes it bringeth all the whole state into very great danger. For there is nothing so perilous as an host arranged in battle against the nimie, for a very light matter, yea and a very small and vain false rumour may make them to turn their backs, and flee. But to return unto the battle, the Frenchmen as they are of nature prove to fight, and ready to adventure all warlike dangers to win glory: being nothing at all stayed with the difficulty of the ditch, go down into it for to give the onset on the imperials. The vanguard, and specially the foremost ranks which consisted of the most chosen bands of the whole army, was put to flight. The difficulty of this ditch took the victory almost out of the hands of the Frenchmen, and gave it without blood unto the imperials: although that the Frenchmen charging the Imperial Italians, had defeated the left wing. Then the Marquis fearing lest that all his battles would have the like ill hap, mounting on his horse, got him unto an hill on the back of all the host, where he might see in what state his army stood. But anon after when he saw the French battle that had discomfited his left wing, being enclosed round by the Spaniards, the Almains, and the Florentines to be defeated, and chief through the valour of the Spaniards, who fought worthily that day, he returned again unto his men, to incite them to fight. Thus the most flourishing army of Strozzi, the which a little before was a terror unto all Tuscan, the which hovered over the walls of the city of Florence, the which threatened slaughter, captivity and fire unto all the towns of the Florentine Duchy, was in short time overthrown and destroyed, the Italians fleeing, and the horsemen being discomfited, afflicted, and put to flight through that ditch, whereby it may plainly appear in how slipper a place man's state standeth, which is subject unto frail and fickle Fortune's pleasure. But whereas in all matters it is convenient, that men placed in chief charge avoid errors and dotings, then most specially in martial affairs, in whom, yea a small error of the Chieftain doth draw with it the ruins of Cities and Countries. There were slain in this battle about four thousand men, and many also were killed with intolerable heat, and many stifled for thirst, and they for the greatest part were Frenchmen and Swissers. For the field was foughten the seconds of August. There were taken about an hundredth ensigns of footmen and horsemen, and divers field pieces. There were also taken prisoners by the imperials two thousand of the enemies. There were slain of men of the greatest mark, the Lord Wale●o●, the Colonel of the Swissers, with all his petty captains & ensignebearers, Reuer●ce the colonel of the Almains that were with the Swissers, & john Bentinogli. Of French captains, Cablas, Conbasse, & john de Ville. Many of the Italians Captains & all the Captains and Ensignbearers of the Almains There were also taken Seignour Forques Galeazzo Bentivogli, Earl of Gaiazzo, Paul Orsini, Turchett● Agabito, and Bartholomewe Murena, and many Captains and Ensignebearers. But Strozzi himself, and Aur●li● Fregoso, a man of great authority and nobility, escaped to Monte Aleino, but yet wounded with shot. After this overthrow, the greatest part of the towns of the Senese territory yielded, and anon after, the city of Seine itself, when the Citizens could hold out no longer for famine.   

¶ The Battle fought at Saint Quintines in France, between Anne montmorency high Constable of France, & General for Henry the French King, and Emanuel Philibert Duke of Sau●y, Lieutenant General for Philip King of Spain, in Anno. 1557. Out of Natalis C●mes.  
WHen Emanuel Philibert Duke of Sau●y, Lieutenant General for Philip the king of Spain, besieged the town of Saint Quintines in Vermandois, with thirteen thousand horsemen, forty thousand footmen, and eight thousand pioneers. Henry the second, the French king, being moved with the danger of the town which was unprovided of men, munition, and victuals, to withstand so great a power, sent montmorency the Constable with an army wherein was almost all the nobility of France, and twenty thousand footmen, and four thousand horsemen, and twenty pieces of ordinance, to relieve the town with men, munition, & all other things needful. The Constable being come within xv. miles of the town, sent before ij. M. horsemen, who after they had vaunted themselves about noon unto the enemy on a small hill, they commanded certain to try the ford of the river which they must pass, the which was so narrow, the not above vj. horsemen could pass over at once: but in other places they could not pass the river for the guards of the Spaniards. When the Duke of Savoy understood that the Frenchmen had found the ford, he sent a great number of arquebusiers to keep it. But the third day after, which was the feast of S. Laurence, the same horsemen but many more in number, with many footmen, showed themselves again unto the Spaniards, who could not by reason of the iniquity of the place, perceive what number they were: but the Frenchmen determined to pass over the river, having brought with them for that purpose small boats & bridges. The French ordinance began to shoot off upon the Spaniards, & not without their great damage, and the boats began to take the water, to transport the French soldiers, whom the Spanish arquebusiers, unto whom was sent a fresh supply of four hundredth, did much annoy. Then the Duke also determined to pass over the river, (the which was three miles from the town) and to fight with the enemy, after that he had by very faithful espies learned the number of the Frenchmen. Wherefore the matter being communicated with the Conte Egmont, who was one of the chief of the nobility of the low Country for lands, birth, and authority, and also not unskilful in Martial affairs, and with other of the nobility, it was resolved that this present occasion should not be let slip, seeing that their enemy was inferior unto them both in number and strength, Egmont was commanded to pass over the river with one thousand horsemen of Burgonions and Spaniards, and Ernest and Ericke Dukes of Brunswick should back him with their two thousand and u hundredth horsemen: after whom the Conte Mansfeld followed with eight hundredth Pistolets, and then the Conte Horn with one thousand men men of arms of Gelder's, and with him about a thousand of other men of arms of divers bands, passed over the river, and also some light horsemen, so that they were in all about seven thousand horsemen. They were not so soon over the water, but Egmont ranged his soldiers against the Constable, who was come thither to divert the Spaniards, and to molest them with skirmishes, until that in another quarter relief might be sent into the town, for that was the Constable's intent, the which when he had done, he determined to retire back in array of battle, and to save himself through the benefit of the hills. And in deed by this skirmishing with the Spaniards, he opened opportunity unto three hundredth footmen to enter the town: but when he saw that Egmontes horsemen, and afterward the whole army were passed the river, he began to draw back by little and little towards the hills, skirmishing with the Spanish light horsemen, who endeavoured to hinder their flight, until that all the Spanish horsemen were come, and all the footmen had passed over the river. When the French men had given back a little way, they were forced by the imminent danger to stay, and to set their men in array of battle: But Egmont who saw that assured victory was offered him, after that he had stayed a little while, not thinking it good to omit the present occasion, gave a charge upon the greater troop of the French horsemen with incredible valour, being backed by the Dukes of Brunswick with one thousand pistolets, he admonisheth Ernest Duke of Brunswick, whom the Earley of Horn, Mau●felt, and Hochstrat should follow, to give the charge on an other troop of two thousand French men of arms. Ernest with surpassing courage ran upon the French troop, who met him with like fortitude and constancy of heart, and at the first sustained the Spanish force with so great prows, that they had almost put them to flight. Thus they fought very fiercely on both sides, and many were slain, but at length the Frenchmen being overcome by the number of panish horsemen that still increased, were forced to retire unto their footmen by little and little, but when Egmont and the rest of the nobility followed them fiercely, they came unto the footmen, who standing close together in thick Esquadron, strongly sustained the shock of the Spaniards. When that the fight had been long time doubtful, the Duke of Savoy, sent a fresh troop of horsemen, and willed Egmont: to give a charge upon the footmen, and not to abuse the benefit of fortune, who had offered so easy and assured victory: for if he should make any stay, he thought that thereby the victory would slide away, and be wrested out of their hand, because that the enemy having by these means leisure granted them, might gather together, and rely their strength, and c●nstr●●● their horsemen, who were almost defeated. When they had thus fought long, and on the one side Egmont invaded valiantly; and on the other, the Frenchmen resist stoutly: at the last, the Frenchmen fled, and reposed all hope of safety in the witness of their feet, whom Egmont and the rest speedily pursued and quite defeated all the French power. There were taken of the Frenchmen, the Constable, hurt in the thigh with a Pistolet, the Dukes of Longuile and Montpensier hurt in the head, the Marshal of Saint Andrew, Lewes, brother to the Duke of Mantua, Vassy, Gurton, Roth du Maine, the Ringraffe. Colonel of the French Lansquenets, & all these were of the order: the Conte Rochfocaul●, the lords O●eg●y, two Birons, Monbrun, and Merne, (being two sons of the Constable) and a great number more. Finally, about two thousand of Noblemen and Gentlemen, and of all sorts of soldiers, to a four thousand, fifty two ensigns of footmen, eighteen guidons of men of arms, and xx. of light horsemen, xx. pieces of ordinance, of whom ten were battering pieces, the rest field pieces, iij. C. wagons laden with martial furniture and provision, with a great number of horses. There were slain of Frenchmen, to the number of six thousand: among whom men of great mark were john Duke of Anghieu, brother unto the king of ●●au●rre, the Vicont Touraine, nephew unto the Constable, and the lords Campoden●ie, Ey●●ie, Galan, Plenot, Gelot, and many other noble men. There escaped the Dukes of Nevers and Montmor●ncie, the Prince of Condie, the earl of Sanxerre, the Lord Burdelion, and great number of other noble men. But on the Spanish part were slain somewhat above one thousand, among whom were of name Binicourt the master of the Camp, two noble men of German, and divers other, and the Conte Mansfels was hurt in the thigh, and Monbrey in the knee. After this victory, the Spaniards wan Saint Quintines, Haron, and chastelet, and freely ranged about in those parts all that Summer without any impeachment.   

¶ The Battle fought at graveling in Flaunders between Monsieur de Termes Generalt for Henry the second, King of France, and the Conte Egmont chieftain for Philip the king of Spain, in Anno. 1558. Taken out of the Commentaries of Lewes Guicciardine.  
Hot wars continuing still between France and Flanders, Henry the French K. in june in Anno. 1558. sent from Calais Monsieur de Termes, a valiant and expert Captain, one of the order, and captain of Calais, with an army of almost nine thousand footmen, and a thousand and five hundredth horsemen to road and waste the confines of Flanders. With this army he passing over the river of Ha', defeated a multitude of peysants, and certain hands of sduldiours that went about to impeach his passage, and then leaving graveling and Burburg on his back, he s●denly by assault took Lunkirke, a town on the sea coast six leagues from Calais, and after he had sacked it, and left a garrison therein, he went further into the country, wretchedly wasting with fire and sword, even unto Newpo●t. To repress this ●a●ing of ●●●●e●, Philip. the King of Spain, and Duke of Burgen▪ 〈◊〉 the ●a●●● of Eagerly▪ unto Flaunders, who joining at graveling with Monsieur Binic●urt the Camp master, and sending for the soldiers that lay in garrison at Be●●une, Saint Omers, Are, Burburg, and other towns adjoining, and also receiving a supply of soldiers from the Duke of Savoy, Lieutenant general for the King of all his low countries, and armies therein, within few days gathered together an army of twelve thousand footmen, and three thousand horsemen, besides almost an infinite number of pcysants, who being enraged for the loss of their goods, and wasting of their lands, flocked thick and three fold from all parts unto the camp, part armed, and part unarmed. In the mean time Termes having drawn back his power unto Dunkirk, because he was cruelly molested with the gout, and smelling out that a shrewd turn was meant him, commanded the army to departed from Dunkirk, and to encamp within a league of graveling, that he might be the nearer unto Calais. But as soon as he had intelligence that a great power of the enemies were suddenly gathered together, & that Egmont was their general, he neglecting his torment of the gout, called for his horse, & road incontinently unto the camp, the which was pitched in a commodious and well defenced place. Nor long after, Egmont and Binicourt came in sight with their army arranged in order of battle, & with haughty hearts lodged within an harquebus shot of the Frenchmen, and with incredible ferocity skirmished with them in all quarters. Then Terms calling the Captains together that same night, because he saw that he was far overmatched in number of soldiers, and he was environed in his enemies land, as it were with an euclosure of infestuous towns, & that the power of the Burgonions did daily increase, he concludeth to flee back unto Calais the next day along the sea sands when it was low water, & so to escape by the benefit of nature. At the which opportunity, the Frenchmen, as they had before determined, came hofully unto the mouth of the river of Ha', where it runneth into the sea above graveling, & now it being low water, easily passed over the river. On the other side as soon as Egmont understood of this flight of the Frenchmen, h●spéedily passed over the river beneath the town, that he might stop the passage of the fleeing enemy. This was done the xiii. of july. Then he met with the enemy on the front about Calais since, and in the sight of graveling: Here when Terms saw that he was intercluded from his intended journey, he serving the time, wholly prepared to fight, and when the broad sealaye on the one side of him, but on the other a plain without any tree, bush, hill, or any other impediment, and he coveted to have the place of most advantage, as much as might be, he arranged his host in this order: he deflected all his army on the right hand northward, on the which quarter the sea flowed, and therefore did well defence the one side, but on the left hand southward, he did set the wagons for a trench, and his back was guarded with the river of Ha. So that the Frechmen being safe on all other sides, lay open unto the Burgonions only at the front, where before their ranks they placed all their ordinance, which were six Culnerings, and three Falcons, yet so, that large spaces were left between for the horsemen: that by this means, both the ordinance, and also the incursions of the horsemen might at once infest the enemies, both sides of which horsemen were flanked with Gascons arquebusiers. The rear ward and third battle consisted of Frenchmen and lansquenets, who stood at the backs of the horsemen with blended ranks, Lansquenets and Frenchmen together, that they might secure their fellows, if that need should be. But although that Egmont had no ordinance (which had been left behind, that they might march the more speedily) yet he not greatly forced that his enemies did therein overmatch him, for he trusted chiefly in prows and valour. He then knowing that the enemies had bewrayed their fear by their premeditated flight, & that they meant to drive away with them a mighty booty, communicating his devise with the captains, determineth incoutinently to fight, lest the Termes might else scape out of his hand by the coming of fresh aid, nothing regarding the common Prove thee: that we must not only give way unto our sheing enemy, but also make a want for him. Egmont encouraging his soldiers to fight, doth thus arrange them. He divideth all the horsemen into five troops, commanding the light horsemen to ride before in three troops, of whom the Earl of Pontevaules' a Fleming, governed the right wing, and Eriques a Biscaian the left: but the middle battle Egmont reserved for himself. Behind the light horsemen followed & troop of Reisters with Pistolets, and then a troop of men of arms of the low Countrymen, a certain space being left between either of the battles. Then were all the footmen divided into three hattels: the footmen were high Almains, Nederlanders, whose regiment was greatest, and certain bands of old Spanish footmen: they were led by their Colonels, Hilmaner of Mumchausen, Binicourt, and Caruatal The army being thus arranged, Egmont cried out with a loud voice, we have vanquished: All that have regard of their own praise, or the glory of their country, let him follow me, and setting their spurs unto their horses, run in with me among the thickest of our enemies. And suddenly as soon as he had spoken the word, be giving the signal, ran forth. The prepared Frenchmen do manfully sustain the charge of the Burgonions, and with their ordinance commit great: slaughter in the foremost ranks, so that Egmont's borse fell down under him. But the Burgonions being nothing appalled with this chance, valiantly insist in their enterprise, & are carried with all their whole strength upon the c●imie, by the admonishment and impulsion of Egment. Incontinently all the hattels on both sides join together, they fight with sword, lances, pikes, harquebuses, pistolets, halberds, & all other weapons. The troops of horsemen encounter one the other, & so likewise the footmen: finally they fight with handstrokes, setting foot to foot: whether this happened by chance, or whether it was provided by the industry of the captains, certes it seemed a strange and also a marvelous thing, yea unto those that were skilful in martial affairs, who did plainly say, that it had not happened in our age, that any battle was fought with such equality of all ranks, and orders, and weapons, and joined together in such indifferent sort. Thus they fought very sharply a long and doubtful battle. For although the Lansquenets stood still, and fought not, yet the valour of the Gascons footmen was so great, that they supplied the other's dastardy, & with their strength sustained almost all the brunt and force of the battle: for the Lansquenets standing still, as it were men separated from them, and left a certain space of, the Gascons flew upon the urging Burgonions, they resisted them, and with haughty hearts received their anpression. The French horsemen also encountered, but more slowly and dissolutely than their wont is, neither as it become Gentlemen of their quality, although that according unto the manner of that nation they were chosen men, and very well and bravely appointed with all furniturie and horses. Moreover, while that they fought so valiantly, and with so great contention of hearts, that neither party would turn their fares, a strange & marvelous chance happened: for at the same time ten English ships chanced to sail by, who descrying the encounter when they were in the main sea, made toward them, and it being full sea, came near unto the shore, and with their ordinance did beat the side of the French army, the which we sold you before, lay full upon the sea. The French men being dismayed with this sudden chance, began to be in great fear, distrusting that more ships would come unto them. But on the other side, the Burgonions pressed the more instantly, & when they had defeated the horsemen, anon after they also disordered the footmen, and so at the last quite overthrew and defeated all the whole French power, not without great honour generally of all orders, but chief of the light horsemen, and particularly of Egmont, who deserved the high commendation both of a wise chieftain, and also a valiant soldier, through whose approved noble courage, and valiant heart that notable victory was chief gotten, but yet so that the rest of the captains deserved singularprayse, as Monsieurs Binicourt, Renty, Rues, Enriques, Pontevauls, Font●ynes, Hilmaner of Munichausen, and Caruaial. On the other side Thermes who had the overthrow, is reproved of many for carelessness & also sloth, for that he had overlong deferred his return, and had not at the lest removed his camp the night before the fatal field: for the report was, that he of covetousness ●eking to get a very rich booty of the spoil of Flaunders, did pretermit a fit opportunity of free regress: But some do affirm that he stayed in Flaunders by the King's commandment, to whom, the rumour was, that the King had appointed to send aids. But howsoever the matter was, doubtless Terms erred in this, that he suffered himself to be intercluded by that means, and after a sort to be oppressed. But of the number of the slain, there were divers reports, as it always happeneth in the bruits of the people: but we diligently inquiring the truth, have heard of men most worthy of credit, and of those soldiers that were present at the battle, that there was a public note taken of about one thousand five hundredth slain in the battle. But of them that fled, far the most were slain by the peysantes, who had gotten them into the streyghtes, through which the discomfited Frenchmen did seek to escape. Besides the great slaughter, foul ignomy also happened unto the French men: for the Flemmishe women as well of the towns as country, like Lacedaemonian viragoes, assembled together in great troops, and when they metts with a French man, they would rail upon him for that he had wasted Flaunders, spoiled their towns, and burned their houses, and when one of them could not kill him, many of them would flee upon him, and pitifully tear him with their nails, or beat him well and thriftily with their distaffs. That in the mean time they may be wrapped in deep silence, whom either the river swallowed up, or the sea and tide overwhelmed. But the English men leaving their ships at anchor, rowed in the long Boats unto the shore, and took alive about two hundredth of those Frenchmen that swimmed in the sea, whom although they might have drowned, yet moved with sweetness of glory, they did take up into their Boats, that thereby they might as it were partakers and helpers of that hattell, be able to show at home in England sure witnesses of so famous a victory: the which few they having gotten of many, did unto their ignomy transport into their coutrie, as it were for a triumph. Moreover, of those that being intercluded from flight, were taken prisoners, (of wh●●●e there were a great number) these are numbered for the chief: first of all, the Lord Termes the General of the army and Captain of Calais, who had received a grievous wound, not only in his fortune, but also in his body, and with him the Lords Danebault Villebon, and Simarpont, and many other men of very good quality, whom for brevities sake we do pass over in silence. moreover, they lost all their ensigns, ordinance, munition, bag, and baggage, and all the furniture of the camp, and also all the booty that they had gotten in Flaunders fell unto Egmont and the Burgonions. There 〈◊〉 slaygie on Egmont his part fine hundredth and not above. But among them was Monsieur de Pelew a noble man of the law country, with some number of horsemen and footmen that were of great mark, and accounted among the chief. Those three hands whom we told you Terms had placed in Lunkinke, when that he departed unto the camp, he commanded to sack and sire the town, and straightway to follow him, the which they did, but being intercluded by the victors Burgonions, they were slain every man. This noble victory no doubt did much repress the insolency and ferocity of the Frenchmen, that then had a great power in the Duchy of Luxenburg, and made the French king very glad to incline unto peace, the which did take effect within few months after.   

¶ The Battle of Dreux fought in Normandy between Lewes of Bourbon prince of Conde, & Anne Montmorencie high Constable of France, in the year of our Lord 1562. Taken out of the Commentaries of the state of Religion, and the Common wealth in France.  
WHen that the furious civil wars in France for religion, broke out in Anno domini. 1562. the Prince of Conde General for the reformed religion, marched into Normandy to join with the English arm that their was landed at New haven, to impeach the which purpose, the power of the contrary faction under the conduct of Anna Montmorencre the Constable, hasted from Paris, and came with great armies into the ●erriforie of Dreux, where Conde also had stayed: and the two armies lodged within two leagues one of the other. The Catholics had chosen a commodious place to lodge in, being near unto the town of Dreux, wherein they had a garrison, and unto divers villages, and also unto a wood, which was good for all sudden defences of uncertain event. There lay between both their camps, a long and even plain, only in one part there was a little valley between them. When Conde saw that his enemies were come so near unto him, he consutting with his associates what was to be done, determined to give them battle, that the end of the whole matter being committed unto the providence of God, the long linger calamities of the wars might be more speedily ended. And yet his enemies did far overmatch him in footmen, for they had six and twenty thousand, whereas the Conde had scarce eleven thousand, but it was partly recompensed in his horsemen, he having almost four thousand, where his enemies had but three thousand. The next morning a little afore eight of the clock, the Prince brought forth all his army, the which he had so arranged, that the horsemen wherein he was the stronger, should be in the foremost ranks: he himself led the battle with Rochfocault, taking to him certain light horsemen of Cureys his company, and placing on the one side of him the cornets of horsemen led by Money and Auarell, and on the other side certain cornets of Reisters. But the auntgarde was guarded by Chastillion the Admiral, with the Prince of Porcien, setting close unto them two troops of horsemen consisting of certain cornets. Then followed a strong battalion of Lansquenets, and five hundredth lose shot, whom they do call Enfans perdus, who marched a little before the battalion. Then was there placed a strong Esquadron of twenty-three. ensigns of French footmen to guard the great ordinance, and this Esquadron was guarded with a wing of Reystres. Thus Conde went towards the enemy in array somewhat broad & deep. But his enemies were ready arranged in this order: the Duke of Guise led the one wing of the vanguard with a strong troop of horsemen, near unto whom stood two Esquadrons of Spaniards footmen, and of French footmen, old soldiers with fourteen pieces of ordinance, and the Marshal of Saint Andrew's guided the other wing with a strong troop of horsemen, and was guarded on the one side with a battalion of Lansquenets, and on the other with a battalion of horsemen. Of the main battle the Constable led one wing with a strong troop of horsemen, near to whom were placed a battalion of seventeen ensigns of French footmen, whom there followed xxij. ensigns of Swissers, with eighteen pieces of great ordinance, the other wing his son danvil led, with a strong troop of horsemen. Thus stood the battles of the Catholics in great length, on a row, here footmen and there horsemen being still interserted. The Admiral stood over right against the Constable, and Conde against danvil and the Swissers, but no body against Guise and the Marshal of Saint Andrew's, who were in the vanguard. Conde first gave commandment that the soldiers should be present at divine service, and that being ended, he riding about unto the ranks, abhorred them to constancy and confidence: and having thus prepared their hearts, he gave the signal, and he himself, Curey going before with the light horsemen) charged upon the Swissers in that part where he saw they were bared of horsemen, and strongly broke thorough them, Rochfocault in the mean time standing still. The Swissers at the first stoutly sustained the charge, partly through the power of their ordinance, and also the strength of their own weapons, but yet through the thick hail of the shot; they began to give ground, and anon after not being able to bear the force of the horsemen their Lances broke their array, and forsook the great ordinance, and were scattered, the Condeans raging with great slaughter. And almost at the same moment the Admiral charged the Constable, and in the mean time the upper troops of the Reisters riding unto Danuils' troops, skirmished with their pistolets. When Conde had with great slaughter defeated and put to flight the Swissers, he gave a charge on the next battalion of French footmen, and breaking through their ranks, discomfited and put them to flight. But there was a furious fight between the Admiral and the Constable: but at length the Constable his men begaune to shrink back, and after that the Constable being wounded in the face with a Curtelace, and sore bruised with small shot of pistolets, was taken, they fled, the Admiral and Conde pursuing them. But while that Conde his horsemen, were busied in pursuing of the enemy, the French and Almain footmen were left naked, which Danuill espying, charged upon the Almain footmen, who fled at the first sight of the enemy, towards a village called Blinuill. Then a strong troop of Guise's horsemen gave a charge on the French footmen, and broke their array, and quite defeated them at the first shock, taking the ordinance, and committing great slaughter, yet when that divers of the French footmen fought courageously, many of the Guisian horsemen were slain. Moreover Danuill seeing Conde his horsemen to be disordered and dispersed by pursuing the Swissers, and the Constable's troops, charged upon them, & wounding the Conde with a Pistolet, and unhorsing him, did take him prisoner. When the Admiral saw his fellows fleeing in all places, and also the Reisters giving back unto a wood in a thick troop after their guise, that when they had recharged their Pistolets, they might lustily altogether recharge the enemy, (the which usage of theirs being unknown unto many, did put them in great fear, they suspecting them to flee) and finally when he perceived that all the Condeans were now in despair because that Conde was taken prisoner, he was very pensive, namely when he saw three mighty troops of horsemen of the avantgard of the enemy (wisely reserved by Guise for the last brunt) to make towards him. In these troops were the Marshal of Saint Andrew, the Duke's Daumall and of Nevers, and other noble men: but they say that the Duke of Guise stood still with other bands that had not yet fought, for to behold the end of the battle: then the Idmirall speedily relying all the French and Almain horsemen that he was able to make, and also by the return of those Reisters that I said went aside unto the wood, their hearts being confirmed, stoutly sustained the charge of their enemies. Then there began a sharp encounter, both sides fight full suriouslye (their hearts being constantly set to murder one another) with almost equal fortune: yet the Guisians gave ground, and by little and little drew back, and more grievous had been the fight, namely the soldiers of Conde being chased, if that the night had not parted them, who were wearied with long labour of fight. Both parts caused the retire to be sounded, and returned unto their Camps. The Admiral for lack of horses left four field pieces behind him. In this last encounter were slain the Marshal of Saint Andrew's with a Pistolet after he was taken, Monbrun the Constable's son, the Lord Piennes, the grand Prior, one of the Guises, two Brosseys', Giures, Anneboult, and a great number of other of the Nobility, Daum●ll was grievously hurt, and also Nevers who died thereof, and many other, and an hundredth of the nobler sort were taken prisoners, and also certain of the order, as Beau●ay●, Ro●●fort, ●t. Of the faithful or Protestants Movy and divers other noble men and Captains were either taken or slain. God so mode rated the event of so great a battle, that neither part could be said either to have won, or to have lost the field: for on the part of the faithful, was Conde the patron of the cause taken, and on the Catholics their side, the Constable was taken, and the Marshal of Sains Andrew's slain. And as the faithful flew a great number of the Catholics their footmen, so did the Catholics of the faithful their footmen: but more horsemen were slain on the Catholics part, and also footmen, for of the xxij. ensigns of the Swissers few were saved. but Conde his loss was more difficile to be borne and repaired: but Guise being better furnished for the wars, had great incommodity by the loss of so many great Captains and noblemen, as were there slain & taken. This battle was fought the xix. of December. The Admiral gathering together his power, returned unto Orleans, and the Guise unto Paris, either of them to repair their sore weakened armies.   

¶ The Battle fought at Saint Dennis near to Paris in France, between Lewes of Bourbon Prince of Conde, and Anna's montmorency Constable of France, in Anno. 1567. Taken out of the book entitled, The true and entire history of the troubles and things memorable, which have happened as well in France as in Flaunders and the country about, since Anno. 1●62. supposed to be made by the Lord.  
ANno 1576. Lewes of Bourbon Prince of Conde, the Admiral, jasper Lord Chastilion, and other their confederates doubting their safety, and suddenly levying a power, sought to famish Paris, whither the King was fled from Meaulx: but montmorency the Constable as soon as he had received power from all parts, issued out of the City of Paris, to fight with the Confederates or Protestants, who were encamped at the town of S. Denys, the which is a place renowned for the Coronation of the French Kings, and the rich and excellent tombs of many Kings that do lie buried in the Abbey of that town. A little from it on the right side is Saint Ouin, as on the left the village of Auberuilliers. The Prince lodged at S. Denys, making the form of a battle, the Admiral at S. Ouin, and jenlis at Auberuilliers with their retinues, to be unto the Prince as it were two avantgardes. Moore upon the right hand towards Paris standeth a house of religion called Montmortre on an hill. Between Paris and Saint Denis (which are two small leagues one from the other) there lieth a great and large plain, so even and uncumbred, that one may see from the one end of it unto the other. This plain is as it were divided into two parts by a long and large causey which leadeth straight from Paris to S. Denys. Close unto Saint Denys on the side of the Causey as one goeth towards Saint Ouin, there is a great quarter assigned for to keep a great fair in, it is called Landit, where there standeth a Chapel which served the Protestants to place the Corpse du guard of Saint Denys, as the Catholics had theirs at a place called lafoy Chappelle, as one goeth out of Paris. The Catholics had in their army of horses of fight (I do not accounted them that served but only for a number and show) three thousand, and four score ensigns of footmen, which might amount unto eighteen thousand men. Two thirds of the Catholic horsemen were companies of men of arms and the ordinances of his majesty. Few light horses, and no arquebusiers on horseback at all. The men of arms (which were the two thirds of all the horsemen) were mounted and armed to the advantage, the men in complete harness, and their horses all barded, and caparaconned with chansraines, and the horsemen in stead of little Pistolets many bore with their Lance a Pistol, and some a mass of arms, but most were only Lances. The light horsemen were well horsed, and wore on their head a Salad, Bourguignomie, or other such habilliment, with a Cairasse house, colbracates, long tassettes, Gauntlets, and a case of Pistolets at the Pommel of his Saddle, with a tocke or Cutlass hanging at his side. The ensigns and guidons of the men of arms were charged with crosses, as also were the ensigns of the footmen, to make a diversity between them and those of the Protestants. The footmen were divided into three gross battalions (except those arquebusiers which rested at the Chapel, and those that flanked certain companies, which made the left of the Constable) who might amount unto fifteen or sixteen thousand men. One battalion was of six thousand Swissers, Pikemen, whose thick and close hedge doth well dare to abide the shock of the strongest horsemen of the world, except the fury of the men of arms of France, armed and barded as aforesaid, who have often times broken and defeated them. They were armed with a bourguignoune, a Cuirass●, furnished with a gorget, taffets, long bracats, and gauntlets, and many had sleeves of mail, also the three regiments of French footmen were no otherwise armed, unless it were the arquebusiers, who had nothing but a Morion, for the most part of them (but the chiefest had Cuirasses on their backs) for to be the more nimble & light for to skirmish. Their white cross distinguished them from the Protestants, and they namely those that were light armed as arquebusiers, wore a mandile, or such another habit marked with a number of white crosses, that they might not be taken for the Confederates. But the Protestants had not above half their army at Saint Denys, for Dandelot and Montgommerie were sent to take Poissy and Ponthoise, la Nouè to take Orleans, and the Conte de la Rochfoucault and Movye were gone against the troops that were levied for them in Guien and Poitou, to safe conduct them to the Camp: all which things being known unto the Constable, made him to haste that he might take the profit of this advantage. But of the fouretene or sixteen hundredth horsemen of the Protestants, not one was armed with all pieces, both because they dislodged hastily at the commandment of the Prince, as also for the weakness of their horses, who were almost all Curtalles, and such like base horses, so that there was not one harded or caparaconned, but they were armed like light horsemen, the two thirds of them having only a helmet, or bourguignonne, a gorget, a evirasse, bracats, taffets, gauntlets, & a couple of Pistolets, and after they had shot of them, they would set their hand unto their tocke and Cutlass. The Cassocks of the Protestants were white, begarded with such colours, as the devise of the Captain did demand. All their footmen were arquebusiers well enough furnished, the third part of whom had a Morion for all their defence, with a white scarf for to discern them from the Catholics: they also had their Ensigns of divers colours beguarded with the devise of the Captain, in am of a cross which the Catholics bore. Now I come to declare the intents and purposes of the two Chieftains of the armies. The Constable seeing the small number, and the ill assured lodging of the Protestants, resolved to fight with them. And because he saw that Saint Ouin and Auberuilliers were the defences of Saint Denys, not once thinking that the confederates would be so bold as to come into the field, considering their small number, and to make head unto so great an army as followed him, and specially seeing that they had not one Canon (because that since they took the field, they had not any town that could furnish them) determined to drive the Protestants out of those two villages into Saint Denys, and there to besiege them, and make them yield at his pleasure. In very deed the Protestants would rather have refused (if they had been assured of their coming) than have accepted the battle: but because they had intelligence but in the morning, that the footmen were issued out of Paris, and that the Constable was resolved to dislodge, necessity to say the truth more than good will, brought them to the fight, the which they would have presented, if that Dandelot and Montgommerie had been there with their bands, who then lay before Poissy, yet nevertheless they were resolved in no case to give the charge before it were towards the Evening, if it could be possible, both as well for to cover and the better to favour their retreat, if they should be pursued, as also by so doing, to take away from the Catholykes the felicity of an entire victory and journey: and finally that in the mean time Dandelot who had been sent for, might haste with all diligence to be there in time. Upon this general resolution the Constable issued out of Paris, and leaving the Chapel, whither he sent a good number of arquebusiers, marched with his army straight unto the villette, for to stretch out his army in length for to take the commodity of the field, and to stand more like unto an hedge, than any thing else. On the left side whereof he did set the battalion of the Swissers, flanked with a good number of French arquebusiers, and all these stood for to assure fourteen pieces of artillery which he had placed in the mouth of Auberuilliers, toward the which he made the most part of his army to turn head: he encamped a regiment of horsemen on the left side of the Swissers, and did set before them one great troop of horsemen, as it were to cover them, the Captain of the which troop was Mareschall montmorency his eldest son. He had on his left side the regiments and companies of the Dukes of Nemours, Longueville, the Conte de Rez, Chavignie, de Thoree, Lansac, and many other: close to the which companies stood one good troop of arquebusiers on foot. Behind those horsemen, and towards the Chapel was the regiment of footmen of the Parisians, who did all glister almost with armour, Pikes, and halberds, and did hide the left side of the army Catholic, the middle and the principal force whereof did the Swissers and the Constable make. On the right side of the Swissers were the regiments of the Conte Brissac, and Strozzi On the right side more higher, did the companies of the Mareschall Cossé, Byron, the Vicont de Auchy, la Riviere, and divers other which stood more near to Auberuilliers, showed themselves: behind whom more low than the villet or small town, stood the Duke de Aumaule, and Mareschall de Anvil, assisted on both sides with two troops of horsemen, as it were for the assurance of the Swissers, & the French footmen. But now we will show the disposition of the army Protestant. When that the Prince had intelligence upon a sudden, that the Catholics were issued out of Paris, drawing with them the artillery, he well knew that the day would not pass without fight. And therefore all the companies being advertised, came into the field, being fully resolved for to accept the fight if they were forced, although that their fellows were not come, and stretched out themselves (which thing only rested for them to do) in this form. As their army had been divided before that time into three parts, so they now also made three troops. The Admiral being assisted with Clermont of Ambois, his two sons, Renty, and six cornets of horsemen, and with four hundredth arquebusiers on foot, who followed the horsemen, and were led by Valefeniere, placed himself above Saint Ouin, as it were for to cover and defend his lodging right in the face of those that guarded the side of the Constable. To the same end jenlis being accompanied with Lavardin, Vardes, Bressant, Besancourt, & u or vj. cornets whom three hundredth footmen arquebusiers followed for to help them at the prick of the charge, made the other horn, and the form of a left vanguard, before his lodging at Auberuilliers, (against the which they saw that the Catholics had made head, and bend the greatest force of their army) directly against Byron and the rest before mentioned. To prevail the better against whom, they had made a ditch from Auberuilliers, even unto a Windmill, which is between the village, and the villet, the which ditch, and the Windmill itself, they had filled with many of the best arquebusiers that they had, for to salute them that would come to seek them. The Prince of Conde, the Cardinal of Chastillon, Sechelles, (who under title of Lieutenant conducted the company of the Duke of Angieu) with the two Vidames of Chartres and of Amiens, the Contes of Saux, and of la Suze, of Esternay, Brouchavanes, and Stuart accompanied with certain Scots, with four hundredth arquebusiers, stood lower inform of the battle covering Saint Denys, and all that run behind the cross which is upon the causey, and the Chapel of Landet, right in the face of the Constable, and of them that were before him: All the Cornets stood along in a row like unto an hedge, and their horses were ranged front to front, in such form as they meant to fight. The cause of this array (it may be so) was lack of men to make an entire battalion, or because it is most ordinary among the Frenchmen, who use the Lance: or to th'end they might charge altogether, and not one tarry behind an other as most do in battalions. The footmen were divided into three troops, as they were before, and they carried no ensigns, but being all arquebusiers, they served for Enfans perdus, who as the most assured and resolute to fight, do bear death engraven upon their foreheads, as well for themselves, as for those that they first attach. These arquebusiers followed good and near unto the horsemen, but when it came unto the point that they should go unto the charge, they should advance themselves forth before upon the sides for to shoot right and with assurance upon the first of the Catholics, that would join with the Protestants, as you shall hear. So that the disposition of their army was in the form of a Moon, more than of any thing else, if that their companies had been joined together, & had stood nearer and closer one unto another. But as I told you before, they were divided into three parts, of whom the troops of the Admiral and jenlis made as it were the two horns of the Crescent, whereof the battle of the Prince made the but or bottom, and the mids was stronger than the ends, who not having so many Lances & horsemen were more clear, thin, and less furnished of men. They had all their forces in the field, for thinking that none could come unto S. Denys, but that they must first defeat them who covered their lodgings, they left none there, but their Pikemen and Holbarders, who not being enough in number, and sufficient for to make a battalion of Pikes in that plain, they would have to remain in the town for to guard the baggage, and the Ensigns of the arquebusiers. Neither was it long before that a skirmish was attached on the side of Auberuilliers. The artillery began to thunder, and was shot off four V●lees, but did little harm: yet some died thereof dismembered, and other were so hurt that they cursed them all their life after: the skirmish is reinforced, the space between the troops is now covered with the horsemen that flee about to the taking, the ruin, & the death one of another: his is it that causeth some to turn the noses of their pieces for ●o shoot right on the battle, this is it that makes jenlis (when he saw that the light attaches waxed still hotter and hotter, and increased every moment, fearing that the Catholics would not charge his troops in gross (to go unto the Prince to demand of him if he were not of the advise that he might charge according to the occasion & estate of the skirmish. But as he returned with permission to do it, he saw that Vardes was in fight. For the chief Captain seeing that the Catholics augmented their number upon the skirmishers, had no sooner made them to retire, but that two companies marched for to overrun them. Then was he constrained to take part, to range and close together his men as well as he could, and having desired them not to break their array, and to charge with might and main, and to entersuccour one another, he advanced apace for to receive the Catholics, who changing their pace into a trot, re-encountered them with such fury, that the most assured made their Lances to flee into shivers, the other that could not assign so right, pierced the bodies of the horses: all in general came unto the pistols and Cutlass, which hasted death to above fifty in that first charge, and there were a good many more hurt that fought not after, namely by reason of the pellets which the arquebusiers that were in the trench made to rain upon them that first came to attach Vardes, who perceiving that he should not be long able by reason of his small number to stand up against the Catholics that came to renforce their first men, retired by little and little for to rally his men with the help of the ditch, out of the which came such a strong salué of harquebuses, that many made conscience for to approach near unto it. At the same ●yme jenlis (who had assured the rest of his fellows, that he had left the Prince and the Admiral (who were ready upon the point to go unto the charge) fully resolved to die all of them before that the Catholics should gain upon them one foot of ground, and less of honour) encouraged them so much, that without making any oration (but only going before his troops as guide ●he was followed of them all: after that he had made the arquebusiers to come forward, who being assured by the countenance of their horsemen, would meet in the face the foremost of the Catholics that would present themselves, who (no otherwise than the noble greyhound doth grow in courage for the first pinch that he hath given unto the chafed beast, and as you see the gentle Falcon to founder and to encourage herself the more upon a bird of pray, because that she hath once given her a gripe with her talons:) so in like manner they were alured out to the entire hazard of a journey by the encounter of Vardes. They being all rallied and incorporated under their Ensigns, had (it might be) laid on the ground all the Cornets Protestants, if that their arquebusiers, who had now cleared and made thin the foremost and most strongest ranks, had not caused the courage of many to quail, so that they charged no more so courageously, and therewithal to they were received with a resolution so hard, and re-encountered with such pertinacy, that the greatest evil fell upon themselves. The first charge of jenlis was more cruel than the second, although that the lest of the three was very bloody for the death of many brave gentlemen that never after struck blow with the sword. But this is true, that neither obstinate desperateness, nor the help of the arquebusiers could have sure warranted them to stand up long, seeing that the most of the forces Catholic turned into that quarter, if that the mortal charges of the Prince and the Admiral had not made many to turn tail, whilst that jenlis and many of his companions entertained the fight against the hottest of the Catholics, giving leisure unto them that were most wearied with so long and furious a fight, to remain quiet, and arranged in battle, and to prepace themselves for the first occasion that should present itself unto them. Now cast your eyes toward Saint Ouin, and you shall see the Admiral well forward, and also immediately followed by the Prince and all the rest of the army, who would give and receive their part of blows. You have seen the good mean that the Catholics had to prevail with their artillery, and how it served them. During the time of this great thunder, the Captains of both armies waited for the time of their charge, & the commandments of the Generals, namely the confederates, who found the tunes of that Music more than very violent, and all according with their intention, because they had not one Canon for to answer to that searching devilry, which vomited so many curses upon them, sometime to high, and oftentimes more low than the gunner's thought, but always doing less hurt than the General Catholic desired. Hereupon the Admiral had no sooner found his advantage, but that he sent to advertise the Prince of all that he had marked concerning the state of the Catholics, who stayed not long after to follow him. The Conte of Colignie made his arquebusiers to hasten their pace, and having made them to advance themselves on his side, they served him to so great purpose, that the re-encounter was through them much the more fortunate unto him. At the same instant he so lustily charged the read Coats, and those troops that were near unto them on the left side (who had come to seek him) that they were not able long time to sustain the furious pursuit, and were in the end chased even unto the Chapel. Those men that have flight more natural and ordinary than resolution in such affairs, canassure you, that troops broken and hotly pursued, have no discretion and consideration of the places through which they pass for to save the prison of the soul. This caused the greatest part of them to make way with the force of their horses (who had their sides scorched) through the Parisian bands, whom they very much brake, and also much more affrighted, so that they were not able long time after to reassure them out of the trembling & fear of Saint Denys. And not only the footmen were discouraged, but also many of the brave horsemen had augmented the number of the other companies. Upon this the Mareschall Cossé seeing those of jenlis his regiment to retire by little and little (after that he had appointed certain companies for to make head if they would begin again) made all the rest of his troops to turn directly towards the encounter, whereof we now come to speak, sending one to desire the Mareschall Danuill and the Duke of Aumalle, to follow him to the charge which he went to give (the which they promised him to do) and somuch the more, for that he saw many catholics so affrighted, that they disbanded themselves, and also the Protestaintes cried in that quarter, victory, victory, as though they had been assured of the gain of the field. In another place, and for the same occasion, Chavignie advanced himself, and without cheapening, gave into the troop of Clerimont, who because he had been sore hurt at the first charge, would not sustain the shock, but retired with a great pace from that charge, which was mortal to many of the Confederates. Although that I can not express unto you but one feat of arms at once, yet imagine you that all the troops, or at the lest two thirds of them were at one time encountering together to the ruin of the weaker, and the less happy: think you that the charges were divers, and that in divers places many troops did charge one another at once. The Prince was that same time in the mids of the Catholics: for as soon as he saw the Admiral charge, he made his men to depart with such diligence, that the arquebusiers that should have assisted him, could not follow, nor do any service that was of advantage unto him. He dismarching, went directly as it were, for to join with the Admiral, that they might both together charge the Constable, and those that made his left side, doubting that the Admiral alone was not able to work the effect: but he had not gone far, but that the Mareschall de Montmorencie (who covered his father) made all his power to dismarche to give him on the side, and to put his power to flight, the which he had without doubt done, if that certain which had cast their eye into that quarter, had not advertised the Prince thereof, who at the same instant, turned head unto all his troops, and encouraged them according as the time, and the near being of the Catholics would permit: He the Vidame of Chartres, the Cardinal of chastilion, and many other ran amain upon the Constable, while that the rest of his troops employed themselves to make head to the Marshal de Montmorencie. Now, whither because all the troops of the Prince did not afronte their enemy with equal fury and pertinacy, or (the which I do rather believe) for that the one were better sustained than the other, without doubt, the two charges had far divers events, for the Prince marched against his part with such violence, that be everthrowe them, being appalled with the long and fearful flight of their companions, whom the Admiral had also before chased, and made such a hole or breach in the great battalion, that the Constable being abandoned by above a thousand run aways, and finding himself hurt in the face, and enclosed and pressed to yield by Stuart a Scot, could not for choler to see things frame so ill, answer otherwise, than with blows of his sword, with the pummel whereof he gave Stuart so hard upon the jawbones, that he could not a long time after use them with ease when hunger pressed him to move his teeth (two or three of whom leapt out of his mouth, and the rest were sore shaken and loosed:) then another Scot shot his Pistolet into the Constable's reins, because for feebleness of above fourscore years, he had put upon his back but only a single & light harness. This would have affrighted the Swissers; thinking that they had been abandoned by the rest of all the horsemen, of whom they saw a great part already dismayed, and many to retire with a great gallop, thinking that all was lost (to the foremost and most hardy of whom, the gates of Paris seemed not near enough,) if that the Duke of Aumalle, Mareschall de Anvil, and certain other had not reassured them, protesting that they would die before that any other evil should happen unto them, than the fear that they had already conceived. Wherewith they were no less contented, than joyful for the well doing of the Mareschall de Montmorencie, who having a little while encountered with equal and incertain shock, certain of the Prince's troops, in the end laid the most assured and best of them on the ground, making the rest to flee, who brought a great fear unto all their footmen; namely, to those of the Admiral, and the Prince, who because they had followed them but a little way, marched for to entertain shirmishe with the footmen Catholics: but they, who otherwise would not have been made to fear, being re-encountered by their fleeing friends, were entirely and wholly broken, the horses ran over many of their bellies, who found themselves very much offended and grieved with this journey. After this was done, every troop drew into that quarter, where he heard the plaints of his General: for in a very little moment every one leaving the advantage that he thought he had, turned face: the Catholics to the cries of the Constable, the Protestants to the Prince of Conde, who plained of his horse, who having his sides traversed with a Lance, and being hurt with divers pellets, began to founder under him.  
By these means the place of conflict was by little and little, and within short moment quite abandoned by the fighters, aswell for the hurt happened unto both the two generals, as also because they all saw that the day declined, and was come unto his end, so that the brown of the night did greatly invite them to retire. The Prince was no sooner lighted off from his horse, but that he fell down at his feet stark dead. The Admiral retired from the charge, and seeing the Catholics to run from all parts to secure their General, turned towards the troop of the Prince, for to rally and to deliberate upon the rest of the journey. But the night coming while that these things were in doing, brought an end both to the day and the battle, which had endured little lack of two hours. For the obscure vale of the dark, and the travail of so long and hot attaches, did by little and little abate the heat of the most courageous, who all in the end rallied themselves under their ensigns. These things with the rest that are many times found in such encounters, do authorize me in that which I shall say (too to satisfy them with one word, that being mastered by I cannot tell what blind passion, may think that such an end of the fight between such and so unequal armies, is very strange) that men resolute, and despairing of retreat, and of all other means than the force of their arms, and in sum, they that will make a virtue of necessity, may do oftentimes far more than this was.  
When the Protestants saw that they were not pursued, they conducted the Prince unto Saint Denys, where the counsel assembled, was of advise, that every one of them attending the coming of Dandel●● and Montgomme●ie should retire unto his quarter for to guard his lodging, and not to show sign nor give occasion unto the Catholics to think that they were afraid, or that they would refuse an other rencounter. The which the captains did: upon whom the Catholics enterprised nothing, seeming to content themselves with the remaining masters of the field, and the disposing at pleasure of all the field for to bury their dead, and to leave the despoiled Protestants, and to send the wounded to Paris. Those that were appointed to do it, tarried there until midnight. The Constable was borne back wounded to death. The Conte de Chaune, Hierome de Turin, and more than forty other as well Captains and chief, as members of companies left their lives there, whom above three hundredth other did accompany, as well then as afterward, leaving behind them a great multitude of hurt men. Of the Protestants, Vidame of Amiens, de Piquigny, de Saux, la Suse, Saint Andre, de Garenes, and above fifty gentlemen of mark were lost, and more than three hundredth other horsemen. The flight of the footmen was more notable than the slaughter, although that a good many died there, but few of the Catholics footmen. This battle was fought the x. of November. The next day the Protestants after that Dandelot & Montgomery were returned with their forces, came in array of battle, even unto the suburbs of Paris, presenting battle unto the catholic army which was retired into the city. But they accepted it not, being dismayed with the death of the Constable. But when that the Catholic power hourly increased, and victuals failed at S. Denys, and also they had intelligence of the coming of Cassymire the Pfaliz graves son with a power of Almains for their aid: the Protestants dislodged from Saint Denys, the xv. of November, and marched to the confines of Loreyne, to receive the Almains.   

¶ The overthrow given by Lewes Conte of Nassau, unto john Earl of Aremberg at Dam in Freselande, and the discomfiture of the said jews by Ferdinand Duke of Alva, at Hieminguen in Freselande aforesaid, in Anno. 1568. Out of Popellenier.  
Civil troubles, as it were a creeping contagion, attaching also the dominions of the low countries or base Germany, Lewes the Earl of Nassau, brother unto William Prince of Oranges, entered Freseland, with a power of Almains, unto whom within short time resorted a great number of the inhabitants of the Province, and he took divers towns thereof, among whom were Vedem, standing in the marshes, and danvil near unto it, and also lying on the sea coast, whereof when that Ferdinand Duke of Alva Lieutenant general of all the low countries had intelligence, he sent into Freseland for to stay the course of Lewes his victory, the regiment of Sardaigne, and his master of the Camp, three companies of the regiment of Lombary, three hundredth horsemen, Spaniards and Italians, the Conte Melga Lieutenant of Ghelders, with part of his own troops, and five companies of the regiment of the Conte of Aremberge, besides a M. soldiers that the Lieutenant of the Conte had assembled at the coming of the Protestants. But this was not sufficient for to rembarre the Conte of Nassau, who daily grew in forces for any enterprise that could be done against him. Then the Duke sent john de Lignes, Conte of Arembergue, Governor of Friesland and Ouerissell, and Knight of the Golden fleece, to whom he gave one regiment of Spantards, and one of lansquenets, with a good number of horsemen for to chase Lodowick, between whom was a hot skirmish, and well entertained.  
Lodowick for to gain the advantage, retired to Dam. The youths of Spain boiling in courage, took it for a flight, and also pursued more courageously: but they perceived not the ambush that he had prepared for them of fifteen or sixteen hundred horsemen behind a wood, at the wings whereof he did set three hundredth horsemen for to train the Spaniards, who made a semblance as though they had a mind to know what they were. Arembergue seeing them, hasted to gain the bridges of the river which were between them, with all his forces: at what time he discovered also three thousand footmen standing in ftrong array, & making show but of two bands, which had deceived him. Yet nevertheless, the Spaniards having incorporated three ensigns into one, & distributed the whole army into the show of five ensigns, were so importunate on their Chief (and also for that time their General) (who because the three hundredth horsemen would sometimes come for ward, and provoke them, and at other retire again, presumed some such thing as was in deed) and therefore was loath to fight, that they mutining, called him traitor to the King, and without staying for the Conte de Megue, who was hard by them, constrained him (as our desire always groweth greater in things denied) for to lead them straight unto the iu. C horsemen, who feigning that they retired for weakness of defence, dre we the Spaniards beyond the Bridges: the which also still gave more colour unto these inconsiderate footmen, and made them still to advance themselves further and further. But the Conte of Nassau having gotten the Bridges, enclosed them so strait both behind and on the sides, that he easily five them well-near all.  
The Conte de Arembergue, (because he would not lose any one point of his reputation, defended himself valiantly, but when his horse was slain, and he himself thrown down to the ground dead with the blow of a Pistolet, he ended his days, after that he had slain the Conte Adolph of Nassau brother to Lewes, who entered into such fury, that he of choler caused three hundredth of the Spaniards to be hanged up, although there had died twelve hundredth of them in fight, and so many of other. Six pieces of artillery, all the munitions, part of the soldiers wages, the casket and plate of the Coute Arembergue, and all the baggage of the Camp was lost.  
The Conte de Megue, and the Conte Curtie de Martinenguo, drew near with one troop of horsemen, of whom Arembergue had lack, and the bands of the Colonels Sambergo, but being pursued by the army victorious, they were constrained to retire into the Groningen, the which the Protestants suddenly besieged, battered, and enclosed in two quarters. Moreover, they being masters of the field, roded all the country, because the Spanish forces were not united, but scattered through this discomfiture. But anon after Chiapino Vitelli, master of the Camp general, assembled as many men together as he could, and encamped before Groningen, for to remove the siege of the Protestants, the which he could not do. Many skirmishes were attached and fought. The Conte Lodowicke sent twice to Vitelli to demand a journey for to end the wars by one general battle, the which he would not accord unto, saying that it was not yet time to fight. Also he expected the Duke of Alva, and the rest of his forces, of whom yet he was not well assured, seeing those of the Protestants, although that the Emperor being requested thereunto, commanded Conte Lewes as he tendered his obedience and duty, to retire, and to withdraw his army out of the country, with all possible speed. Where unto the Conte answered, that he could not do it before that his brother, and the other Princes and Lords his confederates were advertised, the which he promised to do very shortly: yet nevertheless many began to ware cold, and namely when that the goods of certain of the Colonels were seized and arrested by the Emperor. Yet the siege continued until the approach of the Duke martial, at what time the Conte Lodowicke broke up the siege, having before sent the baggage towards Embden, breaking down and cutting off all the bridges and passages for to hinder and stay the enemy, yet not without continual skirmishes. The Duke having sent the horsemen of the Duke of Brunswick into Groningen, because the Country being full of soft dirty plashes and great vitches, is very ill for horsemen, followed the Protestants even unto Secloten, where they made their stay. In the me●●●e tune he sent some to beat the ways on all stoes, and for to learn out the mientes of the Conte: in the end he understood that the Rende-von● was at Hieini●guen, whither certain horsemen and footmen were come unto him, there minding to stay for the Duke and his fury. For the which purpose he took the deep river of Hems for to back him, lodging his camp in a place very strong also on other parts, for he was flanked wit● great ditches, channels, and rivers, and he could let out the water upon the Duke and his men at ease, and had on the other side the rich town of Embden at his back, all the which seemed to be for his advantage.  
The Duke approached within two leagues of lodowick's army, and being resolved upon his advertisements, sent the Captains Sanchio d' Auila, and Montero, with an hundredth Argolets or arquebusiers on horseback, for to attach the skirmish, and to train him out of his fort. Besides this, he charged julian Romero master of the Camp to follow them with five hundredth arquebusiers, and three hundredth Muschats, who were followed by the Camp master Sanchio de Londaiguo, with one thousand arquebusiers, appointing Cesar Gonzaga, and Martinerguo with two companies of men of arms to be on the wings of the footmen. Alphonse de Vllua, and Dom Gonsaivez de Bracamont conducted the rest, with charge not to departed out of their place without his express commandment. In the tail of these Spaniards footmen, he set six ensigns of Almains, followed by fifteen companies of Wallons, and after, the light horsemen three hundredth Lances, and the Cornette of Hans Vernan, all along one at the tail of another, by reason of the nature of the country, for they must needs pass in those very strait places one after another, not being able to go either on the one side or the other, for the ditches, channels, and marshes, that make the country very troublesome, and ill to traunile.  
The Conte who knew the deliberation of the Duke, that he might hurt & annoy him before that they were come to gripes, sent a number of footmen and pioneers for to cut up and mar the passages and ways, to the end that the water which was penned up, might overflow all the field, and overwhelm the Duke's army, so that the avant-couriers had not road long, but that they perceived the footmen and their guard, who laboured to make a way for the water. This caused the first skirmish, and the beginning of the journey. In the end although the pioneers were forced to retire, yet being sustained suddenly by other footmen that were sent unto them, they drove the Spaniards out of the place, who sent unto their General for to demand certain Pikemen and arquebusiers, the which yet he refused to do, and not without good considerations) he saw that according unto the disposition that he had set in his army, every troop should sustain and help themselves to their uttermost, and as long as they could for their lives, so that when the foremost were pressed, necessity would sooner stir up their spirits for to invent some good mean, and would sooner redouble their courage for to sustain the impressions and attempts of their enemies, than if they reposed themselves upon other.) He had also fantasied the like at another time and place, when he thought it not good to fight in gross with the desperate, nor to put in the hazard of one only journey the entire estate of his Prince, seeing the small assurance that he had in fortune, who doth make her inconstancy to be seen more in deeds of arms, than any other thing of the world. Wherefore a General aught not to fight with his whole power, unless he be constrained. Moreover, he had his men in so careful regard, namely after the blow received at the defeat of Aremberge, that he esteemed more the life of one of them, than the death often enemies. And as one resolved for all events, in case that he should be forced to come to fight, his mind was through the loss of some, not only to save the lives of the rest, but wholly to break the enemy, assuring himself that if the foremost would be sufficient for to overthrow the enemy, that then their fellows that followed, would make the breach far greater, but if they being to weak, were broken, than he persuaded himself that the enemy would come forth in so ill order, and out of array for to follow the victory, that the rest of his power would easily defeat them. On the other side, the Conte Lodowick renforced his foremost, and commanded them to give in farther, assuring them that he would always be at their heels, and not suffer them to lack succours, and in deed they so lustily tasted two or three of the foremost Spanish bands, that the Masters of the Camp advertised the Duke that they were lost, unless they were speedily succoured. Then he made the horsemen of Caesar Gonzaga Martinenguo, and certain other troops, to set forward with three hundredth arquebusiers, which Dom Felis de Gusman conducted, who came to the village where the fort of the recounter was.  
But as the time passed, the water ran in, and in short time covered all the field, to the great disadvantage of the catholics, namely of the Duke, who was thereby brought into the state to ●oandon the gross and greatest part of his army to the pleasure of fortune, specially when that he saw himself suddenly recharged with another ill hap: which was, that the air began to be dark, and troubled with great cloudy rains, which threatened the soldiers a thousand incommodities. The Duke was as much offended and chased as the soldiers, for that they must stay to fight there in the water up to the waste, and therewithal if that it should rain, the shot (the principal force of the Spaniards) would be to no purpose, & moreover, he had no place to retire, but for half a league nor other remedy for to cover & defend himself, than to chase the enemy out of their fort. Whereupon he commanded the Prior Dom Ferdinand his son to make all the Esquadrons to march forward, and he himself retired whither he thought good.  
The skirmish had begun at x. a clock, & the Prior arrived there about two in the afternoon, whose succours did so set on fire the courage of the other, that they giving upon all the rest of the Flemmings, forced them to abandon the fort, with so great mortality, that this victory may well he accounted equal unto the other that Lewes gave unto Aremberge. For they gained all the artillery, and a good number of the Ensigns. The Conte Lodowicke, and Antony de Lalain Conte de Hochstrate, who had given place to the Catholics two days before, retired into Embden a City subject unto the Earl of Aldenburg. After this, the Duke of Alva recovered all Freselande, & marched even unto Amsterdam in Holland, where he caused the heads of the Captains of Sard●gones regiment, to be cut off, for that they had been the cause of the defeat of Arembergu●.  
But because that Popelleniere seemeth over brief in the enarration of them that were slain, I do think it good to set down the words of Schard one of the judges of the Imperial chamber, in his Chronicle, inserted in Corpus hystoricum Germaniae. The Spaniards (saith he) followed the chase four miles, and took prisoner Henry van Sygen, lodowick's Lieutenant, with twenty ensigns, sixteen pieces of ordinance, and slew (some say) seven thousand, but the number must needs be less, seeing that the whole army was scarce so many, of whom yet it is manifest that many escaped. There were slain many of the banished Nobility, whose plate and money fell unto Alva his share. The Earl of Schwartzburg fled away at the beginning of the fight.   

¶ The battle of Bassac, fought in Poitou in France, between Henry Duke of Anjou, brother and Lieutenant General of Charles the ninth, King of France, and Lewes Prince of Conde General of the Protestants, in Anno. 1569.  
AFter the battle fought at Saint Denys, the army of the French Protestants (as I told you before) marched into the confines of Loreyne, to meet with Casimire son unto the Pfaliz grave, with whom they returned back again, and besieged the City of Chartres, when a peace was concluded in March 1568. but it held but a little while: for in August following, the Protestants were again in the field, with an arm of fourscore and fourteen cornets of horsemen, and two hundredth and forty ensigns of footmen, of whom d Acer brought twenty thousand out of Provence and Daul●hinte, and eight hundred horsemen. Against this power being in Xaintoigne, a power of Catholics came, under the conduct of Henry Duke of Anieu the king's brother, between whom were divers skirmishes, until that the cold of the winter forced them both to abandon the field, the which they did take again as soon as ever the time of the year and state of the air would permit. But in March 1569. Monsieur de Anioi● having a little before doubled his forces, had intelligence that the Lord Piles was coming out of Gascogne with a new supply of Soldiers for the Conde, who had lost by sickness four or five thousand of his footmen. Wherefore his Excellence advancing his army thorough Poitois, Limosin, and the country of Augomois, descended along the river of Charente, as though he would take Chasteau-neuf, there for to pass the river, and that done, bar Piles from joining with the Prince, and be at choice to fight with either of them. The which the Prince doubting, passed the Charente at Cognac. But Monsieur having taken Chastean-neus standing upon the river of Charente, between Cognac and Angoulesme, commanded the bridge to be repaired that the Protestants had broken down. And the next morning being the xj. of March, his Excellence marched towards Cognac, as well to do some enterprise upon the Protestants, and to put them in doubt what he meant to do, as also for to 'cause them to think that he would not return again to Chasteau-neuf, to pass the water. The Princes who were at Cognac only with their ordinary trains (the men of war being in their quarter) sent one suddenly to demand aid of the Admiral, who was at jarnac with the vanguard. Dandelor hasting thitherward, understood that Monsieur was turned towards Chasteau-neuf and therefore the Prince being assured, returned to jarnac the twelfth of March. And in the mean time to impeach the reparation of the Bridges of Chasteau-neuf, he caused the Admiral and the vanguard to advance themselves selves unto the encounter, whilst that he went to jarnac. But the Admiral seeing the diligence that was used in making of the passage, retired himself unto Bassac, and for the retreat ordained Soubize, Puviant, and other companies of Poitou, who should remain there in battle until midnight. As the diligence of Monsieur was great in making of the Bridges, so was it extreme in passing over them all the night: on the other side, the Prince (all things being well weighed) was not willing to resolve upon the battle, but commanded the Admiral that he should 'cause the vanguard to dislodge, and he with him at larnac upon the break of the day. The which was done, but not by all: For the companies that Puviant led, could not march so speedily, the which was the occasion that they saw the companies of the Catholics at their tail, and were so strongly pressed by them, that they must needs disgage and secure them to the peril and discomfiture of all the Protestants: for the Chief was charged by so many Catholics, that be being in the head of the army, was in great peril, if that the discovery of the troops which the Admiral led, had not made them that were advanced nearest, to stay a little. Then the footmen of the Catholics were no sooner passed the Bridges, but that without resting they doubled their pace, for to gain a little hill that was directly over against the Bridge. The Protestants also made for ward very fast for to seize it, but suddenly when they perceived the crossed men, whom they there discovered very easily, they retired a two or three harquebus shots from thence, for to take a place for the battle, the which they found in a place of indifferent good advantage, the which was a plain covered in one quarter with a great village, which did afford many commodities unto their footmen. Near unto the said village there was a little hill, and more lower the●e ran along before them a river that did divide the plain. There they rested them, and all being set in array of battle, stayed there a good while, whilst that the Captains Catholics did take a place, for their army upon the plain near unto the hill.  
Then they that were less lazy remained not long without shirmish, namely those that had the hill in their power: for they having discovered how small a power the Admiral had, who was now retired, came down and advanced themselves so near, that the Protestants could not retire without fight, unless they would be entirely defeated. So that when some and then other Catholics came forward, Puviant saw that he and his regiments & Cornet was so gauged, that if the Lord Noré, and the Lord Loué (to whom the retreat of the vanguard had been commanded) had not with forty arquebusiers of the guard of de Acier, delivered and disgaged them, the greatest part had remained there for a mark and sign of the victory.  
But when they had with all their devoir succoured them to their great pain, they were forced to defend themselves with all their power upon the bay of a pond, where they were all charged with such force by Martigues, Malicorne, and other, to the number of u or vj. C. horse, that Noué & Louée were taken in the field, and their companies put to slight. Loué had this good hap, that by saying he was la Briche ensign-bearer to Martigues, he escaped death, the which he had been sure of, if he had been known. Upon this, Puviant after he had been charged, & saw that his company was to small, retired with the rest of the footmen. While that these charges were given on Noué, other Catholics passed farther, & gave in even to the village, & two. C. of them advanced yet more lustily, whom the I diniral and Dandelor (after they had discovered them, and were ignorant of the defeat aforesaid, because that the village was between them) charged Dandelot being foremost with his Cornet, gave in so furiously, that he did put them to slight, and having pursued them even into the village: In his return be found one of their ensigns, but he was no sooner out of the village, but that the Catholics re-entered it more strongly than before: for they were followed but a good way off by twelve hundredth harquebusiers, who came to seize on the village. Then he turned upon them, and made them to retire into the village, where they renforced themselves with the footmen, who in their favour did so bar and fortify themselves in that place unto the purpose, that it was made impossible afterward to chase them thence. In the mean time all the troops Catholics began to show themselves, and every regiment did take his place for the battle.  
This was done when that the Prince of Conde being advertised by the Admiral (who had sent unto him the Baron of Montagus) of the danger that the vanguard was in, unless he succoured it, advanced himself with those few horsemen of his battle, that he had assembled tumultuously in that uproar, because that his army was distributed by quarters, dispersed here and there, by reason they were not then encamped. Then every man on both sides came to seek the advantages of place & fight, and many good blows were given, and many valiant deeds passed, the which I will not set down particularly. While that these things were dove, the Admiral perceived that the army of Monsieur was all passed, and came forward on the least hand as fast as they could, the which was the very mean for to enclose the Protestants between the river and the army of the Catholics. Then he seeing no mean left for to retire without fight, commanded la Tour to make the companies of the vanguard to advance forward, the which he did, and bore himself so, that his horse being borne unto the ground, he was taken, and being known for him that had slain Captain Charry at Paris, was slain in the field, with many other that had no better market.  
Now the army of the Catholics ran over a great part of the field upon the left hand, where stood the troops of Soubize, Lang villier, Puivant, Cressonierre, and many other Captains in chief of Poitou, who thinking that they aught not any longer to expect any occasion for a better charge, seeing that the Catholics renforced themselves every moment, with the advise of the General, charged upon the foremost with such fury, that they made them to recoil: but being broken by the succours that came unto them without cease, Soubize and Long villien were taken, Mesanchere and Brandaniere, and many other were slain in the field.  
In the mean time his Excellence would come another way, for being desirous to break them in many places at once, he caused an other way on the right hand to be learned out, which although it were hard enough for the nature of the place, yet nevertheless he found it more easy on that side, where he made the most part of his army to march, by reason that the Protestants who hitherto maintained the acuantage of the Bay of the Poude, after that they knew his enterprise, did abandon it, that they themselves might retire safely. Moreover, at the same instant one regiment of Reisters was commanded to pass over the Bay, for to strain them on the side, the which they did very lustily. When all these troops were passed for to advance themselves, the Prince of Conde with three or four hundredth horsemen, turned head against them, and gave a very hot charge, being followed by the most part of his men. So that he being chased for despite to see almost all his men fled, and that the whole army bore itself no better, did thrust in with such fury, that he bore to the ground, and made to recoil all those that durst to tarry him, until such time as his horse being wounded, he was thrown to the ground, not being able to do the devoir that he had well desired and wished. For the hindermost troops of the Catholics advancing themselves for to hold up the foreness (who gave back) and being aided by the Almain horsemen, did thrust in so furiously through the Protestants, that two thirds of them rested upon the place, either dead or fore hurt. namely the Prince of Conde, was himself thrown under his horse, that he could do nothing any longer for the blows that he had received, so that because he was not followed by his men, who should have refreshed him with a second horse, all succour to help him to arise, sawled him, being constrained to give place unto the force and the great number of the Catholics, who came upon him thick and threefold. So that hearing himself named and spoken unto by de Augence, and Saint lean, who going to the chase of those that fled, by fortune passed by before him and they having promised him at his request to save his life, he yielded. But ill fortune straightway followed: for being known, he was at the same instant slain by Montesquiois (as some say) who shot him into the head with a deadly Pistolet. Certain had counseled him before the fight for to retire, seeing his army not being joined together, he could not resist the power of his Excellence. But he would give no more ear thereunto, than would Curi●, and the Conte Lodron in the like cases.  
At the very same instant of the Prince's death, the disorder among the Protestants, marvelously increased, whose spurs were not so sharp as to make their horse's post fast enough. D'acier being advertised by the Admiral of this rent counter, made six thousand arquebusiers to march with a● great diligence and speed as be could possible: but when he was yet one league from Bassac, (for he came from Cognac which is u great leagues from Bassac) he understood of the loss of the battle by those that fled, which made him to lead his footmen towards jarnac, where yet he could be no sooner arrived, but that he saw the Catholics at his heels, yet he made head unto them, in such sort, that he had afterward leisure to retire. Then having intelligence that the greatest troop was in Cognac, he passed over the water with his footmen for to flee that way, and for to assure himself against the pursuit● that might be made at his tail, be caused the bridges to be broken down, the which did impeach the passage of the pursuing Catholykes. And also hereby the artillery which some had caused to be brought out of Cognac, was also soon assured.  
Then jornac being abandoned, was taken by those that pursued their victory upon the footmen. Of so many Protestant's many would have rallied themselves, but they were chased so near, that they had no leisure. Moreover, to the pursuit arrived a regiment of Reisters, who with the rest of the Catholics, did very hotelye pursue the fleeing souls one league from the place of the battle: but they continued their slight even unto five of the clock in the afternoon.  
The Admiral and Dandelot seeing the flight irreparable, and the affray so marvelous, retired with a few of the Nobility: but when they would not follow the way that the greatest part of the affrighted took, for fear of being pursued with the other, they deflected into the way on the right hand, and the tract that was least beaten, & retired unto SAINT jean de Angely, where they being advertised that the young Princes (of Navarre and Conde) were at Xainctes, whither they retired (having given commandment to the rest of the footmen to tarry at Cognac) they sought them there, and made that the place for the Reindevous, or abode for them that escaped out of the battle: whither many (who had taken the way to Cognac, thinking to find the Princes there) came unto them.  
Many Protestants of mark (besides the Prince of Conde) saw the end of their days in this journey of Bassac. Among other of the Poitevins, these were of greatest name, Tour, young Chasteliers, Portant, Chandenier, Mesanchere, Brandaniere, the eldest of the Bessons, young Tabariere, Barette, la Mesleray, and above fifty other gentlemen lamented in that country. Few of the footmen, and of the Captains in chief none, but Ogier called lafoy Moriniere, and certain other of the regiment of Puivant, Soubize, Langvillier, and ten or twelve other Poitevins were taken, of whom a little while after Soubize deceiving his keepers, escaped. As touching other Montigeau, Breton, Stuard a Scot (who was slain with a dag) and certain other, died there. Camtel of the race of Glass, was slain. Captain Corneile a Scot, and divers other of the same nation could not survive the fifteenth day, by reason of their wounds. Corbeson brother to Montgommerie, and Lieutenant to the Prince, was taken prisoner, and after estarged on his faith, and being offended for that they would not change Sessac for him, he returned unto his house. Guerchye Ensign bearer of the Admiral, being hurt in divers places, was taken, and being given by Monsieur unto one of his kinsmen, had liberty to return unto his house upon his faith. La Nove was changed for Sessac Lieutenant to the Duke of Gryse. The sum that this journey did import, were near four hundredth of the Confederates, and two hundredth Catholics, of whom there died Monsalez the Barons of Ingrande, and of Prunay, both of the house of Billy. The Conte de la Mirande, de Morete, Moncanure, Linieres, and certain other of mark: but few or none in comparison of the Protestants, which made the Catholics as well Frenchmen as Spaniards, to compare this discomfiture unto that which Charles the fift, Emperor, gave unto the Almains, and do accounted it for one nothing less and inferior. But certes the fruit was far less: for none other ensued thereof, but a free running over all the Xantongeois, Angumois, and Limousin. But while that Monsieur attempted in vain Cognac and Angoulesme, the Protestants gathered together, and united their dispersed power, and creating Henry the young prince of Navarre or Bearn to be their General, in july following joined with the power of the Duke of Deux pontzes (who died by the way) which consisted of 7500. Reisters, and 6000. lansquenets very well armed and appointed.   

¶ The Battle of Moncontour, fought in Poitou in France, between Henry Duke of Anjou, and Henry Prince of Bearne, the tenth of October, in Anno. 1569.  
THe Protestants having (as I said) received the aids of Deux Pontz, become very strong, and did many great exploits, and at the last the x. of October joined in battle with Monsieur, who had eight or nine thousand horsemen, sixteen or eyghtéene thousand footmen, and fifteen or sixteen pieces of artillery. But the Confederates had six thousand horsemen aswell Frenchmen as Reisters, eight thousand arquebusiers, and four thousand Lansquenets, of whom some did unhandsomelye help themselves with harquebuses, six Canons, two culverins, and three Muschattes. But the cause why that the Admiral (who in deed ruled and governed the army, the Prince being scarce a man in years) being overmatched in number, joined in battle, was first necessity (because he could not commodiously neither go back nor forward, Monsieur was so near unto him) and secondly, desire of retaining the ancient honour and reputation of the Protestants, who were always accounted very hardy and valiant: but if that they should now have fled, they might perhaps have alienated from them the hearts of many of their favourers, both in foreign countries, and also at home. The place where this battle was darreyned, was a plain called Cron, half a French league from Moncountour, and two from Eruaux. This plain in some parts is charged with little hills, whom the Captains might orawe to great advantages for the future battle, as the Admiral did: who having marked that towards the place where his Excellence would come, the plain ended in certain little hills with small and sweet descents, he purposed to place there the greatest part of his footmen, and certain Reisters, because that they (by reason they do march in the form of a battalion) are more subject unto the mercy of the Canon, than the French horsemen (of whom, because they march and fight in length in the form of wings, one piece of ordinance can hit but one, and him to very seldom:) and also for to lodge his ordinance on the small hills that were at the end of the plain, he made the battle too advance more on the right hand, as if he would take towards Eruaux, whereof he gave the charge unto Lodowick Conte de Nassau, to whom he delivered three Canons and one Culuerine.  
The avantgarde was on the left hand drawing towards the river a little less forward than the battle, whereof he himself did take the charge and conduct, having with him Puygressier, la Noué, Telignie, and certain other, who had the charge of two Canons, two Lungs, two Muschats: And the Conte de Mansfelde (the Chief of the Reisters) of whom he had distributed almost the one half into the battle, as also of Lansquenets, whom Granuillrers conducted. All of whom having kissed the ground, made protestations one unto another, for to entersuccour each one the other, and to die in the place rather than to recoil and give back.  
The Admiral hath had one fashion very familiar (if it be not to be called a strategemme of war) which is in general fight and battle arranged, for to enlace the footmen with the horsemen, in this sort. After he had chosen the best footmen for Enfans perdus, he would set them in the head of every rank of horsemen, for to shoot and that too with assurance at the horsemen that would come to encounter his horsemen: seeing that every arquebusier might always according unto the place, the time, and the persons, recharge three or four tunes. As also it is not possible but that the ranks of the horsemen on the other side must be well lessened, and made th'inner, and also that their party coming upon the enemy to recharge them, shall (if they be good men) have such an hand of them as they will themselves. Neither are the footmen that begun the attach, thereby in any distress or danger, for their horsemen will defend them if any will recharge them: and in the mean time they will find mean to save themselves if they be alone on a plain, or else cover themselves with some baskets or trenches if the places be proper therefore. Here he practised again this form of fight, but a little altered from the former, as we shall declare unto you.  
In disposing of his horsement, he separated the Cornets as well French as Almains, intermeddling two of Reisters, with two of French, as the hindermost ranks of the vanguard were. Those companies of his own men of arms, and of de A●ier (who conducted his own in person) were flanked on the right side with two Cornets of Reisters, which were a little more advanced, and kept still their form of batallion. On the left side of those French Cornets, was Captain Ramiers with his company of arquebusiers, for to serve for Enfans perdus, and on their side five and twenty or thirty arquebusiers on horseback of the guard of D'acier: all these arquebusiers stood a little more forward than the Cornets. Moore higher, drawing always towards the right hand was the domestical Cornet of the Admiral, and two or three other, that he himself would conduct, flanked on the one side with four or five Cornets Almains, over whom Mansfelde commanded, and on the other, with two companies of arquebusiers of Doge, and an other captain. But four or five companies should fight before the Admiral, who were therefore a little farther advanced. The rest of the vanguard still advancing themselves, a little more forward in form of batallions, even unto Money and la Noué, who were in the head or front with their regiments, were followed by the like number of Reisters. And so likewise was the battle arranged, the which was in array standing higher on the right hand, drawing toward Eruaux. Although that all these troops did one stand more forward than another, yet this was not in right line and in head, but brawing toward a direct line, to the end that the Admiral who stood at the bottom and end of all his troops, might see a far, the disposition, countenance, and dismarche of the Catholics, and upon a sudden purvey according to the occurrence.  
But although that all these troops were so varied and interlaced, yet nevertheless they might go to the charge all together, or a part, as they would themselves, without one impeaching of the other, namely seeing the Reisters, had requested, that they might not be any whit hindered at their first dismarch. For the Reister using another and divers way and manner of fight from the Frenchman, in encountering his enemy, can not endure any troop to be near him: because they will break his course: for the Reister fighteth in this sort. When he doth see himself near enough unto his enemies, the first rank doth advance upon them, and when he hath shot off his Pistolet, he doth not run still in forward (as doth the French man, who doth still pursue his point) but more short on the right hand, or on the left, according unto the place where he is, and so is also speedily followed by the second rank, that doth the very same. Then the third followeth the second, to give the charge, as soon as ever he seeth him departed that stood before him. All the ranks following one another, in such manner, even unto the last, the hindermost runneth (they fight with Pistolets only) for to come unto their fore riders, they standing all along one at another's tail. And for as much as it is impossible, but that when they do present themselves, some of them, or else their horses be slain: therefore as soon as ever one of the foremost rank is seen to fall down, he that is in the second rank, directly behind him that is departed, or else disabled, must take his place, and he of the third rank must furnish the void place of the second, and so the rest in like order, so that they always make their foremost ranks, of the most assured: for in all things (namely in feats of arms) the beginning is of greatest moment.  
You see the reason why the Admiral had thus disposed his men: neither was this form and disposition profitable, only for this regard, but also was very avantagious for the Reisters. For the French horsemen would impeach them that would come against their Reisters, from overrunning or breaking them, and also would give them large liberty to recharge, and return unto the encounter. And on the other side, when the French men should see that the Reisters Catholics charged their Reisters, and namely when they should turn (as also the Reisters Protestant's would do) to recharge their pistolets, than would they run upon them lustily, and break them at their ease, I say, that all of them should not have leisure to recharge. For seeing they have nothing to fight with but their Pistolets, when they have discharged, they are half dead, and namely when they see their ranks broken. In this battle, the Reisters. Catholics and Protestants entercharged one the other: but if that lot had given, that the Reisters Catholics had charged the French men, they might easily have been broken. For the Frenchman that still followeth his point, doth easily break that rank of the Reisters, which he findeth going about to rally and recharge. And through this form of fight many Reisters Catholics ended their days in this journey, and not only by this mean, but also by that which I have before declared: that is to wit, the shot of the arquebusiers on foot, that were intermeddled with the horsemen. Such was the disposition and ordinance of the horsemen of the Protestants.  
As for the footmen, those that were in the vanguard, were inmasse or plump, having the form of one gross battalion, which the Lansquenets made under the charge of the Baron of Grenelesee, and of Granuilliers, flanked on two sides with the regiments of arquebusiers Frenchmen, led by Piles, Roviuray, Briquemaut the younger, de Ambres, and du Chellar. Moreover, this battle was sustained by four troops of horsemen, as well Frenchmen as Reisters, ordered as I have showed before. The footmen of the battle made another battalion, composed of the arquebusiers of the regiments of Beaudine, Mombrun, Blacons, Mirabel, and Virieu, sustained as before. And also these two bodies of footmen had their arquebusiers in their front, who (as Enfans perdus) should give and receive the first blows, as they were conducted by their Captains who went before them. They had not one Pike among them, a weapon the best and most necessary that a footman can devise to bear, and such an one for a footman, as the Lance is for an horseman, as we will show at another time, by God's help.  
The Colonels and Captains of every band were a little advanced for to encourage their men: all the army was clothed in white. The Protestants stood still, not moving out of their places, and it seemed that they would have been well contented to have been dispensed with for fight that day, the which thing some men advised. Yet many presuming that which afterward happened unto them, said: that a General which hath his troop ready for the shock, aught not to stay for the charge, and that this had always been hold for an assured Maxim among the old Foxes of times past. And for proof more certain, the Confederates themselves had marked, that in all fights past, they had done better when they charged first, than when they expected the dismarch of the Catholics.  
Now you have seen the estate and disposition wherein the army of the Protestants, expected that of his Excellence, who by the advise of the most old practised warriors of his troop, disposed his army after the manner that I shall tell you. He being a little advanced in the plain, and having caused certain of the principal Captains to come unto him, disposed his troops after the French fashion, which is to divide the mass of an army into two parts, which they do call an vanguard, and a battle. divers times if that the army be very great, they make three, and to these two adjoin a rearward, for to sustain those two foremost troops, if they should chance to be overthrown, and to secure the bands that shall have need: and also for to really, as well those that for long fight have lost or straggled from their Engsines, or for to stay them that flee, and to constrain them to make head. The vanguard was composed of horsemen, as well Frenchmen as Almains and Italians. Of Frenchmen were the Prince Dauphin, the Duke of Guise, Martigues, Chavigny, lafoy Valette, and many other Captains: the troop of whom was no less than two or three thousand horsemen. Of the Almains, the regiments of the vanguard of the Conte of Westambourg, the two other regiments of the Reingraffe, & Bassompierre, their troops, mounting near to two thousand horse. Of the Italians, the Conte of Saint Fiora, the Conte Paul Sforza, the Contes Disci, Santelle, and many other with their troops, who amounted to few less th●̄ thousand horsemen, almost all very good and well appointed.  
The footmen stood in the form of one gross batallion, which was made by the regiment of the Swissers, led by the Colonel Clery, which should have been of eight thousand, but it was brought to four, through the long travail and weariness of the wars. Five regiments of arquebusiers French men, and Italians, for to flank them on two sides, conducted by the Captains la Barthè, Sarlabou●, les deux Isles, and he of Onoux Andrea because that the plain was fair and large, the artillery was departed into two, eight pieces for the vanguard, and seven for the battle, and laid at the head of the battalions. Before these troops of horsemen, and the footmen, there was advanced (after the French fashion) a good number of young men as well horsemen as footmen, for to screw for Enfans perdus, and attach the fight first. Over all these commanded the Duke of Montpensier, who made his vanguard to keep this order. The Switzes and their flanks of arquebusiers, as men ready to come to the charge, were set upon the right hand, and before them advanced Martigues, who should charge first, after that the Enfans perdus of the horsemen, whom he had before him, had given their first charge. Martigues was followed by the Prince Dauphin, who being accompanied with Chavigny, had on his right hand the Conte de San Fiora, Marie and Paul Sforza, brothers, with Charles de Birague followed by their regiments, for the most part Italians. Behind the Prince for to sustain all that were before, marched the Duke of Montpensier, having on his side two thousand Reisters, conducted by the Landgrave of Hessen, the two Contes Reingraffe, brothers, the Conte de Westambourg, de Bassompierre, and Scomberg, who led eighteen Cornets. And because that the Duke of Montpensier did doubt that the Swissers who were on his right hand, would not charge at all, if that they were not flanked and sustained by French horsemen, appointed for their left side the Duke of Guise, lafoy Valette, and many other Captains, with their companies, who should assure them against all hazard. All this mass went furiously to the charge together, as I will show you, after that I have represented unto you the battle. The which was composed of the Dukes de Aumalle, de Longville, Mareschall de Cossé, Tauennes, the Marquis of Villars, (who had before received in gift of the King, the state of the Admiral of France) lafoy Fayette, Mern Colonel general of the Swissers, de Toré his brother (sons of the late Constable) Carpavallet, la Vaugui●n, and Villequier, Vatan, Vesigny, de Maily Governor of Moutreul, Greau, and many other Captains, the companies of whom could amount to no fewer than three thousand horse of fight. Of the Almains were the Conte Mansfelde cousin to the Protestant, who conducted and led five Cornets of a thousand, or twelve hundredth horse, whom the King of Spain had sent, the Marquis of Baden, who had about one thousand, and certain other particulars. Likewise the battle had well near four thousand Reisters. The footmen were in the like manner distributed, as they were in the vanguard, in one battalion of Swissers, whom Colonel Phiffer led, and before him Mern, Colonel general of all the Swissers, having on their wings the Burgonions and the Spaniards which the Catholic king had sent unto his Majesty, and four regiments of Frenchmen, conducted by Cousin's, young Monluc, Gohas, and Rance, who had seven great pieces before them. Over all these commanded his Excellence, who had a little behind him on the right side the troops of the Marshals of the field for to rally, and moreover to do their devoir in that which should be likewise thought needful. All these battalions had their Enfans perdus in their front, as I have said of the vanguard.  
Now ye shall see the order that every company hath in the battle for to dismarch, when that the signal of fight shall be given. I will take my beginning at the person of his Excellence, for the good luck that he brought unto the whole army. Monsieur would be between the Marquis of Baden, and the Regiment of the Swissers. And therefore when it was upon the point of the charge, he commanded Duke du Aumalle to lead the Reisters of the Marquis, who were on the right hand. Mareschall de Coss with his companies, and the Conte de Mansfelde with his Cornets guarded the Swissers on the left side. Before his Excellence Carnavallet had fifty Gentlemen for to charge first. Behind on the right side of his Excellence was Byron with his fellows Mareschaux of the field and their troops.  
Such was the disposition of one and the other army, such was the array and order which every company had for to go to the charge. Now it remains for to declare how the two armies began to dismarch, to charge, and to encounter one the other, as furiously as any man hath seen who ●●gan●t, and how. For it is to be noted, that although the bodies of the two a●●n●●● were divided into two parts, that is to wit, into an aua●●garde and a battle, according to the French fashion, yet nevertheless they had encamped themselves in such a place, and so disposed the companies of every Captain, that they might fight all together, & at one time (as it also now happened:) for the vanguard of his Excellence had no sooner marched, but that the battle which Monsieur himself conducted, began to buskle themselves to go unto the charge, as I shall tell you hereafter, otherwise than the most part of the ancients have used to do, whose battles did most commonly attend the happy or unhappy success of the vanguard. Wherein a man may note the promptitude of the spirits and courages of this time, in respect of the simpleness and slowness of the ancient ages.  
It is to be noted, that his Excellence had encharged Byron to make ready the battles, whilst that he being accompanied with the Dukes de Aumalle, Longville, Coss, Tauennes, Villars, Faye●te, Carnaullet, and many other, mounted on an hill, for to be somewhat near, to judge of the countenance and deliberation of the Protestants. But because he was counseled not to go any further, he retired. Then Tauannes (on whose judgement he reposed himself for the conduct of his army) suppliantly desired him to let him alone in going further, that he might be able to give unto him more certain advise. He having overrun with his diligent eye the principal of the army Protestant, came to find Monsieur and assured him of the good fortune that he should have, if it would please him to give battle. But if (said he) we shall neglect it now, another time the like will not be offered us, nor an occasion of so great advantage. Let them march in the name of God with all diligence, without breaking the order of the battles. The which advise was received of his Excellence, giving God praise, and with very great cheerfulness (as his face seemed to testify) and the enterprises that he took in hand did witness afterward unto all those that did follow him.  
The two armies were not so soon in a readiness, but that they discovered one the other all in gross anon after eight of the clock on Monday morning. Then the Canon of the battle Protestant began to play, shooting so right, that it lost not one shoot. Those of the Catholics answered them soon enough with a far greater noise, but with less damage: for mostly they shot too low, or too high, and also the footmen, and the most part of the horsemen of the Protestants, lay so under the defence of the plain in the little valleys that were in that quarter, that of three shots, the Catholics lost one or two although they always shot thrice against once of the Protestants. The artillery of the vanguard came also at the same time to salute one another, and interaunswere and debate who should vomit most blood, most slaughters, and most mischiefs, doing equal devoir unto the ordinance of the battles.  
Whilst that the great thunder made itself to be heard in all quarters, many horsemen disbanded themselves out of their ranks as well of the one party as the other, some for to skirmish, other for to see the effect of the Canon, and some for to view more better and nearly the scite, and the form of the Camp of their adversaries: yea, and there were also some that sought out their kinsfolks and friends, and talked together as well of the event of this journey, as of the occasions that had moved them to follow that part which they maintained: but the best advised would not depart from their ensigns, both because they would not put themselves in the mercy of the Canon, who taking from him the feet and head of his horse, would make him lose the good hap to assist so notable a battle, as also for that they considered, that they had already enough to do for their parts, and that one aught not to weary himself before the time of fight, and to tire his horse, as Vegece mocketh pleasantly some Romans of his, who would come unto the fight quite out of breath. Tauannes who had learned the commodity of all places of the field, and the ways of all the quarters, told Monsieur that it was needful to make the battles to retire a little on the left hand, as well to take the large and advantageous field, to the end to have greater ease and liberty to fight, and to cut off the way from the Protestants, if they would retire towards their conquests, as also for to save the troops from the fury of the artillery, the which did marvelously endamage them.  
The which gave occasion unto the Admiral to change the encamping of all his troops, and to stand more on the right hand upon the way to Moncontour, and Eruaux, as it were to make a bar for the Catholics, if that they would thrust in to pass further that way. Thereupon his Excellence commanded Duke de Montpensier who led the vanguard for to march, & the Marshal de Cossé, who stood on the left side of the battalion of the Swissers, to make the battle draw a little more on the left hand than it was. The which they executed very readily, and knew very well to choose a place for to advantage their army. Yet though this commandment were received, they marched not immediately: for it is to be presumed, that every Captain would then recognize & encourage his men, and open unto them the occasions and means to fight fortunately. Moreover, every company was preached unto by their Preachers, namely for the regard of the Protestants, after that the Princes of Navarre and Condé, had adhorted them to do their devoir, to consider the consequence of such a journey, the foul ignomy or most renowned reputation that they should get by the event of such a battle, wherein lay those things that every man of them did seek, that is to wit, their goods, their honour, their whole state, their lives, & their consciences, which is of far greater price, & therefore sith by the well or ill doing in this journey, their life or death was assured, they in sum prayed them to follow their captains, who would not fail to lead them a very good way.  
Then after that Tauennes (whom his Excellence had before sent for, to learn when it was time for to go unto the charge) had reported unto him, that it was very good time, and that he must presently give in, because the artillery of the Protestants marvelously endamaged the Catholics, & namely that of the battle, which lay within an hundredth paces of the battalion of Monsieur, & gave it a very shrewd check: & again, the artillery of the Catholics, by reason of the place (as I have said) did but a little harm unto the Protestants, for the causes before discovered. Moreover he told him how the day passed away, which might impeach the obtaining of an entire victory: and in deed the army's ●ad stood at a stay from seven of the clock in the morning until three in the afternoon, attending which would difmarch first. Whilst that the Canon thus played still as well on the one part as the other, his Excellence commanded the Duke of Montpensier to go resolutely to the charge, & he himself would also do the same in his quarter. The which was done as soon as the artillery of the one and the other side was suddenly retired by the sides, and every company (according to the order aforesaid) did put themselves in pace, and at the same instant the Trumpets of the Protestants having sounded Dedans, dedans, tis, tis, the army began to march, seeing the Catholics now setting forward, for to go on to the encounter.  
Upon this, the Duke of Montpensier commanded Martigues for to charge the runners or Enfans perdus, and so to begin the game, & staying them at the first. The which they did: for being joined with the Italians & certain French troops, they marched as though they would have given upon the Enfans perdus of the footomen of the Protestants, but they no sooner saw themselves saluted by two or three hundredth arquebusiers, but that they turned very short on the left hand, and changing their trot into a gallop, gave so fervently upon Movy and his regiment, that he being abandoned and forsaken by the two Cornets of Reisters, that had been appointed to follow them, and his regiment being broken, was forced to get him away, and to save the greatest part of his men among the footmen, who being made mad with so piteous an accident, and forejudging a miserable end of so unhappy a beginning, lost their hearts, & disbending themselves by little & little, in the end ran all away for the best game. The Enfans perdus were the first, who by so doing helped much to discourage the other, so that they almost altogether forsook the Lansquenets. At the same time, the Duke of Guise, and la Valerie being followed by many other companies, advanced themselves lustily, and came a great trot to charge their parry, who with the same pace hasted to attach them. At the meeting, many Lances flew into shivers, many horses to the huesing one of the other, ran together, infinite Pistolets made many to fall backward, with their heels higher than their heads, many horsemen were borne to the ground that never spoke word after.  
While that these troops fought with so great pertinacy, the Conte of Saint F●●ra, Paul Sforza, and certain other Italians, encountered Dautricourt, the Marquis of Renay, and their companies, who after they had set abroach the Italian troops, should have followed Dautricourt. For this Gentleman thinking that he had the victory in his hand, advanced forward so lustily, that casting himself into the mids of the vanguard, he saw himself enclosed and assailed by a great number of horsemen, who after they had pressed him to yield, and saw his pertinacy in fight, slew him in the field, & all that had followed him. And passing further, gave upon the rest, who being dispersed here and there without Captain, were not able to abide the impression of the French men of arms, who bowing themselves upon the incitation of their Lance, and being borne by strong horses, buried many under their bellies: yet these encounters were not done without sending of many of the one part and the other, for to take the measure of their tomb upon the dust of that field, and namely of the Catholics, whom the arquebusiers that were on the side of the Protestants, set off at all liberty, assuring themselves, that after they had discharged, the horsemen would give the charge upon their parts, and in the mean time they should have leisure enough to provide for their affairs.  
Yet nevertheless for all this, the Admiral, who by reason of his great practice in arms, the which the long course of his old years, and (which is more) the diligent marking of so great and so divers events as had run before his eyes, as he followed the wars as well abroad as at home, could well-near certainly judge what would be the event of the battle, counseled the Princes to retire as covertly, and with as small a train as they could: but as in adversity men have their eyes more stirring, and their spirits more lively to espy, and pry on all sides, the means and ways how to enfranchise themselves from an ill chance that approacheth them near, many horsemen followed them, so that they saw more servitors at their tails by one half, than the ordinary train of their houses would bear, the which helped nothing to encourage them that saw, or heard afterward of that retreat: the which made them so much the more to suspect that some ill hap was near, as the thing had been secret unto them. I leave to rake after these Villiaques, who did abandon their ensigns, for to follow them that commanded them not, and I will speak only of those that were most chafed for to fight. All these fellows being impeached by rickling one another so near, could not see at all the dismarches, and the cruel affronts of two thousand Reisters Catholics, and of the companies that assisted the Admiral, as well Frenchmen as Almains.  
When these battalions saw that they were near to the encounters, the Protestats caused their arquebusiers to advance, crying unto them that they should not shoot but at the horses, but with all assurance. The which although they did, & shot off at fifty pace, the foremost giving place unto those that followed, yet they could not shoot off so soon, but that the Reisters were already come to the charge. The foremost of whom directing their ranges to run upon the French Protestants, who were on the side of their Reisters, were courageously received and overrun at the first blow, as well because the nature of the Frenchman is such, that if he once join, he will still go farther, as also for that the arquebusiers had already well cleared and thinned the ranks of the Reisters, by slaying and hurting many before hand, who were able to give no farther forward, than the place where they had been so nearly touched. The Reisters Catholykes not marching together, nor charging with one and the same trot, but being distributed by regiments, and sustained by French horsemen, the one company of them attached the Admiral, who was assisted by the Conte of Mansfelde, and the other charged the two companies of men of arms of the Admiral, and de Acier, who were followed by two or three Cornets of Reisters. These charges were hot and very furious for all men an both sides, and much more cruel on the side of the Catholics, than on the other, by means of the arquebusiers Protestants, who lively tasted the Catholics. Some died in the field, other felt themselves so hurt, that they were not able to go any further, neither had any strength to fight. And because of the cry, At the horses fellows, at the horses: Many of the beasts were so pricked to the quick, that they could never serve afterward.  
When that these footmen had given every man his blow they found the horses of the artillery who were retired into that quarter near unto them, I do believe they were not slothful to use them, presaging (it may be) the fearful and long flight which they were near unto. The rest provided, and made the best shift for themselves that they could. At that charge the Admiral was hurt between the nose and the ball of the cheek, through the fault of those companies that had been ordained for to cover him, and fight before him, who because they had taken the charge sooner than they aught, he found himself so intermeddled among the Catholics, that if the Conte de Mansfeld (retaking the charge, and with him four or five Cornets of Reisters) had not repulsed them, the Admiral had never got out, but had come unto the courtesy of them that loved him little. This being done, the one and the other retired a little for to rally themselves under their ensigns, and afterward to return to the encounter.  
This first rencounter was mortal unto many Catholics, through the means and occasions aforesaid, so that they seemed to leave the Confederates almost in the possession of good fortune. For indeed some of them then advancing themselves upon the Catholics, cried out, victory, victory as though she had slipped out of the hands of his Excellence. But this cry profited the Protestants nothing: for it seemed that the Catholics had no less assuced themselves of their forces, than of the good hour that assisted them, as you shall hear. Yet because they were seen to be put to flight, it made many ensigns accompanied with a great number of Catholics to retire, whom the Protestants rallying themselves under their Ensigns, thought to have charged, if that a fresh r●●●ment that made as though they would charge the Protestants their Reisters, (who had now rallied themselves) had not caused them to stay.  
But because ye have your eyes so fast fixed on the slaughters of the avantgardes, ye cannot see how the battle dismarcheth by the commandment of his Excellence. Whose great felicity could not suffer so long rest, & although he were uncertain of the success of his vanguard which was now come to hand strokes, yet he durst to leave his tranquillity, and abandon all his whole state unto the greatness of his fortune, which had always until that day, smiled full merrily upon him. Seeing then that he could not abide to expect until the footmen had begun the game, he made a sudden departure from the right side under the conduct of the Duke de Aumalle, the Marquis of Baden, and with all his Reisters, the which Marquis ran in so far before the rest, that he was there slain, and many other, for companions of his mortal charge. Yet this was a small matter: but Monsieur himself, whether his nature hot and boiling in martial prows, did solicit him to enter the battle, or whether besire to say the army of the Protestants on the ground, pricked him thereunto: did no sooner see the Confederates buskle themselves to fight, but that he marched full upon the discovert of the artillery, the which had not ceased, neither did then cease to play, as well in the Esquadron of Monsieur, as of other, and namely in that of the footmen, and his Excellence advanced himself so lustily upon the Protestants, that the Swissers under Colonel Phiffer, and their General Mern, with the other battalions, remained a great way behind him. Now seeing that such a Seigneur went so fervently to the charge, the encounter may not be thought to be other than furious. But (as I have showed before) he found an other order and medley of men of war than he had thought. First and foremost his Excellence was saluted by four score or an hundredth arquebusiers on horseback, that there discovered themselves. Furthermore, when that the horsemen had assured themselves that the arquebusiers had given a great check to his troop, and that the Reisters had also done much more mischief, the Frenchmen did cast themselves head, feet, and hands, as it were desperately into his Esquadron, and breaking in even to the Cornet, made all them that had followed his Excellence to forsake the place, for all the devoir, and all the force that the Duke of Long ville, Tauannes, Carnavallet, Villars, and all those that had followed and accompanied him could make, and all that ever they could do: in sum, this charge was so terrible, that the most assured ensigns began now to turn back again, as if they would demand succour of Mareschall de Cossé, who had not yet departed one foot from the left side of the Swissers, and had advanced them forward apace, for to be in time as he himself was, for to secure their fellows. And to say the truth, if he had not been, the battle had been then ended. And one may truly note in him, that all his enterprises, because they never were none of those hasty and lightly advanced, were always valiantly and fortunately executed, as things maturely deliberated, are always most sure in execution.  
All in time Tauannes ran to the Swissers, and made them to come a trot to give the charge, their Colonel Mern marching before them. The Mareschall de Cossé, the young Brisac advancing forward, made the Protestants to stay somewhat, who moderated their pace a little, that they might rally themselves, and charge those that came fresh. In fine the Conte Lodowick with his troops as well French as Almains, gave lustily upon the Mareschall de Cossè, Conte de Mansfelde, Tauannes, and other, that flanked the left side of the Swissers: it was very valiantly fought on the one side and the other, as well with blows of Lances and Cutlass, as of Pistolettes. The impetuosity and fury of the which Pistolets, doth not permit our slaughter in fight to endure so long as it did in ancient time. For then every man affronting his adversary, would not departed out of the place, before that the happier man had slain his enemy, or made him obedient to his william. But because we do assure ourselves more in the devilry of our Pistolets, than in valiant arms, after we have discharged our Pistolet upon our enemy, as we run we do pass further, as the horse will, either for to recharge, or to take the tuck. And it doth most often happen that the companies do found themselves so dispersed of the enemies after the first charge, they must tarry a long time to rally themselves, expecting the second encounter, as it here happened: for after they had been well martyred with the first impression, they perceived that they were so put out of array, that they must needs retire for to reunite themselves. But the Protestants seeing themselves to be so small a number, and the Catholics to be refreshed and strengthened to the purpose, as well by the companies of the Mareschaur of the Camp, as by the Swissers, who were ready to give the charge, lost their anger and hatred to recharge.  
In the mean time, his Excellence had the leisure to be refreshed with an horse, through the aid and mean of the Marquis of Villars and Byron, with the troops of the Mareschalles (ordained for to rally the dispersed) went all against the Swissers, for to encourage them, and to make them march against the lansquenets. Neither was it long, but that the Mareschall, the Conte de Mansfelde, and his company being rallied on the other side of the Swissers, returned altogether to the charge. Then Byron with his companies (with whom all that had fled, and other that had wandered from their Cornets, had joined and rallied) encouraged the Swissers, and told them, that if they would but follow him, he would overthrow the rest of the Protestants, the greatest part of whom in deed retired as fast as they could. The rest being joined with them of the vanguard (who for the same occasion (not being able to abide the shock of the Duke de Montpensier) had gone unto them of the battle for to rencounter, that they might retire in mass or plump, with as little damage as could be) left unto his Excellence with the field of the battle, the felicity and glory of this entire journey, being constrained miserably to abandon the lansquenets to the cruelty of the Swissers their ancient enemies, who entering in, as it were at the breach, which the French arquebusiers had made in their battalion, slew them all for the most part, although that many of them with joined hands, and knees on the ground, cried out, Bon papist, bon papist moy, I am a good Papist, I am a good Papist. As in deed, no few of them were Catholics, by reason of the little acception that such sort of people have, who will first give them entertainment: yet at the length they being weary rather of striking, than of kill, were in the end constrained to leave those occasions of sighing and weeping unto other, who took them as it were into their service, for to serve them afterward as it were their Custerels. Of four thousand, two hundredth or thereabouts escaped their bloody hands, and almost seven hundredth other, who being less armed, and better legged than the foremost, and having the knowledge to presage by the beginning of a sleet, the coming of so piteous a storm, had fled out of the field, with the greatest part of the French footmen, who (as I have said) had done the same long time before. Near three thousand arquebusiers were arranged with these Lansquenets, who had all felt the same fury of the victorious, if it had not been for certain French Captains in chief, and Monsieur himself, who being a right Gentleman in deed, contented himself with the honour and the happy end of the notablest victory that ever was given unto him in France, and it may also happen, that ever shall be afoorded him in any other country, commanding them to pardon the Frenchmen. Yet nevertheless one thousand or twelve hundredth died there for to enrich the plain of Cron, and to serve for an eternal mark of the journey of Moncontour, the which the Protestants lost, aswell through the fault of the hearts of those that fled, as for the ill disposition and array of their horsemen.  
For the General being curiously careful to hide the small number of his men, would stretch them forth in length like unto an hedge, for to give appearance unto the Catholics that they were far more than they were in in deed, and by this means to have made them cold to encounter them, that the journey near at hand, might be passed over in peace, because he doubted that he should not therein bear himself well with advantage, the which the Catholics gained, being assured of his state there, because they had better disposed their horses in gross battalions, who giving as it were desperately through these hedges of the white Cassocks, overran them, and put out of the array the greatest part of them, notwithstanding all the hail of the harquebus shot which they made to rain thick and threefold upon them. And otherwise the Reislers were not able to abide the impression of the French horsemen, because they fought separated, contrary unto their natural and ordinary fashion, so that they were in the end broken by the Catholics. The form of fight in the manner of an hedge, is good for Frenchman against Frenchman, but more proper to one that beareth Lance, than unto a Pistoletter, who we see do all charge together, and the hindermost do not cover nor hinder the foremost: and as this disposition was of no force that day, so let him not use it any more hereafter. In sum, they lost very few of the horsemen, both for the grace and favour that their spurs gained those that fled at the very first (for to mark I believe their lodgings at Partenaye, and then at Rochel, and Angoulesme, and farther too, if they had durst to have gone) and also for the few charges that they made that remained and stood to it. Who being united quickly after the first and second charges, retired, the which of truth was more honourable than the fight passed, as I shall show you in another place. True it is, that the Catholics reallying themselves, made them to remember the journey or battle of Spurs. But when one hath done his devoir, the retreat in cases desperate, doth carry no dishonour.  
Such was the end of the battle, wherein Frenchmen, Almains, Burgonions, Italians, Swissers, Flemings, and Lansquenets tried sufficiently the prowess and dexterity of themselves and other, with leisure enough. Henry Champer now with his Cornet of Englishmen was coming thitherward, but being arrived at Niort, when the battle was fought, and having seen theyll hap of this journey by she long train of the fléers, incorporated himself with the mass of the escaped. The fight endured not above two hours.  
Duke de Aumalle, and Byron, with the Mareschalles of the Camp, Torré, and many other, pursued the chase, and Monsieur followed after them with the rest of the army, being herein wisely and well counseled. For the General never aught to trouble his person (in whom the good or ill hap of the whole army doth seem to be reposed) with the pursuit of them that flee: for as much as the peril that may happen, is common unto him with the meanest soldier of his troops. The pursuit was not long, because that the Protestants being all joined together (as I have told you, and notably sustained by eight or nine Cornets of Almains, with the Conte Lodowicke and Mansfelde (to whom it is natural to keep better order, whether it be in march, or in fight, than any other nation that is) durst stay for the hottest of the pursuers: so that afterward they went but a marching pace, for when the Catholics thought to annoyed them, suddenly this mass would turn head, and then they durst not to run upon them. In this sort they marched even to Eruaux, (the Catholics beginning to retire) and from thence to Partenay, where they arrived about ten of the clock in the night, five hours after the discomfiture, and suddenly held counsel with the Princes. About three or four hundredth horsemen of the avantgard (without accounting their servants) passing forthright more near to Moncontour, had also taken the way to Partenay, where at one time they rencountered one another. The taking of this village served them to great purpose. Captain Allarde had received charge from Monsieur, to go with as much speed as he could possible the Monday after he had dined, for to take Partenay, and to put two or three ensigns in it, as he that had always been Captain thereof before: but the Admiral had at the same time dispatched thitherward Auboviniere, of Chaile in Poitou, for to take it: the which he did with such diligence, that he arrived a little before Allarde.  
The Princes and Protestants lost in this battle three thousand Lansquenets, and fifteen hundredth Frenchmen, the number of the dead that were found, seemed far greater: but the greatest part were Custerelles or servants: all were buried by the commandment of his Excellence, and also all the villages, farms, and hamlets thereabouts, were enjoined to bury those that were near unto them. Of the horsemen near three hundredth were slain, and no fewer horses were dead or hurt: for the Reisters for the most part did chief shoot at the horses, knowing that if the horse lay on the ground, or otherwise were not able to do his devoir, the horseman would come to reason. Of men of name there was not any slain, but Tavegy de Bouchet, Escayer de Puygreffier, which some do call Saint Eire in Poitou, one of the most ancient and resolute men of war in France, who in fight valiantly, was borne to the ground, and slain in the field, as were Dautricourt, Byron, the brother of the Catholic, and Saint Bonnet, Ensign bearer of the Admiral's company. La Noué was taken prisoner, as also was de Acier, after that he had lustily overthrown the Reisters that charged him. The Admiral was hurt with a Pistolet between the nose and the left ball of his cheek, and his horse hurt. Many other, namely Reisters were wounded, who were afterward almost all saved at Rochel. All the artile●rie was gotten, and their furniture. All the baggage of the Reisters was spoiled, except their horses, whom their servants saved. The baggage of the French men was saved, because it had been advanced upon the way to Partenay and Niort.  
Of the Catholics, few of the footmen were slain, and about five or six hundredth horsemen, namely Reisters, and twice as many hurt: the most part of whom died afterward of their wounds. The Conte Reingraffe the elder, the Marquis of Baden, Clerimont of Dauphine, the old Reingraffe slain. The young Reingraffe, the Earls of Issie and Santelle, Italians, the Duke of Guise, Schomberg, Bassompierre, de Mailly, hurt and saved.  
Thucydides who is reputed to be the truest writer of the ancients, speaking of the discomfiture of the Ambracians and their allies by the Athenians, doth not tell the number of the dead, because it seemed excessive unto all other, but himself, who did not think that they exceeded a thousand men, searing that he should be named a liar. In the like cause am I, who will not tell how many Protestants were slain, for fear of bring controlled. Always when I do take my pen in hand, I blush to see how that some Catholics, who do say that they were at the battle, and greatly busied in killing, will find it strange: considering (will other say) the report that was made unto the King, to all the Potentates of Christendom, and to his Excellence himself. Let them weigh that there came but six thousand lansquenets to the Protestants. They will grant me this, that the long and painful voyage which they made, the troublesome excursions, the importunate charges, and other annoyances that the Duke de Aumalle brought unto them, did take a moiety of a third of them out of the world, add there unto, that the rolls of Strangers are never full. Will they deny me, that after they were joined with the Princes, died as many more at Saint Yrier, and afterward at Lusignen, and the long siege of Poitiers, where all the Frenchmenne endured so many calamities? And what of the rencounter of Saint Cler, where the Canon played at pleasure through those poor bodies that lay groveling biting the dust? Moreover, this is very certain, that almost three hundredth were carried back by the Catholics to Moncontour, and it is most true, that three hundredth were afterward slain in Brewage and the Isles of Santongne (as I shall tell you) besides them that wandered from the Ensigns, and served after the battle, or were slain by the peasants. The rest of the whole number will scarce amount to the three hundredth of pay, who under the charge of Hector Reilen were conducted home into their country by the Catholykes at the King's commaundement●, after that peace was made and published. Reckon these numbers, and (it may be) you shall find that there were not so many slain as I do say. Of the Frenchmenne, that two parts were saved by so shameful a flight, you aught not to doubt: join thereunto the courtesy that Monsieur commanded to be used unto the rest of the French men. To have fled, and to be slain in fight, be two incompatible things, and then consider the retreat of the Reisters Protestant's, of whom there died about an hundredth and fifty: If you do not now believe me, I will say, that in your speech you devise as Clerks of arms, or else do it of passion. Nor I will say farther (the which will more disease you to digest) that the Catholics had at Moncontour, a loss of more importance than the Protestants, who lost none but their footmen.  
Monsieur pursuing the Protestants with speedy pace, rested not before that the night took him, which was at Saint Generou upon la Toné, and after he was lighted off from his horse, he gave thanks to God, for that he had vouchsafed to bestow upon him so goodly, happy, and notable victory, to the profit and contentment of the king his brother. After this victory, Monsieur recovered all Poitou, when that the Protestants had dispersed their army to be refreshed in Xantogne, Quercye, and Gascogne. But the next Summer they were in the field again, and forced the king to make peace with them in August following, being in the year 1570. granting them pardon, and also liberty of their consciences.   

¶ The Battle of Lepanto, fought by sea upon the coast of Greece, between the navy of the Christian league, under the conduct of Don john de Austria, and the Turkish fleet, governed by Haly Bassa, in Anno. 1572. Out of Peter de Bizari.  
WHen that Selym the second, the Turk, grievously molested the Islands of Cyprus and Candie, Philip the king of Spain, the signory of Venice, and Pius the fift Bishop of Rome, entered into a strong league against him, and in the year 1●72. did set forth a mighty fleet in that quarrel, aided herein by the Dukes of Fl●rence; Savoy, and other Princes, and the knights of Malta, and the City Genoa▪ This fleet consisted of two hundredth and eight galleys, six galeazes, siue and twenty ships, forty Brigantines and Fragates, and five and twenty thousand soldiers, Italians, Spaniards, and Almains, besides two thousand gentlemen that served for piety and honour, without wages. This mighty navy (the high Admiral whereof was Don john de Austria, base son of the Emperor Charles the fift, yet so that Mark Antony de Colonna, and Sebastian Venerio, the Admiralles of the Papes and Venetian navies, should be always called into counsel, and that done which should seem good unto the greater part of them) launched out of the haven of Messina in Scicile in August, to the uttermost of their power to endommage the Turk. The seventh of October, they being before the Isles Cuzolari, in the Archipelago, had intelligence that the Turkish navy of 333. galleys, and such like vessels, was in the gulf of Lepanto, and hasted directly unto our navy, and were not far off. When that this was heard and known to be true, Don john impelled thorough the surpassing valiance both of his own heart, and also of his fellows and allies, and specially through the entreaty and persuasion of Augustine Barbadico, the Vice-admiral or Providitor of the Venetian fleet, incontinently commanded that flag to be hanged forth which was the signal of battle, & that the fleet might come together, he commanded one of the greatest guns to be shot off. Then he went aboard a long boat, taking with him Lewes of Cardona, and Soto his secretary, and glistering all in bright armour, went about all the whole fleet with most joyful countenance, and passing stoutness of courage, and gave charge that every man should follow their ensigns, and keep their array, and then adhorted and desired the Captains and soldiers, that they would fight valiantly and stoutly, and think that they carried that day the riches, honour, glory, liberty, faith, and religion of their countries in their valiant hands. Wherefore they should be ready, and fully bend to invade the Turks, as soon as the signal should be given, and that if they vanquished, this day would bring perpetual felicity unto them and theirs: but contrariwise if they should behave them dishonourably and shamefully, and be vanquished, that then it would be a beginning of everlasting shame, and of all calamities. With these and such like words, the hearts of all men (although they were before of themselves fiercely enough incited) were more and more inflamed, and now every man burnt in immeasurable desire of fight. It can scarce be told for how fortunate and happy an abodement it was taken, that every man as soon as they saw him, began to applaud, and also to cry out victory, victory, and these words did they oftentimes ever and anon repeat. Those things being speedily done, he returned again into the Idmirall galley almost at such time as the two fleets were within an arrows shot one of another. But because that diverse of the galleys seemed to be somewhat slack to take their place, Lewes Rechezenes straight way went out of the Admiral, and being rowed in a boat, gave it in charge unto every galley, & then returned again unto the Prince. The middle battle wherein were threescore and three galleys, did the three high Admiralles guide, and Dom john kept in the mids: on whose right side went the Pope's Admiral galley, in whom was Mark Antony de Colonna, the high Admiral, and Pompey de Colonna, Romagasso, and Michael the Pope's Nephew, with many other noblemen. But on his left was Venerio the Venetian Admiral, whom many valiant and noble men accompanied, and a small distance from her followed the Admiralles of Charino Maripetri, and Ioh● L●ureta●o, behind them the Admiral of the Genovese, in the which the Prince of Parma was, and the Admiral of the Duke of Sau●y, the Captain whereof was Ligny, a man renowned both for birth and martial knowledge, and in her was also the Prince of Urbine, and the wings of the middle battle were backed on one side with the Admiral of the Knights of Malta, whose Captain was Peter justiniano, a forward and valiant man, and on the other with Lumolines Admiral, in whom was Paul jordane, a Gentleman of approved prows. Whilst that Dom john doth cheerfully and diligently execute all things which do appertain unto his charge, and doth omit nothing that doth belong unto a valiant and noble Prince: the rest of his fellows, and the Captains of the galleys did also by their own authority command their soldiers to repair unto the ensigns, and that no man should departed out of his place, & that every man should put himself in a readiness for to fight. Moreover, every one of them adhorted their soldiers, and did to their uttermost declare unto them all things that might inflame their hearts, and nothing was pretermitted by them, which did appertain unto the duties of good Captains. In the mean time, every man made his most hearty and suppliant prayers unto God for the good success of the fight, and then took a short breakfast, and also the Mariners and rowers being refreshed with meat and drink, and anon all of them, & every one of them with prompt and valiant hearts made ready themselves for to fight. Two of the galeazes went before the middle battle. john Andrew Doria Admiral of the Genoveses fleet had the leading of the right wing, wherein were threescore and four galleys, and also two of the galeazes went before him. Augustine Barbadico was Captain of the left wing, with fifty three galleys, and likewise two of the Galeazes went before him. But Andrew Baciano Marquis of Sancrace, and Admiral of the Neapolitan fleet, who had the leading of the rearward, or the battle of succour, stood with his galleys, who were in number thirty eight, half a mile from the battles. But that our men might fight with happy event, it was wrought through the help and singular providence of God, who made the wind which at the beginning did greatly favour the enemies their navy, by little and little to fall, and anon there followed such a calms, that the Turkish vessels could scarce be stirred out of their place, in so much that their ships were rowed forth, and in the mean time more leisure and advantage was given unto our men to set their array. The Admiral of the Turkish fleet (Haly Bassa) had before this time sent one Caracosse with a Brigantine to take a view of our navy, the which he reported unto the Admiral to be far less than it was in deed, either because he could not well see the galleys of the left wing, by reason of his speedy posting, or else, which is more likely, for the Island that was behind them. But two other that were sent after Caracosse, having viewed our fleet more diligently, and curiously marked the king's flags, returned speedily, and told that our navy was very strong, and very excellently well appointed and prepared to fight, with their ensigns advanced. But as soon as he heard this, he greatly marveled, as he that had before fully persuaded himself, and also the same had been told him by Caracosse, that our navy was far less than it was in deed, and therefore would our men go back again as soon as ever they saw them coming, and seek their safety by shameful flight, or else if that they were so foolish hardy as to fight, they would receive a notable overthrow. He is also reported to have inquired whether that those vessels which were placed in the front, were Venetian or Spanish, and when he was answered, that the one was intermired with the other, he was very pensive, and had thought at the first that it scarce could have been by any means possible. At the first he had thought to have wintered either in the gulfs of Cataro, Corfu, or Cephalenia, but after that he had learned for a certainty that our men had rigged forth a mighty navy, he returned incontinently into Greece, where he commanded new bands of soldiers to be pressed forth, and they being speedily embarked in his navy, the which was also again new furnished with victuals and other necessary things, he directed his course with the rest of the Lanizars and other ordinary soldiers that he had before levied, towards Cuzzologri, which was almost mid way between Lepanto and Patras, with intent to fight with our fleet, and in that mind was he the more confirmed, for that he had understood by Caracosses words, that his navy was far the greater. Wherefore at the first the Turks began to rejoice, and promised themselves assured victory, and so great a desire to fight had inflamed all of them, that every man coveted to go before his fellows, although it were commanded under pain of death that no man should go before the Admiral galley. They were like unto a mighty thick wood, and could scarce be restrained from fight, and when they saw our men come forward to fight very valiantly and courageously, and every galley to follow the ensigns according to the discipline of war, and in a very goodly order, with the noses of their galleys directed against the enemies, they also incontinently began to set their navy with great art and celerity, and they had so much the more conceived the victory in hope, because the wind did at the beginning blow very commodiously for them, as we have said before. But for that the beams of the sun which shined that day very bright, were full in their eyes, they could not so aptly and commodiously order and set their vessels in array. Partaw the General of the soldiers, and Haly the Admiral of the fleet, which two did lead the middle battle, had appointed Mahomet Bey to be Captain of the right wing, with fifty galleys, and with him were Sirocke the Precedent of Alexandria, Caurlaw, Asiscau, Dragan, Agadel, Bassa, Vstregasa, and many other men of great mark. But Occhialy had charge of the left wing, with almost fourscore and ten vessels, and there accompanied him Caraiolo, and Arabey his sons, and many expert soldiers, and also many of the Pirates: and they went directly against Doria: their wing seemed to be much stronger than his, and also the galleys to be far more in number, because that Doria his galleys that were on the left hand not far from the main land, could not at the first be seen. But the principal Chieftains themselves (who were as ye have heard, Haly and Partaw) were guarded on both sides with almost as many galleys. And of those noble men that accompanied them, these were part, Agan the master of the Arsenal, Mustapha Celibi the Treasurer, Treymontana, Amath Bey, with his brother, and Haly his son, Amath Aga, the Captain of Teuthrama, Assis Caiga, the governor of Gallipoli, Caracosse, Cambey the son of Barbarossa, Malamur, the Captain of Mitilene, Deli Solyman, Gider the Captain of Scio, Cassembey the Lieutenant of the Rhodes, Provy Aga the Captain of Napoli, Giapar Cilibi Precedent of Calaba, Dordagnan, Dondomeney, Beribevole, Osman, Reul, Agada, Ciasafer, Dram Rais, and many other of mark, both for their riches and authority, and also for their prows in warfare. Thus when they saw our men (the which in deed happen unto them otherwise than they had expected) ready and courageous to fight, they incontinently arranged their galleys for the battle, being cast into the form of a Crescent or half Moon, as they have of long time accustomed. The Admiral of the Turks very severely commanded all men, and every man in the name of Selim for to fight without fear, and valiantly against their enemies their navy. If that any man did forsake the battle, either for sloth, fear, or any other cause, he and his vessel, and all that were with him should be incontinently consumed with fire. In the mean time he commanded (as our men did) that every man should repair incontinently unto his rank and order, and keep it, ordaining a grievous pain for all them that should do otherwise. Moreover, he assembling his men together, adhorted them to be mindful of their wonted prows, through the which they had so often hitherto put to flight this same enemy, and reduced into their memory all the noble acts that they had done in former years against Charles the fift, and his son Philip during the reign of Solyman. Moreover, he briefly repeated all that they had at sundry times done against the Venetians, and what they had of late gotten by wars and arms, that is to wit: how they had augmented the Turkish dominions with the kingdom of Cyprus. Wherefore they aught to remember, that they were also now to fight with those men whom they had so often discomfited, and that they should make a way and entry, not only into Italy, but also shortly unto the possession of all Europe, and therefore they should fight valiantly, & assuredly trust that God and Mahomet, through whose help their ancestors had subdued so many kingdoms and Provinces, and had brought back from the vanquished enemy, so many renowned victories, would also be with, and assist them in this battle. These things and many such like did he set before his soldiers, with an oration no less grave than eloquent, that thereby his soldiers (although he saw them of their own accord to be sharply enkindled to fight) might yet be through these adhortations the more and more accensed. Now was all the day almost spent, when that the navies on both sides were made ready to fight. The enemies fleet was set in almost the same array that ours was. For the middle battle came against our middle battle, and their wings against ours. Our six great galleys or Galeazes (as I have told you) went before, of whom two stood before either wing, as a most sure Bulwark, and the rest went before the middle battle. These great Galleys charging the leaders of the Turkish battles against them, did beat the enemy on all sides with their ordinance, and committed horrible slaughter. But although the Turks had received many great losses by them, and saw that their orders and ranks were scattered, yet they being passed by them, did with a certain marvelous pertinacy and stoutness of heart, get them incontinently unto the Ensigns. So anon the two fleets joined together in battle, and the high Admiral galleys of both fleets using the surpassing cheerfulness of the Mariners and Rowers, ran together with so great force and violence, that their beaks on both sides were stricken off. They fought valiantly and variably for the space of an whole hour, the victory inclining unto neither part, fortune giving joyful hope of prosperous event, now unto our men, and then unto the adversaries. And now they began to fight no longer with Arrows. Darts, and Guns, but encountered close together with their sword. But when our men had twice boarded the Turkish Admiral, and had gotten unto the Mast, and seemed to be masters of her, they were twice repulsed thence (and not without a notable loss) by new succour that ran thither. While that these things are in doing, Bernardine de Cardona, seeing that Lewes de Figaroa the Captain of the stem of the high Admiral, had many of his men wounded and slain, came speedily to relieve and succour him, with Michael de Moncada, to whom also that charge had been enjoined. But whilst that Bernardine fought valiantly at the stem with his sword and target, he being shot in with three pellets, fell down and died the next morning. And in that place were also Peter Zaputha, Lewes de Ferez, Pliege the father, Federick de Benavides, Gusman, Philip de Rhodes, Ruide de Mendozza, john de S●to, and Lewes de Rochenes, who was sometime at the standard, and sometimes with Dom john, and all these noble gentlemen fought against the enemy with great and incredible valour. At length our men still urging with sharp sight, and having gotten a favourable aspect of victory, did after an hour and an halves fight discomfit the middle battle, and boarded and took the Admiral galley, in whom were about five hundredth of the noblemen slain, and more taken and wounded: the Admiral himself while that he encourageth his men, he erecteth those that do faint and be fearful, he confirmeth the courageous, he extolleth to the heavens those that fight valiantly, and promiseth them great rewards: finally (whilst that he executeth no less the charge of an excellent Chieftain, than of a stout soldier, is slain with a small shot that hit him in the head, the which being straightway cut off from his neck, was brought by a Spaniard unto Dom john, who as soon as he saw it, commanded it to be set on the point of a spear for a space, & held it aloft with his own hand as it were a trophy, and to strike terror into the hearts of the rest of his enemies, who fought yet very valiantly, & anon were all the Turkish flags pulled down, and one of the cross hanged out in their place. But although that a principal galley of the enemies suddenly invaded the Admiral, when that she had almost vanquished her enemies, yet she had the same event that the rest had. While that the high Admirals do most fiercely encounter each other, Partaw and Colonna encountered together, and every one of Colonna his galleys with the Turkish, some with two, and some with three, as Colonna himself, and the Admiral of the Venetians had done; & equal almost was the prows of the soldiers on both sides. At the beginning of the encounter, many were slain, but most on the enemies part, by reason that our men had in every galley three hundredth skilful & very well practised arquebusiers, and on the other side the enemy had very few, although in stead of them there were innumerable archers, and among them some on horseback, who deadly wounded many of our men. But in the mean time the Galley slaves also brought no small help to the obtaining of the victory, by hurling of Darts and stones upon the enemy. While that the chief Captains of the fleets encounter one the other with so bloody and cruel fight, all vessels of both navies do also in all parts furiously fight one against the other, and Doria, and Occhiali run together. But here was the fight most troublesome and hardest, because that Doria had joined with so subtle an enemy, and an old beaten Captain, and one whom he saw did recoil back, that he might choose that which he judged would be most for his advantage. This was a great impediment, that his counsels and intents could not be known, nor all the galleys brought forth at the first. But when they at length, though late, came unto fight: Doria fought valiantly, and had with him Octavian Ganzaga, Vincent Vitelli, and certain noble men of Spain, who with the rest bestirred themselves not lazily. Whilst that this furious fight continueth, Lewes de Rechezenes dealt with Don john, to go out of hand for to secure the right wing, because he had seen and marked that many of the enemies galleys that had not yet begun to fight, made thither, and also that sundry of Doria his galleys were somewhat far off. When the Admiral was come, there was a fierce and bloody fight committed. There were with Don john, john Vasques, Coranade, Andrada, and Francis Doria, who fought all very valiantly, and although that at the beginning few of the galleys followed the Admiral, yet they which had been appointed to guard her sides, did never forsake her. But the Admiral of the Spanish fleet chancing to see a galley, wherein were the sons of the Turkish Admiral (whom they thinking to be alive and well, diligently and carefully fought for here and there) made in unto her, and they fought together with passing prows, for in the Turkish galley were a great number of valiant men: and in the Spanish were, the son of the Constable of Castille, john Velasco, Alexander de Torelles, and many other knights of Arragon. At that time also Peter justinian the Admiral of the fleet of the Knights of Malta, a man of very stout courage and great valour. being assailed by three galleys, fought so valiantly, that he boarded two of them, and had also almost boarded the third, when that other three Turkish galleys seeing the flag of Saint john, did speedily invade him on all sides, and they being joined with the other three, slew almost all his men, among whom were fifite Knights of the religion, who had with marvelous prows long time sustained the violent assault of their enemies. Insomuch that all men thought she had been quite lost: when behold upon a sudden and not without the instinct of God) two galleys of his fellows (that had fought so valiantly with other three of the enemies, that they had taken almost all of them) seeing justinian his galley in great distress and danger, speedily hasted to help her, whom they delivered out of all danger, and found the Adinirall yet alive (although he were shot in with three arrows) and still fight with unappalled heart, at the deck, with those few souldrours that were left alive, being cast into a ring. In the mean time Occhiah very hardly pressed Doria his side on all parts with his galleys, and had now taken ten of our galleys. While that they thus encounter with doubtful victory, the array was broken in the adverse part, and certain small vessels fled out of the battle, whom yet our men did not chase, for that it seemed to be no matter of any great importance, but bent their strength directly towards that part which was most oppressed by the enemy. When Occhiali percepued this, he leaving the galleys which be had a little before taken, incontinently made towards the middle battle: but when he saw that the middle battle was discomfited, and that Don john was come thither with his galley to help Doria, he incontinently began to think of flight. But our men to interelude him, did take before hand a certain place through the which they had thought be must needs have passed: but he to escape the danger, directed his course close unto the shore, and there landed all the men that were in his galleys, and thus the greatest part of them were saved by swimming. But if it had not chanced that the greater part of our Galley slaves (from whom their fetters were that day taken, and liberty promised them, if that they did their duties lustily and faithfully) had not tarried in those galleys of the enemy, which had been taken in the battle, not one Turk had escaped. But now many of them were saved by flight. Don john, Baciano, and Doria speedily pursued Occhial: until that it was almost night. But he fleeing away in the night time with Sails and Oars, accompanied with sundry Galleys, (for the number was then uncertain, some reporting more and some fewer, but yet the common fame was thirty) escaped in safety: neither could it be then certainly known what way he had taken. But in the mean while in another quarter, Barbadico and Mahomet Bey fought together with great ferocity. And albeit that every one of our men did his duty, and fought very valiantly and courageously, and specially the leader of the battle, and also Antonye Canali, and Mark Quirini, the lieutenants, yet they had received great incommodity, and doubtless had been in no small danger, if Alvaro Baciano, that led the rearward, had not speedily come with succour. By his coming, the fight was far more sharply renewed, and they did charge the adverse part with such force and violence, that they discomfited them: wherein they were also holpen by a fortunate wind which blue with us, and carried the smoke of our ordinance upon the enemy, and did beat back theirs upon themselves, whereby their sight was much dimmed and obscured, whereas our men saw them very plainly and perfectly. In this conflict and fight were many slain on both sides. But the man of most renowned fame and courage, was Barbadico, who was shot into the eye with an arrow, as he fought very valiantly and lustily, at what time the prows and man hood of the Venetian Lieutenants, although it were often also seen at other times, yet then certes did most specially appear. For when they saw that Barbadico was stricken in the eye with a very grievous wound, and that he was so impeached by the immeasurable grief thereof (although that he suppressed it with surpassing stoutness of heart) that he could not any longer execute that which he had a little before done, so stoutly and excellently: they did so perform the duties of stout Captains and soldiers, that nothing was wanting in them. But Barbadico died that evening, and not without the sighing and sorrow of all good men. It is said that before he died, he asked which part had the victory, and being told that our men had gotten it, and that selym's navy was part taken, and part sunken, and burnt, he gave immortal thanks unto God therefore, and immediately after departed most joyful out of this life unto the heavenly. I cannot omit one notable act of Alvaro Baciano, that happened in this battle. He seeing a mighty Admiral galley of the Turks to make in lustily towards our Admiral, laid her aboard himself, and took her, but not without some loss of his men, and his own target was shot in with three small pellets, and as he fought valiantly with her, there came another ship fraught full of noblemen of Naples for to help him. Furthermore, it chanced, that john de Cardona the Admiral of the Sicilian fleet, and to whom this office was enjoined in all this voyage to go before the fleet with eight galleys to scout and learn the counsels and intents of the enemy, was entered a road with four galleys to execute his office a little before the time of the consticte: but he returned in good time, even then when the two fleets began to join in battle, and coming unto his place which had been before assigned, he found it very open, insomuch that he was forced to take it before fifteen of the enemies galleys that approached. For when he noted how great detriment it would bring, if that the enemy got in at that gap, he by fight with great policy and celerity, did foreshutte them from that entry, neither did any one of them enter before that the Admiral came to succour Doria, through whose and also other men's help, those galleys were taken with small labour. There were in these fou●● galleys of Cardona about five hundredth Spaniards, of whom scarce fifty escaped unhurt, not nor any man that bore office. There were slain in this battle on our side of all forts, about eight thousand, and almost so many hurt. Men of mark slain were these, john, & Bernardine of the noble house of Cardona in Spai●e, Ke●gi●●● and Horatius Orsini, noble Romans. Of the Venerian nobility, Banedict● S●peranzi, Catarino Malipetri, Vincent Eu●riai, H●er●mi and Marino Contarini, john Lauredano, Andrew Barbaedrica, Fra●ncis B●●o, Mark Antony Lando, Antony Pasqualigi, and many other of noble blood. Moreover, john Baptista, Benedi●t Cip●●● 〈◊〉 Cotonie Cudem●nico, Cydon, james Trissini of Vicenza, Hier● 〈◊〉 ●●●●●zi, Andrew Calergi, and Malatesta of Rimini, who was wi●●● Bar●●●i●●●. Of them that were wounded, were john de Austri●● with●●● arrow, but with a light wound: Paul Forano with another arrow, the Conte de San Fiora, with a pellet of a g●nne, and Tro●l● Savello with the same, and Mark Molini, a Captain of the soldiers of Malta. And also Thomas de M●dica, Martello Reverie, Biffoli, Martelino Guicciardini, Spina, Mazzing●, Iuli● Nal●●●, Guia●●uo; Magnali, john Maria Pucoi, Tornaboni, Figliazi, Federick Marcello, and Berard●, all Gentlemen and Knights of Florence. But a certain number of the enemies that were slain, could scarce be known, because that very many of them were drowned, yet the same is, that fistene thousand were slain, five thousand taken, and innumerable hurt. Of them that were slain, these were the men of greatest name. Haly Bassa the high Admiral of the fleet, Amath Bey the Captain of the janizars, Assam Bey the son of Barbarossa, with his son Mehemet Bey the Captain of Metileno, Gider F●y the Captainte of Scio, Capstan Bey the Captain of the Rhodes, Provis Aga the Captain of Mahemeda or Africa, Mustapha Scelubi the high Treasurer, A stu Caiga, the Captain of Gallipoli, Tramontana the Master of the Turks Admiral, Caracosse, and many other, to set down whose names in this place it were too long a piece of work. Of prisoners, among other were Malemet Bey, and Seyn Bey the Admiral's sons, Malemet Bey the Captain of Nigrepont, and Syroch Bey whose wife was also taken, a woman, (they say) of passing beauty. The chief of them that escaped, were Parlaw, Occl●al●, Murate, Rays with his son, and Genovese Aly. But Caraperis a famous Pirate was gone before unto Cyprus with twenty galleys and Brigantines, part of those 333. that came from Constantinaple, and therefore be could not be at this bloody battle. The vessels of the Turks that escaped with Part 〈◊〉 and Oce●ial●, were afterward certainly known to be xxv. galleys, and ten Brigantines. Of our enemies their navy, Cirjs galleys came into our men's power, but forty were drowned, and of Brigantines and other sorts of vessels, lx. were taken. But the Admiral galley which was taken among the rest, it is reported, was a wonderful goodly and beautiful vessel, insomuch 〈◊〉 there is scarce any vessel in the whole Ocean, that ●●●ye lustily be compared unto her for beauty and riches. The deck of this galley (as they have talde we that saw her) is on both sides greater by three parts than others be, and is made all of black Walnut tree, like unto Hebene wood, chequered, and wrought marvelous fair with divers colours, and histories of all kinds. There be also in her many counterfeities engraved and wrought in gold, with so cunning a hand, that it can scarce be thought that any house in the world is more magnificent and stately. The inner part and the chamber or cabin glistered in every place with rich hangings wrought with gold twist, and divers sorts of precious stones, and among them certain small counterfeities wrought with wonderful cunning. Moreover, there were also found great store of clotheses and apparel which were the Admirals, wrought with the needle, and adorned with silver, and with so beautiful and rich workmanship, that high great Lord Selim himself could not put on more royal and rich robes. But his rich casket with the fire thousand pieces of gold in it, with a yearly revenue of three hundredth Ducats was given unto a Greek, born in Macedon, who slew the Admiral, and he was also created knight by Don john: he had also given unto him the burrell of the Turkish standard, the which after he was returned to Venice (where he had long time before dwelled with his wife, and served the common wealth about the Arsenal) he sold unto a goldsmith. Whereof when the Senate had intelligence, they redeemed it of the Goldsmith, paying a Ducat for every ounce, that it might be laid up among the rest of the trophies and spoils. It was all of silver and guilt, and that wonderful thick, and engraved round about with Turkish letters. On the one side was engraven: God doth conduct and adorn the faithful. In worthy enterprises God doth favour Mahomet. On the other side: God hath no other God, and Mahomet is his Prophet. But to return unto the Christian navy: After that this renowned victory was gotten, the Princes sat in counsel what was to be done, and at length after nature consultation, Do● john and Colonna determined to return unto Messina, because they were not able to besiege any town (they being all well known to be strongly appointed) before that their navy were newly furnished with a fresh supply of soldiers, and that could not be now done, for that the winter was come upon them. But the Venetians repairing their navy, wan a Castle in Epyrus called Margarita, and also recovered the town of Soppoto, the which the Turks had won this summer, and now they hearing of this great overthrow, did fearfully forsake it at the approach of the Venetian fleet.   

The Conclusion.  
Nor thus much of the bloody battles of our age. Yet gen the readers. I would you to understand that all the great battles fought in our devilish days, are not here set down, because that the lively and faithful description of divers hath not hen● published in print, or at the lest wise not came unto my knowledge. As the battle fought between the ●olon●●e & Orsini, mentioned by iovius in the summari● of bi●● book, wherein the Orsine were overthrown. And the battle at Swatzwald, where the Swissers vanquished the Almains. whereof iovius maketh mention in the summary of his up book. And also the four ciull battles between the Swissers, in the year one thousand, five hundredth, twenty & nine. The two battles fought in the year 1●59, betwere Selius and Baiazzet sons unto Soliman the great Turk. The overthrow given in the year one thousand, five hundredth, sixty and seven, unto the Moscou●te by the Polonian, where seven thousand Moscou●tes were slain, and taken prisons, and two thousand drowned in the river of Dwy●da. And two conflicts by sea, in the year one thousand, five hundredth, sixty and four, betwens the Dane and the Swedan. And also one civil battle in Scotland, at the Long side, where the Queen and her favourers were discomfited. And also sundry battles both by sea and land, fought in base Germany in these late civil troubles, as in the year one thousand, five hundredth seventy and two, the Lord jenlis with almost fire thousand Frenchmen going about to enter Mons in Henault, was overthrown by Federicke son to the Duke of Alva, and almost all the French men slain. As also the next year he defeated and took prisoner the Baron of Batenburg, coming with an army well furnished, to relieve the besieged town of Harlaw. And the dattell of Ma●icin in Clau●lande, where the power of Dew Earl of Nassow was defeated, and himself, with Christoph●● the Palsag●●●● son slain, by Sanchie Davila the Castellan of Antwerp. But on the water the Duke of Medina Celi discomfited by the Guise before Flissingen, and sixteen of his ships drowned, and four taken, being ships of infinite riches. And also the Conte Bossis discomfited on the water in Holland by the said Genses, who also put to flight at Terguse a fleet sent by Alva in the year one thousand, fine hundredth, seventy and three. And the next year, one of four score sail sent by the Commendador of Castille then Governor, under the conduct of julian de Romero, to victual Middleburg, of whom seventeen were lost. And perhaps manyé other such like. As again, I ha●e omitted divers other, because I do not ●éenie them worthy the name of pitched fielded or battles. As the foul flight of the Venetian fleet under the conduct of Grimani, as so●e as ever they attached fight with the Turkish many, whereof jonius writeth in the suminarie of his ●irt book. And the like of the Venetian army by land, conducted by Balemie, at the first fight of Gascon of Feix. As also that notorious incommeth bitle ●iflicted on Solima●● the Turk, in his return out of Persia in the year one thousand, five hundredth, thirty and five, when that Delmeathes the Persian Captame did one moste tempestuous night suddenly invade his Camp with a power of light horsemen, and slew infinite Turks, and rifled almost the whole camp, and returned back in safety. Nor that shameful retire or flight of Andrew Doria, Admiral of the mighty navy of the Emperor and Venetians, as soon as ever he had attached fight with a far inferior power of Turkish galleys, in the year one thousand, five hundredth, thirty and seven. Nor the discomfiture by ambush of the power of Reneé the Prince of Orange, by Martin van Rossem, near unto Antwerp, in the year one thousand, five hundredth, forty and two. And the battle of Sulway moss where the Scots frantically fled, feared with their own imagination, as though the Duke of Norfolk who had lately roaded Scotland with a goodly army, had been now returned again, when that they were fet upon by Thomas bastard Daker, and jacke of Musg●aue with one hundredth men, and they had left a stolen on the hill, for to make their fearful foes believe it was another power approaching. In the which conflict were taken, the Lord Maxwell the General, with a great number of Earls and Lords. Nor that lamentable loss in the year one thousand, five hundredth, and sixty, when that the Duke of Medina Celi returning from the conquest of the Island of zerbi in the coast of Africa, met with the innumerable Turkish floete, the fight whereof caused him in continently to flee, without once striking stroke, lieging xxvij. galleys, and a great number of hulks laden with soldiers and victuals, and abandoning six thousand valiant soldiers, whom he had left in garrison in the Isle, to be murdered by the merciless Turks. These conflicts, and other of less fame, I have willingly and wittingly omitted, because they deserve not the name of battles: and also for that by the enarration of them, the like pleasure and profit will not redound unto the reader. The which two things have specially impelled me to collect this painful work.   
FINIS.  

 

  

  

   

¶ A Table expressing the names of such battles as are set forth in this History, also in what year, and by whom they were fought.  

THe battle of Tarro, fought in the year 1495. between Charles the French king and the Venetians. Out of iovius. Fol. 1.  
The battle of Seminara, fought in the kingdom of Naples the same year, between Ferdinand king of Naples and the French power. Out of iovius. Folio. 23.  
The battle of Eboli, fought in the kingdom of Naples, the same year, between the Neapolitan & French power. Out of iovius fol. 27  
The battle of Terranova, fought in the kingdom of Naples, between the French and the Spanish power, in the year. 1506. Out of iovius  
The battle of Gioia fought in the kingdom of Naples, between the French and Spanish power, the same year. Out of iovius. Fol. 35.  
The battle of Cerignola, fought in the kingdom of Naples, the same year, between the Spanish and French power. Out of iovius; Folio. 38.  
The battle of Giaradda, fought in Lombardy between Lewes the French king and the Venetians, in the year 1509. Out of Francis Guicciardine. folo. 41.  
The battle of Ravenna, fought in Romagna, between the power of the French king and the Spanish, and his confederates, in the year 1512. Out of Guicciardine. fol. 44.  
The battle of Ginghat, fought in Picardye, in the year. 1513. between Henrye the eight, king of England, and the French power. Out of Hall. fol. 64.  
The battle of Novara, fought in the Duchy of Milan, between the French power, and the Swissers, in the same year. Out of iovius. fol. 54.  
Flodden field, fought between james the fourth, king of the Scots, and the English power, in the same year. Out of iovius. fol. 67.  
The battle of Vlmo or Vicenza, fought in Venetia, between the Spanish and the Venetian powers, in the same year. Out of iovius. fo. 78.  
The battle of Borysthenes, fought in the year 1514. between the great Moscovite, and the Polonian power. Out of iovius. fol. 85.  
The battle of Choice, fought in Armenia, between Selym the great Turk, and the Sophy, in the year 1514. Out of iovius. fol. 90.  
The battle of Marignano, fought in the Duchy of Milan, between Francis the French king, and the Swissers, in the year 1515. Out of iovius. fol. 98.  
The battle of Synga in Syria, fought between Selym the great Turk, and Campson the soldan of Egypt, in the year 1516. Out of iovius. fol. 118.  
The battle of Gaza, between the Turkyshe and Egyptian powers, the same year. Out of iovius. fol. 126.  
Three mighty battles fought in Egypt, at Rhodama, Cayre, & Nile, the fame year, and in the beginning of the next, between Selym the great Turk, and Tomumbey Soltan of Egypt. Out of iovius. fol. 150. fol. 130. fol. 137. fol. 144.  
The battle of Bycona, in the duchy of Milan, fought between the armies of Charles the Emperor, and Francis the French king, in the year. 1522. Out of iovius in the life of the Marquis of Pescara.  
The battle of Pany, fought in the year. 1525. between Francis the French king, and the Imperial power. Out of iovius, in the life of the Marquis of Pescara. fol. 159.  
The battle of Nugas in Hungarye, between Lewes the King of Hungarye, and Solyman the great Turk, in the year 1526. Out of iovius. fol. 186.  
The battle of Orso, fought by sea, between Philippino Doria, and the Imperial power, in the year 1527. Out of iovius. fol. 189.  
The battle of Landriano, fought in the Duchy of Milan, between the Imperial & French powers, in the year 1529. Out of iovius. fo. 195.  
The battle of Frumentaria, on the sea between the Imperial navy, and a fleet of Turkish Corsales, in the year. 1529. Out of iovius. fol. 199.  
The battle of Gabiniano, fought in Tuscan, between the Imperial and Florentine powers, in the year 1530. Out of iovius. fol. 201.  
The battle of Exech in Hungary, fought between the Turkish power and the army of Ferdinand king of Hungary, in the year 1536. Out of iovius. fol. 207.  
The battle of Buda, fought in Hungary, between the powers of Solyman the Turk, and Ferdinand king of Hungary, in the year 1541. Out of iovius. fol. 214  
The battle of Ceresoles, fought in Piedmont, between the powers of the Emperor and French king, in the year. 1544. Out of iovius. fol. 219.  
The battle of Scrivia in italy, between the Imperial and French powers, in the year 1544. Out of iovius. fol. 227.  
The battle of Lochen, fought in Saxon, between Charles the Emperor, and john Federicke Duke of Saxon, in the year. 1547. Out of Natalis Comes. fol. 229.  
Muscleborough field, fought in Scotland, between the English & Scottish powers, in the year 1547. Out of William Paten. fol. 236.  
The battle of Weser in Germanye, between Morris Duke of Saxon, and Albert Marquis of Brandenburg, in the year 1553. Out of Natalis Comes. fol. 246.  
The battle of Martiane in Italy, between the Imperial and French powers, in the year, 1553. Out of Natalis Comes. fol. 248.  
The battle of Saint Quintynes, fought by the French and Spanish powers, in the year 1557. Out of Natalis Comes. fol 233.  
The battle of graveling, between the Spanish and French powers, in the year 1558. Out of Lewes Guicciardini. fol. 257.  
The battle of Dreux in France, fought between the Protestants and Catholics, in the year 1562. Out of the Commentaries of the state of religion. fol. 264.  
The battle of Saint Denys i● France, between the Catholics and Protestants, in the year 1567. Out of the Lord Popellinier, fo. 268  
The battle of Dan in Friesland, between the Conte Aremberge, and Lewes Earl of Nassawe, in the year 1568. Out of Popellinier. fo. 284.  
The battle of Hemss, between the Duke of Alva, and the Conte Lewes of Nassaw, in the year 1568. Out of Popelliniere. fol. 284:  
The battle of Bassac, between the Protestants end Catholics in France, in the year 1568. Out of Popelliniere. fol. 288.  
The Battle of Moncoutour in France, between the Catholics & Protestants, in the year 1569. Out Popelliniere. fol. 269.  
The battle of Lepanto, foughts by sea, between the Christian navy, under the conduct of Dom john de Austria, and the Turkish fleet, in the year 1572. Out of Petro Bizari. fol. 320.   
FINIS.