A Letter lately written from Rome, by an Italian Gentleman, to a friend of his in Lions in France.  
Wherein is declared, the state of Rome: The sudden death & solemn burial of Pope Gregory the thirteenth. The election of the new Pope, and the race of life this new Pope ran before he was advanced. Thereto are adjoined the accidents that have fallen out, not only in Rome, but in Naples & other parts of the world also.  
Newly translated out of Italian into English by I. F.  
Imprinted at London by john Charlewoode dwelling in Barbican, at the half Eagle and the Key. 1585.   

¶ To the Right excellent and Honourable Lord, Henry Earl of Derby, Lord Stanley, and Strange: Lord of Man, and Th'Isles, one of her majesties most honourable privy Counsel, Lord Lieutenant of the Counties of Lancaster, and Chester, and of the City of Chester, and knight of the noble order of the Garter. I. F. wisheth all happiness.  
IF the testimony of a dutiful mind, might prove a sufficient counterpeise to a benefit, I might now (right Honourable) discharge the band, where with I am so deeply indebted to your honour: But because I am not able with words, to match so high and honourable deeds, I am contented to remain a debtor still. For as the magnificence of Carthage was so great, that such as have gone about to lift it up with commendation, were suddenly stopped and enforced to confess, they had rather say nothing, then say too little. So when I consider the excellency of your calling, the nobility of your blood, and the virtues wherein you shine, though I be desirous to give a taste of your praises unto the world, yet finding my sight too weak to stare upon such a sun, I am compelled to turn away my face and give it over. Nevertheless, knowing it to be the part of a Princely counsellor, to have an eye in the head of every common weal, I have presumed to publish these news of foreign parts in your honours name, and so much the rather, because I find in your honour the disposition of Panthoidas, who being sent Ambassador into Asia, regarded not their goodly and sumptuous buildings, the rich ornaments of their houses, & such other pleasant shows, but rather endeavoured himself to learn their policies, their government, their customs, their Laws and proceed, the manner of placing of their battle, the order of their fight, with such like inquiries worthy a Noble man, whose notable steps your Lordship in your honourable last embassage did honourably follow: to the perpetual eternising of your honours ancient and noble name, and the perfect contentation of both their Majesties.  
Thus being loath to be too tedious, I leave these novels to your honour's consideration, until time shall yield better, and better worthy your honourable view. Till when and ever wholly dedicating myself to your honour, I wish your honour all felicity, and grace. The 29. of june 1585.  
Your honours most humble & dutiful to command. john Florio.   

A Declaration of News written from Rome, and from other parts of the world.  
IT hath peradventure (my well-beloved Sir) seemed strange unto you, that I have been so long without writing unto you, to inform you of the state of these countries, as you with many prayers entreated me, and with your sundry courtesies and favours bound me to do, whilst passing that ways, you entertained me so friendly in your father's house: and who knoweth, whether you have conceived some sinister opinion of me? How be it, I have no more forgot you in mind than I could or would my own brother: Which thing if for my mishap it should happen, or have happened, I beseech you for that dear friendship's sake, that always hath been between your house and mine, that you will utterly cancel, and think that my long silence, hath rather been occasioned of my sundry, and weighty affairs, then of any other cause whatsoever, which unlooked for, have so greatly hindered me since my coming home, that I could not discharge that duty in effect towards you, which the love I bear you, and your courtesies bindeth me to. Wherefore I pray you not only to accept this as a lawful excuse, but as the bare truth, which doing, you shall increase my affection towards you more and more, Know you therefore, that howbeit I have not written unto you, I have not omitted to note daily the acccidentes, and all things worthy of memory, that have happened not only in this City of Rome, but also in others abroad, as they have either been written or reported unto us, as by this my letter, if your leisure permit you to read it, you may perceive, which shall not seem long unto you, since that it containeth the stirs happened for the space of two months in divers parts of the world, all things of great importance, and worthy to be read, & noted of you, who do not follow the example of many others, who spend the greater part of their time in reading of that which hath been done many years ago, and are altogether ignorant of those things which daily happen in this our age. Know you therefore, that twenty days after my departure from you, which was upon the the sixth day of April last, thanks be given to the Lord, I arrived safe and sound in this City, where I found Pope Gregory the 13, of that name somewhat ill at ease, but so little, that neither he nor any of his friends made any account of it, but the third night following being the ninth of the foresaid month, there descended a rheum down into his breast, with such violence, that in two hours it dispatched him. Whose death, as it was unto his friends altogether unexpected and sudden, so was it unto them all most grievous, but especially unto his sons most damageable, for it is to be presupposed, that if he had perceived any likelihood of death in himself, he would so have ordered his affairs, that they should not after his death have been in those troubles, wherein by reading of this my letter, you shall perceive them to be. Yet was not his death so grievous unto the greatest number of the Cardinals, unto whom it seemed that he had possessed the seat too long, and that it was more than time for him to give place to others, aspiring to that dignity. I have spoken of the Pope's son in the singular number which may peradventure seem strange unto you, because that he, besides the Lord Giacomo, whom he had before he was cardinal, by him made Duke of Sora (which Duchy lieth in the kingdom of Naples and he with his money & favour bought of the King of Spain) as I am truly informed, he had another in the third year of his Popedom, by a fair country wench, that he kept for his own tooth at Frascato, a place of solace, not many miles distant from this city, very pleasant and beautiful, which son was called Lord Philip Buon compagni, which lived not above 4. year, or there about, of whom if well you remember, at my last being with you, I had some communication with your cousin, who said that he was the Pope's son, & I answered that Lord Giacomo was his father, for so it was reported, and given forth at his birth, after which, presently he was carried to his house, who to take that skandall and slander from his father, that might have ensued thereby, was contented to father him, upon which thing was made this Pasquil, which not yet three weeks since was given me by one of his Courtiers, and because the invention thereof is pretty, & that I know you take great pleasure in reading of such devices, I have thought it good to set it down here.  

The Pasquil.  
The maketh of it feigneth, that Pasquine having prepared himself to fly from Rome, meeteth by chance with Marforius, who entering into discourse with him, saith.  M. 
Pasquine whether goest thou in such haste?  P. 
I go to seek my fortune, for I will stay no longer here.  M. 
Alas, what do I here▪ and what is the cause that moveth thee to forsake thy dear and natural country?  P. 
Because there is no more religion here.  M. 
How many that be? and if there be no Religion here, where is there any then?  P. 
That know not I, but well I wot, that the holy Trinity is nothing at all accounted of here.  M. 
Alas for you, and where is it more manifestly known and openly professed then hear? I dare take upon me to make thee confess, and say, that in no place else so much as in this holy City.  P. 
I pray thee Marforius, do me that favour, as to make me perceive that, which if thou dost, I promise thee I will not forsake my country.  M. 
I would do it willingly, but I fear thou wilt but mock me, being a thing so manifest that every one may see it, and feel it.  P. 
I will rather think myself beholding to thee then mock thee. wherefore I pray thee proceed.  M. 
Is it possible that thou dost not perceive in the Pope's person the representation of the eternal father, & in the Lord Giacomo, that of jesus Christ his son, & in young Philip, begotten of the Pope, and fathered upon L. Giacomo, that of the holy Ghost, proceeding both from the father and the son?  P. 
Ha, Ha, Ha, by my faith thou sayest true. I must needs confess that the Trinity is not so apparently known in any other place as it is in Rome, and therefore I will even get me home again, and stay the event of the Roman Trinity. And thus endeth the Pasquil. But to come to my purpose again, where I left, I say that commonly the day after the Pope is dead, they are wont to convey his carcase in a litter alongst Strastevere, attended on by his wont Guard of Switzers. and light horsemen to the consistorial chamber in Saint Peter's Palace, where being Pontifically appareled, all in white garments, even as if he should celebrate the sacred service, he is laid upon the bear, covered with a cloth of gold, and silk, with letters about it saying, Gregorius 13. Pont. Max. and two Cardinal's hats at his feet, and so he is left until the evening, at which time the whole College of Cardinals being assembled there, with all the Bishops and Prelates that then are in Rome, and with all the Canons of Saint john Laterane, and of S. Peter with their richest Copes on, he is carried into the Pope's Chapel before the high Altar, where the Bishops, Prelates, and such people as be there do kiss his feet, after which ceremony he is carried by the Canons of S. Peter's, & laid before the Sacrament Chappel, his Pensioners going before with their Polares, the head downward, accompanied with the Cardinals appareled in Purple, (which maketh a goodly show) where being laid, the wonted funeral ceremonies unto the dead carcase, are celebrated by one of the Canons of the said Church, after that he is carried into S. Sixtus his Chapel, where for three days space he is left, with his feet towards the grate, to the end, that those that list may kiss his feet, he being attired as I have said before, with many Torches burning day and night about him, with a multitude of Priests tending on him, for fear he should run away, Three days being ended, he is buried in the said Church, where it pleaseth best his kinsmen, wh●●e nine days after continually, many Torches are burning, for so long his funerals do last, and therefore they are called Novendalie, which importeth, in English, nine days works. A very high scaffold in the form of a Pyramids, being made in the midst of the Church, covered all over with black cloth, with his arms round about, but without the Keys, with letters, saying, Pope Gregory the 13. which Pyramids is upheld by many pillars, under which doth appear an Hearse, all covered with cloth of gold, with coushins of the same, where every morning there is a Mass sung by some Cardinal, created by the last Pope, which Mass being ended, he with four Cardinals more in black Velvet robes, and the Subdeane having said the Epistle, taking the cross in hand, the master of the ceremonies, and other his officers assisting, all the other Cardinals following, they go about the scaffold, or Pyramids. The dead Pope's whole household sitting about the same upon forms all in mourning apparel, with burning torches in their hands, some bigger than other some, according to the degrees of the men▪ at each corner of the said scaffold, is placed a stool covered with black, upon which the four Cardinals in black Velvet do sit, and he that hath sung Mass sitting upon another stool, in the midst of that side that looketh toward the Altar. Then he that sitteth at the right hand, beginneth to give holy water to the bear lying under the Key, and until such time as they have agreed about the Pope's election, they be so fast, that they can not by any means come out. Many years since it was wont to be but one hall, divided into so many little chambers, with hangings of tapistry, as there were Cardinals, but considering that for want of room and and air, many died before the election, there are now two great rooms, divided into more than three score little chambers, each one of them being more than sixteen foot square, every one of them having a little cabinet, or closet joined unto it, for the Cardinals serving men to be in, before the Chambers there is a long gallery for the Cardinals to walk in. No Cardinal can bring in more than three men, that is to say, a Secretary, a Gentleman, and a Chamberlain, who so long as the election lasteth can not by any means come out. All which chambers are dressed as it followeth. Those which pertain to the Cardinals created by the last Pope, are hanged with purple, with all furnitures pertaining to it of the same, as Bedsteds, Valences, Curtains, Coverlets, Pillows, Cushines, with silk fring of that colour. There is in every chamber a little table with a Purple Carpet to it, a little wooden lantern, a little ladder to hang up the hangings, one high stool, and one low, which they carry to the scrutine Chamber, a dust basket, a Chest with lock and key, and such other necessaries in a Chamber, every thing covered with purple, with the Cardinal's arms upon them to whom they appertain. All other Cardinals have their chambers, & other implements hanged, and covered with green, The order how they are served in the Conclave, so long as the election lasteth is this. Before the gate of the Conclave, there is a fair room, where all the Archbishops, and Bishops, that then are in Rome, do stand waiting at the door by turns, day & night or as they are chosen by love, four of them always ready to help, and do all such necessary business as the place, and time requireth, what occasion soever happen, changing every two hours. Their Chambers being near the said place. About the gallery of the Palace going toward the new gate, are the Roman Barons, and Lords attending, with two guards, one of Italians, the other of Switzers, who are to wait on the Cardinals going into the Conclave, or that by reason of infirmity come out, together with the dead Pope's light horsemen, and grooms of his stable, who accompany them home to their lodgings. The order how the Gentlemen or Sewers do serve the Cardinals their Lords is thus. At the gate where as I said before four Bishops do stand, are two Gentlemen, who are to call the Cardinals or Sewers, as they are orderly set down in writing in a scroll of Paper, that every night is fastened upon the gate, wherein are the names of all the Cardinals written as they are drawn by lots, so that a man may see who shall first or last be served. Every night that scroll is newly written. In deed if any of them be sick, they are first served. Every night there are four of the said byls of names made against the day following: one of which is kept within the Conclave, another is fastened to the gate where the Senators or Sheriffs li●, as I said before, the other two are kept by the two aforesaid Gentlemen, one of which standeth by the dresser, at that door at which the Gentlemen Sewers go in with meat, in order as they are called, each one having two great baskets or flaskets of divers stuffs fashions and colours, the one for kitchen viands, the other for other sorts of after service, these carried between two men with coulestaves. And this is the manner of their service. First every Sewer hath very orderly his dishes placed in the foresaid two flaskets, who were first made ready by other officers, as by the Cook, Paster, Butler, Spicer, Comfeter, Fruterer, and such other that belong to keeping, or dressing of meats. Before the said meats goeth that Cardinal's Gentleman Usher that is first served, and then two grooms of the stable with two staves in their hands painted of the Cornutas colour, for so that flasket is called wherein the kitchen meats are carried, after them followeth the Gentleman Steward, with four or six Gentlemen more, carrying of fair glasses in their hands full of divers sorts of wines, and very clear water, the Butler going in the midst of them, with a little glass of wine in his hand, the said glasses are all covered with Orange blomes, and other sweet flowers, with papers on them showing the quality, or sort of the Wine, then follow two Grooms of the Stable that carry the flasket, wherein all other sorts of after meats, Comfits and fruits are, then followeth the Cubberd keeper, with two other Grooms that carry the Cornuta. All the Gentlemen pertaining to that Cardinal attending on them, thus going all in order towards the Conclave dresser, they meet first at the first door the Conseruours, Senators, or sheriffs guard, then coming to the stairs foot, they meet the other guard of Italians and Switzers. And so passing along the gallery, they come into a several room where are two little doors, one to go in to serve, the other to come out after they have served, at the entry of that room is also a guard of Italians and Switzers, which open and shut the doors: where stand the two Cursors, or gentlemen with bills of names in their hands, who in order call for the Sewer that must come in first, at the upper end of the said room standeth a table fifteen foot long, the Sewer being come to that table, he taketh a very fine and white Napkin from the Cupboard keeper, and layeth it on the table, and another he layeth before the aforesaid four Bishops, with two knives, and two forks, which they take up, the Sewer having set all the dishes upon the table, they uncover them, and taste of them all, there can no Pies nor Pasties pass whole, nor any kind of poultry, or fowl, for they are all cut, carved, and opened, before the said Bishops. There can no wine, nor water be carried in, in any other vessels then clear glasses, nor any table cloth, towel, or Napkin, that is not first unfolded, opened, & very well considered. All vessels both out of which they eat & drink, of glass, or porcelaine that once go in, come no more out, for they are the master of the Ceremonies his fees. The meat that is left, is divided among the servants or officers in the Conclave, as barber's, Mazons, Carpenters, Apothecaries, Swéepers, & such like. So soon as every Sewer, or steward hath served, he inquireth whether his Lord will have any other meat against the next time, or not, then taking Congee, he goeth out of the other door, whilst others come in at the other. And in this order are all Cardinals served morning and night, so long as the election lasteth. And all that while the Castle or Palace is very well guarded, for at the first trench, besides the soldiers that are in Beluedere, and those which guard the market place, which are a great number, there are six & twenty Switzers waiting day & night, there is a great chain of iron to cross the way, and a little house of boards to shield them from the rain, Above the said trench on the left side going into the Palace, are eight pieces of great Artillery, guarded by a band of Switzers, and two other guards, that always are attendant there. Not far from the said Artillery over against the great gate, which is also guarded by fifty Switzers, there are three pieces of artillery more, even in the entry of the Palace, which also is guarded by three bands of Switzers, and for the succour of the said gate in any need, there is at the left hand a place or house covered with boards, in which is continually a band of Italian soldiers, with a going out one both sides. On the right hand going into the Court, toward Borgia's tower under the gate, which is locked with an iron chain, is continually another band of Italians, and on the left hand thereof is an Altar, that may be removed where one list, covered with very rich Tapestry, and other ornaments where every morning all the election while, the Mass of the holy Ghost is celebrated and sung, by the singing men of the Chapel. All that while that the Mass is celebrating, the gates stand open, but very well guarded, for then all priests of what order soever, & Monks with the Orflins going before very orderly, do go Procession like through all Courts, and places beneath the watches, and guards stand ready armed as if they were ready to fight, or expect the enemy. The Priest that saith the Mass between two Deacons with his face toward the Conclave, singeth as loud as he can the Psalm Veni Creator mundi, and the Litanies, with other Prayers, the whole quire answering him. This done, the Canons of S. Peter, and other Prelates, with the wonted Music go in. The procession being ended, at the sound of a little bell all men departed, for that is a sign, that the Scrutiny of that morning is done, and that there is no Pope chosen, than all the soldiers do unarm themselves. These orders & ceremonies are used every day, from that time that the Cardinals go into the Conclave, until a Pope be chosen. The manner how the Cardinals do choose him in the Conclave, is as it followeth.  
After two manner of ways the election is made. The one is, that every Cardinal writeth upon a scroll, the name of him whom he wisheth to be Pope, & after he hath folded it, he carrieth it to the Altar which is in the chamber, where the Scrutiny is made, and there standeth the master of the ceremonies which receiveth the said scrolls, & that Cardinal which is found to have the most scrolls, of the two thirds of those Cardinals that be there, he is Pope, this manner is called the choosing by scrutiny, because thereby the mind of the Cardinals is sifted and known. But when in the Conclave any is found, that hath none to stand with him, than the Cardinals stay not to have their opinions inquired by scrutiny, but declare themselves by their voices, and then the Lord chamberlain, or some other of the chiefest Cardinals, causeth him whom they see so favoured by voices, to sit upon the Papal seat, saying unto him. Adoro te in Pontificem, all other Cardinals following him, striving who shall be foremost, least by staying, any be thought to be aggrieved. This is called election by Adoration, although that he which is chosen by scrutiny be also adored, which adoration is rather done for custom's sake, then for any necessity. Presently after the election▪ the new Pope's servants run to break two windows over the Court, where the Mass or Procession is said, and there the people flocking about them, they cry Cardinal Mont-alto is chosen Pope, afterwards cometh one of the Cardinals with the cross in his hand, and saith three times, Papam habemus. After that, all the Cardinals for a good space abide with the new Pope, rejoicing with him for his election, than they accompany him to his Palace, after that, every one retireth himself to his own home. Furthermore you shall understand Sir, that as soon as it is noised abroad that the Pope is chosen, all the people run to the Palace where he dwelled being Cardinal, and wholly spoil and rob the same. In times past they were wont to find there many things of great value, especially household stuff, but now they that have but the least hope to be Pope, cause their servants secretly to convey thence all the best, leaving nothing but such things as they care not for losing. Now to signify unto you the election of this Pope, I say, that in Sede vacant, after the death of Pius the fift, the King of Spain writ to Cardinal Farnese, wishing him to stand to be Pope, for that he desired only to have him, who at the first stood in some doubt, thinking that the King did it only in mockery, but he confirming it by his Ambassador then resident at Rome, the Cardinal began to persuade himself that he meant in good earnest, and endeavoured himself earnestly to the obtaining thereof, and such were his practises, that many thought he should be Pope, until one morning, the Cardinal Granuela in the Conclave presented him with a letter from the King, by which he requested him at that time to content himself, and to labour no further for that dignity, and that for a special consideration, marry withal that he should assure himself the next time not to fail thereof, at the sight whereof, the Cardinal was greatly astonished, perceiving that the King went about to delude him, and in thought somewhat grieved thereat, answered, that he acknowledged himself a subject unmeet to bear such a heavy burden, howbeit to pleasure his Majesty (whom to please he had always sought) he was moved to attempt such an enterprise, and now sith that he saw that the King's pleasure was such, he submitted himself wholly to his wil Then Cardinal Granuela thanked him, and requested him to agree with him in choosing the new Pope, and so the next morning Gregory the 13. of late deceased was chosen. Cardinal Farnese having received this scornful repulse of the King, although that in show he seemed to have forgot it, yet inwardly he deeply imprinted it, and his drift was to use such means whilst Gregory lived that after his death, of himself without the aid of the King of Spain, he might attain to his purpose, and be chosen Pope, which secretly he went about, yet not so covertly, but that many Cardinals had notice thereof, therefore Gregory being dead, and the Cardinals being assembled in the Conclave, perceiving fully Farnese his intent, they understood that if the time were detracted, peradventure he would have brought it to pass, therefore suddenly they resolved themselves to disappoint him and choose another. Hereupon Cardinal Este, Alexandrino, and Rusticuzzi with their adherentes, joining together by way of scrutiny elected Cardinal Mont-alto, & such was their good fortune, that they not thinking that any others would give their voices, to their Cardinal comes Cardinal Medici, with six voices to weigh down the balances on their side, and so upon Easter day they being entered into the Conclave, the next morning came Cardinal de Augusta, who entered in, and so did Cardinal Madrucci. On Tuesday at night, and upon Wednesday morning following at ten of the clock, he was made Pope, & so acknowledged, and adored of all the College. Whereby Cardinal Farnese was two ways deceived, the one, in not being himself Pope, the other in not having any thing to do in the election of the new, a thing that happened not unto him many years before, he having made almost all the Popes since his uncles death, who was Paulus the third, having always had many adherents.  
Mont-alto being thus chosen Pope on Wednesday in Easter week, which was (according to our computation) the 24. of April, and presently after his election, (being before called Felix) he named himself Syxtus Quintus, and forthwith he deprived Cardinal Como of the office of Secretary, and gave it to Cardinal Rusticuzzi who had it under Pius the 5. and Cardinal Alexandrino had the place, which Cardinal Sant Sisto had in the consultation. The Marquis Altemps was made Governor of Borgo, and general Captain of both the Pope's guards. The Duke of Sora was confirmed general of the Church. The L. Marquis of Riano had the room of S. Mario Sforza, who was Lieutenant General. The Governor of Rome was confirmed anew, likewise the Controller of the Pope's household that was first continueth still. Great joy and triumphs were made at the election of the Pope, but nothing so much as was accustomed, & that because it is thought the people would rather have had Cardinal Farnese. The Sea was vacant fifteen days without any excess or disorder. Upon Thursday last Cardinal Mondovi of Piedmont, by Sea arrived here, not without great danger both of weather and Pirates, and at Corneton, great contention arose betwixt his company & the towns men, there were discharged more than an hundred shot of Harguebusses. Contrary to the opinion of all men, the Lord Paulo Giordano Orsino, Duke of Brasciano, came and kissed the Pope's feet, who entertained him very courteously, and with all advertised him to look to the government of his estate, and to the overthrow and rooting out of the banished persons, or outlaws as we term them? I laid he did it contrary to the expectation of all men, because you shall understand, that the Pope had not many years ago a Nephew, a young man of comely stature and parsonage, who viewing on a time a beautiful damosel of Corambonis de Augubbio, fell so in love with her, that in short space he won her and wedded her, but he enjoyed her not long for shortly after he was slain with a gun, and it was thought that Lord Paulo had procured his death, for that not long after he became very familiar with the Gentlewoman, and meaning to marry her, Cardinal Medici, who is brother in law to him, and all his kinsmen of the house of Orsini, laboured to the Pope very earnestly, that he should not suffer their kinsman to match with one of so base fortune, whereupon the Pope at their entreaty sent for him, and first by fair means sought to dissuade him from his purpose, but seeing he could do no good thereby he grew to threatenings, saying, threatening him with excommunication, but Lord Paulo nothing terrified nor dismayed, sent the Gentlewoman to his house in the country, and the Pope as she was going thither, caused her to be apprehended and put into a monastery of Nuns, where she remained certain months, notwithstanding, that at the length Lord Paulo found means to get her at liberty, and in despite of all men married her, and yet enjoyeth her. For this cause it was thought, that he would not have submitted himself unto the Pope, and trusted him, and that the Pope being now in that sovereignty & dignity, would have revenged the death of his Nephew. But see how vain the judgements of men are oftentimes, for now there is a marriage entreated of, betwixt the Pope's niece & Lord Paulo his son, & it is thought that he shall be general Standard bearer of the Church. The same day Cardinal Sforza had audience of the Pope, and showed himself aggrieved of the deprivation of Lord Mario his Uncle, to whom the Pope answered, but smally to his contentation. It is said that the last Pope's treasurer (a man very well seen both in the civil and Canon laws, and one that by finding out diverse means to enrich the Church, hath caused a great sort to cry out of him) is close prisoner in the castle, there to give account of his administration.  
A little while ago there were taken out of the Castle great sums of money for the use of the Sea vacant, which now are resigned again. The two thousand soldiers appointed for the Guard of the Conclave are discargeded, again, every one having given him besides his promised wages a crown.  
The Pope hath already bountifully requited a great number, which had showed or done him any pleasure, when he was in low estate and of small ability, amongst the rest he hath enriched a Cobbler, who had sometimes mended his shoes for nothing, who the day following for sudden joy, set all his old shoes, lasts, and tools on fire.  
Yesterday morning the lords Conseruours, or Sheriffs came to kiss the Pope's feet, and desired three favours of him, that is, abundance, justice, & provision against outlaws abroad, of whom there is a great number: to whom he answered, that he would provide for them all as speedily as could be.  
The Pope showeth himself very thankful to Pius the fifth, who made him Cardinal, & therefore hath commanded Cardinal Alexandrino, Nepew to Pius the 5. that he withal the servants and such as belonged to Pius the 5. should come to the Palace, a thing surely very commendable in any man, to be mindful in time of prosperity of his benefactors.  
Yesterday the Marques Altemps took possession of Borgo, accompanied by a great troop of horsemen, and with a guard of Switzers.  
The jesuits coming to kiss the Pope's feet, obained of him, that the sumptuous building of their commenced College should be continued, and that when they want money they should repair unto him,  
The Lord Paulo Giordano yesterday went to Brasciano with his wife, and all his Court, Cardinal Sant. Sixtus, Nephew to the Pope that dead is, goeth to dwell in the Palace of the Duke of Parma, it being granted him by Cardinal Farnese, who desiring of the Pope, that his father might come to Rome, which the Pope that is dead his brother would never yield, to whom the Pope answered, that if he were not banished he might come.  
By letters received from Milan the 23. of this month we understand that the visitor Reggius, hath commission from the King to receive the accounts of Lord Giorgio Mariques, without molesting of his person, which hath happened by the intercession of the Empress, and the general muster is appointed to be the kalends of May, & that to all the soldiers shall be given a 100 French Crowns a man besides the ordinary pay, but not to those of Don Giorgio his company. It is said also that there are taken out of the Castle 200000. crowns, to send into Flaunders. That from Geneva there was brought thither prisoner a Spaniard, which the last year said to the Cardi. Borromeo, that he had order from Don Pietro Ant. son to the Duke of Terra Nova, to shoot him thorough with a gun, but being therefore set on the rack, he confessed that he said so only to get a piece of money out of his hands.  
We understand by letters dated the 20, of this month from the Court of the Emperor in Praga, these news following. On Friday last the Emperor gave audience, to the Comissaries and Ambassadors of diverse Princes, as touching the deliverance of the Duke of Saxony prisoner at Neustat, but although his enemy seek by all means possible to hinder the said deliverance, yet it is hoped that in the end he shall have some favour showed him. The Ambassador also of moscovia had audience, who was accompanied into the Palace by the high Chamberlain, and many of the chiefest Courtiers, and presented unto his Majesty, a great number of exquisite and fine Armelens', with a furniture of a Gostone. Of the same uncovered of very great value, and brought letters of credit, written in red sarsenet, he came to confirm and renew the truce and league that always hath been between his prince's father, and the house of Austria whereupon he had a long discourse committed this cruel fact, to heap villainy upon villainy, took the fairest of the two young Ladies, and in the presence of all the other ravished her, permitting and commanding his men, to do the like unto the other, and to all the Ladies and gentlewomen that attended on them, which done, he caused them most cruelly to be slain, and flung into the sea. This villainy being heard of abroad, was of all men detested, and condemned to be more than barbarous, especially of the Venetians themselves, who sought all means possible to have him taken, which thing Emmo perceiving, and being gauled with the guilt of his conscience, he took him to his flight, and being come to Puglia, perceiving himself not to be safe there, he licensed two of his Galleys, and with all his booty amounting to the value of 200. thousand Crowns in money & jewels, upon the third which was the best and fairest Galley that was seen upon the seas these many years, sailing towards the isle of Malta, where he purposed to yield himself, to the great Master of the Religion and order, and there to live upon the pray. The Venetians fearing the displeasure of the great Turk, presently sent the Captain of the Gulf, who is a Noble Venetian, to pursue him with one of the best Galleys, and if it might be, either a live or dead to take him, and all his complices, whose enterprise, the Lord God so favoured, to the end such villainy should not long go unpunished, that in few days, not far from Puglia he met with him and without great resistance took him, and all his men, and carried them to Venice, where the fourth day after being justly by the laws condemned, he was publicly executed and had his head cut of, and all his goods confiscated, to a kinsman of his that was with him: but in as much as all the soldiers protested that he was nothing culpable, and rather had sought by all means and reasons, to dissuade him from that cruelty, they did nothing but condemn him to perpetual prison. At the first, when the great Turk heard of this he seemed to be very angry, and demanded to have (besides an infinite sum of money, Emmo and all the soldiers) and Galleys furnished in his own hands. The Venetians forthwith, sent Ambassadors unto him with Emmo his head, excusing themselves as well as they could, and that it was a thing they utterly detested, and were altogether innocent of, offering any reasonable conditions to appease him, but he continuing in his anger, demanded great and unreasonable satisfaction: but now as we hear by these last letters, he is much altered, and seems to yield to any reasonable conditions, to which he would never have condescended, were he in any good estate with that mighty enemy of his, the great Persian, with whom these three years space he hath had continual war, and hath lost very much, who even at this time troubles him greatly, and that is the reason that he was so soon appeased with the Venetians. So that now it were an easy thing for the Christian Princes (if there were any zeal of Christ in them, and that such envy and malice did not reign among them) uniting themselves together, utterly to overthrow him, and free so many thousands of Christian souls that live in miserable bondage, which if they do not but continue still, in seeking to undo and devour one another. You shall see one day those two mighty States, enemies both to the name of Christ, join together & fall upon us, as they did upon the Princes of Greece. Pardon me good sir, if I have gone from my former discourse, for nothing maketh me speak but the great desire I have, that that enemy of Christians, should once be set upon by those that might (if they would) overcome, having the everliving Lord to their guide, as they might have, if they would follow that good Godfrey of Buloin, that gathered a Christian power out of England, France, Italy, and recovered the Holy Land. But now returning to it, I say that with the same letters, we hear that S. Barberico, who was newly chosen Procurator of S. Marco, which is one of the greatest dignities in that Signory, went to the Senate, accompanied with three hundredth noble men, all in their Senators robes, which made a rare and goodly show, and to most of them he made a sumptuous banquet. The Provisor of Firm Land was come to the city, his office is also of great credit among them. A noble man of the house of Contarini, even in the Rialto (which is a place in Venice as the Royal Exchange in London) shot at another Noble man with a Pistol, who being taken, was forthwith banished the city, and all the States thereof, on pain of a thousand crowns, and to lose his life if he be taken, and howbeit many sue for him, yet can no favour be obtained, until ten years be expired, and if his father die in the mean time, his goods shallbe confiscated.  
The Cardinal Ceneda, was ready to take his journey from Venice to come hither. The Patriarch of Aquileia was looked for there. The Soldiers were priest before to be sent into Candia to the garrisons, they began now to take their pay, and to be sent away under divers Colonels, and Captains. This is all we heard from thence with the last letters.  
From Rome, from the day abovesaid to the 18. of May. Upon Saturday last, there was a public consistory held, in which the Cardinals Mondoni, Terra-noua, and Gioyeuse, made their first entry to receive their Hats, who were accompanied by 32. Cardinals, and a great number of other Lords, Barons, & nobles all on horseback. The Cardinals, Este, Ramboglietto, Sirletto, & Medici were not there. They were most courteously & honourably received, and entertained of the Pope, who gave them their Hats, and made them full Cardinals. The Popes when they made any Cardinals that is not present, they use this ceremony. First to send them a red Cap where they are, and then the first time after they come to Rome, and enter the consistory, they give them the Hat. These three cardinals were made by Gregory, but they had never been at Rome before.  
The Cardinal Medici had audience of the Pope, and told him that the Duke of Toscana his brother, desired to come and kiss his feet, and do his duty to his holiness, but that he desired to have audience, and to be received in the kings Hall, the Pope answered him▪ that at more leisure he would talk of it, and gave him an answer.  
On Monday in the Consistory, by the resignation of monsieur Fautino, the Church of Coscenza was committed to Abbot Pastorius, the Church of Concordia in Friuli, to a gentleman of Venice, of the house of Quirini: that of Salmona to a Friar, Chaplain to the Cardinal of Aragona. Likewise, two Churches in Polonia (named by Cardinal Farnese) were provided of sufficient Pastors. The same day, and in the said Consistory, the Pope declared as Legates, these Prelates following: Cardinal Salviati to be sent to Bologna la grassa. Cardinal Colonna to Campagna of Rome. Cardinal Gesualdo to Marca d' Ancona. Cardinal Spinola to Perugia, and Cardinal Canano to Romagna. And the Pope nominated his above named nephew, Cardinal Mont-alto, giving him his own Hat, his Arms, and his name, with seven thousand Crowns revenues at the first dash. On the Tuesday following, the sealing being ended, Cardinal Farnese departed hence to Grotta ferrata, there to solace and recreate himself, and it is thought that he is greatly discontented. The day before monsieur Fiesco carried a hat and a hallowed sword to the Duke of Savoy, and a Rose unto the Duchess, (which is a ceremony used of Popes in honouring of Princes,) for that the Duke and his wife coming out of Spain, will land at Nizza, where the Pope hath sent Lord Fiesco to receive them, and present them with his presents: and as some think, he shall continue with the Duke as Nuntio. The same day the Duke of Sora renounced his generalship, and the Marquis Mario Sforza renounced his office, he being Lieutenant. Upon wednesday signor Bon compagno, brother to Pope Gregory came hither, who for some private grudge was not permitted to come during his brother's life. There went to meet him out of the Gates, these men following: the Duke of Sora his Nephew, the Cardinals San sisto his son, and Vasta villani his Nephew, with certain others, who conducted him to Cardinal San sisto his house. Whereby it may be seen how variably the wheel of Fortune turneth, for if he had been permitted to come whilst his brother lived, he should have been received of the Cardinals and Lords of the Court, and with great triumph brought into the Palace. Neither will I forget to tell you the cause, why the Pope his brother would not see him. The cause was this. Before Gregory came to the Popedom, he was a very poor Cardinal, and maintained his son Lord Giacomo (as well as he could) at study in Padua, who in time of vacation, always repaired to his uncles house in Bologna, where he was very ill entreated of his Aunt, and by her oftentimes misused in terms & speeches, as calling him ass, dolt, priest's bastard, with the like, which speeches (as you know) with us are counted spiteful and intolerable. This poor youth, sometimes gave his father intelligence thereof by letters, who writ to his Brother, and told him that he marveled (seeing he had the government of his wife) he would suffer it, and threatening him that if he would not redress it▪ he would be so mindful of him, as he should repent it. But his brother, who not only loved but honoured his wife, durst never let her understand thereof, though secretly to win his Nephew, he now and then bestowed some spending money on him, who always did commend him to his father, who presently after he was chosen Pope, sent for his son Lord Giacomo, causing him most honourably to be received, daily advancing him, as well you know.  
signor Bon compagno hearing of his brother's preferment, forthwith addressed himself to go to see him, hoping to be joyfully entertained and honoured of him: but the Pope foreknowing his coming, sent him strait word to come no further upon pain of his displeasure, but to return home again, not telling him the cause why, knowing that if he listed he might well conceive it. His brother hearing this message, sorrowful and pensive returned back, and could never after have leave to come thither, (although Lord Giacomo earnestly sued for him.) The Pope imitating herein, Pope Pius the fourth, who would never suffer his brother the Marquis of Marignano, to come in his sight, neither did he at any time show favour or friend ship to him or his, how be it, in this point, Pope Gregory differed from him, for he gave to his brothers two daughters, each of them ten thousand crowns in marriage, and caused them to be nobly and honourably matched, and made one of his sons Cardinal, giving him great riches, and the second Governor of Ravenna, and upon him he bestowed a thousand crowns every month, and one of his sister's sons he made Cardinal Vasta villani. Now to return to the things present, I say that the day following, Sig. Bon compagno came to kiss the Pope's feet, who received him very courteously, and some suppose that he shall be established Governor of the City of Fermo during his life, although the commonalty of that City made suit to the Pope, to grant them for their governor the new Cardinal Mont-alto, who answered them, that as yet he had more need of a Governor himself then to govern others. monsieur Ahlobrandino is elected chancellor, and monsieur Basone shallbe Nuntio in Spain, and Cardinal San Giorgio in Naples. Moun sire Carlo Conti, Governor of Camerino, craveth leave of the Pope to come hither to Rome, it is said he shall have it, and that in his place he will send monsieur Maffetti. At the request of Cardinal Altemps, the Pope hath confirmed the old Fiscull of Rome in his office, and hath appointed Lusimbardi overseer and Auditor of the Tower of Bologna. We understand by letters from Spain, that the day of the Annunciation in the Church of Saragossa, the Duke of Savoy made the Lords Sig. Giacomo Battista of Savoy, his Ambassador resident in Spain: the Marquis of Ciambra, & Conte Ottavio san vitale Knights of the order of the Annunciation, meaning also to bestow it upon the Marquis Boba, and Don Michele Bovelli at his return into Italy, and hath appointed that the second ceremony of enstaling, be done in Nizza of Brovenza. His majesty will accompany and bring his daughter, the spouse to Parcelona, who hath used much kindness and friendship towards the Duke his son in law, and with Cardinal Granuella only, his other daughter shall be married to the Archduke Ernesto, brother to the Emperor.  
There is a marriage talked of betwixt one of the Pope's Néeces, and Sig. julianus, son to signor Giorgio Cesarmi, and betwixt his other niece & Sig. Pietro Gaetano, son to Sig. Honorato, but whether they shall come to pass or no, it is uncertain. Mon. Nazaret shallbe Legate in France to seek to moderate and mitigate those hurly-burlies▪ and therefore the Pope hath sent for him hither. The Bishop of Camerino (in his voyage to olonia, going thither as Nuntio) is dead. The Archbishop of Naples is come hither. News is brought us, that in the Mountains of Safso ferrato, a ringleader of Outlaws called Morte, with 22. of his adherents, is besieged by two thousand men & more, whereupon we hope that he shall not escape. Cardinal Vercelli on thursday morning, being taken with a certain fever, departed this life in less than 4. hours, and by his death there fell an abbey of five thousand crowns a year, which the Pope hath already bestowed on Cardinal Mont-alto his Nephew. We hear that in Naples by reason of the great dearth that is in that City, the people appointed one to deal with the Viceroy, that so many people might not die for hunger, who went and did clean contrary: for when certain ships laden with corn were in the Haven, he caused them to be sent to Spain, saying that in Naples there was Corn sufficient, which thing when the people heard of, they forthwith in a great rage and fury ran to the Gentleman's house, where they met with certain Friars, who hearing the cause of their tumult, desired them to be contented, that they might go to his house to confess him, and persuade him to die patiently, and then to kill him, to which the people agreed, but afterwards, perceiving that the Friars sought to save him, and to make him fly, they rushed into his house, and before the friars faces killed him, and trailed him a long throughout the City before the Viceroy, crying all with a loud voice. God save the king and justice. Whereupon, the Viceroy being at his wits ends, withdrew himself into his castle, and caused his Guard to give diligent attendance, and not stir in any wise.  
There is come hither another Nephew of the Popes, who hath been twenty years absent from Italy, his profession is to handle his weapon well, it is thought that he hath been a good one in his days, that he hath played many pretty parts, notwithstanding we think he shall be general of the Church. We hear that he hath another come from Piacenza, so that now he wanteth not kinsmen being in prosperity, and more are coming daily from strange countries, although whilst he lived cardinal, it was not known that he had any, but the husband of Corambona. They writ from Genova, how the four Galleys of Tuscan, who had chased two Turkish Galleys, even to Marsilia, were come to the haven of Genova, where they shall take in the Duke of Nivers, which goeth to the baths of Luca. We hear also that they of Genova had chosen two Ambassadors to send to Nizza, to congratulate with the Duke and Duchess of Savoy, and to morrow to send hither, to render their obedience to the Pope. By letters from Praga, we hear that the Ambassador of Muscovia, was resolved to see the ceremony of the golden Fleece, & being invited to a banquet by the Ambassador of Venice, he drunk so much that almost he was choked therewith. The Vice-chamberlaine began to mend of his sickness, and Lord Traulen was sore troubled with the Gout, whereupon his life was greatly doubted, being a man of 76. years of age. Yesterday the Emperor dispached a Post to Rome, whether the Ambassador of Tuscan meaning to send another, he was not permitted, for that his Majesty would have his man arrive two days before the Dukes. This Nuntio is greatly discomforted by the death of Pope Gregory, fearing lest he should be deprived of his office, especially for that he hath been at great expenses. By letters from Venice, dated the 12. of May, we hear that news were come from Constantinople, that the business of the restitution of the Galley, to the great honour of the Ambassador, and satisfaction of the signory, was concluded and ended, and that there was no talk of any army, which is a manifest sign of peace with the Christians, and therefore he hath confirmed the league with the King of Spain for other two years. The Turk is so busied in the wars of Persia, and against the Persians to his great disadvantage, having received another notable overthrow of them, and beside betwixt the Turks & Transiluanes, there is like to be something ado, for that some notable skirmish had been between them already. The prince Valacco placed in his estate with the favour of the Turk, was again displaced of the people, and the other that was put down set up. Cardi. Ceneda of whom before I made mention, is returned to the cure of his Church, and at the end of August will come hither to Rome. From Genova 'tis said that in Savoia, there is great ado to entertain sumptuously the new spouses, and there be chosen besides the four Ambassadors, four Matrons, which speak Spanish to receive the Duchess. There hath been a Proclamation against certain unknown persons, which rob a ship in the haven with all the munition that there is provided. Yet nevertheless there be many robberies committed. Doctor Ameranta hath been stayed by the inquisition to the great admiration of every one, he being of great credit in the City. It is known by letters come to the Hebrews, that the Tartarians are conjoined with the Moscovites and other Potentates to set upon the great Turk. And this my loving friend, is as much as at this time, I can show you of the news we have in Rome, the which if you well consider, you shall find that there is not at this day, any Court in the world, in which fortune showeth more than in this her power, sith that you see that many which within these two months, sat in the highest part of her turning wheel, are now thrown down to the lowest of them was the only talk while their prosperity lasted, towards them only were the eyes of all men bend, & now there is no more account made of them then of any other, and within a short while their memory will fail so, as if they had never been. Contrariwise, those of whom no man talked, and which were accounted as the of scouring of the base, be now the chief, and they only are in the mouths of men. And to the end, that you may perceive these things better with the eye of your understanding, I will here set down before you, as conclusion of this my letter, the whole life of this present Pope, the which I had of a learned Doctor of Law, Sometime a familiar friend of the Popes, who swore & protested unto me, that 8. years ago, when he was Cardinal, he voluntarily told it him himself, without any request thereof, & said, he was not ashamed that any man should know it, and took great delight in telling it. And this it is. Mont-alto is a little village in Marca d' Ancona hid in an unpleasant valley, at the side of the mount Apennine, and because the country is so obscure, I can not describe it better, save that it is a little village at the root of the mountains, there distant from the noble city of Ascoli, ten miles. In that place was this present Pope borne after this sort. There dwelled a little fellow named Pietro, who for his little stature and small parsonage, was called Peretto, which is as much to say, as little Peter, & also little Pear. His birth & stock was so base, & his living so slender, that upon the hills of Fermo to maintain himself, he was glad to keep the swine of one Sig. Horatio Brancadoro, & being one day in the field looking to his swine, there suddenly arose such a mighty storm and tempest, that leaving his swine to the broad field, at fortune's discretion, he betook himself to his cabin a little of to his wife (who was of no greater Parentage than himself) & lying with her that night, he got her with child, who in due time was delivered of a jolly boy, who nursed him her self as long as her milk lasted. Which boy coming to the age of three years, the father not being able to keep him, he gave him and recommended him to the Baker of the town, who was a very poor man himself, for there were no more than four or five houses in the village, to whom he did bake, who for God's sake took him, and so the poor child lived a great while by that slender alms, and croommes of bread, or pieces that the poor women which came thither to bake, would now and then give him. His attire was a long time of a course shirt ragged and torn, his bed was an Ash-heap which was raked out of the Oven, whereon he was enforced to lie, lest he should die for cold, and this poor life led he, till he was almost 8. years old, at which time there came thither by chance a gentlewoman of Ascoli, of the house of Malespini (who hath at this day two sons living, men of great fame and credit, the one▪ called Sig. Piccione, the other Sig. Nicolo Malespini) who being moved to pity at the misery of the child, took him thence, & having caused him to be well washed and cleansed, caused him to be appareled in the habit of S. Francis, and committed him to the custody of a poor Vicar of that Chapel, who had no learning, but could only read and say Mass, and because the child had no other name but Cenaivolo, that is to say in English, a Liar upon the ashes, the gentlewoman called him Faelix, as prophesying that which should come after, in short space he took to surname his father's name, & so was called Felice Peretto. There than he learned of his master to read, and to be able to help him to say Mass, in so much, as in the end he grew to be known of a quick wit, so as if he were well brought up, he might become a profitable member of his country, whereupon, his Master so commended him to the Prior, of the Friars of his order in the City of Ascoli, that he would needs have him, and there he began to attain to some learning, wherein in little time he profited so exceedingly, that amongst the disputers, he was counted one of the chief, afterwards he had the degree of a Preacher, neither was he inferior therein to the best, and therefore he was made inquisitor, and was called Monsi●● Felice Peretto, and being enforced to use some devise, for a seal to subscribe the sentences which he gave, having first sealed his letters with a piece of money, he devised and took upon him a Lion jacent, holding up in one of his paws a branch of a Pear tree, alluding to his name, thus, Being inquisitor, he was sent by the General to Venice, there to use and learn to practise the inquisition, and because he too too severely behaved himself, he was on a time by certain gentlemen buffeted and dry beaten. By which his mishap, sprung all his benefit and preferment, for Pius Quintus (who loved such severe fellows as he had been himself, hearing this, to spite the Gentlemen that had beaten him, called him to Rome, and within a while after made him Cardinal: calling him Cardinal Mont-alto, because he was borne there, giving him seven thousand crowns revenues, and a hundredth Crowns a month for alms, as commonly Popes give to poor Cardinals, after which time, he wholly gave himself to the attaining of good learning, and study of humanity: & in short time he became a very profound Philosopher, and is at this day one of the best disputers that is at Rome. And howbeit it was so highly and so suddenly exalted, yet did he not degenerate from his first original, for you should have seen him here in Rome, go in a filthy great, and greasy Hat, all besmeared, and his hands foul and dirty. Yet is he very politic and patiented, which was well perceived in him not long ago, when his Nephew (of whom I have before made mention) was slain, he never gave show of anger or alteration, which made all the city to wonder at him. He is a man who will not easily be led, and governed of others, which maketh me to think, that he will not suffer himself to be rob by others, and as the common Phrase is to be drawn by the nose, wherein I pray God he still continue, for we are long ago weary, and have had too many Popes which have been thralls, and subjects to the Spaniards. It was greatly wished, that Cardinal Farnese, had been Pope, who with his worthy Progeny and noble mind, might have comforted and animated this people, and the misery of all Italy, for to speak indifferently, we be all abased and kept under, which cometh to pass be the policy of the spaniards, who seek 〈◊〉 to have one that is by base Birth and bringing up, elected Pope. This man is of stature rather low then tall, but of a good complexion, lean and dry, used to endure labour, wherefore I think, that (if he be not overcome with such delicate and dainty meats as his degree requireth) he will live many years. Here now I cease from further troubling you, assuring you that hereafter I will use more diligence, if so be that I shall understand that these are acceptable unto you, and so I end, desiring God to shield you from all evil. From Rome the last of May. 1585.   
FINIS.